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 â—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 â—_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
ver_fw-la 22.23_o iv._o every_o private_a man_n must_v profess_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o 1._o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o this_o confession_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n for_o by_o a_o blameless_a and_o holy_a conversation_n every_o christian_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2_o 15_o 16._o see_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o work_n use_n we_o must_v be_v admonish_v every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o we_o christâ—_n religion_n may_v be_v further_v for_o god_n church_n be_v not_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n only_o because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o maintain_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o pillar_n in_o his_o place_n to_o maintain_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o glory_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v more_o special_a care_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o two_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v herself_o against_o false_a teacher_n and_o have_v not_o faint_v here_o christ_n set_v down_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o church_n labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o true_a religion_n and_o thereby_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n namely_o by_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o labour_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o a_o notable_a example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v for_o we_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o for_o many_o year_n sundry_a among_o we_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o against_o all_o enemy_n though_o not_o without_o some_o trouble_n and_o danger_n now_o this_o which_o have_v be_v do_v be_v nothing_o unless_o we_o hold_v on_o our_o good_a course_n constant_o and_o labour_n unto_o death_n in_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n with_o peace_n for_o usual_o after_o long_a peace_n god_n try_v he_o by_o persecution_n neither_o know_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v of_o trial_n god_n will_v exercise_v us._n therefore_o as_o we_o now_o profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o let_v we_o continue_v constant_a therein_o and_o not_o turn_v with_o time_n or_o state_n for_o than_o we_o lose_v our_o commendation_n at_o christ_n hand_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n for_o her_o virtue_n verse_n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o decay_n in_o grace_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o here_o christ_n speak_v as_o a_o judge_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o lay_v this_o action_n unto_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n that_o be_v that_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v first_o call_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o love_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v not_o as_o though_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v it_o but_o only_o because_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o to_o wax_v cold_a in_o good_a work_n but_o some_o will_v say_v they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o their_o zeal_n and_o labour_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o their_o severity_n against_o false_a teacher_n how_o then_o have_v they_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n answ._n at_o this_o time_n when_o christ_n do_v thus_o reprove_v they_o their_o love_n be_v commendable_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n if_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o this_o church_n for_o leave_v her_o first_o love_n use_n then_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o against_o we_o at_o this_o day_n howsoever_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v high_a in_o his_o favour_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o a_o worse_a estate_n than_o this_o church_n now_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o church_n have_v leave_v off_o their_o first_o love_n and_o the_o great_a part_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o that_o many_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n be_v too_o too_o evident_a for_o such_o as_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n be_v content_a to_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o history_n of_o our_o church_n do_v show_v after_o they_o enjoy_v a_o little_a quietness_n become_v mere_a worldling_n as_o their_o life_n have_v testify_v afterward_o and_o in_o such_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o of_o ten_o or_o seven_o year_n have_v show_v fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n do_v now_o fall_v away_o and_o show_v none_o at_o all_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v see_v many_o for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o very_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n who_o soon_o after_o suffer_v pleasure_n profit_n or_o preferment_n to_o draw_v they_o quite_o away_o some_o i_o confess_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v free_a from_o this_o decay_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o grievous_a fault_n among_o we_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o these_o be_v the_o day_n whereof_o christ_n say_v 24.12.22_o love_n shall_v wax_v cold_a and_o whereof_o paul_n say_v man_n shall_v be_v 3.2_o lover_n of_o themselves_o for_o take_v the_o most_o congregation_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v yet_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o hearer_n be_v neither_o better_v for_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o obedience_n but_o remain_v still_o as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v this_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v no_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o have_v a_o formal_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o their_o mouth_n for_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v there_o most_o needs_o be_v increase_n in_o knowledge_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n again_o see_v how_o man_n general_o walk_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o therein_o behold_v a_o mere_a defect_n of_o love_n all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v be_v for_o their_o private_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n no_o regard_n be_v have_v of_o god_n glory_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n herein_o their_o own_o conscience_n shall_v be_v the_o witness_n so_o that_o general_o this_o may_v be_v say_v we_o have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o what_o a_o action_n than_o shall_v we_o think_v have_v christ_n against_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grievous_a and_o so_o our_o case_n fearful_a and_o dangerous_a if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o potentat_fw-la have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o and_o his_o case_n be_v good_a it_o will_v make_v we_o look_v about_o we_o yea_o to_o tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o to_o be_v at_o our_o wit_n end_n behold_v not_o a_o worldly_a prince_n but_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o matter_n against_o we_o just_a and_o grievoâ—â—â—_o oh_o how_o shall_v this_o move_v we_o to_o search_v ourselves_o to_o try_v our_o estate_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o his_o majesty_n we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o this_o charge_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o concern_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n show_v it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v god_n judgement_n by_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v of_o love_n again_o this_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n for_o decay_n of_o love_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o increase_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o brethren_n add_v grace_n to_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o add_v day_n unto_o day_n in_o our_o life_n that_o so_o our_o love_n may_v obound_v read_v 1._o thes._n 4.1.9_o 10_o where_o paul_n urge_v this_o duty_n at_o large_a he_o confess_v they_o do_v love_v one_o
here_o see_v the_o proper_a â—nd_n of_o all_o reproof_n and_o correction_n namely_o the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o man_n fault_n &_o misdemeanour_n whatsoever_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o their_o way_n and_o more_o zealous_a in_o good_a duty_n then_o ever_o they_o be_v whensoever_o therefore_o we_o be_v reprove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v visit_v we_o in_o body_n mind_n or_o good_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o cross_n we_o must_v remember_v to_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o repent_v and_o amend_v know_v that_o by_o all_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o sermon_n the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o amendment_n now_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n of_o their_o luke-warmnesse_n be_v zealous_a that_o we_o may_v understand_v this_o commandment_n we_o be_v to_o handle_v some_o point_n touch_v zeal_n first_o what_o be_v zeal_n zeal_n be_v a_o burn_a affection_n in_o regard_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n this_o zeal_n be_v compound_v of_o two_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o anger_n or_o indignation_n so_o that_o in_o this_o commandment_n be_v two_o duty_n enjoin_v unto_o this_o church_n first_o that_o they_o shall_v love_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n above_o all_o thing_n second_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v grieve_v especial_o for_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v dishonour_v his_o worship_n profane_v and_o his_o doctrine_n not_o embrace_v but_o instead_o thereof_o false_a worship_n and_o false_a doctrine_n entertain_v when_o both_o these_o concur_v than_o zeal_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o most_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n psalm_n 69.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o his_o person_n say_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n have_v eat_v he_o up_o whereby_o thus_o much_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o love_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n have_v even_o consume_v he_o and_o that_o his_o indignation_n be_v so_o great_a because_o his_o father_n name_n be_v dishonour_v and_o his_o worship_n profane_v that_o it_o do_v even_o care_v he_o up_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n john_n 2.17_o yea_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o he_o to_o do_v his_o father_n will_n joh._n 4.34_o that_o thing_n he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o life_n or_o safety_n nay_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v the_o pang_n of_o hell_n the_o like_a zeal_n be_v in_o elias_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n his_o heart_n be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1._o king_n 19.14_o ii_o point_n the_o kind_n of_o zeal_n zeal_n be_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a in_o good_a zeal_n be_v these_o thing_n require_v i._o true_a faith_n as_o the_o root_n thereof_o 1._o tim._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v love_n 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a now_o one_o apart_o of_o zeal_n be_v love_n and_o therefore_o 〈…〉_z procee_v from_o true_a faith_n so_o must_v true_a zeal_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o faith_n be_v rather_o rashness_n and_o fierceness_n of_o nature_n than_o true_a zeal_n ii_o repentance_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o there_o be_v seven_o 〈◊〉_d of_o repentance_n recite_v whereof_o zeal_n be_v one_o that_o be_v good_a zeal_n even_o a_o burn_a love_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o godly_a indignation_n when_o false_a religion_n be_v embrace_v there_o may_v be_v zeal_n in_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o repentance_n as_o be_v in_o jehu_n 2._o king_n 10.16_o come_v with_o i_o say_v he_o and_o see_v the_o zeal_n that_o i_o have_v for_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o want_v repentance_n for_o vers._n 29.31_o it_o be_v say_v jehu_n regard_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n for_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la which_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o in_o he_o the_o true_a zeal_n that_o be_v here_o command_v iii_o zeal_n must_v come_v from_o knowledge_n for_o without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v but_o rashness_n and_o bold-hardinesse_n such_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v rom._n 10.2_o who_o zeal_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o such_o as_o paul_n have_v before_o his_o conversion_n phil._n 3._o vers_fw-la 6._o in_o zeal_n he_o persecute_v god_n church_n knowledge_n therefore_o in_o god_n word_n must_v be_v the_o guide_n and_o conductor_n of_o our_o zeal_n iii_o point_n the_o fruit_n of_o zeal_n must_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o better_a discern_v of_o true_a zeal_n first_o true_a zeal_n constrain_v a_o man_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n 5.13.14_o whether_o we_o be_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d wit_n we_o be_v it_o unto_o god_n or_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o our_o right_a mind_n we_o be_v it_o unto_o you_o for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v us._n so_o wheresoever_o this_o true_a zeal_n be_v in_o any_o measure_n it_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o heart_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v but_o endeavour_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o love_n he_o bear_v unto_o christ._n elihu_n say_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o new_a wine_n in_o a_o vessel_n which_o must_v needs_o vent_v out_o job._n 32.18.19_o second_o true_a zeal_n make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n power_n and_o strength_n so_o good_a king_n josiah_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n read_v he_o turn_v not_o slacke_o or_o negligent_o but_o 23.25_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o like_v he_o be_v no_o king_n before_o neither_o after_o he_o arise_v there_o any_o like_o he_o psal._n 51_o david_n humble_v himself_o for_o his_o sin_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o with_o such_o marvelous_a zeal_n as_o no_o tongue_n can_v utter_v desire_v god_n to_o remember_v he_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n often_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o diverse_a term_n that_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o may_v express_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o give_v god_n thanks_n for_o his_o benefit_n he_o put_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o heart_n thereto_o cry_v out_o my_o soul_n praise_n thou_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o psa._n 103.1_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v zealous_a whence_o true_a zeal_n arise_v and_o what_o it_o work_v in_o man_n heart_n use_n see_v we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v taint_v with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmnesse_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n let_v we_o here_o learn_v how_o to_o redress_v this_o vice_n we_o must_v become_v zealous_a have_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o fervent_a love_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o vehement_a indignation_n when_o the_o same_o be_v disgrace_v and_o false_a worship_n take_v place_n let_v religion_n therefore_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o show_n that_o same_o in_o our_o life_n by_o zealous_a obedience_n away_o with_o all_o slackness_n and_o lukewarmnesse_n it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v jews_n and_o turk_n and_o to_o hold_v no_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a in_o the_o true_a profession_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o zeal_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v to_o repent_v or_o amend_v this_o they_o be_v also_o enjoin_v because_o zeal_n without_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o but_o rashness_n jehues_n zeal_n be_v no_o true_a zeal_n because_o he_o want_v repentance_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v zealous_a but_o wherefore_o be_v this_o church_n enjoin_v to_o repent_v namely_o for_o lukewarmness_n not_o for_o that_o she_o have_v commit_v any_o horrible_a sin_n but_o because_o she_o be_v slack_a in_o good_a duty_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o good_a lesson_n for_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n that_o challenge_n god_n mercy_n unto_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v no_o notorious_a malefactor_n as_o murderer_n &_o adulterer_n they_o hate_v no_o man_n but_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o but_o here_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o reform_v this_o their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o repentance_n must_v be_v for_o want_n of_o good_a duty_n yea_o for_o slackness_n therein_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n soothe_v himself_o in_o his_o ignorance_n with_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o all_o be_v well_o if_o he_o live_v not_o in_o gross_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o enchantment_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o he_o rock_n many_o asleep_a in_o
that_o thence_o we_o may_v offer_v up_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n second_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 1.6_o use_v a_o comparison_n from_o the_o fire_n which_o burn_v more_o bright_a and_o clear_a when_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o last_o we_o must_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o faith_n repentance_n love_n and_o such_o like_a &_o so_o shall_v they_o not_o decay_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n verse_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o faithful_a physician_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n do_v here_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o their_o sin_n of_o decay_n in_o love_n fron_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o sin_n be_v reprove_v be_v to_o be_v teach_v but_o yet_o with_o this_o qualification_n that_o withal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v join_v thereunto_o that_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v rip_v up_o by_o the_o law_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v christ_n manner_n of_o preach_v in_o this_o place_n who_o practice_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a platform_n for_o all_o his_o minister_n for_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n at_o this_o day_n to_o preach_v the_o law_n bare_o which_o only_o make_v the_o wound_n without_o the_o gospel_n which_o alone_o show_v the_o remedy_n this_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v be_v of_o special_a use_n and_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n general_o by_o it_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o answer_v to_o two_o necessary_a question_n of_o practice_n which_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n first_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o after_o his_o conversion_n either_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n fall_v into_o sin_n again_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v for_o his_o recovery_n ans._n he_o must_v remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v of_o those_o his_o sin_n and_o do_v his_o first_o work_n the_o second_o question_n be_v this_o a_o man_n that_o have_v all_o his_o life_n long_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n be_v now_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o his_o loose_a life_n how_o shall_v this_o man_n escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n &_o become_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o ans._n he_o must_v first_o remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o by_o his_o own_o transgression_n second_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o his_o sin_n three_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n whereto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n &_o so_o shall_v he_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o particular_a this_o remedy_n have_v three_o part_n the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o second_o and_o repent_v the_o three_o and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n the_o word_n follow_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o remedy_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v for_o the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n examine_v thyself_o thorough_o &_o see_v in_o thyself_o the_o decay_n of_o thy_o former_a love_n and_o then_o ponder_v the_o same_o in_o thy_o heart_n serious_o and_o thorough_o here_o christ_n injoin_v to_o this_o church_n two_o duty_n i._o examination_n whereby_o she_o must_v descend_v into_o she_o own_o heart_n and_o search_v out_o her_o own_o want_n especial_o the_o want_n of_o her_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o her_o brethren_n ii_o consideration_n whereby_o she_o must_v often_o think_v of_o these_o her_o want_n and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o her_o heart_n unfeigned_o this_o course_n which_o christ_n take_v with_o this_o church_n teach_v we_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o person_n in_o god_n church_n not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v thorough_o with_o his_o own_o estate_n that_o so_o he_o may_v search_v out_o his_o own_o want_n and_o deep_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n jeremie_n blame_v the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n that_o no_o man_n say_v with_o himself_o 8.6_o what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o christ_n lay_v this_o sin_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o estate_n 39_o they_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o â—â—oke_v they_o all_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n no_o man_n almost_o do_v examine_v himself_o &_o consider_v in_o his_o hart_n his_o own_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o want_n nay_o man_n be_v grow_v to_o this_o that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o mean_n to_o breed_v melancholy_n and_o therefore_o do_v â—lie_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o nuzzell_v themselves_o in_o their_o fearful_a security_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v out_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o often_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o their_o particular_a want_n zephanie_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o people_n 2.1_o begin_v thus_o search_v you_o search_v yourselves_o oh_o nation_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v where_o the_o word_n translate_v search_n signify_v such_o a_o search_n as_o a_o man_n will_v make_v for_o some_o small_a thing_n in_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o chaff_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n counsel_n hag._n 1.7_o consider_v your_o own_o way_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v our_o practice_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o ground_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o christ_n here_o give_v it_o the_o first_o place_n for_o no_o man_n can_v true_o repent_v before_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o with_o his_o own_o fearful_a and_o damnable_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v 119.59_o i_o first_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o then_o i_o turn_v my_o foot_n into_o thy_o testimony_n the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o repent_v be_v want_n of_o consideration_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o what_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v for_o till_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v she_o own_o misery_n the_o hart_n can_v never_o right_o hunger_n after_o mercy_n sin_n must_v be_v our_o great_a woe_n before_o christ_n become_v our_o chief_a joy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v repentance_n iâ—_n self_n for_o after_o a_o man_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o want_n and_o have_v thorough_o consider_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n than_o he_o come_v to_o repent_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o five_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v i._o what_o repentanceis_n ii_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v iii_o who_o command_v it_o iv._o to_o who_o it_o be_v command_v v._o for_o what_o they_o must_v repent_v for_o the_o first_o repentance_n proper_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n do_v import_v for_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o after_o some_o folly_n or_o overslip_v to_o be_v better_o advise_v repentance_n then_o in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o change_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a or_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.20_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n which_o latter_a word_n expound_v the_o former_a &_o plain_o show_v what_o repentance_n be_v and_o this_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n stand_v in_o this_o resolution_n whereby_o a_o man_n by_o god_n grace_n purpose_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n therewithal_o follow_v a_o turn_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o will_n in_o affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o description_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n which_o paul_n reduce_v to_o seven_o head_n viz._n care_n clear_v of_o themselves_o indignation_n fear_n great_a desire_n zeal_n and_o revenge_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o whereof_o some_o be_v renew_v affection_n
be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o vow_n in_o baptism_n for_o as_o they_o account_v gain_v godliness_n so_o gold_n be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o say_v to_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n see_v then_o all_o these_o be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o remember_v what_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a as_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o young_a widow_n damnation_n belong_v unto_o us._n the_o four_o virtue_n for_o which_o this_o church_n be_v commend_v be_v patience_n of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o verse_n 2._o here_o only_a note_n that_o it_o be_v join_v with_o love_n to_o man_n with_o fidelity_n to_o god_n and_o with_o service_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n whereby_o christ_n will_v signify_v that_o no_o good_a thing_n can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o man_n without_o patience_n love_n be_v no_o love_n without_o patience_n neither_o be_v faith_n any_o faith_n without_o patience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n love_v another_o for_o his_o love_n he_o shall_v sometime_o receive_v hatred_n now_o unless_o he_o have_v patience_n to_o bear_v that_o hatred_n his_o love_n will_v surcease_v and_o so_o if_o a_o man_n have_v care_n to_o be_v faithful_a unto_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v much_o contempt_n so_o that_o unless_o he_o have_v patience_n to_o bear_v the_o same_o his_o faithfulness_n will_v fail_v patience_n bring_v forth_o experience_n and_o experience_n hope_v rom._n 5.4_o &_o rom._n 15.4_o no_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o hope_v without_o patience_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a the_o good_a ground_n 8.15_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n though_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o good_a gift_n yet_o without_o patience_n he_o can_v put_v they_o in_o practice_n this_o therefore_o we_o must_v join_v with_o all_o the_o good_a grace_n we_o have_v as_o peter_n counsel_v we_o 2._o peter_n 1.6_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o temptation_n and_o apprehend_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sore_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v without_o patience_n he_o will_v despair_v without_o patience_n a_o man_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o well-doing_n both_o in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n heb._n 10.36_o and_o thy_o work_n here_o christ_n repeat_v his_o general_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n which_o we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o be_v do_v in_o vain_a but_o hereby_o he_o will_v let_v we_o see_v how_o exceed_v well_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o their_o work_n the_o cause_n why_o he_o like_v they_o so_o well_o be_v their_o increase_n in_o well-doing_n whereof_o we_o shall_v entreat_v afterward_o christ_n repeat_v his_o approbation_n of_o their_o work_n after_o four_o worthy_a virtue_n use_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o what_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o work_n that_o shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n namely_o these_o four_o thing_n faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n faith_n be_v necessary_a because_o in_o well_o do_v a_o man_n must_v testify_v his_o fidelity_n to_o god_n which_o he_o shall_v best_o do_v if_o first_o he_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n whether_o god_n have_v command_v that_o work_n to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v a_o good_a intent_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o work_n as_o be_v common_o think_v though_o false_o but_o our_o work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n second_o love_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o good_a work_n we_o go_v about_o for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 13.3_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o bestow_v all_o his_o good_n in_o alm_n upon_o the_o poor_a yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o these_o in_o love_n it_o will_v not_o please_v god_n three_o service_n to_o man_n be_v require_v in_o our_o good_a work_n this_o must_v be_v careful_o mark_v for_o the_o end_n of_o man_n life_n be_v in_o his_o calling_n to_o serve_v man_n and_o by_o that_o to_o serve_v god_n col._n 3.24_o servant_n must_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o in_o their_o person_n do_v service_n unto_o christ._n and_o that_o which_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o servant_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o work_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n they_o must_v be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o as_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v in_o they_o this_o overthrow_v the_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o think_v that_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n of_o all_o be_v fast_v pilgramage_n wear_v of_o rough_a attire_n and_o whip_v of_o their_o body_n for_o good_a work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o benefit_v man_n either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o these_o work_n of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n neither_o do_v they_o profit_v the_o doer_n nor_o any_o other_o fast_v have_v it_o place_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o good_a work_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o last_o patience_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o man_n faint_v not_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n shall_v be_v sure_a of_o many_o cross_n partly_o from_o man_n and_o partly_o from_o satan_n as_o also_o by_o god_n providence_n now_o when_o these_o befall_v a_o man_n in_o well_o do_v without_o patience_n they_o will_v stay_v his_o proceed_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o be_v good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n use_n these_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o make_v a_o work_n acceptable_a to_o god_n we_o must_v labour_v in_o every_o action_n of_o our_o lawful_a call_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v to_o practice_v the_o same_o in_o faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n we_o must_v not_o tie_v good_a work_n to_o church_n matter_n only_o as_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o give_v alm_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o work_n of_o a_o man_n lawful_a call_n be_v it_o never_o so_o base_a with_o these_o virtue_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n in_o it_o kind_a as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a work_n that_o be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n itself_o but_o because_o therein_o do_v appear_v faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n and_o because_o this_o church_n so_o perform_v their_o work_n therefore_o do_v god_n double_a his_o approbation_n the_o last_o virtue_n for_o which_o this_o church_n be_v commend_v be_v increase_v in_o godliness_n in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o than_o at_o the_o first_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v before_o reprove_v for_o decay_n and_o loss_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o this_o church_n do_v grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o be_v her_o work_n more_o approve_v than_o the_o work_n of_o any_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o congregation_n may_v be_v commend_v for_o their_o increase_n in_o godliness_n in_o faith_n obedience_n use_n and_o other_o good_a work_n but_o that_o can_v just_o be_v do_v for_o the_o number_n of_o our_o people_n be_v increase_v but_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n do_v not_o appear_v many_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o though_o they_o hear_v much_o yet_o they_o profit_v little_a so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 5.12_o whereas_o concern_v the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v again_o that_o we_o teach_v you_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o paul_n say_v of_o certain_a woman_n 7_o they_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n other_o also_o though_o they_o know_v something_o yet_o they_o practise_v less_o than_o they_o which_o know_v nothing_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o many_o that_o heretofore_o have_v â—ad_v good_a beginning_n in_o they_o by_o their_o bad_a conversation_n and_o the_o greedy_a care_n of_o this_o world_n have_v lose_v the_o same_o again_o and_o go_v backward_o in_o knowledge_n in_o obedience_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v those_o that_o be_v like_a to_o
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 â—1_n it_o be_v david_n practice_n i_o have_v â—id_v thy_o say_n in_o my_o heart_n psal._n 119._o â—â—_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 1â—_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 â—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 lâ—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
alone_o on_o the_o house_n top_n act._n 10.11_o and_o so_o doubtless_o find_v john_n thus_o employ_v this_o lord_n day_n he_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o we_o learn_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o john_n be_v in_o a_o solitary_a island_n keep_v the_o sabbath_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prisoner_n and_o those_o which_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o dead_a paluesie_a or_o other_o great_a disease_n as_o mariner_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v keep_v holy_a the_o lord_n sabbath_n by_o perform_v such_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v as_o prayer_n confession_n of_o sin_n and_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v though_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o in_o that_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o holy_a duty_n hence_o arise_v a_o consolation_n to_o god_n church_n that_o god_n draw_v near_o unto_o they_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o as_o james_n 4.8_o and_o so_o let_v we_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n will_v show_v himself_o sundry_a way_n and_o draw_v near_o unto_o us._n the_o cause_n why_o man_n have_v so_o little_a taste_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o by_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n for_o when_o man_n draw_v back_o from_o god_n be_v it_o not_o good_a reason_n he_o shall_v draw_v back_o from_o they_o this_o therefore_o must_v stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o move_v we_o to_o come_v often_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o by_o use_n in_o these_o duty_n shall_v we_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o i_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o trumpet_n first_o here_o follow_v the_o part_n of_o this_o vision_n which_o be_v two_o the_o beginning_n or_o entrance_n into_o it_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o part_n of_o the_o twelve_o second_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n thereof_o from_o the_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n be_v a_o preparation_n whereby_o the_o lord_n make_v john_n more_o fit_a to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o which_o preparation_n we_o must_v observe_v first_o the_o mean_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n prepare_v he_o be_v a_o voice_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n the_o like_a manner_n of_o preparation_n have_v god_n use_v in_o former_a time_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v with_o adam_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n first_o he_o prepare_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n speak_v unto_o he_o before_o he_o appear_v and_o by_o this_o voice_n cause_v he_o to_o sly_a for_o fear_v then_o have_v rebuke_v he_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o make_v with_o he_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n genes_n 3._o and_o in_o mount_n sinai_n before_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o law_n 20._o he_o first_o come_v down_o in_o thunder_a and_o lightning_n and_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o terrify_v the_o people_n and_o then_o he_o utter_v his_o law_n to_o moses_n and_o to_o his_o people_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v instruct_v samuel_n touch_v the_o house_n of_o elie_n 3._o he_o awake_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n again_o and_o again_o and_o then_o speak_v plain_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o all_o vision_n usual_o and_o general_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o prepare_v his_o servant_n by_o voice_n by_o sign_n and_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o fit_a to_o receive_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n in_o prepare_v he_o to_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o this_o vision_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o much_o more_o shall_v be_v prepare_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o come_v far_o short_a of_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o john_n who_o yet_o must_v be_v prepare_v our_o come_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a and_o we_o dull_a to_o learn_v we_o must_v therefore_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n prepare_v ourselves_o that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o profit_n the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a profit_n after_o long_a hear_n be_v want_v of_o preparation_n but_o hereof_o we_o have_v entreat_v already_o upon_o the_o three_o verse_n this_o voice_n be_v here_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o three_o way_n first_o by_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v second_o by_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o three_o by_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n which_o it_o contain_v for_o the_o place_n it_o be_v utter_v from_o behind_o he_o which_o the_o lord_n observe_v to_o stir_v up_o â—â—re_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o usual_o man_n do_v more_o careful_o mark_v those_o thing_n which_o come_v on_o a_o sudden_a behind_o they_o than_o those_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v direct_o before_o their_o face_n second_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o this_o voice_n be_v great_a as_o be_v express_v further_o by_o a_o similitude_n like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n that_o be_v full_a of_o power_n and_o majesty_n which_o also_o god_n add_v unto_o it_o to_o further_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o ordinary_a voice_n or_o small_a he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o have_v regard_v it_o but_o be_v so_o sudden_a so_o great_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n it_o can_v not_o but_o make_v he_o very_o attentive_a now_o see_v christ_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o prepare_v johns_n mind_n with_o attention_n and_o diligence_n to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v tell_v he_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n of_o attention_n for_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o john_n then_o be_v it_o far_o more_o necessary_a for_o we_o who_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o in_o all_o gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n and_o here_o also_o be_v another_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n and_o little_a like_n of_o god_n word_n namely_o want_v of_o attention_n in_o the_o heart_n we_o must_v therefore_o like_o godly_a lydia_n act._n 16._o stir_v up_o our_o dull_a and_o heavy_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o diligence_n mark_v the_o thing_n we_o hear_v and_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o enemy_n to_o attention_n the_o first_o be_v by-thought_n as_o when_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v present_a but_o the_o mind_n wander_v from_o the_o word_n and_o be_v whole_o possess_v with_o thought_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o worldly_a affair_n for_o these_o be_v thorn_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n many_o will_v complain_v they_o can_v mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v now_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o themselves_o their_o wander_a thought_n which_o hinder_v both_o understanding_n and_o memory_n for_o the_o mind_n conceive_v other_o matter_n can_v observe_v how_o one_o point_n depend_v on_o another_o much_o less_o remember_v they_o afterward_o the_o second_o enemy_n to_o attention_n be_v dulness_n and_o heaviness_n in_o body_n &_o soul_n a_o common_a fault_n in_o many_o hearer_n which_o show_v itself_o by_o drowsiness_n and_o sleepiness_n in_o the_o time_n of_o preach_v when_o they_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o their_o body_n and_o heart_n to_o all_o attention_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o his_o prince_n be_v speak_v unto_o he_o of_o some_o weighty_a matter_n that_o be_v for_o his_o good_a it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o part_n of_o contempt_n and_o disloyalty_n towards_o his_o majesty_n what_o disloyalty_n then_o be_v this_o unto_o the_o king_n of_o king_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o sure_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n unto_o salvation_n we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v and_o in_o hear_v
golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o i_o hear_v this_o sudden_a and_o mighty_a voice_n i_o turn_v myself_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o utter_v the_o same_o in_o this_o behaviour_n of_o john_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o word_n as_o john_n dispose_v himself_o towards_o christ_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o vision_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o voice_n speak_v john_n hearken_v and_o because_o the_o sound_n thereof_o come_v behind_o he_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o utter_v it_o even_o so_o must_v we_o do_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n stranger_n with_o god_n slow_a to_o hear_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o ready_a to_o turn_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n when_o we_o hear_v therefore_o when_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n we_o must_v hearken_v and_o though_o we_o be_v go_v another_o way_n yet_o we_o must_v turn_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o voice_n that_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o saint_n john_n have_v not_o see_v this_o marvelous_a vision_n unless_o he_o have_v turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v he_o that_o speak_v no_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n unless_o we_o turn_v our_o heart_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o that_o betimes_o while_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n viz._n the_o entrance_n thereunto_o the_o second_o part_n it_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o vision_n contain_v a_o most_o worthy_a representation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o a_o description_n of_o christ_n continue_v from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n wherein_o john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v and_o partly_o by_o see_v and_o first_o he_o begin_v his_o description_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o see_v he_o represent_v in_o vision_n and_o so_o describe_v he_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o place_n where_o he_o see_v he_o second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n wherein_o he_o appear_v i._o for_o the_o place_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v himself_o vers_fw-la 20._o now_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n for_o that_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o they_o for_o as_o the_o candlestick_n serve_v to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n that_o be_v set_v therein_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n they_o bear_v up_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o call_v candlestick_n than_o candle_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o or_o from_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v god_n instrument_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a true_a lamp_n and_o candle_n that_o give_v light_a to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n second_o hence_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n must_v learn_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v a_o shine_a and_o burn_a candle_n indeed_o this_o principal_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n john_n 5._o vers_fw-la 35._o but_o yet_o it_o must_v also_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o member_n thereof_o as_o saint_n paul_n command_v 16._o shine_v say_v he_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n quest._n how_o shall_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n become_v a_o burn_a light_n answ._n first_o he_o must_v have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o then_o as_o a_o candlestick_n hold_v out_o and_o send_v forth_o the_o beaâ—es_n thereof_o to_o other_o partly_o by_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n and_o partly_o by_o example_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n thus_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v god_n commandment_n shine_v as_o light_n say_v s._n paul_n in_o the_o world_n philip_n 2.15_o and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n ephes._n 5.8_o second_o consider_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o which_o be_v wonderful_a great_a for_o by_o godly_a instruction_n in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o answerable_a obedience_n in_o our_o life_n we_o win_v many_o to_o the_o lord_n show_v forth_o such_o light_n whereby_o other_o may_v walk_v in_o this_o dark_a world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a light_n in_o the_o winter_n season_n man_n think_v they_o do_v other_o great_a pleasure_n if_o in_o the_o night_n they_o hang_v forth_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v passenger_n a_o little_a way_n in_o a_o earthly_a walk_n what_o a_o bless_a thing_n then_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v guide_v a_o sinful_a wicked_a wretch_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n live_v in_o god_n church_n like_o candle_n put_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n hence_o come_v great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o other_o with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o they_o lead_v other_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n especial_o they_o who_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o conscience_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o good_a example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o as_o in_o a_o haven_n town_n if_o any_o man_n in_o the_o night_n time_n do_v remove_v the_o sea-mark_a which_o guide_v the_o ship_n in_o the_o right_a channel_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v near_o the_o shore_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n even_o so_o they_o that_o shall_v give_v light_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o false_a light_n to_o such_o as_o depend_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v sail_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n hereby_o they_o lead_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a haven_n and_o instead_o of_o heaven_n bring_v their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n which_o must_v terrify_v we_o from_o ignorance_n and_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v we_o labour_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o this_o world_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o godly_a conversation_n three_o reason_n consider_v the_o fearful_a judgment_n of_o god_n against_o such_o as_o live_v in_o his_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o yet_o give_v no_o light_n they_o do_v incur_v the_o fearful_a wrath_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o temple_n the_o keep_n of_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n and_o other_o instrument_n to_o trim_v the_o same_o which_o notable_o figure_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n who_o look_v to_o every_o light_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v to_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o a_o lamp_n and_o when_o they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o dark_a he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n to_o trim_v they_o and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o better_a light_n both_o by_o godly_a life_n and_o good_a instruction_n but_o when_o he_o have_v snuff_v they_o again_o and_o again_o if_o still_o they_o burn_v dark_a and_o dim_a and_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o else_o a_o false_a light_n
of_o hart_n and_o profaneness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n these_o must_v know_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v on_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o come_v out_o of_o this_o estate_n &_o endeavour_n so_o to_o hear_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v unto_o god_n both_o in_o mind_n heart_n and_o life_n ii_o point_n the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o to_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v and_o with_o attention_n to_o bring_v faith_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n every_o way_n eph._n 4.21_o 22_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n be_v notable_o describe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mindâ—_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o utter_v it_o as_o to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o risâ—_n 〈◊〉_d newness_n of_o life_n and_o indeed_o a_o man_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v again_o to_o be_v admonish_v that_o we_o so_o hear_v with_o attention_n that_o by_o hear_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o that_o with_o our_o change_n we_o join_v â—are_v to_o believe_v and_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o iâ—_n that_o save_v hearing_n which_o bring_v eternal_a life_n all_o other_o hear_n do_v increase_v our_o sin_n to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n whereby_o also_o appear_v the_o fearful_a state_n of_o many_o who_o lend_v only_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n to_o hâ—â—re_v the_o word_n but_o then_o heart_n be_v not_o move_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v thereby_o iii_o point_n what_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n say_v â—nto_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o go_v beâ—ore_o &_o not_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o thiâ—_n commandment_n belong_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o go_v before_o the_o promise_n follow_v rather_o concern_v the_o person_n themselves_o than_o the_o matter_n the_o thing_n then_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v these_o christ_n his_o sharp_a reproof_n for_o sin_n his_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n a_o remedy_n prescribe_v &_o motive_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o especial_o repentance_n for_o of_o all_o these_o christ_n speak_v before_o use_n from_o this_o that_o christ_n bid_v they_o hear_v these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n in_o sin_n &_o amendment_n by_o repentance_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o the_o same_o second_o that_o after_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n have_v consider_v of_o theri_fw-la sin_n and_o of_o god_n judgement_n it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v and_o if_o they_o have_v repent_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o daily_a &_o do_v it_o more_o that_o so_o god_n judgement_n both_o private_a and_o common_a may_v be_v avoid_v we_o therefore_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o search_v into_o our_o own_o way_n to_o find_v out_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v that_o by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o so_o escape_v his_o fearful_a iudgementâ—_n further_o these_o word_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n contain_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n to_o move_v every_o man_n to_o hear_v i._o because_o they_o be_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o because_o they_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o one_o man_n oâ—_n one_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o churcheâ—_n for_o the_o firstâ—_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d demand_v seeinâ—_n christ_n spâ—ke_v thâ—se_a wordâ—_n how_o 〈…〉_z be_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v theâ—_n ans._n both_o may_v stand_v first_o because_o all_o the_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v common_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z to_o â—each_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o the_o father_n create_v thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o son_n also_o create_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n create_v they_o so_o herâ—_n when_o the_o son_n reach_v the_o father_n teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v for_o as_o the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o must_v they_o be_v join_v in_o all_o outward_a action_n second_o christ_n say_v the_o spirit_n speak_v because_o he_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o teach_v his_o church_n in_o bodily_a presence_n but_o hy_z his_o spirit_n which_o after_o his_o ascension_n he_o send_v to_o be_v their_o comforter_n and_o instructor_n here_o then_o observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o speak_v unto_o man_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n because_o say_v they_o a_o judge_n must_v speak_v and_o christ_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o church_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o dumb_a letter_n and_o can_v speak_v therefore_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o the_o church_n can_v be_v judge_n it_o be_v but_o christ_n minister_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o he_o command_v christ_n therefore_o must_v be_v judge_n unto_o his_o church_n by_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o dumb_a judge_n for_o therein_o his_o spirit_n speak_v plain_o and_o sufficient_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o any_o point_n in_o controversy_n that_o be_v needful_a in_o god_n church_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o attention_n be_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o all_o church_n where_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n agree_v to_o all_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a duty_n in_o read_v and_o hear_a god_n holy_a word_n namely_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o applicacation_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o flourish_a knowledge_n of_o the_o story_n but_o apply_v every_o precept_n and_o example_n unto_o ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o for_o imitation_n if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o vice_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o move_v we_o to_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v the_o like_a for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o learn_v that_o which_o he_o speak_v unto_o one_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n to_o wit_n a_o most_o excellent_a promise_n wherein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v for_o the_o first_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o fight_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n sin_n sathan_n hell_n and_o condemnation_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o overcome_v these_o enemy_n first_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcom_v the_o world_n so_o by_o regeneration_n he_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n death_n sin_n and_o satan_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v and_o renounce_v himself_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o death_n passion_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ._n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n which_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n his_o victory_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o subdue_v his_o own_o corruption_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n three_o he_o that_o will_v overcome_v must_v keep_v faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n stand_v out_o in_o life_n and_o death_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o use_n in_o this_o that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v first_o we_o observe_v that_o
this_o duty_n especial_o concern_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v teach_v the_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n and_o beat_v down_o false_a doctrine_n which_o poison_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n if_o in_o the_o night_n season_n a_o man_n set_v up_o a_o false_a light_n in_o the_o haven_n all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v to_o land_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o shipwreck_n so_o in_o god_n church_n if_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o pure_a religion_n be_v not_o set_v up_o and_o advance_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n the_o want_n of_o care_n in_o perform_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n send_v heresy_n and_o apostasy_n into_o his_o church_n thus_o come_v in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11_o because_o man_n love_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o i_o no_o doubt_n will_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o if_o we_o have_v not_o care_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n verse_n 26._o for_o he_o that_o overcom_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o nation_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v 28._o even_o as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n so_o will_v i_o give_v he_o the_o morning_n star_n 29._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n vers_fw-la 26_o 27_o 28._o second_o a_o commandment_n vers_fw-la 29._o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o the_o benefit_n promise_v the_o party_n to_o who_o be_v every_o one_o that_o overcom_v who_o christ_n describe_v by_o a_o property_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o keep_v his_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o description_n of_o true_a obedience_n first_o the_o form_n thereof_o consist_v in_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o do_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o of_o a_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o god_n accept_v their_o will_n and_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a obedience_n itself_o this_o we_o must_v know_v and_o hold_v for_o truth_n for_o many_o have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n and_o thereupon_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_v yet_o they_o must_v know_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o if_o they_o have_v care_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n and_o make_v conscience_n to_o obey_v that_o which_o they_o know_v than_o they_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n promise_v second_o obedience_n be_v here_o describe_v by_o the_o object_n or_o matter_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v all_o such_o work_n as_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o those_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o member_n use_n hereby_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o he_o that_o will_v obey_v god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v not_o think_v his_o own_o thought_n speak_v his_o own_o word_n nor_o do_v his_o own_o deed_n but_o he_o must_v think_v speak_v &_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n will_v have_v he_o second_o that_o no_o work_n be_v or_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o be_v ordain_v by_o he_o isaiah_n 29.13_o complain_v of_o they_o that_o will_v teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o man_n commandment_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n commandment_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o our_o obedience_n this_o rule_n overthrow_v all_o other_o religion_n beside_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o papist_n for_o almost_o all_o their_o work_n be_v of_o man_n invent_v and_o be_v never_o ordain_v by_o christ_n such_o be_v most_o point_n in_o popery_n as_o say_v of_o mass_n go_v on_o pilgrimage_n fasting_n vow_v and_o pray_v to_o saint_n etc._n etc._n three_o whereas_o he_o â—aith_v my_o work_n mean_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o all_o his_o work_n we_o learn_v that_o true_a obedience_n consist_v in_o do_v all_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v never_o part_v stake_n god_n must_v either_o have_v all_o our_o work_n or_o none_o and_o therefore_o david_n say_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v because_o 119.6_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n and_o good_a king_n josiaâ—_n be_v commâ—nded_v for_o that_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o 25_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n this_o point_n must_v be_v learn_v of_o all_o for_o many_o think_v if_o they_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n with_o 20_o herod_n all_o be_v well_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n many_o a_o man_n abhor_v covetousness_n and_o pride_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o true_a obedience_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o four_o branch_n of_o true_a obedience_n it_o be_v constant_a that_o obedience_n which_o christ_n will_v reward_v must_v not_o be_v for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o year_n but_o from_o time_n to_o time_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n and_o thus_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o obedience_n not_o by_o some_o particular_a action_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o a_o man_n life_n put_v case_n a_o man_n have_v make_v conscience_n of_o all_o his_o way_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o in_o sickness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o extremity_n thereof_o be_v distract_v and_o rave_v blaspheme_v god_n and_o so_o die_v what_o must_v we_o judge_v of_o this_o man_n sure_o we_o must_v not_o censure_v he_o by_o his_o behaviour_n in_o his_o sickness_n but_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v thâ—â—enour_n of_o his_o life_n if_o that_o have_v be_v upright_o than_o his_o obedience_n be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v reward_v ii_o point_n the_o benefit_n promise_v and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v power_n to_o rule_n verse_n 27._o 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v even_o as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n the_o second_o be_v the_o morning_n star_n verse_n 28._o where_o note_v by_o the_o way_n that_o these_o word_n even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n be_v refer_v amiss_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o morning_n star_n when_o as_o they_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o former_a word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o i_o have_v receive_v power_n over_o nation_n of_o my_o father_n so_o will_v i_o give_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v power_n to_o rule_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o iron_n etc._n etc._n now_o come_v to_o the_o benefit_n first_o here_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o nation_n christâ—_n power_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v very_o great_a and_o here_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o three_o argument_n borrow_v from_o the_o second_o psalm_n verse_n 8.9_o first_o by_o the_o largeness_n of_o it_o iâ—_n reach_v not_o to_o one_o country_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o country_n and_o to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o nation_n second_o by_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o it_o christ_n power_n be_v absolute_a in_o rule_v and_o overrule_a and_o this_o his_o sovereignty_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o make_v law_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o keep_v he_o may_v just_o condemn_v they_o and_o in_o overrule_a the_o will_n of_o all_o man_n conform_v they_o to_o his_o will_n will_v they_o will_v they_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o he_o shall_v rule_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n second_o in_o that_o he_o have_v this_o absolute_a power_n in_o himself_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v 1.18_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v three_o by_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o christ_n receive_v this_o power_n from_o his_o father_n indeed_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o his_o father_n and_o have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n his_o power_n be_v give_v he_o of_o his_o father_n mat._n 28.18_o for_o the_o better_a
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 1â—.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 â—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 diâ—_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 1â—_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 â—he_n world_n effectual_o unto_o salvation_n use_n for_o how_o can_v thâ—y_o be_v call_v that_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n but_o all_o in_o all_o age_n never_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n albeit_o 〈◊〉_d the_o come_n of_o christ_n their_o sound_n have_v go_v forth_o into_o all_o nation_n second_o this_o show_v the_o fondness_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v grace_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n unto_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v save_v if_o he_o will_v for_o the_o mean_n to_o receive_v grace_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n which_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n never_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o duty_n prescribe_v be_v the_o hold_v fast_o of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o hold_v fast_o here_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n second_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n of_o these_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o cap._n 2.25_o the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o repent_v where_o by_o repentance_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o same_o for_o their_o hardness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o they_o do_v slack_o and_o cold_o practice_v the_o good_a duty_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v use_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v renew_v the_o same_o continual_o &_o that_o not_o for_o gross_a sin_n only_o but_o even_o for_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o for_o our_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o for_o our_o hypocrisy_n and_o decay_v in_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o this_o church_n be_v very_o dead_a and_o dull_a of_o heart_n therefore_o christ_n add_v a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o here_o mark_v christ_n order_n and_o deal_n have_v prescribe_v a_o remedy_n for_o their_o fault_n he_o give_v they_o a_o direction_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o after_o add_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n to_o drive_v they_o thereunto_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v against_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o that_o end_n remember_v my_o word_n hold_v fast_o the_o same_o and_o repent_v then_o look_v as_o a_o thief_n come_v upon_o a_o man_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o spoil_n his_o good_n and_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o his_o child_n so_o will_v i_o come_v on_o thou_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o power_n upon_o thou_o my_o wrath_n whereby_o i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d cut_v the_o throat_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o mean_n to_o escape_v my_o punishment_n here_o christ_n threaten_v sudden_a and_o speedy_a destruction_n but_o yet_o with_o condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o repentance_n now_o because_o we_o be_v like_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a peace_n which_o we_o enjoy_v we_o may_v also_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o threaten_n at_o this_o day_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o dead_a heart_n we_o must_v watch_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o this_o end_n must_v have_v in_o memory_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o repent_v continual_o of_o all_o want_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o then_o be_v the_o vengeance_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o without_o measure_n and_o that_o sudden_o when_o we_o can_v prevent_v they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o will_v move_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o watchfulness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o awake_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o sin_n than_o nothing_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v unavoidable_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n have_v some_o thousand_o year_n allot_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n there_o be_v some_o cause_n why_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o they_o but_o see_v this_o punishment_n be_v eternal_a and_o when_o many_o thousand_o year_n be_v expire_v they_o be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n of_o their_o woe_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v therefore_o it_o must_v stir_v up_o all_o dead_a and_o drowsy_a heart_n unto_o repentance_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o shake_v off_o security_n ignorance_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o every_o sin_n vers._n 4._o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardie_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o thâ—y_n shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n do_v thus_o depend_v upon_o those_o which_o go_v before_o whereas_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o have_v only_o a_o name_n to_o live_v some_o man_n may_v aâ—ke_v how_o it_o can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o this_o christ_n answer_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o though_o the_o great_a part_n in_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n yet_o some_o few_o there_o be_v among_o they_o that_o be_v alive_a in_o christ_n and_o do_v testify_v the_o the_o same_o by_o true_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n in_o this_o coherence_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o instruction_n i._o that_o a_o particular_a congregation_n on_o earth_n be_v make_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o call_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n elect_v therein_o who_o do_v true_o believe_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a true_o beleve_v in_o christ_n &_o particular_a congregation_n be_v member_n of_o it_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o rest_n that_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n but_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n like_v unto_o superfluous_a humour_n which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o no_o part_n thereof_o this_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o teach_v that_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v reject_v in_o god_n decree_n may_v yet_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o this_o coherence_n christ_n intimate_v unto_o we_o a_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o church_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o this_o church_n be_v man_n call_v profess_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o yet_o of_o they_o some_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o other_o be_v alive_a in_o christ._n touch_v this_o distinction_n of_o man_n we_o must_v search_v the_o cause_n thereof_o it_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o power_n or_o will_v in_o man_n but_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v for_o when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelite_n have_v give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n there_o be_v yet_o 11.4_o seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o live_v like_a to_o the_o other_o israelite_n surely_n nothing_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o themselves_o but_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o have_v preserve_v and_o keep_v they_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o erroneous_a and_o false_a the_o divinity_n of_o some_o protestant_n be_v use_n which_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n be_v renew_v by_o grace_n say_v that_o god_n give_v to_o everye_o man_n save_v grace_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o yet_o because_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v still_o remain_v sinful_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o obey_v
another_o and_o yet_o beseech_v they_o to_o increase_v therein_o phil._n 3.13.4_o in_o paul_n person_n we_o have_v a_o worthy_a precedent_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v if_o we_o think_v to_o come_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o though_o he_o have_v go_v far_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o labour_v to_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o consider_v not_o that_o which_o be_v past_a as_o rest_v in_o it_o but_o rather_o how_o far_o he_o be_v too_o short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v use_v mean_n to_o increase_v in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o other_o good_a grace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o perfection_n a_o christian_n man_v life_n be_v a_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o once_o set_v foot_n must_v â—uer_o go_v forward_o and_o not_o stand_v still_o or_o turn_v back_o lest_o we_o never_o come_v there_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o child_n which_o still_o grow_v till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a strength_n and_o so_o must_v every_o child_n of_o god_n labour_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o stand_v still_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o they_o the_o rhemist_n in_o their_o annotation_n abuse_v this_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o text_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n thiâ—_n question_n must_v be_v scan_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n answ._n grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o for_o that_o favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o some_o for_o his_o child_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o and_o take_v grace_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v lose_v but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v be_v lose_v of_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v when_o a_o earthly_a father_n be_v displease_v with_o his_o child_n for_o some_o notorious_a crime_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o sign_n of_o displeasure_n and_o show_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o stripe_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o continue_v his_o father_n and_o hold_v he_o for_o his_o son_n without_o any_o purpose_n to_o disinherit_v he_o even_o so_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o love_a countenance_n from_o they_o and_o change_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n when_o as_o yet_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o their_o adoption_n be_v not_o alter_v but_o remain_v firm_a for_o ever_o and_o god_n be_v still_o their_o father_n though_o a_o angry_a father_n through_o the_o provocation_n of_o their_o sin_n second_o grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n these_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o more_o principal_a of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v save_v as_o faith_n and_o also_o hope_v and_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n there_o be_v other_o also_o less_o principal_a which_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o requisite_a yet_o not_o absolute_o needful_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n alacrity_n in_o prayer_n &_o sense_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o less_o principal_a grace_n may_v quite_o be_v lose_v the_o principal_a grace_n also_o may_v be_v decay_v lessen_v and_o cover_v in_o regard_n of_o operation_n even_o in_o god_n child_n but_o quite_o extinguish_v they_o can_v be_v for_o god_n uphold_v they_o by_o perseverance_n where_o faith_n hope_n &_o love_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n they_o be_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o take_v away_o but_o only_o in_o part_n and_o in_o sense_n and_o feel_n for_o a_o time_n this_o answer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o text_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v here_o blame_v not_o for_o quite_o lose_v her_o loveâ—_n but_o because_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o waxelesse_a than_o it_o be_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o because_o this_o doctrine_n be_v oppugn_v earnest_o not_o only_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o by_o some_o church_n and_o school_n of_o the_o protestant_n i_o will_v first_o show_v the_o truth_n hereof_o out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o scan_v the_o chief_a reason_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o grace_n can_v be_v whole_o and_o final_o lose_v these_o reason_n prove_v i._o matth._n 16.18_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o upon_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o profess_v christ_n will_v build_v his_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o which_o last_o word_n must_v be_v mark_v for_o they_o intimate_v that_o the_o devil_n with_o his_o adherent_n will_v show_v much_o force_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a but_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o get_v the_o victory_n or_o overcome_v it_o whole_o ii_o matth._n 24.24_o christ_n foretell_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v say_v they_o shall_v seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_a where_o he_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o elect_v albeit_o they_o may_v be_v assault_v grievous_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o or_o final_o draw_v away_o from_o their_o faith_n iii_o john_n 10.27_o 28_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v to_o this_o they_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v never_o perish_v so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o cavil_n be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o next_o word_n neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o flesh_n can_v by_o any_o temptation_n draw_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n from_o their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o sheep_n iv._o reason_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n they_o say_v he_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n and_o no_o otherwise_o i_o answer_v if_o they_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n they_o shall_v never_o perish_v 5.5_o for_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a v._o reason_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinat_a they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o be_v justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o be_v glorify_v those_o which_o be_v elect_v call_v and_o justify_v by_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v glorify_v and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v away_o final_o for_o such_o shall_v never_o be_v glorify_v and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 38._o he_o add_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n angel_n principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v separate_v we_o viz._n the_o faithful_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n but_o if_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v away_o final_o than_o they_o may_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n vi_o reason_n rom._n 11.29_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n call_v that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v without_o repentance_n they_o say_v it_o be_v true_a god_n indeed_o never_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o gift_n but_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v and_o fall_v away_o because_o he_o may_v refuse_v and_o reject_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o answer_n be_v frivolous_a maintain_v this_o absurdity_n that_o the_o powerful_a will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o silly_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o man_n can_v repel_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o than_o shall_v man_n will_v take_v place_n and_o god_n will_v be_v make_v frustrate_a and_o void_a vii_o reason_n 1._o john_n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o because_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n how_o be_v that_o true_a for_o chap._n 1.10_o he_o that_o say_v he_o have_v not_o sin_v make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o he_o answ._n the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v