Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
ground_n	church_n	true_a	truth_n	4,857	5	6.5820	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A20217	The ruine of Rome: or An exposition vpon the whole Reuelation Wherein is plainly shewed and proued, that the popish religion, together with all the power and authoritie of Rome, shall ebbe and decay still more and more throughout all the churches of Europe, and come to an vtter ouerthrow euen in this life before the end of the world. Written especially for the comfort of Protestants, and the daunting of papists, seminary priests, Iesuites, and all that cursed rabble. Published by Arthur Dent, preacher of the word of God at South-Shoobery in Essex.	Dent, Arthur, d. 1607.; Culverwell, Ezekiel, 1553 or 4-1631.	1603 (1603)	STC 6640; ESTC S117456	184,102	332

have_v hear_v before_o chapter_n 1.18_o by_o the_o chain_n in_o his_o hand_n be_v mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o time_n when_o satan_n be_v thus_o take_v &_o bind_v be_v when_o christ_n first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o to_o all_o nation_n the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v now_o bind_v and_o chain_v up_o be_v for_o that_o he_o have_v a_o long_a time_n seduce_v all_o nation_n and_o reign_v as_o king_n and_o lord_n over_o the_o gentile_n and_o great_o seduce_v the_o jew_n also_o the_o time_n of_o his_o imprisonment_n be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n that_o be_v all_o the_o time_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n until_o gregory_n the_o seven_o &_o other_o monstrous_a pope_n which_o do_v let_v satan_n loose_v again_o which_o space_n of_o time_n be_v guess_v by_o the_o learned_a to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o but_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o bind_n of_o satan_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v simple_o and_o absolute_o as_o though_o satan_n be_v so_o bind_v and_o chain_v up_o for_o this_o thousand_o year_n that_o he_o can_v not_o seduce_v at_o all_o or_o do_v no_o mischief_n at_o all_o after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v simple_o but_o afrer_n a_o sort_n that_o be_v that_o he_o can_v not_o so_o general_o and_o universal_o seduce_v all_o nation_n as_o he_o have_v in_o former_a time_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o even_o after_o christ_n time_n he_o do_v great_o persecute_v the_o church_n bring_v in_o many_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o harden_v and_o blind_v many_o man_n heart_n but_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o former_a age_n when_o he_o be_v even_o as_o it_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o gentile_n worship_v he_o as_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 10._o that_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o devil_n and_o again_o that_o god_n in_o time_n past_o suffer_v all_o the_o gentile_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n 14.16_o and_o then_o be_v satan_n a_o great_a prince_n indeed_o 10.18_o but_o now_o come_v a_o chain_n for_o he_o for_o christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n with_o power_n and_o thereupon_o say_v i_o see_v satan_n fall_v down_o like_o lightning_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n beat_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o sin_n moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o satan_n power_n and_o might_n craft_n and_o subtlety_n yet_o this_o angel_n which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n do_v apprehend_v he_o and_o shut_v he_o up_o and_o seal_v the_o door_n upon_o he_o so_o that_o he_o can_v get_v abroad_o to_o seduce_v so_o general_o as_o in_o former_a time_n but_o s._n john_n say_v that_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n he_o must_v be_v loose_v for_o a_o little_a season_n that_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o great_a antichrist_n shall_v bear_v the_o sway_n which_o be_v some_o 4._o or_o 5._o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o gospel_n do_v prevail_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o world_n a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ_n &_o the_o principle_n &_o ground_n of_o true_a religion_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n until_o the_o full_a lose_n of_o satan_n though_o with_o many_o blott_n corruption_n and_o abuse_n for_o after_o the_o first_o six_o hundred_o year_n the_o clear_a sincerity_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v much_o dim_v with_o error_n and_o heresy_n but_o yet_o the_o main_a ground_n do_v remain_v till_o the_o full_a expiration_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v in_o these_o last_o day_n above_o three_o score_n year_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o strength_n of_o popery_n continue_v not_o much_o above_o 500_o year_n which_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o our_o comfort_n call_v a_o little_a season_n chapter_n 11.2_o of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v here_o omit_v it_o and_o i_o see_v seat_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v upon_o they_o ver_fw-la 4_o and_o judgement_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o which_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o beast_n neither_o his_o image_n neither_o have_v take_v his_o mark_n upon_o their_o forehead_n or_o on_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v again_o ver_fw-la 5_o until_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v finish_v this_o be_v the_o first_o resurrection_n bless_a and_o holy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n for_o on_o such_o the_o second_o death_n have_v no_o power_n ver_fw-la 6_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o priest_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o a_o thousand_o year_n here_o now_o be_v set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n millitant_a for_o the_o space_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n wherein_o satan_n be_v chain_v up_o for_o it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o the_o church_n do_v grow_v and_o flourish_v yea_o and_o great_o exercise_v her_o power_n and_o authority_n during_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o saint_n john_n say_v that_o he_o see_v seat_n and_o they_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o judgement_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o whereby_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n have_v their_o chair_n seat_n and_o consistory_n wherein_o they_o do_v both_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o execute_v the_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisey_n before_o have_v sit_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n and_o i_o take_v it_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o four_o verse_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o clause_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a as_o some_o do_v take_v it_o &_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o four_o verse_n but_o of_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a during_o the_o time_n of_o satan_n captivity_n for_o all_o the_o faithful_a do_v after_o a_o sort_n live_v &_o reign_v with_o christ_n even_o here_o in_o the_o earth_n when_o they_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o faith_n and_o subdue_v satan_n &_o sin_n by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n now_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o john_n see_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o persecute_v empire_n and_o grow_v of_o the_o papacy_n be_v slay_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o second_o beast_n which_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o pope_n reign_v not_o in_o those_o thousand_o year_n in_o the_o which_o satan_n be_v bind_v but_o yet_o do_v grow_v by_o degree_n towards_o their_o height_n and_o use_v great_a tyranny_n against_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n before_o satan_n full_a lose_v the_o chiliast_n or_o millenaries_n do_v fond_o gather_v from_o this_o scripture_n that_o after_o the_o overthrow_n of_o antichrist_n the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v come_v &_o reign_v with_o the_o faithful_a here_o a_o thousand_o year_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o in_o this_o time_n that_o christ_n shall_v so_o reign_v as_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a king_n upon_o the_o earth_n his_o subject_n shall_v enjoy_v all_o manner_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n this_o foolish_a error_n be_v confute_v by_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o whereas_o he_o say_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a shall_v not_o live_v again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a that_o be_v such_o as_o do_v despise_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v those_o thousand_o year_n &_o be_v not_o thereby_o reviue_v and_o quicken_v unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o do_v still_o remain_v as_o man_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o s._n john_n be_v that_o as_o in_o the_o thousand_o year_n many_o that_o hear_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n so_o many_o other_o be_v not_o quicken_v by_o their_o doctrine_n but_o still_o dwell_v in_o their_o sin_n

of_o seal_v be_v thus_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n let_v he_o read_v the_o place_n quote_v in_o the_o margin_n 10.4_o and_o in_o all_o these_o place_n he_o shall_v find_v it_o take_v in_o this_o sense_n whereby_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n be_v that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v proclaim_v and_o publish_v in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n i_o hold_v that_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n stand_v bind_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n to_o his_o particular_a charge_n and_o congregation_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v show_v unto_o his_o people_n all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v back_o nothing_o as_o paul_n testify_v that_o he_o do_v to_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v conceal_v or_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o in_o these_o day_n i_o think_v it_o not_o only_o meet_v and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o in_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o hear_v some_o man_n say_v what_o must_v this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v preach_v &_o make_v know_v to_o the_o common_a people_n alas_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v with_o it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o meddle_v withal_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o diet_n i_o answer_v and_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o this_o book_n must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o saint_n john_n call_v it_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v he_o to_o show_v unto_o all_o his_o servant_n 1.1_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n young_a and_o old_a rich_a and_o poor_a must_v be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o this_o book_n moreover_o john_n be_v command_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n to_o set_v down_o all_o the_o vision_n which_o the_o angel_n show_v he_o and_o to_o write_v they_o all_o in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n that_o be_v to_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n 1.11_o and_o therefore_o this_o book_n do_v not_o only_o concern_v preacher_n and_o deep_a divine_n but_o even_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n whatsoever_o for_o it_o do_v minister_v great_a comfort_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o live_v in_o this_o age_n but_o here_o the_o papist_n object_v that_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o therefore_o not_o for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v withal_o nay_o say_v they_o there_o be_v as_o many_o mystery_n as_o word_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v man_n trouble_v their_o head_n about_o it_o but_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o papist_n say_v so_o much_o for_o it_o be_v the_o wound_n of_o their_o kingdom_n and_o the_o battery_n of_o their_o babylon_n as_o for_o other_o both_o learned_a and_o godly_a which_o in_o this_o point_n be_v almost_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n i_o can_v but_o marvel_v at_o it_o the_o modesty_n and_o humility_n of_o some_o very_o rare_a and_o reverend_a man_n for_o learning_n &_o great_a variety_n of_o gift_n which_o notwithstanding_o scotch_n much_o at_o this_o book_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v but_o if_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o give_v they_o advice_n i_o will_v wish_v they_o in_o this_o behalf_n to_o change_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v of_o another_o resolution_n for_o i_o dare_v avouch_v it_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o prophecy_n which_o study_n and_o diligence_n with_o prayer_n and_o humility_n may_v not_o overcome_v true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o the_o shell_n be_v thick_a and_o hard_o to_o break_v but_o be_v break_v the_o kernel_n be_v most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a if_o any_o be_v discourage_v with_o the_o darkness_n &_o obscurity_n of_o it_o let_v he_o hearken_v to_o these_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v call_v a_o revelation_n which_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o uncover_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v lie_v hide_v if_o it_o be_v a_o uncover_v and_o reveal_v of_o thing_n than_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v be_v know_v and_o see_v into_o for_o reveal_v thing_n be_v for_o we_o and_o our_o child_n 19_o if_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n how_o say_v some_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o dark_a that_o none_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v give_v a_o wrong_a name_n unto_o it_o god_n forbid_v for_o if_o it_o hide_v matter_n or_o so_o set_v they_o forth_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v than_o it_o be_v not_o right_o call_v a_o revelation_n if_o this_o book_n be_v so_o mystical_a that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v if_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o be_v uncertain_a if_o the_o common_a people_n can_v be_v teach_v to_o understand_v it_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n 7._o etc._n etc._n let_v any_o man_n judge_v that_o have_v common_a sense_n can_v any_o man_n be_v bless_v by_o hear_v and_o read_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o understandeth_v not_o i_o trow_v no._n then_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o book_n may_v be_v understand_v and_o no_o doubt_n be_v understand_v of_o many_o and_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v of_o many_o more_o if_o they_o will_v bend_v their_o wit_n and_o study_n unto_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o say_v before_o 22.10_o will_v and_o command_v that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n shall_v not_o be_v seal_v up_o whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o will_v have_v they_o read_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o then_o i_o reason_v thus_o that_o which_o be_v open_a and_o unseal_v may_v be_v read_v and_o know_v but_o this_o book_n be_v open_a and_o unseal_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v read_v and_o know_v if_o man_n say_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v seal_v and_o hide_v and_o god_n say_v they_o be_v unseal_v and_o open_a whether_o shall_v we_o believe_v man_n or_o god_n if_o any_o shall_v reply_v &_o say_v we_o feel_v &_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o be_v so_o negligent_a in_o the_o search_n and_o study_v thereof_o for_o if_o we_o do_v with_o that_o humility_n and_o reverend_a care_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o we_o search_v after_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o this_o book_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o seal_v up_o but_o lie_v open_a to_o be_v read_v and_o know_v true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o if_o any_o man_n light_n upon_o some_o piece_n and_o take_v it_o by_o itself_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o very_o dark_a but_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o matter_n throughout_o the_o book_n and_o mark_v and_o observe_v diligent_o how_o thing_n be_v iterate_v he_o shall_v find_v no_o such_o darkness_n as_o he_o fear_v for_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a coherence_n of_o matter_n and_o course_n of_o time_n observe_v in_o this_o book_n even_o from_o the_o first_o chapter_n unto_o the_o last_o as_o god_n will_v shall_v more_o full_o &_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o particular_a open_n and_o interpretation_n thereof_o one_o great_a objection_n against_o this_o prophecy_n be_v that_o the_o father_n confess_v it_o be_v full_a of_o mystery_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o if_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o say_v some_o how_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v it_o be_v it_o not_o great_a arrogancy_n for_o we_o to_o say_v we_o understand_v it_o better_o than_o they_o do_v i_o answer_v no._n for_o a_o man_n of_o mean_a learning_n in_o comparison_n may_v now_o in_o these_o day_n more_o easy_o understand_v &_o expound_v this_o book_n than_o the_o learnede_a doctor_n and_o father_n in_o ancient_a time_n the_o reason_n be_v this_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n prophesy_v in_o this_o book_n be_v fulfil_v now_o the_o fulfil_n of_o a_o pprophecy_n be_v the_o best_a exposition_n of_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o father_n they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n wherein_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o come_v

be_v care_v for_o to_o be_v make_v much_o of_o and_o to_o want_v nothing_o for_o indeed_o a_o good_a minister_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o price_n a_o good_a minister_n be_v as_o a_o friend_n in_o court_n which_o we_o say_v be_v better_a than_o penny_n in_o purse_n a_o good_a minister_n be_v like_o a_o candle_n which_o spend_v itself_o to_o give_v light_n to_o other_o a_o good_a minister_n be_v like_o a_o cock_n which_o by_o the_o clap_v of_o his_o wing_n awake_v himself_o and_o by_o his_o crow_n awake_v other_o for_o a_o good_a minister_n by_o his_o private_a study_n prayer_n &_o meditation_n awake_v himself_o and_o by_o his_o public_a preach_n awake_v other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v a_o good_a minister_n to_o be_v the_o very_a glory_n of_o christ_n and_o again_o 8.23_o that_o a_o good_a minister_n be_v a_o singular_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v i_o will_v take_v you_o one_o of_o a_o city_n 3.14_o and_o two_o of_o a_o tribe_n and_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o zion_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a to_o my_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n &_o understanding_n now_o then_o if_o a_o good_a minister_n be_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o so_o peerless_a a_o pearl_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o which_o contemn_v they_o and_o tread_v their_o ministry_n under_o foot_n as_o vile_a and_o nothing_o worth_a our_o lord_n jesus_n say_v of_o all_o such_o 10.16_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o let_v those_o scoffer_n and_o scorner_n therefore_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o despise_v christ_n for_o assure_o he_o will_v not_o long_o put_v it_o up_o at_o their_o hand_n if_o any_o man_n demand_v a_o reason_n why_o all_o these_o epistle_n be_v special_o send_v and_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n see_v john_n before_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 11._o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o write_v to_o the_o pastor_n exclude_v not_o the_o church_n but_o in_o they_o or_o under_o they_o he_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o epistle_n when_o he_o say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n then_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o speech_n be_v special_o direct_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o church_n be_v because_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o minister_n for_o common_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v such_o a_o pastor_n such_o people_n such_o a_o shepherd_n such_o sheep_n such_o a_o builder_n such_o building_n such_o a_o husbandman_n such_o husbandry_n 4.9_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v like_o priest_n like_o people_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o all_o these_o epistle_n that_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v commend_v the_o people_n be_v commend_v and_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v discommend_v the_o people_n be_v discommend_v also_o so_o that_o they_o stand_v and_o fall_v sink_v and_o swim_v together_o as_o concern_v the_o person_n from_o who_o these_o epistle_n be_v send_v it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v very_o glorious_o describe_v of_o his_o diverse_a quality_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o epistle_n first_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n it_o be_v say_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o which_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n second_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v first_o and_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a &_o be_v alive_a three_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n thus_o say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n four_o to_o thyatira_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n five_o to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n six_o to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v of_o christ_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v &_o no_o man_n shut_v &_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v last_o to_o laodicea_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v these_o thing_n say_v amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n now_o than_o we_o do_v plain_o see_v how_o glorious_o jesus_n christ_n be_v describe_v of_o his_o several_a property_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o epistle_n and_o what_o honourable_a and_o magnificent_a title_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o all_o to_o this_o end_n to_o move_v attention_n and_o to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o reverence_n of_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n that_o we_o may_v more_o serious_o regard_n and_o deep_o ponder_v the_o thing_n which_o proceed_v from_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n for_o we_o see_v and_o know_v by_o common_a experience_n that_o almost_o every_o man_n word_n be_v heed_v and_o regard_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n &_o reverence_n which_o be_v have_v of_o his_o person_n sith_o then_o that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o epistle_n be_v front_v with_o this_o great_a authority_n thus_o say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o say_v christ_n thus_o say_v alpha_n &_o omega_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n herein_o contain_v so_o likewise_o we_o read_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v very_o notable_o describe_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n 1.4.5_o and_o extol_v he_o far_o above_o the_o angel_n &_o all_o other_o creature_n he_o give_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n 2.1_o say_v therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v more_o diligent_a heed_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o exordium_n or_o entrance_n of_o these_o seven_o epipistle_n touch_v the_o person_n to_o who_o and_o the_o person_n from_o who_o these_o epistle_n be_v send_v now_o it_o follow_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o the_o general_a proposition_n contain_v in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n we_o read_v in_o all_o these_o epistle_n how_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v praise_v some_o of_o the_o church_n &_o dispraise_v other_o commend_v some_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o discommend_v other_o now_o he_o that_o will_v praise_v or_o dispraise_v must_v special_o look_v to_o this_o that_o he_o be_v upon_o a_o good_a ground_n and_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o any_o praise_n or_o dispraise_v commend_v or_o reprove_v do_v first_o protest_v that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n &_o be_v privy_a to_o all_o their_o particular_a action_n yea_o their_o very_a thought_n and_o therefore_o can_v err_v or_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o censure_n true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o man_n may_v err_v in_o their_o opinion_n &_o censure_n of_o other_o because_o they_o know_v not_o man_n heart_n &_o with_o what_o affection_n thing_n be_v carry_v man_n i_o say_v may_v praise_v or_o dispraise_v too_o much_o or_o too_o little_a but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n can_v fail_v one_o jot_n nor_o err_v a_o hair_n breadth_n as_o we_o say_v either_o in_o commend_v or_o discommend_v and_o therefore_o he_o stop_v their_o mouth_n at_o the_o first_o dash_n so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v when_o he_o say_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o thou_o be_v &_o what_o thou_o have_v be_v i_o be_o not_o deceive_v in_o thou_o i_o know_v thy_o sit_v down_o &_o rise_v up_o &_o be_o accustom_v to_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o this_o brief_o of_o proposition_n the_o narration_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a contain_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n consist_v of_o praise_n &_o dispraise_n admonition_n reprehension_n threat_n and_o promise_n touch_v the_o first_o we_o find_v that_o some_o church_n be_v whole_o commend_v other_o whole_o discommend_v other_o partly_o commend_v partly_o discommend_v as_o for_o example_n the_o pastor_n &_o people_n of_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n be_v general_o commend_v for_o all_o thing_n and_o discommend_v for_o nothing_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n find_v with_o they_o that_o be_v no_o gross_a fault_n as_o in_o other_o for_o they_o be_v not_o without_o common_a corruption_n and_o infirmity_n

ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o church_n bring_v forth_o no_o child_n at_o ease_n but_o with_o hard_a travail_n and_o much_o ado_n have_v so_o few_o friend_n to_o help_v she_o and_o so_o many_o enemy_n against_o she_o as_o anon_o we_o shall_v hear_v and_o there_o appear_v another_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n for_o behold_v a_o great_a red_a dragon_n ver_fw-la 3_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o seven_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n ver_fw-la 4_o and_o his_o tail_n draw_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o cast_v they_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o dragon_n stand_v before_o the_o woman_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v deliver_v now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n great_a &_o capital_a enemy_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n who_o because_o he_o study_v and_o labour_v continual_o to_o impeach_v the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n to_o deject_v she_o from_o her_o dignity_n and_o dispossess_v she_o of_o her_o inheritance_n therefore_o here_o in_o vision_n he_o be_v say_v to_o appear_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o meddle_v with_o the_o church_n in_o and_o about_o heavenly_a thing_n practise_v to_o pull_v she_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o she_o come_v and_o whither_o she_o must_v return_v even_o to_o cast_v she_o into_o hell_n and_o condemnation_n with_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o devil_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o dragon_n for_o his_o fury_n &_o felnesse_n to_o a_o great_a dragon_n for_o his_o power_n &_o might_n and_o a_o red_a dragon_n for_o his_o bloody_a cruelty_n malice_n and_o madness_n against_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o mmber_n his_o seven_o head_n signify_v his_o manifold_a sleight_n and_o subtlety_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o craftsmaster_n his_o ten_o horn_n signify_v his_o dreadful_a power_n for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o he_o be_v strong_a than_o any_o other_o creature_n have_v not_o lose_v his_o strength_n by_o his_o fall_n but_o remain_v as_o strong_a as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n his_o seven_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n do_v signify_v his_o manifold_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o from_o age_n to_o age_n get_v so_o many_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n through_o his_o sleight_n and_o power_n that_o now_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v and_o reign_v as_o king_n over_o they_o this_o dragon_n have_v a_o monstrous_a tail_n both_o for_o length_n and_o strength_n for_o it_o be_v so_o long_o that_o it_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n &_o so_o strong_a that_o it_o brush_v down_o the_o star_n from_o thence_o that_o be_v the_o devil_n through_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n and_o other_o fleshly_a lust_n do_v pull_v down_o many_o minister_n which_o shine_v in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n even_o unto_o the_o earth_n where_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o brightness_n and_o glory_n and_o shine_v as_o much_o as_o the_o moon_n in_o a_o mist_n vers_fw-la 4_o moreover_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o dragon_n stand_v before_o the_o woman_n in_o travail_n to_o devour_v her_o child_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o satan_n in_o that_o he_o watch_v so_o narrow_o to_o devour_v the_o bless_a seed_n even_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o stir_v up_o herod_n the_o king_n 2._o subtle_o to_o seek_v he_o out_o by_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o may_v kill_v he_o and_o afterward_o most_o cruel_o practise_v the_o same_o by_o murder_v so_o many_o innocent_n but_o this_o be_v always_o a_o general_a truth_n that_o satan_n seek_v to_o smother_v not_o only_a christ_n but_o every_o member_n of_o he_o in_o the_o cradle_n yea_o to_o blast_v they_o in_o the_o bud_n before_o ever_o they_o come_v to_o fruit_n or_o flower_n vers_fw-la 5_o so_o she_o bring_v forth_o a_o man_n child_n which_o shall_v rule_v all_o nation_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o that_o her_o child_n be_v take_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o his_o throne_n notwithstanding_o the_o malice_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o satan_n yet_o the_o church_n bring_v forth_o christ_n which_o shall_v rule_v and_o over-rule_v all_o nation_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o be_v the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o psalm_n 11.4_o and_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v moreover_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o child_n be_v take_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o his_o throne_n that_o be_v christ_n by_o his_o resurrection_n do_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o chair_n of_o estate_n in_o despite_n of_o herod_n pontius_n pilate_n the_o priest_n the_o pharisee_n and_o all_o other_o his_o enemy_n which_o seek_v to_o keep_v he_o down_o and_o now_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n do_v draw_v all_o his_o member_n unto_o he_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o imp_n and_o the_o woman_n flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n vers_fw-la 6_o where_o she_o have_v a_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v she_o there_o a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o day_n now_o after_o the_o woman_n child_n be_v set_v in_o safety_n here_o be_v show_v what_o become_v of_o the_o woman_n herself_o to_o wit_n that_o she_o be_v so_o sore_o pursue_v by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n that_o she_o be_v fain_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n the_o natural_a sense_n &_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o place_n be_v that_o when_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o grow_v after_o christ_n ascension_n &_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o increase_v exceed_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n satan_n do_v so_o great_o malign_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o rage_n that_o he_o will_v have_v eat_v they_o up_o all_o at_o a_o bit_n and_o root_v they_o out_o at_o once_o that_o so_o the_o woman_n may_v have_v no_o more_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v act._n 8._o that_o after_o the_o ston_a of_o steven_n there_o be_v such_o a_o persecution_n raise_v up_o against_o the_o church_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o pharisee_n and_o all_o that_o curse_a crew_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o heathen_a country_n and_o among_o the_o heathen_a people_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o wilderness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o ground_n untilled_a desolate_a and_o barren_a of_o all_o fruit_n of_o godliness_n but_o now_o may_v some_o man_n say_v how_o shall_v the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n how_o shall_v she_o live_v how_o shall_v she_o be_v sustain_v there_o be_v no_o till_v no_o sow_v no_o plant_n there_o grow_v no_o corn_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v have_v either_o for_o food_n or_o raiment_n here_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o god_n prepare_v a_o place_n for_o she_o where_o she_o shall_v be_v feed_v god_n take_v up_o a_o inn_n for_o she_o she_o want_v neither_o food_n nor_o raiment_n in_o her_o persecution_n &_o trouble_n which_o teach_v that_o god_n do_v always_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o even_o in_o great_a misery_n scarsity_n famine_n banishment_n and_o persecution_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v for_o elias_n in_o the_o time_n of_o dearth_n 14._o and_o for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o day_n that_o be_v during_o the_o time_n of_o her_o persecution_n as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v chapter_n 11.2_o chap._n 11._o vers_fw-la 2._o vers_fw-la 7_o and_o there_o be_v a_o battle_n in_o heaven_n michael_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v against_o the_o dragon_n and_o the_o dragon_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v vers_fw-la 8_o but_o they_o prevail_v not_o neither_o be_v their_o place_n find_v any_o more_o in_o heaven_n now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o be_v the_o battle_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o whereas_o the_o dragon_n can_v not_o smother_v christ_n in_o the_o cradle_n as_o he_o endeavour_v &_o so_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o all_o her_o happiness_n for_o ever_o now_o he_o proclaim_v open_a war_n both_o against_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o member_n plot_v and_o purpose_v to_o oppugn_v the_o very_a salvation_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v found_v in_o christ_n wherein_o he_o show_v both_o his_o impudency_n and_o furious_a madness_n 9_o michael_n here_o