king_n priest_n and_o judge_n yea_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v write_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o sure_a most_o honourable_a little_o do_v the_o high_a one_o of_o this_o present_a generation_n with_o their_o counterfeit_n and_o mock-honour_n think_v that_o the_o now_o poor_a despicable_a saint_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o so_o much_o scorn_v and_o trample_v underfoot_n be_v those_o for_o who_o sake_n the_o world_n be_v preserve_v from_o flame_a fire_n and_o that_o one_o day_n shall_v become_v the_o only_a king_n ruler_n and_o prince_n thereof_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o their_o antichristian_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o the_o great_a and_o honourable_a person_n of_o the_o world_n do_v but_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o saint_n of_o christ_n shall_v one_o day_n become_v so_o honourable_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n they_o will_v more_o esteem_v they_o then_o they_o do_v as_o heir_n bear_v unto_o so_o great_a a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v the_o common_a and_o not_o unwise_a practice_n of_o politic_a courtier_n when_o their_o old_a sovereign_n or_o prince_n be_v upon_o decline_v they_o adore_v and_o worship_v the_o next_o heir_n or_o repute_v successor_n as_o the_o rise_a sun_n as_o the_o near_a step_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o will_v you_o not_o be_v so_o wise_a you_o son_n of_o man_n to_o make_v good_a your_o interest_n with_o the_o rise_a heir_n and_o child_n of_o this_o great_a ensue_a monarch_n three_o of_o the_o great_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n be_v dead_a and_o we_o have_v see_v their_o grave_n the_o four_o be_v sick_a with_o age_n if_o not_o even_o at_o death_n door_n have_v one_o foot_n in_o his_o grave_n already_o for_o his_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n be_v but_o as_o a_o image_n of_o the_o first_o beast_n or_o of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o youth_n under_o his_o caesarian_a head_n and_o empire_n and_o the_o five_o be_v draw_v nigh_o have_v already_o pour_v out_o many_o vial_n of_o ruin_n upon_o the_o four_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o himself_o this_o heavenly_a one_o and_o think_v you_o be_v it_o not_o good_a and_o honest_a policy_n to_o come_v under_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o courtier_n of_o this_o great_a and_o heavenly_a prince_n to_o become_v one_o in_o faith_n manner_n discipline_n and_o interest_n with_o they_o that_o when_o he_o appear_v you_o may_v joint_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o they_o in_o his_o new_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o will_v be_v the_o first_o step_n unto_o honour_n and_o your_o rise_n to_o become_v one_o in_o interest_n with_o the_o now_o despicable_a and_o vilify_v saint_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o at_o present_a they_o differ_v nothing_o from_o servant_n yet_o know_v they_o will_v be_v one_o day_n heir_n of_o all_o observe_v 2._o that_o christ_n new_a restore_v church-state_n new_a temple_n new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n shall_v never_o perish_v but_o be_v establish_v for_o ever_o though_o some_o will_v have_v these_o word_n to_o be_v make_v pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o to_o go_v out_o no_o more_o to_o signify_v the_o stability_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a whereunto_o i_o can_v whole_o assent_v for_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o faithful_a as_o philadelphia_n be_v make_v pillar_n for_o their_o stability_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o confirm_v to_o they_o that_o they_o never_o need_v to_o fear_v of_o utter_a fail_v or_o perish_v yet_o there_o be_v more_o promise_v in_o this_o verse_n than_o a_o mere_a confirmation_n of_o the_o elect_a from_o non-falling_a away_o for_o the_o next_o coherent_a word_n do_v connote_v so_o much_o when_o christ_n promise_v to_o write_v the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o to_o be_v make_v pillar_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v establish_v therein_o be_v always_o a_o continue_a promise_n and_o always_o perform_v to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n but_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v annex_v hereunto_o be_v never_o yet_o make_v good_a unto_o the_o church_n but_o have_v reference_n unto_o a_o more_o glorious_a future_a church-state_n on_o earth_n speak_v of_o rev._n 21_o 1._o i_o see_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n which_o in_o vers_fw-la 10._o be_v call_v the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n which_o on_o the_o subsequent_a word_n of_o this_o verse_n shall_v more_o evident_o be_v explain_v but_o to_o return_v this_o new_a church-state_n new_a temple_n be_v to_o continue_v to_o perpetuity_n yea_o for_o everlasting_a they_o that_o enter_v thereinto_o be_v make_v firm_a as_o pillar_n not_o to_o be_v remove_v they_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o present_a visible_a temple_n may_v again_o be_v remove_v eject_v and_o lose_v their_o station_n for_o be_v not_o root_v in_o the_o faith_n yea_o and_o the_o temple_n itself_o as_o those_o seven_o asian_a temple_n remove_v overthrow_v and_o extirpate_v for_o their_o iniquity_n but_o they_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o holy_a new_a temple_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o be_v make_v pillar_n therein_o and_o shall_v never_o go_v forth_o more_o until_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o kingdom_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o not_o as_o some_o vain_o object_n against_o the_o expectant_a triumph_v saint_n that_o they_o shall_v reign_v for_o the_o term_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o then_o their_o kingdom_n shall_v cease_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o when_o gog_n and_o magog_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o all_o christ_n open_a enemy_n cast_v into_o the_o bottomless_a lake_n of_o fire_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a thousand_o year_n rev._n 20.10_o than_o that_o kingdom_n which_o christ_n during_o all_o that_o former_a happy_a millenary_a rule_v and_o reign_v in_o as_o mediator_n and_o god-man_n which_o proper_o be_v call_v his_o throne_n and_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v devolve_v and_o swallow_v up_o by_o a_o more_o glorious_a kingdom_n and_o the_o saint_n translate_v in_o the_o high_a heavenly_a glory_n which_o for_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o godlike_a property_n thereof_o be_v call_v in_o 1_o cor._n 15.24_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o wherein_o all_o ordinance_n shall_v cease_v for_o john_n in_o rev._n 21.22_o say_v and_o i_o see_v no_o temple_n therein_o for_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o it_o and_o in_o chap._n 22._o v._n 5._o describe_v further_o this_o glorious_a state_n he_o say_v and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o night_n there_o and_o they_o need_v no_o candle_n neither_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o be_v those_o ordinance_n or_o the_o like_a thereunto_o we_o now_o enjoy_v for_o the_o lord_n god_n give_v they_o light_n and_o they_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o they_o do_v therefore_o vain_o cavil_v that_o say_v that_o christ_n shall_v utter_o and_o altogether_o cease_v to_o reign_v in_o his_o headship_n over_o his_o church_n triumphant_a from_o that_o of_o 1_o cor._n 15.24_o where_o it_o be_v say_v when_o he_o shall_v have_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v put_v down_o all_o rule_n and_o all_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o in_o v._o 28._o and_o when_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subdue_v unto_o he_o then_o shall_v the_o son_n also_o himself_o be_v subject_a unto_o he_o that_o put_v all_o thing_n under_o he_o that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o now_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o ever_o or_o at_o any_o time_n to_o cease_v to_o rule_v over_o they_o as_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n mystical_a whereof_o he_o himself_o be_v head_n but_o when_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v put_v under_o his_o foot_n and_o all_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n be_v by_o he_o utter_o vanquish_v and_o put_v down_o and_o when_o the_o last_o enemy_n death_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o death_n and_o hell_n cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n rev._n 20.14_o after_o the_o general_a and_o last_o judgement_n of_o the_o dead_a then_o i_o say_v christ_n shall_v deliver_v up_o to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n his_o former_a mediatory_a and_o judiciary_n kingdom_n whereby_o he_o rule_v and_o reign_v not_o only_o over_o his_o holy_a faithful_a one_o by_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n but_o also_o
the_o compellation_n observe_v that_o all_o christ_n servant_n be_v brethren_n and_o fellow-feelers_a in_o all_o condition_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o this_o flow_v from_o that_o root_n of_o union_n be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o spirit_n and_o make_v member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n so_o that_o what_o good_a soever_o fall_v to_o any_o one_o of_o christ_n member_n the_o whole_a body_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o it_o when_o the_o lose_a sheep_n or_o the_o lose_a groat_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v find_v there_o be_v a_o general_a rejoice_v for_o it_o come_v say_v the_o good_a man_n rejoice_v with_o i_o for_o i_o have_v find_v my_o lose_a sheep_n if_o any_o evil_a befall_v to_o any_o member_n there_o be_v mutual_a mourning_n for_o it_o for_o there_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v the_o same_o stream_n of_o blood_n run_v in_o all_o their_o vein_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n nay_o and_o not_o only_o a_o sympathy_n between_o the_o member_n but_o also_o between_o their_o head_n christ_n and_o they_o for_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v unto_o they_o as_o do_v unto_o himself_o whether_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o have_v not_o do_v it_o unto_o one_o of_o these_o you_o have_v not_o do_v it_o unto_o i_o but_o have_v do_v it_o unto_o one_o of_o these_o you_o have_v do_v it_o unto_o i_o matth._n 25.45_o this_o inform_v all_o in_o power_n how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o cast_v contempt_n on_o the_o saint_n of_o christ_n and_o much_o more_o to_o lay_v affliction_n on_o they_o but_o here_o john_n be_v not_o only_o under_o tribulation_n himself_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o also_o his_o brethren_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v fellow_n sufferer_n with_o he_o for_o it_o be_v under_o that_o tyrant_n domitian_n who_o raise_v the_o second_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n between_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 97._o and_o 99_o as_o eusebius_n witness_v and_o doubtless_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o unto_o john_n the_o chief_a apostle_n or_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sharer_n in_o his_o affliction_n also_o or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v call_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d companion_n or_o fellow_n commoner_n in_o suffering_n with_o they_o from_o which_o observe_v observe_v 2._o whensoever_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n do_v seize_v on_o any_o of_o the_o eminent_a light_n or_o minister_n of_o god_n church_n then_o be_v sure_a the_o interior_a christian_n or_o member_n shall_v not_o go_v free_a themselves_o but_o be_v sufferer_n also_o the_o church_n now_o in_o this_o time_n of_o patience_n and_o tribulation_n must_v not_o think_v to_o be_v great_a or_o free_a than_o their_o master_n be_v own_o flock_n be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n on_o earth_n for_o then_o according_a to_o that_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n the_o shepherd_n be_v smite_v and_o the_o flock_n be_v disperse_v and_o flee_v therefore_o let_v all_o his_o member_n not_o think_v to_o have_v a_o great_a privilege_n of_o exemption_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n that_o those_o sheep_n of_o his_o own_o call_n be_v in_o his_o time_n on_o earth_n from_o john_n condition_n here_o of_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n be_v a_o great_a apostle_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o twelve_o observe_v observe_v 3._o that_o when_o persecution_n arise_v it_o take_v hold_v first_o on_o the_o eminent_a light_n and_o choice_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n satan_n in_o his_o design_n strike_v high_a first_o at_o christ_n next_o at_o his_o apostle_n after_o that_o at_o the_o chief_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o so_o possible_a he_o may_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o observe_v 4._o as_o a_o corrolary_n from_o this_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o christian_n according_a to_o their_o outward_a affliction_n john_n be_v here_o a_o man_n of_o tribulation_n and_o under_o banishment_n yet_o the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o world_n present_o judge_v those_o be_v none_o of_o god_n people_n for_o they_o be_v afflict_v discountenance_a imprison_a banish_a etc._n etc._n and_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o none_o but_o the_o world_n do_v judge_v so_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o condemn_v the_o righteous_a and_o let_v the_o guilty_a go_v free_a of_o person_n of_o such_o judgement_n i_o demand_v be_v john_n that_o be_v in_o banishment_n and_o under_o tribulation_n or_o domitian_n courtier_n in_o prosperity_n and_o outward_a pomp_n near_o or_o dear_a unto_o god_n be_v ezekiel_n daniel_n mordecai_n and_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n less_o righteous_a or_o more_o ungodly_a than_o king_n zedekiah_n who_o at_o that_o time_n live_v in_o state_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n or_o be_v jeconiah_n more_o belove_v of_o god_n dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v a_o despise_a break_a idol_n jer._n 22.28_o than_o those_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n in_o babylon_n who_o wait_v under_o a_o long_a and_o hard_a captivity_n be_v not_o paul_n with_o his_o fetter_n about_o his_o heel_n dear_a unto_o god_n then_o agrippa_n with_o his_o crown_n on_o his_o head_n sit_v in_o the_o throne_n to_o condemn_v he_o shall_v we_o number_v the_o apostle_n the_o martyr_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o since_o when_o they_o be_v imprison_v stone_a saw_v asunder_o burn_v torment_a and_o slay_v among_o and_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o transgressor_n be_v not_o this_o to_o condemn_v christ_n himself_o who_o be_v make_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n for_o our_o sake_n in_o short_a those_o that_o be_v under_o great_a tribulation_n may_v be_v dear_a and_o belove_a child_n of_o god_n when_o those_o that_o be_v in_o great_a prosperity_n may_v be_v both_o hate_a &_o obstinate_a enemy_n unto_o he_o observe_v 5._o another_o observation_n hence_o be_v that_o in_o the_o low_a and_o most_o afflict_a condition_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n god_n make_v out_o unto_o they_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o himself_o in_o light_n and_o truth_n and_o comfort_n god_n here_o discover_v unto_o john_n under_o tribulation_n and_o banishment_n this_o excellent_a book_n of_o prophecy_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o under_o captivity_n and_o deprive_v of_o all_o their_o ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o their_o temple_n than_o god_n send_v they_o a_o ezekil_n and_o daniel_n even_o in_o babylon_n with_o vision_n of_o god_n to_o comfort_v they_o and_o support_v their_o spirit_n in_o all_o their_o affliction_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o idolatry_n among_o idolater_n and_o to_o discover_v all_o false_a prophet_n that_o come_v with_o false_a hope_n unto_o they_o to_o deceive_v they_o it_o be_v not_o banishment_n nor_o fetter_n nor_o prison_n can_v keep_v off_o the_o special_a presence_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n from_o his_o afflict_a one_o when_o they_o be_v low_a he_o be_v high_a in_o grace_n and_o mercy_n towards_o they_o when_o we_o be_v deep_a in_o affliction_n god_n come_v in_o with_o his_o great_a consolation_n thou_o remembr_v we_o in_o our_o low_a estate_n say_v the_o psalmist_n let_v the_o godly_a comfort_n themselves_o in_o this_o that_o in_o their_o prison_n fetter_n or_o banishment_n god_n will_v provide_v for_o they_o his_o discovery_n of_o mercy_n grace_n and_o consolation_n to_o bear_v up_o their_o spirit_n under_o all_o extremity_n in_o these_o word_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v some_o difficulty_n of_o interpretation_n indeed_o kingdom_n in_o scripture_n be_v of_o divers_a acceptation_n sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o spirit_n sometime_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o chief_o for_o his_o triumphant_a reign_n at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o last_o appearance_n and_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o latter_a sense_n for_o the_o state_n of_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o call_v a_o kingdom_n and_o how_o unsuitable_a it_o be_v unto_o it_o all_o know_v though_o they_o be_v say_v to_o overcome_v and_o to_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n herein_o for_o the_o kingdom_n be_v bestow_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o crown_n to_o the_o faithful_a hold_v out_o in_o this_o condition_n consult_v reu._n 2.7_o and_o the_o ten_o and_o that_o which_o be_v bestow_v as_o the_o result_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n under_o tribulation_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n can_v in_o no_o good_a sense_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v faithfulness_n
hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a 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witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
cap._n 18._o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n joint_a companion_n in_o evil_a the_o one_o uphold_v and_o confirm_v the_o other_o the_o one_o by_o a_o unrighteous_a and_o tyrannical_a sword_n the_o other_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o miracle_n till_o at_o last_o both_o be_v catch_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o army_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n rev._n 19.20_o and_o if_o common_a tribulation_n be_v not_o enough_o for_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n christ_n will_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n wherein_o they_o shall_v roll_n themselves_o in_o grief_n cover_v themselves_o in_o grief_n and_o with_o great_a tribulation_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o wicked_a deed_n and_o practice_n christ_n have_v another_o bed_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n except_o they_o 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idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n we_o read_v of_o her_o adultery_n that_o do_v commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o and_o promote_v her_o doctrine_n of_o idolatry_n equal_o with_o herself_o and_o that_o christ_n will_v cast_v they_o together_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o here_o we_o find_v their_o issue_n child_n of_o the_o same_o curse_a stock_n which_o christ_n will_v aso_n show_v no_o mercy_n to_o but_o kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n that_o be_v will_v sweep_v they_o away_o in_o judgement_n not_o only_o with_o a_o violent_a and_o precipitant_a deatnh_o â—ut_fw-la will_v also_o slay_v they_o with_o a_o death_n eternal_a hence_o note_v observe_v 1._o that_o child_n that_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o their_o wicked_a parent_n be_v envolve_v under_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o themselves_o if_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o our_o father_n sin_n it_o be_v just_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o punishment_n if_o we_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o our_o faithful_a parent_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o they_o of_o our_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n the_o child_n shall_v not_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o parent_n nor_o shall_v the_o child_n be_v save_v for_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o his_o parent_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o as_o for_o the_o little_a one_o that_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a sin_n or_o faith_n their_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n that_o show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v rom._n 9_o quest._n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o little_a child_n which_o be_v innocent_a nor_o ever_o yet_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n together_o in_o judgement_n with_o their_o parent_n answ_n little_a child_n that_o have_v never_o commit_v actual_a sin_n even_o babe_n new_o bear_v or_o in_o the_o womb_n doubtless_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o many_o in_o sodom_n and_o yet_o without_o impeachment_n of_o or_o derogation_n to_o divine_a justice_n first_o god_n can_v do_v it_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o potter_n he_o that_o make_v the_o vessel_n can_v break_v it_o he_o that_o give_v life_n to_o babe_n can_v take_v it_o away_o and_o who_o can_v say_v why_o do_v thou_o this_o second_o all_o infant_n be_v defile_v with_o original_a sin_n and_o as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n so_o god_n can_v just_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a as_o the_o due_a wage_n thereof_o together_o with_o their_o parent_n three_o little_a child_n be_v part_n of_o their_o parent_n substance_n and_o family_n and_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v the_o live_a parent_n in_o his_o child_n by_o death_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o of_o his_o stock_n and_o substance_n as_o by_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n four_o though_o god_n may_v often_o sweep_v away_o in_o his_o temporal_a judgement_n many_o little_a innocent_a child_n as_o by_o the_o sword_n famine_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o not_o perish_v eternal_o for_o violent_a or_o sudden_a death_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n to_o they_o for_o many_o precious_a soul_n expire_v by_o a_o more_o terrible_a and_o violent_a death_n then_o that_o of_o the_o sword_n pestilence_n or_o famine_n five_o and_o last_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o the_o better_a support_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o faithful_a parent_n for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o their_o little_a innocent_a die_a infant_n whether_o they_o be_v take_v off_o by_o god_n either_o by_o a_o ordinary_a death_n or_o in_o a_o common_a judgement_n let_v they_o understand_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n with_o christ_n for_o all_o his_o elect_a one_o gal._n 3.16_o isa_n 53.11_o 12._o and_o though_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n die_v before_o they_o can_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n yet_o the_o choose_v once_o in_o christ_n be_v secure_a by_o virtue_n of_o god_n eternal_a love_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n be_v choose_v in_o he_o from_o all_o eternity_n ephes_n 1.14_o and_o let_v i_o with_o reverence_n speak_v it_o christ_n may_v as_o soon_o perish_v as_o one_o of_o they_o he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o the_o member_n make_v up_o one_o mystical_a church_n have_v god_n ever_o clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o sufficient_a price_n and_o ransom_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o all_o his_o ever_o belove_a choose_v one_o and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o predeterminate_a love_n as_o god_n be_v towards_o his_o elect_n and_o such_o a_o inestimable_a and_o complete_a price_n pay_v for_o they_o as_o christ_n death_n be_v how_o can_v any_o such_o possible_o perish_v without_o violation_n and_o impeachment_n both_o of_o divine_a love_n and_o divine_a justice_n this_o be_v a_o sure_a ground_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o some_o die_a infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n then_o that_o that_o some_o arminianise_a person_n of_o these_o day_n do_v make_v to_o wit_n the_o parent_n faith_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o infant_n be_v salvation_n die_v infant_n with_o those_o of_o that_o persuasion_n i_o leave_v these_o few_o follow_a consideration_n first_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o produce_v that_o grant_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o infant_n salvation_n die_v so_o but_o this_o will_v be_v do_v ad_fw-la graecas_fw-la calendas_fw-la it_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o popery_n to_o 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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 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to_o overturn_v all_o its_o opposite_n that_o assert_n that_o true_a real_a grace_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o pre-requisite_a as_o the_o condition_n unto_o baptism_n among_o many_o other_o argument_n of_o he_o against_o m._n blake'_v dogmatical_a faith_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o his_o four_o and_o five_o and_o eleven_o argument_n page_n 96._o of_o his_o apology_n and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o place_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o argument_n both_o from_o authority_n and_o scripture_n levy_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o comport_v with_o this_o truth_n his_o four_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n to_o justification_n but_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n therefore_o this_o abrenunciation_n have_v be_v practise_v always_o in_o 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word_n that_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n faith_n which_o be_v only_o dogmatical_a and_o formal_a though_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n gives_z right_a of_o admission_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v admission_n to_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n which_o so_o qualifi_v the_o person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o admit_v he_o as_o be_v one_o that_o seem_v sound_a in_o believe_v for_o judas_n be_v always_o reckon_v among_o the_o twelve_o before_o his_o traitorous_a betray_a act_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o simon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v also_o act_v 8.13_o now_o the_o church_n can_v but_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v deny_v admission_n either_o to_o simon_n or_o any_o other_o that_o desire_v it_o for_o charity_n think_v no_o evil_a and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a rule_n de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o entitul_a and_o have_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o a_o foedere_fw-la for_o that_o alone_o be_v save_a faith_n which_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n make_v the_o condition_n pre-requisite_a to_o such_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n which_o be_v before_o assert_v and_o prove_v and_o that_o that_o give_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la give_v a_o true_a title_n also_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o according_a to_o a_o charitative_a judgement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o will_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v admission_n be_v both_o true_a real_a and_o sanctify_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o desire_v it_o though_o oftentimes_o the_o sequel_n manifest_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v therein_o and_o hereby_o it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o church_n door_n be_v wide_a than_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v exceed_v the_o triumphant_a and_o be_v far_o enlarge_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o herein_o this_o shall_v suffice_v observe_v 5._o that_o false_a teacher_n be_v most_o arrogant_a and_o pretend_v high_a to_o gift_n and_o mission_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n find_v it_o so_o in_o their_o false_a teacher_n and_o corinth_n also_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o who_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n they_o will_v needs_o get_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o calling_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o on_o trial_n they_o be_v find_v liar_n they_o be_v of_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o precedency_n and_o be_v above_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o true_a apostle_n gaudent_fw-la preesse_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la prosunt_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la putant_fw-la preesse_fw-la &_o insolentius_fw-la &_o arrogantius_fw-la principes_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la locum_fw-la appertivisse_fw-la they_o be_v like_o those_o in_o jer._n 8.8_o who_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o as_o those_o in_o ezek._n 13.6_o who_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v yet_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vain_a vision_n and_o a_o lie_a divination_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o demand_v why_o shall_v those_o false_a teacher_n denominate_v themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n see_v the_o number_n be_v only_o limit_v to_o twelve_o i_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v denominate_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o century_n after_o christ_n the_o apostolical_a time_n though_o the_o twelve_o be_v dead_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n as_o church_n history_n manifest_v and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o the_o papist_n so_o far_o as_o the_o five_o century_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o hold_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n second_o i_o answer_v this_o apostolical_a office_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o peculiar_a faculty_n of_o the_o twelve_o as_o to_o debar_v all_o other_o from_o that_o denomination_n and_o though_o i_o grant_v they_o be_v christ_n apostle_n catexochen_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o other_o that_o be_v send_v for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a in_o christ_n embassy_n unto_o the_o world_n may_v appropriate_v that_o title_n unto_o themselves_o as_o paul_n very_o often_o in_o his_o epistle_n have_v just_o vindicate_v his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o may_v not_o barnabas_n with_o other_o that_o be_v send_v upon_o the_o same_o message_n with_o paul_n and_o the_o rest_n appropriate_v the_o same_o title_n and_o that_o just_o to_o themselves_o 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constancy_n and_o faithful_a martyrdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o live_n to_o have_v the_o pattern_n of_o former_a worthy_a man_n before_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o read_n of_o achilles_n life_n in_o homer_n that_o make_v alexander_n ambitious_a to_o be_v his_o competitor_n in_o noble_a achievement_n again_o julius_n cesar_n take_v up_o alexander_n example_n endeavour_v to_o be_v sole_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o also_o it_o be_v on_o a_o spiritual_a account_n abraham_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o his_o approve_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o child_n and_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o so_o abraham_n abel_n enoch_n noah_n sarah_n moses_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v everliving_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n for_o imitation_n to_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v heb._n 11._o it_o much_o comfort_v we_o and_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o suffering_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o captain_n have_v perfect_v our_o salvation_n by_o suffering_n he_o have_v tread_v to_o we_o our_o first_o this_o thorny_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o he_o that_o be_v imitable_a by_o we_o not_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n but_o as_o a_o holy_a person_n and_o head_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o he_o present_v himself_o as_o a_o gracious_a example_n to_o his_o disciple_n jo._n 13.15_o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o as_o he_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o light_n itself_o and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n so_o sure_o o_o all_o pattern_n and_o example_n his_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n be_v most_o sound_a wise_a and_o perfect_a and_o bless_v be_v they_o they_o that_o follow_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n verse_n 14.15_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o laodicea_n only_o of_o the_o whole_a seven_o do_v pass_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o but_o prefix_v or_o annex_v to_o they_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v her_o commendable_a grace_n of_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o among_o the_o vile_a people_n even_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o satan_n be_v yet_o all_o in_o she_o be_v not_o well_o or_o sound_n for_o christ_n come_v on_o with_o a_o but_o against_o she_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o etc._n etc._n whence_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v obs_n 1._o that_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o person_n may_v suffer_v much_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n yet_o not_o sound_a and_o right_o in_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doubtless_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n have_v and_o enjoy_v but_o sad_a and_o afflict_a day_n when_o antipas_n christ_n faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v for_o than_o she_o deny_v not_o the_o faith_n but_o hold_v her_o profession_n with_o much_o constancy_n the_o church_n at_o thyatira_n too_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o her_o patience_n verse_n 19_o yet_o both_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o fair_a profession_n they_o have_v much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n in_o the_o root_n their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o straight_o that_o they_o have_v among_o they_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o one_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o niolaitan_n in_o the_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n and_o her_o wicked_a practice_n both_o most_o unsound_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o both_o high_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v suffer_v on_o the_o disciple_n but_o suffer_v for_o that_o profession_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o sound_v in_o all_o thing_n some_o may_v prophesy_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n and_o suffer_v and_o give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o his_o name_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n may_v tell_v they_o he_o know_v they_o not_o he_o that_o will_v attain_v a_o comfortable_a martyrdom_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n let_v he_o first_o see_v that_o his_o end_n be_v right_a first_o that_o it_o be_v true_o and_o real_o for_o christ_n second_o that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n three_o that_o it_o tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o at_o self_n this_o be_v the_o true_a suffering_n that_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o to_o proceed_v christ_n have_v a_o charge_n against_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o it_o be_v because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o stone_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o thou_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o keep_v hold_v and_o intend_v to_o keep_v and_o hold_v thou_o have_v these_o balaamite_n not_o by_o accident_n or_o chance_n but_o by_o choice_n thou_o have_v they_o because_o thou_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o will_v have_v it_o so_o thy_o habendum_fw-la and_o tenendum_fw-la go_v together_o thou_o have_v they_o and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o because_o thou_o love_v they_o therefore_o thy_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a herein_o and_o what_o have_v thou_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v when_o he_o see_v that_o god_n have_v bless_v jacob_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o israel_n he_o curse_o advise_v balack_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o midianite_n to_o make_v a_o great_a sacrifice_n to_o baal_n peor_n and_o to_o invite_v the_o israelite_n unto_o it_o now_o baal_n peor_n be_v the_o filthy_a lascivious_a idol_n priapus_n as_o godwin_n jewish_a antiquity_n testify_v who_o festival_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v celebrate_v by_o both_o sex_n in_o most_o shameless_a posture_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o hos_fw-la 9.10_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v to_o baal_n peor_n and_o discover_v themselves_o to_o their_o shame_n because_o it_o make_v they_o shameless_a and_o to_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n before_o that_o idol_n now_o the_o curse_a advice_n or_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n for_o a_o man_n doctrine_n be_v his_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n first_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o participate_v at_o their_o curse_a altar_n in_o eat_v of_o their_o idolothite_n express_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 28_o act_v 15.29_o second_o in_o mix_v with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n a_o notion_n utter_o forbid_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o in_o such_o a_o way_n so_o that_o though_o balaam_n can_v not_o curse_v israel_n according_a to_o balack_n desire_n be_v overmaster_v by_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v his_o heart_n go_v still_o after_o the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o testify_v that_o be_v his_o desire_n and_o heart_n be_v to_o take_v balack_n hire_n and_o reward_n to_o curse_n israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o overmaster_v both_o his_o tongue_n and_o heart_n and_o instead_o of_o curse_v they_o he_o be_v enforce_v to_o bless_v they_o and_o see_v he_o can_v not_o pleasure_n balack_n according_a to_o his_o expectation_n and_o desire_n as_o a_o prophet_n in_o his_o malediction_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a as_o a_o private_a machavilian_n or_o a_o achitophel_n to_o counsel_n balack_n that_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o enmity_n with_o their_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o so_o god_n that_o be_v their_o keeper_n and_o saviour_n against_o all_o enchantment_n and_o curse_n will_v
liberty_n for_o tender_a conscience_n in_o point_n disputable_a and_o therein_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o their_o judgement_n by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o external_a conformity_n for_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o uniformity_n but_o not_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v hypocrite_n not_o saint_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o open_v my_o mouth_n for_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v blasphemous_a idolatrous_a against_o god_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v such_o bear_v their_o censure_n and_o punishment_n not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o gospel_n warrant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n also_o he_o be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o bear_v the_o sword_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o will_v always_o forelay_v this_o caution_n that_o none_o who_o life_n be_v sober_a and_o godly_a and_o desire_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o in_o this_o present_a world_n for_o difference_n in_o judgement_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v hereby_o but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a space_n shall_v we_o suffer_v a_o jezebel_n and_o impudent_a immodest_a or_o idolatrous_a false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o bear_v with_o it_o a_o hour_n for_o that_o which_o god_n have_v real_o declare_v himself_o against_o from_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v adversary_n to_o it_o also_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o and_o be_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o tolerate_v false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n appear_v clear_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o authority_n say_v the_o lord_n send_v they_o and_o speak_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n never_o appear_v to_o they_o second_o they_o cross_v god_n in_o his_o design_n god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o false_a teacher_n set_v up_o some_o ungodly_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o soul_n three_o they_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o their_o lie_n and_o vanity_n four_o they_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n servant_n they_o deceive_v they_o and_o entice_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o their_o abomination_n five_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o such_o assembly_n as_o do_v embrace_v they_o or_o own_v they_o and_o final_o undo_v poor_a soul_n for_o ever_o without_o repentance_n quest_n if_o a_o free_a toleration_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_n in_o a_o church_n the_o question_n will_v be_v in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o lawful_o and_o juridical_o to_o remove_v they_o answ_n doubtless_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v the_o check_n and_o against_o who_o alone_a christ_n lay_v the_o charge_n for_o tolerate_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o remove_v the_o evil_a from_o among_o they_o for_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v lay_v the_o charge_n of_o this_o sin_n against_o thyatira_n for_o tolerate_v jezebel_n be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o church_n power_n there_o within_o themselves_o to_o remedy_n remove_v and_o eject_v that_o false_a prophetess_n christ_n never_o blame_v any_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v suffer_v in_o another_o not_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thyatira_n nor_o thyatira_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o sardis_n or_o laodicea_n but_o every_o one_o be_v charge_v particular_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o more_o pure_a church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o philadelphia_n empower_v command_v or_o authorise_v either_o joint_n in_o a_o combination_n as_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_o as_o a_o prelatical_a superintendent_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o remove_v or_o reform_v the_o evil_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o every_o one_o be_v commend_v apart_o for_o their_o respective_a grace_n and_o every_o one_o by_o itself_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v apart_o from_o their_o sinful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o some_o age_n after_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o a_o lording_n episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o once_o but_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v then_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o all_o alike_o and_o of_o one_o extent_n within_o their_o own_o boundary_n and_o that_o superiority_n in_o church_n come_v in_o with_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o which_o be_v foment_v and_z nourish_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o bishop_n till_o at_o last_o it_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a we_o know_v all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a in_o power_n and_o privilege_n under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n that_o be_v christ_n gal._n 1.18_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la equal_v can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o equal_n unless_o by_o usurpation_n or_o tyranny_n or_o otherwise_o by_o compact_n if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n as_o when_o among_o ourselves_o and_o equal_n we_o choose_v our_o parliament_n man_n to_o be_v our_o legislator_n and_o ruler_n but_o if_o so_o church_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n get_v a_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sister_n church_n call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v either_o classical_a provincial_a or_o national_a sure_o at_o best_a it_o be_v but_o of_o a_o prudential_a and_o civil_a institution_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o divine_a stamp_n be_v more_o than_o it_o will_v bear_v peruse_v cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o last_o past_o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n m._n perkins_n on_o that_o vers_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n god_n give_v a_o full_a juridical_a power_n either_o to_o admit_v or_o keep_v out_o examine_v or_o cast_v out_o suspend_v or_o do_v any_o other_o juridical_a act_n or_o act_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n write_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o respective_a church_n as_o distinct_a church_n without_o dependency_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n king_n and_o sovereign_n actâ—_n 15.22_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o rom._n 1.6_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2_o 24._o ephes_n 5.24_o they_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n under_o one_o head_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o one_o husband_n sister_n of_o one_o mother_n cant._n 8.8_o none_o of_o they_o be_v servant_n or_o slave_n to_o the_o other_o not_o hagar_n but_o sarahs_n free_a and_o equal_a all_o of_o they_o be_v spouse_n of_o christ_n of_o equal_a privilege_n and_o authority_n all_o of_o they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n shine_v church_n among_o who_o christ_n equal_o walk_v rev._n 1.12_o all_o have_v equal_a and_o like_a power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v admit_v and_o reject_v receive_v or_o deny_v and_o for_o one_o church_n to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o prelatical_a humour_n which_o do_v very_o little_o comport_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n mat_n 16.16_o act_n 9.26.14.23_o rev._n 2.2_o act._n 1.15_o 6_o 2_o 3._o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.5_o 6._o quest_n 2._o but_o another_o question_n may_v hence_o arise_v whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n chief_a officer_n pastor_n or_o minister_n can_v alone_o remove_v this_o jezebel_n legal_o and_o judicial_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n which_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o he_o or_o whither_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o eldership_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n elder_n and_o brethren_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n be_v put_v for_o the_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o key_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o and_o this_o authority_n be_v either_o first_o supreme_a and_o monarchical_a and_o this_o reside_v only_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o
in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v to_o destroy_v and_o spoil_v when_o christ_n say_v unto_o the_o man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o wedding_n garment_n friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o without_o thy_o wedding_n garment_n take_v he_o bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o utter_a darkness_n this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o dreadful_a judge_n in_o cap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o christ_n eye_n and_o foot_n be_v like_a unto_o flame_n of_o fire_n he_o have_v fiery_a judgement_n in_o his_o hand_n against_o his_o church_n which_o destroy_v and_o dissolve_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o send_v the_o miserable_a desolate_v judgement_n on_o the_o jew_n by_o titus_n and_o continue_v it_o over_o they_o until_o this_o day_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o send_v the_o sword_n and_o blood_n unto_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o for_o their_o iniquity_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o go_v forth_o on_o his_o red_a horse_n of_o judgement_n to_o war_n against_o babylon_n the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o all_o their_o curse_a complice_n and_o adherent_n rev._n 19_o we_o may_v conceive_v and_o conceive_v amiss_o when_o we_o think_v that_o it_o be_v man_n that_o blow_v these_o coal_n of_o war_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o do_v it_o luk._n 12.49_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v fire_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o mat._n 10.34_o i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n against_o his_o father_n and_o the_o daughter_n against_o her_o mother_n and_o the_o daughter_n in_o law_n against_o her_o mother_n in_o law_n and_o a_o man_n foe_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o household_n and_o this_o fire_n have_v be_v kindle_v among_o we_o and_o other_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o put_v it_o out_o unless_o it_o be_v christ_n to_o who_o power_n be_v give_v to_o compose_v all_o our_o difference_n and_o dissension_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v if_o christ_n open_v the_o sluice_n and_o door_n of_o his_o desolate_v judgement_n who_o can_v shut_v it_o up_o or_o keep_v they_o back_o but_o if_o he_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o his_o wrathful_a judgement_n and_o set_v a_o stop_n unto_o the_o current_n and_o progress_n of_o they_o who_o can_v open_v it_o for_o it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o can_v treat_v war_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n thereof_o and_o can_v again_o produce_v the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o tranquillity_n and_o peace_n object_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unadvised_o object_n this_o be_v a_o evil_a to_o affirm_v that_o christ_n send_v the_o sword_n and_o war_n into_o the_o world_n or_o think_v it_o harsh_a that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n shall_v put_v on_o such_o a_o fiery_a posture_n abhorrent_n to_o his_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a nature_n or_o say_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a for_o the_o wicked_a to_o do_v this_o work_n or_o to_o see_v fire_n come_v forth_o from_o a_o bramble_n judg._n 9.15_o this_o be_v but_o ordinary_a but_o to_o see_v fire_n come_v out_o from_o the_o vine_n from_o christ_n this_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o abhorrent_n to_o their_o understanding_n i_o answer_v as_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v so_o also_o he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o a_o judge_n you_o know_v must_v have_v his_o sheriff_n the_o executioner_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n so_o christ_n take_v the_o sword_n war_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n they_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o christ_n judgement_n against_o the_o delinquent_n wicked_a one_o of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o use_v they_o lawful_o and_o just_o and_o for_o such_o as_o will_v not_o kiss_v the_o son_n obey_v he_o fear_v he_o and_o love_v he_o he_o can_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v the_o king_n the_o great_a one_o and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o christ_n can_v raise_v up_o cyrus_n nabuchadnezzar_n heathen_a king_n and_o call_v they_o his_o servant_n and_o make_v they_o his_o instrument_n to_o do_v his_o work_n of_o judgement_n against_o his_o rebellious_a prophet_n and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o ottoman_n mahomet_n selimus_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v just_a executioner_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o dead_a formal_a and_o luke_o warm_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o such_o as_o have_v but_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o true_a life_n in_o they_o hold_v fast_o be_v watchful_a and_o repent_v or_o else_o christ_n will_v come_v upon_o thou_o sudden_o as_o a_o thief_n both_o with_o his_o particular_a temporal_a judgement_n and_o with_o his_o eternal_a also_o verse_n 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a it_o may_v be_v first_o demand_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o have_v these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n doubtless_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o angel_n pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o principal_o receive_v this_o charge_n and_o to_o who_o the_o whole_a be_v direct_v to_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o and_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n pastor_n or_o angel_n thou_o have_v that_o be_v under_o thy_o charge_n a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n name_n be_v here_o put_v for_o person_n act._n 1.15_o the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n that_o be_v of_o man_n or_o person_n that_o be_v in_o one_o place_n be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o and_o rev._n 11.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o the_o earth_n quake_n be_v slay_v of_o man_n seven_o thousand_o in_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o name_n of_o man_n that_o be_v slay_v be_v seven_o thousand_o and_o i_o conceive_v this_o word_n name_n be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o spirit_n simple_o to_o denote_v the_o person_n of_o man_n as_o thus_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o person_n in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v etc._n etc._n but_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v a_o few_o person_n of_o name_n and_o quality_n they_o be_v name_n of_o man_n or_o man_n of_o name_n of_o excellent_a spirit_n temper_n weight_n and_o quality_n for_o they_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o outward_o taint_v by_o the_o common_a wickedness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o sardis_n and_o those_o poor_a soul_n shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a to_o walk_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o partaker_n with_o he_o in_o his_o heavenly_a enjoyment_n with_o who_o we_o walk_v we_o communicate_v with_o he_o enjoy_v his_o discourse_n council_n presence_n familiarity_n friendship_n and_o all_o other_o comfort_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v possible_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o walk_v with_o christ_n but_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o he_o in_o white_a a_o white_a raiment_n be_v usual_o set_v by_o antiquity_n on_o the_o acquit_v innocent_a absolve_v person_n but_o a_o black_a on_o the_o guilty_a and_o condemn_v this_o have_v some_o allusion_n to_o the_o former_a white_a stone_n which_o be_v give_v either_o to_o the_o conquer_a or_o to_o the_o innocent_a absolve_v saint_n so_o to_o walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o partake_v with_o christ_n either_o a_o free_a absolution_n at_o the_o last_o day_n oâ—_n to_o be_v with_o he_o as_o white_a innocent_a conquer_a saint_n at_o the_o resurrection_n for_o they_o be_v worthy_a that_o be_v those_o pure_a undefiled_a soul_n be_v accept_v by_o i_o as_o worthy_a of_o such_o happiness_n note_v hence_o from_o the_o person_n that_o have_v these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n observe_v 1._o that_o christian_n of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o name_n be_v under_o the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o angel_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n christ_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n teach_v and_o influence_a head_n over_o his_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n be_v the_o subordinate_a organical_a head_n to_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o head_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n will_v be_v but_o a_o trunk_n unfit_a for_o lively_a motion_n so_o a_o church_n without_o a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n may_v be_v a_o body_n but_o very_o liveless_a and_o useless_a
than_o what_o magistrate_n as_o such_o can_v take_v cognizance_n of_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o mat._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o by_o those_o law_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a time_n be_v error_n depress_v and_o punish_v and_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o appeal_n unto_o cesar_n for_o this_o work_n object_n but_o some_o erastianize_a or_o rather_o sycophantize_v doctor_n of_o these_o day_n that_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o gratify_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o boon_n more_o than_o be_v just_o due_a unto_o he_o come_v and_o object_n be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n subordinate_a as_o unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o make_v law_n for_o he_o and_o to_o rule_v next_o and_o immediate_a under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n answ_n indeed_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o some_o weight_n when_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n henry_n 8._o be_v make_v supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whilst_o the_o sound_n thereof_o be_v continue_v down_o to_o his_o successor_n even_o till_o ten_o year_n since_o in_o the_o constant_a public_a prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n on_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n next_o and_o immediate_a under_o christ_n then_o i_o say_v this_o objection_n be_v somewhat_o but_o now_o it_o be_v judge_v to_o savour_n of_o too_o much_o levity_n and_o ostentation_n second_o but_o to_o answer_v more_o full_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o magistrate_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n and_o gubernation_n by_o which_o as_o god_n he_o rule_v the_o whole_a universe_n but_o also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o redemption_n and_o his_o mediatorship_n so_o by_o he_o king_n reign_v and_o decree_v justice_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o die_v there_o have_v be_v no_o king_n or_o subject_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v a_o common_a temporal_a salvation_n attain_v for_o all_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n all_o have_v so_o die_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o die_v many_o have_v benefit_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n this_o way_n in_o a_o temporal_a salvation_n which_o shall_v never_o taste_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n saving_o or_o eternal_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n of_o all_o but_o especial_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o i_o say_v all_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o mediatorship_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o purchase_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o he_o hold_v their_o kingdom_n and_o principality_n as_o in_o chief_a from_o he_o for_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o in_o heaven_n over_o the_o saint_n militant_a and_o triumphant_a and_o in_o earth_n over_o all_o power_n and_o principality_n thereof_o so_o that_o christ_n have_v at_o present_a a_o twofold_a kingdom_n and_o people_n to_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o one_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o nation_n thereof_o which_o now_o he_o govern_v and_o rule_v only_o providential_o by_o place_v king_n and_o prince_n over_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o reign_v next_o and_o immediate_a under_o he_o by_o law_n which_o the_o legislator_n conceive_v most_o conduce_v to_o the_o well-being_n of_o their_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o herein_o christ_n concurrence_n be_v no_o more_o but_o in_o common_a providence_n and_o preservation_n which_o he_o exercise_v equal_o towards_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o redemption_n but_o he_o have_v another_o kingdom_n and_o people_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a purchase_n of_o his_o death_n christ_n have_v another_o eye_n a_o more_o distinguish_a respect_n to_o those_o then_o to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o more_o especial_o he_o provide_v for_o they_o to_o reign_v and_o rule_v over_o they_o with_o special_a and_o peculiar_a law_n suit_v to_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n not_o that_o christ_n exempt_v they_o from_o the_o wholesome_a temporal_a law_n of_o magistrate_n but_o that_o he_o suit_v they_o law_n and_o ordinance_n fit_a for_o his_o own_o body_n whereof_o he_o himself_o be_v head_n influendo_fw-la &_o infundendo_fw-la and_o for_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o oeconomy_n christ_n have_v his_o law_n his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o subordinate_a officer_n which_o be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o body_n till_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.12_o and_o among_o the_o whole_a catalogue_n of_o christ_n officer_n we_o can_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o king_n prince_z or_o parliament_n that_o be_v ordain_v to_o such_o a_o work_n and_o therefore_o sure_o their_o work_n be_v another_o work_n then_o to_o make_v law_n for_o so_o spiritual_a a_o people_n as_o christ_n church_n be_v they_o be_v to_o hear_v no_o other_o voice_n but_o their_o master_n nor_o to_o derogate_v so_o far_o from_o their_o spiritual_a head_n lord_n and_o sovereign_a as_o to_o suffer_v any_o to_o reign_v and_o rule_v over_o they_o in_o this_o spiritual_a oeconomy_n but_o he_o alone_o who_o have_v his_o law_n his_o ordinance_n his_o officer_n to_o which_o they_o must_v obey_v and_o he_o substitute_n none_o next_z and_o immediate_a under_o he_o in_o this_o his_o dispensatory_a kingdom_n of_o grace_n but_o his_o vicar_n general_a the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v virtuate_v all_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o therefore_o such_o power_n of_o the_o world_n as_o go_v about_o as_o subordinate_a to_o christ_n to_o make_v and_o impose_v law_n on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v as_o soon_o attempt_v to_o give_v law_n and_o ordinance_n to_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n for_o though_o they_o be_v creature_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o too_o high_a for_o their_o law_n to_o reach_v so_o be_v the_o other_o star_n god_n church_n for_o they_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o bear_v from_o above_o neither_o be_v they_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o how_o vain_a and_o absurd_a it_o be_v for_o the_o magistracy_n of_o this_o world_n to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n for_o they_o that_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o live_v in_o another_o world_n they_o live_v in_o heaven_n and_o by_o heavenly_a law_n they_o be_v govern_v their_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n edict_n they_o only_o hear_v and_o follow_v they_o live_v in_o a_o spiritual_a bless_a state_n and_o nothing_o but_o spiritual_a law_n will_v they_o hearken_v to_o their_o lot_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o utopia_n and_o none_o but_o utopian_a law_n shall_v be_v their_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o fall_v as_o man_n let_v the_o law_n of_o man_n take_v hold_v upon_o they_o though_o man_n can_v make_v law_n suitable_a to_o the_o saint_n condition_n yet_o it_o the_o saint_n transgress_v the_o wholesome_a ordinance_n of_o man_n they_o shall_v just_o suffer_v as_o man_n and_o not_o as_o saint_n for_o in_o thing_n honest_a and_o indifferent_a the_o canon_n be_v universal_a let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n whether_o saint_n or_o other_o therefore_o give_v god_n his_o due_a and_o cesar_n he_o verse_n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n christ_n come_v to_o a_o narration_n of_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o first_o toll_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o she_o behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v behold_v i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o my_o gospel_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o same_o to_o other_o and_o none_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o bereave_v or_o hide_v the_o same_o from_o thou_o any_o more_o for_o a_o open_a door_n be_v either_o put_v for_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n col._n 4.13_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v have_v the_o colossian_n to_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o he_o that_o god_n will_v open_v a_o door_n of_o speech_n unto_o he_o or_o second_o for_o a_o readiness_n of_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o paul_n in_o 1._o cor._n 16.9_o a_o great_a and_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v unto_o i_o and_o 2_o cor._n 2.12_o and_o this_o door_n be_v open_v when_o man_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o be_v lydia_n ready_a to_o