be_v plain_a in_o the_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n but_o how_o can_v these_o signify_v thought_n and_o affection_n see_v thought_n be_v in_o the_o brain_n affection_n in_o the_o heart_n neither_o of_o they_o in_o the_o reins_n ans._n by_o resemblance_n for_o as_o the_o reins_n be_v in_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n so_o thought_n be_v in_o the_o most_o hide_a part_n of_o man_n namely_o his_o soul_n so_o thought_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n because_o they_o have_v operation_n in_o the_o heart_n though_o they_o be_v place_v in_o the_o brain_n search_v that_o be_v with_o such_o circumspection_n and_o diligence_n as_o bring_v the_o find_v out_o of_o that_o we_o seek_v by_o this_o be_v signify_v that_o christ_n see_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a action_n but_o the_o inward_a affection_n and_o motion_n nothing_o the_o most_o secret_a be_v hide_v from_o he_o we_o see_v by_o this_o use_v christ_n be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o very_o god_n for_o he_o which_o have_v the_o true_a property_n of_o god_n be_v very_a god_n christ_n have_v ergo_fw-la he_o which_o be_v god_n alone_o can_v search_v the_o heart_n the_o thought_n 11._o motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o christ_n can_v therefore_o he_o be_v true_a god_n one_o person_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n again_o see_v christ_n discern_v the_o heart_n we_o must_v in_o all_o thing_n take_v heed_n of_o hypocrisy_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o outward_o which_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o inward_o but_o we_o must_v look_v that_o we_o be_v that_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o heart_n which_o we_o will_v seem_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v &_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o do_v with_o our_o body_n lip_n word_n and_o action_n for_o christ_n be_v very_a god_n see_v and_o search_v our_o heart_n thought_n and_o affection_n he_o look_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o outward_a as_o the_o inward_a serve_v of_o he_o we_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n beside_o we_o must_v suspect_v ourselves_o for_o unknown_a sin_n for_o such_o be_v the_o depth_n of_o our_o corruption_n that_o we_o can_v sound_v the_o bottom_n of_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o thorough_o see_v the_o proneness_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o sin_n and_o corruption_n therefore_o we_o must_v suspect_v ourselves_o even_o of_o all_o sin_n which_o we_o know_v not_o and_o not_o excuse_v any_o sin_n so_o do_v david_n psalm_n 19_o after_o earnest_a search_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n i_o have_v search_v my_o heart_n but_o i_o can_v sufficient_o know_v my_o own_o corruption_n therefore_o o_o lord_n forgive_v i_o all_o my_o unknown_a sin_n and_o if_o we_o can_v thus_o suspect_v ourselves_o we_o will_v better_o practice_v repentance_n and_o live_v with_o great_a care_n but_o ignorant_a person_n not_o able_a to_o search_v their_o corrupt_a heart_n they_o bless_v themselves_o and_o excuse_v themselves_o nay_o say_v they_o can_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n now_o christ_n have_v cut_v off_o the_o first_o corrupt_a conceit_n prevent_v the_o second_o whereby_o they_o may_v hinder_v and_o avoid_v his_o judgement_n for_o they_o may_v say_v though_o the_o lord_n send_v judgment_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a they_o shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o us._n thus_o they_o and_o every_o sinful_a man_n do_v say_v esa._n 28._o they_o in_o common_a judgement_n make_v a_o league_n with_o hell_n say_v god_n judgement_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o this_o be_v a_o natural_a corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o in_o common_a judgement_n we_o shall_v escape_v and_o every_o man_n like_v this_o now_o christ_n to_o cut_v off_o this_o corrupt_a conceit_n say_v and_o will_v give_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o may_v flatter_v yourselves_o think_v when_o i_o send_v judgement_n you_o shall_v escape_v but_o i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o none_o except_v according_a to_o his_o work_n therefore_o flatter_v yourselves_o no_o more_o i_o will_v give_v that_o be_v i_o will_v reward_v partly_o in_o this_o life_n and_o partly_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o it_o be_v mean_v especial_o of_o the_o last_o judgement_n rom._n 2._o reu._n 20._o hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o man_n must_v be_v save_v not_o only_o by_o faith_n but_o work_n see_v god_n will_v reward_v good_a work_n ans._n 1._o their_o reason_n stand_v thus_o by_o that_o we_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n we_o be_v save_v but_o we_o be_v judge_v by_o work_n therefore_o save_v by_o work_n the_o flat_a mayor_n be_v false_a for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o judgement_n and_o justification_n to_o judge_v be_v to_o declare_v one_o just_a by_o his_o sign_n as_o his_o work_n to_o justify_v be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n just_a in_o which_o we_o consider_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o our_o faith_n apply_v he_o to_o us._n so_o then_o we_o be_v judge_v by_o work_n but_o not_o justify_v neither_o save_v by_o work_n answ._n 2._o christ_n say_v not_o i_o will_v give_v for_o their_o work_n but_o i_o will_v give_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n as_o their_o work_n be_v not_o for_o they_o where_o he_o make_v work_v a_o outward_a sign_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v frame_v his_o judgement_n to_o declare_v man_n just_a see_v every_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v use_v that_o be_v save_v or_o condemn_v by_o his_o work_n then_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o our_o work_n and_o save_v according_a to_o our_o work_n therefore_o they_o be_v necessary_a not_o as_o cause_v either_o efficient_a or_o help_v any_o way_n but_o as_o fruit_n effect_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o mark_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n which_o must_v direct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n see_v we_o shall_v be_v judge_v in_o this_o life_n but_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o our_o work_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n not_o to_o win_v heaven_n by_o they_o but_o to_o assure_v ourselves_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v true_o unite_v to_o he_o now_o all_o good_a work_n be_v either_o the_o work_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o be_v those_o work_n of_o our_o call_n both_o general_a as_o we_o be_v christian_n or_o particular_a in_o that_o calling_n god_n place_v we_o do_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o god_n glory_n the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n these_o be_v good_a work_n to_o god_n though_o the_o call_n be_v never_o so_o base_a for_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v reward_v and_o according_a to_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o save_v now_o contrary_o evil_a work_n they_o be_v evident_a sign_n of_o condemnation_n &_o look_v how_o many_o evil_a work_n we_o do_v they_o be_v so_o many_o brand_n and_o mark_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o show_v we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o satan_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o punishment_n in_o hell_n for_o he_o will_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n then_o they_o which_o have_v abound_v in_o good_a work_n they_o shall_v have_v great_a measure_n of_o glory_n the_o few_o work_n the_o lesser_a glory_n so_o they_o which_o have_v commit_v great_a sin_n they_o shall_v have_v great_a measure_n of_o punishment_n they_o which_o less_o less_o punishment_n in_o hell_n fire_n and_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v 24._o in_o this_o four_o and_o twenty_o verse_n he_o come_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o counsel_n to_o the_o church_n and_o angel_n of_o thyatira_n that_o be_v the_o better_a sort_n of_o the_o church_n but_o before_o the_o counsel_n he_o set_v a_o preface_n in_o which_o preface_n note_v first_o who_o speak_v second_o to_o who_o for_o the_o first_o who_o speak_v namely_o i._n where_o christ_n as_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n challenge_v to_o himself_o all_o supremacy_n and_o sufficient_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n for_o all_o his_o minister_n come_v in_o his_o name_n not_o in_o their_o own_o the_o lord_n say_v or_o christ_n say_v but_o christ_n he_o come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n i_o say_v note_v he_o be_v the_o head_n doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n the_o fountain_n and_o head_n of_o all_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o it_o this_o christ_n say_v to_o smite_v a_o reverence_n in_o their_o heart_n see_v this_o counsel_n be_v not_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o deliver_v it_o to_o john_n for_o the_o second_o to_o who_o he_o give_v counsel_n namely_o you_o that_o
pharaoh_n butler_n who_o promise_v joseph_n to_o remember_v he_o be_v promote_v to_o honour_n out_o of_o prison_n but_o after_o be_v exalt_v in_o pharaoh_n house_n forget_v he_o gen._n 40._o but_o christ_n he_o be_v still_o now_o as_o ready_a as_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o earth_n to_o help_v we_o and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o work_n of_o a_o mediator_n for_o us._n then_o we_o must_v imitate_v christ_n use_v and_o have_v our_o loin_n gird_v up_o luk._n 12._o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o our_o duty_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o give_v he_o thanks_n to_o renew_v our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n daily_o yea_o every_o day_n make_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o die_v or_o to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o work_n concern_v our_o salvation_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o carry_v ourselves_o so_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n at_o any_o time_n but_o we_o never_o think_v of_o this_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o no_o good_a thing_n we_o never_o think_v of_o death_n till_o it_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n oh_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o become_v good_a follower_n of_o christ_n have_v our_o loin_n gird_v up_o ready_o prepare_v to_o all_o good_a work_n about_o the_o pap_n not_o the_o belly_n but_o breast_n some_o think_v and_o not_o unfit_o to_o show_v that_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n which_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v most_o perfect_a range_v in_o not_o subject_a to_o any_o sin_n but_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o with_o full_a measure_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a and_o his_o head_n as_o white_a as_o wool_n now_o s._n john_n describe_v christ_n by_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n first_o his_o head_n be_v as_o white_a as_o wool_n or_o snow_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o eternity_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o have_v a_o beginning_n yet_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v eternal_a he_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n dan._n 9_o and_o when_o all_o thing_n begin_v he_o be_v before_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n use_v this_o hoariness_n and_o whiteness_n of_o the_o old_a gray_a head_n use_v to_o set_v out_o his_o eternity_n and_o ever-being_a he_o will_v show_v the_o excellency_n and_o honour_n of_o age_a man_n of_o the_o old_a gray_a head_a man_n which_o other_o young_a want_n and_o for_o this_o he_o compare_v the_o old_a gray_a head_n to_o almond_n tree_n which_o be_v always_o white_a eccles._n 12._o 5._o and_o prou._n 16._o 31._o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o silver_n crown_n not_o make_v by_o man_n but_o make_v and_o place_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n on_o the_o age_a man_n head_n this_o excellency_n of_o the_o hoary_a head_n be_v in_o this_o that_o he_o bear_v in_o his_o person_n the_o image_n of_o god_n eternity_n before_o all_o young_a man_n he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n to_o show_v god_n eternity_n to_o man_n namely_o in_o this_o old_a and_o white_a head_n of_o he_o now_o see_v the_o age_a man_n have_v this_o excellency_n above_o young_a man_n he_o must_v be_v reverence_v young_a man_n must_v rise_v to_o he_o levit._n 19_o and_o we_o must_v in_o their_o hoary_a head_n learn_v the_o image_n of_o god_n eternity_n they_o which_o be_v such_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o age_n have_v this_o excellency_n above_o other_o they_o must_v excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n 1._o joh._n 2._o 13._o i_o write_v to_o you_o father_n which_o know_v the_o father_n which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n show_v he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o age_a man_n which_o be_v father_n shall_v have_v knowledge_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n second_o they_o must_v exceed_v other_o in_o holiness_n of_o life_n god_n be_v holy_a they_o bear_v his_o image_n therefore_o they_o must_v see_v they_o bear_v his_o image_n above_o other_o go_v before_o young_a man_n in_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n prou._n 16._o 31._o compare_v old_a age_n to_o a_o silver_n crown_v join_v with_o righteousness_n which_o when_o they_o be_v join_v together_o old_a age_n indeed_o be_v a_o glorious_a ornament_n then_o man_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o old_a age_n be_v no_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o nor_o dishonour_n but_o a_o ornament_n and_o commendation_n but_o alas_o miserable_a be_v our_o day_n when_o young_a man_n excel_v old_a in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o godliness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o as_o the_o age_a must_v go_v before_o they_o in_o preferment_n and_o excellency_n so_o they_o shall_v go_v before_o they_o in_o wisdom_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o in_o these_o which_o wear_v the_o silver_n crown_n on_o their_o head_n there_o be_v find_v sin_n abound_v and_o looseness_n of_o life_n it_o be_v much_o more_o dishonour_n in_o they_o then_o the_o young_a though_o in_o neither_o commendable_a and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o old_a man_n to_o say_v their_o memory_n conceit_n and_o knowledge_n fail_v they_o for_o this_o show_v they_o have_v live_v a_o bad_a and_o loose_a life_n and_o mis-spend_v their_o young_a age_n but_o they_o must_v labour_v that_o with_o their_o silver_n crown_v on_o their_o head_n they_o may_v have_v a_o silver_n life_n in_o heart_n and_o hand_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n s._n john_n go_v on_o to_o describe_v christ_n in_o vision_n by_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n now_o in_o handle_v these_o part_n though_o no_o man_n can_v set_v down_o certain_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v in_o every_o point_n yet_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v most_o probable_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eye_n etc._n etc._n he_o add_v these_o to_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v that_o our_o mediator_n be_v of_o a_o most_o pierce_a sharp_a and_o quick_a sight_n so_o that_o he_o behold_v all_o thing_n in_o earth_n even_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o he_o have_v fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n and_o as_o fire_n enter_v and_o pierce_v all_o metal_n so_o christ_n by_o his_o fiery_a eye_n pierce_v into_o the_o substance_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o sharp_a of_o sight_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o whole_a church_n see_v all_o the_o enterprise_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o all_o his_o child_n see_v christ_n be_v of_o so_o pierce_a and_o fiery_a a_o sight_n 1._o that_o he_o see_v the_o very_a secret_n and_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o only_o of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n but_o of_o order_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n for_o christ_n pierce_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o see_v they_o therefore_o we_o must_v look_v they_o be_v in_o order_n that_o he_o may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v true_a thought_n and_o inward_a affection_n with_o man_n bear_v no_o action_n because_o man_n know_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n he_o see_v the_o least_o inclination_n and_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o keep_v court_n of_o judgement_n not_o only_o for_o word_n and_o action_n but_o for_o thought_n and_o affection_n therefore_o man_n must_v take_v heed_n they_o be_v well_o order_v and_o so_o of_o christ_n approve_v that_o for_o they_o they_o be_v not_o condemn_v christ_n he_o see_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o very_a inclination_n 2._o then_o we_o must_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v indeed_o that_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o though_o we_o can_v blear_v man_n eye_n with_o outward_a profession_n and_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o yet_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v fiery_a and_o pierce_a eye_n and_o see_v our_o heart_n and_o how_o we_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n if_o we_o be_v not_o indeed_o that_o we_o seem_v outward_o to_o be_v yet_o man_n must_v stay_v and_o suspend_v their_o rash_a judgement_n and_o not_o for_o the_o profess_v of_o religion_n judge_v man_n to_o be_v hypocrite_n for_o god_n alone_o search_v their_o heart_n second_o he_o be_v thus_o describe_v to_o show_v he_o be_v full_a of_o anger_n and_o judgement_n and_o ready_a to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o be_v of_o they_o which_o will_v not_o give_v themselves_o and_o turn_v to_o he_o by_o repentance_n in_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o word_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v a_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n yet_o he_o be_v also_o a_o judge_n &_o in_o indignation_n will_v execute_v his_o judgement_n on_o his_o enemy_n even_o upon_o all_o that_o refuse_v to_o have_v he_o to_o rule_v over_o
seek_v to_o get_v one_o foot_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o he_o have_v 16._o here_o s._n john_n describe_v he_o by_o his_o part_n and_o the_o property_n of_o every_o part_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n that_o be_v seven_o angel_n seven_o minister_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o minister_n be_v compare_v to_o star_n first_o because_o as_o star_n send_v out_o light_a to_o man_n on_o earth_n so_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o give_v light_n to_o man_n even_o spiritual_a light_n by_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o and_o by_o conversation_n of_o life_n among_o they_o second_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o star_n because_o as_o the_o star_n have_v their_o continual_a abode_n in_o heaven_n never_o descend_v down_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n especial_o shall_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o more_o special_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o calling_n first_o by_o seek_v their_o own_o salvation_n second_o by_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o by_o which_o two_n they_o must_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n though_o they_o have_v their_o body_n in_o earth_n three_o because_o they_o shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o star_n for_o dan._n 12._o they_o which_o do_v their_o duty_n they_o shall_v shine_v like_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n that_o be_v all_o regiment_n and_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o christ_n he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a disposition_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ministry_n see_v he_o alone_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o his_o church_n he_o care_v for_o it_o and_o look_v to_o it_o see_v these_o star_n be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n 1._o this_o show_v that_o the_o choose_n &_o furnish_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n belong_v to_o christ_n eph._n 4._o he_o give_v they_o their_o gift_n and_o place_n then_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o last_o age_n to_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v out_o laborer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o so_o his_o child_n may_v be_v gather_v and_o a_o end_n make_v of_o these_o miserable_a day_n he_o hold_v these_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n whereby_o we_o see_v he_o give_v they_o defence_n and_o protection_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o calling_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n &_o though_o they_o have_v sundry_a discouragement_n yet_o see_v christ_n he_o order_v their_o ministry_n and_o dispose_v of_o it_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a nothing_o shall_v hinder_v their_o course_n nothing_o shall_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o duty_n neither_o the_o want_n of_o obedience_n in_o they_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o labour_v not_o see_v that_o fruit_n they_o shall_v nor_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o profession_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o see_v they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n this_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n idle_n man_n esteem_v it_o most_o base_a &_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o mean_a call_n and_o so_o discourage_v many_o but_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n defend_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o now_o what_o great_a glory_n can_v there_o be_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o honour_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o carry_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n though_o wicked_a man_n dishonour_v they_o esteem_v so_o base_o of_o they_o this_o shall_v stir_v those_o who_o have_v good_a gift_n to_o get_v this_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n thus_o to_o be_v honour_v of_o christ._n they_o must_v be_v unblameable_a 4._o for_o see_v christ_n carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o will_v hold_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o pure_a as_o he_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v defile_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a he_o will_v take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n put_v it_o under_o his_o brazen_a foot_n and_o grind_v it_o to_o piece_n and_o the_o more_o he_o have_v honour_v they_o the_o more_o will_v he_o dishonour_v they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o hearer_n be_v bind_v to_o profit_n else_o they_o must_v drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n for_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v punish_v for_o not_o preach_v than_o they_o for_o not_o hear_v and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n he_o describe_v he_o by_o the_o two_o last_o part_n of_o his_o body_n his_o mouth_n and_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o mouth_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v describe_v heb._n 4._o 12._o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v not_o only_o into_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o the_o bone_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o marrow_n so_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n deep_o to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o it_o enter_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o search_v every_o nook_n and_o corner_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a the_o word_n have_v a_o double_a operation_n one_o in_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o wicked_a this_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o word_n it_o wound_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o so_o by_o the_o same_o wound_n bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n esa._n 11._o 4._o he_o shall_v with_o his_o breath_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o word_n slay_v the_o wicked_a 8._o this_o be_v that_o sword_n that_o have_v and_o will_v kill_v antichrist_n ob._n but_o how_o come_v it_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v wound_v or_o kill_v any_o how_o shall_v it_o slay_v a_o wicked_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n the_o first_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n the_o soul_n convey_v to_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n the_o second_o be_v when_o a_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o word_n be_v wound_v and_o smite_v and_o so_o receive_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o deadly_a wound_n the_o three_o degree_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v go_v into_o hell_n fire_n for_o even_o a_o sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o hell_n and_o eternal_a death_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o the_o inflict_a and_o give_v of_o this_o wound_n there_o be_v three_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o he_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o their_o sin_n all_o their_o pride_n rebellion_n hypocrisy_n the_o damnable_a corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o all_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 24._o 25._o if_o in_o the_o church_n all_o prophecy_n there_o come_v in_o one_o which_o believe_v not_o he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o because_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o so_o the_o secret_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v the_o second_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o he_o after_o reveal_v to_o they_o the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n his_o indignation_n against_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o law_n be_v call_v the_o kill_a law_n because_o it_o show_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n three_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v sharpen_v the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n make_v it_o awake_a and_o terrify_v a_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v or_o remember_v the_o word_n and_o the_o curse_v denounce_v against_o sinner_n so_o felix_n when_o paul_n preach_v to_o he_o of_o justice_n and_o temperancy_n he_o faint_v and_o tremble_v the_o word_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wound_v his_o conscience_n with_o terror_n and_o fear_n so_o dan._n 5._o beltashar_n see_v but_o a_o hand_n writing_n he_o
send_v these_o judgement_n as_o for_o other_o sin_n so_o for_o fornication_n sodom_n be_v destroy_v for_o this_o sin_n and_o even_o in_o our_o time_n we_o have_v plague_n famine_n sword_n many_o sickness_n and_o that_o for_o this_o sin_n among_o the_o rest_n 1._o cor._n 11._o many_o be_v dead_a for_o this_o sin_n lest_o they_o shall_v come_v defile_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n now_o follow_v the_o exception_n except_o they_o repent_v here_o we_o see_v all_o god_n judgement_n and_o threaten_n be_v with_o exception_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o see_v christ_n add_v this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v we_o see_v man_n of_o year_n condemn_v in_o the_o church_n not_o so_o much_o for_o sin_n as_o live_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n indeed_o the_o least_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o condemnation_n but_o lie_v in_o sin_n that_o bring_v actual_a condemnation_n &_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o if_o man_n commit_v sin_n and_o lie_v in_o it_o he_o cast_v his_o soul_n away_o to_o commit_v sin_n be_v not_o that_o which_o kill_v we_o but_o to_o lie_v in_o sin_n for_o if_o a_o man_n sin_n and_o after_o repent_v he_o shall_v have_v mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n second_o it_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o threat_n for_o they_o go_v before_o this_o exception_n and_o come_v after_o where_o we_o see_v god_n mingle_v his_o mercy_n with_o judgement_n he_o show_v not_o all_o judgement_n nor_o all_o mercy_n but_o temper_v they_o together_o now_o in_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v judgement_n on_o they_o unless_o they_o repent_v we_o see_v that_o repentance_n prevent_v temporal_a judgement_n we_o have_v have_v long_a peace_n and_o have_v abuse_v it_o to_o commit_v sin_n now_o we_o must_v look_v for_o god_n judgement_n and_o we_o see_v the_o spaniard_n as_o a_o weapon_n of_o god_n now_o the_o lord_n may_v just_o bring_v he_o on_o us._n the_o best_a way_n to_o prevent_v this_o and_o all_o god_n judgement_n be_v for_o high_a and_o low_a and_o all_o estate_n to_o repent_v and_o so_o the_o lord_n will_v turn_v he_o away_o of_o thy_o work_n namely_o fornication_n &_o idolatry_n so_o we_o if_o we_o will_v repent_v we_o must_v cease_v from_o our_o particular_a sin_n as_o the_o drunkard_n from_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o etc._n etc._n for_o to_o say_v i_o be_o sorry_a and_o in_o general_a to_o repent_v as_o many_o man_n do_v be_v but_o to_o make_v show_n of_o repentance_n but_o man_n must_v leave_v each_o sin_n and_o do_v the_o contrary_a virtue_n in_o the_o three_o and_o twenty_o verse_n be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o threaten_a i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o her_o family_n and_o her_o child_n in_o fornication_n not_o they_o which_o follow_v her_o doctrine_n but_o proper_o for_o they_o be_v reprove_v before_o i_o will_v kill_v it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v so_o but_o he_o add_v i_o will_v kill_v with_o death_n for_o the_o certainty_n largeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o it_o not_o spare_v they_o but_o the_o mother_n sin_v shall_v the_o child_n be_v punish_v for_o her_o sake_n ans._n in_o temporal_a and_o bodily_a punishment_n it_o may_v be_v so_o not_o in_o eternal_a punishment_n among_o man_n if_o the_o father_n be_v a_o traitor_n the_o son_n be_v punish_v and_o bear_v the_o shame_n then_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v equity_n with_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o son_n for_o the_o father_n sin_n in_o bodily_a punishment_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o we_o yet_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o good_a with_o god_n but_o there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o the_o lord_n shall_v destroy_v city_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o family_n which_o be_v link_v together_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o society_n and_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o family_n now_o if_o one_o member_n sin_n the_o other_o may_v be_v punish_v as_o in_o the_o body_n if_o the_o stomach_n be_v sick_a the_o head_n feel_v it_o so_o when_o the_o father_n sin_v the_o son_n may_v be_v punish_v when_o the_o husband_n the_o wife_n when_o the_o master_n the_o servant_n when_o the_o subject_n the_o magistrate_n because_o of_o the_o mutual_a relation_n and_o nigh_o bond_n of_o society_n between_o member_n of_o the_o same_o family_n city_n or_o kingdom_n be_v this_o so_o then_o parent_n have_v need_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o sin_n for_o they_o sin_v may_v bring_v judgment_n and_o death_n on_o their_o family_n or_o their_o child_n then_o be_v they_o cruel_a parent_n which_o live_v in_o sin_n not_o care_v for_o their_o child_n but_o by_o their_o sin_n bring_v god_n judgement_n on_o they_o and_o on_o their_o family_n let_v then_o every_o man_n in_o the_o society_n where_o he_o live_v be_v careful_a he_o sin_v not_o for_o than_o he_o may_v bring_v god_n judgement_n on_o the_o place_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v a_o special_a member_n as_o ahab_n on_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n and_o david_n on_o the_o whole_a people_n then_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o look_v to_o themselves_o but_o live_v in_o sin_n shall_v be_v banish_v out_o of_o all_o society_n unless_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o be_v new_a man_n see_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o bring_v god_n judgement_n on_o that_o place_n where_o they_o live_v vers._n 24._o that_o all_o church_n may_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_n christ_n have_v propound_v his_o threaten_n here_o he_o go_v about_o to_o make_v it_o take_v place_n in_o they_o in_o jesabell_n and_o her_o company_n by_o remove_v of_o two_o carnal_a conceit_n whereby_o they_o may_v think_v to_o illude_v and_o avoid_v christ_n threaten_n for_o first_o they_o may_v have_v say_v our_o practice_n and_o sin_n be_v secret_a not_o know_v to_o man_n therefore_o though_o god_n threaten_v we_o shall_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o they_o they_o can_v take_v hold_n of_o us._n but_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o word_n cut_v off_o this_o first_o conception_n though_o you_o may_v persuade_v yourselves_o you_o shall_v escape_v judgement_n see_v your_o sin_n be_v secret_a yet_o i_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v discover_v they_o to_o all_o church_n they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o search_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v i_o see_v and_o know_v the_o most_o hide_a and_o secret_a thought_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o all_o church_n christ_n will_v discover_v their_o sin_n not_o to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o all_o church_n and_o this_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o end_n to_o terrify_v jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o esteem_v of_o all_o church_n so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n and_o dishonour_n to_o be_v evil_a thought_n of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n mat._n 18._o that_o which_o be_v bind_v in_o earth_n by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n by_o god_n himself_o so_o by_o proportion_n those_o which_o be_v evil_o think_v of_o in_o god_n church_n and_o in_o disgrace_n of_o it_o they_o be_v in_o disgrace_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n see_v christ_n speak_v this_o to_o terrify_v jesabel_n and_o her_o company_n 1._o we_o must_v labour_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o must_v approve_v ourselves_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v to_o all_o yet_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o avoid_v all_o thing_n which_o may_v bring_v any_o disgrace_n or_o dishonour_n to_o the_o church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v well_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o be_v il_fw-mi esteem_v ro._n 16._o 1._o cor._n 1._o the_o last_o verse_n paul_n say_v all_o the_o church_n salute_v you_o not_o that_o all_o church_n send_v commendation_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o to_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v they_o he_o say_v all_o true_a church_n plant_v by_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o they_o act._n 16._o paul_n approve_v of_o timothy_n and_o receive_v he_o to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v commend_v and_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n at_o lyconium_fw-la and_o lystra_n so_o must_v we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v the_o approbation_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o what_o will_v christ_n have_v all_o church_n to_o know_v namely_o that_o i_o search_v the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n by_o heart_n and_o reins_n be_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n namely_o by_o reins_n be_v mean_v the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o by_o heart_n be_v mean_v so_o much_o as_o it_o
the_o mean_n they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n the_o end_n of_o they_o whereas_o s._n john_n will_v by_o these_o word_n bless_a etc._n etc._n draw_v man_n and_o allure_v they_o to_o to_o read_v and_o delight_n in_o the_o scripture_n see_v the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n we_o be_v here_o admonish_v all_o of_o we_o to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o they_o and_o search_v they_o as_o joh._n 5._o 39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n s._n john_n cut_v off_o this_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n bless_a be_v he_o which_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n so_o that_o if_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v then_o those_o which_o can_v not_o read_v they_o they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v they_o must_v hearken_v and_o hear_v diligent_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n be_v of_o themselves_o can_v not_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v either_o to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n first_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o mingle_v cloth_n of_o diverse_a kind_n then_o much_o less_o will_v the_o lord_n suffer_v his_o word_n to_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a or_o ancient_a second_o here_o follow_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o happiness_n fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a and_o when_o this_o take_v place_n that_o we_o set_v down_o this_o end_n that_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v they_o with_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o practice_v they_o second_o we_o must_v keep_v they_o remember_v the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v and_o this_o second_o point_n be_v principal_a to_o hear_v and_o to_o read_v so_o as_o we_o keep_v those_o thing_n we_o hear_v or_o read_v and_o so_o as_o we_o make_v observation_n of_o that_o we_o hear_v so_o the_o word_n import_v here_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n daily_o yet_o no_o profit_n come_v thereby_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o we_o be_v only_a hearer_n we_o keep_v it_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v keep_v the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v it_o be_v so_o commend_v to_o we_o in_o many_o place_n luke_n 2._o 19_o mary_n be_v say_v to_o keep_v and_o to_o ponder_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o her_o heart_n psal._n 119._o 8._o david_n he_o hide_v the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o heart_n luke_n 11._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o keep_v it_o james_n 1._o 21._o we_o must_v keep_v the_o word_n which_o be_v graft_v in_o we_o where_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o ciens_fw-la or_o graft_v which_o be_v set_v into_o a_o stock_n so_o the_o word_n be_v ingraft_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o there_o it_o must_v abide_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n that_o we_o may_v keep_v this_o word_n word_n we_o must_v first_o learn_v the_o element_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o catechism_n both_o old_a and_o young_a must_v learn_v they_o for_o that_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o a_o man_n read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o learn_v not_o the_o ground_n he_o can_v keep_v it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o especial_o age_a folk_n hear_v the_o word_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o never_o profit_n but_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v always_o learning_n yet_o never_o learn_v any_o thing_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o will_v not_o abase_v themselves_o to_o learn_v those_o principle_n of_o religion_n those_o first_o seed_n without_o which_o they_o can_v profit_v by_o and_o keep_v the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v keep_v those_o thing_n we_o hear_v or_o read_v we_o must_v con_v our_o part_n before_o we_o come_v we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o we_o must_v not_o rush_v on_o god_n ordinance_n without_o preparation_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o the_o people_n offer_v sacrifice_n 6._o they_o must_v sanctify_v themselves_o so_o we_o in_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o prepare_v ourselves_o reverent_o now_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o must_v do_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n see_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n but_o that_o that_o supper_n be_v only_o a_o visible_a word_n the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o audible_a word_n when_o the_o people_n receive_v the_o law_n 19_o the_o lord_n command_v they_o to_o sanctify_v themselves_o three_o day_n before_o so_o then_o when_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o law_n expound_v we_o must_v sanctify_v ourselves_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o hear_v it_o word_n this_o preparation_n stand_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o we_o must_v put_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n all_o by-thought_n all_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o worldly_a affair_n and_o we_o must_v set_v our_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n ezra_n 7._o to_o look_v in_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n withal_o we_o must_v make_v our_o carne_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v his_o will_n soften_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v our_o ear_n attentive_a as_o lidia_n be_v and_o also_o give_v we_o grace_n to_o embrace_v his_o word_n and_o keep_v it_o when_o we_o be_v about_o to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n we_o must_v have_v humble_a heart_n else_o we_o can_v keep_v the_o word_n nor_o believe_v the_o promise_n in_o the_o same_o the_o lord_n he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o the_o humble_a in_o spirit_n 11._o that_o be_v which_o be_v humble_v for_o their_o sin_n trouble_v and_o touch_v with_o their_o own_o infirmity_n which_o have_v contite_n break_a and_o bruise_a heart_n but_o in_o the_o proud_a heart_n there_o be_v no_o keep_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o hole_n in_o it_o for_o the_o word_n to_o lie_v in_o but_o it_o be_v whole_o possess_v and_o puff_v up_o with_o self-love_n and_o pride_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v a_o honest_a heart_n we_o must_v not_o only_o have_v our_o heart_n touch_v with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o they_o must_v be_v honest_a heart_n 15._o good_a heart_n such_o as_o be_v not_o purpose_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n or_o any_o one_o sin_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a but_o whole_o purpose_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n we_o must_v not_o come_v with_o unchaste_a or_o wicked_a heart_n with_o mind_n to_o leave_v all_o sin_n but_o yet_o to_o live_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n we_o must_v have_v a_o believe_a heart_n heb._n 4._o 2._o the_o old_a jew_n hear_v the_o word_n but_o it_o profit_v they_o not_o because_o they_o mingle_v it_o not_o with_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n where_o he_o compare_v they_o to_o a_o vessel_n in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v both_o the_o word_n and_o faith_n and_o these_o must_v be_v mingle_v together_o it_o must_v be_v temper_v by_o faith_n &_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o remember_v the_o word_n and_o to_o believe_v true_o the_o judgement_n denounce_v against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o promise_v pronounce_v for_o the_o true_a believer_n but_o incredulity_n be_v when_o we_o except_v the_o curse_n against_o sin_n as_o not_o pertain_v to_o we_o and_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a cause_n of_o all_o ignorance_n and_o oblivion_n so_o that_o we_o must_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o this_o true_a faith_n to_o believe_v the_o word_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v well_o and_o easy_o remember_v it_o we_o must_v have_v hear_v heart_n beside_o these_o ear_n of_o the_o body_n we_o must_v have_v new_a ear_n pierce_v we_o
quake_v for_o fear_n the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n and_o make_v his_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o and_o his_o knee_n smite_v together_o for_o fear_n so_o then_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n kill_v the_o wicked_a by_o reveal_v their_o sin_n show_v the_o wrath_n and_o anger_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n which_o repent_v not_o and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o also_o by_o sharpen_v the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n to_o wound_v they_o and_o strike_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n and_o so_o they_o by_o this_o have_v the_o first_o wound_n of_o eternal_a death_n though_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o wound_n yet_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o death_n and_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o step_n to_o eternal_a death_n for_o those_o horror_n and_o fear_n which_o come_v into_o a_o man_n heart_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n sever_v from_o grace_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o first_o wound_n to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o the_o lord_n give_v grace_n see_v christ_n carry_v the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o mouth_n 2._o whereby_o he_o wound_v his_o enemy_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n at_o the_o heart_n then_o when_o we_o see_v any_o which_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o after_o rebell_v storm_v and_o rage_v against_o the_o same_o be_v wound_v in_o conscience_n therewith_o we_o must_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o it_o but_o pity_v his_o case_n see_v he_o be_v wound_v at_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o he_o in_o this_o case_n be_v in_o the_o first_o step_n to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o the_o lord_n recover_v he_o of_o this_o wound_n in_o those_o church_n and_o place_n where_o the_o word_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n remain_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o unreform_v we_o must_v in_o these_o take_v pity_n on_o they_o see_v this_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o they_o for_o these_o be_v wound_v with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o the_o word_n have_v be_v long_o and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o without_o profit_n and_o the_o word_n it_o never_o return_v empty_a but_o either_o save_v or_o destroy_v wound_v or_o heal_v they_o so_o that_o though_o man_n may_v live_v civil_o before_o man_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v unreform_v and_o live_v in_o ignorance_n these_o be_v but_o dead_a man_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o word_n have_v give_v they_o the_o first_o deadly_a wound_n therefore_o we_o must_v pity_v their_o estate_n if_o we_o come_v into_o the_o field_n see_v a_o hundred_o man_n lie_v wound_v and_o gush_v out_o blood_n some_o in_o the_o head_n some_o in_o the_o side_n and_o some_o in_o the_o foot_n we_o can_v but_o be_v exceed_o move_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n many_o be_v unreform_v in_o obedience_n and_o repentance_n and_o though_o we_o can_v see_v their_o bloody_a wound_n with_o bodily_a eye_n yet_o we_o may_v see_v they_o lie_v wallow_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o ignorance_n and_o security_n of_o impenitency_n and_o wickedness_n therefore_o we_o must_v pity_v their_o estate_n for_o they_o be_v dead_a man_n indeed_o see_v they_o be_v not_o reviue_v by_o the_o word_n in_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o word_n either_o quicken_v or_o kill_v see_v the_o word_n without_o grace_n kill_v we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o it_o but_o seek_v to_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n by_o the_o word_n let_v we_o then_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n labour_n to_o apply_v christ_n by_o the_o word_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v say_v we_o live_v not_o but_o christ_n in_o us._n but_o this_o word_n have_v another_o action_n in_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n which_o though_o it_o be_v manifold_a yet_o all_o tend_v to_o further_o and_o procure_v their_o salvation_n the_o first_o work_n of_o it_o in_o these_o be_v to_o wound_v deep_o and_o to_o kill_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n that_o it_o never_o recover_v again_o yet_o though_o it_o wound_v a_o man_n it_o kill_v not_o the_o person_n as_o in_o the_o wicked_a but_o only_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o quicken_v the_o person_n to_o christ_n kill_v he_o in_o regard_n of_o rebellion_n and_o unbelief_n we_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v kill_v not_o in_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o in_o our_o corruption_n affection_n and_o rebellion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v kill_v the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v require_v which_o give_v our_o corruption_n the_o deadly_a wound_n and_o cut_v up_o the_o root_n since_o the_o second_o action_n after_o our_o conversion_n &_o change_n be_v this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v cut_v and_o pare_v the_o remnant_n of_o our_o corruption_n by_o lessen_v and_o weaken_v of_o it_o daily_o joh._n 15._o as_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v lop_v and_o pare_v off_o all_o branch_n that_o bear_v no_o fruit_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cut_v and_o pare_v away_o the_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n three_o the_o word_n of_o god_n serve_v to_o keep_v his_o people_n and_o child_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o christ_n hold_v the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o though_o the_o wicked_a will_v not_o be_v keep_v in_o awe_n yet_o his_o elect_a may_v tremble_v and_o fear_v at_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o same_o among_o man_n if_o many_o be_v fight_v let_v the_o magistrate_n but_o hold_v up_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n every_o man_n yield_v and_o put_v his_o sword_n into_o his_o sheath_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o cease_v from_o sin_n and_o fear_v when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n hold_v out_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o if_o any_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a and_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v count_v a_o rebel_n if_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n shall_v they_o not_o be_v so_o account_v so_o then_o by_o these_o action_n we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n it_o kill_v corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n pare_v it_o and_o the_o remnant_n of_o it_o and_o it_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n yet_o it_o differ_v in_o the_o wicked_a and_o in_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o wicked_a it_o make_v they_o fear_n and_o wound_v they_o to_o death_n destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o godly_a it_o wound_v they_o indeed_o not_o in_o their_o person_n but_o in_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n it_o make_v we_o fit_a to_o encounter_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o vanquish_v he_o in_o all_o his_o temptation_n if_o it_o be_v use_v with_o knowledge_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n serve_v to_o kill_v our_o corruption_n 1._o we_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n must_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o same_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o general_a but_o apply_v in_o particular_a though_o it_o touch_v we_o and_o wound_v our_o heart_n we_o must_v suffer_v it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o health_n to_o have_v our_o corruption_n rip_v up_o and_o touch_v when_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n enter_v to_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v ransack_v every_o nook_n and_o secret_a corner_n then_o we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o this_o blessing_n of_o god_n suffer_v it_o glad_o see_v it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o life_n if_o one_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o fistula_n he_o will_v suffer_v the_o chirurgeon_n to_o rip_v and_o lance_n he_o to_o search_v every_o part_n of_o the_o wound_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o suffer_v the_o physician_n of_o the_o word_n to_o display_v to_o lay_v open_a to_o ransack_v and_o search_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n see_v that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o recover_v health_n for_o we_o can_v live_v to_o god_n till_o we_o die_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o sin_n we_o can_v possible_o die_v to_o our_o sin_n till_o our_o corruption_n be_v destroy_v and_o all_o our_o sin_n kill_v and_o wound_v to_o death_n in_o his_o mouth_n other_o king_n carry_v their_o sceptre_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o he_o in_o his_o mouth_n to_o show_v that_o no_o doctrine_n must_v be_v receive_v of_o we_o unless_o it_o proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o receive_v his_o
up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n 2._o cor._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v paradise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o pleasure_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o most_o infinite_a for_o so_o gen._n 30._o 8._o rahell_n wrestle_v with_o leah_n with_o wrestle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o great_a wrestle_n so_o in_o the_o psalm_n to_o show_v how_o huge_a and_o high_a the_o hill_n be_v david_n call_v they_o the_o hill_n of_o god_n the_o mountain_n of_o god_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o huge_a mountain_n so_o here_o he_o call_v it_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n to_o show_v it_o be_v a_o place_n most_o excellent_a full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n this_o place_n be_v set_v out_o at_o large_a reu._n 22._o then_o see_v this_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o place_n we_o shall_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v thither_o to_o wean_v our_o mind_n from_o earthly_a paradise_n which_o be_v but_o a_o prison_n and_o lift_v our_o head_n up_o to_o heaven_n set_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n on_o thing_n above_o phil._n 3._o vers._n 8._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v from_o this_o eight_o verse_n to_o the_o twelve_o be_v the_o second_o epistle_n or_o letter_n to_o another_o church_n of_o asia_n namely_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o before_o this_o second_o epistle_n be_v a_o second_o particular_a commandment_n to_o john_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o in_o these_o word_n and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v which_o particular_a commandment_n be_v prefix_v before_o the_o epistle_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o every_o church_n that_o s._n john_n have_v sufficient_a call_n to_o write_v the_o same_o and_o that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o of_o himself_o and_o so_o shall_v all_o they_o which_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o sufficient_a call_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o without_o doubt_n believe_v the_o same_o as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v their_o call_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v of_o more_o excellent_a gift_n have_v it_o then_o such_o which_o be_v but_o ordinary_a man_n this_o commandment_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o the_o particular_a commandment_n be_v the_o epistle_n itself_o stand_v of_o three_o part_n first_o a_o preface_n second_o a_o proposition_n three_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n or_o entrance_n be_v in_o the_o eight_o verse_n and_o contain_v a_o preparation_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o preface_n he_o show_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v namely_o in_o christ_n he_o which_o be_v and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o last_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o stir_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o a_o religious_a care_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n second_o because_o no_o commandment_n concern_v religion_n and_o god_n service_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n but_o only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ._n now_o this_o epistle_n be_v concern_v religion_n and_o god_n worship_n he_o propound_v it_o in_o christ_n his_o name_n alone_o and_o christ_n in_o this_o preface_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o notable_a argument_n first_o that_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o second_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a but_o these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o that_o be_v he_o be_v everlasting_a god_n which_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n afore_o all_o creature_n &_o after_o all_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o live_v that_o be_v be_v god_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n become_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o rise_v to_o give_v everlasting_a life_n to_o us._n in_o which_o word_n note_v two_o point_n of_o doctrine_n first_o 1._o that_o christ_n be_v a_o person_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n namely_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n for_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o and_o last_o he_o must_v be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o be_v alive_a he_o be_v man_n and_o as_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n make_v one_o man_n so_o the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n concur_v to_o make_v one_o christ._n the_o second_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v a_o comfort_n or_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n first_o that_o he_o be_v god_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v able_a second_o he_o be_v man_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v willing_a to_o help_v to_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o all_o misery_n or_o else_o ease_v they_o for_o he_o be_v first_o and_o last_o ergo_fw-la true_a god_n ergo_fw-la able_a to_o help_v second_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o live_v therefore_o willing_a see_v he_o come_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o to_o rise_v again_o to_o give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o these_o word_n to_o comfort_v the_o church_n in_o misery_n and_o hence_o be_v the_o very_a fountain_n of_o all_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n if_o the_o lord_n lie_v any_o cross_n on_o thou_o as_o persecution_n tribulation_n misery_n or_o calamity_n then_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n christ_n be_v god_n able_a to_o help_v he_o be_v man_n willing_a to_o deliver_v thou_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o prop_n to_o stay_v and_o hold_v we_o up_o that_o we_o sink_v not_o in_o persecution_n or_o cross_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n after_o the_o preface_n follow_v the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v the_o matter_n and_o content_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o epistle_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n second_o counsel_n for_o she_o concern_v time_n to_o come_v the_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o nine_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n in_o these_o word_n as_o there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o she_o there_o be_v also_o a_o comfort_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o commend_v she_o but_o comfort_v she_o be_v in_o misery_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n we_o hear_v these_o word_n before_o expound_v i_o know_v that_o be_v i_o see_v thy_o work_n way_n deal_v the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o thy_o life_n i_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o same_o it_o like_v and_o please_v i_o well_o in_o that_o christ_n say_v he_o know_v her_o work_n here_o be_v a_o notable_a property_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o see_v all_o church_n he_o behold_v all_o man_n action_n he_o see_v their_o word_n work_n affection_n and_o action_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n before_o so_o now_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v always_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n he_o see_v and_o behold_v all_o her_o deal_n and_o this_o consideration_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o religion_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n see_v his_o heart_n hear_v every_o word_n behold_v all_o his_o action_n and_o mark_v all_o his_o word_n david_n 139._o psalm_n the_o lord_n behold_v all_o my_o secret_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o he_o know_v it_o so_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o our_o word_n our_o thought_n our_o action_n of_o all_o we_o do_v or_o say_v nay_o where_o this_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n no_o faith_n no_o conscience_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n see_v his_o work_n behold_v and_o mark_n they_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o life_n sin_n as_o he_o do_v and_o thy_o tribulation_n here_o he_o join_v work_n and_o tribulation_n together_o where_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o tribulation_n must_v needs_o go_v with_o work_n and_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n where_o grace_n be_v there_o must_v be_v tribulation_n where_o god_n give_v grace_n he_o add_v tribulation_n first_o to_o humble_v they_o second_o to_o try_v they_o three_o to_o prevent_v other_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v else_o commit_v i_o know_v thy_o tribulation_n this_o then_o be_v add_v to_o comfort_v the_o church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v true_a thou_o be_v in_o tribulation_n but_o it_o come_v not_o by_o chance_n but_o from_o god_n my_o father_n i_o know_v it_o i_o see_v and_o behold_v it_o and_o have_v care_n of_o
sure_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o if_o one_o look_v and_o view_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o osea_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n every_o man_n seek_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o way_n none_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v he_o beside_o they_o be_v altogether_o carnal_a fleshly_a dead_a and_o drown_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n none_o affect_v thing_n belong_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o all_o man_n in_o general_a lie_n in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n in_o they_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n have_v wrap_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o security_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v never_o dream_v of_o the_o evil_a day_n though_o god_n preach_v daily_o by_o his_o judgement_n to_o they_o again_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n want_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n the_o cruelty_n which_o abound_v in_o all_o man_n oppression_n whoredom_n fornication_n these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n now_o in_o our_o day_n rife_o in_o every_o place_n these_o be_v common_a sin_n call_v for_o vengeance_n which_o will_v come_v undoubted_o unless_o we_o repent_v so_o that_o christ_n can_v speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o this_o church_n but_o in_o a_o contrary_a voice_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o common_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n yet_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o remnant_n who_o lament_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o they_o must_v take_v to_o they_o christian_a fortitude_n &_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n &_o of_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v and_o bold_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n to_o maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o let_v they_o first_o consider_v that_o they_o which_o fear_v distrustful_o must_v have_v a_o miserable_a portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n reu._n 21._o 8._o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o this_o reward_n let_v we_o go_v on_o fear_v nothing_o 2_o they_o must_v consider_v god_n presence_n he_o be_v by_o they_o ready_a to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o psalm_n 34._o 12._o 2._o king_n 6._o elishah_n servant_n see_v in_o dothan_n a_o huge_a army_n which_o beset_v he_o and_o his_o master_n he_o say_v be_v not_o afraid_a for_o they_o which_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o these_o against_o us._n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n and_o that_o god_n angel_n will_v defend_v and_o guard_v he_o so_o shall_v all_o man_n in_o danger_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o persuade_v themselves_o god_n be_v present_a he_o have_v his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v his_o child_n 3_o god_n child_n must_v consider_v in_o peril_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n paul_n he_o account_v it_o his_o chief_a honour_n nay_o he_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n then_o if_o suffer_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v such_o a_o honourable_a thing_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n &_o affliction_n whatsoever_o but_o those_o which_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o present_a day_n of_o misery_n nor_o have_v not_o this_o perfect_a fortitude_n they_o must_v lament_v and_o howl_v lest_o the_o evil_a day_n take_v they_o unprovided_a the_o next_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o this_o church_n must_v suffer_v but_o before_o he_o propound_v the_o affliction_n he_o set_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n often_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n before_o hand_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n judgement_n and_o correction_n before_o they_o come_v lest_o we_o perish_v in_o they_o for_o christ_n luk._n 19_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o she_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n because_o she_o will_v not_o think_v of_o her_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n forotel_v and_o show_v her_o final_a destruction_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o they_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o he_o which_o can_v foretell_v all_o future_a thing_n in_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v contingent_a he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n but_o christ_n foretell_v their_o particular_a affliction_n to_o come_v ergo_fw-la he_o be_v god_n ob._n but_o the_o physician_n can_v foretell_v the_o death_n of_o his_o patient_n the_o astronomer_n the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o come_v answ._n they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o mean_n the_o physician_n foretell_v by_o the_o cause_n and_o sign_n he_o see_v in_o the_o party_n by_o which_o death_n be_v in_o â—ort_n present_a so_o the_o astronomer_n by_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n can_v foretell_v a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o course_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o eclipse_n be_v present_a but_o without_o these_o sign_n and_o cause_n they_o can_v simple_o but_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n or_o cause_n simple_o foretell_v this_o affliction_n in_o particular_a to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n christ_n describe_v the_o affliction_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o devil_n second_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o three_o the_o kind_n imprisonment_n four_a the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o five_o the_o time_n ten_o day_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n ob._n but_o how_o can_v he_o afflict_v they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o deal_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o man_n ans._n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o rule_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o they_o direct_v their_o thought_n will_n affection_n so_o as_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o move_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v they_o in_o prison_n now_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o persecution_n we_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n those_o be_v which_o persecute_v the_o church_n namely_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n move_v and_o rule_v by_o he_o notorious_a wicked_a wretch_n which_o have_v satan_n for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n 2._o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n see_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o he_o to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o for_o he_o which_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o religion_n in_o word_n or_o action_n he_o in_o that_o action_n be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n lead_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o action_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n satan_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a agent_n he_o be_v his_o slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o be_v as_o a_o soldier_n under_o his_o band_n again_o learn_v we_o to_o take_v pity_n on_o all_o such_o person_n see_v they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n lead_v and_o move_v by_o he_o yea_o even_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecutor_n furthermore_o the_o weapon_n we_o must_v have_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o persecution_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a see_v our_o enemy_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v use_v invocation_n and_o prayer_n fast_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o which_o we_o show_v our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o this_o weapon_n of_o prayer_n elias_n be_v call_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a enemy_n among_o we_o then_o be_v indeed_o the_o soldier_n to_o be_v use_v but_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n that_o must_v be_v our_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n the_o
devil_n fear_v not_o the_o sword_n or_o gun_n but_o this_o spiritual_a weapon_n will_v overthrow_v he_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n their_o affliction_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o not_o all_o but_o some_o of_o they_o three_o by_o the_o kind_n of_o affliction_n imprisonment_n he_o shall_v not_o kill_v or_o destroy_v you_o but_o imprison_v you_o and_o some_o of_o you_o not_o all_o of_o you_o four_o the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o that_o your_o hope_n faith_n patience_n and_o other_o grace_n may_v be_v make_v know_v to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o in_o all_o these_o we_o note_v that_o god_n providence_n be_v the_o first_o and_o general_a cause_n above_o all_o cause_n overrule_a order_v and_o dispose_v they_o in_o this_o providence_n he_o use_v two_o instrument_n good_a as_o good_a angel_n and_o regenerate_a man_n and_o he_o work_v in_o and_o by_o these_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v a_o good_a order_n no_o disorder_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o instrument_n be_v bad_a as_o wicked_a angel_n devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n which_o though_o they_o be_v wicked_a in_o themselves_o yet_o god_n can_v use_v they_o well_o and_o in_o these_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n and_o the_o lord_n he_o work_v by_o they_o but_o not_o in_o they_o and_o permit_v their_o disorder_n and_o sin_n to_o show_v by_o they_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n these_o wicked_a instrument_n in_o themselves_o the_o lord_n use_v well_o and_o to_o good_a end_n for_o his_o providence_n be_v above_o they_o it_o restrain_v they_o keep_v in_o their_o malice_n bridle_v they_o that_o they_o can_v show_v their_o malice_n to_o the_o full_a but_o be_v bridle_v and_o keep_v short_a be_v overmastre_v by_o his_o providence_n so_o here_o the_o devil_n he_o afflict_v they_o yet_o not_o all_o but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o he_o destroy_v not_o but_o only_o imprison_v they_o and_o not_o always_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n the_o second_o action_n of_o god_n providence_n use_v wicked_a instrument_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n turn_v all_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o child_n the_o devil_n in_o afflict_v they_o purpose_v their_o destruction_n but_o the_o lord_n turn_v it_o to_o their_o good_a to_o prove_v they_o and_o try_v the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o their_o faith_n hope_n love_n patience_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o restrain_v their_o malice_n but_o turn_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n 1._o now_o we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o this_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o for_o ever_o bless_v his_o name_n for_o the_o same_o see_v he_o overrule_v the_o wicked_a instrument_n he_o restrain_v their_o malice_n he_o use_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o child_n and_o consider_v of_o this_o it_o shall_v make_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o protection_n make_v his_o providence_n our_o sure_a defence_n and_o safeguard_n in_o all_o our_o temptation_n and_o see_v the_o end_n of_o their_o affliction_n be_v to_o try_v they_o 2._o we_o must_v all_o first_o labour_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n not_o only_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o formal_a profession_n but_o to_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o it_o true_o in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v try_v we_o as_o gold_n in_o the_o fire_n the_o lord_n will_v cast_v we_o into_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n to_o prove_v we_o whether_o we_o be_v pure_a gold_n whether_o we_o have_v pure_a faith_n unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o not_o these_o will_v abide_v the_o fire_n and_o not_o burn_v when_o formal_a show_n of_o godliness_n will_n 2._o see_v affliction_n be_v to_o try_v we_o we_o must_v rejoice_v and_o think_v tribulation_n a_o great_a blessing_n i_o be_o 1._o think_v it_o exceed_v joy_n to_o fall_v into_o temptation_n for_o by_o affliction_n our_o grace_n be_v make_v manifest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o the_o world_n the_o five_o circumstance_n be_v the_o time_n for_o ten_o day_n some_o understand_v by_o this_o a_o long_a time_n as_o gen._n 31._o 41_o laban_n change_v jacob_n wage_n ten_o time_n that_o be_v many_o time_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o for_o christ_n speak_v that_o to_o comfort_v they_o now_o what_o comfort_n be_v this_o to_o be_v long_o in_o affliction_n other_o think_v that_o by_o ten_o day_n ten_o year_n be_v mean_v and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n so_o use_v see_v there_o be_v a_o week_n of_o year_n as_o well_o as_o of_o day_n but_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v in_o persecution_n so_o long_o and_o no_o long_o then_o i_o take_v it_o by_o ten_o day_n be_v mean_v a_o very_a short_a time_n a_o little_a space_n of_o time_n and_o this_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o purpose_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o comfort_v the_o church_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v think_v not_o thy_o affliction_n to_o be_v long_o for_o it_o be_v but_o for_o ten_o day_n a_o short_a time_n in_o which_o word_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n church_n be_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n a_o time_n decree_v and_o set_v down_o by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v shorten_v or_o make_v long_o so_o the_o lord_n tell_v abraham_n that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v be_v in_o captivity_n and_o affliction_n 430._o year_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o they_o be_v in_o affliction_n especial_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n 430._o year_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o that_o time_n be_v expire_v the_o same_o night_n be_v they_o deliver_v so_o daniel_n for_o the_o space_n of_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n captivity_n pray_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o deliverance_n for_o he_o know_v the_o time_n be_v certain_a and_o can_v not_o be_v change_v and_o therefore_o be_v patient_a but_o when_o that_o time_n draw_v to_o a_o end_n than_o he_o pray_v for_o deliverance_n and_o the_o lord_n hear_v his_o prayer_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o in_o affliction_n to_o be_v patient_a and_o to_o seek_v to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n see_v the_o time_n of_o our_o affliction_n be_v certain_a and_o can_v be_v make_v short_a or_o long_o we_o can_v be_v deliver_v till_o the_o whole_a time_n be_v expire_v second_o note_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n church_n and_o child_n be_v but_o for_o ten_o day_n a_o very_a short_a space_n of_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a comfort_n to_o any_o in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n see_v the_o lord_n will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o ten_o day_n a_o short_a time_n as_o paul_n teach_v 2._o cor._n 4._o 17._o but_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o to_o be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n every_o word_n contain_v a_o argument_n of_o comfort_n for_o the_o church_n for_o first_o the_o author_n of_o affliction_n be_v the_o devil_n he_o cause_v they_o now_o fear_v not_o he_o for_o he_o be_v god_n enemy_n therefore_o thou_o be_v his_o enemy_n have_v god_n for_o thy_o friend_n and_o then_o what_o can_v he_o do_v to_o thou_o to_o hurt_v thou_o for_o they_o which_o have_v he_o their_o enemy_n their_o cause_n be_v good_a second_o he_o shall_v not_o afflict_v all_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o some_o of_o you_o a_o few_o of_o they_o the_o lord_n restrain_v his_o malice_n he_o can_v do_v his_o wil._n three_o he_o can_v kill_v or_o destroy_v they_o but_o only_o afflict_v their_o body_n four_o he_o shall_v not_o do_v that_o to_o their_o destruction_n as_o he_o will_v but_o the_o lord_n turn_v it_o to_o try_v they_o for_o their_o good_a so_o this_o affliction_n it_o shall_v not_o last_v always_o but_o for_o ten_o day_n a_o very_a short_a time_n why_o then_o shall_v you_o fear_v let_v not_o fear_v overcome_v your_o heart_n be_v not_o discourage_v but_o take_v christ_n fortitude_n and_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o undergo_v manful_o all_o danger_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v another_o precept_n which_o contain_v a_o most_o bless_a and_o heavenly_a counsel_n be_v thou_o faithful_a the_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o that_o fidelity_n they_o owe_v to_o he_o first_o by_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n for_o in_o that_o sacrament_n god_n promise_v to_o his_o child_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n promise_v and_o make_v this_o stipulation_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v renounce_v himself_o and_o in_o death_n and_o life_n rely_v only_o on_o christ._n now_o
he_o use_v mean_n to_o enter_v when_o they_o have_v bar_v he_o out_o mark_v the_o unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o christ_n they_o by_o their_o sin_n stop_v christ_n from_o enter_v yet_o he_o pursue_v they_o with_o mercy_n and_o offer_v mercy_n to_o they_o that_o refuse_v it_o and_o content_v themselves_o to_o lie_v and_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o flee_v from_o god_n the_o lord_n seek_v he_o out_o and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o he_o so_o isaiah_n 65._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o never_o seek_v he_o they_o that_o never_o dream_v of_o mercy_n sound_a mercy_n 15._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n that_o sheep_n which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o wild_a beast_n christ_n seek_v it_o up_o and_o bring_v it_o home_o all_o these_o place_n tend_v to_o one_o end_n to_o show_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o church_n yea_o in_o this_o of_o we_o if_o we_o have_v mercy_n we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o seek_v it_o nay_o when_o we_o refuse_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v this_o shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o magnify_v christ_n for_o his_o mercy_n we_o shall_v not_o let_v pass_v such_o consideration_n as_o these_o but_o rather_o break_v out_o into_o praise_n of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v a_o bottomless_a sea_n quest._n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o he_o knock_v answ._n the_o word_n precedent_n show_v the_o sense_n for_o these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o they_o he_o say_v before_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o then_o he_o give_v they_o counsel_n now_o by_o so_o sharp_a a_o rebuke_n they_o may_v have_v despair_v therefore_o he_o show_v that_o by_o this_o threaten_n and_o rebuke_v and_o counsel_n he_o knock_v that_o they_o may_v perceive_v they_o be_v not_o token_n of_o wrath_n but_o of_o mercy_n so_o then_o this_o knock_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reproof_n threaten_v and_o counsel_n use_v before_o he_o knock_v when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o make_v man_n see_v their_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n here_o than_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v the_o state_n of_o all_o people_n which_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o and_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v at_o every_o man_n heart_n all_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n reproof_n of_o sin_n exhortation_n admonition_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v so_o many_o knock_v of_o christ._n a_o great_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n that_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v do_v this_o now_o then_o do_v christ_n knock_v thus_o by_o preach_v promise_n and_o threaten_n etc._n etc._n then_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a dead_a and_o backward_o but_o show_v more_o zeal_n if_o any_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o calling_n knock_v at_o your_o door_n what_o stir_v be_v there_o that_o you_o may_v receive_v he_o as_o be_v meet_v then_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o when_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o deal_v thus_o merciful_o with_o we_o again_o in_o that_o christ_n come_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v our_o conversion_n it_o serve_v to_o admonish_v we_o to_o turn_v with_o all_o speed_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v stand_v and_o reach_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o ministry_n to_o beat_v upon_o our_o heart_n mark_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o a_o light_n and_o soft_a kind_n of_o knock_v but_o it_o go_v with_o cry_v he_o both_o knock_v and_o cry_v it_o be_v a_o earnest_a knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v fain_o enter_v see_v then_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n knocketh_v so_o earnest_o to_o save_v man_n soul_n we_o again_o ought_v to_o be_v earnest_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n he_o knock_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o we_o must_v according_o by_o god_n grace_v be_v as_o earnest_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n his_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o show_v by_o two_o sign_n first_o his_o wait_a second_o his_o knock_n and_o that_o join_v with_o cry_v if_o any_o man_n etc._n etc._n now_o follow_v the_o second_o token_n namely_o a_o promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v a_o little_a to_o set_v down_o the_o meaning_n mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n it_o be_v such_o as_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o action_n in_o his_o own_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v and_o receive_v christ._n so_o it_o attribute_n to_o man_n will_n a_o action_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o for_o my_o part_n stand_v and_o knock_v if_o therefore_o any_o man_n hear_v etc._n etc._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o such_o a_o action_n shall_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n but_o this_o speech_n be_v use_v for_o just_a cause_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o agent_n first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o the_o word_n three_o man_v will_n the_o principal_a agent_n and_o worker_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o change_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o will_n by_o nature_n will_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n second_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o work_v not_o now_o ordinary_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n and_o inspiration_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o heart_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o the_o will_n though_o it_o be_v dead_a by_o nature_n &_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o itself_o yet_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o move_v it_o it_o move_v itself_o and_o strive_v to_o be_v alter_v when_o god_n move_v it_o we_o must_v not_o think_v man_n will_n be_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n which_o have_v no_o action_n but_o only_o passive_o receive_v and_o impression_n but_o the_o will_n be_v dispose_v move_v and_o stir_v itself_o even_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v it_o burn_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v be_v fire_n so_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v grace_n the_o will_n move_v the_o mind_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v sin_n and_o the_o will_v incline_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v a_o strife_n against_o sin_n and_o make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n so_o much_o as_o he_o can_v so_o the_o will_n in_o the_o very_a first_o conversion_n have_v his_o action_n though_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n now_o consider_v these_o three_o action_n concur_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o sinner_n which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v as_o here_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n not_o that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o christ_n but_o when_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o a_o man_n have_v a_o free_a will_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n by_o grace_n as_o fire_n have_v some_o effect_n of_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v kindle_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v to_o impenitent_a person_n not_o because_o they_o can_v do_v it_o of_o themselves_o but_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o word_n they_o can_v turn_v and_o use_v good_a mean_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v a_o action_n to_o such_o person_n when_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o receive_v christ_n than_o it_o receive_v christ_n when_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n by_o that_o grace_n it_o be_v enable_v to_o receive_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n let_v we_o see_v how_o this_o text_n have_v be_v abuse_v first_o by_o papist_n which_o gather_v hereupon_o that_o a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n by_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v and_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o set_v open_v the_o heart_n wide_a to_o receive_v christ._n thus_o if_o you_o shall_v humble_v yourselves_o and_o acknowledge_v your_o unworthiness_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n with_o true_a faith_n and_o testify_v it_o by_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n then_o shall_v your_o heart_n be_v open_a indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v receive_v christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o condition_n it_o follow_v i_o