epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n 1._o we_o shall_v first_o premise_v that_o as_o those_o two_o follow_a prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o of_o the_o open_a book_n reach_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n so_o this_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n reach_v also_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o seem_v congruous_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o vision_n itself_o and_o from_o the_o follow_a example_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o the_o open_a book_n we_o shall_v premise_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o as_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a that_o four_o of_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n be_v direct_o significant_a of_o some_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n smyrna_n pergamus_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n so_o it_o be_v exceed_o credible_a that_o the_o other_o three_o name_n may_v allude_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v set_v out_o their_o nature_n and_o condition_n also_o viz._n ephesus_n thyatira_n and_o sardis_n as_o we_o shall_v take_v more_o express_a notice_n in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o exposition_n last_o which_o may_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_a have_v be_v note_v at_o first_o this_o more_o mystical_a sense_n which_o we_o be_v now_o a-rendring_a of_o the_o seven_o church_n do_v not_o at_o all_o clash_n with_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o nor_o exclude_v that_o useful_a applicability_n of_o they_o for_o the_o reproof_n or_o praise_n of_o any_o church_n particular_a in_o any_o time_n or_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o be_v for_o the_o like_a thing_n obnoxious_a or_o commendable_a but_o the_o distinct_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o watchfulness_n and_o foresight_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n may_v haply_o be_v more_o illustrate_v and_o display_v by_o this_o mystical_a way_n of_o exposition_n then_o by_o that_o literal_a or_o moral_a 2._o we_o will_v therefore_o distinguish_v the_o whole_a duration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o also_o the_o other_o prophecy_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n seem_v chief_o to_o regard_v into_o seven_o intervall_n and_o will_v suppose_v the_o first_o interval_n to_o end_v where_o the_o second_o begin_v viz._n in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o nero_n or_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 63._o 3._o which_o period_n therefore_o of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n end_v so_o early_o even_o about_o thirty_o year_n before_o st._n john_n writing_n the_o apocalypse_n agree_v excellent_o well_o with_o that_o passage_n ch._n 1._o v._n 18_o 19_o where_o after_o christ_n declare_v himself_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o as_o before_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o be_v call_v he_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v and_o his_o mention_v his_o own_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o how_o that_o he_o will_v be_v alive_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o present_o infer_v write_v therefore_o what_o thing_n thou_o have_v see_v what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o thing_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o which_o he_o express_o and_o immediate_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n ver_fw-la 20._o which_o be_v worth_a the_o note_n what_o thing_n thou_o have_v see_v already_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o life_n past_a namely_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n what_o thing_n be_v now_o present_a viz._n the_o smyrnian_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o thou_o be_v and_o tast_a of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o in_o this_o thy_o exile_n here_o in_o patmos_n for_o the_o ten_o persecution_n be_v then_o already_o begin_v and_o john_n be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o they_o and_o what_o thing_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o namely_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o period_n of_o the_o smyrnian_a church_n and_o in_o the_o period_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n succeed_v and_o questionless_a the_o vision_n of_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o â—â—_o white_a horse_n respect_v what_o be_v then_o past_a namely_o christ_n first_o warfare_n upon_o his_o conquest_n of_o death_n and_o his_o be_v mount_v into_o his_o glorify_v body_n who_o after_o from_o on_o high_a send_v down_o succour_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o assisted_z and_o and_o manage_v that_o illustrious_a battle_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o apostolic_a time_n so_o successful_o and_o glorious_o that_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o within_o the_o space_n of_o the_o ephesine_n period_n 4._o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o scruple_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n represent_v a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n past_a but_o only_o that_o it_o seem_v improper_a to_o direct_v a_o epistle_n to_o a_o church_n then_o out_o of_o be_v but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n with_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v seven_o successive_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n for_o make_v the_o exitus_fw-la of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n reach_n beyond_o s._n john_n time_n suppose_v to_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 100_o or_o thereabouts_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n will_v be_v write_v to_o church_n not_o yet_o in_o be_v and_o some_o many_o hundred_o nay_o thousand_o of_o year_n ere_o they_o shall_v be_v which_o yet_o they_o must_v not_o count_v absurd_a 5._o the_o brief_a account_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o drive_v on_o two_o main_a design_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n at_o once_o the_o one_o most_o effectual_o to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v the_o church_n to_o do_v well_o to_o stick_v to_o truth_n and_o holiness_n through_o all_o the_o trial_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n as_o also_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o whether_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n idolatry_n sensuality_n or_o whatever_o remissness_n in_o manner_n for_o which_o design_n this_o epistolar_n way_n be_v exceed_o accommodate_v it_o bear_v the_o form_n of_o personal_o speak_v to_o people_n and_o so_o the_o more_o forcible_o make_v they_o take_v notice_n in_o a_o manner_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o of_o what_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o the_o other_o design_n and_o that_o so_o lay_v as_o not_o to_o forego_v the_o former_a advantage_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o foresight_n to_o show_v how_o all_o thing_n lie_v bare_a before_o his_o eye_n in_o such_o order_n and_o succession_n as_o they_o be_v in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n that_o former_a design_n be_v plain_o pursue_v and_o attain_v understand_v they_o direct_v to_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n then_o in_o be_v and_o in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n in_o the_o moral_a sense_n these_o epistle_n i_o say_v be_v so_o applicable_a to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o age_n thereof_o place_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_a circumstance_n of_o condition_n with_o these_o asiatic_a church_n this_o epistolar_n way_n will_v have_v a_o considerable_a efficacy_n and_o influence_n upon_o they_o for_o either_o animation_n or_o reproof_n 6._o but_o now_o the_o great_a question_n be_v why_o the_o prophetical_a design_n discoverable_a in_o the_o mystical_a interpretation_n shall_v have_v be_v couch_v in_o this_o epistolar_n way_n especial_o the_o epistle_n to_o ephesus_n be_v write_v after_o the_o ephesine_n period_n be_v expire_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o prophetical_a design_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o ephesine_n church_n in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n but_o for_o future_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v take_v in_o only_a to_o make_v up_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o several_a distinct_a state_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o but_o this_o epistolar_n way_n be_v still_o retain_v in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o usefulness_n it_o have_v in_o the_o literal_a to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n then_o real_o in_o be_v for_o so_o soon_o as_o any_o of_o these_o letter_n by_o this_o mystical_a sense_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o successive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o now_o for_o example_n as_o will_v appear_v anon_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o protestant_a church_n or_o reform_a christendom_n this_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n
ought_v to_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o sardis_n be_v in_o asia_n minor_fw-la and_o this_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v once_o understand_v it_o will_v be_v of_o the_o like_a usefulness_n to_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n especial_o and_o also_o to_o the_o laodicean_n wherefore_o the_o objection_n be_v but_o small_a consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o epistolar_n way_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o the_o mystical_a for_o as_o in_o a_o entire_a vision_n where_o the_o beginning_n be_v touch_v something_o past_a or_o present_a all_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o prophetical_a though_o that_o part_n that_o respect_v thing_n past_a be_v but_o historical_a representation_n so_o in_o this_o entire_a epistolar_n vision_n though_o the_o first_o part_n be_v epistolar_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o historical_a representation_n exhibit_v time_n and_o person_n past_a as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a to_o be_v write_v to_o and_o that_o for_o uniformity_n sake_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n as_o what_o be_v pass_v in_o history_n under_o the_o form_n of_o prophetical_a vision_n as_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n which_o be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n though_o the_o representation_n be_v of_o what_o be_v partly_o past_a and_o partly_o present_a but_o what_o be_v to_o come_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o vision_n prophetical_a but_o now_o beside_o all_o this_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n there_o be_v then_o a_o church_n in_o ephesus_n when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o it_o and_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n it_o be_v applicable_a to_o any_o church_n that_o do_v ephesize_n in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o at_o any_o time_n the_o objection_n in_o my_o judgement_n have_v melt_v into_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o exception_n we_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o place_v the_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o ephesine_n succession_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n reign_n and_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o till_o then_o let_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o title_n of_o ephesus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o about_o three_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n after_o christ_n under_o the_o name_n of_o smyrna_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o albigenses_n and_o waldenses_n let_v she_o be_v the_o church_n dwell_v in_o pergamus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o whole_a nation_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n let_v the_o same_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o thyatira_n from_o that_o time_n protestantisme_n become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n till_o the_o last_o vial_n let_v this_o church_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n from_o that_o time_n till_o the_o four_o thunder_n let_v it_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o philadelphia_n 38._o from_o the_o four_o thunder_n till_o christ_n come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o cloud_n let_v the_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o laodicea_n these_o be_v the_o seven_o interval_n which_o how_o well_o they_o will_v fit_v with_o the_o title_n of_o these_o distinct_a successive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o vision_n i_o will_v anon_o endeavour_v to_o unfold_v chap._n ii_o a_o far_a preparation_n out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n whereby_o this_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v more_o clear_o assure_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o prophetical_a or_o mystical_a sense_n we_o will_v first_o make_v some_o far_a remark_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypso_n where_o we_o will_v make_v only_o this_o one_o modest_a supposition_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v down_o nothing_o immethodical_o nor_o in_o vain_a or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o vain_o immethodicall_a wherefore_o upon_o the_o very_a first_o verse_n which_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o 1._o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v some_o short_o and_o other_o some_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n as_o all_o interpreter_n agree_v i_o can_v but_o note_v this_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v but_o respicere_fw-la titulum_fw-la as_o most_o certain_o he_o will_v he_o will_v set_v down_o no_o entire_a vision_n as_o this_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v but_o they_o must_v in_o the_o main_n be_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o of_o thing_n present_v mere_o and_o not_o hide_v but_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o mention_v be_v to_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o something_o far_o must_v be_v mean_v by_o they_o then_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v not_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o title_n require_v but_o only_o of_o thing_n present_a or_o some_o promise_n or_o threaten_n that_o do_v not_o proper_o amount_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n no_o more_o than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n for_o 3._o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n this_o again_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o book_n be_v all_o of_o it_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o entire_a vision_n thereof_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n which_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o mere_a promise_n and_o threaten_n can_v make_v it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v those_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v adjoin_v and_o though_o the_o several_a state_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n may_v be_v applicable_a to_o several_a state_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o after-age_n in_o christendom_n l_o yet_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v in_o this_o literal_a sense_n by_o way_n of_o prediction_n but_o of_o example_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n of_o pious_a or_o impious_a action_n which_o repeated_o happen_v in_o all_o history_n whence_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o then_o thus_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n can_v be_v deem_v any_o prophecy_n and_o therefore_o be_v heterogeneous_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o title_n of_o the_o book_n 3._o but_o upon_o the_o so_o express_o call_v 4._o this_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n for_o john_n to_o salute_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n with_o this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v methinks_v it_o do_v even_o forcible_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o he_o so_o immediate_o fall_v upon_o be_v a_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o title_n immediate_o mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n beside_o that_o the_o description_n of_o the_o party_n in_o who_o name_n he_o salute_v they_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v do_v very_o natural_o insinuate_v that_o he_o be_v treat_v of_o what_o reach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o late_a age_n thereof_o which_o he_o insist_o more_o upon_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n behold_v he_o come_v 7._o with_o the_o cloud_n this_o reach_v the_o last_o period_n of_o laodicea_n when_o god_n will_v judge_v all_o people_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o also_o which_o pierce_v he_o and_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v because_o of_o he_o for_o the_o earth_n shall_v then_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o the_o work_v thereof_o even_o so_o amen_n this_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o the_o seven_o thunder_n in_o that_o dark_a hollow_a dungeon_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n let_v the_o son_n of_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n conceit_n what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n wherefore_o the_o mind_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v carry_v out_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a age_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o according_a as_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o 8._o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a that_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o reach_v from_o one_o end_n to_o another_o mighty_o and_o sweet_o order_v all_o thing_n this_o methinks_v strong_o insinuate_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o
belief_n of_o they_o against_o their_o own_o false_a sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n this_o have_v a_o more_o high_a meaning_n like_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o s._n john_n gospel_n and_o respect_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o in_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v but_o i_o believe_v also_o that_o be_v more_o particular_o insinuate_v here_o which_o be_v express_o declare_v of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o seventy_o by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6._o the_o beginner_n of_o that_o world_n or_o age_n under_o the_o messiah_n wherein_o he_o have_v as_o i_o intimate_v before_o carry_v on_o all_o thing_n so_o complete_o according_a to_o promise_n and_o prediction_n this_o seem_v a_o advantageous_a repetition_n of_o what_o be_v intimate_v before_o in_o that_o attribute_n of_o amen_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o be_v the_o beginner_n of_o this_o marvellous_a scene_n of_o thing_n from_o the_o time_n of_o my_o live_n on_o this_o earth_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o you_o see_v how_o steady_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v carry_v on_o according_a to_o prediction_n and_o prophecy_n wherefore_o believe_v i_o in_o the_o rest_n whether_o commination_n or_o promise_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o declare_v unto_o you_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o preface_n to_o the_o epistle_n 5._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o see_v thou_o to_o be_v 15._o in_o a_o tepid_a formal_a remiss_a dispensation_n thou_o hold_v still_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n for_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o thou_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o thy_o decease_a sister_n of_o philadelphia_n i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a though_o it_o be_v not_o better_o in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v better_o for_o thou_o thou_o be_v not_o so_o external_o good_a as_o thou_o be_v that_o thou_o may_v the_o soon_o be_v convince_v of_o thy_o own_o want_n and_o get_v into_o the_o state_n of_o repentance_n of_o mortification_n and_o final_o of_o regeneration_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v partake_v of_o my_o spirit_n but_o now_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o external_a image_n of_o warm_a flesh_n out_o of_o which_o life_n and_o soul_n do_v late_o depart_v even_o then_o when_o thy_o sister_n philadelphia_n depart_v out_o of_o this_o world_n thou_o be_v the_o external_a frame_n of_o that_o philadelphia_n but_o the_o spirit_n have_v leave_v thou_o 6._o so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a 16._o and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v i_o will_v declare_v in_o a_o torrent_n of_o word_n against_o thou_o how_o nauseous_a and_o distasteful_a thou_o be_v to_o i_o and_o how_o my_o stomach_n rise_v against_o thou_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n where_o he_o pour_v out_o those_o just_a reproach_n against_o she_o that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a or_o it_o may_v be_v there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o profound_a and_o yet_o not_o less_o solid_a mean_v in_o this_o commination_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v predictive_a of_o her_o utter_a extermination_n that_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n shall_v cease_v in_o she_o for_o the_o immenseness_n of_o christ_n divinity_n encompass_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o can_v vomit_v nothing_o out_o from_o he_o but_o it_o must_v therewith_o be_v cast_v into_o nonentity_n and_o the_o laodicean_n church_n be_v the_o last_o scene_n of_o providence_n and_o this_o church_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scene_n of_o affair_n on_o this_o earth_n for_o her_o sake_n be_v short_o to_o have_v a_o end_n for_o in_o the_o next_o thunder_n to_o this_o laodicean_n interval_n christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o present_o after_o be_v the_o conflagration_n and_o satan_n be_v to_o be_v let_v loose_a but_o a_o little_a time_n so_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o laodicean_n church_n can_v be_v long_o wherefore_o the_o commination_n i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n may_v well_o be_v a_o prediction_n of_o the_o utter_a extermination_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o be_v that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o as_o before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o flood_n god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v 6._o he_o that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o heart_n so_o christ_n here_o express_v how_o nauseous_a and_o stomack-sick_a he_o be_v against_o his_o church_n under_o this_o interval_n and_o title_n of_o laodicea_n how_o his_o choler_n and_o indignation_n rise_v against_o her_o lukewarmnesse_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v vomit_v she_o out_o in_o a_o flood_n of_o fire_n and_o overwhelm_v she_o in_o a_o deluge_n of_o hot_a scald_a sulphureous_a flame_n which_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o conflagration_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o its_o old_a age_n natural_o grow_v worse_a christ_n will_v think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o scene_n of_o thing_n and_o carry_v his_o to_o his_o celestial_a kingdom_n 7._o because_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a 17._o and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o the_o spiritlesnesse_n and_o inactivity_n of_o the_o laodicean_n church_n that_o she_o think_v she_o have_v all_o thing_n desirable_a already_o peace_n plenty_n power_n and_o dominion_n security_n from_o enemy_n profession_n of_o the_o truth_n purity_n in_o external_a worship_n rid_v of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n abundance_n of_o knowledge_n as_o well_o natural_a as_o theological_n the_o understanding_n of_o all_o prophecy_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o clear_a completion_n and_o the_o faithful_a and_o judicious_a interpretation_n of_o her_o predecessor_n no_o oppression_n no_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n every_o man_n live_v at_o quiet_a and_o enjoy_v himself_o under_o his_o own_o vine_n &_o under_o his_o own_o figtree_n what_o want_v we_o therefore_o be_v we_o not_o still_o the_o true_a philadelphian_a church_n and_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n descend_v from_o heaven_n in_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n thereof_o one_o will_v think_v so_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o carnal_a eye_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o amen_o say_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a christ_n say_v to_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o tribulation_n and_o poverty_n but_o thou_o be_v rich_a the_o primitive_a church_n while_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n be_v in_o they_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o want_n of_o all_o external_a comfort_n and_o under_o most_o dreadful_a persecution_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n be_v account_v rich_a but_o the_o laodicean_n in_o the_o affluence_n of_o all_o external_a blessing_n because_o they_o want_v that_o spirit_n of_o life_n be_v deem_v poor_a and_o miserable_a and_o naked_a as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o rag_n to_o hang_v on_o their_o back_n nay_o blind_a also_o for_o all_o their_o abundance_n of_o knowledge_n because_o they_o be_v devoid_a of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o inward_a live_a righteousness_n but_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a laodicean_n state_n or_o condition_n 8._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v est_fw-la be_v 18._o rich_a i_o advise_v thou_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v for_o that_o be_v the_o price_n thou_o must_v pay_v for_o this_o gold_n after_o the_o recovery_n of_o thyself_o into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n descend_v from_o heaven_n which_o city_n be_v of_o pure_a gold_n so_o purify_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o transparent_a glass_n this_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n in_o thou_o the_o transformation_n of_o thy_o nature_n into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a adam_n this_o be_v solid_a and_o durable_a riches_n indeed_o and_o such_o as_o will_v go_v along_o with_o thou_o into_o the_o high_a heaven_n when_o this_o earth_n and_o the_o metal_n therein_o shall_v melt_v with_o fire_n labour_v therefore_o after_o such_o a_o solid_a treasure_n as_o will_v abide_v those_o fatal_a flame_n and_o will_v not_o perish_v with_o thou_o in_o the_o general_a conflagration_n and_o the_o symbol_n of_o this_o treasure_n be_v this_o
better_a and_o therefore_o very_a few_o there_o be_v that_o will_v either_o attempt_v the_o amend_v of_o their_o own_o life_n or_o the_o encourage_n other_o so_o to_o do_v when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v plain_a according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n will_v have_v a_o most_o glorious_a reign_n upon_o earth_n but_o those_o that_o be_v averse_a from_o this_o belief_n be_v usual_o averse_a also_o from_o believe_v any_o certitude_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o prophecy_n they_o will_v not_o forsooth_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o pretend_v they_o can_v understand_v they_o especial_o such_o as_o either_o chastise_v the_o abominable_a wickedness_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o such_o as_o promise_v time_n transcendent_o better_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n much_o like_o that_o of_o ahaz_n when_o the_o prophet_n bid_v he_o ask_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n but_o he_o good_a modest_a hypocrite_n will_v not_o ask_v a_o sign_n neither_o will_v he_o tempt_v the_o 12._o lord_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o amuse_n nor_o distract_v his_o thought_n nor_o render_v himself_o more_o obnoxious_a by_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o supernatural_a evidence_n against_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o carnal_a mind_n under_o who_o government_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v and_o not_o be_v dissettled_a by_o the_o inlet_n of_o any_o high_a light_n the_o application_n be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a 17._o and_o last_o admit_v the_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o establish_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o grand_a point_n that_o this_o terrestrial_a scene_n will_v have_v a_o end_n and_o that_o at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o christ_n will_v visible_o come_v in_o judgement_n to_o reward_v all_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n that_o he_o will_v judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a according_a to_o the_o orthodox_n sense_n of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o as_o the_o exposition_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o convince_a as_o any_o other_o vision_n in_o the_o whole_a apocalypse_n so_o they_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a and_o reach_v the_o main_a design_n in_o a_o less_o compass_n of_o word_n and_o have_v not_o that_o operosenesse_n of_o synchronism_n necessary_o hang_v on_o they_o as_o the_o other_o have_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o be_v only_o seven_o intervall_n manifest_o succeed_v one_o another_o who_o bound_n so_o far_o as_o thing_n be_v pass_v be_v easy_o determinable_a and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o interval_n of_o sardis_n end_v where_o that_o of_o philadelphia_n begin_v and_o laodicea_n be_v the_o close_a of_o all_o which_o facility_n and_o comprehensiblenesse_n must_v needs_o improve_v the_o usefulnesse_n of_o these_o exposition_n very_o considerable_o and_o there_o want_v nothing_o but_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o name_n to_o be_v add_v for_o the_o easy_a applicability_n of_o the_o event_n to_o each_o interval_n i_o will_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o reader_n brief_o furnish_v they_o that_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n aforehand_o 18._o ephesus_z therefore_o with_o a_o allusion_n to_o the_o greek_a word_n ephesis_fw-la signify_v desire_n the_o first_o move_v principle_n that_o drive_v on_o a_o activity_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o main_a scope_n we_o aim_v at_o but_o with_o a_o allusion_n to_o aphesis_n it_o signisy_n remissness_n for_o which_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v 4._o blame_v or_o else_o allude_v again_o to_o aphesis_n it_o signify_v the_o start_n or_o let_v loose_a the_o racer_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o race_n which_o agree_v very_o fit_o with_o this_o ephesine_n interval_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o providence_n concern_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n smyrna_n signify_v myrrh_n intimate_v the_o bitter_a affliction_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n under_o the_o ten_o pagan_a persecution_n pergamus_n signify_v sublimity_n or_o exaltation_n intimate_v the_o raise_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o her_o former_a deject_a and_o afflict_a condition_n under_o the_o aforesaid_a persecution_n into_o a_o glorious_a triumph_n over_o paganism_n as_o it_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o conquest_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a it_o signify_v also_o or_o prefigure_n the_o enormous_a haughtiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o interval_n thyatira_n in_o allusion_n to_o thygatira_n a_o daughter_n intimate_v the_o more-then-ordinary_a womanishness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o interval_n but_o in_o allusion_n to_o thyateria_n altar_n of_o incense_n or_o sweet_a odour_n it_o signify_v the_o more-then-ordinary_a frequentness_n of_o burn_v the_o bless_a protestant_a martyr_n with_o fire_n and_o faggot_n in_o this_o period_n which_o cruelty_n though_o it_o be_v abominable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a church_n that_o commit_v it_o yet_o the_o suffering_n of_o those_o holy_a martyr_n in_o this_o manner_n out_o of_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a odour_n to_o he_o and_o very_o grateful_o accept_v of_o he_o sardis_n in_o allusion_n to_o sarda_n or_o lapis_fw-la sardius_n the_o same_o that_o carnalina_n signify_v the_o imperfect_a and_o carnal_a condition_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o be_v call_v sardian_n philadelphia_n which_o signify_v charity_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o a_o more_o special_a love_n to_o they_o of_o the_o true_a household_n of_o faith_n intimate_v the_o reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n for_o god_n be_v 16._o love_n and_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o love_n abide_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o this_o be_v that_o illustrious_a reign_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o millenniall_a empire_n of_o love_n when_o the_o christian_a life_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o opinion_n and_o persecution_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o last_o laodicea_n signify_v a_o popular_a political_a or_o externally-legal_a righteousness_n the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o former_a philadelphian_a state_n but_z as_o in_o old_a age_n the_o spirit_n much_o decay_v though_o the_o outward_a figure_n of_o the_o body_n muchwhat_a the_o same_o it_o signify_v also_o the_o arraign_v and_o judgeing_a of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a because_o this_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v at_o the_o close_a of_o this_o laodicean_n interval_n 19_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n reckon_v always_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o that_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o answer_v exact_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n both_o to_o these_o name_n in_o this_o order_n they_o be_v reckon_v and_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n as_o they_o be_v orderly_o describe_v in_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o they_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o extreme_o refractory_a especial_o if_o you_o add_v the_o certainty_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o these_o epistle_n as_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o ensue_a book_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o our_o exposition_n be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o so_o easy_a and_o comprehensible_a and_o therefore_o of_o a_o universal_a usefulnesse_n as_o well_o to_o the_o illiterate_a as_o the_o learned_a which_o i_o hope_v reader_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o the_o author_n that_o he_o have_v either_o invite_v thou_o to_o the_o pain_n of_o read_v or_o give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o compile_v this_o present_a treatise_n farewell_n a_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n from_o he_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v siracides_n ch._n 59_o he_o that_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o be_v occupy_v in_o the_o meditation_n thereof_o will_v seek_v out_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n and_o be_v occupy_v in_o prophecy_n a_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n chap._n i._n a_o preparation_n towards_o the_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o seven_o
church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o of_o the_o open_a book_n reach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o consideration_n be_v so_o repeat_v to_o we_o that_o certain_o it_o must_v not_o stand_v for_o nought_o but_o be_v to_o give_v infallible_a aim_n at_o a_o high_a meaning_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n then_o we_o be_v at_o first_o ware_n of_o for_o the_o summary_n of_o the_o vision_n before_o he_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n begin_v and_o end_v with_o this_o v_o 11._o and_o 18._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n which_o undoubted_o respect_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o final_a sentence_n under_o the_o seven_o thunder_n 5._o but_o there_o be_v first_o this_o not_o able_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o 10._o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n this_o pompous_a entrance_n with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n into_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n with_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n come_v up_o so_o near_o to_o that_o splendid_a preamble_n to_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n that_o any_o sagacious_a man_n can_v but_o suspect_v that_o both_o the_o vision_n be_v of_o like_a extent_n and_o importance_n and_o not_o of_o such_o private_a concern_v as_o mere_o to_o respect_v those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o both_o these_o vision_n there_o be_v the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o standing_z or_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o the_o latter_a sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n and_o both_o these_o preamble_n to_o the_o future_a vision_n usher_v in_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n wherefore_o the_o pomp_n be_v equal_a the_o concern_v of_o each_o vision_n in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v equal_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o pomp_n before_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v design_v as_o a_o fair_a frontispiece_n to_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o prophecy_n because_o at_o least_o as_o splendid_a a_o frontispiece_n be_v again_o erect_v before_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n wherefore_o that_o former_a be_v entire_o intend_v for_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o therefore_o portend_v some_o mighty_a concern_v mystery_n therein_o and_o such_o as_o the_o present_a affair_n of_o those_o seven_o particular_a church_n in_o asia_n can_v not_o reach_v nor_o exhaust_v but_o we_o proceed_v 6._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o what_o thou_o 11._o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n here_o again_o immediate_o before_o his_o send_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n he_o display_v those_o title_n of_o himself_o that_o least_o of_o all_o suit_n with_o the_o small_a continuance_n of_o those_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n endure_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o upon_o which_o therefore_o i_o can_v doubt_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v his_o eye_n at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o the_o mystery_n understand_v by_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n divide_v into_o seven_o successive_a intervall_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o petrus_n galatinus_n for_o indeed_o in_o all_o reason_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o grand_a mystery_n underneath_o why_o shall_v only_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v write_v to_o when_o there_o be_v other_o many_o other_o either_o there_o or_o at_o least_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o likelihood_n as_o notorious_a for_o either_o the_o fault_n the_o virtue_n or_o the_o suffering_n that_o be_v note_v in_o these_o 7._o you_o will_v say_v haply_o that_o asia_n minor_a be_v the_o special_a diocese_n as_o it_o be_v of_o s._n john_n but_o they_o that_o answer_v thus_o forget_v that_o john_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o these_o vision_n and_o write_v no_o otherwise_o then_o he_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v certain_o other_o church_n in_o asia_n beside_o these_o seven_o why_o therefore_o just_a seven_n and_o why_o these_o but_o that_o seven_o signify_v universality_n be_v obvious_a in_o the_o prophetic_a style_n therefore_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o it_o be_v much_o that_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n minor_a shall_v be_v thus_o careful_o salute_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o as_o if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o proverb_n that_o kiss_v go_v by_o favour_n whenas_o yet_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n as_o i_o intimate_v before_o 8._o but_o you_o will_v far_o urge_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o make_v it_o any_o more_o than_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n unless_o asia_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o appellative_a which_o consideration_n will_v put_v a_o bar_n to_o all_o attempt_n for_o any_o mystical_a interpretation_n so_o that_o we_o must_v necessary_o rest_v in_o the_o literal_a but_o hugo_n grotius_n who_o interprete_v all_o the_o church_n also_o mystical_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o name_n yet_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o allusive_a signification_n in_o the_o word_n asia_n so_o that_o in_o this_o learned_a man_n judgement_n that_o sequel_n be_v not_o so_o firm_a but_o beside_o though_o i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o play_v with_o word_n more_o than_o needs_o must_v i_o think_v it_o not_o hard_a to_o find_v out_o a_o allusive_a signification_n apposite_a enough_o in_o the_o name_n of_o asia_n to_o the_o mystical_a sense_n intend_v for_o both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o former_a signify_v fundamentum_fw-la the_o latter_a actio_fw-la or_o effectio_fw-la as_o to_o their_o paronomasticall_a sound_n be_v as_o near_o asia_n as_o the_o nice_a critical_a ear_n can_v require_v in_o these_o case_n and_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o both_o it_o be_v extreme_o accommodate_v to_o the_o present_a purpose_n for_o than_o will_v this_o superscription_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n either_o signify_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v that_o keep_v to_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n or_o else_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v these_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o they_o with_o a_o intend_a censure_n of_o their_o action_n and_o it_o be_v say_v express_o by_o the_o logician_n touch_v the_o topick_n of_o effect_n and_o action_n huius_fw-la loci_fw-la sunt_fw-la laudes_fw-la &_o vituperationes_fw-la upon_o which_o all_o these_o 9_o epistle_n altogether_o run_v and_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n begin_v every_o epistle_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o nothing_o repugnant_a thereunto_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o our_o interpretation_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o s._n john_n though_o write_v in_o greek_a shall_v himself_n be_v a_o jew_n make_v a_o allusion_n to_o hebrew_n word_n nor_o be_v it_o without_o example_n for_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n do_v plain_o in_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o greek_a text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d allude_v to_o the_o hebrew_n 22._o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o hide_v as_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 9_o these_o verbal_a allusion_n be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o prophetic_a style_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n far_o to_o take_v notice_n thereof_o nor_o any_o doubt_n i_o think_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o comprehensive_a and_o majestic_a salute_v only_o seven_o particular_a church_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o with_o such_o pompous_a circumstance_n nor_o when_o he_o have_v begin_v so_o magnificent_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o so_o express_o entitle_v it_o so_o that_o he_o will_v immediate_o afterward_o as_o if_o he_o
have_v forget_v what_o he_o be_v about_o bring_v in_o a_o large_a vision_n consist_v of_o seven_o part_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o prophetical_a but_o only_o the_o reproof_n or_o praise_n the_o commination_n or_o promise_n to_o a_o few_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o steady_a order_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n especial_o in_o this_o book_n than_o which_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o accurate_o write_v 10._o and_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n 16._o seven_o star_n methinks_v it_o be_v extreme_o harsh_a to_o conceit_n that_o these_o seven_o star_n be_v mere_o the_o seven_o bishop_n of_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n of_o asia_n as_o if_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o support_v nor_o guide_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n but_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o his_o left_a such_o high_a representation_n can_v be_v appropriate_v to_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o but_o seven_o must_v signify_v all_o in_o both_o coexistence_n and_o in_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o sense_n worthy_a so_o sublime_a a_o book_n as_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o septenaries_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n they_o signify_v a_o entire_a succession_n of_o some_o seven_o thing_n or_o other_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o represent_v 11._o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n 20._o of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o same_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n though_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n these_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v easy_o applicable_a to_o those_o particular_a seven_o church_n of_o asia_n above_o specify_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o he_o not_o call_v they_o here_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o seven_o church_n in_o general_a it_o be_v a_o invitation_n to_o the_o search_v out_o some_o more_o large_a prophetical_a sense_n such_o as_o we_o drive_v at_o as_o also_o in_o that_o he_o say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n at_o large_a and_o not_o of_o asia_n nor_o name_v the_o church_n by_o name_n but_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o call_v they_o angel_n in_o stead_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n for_o he_o continue_v so_o in_o the_o prophetical_a style_n proper_a to_o this_o book_n that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v also_o a_o prophetical_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o a_o literal_a or_o rather_o that_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o be_v most_o chief_o of_o all_o intend_a 12._o all_o these_o intimation_n put_v togegether_o out_o of_o this_o first_o chapter_n towards_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v that_o force_n with_o i_o that_o though_o i_o can_v not_o myself_o produce_v such_o a_o continue_a mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n which_o will_v be_v all_o along_o easy_a and_o natural_a yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o reach_v it_o but_o if_o i_o have_v through_o the_o divine_a assistence_n light_n on_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v both_o continual_o coherent_a important_a and_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o prophetical_a style_n i_o hope_v this_o preparation_n will_v even_o extort_v the_o belief_n thereof_o from_o the_o reader_n but_o such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v now_o present_v to_o his_o view_n chap._n iii_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesine_n church_n 1._o it_o be_v intimate_v out_o of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n by_o name_n be_v a_o fair_a invitation_n to_o we_o to_o suspect_v a_o more_o large_a and_o release_v sense_n of_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o indeed_o this_o releasement_n be_v more_o free_a in_o the_o greek_a copy_n then_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n 20._o which_o thou_o see_v be_v seven_o church_n not_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n one_o may_v be_v prone_a to_o imagine_v to_o be_v none_o other_o than_o those_o situate_a in_o asia_n minor_fw-la but_o this_o division_n of_o the_o church_n into_o seven_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v rather_o distributio_fw-la ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la then_o è_fw-la subjectis_fw-la the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o its_o succession_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n be_v cast_v into_o seven_o intervall_n according_a to_o seven_o notorious_a qualification_n or_o condition_n thereof_o for_o so_o we_o say_v the_o primitive_a church_n the_o apostatise_v church_n the_o reform_a church_n etc._n etc._n denote_v not_o their_o place_n but_o rather_o their_o time_n and_o quality_n which_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o prophetic_a style_n if_o it_o be_v to_o express_v they_o will_v exhibit_v as_o so_o many_o church_n distinct_o situate_a 2._o but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v far_a to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a these_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n do_v also_o fair_o quit_v the_o mystical_a interpreter_n of_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o name_n it_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o i_o think_v worth_a the_o note_n tâ—â—â—_n all_o pretence_n of_o cavil_v may_v be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o may_v haply_o prove_v less_o satisfy_v with_o our_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o greek_a name_n from_o a_o hebrew_n allusion_n though_o their_o cavil_v to_o the_o more_o judicious_a i_o hope_v will_v seem_v altogether_o groundless_a 3._o nor_o last_o do_v the_o return_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n by_o name_n in_o these_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o determine_v the_o vision_n sole_o and_o adequate_o to_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n topical_o understand_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o church_n at_o least_o by_o a_o easy_a allusion_n have_v a_o appellative_a signification_n and_o manifest_o denote_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o exposition_n 4._o first_o therefore_o of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o christ_n salute_v after_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o 1._o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o by_o angel_n according_a to_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n all_o the_o agent_n under_o their_o presidency_n be_v represent_v or_o insinuate_v i_o have_v already_o note_v and_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_a and_o obvious_a in_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o none_o that_o be_v verse_v therein_o can_v any_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o wherefore_o christ_n his_o writing_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n be_v his_o writing_n to_o all_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o christian_n in_o this_o first_o apostolical_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o particular_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o this_o church_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n thereof_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o they_o under_o the_o character_n of_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o sense_n strip_v of_o this_o prophetical_a pomp_n be_v that_o i_o be_o he_o that_o support_v all_o my_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o all_o that_o labour_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o kingdom_n from_o this_o time_n for_o ever_o i_o be_o present_a with_o they_o and_o uphold_v they_o as_o he_o say_v at_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 20._o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o walk_v through_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o golden_a
candlestick_n till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v methodical_o put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o be_v general_a and_o run_v through_o all_o the_o intervall_n thereof_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o frontispiece_n as_o i_o before_o call_v it_o to_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v the_o glorious_a character_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o piecemeal_n for_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o part_n of_o this_o vision_n as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o all_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o fit_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n where_o the_o part_n of_o the_o frontispiece_n be_v also_o make_v use_n of_o to_o usher_v in_o four_o of_o the_o seal_n for_o the_o four_o beast_n one_o after_o another_o and_o that_o with_o apposite_a significancy_n as_o here_o at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o four_o first_o seal_n be_v introduce_v utter_v this_o voice_n come_v and_o see_v wherefore_o there_o be_v the_o like_a contrivance_n 6._o in_o both_o vision_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a intimation_n that_o they_o be_v vision_n of_o like_a importance_n that_o be_v very_o reach_o and_o comprehensive_o prophetical_a as_o i_o endeavour_v to_o evince_v out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n 5._o and_o how_o accommodate_v that_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n that_o concern_v the_o ephesine_n church_n be_v already_o declare_v we_o shall_v now_o confider_v the_o fitness_n of_o the_o paronomasticall_a allusion_n in_o the_o name_n for_o that_o the_o prophetical_a style_n do_v affect_v such_o allusion_n both_o grotius_n and_o mr._n mede_n and_o all_o interpreter_n that_o i_o know_v be_v agree_v upon_o and_o grotius_n do_v particular_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n of_o all_o these_o church_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o apocalypse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o levity_n or_o indiscretion_n in_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o same_o in_o ephesus_n therefore_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v a_o double_a allusion_n both_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o matres_fw-la lectionis_fw-la as_o they_o be_v call_v contain_v in_o it_o both_o e_o and_o a_o it_o do_v plain_o intimate_v that_o the_o sound_n of_o e_z and_o a_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o different_a one_o from_o another_o but_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v huge_o well_o and_o peculiar_o accommodate_v to_o this_o church_n it_o be_v the_o first_o interval_n of_o the_o seven_o as_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o same_o the_o careere_n or_o list_n from_o whence_o the_o race_n begin_v of_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o end_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o s._n paul_n compare_v the_o call_n of_o christian_n to_o a_o race_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o grotius_n also_o express_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o pitch_v upon_o the_o allusion_n thereto_o be_v unexceptionable_a both_o as_o to_o sound_v and_o signification_n for_o it_o denote_v that_o great_a servour_n and_o zealous_a desire_n the_o church_n in_o those_o first_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a time_n have_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o they_o do_v sincere_o and_o earnest_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o that_o heros_n on_o the_o white_a horse_n with_o his_o bow_n and_o arrow_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n aim_v at_o and_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o enlarge_a the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n here_o and_o of_o obtain_v that_o immarcescible_a crown_n hereafter_o and_o of_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o love_n of_o this_o church_n this_o be_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o vehement_a and_o sincere_a desire_n and_o only_a scope_n of_o their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v christ_n here_o and_o enjoy_v he_o afterward_o in_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o this_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n they_o do_v at_o first_o easy_o devour_v all_o difficulty_n 7._o as_o it_o be_v note_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o 3._o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v with_o such_o as_o be_v evil_a for_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_o and_o fervent_o good_a it_o can_v but_o make_v they_o have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o discern_v they_o that_o bear_v themselves_o never_o so_o apostolical_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o right_a at_o the_o bottom_n to_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n and_o liar_n and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n within_o which_o the_o period_n of_o this_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n take_v notice_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 13._o which_o therefore_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o interval_n of_o this_o first_o church_n for_o when_o shall_v any_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostle_n send_v from_o god_n but_o in_o that_o age_n there_o be_v apostle_n send_v into_o the_o world_n by_o he_o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n haste_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v what_o be_v here_o be_v muchwhat_a the_o same_o sense_n and_o word_n as_o be_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n but_o it_o be_v not_o repeat_v in_o vain_a for_o these_o word_n i_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o special_a correspondence_n to_o the_o reward_n promise_v in_o the_o 7._o verse_n he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_n shall_v not_o eat_v but_o he_o that_o labour_v very_o much_o and_o break_v not_o off_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o lazy_a faint_a or_o culpable_a lassitude_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n but_o beside_o this_o labour_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o high_a circumstance_n be_v here_o repeat_v the_o better_a to_o set_v off_o the_o present_a remissness_n of_o some_o in_o this_o ephesine_fw-la church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n 8._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v something_o 4._o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grotius_n and_o dr._n hammond_n expound_v it_o because_o thou_o have_v remit_v of_o thy_o first_o love_n and_o so_o allow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v relaxation_n and_o remission_n in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o intention_n of_o degree_n whence_o there_o may_v be_v another_o ground_n of_o allusion_n in_o ephesus_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o counter_a distinction_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o this_o ephesine_n church_n may_v have_v its_o name_n from_o its_o first_o intense_a love_n and_o it_o after_o remission_n thereof_o by_o this_o double_a allusion_n but_o as_o the_o allusion_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o perfect_a than_o that_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o questionless_a this_o first_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o famous_a for_o their_o sincere_a and_o real_a love_n to_o christ_n then_o for_o their_o remissness_n therein_o which_o serve_v something_o for_o the_o countenance_v of_o the_o term_n of_o this_o interval_n because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n that_o be_v to_o say_v because_o thou_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n as_o at_o the_o first_o which_o first_o love_n be_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o christ_n own_o prescript_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o make_v the_o ephesine_n church_n love_n christ_n more_o than_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o any_o worldly_a interest_n whatsoever_o according_o as_o he_o require_v but_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o this_o first_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n this_o love_n and_o courage_n it_o seem_v begin_v to_o abate_v and_o too_o many_o begin_v to_o gnosticize_v as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o that_o point_n and_o think_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o deny_v the_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n even_o those_o that_o yet_o profess_v themselves_o of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v believer_n that_o this_o be_v
vineyard_n under_o pretence_n that_o man_n give_v up_o their_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n government_n may_v be_v the_o more_o secure_a and_o all_o that_o wonder_v after_o the_o beast_n 13._o give_v up_o their_o vineyard_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o profess_v no_o otherwise_o then_o according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o so_o have_v their_o vineyard_n sow_v with_o divers_a seed_n nay_o indeed_o with_o what_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o apostolic_a plantation_n their_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o gross_a lie_n foul-idolatries_a of_o all_o sort_n and_o murderous_a enmity_n against_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n 12._o but_o as_o for_o the_o vineyard_n of_o naboth_n that_o be_v the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n as_o the_o word_n naboth_n seem_v to_o intimate_v they_o be_v not_o give_v up_o that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n for_o fashion-sake_n and_o believe_v new_o invent_v lie_n and_o apostolic_a truth_n alike_o but_o with_o a_o true_a and_o live_a faith_n acknowledge_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n these_o will_v rather_o lose_v their_o life_n then_o quit_v their_o vineyard_n that_o yield_v they_o that_o noble_a wine_n that_o perpetual_a feast_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o whore_n and_o sorceress_n jezebel_n contrive_v their_o death_n or_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n as_o the_o two_o prophet_n be_v say_v to_o both_o mourn_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o also_o to_o be_v slay_v the_o 11._o vineyard_n therefore_o of_o naboth_n be_v that_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n whereby_o a_o man_n discern_v plain_o &_o live_o betwixt_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n do_v as_o necessary_o loathe_v the_o one_o as_o adhere_v to_o the_o other_o 13._o for_o the_o true_a and_o firm_a belief_n in_o christ_n be_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n as_o s._n john_n also_o witness_n every_o one_o that_o 1._o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o itself_o and_o be_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o most_o concern_v sense_n as_o john_n likewise_o intimate_v in_o his_o general_a epistle_n where_o upon_o his_o mention_v many_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n he_o present_o add_v in_o this_o you_o know_v the_o 12._o spirit_n of_o god_n every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n which_o agree_v exact_o with_o that_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n where_o the_o angel_n say_v to_o john_n i_o be_o 10._o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o such_o as_o who_o heart_n do_v witness_n to_o they_o firm_o and_o lively_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o according_o profess_v it_o which_o none_o can_v do_v unless_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o be_v able_a in_o such_o sort_n to_o witness_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o god_n in_o we_o which_o inspire_v all_o holy_a truth_n from_o whence_o the_o angel_n argue_v a_o kind_n of_o parity_n betwixt_o john_n and_o himself_o and_o indeed_o all_o such_o as_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n declare_v and_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o 14._o but_o this_o be_v something_o a_o digression_n save_v that_o it_o may_v illustrate_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n where_o the_o 10._o two_o witness_n be_v also_o call_v the_o two_o prophet_n not_o so_o much_o from_o predict_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o from_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o be_v so_o firm_a in_o this_o faith_n as_o to_o suffer_v for_o it_o even_o to_o the_o death_n and_o may_v also_o facilitate_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o story_n of_o naboth_n vineyard_n or_o this_o vineyard_n of_o prophecy_n it_o not_o imply_v any_o miraculous_a prediction_n but_o the_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o right_a sentiment_n of_o thing_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n this_o be_v all_o that_o need_v to_o be_v understand_v thereby_o 15._o to_o teach_v and_o to_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n this_o woman_n of_o thyatira_n whether_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o thyatira_n or_o some_o other_o person_n of_o quality_n for_o interpreter_n of_o the_o letter_n vary_v in_o that_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v describe_v from_o her_o act_n as_o only_o guilty_a of_o pretend_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o prophetess_n and_o that_o thereby_o she_o seduce_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n which_o be_v a_o chief_a point_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v gnosticisme_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o suppose_a history_n here_o we_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n deny_v but_o we_o also_o add_v that_o it_o be_v huge_o improbable_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n will_v take_v notice_n so_o particular_o of_o any_o one_o woman_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o write_n which_o alcazar_n also_o very_o serious_o and_o vehement_o urge_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o great_a matter_n aim_v at_o wherefore_o i_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o this_o woman_n in_o thyatira_n which_o will_v set_v out_o part_n of_o the_o enormity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n here_o perstringe_v add_v there_o to_o the_o name_n of_o jezebel_n that_o the_o prophetic_a prefiguration_n may_v be_v the_o more_o complete_a the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o interval_n be_v lively_o adumbrate_v by_o this_o allusion_n to_o jezebel_n join_v to_o what_o be_v report_v of_o this_o woman_n in_o thyatira_n viz._n that_o she_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o prophetess_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v infallible_a that_o she_o draw_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o idolatry_n and_o uncleanness_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v by_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o mass_n and_o other_o superficial_a mode_n of_o serve_a god_n that_o leave_v the_o mind_n sensual_a and_o beside_o necessary_o entangle_v they_o in_o idolatrous_a practice_n thus_o much_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o woman_n 16._o now_o in_o that_o she_o have_v this_o name_n give_v she_o of_o jezebel_n assure_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n point_v we_o to_o her_o story_n to_o make_v up_o this_o parallel_n betwixt_o this_o woman_n &_o rome_n viz._n as_o she_o be_v also_o a_o murderer_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o 10._o god_n and_o a_o contriver_n of_o false_a accusation_n against_o they_o as_o if_o by_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o their_o father_n a_o pure_a conscience_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o innate_a notion_n of_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n they_o be_v blasphemer_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o both_o the_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a magistrate_n and_o last_o which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o interval_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v jezebel_n because_o for_o all_o her_o painting_n and_o fine_a meretricious_a prank_n herself_o up_o she_o be_v to_o be_v throw_v out_o at_o the_o window_n and_o her_o flesh_n to_o be_v devour_v by_o dog_n which_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o jehu_n the_o noble_a reformer_n stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v threaten_v also_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n 17._o and_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v she_o of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v 21._o not_o she_o have_v a_o fair_a time_n to_o consider_v of_o her_o gross_a apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o my_o worship_n since_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n against_o she_o and_o yet_o she_o remain_v still_o obdurate_a and_o impenitent_a and_o continue_v her_o old_a
receive_v from_o i_o myself_o or_o my_o apostle_n stand_v fast_o to_o the_o infallible_a word_n which_o will_v impartial_o instruct_v and_o excite_v you_o to_o all_o the_o due_a measure_n of_o godliness_n and_o believe_v not_o the_o rot_a and_o corrupt_a gloss_n ofdeceitful_a man_n that_o will_v sew_v pillow_n under_o man_n armhole_n and_o frame_v opinion_n and_o precept_n to_o favour_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o dote_v upon_o man_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o carnality_n but_o to_o dote_v on_o they_o for_o their_o carnal_a opinion_n and_o fleshfavour_a document_n be_v sardian_n or_o carnaline_n of_o a_o double_a dye_n repent_v therefore_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n stand_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v with_o his_o divine_a grace_n all_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v after_o righteousness_n so_o that_o the_o fault_n lie_v at_o your_o own_o door_n if_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o come_v upon_o thou_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o return_v to_o true_a sobriety_n and_o sincerity_n of_o manner_n i_o shall_v bring_v some_o signal_n mischief_n upon_o thou_o before_o thou_o be_v aware_a i_o shall_v sudden_o come_v in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o when_o thou_o least_o dream_v thereof_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n avert_v the_o ill_a omen_n and_o change_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o he_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o 6._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o 4._o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n notwithstanding_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sardian_n church_n be_v so_o general_o carnal_a in_o the_o very_a hue_n of_o that_o carnaline-stone_n that_o look_v so_o like_o mere_a flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o few_o that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n with_o that_o colour_n but_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o primitiae_fw-la of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n into_o the_o image_n of_o myself_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a these_o shall_v not_o only_o enjoy_v glorious_a converse_v with_o i_o and_o i_o communicate_v my_o spiritual_a grace_n abundant_o to_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o successful_a and_o prosperous_a in_o their_o affair_n for_o to_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a signify_v so_o in_o the_o onirocritick_n according_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o achmetes_n for_o they_o be_v worthy_a for_o i_o do_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o 5._o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n he_o that_o overcome_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o this_o terrestrial_a body_n to_o he_o will_v i_o communicate_v the_o celestial_a or_o divine_a this_o be_v a_o more_o theological_a sense_n but_o the_o political_n be_v most_o proper_a the_o epiphonema_n conclude_v the_o whole_a epistle_n wherefore_o to_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n it_o be_v here_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v signify_v and_o that_o rather_o than_o in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n success_n and_o prosperity_n in_o external_a affair_n and_o exemption_n from_o grief_n and_o affliction_n as_o the_o onirocritick_n do_v express_o interpret_v it_o see_v achmetes_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n the_o more_o proper_a and_o political_a sense_n may_v be_v that_o when_o the_o church_n by_o overcome_v have_v emerge_v into_o the_o philadelphian_a condition_n it_o shall_v never_o change_v at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o external_a frame_n but_o keep_v up_o to_o the_o end_n and_o god_n will_v avowed_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v his_o even_o to_o the_o last_o even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o laodicean_n state_n and_o the_o state_n of_o persecution_n shall_v never_o overwhelm_v it_o any_o more_o so_o the_o book_n of_o life_n may_v signify_v here_o as_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n before_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v his_o nature_n to_o have_v become_v in_o a_o manner_n divine_a and_o angelical_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o meet_a associate_n for_o their_o company_n in_o my_o heavenly_a kingdom_n for_o ever_o this_o may_v be_v a_o moral_a or_o theological_a sense_n but_o the_o political_a be_v chief_o aim_v at_o as_o be_v intimate_v by_o the_o place_n of_o the_o epiphonema_n last_o of_o all_o the_o confess_v therefore_o of_o the_o name_n of_o these_o few_o in_o sardis_n that_o be_v right_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o as_o many_o as_o make_v up_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sanctity_n which_o therefore_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n christ_n his_o confess_v of_o their_o name_n before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v the_o mention_v of_o their_o name_n as_o of_o a_o people_n more_o peculiar_o he_o and_o extraordinary_o dear_a unto_o he_o that_o by_o thus_o own_v they_o in_o such_o a_o endear_n manner_n before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n recommend_v to_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o faithful_a and_o watchful_a ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a angel_n which_o will_v be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a and_o of_o their_o name_n never_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o permanency_n of_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n and_o security_n from_o misery_n and_o oppression_n that_o thus_o innocency_n and_o outward_a felicity_n may_v go_v hand_n in_o hand_n in_o the_o bless_a millennium_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o with_o the_o philadelphian_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n will_v amount_v to_o this_o at_o last_o for_o salvation_n be_v to_o spring_v out_o of_o sardis_n not_o out_o of_o babylon_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n will_v be_v so_o extraordinary_o exercise_v about_o a_o church_n which_o will_v then_o have_v become_v so_o angelical_a as_o be_v more_o full_o note_v in_o the_o divine_a dialogue_n 8._o these_o be_v the_o rouse_a motive_n which_o christ_n use_v to_o excite_v the_o carnal_a church_n of_o sardis_n to_o more_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v on_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o most_o happy_a time_n the_o conduct_n of_o which_o affair_n be_v represent_v by_o that_o illustrious_a heros_n on_o his_o white_a horse_n chap._n 19_o where_o his_o army_n follow_v he_o on_o white_a horse_n clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n white_a and_o clean_a which_o appertain_v to_o the_o last_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n a_o great_a part_n of_o who_o by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v likely_a may_v have_v turn_v their_o carnaline-colour_n into_o pure_a white_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o march_v with_o he_o there_o to_o that_o spiritual_a warfare_n as_o some_o be_v say_v here_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o in_o white_a and_o that_o with_o marvellous_a success_n and_o prosperity_n as_o their_o white_a clothing_n do_v intimate_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o 6._o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n reform_a christendom_n especial_o she_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v therein_o for_o she_o as_o i_o say_v at_o first_o be_v this_o sardian_n church_n the_o beginning_n of_o who_o interval_n be_v adorn_v with_o more_o true_a holiness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o zeal_n the_o better_a deserve_v the_o title_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o though_o they_o be_v here_o much_o reprove_v for_o their_o fault_n yet_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n chap._n 1._o 11._o that_o be_v to_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o fundamento_fw-la and_o be_v the_o true_a and_o apostolical_a church_n still_o and_o just_o witness_v against_o the_o idolatry_n and_o gross_a antichristian_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o with_o they_o have_v become_v a_o law_n and_o thereby_o be_v proper_o antichristian_a this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v to_o stop_v the_o preposterous_a proneness_n of_o some_o towards_o the_o roman_a church_n from_o the_o consideration_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a in_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o may_v be_v desire_v for_o though_o they_o be_v
nineteenth_o the_o curious_a may_v be_v prone_a to_o inquire_v why_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n in_o those_o time_n shall_v account_v herself_o so_o huge_o and_o extraordinary_o rich_a increase_v in_o good_n and_o to_o have_v no_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o true_o why_o this_o shall_v be_v her_o estate_n rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o church_n specify_v from_o the_o literal_a ground_n we_o can_v fetch_v no_o reason_n but_o admit_v the_o prophetical_a sense_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o last_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v natural_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o this_o laodicea_n will_v be_v leave_v heir_n to_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o her_o sister_n philadelphia_n to_o peace_n prosperity_n purity_n in_o worship_n abundance_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n universal_a skill_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o whatever_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n save_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n which_o philadelphia_n carry_v along_o with_o she_o into_o the_o other_o world_n how_o easy_o then_o and_o natural_o or_o rather_o necessary_o do_v this_o description_n of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n fall_n upon_o the_o last_o interval_n and_o last_o it_o be_v a_o question_n extreme_o obvious_a to_o demand_v why_o that_o phrase_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v which_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o be_v find_v to_o add_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o parable_n to_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v use_v here_o so_o repeated_o in_o every_o epistle_n they_o be_v no_o parable_n but_o epistle_n send_v to_o each_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n respective_o and_o then_o why_o this_o epiphonema_n be_v sometime_o the_o last_o close_a of_o the_o epistle_n sometime_o not_o to_o which_o problem_n there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a solution_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n but_o suppose_v a_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o affix_v this_o epiphonema_n to_o show_v there_o be_v a_o far_a sense_n intend_v then_o that_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o also_o that_o sometime_o this_o epiphonema_n shall_v come_v last_o of_o all_o as_o in_o the_o four_o last_o epistle_n that_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o conqueror_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v may_v be_v more_o certain_o understand_v to_o be_v of_o a_o proper_a prophetical_a or_o political_a sense_n not_o mere_o theological_a moral_a or_o spiritual_a as_o have_v be_v abundant_o declare_v in_o the_o exposition_n 9_o we_o may_v have_v draw_v many_o more_o question_n and_o solution_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o of_o this_o hypothesis_n we_o go_v upon_o to_o show_v its_o solidity_n and_o fitness_n but_o that_o we_o hold_v it_o needless_a have_v produce_v so_o many_o already_o which_o joint_o consider_v with_o the_o perpetual_a easiness_n and_o naturalnesse_n of_o the_o whole_a exposition_n of_o all_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o exact_a correspondency_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o event_n of_o the_o successive_a intervall_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n which_o they_o represent_v one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v not_o fail_v full_o to_o satisfy_v any_o unprejudiced_a peruser_n of_o our_o exposition_n of_o these_o epistle_n touch_v the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o i_o be_o abundant_o teach_v by_o experience_n that_o both_o the_o find_n out_o and_o receive_v of_o divine_a truth_n find_v out_o by_o other_o be_v a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o end_n a_o antidote_n against_o idolatry_n or_o a_o brief_a discourse_n contain_v sundry_a consideration_n or_o conclusion_n tend_v to_o the_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v idolatry_n among_o christian_n with_o application_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o for_o the_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o romish_a infection_n matth_n 4._o 10._o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v to_o the_o reader_n reader_n 1._o i_o suppose_v thou_o will_v expect_v something_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n also_o though_o it_o need_v not_o be_v much_o the_o occasion_n of_o write_v it_o and_o the_o fitness_n of_o join_v it_o to_o the_o forego_n exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n will_v discover_v themselves_o to_o thou_o in_o the_o peruse_n of_o the_o treatise_n itself_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v treat_v of_o this_o argument_n elsewhere_o namely_o in_o my_o chap._n mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o that_o great_a importance_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o entire_a treatise_n apart_o by_o itself_o and_o that_o gird_v up_o in_o the_o most_o close_a and_o convictive_a method_n that_o may_v be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v sanable_a or_o preservable_a from_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n may_v find_v the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o antidote_n and_o those_o who_o mind_n it_o can_v alter_v may_n however_o be_v find_v without_o excuse_n and_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a here_o above_o what_o i_o have_v do_v already_o on_o this_o subject_a that_o here_o be_v such_o a_o express_a application_n make_v of_o the_o theory_n to_o the_o gross_a error_n in_o this_o point_n and_o foul_a mispractice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o those_o of_o we_o that_o speak_v the_o most_o favourable_o of_o that_o church_n can_v but_o declare_v they_o guilty_a of_o material_a idolatry_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o questionless_a there_o must_v be_v something_o among_o they_o very_o like_o that_o great_a sin_n if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n or_o sense_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o that_o divine_a volume_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n for_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o synchronism_n do_v necessary_o cast_v those_o vision_n that_o represent_v the_o concern_v as_o idolatrous_a chap._n 13._o and_o 17._o upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o also_o ch._n 2._o v._n 14_o 20_o and_o they_o can_v belong_v to_o none_o else_o in_o the_o prophetical_a scope_n of_o the_o vision_n time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n have_v so_o unavoidable_o fix_v they_o upon_o she_o wherefore_o even_o according_a to_o divine_a suffrage_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o one_o sense_n or_o other_o or_o come_v so_o nigh_o it_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o jealousy_n to_o exaggerate_v their_o wantonness_n speak_v to_o they_o as_o such_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o those_o suspect_a way_n and_o dangerous_a approach_n to_o so_o horrible_a a_o crime_n and_o grant_v it_o be_v but_o thus_o yet_o both_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o 20._o seven_o church_n and_o in_o that_o of_o the_o 4._o whore_n of_o babylon_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v express_o call_v unto_o and_o encourage_v and_o commission_v to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o protestant_n have_v not_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o schism_n upon_o they_o for_o leave_v she_o no_o not_o upon_o this_o more_o favourable_a supposition_n 3._o but_o alas_o alas_o this_o smooth_a hypothesis_n be_v but_o a_o please_a dream_n arise_v from_o the_o softness_n and_o sleepiness_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o the_o love_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o must_v pass_v away_o as_o a_o dream_n or_o phantasm_n of_o the_o night_n let_v god_n be_v 4._o true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o true_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v scarce_o speak_v true_a if_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o idolatry_n so_o broad_o and_o so_o express_o in_o those_o vision_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n even_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n by_o learned_a and_o able_a interpreter_n shall_v now_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o understand_v they_o of_o rome_n christian_n in_o she_o apostatise_v condition_n not_o amount_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o any_o proper_a and_o formal_a idolatry_n at_o all_o 4._o but_o the_o desperateness_n of_o their_o case_n be_v that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o represent_v by_o these_o vision_n as_o idolatrous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o these_o vision_n have_v never_o be_v write_v or_o now_o they_o be_v write_v though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o some_o other_o and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o appeal_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n proper_o and_o formal_o so_o call_v and_o to_o the_o acknowledge_a doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n express_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o their_o universal_a practice_n abet_v by_o public_a authority_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v idolater_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o present_a
touch_v of_o it_o in_o the_o general_n before_o 5._o ten_o why_o be_v christ_n in_o his_o description_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n set_v out_o by_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n coming_z suppose_v 12._o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n according_a to_o the_o ellipticalnesse_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n what_o reason_n in_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o for_o especial_o if_o this_o supplement_n be_v make_v it_o can_v respect_v the_o slay_v of_o antipas_n with_o the_o sword_n what_o peculiar_a thing_n then_o in_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v there_o to_o require_v this_o description_n true_o nothing_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o the_o letter_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n it_o be_v very_o proper_a the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n in_o this_o interval_n assault_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o defend_v themselves_o and_o their_o pure_a faith_n so_o signal_o by_o this_o weapon_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o themselves_o die_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n by_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o faith_n they_o thus_o defend_v and_o in_o the_o eleven_o place_n the_o description_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n as_o if_o they_o burn_v 18._o in_o a_o furnace_n for_o that_o supplement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v out_o of_o his_o description_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n as_o before_o but_o now_o what_o peculiar_a significancy_n have_v this_o description_n or_o what_o congruity_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n literal_o understand_v sure_o none_o but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n it_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o those_o low_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n of_o their_o invincible_a zeal_n and_o patience_n and_o sincerity_n of_o affection_n such_o as_o do_v abide_v the_o most_o fiery_a trial_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o stand_v at_o the_o stake_n among_o burn_a faggot_n with_o the_o flame_n about_o their_o ear_n and_o never_o flinch_v for_o it_o as_o have_v be_v note_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o epistle_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n twelve_o in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o enigmatical_a involution_n and_o cover_n upon_o cover_n where_o he_o call_v the_o church_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n star_n and_o angel_n even_o then_o when_o he_o interpret_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v more_o plain_a that_o the_o same_o author_n shall_v so_o open_o and_o plain_o mention_v any_o one_o by_o name_n as_o he_o do_v the_o martyr_n antipas_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o far_a mystery_n in_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hardly_o to_o be_v digest_v by_o the_o more_o sagacious_a and_o curious_a i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o this_o name_n antipas_n by_o name_n till_o i_o understand_v a_o far_a sense_n thereof_o such_o as_o we_o have_v render_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o that_o epistle_n 6._o in_o the_o thirteen_o place_n one_o may_v well_o demand_v why_o christ_n express_v a_o great_a disgust_n against_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n then_o that_o of_o sardis_n for_o though_o the_o former_a be_v say_v to_o be_v lukewarm_a yet_o the_o other_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o life_n be_v notwithstanding_o declare_v to_o be_v dead_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o enrage_v against_o luke_n warmness_n than_o hypocrisy_n and_o threaten_v it_o more_o deep_o than_o the_o other_o i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n which_o be_v quite_o to_o cast_v a_o thing_n away_o never_o to_o be_v resume_v again_o must_v seem_v marvellous_a to_o the_o considerate_a certain_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o great_a matter_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o speak_v so_o severe_o only_a to_o follow_v a_o metaphor_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o solution_n be_v easy_a that_o passage_n be_v predictive_a of_o the_o extermination_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v expound_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o place_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o so_o affect_o and_o repeat_o in_o every_o epistle_n that_o phrase_n be_v use_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n without_o any_o variation_n or_o omission_n which_o seem_v a_o thing_n but_o of_o small_a importance_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a it_o seem_v on_o purpose_n so_o repeat_v to_o intimate_v a_o allusion_n in_o asia_n to_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o answer_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o asia_n may_v also_o be_v significant_a as_o well_o as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o they_o all_o be_v it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n this_o repetition_n be_v for_o some_o such_o design_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v whereas_o the_o literal_a sense_n can_v give_v no_o account_n thereof_o fifteenth_o alcazar_n himself_o be_v much_o stumble_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a woman_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o so_o call_v she_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jezabel_n as_o be_v ordinary_o suppose_v and_o indeed_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o little_a for_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o write_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n if_o we_o will_v interpret_v with_o constancy_n and_o coherency_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n there_o be_v no_o such_o incongruity_n the_o object_n be_v worth_a the_o spirit_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o this_o kind_n this_o jezabel_n be_v that_o paint_a woman_n of_o rome_n intoxicate_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o cup_n of_o her_o spiritual_a fornication_n as_o have_v be_v show_v upon_o the_o text._n 7._o sixteenth_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o that_o promise_v of_o rule_v over_o the_o nation_n and_o receive_v the_o morningstar_n which_o doubtless_o be_v political_a promise_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n more_o than_o to_o that_o in_o pergamus_n or_o ephesus_n and_o other_o what_o victory_n or_o dominion_n do_v the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n in_o asia_n get_v over_o the_o nation_n more_o than_o other_o church_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a knot_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a it_o be_v loosen_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o the_o closure_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n bring_v in_o the_o time_n wherein_o whole_a nation_n revolt_v from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a church_n and_o profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o so_o in_o these_o part_n get_v the_o pontifician_n party_n under_o they_o seventeenth_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o mighty_a temptation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n touch_v which_o he_o say_v behold_v i_o come_v quick_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o church_n here_o specify_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o thing_n be_v plain_a for_o the_o interval_n of_o philadelphia_n beginning_n in_o the_o last_o vial_n wherein_o that_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a earthquake_n be_v to_o happen_v the_o great_a temptation_n what_o it_o be_v be_v plain_o thence_o understand_v and_o how_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o philadelphian_a church_n it_o will_v come_v quick_o she_o commence_v but_o in_o the_o very_a same_o vial_n that_o this_o be_v to_o happen_v under_o eighteenth_o why_o upon_o this_o philadelphia_n a_o private_a asiatic_a church_n shall_v the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v express_v apoc._n 21._o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v this_o title_n be_v too_o big_a and_o turgent_fw-la for_o any_o private_a church_n be_v it_o not_o a_o type_n or_o symbol_n of_o some_o great_a matter_n but_o by_o the_o prophetical_a interpretation_n this_o difficulty_n be_v quite_o remove_v for_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n be_v co-incident_a with_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n mention_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o of_o the_o millenniall_a empire_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n 8._o