golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o i_o hear_v this_o sudden_a and_o mighty_a voice_n i_o turn_v myself_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o utter_v the_o same_o in_o this_o behaviour_n of_o john_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o word_n as_o john_n dispose_v himself_o towards_o christ_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o vision_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o voice_n speak_v john_n hearken_v and_o because_o the_o sound_n thereof_o come_v behind_o he_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o utter_v it_o even_o so_o must_v we_o do_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n stranger_n with_o god_n slow_a to_o hear_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o ready_a to_o turn_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n when_o we_o hear_v therefore_o when_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n we_o must_v hearken_v and_o though_o we_o be_v go_v another_o way_n yet_o we_o must_v turn_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o voice_n that_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o saint_n john_n have_v not_o see_v this_o marvelous_a vision_n unless_o he_o have_v turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v he_o that_o speak_v no_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n unless_o we_o turn_v our_o heart_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o that_o betimes_o while_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n viz._n the_o entrance_n thereunto_o the_o second_o part_n it_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o vision_n contain_v a_o most_o worthy_a representation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o a_o description_n of_o christ_n continue_v from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n wherein_o john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v and_o partly_o by_o see_v and_o first_o he_o begin_v his_o description_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o see_v he_o represent_v in_o vision_n and_o so_o describe_v he_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o place_n where_o he_o see_v he_o second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n wherein_o he_o appear_v i._o for_o the_o place_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v himself_o vers_fw-la 20._o now_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n for_o that_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o they_o for_o as_o the_o candlestick_n serve_v to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n that_o be_v set_v therein_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n they_o bear_v up_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o call_v candlestick_n than_o candle_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o or_o from_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v god_n instrument_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a true_a lamp_n and_o candle_n that_o give_v light_a to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n second_o hence_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n must_v learn_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v a_o shine_a and_o burn_a candle_n indeed_o this_o principal_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n john_n 5._o vers_fw-la 35._o but_o yet_o it_o must_v also_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o member_n thereof_o as_o saint_n paul_n command_v 16._o shine_v say_v he_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n quest._n how_o shall_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n become_v a_o burn_a light_n answ._n first_o he_o must_v have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o then_o as_o a_o candlestick_n hold_v out_o and_o send_v forth_o the_o beaâ—es_n thereof_o to_o other_o partly_o by_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n and_o partly_o by_o example_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n thus_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v god_n commandment_n shine_v as_o light_n say_v s._n paul_n in_o the_o world_n philip_n 2.15_o and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n ephes._n 5.8_o second_o consider_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o which_o be_v wonderful_a great_a for_o by_o godly_a instruction_n in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o answerable_a obedience_n in_o our_o life_n we_o win_v many_o to_o the_o lord_n show_v forth_o such_o light_n whereby_o other_o may_v walk_v in_o this_o dark_a world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a light_n in_o the_o winter_n season_n man_n think_v they_o do_v other_o great_a pleasure_n if_o in_o the_o night_n they_o hang_v forth_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v passenger_n a_o little_a way_n in_o a_o earthly_a walk_n what_o a_o bless_a thing_n then_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v guide_v a_o sinful_a wicked_a wretch_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n live_v in_o god_n church_n like_o candle_n put_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n hence_o come_v great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o other_o with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o they_o lead_v other_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n especial_o they_o who_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o conscience_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o good_a example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o as_o in_o a_o haven_n town_n if_o any_o man_n in_o the_o night_n time_n do_v remove_v the_o sea-mark_a which_o guide_v the_o ship_n in_o the_o right_a channel_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v near_o the_o shore_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n even_o so_o they_o that_o shall_v give_v light_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o false_a light_n to_o such_o as_o depend_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v sail_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n hereby_o they_o lead_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a haven_n and_o instead_o of_o heaven_n bring_v their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n which_o must_v terrify_v we_o from_o ignorance_n and_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v we_o labour_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o this_o world_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o godly_a conversation_n three_o reason_n consider_v the_o fearful_a judgment_n of_o god_n against_o such_o as_o live_v in_o his_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o yet_o give_v no_o light_n they_o do_v incur_v the_o fearful_a wrath_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o temple_n the_o keep_n of_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n and_o other_o instrument_n to_o trim_v the_o same_o which_o notable_o figure_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n who_o look_v to_o every_o light_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v to_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o a_o lamp_n and_o when_o they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o dark_a he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n to_o trim_v they_o and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o better_a light_n both_o by_o godly_a life_n and_o good_a instruction_n but_o when_o he_o have_v snuff_v they_o again_o and_o again_o if_o still_o they_o burn_v dark_a and_o dim_a and_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o else_o a_o false_a light_n
country_n to_o country_n in_o most_o school_n of_o learning_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n for_o therein_o be_v nothing_o teach_v but_o error_n heresy_n and_o most_o abominable_a idolatry_n in_o these_o our_o day_n the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n among_o we_o where_o any_o wizard_n dwell_v or_o cunning_a person_n as_o they_o be_v call_v for_o thither_o whole_a country_n do_v flock_n for_o help_n and_o for_o counsel_n and_o so_o yield_v homage_n to_o satan_n all_o dice_v &_o all_o brothel_a house_n wherein_o abominable_a wickedness_n be_v free_o commit_v be_v satan_n throne_n yea_o all_o those_o family_n be_v the_o devil_n throne_n where_o man_n live_v without_o love_n or_o practice_v of_o religion_n in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o blasphemy_n drunkenness_n whoredom_n injustice_n or_o any_o such_o impiety_n and_o in_o reason_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v thus_o for_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v his_o throne_n in_o some_o part_n thereof_o hereby_o we_o see_v it_o be_v most_o needful_a in_o every_o christian_a kingdom_n use_n there_o shall_v be_v throne_n of_o justice_n in_o civil_a court_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o equity_n the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o injustice_n and_o iniquity_n and_o also_o throne_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n for_o the_o reprehend_v and_o punish_v of_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o civil_a court_n reach_v not_o unto_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o these_o throne_n justice_n shall_v be_v administer_v without_o partiality_n that_o god_n throne_n may_v be_v erect_v which_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o throne_n of_o satan_n again_o the_o devil_n cunning_a appear_v notable_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o set_v up_o his_o throne_n it_o be_v no_o petty_a town_n or_o village_n but_o a_o chief_a and_o famous_a city_n which_o have_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o many_o king_n this_o have_v be_v his_o practice_n in_o all_o age_n to_o choose_v the_o chief_a place_n for_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o throne_n great_a babylon_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o city_n of_o iniquity_n that_o be_v a_o throne_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o rome_n that_o be_v once_o a_o famous_a church_n be_v now_o and_o have_v be_v long_o that_o spiritual_a babylon_n the_o throne_n of_o the_o devil_n yea_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n have_v the_o devil_n get_v up_o his_o throne_n when_o christ_n call_v the_o temple_n a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o in_o our_o day_n the_o people_n of_o great_a town_n and_o city_n be_v general_o more_o backward_o in_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n than_o in_o little_a village_n the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o will_v have_v his_o throne_n in_o chief_a place_n for_o the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o religion_n there_o he_o much_o prevail_v by_o choke_v the_o word_n with_o pride_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n cause_v they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n when_o as_o they_o want_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o thus_o he_o deal_v in_o great_a town_n that_o thence_o impiety_n may_v be_v derive_v to_o the_o country_n round_o about_o as_o tradesman_n do_v their_o ware_n from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n of_o great_a town_n especial_o must_v labour_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o gospel_n but_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o every_o man_n must_v reform_v himself_o and_o every_o family_n themselves_o that_o god_n throne_n may_v be_v establish_v &_o the_o devil_n throne_n batter_v down_o among_o they_o second_o whereas_o this_o church_n dwell_v where_o the_o devil_n throne_n be_v we_o may_v observe_v whence_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v namely_o out_o of_o satan_n kingdom_n god_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n ordain_v to_o salvation_n take_v from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o after_o their_o call_n they_o be_v god_n peculiar_a flock_n yet_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n thus_o paul_n speak_v of_o all_o the_o gentile_n act._n 26.18_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o colossa_n colos._n 1.13_o that_o god_n deliver_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n hence_o we_o learn_v i._o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o stand_v upon_o his_o his_o gentility_n use_n or_o glory_n in_o his_o parentage_n for_o nobility_n and_o great_a blood_n but_o only_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o place_v by_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n for_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o wear_v about_o his_o neck_n a_o chain_n of_o gold_n if_o so_o be_v his_o heart_n will_n &_o affection_n be_v chain_v to_o the_o devil_n service_n and_o what_o avail_v it_o prince_n to_o sit_v upon_o their_o stately_a throne_n if_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o subjection_n unto_o satan_n and_o do_v homage_n unto_o his_o throne_n yea_o what_o will_v all_o the_o treasure_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n avail_v to_o he_o that_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o so_o lead_v captive_a by_o satan_n at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n second_o some_o do_v think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o any_o religion_n the_o jew_n by_o his_o religion_n the_o turk_n by_o his_o and_o the_o papist_n by_o his_o etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o be_v the_o common_a receive_a opinion_n of_o our_o ignorant_a people_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o good_a meaning_n but_o all_o these_o be_v mere_a dotage_n of_o man_n brain_n for_o a_o man_n may_v hold_v his_o good_a meaning_n and_o yet_o serve_v the_o devil_n at_o his_o throne_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hold_v this_o or_o that_o religion_n or_o to_o practice_v civil_a virtue_n as_o justice_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n unless_o a_o man_n be_v one_o of_o god_n church_n sever_v from_o the_o company_n of_o they_o that_o serve_v satan_n three_o here_o all_o god_n servant_n have_v a_o notable_a mean_n of_o stay_n and_o comfort_n in_o affliction_n if_o they_o be_v persecute_v and_o cast_v into_o most_o dark_a dungeon_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o devil_n prison_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o place_v in_o the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o shall_v be_v inheritor_n of_o his_o glory_n four_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o it_o a_o divine_a power_n no_o creature_n except_o the_o good_a angel_n have_v power_n comparable_a to_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v strong_a than_o all_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n for_o it_o gather_v a_o church_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n it_o deliver_v man_n from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o place_v they_o in_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o therefore_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o sinful_a man_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v reverence_v as_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o arm_n to_o save_v his_o elect_a five_o hence_o we_o gather_v that_o god_n will_v have_v his_o people_n to_o dwell_v with_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n dwell_v where_o satan_n throne_n be_v this_o he_o do_v with_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n for_o good_a cause_n i._o that_o their_o faith_n obedience_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o they_o preserve_v from_o many_o sin_n which_o otherways_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o moses_n tell_v the_o israelit_n that_o the_o cananit_n must_v not_o be_v all_o cast_v out_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n but_o dwell_v among_o they_o lest_o wild_a beast_n do_v grow_v up_o which_o will_v devour_v they_o &_o so_o the_o wicked_a must_v dwell_v among_o the_o godly_a to_o exercise_v god_n grace_n in_o they_o lest_o they_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o security_n ii_o that_o they_o may_v shine_v forth_o as_o light_n unto_o the_o wicked_a by_o their_o godly_a conversation_n phil._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o pure_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n and_o among_o who_o you_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o word_n of_o life_n and_o thus_o the_o godly_a must_v do_v that_o by_o their_o unblameable_a life_n other_o may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o faith_n for_o godly_a example_n be_v a_o
in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o renew_v of_o their_o repentance_n all_o which_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n fearful_a and_o careful_a than_o secure_a for_o with_o the_o mean_n be_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n both_o attein_v and_o preserve_v so_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o offence_n but_o a_o true_a doctrine_n that_o beat_v out_o the_o plain_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n second_o christ_n his_o detestation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n must_v admonish_v we_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o our_o behaviour_n every_o way_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o any_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v balaams_n scholar_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o special_a observation_n we_o must_v look_v to_o our_o communication_n that_o it_o be_v void_a of_o rail_v &_o bad_a speech_n and_o to_o our_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a in_o every_o thing_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o to_o hinder_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n woe_n 7._o be_v to_o they_o say_v christ_n that_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o huge_a millstone_n such_o as_o a_o ass_n can_v but_o turn_v about_o as_o the_o word_n import_v be_v tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o a_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n give_v his_o brother_n a_o offence_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o plunge_v his_o brother_n soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v fly_v offence_n as_o hell_n itself_o yea_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v help_v our_o brethren_n forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o remove_v from_o they_o all_o stumble_a block_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v our_o church_n will_v abound_v with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v want_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o we_o have_v so_o small_a increase_n after_o long_a labour_n in_o preach_v for_o example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n do_v quench_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n three_o hereby_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o have_v special_a care_n against_o offence_n give_v by_o evil_a counsel_n or_o bad_a example_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o other_o then_o be_v it_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o us._n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v many_o offence_n give_v but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o take_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o christ_n bid_v we_o â—_o if_o thy_o foot_n offend_v thou_o or_o thy_o haâ—d_a cut_v it_o off_o or_o thy_o eye_n pluck_v it_o out_o teach_v we_o to_o forgo_v the_o dear_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o if_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o mark_v the_o israelit_n example_n in_o the_o wilderness_n while_o they_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o observe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n all_o balaams_n curse_n be_v turn_v into_o blessing_n but_o when_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n &_o fornication_n with_o the_o moabitish_a woman_n then_o be_v god_n wrath_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o his_o plague_n seize_v upon_o they_o even_o so_o if_o our_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o enjoy_v and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o become_v a_o penitent_a and_o obedient_a people_n unto_o god_n then_o may_v balaam_n curse_v and_o all_o our_o enemy_n spit_v their_o venom_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a but_o if_o we_o let_v go_v true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o fall_v to_o sin_n than_o we_o must_v look_v for_o â—ods_n heavy_a judgement_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o his_o wrath_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n four_o when_o balaams_n curse_v will_v not_o prevail_v than_o do_v fair_a woman_n and_o banquet_v draw_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v take_v from_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o soon_o prevail_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_o a_o besiege_a city_n when_o a_o huge_a army_n can_v sack_v it_o than_o silver_n and_o gold_n will_v open_v the_o gate_n hereof_o even_o so_o when_o adversity_n can_v make_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v religion_n &_o good_a conscience_n then_o by_o prosperity_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v the_o devil_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v ease_n pleasure_n and_o outward_a blessing_n at_o will_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a case_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n than_o other_o unless_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o special_a grace_n to_o watch_v against_o these_o please_a temptation_n this_o make_v godly_a job_n 1.5_o to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n every_o day_n when_o they_o feast_v each_o other_o at_o their_o house_n lest_o any_o one_o than_o shall_v have_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n because_o he_o know_v the_o devil_n by_o pleasure_n will_v soon_o wind_v himself_o into_o their_o heart_n last_o note_v the_o order_n of_o these_o sin_n first_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o sit_v at_o idol_n feast_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v adultery_n where_o we_o see_v that_o these_o two_o sin_n go_v together_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o be_v idolatry_n and_o bodily_a adultery_n one_o be_v the_o plague_n &_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o that_o people_n which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n will_v god_n give_v up_o to_o bodily_a adultery_n as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o these_o israeliâ—s_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o turk_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o maintain_n fornication_n in_o tollerate_v stew_n and_o further_o it_o much_o by_o their_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n wherewith_o they_o bind_v the_o conscience_n though_o the_o party_n want_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n verse_n 15._o even_o so_o have_v thou_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o which_o thing_n i_o haâ—e_v here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o comparison_n where_o christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o the_o nicolaitan_o be_v second_o how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o what_o they_o be_v be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n even_o so_o which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o resemblance_n or_o comparison_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n go_v before_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v the_o nicolaitan_o be_v a_o seâ—t_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n that_o maintain_v two_o damnable_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n i._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n sit_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n iâ—_n that_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o commit_v it_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o hold_v such_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v hereby_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v a_o like_n of_o their_o wicked_a opinion_n let_v we_o examine_v their_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v ground_v for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o will_v plead_v thus_o i._o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n liberty_n thing_n indifferent_a may_v â—e_v lawful_o use_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v ans._n meat_n and_o drink_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n if_o they_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o market_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o paul_n teach_v at_o large_a 1._o cor._n 10.25.29_o but_o if_o these_o meat_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o the_o nicolaitan_o hold_v this_o to_o be_v lawful_a ii_o reason_n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o and_o therefore_o we_o sin_v not_o in_o eat_v meat_n offer_v unto_o they_o ans._n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o nature_n subsist_v nothing_o
or_o not_o to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o man_n lie_v dead_a in_o sin_n be_v because_o they_o set_v their_o will_n to_o refuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o man_n live_v in_o christ_n be_v because_o they_o incline_v their_o will_n to_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o god._n but_o this_o doctrine_n do_v great_o diminish_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o make_v the_o acceptance_n thereof_o to_o lie_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n when_o as_o the_o power_n of_o almighty_a god_n join_v with_o his_o will_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o leave_v some_o to_o themselves_o who_o do_v fall_v and_o enable_v other_o to_o stand_v by_o his_o grace_n now_o follow_v the_o word_n of_o this_o commendation_n notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardie_a that_o be_v there_o be_v yet_o in_o this_o church_n a_o few_o person_n know_v to_o i_o by_o their_o name_n for_o by_o name_n we_o must_v understand_v person_n name_v which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o to_o omit_v many_o exposition_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherein_o god_n set_v down_o a_o distinction_n between_o thing_n clean_a and_o unclean_a not_o in_o themselves_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n if_o any_o man_n have_v but_o touch_v a_o unclean_a thing_n with_o his_o hand_n or_o with_o his_o garment_n thereby_o he_o be_v defile_v and_o his_o garment_n defile_v legal_o and_o so_o he_o or_o his_o garment_n be_v repute_v unclean_a whereupon_o they_o have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o touch_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v defile_v no_o not_o with_o their_o garment_n now_o this_o signify_v another_o thing_n unto_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o abstain_v not_o only_o from_o the_o outward_a sin_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o even_o from_o all_o occasion_n intention_n show_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o in_o this_o place_n this_o be_v mean_v hereby_o that_o some_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardie_n have_v so_o far_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o very_a occasion_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a hereby_o we_o see_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n for_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n be_v deâ—d_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o few_o only_o in_o this_o great_a place_n live_v in_o christ_n so_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n the_o flock_n to_o who_o the_o father_n 3â—_n will_v give_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v send_v 6.9_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o thâ—ir_a iniquity_n and_o 13._o the_o ten_o part_n only_o must_v be_v save_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n be_v broad_a 13.1â—_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o walk_n therein_o but_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v into_o it_o use_n hereby_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o multitude_n but_o of_o the_o few_o and_o better_a sort_n it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n that_o keep_v many_o from_o religion_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n when_o they_o will_v live_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o their_o forefather_n have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o false_a rule_n and_o a_o dangerous_a course_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v person_n who_o name_n i_o know_v &_o have_v record_v they_o be_v call_v name_n because_o christ_n observe_v and_o know_v they_o by_o their_o name_n where_o note_n that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v particular_o know_v unto_o christ_n 12.7_o the_o hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v number_v say_v christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n much_o more_o be_v their_o name_n know_v again_o he_o bid_v they_o rejoice_v that_o their_o name_n 10.2_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o christ_n the_o good_a shepherd_n know_v his_o sheep_n and_o call_v they_o by_o their_o name_n joh._n 10.3_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o endless_a comfort_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o what_o can_v cause_v a_o man_n more_o to_o rejoice_v than_o to_o know_v that_o his_o name_n particular_o be_v know_v to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o that_o according_o he_o have_v special_a regard_n unto_o he_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v comfort_v moses_n and_o put_v courage_n into_o he_o in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v know_v unto_o he_o by_o 1â—_n name_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n here_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o that_o they_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o very_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a when_o as_o thâ—_n rest_n of_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n in_o their_o example_n christ_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o a_o pattern_n of_o true_a piety_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o gross_a sin_n only_o but_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a show_n of_o evil_a yea_o more_fw-it particular_o here_o be_v three_o thing_n teach_v we_o touch_v sin_n first_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o our_o own_o person_n second_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o either_o by_o give_v consent_n unto_o they_o or_o further_a &_o allow_v they_o any_o way_n therein_o three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a occasion_n and_o show_v and_o appearance_n of_o sin_n so_o paul_n teach_v we_o 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a ephes._n 5.3_o he_o will_v not_o have_v sundry_a sin_n as_o fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n so_o much_o as_o once_o name_v thereby_o to_o give_v the_o least_o approbation_n unto_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o look_v on_o this_o example_n lay_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o conform_v our_o life_n unto_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v good_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o same_o commendation_n with_o these_o few_o for_o true_a religion_n stand_v not_o in_o knowledge_n but_o in_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v true_a obedience_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o our_o own_o person_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o infection_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a a_o happy_a church_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v practise_v but_o this_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o we_o have_v no_o care_n of_o true_a obedience_n in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o whereby_o we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n and_o grace_v our_o holy_a religion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n hence_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n after_o baptism_n may_v live_v without_o mortal_a sin_n for_o these_o few_o person_n in_o this_o church_n in_o their_o baptism_n put_v on_o christ_n and_o after_o keep_v themselves_o from_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o they_o have_v not_o commit_v any_o mortal_a sin_n but_o their_o collection_n be_v unsound_a for_o first_o though_o they_o have_v to_o this_o time_n abstain_v from_o all_o mortal_a sin_n yet_o how_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o they_o sin_v not_o afterward_o second_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v defile_v their_o garment_n not_o for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n but_o because_o they_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o must_v the_o obedience_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n child_n in_o scripture_n be_v understand_v namely_o of_o their_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v &_o so_o among_o we_o those_o that_o have_v a_o settle_a purpose_n &_o resolution_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v repute_v for_o keeper_n of_o the_o law_n for_o god_n in_o his_o child_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a after_o the_o commendation_n of_o these_o few_o christ_n add_v a_o promise_n of_o live_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n for_o so_o white_a garment_n have_v always_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v joy_n happiness_n life_n and_o glory_n ecclesiast_n 9.8_o at_o all_o time_n let_v thy_o garment_n be_v white_a that_o be_v take_v the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o use_v the_o creature_n
of_o god_n for_o he_o will_v try_v we_o wonder_a it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o common_a the_o reproach_n of_o presizenesse_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o know_v that_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o atheist_n that_o may_v discourage_v many_o a_o christian._n but_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trial_n wherein_o hypocrisy_n will_v vanish_v as_o the_o stubble_n before_o the_o fire_n must_v move_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o sincerity_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a we_o shall_v be_v far_o short_a of_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o through_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o hold_v on_o our_o good_a endeavour_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v the_o main_a grace_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n not_o to_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o if_o we_o want_v these_o and_o live_v loose_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v like_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v only_o the_o blaze_a lamp_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n and_o want_v the_o save_a oil_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v make_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n at_o his_o appear_v we_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v if_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o prove_v we_o we_o be_v then_o find_v barren_a and_o void_a of_o sound_a grace_n david_n bethink_v himself_o of_o this_o trial_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v conform_v himself_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o offer_v himself_o unto_o his_o trial_n say_v 2d_o lord_n prove_v i_o meaning_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n not_o of_o the_o perfectness_n of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o hereunto_o must_v we_o endeavour_v not_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o reign_v in_o us._n qu._n but_o how_o be_v this_o promise_n verify_v touch_v their_o deliverance_n from_o persecution_n see_v no_o church_n be_v free_a from_o it_o for_o even_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n whereof_o this_o in_o philadelphia_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o be_v persecute_v by_o traianus_n answ._n this_o and_o such_o like_a promise_n of_o deliverance_n to_o god_n child_n from_o trial_n and_o affliction_n must_v be_v understand_v not_o simple_o but_o with_o condition_n to_o wit_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o may_v be_v hurtful_a unto_o they_o and_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n hinder_v their_o salvation_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v promise_n of_o deliverance_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o temptation_n and_o persecution_n not_o from_o persecution_n and_o temptation_n itself_o psal._n 91.10_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o he_o that_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o plague_n shall_v not_o come_v near_o his_o dwell_n and_o yet_o by_o experience_n we_o know_v that_o god_n child_n in_o general_a plague_n be_v take_v away_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o that_o promise_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o deliverance_n not_o from_o the_o plague_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o hurt_n thereof_o so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o good_a or_o salvation_n of_o any_o in_o the_o godly_a man_n house_n we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o freedom_n from_o all_o temptation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v try_v but_o therein_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v we_o in_o our_o temptation_n or_o give_v we_o up_o whole_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o profit_n and_o not_o to_o our_o hurt_n as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o salvation_n and_o so_o far_o forth_o be_v this_o promise_n accomplish_v to_o this_o church_n use_n the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v most_o comfortable_a to_o god_n church_n and_o people_n teach_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o cross_n in_o any_o temptation_n god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n try_v but_o the_o faithful_a therein_o need_v not_o to_o be_v dismay_v for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n have_v take_v away_o the_o evil_a and_o poison_n of_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n to_o they_o that_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n though_o they_o suffer_v a_o thousand_o cross_n in_o this_o world_n never_o so_o long_o yea_o though_o they_o die_v under_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v put_v comfort_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o distress_a soul_n whatsoever_o &_o revive_v those_o that_o be_v oppress_v with_o temptation_n again_o in_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o with_o restraint_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o petition_n of_o those_o person_n which_o pray_v simple_o and_o absolute_o to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o temptation_n and_o adversity_n be_v not_o according_a to_o god_n will_v and_o word_n for_o every_o petition_n must_v depend_v upon_o some_o promise_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o freedom_n from_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o in_o pray_v against_o temptation_n we_o must_v qualify_v our_o petition_n for_o temporal_a deliverance_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o may_v most_o advance_v god_n glory_n and_o best_o further_a our_o salvation_n quest._n how_o can_v this_o great_a persecution_n be_v call_v but_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n see_v it_o last_v 14._o year_n answ._n in_o diverse_a respect_n it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n 3.3_o with_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n and_o therefore_o 14._o year_n with_o god_n be_v but_o as_o one_o hour_n second_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o punishment_n which_o every_o man_n by_o his_o sin_n deserve_v in_o hell_n eternal_o three_o in_o the_o affection_n of_o god_n people_n which_o be_v try_v when_o jacob_n serve_v laban_n seven_o year_n for_o rahell_n his_o affection_n make_v he_o think_v 20_o it_o be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n so_o when_o god_n child_n suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o consideration_n thereof_o will_v make_v they_o think_v long_a affliction_n to_o be_v but_o short_a this_o affection_n cause_v paul_n to_o wish_v to_o himself_o eternal_a perdition_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o jew_n rom._n 9.3_o the_o end_n of_o this_o phrase_n touch_v the_o shortness_n of_o time_n be_v to_o comfort_v this_o and_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o grievous_a persecution_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o ease_v any_o affliction_n and_o to_o arm_v a_o impatient_a man_n with_o some_o measure_n of_o contentation_n iii_o point_n the_o prophecy_n or_o prediction_n of_o this_o affliction_n be_v in_o these_o word_n which_o will_v come_v on_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n here_o christ_n foretell_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o come_v simple_o by_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o not_o by_o the_o help_n of_o any_o cause_n or_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o hereby_o he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o property_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o true_a god_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o to_o foretell_v a_o thing_n to_o come_v before_o it_o can_v be_v see_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o in_o the_o cause_n thereof_o no_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v so_o absolute_o foretell_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o in_o their_o prediction_n they_o first_o see_v the_o thing_n present_v in_o their_o cause_n unless_o they_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n but_o some_o may_v here_o demand_v whether_o christ_n foreknowledge_n and_o prediction_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o grievous_a persecution_n answ._n not_o so_o for_o thing_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v because_o of_o god_n foreknowledge_n thereof_o but_o because_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o god_n forsee_v &_o foretell_v they_o there_o be_v a_o high_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n than_o prescience_n and_o prediction_n to_o wit_n the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n so_o christ_n be_v say_v 2.23_o to_o be_v deliver_v to_o be_v crucify_v by_o the_o determinate_a will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o same_o eternal_a counsel_n do_v this_o persecution_n under_o trajan_n original_o proceed_v for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o the_o event_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v god_n decree_n either_o orday_v or_o dispose_v the_o same_o it_o will_v be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o be_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n answ._n god_n forbid_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n will_v and_o decree_n be_v