propound_v doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n to_o be_v believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n christ_n show_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v one_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n nay_o he_o which_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1._o second_o christ_n have_v absolute_a power_n to_o prescribe_v regiment_n to_o his_o church_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o also_o the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v so_o moses_n make_v the_o tabernacle_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n christ_n show_v he_o solomon_n build_v the_o temple_n according_a to_o the_o form_n he_o see_v by_o revelation_n 1._o chron._n 28._o 12._o three_o christ_n have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v time_n for_o his_o worship_n to_o appoint_v sabbaths_n etc._n etc._n and_o gen._n 1._o as_o he_o create_v the_o sabbath_n so_o have_v he_o power_n alone_o to_o alter_v it_o no_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v a_o time_n to_o god_n service_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o christ_n alone_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v two_o sabbath_n in_o one_o week_n or_o one_o in_o many_o week_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n honour_n to_o prescribe_v his_o worship_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v to_o judge_v to_o have_v power_n to_o determine_v of_o his_o own_o will_n without_o help_n of_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o give_v sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o alone_o give_v they_o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n and_o must_v expound_v his_o own_o law_n second_o christ_n alone_o must_v decide_v question_n and_o controversy_n concern_v faith_n then_o the_o church_n have_v not_o any_o such_o power_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o help_n of_o the_o write_a word_n by_o which_o christ_n expound_v they_o to_o us._n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o sovereignty_n be_v that_o christ_n can_v save_v and_o destroy_v open_a and_o shut_v he_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n he_o can_v open_v that_o be_v pardon_v sin_n proper_o and_o he_o alone_o promise_v this_o pardon_n and_o can_v perform_v it_o be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o give_v the_o pardon_n for_o sin_n so_o he_o give_v also_o eternal_a life_n save_v man_n soul_n second_o he_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v to_o cast_v some_o into_o hell_n and_o to_o destroy_v when_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o die_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n he_o have_v power_n to_o hold_v man_n in_o sin_n after_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o hell_n and_o shut_v they_o up_o for_o ever_o see_v christ_n prescribe_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n use_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a part_n of_o man_n soul_n &_o such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v save_v and_o destroy_v we_o see_v christ_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a will_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o papist_n say_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o key_n of_o david_n christ_n can_v set_v up_o and_o depose_v king_n and_o prince_n at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o this_o they_o hold_v crafty_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o damn_a power_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o it_o will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n of_o the_o church_n and_o governor_n thereof_o he_o depose_v none_o he_o make_v no_o king_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n so_o he_o make_v and_o pull_v down_o at_o his_o pleasure_n be_v far_o above_o all_o man_n and_o hence_o king_n be_v call_v god_n because_o they_o represent_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v god_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n make_v man_n spiritual_a king_n but_o he_o make_v not_o temporal_a king_n but_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n for_o if_o he_o have_v such_o power_n why_o do_v he_o refuse_v to_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o adulterous_a woman_n confess_v he_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n from_o this_o power_n be_v another_o derive_v from_o christ_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o which_o power_n the_o key_n of_o david_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n mat._n 16._o 19_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o ministry_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o it_o be_v a_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o service_n and_o duty_n for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n do_v be_v but_o a_o service_n do_v to_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v but_o servant_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v it_o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o authority_n but_o a_o service_n when_o adam_n fall_v we_o all_o fall_v in_o he_o and_o he_o thrust_v himself_o and_o all_o mankind_n out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n by_o his_o sin_n &_o close_v up_o heaven_n gate_n against_o us._n now_o since_o that_o fall_n christ_n become_v man_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o this_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o proper_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o else_o proper_o christ_n alone_o can_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o church_n can_v only_o reveal_v and_o pronounce_v the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o no_o otherwise_o she_o open_v or_o shut_v but_o by_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v open_a or_o shut_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o the_o company_n of_o true_a believer_n call_v to_o salvation_n by_o christ_n to_o they_o only_o be_v this_o key_n give_v mat._n 18._o 18._o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o god_n people_n not_o to_o all_o society_n of_o man_n the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v how_o christ_n he_o know_v best_a joh._n 20._o 23._o where_o he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o key_n and_o what_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v namely_o to_o pardon_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o no_o way_n else_o can_v man_n open_a and_o shut_v now_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o give_v sentence_n &_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n the_o first_o belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o the_o second_o to_o man_n who_o forgive_v sin_n not_o by_o give_v sentence_n but_o pronounce_v sentence_n give_v already_o by_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v sin_n proper_o be_v to_o rob_v christ_n of_o a_o special_a honour_n due_a to_o his_o godhead_n then_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v they_o only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v first_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o steward_n second_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o word_n not_o man_n tradition_n and_o affection_n three_o to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o salvation_n to_o beget_v and_o continue_v they_o in_o repentance_n they_o be_v so_o use_v have_v a_o promise_n namely_o what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o christ_n power_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n now_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o the_o church_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n the_o first_o mat._n 16._o 19_o namely_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v down_o and_o authorise_v by_o christ_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o who_o sin_n thou_o shall_v bind_v by_o that_o word_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o cord_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v two_o way_n first_o by_o teach_v &_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o key_n luk._n 11._o 52._o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n in_o man_n lawful_o call_v in_o that_o they_o apply_v in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n to_o they_o which_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o repentant_a heart_n so_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n pronounce_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v fast_o bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n
etc._n here_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o minister_n be_v either_o certain_a or_o uncertain_a of_o man_n repentance_n be_v certain_a they_o must_v remit_v sin_n certain_o and_o simple_o but_o be_v uncertain_a they_o must_v do_v it_o with_o condition_n and_o so_o they_o must_v simple_o or_o with_o condition_n remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n then_o in_o the_o public_a handle_n of_o the_o word_n man_n must_v pronounce_v with_o condition_n see_v they_o be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v penitent_a who_o not_o their_o auditor_n be_v a_o mix_a company_n some_o believe_v and_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v lydiaes_n heart_n be_v open_v simon_n magus_n be_v harden_v the_o second_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v spiritual_a jurisdiction_n it_o be_v call_v spiritual_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o man_n and_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v set_v down_o and_o confirm_v by_o christ_n mat._n 18._o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o after_o the_o promise_n be_v add_v vers_fw-la 19_o 20._o this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n be_v a_o power_n whereby_o the_o church_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o a_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o put_v the_o same_o sentence_n in_o execution_n it_o have_v two_o part_n excommunication_n and_o absolution_n excommunication_n be_v a_o action_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n exclude_v a_o obstinate_a offender_n from_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o so_o much_o be_v in_o true_a excommunication_n we_o see_v 1._o cor._n 5._o the_o incestuous_a person_n must_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n and_o be_v thrust_v out_o into_o the_o kingdom_n and_o regiment_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o body_n some_o way_n afflict_v math._n 18._o 17._o if_o the_o offender_n will_v not_o repent_v be_v excommunicate_a he_o must_v be_v as_o a_o profane_a man_n even_o one_o which_o have_v no_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o some_o may_v say_v christ_n only_o can_v thrust_v they_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o so_o he_o do_v proper_o yet_o the_o church_n pronounce_v who_o be_v receive_v and_o who_o refuse_v as_o that_o a_o obstinate_a sinner_n be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o shut_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n she_o can_v debar_v he_o of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 6._o the_o drunkard_n which_o live_v in_o drunkenness_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o heaven_n upon_o which_o ground_n the_o church_n shut_v he_o out_o by_o her_o sentence_n even_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n &_o christ._n ob._n if_o this_o be_v so_o they_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o see_v he_o may_v fall_v to_o such_o sin_n ans._n he_o may_v in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n not_o whole_o and_o for_o ever_o because_o he_o may_v be_v overtake_v often_o but_o yet_o as_o a_o free_a citizen_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o freeman_n though_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n for_o a_o time_n and_o so_o have_v no_o use_n of_o his_o freedom_n so_o the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o in_o part_n for_o a_o time_n he_o be_v shut_v out_o have_v no_o use_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o whole_o and_o for_o ever_o he_o be_v not_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v to_o repent_v he_o shall_v be_v receive_v again_o excommunication_n be_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n use_v it_o must_v be_v use_v with_o great_a advice_n and_o due_a preparation_n as_o we_o will_v when_o we_o cut_v off_o a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n not_o rash_o for_o than_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o three_o commandment_n see_v it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n special_a ordinance_n which_o we_o abuse_v when_o it_o be_v execute_v for_o each_o small_a offence_n this_o excommunication_n have_v one_o especial_a degree_n as_o 1._o cor._n 16._o 22._o he_o which_o love_v not_o christ_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n that_o be_v accurse_a and_o whole_o shut_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v only_o pronounce_v upon_o one_o which_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o the_o church_n upon_o sufficient_a ground_n may_v pronounce_v it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o discern_v this_o sin_n be_v more_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o any_o where_o else_o for_o it_o be_v a_o set_a malice_n against_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o upon_o knowledge_n now_o contrary_a to_o excommunication_n be_v absolution_n when_o a_o offender_n upon_o his_o sufficient_a repentance_n be_v approve_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christ_n first_o christ_n must_v receive_v he_o then_o the_o church_n upon_o his_o repentance_n pronounce_v and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v receive_v further_o to_o know_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n we_o must_v know_v four_o abuse_n creep_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o they_o the_o first_o abuse_n be_v in_o former_a age_n in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o only_o to_o peter_n person_n &_o bar_v all_o other_o pastor_n from_o they_o whereas_o they_o belong_v to_o all_o pastor_n in_o their_o place_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n ob._n mat._n 16._o 19_o christ_n say_v i_o will_v give_v to_o thou_o peter_n ans._n but_o before_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o peter_n he_o be_v more_o bold_a and_o endue_v with_o aptness_n answer_v in_o steed_n of_o all_o not_o that_o the_o rest_n do_v not_o answer_v but_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n he_o speak_v for_o they_o all_o ergo_fw-la christ_n speak_v to_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o they_o al._n second_o john_n 20._o 23._o he_o give_v it_o to_o they_o all_o not_o to_o peter_n alone_o and_o minister_n have_v that_o power_n convey_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n promise_n mat._n 28._o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o not_o only_o in_o their_o person_n but_o in_o they_o which_o follow_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o they_o i_o say_v which_o shall_v preach_v and_o baptise_v as_o they_o do_v the_o second_o abuse_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v turn_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n into_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o make_v it_o a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o prince_n and_o church_n whereby_o they_o put_v up_o and_o pull_v down_o king_n and_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v all_o man_n conscience_n for_o it_o be_v a_o service_n and_o no_o supremacy_n the_o three_o abuse_n be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v only_o the_o clergy_n and_o not_o the_o prince_n to_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o we_o read_v the_o contrary_a in_o god_n word_n josias_n 2._o chron._n 35._o 32._o he_o intend_v to_o banish_v idolatry_n and_o to_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o cause_v the_o people_n of_o benjamin_n and_o judah_n to_o stand_v to_o his_o covenant_n his_o subject_n to_o obey_v his_o intent_n and_o this_o be_v commend_v in_o he_o but_o they_o say_v that_o prince_n have_v not_o the_o chief_a power_n to_o govern_v because_o pastor_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n answ._n spiritual_a power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o pastor_n to_o rule_v the_o church_n spiritual_o yet_o prince_n have_v power_n to_o rule_v the_o church_n civil_o to_o cause_v their_o subject_n to_o embrace_v true_a religion_n and_o to_o forsake_v idolatry_n but_o then_o say_v some_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o pastor_n answ._n if_o we_o consider_v the_o pastor_n person_n and_o good_n they_o be_v under_o the_o prince_n but_o as_o they_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n the_o king_n must_v honour_v they_o for_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o make_v the_o pastor_n above_o the_o prince_n be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o get_v all_o into_o his_o hand_n and_o a_o great_a abuse_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o four_o abuse_n be_v that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v turn_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o priest_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n for_o every_o popish_a priest_n sit_v as_o judge_v and_o every_o man_n come_v to_o he_o kneel_v to_o he_o confess_v all_o his_o sin_n he_o can_v remember_v against_o every_o commandment_n he_o injoin_v he_o to_o bewail_v they_o and_o after_o some_o sign_n of_o repentance_n he_o forgive_v the_o fault_n and_o that_o proper_o as_o god_n do_v yet_o after_o pardon_n he_o must_v undergo_v some_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o he_o forgive_v the_o fault_n only_o not_o the_o punishment_n in_o which_o abuse_n note_v these_o error_n first_o there_o be_v confession_n of_o all_o sin_n which_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n second_o he_o give_v absolution_n proper_o as_o god_n do_v rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n for_o even_o the_o pharisee_n confess_v that_o god_n alone_o forgive_v sin_n
proper_o three_o they_o absolve_v from_o the_o fault_n but_o not_o the_o punishment_n and_o this_o be_v to_o enrich_v themselves_o and_o to_o get_v whole_a country_n yea_o all_o man_n land_n and_o live_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n four_o they_o will_v have_v they_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o withal_o make_v christ_n satisfaction_n imperfect_a now_o by_o these_o four_o abuse_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n unto_o they_o be_v no_o true_a christ_n but_o though_o the_o pope_n give_v the_o key_n of_o peter_n the_o cross_a key_n in_o his_o arm_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o true_a use_n of_o they_o nay_o see_v he_o make_v new_a door_n as_o beside_o that_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n those_o of_o purgatory_n and_o lymbus_n patrum_fw-la 1._o he_o must_v make_v new_a key_n to_o open_v they_o flat_a contrary_n to_o the_o key_n of_o christ._n in_o that_o christ_n be_v say_v both_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v we_o learn_v that_o he_o open_v not_o to_o all_o man_n and_o every_o person_n but_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o some_o for_o adam_n fall_v from_o god_n favour_n by_o his_o sin_n shut_v out_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n both_o out_o of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o earthly_a paradise_n so_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v now_o as_o a_o partition_n wall_n and_o a_o cloud_n to_o separate_v god_n and_o us._n and_o for_o this_o even_o for_o our_o sin_n christ_n shut_v some_o out_o of_o heaven_n then_o by_o this_o we_o see_v our_o miserable_a case_n for_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v all_o shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n our_o sin_n have_v be_v as_o so_o many_o bar_n to_o shut_v up_o heaven_n gate_n which_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n yet_o the_o devil_n bewitch_v we_o and_o make_v we_o think_v sin_n be_v no_o sin_n great_a sin_n be_v small_a small_a none_o whereas_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v sufficient_a to_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n for_o ever_o again_o 2._o see_v sin_n shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n we_o must_v repent_v for_o every_o sin_n for_o we_o can_v come_v thither_o if_o we_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o bar_n and_o lock_v to_o shut_v we_o from_o god_n kingdom_n and_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v these_o bolt_n take_v of_o which_o be_v only_o by_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o alone_o can_v take_v they_o away_o three_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n open_v heaven_n to_o some_o as_o to_o nathanael_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o have_v now_o open_v heaven_n door_n by_o his_o death_n and_o trace_v the_o way_n by_o his_o blood_n now_o the_o door_n be_v open_a we_o must_v labour_v to_o enter_v in_o yea_o thrust_n and_o crowd_n to_o get_v in_o that_o we_o may_v come_v thither_o we_o must_v become_v member_n first_o of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n else_o we_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o first_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o door_n namely_o the_o church_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o house_n namely_o heaven_n now_o the_o church_n be_v the_o door_n and_o in_o it_o be_v the_o key_n to_o open_a heaven_n gate_n namely_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o thou_o may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n first_o humble_a thyself_o for_o all_o thy_o sin_n second_o trust_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o thy_o sin_n and_o purpose_n in_o thy_o heart_n to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n and_o constant_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n to_o open_a heaven_n gate_n but_o if_o thou_o come_v not_o to_o open_v this_o door_n in_o this_o life_n where_o the_o key_n be_v thou_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v verse_n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n from_o this_o eight_o verse_n to_o the_o eleven_o be_v contain_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v three_o head_n first_o praise_n second_o promise_n three_o commandment_n the_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o eigth_n verse_n the_o promise_n be_v twofold_a in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o commandment_n in_o the_o eleven_o 1._o the_o praise_n be_v propound_v summary_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n then_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o praise_v she_o where_o the_o former_a word_n be_v expound_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o have_v be_v expound_v in_o every_o epistle_n i_o know_v and_o approve_v thy_o course_n and_o conversation_n of_o life_n these_o word_n be_v repeat_v in_o every_o epistle_n to_o stir_v up_o every_o church_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n by_o these_o word_n will_v have_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n be_v present_a with_o we_o see_v all_o we_o do_v be_v a_o eyewitness_n of_o all_o our_o action_n then_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o our_o action_n as_o in_o his_o presence_n as_o before_o his_o majesty_n and_o where_o this_o consideration_n be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o true_a religion_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o commendation_n be_v add_v behold_v etc._n etc._n here_o note_v two_o point_n first_o a_o sign_n of_o his_o approbation_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o open_a door_n etc._n etc._n second_o what_o be_v the_o work_v he_o approve_v thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n behold_v etc._n etc._n these_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o angel_n of_o philadelpha_n alone_o or_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n both_o pastor_n and_o people_n if_o of_o the_o angel_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n behold_v i_o have_v give_v thou_o that_o be_v behold_v and_o consider_v i_o have_v give_v and_o vouchsafe_v thou_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o preach_v my_o gospel_n and_o by_o preach_v to_o win_v and_o convert_v sinner_n to_o i_o so_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 9_o there_o paul_n use_v the_o same_o word_n signify_v by_o the_o door_n of_o utterance_n liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n yet_o thou_o have_v maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o not_o deny_v my_o gospel_n in_o persecution_n now_o christ_n say_v thus_o to_o this_o minister_n that_o he_o have_v give_v he_o liberty_n to_o preach_v show_v it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o win_v soul_n to_o christ_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n behold_v and_o the_o word_n themselves_o import_v that_o it_o be_v so_o it_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o most_o worthy_a prophet_n have_v not_o have_v this_o grant_v as_o isaiah_n ezechiel_n etc._n etc._n they_o harden_v the_o people_n and_o they_o say_v they_o spend_v their_o strength_n in_o vain_a &_o do_v no_o good_a for_o this_o minister_n be_v call_v the_o instrument_n of_o salvation_n dan._n 12._o they_o shall_v shine_v for_o the_o win_n of_o soul_n as_o star_n in_o heaven_n then_o they_o which_o have_v this_o privilege_n shall_v esteem_v of_o it_o high_o above_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a dignity_n above_o all_o earthly_a preferment_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v especial_o to_o magnify_v god_n mercy_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n though_o thou_o have_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n use_v yet_o thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o word_n here_o we_o see_v that_o minister_n though_o endue_v with_o small_a gift_n may_v do_v much_o good_a to_o the_o church_n as_o this_o angel_n of_o philadelphia_n do_v and_o we_o have_v see_v by_o experience_n when_o as_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n in_o this_o place_n learn_v abound_v yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o will_v stand_v out_o for_o the_o gospel_n yet_o one_o not_o far_o off_o have_v but_o small_a gift_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o school-learning_n stand_v out_o and_o seal_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o now_o man_n of_o small_a gift_n further_o the_o church_n and_o gospel_n more_o than_o they_o which_o have_v far_o great_a knowledge_n in_o the_o art_n and_o tong_n for_o such_o as_o have_v great_a gift_n be_v common_o flacke_a so_o that_o they_o which_o be_v behind_o they_o in_o gift_n a_o hundred_o degree_n do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o church_n than_o they_o by_o a_o thousand_o degree_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n must_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o labour_n to_o know_v art_n and_o tongue_n though_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n which_o want_v such_o school-learning_n they_o have_v zeal_n and_o do_v more_o good_a than_o they_o which_o excel_v in_o they_o that_o so_o man_n of_o great_a
this_o book_n to_o make_v they_o read_v and_o take_v delight_n in_o it_o now_o all_o of_o we_o will_v say_v god_n love_v i_o and_o have_v pardon_v my_o sin_n in_o christ_n then_o we_o shall_v show_v our_o love_n again_o to_o he_o in_o take_v delight_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n set_v down_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o god_n have_v love_v we_o we_o must_v then_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o in_o sign_n of_o love_n again_o ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o do_v he_o obedience_n rom._n 12._o in_o regard_n of_o recompense_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n shed_v out_o and_o show_v unto_o us._n and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n and_o his_o father_n even_o his_o father_n in_o these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o action_n work_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n he_o have_v make_v every_o true_a member_n of_o it_o a_o king_n and_o a_o priest_n better_a to_o understand_v these_o word_n we_o must_v consider_v in_o they_o four_o point_n first_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n king_n and_o priest_n second_o when_o they_o be_v make_v namely_o have_v make_v speak_v in_o the_o time_n past_a note_v that_o true_a believer_n be_v king_n and_o priest_n three_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o be_v not_o create_v such_o neither_o bear_v to_o be_v such_o but_o he_o have_v make_v we_o such_o four_o to_o who_o to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n first_o our_o dignity_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n have_v two_o head_n first_o king_n second_o priest_n they_o be_v call_v king_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o most_o believer_n on_o earth_n be_v base_a but_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o lord_n he_o give_v they_o this_o title_n and_o interest_n to_o be_v king_n to_o have_v right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o christ._n so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n 31._o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v interest_n and_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n of_o all_o these_o enemy_n sin_n satan_n the_o world_n death_n hell_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n second_o because_o in_o and_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o have_v interest_n into_o it_o and_o right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o happiness_n for_o they_o receive_v of_o christ_n grace_n for_o grace_n glory_n for_o glory_n felicity_n and_o happiness_n for_o glory_n happiness_n and_o felicity_n three_o because_o they_o be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o creature_n except_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 3._o 21._o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o to_o they_o all_o thing_n be_v they_o they_o god_n and_o we_o have_v interest_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o christ._n ob._n but_o if_o christ_n be_v king_n and_o all_o his_o member_n how_o do_v they_o differ_v answ._n in_o two_o point_n first_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n therefore_o a_o king_n by_o nature_n and_o so_o his_o inheritance_n belong_v to_o he_o by_o nature_n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o our_o right_n to_o that_o kingdom_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o adoption_n second_o christ_n he_o be_v king_n over_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o over_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v absolute_a king_n over_o all_o and_o have_v his_o regiment_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o can_v by_o his_o word_n bind_v they_o but_o his_o member_n they_o be_v not_o universal_a king_n for_o they_o have_v not_o superiority_n above_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v they_o absolute_a king_n as_o he_o be_v neither_o by_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o they_o participate_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o dignity_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v priest_n in_o that_o we_o be_v consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o christ_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n here_o in_o this_o life_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v eternal_o to_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o christ_n he_o be_v priest_n so_o be_v we_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v difference_n first_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o external_a and_o real_a priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o offer_v up_o a_o true_a real_a and_o external_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o we_o we_o be_v not_o real_a and_o external_a priest_n but_o spiritual_a offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o christ_n have_v this_o privilege_n to_o offer_v up_o a_o real_a corporal_a and_o substantial_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o do_v not_o so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n give_v a_o alm_n he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o a_o corporal_a sacrifice_n but_o spiritual_a every_o way_n again_o note_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a priest_n and_o offer_v up_o a_o perfect_a sacrifice_n but_o we_o be_v imperfect_a do_v offer_v up_o a_o imperfect_a sacrifice_n taint_v and_o blemish_v with_o sin_n but_o accept_v as_o perfect_v for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n second_o we_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o in_o the_o entrance_n into_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n there_o be_v degree_n as_o first_o to_o give_v one_o title_n to_o it_o second_o to_o give_v he_o possession_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o to_o give_v one_o title_n only_o so_o god_n child_n they_o have_v the_o right_n give_v they_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n and_o as_o in_o the_o give_n of_o possession_n of_o a_o kingdom_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o possession_n second_o the_o full_a enjoy_n and_o perfect_a possession_n so_o we_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n 27._o which_o stand_v in_o righteousness_n joy_n and_o peace_n and_o they_o which_o have_v these_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n begin_v in_o they_o the_o second_o part_n and_o degree_n be_v after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o full_a fruition_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o in_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v begin_v here_o and_o accomplish_v there_o and_o as_o we_o be_v king_n in_o this_o world_n so_o we_o must_v be_v priest_n too_o in_o offer_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o dedicate_a and_o consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n have_v make_v us._n true_a believer_n be_v king_n and_o priest_n not_o by_o nature_n neither_o bear_v such_o nor_o by_o creation_n or_o birth_n or_o blood_n be_v they_o such_o or_o by_o any_o other_o privilege_n they_o have_v from_o man_n how_o then_o as_o earthly_a king_n and_o priest_n be_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o be_v spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o new_a the_o king_n be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v by_o a_o solemn_a call_n so_o the_o priest_n by_o a_o solemn_a election_n so_o be_v the_o king_n and_o priest_n which_o be_v spiritual_a by_o a_o divine_a call_n in_o which_o calling_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o christ_n give_v his_o member_n right_a to_o his_o own_o kingdom_n to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n yet_o not_o so_o that_o they_o can_v execute_v the_o regiment_n sustain_v by_o christ_n and_o do_v the_o office_n of_o a_o king_n and_o priest_n as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n but_o because_o they_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o part_n and_o they_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o both_o redound_v to_o they_o whole_o and_o this_o right_n they_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o promise_v that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n will_v give_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n jesus_n his_o son_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n as_o he_o give_v they_o this_o to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o his_o servant_n as_o member_n and_o he_o impart_v it_o to_o they_o in_o some_o sort_n second_o in_o the_o appoint_v of_o king_n
shall_v move_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o to_o love_v and_o like_v it_o see_v it_o bring_v we_o such_o a_o excellent_a benefit_n and_o not_o to_o misname_v it_o as_o we_o do_v by_o reproachful_a term_n yea_o very_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o shall_v make_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o take_v all_o pain_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n see_v by_o it_o they_o make_v man_n to_o become_v of_o vassal_n of_o satan_n the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o consecrate_v and_o establish_v one_o in_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a honour_n be_v it_o not_o of_o great_a honour_n to_o consecrate_v one_o to_o become_v king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v we_o be_v convert_v make_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n this_o i_o say_v shall_v stir_v and_o prick_v forward_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o labour_v to_o win_v man_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n his_o father_n there_o also_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a for_o see_v they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n which_o be_v a_o great_a grief_n yet_o let_v he_o know_v to_o his_o comfort_n that_o though_o he_o be_v so_o handle_v &_o it_o appear_v not_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v yet_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v heir_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o sickness_n he_o must_v consider_v it_o be_v but_o god_n messenger_n to_o call_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o kingdom_n if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o be_v torment_v fearful_o with_o his_o sin_n yet_o he_o must_v be_v content_a the_o lord_n will_v give_v he_o a_o happy_a issue_n he_o must_v know_v he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o therefore_o shall_v one_o day_n have_v conquest_n over_o sin_n satan_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n yea_o over_o all_o his_o enemy_n whatsoever_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o he_o be_v turmoil_v and_o toss_v from_o post_n to_o pillar_n than_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v brook_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o king_n though_o he_o in_o persecution_n be_v kill_v and_o put_v to_o death_n even_o then_o let_v he_o consider_v he_o be_v a_o most_o valiant_a conqueror_n rom._n 8._o 37._o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n when_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v dissolve_v and_o soul_n and_o body_n separate_v than_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o be_v king_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o fear_v death_n but_o know_v it_o be_v but_o a_o way_n and_o easy_a passage_n to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o our_o kingdom_n thus_o much_o in_o that_o we_o be_v king_n in_o that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v priest_n priest_n not_o earthly_a but_o spiritual_a and_o offer_v to_o god_n spiritual_a sacrifice_n first_o we_o be_v hence_o bind_v by_o this_o our_o call_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v one_o another_o for_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n the_o priest_n lip_n must_v keep_v knowledge_n mal._n 2._o 7._o so_o must_v we_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o col._n 3._o 18._o we_o all_o ought_v to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v spread_v abroad_o and_o as_o this_o belong_v to_o all_o man_n so_o especial_o to_o governor_n they_o must_v especial_o show_v themselves_o priest_n to_o their_o charge_n abraham_n do_v it_o gen._n 18._o david_n do_v it_o pro._n 4._o and_o bathshebath_n do_v it_o prover._n 31._o and_o all_o must_v do_v it_o that_o desire_v a_o holy_a generation_n to_o succeed_v after_o they_o we_o teach_v other_o thing_n why_o not_o religion_n 2_o see_v we_o be_v priest_n 2._o we_o must_v pray_v for_o other_o not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o all_o man_n 1._o especial_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o priest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n must_v pray_v and_o make_v request_n 18._o not_o only_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o for_o the_o people_n also_o moses_n be_v commend_v for_o prayer_n especial_o when_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o israelite_n 12._o and_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gap_n exod._n 32._o eliah_n be_v call_v the_o horseman_n and_o chariot_n of_o israel_n 18._o and_o hezechiah_n beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v good_a to_o his_o people_n and_o so_o when_o any_o man_n in_o the_o word_n be_v commend_v for_o prayer_n it_o be_v for_o that_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n so_o do_v david_n in_o the_o psalm_n so_o do_v christ_n make_v this_o his_o special_a duty_n john_n 17._o we_o must_v offer_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n 3_o that_o be_v dedicate_v ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o our_o wit_n learning_n knowledge_n or_o any_o gift_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n we_o must_v consecrate_v it_o to_o god_n service_n that_o we_o may_v do_v all_o this_o to_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v look_v that_o all_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n be_v begin_v in_o faith_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o good_a heart_n and_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o good_a end_n to_o god_n glory_n principal_o and_o if_o we_o do_v it_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n than_o it_o will_v please_v he_o we_o must_v be_v full_a of_o blessing_n 4._o we_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o curse_a speak_v as_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n so_o we_o must_v speak_v nothing_o but_o bless_a and_o gracious_a speech_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o curse_a speak_v of_o swear_v and_o forswear_v we_o must_v be_v bless_v and_o gracious_a speaker_n to_o all_o man_n friend_n foe_n or_o any_o we_o must_v have_v god_n our_o portion_n 5._o for_o the_o levite_n have_v no_o portion_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n 19_o but_o dwell_v in_o tent_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o portion_n 57_o so_o we_o be_v priest_n to_o god_n we_o must_v be_v content_a with_o any_o estate_n in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n be_v our_o portion_n we_o must_v not_o seek_v too_o much_o to_o have_v any_o inheritance_n on_o earth_n for_o god_n favour_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v our_o portion_n and_o this_o will_v suffice_v to_o he_o be_v glory_n in_o these_o word_n be_v a_o praise_v and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o the_o three_o former_a benefit_n of_o christ_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n in_o that_o s._n john_n before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o description_n of_o christ_n shall_v interrtupt_v himself_o 1_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_n for_o his_o benefit_n we_o see_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n benefit_n bestow_v on_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n we_o shall_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o this_o affection_n of_o thanksgiving_n as_o s._n john_n be_v 2._o and_o in_o these_o word_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n we_o do_v see_v what_o be_v the_o true_a form_n of_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n namely_o to_o give_v he_o and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o glory_n power_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n for_o evermore_o but_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o too_o manifest_a that_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n will_v not_o do_v this_o but_o deny_v it_o and_o take_v this_o from_o god_n bestow_v it_o on_o creature_n yea_o on_o our_o own_o self_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o grace_n to_o know_v this_o and_o to_o confess_v that_o all_o glory_n and_o dominion_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n so_o christ_n he_o teach_v we_o to_o ascribe_v all_o power_n glory_n might_n and_o dominion_n to_o god_n when_o we_o say_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n power_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v it_o be_v due_a to_o thou_o o_o lord_n not_o to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o amen_n so_o be_v it_o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v all_o glory_n and_o dominion_n he_o add_v this_o to_o show_v his_o fervent_a desire_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o therefore_o he_o double_v and_o repeat_v it_o for_o he_o have_v say_v that_o before_o but_o not_o content_a with_o it_o he_o show_v his_o fervency_n and_o repeat_v the_o same_o again_o so_o shall_v we_o not_o freeze_v or_o be_v cold_a in_o our_o desire_n of_o god_n
knowledge_n wisdom_n constancy_n zeal_n piety_n and_o religion_n so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o his_o prophet_n not_o to_o all_o but_o his_o servant_n man_n of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o exceed_a holiness_n and_o piety_n indeed_o the_o lord_n reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n to_o wicked_a man_n as_o to_o balaam_n but_o they_o never_o know_v they_o comfortable_o it_o be_v a_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vision_n reveal_v and_o to_o know_v the_o same_o now_o both_o these_o befall_v s._n john_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o exceed_a holiness_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n love_v he_o and_o of_o singular_a and_o rare_a gift_n now_o the_o devil_n make_v no_o such_o choice_n but_o his_o vision_n befall_v man_n which_o be_v heretic_n wicked_a notorious_a sinner_n and_o they_o have_v no_o rare_a and_o special_a gift_n as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o befall_v then_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o it_o as_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v to_o his_o own_o apostle_n s._n john_n after_o the_o description_n of_o christ_n 9_o john_n describe_v himself_o by_o many_o modest_a term_n title_n first_o your_o brother_n that_o be_v of_o they_o be_v member_n all_o of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o family_n god_n the_o father_n be_v head_n and_o householder_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n we_o all_o be_v fellow_n brethren_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n be_v by_o he_o the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n and_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o by_o this_o title_n first_o he_o set_v out_o his_o humility_n and_o great_a modesty_n 1._o for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n above_o all_o man_n which_o live_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n he_o be_v the_o last_o apostle_n and_o have_v apostolical_a authority_n be_v a_o most_o true_a professor_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o brother_n to_o all_o true_a believer_n make_v himself_o but_o equal_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o esteem_v better_o of_o all_o our_o brethren_n then_o of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v ourselves_o inferior_a to_o they_o second_o by_o this_o title_n we_o see_v he_o have_v his_o hart_n full_a of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o we_o but_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n &_o religion_n to_o these_o especial_o shall_v we_o show_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o they_o which_o have_v the_o same_o head_n christ_n the_o same_o god_n the_o same_o faith_n hope_n 12._o religion_n and_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o affect_v to_o one_o another_o and_o be_v link_v by_o all_o these_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o near_a love_n then_o be_v between_o man_n &_o man_n but_o in_o this_o world_n 5._o as_o isaiah_n say_v man_n hate_v their_o brethren_n even_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n whereby_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v if_o they_o live_v with_o more_o conscience_n than_o other_o than_o they_o revile_v speak_v ill_o of_o and_o hate_v they_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o title_n companion_n or_o fellow_n partner_n compartner_z in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o patience_n he_o be_v partner_n with_o they_o in_o tribulation_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v this_o vision_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n under_o that_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n about_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o flee_v to_o pathmos_n at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o partner_n with_o they_o in_o affliction_n by_o which_o he_o show_v our_o estate_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n to_o live_v in_o affliction_n not_o to_o be_v companion_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n but_o partaker_n of_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o therefore_o those_o which_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o follow_v he_o they_o must_v deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n daily_o and_o because_o of_o this_o estate_n the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v call_v the_o militant_a church_n now_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o tribulation_n use_v we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o church_n which_o have_v have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n so_o long_o without_o persecution_n we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v give_v we_o that_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n for_o see_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v under_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v and_o try_v his_o church_n for_o it_o must_v increase_v and_o grow_v by_o trial_n the_o lord_n have_v send_v labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n a_o long_a time_n which_o have_v gather_v much_o wheat_n into_o the_o lord_n barn_n now_o there_o must_v come_v a_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v his_o fan_n and_o sieve_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v with_o the_o fan_n and_o sieve_n of_o persecution_n try_v the_o wheat_n and_o winnow_v the_o corn_n from_o the_o chaff_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v who_o be_v his_o true_a child_n then_o stand_v it_o we_o in_o hand_n to_o take_v heed_n we_o be_v find_v good_a corn_n and_o not_o chaff_n that_o we_o may_v abide_v the_o sieve_n that_o we_o prove_v not_o light_a corn_n blow_v about_o with_o the_o wind_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v burn_v he_o call_v himself_o their_o fellow_n partner_n in_o affliction_n because_o his_o pitiful_a hart_n be_v move_v with_o compassion_n to_o all_o his_o fellow_n member_n and_o partner_n in_o affliction_n when_o he_o remember_v their_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n they_o suffer_v under_o the_o cruel_a tyrant_n dominitian_n now_o look_v what_o be_v in_o he_o the_o same_o affection_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v pitiful_a full_a of_o compassion_n for_o the_o poor_a afflict_a member_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o be_v our_o fellow_n member_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o fellow_n feel_v with_o they_o and_o show_v our_o compassion_n in_o pity_v they_o if_o the_o foot_n be_v prick_v the_o head_n stoop_v the_o eye_n behold_v and_o look_v on_o it_o the_o finger_n pull_v it_o out_o the_o hand_n apply_v the_o plaster_n the_o other_o foot_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v for_o help_v the_o tongue_n to_o ask_v for_o counsel_n and_o all_o the_o member_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n in_o pity_n and_o fellow_n feel_v so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v affliction_n be_v prick_v with_o persecution_n for_o christ_n cause_n than_o shall_v we_o as_o fellow_n member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o help_n we_o can_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o show_v our_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o that_o he_o set_v first_o affliction_n then_o add_v a_o kingdom_n he_o show_v that_o the_o affliction_n &_o cross_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o be_v beat_v and_o tread_v by_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 21._o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o this_o momentany_a affliction_n cause_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a weight_n of_o glory_n 18._o not_o that_o it_o deserve_v or_o effect_n it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o pathway_n to_o heaven_n then_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a when_o it_o befall_v we_o use_v for_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v wander_a sheep_n out_o of_o the_o way_n into_o the_o ready_a and_o beat_a way_n to_o heaven_n nay_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a when_o we_o have_v no_o affliction_n 8._o for_o than_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n see_v the_o lord_n afflict_v every_o child_n which_o be_v he_o in_o patience_n a_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o persevere_v in_o affliction_n to_o go_v on_o suffer_v till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n affliction_n be_v the_o beat_a way_n heaven_n be_v our_o joyful_a end_n patience_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o
persevere_v and_o go_v on_o till_o we_o come_v to_o our_o journey_n end_n rom._n 15._o 4._o hope_v to_o come_v to_o heaven_n be_v obtain_v by_o patience_n which_o make_v a_o believer_n to_o go_v on_o suffer_v till_o he_o come_v to_o life_n eternal_a there_o be_v much_o fruit_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n but_o not_o obtain_v without_o patience_n and_o the_o true_a believer_n live_v by_o hope_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n without_o patience_n james_n 5._o 9_o now_o because_o man_n will_v say_v patience_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n and_o so_o be_v discourage_v therefore_o to_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o their_o desire_n he_o add_v it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n first_o because_o he_o command_v it_o second_o patience_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n three_o because_o as_o he_o suffer_v in_o his_o member_n it_o be_v call_v his_o patience_n for_o their_o misery_n and_o suffering_n be_v he_o when_o his_o member_n suffer_v he_o suffer_v and_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a comfort_n to_o all_o suffer_v the_o cross_n that_o they_o have_v christ_n their_o fellow_n sufferer_n he_o take_v part_n with_o they_o put_v under_o his_o shoulder_n he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v with_o they_o and_o in_o these_o three_o stand_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o suffer_a tribulation_n the_o first_o step_n to_o this_o fellowship_n &_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v to_o bear_v and_o be_v in_o tribulation_n and_o he_o which_o be_v not_o come_v to_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n then_o second_o he_o must_v patient_o bear_v they_o persevere_v without_o grudge_v or_o repine_v then_o follow_v the_o last_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o enjoy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v in_o the_o i_o will_v call_v pathmos_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o second_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o place_n where_o this_o vision_n be_v give_v to_o john_n namely_o in_o the_o i_o will_v pathmos_n a_o island_n and_o one_o of_o those_o which_o the_o geographer_n call_v sporades_n lie_v on_o the_o left_a side_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n near_o to_o the_o east_n church_n by_o the_o sea_n common_o call_v the_o egean_a sea_n this_o island_n be_v a_o small_a base_a and_o poor_a island_n little_a or_o never_o a_o whit_n inhabit_v s._n john_n have_v his_o vision_n not_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o antioch_n or_o rome_n but_o in_o pathmos_n a_o base_a poor_a and_o little_o inhabit_v island_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o one_o place_n above_o another_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o he_o do_v as_o well_o give_v john_n this_o vision_n in_o pathmos_n as_o to_o other_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v regard_n of_o place_n as_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o presence_n and_o tie_v his_o worship_n especial_o to_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v 6._o which_o daniel_n in_o his_o prophecy_n show_v for_o be_v in_o captivity_n he_o in_o his_o chamber_n open_v the_o window_n which_o be_v towards_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o regard_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v 1._o tim._n 2._o 8._o pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o presence_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v do_v the_o like_a then_o away_o with_o popish_a pilgrimage_n use_v to_o church_n and_o chapel_n of_o saint_n or_o to_o their_o relic_n for_o this_o be_v mere_a superstition_n for_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o a_o man_n may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o one_o place_n as_o well_o as_o another_o also_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o correct_v our_o false_a conceit_n we_o have_v of_o our_o church_n and_o chapel_n for_o we_o come_v into_o our_o common_a house_n wherein_o we_o dwell_v and_o never_o humble_v ourselves_o we_o think_v in_o these_o place_n we_o need_v not_o but_o if_o we_o come_v into_o the_o church_n never_o so_o often_o we_o then_o fall_v down_o and_o humble_v our_o heart_n in_o prayer_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o think_v that_o god_n be_v more_o present_a there_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v hear_v there_o then_o in_o our_o house_n and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o holy_a but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o all_o such_o diversity_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n service_n and_o presence_n indeed_o church_n must_v be_v maintain_v because_o in_o they_o the_o people_n may_v more_o convenient_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v god_n but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v but_o that_o common_a house_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o they_o for_o god_n service_n only_o for_o decency_n sake_n when_o we_o that_o be_v many_o may_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n they_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o any_o dwell_a house_n for_o that_o time_n when_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o prayer_n make_v in_o they_o in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o place_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o what_o mean_v s._n john_n come_v thither_o second_o to_o what_o end_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n first_o he_o come_v thither_o by_o banishment_n the_o emperor_n domitian_n exile_v he_o second_o he_o come_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o come_v and_o abode_n in_o pathmos_n be_v banish_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n in_o this_o banishment_n consider_v first_o that_o s._n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n endue_v with_o rare_a gift_n a_o singular_a maintainer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o famous_a founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o chief_a guide_n thereof_o in_o those_o day_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n most_o hate_v of_o the_o cruel_a persecutor_n domitian_n &_o of_o the_o roman_n yet_o whereas_o many_o other_o of_o the_o true_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o the_o sword_n s._n john_n be_v not_o he_o escape_v and_o be_v banish_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v god_n special_a providence_n by_o which_o he_o have_v reserve_v he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v this_o revelation_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o perpetual_a good_a of_o all_o his_o child_n and_o so_o though_o domitian_n be_v a_o cruel_a tyrant_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o kill_v he_o but_o god_n overruled_n he_o that_o he_o do_v but_o banish_v he_o into_o this_o island_n wherein_o he_o receive_v these_o vision_n and_o pen_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v over_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o he_o do_v bridle_n and_o over-rule_v the_o mind_n and_o may_v of_o cruel_a emperor_n that_o they_o can_v but_o do_v all_o that_o they_o do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o they_o intend_v the_o contrary_n for_o domitian_n intend_v only_o the_o hurt_n of_o john_n yet_o see_v by_o his_o banishment_n into_o that_o i_o will_v he_o have_v fit_a place_n to_o receive_v these_o vision_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o man_n band_v themselves_o together_o to_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n and_o the_o devil_n he_o labour_v to_o stir_v they_o on_o to_o practice_v their_o intend_a malice_n yet_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o order_v this_o their_o malice_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n so_o josephs_n brethren_n intend_v no_o such_o deliverance_n as_o god_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o sell_v their_o brother_n this_o consideration_n shall_v comfort_v all_o god_n child_n etc._n etc._n when_o we_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v by_o tyrant_n for_o christ_n sake_n 2._o we_o must_v make_v no_o resistance_n offer_v no_o violence_n but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n without_o resist_v for_o the_o christian_n weapon_n be_v only_a prayer_n and_o tear_n lachrimae_fw-la and_o s._n john_n often_o in_o this_o book_n add_v after_o the_o foretell_v of_o persecution_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o saint_n show_v that_o must_v be_v the_o complete_a armour_n against_o all_o out_o enemy_n see_v he_o come_v into_o this_o island_n not_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n 1_o but_o by_o violence_n and_o constraint_n he_o think_v it_o not_o a_o good_a and_o happy_a kind_n of_o life_n for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v into_o this_o place_n be_v little_a or_o not_o inhabit_v he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o duty_n of_o his_o apostleship_n he_o can_v not_o have_v found_v the_o church_n this_o then_o confute_v the_o monkish_a life_n which_o be_v no_o life_n of_o holy_a perfection_n as_o they_o call_v it_o but_o
turn_v to_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n for_o unless_o s._n john_n have_v turn_v to_o see_v the_o vision_n and_o he_o which_o speak_v he_o have_v not_o see_v it_o so_o unless_o we_o turn_v to_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o in_o time_n whilst_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o he_o though_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n never_o so_o much_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o be_v the_o representation_n of_o christ_n his_o majesty_n and_o magnificence_n as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n and_o it_o be_v set_v out_o by_o a_o large_a description_n of_o christ_n from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n in_o which_o description_n s._n john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v touch_v christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v partly_o by_o see_v and_o herein_o he_o describe_v christ_n first_o by_o his_o place_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n like_a to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n first_o he_o describe_v christ_n by_o the_o place_n i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n one_o like_v etc._n etc._n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v of_o john_n in_o a_o vision_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v it_o in_o the_o twenty_o verse_n so_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v here_o call_v candlestick_n for_o their_o resemblance_n which_o they_o have_v with_o candlestick_n for_o as_o their_o property_n be_v to_o bear_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o candle_n and_o lamp_n even_o so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o and_o publish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o by_o preach_v and_o maintain_v it_o partly_o by_o profess_v the_o faith_n â—_o see_v every_o church_n be_v a_o candlestick_n and_o not_o a_o candle_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n of_o the_o word_n use_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o but_o only_o can_v bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n and_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o light_n the_o true_a light_n be_v christ_n himself_o then_o they_o can_v give_v light_n to_o man_n conscience_n and_o heart_n but_o all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o bear_v the_o candle_n and_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n by_o instruct_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n 2._o we_o learn_v that_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n be_v candle_n burn_v and_o shine_a light_n place_v in_o the_o shaft_n of_o this_o candlestick_n for_o though_o the_o minister_n must_v especial_o be_v blaze_v lamp_n to_o the_o people_n as_o john_n baptist_n be_v joh._n 5._o 35._o yet_o also_o be_v all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n these_o blaze_a candle_n to_o hold_v forth_o this_o light_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o light_n to_o the_o world_n phil._n 2._o 15._o 16._o every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n must_v be_v a_o shine_a candle_n and_o a_o burn_a lamp_n now_o that_o he_o may_v be_v such_o a_o one_o he_o must_v first_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o then_o as_o a_o blaze_a candle_n send_v forth_o the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o godly_a life_n and_o conversation_n we_o all_o profess_v we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n than_o we_o must_v carry_v and_o hold_v forth_o these_o burn_a light_n have_v light_n in_o ourselves_o to_o send_v it_o out_o to_o other_o by_o teach_v they_o in_o our_o call_n and_o live_v godly_a and_o give_v good_a example_n and_o so_o shine_v to_o the_o world_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o this_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o burn_a lamp_n first_o it_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n phil._n 2._o 15._o every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n must_v be_v a_o blaze_a light_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o perverse_a nation_n we_o must_v carry_v ourselves_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n send_v out_o our_o light_n to_o all_o man_n for_o a_o second_o reason_n mark_v the_o fruit_n and_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v this_o carry_v of_o ourselves_o as_o shine_a light_n when_o a_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o send_v out_o this_o light_n by_o instruct_v other_o and_o in_o a_o godly_a example_n he_o win_v many_o man_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o man_n if_o he_o have_v one_o to_o hold_v he_o out_o a_o candle_n in_o winter_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o way_n to_o go_v whither_o he_o will_v he_o take_v this_o as_o a_o great_a benefit_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o to_o light_v the_o way_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n even_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n be_v dim_a and_o dark_a candle_n and_o live_v not_o in_o the_o church_n as_o blaze_a light_n but_o in_o sin_n ignorance_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n hence_o great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n come_v to_o man_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o when_o a_o man_n know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o sin_n he_o give_v a_o false_a direction_n and_o so_o many_o follow_v he_o even_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n and_o by_o his_o bad_a example_n he_o draw_v man_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v simile_n to_o eternal_a destruction_n in_o haven_n town_n if_o a_o man_n remove_v the_o night_n mark_v and_o the_o candle_n set_v to_o direct_v the_o ship_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o sink_v all_o the_o ship_n for_o they_o have_v wrong_a direction_n run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n because_o they_o go_v to_o the_o light_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_a place_n and_o so_o they_o miss_v the_o channel_n and_o light_n on_o rock_n and_o perish_v so_o man_n in_o this_o world_n they_o sail_v as_o on_o the_o sea_n to_o heaven_n now_o if_o we_o by_o our_o wicked_a life_n remove_v the_o mark_n and_o give_v wrong_a direction_n they_o must_v needs_o miss_v the_o right_a way_n and_o so_o come_v to_o a_o false_a haven_n not_o heaven_n but_o hell_n and_o so_o then_o see_v either_o by_o our_o godly_a life_n we_o draw_v man_n to_o heaven_n or_o by_o our_o bad_a life_n we_o carry_v they_o to_o hell_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v by_o life_n and_o doctrine_n to_o give_v good_a direction_n the_o three_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o to_o be_v burn_a light_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o he_o which_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o shine_v not_o in_o teach_v other_o by_o his_o good_a example_n he_o incur_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n the_o light_n and_o candle_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n who_o dress_v and_o trim_v they_o &_o for_o that_o purpose_n he_o have_v snuffer_n and_o such_o instrument_n now_o in_o the_o church_n every_o man_n be_v a_o candle_n stand_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o a_o stick_n christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o trim_a and_o dresser_n of_o they_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o trim_v they_o and_o dress_v these_o candle_n now_o if_o after_o three_o or_o four_o time_n dress_v and_o snuff_v of_o this_o candle_n still_o it_o burn_v dim_a and_o will_v not_o shine_v out_o he_o will_v either_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o stick_n or_o else_o he_o will_v take_v and_o tread_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n so_o those_o which_o in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o send_v out_o a_o shine_a light_n the_o lord_n he_o dress_v and_o snuff_v they_o but_o if_o they_o still_o burn_v dimmely_a cast_v not_o a_o clear_a light_n in_o instruct_v other_o and_o leave_v good_a example_n the_o lord_n will_v cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o place_n put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n and_o clean_o extinguish_v they_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o danger_n every_o man_n in_o his_o shaft_n and_o place_n the_o minister_n in_o he_o the_o unlettered_a man_n in_o he_o must_v teach_v other_o give_v good_a example_n else_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v this_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v in_o judgement_n and_o stamp_n it_o out_o and_o extinguish_v that_o light_n nay_o very_a reason_n require_v this_o at_o our_o hand_n see_v we_o be_v all_o light_n of_o this_o candlestick_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o shall_v send_v out_o light_a in_o winter_n time_n we_o hang_v out_o light_n that_o by_o they_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o help_v they_o in_o
choose_v babylon_n a_o city_n of_o confusion_n and_o abomination_n so_o he_o have_v choose_v rome_n which_o be_v become_v of_o a_o famous_a church_n the_o throne_n of_o satan_n so_o jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o then_o the_o city_n fall_v to_o wickedness_n so_o the_o devil_n get_v god_n temple_n and_o the_o holy_a city_n to_o be_v his_o throne_n and_o in_o our_o time_n he_o get_v the_o great_a city_n &_o shire_n town_n for_o his_o throne_n for_o in_o they_o be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o the_o gospel_n more_o contemn_v then_o in_o small_a village_n in_o which_o after_o little_a preach_v it_o be_v willing_o embrace_v now_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v because_o the_o devil_n labour_v especial_o to_o have_v his_o throne_n where_o he_o may_v do_v the_o most_o harm_n and_o convey_v his_o doctrine_n to_o more_o place_n and_o live_v without_o controlment_n if_o this_o or_o any_o other_o shire_n town_n use_v or_o any_o great_a city_n live_v in_o sin_n in_o ignorance_n and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n take_v heed_n for_o they_o shall_v become_v in_o time_n a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n he_o will_v have_v his_o throne_n there_o now_o than_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v against_o he_o to_o have_v his_o throne_n pluck_v down_o to_o have_v he_o deface_v and_o cast_v out_o have_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n subject_a to_o christ_n renounce_v ourselves_o rely_v whole_o on_o christ_n forsake_v our_o own_o way_n never_o lend_v our_o ear_n to_o satan_n let_v he_o have_v no_o foot_n in_o we_o never_o suffer_v he_o to_o come_v to_o have_v his_o throne_n begin_v but_o still_o labour_n to_o have_v it_o raze_v and_o turn_v upside_o down_o and_o withal_o suffer_v christ_n to_o rule_v suffer_v he_o alone_o to_o possess_v our_o heart_n that_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v increase_v daily_o in_o us._n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o kingdom_n erect_v we_o note_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n derive_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o it_o be_v a_o choose_a people_n yet_o it_o be_v pick_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n where_o he_o rule_v col._n 1._o 12._o 13._o for_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n and_o subject_n in_o his_o kingdom_n then_o no_o man_n must_v stand_v of_o his_o gentility_n 1_o and_o of_o his_o nobility_n and_o blood_n but_o all_o our_o true_a joy_n must_v be_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o golden_a chain_n on_o his_o neck_n and_o have_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n under_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a a_o slave_n and_o vassal_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o our_o joy_n must_v be_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sundry_a man_n think_v 2._o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o any_o religion_n and_o most_o of_o the_o common_a people_n think_v that_o good_a meaning_n will_v save_v they_o but_o a_o man_n may_v profess_v any_o religion_n and_o have_v good_a meaning_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v one_o step_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o remain_v the_o vassal_n and_o slave_n of_o satan_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v outward_a civil_a justice_n and_o civil_a policy_n and_o mean_v well_o yet_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o see_v the_o child_n of_o god_n gain_v a_o privilege_n above_o all_o other_o 3_o for_o in_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n though_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o danger_n yet_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o see_v they_o be_v member_n of_o god_n church_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o from_o that_o place_n of_o darkness_n see_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n gain_v a_o church_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n 4._o we_o see_v the_o word_n have_v a_o divine_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n which_o have_v great_a power_n in_o earth_n then_o the_o devil_n except_o good_a angel_n yet_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n draw_v one_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o gather_v a_o church_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o kingdom_n see_v in_o pergamus_n 5._o where_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v god_n child_n be_v we_o see_v that_o god_n will_v have_v his_o servant_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o mingle_v with_o the_o vassal_n of_o the_o devil_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o do_v this_o for_o good_a cause_n first_o that_o their_o faith_n obedience_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v exercise_v second_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o many_o grievous_a sin_n into_o which_o else_o they_o will_v fall_v so_o when_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o israelite_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n he_o will_v not_o cast_v all_o their_o enemy_n out_o at_o once_o but_o they_o must_v be_v mingle_v and_o dwell_v with_o the_o canaanite_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v destroy_v they_o at_o once_o the_o wild_a beast_n may_v have_v destroy_v the_o land_n so_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mingle_v with_o evil_a man_n that_o the_o godly_a may_v be_v exercise_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o more_o grievous_a sin_n second_o he_o will_v have_v his_o child_n to_o dwell_v with_o wicked_a &_o ungodly_a man_n that_o their_o godly_a life_n may_v shine_v as_o light_n among_o they_o philip._n 2._o 17._o and_o so_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v most_o effectual_a to_o win_v man_n to_o christ._n three_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v show_v special_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n to_o they_o that_o when_o he_o bring_v his_o judgement_n on_o the_o wicked_a yet_o he_o defend_v they_o ezech._n 9_o 4._o he_o mark_v they_o which_o mourn_v that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o judgement_n which_o be_v bring_v on_o jerusalem_n then_o if_o any_o man_n dwell_v among_o such_o as_o contemn_v and_o hate_v religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v they_o be_v content_v see_v it_o be_v god_n will_v they_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o church_n on_o earth_n prove_v and_o exercise_v by_o they_o we_o see_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o man_n to_o dwell_v with_o and_o by_o such_o wicked_a man_n 6._o but_o they_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n but_o abstain_v from_o their_o wickedness_n as_o lot_n in_o sodom_n and_o noah_n dwell_v with_o the_o wicked_a man_n of_o the_o old_a world_n and_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n be_v erect_v for_o 1._o cor._n 7._o there_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o servant_n have_v a_o master_n which_o be_v a_o infidel_n may_v forsake_v he_o or_o not_o the_o answer_n be_v make_v he_o must_v dwell_v with_o he_o but_o so_o that_o thereby_o he_o deny_v not_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o religion_n but_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v how_o to_o answer_v that_o old_a objection_n of_o the_o papist_n where_o be_v our_o church_n fourscore_o year_n ago_o before_o luther_n preach_v when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n be_v in_o all_o europe_n by_o the_o like_a i_o ask_v where_o be_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v there_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o devil_n have_v erect_v his_o throne_n mighty_o in_o that_o place_n yet_o there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v spread_v his_o doctrine_n of_o wickedness_n in_o all_o europe_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o church_n among_o we_o in_o this_o and_o other_o land_n as_o appear_v in_o that_o ever_o there_o be_v some_o which_o both_o open_o and_o private_o oppugn_v his_o doctrine_n by_o word_n and_o writing_n in_o all_o age_n which_o show_v that_o though_o sin_v rule_v in_o this_o church_n many_o hundred_o year_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v professor_n though_o not_o so_o visible_a as_o now_o it_o be_v when_o man_n may_v profess_v open_o in_o every_o place_n without_o fear_n and_o