shall_v be_v for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n 13.14_o have_v show_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o the_o saint_n for_o 42._o month_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o witness_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n to_o be_v 1260._o day_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v he_o see_v that_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o saint_n mourning_n be_v in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n limit_v and_o prefix_v and_o that_o which_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v testify_v with_o a_o great_a oath_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o several_a period_n and_o appoint_a season_n again_o against_o the_o definite_a demonstration_n of_o the_o last_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n two_o scripture_n offer_v themselves_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o mark_n 13.32_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o his_o second_o come_v but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n the_o other_o be_v that_o of_o the_o act._n 1.7_o wherein_o christ_n answer_v his_o disciple_n question_v will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n so_o the_o objection_n lie_v thus_o if_o no_o man_n no_o not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n know_v the_o last_o day_n but_o that_o time_n and_o season_n be_v leave_v 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from_o all_o eternity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v it_o for_o shall_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o handiwork_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o injunction_n or_o command_n of_o his_o father_n on_o he_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o on_o earth_n to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n be_v that_o scripture_n mark_n 10.40_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n to_o sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n or_o his_o left_a be_v not_o he_o to_o give_v yet_o in_o revel_n 3.21_o he_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o he_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n this_o scripture_n give_v a_o fair_a light_n to_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o former_a for_o while_o he_o be_v here_o beneath_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o father_n to_o discover_v time_n and_o season_n nor_o to_o give_v throne_n power_n and_o kingdom_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o saint_n until_o after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o father_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o give_v into_o his_o hand_n by_o right_a of_o purchase_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v clear_o intimate_v in_o the_o revel_n 5.9_o etc._n etc._n when_o none_o be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n than_o the_o 24._o elder_n before_o the_o throne_n sing_v a_o new_a song_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_v thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o thy_o blood_n of_o every_o kindred_n tongue_n people_n and_o nation_n the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n be_v as_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o his_o second_o come_v neither_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o suffer_v nor_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o father_n for_o christ_n unto_o that_o day_n 3._o that_o place_n of_o the_o act_n 1.7_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o disciple_n to_o know_v then_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o meet_a time_n which_o god_n think_v good_a at_o that_o time_n not_o to_o make_v know_v to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n he_o do_v not_o answer_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o de_fw-la tempore_fw-la tempestivo_fw-la of_o the_o opportune_a and_o fit_a time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n do_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o will_v not_o reveal_v unto_o his_o people_n 4._o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o essay_n i_o do_v consider_v the_o time_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o period_n of_o antichrist_n and_o other_o the_o great_a event_n syncronize_a with_o the_o same_o in_o a_o indefinite_a and_o more_o general_a way_n not_o in_o a_o exact_a definite_a precise_a day_n and_o hour_n here_o i_o only_o consider_v the_o year_n in_o a_o more_o general_a way_n which_o now_o the_o father_n have_v not_o reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o other_o book_n of_o god_n last_o account_v it_o as_o labour_v lose_v to_o answer_v the_o vain_a interpretation_n and_o gloss_n of_o the_o allegorise_a and_o chemical_a scripturist_n to_o wit_v the_o familistical_a notionist_n who_o can_v extract_v quidlibet_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la and_o so_o make_v the_o revelation_n indeed_o a_o mystery_n and_o book_n seal_v to_o the_o wise_a christian_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o meddle_v with_o they_o when_o as_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o mystical_a â—_z of_o their_o own_o confuse_a brain_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n for_o indeed_o if_o this_o book_n be_v not_o open_v according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n with_o their_o peculiar_a character_n right_o apply_v to_o their_o several_a time_n and_o season_n we_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o tolerable_a sense_n or_o exposition_n to_o set_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v well_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o do_v clear_o discover_v and_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o 17._o chap._n the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o be_v a_o government_n or_o empire_n that_o shall_v arise_v under_o ten_o king_n and_o that_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a and_o the_o woman_n sit_v upon_o many_o water_n to_o be_v that_o great_a city_n situate_v upon_o seven_o hill_n and_o which_o do_v reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v holpen_v we_o with_o this_o key_n to_o unshut_a in_o part_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o fall_v on_o the_o same_o method_n in_o open_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o figure_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v we_o some_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o itself_o as_o sure_a footstep_n to_o tread_v in_o from_o which_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v as_o from_o a_o watchtower_n take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o so_o a_o scanding_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n otherwise_o in_o itself_o inaccessible_a and_o that_o thy_o servant_n o_o christ_n who_o
will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o than_o a_o spiritual_a participate_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n in_o this_o life_n the_o word_n have_v respect_n unto_o futurity_n and_o the_o other_o life_n as_o the_o next_o verse_n intimate_v and_o that_o of_o luke_n 13.29_o then_o shall_v they_o come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n north_n and_o south_n and_o shall_v sit_v at_o table_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o when_o be_v that_o time_n but_o in_o that_o day_n when_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v appear_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a thrust_n out_o of_o door_n vers_n 28._o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n intimate_v in_o matth._n 26.29_o to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o last_o supper_n that_o henceforth_o he_o will_v not_o drink_v of_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o that_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v drink_v it_o new_a with_o they_o in_o his_o father_n kingdom_n christ_n will_v again_o feast_v communicate_v and_o entertain_v mutual_a fellowship_n with_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n though_o not_o in_o a_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a manner_n yet_o in_o a_o more_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v new_a wine_n in_o respect_n it_o be_v receive_v not_o in_o the_o old_a common_a way_n but_o in_o a_o more_o singular_a and_o spiritual_a way_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v call_v new_a as_o jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n be_v call_v new_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o perfection_n the_o old_a be_v pass_v away_o and_o that_o day_n when_o this_o heavenly_a supper_n or_o feast_n will_v be_v be_v when_o that_o royal_a nuptial_a feast_n be_v prepare_v at_o that_o wedding_n mention_v rev._n 21.2_o 9_o for_o the_o heavenly_a bride_n the_o lamb_n wife_n when_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v sit_v at_o table_n together_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o most_o glorious_a and_o happy_a millenary_a reign_n and_o kingdom_n and_o i_o can_v see_v no_o inconvenience_n why_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o literal_o understand_v it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o plain_a literal_a sense_n thereof_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o evident_a cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o coherence_n against_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o some_o other_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v scripture_n but_o this_o sense_n accord_v and_o harmonize_n with_o a_o full_a consort_n of_o other_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o piscator_fw-la well_o observe_v upon_o this_o of_o matth._n 26.29_o quare_fw-la non_fw-la videtur_fw-la hoc_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la de_fw-la vino_fw-la quod_fw-la una_fw-la cum_fw-la discipulis_fw-la biberet_fw-la dominus_fw-la post_fw-la resurrectionem_fw-la suum_fw-la nam_fw-la etsi_fw-la per_fw-la dies_fw-la illos_fw-la quadraginta_fw-la sese_fw-la illis_fw-la subinde_fw-la ostendit_fw-la atque_fw-la etiam_fw-la cum_fw-la iis_fw-la edit_fw-la nulla_fw-la tamen_fw-la potus_fw-la sit_fw-la mentio_fw-la nec_fw-la moris_fw-la erat_fw-la apud_fw-la judaeos_fw-la bibere_fw-la vinum_fw-la in_o prandiis_fw-la ac_fw-la coenis_fw-la quoâ—idianis_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la in_o solemnioribus_fw-la conviviis_fw-la though_o it_o be_v mention_v that_o christ_n do_v eat_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n before_o he_o ascend_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o drink_v this_o new_a wine_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o then_o in_o be_v for_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v then_o a_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n a_o kingdom_n for_o they_o john_n 14.2_o wherein_o they_o shall_v sup_v with_o he_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o sit_v on_o his_o throne_n and_o reign_v with_o he_o as_o the_o procedure_n of_o the_o next_o verse_n will_v manifest_v verse_n 21._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n christ_n here_o add_v a_o three_o reason_n to_o the_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o reward_n a_o throne_n christ_n tell_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n matth._n 20.23_o that_o to_o sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o his_o left_a be_v not_o he_o to_o give_v but_o he_o have_v since_o by_o his_o death_n purchase_v this_o power_n into_o his_o hand_n for_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_a to_o dispose_v and_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n to_o all_o his_o conquer_a saint_n christ_n throne_n here_o and_o the_o father_n be_v contradistinguish_v as_o two_o distinct_a throne_n and_o not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o subordinata_n or_o diversa_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la contraria_fw-la my_o throne_n and_o the_o father_n throne_n carry_v a_o variety_n not_o a_o contrariety_n in_o they_o the_o son_n be_v not_o the_o father_n neither_o be_v the_o father_n the_o son_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o son_n throne_n the_o father_n throne_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o father_n throne_n the_o son_n throne_n christ_n will_v have_v his_o throne_n as_o god-man_n here_o on_o earth_n wherein_o himself_o and_o member_n shall_v have_v a_o share_n though_o inferior_a unto_o the_o head_n for_o they_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n rev._n 5.10_o and_o the_o father_n have_v his_o throne_n the_o high_a heaven_n of_o glory_n psal_n 11.4_o isa_n 66.1_o whereâ—n_v christ_n be_v set_v down_o col_n 3.1_o and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v christ_n throne_n proper_o as_o his_o own_o for_o christ_n kingdom_n or_o throne_n be_v a_o throne_n of_o execute_v judgement_n and_o righteousness_n and_o break_v all_o his_o enemy_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n cap._n 2.27_o 2_o pet._n 3.13_o now_o this_o can_v be_v commodious_o apply_v to_o the_o father_n throne_n which_o christ_n at_o present_a enjoy_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a of_o holies_n into_o which_o christ_n be_v enter_v a_o place_n only_o meet_v for_o angelical_a hallelujah_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n make_v perfect_a not_o for_o rule_v reign_a judge_a and_o break_v his_o obstinate_a enemy_n which_o he_o as_o man_n must_v do_v on_o earth_n but_o more_o of_o this_o hereafter_o only_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o time_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v when_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v a_o throne_n of_o his_o own_o on_o which_o together_o with_o he_o the_o overcome_a saint_n shall_v sit_v and_o reign_v on_o earth_n that_o this_o throne_n be_v to_o commence_v in_o futurity_n be_v plain_a from_o christ_n promise_n make_v here_o to_o the_o overcome_a saint_n long_o after_o christ_n ascension_n into_o the_o father_n throne_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o on_o earth_n be_v plain_a from_o cap._n 5._o 10._o where_o the_o elder_n triumphant_a song_n do_v clear_v it_o thou_o have_v make_v we_o unto_o our_o god_n king_n and_o priest_n and_o we_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n compare_v to_o chap_n 20_o v._n 11._o and_o that_o of_o matthew_n 5.5_o bless_a be_v the_o meek_a for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n all_o be_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a experience_n show_v they_o have_v not_o yet_o inherit_v the_o earth_n for_o they_o have_v in_o all_o past_a time_n complain_v we_o have_v be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n and_o in_o all_o age_n hitherto_o afflict_v distress_a and_o persecute_v as_o servant_n and_o never_o as_o yet_o inherit_v the_o earth_n that_o be_v become_v the_o only_a lord_n as_o the_o true_a heir_n and_o proprietor_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o yet_o to_o come_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o of_o luke_n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o you_o be_v they_o which_o have_v continue_v with_o i_o in_o my_o temptation_n and_o i_o appoint_v unto_o you_o a_o kingdom_n as_o my_o father_n have_v appoint_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v at_o my_o table_n in_o my_o kingdom_n and_o sit_v on_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n i_o see_v no_o inconvenience_n of_o understand_v these_o word_n literal_o as_o unto_o the_o general_a scope_n thereof_o according_a to_o that_o ancient_a rule_n non_fw-la est_fw-la a_o litera_fw-la seu_fw-la propria_fw-la scripturae_fw-la significatione_n recedâ—ndum_fw-la nisi_fw-la evidens_fw-la aliqua_fw-la necessitas_fw-la cogat_fw-la &_o scripturae_fw-la veritas_fw-la in_o ipsa_fw-la litera_fw-la periclitari_fw-la videatur_fw-la and_o by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v many_o godly_a learned_a man_n both_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n and_o other_o also_o that_o though_o they_o take_v not_o up_o this_o opinion_n as_o their_o own_o nor_o can_v whole_o comport_v with_o it_o in_o their_o judgement_n yet_o
2.28_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o reveal_v mystery_n to_o he_o be_v all_o the_o glory_n but_o to_o you_o worthy_a sir_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v nor_o for_o you_o a_o great_a good_a to_o pray_v then_o that_o god_n who_o have_v exalt_v you_o in_o authority_n and_o power_n into_o that_o likeness_n of_o himself_o so_o he_o will_v engrave_v upon_o you_o another_o image_n or_o likeness_n of_o his_o own_o true_a wisdom_n and_o give_v you_o a_o enlighten_v wise_a solomon-like_a discern_v heart_n whereby_o you_o may_v daily_o see_v more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v have_v your_o aim_n right_a and_o your_o heart_n fix_v to_o prosecute_v those_o end_n and_o that_o in_o integrity_n which_o god_n in_o your_o present_a employment_n have_v call_v you_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o this_o present_a generation_n for_o all_o christian_a worthy_n to_o set_v their_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v if_o not_o to_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o the_o eclipse_v of_o the_o austrian_a sun_n the_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n may_v not_o be_v want_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o christian_a worthy_n in_o those_o great_a transaction_n be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o he_o that_o be_v your_o worship_n most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n hicks_n to_o the_o judicious_a christian_a reader_n reader_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o among_o most_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o in_o search_v out_o hide_a verity_n they_o be_v various_a in_o their_o project_n and_o their_o cogitation_n be_v usual_o fix_v upon_o divers_a end_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v and_o this_o be_v vanity_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o this_o be_v curiosity_n other_o know_v that_o they_o may_v edify_v and_o this_o be_v charity_n how_o distasteful_a the_o two_o former_a be_v to_o all_o judicious_a person_n and_o how_o desirable_a the_o latter_a be_v to_o all_o know_a christian_n i_o need_v not_o inculcate_v the_o latter_a be_v my_o choice_n i_o hope_v thy_o candour_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o my_o end_n will_v apologise_v for_o i_o in_o that_o i_o appear_v in_o public_a now_o among_o the_o crowd_n in_o print_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o as_o one_o witty_o observe_v viz._n heylin_n geogr._n in_o folio_n 865._o the_o treasury_n of_o learning_n be_v never_o so_o full_a and_o yet_o never_o more_o empty_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o vain_a frothy_a and_o unnecessary_a discourse_n it_o abound_v with_o from_o the_o scribbler_n and_o idle_a paper-blurrer_n of_o these_o day_n and_o if_o i_o have_v go_v beside_o myself_o to_o become_v one_o of_o that_o number_n by_o play_v the_o fool_n in_o print_n i_o must_v say_v as_o paul_n do_v to_o his_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 5.13_o sive_fw-la insanimus_fw-la deo_fw-la insanimus_fw-la sive_fw-la sâ—na_fw-la ment_fw-la sumus_fw-la vobis_fw-la sana_fw-la ment_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o if_o i_o have_v play_v the_o fool_n herein_o it_o be_v unto_o god_n and_o for_o your_o sake_n christian_n that_o i_o have_v do_v it_o but_o if_o thou_o ask_v i_o to_o what_o end_n i_o fall_v upon_o this_o task_n of_o interpret_n this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n see_v many_o have_v already_o attempt_v it_o whereof_o some_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n yet_o other_o with_o more_o credit_n and_o proficiency_n i_o answer_v indeed_o in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o undertake_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi to_o what_o good_a for_o what_o end_n we_o do_v effect_v they_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v all_o our_o action_n and_o add_v perfection_n to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o exitus_fw-la actu_fw-la probat_fw-la the_o excellency_n of_o our_o work_n appear_v and_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o end_n therefore_o though_o my_o labour_n herein_o may_v by_o some_o be_v account_v superfluous_a and_o myself_o to_o be_v just_o number_v among_o the_o former_a sort_n that_o have_v oleum_fw-la &_o operam_fw-la perdiderunt_fw-la that_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o undertake_n yet_o i_o believe_v the_o indifferent_a and_o ingenious_a reader_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o when_o god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o myself_o opportunity_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o will_v partake_v of_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o instrument_n yet_o i_o trust_v the_o reader_n will_v find_v my_o end_n high_a and_o honourable_a enough_o and_o of_o sufficient_a excellency_n to_o bear_v up_o my_o spirit_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o his_o in_o peruse_v and_o consider_v and_o although_o to_o some_o i_o may_v seem_v herein_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o fall_v upon_o a_o theme_n full_o already_o discuss_v by_o other_o yet_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n with_o that_o say_n of_o augustine_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la plures_fw-la libros_fw-la a_o pluribus_fw-la fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it etiam_fw-la de_fw-la questionibus_fw-la iisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la res_fw-la perveniat_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la that_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o have_v book_n compose_v of_o the_o same_o work_n or_o question_n in_o a_o various_a and_o divers_a stile_n that_o knowledge_n may_v be_v convey_v to_o very_a many_o to_o some_o in_o one_o manner_n to_z other_o after_z another_z though_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o boast_n of_o my_o impartiality_n in_o interpret_n and_o apply_v those_o prophetical_a vision_n yet_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v single_a and_o unbiased_a in_o this_o undertake_n have_v first_o desire_v god_n to_o guide_v my_o understanding_n and_o pen_n aright_o to_o write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o do_v genuine_o rise_v from_o the_o substance_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n or_o what_o may_v be_v extract_v therefrom_o by_o good_a consequence_n or_o what_o do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o figure_n and_o hierogliphique_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n interpret_v not_o according_a to_o private_a judgement_n nor_o unto_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o party_n or_o faction_n be_v free_a from_o any_o such_o pre-engagement_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o in_o all_o such_o undertake_n as_o abraham_n do_v his_o follower_n as_o great_a encumbrance_n when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o mount_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n i_o trust_v the_o candid_a reader_n shall_v find_v the_o divine_a mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n open_v and_o apply_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o for_o the_o main_a make_v evident_a by_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n and_o according_a to_o that_o full_a complete_a spirit_n of_o harmony_n that_o run_v through_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n i_o confess_v i_o may_v come_v short_a of_o some_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v go_v herein_o before_o i_o to_o who_o labour_n i_o must_v just_o acknowledge_v a_o due_a tribute_n be_v assist_v thereby_o unto_o this_o work_n and_o though_o i_o can_v just_o apply_v that_o say_n of_o cicero_n to_o my_o cause_n for_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o vanity_n and_o self-exalting_a recentissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la sunt_fw-la emandata_fw-la magis_fw-la yet_o this_o i_o may_v bold_o adventure_v to_o say_v that_o thou_o shall_v find_v such_o variety_n of_o collection_n observation_n question_n and_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v not_o ordinary_a in_o any_o former_a writer_n hereupon_o that_o will_v yield_v thou_o if_o a_o ingenious_a person_n no_o small_a delight_n and_o profit_n in_o read_v ponder_a and_o treasure_v up_o the_o same_o the_o variety_n of_o flower_n make_v the_o sweet_a posy_n and_o various_a discord_v yet_o harmonize_a sound_n make_v the_o sweet_a music_n so_o variety_n of_o truth_n and_o question_n discuss_v will_v yield_v the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o though_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o many_o that_o go_v before_o i_o on_o this_o theme_n do_v excel_v in_o true_a piety_n learning_n and_o part_n yet_o save_v due_a respect_n both_o to_o the_o person_n and_o their_o part_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a if_o that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n be_v advance_v by_o their_o help_n upon_o their_o own_o shoulder_n and_o come_v near_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v see_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o mysterious_a
satan_n law_n nor_o the_o second_o death_n can_v take_v hold_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v for_o he_o for_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v rise_v for_o their_o justification_n therefore_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o danger_n of_o miscarry_v and_o so_o may_v just_o triumph_v and_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n hell_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 15._o verse_n 12._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n write_v this_o say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n here_o follow_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n it_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n and_o in_o the_o 18._o vers_fw-la follow_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n the_o spirit_n herein_o clear_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o inscription_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o of_o the_o ephesian_a church_n and_o here_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n or_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o significant_a and_o latitude_n and_o therefore_o such_o place_n be_v very_o incongruous_o take_v up_o to_o prove_v a_o church_n of_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o though_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v the_o term_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v always_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n not_o that_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o pergamus_n be_v the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o in_o england_n of_o ephesus_z or_o in_o or_o at_o ephesus_n of_o pergamus_n or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o or_o at_o thyatira_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o safe_a to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o wholesome_a word_n in_o such_o expression_n write_v this_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n set_v himself_o forth_o unto_o each_o church_n in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n in_o a_o general_n and_o full_a appearance_n and_o discovery_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o full_a lustre_n and_o now_o he_o discover_v himself_o by_o part_n unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o several_a want_n and_o imperfection_n where_o by_o the_o way_n take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o christ_n discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o his_o church_n be_v always_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a condition_n to_o afflict_a and_o persecute_v faithful_a church_n as_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n be_v he_o appear_v as_o a_o god_n of_o protection_n and_o salvation_n unto_o they_o as_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n under_o the_o description_n of_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n for_o a_o comfortable_a discovery_n unto_o they_o write_z these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v first_o and_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a but_o now_o unto_o the_o more_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n his_o discovery_n be_v in_o another_o posture_n as_o one_o have_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n v._o 18._o a_o appearance_n of_o indignation_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n faithful_a afflict_a christian_n need_v discovery_n of_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n but_o unfound_a and_o corrupt_a one_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n preach_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o know_v not_o right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v no_o complete_a workman_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n he_o be_v a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a that_o know_v how_o to_o preach_v gospel_n and_o glad_a tiding_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n to_o poor_a humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n but_o hell_n and_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o threat_n be_v not_o contradictory_n be_v wise_o manage_v yet_o in_o this_o appearance_n of_o christ_n of_o have_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n there_o be_v much_o mercy_n in_o it_o for_o understand_v that_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v mean_v his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n confer_v with_o heb._n 4.12_o psal_n 148.6_o and_o 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o for_o that_o be_v two_o edge_a and_o cut_v two_o way_n first_o it_o cut_v off_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o its_o kindly_a operate_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o it_o cut_v confound_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a not_o through_o any_o innate_a quality_n in_o the_o word_n but_o by_o accident_n for_o by_o their_o refusal_n and_o contempt_n thereof_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o author_n and_o instituter_n thereof_o god_n go_v out_o with_o the_o other_o edge_n or_o side_n of_o his_o sword_n against_o they_o on_o his_o black_a and_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o god_n judgement_n towards_o his_o back-slidden_a church_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o mercy_n though_o christ_n appearance_n to_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v much_o in_o wrath_n for_o their_o defilement_n and_o backslide_n yet_o he_o add_v much_o grace_n and_o mercy_n thereunto_o both_o in_o approbation_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o defection_n christ_n give_v always_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n providence_n after_o providence_n and_o mercy_n after_o mercy_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n before_o he_o will_v take_v his_o last_o cause_n of_o judgement_n with_o we_o his_o heart_n be_v still_o towards_o our_o amendment_n though_o he_o be_v provoke_v high_o by_o our_o sin_n against_o we_o and_o who_o but_o a_o heart_n of_o adamant_n will_v not_o believe_v he_o when_o he_o swear_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o the_o very_a weapon_n that_o he_o use_v against_o sinner_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n with_o two_o edge_n it_o heal_v as_o well_o as_o wound_n the_o one_o edge_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o balm_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o other_o with_o the_o gall_n of_o judgement_n verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o helde_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n go_v on_o in_o the_o approbation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o know_v her_o work_n and_o that_o her_o habitation_n or_o domestical_a conversation_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v be_v in_o a_o place_n even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v or_o throne_n be_v as_o the_o orginal_a have_v it_o we_o know_v the_o seat_n or_o throne_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o place_n or_o ensign_n of_o dominion_n rule_n or_o sway_v as_o psal_n 1._o v._n 1._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a that_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o such_o scorner_n as_o go_v on_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o say_v their_o tongue_n be_v their_o own_o who_o shall_v we_o control_v as_o christ_n have_v his_o throne_n and_o seat_n so_o satan_n have_v he_o as_o christ_n go_v out_o as_o a_o absolute_a monarch_n in_o his_o kingdom_n have_v his_o royal_a law_n and_o command_n and_o the_o observer_n thereof_o therein_o so_o satan_n have_v also_o his_o kingdom_n and_o his_o throne_n set_v up_o therein_o where_o his_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o the_o childen_a of_o disobedience_n without_o control_n and_o therefore_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v be_v render_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o another_o variation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o satan_n dwell_v or_o do_v his_o household_n affair_n a_o man_n house_n
light_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n if_o he_o be_v spiritual_o judicious_a and_o learned_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v diligent_o true_a berean-like_a whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o so_o shall_v he_o deliver_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o his_o brother_n also_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n to_o all_o which_o as_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o say_v amen_n who_o be_o kerris_n in_o cornwall_n nou._n 1._o 1658._o thou_o in_o all_o christian_a service_n william_n hicks_n the_o preface_n god_n speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n in_o old_a time_n to_o our_o father_n after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n but_o now_o in_o these_o late_a day_n he_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o ambassador_n the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n move_v on_o his_o endeavour_n in_o search_v meditate_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o old_a and_o new_a not_o only_o find_v out_o that_o treasure_n where_o out_o flow_v both_o new_a and_o old_a thing_n that_o will_v make_v his_o soul_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o also_o he_o shall_v find_v a_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n that_o will_v replenish_v his_o soul_n while_o here_o beneath_o in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n for_o what_o will_v add_v great_a hope_n or_o be_v a_o sure_a prop_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o affliction_n and_o mourning_n then_o to_o fore_o see_v know_v and_o be_v assure_v next_o to_o its_o interest_n in_o christ_n of_o the_o day_n of_o its_o deliverance_n this_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a portion_n and_o lot_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o interest_v in_o christ_n jesus_n through_o their_o several_a generation_n for_o the_o servant_n must_v not_o look_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o master_n christ_n enter_v into_o his_o glory_n by_o suffering_n temptation_n sorrow_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n his_o member_n must_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o while_o here_o militant_a though_o not_o to_o the_o same_o measure_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n for_o herein_o they_o be_v not_o make_v mighty_a to_o bear_v his_o suffering_n be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n that_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n may_v be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o thereby_o may_v become_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n our_o suffering_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o to_o fullfil_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o ourselves_o in_o our_o journey_v towards_o our_o celestial_a canaan_n and_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o particular_a member_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n thereof_o yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o gracious_a god_n to_o manifest_v his_o fatherly_a oversight_n and_o faithful_a providence_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o without_o intermission_n dispense_v towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n have_v often_o for_o a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o warning_n to_o the_o wicked_a not_o only_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o oppressor_n and_o set_v they_o above_o they_o but_o so_o prefix_v the_o time_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o deliverance_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o in_o observe_v the_o event_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o alwise_a hand_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o the_o one_o for_o good_a to_o the_o other_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o for_o ever_o god_n have_v his_o access_n and_o his_o recess_n his_o come_n in_o and_o his_o withdrawing_n towards_o his_o church_n some_o be_v conditional_a as_o if_o we_o keep_v with_o god_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o we_o but_o if_o we_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v we_o some_o again_o be_v absolute_a and_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n as_o that_o i_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o etc._n etc._n yet_o however_o god_n purpose_n of_o do_v good_a to_o his_o church_n be_v so_o steadfast_a and_o unalterable_a that_o though_o many_o of_o they_o run_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o precedent_a condition_n or_o qualification_n in_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o will_v in_o faithfulness_n perform_v his_o promise_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n either_o by_o make_v they_o a_o fit_a people_n for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n by_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o they_o and_o so_o will_v make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n or_o otherwise_o rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n shall_v fall_v to_o ground_v unaccomplish_v will_v do_v it_o absolute_o of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o before_o the_o flood_n god_n give_v 120._o year_n respite_n to_o the_o old_a world_n before_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o gen._n 6.3_o when_o this_o time_n be_v expire_v his_o spirit_n will_v contend_v with_o they_o no_o long_o but_o god_n come_v with_o the_o flood_n and_o destroy_v all_o live_n except_o noah_n and_o what_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ark._n 2._o god_n declare_v to_o abraham_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stanger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o in_o egypt_n and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o for_o 400._o year_n but_o withal_o that_o nation_n who_o they_o shall_v serve_v he_o will_v judge_v and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o etc._n etc._n which_o promise_n god_n do_v fulfil_v most_o faithful_o unto_o they_o in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_a term_n he_o bring_v out_o his_o people_n with_o a_o mighty_a and_o strong_a arm_n in_o drown_v the_o host_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n 3._o to_o that_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n god_n set_v a_o period_n of_o 70._o year_n jerem._n 29.10_o when_o that_o time_n be_v accomplish_v god_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v 4._o to_o daniel_n god_n show_v that_o 70._o week_n viz._n week_n of_o year_n be_v 490._o year_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o which_o time_n the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o at_o length_n the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v dan._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n and_o how_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v full_o accomplish_v be_v most_o evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n deal_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n 5._o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n set_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o long_o she_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o persecution_n and_o when_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o it_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 7.25_o and_o the_o 12.7_o they_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o four_o beast_n hand_n until_o a_o time_n time_n and_o the_o divide_n of_o time_n which_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n do_v answer_v that_o of_o rev._n 12.14_o the_o woman_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n which_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n 1260._o day_n or_o year_n which_o term_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n can_v exceed_v for_o he_o that_o have_v set_v a_o bind_v and_o period_n to_o all_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n in_o this_o world_n have_v say_v it_o hither_o thou_o shall_v go_v &_o no_o far_o and_o that_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 12.7_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a it_o be_v then_o clear_o evince_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o appoint_a time_n visit_v his_o church_n with_o sure_a mercy_n and_o have_v prefix_v in_o all_o age_n the_o time_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o persecution_n and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o visitation_n he_o will_v come_v with_o a_o certain_a deliverance_n to_o his_o people_n and_o ruin_n to_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a joy_n &_o comfort_n to_o his_o
humane_a action_n do_v right_o distinguish_v of_o all_o the_o revolution_n and_o change_n both_o of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a state_n and_o though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v do_v and_o act_v together_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a person_n yet_o can_v be_v declare_v together_o but_o several_o one_o after_o another_o so_o these_o prophecy_n though_o reveal_v and_o set_v down_o in_o order_n of_o place_n one_o precede_a the_o other_o yet_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o interpret_v they_o that_o observe_v not_o the_o peculiar_a character_n and_o hide_a mystery_n of_o number_n syncronise_v and_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a key_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o make_v all_o the_o passage_n and_o revolution_n therein_o though_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n they_o seem_v abstruse_a and_o disturb_a yet_o by_o collate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o they_o become_v plain_a and_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o in_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n will_v manifest_v itself_o and_o these_o have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o some_o former_a interpreter_n have_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o study_n and_o exposition_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o they_o have_v apply_v diverse_a passage_n in_o this_o book_n to_o their_o own_o time_n when_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o sometime_o interpret_v as_o they_o be_v in_o order_n set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v one_o another_o whereas_o they_o shall_v be_v interpret_v as_o they_o be_v relata_fw-la and_o â—orrelata_fw-la and_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o period_n though_o disperse_v here_o and_o there_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o so_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v keep_v some_o and_o entire_a for_o we_o see_v that_o the_o order_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o every_o aptness_n of_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o interpreter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a by_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o several_a and_o particuliar_a character_n for_o explanation_n thereof_o affix_v thereunto_o now_o because_o some_o expositor_n have_v herein_o go_v astray_o must_v there_o no_o far_o inquiry_n be_v make_v into_o this_o book_n this_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o cast_v of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o in_o which_o of_o they_o have_v not_o some_o expositor_n do_v amiss_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n but_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n unto_o the_o latter_a day_n that_o many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v dan._n 12.4_o do_v not_o art_n grow_v in_o time_n to_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o perfection_n and_o be_v it_o any_o disparagement_n to_o those_o that_o go_v before_o we_o that_o we_o see_v far_o than_o they_o do_v apigmy_n upon_o a_o giants_n shoulder_n may_v see_v far_o than_o the_o himself_o so_o we_o be_v help_v by_o the_o instruction_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o predecessor_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n it_o be_v no_o great_a advance_n of_o our_o ability_n if_o we_o soar_v a_o little_a high_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o this_o my_o essay_n be_v perfect_a and_o so_o exact_a as_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v thereunto_o for_o herein_o i_o shall_v balk_v our_o proper_a attribute_n humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la since_o other_o that_o come_v after_o we_o will_v see_v far_o than_o we_o of_o this_o present_a age_n come_v near_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n of_o all_o only_o i_o leave_v this_o consideration_n and_o proposal_n with_o the_o judicious_a and_o pious_a christian_a that_o if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o a_o more_o commodious_a method_n of_o interpretation_n upon_o better_a reason_n and_o ground_n than_o i_o have_v for_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n suit_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o preserve_v the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a prophecy_n entire_a and_o discover_v the_o several_a passage_n and_o revolution_n therein_o how_o they_o do_v relate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o in_o their_o several_a proper_a character_n and_o syncronisme_n with_o more_o prospicuity_n and_o fit_a application_n of_o history_n answer_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v most_o willing_o become_v a_o learner_n at_o his_o foot_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o of_o the_o poet._n horat._n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la novisti_fw-la rectius_fw-la istis_fw-la candidus_n imperti_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la his_fw-la vtere_fw-la mecum_fw-la object_n again_o other_o will_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o curiosity_n and_o impertinency_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o of_o the_o apocaliptique_a day_n and_o period_n to_o the_o several_a time_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v too_o precise_a and_o peremptory_a 1._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o assert_v no_o more_o in_o this_o interpretation_n the_o text_n be_v not_o at_o all_o force_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o literal_a or_o figurative_o refer_v to_o the_o time_n and_o state_n then_o in_o be_v and_o that_o interpretation_n make_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a by_o such_o necessary_a and_o sure_a argument_n character_n and_o notable_a token_n as_o will_v make_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o every_o notable_a mystery_n obvious_a to_o every_o discern_a eye_n and_o herein_o i_o walk_v not_o alone_o have_v m._n brightman_n napeir_n piscator_fw-la alsteed_n and_o learned_a m._n mede_n with_o some_o other_o in_o their_o several_a tractate_v upon_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v my_o leader_n herein_o 2._o those_o figure_n and_o representation_n which_o make_v this_o interpretation_n dubious_a difficult_a oâ—_n mysterious_a be_v clear_v out_o of_o the_o other_o place_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v right_o apply_v to_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a state_n as_o the_o text_n and_o time_n do_v require_v shall_v wipe_v of_o the_o brand_n of_o impertinency_n and_o curiosity_n what_o god_n have_v sanctify_v no_o man_n shall_v call_v unholy_a what_o god_n have_v reveal_v no_o man_n shall_v judge_v himself_o too_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a to_o search_v into_o unrevealed_a thing_n pertain_v unto_o god_n but_o reveal_v thing_n be_v for_o the_o use_n and_o good_a of_o man_n 3._o i_o answer_v to_o the_o perciseness_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apocaliptique_a period_n though_o i_o will_v not_o herein_o be_v too_o peremptory_a well_o know_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o history_n &_o chronology_n there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o imperfection_n therein_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o scaligerde_n emendatione_fw-la temporum_fw-la and_o other_o account_n also_o treat_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n yet_o all_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o the_o time_n and_o period_n be_v fix_v in_o the_o predeterminate_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v high_a than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n unalterable_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o though_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v difference_n and_o imperfection_n in_o most_o account_n of_o time_n yet_o by_o a_o regular_a judgement_n draw_v from_o the_o visible_a token_n character_n image_n and_o representation_n of_o each_o time_n which_o be_v either_o concomitant_n contemporary_n or_o immediate_a antecedent_n or_o consequent_n of_o each_o great_a revolution_n and_o change_n we_o may_v judge_v their_o period_n either_o to_o be_v pass_v draw_v nigh_o at_o hand_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v in_o set_v down_o remarkable_a forerun_v as_o sign_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o his_o least_o come_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o matth._n and_o the_o 13._o of_o mark._n but_o i_o will_v desire_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o i_o set_v down_o the_o exact_a epact_n and_o period_n of_o time_n it_o may_v vary_v as_o unto_o we_o in_o preciseness_n of_o account_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o chronology_n but_o long_a time_n it_o can_v miss_v every_o notable_a revolution_n and_o season_n have_v their_o own_o proper_a character_n and_o token_n to_o point_v they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o finger_n which_o will_v notable_o help_v we_o peremptory_o to_o conclude_v in_o the_o foresay_a limit_a sense_n this_o time_n be_v the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n birth_n and_o rise_n this_o of_o his_o reign_n this_o of_o his_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n consider_v to_o this_o end_n that_o of_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n chap._n 12.7_o who_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o leave_v hand_n unto_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o
first_o vision_n john_n see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o they_o one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n some_o may_v conceive_v that_o this_o person_n here_o represent_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v some_o angel_n and_o not_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o a_o angel_n which_o christ_n deputize_v as_o v._o 1._o to_o give_v these_o vision_n unto_o john_n but_o to_o refel_v this_o opinion_n i_o offer_v these_o reason_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o α_n and_o ω_fw-gr in_o verse_n 8._o and_o in_o chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 18._o where_o the_o same_o person_n be_v describe_v he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o sure_a god_n will_v never_o give_v these_o title_n and_o his_o peculiar_a attribute_n unto_o creature-angel_n but_o unto_o his_o son_n who_o be_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o consimiliar_a but_o consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n and_o who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n for_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o say_v you_o be_v the_o α_n and_o ω_fw-gr the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o or_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o say_v as_o in_o verse_n 18._o you_o be_v alive_a but_o you_o be_v dead_a or_o you_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n sure_o no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n will_v take_v these_o high_a title_n and_o prerogative_n unto_o themselves_o but_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o this_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v christ_n and_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v have_v the_o observant_a reason_n take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a to_o discern_v what_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o christ_n and_o what_o by_o angel_n by_o observe_v the_o description_n of_o the_o party_n that_o give_v they_o for_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o remarkable_a vision_n christ_n give_v out_o himself_o but_o the_o less_o principal_a he_o discover_v by_o his_o minister_n the_o angel_n but_o to_o leave_v nothing_o in_o the_o dark_a some_o may_v say_v why_o may_v not_o this_o be_v the_o father_n who_o appear_v unto_o daniel_n chap._n 7._o 9_o who_o be_v there_o call_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n who_o garment_n be_v white_a as_o snow_n and_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n as_o pure_a wool_n his_o throne_n be_v like_o the_o fiery_a flame_n and_o his_o wheel_n be_v as_o burn_a fire_n the_o description_n of_o this_o person_n here_o in_o daniel_n be_v almost_o the_o same_o with_o this_o in_o the_o revelation_n compare_v the_o 11._o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o the_o learned_a do_v observe_v that_o neither_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n or_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n second_o the_o anthropomorphites_n have_v abuse_v this_o place_n to_o maintain_v their_o gross_a opinion_n of_o the_o corporiety_n and_o circumscription_n of_o the_o infinite_a deity_n and_o therefore_o the_o alwise_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o prevent_v the_o mistake_n of_o man_n about_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n describe_v this_o vision_n of_o daniel_n in_o the_o likeness_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n not_o that_o they_o be_v material_o so_o it_o be_v the_o likeness_n of_o a_o throne_n and_o like_o a_o fiery_a flame_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 13_o verse_n like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n no_o true_a substantial_a body_n nor_o material_a vision_n three_o i_o answer_v this_o must_v be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n for_o the_o reason_n immediate_o forego_v who_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a and_o he_o that_o shall_v attribute_v this_o to_o the_o father_n or_o the_o spirit_n shall_v want_v some_o hellebore_n last_o this_o must_v be_v christ_n because_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v often_o appear_v in_o vision_n like_a unto_o man_n dan._n 7.13_o i_o see_v in_o the_o night_n vision_n and_o behold_v one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ezek._n 1.26_o and_o rev._n 14.14_o i_o look_v and_o behold_v a_o white_a cloud_n and_o upon_o the_o cloud_n one_o sit_v like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n and_o not_o the_o father_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o verse_n 18._o of_o chap._n 2._o where_n one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v in_o the_o 13_o 14_o and_z 15_o verses_z here_o describe_v in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n of_o chap._n 2._o he_o command_v john_n to_o write_v to_o thyatira_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n therefore_o to_o be_v brief_a that_o person_n that_o be_v here_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o spirit_n but_o christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n quere_z but_o be_v not_o this_o appearance_n then_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n true_o man_n or_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n see_v you_o hold_v it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v christ_n but_o not_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n that_o nullum_fw-la simile_n est_fw-la idem_fw-la and_o here_o he_o be_v call_v like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n therefore_o not_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a son_n of_o man_n the_o heaven_n be_v to_o contain_v his_o manhood_n until_o the_o restauration_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o his_o divinity_n be_v ubiquitary_a omnipresent_v and_o omnipotent_a yet_o his_o manhood_n be_v circumscribe_v and_o terminate_v unto_o one_o place_n at_o once_o if_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o can_v be_v on_o earth_n it_o ascend_v there_o act_v 1.10_o 11._o and_o stephen_n see_v he_o there_o even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o glory_n act_n 7.56_o not_o by_o a_o visional_a representation_n but_o true_o and_o real_o as_o god_n give_v stephen_n this_o glorify_a sight_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o heaven_n so_o god_n doubtless_o fit_v and_o qualify_v his_o organical_a instrument_n of_o sight_n above_o their_o common_a pitch_n to_o reach_v a_o object_n at_o so_o high_a a_o distance_n when_o god_n will_v work_v wonderful_o he_o can_v turn_v nature_n out_o of_o its_o proper_a frame_n either_o in_o elevate_a it_o beyond_o its_o own_o power_n of_o production_n or_o to_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o own_o peculiar_a operation_n he_o can_v make_v the_o sun_n to_o stand_v still_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n he_o can_v make_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v a_o thousand_o mile_n distance_n as_o unto_o stephen_n he_o can_v bind_v up_o the_o fiery_a flame_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v or_o burn_v as_o unto_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n walk_v therein_o without_o scorch_a a_o hair_n but_o to_o return_v if_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v in_o heaven_n than_o he_o be_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n he_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v or_o consubstantiate_v into_o or_o with_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o papist_n and_o some_o lutheran_n dream_v of_o but_o second_o i_o answer_v christ_n here_o appear_v to_o john_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a before_o his_o incarnation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o deity_n and_o godhead_n be_v transfigure_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o take_v up_o the_o form_n of_o man_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o so_o manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o shape_n or_o form_n of_o man_n otherwise_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o itself_o be_v invisible_a as_o in_o dan._n 7.13_o and_o 10.5_o ezek._n 1.26_o rev._n 14.14_o before_o christ_n incarnation_n he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o show_v that_o in_o time_n he_o will_v become_v the_o true_a and_o real_a son_n of_o man_n by_o assume_v flesh_n into_o union_n with_o his_o godhead_n and_o since_o his_o ascension_n he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o one_o day_n he_o will_v in_o the_o true_a humane_a nature_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v
same_o incommunicable_a property_n with_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n he_o be_v here_o far_o describe_v to_o have_v eye_n as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n signify_v either_o their_o pierce_a nature_n in_o search_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n to_o terrify_v his_o impenitent_a enemy_n and_o indeed_o christ_n be_v here_o from_o head_n to_o foot_n present_v in_o a_o fiery_a colour_n his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n as_o if_o they_o burn_v in_o a_o furnace_n hence_o note_v observe_v 2._o that_o when_o christ_n be_v about_o execute_v act_n of_o power_n and_o judgement_n against_o kingdom_n or_o church_n he_o be_v most_o terrible_a in_o his_o appearance_n when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o call_v to_o a_o account_n the_o seven_o asian_a church_n he_o be_v very_a intense_a about_o it_o and_o all_o of_o a_o fiery_a colour_n sparkle_v in_o the_o eye_n like_o fire_n do_v signify_v much_o anger_n and_o indignation_n foot_n of_o burn_a brass_n speed_n and_o execution_n christ_n be_v here_o present_v in_o that_o fine_a posture_n he_o be_v bring_v in_o rev._n 10.1_o with_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o his_o foot_n as_o pillar_n of_o fire_n whereupon_o present_o follow_v terrible_a thunder_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n so_o in_o chap._n 2._o v._n 18._o he_o be_v present_v with_o eye_n like_o fire_n and_o foot_n like_o brass_n and_o forthwith_o go_v on_o with_o a_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n so_o in_o rev._n 19.10_o 11_o 12._o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v his_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o vesture_n dip_v in_o blood_n and_o present_o go_v on_o in_o execute_v great_a wrath_n against_o his_o adversary_n the_o dreadfulness_n of_o this_o fiery_a judge_n when_o he_o come_v in_o wrath_n will_v better_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n 3.2_o 3._o who_o shall_v abide_v the_o day_n of_o his_o come_n and_o who_o shall_v stand_v when_o he_o appear_v for_o he_o be_v like_o a_o refiner_n fire_n a_o refiner_n fire_n be_v the_o hot_a most_o terrible_a and_o most_o consume_a how_o terrible_a he_o be_v towards_o babylon_n both_o literal_a and_o mystical_a consider_v jer._n 51.25_o and_o rev._n 18.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n i_o be_o against_o thou_o oh_o destroy_a mountain_n speak_v of_o babylon_n which_o destroy_v all_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o thou_o and_o roll_v thou_o down_o from_o the_o rock_n and_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o burn_a mountain_n this_o be_v full_o execute_v on_o old_a babylon_n in_o the_o letter_n and_o how_o severe_a be_v christ_n against_o babylon_n in_o the_o mystery_n in_o rev._n 18.8_o her_o plague_n shall_v come_v at_o one_o day_n death_n and_o sorrow_n and_o famine_n and_o she_o shall_v be_v burn_v with_o fire_n for_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n which_o will_v condemn_v she_o peruse_v the_o chapter_n throughout_o when_o christ_n go_v forth_o on_o his_o red_a horse_n to_o execute_v judgement_n and_o to_o take_v peace_n from_o the_o earth_n neither_o king_n nor_o captain_n nor_o the_o mighty_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o this_o mighty_a one_o they_o shall_v call_v for_o the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o to_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o thes_n 1.8_o of_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o this_o judge_n who_o shall_v come_v in_o flame_n of_o fire_n to_o what_o end_n to_o destroy_v antichrist_n the_o son_n of_o perdition_n with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n only_o consider_v once_o more_o rev._n 19.12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n when_o christ_n go_v forth_o to_o make_v war_n in_o righteousness_n his_o eye_n be_v like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o be_v clothe_v in_o a_o garment_n dip_v in_o blood_n and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n proceed_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o heathen_a for_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o the_o fierceness_n and_o wrath_n of_o almighty_a god_n all_o this_o do_v clear_o inform_v that_o christ_n have_v another_o name_n a_o strange_a name_n that_o none_o know_v but_o himself_o rev._n 19.12_o that_o be_v another_o nature_n and_o disposition_n to_o appear_v in_o then_o of_o a_o lamb_n no_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o have_v only_o consider_v christ_n in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n that_o he_o have_v that_o lion-like_o disposition_n in_o he_o all_o christ_n adversary_n shall_v one_o day_n know_v that_o he_o be_v as_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n who_o voice_n shall_v be_v terrible_a unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o a_o rock_n of_o defence_n and_o safeguard_n to_o all_o his_o choose_a once_o and_o as_o sure_a as_o he_o have_v already_o act_v the_o lamblike_a part_n in_o his_o suffering_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o now_o do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o mediator_n office_n in_o heaven_n so_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n come_v with_o power_n and_o glory_n to_o rule_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o will_v not_o have_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n even_o with_o a_o sceptre_n of_o power_n and_o judgement_n and_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o this_o judge_n the_o more_o he_o come_v with_o a_o lion-like_o voice_n roar_v as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n hence_o note_v observe_v 2._o that_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o judge_v his_o enemy_n he_o be_v not_o only_o dreadful_a in_o his_o look_n and_o outward_a appearance_n but_o he_o be_v dreadful_a all_o over_o even_o in_o his_o word_n also_o in_o verse_n 10._o his_o voice_n be_v as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n loud_z and_o terrible_a here_o like_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n very_o terrible_a to_o his_o enemy_n but_o rouse_a convert_v and_o save_v to_o his_o faithful_a one_o verse_n 16._o and_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o its_o strength_n notwithstanding_o christ_n dreadful_a appearance_n and_o his_o intenseness_n unto_o judgement_n yet_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n in_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v seat_v the_o chief_a strength_n and_o power_n of_o man_n and_o so_o it_o connote_v to_o we_o safety_n and_o protection_n and_o he_o take_v the_o seven_o star_n into_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v they_o safe_a under_o his_o protection_n whilst_o he_o be_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o his_o impenitent_a backslide_a church_n or_o obstinate_a enemy_n the_o seven_o star_n the_o spirit_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n verse_n 20._o of_o this_o chapter_n only_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o angel_n in_o that_o place_n be_v mystical_o represent_v by_o the_o star_n in_o christ_n right_a hand_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v enquiry_n here_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v angel_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n such_o as_o be_v minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n for_o john_n be_v command_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n to_o write_v unto_o those_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n to_o write_v unto_o the_o spirit_n angelical_a all_o know_v such_o a_o command_n will_v not_o proceed_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o those_o asian_a church_n who_o shall_v rather_o be_v call_v here_o the_o messenger_n than_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v messenger_n which_o we_o translate_v angel_n when_o attribute_v to_o god_n minister_a spirit_n but_o when_o attribute_v unto_o man_n more_o proper_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v messenger_n and_o not_o angel_n as_o that_o of_o peter_n act_v 12._o when_o he_o come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n where_o the_o disciple_n be_v they_o think_v it_o be_v his_o angel_n and_o not_o himself_o that_o be_v his_o messenger_n one_o come_v from_o he_o to_o acquaint_v they_o of_o his_o deliverance_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o ignorant_a to_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v a_o angel_n that_o knock_v which_o can_v enter_v without_o open_v the_o door_n wherefore_o under_o correction_n of_o better_a judgement_n i_o shall_v account_v this_o among_o
some_o of_o the_o mistake_v of_o our_o translator_n consult_v to_o this_o purpose_n luke_n 7.24_o mal._n 3.1_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v better_o render_v here_o messengers_z write_v unto_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o term_v because_o they_o be_v person_n send_v and_o commissionated_a by_o christ_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v his_o gospel_n among_o his_o church_n matth._n 28.18_o have_v clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o seven_o star_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o note_n observe_v 1._o christ_n have_v a_o especial_a eye_n of_o providence_n and_o hand_n of_o protection_n over_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a time_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n he_o take_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n clap_v they_o under_o his_o wing_n for_o safety_n noah_n who_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v righteous_a lot_n be_v preserve_v when_o sodom_n flame_v in_o fire_n ezekiel_n daniel_n mordecai_n etc._n etc._n be_v preserve_v in_o babylon_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o judah_n suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o a_o insolent_a conqueror_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o how_o luther_n be_v preserve_v when_o all_o the_o antichristian_a world_n seek_v his_o ruin_n be_v most_o admirable_a to_o consider_v i_o have_v hear_v it_o relate_v that_o that_o most_o famous_a minister_n of_o christ_n peter_n du_fw-fr molyne_n be_v preserve_v in_o paris_n be_v a_o suck_a child_n by_o his_o nurse_n under_o a_o tub_n when_o the_o bloody_a massacre_n do_v not_o spare_a man_n woman_n or_o child_n of_o the_o reform_a faith_n that_o he_o may_v afterward_o become_v a_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v they_o that_o be_v most_o engage_v for_o christ_n in_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n he_o do_v most_o engage_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o protection_n satan_n be_v their_o great_a enemy_n therefore_o christ_n be_v their_o great_a friend_n and_o bulwark_n oh_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n be_v shine_a star_n faithful_a angel_n or_o rather_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o god_n word_n and_o truth_n then_o christ_n will_v carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n of_o protection_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n unto_o he_o the_o angel_n messenger_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o these_o seven_o asian_a church_n be_v here_o represent_v by_o star_n star_n always_o in_o prophetical_a scripture_n signify_v eminency_n splendour_n light_n and_o excellency_n how_o be_v thou_o fall_v from_o heaven_n o_o lucifer_n thou_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n mean_v nabuchadnezzar_n isa_n 14.12_o and_o rev._n 18.10_o i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n which_o connote_v the_o fall_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a high_a and_o excellent_a person_n from_o hence_o note_n 2._o those_o that_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o christ_n mystery_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n than_o other_o inferior_a christian_n they_o be_v figure_v by_o star_n by_o the_o shine_a heavenly_a lamp_n they_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o lip_n shall_v especial_o preserve_v wisdom_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o star_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o their_o church_n they_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o they_o in_o soundness_n of_o life_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o too_o though_o their_o light_n be_v great_a shine_a and_o eminent_a yet_o let_v they_o consider_v they_o be_v but_o star_n their_o light_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sun_n they_o shall_v not_o advance_v it_o to_o that_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o infallible_a light_n but_o they_o shall_v eye_v the_o son_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a light_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritage_n let_v they_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o be_v star_n whereof_o some_o may_v be_v erratic_a as_o well_o as_o fix_v once_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a light_n the_o true_a morning_n star_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v receive_v light_n from_o this_o true_a son_n of_o righteousness_n he_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o father_n of_o all_o light_n 3._o another_o note_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o honourable_a call_n they_o be_v figure_v under_o the_o type_n of_o star_n celestial_a light_n they_o have_v the_o same_o title_n of_o god_n minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n they_o be_v his_o messenger_n that_o go_v on_o his_o errant_n his_o ambassador_n to_o treat_v with_o man_n about_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n hence_o arise_v another_o corrolary_n that_o all_o christ_n minister_n as_o they_o be_v star_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o glory_n in_o part_n gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o not_o differ_v in_o power_n nor_o lord_n over_o one_o another_o they_o be_v angel_n that_o be_v messengers_z ambassador_n not_o prince_n cardinal_n not_o lord_n bishop_n every_o church_n here_o have_v its_o angel_n its_o bishop_n its_o pastor_n its_o elder_a not_o many_o bishop_n not_o many_o elder_n in_o a_o classical_a form_n over_o divers_a church_n but_o every_o church_n have_v its_o angel_n its_o minister_n or_o officer_n ephesus_n have_v its_o anâ—gel_n smyrna_n its_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o ephesus_n angel_n either_o single_o o._n joint_n with_o two_o three_o or_o more_o be_v superintendent_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o be_v a_o far_a description_n of_o the_o terribleness_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o vision_n when_o he_o come_v in_o power_n and_o judgement_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n psalm_n 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o job_n 5.15_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n it_o cut_v both_o side_n but_o in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n it_o wound_v the_o penitent_a but_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n heb._n 4.12_o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o destroy_a sword_n to_o his_o adversary_n rev._n 19.15_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o heathen_a hence_o observe_v christ_n word_n be_v very_o powerful_a and_o pierce_v it_o divide_v between_o the_o bone_n and_o the_o marrow_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v telum_fw-la achilleum_fw-la achilles_n spear_n that_o can_v both_o hurt_v and_o cure_v kill_v and_o make_v alive_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o question_v whether_o this_o figure_n of_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o go_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o material_a sword_n also_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o that_o christ_n also_o be_v to_o use_v that_o sword_n which_o be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o and_o that_o be_v a_o material_a one_o for_o he_o be_v to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n rev._n 19.15_o now_o how_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n or_o rule_v they_o with_o his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n i_o see_v but_o small_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n and_o see_v too_o when_o he_o do_v this_o it_o be_v in_o fierceness_n tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o then_o some_o may_v say_v do_v christ_n judge_v and_o smite_v his_o enemy_n only_o by_o the_o material_a sword_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o he_o go_v out_o with_o the_o sword_n or_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n to_o wit_n his_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o make_v manifest_a destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n and_o worship_n 2_o thes_n 2._o then_o second_o he_o go_v out_o on_o the_o red_a horse_n of_o war_n with_o a_o material_a sword_n to_o destroy_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o they_o be_v so_o smite_v and_o destroy_v that_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v call_v to_o the_o prey_n to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o king_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o captain_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o mighty_a man_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o horse_n and_o of_o they_o that_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o flesh_n of_o all_o man_n both_o free_a and_o bond_n
both_o small_a and_o great_a rev._n 19.18_o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v by_o the_o sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n v._o 21._o and_o how_o this_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n i_o know_v not_o otherwise_o then_o by_o move_v and_o work_v powerful_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o instrument_n as_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o employ_v to_o take_v the_o material_a sword_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o effect_v this_o work_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n collate_n to_o this_o the_o note_n on_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n 14_o &_o 15._o and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o strength_n this_o show_v far_o the_o resplendency_n of_o this_o vision_n his_o face_n be_v liken_v to_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o glory_n there_o be_v much_o and_o great_a glory_n in_o this_o vision_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o glory_n if_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o ten_o thousand_o sun_n unite_v in_o one_o yet_o will_v be_v short_a of_o the_o essential_a glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v neither_o expressible_a nor_o comprehensible_a by_o any_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o here_o be_v present_v by_o thing_n beneath_o its_o excellency_n that_o according_a to_o man_n weakness_n we_o may_v perceive_v a_o little_a of_o his_o glory_n for_o no_o man_n yet_o ever_o can_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o live_v hence_o note_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n be_v a_o glorious_a administration_n christ_n face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o call_v his_o delinquent_n and_o offend_a church_n to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o backslide_n in_o chap._n 10._o v._n 1._o &_o 3._o his_o face_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o sun_n in_o that_o appearance_n also_o but_o then_o present_o follow_v thunder_n and_o voice_n as_o when_o a_o lion_n roar_v to_o denote_v unto_o we_o when_o christ_n be_v go_v forth_o with_o terrible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n his_o carriage_n and_o appearance_n therein_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o exod._n 15.6_o upon_o the_o destruction_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n thy_o right_a hand_n o_o god_n be_v become_v glorious_a in_o power_n thy_o right_a hand_n have_v dash_v in_o piece_n the_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o excellency_n thou_o have_v overthrow_v they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o the_o act_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n do_v shine_v so_o clear_o in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o dazzle_v man_n eye_n and_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v before_o god_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n not_o any_o magistrate_n commonweal_n or_o nation_n be_v more_o honourable_a shine_a and_o dreadful_a to_o their_o enemy_n than_o such_o as_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n against_o offender_n never_o be_v solomon_n more_o glorious_a in_o all_o his_o reign_n then_o when_o he_o execute_v justice_n between_o the_o two_o harlot_n and_o call_v for_o the_o sword_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n how_o honourable_a be_v phineas_n and_o what_o a_o high_a reward_n he_o get_v for_o execute_v justice_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o old_a say_n fiat_n justitia_fw-la &_o ruat_fw-la coelum_fw-la if_o our_o chief_a magistrate_n keep_v close_o to_o justice_n in_o our_o land_n and_o common-weal_n our_o nation_n will_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n none_o of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o will_v be_v able_a to_o look_v we_o in_o the_o face_n for_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v upon_o we_o verse_n 17._o and_o when_o i_o see_v he_o i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o verse_n 18._o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n when_o john_n have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o this_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o of_o that_o great_a and_o dreadful_a majesty_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o appear_v in_o it_o strike_v he_o as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n hence_o note_v that_o the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_o and_o humble_v sight_n when_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v a_o sight_n of_o this_o glory_n he_o can_v cry_v out_o i_o be_o a_o man_n undo_v and_o of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o see_v this_o glory_n it_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o his_o own_o worthlesness_n and_o to_o a_o abhorrency_n in_o his_o own_o eye_n there_o be_v no_o great_a or_o more_o efficacious_a way_n to_o take_v off_o our_o heart_n from_o the_o creature_n then_o to_o behold_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o poor_a self_n all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o goodliness_n thereof_o be_v as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n isa_n 40.5_o 6._o and_o why_o because_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v it_o together_o and_o when_o job_n have_v a_o sight_n of_o this_o glory_n he_o cry_v out_o job_n 42.5_o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n observe_v 2_o that_o revelation_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v dreadful_o glorious_a they_o strike_v john_n as_o dead_a there_o do_v but_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o inferior_a glory_n unto_o gideon_n and_o manoah_n and_o make_v those_o worthy_n quake_v judg._n 16._o &_o 13._o apparition_n of_o glory_n work_v strong_o upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o quick_o overwhelm_v they_o and_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o resplendent_a how_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bear_v who_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6.16_o paul_n can_v not_o behold_v that_o glorious_a light_n that_o shine_v about_o he_o act_v 9_o but_o be_v strike_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o blind_v with_o it_o in_o the_o earth_n heaven_n and_o world_n we_o may_v behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o part_n and_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n but_o his_o essential_a glory_n as_o it_o be_v himself_o wherein_o he_o make_v his_o habitation_n be_v that_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v to_o or_o comprehend_v and_o live_v and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v but_o leave_v out_o to_o appear_v but_o in_o some_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n of_o man_n fire_n or_o the_o like_a it_o work_v such_o terrible_a effect_n upon_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o abraham_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n when_o he_o have_v this_o glory_n appear_v to_o he_o gen._n 17.3_o the_o three_o disciple_n when_o they_o have_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o this_o glory_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n in_o the_o mount_n they_o fall_v upon_o their_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n now_o the_o reason_n that_o the_o appearance_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v so_o dreadful_a be_v first_o because_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v partly_o in_o those_o vision_n and_o the_o lustre_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v too_o high_a and_o burdensome_a for_o mortal_a eye_n second_o that_o it_o may_v breed_v a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o we_o of_o and_o unto_o the_o divine_a majesty_n when_o israel_n see_v the_o lightning_n and_o hear_v the_o thunder_n in_o the_o mount_n all_o the_o people_n in_o the_o camp_n tremble_v exod._n 19.16_o three_o it_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o soul_n for_o entertainment_n of_o what_o god_n have_v to_o speak_v unto_o it_o our_o soul_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o temper_n by_o reason_n of_o lust_n care_n fear_n and_o the_o world_n to_o have_v converse_n with_o god_n this_o prepare_v they_o for_o this_o divine_a communion_n quest_n here_o a_o question_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n angel_n or_o bless_a soul_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v or_o do_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v mortal_a eye_n can_v see_v this_o glory_n yet_o those_o bless_a glorify_a creature_n may_v i_o answer_v that_o i_o be_o sway_v for_o the_o negative_a my_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n essential_a glory_n be_v himself_o and_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o that_o glory_v inaccessible_a and_o no_o far_o and_o in_o no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v see_v and_o comprehend_v by_o any_o create_v be_v then_o himself_o think_v good_a to_o propound_v it_o in_o and_o this_o have_v
hitherto_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v god_n method_n in_o the_o representation_n of_o himself_o under_o shape_n figure_n and_o similitude_n fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o angel_n have_v a_o great_a manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o saint_n on_o earth_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o glorify_a organ_n fit_v to_o receive_v that_o high_a measure_n of_o glory_n to_o complete_a their_o vessel_n with_o all_o true_a and_o perfect_a blessedness_n but_o still_o remember_v they_o be_v creature_n and_o will_v be_v still_o so_o though_o glorify_v and_o immortal_a one_o now_o how_o a_o finite_a creature_n can_v see_v or_o comprehend_v a_o infinite_a glory_n or_o majesty_n i_o know_v not_o otherwise_o then_o by_o condescension_n to_o their_o capacity_n and_o finite_a nature_n if_o a_o finite_a creature_n as_o angel_n or_o glorify_a saint_n can_v see_v and_o comprehend_v a_o infinite_a than_o what_o be_v see_v or_o comprehend_v it_o be_v not_o infinite_a and_o if_o a_o infinite_a can_v be_v comprehend_v of_o the_o finite_a the_o finite_a will_v itself_o become_v infinite_a neither_o can_v infinite_a be_v see_v in_o part_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a therefore_o not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o all_o therefore_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a glory_n be_v see_v of_o angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n not_o as_o in_o himself_o infinite_o glorious_a but_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n in_o some_o resemblance_n likeness_n figure_n or_o representation_n above_o our_o reach_n to_o consider_v but_o i_o conceive_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n will_v be_v most_o eminent_o see_v to_o glorify_a saint_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n god_n do_v always_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n when_o he_o do_v appear_v to_o his_o prophet_n before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o saint_n see_v god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n and_o they_o that_o hope_v to_o see_v god_n and_o his_o glory_n at_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v see_v he_o most_o glorious_o and_o most_o eminent_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n rev._n 22.3_o 4._o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v in_o it_o and_o his_o servant_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o they_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o forehead_n object_n but_o some_o may_v say_v do_v not_o the_o angel_n behold_v always_o the_o face_n of_o the_o father_n in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.10_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v in_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o most_o high_a and_o eminent_a fruition_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o the_o manner_n unutterable_a and_o inexpressible_a for_o in_o this_o sense_n you_o must_v understand_v it_o and_o not_o literal_o for_o god_n have_v not_o a_o face_n in_o heaven_n and_o consider_v as_o before_o they_o be_v creature_n and_o the_o father_n be_v infinite_a and_o invisible_a object_n 2._o but_o do_v not_o moses_n and_o jacob_n see_v god_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n exod._n 33.11_o gen._n 32._o numb_a 12_o 8._o i_o answer_v those_o prophet_n and_o patriarch_n do_v see_v god_n but_o how_o not_o essential_o but_o under_o divers_a resemblance_n for_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n he_o be_v invisible_a as_o that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 6.16_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v or_o can_v see_v and_o that_o of_o john_n 1.18_o be_v downright_a no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n either_o by_o corporeal_a vision_n or_o by_o intellectual_a natural_a vision_n for_o they_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o can_v comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v most_o infinite_o perfect_a in_o itself_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n also_o the_o bless_a celestial_a spirit_n can_v comprehensive_o see_v god_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o imperfection_n comparative_o to_o that_o most_o perfect_a divine_a be_v who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v himself_o unto_o perfection_n second_o i_o answer_v moses_n nor_o jacob_n never_o see_v the_o divine_a essence_n nor_o any_o other_o because_o that_o be_v pure_a unmixed_a and_o always_o alike_o but_o that_o of_o god_n they_o see_v be_v under_o some_o resemblance_n sometime_o of_o a_o cloud_n sometime_o of_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n sometime_o of_o man_n etc._n etc._n that_o under_o the_o exhibition_n of_o those_o visible_a and_o sensible_a figure_n they_o may_v perceive_v god_n who_o be_v invisible_o represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n by_o these_o visible_a glory_n three_o and_o last_o to_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n in_o scripture_n import_v only_o two_o thing_n first_o a_o familiar_a converse_n as_o that_o of_o exod._n 33.1_o deut._n 5.4_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n and_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n as_o a_o friend_n speak_v with_o his_o friend_n second_o it_o signify_v a_o more_o clear_a sight_n of_o god_n with_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n some_o see_v god_n in_o dream_n and_o vision_n which_o be_v in_o dark_a resemblance_n but_o moses_n have_v more_o clear_a and_o illustrious_a vision_n of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o then_o shall_v we_o see_v face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v and_o see_v god_n more_o perfect_o and_o more_o full_o then_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n in_o like_a manner_n or_o in_o some_o such_o way_n as_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v now_o see_v by_o the_o bodily_a eye_n by_o the_o intervention_n of_o something_o else_o and_o so_o do_v become_v sensible_a and_o perceivable_a to_o the_o understanding_n jesus_n christ_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o special_a mirror_n wherein_o glorify_a saint_n will_v see_v the_o deity_n and_o the_o father_n object_n 3._o but_o do_v not_o all_o divine_n hold_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o do_v not_o that_o of_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o import_v so_o much_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o answer_v first_o the_o high_a saint_n in_o glory_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v all_o of_o god_n in_o eternal_a life_n though_o to_o see_v and_o know_v this_o little_a of_o god_n that_o we_o see_v here_o be_v life_n eternal_a second_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o through_o those_o medium_n he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o a_o new_a and_o unexpressible_a way_n of_o glory_n we_o see_v now_o the_o sun_n beam_n and_o we_o sensible_o perceive_v the_o light_n efficacy_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o we_o can_v possible_o behold_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o heaven_n the_o bless_a soul_n shall_v see_v the_o beam_n and_o ray_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n thereof_o but_o shall_v never_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o o_o lord_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v so_o live_v here_o to_o thy_o glory_n that_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o thyself_o and_o glory_n who_o will_v then_o resolve_v we_o of_o all_o our_o doubt_n and_o will_v also_o unveil_v so_o much_o of_o thyself_o unto_o we_o as_o will_v make_v we_o most_o perfect_o bless_v when_o john_n be_v in_o this_o humble_a state_n and_o consternation_n as_o dead_a at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o glorious_a apparition_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n than_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v divers_a sense_n in_o scripture_n first_o for_o judgement_n or_o punishment_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v blind_a say_v paul_n to_o elymas_n act_v 13.11_o second_o it_o be_v take_v for_o prophesy_v when_o god_n stir_v up_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o prophesy_v than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o as_o ezek._n 1.3_o and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o that_o be_v god_n stir_v up_o mighty_o on_o my_o spirit_n to_o prophesy_v three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o hand_n and_o especial_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n so_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o most_o high_a in_o these_o two_o latter_a sense_n christ_n lay_v his_o
right_a hand_n on_o john_n first_o upon_o his_o consternation_n he_o give_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n elevate_v and_o excite_v john_n spirit_n to_o see_v divine_a mystery_n and_o second_o give_v he_o his_o spirit_n of_o strength_n power_n and_o consolation_n which_o may_v subdue_v all_o his_o carnal_a conceit_n and_o fear_n and_o so_o remove_v all_o impediment_n whatsoever_o that_o hinder_v he_o in_o that_o work_n which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o undertake_v and_o therefore_o come_v in_o with_o consolation_n and_o bid_v john_n fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o from_o this_o note_v that_o those_o that_o be_v strike_v low_a and_o humble_v by_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v rise_v by_o god_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o choice_a divine_a truth_n and_o mystery_n john_n be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o then_o hear_v a_o voice_n fear_v not_o but_o write_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o shall_v see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n when_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n be_v fall_v down_o on_o their_o face_n than_o they_o be_v lift_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o receive_v glorious_a vision_n we_o must_v let_v all_o our_o own_o go_v our_o false_a confidence_n and_o carnal_a prop_n as_o of_o our_o own_o part_n our_o grace_n our_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o the_o like_a if_o we_o will_v be_v fit_a auditor_n for_o christ_n we_o must_v fall_v down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o throne_n if_o we_o expect_v a_o answer_n from_o his_o throne_n moses_n a_o meek_a man_n yea_o the_o meek_a of_o all_o man_n he_o receive_v the_o choice_a favour_n from_o god_n hand_n for_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n and_o face_n to_o face_n deut._n 34.10_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o hence_o second_o note_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o only_o a_o most_o powerful_a but_o also_o a_o comfort_v and_o consolate_v spirit_n this_o be_v the_o comforter_n that_o take_v off_o all_o fear_n from_o john_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v convince_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o do_v inspire_v godly_a man_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a agent_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o which_o god_n do_v all_o his_o work_n christ_n here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a apparition_n unto_o john_n it_o serve_v only_o to_o strike_v he_o dead_a before_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o to_o comfort_v and_o support_v he_o so_o the_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o co-operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a sight_n and_o knowledge_n that_o make_v for_o the_o great_a condemnation_n christ_n unto_o some_o may_v be_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o a_o stumble_a stone_n while_o unto_o other_o that_o have_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o corner_n stone_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o precious_a o_o lay_v thy_o right_a hand_n o_o lord_n upon_o thy_o servant_n give_v he_o thy_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v know_v thy_o will_n and_o mind_n in_o thy_o word_n and_o serve_v thou_o without_o fear_n observe_v 3._o that_o christ_n be_v full_a of_o bowel_n of_o grace_n and_o compassion_n towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o smite_v and_o humble_v the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a thing_n unto_o poor_a frail_a worthless_a creature_n god_n follow_v it_o with_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n no_o soon_o do_v christ_n appear_v unto_o john_n in_o his_o glory_n that_o make_v he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a but_o present_o christ_n lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v his_o comfort_a word_n say_v fear_v not_o christ_n will_v not_o leave_v john_n in_o that_o spiritless_a and_o liveless_a condition_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n have_v affect_v he_o with_o but_o quick_o raise_v he_o and_o comfort_v he_o again_o with_o the_o most_o effectual_a and_o sweet_a consolation_n christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a high_a priest_n and_o that_o good_a compassionate_a samaritane_n who_o be_v so_o affect_a and_o touch_v with_o our_o wound_n and_o infirmity_n luk._n 10.33_o heb_fw-mi 4.15_o and_o that_o more_o especial_o with_o such_o hurt_n and_o wound_n that_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a at_o hand_n with_o the_o oil_n and_o wine_n the_o grace_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o blood_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o pour_v into_o our_o wound_a soul_n for_o peace_n heal_v and_o consolation_n job_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v and_o humble_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o come_v to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o do_v it_o his_o captivity_n be_v turn_v into_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v multiply_v job_n 42.5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n daniel_n after_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o humble_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o forefather_n cap._n 4._o then_o the_o lord_n send_v gabriel_n to_o comfort_v he_o and_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n great_o belove_v ver_fw-la 22._o god_n do_v not_o throw_v down_o afflict_v wound_n or_o humble_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n to_o leave_v they_o so_o but_o forthwith_o or_o within_o a_o short_a time_n reach_v out_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o observe_v 4._o another_o note_n from_o this_o comfort_a word_n of_o christ_n say_v fear_v not_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v conjunct_a with_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a comfort_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v inefficacious_a in_o its_o operation_n john_n have_v lie_v still_o as_o a_o senseless_a and_o dead_a person_n notwithstanding_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o lie_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o also_o the_o word_n be_v of_o little_a power_n if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o in_o it_o without_o this_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n that_o word_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v powerful_a and_o efficacious_a carry_v the_o spirit_n with_o it_o the_o same_o word_n go_v forth_o unto_o all_o and_o work_n from_o common_a gift_n in_o some_o so_o many_o be_v call_v but_o that_o that_o make_v it_o a_o distinguish_v powerful_a word_n be_v the_o concomitancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o few_o be_v choose_v when_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n such_o expression_n as_o that_o the_o word_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o life_n sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o the_o like_a phrase_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v such_o in_o itself_o without_o the_o spirit_n but_o conjunctive_o when_o the_o word_n be_v make_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o a_o voice_n void_a of_o virtue_n and_o operation_n and_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o medium_n of_o the_o word_n work_v not_o ordinary_o but_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o that_o true_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.8_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n tit._n 2.11_o god_n be_v light_v itself_o and_o the_o father_n of_o light_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o useless_a but_o by_o it_o he_o enlighten_v we_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o comforter_n and_o the_o sanctifier_n but_o do_v both_o comfort_n sanctify_v and_o perform_v all_o other_o his_o office_n and_o work_n in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o word_n o_o lord_n sanctify_v and_o comfort_v we_o by_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n for_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o our_o god_n unto_o salvation_n observe_v 5._o the_o last_o note_n that_o i_o shall_v raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v that_o christ_n do_v full_o furnish_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n all_o such_o as_o he_o call_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o great_a office_n of_o his_o church_n first_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o john_n intimate_v his_o designation_n installment_n and_o confirmation_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n for_o as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v
the_o solemn_a and_o the_o ultimate_a complete_a act_n in_o ordination_n unto_o all_o office_n in_o the_o church_n so_o christ_n here_o follow_v his_o own_o method_n use_v in_o his_o church_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o but_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n man_n may_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o that_o be_v bestow_v office_n on_o man_n but_o can_v add_v power_n to_o execute_v those_o office_n but_o christ_n not_o only_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o make_v john_n a_o prophet_n but_o fill_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n also_o who_o christ_n call_v unto_o office_n in_o his_o church_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o they_o he_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n john_n before_o he_o receive_v his_o confirmation_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o the_o command_n to_o write_v his_o vision_n and_o what_o he_o see_v unto_o the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n divine_a vision_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o the_o glory_n thereof_o whereupon_o christ_n lay_v his_o hand_n of_o comfort_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v that_o rouse_a voice_n say_v fear_v not_o the_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v in_o some_o measure_n run_v parallel_n with_o john_n first_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v clear_a vision_n of_o christ_n sound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o their_o own_o corruption_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_a and_o lie_v low_a at_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v pattern_n unto_o other_o in_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o other_o grace_n three_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o christ_n hand_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v his_o spirit_n which_o will_v manifest_v itself_o in_o their_o sanctify_a desire_n willingness_n and_o readiness_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n four_o and_o last_o they_o ought_v to_o hear_v that_o rouse_a word_n of_o comfort_n within_o fear_v not_o that_o be_v the_o comfortable_a experience_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n fear_v not_o which_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a confidence_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o face_n of_o man_n for_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n this_o endowment_n with_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o that_o be_v principal_o look_v at_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o even_a officer_n of_o the_o low_a form_n consult_v act_n 6.3_o and_o 9.17.11.24_o and_o 13.2_o unless_o man_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o in_o some_o fullness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v neither_o fit_n for_o those_o holy_a function_n nor_o can_v satisfy_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n unto_o they_o verse_n 18._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o that_o this_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v christ_n be_v clear_a to_o avoid_v repetition_n peruse_v the_o precedent_n 8_o and_o 13_o verse_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n object_n it_o be_v former_o assert_v on_o vers_n 13._o that_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a person_n of_o christ_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n now_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v impassable_a he_o do_v not_o suffer_v death_n nor_o be_v again_o make_v alive_a for_o he_o be_v life_n itself_o therefore_o this_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o his_o humanity_n and_o that_o be_v it_o to_o wit_n his_o humane_a nature_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n that_o which_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o be_v dead_a to_o clear_v this_o i_o answer_v you_o must_v understand_v that_o be_v frequent_a in_o scripture_n to_o attribute_v that_o unto_o one_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a attribute_n of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o as_o the_o learned_a call_v it_o communicatione_n idiomatum_fw-la by_o the_o communication_n of_o property_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v communicate_v or_o attribute_v unto_o the_o humane_a and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o instance_n when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v buy_v justify_v or_o save_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a to_o conceive_v that_o god_n have_v blood_n but_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o person_n who_o cleanse_v we_o by_o his_o blood_n be_v both_o man_n and_o god_n in_o one_o person_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v here_o attribute_v unto_o the_o divine_a and_o so_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n create_v all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o the_o father_n from_o everlasting_a this_o be_v predicate_v of_o one_o nature_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o other_o consult_v act_n 20.28_o and_o so_o in_o this_o verse_n though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o divine_a person_n appear_v unto_o john_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o be_v alive_a but_o be_v dead_a import_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o that_o similitude_n or_o form_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n be_v the_o very_a same_o christ_n and_o divine_a person_n that_o be_v conjunct_a with_o his_o humanity_n in_o heaven_n and_o by_o a_o mutual_a and_o interchangeable_a communication_n and_o attribution_n of_o property_n this_o divine_a idea_n or_o representation_n that_o john_n see_v be_v call_v by_o the_o proper_a attribution_n of_o christ_n humanity_n which_o be_v pierce_v dead_a and_o live_v again_o though_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o the_o divine_a person_n of_o christ_n clothe_v with_o the_o figure_n and_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v now_o alive_a this_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o scripture_n and_o among_o divine_n wherein_o the_o property_n of_o one_o nature_n be_v real_o attribute_v to_o the_o person_n denominate_v of_o the_o other_o nature_n interchangeable_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o person_n consist_v in_o both_o nature_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o oft_o in_o scripture_n that_o have_v the_o real_a denomination_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o so_o in_o appearance_n and_o resemblance_n that_o apparition_n or_o counterfeit_v of_o samuel_n that_o appear_v unto_o saul_n at_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n be_v call_v samuel_n several_a time_n in_o 1_o sam._n 28._o without_o any_o note_n of_o distinction_n from_o the_o true_a and_o real_a prophet_n samuel_n further_a than_o be_v collect_v from_o scriptural_a reason_n and_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o discourse_n in_o that_o place_n angel_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n and_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o jacob_n lot_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v man_n because_o they_o appear_v in_o humane_a form_n so_o this_o divine_a appearance_n of_o christ_n here_o be_v call_v the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v now_o alive_a because_o he_o appear_v in_o that_o shape_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o first_o before_o all_o beginning_n and_o the_o last_o to_o all_o eternity_n so_o christ_n assure_v all_o his_o in_o this_o place_n he_o be_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o to_o they_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o protect_v they_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v and_o direct_v they_o unto_o everlasting_a amen_o so_o be_v it_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v and_o he_o add_v and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n christ_n to_o take_v off_o all_o fear_n from_o john_n and_o to_o assure_v john_n and_o all_o his_o saint_n that_o he_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o able_a to_o effect_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v those_o vision_n and_o ptediction_n that_o he_o be_v about_o to_o reveal_v unto_o john_n and_o by_o he_o unto_o his_o church_n he_o now_o publish_v unto_o john_n that_o all_o power_n now_o be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n from_o the_o father_n even_o over_o hell_n itself_o for_o he_o have_v despoil_v it_o of_o its_o power_n here_o be_v a_o transport_v of_o the_o word_n hell_n before_o death_n hell_n be_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o order_n of_o thing_n the_o last_o rev._n 20.14_o so_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n take_v hell_n here_o for_o the_o grave_n or_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a so_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n to_o open_v it_o
in_o the_o resurrection_n so_o have_v power_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o state_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n or_o second_o take_v death_n and_o hell_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o he_o have_v power_n over_o that_o too_o he_o hold_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 20.1_o as_o he_o have_v obtain_v power_n since_o his_o exaltation_n to_o give_v crown_n and_o throne_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o shall_v persevere_v and_o overcome_v so_o also_o to_o chastise_v his_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a adversary_n with_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o key_n in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v power_n dominion_n and_o rule_n he_o that_o keep_v and_o command_v the_o key_n of_o a_o city_n have_v the_o power_n and_o rule_n over_o it_o the_o key_n be_v ancient_o carry_v before_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o be_v in_o some_o place_n at_o this_o present_a time_n as_o symbol_n and_o badge_n of_o authority_n on_o peter_n honourable_a confession_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o christ_n which_o intimate_v the_o power_n of_o shut_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n deposit_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n that_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o in_o chap._n 20._o v._n 1._o christ_n be_v there_o represent_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n all_o this_o connote_v observe_v that_o christ_n have_v the_o full_a power_n over_o all_o power_n and_o principality_n of_o darkness_n over_o the_o devil_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n itself_o which_o before_o he_o have_v attain_v and_o purchase_v by_o his_o death_n 1_o cor._n 15.55_o etc._n etc._n they_o can_v move_v nor_o stir_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n but_o as_o he_o permit_v they_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a conceit_n yea_o and_o savour_v of_o little_a faith_n in_o those_o that_o think_v that_o the_o godly_a or_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o devil_n or_o witch_n to_o be_v hurt_v by_o they_o or_o torment_v at_o their_o pleasure_n christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o wicked_a angel_n be_v so_o sure_o lock_v in_o their_o prison_n and_o reserve_v in_o chain_n up_o by_o his_o providence_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o touch_v any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o god_n no_o not_o to_o hurt_v a_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n or_o the_o least_o lamb_n in_o their_o fold_n without_o christ_n special_a commission_n for_o it_o and_o then_o too_o they_o be_v like_o a_o dog_n in_o a_o chain_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o direction_n to_o go_v thus_o far_o and_o no_o far_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o touch_v job_n who_o be_v hedge_v about_o by_o god_n before_o he_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o therefore_o o_o how_o reasonless_a and_o weak_a it_o be_v to_o affirm_v or_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n power_n to_o touch_v or_o hurt_v at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o who_o christ_n have_v say_v down_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o be_v as_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n god_n shall_v give_v any_o of_o he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v touch_v by_o he_o either_o in_o person_n or_o good_n let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v either_o to_o withdraw_v and_o wean_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n for_o it_o or_o else_o to_o winnow_v and_o try_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v bless_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n which_o seldom_o god_n exercise_v his_o child_n under_o for_o few_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v such_o temptation_n and_o god_n will_v lay_v no_o more_o on_o he_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o most_o high_a and_o eminent_a in_o grace_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o meet_v with_o such_o strong_a trial_n and_o not_o sink_v under_o they_o as_o job_n and_o 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i_o have_v not_o power_n to_o execute_v those_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n that_o satan_n be_v at_o my_o command_n and_o beck_n to_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o my_o wrath_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o i_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o hell_n death_n and_o destruction_n and_o to_o shut_v they_o up_o together_o with_o satan_n in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o rev._n 19.20_o and_o 20.10_o hence_o two_o uses_n arise_v very_o natural_o first_o that_o the_o godly_a need_v not_o fear_v hell_n nor_o death_n either_o that_o of_o the_o grave_n or_o that_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o christ_n their_o head_n be_v the_o key-keeper_n of_o both_o and_o have_v power_n thereof_o next_o let_v the_o impenitent_a wicked_a and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n therefore_o repent_v in_o time_n and_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a before_o the_o day_n come_v wherein_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v verse_n 19_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v after_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v in_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v this_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n after_o christ_n have_v fit_v and_o confirm_v john_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o by_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o he_o and_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o that_o be_v alive_a but_o be_v dead_a and_o have_v the_o power_n over_o hell_n and_o death_n 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in_o part_n to_o come_v write_v without_o that_o be_v plain_a for_o discovery_n open_a to_o the_o view_n all_o which_o import_v that_o john_n be_v to_o write_v of_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a and_o as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o also_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o a_o book_n write_v within_o seal_v and_o secret_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o futurity_n 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o god_n true_a prophet_n and_o faithful_a minister_n will_v commend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o church_n as_o vision_n from_o god_n than_o what_o they_o have_v real_o see_v and_o have_v be_v discover_v from_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v vision_n from_o god_n like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jer._n 14_o while_o their_o mouth_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_v 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concern_v you_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n to_o make_v thing_n plain_a unto_o john_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o his_o book_n interpret_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n present_v unto_o his_o sight_n in_o the_o precedent_n 12_o and_o 16_o verse_n and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o candlestick_n because_o indeed_o unto_o john_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n what_o those_o figure_n of_o star_n and_o candlestick_n do_v mystical_o mean_a or_o represent_v and_o unto_o john_n it_o will_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n if_o christ_n himself_o have_v not_o here_o interpret_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v make_v clear_a obvious_a and_o manifest_a by_o a_o diligent_a observation_n and_o a_o right_a applicationof_o the_o mystical_a character_n and_o figure_n of_o each_o vision_n christ_n himself_o in_o this_o verse_n have_v make_v the_o first_o entrance_n and_o essay_n on_o this_o account_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n do_v mystical_o represent_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n the_o church_n themselves_o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n christ_n be_v more_o large_a in_o interpret_n the_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o connote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o wise_a observant_a christian_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n thereinto_o the_o spirit_n say_v often_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v the_o number_n here_o be_v the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n cap._n 17._o v._n 9_o so_o that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n a_o intelligent_a understand_a ear_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a heart_n to_o consider_v that_o be_v fit_a and_o capable_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v aright_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n therefore_o difficult_a to_o all_o but_o unto_o the_o spiritualised_a eye_n and_o unto_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o such_o to_o undertake_v this_o essay_n see_v it_o have_v please_v christ_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o fruit_n himself_o in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v as_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o whole_a and_o since_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v mean_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n by_o the_o woman_n array_v in_o scarlet_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v the_o great_a city_n that_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o signify_v a_o government_n empire_n or_o kingdom_n on_o seven_o mountain_n where_o the_o great_a harlot_n reign_v under_o ten_o king_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a rash_a or_o presumptuous_a to_o interpret_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystical_a figure_n and_o hyeroglyphick_n character_n of_o this_o book_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a and_o genuine_a tendency_n and_o as_o they_o be_v open_v and_o apply_v in_o other_o prophetical_a writing_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n who_o wisdom_n it_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o represent_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o downial_n of_o the_o great_a empire_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n by_o such_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a figure_n and_o representation_n unto_o god_n servant_n his_o prophet_n and_o conceive_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a carriage_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o intendment_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v but_o unto_o few_o such_o as_o have_v spirit_n suitable_a and_o will_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o great_a event_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n be_v make_v vulgar_a and_o know_v unto_o all_o it_o will_v raise_v innumerable_a combustion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o those_o power_n that_o they_o live_v under_o for_o who_o sake_n these_o great_a concussion_n and_o subversion_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n and_o their_o interest_n may_v be_v exalt_v at_o the_o last_o 2._o note_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o make_v know_v and_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o divine_a mystery_n unto_o his_o servant_n christ_n discover_v unto_o john_n those_o mystery_n of_o star_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v this_o spirit_n that_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 16.15_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n because_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v beforehand_o hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n manifest_a unto_o poor_a soul_n and_o so_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v too_o high_a a_o work_n for_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o his_o natural_a capacity_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o not_o carnal_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n star_n in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v signify_v person_n of_o eminency_n and_o honour_n and_o in_o heraldry_n it_o be_v account_v the_o most_o noble_a sort_n of_o blazon_v peculiar_a alone_o to_o the_o armoury_n of_o prince_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o rather_o messenger_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v because_o they_o come_v with_o the_o best_a message_n and_o news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o
thereon_o and_o in_o rev._n 4._o the_o two_o gospel_n witness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o two_o candlestick_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n with_o their_o two_o olive_n branch_n by_o their_o side_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o administration_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v always_o pour_v out_o their_o oil_n for_o light_n into_o the_o ministerial_a lamp_n of_o these_o golden_a candlestick_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o much_o light_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o anoint_a one_o that_o stand_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n zach._n 4.2.12_o and_o 14_o verse_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 1._o 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 his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o general_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v finish_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o be_v christ_n under_o divers_a denomination_n and_o similitude_n some_o appropriable_a only_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n some_o to_o the_o humane_a clear_o notify_v that_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o christ_n god-man_n who_o give_v these_o divine_a revelation_n unto_o john_n some_o immediate_o by_o himself_o some_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v give_v and_o signify_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o angel_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n what_o be_v do_v by_o another_o at_o one_o order_n and_o command_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vision_n he_o give_v they_o out_o to_o john_n and_z john_n he_o be_v the_o recipient_a instrument_n and_o the_o subordinate_a author_n and_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o and_o make_v they_o know_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n john_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o write_v those_o premonition_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o their_o order_n shall_v be_v handle_v but_o in_o the_o way_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o enquiry_n quest_n why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o as_o their_o defection_n be_v divers_a and_o various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v various_a and_o divers_a reprehension_n so_o likewise_o their_o grace_n and_o endowment_n be_v various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a encouragement_n therein_o the_o more_o obdurate_a and_o high-handed_n sinner_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sharp_a and_o high_a reproof_n and_o censure_n but_o the_o more_o flexible_a and_o tender-hearted_a aught_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o the_o more_o tender_a hand_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n second_o the_o several_a charge_n be_v draw_v against_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o send_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_a angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o extrinsical_a power_n or_o authority_n over_o themselves_o christ_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a admonitor_n and_o reprehender_n of_o they_o all_o each_o of_o they_o be_v sole_o and_o single_o under_o his_o reprehensive_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v only_o receive_v command_n and_o reproof_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n for_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v not_o receive_v command_n or_o reproof_n to_o impose_v they_o juridical_o on_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n on_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n or_o on_o any_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o either_o single_o by_o itself_o or_o joint_o with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o one_o two_o or_o more_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v superintendent_o or_o to_o have_v a_o prelatical_a authority_n over_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v no_o cathedral_n then_o at_o ephesus_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o six_o the_o name_n of_o archiepiscopacy_n and_o hierarchycal_a supremacy_n be_v then_o unknown_a in_o the_o little_a well-ordered_a christian_a world_n or_o rather_o common-weal_n bishop_n than_o do_v look_v no_o far_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o authority_n then_o over_o their_o own_o flock_n neither_o then_o be_v it_o know_v that_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o few_o church_n or_o rather_o officer_n of_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o classical_a elder_n provincial_a elder_n or_o national_a elder_n shall_v have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o vicinity_n ephesus_n then_o as_o unto_o outward_a authority_n be_v independent_a smyrna_n then_o be_v independent_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n can_v then_o and_o also_o now_o can_v act_v consultative_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n by_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n either_o joint_n or_o single_o but_o not_o juridical_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o and_o another_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o peer_n respect_v their_o authority_n yet_o in_o their_o grace_n and_o perfection_n among_o themselves_o differ_v from_o one_o and_o another_o in_o glory_n christ_n keep_v the_o sole_a legislative_a power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o what_o he_o communicate_v thereof_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o their_o sister-churche_n faith_n but_o that_o they_o may_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n exercise_v their_o wholesome_a admonition_n and_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o church_n juridical_o to_o censure_v another_o sister-church_n though_o corrupt_a for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n give_v they_o christ_n keep_v that_o prerogative_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o reprove_v and_o censure_v the_o whole_a seven_a asian_a church_n himself_o but_o suffer_v not_o one_o or_o more_o to_o do_v it_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n have_v grant_v such_o authority_n unto_o one_o church_n over_o other_o that_o that_o church_n which_o become_v most_o potent_a and_o most_o countenance_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n though_o most_o corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n will_v undertake_v to_o censure_v the_o sound_a and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n of_o all_o as_o the_o arrian_n do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o son_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o their_o successor_n censure_n chastise_v and_o vex_v even_o the_o sound_a and_o most_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a apostatise_v church_n of_o rome_n under_o this_o pretence_n of_o have_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n do_v even_o fulminate_v out_o her_o dire_a anathemas_n on_o all_o other_o church_n though_o the_o faithful_a and_o undefiled_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v wise_a therefore_o you_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n hold_v fast_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a lest_o you_o subjugate_v your_o neck_n and_o precious_a faith_n unto_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o spiritual_a harlot_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n christ_n give_v his_o particular_a censure_n and_o reproof_n to_o each_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o their_o peculiar_a fail_n and_o error_n that_o one_o more_o corrupt_a church_n may_v not_o undertake_v to_o censure_v that_o which_o be_v less_o corrupt_a but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o a_o sound_n and_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v carry_v itself_o towards_o a_o erroneous_a and_o backslidden_a corrupt_a church_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o that_o in_o love_n and_o charity_n first_o they_o be_v to_o advise_v they_o and_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n charitable_o not_o juridical_o as_o a_o church_n exercise_n towards_o her_o own_o member_n second_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a malady_n if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o their_o amendment_n they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v
they_o to_o their_o master_n who_o after_o he_o have_v proceed_v on_o his_o white_a horse_n with_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o not_o turn_v by_o repentance_n he_o can_v go_v forth_o on_o his_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n his_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o from_o among_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o desolate_a the_o first_o that_o i_o read_v of_o that_o extend_v the_o wing_n of_o his_o authority_n beyond_o his_o own_o just_a limit_n and_o boundary_n be_v victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n who_o hot_o contend_v with_o ireneus_fw-la and_o other_o of_o the_o african_a church_n to_o have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o they_o and_o to_o impose_v his_o dictate_v on_o they_o and_o that_o very_o pertinacious_o about_o a_o frivolous_a controversy_n the_o observation_n of_o easter_n herein_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v begin_v to_o work_v which_o in_o few_o after_o succeed_a age_n come_v to_o its_o full_a stature_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a history_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a do_v testify_v that_o this_o prelacy_n and_o affect_v of_o supremacy_n over_o other_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o one_o single_a church_n person_n or_o many_o combine_a one_o have_v not_o only_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v and_o have_v be_v always_o the_o very_a first_o bear_v of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n three_o another_o reason_n be_v that_o christ_n write_v particular_o to_o each_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o equal_a care_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o his_o church_n while_o they_o continue_v he_o though_o under_o foul_a prevarication_n and_o backslide_n christ_n have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v faithful_a to_o his_o name_n though_o otherwise_o in_o themselves_o very_o faulty_a and_o he_o be_v find_v to_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o providential_o care_v for_o they_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o word_n if_o so_o be_v he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n last_o these_o message_n be_v direct_v to_o each_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o christ_n especial_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o that_o they_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reform_v their_o enormity_n within_o and_o among_o themselves_o that_o the_o church_n error_n and_o infirmity_n may_v not_o be_v tell_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v abroad_o to_o their_o reproach_n among_o their_o enemy_n whilst_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o backslider_n christ_n come_v with_o a_o rod_n and_o stroke_n of_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a heart_a father_n to_o cure_v they_o not_o to_o shame_v and_o reproach_v they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n direct_v john_n to_o write_v his_o message_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o angel_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v intend_v the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n be_v as_o superintendent_n or_o archbishop_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n i_o answer_v first_o to_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v no_o colour_n at_o all_o for_o that_o opinion_n for_o the_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o former_a page_n specify_v and_o to_o add_v a_o word_n because_o christ_n command_v each_o angel_n to_o reform_v their_o abuse_n within_o themselves_o he_o send_v not_o the_o angel_n of_o one_o church_n to_o reform_v another_o that_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o it_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v not_o send_v to_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n unto_o ephesus_n nor_o unto_o the_o rest_n but_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n a_o prophet_n john_n a_o man_n of_o god_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o all_o to_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o deposit_v in_o all_o his_o gospel_n church_n and_o to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a for_o their_o deal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o backslide_n indeed_o any_o one_o that_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o call_v as_o john_n have_v may_v exercise_v that_o unlimited_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o know_v not_o any_o in_o these_o day_n or_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o do_v pretend_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o great_a and_o rampant_a roman_a man_n of_o sin_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a pretender_n to_o that_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o yet_o who_o more_o fallible_a than_o himself_o in_o his_o judicial_a sentence_n doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v what_o he_o pretend_v that_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n just_o may_v he_o assume_v authority_n in_o censure_v direct_a and_o govern_v all_o other_o church_n but_o before_o that_o do_v appear_v let_v himself_o and_o other_o that_o assume_v the_o like_a authority_n with_o himself_o hide_v their_o face_n in_o shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o ever_o second_o to_o the_o first_o question_n i_o answer_v that_o those_o i_o confess_v of_o the_o episcopal_a interest_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o superscription_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n do_v intend_v and_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o be_v supreme_a overseer_n director_n and_o mediator_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n within_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o this_o have_v be_v write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v say_v the_o episcopal_v to_o the_o archbishop_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a prelate_n and_o bishop_n over_o all_o other_o the_o prelate_n and_o bishop_n in_o england_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o london_n salisbury_n exeter_z etc._n etc._n that_o be_v say_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n salisbury_n or_o exeter_z etc._n etc._n who_o be_v the_o chief_a bishop_n pastor_n and_o overseer_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n within_o his_o own_o jurisdiction_n and_o diocese_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v according_a to_o the_o latin_a dialect_n bishop_n and_o pastor_n or_o according_a to_o our_o own_o proper_a idiom_n overseer_n and_o feeder_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v synonimas_fw-la and_o be_v but_o as_o several_a denomination_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o divers_a act_n therein_o for_o the_o faculty_n of_o over-seeing_a guidance_n and_o direction_n he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n for_o that_o of_o teach_v instruct_v and_o spiritual_o feed_v his_o flock_n in_o all_o kind_n he_o be_v call_v a_o pastor_n and_o very_o often_o too_o in_o scripture_n for_o his_o rootedness_n and_o soundness_n in_o faith_n life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v call_v a_o elder_a so_o that_o these_o be_v but_o several_a name_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n and_o often_o apply_v in_o scripture_n reciprocal_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n sometime_o he_o be_v call_v the_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n sometime_o the_o bishop_n sometime_o the_o pastor_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o such_o as_o guide_v well_o their_o flock_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n among_o the_o saint_n but_o lest_o herewith_o they_o shall_v be_v elevate_v above_o their_o proper_a station_n they_o ought_v to_o eye_n another_o title_n too_o which_o be_v give_v they_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v minister_n that_o be_v servants_z that_o attend_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n they_o receive_v christ_n message_n and_o commend_v they_o unto_o his_o church_n and_o come_v again_o with_o return_n of_o the_o church_n improvement_n in_o obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n unto_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v here_o entitle_v by_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n messenger_n ambassadors_z or_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o these_o humble_a title_n of_o servitor_n and_o messenger_n will_v suit_v and_o agree_v to_o the_o lording_n stomach_n of_o metropolitan_o and_o lord_n bishop_n or_o chief_a pastor_n over_o many_o
church_n of_o christ_n in_o ephesus_n yet_o i_o presume_v on_o good_a ground_n that_o most_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o ephesus_n cry_v up_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o though_o there_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n in_o rome_n corinth_n smyrna_n pergamus_n and_o other_o place_n mention_v in_o scripture_n yet_o we_o know_v by_o good_a history_n that_o the_o national_a worship_n and_o religion_n be_v ethnic_a unto_o jupiter_n mars_n sol_n venus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o indeed_o i_o confess_v a_o church_n may_v be_v call_v the_o national_a church_n as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n of_o england_n of_o france_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o member_n or_o person_n of_o that_o nation_n but_o herein_o we_o have_v no_o difference_n the_o controversy_n be_v not_o about_o word_n but_o thing_n real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o as_o when_o they_o affirm_v every_o individual_a and_o singular_a parochial_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v particular_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n constitute_v of_o its_o singular_a part_n if_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n be_v the_o church_n what_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o profane_a therein_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v of_o england_n scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n to_o be_v the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o those_o expression_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o far_o at_o present_a have_v do_v with_o the_o inscription_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_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 who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v know_v from_o who_o this_o subsequent_a message_n come_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o hold_v and_o keep_v in_o his_o fatherly_a hand_n of_o protection_n his_o faithful_a minister_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o his_o church_n for_o glory_n peruse_v the_o sixteenth_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o who_o walk_v that_o be_v be_v in_o active_a posture_n ready_a to_o observe_v all_o the_o do_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o all_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n consult_v more_o at_o large_a with_o v._o 13._o &_o 20._o of_o c._n 1._o from_o christ_n posture_n of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n note_n that_o christ_n be_v very_a intent_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o providential_a observation_n and_o that_o for_o their_o good_a over_o all_o his_o faithful_a church_n this_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n view_v the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v proficient_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o canticle_n cap_n 6._o 11._o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o garden_n of_o nut_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o valley_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o the_o vine_n flourish_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v christ_n be_v now_o view_v his_o church_n grace_n take_v delight_n therein_o and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n that_o the_o crown_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o also_o take_v a_o special_a notice_n of_o their_o backslide_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o deceitfulness_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v loathe_v they_o and_o return_v unto_o their_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n at_o his_o departure_n leave_v as_o his_o last_o comfort_v legacy_n with_o his_o afflict_a church_n matth._n 28.20_o that_o though_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n yet_o in_o his_o providential_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n teach_v direct_a counsel_v support_v and_o comfort_v they_o he_o will_v be_v ever_o with_o they_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o forbear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v see_v thy_o work_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o our_o knowledge_n be_v mix_v and_o join_v with_o much_o imperfection_n and_o at_o best_a be_v but_o a_o mix_a act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o so_o to_o know_v a_o thing_n by_o a_o human_a capacity_n be_v to_o understand_v it_o and_o the_o nature_n thereof_o in_o the_o high_a notion_n that_o its_o capable_a of_o comprehension_n and_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n in_o the_o understanding_n the_o affection_n or_o will_n be_v misplace_v and_o so_o become_v erroneous_a and_o sinful_a for_o a_o mind_n not_o well_o inform_v or_o a_o ignorant_a soul_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v a_o good_a or_o a_o godly_a one_o for_o without_o this_o light_n the_o judgement_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v often_o lead_v astray_o to_o that_o which_o be_v only_o good_a in_o appearance_n and_o to_o contemn_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o here_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n in_o this_o person_n christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o therefore_o all_o our_o work_n be_v patent_n and_o open_a before_o he_o his_o judgement_n or_o affection_n can_v be_v mislead_v to_o approve_v of_o thing_n and_o work_n that_o shall_v not_o or_o disapprove_v of_o work_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v approve_v he_o be_v god_n and_o can_v be_v deceive_v on_o any_o false_a pretence_n he_o see_v our_o work_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n we_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n by_o medium_n mixt_o weak_o and_o imperfect_o he_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n simple_o absolute_o and_o most_o perfect_o the_o eye_n itself_o can_v want_v sight_n nor_o the_o sun_n want_v light_n neither_o can_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o present_a temporal_a world_n or_o his_o church_n this_o spiritual_a world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o he_o or_o their_o handy_a work_n christ_n see_v and_o know_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n full_o what_o be_v approvable_a and_o what_o be_v disapprovable_a in_o they_o hence_o note_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a censurer_n of_o his_o church_n work_n he_o forbid_v to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n he_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o travel_n patience_n and_o sufferance_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o so_o place_v his_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o complacency_n thereon_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v evil_a in_o they_o he_o can_v bear_v without_o a_o reproof_n as_o it_o be_v defection_n or_o failure_n in_o its_o first_o love_n and_o ardent_a affection_n which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n bear_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o vers_n 4._o christ_n also_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n but_o in_o another_o tone_n not_o of_o approbation_n but_o of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n he_o say_v to_o sardis_n cap._n 3._o 1._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o in_o verse_n 15._o he_o fall_v upon_o laodicea_n and_o tell_v they_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 will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n will_v not_o palliate_v or_o lie_v cushion_n under_o great_a one_o elbow_n and_o prophesy_v smooth_a thing_n unto_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o whilst_o they_o be_v most_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n and_o heart_n have_v not_o god_n a_o controversy_n of_o old_a with_o his_o israel_n for_o this_o
very_a sin_n abundant_o witness_v against_o by_o god_n in_o most_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n when_o as_o some_o will_v stand_v up_o and_o prophesy_v peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n as_o ezek._n 13.10.16_o and_o what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o peace_n while_o their_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n and_o iniquity_n i_o can_v wish_v it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o of_o the_o pretend_a angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n where_o be_v that_o faithful_a one_o to_o be_v find_v it_o may_v be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o as_o a_o true_a angel_n or_o ambassador_n from_o christ_n will_v deal_v roundly_o with_o their_o sin_n and_o tell_v israel_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o judah_n of_o her_o transgression_n good_a physician_n will_v search_v the_o wound_n thorough_o the_o rather_o for_o to_o cure_v they_o it_o be_v also_o christ_n method_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o wound_n and_o sin_n of_o his_o church_n that_o so_o he_o may_v like_o the_o good_a samaritane_n pour_v oil_n into_o they_o and_o heal_v they_o and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n christ_n minister_n shall_v follow_v their_o master_n pattern_n deal_v faithful_o simple_o and_o roundly_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o people_n according_a to_o gospel_n rule_v in_o that_o case_n provide_v and_o not_o as_o many_o do_v speak_v peace_n and_o word_n of_o comfort_n the_o true_a portion_n of_o spiritual_a member_n of_o christ_n unto_o profess_a enemy_n to_o godliness_n and_o the_o saint_n scorner_n and_o derider_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o ordinance_n drunkard_n swearer_n etc._n etc._n what_o have_v such_o to_o do_v with_o the_o child_n bread_n so_o continue_v unrepentant_a and_o obstinate_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v for_o this_o lukewarmness_n of_o many_o minister_n and_o church_n it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n cap._n 3._o 16._o as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a mat._n 21.43_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o of_o ezek._n 13.22_o 23._o to_o be_v serious_o consider_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o point_n the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o those_o that_o sow_v pillow_n under_o the_o arms-hole_n because_o with_o lie_v you_o have_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_a who_o i_o have_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o turn_v from_o his_o wicked_a way_n by_o promise_v he_o life_n therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v no_o more_o vanity_n nor_o divine_a divination_n for_o i_o will_v deliver_v my_o people_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n observe_v 2._o another_o correllary_n hence_o rise_v that_o all_o church_n and_o person_n ought_v to_o have_v and_o receive_v a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o be_v eminent_a in_o though_o chargeable_a with_o many_o defection_n and_o fail_n otherwise_o christ_n spare_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v but_o make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o chapter_n though_o otherwise_o many_o aberration_n and_o fail_n be_v lay_v unto_o their_o charge_n though_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v for_o the_o coldness_n in_o her_o first_o love_n yet_o she_o have_v these_o commendable_a virtue_n and_o grace_n in_o she_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o hatred_n to_o all_o evil_a worker_n and_o false_a light_n and_o apostle_n that_o come_v with_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o the_o great_a fundamental_a or_o corner_n stone_n the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o christ_n proceed_v with_o the_o other_o church_n in_o the_o like_a method_n and_o lay_v a_o commendable_a character_n on_o they_o all_o for_o those_o grace_n in_o they_o worthy_o call_v for_o it_o paul_n can_v give_v a_o just_a acknowledgement_n to_o his_o brethren_n the_o jew_n though_o otherwise_o perverse_a enough_o bear_v they_o witness_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n to_o god_n though_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n rom._n 10.2_o and_o christ_n tell_v the_o jew_n and_o speak_v it_o with_o approbation_n and_o to_o their_o commendation_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v you_o also_o in_o i_o it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o most_o of_o professor_n of_o these_o day_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o almost_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o brother_n in_o christ_n or_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o be_v not_o baptize_v into_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o interest_n with_o himself_o but_o this_o rather_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n schismatical_a and_o factious_a then_o of_o a_o meek_a christianlike_a peacemaking_a temper_n which_o will_v bear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a rather_o than_o break_v the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o brethren_n who_o have_v put_v on_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n o_o what_o a_o lamentable_a practice_n it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o be_v presbyterian_o to_o rake_v up_o all_o the_o fault_n and_o dirt_n they_o can_v and_o cast_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o independent_o and_o again_o for_o independent_o to_o cast_v it_o back_o on_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o both_o of_o they_o to_o cast_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o those_o call_v anabaptist_n and_o they_o again_o as_o ready_a as_o the_o former_a to_o repay_v it_o back_o again_o why_o have_v you_o so_o learned_a christ_n o_o for_o shame_n let_v all_o that_o fear_n god_n of_o each_o sort_n be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o unchristianlike_a practice_n let_v it_o not_o be_v tell_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v in_o askelon_n but_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o your_o common_a saviour_n what_o you_o see_v of_o god_n in_o your_o brethren_n commend_v it_o encourage_v it_o cherish_v it_o though_o there_o may_v be_v fail_n in_o each_o sort_n and_o that_o great_a one_o yet_o for_o that_o grace_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o they_o love_v they_o honour_v they_o and_o think_v better_o of_o they_o then_o of_o thyself_o though_o thou_o may_v be_v right_a in_o some_o external_o of_o worship_n than_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v right_a than_o thou_o in_o doctrinal_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v sound_a than_o they_o in_o doctrinal_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o holy_a and_o better_a man_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o due_a title_n of_o honour_n love_n and_o commendation_n for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o for_o their_o fault_n and_o fail_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n gal._n 6.1_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o repentance_n according_a to_o gospel_n order_n for_o so_o thou_o may_v win_v thy_o brother_n but_o by_o the_o other_o way_n thou_o be_v sure_a to_o drive_v he_o far_o from_o thou_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o familistical_a notionist_n the_o quaker_n in_o these_o day_n be_v high_o baptize_v in_o this_o sin_n and_o out_o run_v all_o other_o in_o this_o uncharitable_a and_o unchristianlike_a practice_n they_o be_v sharp_a censurer_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o person_n that_o will_v not_o run_v in_o the_o same_o fanatique_a wild_a course_n with_o themselves_o and_o which_o be_v strange_a and_o most_o observable_a be_v that_o they_o never_o will_v acknowledge_v nor_o give_v a_o due_a commendation_n to_o any_o though_o never_o so_o self-denying_a and_o godly_a and_o fill_v abundant_o with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n unless_o they_o take_v up_o the_o same_o mad_a opinion_n with_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a when_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-fulness_n and_o pride_n that_o they_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o so_o carry_v on_o to_o damnable_a and_o blasphemous_a opinion_n and_o heresy_n among_o the_o many_o reason_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o due_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o grace_n in_o the_o godly_a these_o be_v some_o 1._o that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o due_a honour_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o 2._o because_o all_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n work_v and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o honour_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v find_v 3._o for_o the_o encouragement_n and_o cherish_v all_o person_n under_o all_o hardship_n and_o affliction_n in_o acquire_v and_o maintain_v those_o grace_n alive_a fructify_a and_o effective_a 4._o and_o last_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v not_o so_o discourage_v the_o godly_a as_o to_o think_v nothing_o praise_v worthy_a in_o they_o while_o they_o have_v many_o thing_n in_o they_o worthy_a to_o
be_v ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o other_o of_o god_n precious_a child_n in_o babylon_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n it_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o will_v nothing_o but_o scratch_v and_o tear_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n nor_o too_o great_a a_o vex_a burden_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n and_o providence_n have_v dispose_v of_o our_o habitation_n among_o the_o ungodly_a for_o hereby_o 1._o god_n have_v the_o great_a glory_n from_o we_o 2._o we_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o he_o 3._o our_o grace_n shine_v more_o eminent_o as_o star_n in_o a_o frosty_a night_n shine_v clear_a and_o fish_n in_o the_o salt_a sea_n be_v sweet_a so_o we_o keep_v our_o savour_n the_o better_a for_o it_o and_o our_o grace_n be_v more_o enliven_v 4._o our_o conversation_n it_o suitable_a to_o god_n word_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n among_o who_o we_o live_v obs_n 3._o to_o a_o godly_a soul_n to_o 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suitable_a grace_n and_o strength_n from_o himself_o for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n thou_o remember_v we_o say_v david_n in_o our_o low_a estate_n where_o christ_n church_n have_v the_o great_a enemy_n god_n will_v show_v himself_o their_o great_a friend_n where_o his_o saint_n be_v most_o afflict_a and_o straighten_a there_o he_o will_v supply_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o enlargement_n in_o babylon_n of_o old_a among_o the_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o israel_n god_n send_v a_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n etc._n etc._n choice_a man_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n so_o we_o often_o see_v in_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o wicked_a place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n send_v there_o the_o great_a sound_a and_o clear_a light_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o ephesus_z smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n place_n of_o idolatry_n and_o cruelty_n and_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v have_v their_o angel_n and_o martyr_n that_o shine_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o late_a year_n have_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o switzerland_n in_o saxony_n in_o savoy_n and_o the_o barbarous_a corner_n of_o the_o pyrenean_n mountain_n and_o alps_n than_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o in_o england_n and_o scotland_n under_o the_o antichristian_a and_o persecute_v bishop_n of_o late_a the_o saint_n then_o live_v under_o they_o do_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o their_o grace_n than_o now_o they_o do_v in_o this_o their_o day_n of_o prosperity_n and_o many_o than_o be_v more_o faithful_a martyr_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n then_o now_o they_o be_v for_o the_o more_o high_a satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v against_o the_o saint_n god_n care_n over_o they_o be_v the_o more_o intense_a and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o more_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o obs_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a duty_n and_o their_o high_a glory_n to_o hold_v fast_o their_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a time_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o people_n the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n be_v approve_v for_o hold_v fast_a christ_n name_n and_o faith_n among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n do_v bear_v sway_n and_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v martyr_a and_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o same_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o carry_v a_o full_a sail_n of_o profession_n when_o the_o soft_a gale_n of_o prosperity_n blow_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o hypocritical_a heart_n to_o seem_v godly_a with_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v sober_a with_o the_o sober_a or_o to_o be_v righteous_a among_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v then_o try_v when_o his_o habitation_n be_v among_o the_o ungodly_a that_o can_v keep_v himself_o sound_a among_o their_o corruption_n upright_a and_o perfect_a among_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o untainted_a with_o their_o folly_n and_o sweet_a as_o fish_n in_o the_o brackish_a ocean_n the_o three_o faithful_a child_n will_v not_o bow_v in_o babylon_n to_o nebuchadnezzar_n image_n though_o death_n itself_o attend_v they_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n many_o will_v follow_v christ_n in_o smile_a time_n or_o when_o the_o state_n do_v countenance_n christ_n and_o godliness_n this_o be_v to_o follow_v christ_n for_o the_o loaf_n sake_n but_o when_o christ_n be_v hurry_v to_o pilat_n hall_n of_o judgement_n his_o formal_a follower_n will_v forsake_v he_o yea_o peter_n himself_o may_v deny_v he_o weak_a christian_n may_v stumble_v and_o draw_v back_o when_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n as_o peter_n fall_v so_o foul_o he_o be_v the_o only_o approve_a christian_a that_o will_v hold_v his_o profession_n fast_o before_o the_o face_n of_o nero_n and_o dioclesian_n as_o the_o virum_fw-la victoriae_fw-la which_o st._n austin_n mention_n and_o at_o the_o stake_n can_v free_o with_o stephen_n forgive_v his_o enemy_n and_o commend_v his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o god_n jo_n hus_n hierom_n of_o prague_n the_o poor_a waldenses_n and_o our_o late_a christian_n martyr_n as_o bradford_n philpot_n glover_n etc._n etc._n in_o our_o english_a marian_n day_n have_v with_o antipas_n for_o their_o constant_a witness_v unto_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n attain_v the_o everliving_a and_o honourable_a name_n of_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o most_o just_o in_o that_o they_o suffer_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v slay_v that_o be_v in_o a_o persecute_v bloody_a age_n when_o many_o godly_a person_n burn_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o wicked_a antichristian_a tyrannise_a and_o bloody_a prelate_n for_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n in_o such_o ungodly_a time_n and_o among_o such_o a_o devilish_a crew_n among_o who_o satan_n have_v his_o throne_n sway_n and_o full_a dominion_n they_o just_o shall_v ever_o live_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o reverend_a martyr_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n thus_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o lot_n in_o sodom_n never_o touch_v with_o sodom_n wickedness_n to_o keep_v himself_o pure_a and_o sincere_a and_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a generation_n to_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n this_o bring_v honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n obs_n 6._o the_o grace_n of_o well_o approve_a and_o faithful_a christian_n depart_v be_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o live_n both_o for_o encouragement_n and_o imitation_n antipas_n be_v here_o set_v as_o a_o example_n of_o
name_n write_v that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o the_o note_n hence_o be_v observe_v that_o god_n have_v reserve_v and_o treasure_v up_o unspeakable_a glory_n for_o his_o conquer_a saint_n it_o be_v a_o new_a name_n that_o no_o man_n know_v a_o hide_a manna_n a_o spiritual_a participate_v of_o christ_n that_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n a_o new_a and_o joint_a power_n give_v to_o we_o by_o and_o with_o christ_n that_o we_o at_o present_a be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o yea_o it_o be_v such_o a_o prize_n of_o glory_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v ear_n have_v not_o hear_v or_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o in_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o it_o be_v call_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o therefore_o here_o in_o this_o 2._o and_o 3._o cap._n this_o prize_n this_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v set_v forth_o under_o various_a and_o divers_a figure_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v sensible_a and_o apt_a for_o our_o capacity_n as_o ver_fw-la 7._o under_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 10._o under_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n ver_fw-la 17._o of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o white_a stone_n and_o new_a name_n ver_fw-la 26._o of_o power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o of_o the_o morning_n star_n in_o cap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 5._o under_o the_o name_n of_o white_a raiment_n and_o book_n of_o life_n ver_fw-la 12._o of_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o in_o ver_fw-la 21._o of_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n as_o christ_n have_v already_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o father_n throne_n all_o these_o expression_n be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o represent_v unto_o we_o the_o inestimable_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o prize_n and_o treasure_v up_o by_o god_n for_o all_o faithful_a persevere_v and_o overcome_v christian_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o all_o so_o run_v as_o we_o may_v obtain_v use_v but_o by_o the_o way_n here_o be_v a_o use_n of_o reproof_n upon_o such_o that_o will_v now_o at_o present_a catch_n at_o the_o crown_n before_o the_o coronation_n day_n you_o must_v first_o overcome_v before_o you_o reign_v unless_o you_o will_v reign_v without_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o hide_a manna_n a_o new_a name_n it_o be_v not_o meat_n for_o this_o corrupt_a world_n nor_o a_o work_n for_o this_o generation_n it_o be_v a_o white_a stone_n wherein_o a_o new_a name_n be_v write_v that_o yet_o no_o man_n know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o dispensation_n for_o this_o corrupt_a age_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n reserve_v for_o the_o new_a world_n the_o golden_a age_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n and_o this_o will_v be_v produce_v in_o god_n appoint_a time_n by_o the_o almighty_a power_n and_o arm_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a captain_n conductor_n and_o leader_n unto_o this_o glorious_a day_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o lead_v and_o advance_v to_o this_o day_n otherwise_o then_o by_o a_o placid_a submission_n to_o the_o providential_a dispensation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n they_o only_o set_v up_o stumble_a block_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o follower_n to_o fall_v by_o they_o that_o will_v rule_v with_o christ_n must_v overcome_v with_o christ_n they_o that_o will_v sit_v with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n must_v first_o pass_v to_o it_o as_o he_o do_v by_o a_o conquest_n over_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n 2_o tim._n 2.12_o rom._n 8.17_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v reign_v with_o crist_n for_o this_o crown_n be_v get_v by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o to_o seek_v it_o by_o sword_n pistol_n rapine_n and_o bloodshed_n you_o may_v obtain_v a_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o prince_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o world_n but_o never_o from_o the_o lamb_n that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n o_o therefore_o return_v to_o this_o true_a lamb_n of_o god_n and_o his_o lamblike_a condition_n or_o else_o he_o will_v become_v a_o lion_n against_o you_o and_o for_o your_o highmindedness_n and_o sin_n of_o rebellion_n and_o blood_n will_v come_v against_o you_o quick_o and_o fight_v against_o you_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n o_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a verse_n 18._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n here_o it_o be_v evident_a who_o â—t_a be_v all_o along_o that_o give_v these_o premonition_n to_o each_o church_n it_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n for_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o first_o cap._n from_o vers_fw-la 13._o to_o 16._o this_o son_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n give_v a_o general_a discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o john_n in_o all_o his_o attribute_n as_o god_n and_o man_n as_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n as_o the_o saviour_n and_o preserver_n of_o his_o church_n also_o as_o a_o just_a judge_n and_o avenger_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o now_o when_o christ_n appear_v with_o the_o particular_a charge_n against_o each_o church_n he_o take_v as_o it_o be_v his_o attribute_n asunder_o and_o clothes_n himself_o with_o that_o attribute_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a for_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n which_o be_v the_o most_o sound_a and_o sincere_a he_o appear_v under_o the_o attribute_n of_o a_o merciful_a father_n who_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a ver_fw-la 8._o and_o of_o a_o gracious_a preserver_n of_o his_o church_n ver_fw-la 1_o who_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n but_o now_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o pergamus_n which_o be_v more_o debauch_v and_o unsound_a christ_n manifest_v himself_o in_o a_o far_o different_a resemblance_n and_o posture_n have_v a_o sword_n with_o two_o edge_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o appearance_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o here_o unto_o thyatira_n like_o one_o that_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a or_o burn_v brass_n this_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n for_o eye_n sparkle_v like_o fire_n betoken_v wrath_n and_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n readiness_n of_o execution_n here_o christ_n from_o head_n to_o foot_n be_v present_v in_o a_o fiery_a colour_n this_o be_v christ_n posture_n when_o he_o go_v out_o in_o judgement_n against_o a_o church_n or_o nation_n when_o he_o go_v out_o to_o war_n against_o his_o enemy_n he_o put_v on_o this_o fiery_a posture_n rev._n 19.11_o 12_o 13._o see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o observe_v that_o when_o christ_n go_v out_o in_o judgement_n against_o a_o people_n his_o appearance_n be_v very_o dreadful_a the_o prophet_n malachi_n speak_v of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v who_o may_v abide_v the_o day_n of_o his_o come_n and_o who_o shall_v stand_v when_o he_o appear_v for_o he_o be_v like_o the_o refiner_n fire_n and_o shall_v sit_v as_o a_o refiner_n and_o purifier_n of_o silver_n cap._n 3._o 2_o 3._o a_o refiner_n fire_n be_v the_o hot_a it_o melt_v purge_n consume_v and_o be_v terrible_a such_o a_o fire_n be_v christ_n in_o his_o judgement_n when_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v antichrist_n and_o his_o kingdom_n paul_n say_v 2_o thess_n 1.8_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o flame_n of_o fire_n have_v not_o most_o of_o our_o western_a nation_n as_o germany_n france_n england_n scotland_n etc._n etc._n see_v this_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o christ_n of_o late_a in_o his_o judgement_n among_o we_o who_o have_v lay_v many_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n almost_o in_o the_o dust_n destroy_v many_o ancient_a family_n house_n city_n town_n and_o country_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o yet_o who_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o yet_o christ_n will_v be_v more_o terrible_a for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o who_o will_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v rev._n 6.17_o the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v find_v fight_v against_o he_o shall_v that_o day_n call_v for_o the_o rock_n and_o
mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb._n this_o be_v the_o terrible_a and_o unknown_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o christ_n himself_o which_o one_o day_n he_o will_v manifest_v when_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o o_o let_v this_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n observe_v 2._o christ_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o intense_a on_o the_o punishment_n of_o delinquent_a church_n christ_n come_v all_o in_o a_o fiery_a posture_n against_o thyatira_n and_o withal_o tell_v she_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o that_o for_o suffer_v jezabel_n within_o she_o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n etc._n etc._n christ_n when_o he_o whip_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n jo_n 2._o do_v it_o so_o zealous_o that_o for_o that_o very_a act_n it_o be_v former_o prophesy_v of_o he_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n in_o his_o carriage_n and_o ready_a to_o punish_v all_o those_o delinquent_a asian_a church_n he_o tell_v ephesus_n in_o the_o first_o place_n except_o she_o repent_v and_o recover_v she_o first_o love_n and_o do_v she_o first_o work_n he_o will_v come_v quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n to_o pergamus_n he_o say_v repent_v or_o i_o come_v quick_o against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n against_o the_o zeal-fallen_a church_n of_o laodicea_n cap._n 3._o 15_o 16._o i_o know_v thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n you_o see_v christ_n will_v not_o spare_v his_o delinquent_a church_n but_o come_v quick_o against_o they_o except_o they_o repent_v and_o this_o proceed_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n answer_n to_o this_o apparition_n of_o he_o to_o john_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o foot_n like_o burn_a brass_n cap._n 1._o 14_o 15._o verse_n 19_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o all_o those_o grace_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o true_a â—eal_a grace_n not_o only_o so_o in_o appearance_n and_o opinion_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o therefore_o christ_n before_o he_o fall_v on_o the_o charge_n against_o she_o first_o he_o give_v a_o approbation_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o her_o grace_n and_o in_o effect_n tell_v she_o it_o be_v true_a o_o church_n of_o thyatira_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v thy_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o thy_o true_a love_n towards_o i_o which_o have_v produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o thou_o the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o thy_o zealous_a service_n and_o thy_o faith_n enliven_v by_o love_n together_o with_o thy_o constant_a patience_n under_o suffering_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o thou_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o and_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v unto_o thy_o praise_n that_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o those_o gracious_a work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v though_o thy_o first_o work_n be_v do_v out_o of_o much_o zeal_n yet_o the_o latter_a be_v do_v on_o more_o certain_a and_o sober_a ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sincerer_n end_v then_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o as_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o improvement_n of_o thy_o grace_n so_o thou_o be_v more_o in_o esteem_n and_o thy_o work_n also_o then_o at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o way_n here_o observe_v we_o may_v observe_v though_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v never_o so_o blame-worthy_a yet_o christ_n will_v give_v she_o her_o due_a and_o set_v too_o his_o seal_n of_o approbation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v sound_a and_o righteous_a in_o she_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o thyatira_n to_o denominate_v she_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o christ_n have_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o she_o it_o savour_v not_o of_o the_o dovelike_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o love_n when_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o rigid_a as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v such_o society_n to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o imperfection_n in_o they_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n though_o otherwise_o abound_v in_o work_n of_o holiness_n as_o love_v to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o faith_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n zeal_n towards_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n doubtless_o with_o some_o rigid_a person_n in_o these_o day_n the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n will_v be_v unchurch_v and_o anathematise_v by_o they_o have_v they_o but_o authority_n over_o they_o though_o christ_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n upon_o they_o and_o mark_v they_o as_o golden_a candlestick_n as_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n may_v be_v rot_v and_o dead_a and_o yet_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o in_o those_o spiritual_a body_n politics_n there_o may_v be_v some_o member_n rot_v and_o dead_a at_o the_o root_n yet_o the_o body_n still_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o no_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o again_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n there_o may_v be_v a_o catholic_a disease_n seize_v upon_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o may_v render_v it_o very_o uncapable_a for_o its_o service_n and_o yet_o still_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a it_o may_v be_v catholique_o sick_a and_o infect_v with_o some_o venomous_a disease_n some_o pestifferous_a doctrine_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o a_o church_n still_o though_o a_o decrepit_a infirm_a and_o lame_a one_o but_o when_o the_o disease_n come_v to_o be_v mortal_a leprous_a or_o incurable_a it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o cry_v out_o sum_n impurus_fw-la sum_fw-la impurus_fw-la procul_fw-la hinc_fw-la procul_fw-la ite_z for_o the_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o love_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a work_n that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o in_o his_o people_n and_o do_v also_o render_v they_o as_o approve_v saint_n both_o unto_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o public_a approve_a person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o his_o member_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o before_o these_o grace_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o saint_n to_o evidence_n their_o calling_n they_o be_v but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o election_n do_v secure_v our_o eternal_a estate_n but_o before_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n come_v to_o evidence_n it_o by_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n sin_n and_o death_n have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o though_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o in_o god_n predetermination_n yet_o differ_v we_o not_o at_o all_o from_o servant_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n yea_o therein_o we_o be_v slave_n and_o captive_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n these_o gracious_a work_n be_v call_v thy_o work_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o wrought_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o yet_o god_n goodness_n do_v call_v they_o we_o because_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o pass_v through_o our_o will_n affection_n and_o understanding_n and_o here_o love_n or_o charity_n be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o love_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v before_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o thus_o much_o i_o say_v that_o all_o general_o grant_v that_o faith_n first_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o unto_o a_o proposition_n now_o unless_o love_v come_v in_o to_o ingrediate_v the_o affection_n unto_o the_o truth_n propose_v it_o will_v only_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a opinion_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o lively_a faith_n second_o i_o say_v love_n be_v here_o propose_v as_o first_o in_o order_n as_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a gospel_n grace_n 1_o cor._n 13._o throughout_o now_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a of_o
life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o be_v variety_n of_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o great_a and_o excellent_a glory_n of_o the_o other_o world_n christ_n do_v former_o promise_v the_o participation_n of_o himself_o in_o that_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n under_o the_o type_n of_o hide_a manna_n tree_n of_o life_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n as_o the_o morning_n star_n christ_n be_v the_o bright_a morning_n star_n first_o because_o he_o than_o bring_v comfort_n with_o he_o to_o his_o afflict_a church_n second_o he_o bring_v light_a with_o he_o to_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n that_o now_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n rom._n 11.25_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o this_o morning_n star_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o sun_n that_o rise_v in_o malachy_n 4.2_o with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v christ_n personal_a appearance_n again_o as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o faithful_a one_o and_o for_o the_o heal_n enlighten_v and_o conversion_n of_o his_o ancient_a church_n and_o people_n the_o jew_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o christ_n will_v appear_v again_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o afflict_a gentile_a church_n and_o to_o the_o enlighten_v and_o conversion_n of_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o and_o general_a judgement_n because_o then_o be_v a_o day_n of_o total_a destruction_n not_o a_o appearance_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o unbelief_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o the_o saint_n receive_v their_o utmost_a glory_n not_o strive_v roll_a and_o overpowering_a the_o nation_n christ_n then_o deliver_v up_o all_o power_n unto_o the_o father_n 1_o cor._n 15.24_o therefore_o that_o be_v no_o day_n to_o give_v power_n into_o their_o hand_n over_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ultimate_a judgement_n gog_n and_o magog_n and_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n be_v catch_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o cap._n 19_o 20._o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o day_n of_o rule_v over_o they_o for_o that_o day_n than_o will_v be_v past_a and_o over_o to_o conclude_v the_o saint_n temporal_a reign_n begin_v with_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o morning_n star_n and_o end_n with_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a but_o their_o heavenly_a glory_n shall_v never_o end_v and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 29._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n let_v the_o wise_a intelligent_a christian_n consider_v and_o ponder_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o each_o of_o these_o church_n and_o from_o the_o often_o repetition_n of_o the_o spirit_n memento_n in_o these_o word_n take_v this_o conclusion_n that_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n can_v be_v too_o often_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o memory_n of_o his_o people_n chap._n iii_o verse_n 1._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n write_v these_o 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 i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a christ_n proceed_v with_o his_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n at_o sardis_n superscribe_v unto_o the_o angel_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o reason_n before_o specify_v chap._n 2._o v._n 1._o write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o can_v join_v unto_o their_o interpretation_n that_o make_v the_o seven_o spirit_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n to_o be_v all_o one_o to_o wit_n christ_n seven_o angel_n of_o his_o church_n which_o he_o carry_v in_o his_o hand_n cap._n 1._o 20._o so_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o tautology_n whilst_o a_o more_o convenient_a sense_n may_v be_v find_v applicable_a to_o it_o to_o wit_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sevenfold_a grace_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o number_n seven_o in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v intimate_v perfection_n as_o cap._n 1._o 5._o and_o 4._o 5._o and_o this_o sevenfold_a spirit_n of_o perfection_n be_v christ_n own_o spirit_n and_o be_v send_v by_o he_o and_o at_o his_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o christ_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sevenfold_a operate_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o disposal_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o gracious_a ministry_n be_v the_o special_a inseparable_a gift_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n they_o be_v inseparable_a companion_n where_o the_o one_o do_v go_v the_o other_o be_v present_a also_o if_o christ_n come_v with_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o come_v with_o the_o seven_o spirit_n in_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o that_o people_n also_o a_o true_a ministry_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o separate_v though_o i_o shall_v not_o tie_v up_o god_n to_o those_o mean_n only_o yet_o ordinary_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v christ_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o ministerial_a adminstration_n of_o his_o star_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o charioteer_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o spirit_n be_v vehiculum_fw-la or_o chariot_n but_o the_o minister_n thereof_o be_v those_o that_o carry_v and_o support_v this_o chariot_n on_o the_o shoulder_n never_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o chariot_n will_v come_v or_o rest_n in_o our_o temple_n unless_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o star_n those_o beautiful_a one_o that_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n god_n have_v so_o link_v together_o in_o his_o alwise_a decree_n and_o predetermination_n the_o concatenation_n of_o subordinate_a cause_n or_o medium_n unto_o salvation_n that_o ordinary_o one_o can_v be_v effect_v without_o the_o other_o and_o so_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n one_o will_v not_o do_v this_o work_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o other_o but_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o they_o joint_o together_o either_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n or_o church_n he_o make_v they_o of_o a_o wilderness_n and_o a_o land_n of_o darkness_n a_o goshen_n and_o a_o land_n of_o light_n and_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n to_o who_o christ_n so_o come_v with_o his_o seven_o spirit_n and_o his_o seven_o star_n with_o his_o gracious_a spirit_n and_o spiritual_a ministry_n and_o for_o such_o who_o lot_n be_v fall_v in_o such_o a_o land_n i_o say_v their_o lot_n be_v fall_v in_o a_o goodly_a heritage_n but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o christ_n here_o appear_v under_o this_o representation_n of_o one_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o answer_v christ_n be_v upon_o discovery_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a defection_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o thererefore_o he_o need_v to_o appear_v not_o only_o under_o a_o search_a pierce_a and_o spiritual_a administration_n as_o one_o that_o can_v search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n cap._n 2._o 23._o and_o as_o one_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sevenfold_a search_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o know_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o man_n but_o also_o under_o a_o lightsome_a administration_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n for_o a_o further_a discovery_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o hypocritical_a practice_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n hide_a hypocrisy_n and_o inward_a rottenness_n be_v search_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o true_a light_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n angel_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n he_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o his_o charge_n against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o christ_n spiritual_a ministry_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n can_v try_v the_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n of_o man_n the_o spiritual_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o and_o if_o a_o private_a spiritual_a member_n may_v judge_v judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la then_o sure_o much_o more_o the_o public_a ambassador_n and_o authorise_a minister_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v try_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n whither_o our_o work_n &_o profession_n
in_o which_o their_o soul_n will_v delight_v neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o compartner_n in_o that_o kingdom_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o weak_a christian_n shall_v be_v a_o partner_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n must_v needs_o know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o earth_n already_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o then_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o also_o for_o there_o be_v write_v thereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o the_o same_o all_o signify_v power_n strength_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o feel_v the_o effect_n thereof_o unto_o their_o pain_n if_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v rule_v and_o break_v they_o as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n as_o in_o cap._n 2._o v._n 27._o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o kingdom_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o god_n shall_v sure_o be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o all_o and_o especial_o come_v with_o thaâ—_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n do_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o most_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o morning_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o miriads_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o raâ—â—â—d_a saâ—â—â—s_n that_o none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v deal_v plain_o with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v the_o saint_n to_o reign_v before_o their_o leader_n head_n and_o king_n appear_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o right_a with_o their_o master_n spirit_n who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a ready_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n not_o draw_v the_o sword_n to_o free_v or_o revenge_v himself_o or_o his_o follower_n but_o check_v peter_n for_o it_o when_o he_o attempt_v it_o on_o malchas_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o lay_v hand_n upon_o he_o christ_n well_o know_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n of_o this_o age_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o sword_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o suffer_v and_o patience_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o they_o that_o go_v another_o way_n may_v build_v a_o city_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n who_o builder_n be_v god_n they_o may_v erect_v a_o city_n who_o builder_n be_v man_n and_o on_o who_o gate_n and_o wall_n be_v write_v their_o own_o name_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n they_o may_v build_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n a_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o beast_n may_v reign_v in_o not_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o kingdom_n of_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o they_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o trust_v thereunto_o may_v be_v just_o involve_v into_o utter_a ruin_n and_o misery_n for_o trust_v to_o the_o weak_a arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o hope_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a new_a city_n promise_v to_o the_o conquer_a suffer_a patient_a saint_n and_o not_o to_o the_o heady_a rebellious_a or_o precipitant_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o whereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v and_o inscribe_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o say_v at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o descend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o lamb_n wife_n the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o conspicuous_a for_o light_n and_o glory_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n thereof_o and_o bring_v their_o glory_n to_o it_o and_o this_o city_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n neither_o of_o the_o moon_n to_o shine_v in_o it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o rev._n 21.23_o verse_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o word_n be_v so_o often_o inculcate_v at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o peculiarly_a relate_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o all_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o also_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o it_o be_v not_o only_o write_v for_o they_o but_o for_o our_o instruction_n also_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o wise_a christian_n consider_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n ver._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o of_o christ_n monitory_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v archippus_n as_o some_o say_v mention_v coloss_n 4.17_o not_o far_o from_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n it_o be_v call_v laodicea_n from_o laodice_n wife_n of_o antiochus_n who_o build_v it_o in_o honour_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o call_v it_o according_a to_o her_o name_n laodicea_n which_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v as_o much_o as_o commandress_n princess_n or_o dictatrix_n of_o the_o people_n the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o this_o church_n be_v somewhat_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o name_n she_o conceive_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n a_o princess_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o in_o vers_n 17._o she_o vaunt_v herself_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o be_v increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n bring_v she_o to_o the_o trial_n she_o be_v find_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v often_o in_o his_o providence_n ordain_v name_n to_o person_n and_o place_n suitable_a and_o well_o comport_v with_o their_o natural_a disposition_n and_o quality_n christ_n be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n joshua_n have_v a_o name_n also_o from_o the_o same_o root_n he_o be_v also_o a_o temporal_a saviour_n unto_o israel_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n save_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n many_o example_n be_v find_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o john_n who_o name_n and_o nature_n both_o be_v gracious_a chrysostome_n he_o be_v a_o eloquent_a golden_a mouth_a father_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v 2._o for_o place_n and_o church_n rome_n be_v call_v roma_n from_o romulus_n from_o some_o old_a word_n of_o the_o like_a sound_n which_o signify_v strength_n babylon_n from_o babel_n confusion_n philadelphia_n have_v a_o belove_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o belove_a church_n laodicea_n have_v a_o vainglorious_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a church_n much_o boast_n of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n while_o miserable_a poor_a and_o naked_a these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v here_o describe_v under_o a_o threefold_a property_n 1._o as_o the_o amen_o 2._o as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 3._o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n these_o three_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o general_a description_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preliminary_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o amen_o out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o what_o christ_n promise_v and_o predict_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n must_v sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v not_o fail_v he_o add_v another_o property_n take_v out_o of_o chap._n 1._o v._n 5._o he_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n now_o what_o this_o amen_o have_v promise_v predict_v and_o say_v in_o these_o prophecy_n must_v