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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n conscience_n good_a sin_n 3,825 5 5.2827 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09443 A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and judicious diuine, maister William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of Diuinitie; Lectures upon the three first chapters of the Revelation Perkins, William, 1558-1602. 1606 (1606) STC 19732; ESTC S114701 362,972 238

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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 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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
sign_n or_o rule_v whereto_o he_o will_v conform_v and_o square_v the_o last_o judgement_n second_o whereas_o every_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v that_o be_v save_v or_o condemn_v according_a to_o his_o work_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o not_o as_o cause_n thereof_o either_o efficient_a or_o help_v any_o way_n but_o only_o as_o a_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o come_v unto_o salvation_n for_o faith_n be_v necessary_a and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o token_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v necessary_a three_o here_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o be_v careful_a to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n not_o to_o win_v heaven_n by_o they_o but_o to_o get_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o ourselves_o and_o these_o good_a work_n be_v the_o do_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n unto_o our_o brethren_n even_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o the_o do_v of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o a_o man_n calling_n for_o if_o these_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o love_n unto_o our_o brethren_n though_o the_o call_n be_v never_o so_o base_a they_o be_v good_a work_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o condemnation_n and_o so_o many_o wicked_a work_n as_o we_o commit_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o brand_n do_v we_o set_v upon_o ourselves_o of_o our_o just_a and_o deserve_a condemnation_n unless_o we_o repent_v last_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o torment_n in_o hell_n for_o judgement_n and_o reward_n go_v according_a to_o man_n work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o testify_v their_o faith_n by_o great_a and_o many_o good_a work_n shall_v have_v great_a reward_n they_o that_o testify_v their_o 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revelation_n and_o by_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o they_o keep_v still_o in_o their_o cabbala_n and_o of_o the_o like_a judgement_n touch_v scripture_n be_v the_o popish_a church_n the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a word_n a_o dead_a letter_n or_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a scripture_n be_v unwritten_a which_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o catholic_n and_o by_o such_o great_a term_n the_o anabaptist_n libertine_n and_o arrian_n maintain_v their_o doctrine_n and_o abuse_v scripture_n call_v the_o write_a word_n milk_n for_o every_o novice_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o heart_n among_o themselves_o with_o revelation_n that_o be_v the_o strong_a meat_n yea_o this_o opinion_n have_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o in_o part_n man_n think_v base_o of_o scripture_n and_o prefer_v other_o man_n write_n before_o it_o for_o let_v a_o man_n preach_v plain_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n out_o of_o the_o same_o this_o be_v but_o plain_o preach_v but_o let_v another_o come_v and_o utter_v his_o mind_n partly_o in_o latin_a and_o partly_o in_o greek_a and_o other_o language_n allege_v withal_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n counsel_n and_o other_o writer_n that_o be_v the_o learned_a preach_n and_o thus_o do_v most_o man_n abase_v scripture_n and_o exalt_v the_o write_n of_o man_n above_o it_o but_o see_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o jezabell_n and_o wicked_a man_n let_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_n learn_v to_o reverence_v the_o write_a word_n and_o give_v place_n thereto_o above_o all_o the_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v they_o count_v it_o deep_a learning_n but_o
show_v mercy_n exercise_n judgement_n keep_v court_n assize_n begin_v end_n and_o continue_v war_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n and_o so_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o direction_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v their_o guide_n as_o it_o be_v to_o david_n thy_o law_n o_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o counselor_n psal._n 119.24_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v sovereign_a king_n than_o all_o earthly_a prince_n be_v bind_v to_o plant_v and_o establish_v in_o their_o kingdom_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n else_o how_o can_v they_o show_v themselves_o his_o loyal_a subject_n many_o imagine_v that_o earthly_a prince_n may_v admit_v unto_o their_o subject_n any_o religion_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o this_o be_v against_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n in_o this_o place_n for_o wherein_o can_v earthly_a prince_n do_v homage_n unto_o christ_n if_o they_o maintain_v not_o his_o religion_n and_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v signify_v plain_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n for_o when_o they_o that_o be_v bid_v do_v not_o come_v the_o king_n send_v forth_o his_o 2d_o servant_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n for_o that_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a religion_n five_o see_v christ_n alone_o be_v prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o king_n on_o earth_n in_o their_o dominion_n be_v sovereign_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n next_o under_o christ_n he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n absolute_o and_o they_o be_v under_o he_o alone_o and_o have_v no_o other_o head_n but_o he_o whereby_o we_o see_v the_o presumption_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o sea_n of_o rome_n in_o claim_v supremacy_n above_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o high_a treason_n against_o christ_n for_o hereby_o he_o be_v rob_v of_o this_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o only_a prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n last_o see_v christ_n be_v king_n of_o all_o king_n we_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v any_o affliction_n for_o his_o truth_n let_v the_o tyrant_n of_o the_o earth_n rage_n and_o bend_v their_o force_n to_o hurt_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o king_n above_o they_o all_o for_o who_o we_o suffer_v he_o be_v their_o king_n he_o can_v stay_v and_o bridle_v they_o and_o if_o he_o please_v confound_v and_o bruise_v they_o in_o piece_n they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o he_o permit_v for_o he_o rule_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 110.2_o he_o can_v break_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n description_n be_v by_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n which_o consist_v in_o four_o work_n the_o first_o contain_v in_o these_o word_n unto_o he_o which_o love_v we_o the_o second_o in_o these_o which_o wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n the_o other_o two_o in_o the_o two_o verse_n which_o follow_v viz._n 6_o and_o 7._o for_o the_o first_o which_o love_v we_o that_o be_v john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n &_o by_o proportion_n all_o other_o church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n have_v three_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v a_o general_a love_n whereby_o he_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n approve_v the_o same_o to_o be_v good_a as_o they_o be_v his_o by_o creation_n the_o second_o be_v the_o love_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o become_v a_o redeemer_n for_o mankind_n after_o their_o fall_n and_o not_o ●or_a any_o other_o creature_n no_o not_o for_o the_o angel_n which_o fall_v as_o well_o as_o man_n who_o therefore_o remain_v without_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n the_o three_o and_o principal_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o love_v his_o elect_a and_o choose_a child_n which_o be_v that_o special_a savour_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o they_o to_o life_n everlasting_a this_o three_o degree_n have_v two_o part_n first_o it_o be_v take_v for_o his_o purpose_n to_o love_v as_o when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n rom._n 9.13_o second_o for_o the_o act_n of_o love_a which_o be_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o purpose_n by_o spiritual_a benefit_n 1._o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o singular_a love_n god_n have_v show_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n note_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o adoption_n so_o in_o this_o verse_n by_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o actual_a declaration_n of_o his_o special_a favour_n in_o accept_v they_o for_o his_o child_n and_o bestow_v many_o singular_a blessing_n upon_o they_o whereas_o s._n john_n place_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o love_v we_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o this_o special_a love_n be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o man_n redemption_n which_o exclude_v all_o foresee_v faith_n and_o work_v from_o be_v motive_n of_o man_n election_n in_o god_n eternal_a council_n and_o so_o proportional_o all_o foresee_v sin_n from_o be_v motive_n in_o god_n of_o man_n reprobation_n it_o may_v be_v object_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o man_n respect_v a_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v good_a first_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v good_a and_o then_o it_o be_v love_v and_o so_o in_o man_n redemption_n god_n first_o foresee_v their_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o choose_v they_o ans._n there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o the_o creator_n the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n follow_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o thing_n because_o he_o see_v it_o be_v good_a therefore_o he_o love_v it_o but_o god_n the_o creator_n first_o love_v the_o creature_n before_o it_o be_v good_a and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o it_o be_v good_a because_o he_o love_v it_o second_o whereas_o saint_n john_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n as_o other_o true_a church_n do_v believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n love_v they_o for_o that_o saint_n john_n take_v for_o grant_v this_o shall_v move_v all_o man_n to_o have_v this_o care_n to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n see_v he_o place_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v the_o ephesian_n root_v and_o ground_v and_o therefore_o pray_v that_o with_o all_o saint_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n depth_n and_o height_n thereof_o ephes._n 2._o vers_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o we_o do_v when_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o he_o love_v we_o in_o christ._n so_o that_o he_o which_o deny_v unto_o we_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o that_o we_o may_v have_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n we_o must_v in_o all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o our_o heart_n keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v god_n draw_v near_o to_o us._n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o say_v christ_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o then_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o dwell_v with_o he_o john_n 14.23_o mean_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v shed_v this_o love_n into_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 5._o cause_v we_o to_o increase_v in_o the_o feel_n thereof_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n towards_o he_o and_o have_v wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n here_o be_v the_o second_o benefit_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n where_o first_o of_o all_o the_o very_a phrase_n have_v wash_v we_o do_v import_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v as_o filthy_a spot_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o himself_o and_o this_o church_n of_o god_n be_v touch_v with_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o vileness_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o wash_v presuppose_v former_a filthiness_n and_o pollution_n thus_o do_v david_n most_o sensible_o feel_v his_o own_o filthiness_n and_o see_v his_o miserable_a estate_n when_o he_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o ●_o wash_v he_o thorough_o confess_v thereby_o that_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v so_o foul_o stain_v and_o
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 m●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
holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n
be_v say_v this_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n be_v so_o far_o off_o that_o we_o can_v ascend_v or_o attain_v unto_o it_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o come_v thither_o christ_n answer_v that_o this_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n quest._n how_o will_n some_o say_v can_v heaven_n come_v out_o of_o heaven_n answ._n as_o paul_n say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v crucify_v among_o the_o galatian_n before_o their_o eye_n because_o his_o crucify_a be_v so_o lively_o represent_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o here_o heaven_n may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v most_o visible_o represent_v and_o set_v open_a heaven_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n people_n may_v enter_v therein_o by_o the_o faithful_a embrace_v whereof_o we_o become_v citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n ephe._n 2.19_o the_o three_o name_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v on_o he_o be_v christ_n new_a name_n whereby_o be_v not_o mean_v any_o title_n of_o christ_n as_o jesus_n mediator_n &c_n &c_n but_o the_o dignity_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christ._n quest._n how_o can_v that_o be_v call_v new_a see_v he_o have_v power_n and_o glory_n from_o all_o eternity_n answ._n it_o be_v call_v new_a because_o it_o be_v receive_v of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n incarnate_a be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o after_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n stand_v in_o his_o rise_n again_o in_o his_o ascension_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n hereof_o paul_n say_v phil._n 2.9_o god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n that_o be_v dignity_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v expound_v heb._n 2.7_o and_o this_o glory_n power_n and_o dignity_n will_v christ_n give_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o author_n of_o life_n himself_o the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o he_o which_o overcom_v shall_v be_v make_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o triumphant_a church_n and_o there_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o shall_v have_v three_o name_n write_v on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v this_o make_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o name_n of_o god_n city_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n communicate_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n and_o christ_n do_v thus_o describe_v life_n eternal_a unto_o we_o for_o special_a cause_n which_o may_v be_v these_o i._o to_o comfort_v they_o which_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o against_o all_o hindrance_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n for_o what_o can_v more_o hearten_v a_o man_n in_o good_a duty_n than_o to_o set_v before_o he_o his_o recompense_n and_o reward_v whereby_o we_o learn_v that_o in_o all_o misery_n and_o trouble_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n we_o must_v comfort_v ourselves_o and_o not_o faint_a and_o to_o encourage_v we_o herein_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o propound_v and_o set_v before_o we_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o life_n eternal_a for_o this_o it_o be_v that_o cause_v 11.24.25.26_o moses_n to_o despise_v worldly_a honour_n and_o to_o choose_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n we_o must_v also_o look_v unto_o christ_n 12.2_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_a shame_n soldier_n that_o be_v uncerten_a of_o any_o reward_n be_v yet_o content_a under_o their_o general_n to_o adventure_v their_o life_n at_o his_o command_n how_o much_o more_o than_o aught_o christian_a soldier_n to_o fight_v manful_o and_o stand_v fast_o in_o all_o trouble_n for_o christ_n sake_n who_o have_v set_v before_o they_o such_o a_o great_a reward_n second_o it_o be_v thus_o describe_v to_o bring_v god_n people_n to_o a_o view_n and_o taste_v of_o life_n eternal_a that_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o more_o affect_v it_o many_o cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n for_o the_o present_a delight_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o can_v see_v no_o goodness_n nor_o pleasure_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o sweetness_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n put_v man_n mouth_n out_o of_o taste_n in_o regard_n of_o any_o relish_n of_o life_n eternal_a but_o this_o must_v not_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o must_v be_v of_o moses_n mind_n who_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n when_o he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o thereupon_o god_n take_v he_o up_o into_o mount_n nebo_n and_o show_v it_o unto_o he_o so_o consider_v christ_n have_v thus_o large_o describe_v this_o kingdom_n unto_o we_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o comprehend_v in_o our_o understand_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o possess_v by_o faith_n something_o of_o life_n eternal_a though_o we_o can_v as_o yet_o full_o inherit_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n thereof_o three_o it_o be_v thus_o describe_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o practice_v paul_n rule_n 1._o tim._n 6.12_o namely_o to_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n but_o yet_o little_o practise_v man_n with_o both_o hand_n lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n upon_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n but_o who_o considere●h_v what_o be_v prepare_v by_o christ_n in_o heaven_n for_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o who_o labour_v to_o lay_v hold_v thereof_o and_o to_o keep_v that_o sure_a though_o he_o lose_v all_o thing_n else_o last_o this_o description_n of_o eternal_a life_n here_o serve_v to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o fear_v no_o death_n though_o it_o be_v most_o cruel_a and_o terrible_a for_o death_n be_v but_o a_o straight_a door_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v pass_v to_o all_o glory_n and_o happiness_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o pillar_n in_o god_n temple_n thus_o much_o general_o of_o the_o thing_n promise_v now_o follow_v in_o particular_a the_o part_n thereof_o first_o whereas_o christ_n promise_v to_o make_v they_o that_o overcomme_v pillar_n and_o chief_a member_n in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o labour_n to_o become_v true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o life_n for_o life_n eternal_a must_v begin_v here_o and_o they_o that_o will_v be_v pillar_n in_o his_o church_n triumphant_a must_v now_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a for_o not_o only_a minister_n &_o teacher_n be_v pillar_n in_o god_n church_n though_o they_o be_v chief_a pillar_n therein_o but_o every_o one_o young_a and_o old_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o thus_o shall_v thou_o become_v a_o pillar_n in_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n by_o maintain_v &_o uphold_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o thou_o must_v do_v partly_o by_o teach_v it_o to_o those_o who_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o they_o call_v and_o partly_o by_o good_a example_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o chief_o by_o a_o true_a and_o bold_a profession_n thereof_o not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o even_o in_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o affliction_n second_o he_o add_v he_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o other_o temple_n but_o god_n church_n triumphant_a and_o militant_a hereby_o than_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o renounce_v that_o ignorant_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n who_o judge_v every_o material_a church_n to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o the_o distinction_n of_o place_n and_o place_n in_o regard_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v under_o the_o law_n be_v take_v away_o by_o christ._n the_o house_n be_v now_o as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n church_n indeed_o must_v be_v regard_v and_o maintain_v not_o for_o holiness_n but_o for_o order_n sake_n now_o man_n may_v every_o where_o offer_v the_o calf_n of_o their_o lip_n and_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n from_o a_o pure_a heart_n unto_o god_n three_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n that_o be_v whereas_o god_n the_o father_n be_v my_o god_n first_o i_o will_v also_o communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o same_o name_n of_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v god_n even_o my_o god_n to_o be_v his_o god_n also_o by_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a
wail_v five_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o narration_n with_o two_o note_n of_o asseveration_n even_o so_o amen_o to_o confirm_v the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n unto_o all_o people_n i._o point_n behold_v first_o saint_n john_n begin_v this_o narration_n with_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v accustom_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v of_o special_a weight_n and_o worth_n our_o careful_a mark_v to_o prefix_v before_o it_o this_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v or_o such_o like_a hence_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v this_o special_a duty_n namely_o often_o and_o every_o day_n earnest_o and_o serious_o to_o bethink_v ourselves_o of_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n this_o consideration_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n for_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o begin_v and_o continue_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n unto_o god_n when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n obstinate_a enemy_n come_v to_o the_o baptism_n of_o s._n john_n he_o use_v this_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o to_o turn_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n say_v ob_fw-la generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v forewarn_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v fly_v from_o the_o vengeance_n to_o come_v matth._n 3.7_o so_o peter_n use_v this_o same_o argument_n to_o bring_v the_o jew_n to_o repentance_n exhort_v they_o to_o turn_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v put_v away_o when_o the_o day_n of_o refresh_v that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v come_v act_v 3.19_o paul_n persuade_v the_o athenian_n to_o repentance_n because_o there_o be_v a_o day_n appoint_v in_o which_o the_o lord_n will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n act._n 17.30_o 31._o second_o this_o note_n of_o attention_n serve_v to_o strike_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o it_o give_v we_o warning_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n we_o be_v touch_v with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n towards_o earthly_a magistrate_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o attach_v apprehend_v &_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o their_o court_n and_o assize_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v this_o work_n in_o we_o a_o reverend_a awe_n towards_o christ_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o one_o day_n we_o must_v all_o be_v bring_v before_o his_o tribunal_n seat_n and_o there_o be_v judge_v of_o he_o ii_o point_n the_o come_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o come_v that_o be_v christ_n local_o descend_v from_o the_o high_a heaven_n in_o his_o manhood_n to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o cloud_n be_v there_o to_o give_v judgement_n upon_o all_o mankind_n quick_a and_o dead_a here_o mark_v in_o what_o manner_n john_n propound_v his_o come_n he_o say_v nor_o he_o shall_v come_v but_o in_o the_o present_a time_n he_o come_v whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o first_o that_o this_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v now_o present_a second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o long_o to_o or_o far_o off_o but_o will_v be_v quick_o three_o that_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n present_a this_o saint_n john_n learned_a and_o so_o shall_v we_o by_o his_o example_n for_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n for_o hence_o we●_n be_v teach_v to_o desire_v and_o do_v that_o every_o day_n which_o we_o will_v desire_v and_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o attain_v hereunto_o now_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v daily_o consider_v of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n not_o as_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v delay_v or_o far_o off_o but_o as_o a_o thing_n present_a we_o must_v every_o day_n call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o reckon_n and_o account_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o this_o may_n be_v the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o carry_v ourselves_o every_o day_n as_o we_o will_v in_o the_o last_o day_n now_o we_o will_v wish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o every_o day_n of_o our_o life_n before_o the_o last_o judgement_n come_v we_o ought_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ._n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v we_o shall_v find_v less_o corruption_n and_o more_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o less_o sin_n use_v more_o obedience_n in_o our_o life_n every_o day_n than_o other_o but_o grace_n be_v want_v and_o sin_n abound_v because_o this_o meditation_n take_v no_o place_n in_o our_o heart_n again_o in_o that_o he_o say_v he_o come_v mean_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n hence_o we_o gather_v he_o be_v absent_a from_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o bodily_a presence_n and_o the_o heaven_n must_v contain_v he_o until_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o if_o christ_n be_v always_o bodily_a present_n in_o the_o sacrament_n he_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o come_v but_o only_o to_o manifest_v himself_o be_v before_o present_v and_o therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o which_o hold_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v real_o the_o bread_n to_o be_v in_o or_o about_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v most_o false_a and_o frivolous_a flat_a against_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o hold_v that_o he_o come_v from_o heaven_n only_o at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o manhood_n iii_o point_n the_o manner_n of_o christ_n christ_n come_n in_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o come_v with_o cloud_n second_o that_o his_o come_n be_v open_a and_o visible_a to_o every_o eye_n first_o with_o cloud_n here_o s._n john_n speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o to_o set_v out_o god_n in_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n say_v he_o come_v with_o cloud_n 97._o ride_v on_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v he_o come_v in_o exceed_a majesty_n and_o glory_n these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o first_o and_o second_o come_v of_o christ._n his_o first_o come_n be_v in_o humility_n bear_v of_o a_o poor_a virgin_n entertain_v in_o a_o stable_n of_o a_o inn_n but_o his_o second_o come_n be_v with_o glory_n majesty_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o come_v first_o to_o be_v a_o redeemer_n and_o a_o saviour_n by_o his_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o come_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n but_o his_o second_o come_n be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o of_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o come_v with_o all_o might_n majesty_n and_o glory_n to_o show_v himself_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o use_n of_o this_o his_o second_o come_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 97_o psalm_n to_o make_v the_o very_a mountain_n to_o tremble_v to_o confound_v the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o to_o comfort_v the_o godly_a in_o that_o day_n second_o for_o his_o open_a appearance_n every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o majesty_n and_o glory_n not_o secret_o but_o in_o visible_a show_n to_o all_o the_o world_n all_o man_n shall_v see_v he_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n all_o i_o say_v which_o be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o his_o come_n in_o these_o word_n he_o touch_v three_o point_n first_o he_o take_v it_o here_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n though_o their_o death_n be_v never_o so_o strange_a or_o never_o so_o long_o before_o second_o that_o all_o man_n be_v raise_v again_o shall_v have_v life_n and_o motion_n and_o their_o sense_n restore_v to_o they_o as_o before_o they_o die_v three_o that_o all_o man_n none_o except_v shall_v come_v and_o stand_v before_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v judge_v of_o he_o in_o the_o cloud_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v first_o a_o exceed_a comfort_n to_o god_n child_n in_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a in_o their_o grave_n shall_v rise_v and_o receive_v their_o life_n and_o motion_n and_o see_v christ_n their_o saviour_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o man_n if_o a_o man_n when_o he_o lay_v he_o down_o to_o sleep_v shall_v be_v tell_v that_o when_o he_o rise_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o dead_a father_n and_o mother_n or_o his_o dear_a friend_n who_o he_o see_v not_o of_o long_o before_o this_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a comfort_n to_o he_o that_o now_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v they_o again_o 〈◊〉_d how_o far_o great_a comfort_n shall_v this_o yield_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a who_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o rot_a in_o the_o grave_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o and_o not_o only_o to_o meet_v with_o godly_a friend_n but_o enjoy_v christ_n jesus_n the_o
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 ●●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
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 bea●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
be_v a_o inducement_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o gift_n fit_a for_o this_o call_n to_o affect_v the_o same_o last_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o call_n and_o holy_a in_o his_o conversation_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n he_o be_v place_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n now_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v long_o bear_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n any_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a or_o profane_v nay_o he_o will_v take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n and_o there_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n for_o as_o they_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o by_o their_o place_n so_o shall_v their_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a unless_o they_o be_v faithful_a this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n levit._n 10.1_o and_o hoph●●●_n and_o phineas_n 1._o sam._n 3.13_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n ought_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o their_o way_n for_o by_o their_o call_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ._n now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a and_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n he_o will_v sure_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o unfaithful_a minister_n put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n &_o confound_v they_o for_o ever_o they_o must_v therefore_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o become_v not_o hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o his_o will_n so_o shall_v christ_n protect_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o save_v they_o eternal_o and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n this_o sword_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v in_o the_o write_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n heb._n 4.12_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lively_a mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o it_o be_v thereto_o compare_v because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v sharp_o into_o the_o flesh_n and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o bone_n even_o to_o the_o very_a marrow_n so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n enter_v sharp_o and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o very_a marrow_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o twofold_a operation_n one_o upon_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o elect_a it_o wound_v the_o wicked_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n isay._n 11.4_o christ_n shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o lip_n that_o be_v with_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n herewith_o shall_v he_o consume_v antichrist_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o visit_v leviathan_n and_o slay_v the_o dragon_n that_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n isay._n 27._o vers_fw-la 1._o here_o consider_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v kill_v a_o impenitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n first_o in_o this_o life_n where_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n the_o second_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o the_o soul_n go_v to_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a the_o three_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o go_v to_o hell_n eternal_o now_o a_o sinner_n receive_v in_o this_o life_n his_o deadly_a wound_n after_o this_o manner_n christ_n in_o the_o give_v thereof_o have_v a_o threefold_a work_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n first_o hereby_o he_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o sin_n as_o hypocrisy_n pride_n and_o rebellion_n of_o heart_n with_o all_o other_o his_o horrible_a and_o damnable_a transgression_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14.24.25_o when_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v reprove_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o word_n judge_v he_o and_o thereby_o lie_v open_a unto_o he_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n second_o christ_n hereby_o reve●leth_v unto_o he_o his_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n due_a unto_o he_o in_o which_o regard_n the_o law_n be_v call_v 3.6_o a_o kill_a letter_n show_v no_o mercy_n but_o only_o thunder_v out_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o transgressor_n three_o hereby_o christ_n awake_v his_o guilty_a conscience_n sharpen_v the_o sting_n thereof_o and_o terrify_v he_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n thus_o wicked_a felix_n tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n preach_v 24.25_o of_o temperance_n righteousness_n and_o the_o ●udgement_n to_o come_v so_o when_o king_n 4.6_o belshazzer_n see_v the_o palm_n of_o the_o hand_n writing_n thing_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o ●all_n his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o his_o joint_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n stand_v one_o against_o another_o and_o all_o these_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o wicked_a without_o apprehension_n of_o mercy_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o recover_v one_o that_o ●s_v 〈◊〉_d wound_v but_o while_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d this_o estate_n he_o have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o without_o unfamed_a repentance_n be_v already_o in_o th●_n first_o step_n towards_o eternal_a death_n for_o these_o horror_n o●_n conscience_n sever_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o flash_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a woe_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n by_o this_o sword_n wound_v his_o enemy_n hence_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v sundry_a duty_n first_o how_o to_o earn_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o will_v rage_v and_o storm_n against_o it_o and_o the_o preacher_n thereof_o because_o it_o touch_v they_o we_o must_v not_o despise_v or_o malign_v they_o but_o rather_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n towards_o they_o for_o this_o their_o behaviour_n be_v a_o token_n they_o be_v wound_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o these_o their_o raging_n be_v nothing_o but_o struggle_n before_o death_n eternal_a unless_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o deadly_a wound_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v let_v to_o see_v and_o know_v the_o lamentable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a number_n in_o those_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v for_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n that_o in_o those_o place●_n few_o come_v to_o true_a knowledge_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o most_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a now_o this_o their_o condition_n be_v most_o fearful_a a_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o man_n have_v long_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o thereby_o better_v for_o knowledge_n in_o mind_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n they_o be_v thereby_o wound_v unto_o death_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n have_v always_o his_o work_n it_o either_o cure_v unto_o life_n by_o work_a repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o salvation_n or_o wound_v unto_o death_n they_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o we_o must_v therefore_o lament_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n as_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o dead_a man_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v how_o soever_o they_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n by_o their_o ●●ill_a honesty_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o a_o field_n and_o there_o behold_v many_o thousand_o slaughter_a and_o 〈◊〉_d ou●_n blo●d_v some_o in_o the_o ●ead_a some_o in_o the_o side_n etc._n etc._n this_o sight_n will_v make_v his_o heart_n to_o bleed_v well_o this_o 〈…〉_z god_n be_v church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o see_v with_o bodily_a eye_n the_o most_o man_n be_v wound_v with_o this_o sword_n of_o god_n word_n and_o lie_v 〈◊〉_d wallow_v in_o the_o blo●d_n of_o their_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d they_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n in_o security_n and_o want_n of_o repentance_n iii_o this_o m●st_v admonish_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v earnest_o to_o have_v further_a thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o than_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n o●_n horror_n of_o conscience_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o sound_a reformation_n of_o life_n for_o without_o this_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o
reverence_n as_o from_o the_o lord_n last_o in_o this_o exceed_a fear_n of_o john_n who_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o very_a godly_a and_o righteous_a man_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v will_v be_v astonish_v even_o to_o death_n with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n and_o if_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o holy_a can_v stand_v before_o god_n presence_n much_o less_o can_v the_o most_o righteous_a work_n of_o any_o man_n endure_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o judgement_n if_o his_o person_n can_v abide_v his_o presence_n his_o work_n will_v never_o bear_v his_o judgement_n for_o the_o person_n must_v first_o be_v approve_v before_o the_o work_n be_v accept_v therefore_o damnable_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o teach_v that_o such_o as_o in_o themselves_o be_v sinful_a man_n must_v stand_v before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n bring_v with_o they_o work_v of_o grace_n as_o mean_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o part_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o desperation_n for_o how_o can_v our_o work_n be_v perfect_o holy_a see_v our_o person_n be_v but_o sanctify_v here_o in_o part_n and_o who_o can_v think_v that_o the_o infinite_a justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o man_n ii_o point_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o fear_n in_o his_o body_n he_o fall_v down_o as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n this_o be_v no_o small_a fear_n but_o exceed_v great_a astonish_v his_o sense_n and_o lay_v he_o down_o as_o dead_a physician_n say_v and_o that_o true_o the_o mind_n follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n but_o hence_o we_o may_v as_o true_o say_v that_o the_o body_n follow_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v work_v upon_o the_o body_n like_v unto_o strong_a disease_n johns_n fear_n cast_v his_o body_n into_o a_o sound_n and_o so_o horror_n of_o conscience_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v cold_a will_v make_v the_o body_n hot_a and_o the_o entrails_n to_o roll_n in_o the_o body_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o anger_n 1._o reg._n 21.4_o when_o ahab_n can_v not_o obtain_v nabals_n vineyard_n he_o lay_v he_o down_o on_o his_o bed_n in_o displeasure_n and_o be_v almost_o dead_a even_o so_o will_v other_o affection_n work_v upon_o the_o body_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v disease_v must_v not_o always_o be_v cure_v by_o bare_a physic_n but_o sometime_o by_o cure_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o order_n of_o the_o affection_n for_o when_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o body_n arise_v from_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o mind_n then_o till_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o compose_v and_o settle_v physic_n will_v little_o avail_v iii_o point_n the_o kind_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v insinuate_v in_o these_o word_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o be_v a_o religious_a reverend_a fear_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o christ_n for_o this_o kind_n of_o prostrate_v the_o body_n betoken_v humility_n and_o argue_v a_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o the_o thing_n fear_v hence_o we_o be_v teach_v when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v prostrate_v ourselves_o as_o john_n do_v and_o look_v that_o we_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o religious_a fear_n of_o his_o majesty_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o christ_n be_v now_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v now_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n as_o john_n do_v i_o answer_v though_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n yet_o have_v he_o his_o foot_n upon_o earth_n at_o which_o we_o must_v fall_v down_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o mercy-seat_n be_v the_o pledge_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v god_n footstool_n psal._n 99.5_o before_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o fall_v down_o well_o though_o the_o mercy-seat_n be_v now_o take_v away_o yet_o some_o thing_n be_v instead_o thereof_o for_o wheresoever_o god_n people_n assemble_v themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n there_o be_v his_o footstool_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n we_o must_v cast_v down_o ourselves_o before_o christ_n jesus_n and_o do_v all_o duty_n unto_o he_o with_o all_o fear_n awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o majesty_n this_o fear_n of_o john_n though_o it_o be_v holy_a yet_o be_v it_o taint_v with_o some_o sin_n and_o corruption_n for_o it_o be_v a_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n which_o make_v he_o thus_o astonish_v and_o affright_v whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a affection_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o perfect_o holy_a but_o mix_v with_o imperfection_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sanctification_n which_o be_v always_o in_o part_n in_o this_o life_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n have_v in_o he_o a_o filial_a fear_n of_o god_n alone_o but_o some_o servile_a fear_n whereby_o we_o fear_v god_n for_o his_o judgement_n be_v mix_v therewith_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o johns_n fear_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o confirmation_n now_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o confirmation_n in_o these_o word_n then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v fear_v not_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n here_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n use_v these_o mean_n for_o johns_n confirmation_n second_o the_o mean_n themselves_o the_o time_n be_v note_v in_o this_o word_n then_o that_o be_v after_o his_o presence_n have_v strike_v a_o fear_n in_o my_o heart_n which_o make_v i_o as_o dead_a then_o the_o lord_n use_v mean_n to_o comfort_v i_o the_o mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o confirmation_n be_v then_o use_v when_o the_o party_n be_v humble_v and_o thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o all_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o salvation_n first_o he_o bruise_v their_o stony_a heart_n and_o wound_v their_o sinful_a soul_n before_o he_o pour_v in_o the_o oil_n of_o grace_n first_o a_o man_n must_v be_v a_o lose_a sheep_n and_o then_o christ_n find_v he_o and_o lay_v he_o on_o his_o shoulder_n and_o bring_v he_o home_o and_o indeed_o they_o that_o will_v feel_v sound_a comfort_n by_o christ_n must_v first_o be_v humble_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n reap_v so_o little_a comfort_n either_o by_o the_o word_n or_o sacrament_n be_v the_o want_n of_o true_a humiliation_n before_o they_o come_v whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v fit_v for_o grace_n and_o consolation_n ii_o point_n the_o mean_v use_v by_o christ_n to_o confirm_v john_n and_o they_o be_v two_o first_o a_o sensible_a sign_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o second_o comfortable_a word_n fear_v not_o here_o first_o observe_v in_o general_a christ_n gracious_a deal_n with_o john_n he_o use_v not_o one_o mean_n apart_o but_o in_o great_a mercy_n that_o he_o may_v thorough_o confirm_v john_n he_o give_v he_o both_o a_o sign_n and_o word_n and_o so_o he_o have_v always_o deal_v with_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o call_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o deliverer_n of_o his_o people_n first_o he_o give_v he_o his_o word_n say_v i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o a_o sign_n say_v upon_o this_o mountain_n shall_v you_o serve_v god_n ex●d_n 3.12_o so_o when_o he_o will_v confirm_v the_o heart_n of_o 7._o ahaz_n against_o his_o enemy_n he_o first_o give_v he_o a_o promise_n of_o deliverance_n verse_n 7._o then_o bid_v he_o ask_v a_o sign_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n christ_n in_o the_o publish_n of_o his_o gospel_n add_v sign_n and_o miracle_n unto_o his_o word_n that_o the_o truth_n thereof_o may_v be_v full_o confirm_v and_o so_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n beside_o his_o merciful_a promise_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o fidelity_n he_o give_v we_o further_o sign_n and_o seal_n to_o support_v our_o weakness_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o even_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o teach_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v a_o special_a care_n over_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o he_o do_v so_o condescend_v and_o abase_v himself_o unto_o their_o weakness_n add_v unto_o his_o word_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o by_o both_o he_o may_v more_o evident_o give_v that_o assurance_n which_o by_o one_o alone_a our_o weakness_n will_v not_o so_o well_o conceive_v again_o in_o this_o mean_n of_o confirmation_n note_v the_o order_n which_o christ_n use_v
first_o he_o give_v he_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o presence_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o to_o assure_v he_o of_o protection_n from_o all_o danger_n of_o death_n then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o wrod_n bid_v he_o not_o to_o fear_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n be_v a_o soverigne_a remedy_n against_o all_o fear_n when_o moses_n fear_v the_o great_a calling_n he_o be_v send_v about_o to_o take_v away_o that_o fear_n the_o lord_n say_v 3.12_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o hence_o david_n say_v 40_o he_o will_v not_o fear_v though_o he_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n because_o god_n be_v his_o stay_n and_o comfort_n wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o of_o god_n presence_n but_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o special_a protection_n and_o so_o in_o all_o danger_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n we_o shall_v have_v stay_n and_o comfort_n for_o our_o soul_n the_o lord_n have_v use_v these_o two_o mean_n to_o confirm_v john_n both_o a_o sign_n &_o his_o word_n do_v yet_o further_o condescend_v unto_o johns_n weakness_n and_o establish_v his_o own_o word_n by_o two_o reason_n the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o because_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v before_o he_o the_o last_o because_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v after_o he_o these_o two_o title_n be_v give_v unto_o christ_n to_o express_v his_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n as_o before_o we_o have_v hear_v verse_n 8._o now_o here_o they_o be_v again_o set_v down_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o power_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o protect_v his_o servant_n from_o all_o danger_n and_o from_o death_n and_o will_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o all_o his_o promise_n unto_o eternal_a life_n verse_n 18._o and_o be_o he_o that_o live_v but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o reason_n to_o confirm_v john_n and_o it_o may_v thus_o be_v frame_v by_o way_n of_o a_o distinction_n although_o i_o be_v dead_a yet_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n yea_o i_o have_v power_n over_o death_n and_o hell_n this_o distinction_n contain_v three_o part_n first_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v second_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o live_v for_o evermore_o three_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o part_n and_o be_o he_o that_o live_v though_o i_o be_v dead_a here_o life_n be_v ascribe_v to_o christ_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n for_o christ_n live_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n different_a from_o the_o life_n of_o other_o creature_n for_o first_o he_o have_v sufficient_a life_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o second_o he_o give_v life_n to_o other_o for_o the_o first_o that_o we_o may_v better_o conceive_v it_o we_o must_v know_v that_o life_n be_v twofold_a uncreated_a and_o create_v uncreated_a life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o god_n whereby_o god_n live_v this_o life_n be_v eternal_a and_o infinite_a in_o itself_o &_o from_o itself_o now_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o live_v this_o uncreated_a life_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o godhead_n again_o create_v be_v twofold_a the_o first_o be_v natural_a preserve_v by_o mean_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o second_o be_v spiritual_a both_o begin_v and_o continue_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v more_o perfect_a than_o the_o natural_a now_o christ_n live_v not_o the_o natural_a life_n but_o 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to_o fear_v god_n wrath_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o same_o hereby_o we_o shall_v be_v wean_v from_o the_o dangerous_a love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v ravish_v with_o desire_n of_o christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o if_o once_o we_o can_v feel_v a_o parch_a heat_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n than_o will_v we_o thirst_v &_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v drink_v our_o fill_n and_o dine_v ourselves_o in_o his_o save_a merit_n this_o natural_a life_n be_v but_o vanish_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o this_o spiritual_a
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a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o that_o sacrament_n and_o other_o common_a bread_n &_o wine_n which_o none_o that_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v do_v again_o he_o bid_v they_o 13.5_o prove_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o they_o do_v know_v their_o own_o estate_n whether_o they_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n or_o under_o grace_n and_o s._n john_n bid_v the_o church_n to_o 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v those_o doctrine_n which_o man_n pretend_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v and_o in_o this_o place_n this_o church_n discover_v of_o false_a apostle_n declare_v plain_o that_o she_o have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v who_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v his_o church_n and_o who_o not_o and_o hence_o the_o godly_a learned_a in_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a heb._n 5.14_o and_o in_o this_o regard_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o company_n of_o man_n for_o unless_o man_n be_v of_o god_n church_n they_o want_v this_o gift_n of_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o differ_v as_o true_a apostle_n and_o false_a good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o which_o be_v not_o use_n for_o the_o church_n can_v discern_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a apostle_n or_o not_o and_o by_o the_o same_o gift_n it_o may_v discern_v the_o state_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n whence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o it_o please_v some_o to_o call_v it_o into_o question_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v and_o they_o avouch_v that_o it_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n no_o true_a preach_n or_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n with_o we_o be_v illusion_n of_o satan_n and_o our_o church_n his_o synagogue_n but_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o germany_n france_n scotland_n and_o italy_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v not_o now_o they_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o we_o and_o reverence_v our_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o who_o testimony_n we_o must_v rather_o cleave_v than_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o so_o resolve_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v scripture_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o scripture_n the_o papist_n say_v the_o church_n indeed_o have_v this_o gift_n but_o it_o be_v by_o counsel_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a forgery_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o can_v discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n can_v no_o doubt_n by_o the_o same_o gift_n discern_v of_o the_o booke●_n of_o god_n and_o that_o without_o counsel_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o at_o this_o time_n when_o john_n write_v it_o be_v a_o more_o famous_a church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o go_v not_o thither_o for_o counsel_n ii_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discern_a of_o false_a apostle_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o judicial_a action_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n here_o note_v first_o in_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o in_o condemnation_n afterward_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o their_o condemn_a or_o sentence_n give_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n for_o the_o first_o examination_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o be_v here_o use_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o false_a apostle_n que._n how_o may_v any_o church_n try_v a_o false_a teacher_n answ._n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o large_a discourse_n but_o the_o head_n of_o true_a examination_n be_v these_o first_o that_o church_n or_o that_o man_n that_o will_v right_o examine_v a_o false_a teacher_n must_v prepare_v himself_o thereunto_o after_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v look_v that_o he_o have_v a_o meek_a spirit_n and_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n
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 ●●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 ●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 i●_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
he_o must_v begin_v to_o repent_v when_o he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n he_o must_v renew_v that_o repentance_n for_o his_o daily_a offence_n if_o god_n therefore_o have_v give_v ●s_a grace_n to_o repent_v use_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o good_a beginning_n but_o add_v more_o repentance_n daily_o unto_o it_o for_o no_o man_n live_v that_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o repent_v but_o he_o see_v in_o himself_o continual_a cause_n of_o renew_v the_o same_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o daily_a s●il●_n and_o want_n for_o every_o sin_n decay_v grace_n which_o must_v be_v repair_v by_o a_o new_a practice_n of_o repentance_n this_o duty_n must_v needs_o be_v practise_v it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a case_n that_o can_v be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o lie_v in_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n liable_a to_o all_o god_n judgement_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o lie_v in_o sin_n that_o bring_v damnation_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n 2._o corin._n 5.20_o speak_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n do_v still_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o say_v we_o beseech_v you_o in_o christ_n steed_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o through_o we_o that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n intend_v thereby_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o daily_a renew_n of_o their_o repentance_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v get_v a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o their_o reconciliation_n v._o point_n for_o what_o must_v they_o repent_v namely_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o their_o love_n not_o for_o the_o want_n thereof_o but_o for_o that_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o wax_v lesser_a both_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o towards_o their_o brethren_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o we_o daily_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o whereas_o our_o first_o love_n be_v go_v many_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o and_o more_o have_a none_o at_o all_o we_o will_v unfeigned_o repent_v of_o this_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v that_o if_o we_o have_v have_v love_n and_o now_o wax_v cold_a we_o may_v renew_v it_o and_o if_o we_o never_o have_v it_o we_o may_v labour_v for_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o his_o bless_a desire_n and_o here_o observe_v that_o christ_n enjoin_v we_o a_o strait_a repentance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o man_n to_o repent_v they_o of_o gross_a sin_n as_o whoredom_n theft_n drunkenness_n and_o such_o like_a but_o they_o must_v repent_v they_o of_o their_o want●_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_v and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o of_o decay_n in_o any_o grace_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a we_o have_v many_o iusticiaries_n in_o conceit_n that_o be_v pharisaical_o mind_v think_v too_o well_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n because_o they_o live_v civile_o and_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o gross_a sin_n but_o these_o consider_v little_a what_o god_n do_v here_o require_v even_o repentance_n for_o our_o secret_a want_n and_o decay_n and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o else_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o of_o our_o secret_a want_n unless_o we_o shall_v repent_v we_o of_o they_o have_v find_v they_o in_o we_o again_o if_o this_o church_n must_v repent_v for_o her_o want_n then_o what_o great_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o repent_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o atheism_n a_o gross_a and_o common_a sin_n of_o outward_a pride_n in_o apparel_n a_o sin_n flat_a against_o god_n word_n and_o for_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o sin_n that_o enlarge_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o among_o us._n and_o for_o cruelty_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n all_o which_o be_v rife_o in_o our_o church_n and_o may_v more_o easy_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o we_o then_o want_v of_o love_n can_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o this_o church_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n that_o be_v show_v the_o like_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n this_o duty_n christ_n add_v to_o the_o former_a because_o true_a repentance_n never_o perish_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o always_o break_v out_o into_o action_n in_o the_o life_n here_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a lesson_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n we_o must_v search_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n have_v be_v in_o we_o what_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n or_o good_a affection_n we_o must_v also_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o former_a way_n and_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v do_v and_o if_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n we_o find_v decay_v we_o must_v recover_v our_o loss_n and_o seek_v to_o do_v our_o first_o work_n and_o strive_v to_o continue_v so_o do_v to_o our_o life_n end_n that_o so_o we_o may_v escape_v this_o heavy_a charge_n of_o decay_n in_o grace_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v in_o these_o word_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o reason_n to_o persuade_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o former_a remedy_n especial_o for_o repentance_n this_o reason_n contain_v three_o part_n i._o a_o general_a commination_n in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o ii_o a_o particular_a threaten_n of_o a_o particular_a judgement_n and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o they_o both_o except_o thou_o amend_v i._o point_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o practice_v this_o remedy_n and_o the_o duty_n therein_o prescribe_v especial_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n then_o will_v i_o come_v against_o thou_o short_o the_o word_n may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v thus_o if_o not_o then_o will_v i_o come_v to_o thou_o short_o for_o so_o they_o be_v in_o the_o original_n and_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o sufficient_a and_o profitable_a instruction_n god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o any_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n and_o in_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n by_o work_n of_o mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n go_v unto_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o person_n of_o no_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o flood_n 1._o pet._n 3.19_o 20._o second_o god_n come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n by_o judgement_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n god_n say_v he_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n that_o be_v he_o will_v make_v inquiry_n among_o the_o child_n for_o the_o father_n sin_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n that_o their_o father_n do_v then_o will_v he_o punish_v they_o this_o be_v proper_o to_o visit_v so_o in_o this_o place_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o testify_v my_o presence_n not_o in_o mercy_n but_o in_o judgement_n in_o this_o general_a threaten_n we_o may_v observe_v use_n that_o when_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o else_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n then_o god_n prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v unto_o they_o in_o judgement_n amo●_n 4.12_o because_o i_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n therefore_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n oh_o israel_n meaning_n that_o because_o they_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o will_v make_v know_v his_o presence_n by_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n this_o doctrine_n according_a to_o christ_n direction_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o church_n and_o people_n they_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o the_o brethren_n so_o do_v we_o nay_o general_o there_o be_v no_o love_n at_o all_o in_o we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o beside_o these_o want_n there_o be_v many_o other_o gross_a sin_n wherein_o our_o church_n and_o people_n do_v lie_v as_o in_o atheism_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v
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 a●_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 lord●_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 ●●●●_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 i●_n mad_a this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n but_o mark●_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 th●●_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 ha●●_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 i●_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
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
of_o a_o harlot_n five_o their_o body_n be_v temple_n and_o dwell_v place_n not_o for_o earthly_a prince_n but_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o god_n grace_n and_o adorn_v with_o chastity_n &_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a mansion_n place_n for_o so_o worthy_a a_o guest_n but_o by_o fornication_n they_o be_v make_v the_o s●ies_n &_o stable_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n verse_n 16._o repent_v thyself_o or_o else_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n christ_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o error_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o do_v here_o propound_v unto_o this_o church_n first_o a_o remedy_n for_o her_o recovery_n second_o a_o reason_n to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o remedy_n the_o remedy_n be_v in_o these_o word_n repent_v thyself_o in_o it_o consider_v these_o point_n first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o repent_v second_o why_o christ_n so_o often_o urge_v thereunto_o three_o to_o who_o christ_n prescribe_v this_o remedy_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n brief_o therefore_o repentance_n be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n here_o repentance_n must_v be_v take_v more_o large_o for_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o accompany_v repentance_n in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o as_o i._o humiliation_n of_o a_o man_n by_o confess_v of_o his_o sin_n unto_o god_n and_o condemn_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o sin_n ii_o prayer_n whereby_o a_o man_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n iii_o reformation_n whereby_o a_o man_n in_o hart_n propose_v and_o in_o life_n endeavour_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o for_o ever_o after_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o obedience_n unto_o god_n unto_o all_o these_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n exhort_v they_o in_o this_o place_n ii_o point_n why_o do_v christ_n so_o often_o prescribe_v this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v it_o an._n not_o for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n or_o a_o meritorious_a mean_n to_o procure_v remission_n of_o sin_n &_o life_n everlasting_a as_o the_o papist_n do_v false_o and_o damnable_o teach_v for_o that_o nothing_o can_v do_v but_o the_o obedience_n &_o passion_n of_o christ_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o god_n favour_n procure_v &_o a_o most_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o make_v a_o man_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o move_v he_o to_o do_v good_a second_o because_o it_o be_v a_o way_n wherein_o man_n must_v walk_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o will_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n &_o life_n eternal_a iii_o point_n to_o who_o be_v this_o remedy_n prescribe_v answ._n first_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o then_o to_o the_o nicholaitan_o in_o that_o church_n though_o they_o be_v most_o wicked_a man_n touch_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o most_o worthy_a grace_n for_o they_o have_v repentance_n and_o yet_o note_n christ_n say_v still_o unto_o they_o repent_v thyself_o herein_o teach_v we_o a_o most_o worthy_a lesson_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o learn_v and_o practice_v namely_o that_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a practice_n of_o repentance_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o repent_v that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o every_o new_a day_n must_v have_v a_o new_a repentance_n for_o his_o daily_a slip_n we_o 5.2_o be_v god_n ambassador_n say_v paul_n for_o christ_n beseech_v you_o in_o christ_n steed_n that_o you_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n now_o they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n before_o for_o they_o be_v call_v 16._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v strive_v more_o and_o more_o after_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o further_a assurance_n and_o also_o for_o their_o particular_a sin_n wherein_o they_o daily_o offend_v every_o christian_a must_v daily_o wres●●e_v with_o his_o own_o corruption_n which_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o that_o the_o long_o he_o live_v the_o more_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o dislike_n with_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o distaste_n of_o himself_o he_o must_v daily_o proceed_v that_o he_o may_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o grow_v up_o in_o christ._n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o this_o church_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o they_o their_o sin_n be_v our_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v we_o want_v zeal_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n now_o be_v in_o the_o same_o fault_n with_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o practice_v the_o same_o remedy_n and_o renew_v our_o repentance_n though_o we_o have_v repent_v heretofore_o second_o he_o prescribe_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o nicolaitan_o that_o hold_v two_o damnable_a error_n and_o no_o doubt_n live_v according_o in_o those_o sin_n and_o yet_o christ_n bar_v they_o not_o from_o his_o kingdom_n but_o bid_v they_o repent_v where_o note_n that_o great_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v not_o bar_v from_o god_n mercy_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v excellent_a be_v that_o say_n of_o isaiah_n god_n i●_n much_o in_o spare_v and_o that_o of_o david_n also_o with_o god_n be_v plentiful_a redemption_n 130.7_o this_o point_n be_v serious_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o we_o have_v in_o our_o congregation_n many_o that_o be_v well_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o for_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o life_n be_v flat_a atheist_n we_o have_v also_o among_o we_o epicure_n blasphemer_n murderer_n and_o fornicator_n with_o these_o nicolaitan_o now_o to_o all_o these_o and_o such_o like_a this_o doctrine_n appertain_v not_o to_o embolden_v they_o in_o sin_n but_o to_o assure_v they_o there_o be_v mercy_n in_o store_n for_o they_o with_o god_n if_o they_o will_v true_o repent_v they_o must_v not_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n ●o_o wantonness_n and_o make_v his_o mercy_n a_o bolster_n to_o their_o iniquity_n for_o this_o be_v despise_v of_o god_n bounty_n whereby_o they_o help_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o if_o with_o job_n they_o humble_v themselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o mercy_n from_o a_o break_a heart_n that_o carry_v a_o resolute_a purpose_n to_o leave_v all_o sin_n then_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o many_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n of_o god_n mercy_n though_o they_o be_v as_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a which_o will_v take_v no_o other_o die_v yet_o in_o christ_n blood_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o wool_n &_o snow_n yea_o though_o they_o have_v fall_v often_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a yet_o upon_o this_o unfeigned_a repentance_n they_o shall_v be_v restore_v to_o mercy_n for_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o can_v be_v dry_v up_o but_o see_v they_o do_v repent_v for_o whosoever_o look_v for_o christ_n merit_n must_v know_v that_o he_o look_v for_o true_a repentance_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o remedy_n ii_o point_n the_o reason_n whereby_o christ_n will_v set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o former_a remedy_n contain_v a_o twofold_a threaten_a or_o commination_n the_o first_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o the_o second_o against_o the_o nicolaitan_o in_o these_o word_n and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n for_o the_o first_o if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o short_o these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o five_o verse_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o &_o testify_v my_o presence_n by_o take_v punishment_n upon_o thou_o for_o thy_o want_n of_o zeal_n and_o of_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o this_o effect_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v chap._n 30.27_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o far_o to_o take_v punishment_n upon_o the_o assyrian_n in_o this_o threaten_a the_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v note_v christ_n say_v if_o not_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o express_v a_o thing_n to_o come_v by_o a_o word_n of_o the_o time_n present_a to_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o come_n unto_o they_o by_o judgement_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a unless_o they_o do_v repent_v where_o this_o general_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o namely_o that_o when_o a_o church_n or_o
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 conversations●_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 ●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
first_o a_o man_n must_v every_o day_n bethink_v himself_o of_o his_o end_n and_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n either_o in_o general_a to_o all_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o unto_o he_o by_o death_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n he_o must_v esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o every_o day_n as_o of_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n second_o he_o must_v prepare_v himself_o against_o death_n &_o against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n every_o day_n even_o this_o present_a day_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v now_o die_v or_o meet_v christ_n in_o judgement_n and_o the_o next_o day_n do_v the_o like_a and_o so_o go_v on_o continual_o to_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n and_o for_o our_o furtherance_n in_o this_o christian_a watch_n we_o must_v be_v mindful_a of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n that_o we_o keep_v mediocrity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o when_o man_n plunge_v themselves_o either_o in_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n or_o in_o earthly_a delight_n they_o quite_o forget_v both_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o christ_n mean_v by_o watchfulness_n as_o christ_n prescribe_v this_o duty_n unto_o this_o church_n use_n so_o be_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v enjoin_v the_o same_o christian_a watchfulness_n both_o against_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o consider_v these_o reason_n first_o we_o be_v watchful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o if_o a_o town_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o sack_v or_o burn_v there_o be_v watch_n and_o ward_n keep_v continual_o and_o if_o a_o man_n house_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o rob_v he_o will_v sit_v up_o night_n and_o day_n to_o save_v his_o good_n yea_o every_o man_n be_v very_o painful_a and_o watchful_a to_o heap_v up_o to_o himself_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n now_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v watchful_a for_o temporal_a thing_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n that_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o again_o want_v of_o watchfulness_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o death_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n i._o thess._n 5._o vers_fw-la 3._o when_o man_n say_v peace_n and_o safety_n then_o shall_v come_v upon_o they_o sudden_a destruction_n when_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v enlarge_v his_o barn_n upon_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o substance_n he_o promise_v to_o himself_o case_n and_o security_n say_v 1●.20_n soul_n soul_n take_v thy_o rest_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o he_o oh_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o the_o 24.39_o old_a world_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o now_o if_o the_o want_n of_o watchfulness_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o destruction_n how_o great_a a_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o watch_v the_o second_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v to_o confirm_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n decay_v in_o they_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v sundry_a be_v the_o grace_n which_o i_o have_v bestow_v on_o you_o but_o many_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v and_o those_o which_o remain_v be_v about_o to_o perish_v unless_o you_o confirm_v they_o therefore_o see_v now_o that_o you_o strengthen_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o in_o this_o duty_n christ_n teach_v this_o church_n and_o we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v any_o gift_n of_o god_n must_v have_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o make_v the_o same_o gift_n strong_a in_o he_o by_o continual_a increase_n if_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o any_o other_o gift_n of_o grace_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v the_o same_o to_o lie_v dead_a in_o he_o but_o stir_v up_o increase_n and_o confirm_v it_o daily_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ._n for_o the_o gift_n which_o man_n have_v be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o god_n also_o who_o look_v to_o receive_v his_o own_o with_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o man_n like_o good_a steward_n must_v so_o use_v the_o gift_n receive_v that_o they_o may_v return_v they_o to_o god_n with_o increase_n thus_o paul_n persuade_v timothy_n 1.6_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o for_o else_o the_o receiver_n be_v a_o unfaithful_a servant_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v reward_v and_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v often_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o meditate_v therein_o we_o must_v hear_v it_o often_o preach_v and_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o preparation_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o pray_v continual_o strive_v earnest_o against_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o daily_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o all_o good_a duty_n thus_o do_v david_n check_v the_o corruption_n and_o deadness_n of_o his_o heart_n ●1_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o cast_v down_o oh_o my_o soul_n and_o also_o stir_v up_o the_o same_o unto_o all_o good_a duty_n say_v i_o have_v apply_v my_o heart_n to_o fulfil_v thy_o statute_n always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n ps._n 119.112_o hereby_o be_v reprove_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o professor_n &_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n use_n who_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o go_v not_o forward_o in_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n for_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v grace_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o same_o that_o we_o may_v confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o daily_o further_o christ_n add_v which_o be_v about_o to_o die_v where_o he_o answer_v to_o a_o question_n that_o be_v move_v by_o sundry_a at_o this_o day_n namely_o whether_o grace_n that_o concern_v salvation_n may_v be_v utter_o lose_v or_o not_o christ_n answer_v by_o a_o distinction_n that_o some_o grace_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n may_v be_v lose_v quite_o and_o other_o may_v be_v decay_v so_o as_o they_o be_v about_o to_o die_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o as_o without_o they_o a_o man_n of_o year_n can_v be_v save_v and_o such_o be_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n other_o be_v less_o necessary_a which_o sometime_o go_v with_o faith_n but_o not_o always_o such_o be_v a_o plentiful_a feel_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n these_o may_v be_v lose_v whole_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n yea_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n themselves_o may_v decay_v grievous_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o di●_n as_o this_o text_n say_v second_o consider_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n in_o themselves_o and_o they_o may_v be_v whole_o lose_v for_o nothing_o in_o itself_o be_v unchangeable_a but_o god_n the_o state_n of_o the_o elect_a angel_n by_o nature_n be_v changeable_a for_o they_o stand_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n three_o these_o grace_n may_v perish_v and_o decay_v final_o unless_o thy_o bee_n confirm_v question_n why_o then_o do_v not_o the_o elect_v final_o fall_v away_o after_o their_o call_n ans._n their_o stand_n come_v not_o from_o the_o constancy_n of_o grace_n or_o faith_n but_o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o they_o &_o to_o their_o faith_n so_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n 1●_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v upon_o thy_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v profess_v will_v i_o build_v my_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v though_o they_o may_v assault_v it_o and_o grievous_o weaken_v it_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a final_o to_o overcome_v it_o use_n see_v sundry_a grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lose_v and_o the_o most_o necessary_a grace_n great_o decay_v yea_o of_o themselves_o quite_o die_v we_o that_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n any_o grace_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o repentance_n be_v hereby_o teach_v not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_a or_o over_o confident_a in_o our_o self_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a work_n out_o our_o salvation_n philip_n 2.13_o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v the_o former_a remedy_n be_v this_o for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o therefore_o watch_v and_o confirm_v the_o decay_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o in_o this_o reason_n christ_n give_v they_o &_o we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o make_v a_o search_n in_o his_o church_n of_o all_o the_o work_v that_o man_n do_v in_o the_o same_o that_o he_o may_v according_o reward_v they_o for_o not_o find_v do_v presuppose_v a_o search_n and_o so_o the_o
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 ●he_n world_n effectual_o unto_o salvation_n use_n for_o how_o can_v th●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 th●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 a●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 i●_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 3●_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 keye●_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
here_o see_v the_o proper_a ●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
their_o sin_n till_o he_o carry_v their_o soul_n to_o hell_n a_o good_a meaning_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n god_n require_v true_a zeal_n in_o well-doing_n vers._n 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_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 here_o christ_n to_o keep_v his_o church_n from_o despair_n minister_n unto_o they_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o before_o the_o same_o set_v down_o this_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v hereby_o intend_v to_o make_v they_o more_o attentive_o to_o mark_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n that_o plain_o see_v the_o same_o they_o may_v not_o doubt_v thereof_o hereby_o in_o general_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o if_o we_o will_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o desperation_n and_o distrust_n in_o any_o distress_n we_o must_v both_o often_o and_o serious_o consider_v and_o mark_v the_o token_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o will_v fortify_v our_o faith_n read_v psal._n 23_o in_o every_o verse_n save_o the_o last_o he_o set_v down_o token_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n towards_o he_o and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o conclude_v thus_o without_o doubt_n kindesse_n &_o mercy_n shall_v follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o i_o shall_v remain_v a_o long_a season_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o heart_n be_v natural_o fill_v with_o doubt_v which_o will_v bewray_v itself_o in_o any_o distress_n but_o to_o prevent_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o hurt_n that_o may_v come_v thereby_o let_v we_o mark_v the_o good_a deal_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o and_o observe_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n and_o these_o will_v notable_o strengthen_v we_o against_o distrust_n and_o sure_o no_o person_n be_v so_o full_a of_o despair_n but_o if_o he_o can_v look_v back_o into_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o day_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o his_o heart_n they_o will_v minister_v comfort_n unto_o he_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n at_o that_o instant_n more_o particular_o christ_n minister_a comfort_n unto_o this_o church_n do_v express_v his_o meaning_n by_o a_o borrow_a speech_n compare_v every_o man_n unto_o a_o house_n his_o heart_n unto_o a_o door_n whereby_o entrance_n be_v make_v and_o himself_o unto_o a_o guest_n or_o stranger_n desire_v to_o come_v and_o enter_v in_o not_o so_o much_o to_o find_v courtesy_n as_o to_o show_v favour_n and_o kindness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n there_o be_v two_o sign_n of_o his_o love_n set_v down_o first_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o earnest_o seek_v second_o a_o promise_n of_o mutual_a fellowship_n after_o their_o conversion_n the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n in_o this_o desire_n christ_n express_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o church_n if_o we_o regard_v the_o great_a part_n thereof_o have_v no_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n nor_o christ_n with_o they_o for_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o be_v close_v up_o against_o he_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o the_o case_n be_v evident_a for_o though_o they_o have_v in_o they_o many_o good_a thing_n as_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o this_o notorious_a sin_n of_o luke-warmnesse_n which_o close_v up_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o christ_n and_o bar_v he_o out_o here_o than_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v in_o he_o many_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o by_o live_v in_o one_o sin_n we_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o all_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ._n judas_n have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n he_o forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v christ_n he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o by_o covetousness_n the_o door_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v quite_o bar_v against_o christ._n so_o herode_fw-la reverence_v john_n and_o hear_v he_o glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n at_o his_o instruction_n mark_n 6.20_o yet_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o incest_n his_o heart_n be_v so_o close_v that_o he_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o christ._n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o it_o be_v good_a that_o we_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o approve_v the_o same_o and_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o our_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ._n for_o if_o we_o nourish_v though_o but_o one_o sin_n and_o live_v therein_o that_o will_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v the_o sin_n what_o it_o will_v as_o covetousness_n adultery_n profaneness_n or_o such_o like_a hereby_o then_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o have_v true_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o purge_v their_o life_n from_o all_o sin_n so_o as_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o taint_v with_o nourish_v any_o one_o sin_n for_o even_o one_o sin_n w●●●●soever_o it_o be_v be_v a_o strong_a bar_n 〈◊〉_d will_v keep_v christ_n from_o come_v into_o us._n second_o whereas_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v stand_v at_o the_o door_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v here_o he_o speak_v to_o this_o church_n as_o he_o use_v to_o speak_v by_o his_o old_a prophet_n as_o by_o jeremie_n 13._o i_o have_v send_v unto_o you_o all_o my_o prophet_n rise_v early_o every_o day_n and_o send_v they_o and_o by_o isaiah_n 65.2_o i_o have_v spread_v out_o my_o hand_n all_o the_o day_n unto_o a_o rebellious_a people_n which_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a even_o after_o their_o own_o imagination_n so_o here_o i_o have_v stand_v at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v long_o even_o till_o night_n as_o the_o word_n sup_v import_v hereby_o christ_n will_v signify_v his_o great_a patience_n in_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o this_o people_n of_o loadicea_n in_o justice_n he_o may_v long_o ago_o have_v cast_v they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o in_o mercy_n he_o wait_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o complain_v that_o he_o have_v wait_v long_o here_o than_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o god_n patience_n in_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o which_o he_o say_v to_o this_o church_n he_o may_v as_o just_o say_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v stand_v very_o long_o at_o our_o door_n even_o 36._o year_n and_o upward_o and_o yet_o still_o continue_v knock_v so_o as_o he_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o his_o long_a wait_v let_v we_o then_o here_o learn_v to_o know_v the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n which_o be_v then_o to_o any_o people_n when_o christ_n stand_v at_o their_o door_n and_o knock_n and_o unto_o we_o this_o day_n be_v present_a we_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o visitation_n and_o hereupon_o learn_v the_o duty_n which_o christ_n teach_v the_o jew_n namely_o acknowledge_v the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o must_v look_v for_o like_a vengeance_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o regard_v not_o when_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n from_o his_o bosom_n to_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v here_o be_v a_o further_a signification_n of_o his_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v his_o great_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n towards_o this_o church_n and_o in_o they_o towards_o all_o other_o his_o child_n this_o church_n have_v bar_v out_o christ_n by_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o pursue_v they_o he_o knock_v he_o use_v mean_n to_o enter_v for_o 〈◊〉_d good_a and_o vouchsafe_v they_o mercy_n 〈◊〉_d then_o when_o they_o refuse_v it_o thus_o when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o flee_v and_o hide_v himself_o do_v the_o lord_n seek_v he_o in_o the_o garden_n &_o make_v with_o he_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v in_o 65.1_o isaiah_n the_o lord_n be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o never_o seek_v he_o luk._n 15.4.5_o christ_n fetch_v the_o lose_a sheep_n that_o be_v go_v astray_o all_o which_o show_n and_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o unspeakable_a greatness_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n unto_o miserable_a man_n who_o then_o show_v mercy_n unto_o he_o when_o he_o
may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v h●m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n f●om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o man●r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n f●r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n ●o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v 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he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o i●_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n ●_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n i●_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o ta●es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
write_v which_o word_n import_v that_o by_o diligent_a observation_n we_o shall_v lay_v they_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v a_o weighty_a duty_n and_o serious_o commend_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n bind_v up_o the_o testimony_n seal_v up_o the_o law_n among_o my_o disciple_n isay._n 8.16_o and_o marie_n be_v therefore_o commend_v because_o she_o keep_v in_o her_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o jesus_n luke_n 2.19_o ●1_n it_o be_v david_n practice_n i_o have_v ●id_v thy_o say_n in_o my_o heart_n psal._n 119._o ●●_o and_o hereto_o tend_v christ_n encouragement_n pronounce_v they_o rather_o bless_v which_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o keep_v it_o than_o those_o which_o bare_a christ_n and_o give_v he_o suck_v luk._n 1●_n 27.28_o and_o james_n call_v it_o the_o ingraff_v word_n james_n 1.21_o because_o it_o shall_v abide_v in_o our_o heart_n like_o a_o syence_n in_o a_o stock_n and_o never_o be_v remove_v but_o there_o grow_v and_o fructify_v unto_o life_n eternal_a now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a profit_v after_o much_o hear_n and_o read_v i_o will_v therefore_o show_v how_o by_o god_n grace_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n first_o a_o man_n must_v learn_v the_o ground_n or_o element_n of_o religion_n common_o call_v the_o catechism_n for_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o knowledge_n without_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o comfort_n nor_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o hebrew_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v not_o well_o learned_a the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o word_n hebr._n 5.11.12_o this_o all_o ignorant_a person_n shall_v well_o observe_v special_o the_o age_a that_o they_o may_v find_v in_o themselves_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o dulness_n even_o want_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o catechism_n they_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o it_o now_o they_o be_v old_a but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o must_v lay_v in_o themselves_o this_o good_a beginning_n and_o learn_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n second_o we_o must_v not_o rush_v upon_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n but_o before_o we_o either_o come_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v with_o reverence_n prepare_v ourselves_o thereto_o most_o man_n at_o this_o day_n use_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v before_o they_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o god_n ordain_v both_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o true_a happiness_n they_o differ_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o visible_a and_o the_o scripture_n the_o audible_a word_n of_o god_n at_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n the_o people_n that_o must_v ●eare_z it_o be_v sanctify_v three_o day_n before_o exod._n 19_o and_o when_o they_o do_v offer_v sacrifice_n or_o eat_v the_o passeover_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n must_v be_v sanctify_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n must_v we_o perform_v before_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o preparation_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v put_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n all_o by_o thought_n all_o delight_n and_o care_n of_o worldly_a affair_n and_o set_v our_o heart_n as_o ezra_n do_v to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n ezra_n 7.10_o second_o we_o must_v make_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v his_o will_n soften_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v our_o ear_n attentive_a as_o l●diaes_n be_v and_o also_o give_v we_o grace_n to_o embrace_v his_o word_n and_o keep_v it_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n without_o who_o inward_a teach_n we_o can_v never_o learn_v unto_o salvation_n three_o when_o we_o be_v about_o the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o god_n word_n the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v thus_o dispose_v i._o it_o must_v be_v a_o humble_a heart_n for_o the_o lord_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a jam._n 4.6_o they_o that_o be_v meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n psal._n 25.9_o a_o proud_a heart_n be_v so_o stuff_v with_o self_n love_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lodge_v in_o but_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v lowly_a in_o itself_o through_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o heart_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o grace_n will_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n isaiah_n 57.15_o ii_o it_o must_v be_v a_o honest_a heart_n such_o as_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o purpose_n to_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o but_o though_o it_o feel_v corruption_n in_o itself_o be_v resolve_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o that_o continual_o such_o a_o heart_n have_v the_o good_a hearer_n resemble_v by_o the_o good_a ground_n luke_n 8.15_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v a_o wicked_a heart_n which_o resolve_v to_o cherish_v though_o it_o be_v but_o any_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o iii_o it_o must_v be_v a_o believe_a heart_n the_o old_a jew_n hear_v the_o word_n but_o it_o profit_v they_o not_o because_o they_o mingle_v it_o not_o with_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d their_o heart_n hebrew_n 4.2_o where_o he_o compare_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o vessel_n in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v both_o the_o word_n and_o faith_n these_o two_o must_v be_v mingle_v together_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n therefore_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o resolve_v our_o heart_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o incredulity_n whereby_o man_n except_v against_o the_o word_n as_o not_o pertain_v unto_o they_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o forgetfulness_n the_o old_a world_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o flood_n because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v matth._n 24.39_o iv._o it_o must_v be_v a_o hear_n heart_n such_o as_o be_v pliable_a to_o the_o word_n sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n say_v david_n thou_o will_v not_o but_o my_o ear_n have_v thou_o prepare_v psal._n 40.6_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v beside_o those_o bodily_a care_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o by_o creation_n thou_o have_v bore_v new_a care_n in_o my_o heart_n so_o as_o i_o can_v by_o thy_o grace_n attend_v and_o listen_v to_o thy_o word_n and_o when_o god_n say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n this_o hear_v heart_n will_v answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n psal._n 27._o vers_fw-la 8.9_o four_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n we_o must_v become_v doer_n of_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o vocation_n we_o see_v every_o man_n more_o skilful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o trade_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o daily_a exercise_n therein_o even_o so_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o god_n word_n will_v make_v we_o expert_a in_o it_o and_o cause_v we_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o perfect_a memory_n and_o these_o be_v the_o right_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n and_o reader_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o this_o benediction_n pronounce_v upon_o they_o that_o hear_v read_v &_o keep_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n serve_v to_o induce_v every_o child_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o special_o these_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o therefore_o do_v god_n reveal_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v remember_v when_o the_o angel_n have_v tell_v daniel_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o his_o time_n to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n he_o bid_v he_o shut_v up_o the_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o book_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o time_n dan._n 12.4_o meaning_n that_o he_o for_o his_o own_o comfort_n shall_v hide_v they_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o you_o see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n let_v he_o that_o read_v consider_v it_o matth._n 24.15_o behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o mean_v thing_n to_o come_v verse_n 25._o show_v that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o child_n to_o mark_v and_o remember_v those_o weighty_a thing_n that_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o state_n