be_v praise_v cherish_v and_o follow_v as_o have_v the_o impress_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o they_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o suffering_n constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o their_o work_n catexochen_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o your_o grace_n and_o work_n of_o suffering_n patience_n and_o zeal_n against_o such_o worker_n false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o these_o be_v your_o good_a work_n worthy_a of_o commendation_n and_o imitation_n in_o you_o now_o in_o all_o our_o action_n observe_v there_o must_v be_v many_o circumstantial_a ingredient_n to_o denominate_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o good_a work_n according_a to_o that_o old_a rule_n a_o quo_fw-la cvi_fw-la quomodo_fw-la quando_fw-la first_o they_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o true_a fountain_n god_n spirit_n must_v be_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o author_n 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or_o fundamental_o unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o this_o can_v be_v term_v a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n but_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a and_o real_a truth_n that_o justify_v a_o soul_n in_o his_o suffering_n for_o it_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v keep_v undefiled_a thereby_o and_o so_o become_v a_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n when_o god_n call_v he_o to_o it_o in_o clear_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n see_v more_o hereon_o in_o v._o 9_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n five_o in_o the_o last_o place_n understand_v that_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o our_o work_n though_o they_o be_v all_o right_o circumstantiate_v as_o aforesaid_a yet_o strict_o and_o simple_o in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v good_a work_n for_o so_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n god_n be_v only_o good_a mark_v 10.18_o and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o production_n of_o they_o though_o the_o agency_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v manifest_o in_o they_o yet_o pass_v through_o corrupt_a conduit_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o sinful_a instrument_n they_o receive_v a_o tincture_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o defilement_n from_o the_o sinful_a agent_n that_o do_v produce_v and_o effect_v they_o and_o so_o single_o in_o themselves_o be_v sinful_a and_o imperfect_a but_o as_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o christ_n our_o work_n though_o otherwise_o weak_a sinful_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n accept_v as_o good_a holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o be_v do_v and_o present_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o that_o altar_n that_o both_o sanctify_v the_o gift_n and_o the_o giver_n in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o acceptation_n of_o our_o work_n before_o our_o person_n be_v in_o christ_n than_o he_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o our_o work_n though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o yet_o in_o christ_n and_o as_o flow_v from_o his_o divine_a efficiency_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o most_o holy_a good_a and_o perfect_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v more_o especial_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v the_o labour_n and_o patience_n they_o undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n which_o do_v manifest_o appear_v in_o their_o zeal_n against_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v from_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o burdensome_a troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o christ_n faithful_a church_n to_o have_v evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o the_o one_o do_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n the_o other_o their_o judgement_n the_o one_o be_v pernicious_a in_o their_o example_n the_o other_o in_o their_o doctrine_n the_o one_o 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hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a christian_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o reprove_v the_o false_a teacher_n and_o evil_a worker_n the_o great_a hinderer_n at_o present_a of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n not_o consider_v that_o their_o lust_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o if_o christ_n witness_n speak_v against_o they_o in_o faithfulness_n they_o be_v present_o brand_v as_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o faction_n and_o often_o suffer_v for_o it_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v their_o portion_n herein_o of_o travel_n and_o patience_n for_o their_o integrity_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n against_o these_o teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n in_o that_o primitive_a age_n so_o near_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o under_o the_o fall_n away_o and_o antichrist_n dominion_n christ_n faithful_a witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
thunder_n and_o how_o zealous_a and_o hot_a be_v the_o papist_n this_o day_n for_o their_o scarlet_a strumpet_n and_o her_o fornication_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v love_v and_o therefore_o no_o true_a zeal_n but_o spurious_a and_o impious_a the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o a_o man_n intention_n be_v never_o good_a be_v they_o never_o so_o high_o pretend_v thereunto_o but_o when_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o good_a warrant_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o refer_v to_o right_a end_n namely_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n now_o to_o return_v to_o answer_v the_o doubt_n propose_v have_v clear_v what_o true_a zeal_n be_v with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a when_o a_o right_a object_n and_o right_a end_n be_v propose_v paul_n in_o rom._n 12.11_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v fervent_a in_o the_o spirit_n hot_a boil_a hot_a in_o spiritual_a affair_n what_o think_v you_o of_o paul_n when_o he_o oppose_v peter_n to_o his_o face_n in_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n and_o will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o his_o dissimulation_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n so_o zealous_a be_v he_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n god_n be_v so_o zealous_a of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o smite_v uzzah_n 2_o sam._n 6_o 7._o for_o put_v only_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o ark_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n to_o save_v it_o from_o fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v commend_v his_o zeal_n and_o spare_v his_o ignorance_n herein_o but_o be_v not_o according_a unto_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o suffer_v for_o it_o no_o good_a intention_n and_o meaning_n will_v make_v that_o action_n or_o duty_n good_a or_o lawful_a be_v it_o ever_o so_o specious_o religious_a and_o gracious_a that_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o best_a duty_n for_o want_n of_o this_o scantling_n be_v turn_v into_o sin_n and_o as_o god_n be_v zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n so_o he_o make_v his_o minister_n like_o himself_o heb._n 1.7_o he_o make_v his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n i_o will_v have_v all_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a moderate_a state-christians_a to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o can_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ordinary_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n through_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o of_o a_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a laodicean_n temper_v christ_n himself_o be_v think_v by_o the_o people_n to_o be_v one_o too_o hot_a that_o his_o zeal_n be_v beyond_o his_o judgement_n mark_v 3.21_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o be_v beside_o himself_o paul_n be_v also_o account_v mad_a not_o only_o by_o festus_n for_o his_o zeal_n towards_o god_n act_v 26.24_o but_o also_o by_o the_o christian_n corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 5_o 13._o so_o michael_n scoff_v at_o david_n as_o one_o of_o the_o fool_n for_o his_o zeal_n yet_o though_o they_o and_o other_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v vilify_v and_o reproach_v by_o the_o ignorant_a world_n yet_o their_o zeal_n have_v lay_v that_o corner_n stone_n and_o foundation_n of_o salvation_n that_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o what_o think_v you_o will_v the_o scarlet_a whore_n that_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n be_v dethrone_v or_o antichrist_n be_v discover_v and_o overthrow_v by_o a_o moderate_a lukewarm_a laodicean_n state_n religion_n and_o temper_v sure_o the_o first_o beginner_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v of_o another_o spirit_n than_o we_o in_o these_o day_n be_v of_o or_o else_o it_o will_v have_v make_v but_o a_o slow_a procedure_v for_o want_n of_o this_o true_a zeal_n our_o reformation_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la but_o i_o will_v still_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o zeal_n mix_v with_o the_o former_a ingredient_n and_o with_o sound_a knowledge_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o guide_n to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v it_o aright_o both_o in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v love_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o end_n of_o their_o love_n or_o else_o zeal_n not_o right_o regulate_v may_v be_v dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o offend_v and_o fail_v in_o their_o zeal_n first_o those_o that_o be_v stark_o cold_a and_o have_v no_o zeal_n at_o all_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o his_o worship_n as_o the_o profane_a worldling_n be_v second_o those_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a christian_n that_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a as_o those_o laodicean_n be_v and_o as_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a halt_v between_o god_n and_o baal_n 1_o king_n 18.21_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o who_o zeal_n be_v blind_a void_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n who_o cover_v their_o own_o carnal_a affection_n with_o the_o cloak_n of_o glorify_v of_o god_n rush_v on_o inconsiderate_o into_o many_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a action_n some_o on_o this_o pretence_n endeavour_v again_o in_o these_o our_o day_n to_o set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o his_o throne_n among_o we_o other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o want_v of_o this_o sound_a knowledge_n join_v to_o their_o zeal_n under_o pretence_n of_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n and_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n they_o endeavour_v to_o undermine_v and_o pull_v down_o all_o magistracy_n ministry_n scripture_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o christ_n church_n whatsoever_o whereof_o this_o age_n of_o we_o afford_v as_o many_o lamentable_a example_n as_o any_o former_a whatsoever_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o add_v wisdom_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n unto_o his_o zeal_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o controvert_v opinion_n of_o religion_n that_o lie_v deep_a and_o dark_a whether_o they_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o moderation_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v most_o commendable_a and_o let_v every_o one_o walk_v as_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o controvert_v point_n and_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o we_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o christ_n the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v appear_v to_o open_v all_o the_o seal_a book_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v again_o and_o so_o that_o scripture_n in_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o apply_v be_v not_o righteous_a over_o much_o that_o be_v be_v not_o over_o zealous_a hot_a or_o fervent_a for_o they_o but_o for_o plain_a obvious_a and_o perspicuous_a command_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o christ_n precept_n and_o command_n or_o antichrist_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o embrace_v our_o zeal_n and_o intention_n here_o can_v be_v too_o hot_a we_o can_v possible_o here_o admit_v of_o a_o syncratism_n or_o a_o mean_a as_o worldly_a wise_a cassander_n will_v endeavour_v between_o papist_n and_o protestant_n either_o god_n must_v be_v god_n or_o baal_n must_v be_v god_n either_o christ_n must_v have_v the_o throne_n or_o else_o antichrist_n must_v reign_v they_o can_v possible_o inhabit_v in_o one_o temple_n god_n and_o dagon_n will_v not_o correspond_v no_o degree_n of_o zeal_n herein_o will_v suffice_v but_o what_o be_v the_o high_a and_o aim_v at_o perfection_n the_o defect_n whereof_o either_o that_o of_o coldness_n which_o be_v more_o remote_a or_o that_o of_o lukewarmness_n which_o be_v near_o be_v equal_o faulty_a in_o this_o particular_a either_o let_v we_o be_v altogether_o romish_n or_o altogether_o reform_v either_o full_o zealous_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n or_o else_o cold_a thereunto_o for_o no_o mean_a will_v serve_v turn_n therefore_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v to_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a that_o be_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o rather_o thou_o be_v any_o thing_n then_o what_o thou_o be_v i_o will_v as_o rather_o thou_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n as_o of_o this_o mongrel_n uncertain_a hotchpotch_n religion_n that_o thou_o be_v of_o from_o these_o word_n note_v observe_v that_o a_o lukewarm_a religion_n be_v equal_o if_o not_o more_o displease_v unto_o god_n than_o irreligion_n or_o profaneness_n itself_o christ_n here_o prefer_v coldness_n the_o most_o remote_a degree_n in_o religion_n before_o a_o near_a lukewarmness_n christ_n wish_v laodicea_n either_o to_o be_v hot_a zealous_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o else_o cold_a that_o be_v dead_a strange_a and_o alienate_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a as_o she_o be_v it_o be_v as_o good_a and_o there_o
officer_n now_o at_o present_a authorize_v in_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o such_o officer_n then_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o officer_n want_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v right_o dispense_v but_o the_o major_a be_v former_o clear_v the_o consequence_n i_o believe_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o look_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o office_n therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a and_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o primitive_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o positive_a institution_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v moral_a positive_a law_n and_o still_o constringent_a and_o perpetual_a unless_o you_o can_v show_v their_o repeal_v see_v cawdry_n on_o the_o sabbath_n part_v 1._o cap._n 2._o hereon_o and_o therefore_o bind_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n confer_v hereunto_o that_o of_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o all_o which_o indeed_o the_o church_n do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o maintain_v though_o they_o have_v lay_v by_o the_o name_n thereof_o so_o necessary_a do_v they_o find_v the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a office_n though_o the_o office_n themselves_o nominal_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o door_n when_o we_o send_v preacher_n to_o our_o american_n plantation_n for_o the_o discipling_n the_o poor_a indian_n be_v they_o not_o tantamount_n as_o apostle_n when_o eusebius_n the_o centurist_n and_o late_a church_n historiographer_n do_v historify_v the_o act_n and_o occurrence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n evangelist_n when_o person_n do_v interpret_v and_o enucleate_v dark_a or_o prophetical_a scripture_n do_v they_o not_o look_v like_o prophet_n when_o by_o the_o faith_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a corruption_n be_v vanquish_v the_o will_n be_v reform_v health_n restore_v and_o satanical_a dispossession_n accomplish_v do_v they_o not_o carry_v the_o face_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o entertain_v the_o office_n and_o gift_n themselves_o nominal_o as_o well_o as_o operative_o and_o virtual_o though_o with_o some_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o by_o a_o crescent_a as_o unto_o young_a brother_n acknowledge_v always_o and_o that_o just_o a_o pre-eminence_n of_o gift_n and_o spirit_n in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o near_a unto_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o verity_n but_o far_o thereby_o from_o conclude_v that_o their_o office_n be_v bury_v with_o the_o first_o founder_n together_o with_o their_o most_o excellent_a gift_n in_o one_o arm_n but_o still_o keep_v alive_a and_o preserve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o station_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o none_o may_v judge_v i_o rash_a or_o presumptory_a in_o this_o opinion_n i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o add_v adhuc_fw-la sub_fw-la judice_fw-la lie_fw-la est_fw-la try_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v every_o one_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a to_o walk_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n that_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o question_n may_v be_v seasonable_o set_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o true_a christ_n minister_n from_o antichrist_n or_o the_o pseudo-prophet_n from_o the_o orthodox_n see_v the_o false_a one_o can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o rev._n 2.2_o this_o question_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a the_o discussion_n useful_a both_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o strange_a to_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o god_n to_o have_v false_a prophet_n and_o false_a apostle_n in_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 18.19_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o of_o the_o grove_n four_o hundred_o but_o the_o true_a one_o hide_v by_o obadiah_n be_v but_o one_o hundred_o ezekiel_n jeremiah_n meet_v they_o too_o in_o babylon_n jer._n 28_o 29_o chap._n and_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n be_v much_o trouble_v and_o vex_v with_o false_a apostle_n false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n also_o witness_v 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o gal._n 5.12_o matth._n 24.11_o and_o those_o church_n of_o ephesus_n pergamus_n sardis_n etc._n etc._n have_v their_o share_n also_o in_o this_o trouble_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o god_n often_o suffer_v with_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o in_o and_o upon_o his_o church_n to_o make_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o precious_a to_o try_v the_o godly_a and_o discover_v hypocrite_n and_o to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o can_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o preserve_v his_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o contagion_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v to_o try_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o all_o their_o malignant_a influence_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n now_o a_o false_a apostle_n or_o prophet_n may_v be_v discover_v two_o way_n first_o either_o from_o his_o false_a doctrine_n or_o pprophecy_n or_o second_o from_o his_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n the_o ancient_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v call_v seer_n from_o the_o clear_a divine_a revelation_n and_o irradiation_n they_o have_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 17.13_o and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n next_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a call_n to_o exercise_v that_o gift_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n they_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o have_v see_v nothing_o as_o in_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o that_o be_v they_o be_v prophet_n because_o they_o will_v be_v prophet_n it_o be_v their_o own_o motion_n that_o make_v they_o prophesy_v they_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v their_o own_o will_n the_o high_a original_n of_o their_o call_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v their_o own_o what_o their_o fancy_n lust_n private_a interest_n affection_n and_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v unto_o they_o so_o their_o prophecy_n come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o therefore_o however_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v by_o man_n be_v worthless_a in_o god_n account_n because_o it_o only_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o from_o god_n spirit_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n now_o i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o press_v for_o enthusiastic_a prophecy_n but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o close_o with_o man_n base_a interest_n and_o motion_n but_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o therefore_o what_o come_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o private_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n various_o brand_v under_o the_o title_n of_o lie_n dream_n vain_a divination_n perverse_a thing_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mark_v 7.7_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2.6_o another_o jesus_n another_o spirit_n another_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 11_o 4._o therefore_o paul_n dare_v not_o preach_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o what_o he_o have_v from_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o therefore_o we_o may_v plain_o judge_v a_o false_a prophet_n or_o apostle_n when_o he_o come_v with_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n and_o own_o spirit_n and_o own_o design_n be_v opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o spirit_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n within_o the_o gospel_n object_n but_o will_v not_o some_o say_v that_o all_o heretic_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v with_o verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v high_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v concordant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o in_o vain_a to_o broach_v and_o attest_v they_o and_o who_o more_o high_a than_o
they_o in_o this_o particular_a witness_v the_o jesuitish_a sect_n with_o their_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n voluminous_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n counsel_n father_n tradition_n super-numerary_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o common_a trade_n with_o all_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine-monger_n to_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a with_o their_o intricate_a scriptural_a gloss_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o better_o swallow_v down_o the_o hook_n or_o poison_v undiscovered_a within_o the_o artificial_o compose_a bait_n and_o pill_n and_o as_o the_o fish_n sepia_n darken_v the_o water_n with_o its_o inky_a humour_n to_o avoid_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o fisher_n so_o do_v these_o serpentine_a fry_n so_o cloud_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o polemical_a discourse_n that_o unaware_o they_o have_v bring_v many_o heretical_a syncretisme_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o reason_n but_o notwithstanding_o 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eternal_a john_n 17_o 3._o and_o that_o doctrine_n that_o strike_v at_o this_o either_o direct_o or_o consequential_o be_v heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o just_o be_v they_o call_v false_a apostle_n that_o go_v about_o to_o add_v circumcision_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o act_n 15._o this_o be_v to_o nullify_v christ_n sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v the_o galathian_o that_o hereby_o they_o harken_v to_o a_o new_a gospel_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o plain_a and_o easy_a discernment_n for_o a_o competent_a spiritualised_a christian_a to_o make_v discovery_n of_o a_o false_a apostle_n prophet_n false_a teacher_n or_o heretic_n by_o the_o doctrine_n he_o bring_v for_o first_o if_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v of_o satan_n and_o from_o hell_n next_o if_o it_o strike_v direct_o or_o consequential_o at_o the_o subversion_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o of_o his_o office_n be_v sure_a that_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o name_n way_n or_o practice_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o none_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o son_n all_o other_o way_n be_v not_o only_o break_v reed_n but_o dangerous_a this_o only_a in_o the_o son_n be_v eternal_a life_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o their_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n and_o this_o will_v the_o better_o be_v evince_v by_o first_o consider_v its_o contrary_a the_o right_a call_n of_o true_a and_o faithful_a teacher_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o call_n be_v either_o first_o from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o church_n god_n call_n be_v by_o give_v ability_n gift_n and_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n and_o office_n that_o he_o ordain_v he_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o when_o god_n send_v moses_n he_o furnish_v he_o for_o the_o great_a work_n he_o appoint_v he_o to_o moses_n plead_v his_o unaptness_n and_o slowness_n of_o speech_n but_o god_n say_v go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o teach_v thou_o etc._n etc._n exod._n 4.12_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a god_n come_v with_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o sufficiency_n thereof_o before_o they_o be_v send_v upon_o their_o errand_n god_n call_v apostle_n of_o fisher_n and_o make_v they_o fisher_n of_o man_n and_o so_o spirit_n they_o and_o enable_v they_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o face_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o tell_v they_o go_v preach_v and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a assistance_n by_o his_o grace_n strength_n comfort_n direction_n spirit_n those_o that_o christ_n call_v and_o send_v he_o give_v they_o a_o full_a supply_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n necessary_a to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a service_n second_o god_n call_n give_v affection_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o work_n he_o move_v strong_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o send_v on_o his_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o will_v on_o as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o hesitate_v or_o secure_v his_o carnal_a interest_n yet_o second_o this_o call_n must_v proceed_v orderly_o unto_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o since_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o call_n be_v cease_v the_o mediate_a call_n must_v concur_v to_o set_v the_o seal_n and_o authority_n upon_o the_o first_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n the_o call_v of_o ability_n part_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o office_n do_v not_o real_o and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la invest_v he_o in_o that_o office_n it_o maybe_o say_v that_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi he_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o but_o not_o a_o right_a of_o possession_n for_o christ_n have_v delegated_a that_o power_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o set_v their_o public_a signature_n upon_o all_o officer_n for_o his_o service_n for_o who_o god_n qualify_v with_o a_o call_n of_o ability_n he_o be_v only_o judge_v and_o deem_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o real_o a_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v ordain_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o call_v only_o he_o may_v perform_v many_o good_a duty_n and_o service_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o able_a and_o faithful_a disciple_n or_o member_n but_o by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la and_o authoritative_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v their_o call_n to_o public_a office_n as_o apostle_n teacher_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n only_o as_o from_o god_n and_o contemn_v the_o other_o from_o the_o church_n sure_o i_o be_o of_o judgement_n as_o unto_o their_o mission_n they_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o be_v neither_o call_v of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o if_o their_o call_n of_o ability_n be_v from_o god_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o than_o it_o will_v manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o a_o submit_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o his_o word_n therefore_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a officer_n and_o shine_a star_n within_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o that_o boast_v of_o their_o calling_n from_o the_o church_n and_o want_v the_o first_o call_v of_o god_n of_o ability_n they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n to_o be_v cast_v unto_o the_o dung_n useless_a to_o any_o service_n they_o will_v not_o serve_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v a_o pin_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o be_v false_a apostle_n to_o the_o purpose_n fit_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o all_o faithful_a christian_n assembly_n shall_v have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o such_o who_o can_v only_o manifest_v their_o call_n from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n in_o competent_a gift_n and_o part_n fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n they_o can_v work_v at_o all_o to_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n for_o they_o want_v supply_n to_o that_o end_n we_o know_v a_o artificer_n can_v do_v little_a work_n without_o his_o tool_n or_o instrument_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o spiritual_a building_n if_o god_n have_v
sacrifice_v the_o saint_n which_o they_o term_v heretic_n or_o schismatics_n and_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o union_n but_o when_o you_o meet_v such_o a_o fiery_a persecute_v spirit_n in_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o christ_n judge_v of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v by_o these_o scripture_n gal._n 5.20_o col._n 3.12_o 13._o so_o great_a have_v be_v the_o malice_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n ever_o against_o the_o true_a saint_n that_o they_o have_v never_o rest_v till_o they_o have_v get_v their_o blood_n shed_v it_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o false_a prelate_n and_o priest_n that_o first_o fill_v all_o europe_n with_o blood_n it_o be_v the_o same_o curse_a progeny_n that_o bring_v so_o many_o precious_a soul_n to_o the_o stake_n and_o faggot_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n otherwise_o of_o herself_o as_o history_n testify_v of_o nature_n good_a enough_o quere_z but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v query_v for_o what_o thing_n ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v under_o the_o burden_n thereof_o i_o have_v partly_o former_o answer_v this_o question_n in_o the_o nine_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v one_o word_n more_o for_o the_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n and_o keep_v the_o conscience_n undefiled_a herein_o first_o know_v that_o every_o soul_n be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n whether_o moral_a natural_a or_o positive_a and_o to_o undergo_v all_o suffering_n whatsoever_o rather_o then_o to_o dishonour_n god_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o former_a or_o neglect_v his_o worship_n by_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o latter_a we_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v under_o persecutor_n to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n undefiled_a in_o not_o commit_v gross_a sin_n as_o idolatry_n etc._n etc._n but_o also_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v all_o our_o positive_a christian_n duty_n though_o we_o suffer_v for_o it_o as_o we_o find_v that_o daniel_n give_v a_o testimony_n in_o this_o case_n though_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o persecution_n to_o extremity_n and_o will_v not_o forbear_v his_o three_o time_n a_o day_n solemn_a prayer_n and_o that_o upon_o his_o knee_n in_o his_o chamber_n and_o his_o window_n open_a towards_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o know_v his_o enemy_n may_v by_o that_o mean_n surprise_v and_o accuse_v he_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n yet_o do_v he_o hold_v himself_o bind_v daily_o to_o the_o law_n of_o outward_a worship_n though_o the_o look_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o a_o ceremony_n ordain_v by_o god_n upon_o solomon_n prayer_n 1_o king_n 8.9_o also_o the_o macchabean_a worthy_n do_v not_o think_v that_o persecution_n do_v or_o can_v discharge_v they_o from_o the_o strict_a observe_v even_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o not_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n but_o for_o it_o endure_v all_o extremity_n of_o torment_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v and_o for_o it_o be_v just_o rank_v among_o the_o worthy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o faith_n heb._n 11._o so_o jealous_a be_v god_n not_o only_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o moral_a law_n but_o even_o of_o those_o ceremonial_a and_o ritual_a law_n that_o after_o he_o have_v discover_v his_o will_n about_o they_o and_o command_v they_o they_o forthwith_o become_v moral_o positive_a law_n and_o obligent_fw-la until_o their_o repeal_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n be_v manifest_v and_o clear_v therefore_o by_o this_o judge_n what_o a_o lax_n and_o loose_a religion_n do_v hobbs_n his_o leviathan_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o religion_n that_o the_o chief_a or_o sovereign_a magistrate_n shall_v dictate_v to_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o christian_n duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o any_o article_n but_o for_o that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n so_o subject_v almost_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o moral_n and_o positives_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o as_o to_o this_o let_v we_o like_o true_a christian_n pray_v libera_n domine_fw-la nos_fw-la a_fw-la malo_fw-la verse_n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n we_o have_v hear_v the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o how_o she_o have_v a_o just_a and_o honourable_a approbation_n for_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o tang_n in_o the_o end_n which_o show_v some_o defection_n in_o she_o and_o after_o all_o her_o commendation_n there_o be_v a_o nevertheless_o follow_v close_o in_o the_o heel_n thereof_o with_o somewhat_o to_o be_v say_v against_o she_o just_o as_o it_o be_v often_o say_v of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n that_o they_o walk_v and_o do_v upright_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o david_n the_o king_n but_o withal_o there_o be_v add_v a_o but_o but_o they_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n that_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o the_o pure_a church_n and_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v not_o altogether_o exempt_v from_o stain_n but_o have_v their_o spot_n and_o blemish_n as_o well_o as_o resplendent_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o spouse_n condition_n in_o cant._n 1.5_o where_o she_o describe_v herself_o and_o say_v i_o be_o black_a but_o comely_a o_o you_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n as_o the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n let_v we_o out_o survey_v the_o first_o church_n and_o christian_n to_o elucidate_n and_o confirm_v this_o truth_n and_o see_v they_o stand_v near_o the_o light_n even_o the_o sun_n of_o truth_n and_o his_o twelve_o illustrious_a radiate_a sign_n his_o apostle_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v the_o sound_a and_o the_o pure_a yet_o see_v whether_o we_o read_v not_o of_o their_o maculae_fw-la or_o spot_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o shine_a grace_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o famous_a church_n yet_o she_o have_v her_o fail_n contaminate_v the_o holy_a feast_n and_o their_o agapee_n with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o beside_o the_o foul_a error_n of_o false_a apostle_n as_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v not_o much_o inferior_a in_o her_o wantonnize_a after_o liveless_a ceremonial_a fancy_n and_o press_v they_o as_o necessary_a with_o christ_n unto_o salvation_n and_o when_o paul_n oppose_v they_o herein_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o once_o be_v ready_a to_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o do_v he_o good_a yet_o now_o for_o cross_v their_o capricious_a whimsy_n be_v become_v their_o great_a adversary_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n have_v their_o several_a encomium_n for_o their_o grace_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n chargeable_a on_o they_o for_o wax_a cold_a in_o their_o first_o love_n for_o admit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o descend_v from_o body_n collective_a to_o individual_a person_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o lot_n befall_v unto_o all_o consider_v noah_n job_n david_n peter_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o rake_v up_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v upon_o record_n to_o encourage_v to_o sin_n but_o to_o be_v precedent_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o as_o example_n for_o encouragement_n unto_o repentant_a sinner_n because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n some_o difficulty_n seem_v in_o these_o word_n whether_o by_o first_o love_n be_v intend_v christ_n who_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v leave_v or_o that_o first_o ardent_a affection_n and_o zeal_n which_o she_o bear_v to_o christ_n at_o her_o first_o conversion_n the_o latter_a interpretation_n to_o i_o be_v clear_a because_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v not_o withdraw_v herself_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n for_o it_o be_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n that_o she_o have_v suffer_v much_o both_o from_o wicked_a person_n and_o wicked_a teacher_n therefore_o as_o long_o as_o her_o faith_n be_v sound_a she_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v christ_n as_o her_o first_o love_n and_o take_v a_o new_a love_n or_o new_a object_n of_o her_o faith_n but_o that_o for_o which_o she_o be_v charge_v as_o faulty_a be_v that_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n that_o be_v her_o first_o zeal_n and_o fervent_a affection_n which_o she_o bear_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o ordinance_n at_o her_o first_o conversion_n and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o next_o verse_n where_o she_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o do_v she_o first_o work_n from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o many_o true_a and_o faithful_a
he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o be_v now_o ready_a and_o willing_a be_v reconcile_v by_o his_o blood_n to_o receive_v we_o again_o into_o his_o gracious_a favour_n after_o our_o backslide_n upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o turn_v unto_o he_o from_o our_o sin_n then_o former_o be_v now_o adopt_a child_n and_o no_o long_a stranger_n and_o enemy_n the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o grace_n make_v the_o prodigal_a child_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o return_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o he_o be_v not_o mistake_v of_o his_o father_n good_a will_n towards_o he_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o his_o father_n see_v he_o but_o a_o far_o off_o he_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o luke_n 15.20_o oh_o the_o wonderful_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o no_o soon_o have_v we_o heart_n or_o desire_n to_o return_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n towards_o he_o after_o we_o have_v play_v the_o prodigal_n and_o go_v astray_o from_o he_o by_o evil_a work_n but_o present_o he_o meet_v we_o more_o than_o half_a way_n be_v yet_o a_o far_o off_o and_o fall_v upon_o our_o neck_n and_o kiss_v we_o with_o kiss_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n though_o we_o play_v the_o prodigal_n yet_o we_o be_v child_n still_o the_o prodigal_a be_v a_o son_n though_o he_o play_v the_o bankcrupt_a and_o spend_v almost_o all_o his_o stock_n of_o grace_n the_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v child_n though_o wanton_a one_o will_v make_v we_o desire_v to_o return_v unto_o our_o father_n though_o provoke_v against_o we_o by_o our_o sinful_a course_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n herein_o consider_v that_o of_o john_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o john_n 2.1_o it_o be_v our_o advocate_n the_o child_n advocate_n believer_n advocate_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v come_v and_o return_v unto_o the_o father_n with_o the_o great_a boldness_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o stick_v close_o to_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n that_o be_v almost_o lose_v and_o dead_a in_o her_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n be_v not_o command_v by_o christ_n to_o seek_v out_o any_o new_a way_n or_o novel_a doctrine_n but_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o remember_v the_o old_a one_o which_o they_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o hear_v from_o the_o faithful_a apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v after_o any_o new_a discovery_n of_o light_n which_o be_v not_o former_o deliver_v to_o they_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o such_o way_n they_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o new_a light_n of_o the_o gnostic_n nicolaitan_n and_o the_o high_a speculation_n thereof_o or_o rather_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v and_o yet_o perish_v eternal_o for_o the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v the_o good_a old_a way_n discover_v first_o unto_o adam_n after_o his_o fall_n in_o the_o promise_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3._o and_o more_o and_o more_o manifest_v under_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o dark_a type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n till_o at_o last_o it_o come_v to_o its_o meridian_n and_o full_a discovery_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o this_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o that_o sardis_n be_v command_v to_o remember_v that_o which_o she_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o to_o keep_v close_o unto_o it_o from_o which_o he_o have_v make_v a_o defection_n great_a and_o foul_a this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v close_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o paul_n enjoin_v timothy_n to_o attend_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 3.14_o 15._o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a and_o be_v persuade_v thereof_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o a_o child_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a way_n that_o be_v to_o restore_v and_o renew_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v almost_o dead_a in_o sin_n to_o attain_v the_o new_a name_n the_o new_a life_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n be_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o old_a way_n the_o old_a doctrine_n the_o old_a light_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o all_o innovation_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n carry_v great_a danger_n with_o they_o and_o i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n etc._n etc._n observe_v 3._o that_o christ_n will_v fall_v upon_o the_o wicked_a with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o least_o think_v of_o in_o a_o hour_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v of_o his_o judgement_n will_v prevent_v their_o expectation_n none_o will_v believe_v in_o jeremiah_n time_n that_o the_o captivity_n will_v come_v upon_o jerusalem_n but_o every_o one_o will_v put_v far_o away_o the_o evil_a day_n lam._n 4.12_o as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o come_v in_o after_o generation_n and_o not_o in_o they_o see_v ezek._n 12.22_o 37._o the_o jew_n little_o think_v in_o christ_n day_n that_o the_o period_n of_o their_o city_n and_o temple_n be_v so_o nigh_o though_o he_o foretell_v they_o that_o short_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o not_o one_o stone_n shall_v be_v leave_v upon_o another_o the_o old_a world_n be_v secure_a until_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n will_v not_o believe_v god_n threaten_n until_o they_o feel_v the_o consume_a fire_n and_o brimstone_n gen._n 19_o whilst_o belshazzar_n be_v carrouse_v in_o his_o cup_n god_n write_v a_o mene_n tekei_n upharsin_n over_o his_o head_n and_o kingdom_n dan._n 5.4_o etc._n etc._n england_n and_o other_o nation_n do_v not_o think_v that_o bloody_a judgement_n be_v so_o near_o whatsoever_o sinner_n think_v christ_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o judge_n and_o judgement_n be_v at_o the_o door_n sinner_n be_v secure_a and_o think_v judgement_n slumber_v when_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o march_n and_o upon_o the_o wing_n isa_n 5.26_o lam_n 4.19_o wicked_a man_n say_v as_o those_o in_o isa_n 5.19_o let_v he_o make_v haste_n and_o hasten_v his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o and_o let_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o iâ—rael_n draw_v nigh_o and_o come_v that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o they_o mock_v the_o prophet_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v they_o of_o judgement_n and_o destruction_n but_o god_n will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o i_o come_v quick_o say_v christ_n rev._n 22.20_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o god_n bring_v on_o judgement_n with_o speed_n and_o soon_o than_o they_o be_v look_v for_o be_v first_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o high_o wrong_v and_o provoke_v god_n justice_n and_o patience_n and_o call_v for_o his_o wrath_n upon_o they_o by_o their_o sin_n second_o because_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o daily_o importune_v god_n to_o avenge_v they_o of_o their_o enemy_n luk._n 18.7_o 8._o and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v night_n and_o day_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o it_o be_v the_o cry_n of_o those_o precious_a soul_n clothe_v in_o white_a rev._n 6.10_o that_o bring_v destroy_v judgement_n and_o desolation_n on_o babylon_n how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o judge_v and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v answer_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v rest_v yet_o for_o a_o little_a season_n until_o their_o fellow_n servant_n also_o and_o their_o brethren_n that_o shall_v be_v kill_v as_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v fulfil_v see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 2._o 16._o observe_v 4._o the_o execution_n of_o all_o terrible_a judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o christ._n he_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n to_o destroy_v spoil_n and_o undo_v his_o enemy_n he_o will_v not_o only_o rob_v they_o of_o a_o little_a but_o take_v all_o their_o pretend_a grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o they_o only_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n for_o comparison_n and_o parable_n do_v not_o always_o run_v on_o all_o four_o the_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a theive_v spoil_v and_o plunder_v the_o honest_a thrive_a peaceable_a man_n but_o christ_n as_o the_o just_a thief_n spoil_v and_o make_v desolate_a the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a only_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o thief_n