holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n
counsel_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o principale_a counsellor_n be_v christ_n so_o he_o say_v in_o the_o person_n of_o wisdom_n pro._n 8.14_o counsel_n be_v i_o 9.6_o and_o isaiah_n say_v to_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o he_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n yea_o he_o be_v both_o king_n &_o counsellor_n to_o his_o church_n this_o office_n christ_n challenge_v to_o himself_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o advise_v his_o church_n touch_v the_o way_n whereby_o they_o must_v escape_v everlasting_a death_n and_o come_v to_o eternal_a life_n second_o because_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o may_v practice_v every_o business_n so_o as_o it_o may_v please_v god_n three_o because_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o may_v in_o grievous_a danger_n and_o distress_n find_v a_o good_a issue_n or_o else_o be_v able_a with_o patience_n to_o bear_v they_o these_o thing_n he_o work_v daily_o in_o his_o church_n not_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n but_o ordinary_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o challenge_v this_o honour_n to_o be_v call_v the_o counsellor_n of_o his_o church_n from_o this_o office_n of_o christ_n use_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o do_v all_o the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n we_o can_v unto_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o be_v our_o profess_a counsellor_n who_o employ_v himself_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n counsellor_n of_o the_o state_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v high_o honour_v and_o respect_v of_o all_o sort_n even_o for_o their_o counsel_n in_o worldly_a matter_n though_o often_o it_o fail_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o honour_n christ_n our_o heavenly_a counsellor_n who_o counsel_n lead_v unto_o glory_n and_o be_v stable_a and_o sure_a for_o ever_o look_v how_o much_o his_o counsel_n excel_v they_o so_o much_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v honour_v above_o they_o all_o second_o in_o all_o distress_n and_o grievous_a temptation_n and_o danger_n either_o of_o soul_n or_o body_n we_o must_v take_v counsel_n and_o advise_v from_o christ_n jesus_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o counsellor_n that_o man_n in_o distress_n come_v to_o he_o by_o his_o advice_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o ease_v when_o moab_n ammon_n and_o mount_v seir_n band_v themselves_o against_o juda_n the_o people_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n and_o danger_n but_o mark_v what_o good_a king_n jehosophat_n do_v he_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n his_o counsellor_n say_v lord_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o 2._o chron._n 20.12_o that_o be_v direct_v thou_o we_o in_o this_o danger_n for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o escape_v this_o pratise_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o man_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o any_o danger_n such_o as_o these_o day_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o sin_n the_o counsel_n of_o wizard_n sorcerer_n and_o astrologian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o but_o by_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o call_v only_o and_o continual_o on_o this_o our_o only_a true_a counsellor_n ii_o point_n the_o remedy_n itself_o which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o former_a verse_n for_o there_o he_o set_v down_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o church_n in_o three_o part_n which_o be_v all_o great_a misery_n and_o here_o he_o so_o propound_v his_o remedy_n that_o it_o be_v answerable_a to_o their_o misery_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o for_o first_o here_o be_v gold_n to_o make_v they_o rich_a answerable_a to_o their_o poverty_n second_o raiment_n to_o hide_v their_o nakedness_n three_o ointment_n to_o take_v away_o their_o blindness_n for_o the_o first_o by_o gold_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o true_a faith_n repentance_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a love_n of_o man_n 1._o pet._n 1.7_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o gold_n in_o the_o trial_n thereof_o and_o so_o may_v all_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v hereby_o understand_v second_o by_o gold_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v christ_n merit_n yea_o christ_n himself_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n this_o gold_n be_v further_o say_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o precious_a gold_n purge_v from_o all_o dross_n as_o fine_a as_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o art_n of_o man_n this_o be_v add_v to_o express_v the_o property_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o gift_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v more_o precious_a unto_o god_n then_o gold_n yea_o than_o gold_n try_v by_o the_o fire_n as_o peter_n say_v use_n by_o this_o every_o person_n be_v teach_v how_o to_o beautify_v themselves_o both_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n it_o be_v the_o common_a blind_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o foreign_a attire_n and_o rich_a jewel_n do_v adorn_v the_o body_n and_o indeed_o in_o some_o case_n the_o body_n may_v be_v adorn_v with_o pearl_n and_o jewel_n but_o the_o right_a way_n to_o adorn_v any_o person_n indeed_o be_v to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o these_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o unto_o god_n be_v more_o precious_a than_o fine_a gold_n our_o body_n and_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o dwell_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o therefore_o we_o must_v adorn_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o so_o worthy_a a_o guest_n which_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o good_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o strange_a and_o foreign_a attire_n which_o no_o good_a man_n can_v ever_o abide_v second_o these_o grace_n have_v a_o further_a effect_n than_o to_o beautify_v and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v rich_a here_o then_o see_v the_o common_a folly_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a madness_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n wit_n and_o strength_n to_o furnish_v their_o house_n with_o treasure_n &_o to_o enrich_v their_o body_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n leave_v their_o soul_n ungarnished_a what_o a_o madness_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v neglect_v the_o true_a riches_n and_o follow_v after_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o counterfeit_a copper_n see_v therefore_o god_n grace_n be_v the_o true_a treasure_n which_o fade_v not_o let_v we_o seek_v after_o they_o as_o wisdom_n counsel_v pro._n 8.10_o 11_o receive_v my_o instruction_n and_o not_o silver_n and_o knowledge_n rather_o than_o fine_a gold_n for_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o precious_a stone_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v a_o white_a garment_n that_o be_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o righteousness_n impute_v so_o paul_n say_v 3.27_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n there_o christ_n be_v make_v a_o garment_n who_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o do_v put_v on_o again_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o garment_n &_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v to_o 3.12_o put_v on_o tender_a mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n and_o long_o suffer_v further_o christ_n show_v the_o end_n of_o this_o garment_n namely_o to_o cover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o our_o soul_n lest_o the_o filthynesse_n thereof_o which_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o do_v appear_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v anoint_v with_o eye-salue_n where_o by_o eye-salue_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n and_o knowledge_n wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o man_n know_v themselves_o and_o their_o estate_n for_o as_o eye-salue_n sharpen_v the_o eye_n and_o clear_v the_o sight_n where_o it_o be_v by_o some_o occasion_n dimn_v so_o do_v christ_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v a_o man_n know_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o between_o thing_n temporal_a and_o blessing_n eternal_a thus_o we_o have_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o by_o all_o these_o three_o we_o can_v understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o merit_n now_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o christ_n be_v signify_v by_o diverse_a term_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o plentiful_a redemption_n yea_o store_n of_o supply_n for_o all_o our_o want_n the_o laodicean_n be_v poor_a but_o christ_n be_v their_o riches_n they_o be_v naked_a christ_n be_v their_o garment_n and_o last_o they_o be_v blind_a but_o christ_n be_v their_o eye-salue_n so_o that_o what_o want_v soever_o be_v in_o we_o there_o be_v store_n of_o supply_n thereof_o in_o christ._n this_o must_v the_o more_o diligent_o be_v mark_v
three_o man_n will_v profess_v that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o love_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n when_o as_o they_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o more_o than_o christ_n and_o so_o have_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n four_o to_o make_v more_o plain_a that_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n reign_v in_o man_n heart_n mark_v this_o let_v any_o bodily_a calamity_n be_v make_v know_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v new_o befall_v he_o oh_o how_o be_v he_o present_o perplex_v but_o let_v god_n minister_v out_o of_o his_o word_n make_v know_v unto_o he_o his_o inward_a fearful_a estate_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n he_o be_v not_o afraid_a worldly_a news_n do_v affright_v man_n much_o when_o as_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n move_v they_o nothing_o what_o argue_v this_o but_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v forestalled_n with_o this_o false_a conceit_n i_o be_o rich_a the_o drunkard_n in_o his_o drunkenness_n the_o filthy_a person_n in_o his_o uncleanness_n and_o every_o man_n in_o his_o sin_n soothe_v himself_o with_o this_o god_n be_v merciful_a i_o be_o rich_a and_o in_o his_o favour_n he_o will_v not_o condemn_v i_o well_o it_o be_v thus_o manifest_a that_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v our_o common_a sin_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o see_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n that_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v the_o mean_n follow_v afterward_o and_o increase_v with_o good_n or_o be_o make_v rich_a so_o the_o word_n be_v these_o word_n be_v add_v only_o for_o amplification_n to_o show_v that_o this_o church_n have_v not_o any_o small_a portion_n but_o a_o exceed_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o double_n of_o the_o word_n show_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o conceit_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o pride_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v knowledge_n wherewith_o no_o doubt_n the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n and_o many_o therein_o do_v abound_v now_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v 1_o that_o knowledge_n puss_v up_o this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o place_n great_a knowledge_n without_o special_a grace_n great_a pride_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n where_o knowledge_n abound_v there_o pride_n of_o heart_n abound_v and_o man_n be_v puff_v up_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n unless_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n god_n do_v humble_a they_o and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o this_o be_v a_o further_a sign_n of_o their_o great_a pride_n that_o they_o think_v they_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o any_o person_n beside_o themselves_o and_o all_o such_o as_o think_v they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o their_o sin_n do_v surfeit_n and_o abound_v with_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o heart_n this_o serve_v further_a to_o convince_v our_o congregation_n of_o this_o damnable_a spiritual_a pride_n if_o any_o one_o be_v sick_a in_o body_n he_o straight_o send_v to_o the_o physician_n but_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o seek_v to_o the_o minister_n till_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n draw_v near_o the_o soul_n disease_n by_o sin_n be_v not_o feel_v there_o be_v no_o complaint_n for_o want_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v empty_v of_o this_o pride_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o see_v that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o feel_v that_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o goodness_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v but_o the_o proud_a laodicean_n and_o our_o case_n be_v wretched_a and_o damnable_a and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a christ_n intend_v to_o strike_v this_o sin_n of_o pride_n to_o the_o very_a heart_n do_v here_o set_v down_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o to_o wit_n ignorance_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o know_v not_o thy_o own_o natural_a estate_n as_o thou_o be_v bear_v of_o adam_n out_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v proud_a and_o thy_o pride_n make_v thou_o lukewarm_a then_o he_o show_v whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a namely_o of_o their_o natural_a estate_n for_o the_o first_o christ_n make_v ignorance_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o pride_n teach_v we_o that_o pride_n be_v not_o the_o first_o sin_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o many_o both_o papist_n and_o other_o have_v think_v true_a it_o be_v pride_n be_v a_o great_a and_o mother_n sin_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o many_o foul_a iniquity_n but_o yet_o ignorance_n be_v a_o mother_n sin_n whereof_o pride_n spring_v the_o cause_n why_o any_o person_n swell_v with_o pride_n in_o himself_o be_v ignorance_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a estate_n by_o this_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o learn_v to_o know_v our_o own_o estate_n what_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o ourselves_o without_o christ_n for_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o pull_v down_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o prophet_n of_o god_n use_v to_o call_v man_n to_o a_o search_n of_o themselves_o zeph._n 2.1_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v the_o people_n to_o humility_n and_o grace_n that_o man_n see_v their_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a may_v be_v humble_v and_o cause_v to_o forsake_v themselves_o and_o come_v unto_o christ._n and_o sure_o till_o such_o time_n as_o man_n be_v humble_v for_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v never_o get_v sound_a grace_n but_o be_v as_o the_o proud_a pharisie_n hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n though_o they_o have_v much_o knowledge_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v search_v his_o natural_a estate_n then_o beside_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o come_v other_o most_o excellent_a grace_n as_o humility_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o true_a obedience_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o first_o of_o all_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o own_o estate_n in_o ourselves_o &_o with_o our_o personal_a sin_n &_o with_o god_n judgment_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o true_a grace_n the_o spot_n and_o blemish_n of_o our_o body_n we_o can_v soon_o espy_v and_o wipe_v away_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v less_o careful_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v far_o better_a that_o christ_n may_v full_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o their_o ignorance_n of_o themselves_o it_o please_v he_o to_o desrcibe_v to_o they_o their_o natural_a estate_n &_o so_o proportional_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o all_o church_n &_o of_o all_o people_n which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n misery_n this_o he_o propound_v two_o way_n first_o general_o in_o these_o word_n and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a then_o by_o the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v three_o poverty_n blindness_n and_o nakedness_n for_o the_o first_o the_o word_n translate_v wretched_a signify_v one_o subject_a to_o calamity_n grief_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o misery_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v who_o be_v thus_o wretched_a i_o will_v enter_v into_o a_o description_n of_o man_n misery_n whereof_o that_o we_o may_v conceive_v aright_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o root_n and_o fountain_n thereof_o for_o therein_o we_o shall_v best_o see_v what_o misery_n mean_v this_o root_n be_v original_a sin_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o that_o particular_a transgression_n whereby_o adam_n sin_v which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o person_n but_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n spread_v itself_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n christ_n except_v second_o the_o deface_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o corrupt_a of_o man_n heart_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v in_o it_o a_o pronesse_n unto_o all_o sin_n both_o in_o will_n affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o these_o two_o stand_v original_a sin_n and_o in_o they_o and_o with_o they_o must_v we_o conceive_v of_o man_n misery_n as_o in_o the_o root_n thereof_o second_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o man_n misery_n under_o the_o form_n of_o punishment_n have_v relation_n to_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o adam_n &_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o each_o man_n nature_n thereby_o receive_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v consider_v sundry_a way_n according_a to_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o after_o for_o it_o be_v either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n or_o after_o this_o life_n
favour_n of_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o even_o despair_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o till_o this_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o we_o may_v make_v a_o show_n in_o profession_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o we_o shall_v never_o haâ—e_v sound_a grace_n and_o bless_a be_v our_o estate_n if_o we_o can_v lay_v aside_o that_o devilish_a pride_n which_o puff_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o become_v poor_a in_o spirit_n then_o be_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o but_o till_o we_o be_v beggar_n in_o ourselves_o we_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o christ._n how_o can_v christ_n true_o charge_v this_o church_n with_o poverty_n for_o the_o laodicean_n be_v a_o rich_a people_n and_o have_v great_a store_n of_o wealth_n answ._n true_a it_o be_v they_o be_v rich_a in_o wealth_n as_o history_n show_v and_o yet_o poor_a to_o god_n for_o all_o honour_n and_o wealth_n in_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o without_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n paul_n say_v 2.10_o we_o be_v complete_a in_o christ_n forth_o of_o he_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o say_v 22.23_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o and_o you_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n but_o nothing_o be_v we_o till_o we_o have_v christ_n and_o christ_n us._n use_n as_o it_o be_v with_o this_o church_n so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o other_o every_o person_n and_o all_o people_n be_v but_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a if_o they_o want_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n have_v give_v any_o man_n riches_n and_o wealth_n he_o must_v lay_v this_o good_a foundation_n use_v they_o as_o help_v to_o further_a his_o salvation_n for_o by_o they_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o also_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n but_o they_o that_o have_v wealth_n and_o use_v it_o otherwise_o shall_v find_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o deep_a condemnation_n the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o misery_n be_v blindness_n quest._n how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v blind_a for_o they_o have_v a_o learned_a teacher_n no_o doubt_n that_o both_o be_v able_a and_o do_v teach_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n likewise_o know_v the_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n answ._n they_o have_v knowledge_n indeed_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v blind_a first_o because_o they_o know_v not_o their_o own_o estate_n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o skill_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n &_o great_a knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n yet_o if_o he_o know_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o be_v but_o a_o blind_a man_n second_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n they_o know_v no_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n but_o they_o can_v not_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v god_n be_v my_o god_n christ_n my_o redeemer_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n my_o sanctifier_n three_o because_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v of_o thing_n that_o do_v differ_v as_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o evil_a and_o evil_a and_o between_o temporal_a thing_n and_o eternal_a blessing_n this_o spiritual_a discern_a be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n grace_n use_n in_o that_o christ_n say_v they_o be_v blind_a though_o they_o have_v knowledge_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v but_o mere_a ignorance_n before_o god_n to_o those_o person_n that_o know_v not_o themselves_o and_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o want_v hereof_o christ_n call_v the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n blind_a though_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o very_a learned_a man_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o rest_v content_a with_o any_o humane_a learning_n no_o not_o with_o the_o literal_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v further_a to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n &_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o be_v able_a in_o some_o good_a sort_n to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v david_n a_o most_o worthy_a prophet_n intitule_v the_o 32._o psalm_n his_o learning_n what_o learning_n show_v he_o there_o answ._n surely_n nothing_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o indeed_o that_o be_v it_o which_o season_v all_o our_o learning_n and_o therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o it_o the_o three_o part_n of_o their_o misery_n be_v nakedness_n nakedness_n be_v twofold_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n &_o to_o god_n nakedness_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v bodily_a &_o that_o be_v also_o twofold_a either_o that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o fall_n in_o the_o body_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n whereby_o their_o body_n be_v uncover_v appear_v very_o glorious_a without_o shame_n or_o that_o which_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n whereby_o the_o body_n be_v naked_a &_o bare_a appear_v full_a of_o shame_n which_o be_v so_o excessive_a by_o reason_n of_o man_n sin_n that_o if_o necessity_n will_v permit_v the_o whole_a body_n both_o face_n &_o hand_n shall_v all_o be_v cover_v nakedness_n before_o god_n be_v when_o any_o man_n lie_v before_o god_n a_o deform_a sinner_n in_o this_o case_n moses_n see_v the_o israelite_n 32.25_o when_o they_o have_v make_v a_o golden_a calf_n for_o thereby_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o god_n image_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n this_o be_v a_o misery_n of_o all_o misery_n &_o the_o great_a nakedness_n that_o can_v be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o nakedness_n of_o this_o church_n in_o this_o place_n qu._n why_o do_v christ_n call_v they_o naked_a ans._n to_o move_v they_o and_o in_o their_o person_n all_o professor_n to_o have_v care_v not_o to_o fly_v from_o god_n 31.33_o and_o to_o hide_v their_o sin_n with_o adam_n but_o to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o his_o presence_n and_o there_o lie_v open_a their_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o cover_n for_o they_o by_o christ._n it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n to_o hide_v their_o sin_n from_o man_n but_o never_o to_o care_v how_o bare_a &_o naked_a they_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o yet_o see_v they_o all_o as_o plain_o as_o we_o see_v the_o sore_n of_o any_o poor_a lazer_n that_o show_v the_o same_o to_o move_v our_o pity_n towards_o he_o which_o if_o we_o can_v see_v we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o seek_v to_o cover_v our_o sin_n before_o god_n we_o must_v therefore_o labour_v in_o our_o own_o conscience_n to_o see_v the_o nakedness_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v touch_v and_o humble_v for_o the_o same_o that_o so_o we_o may_v earnest_o entreat_v for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o cover_n to_o clothe_v our_o soul_n this_o be_v david_n practice_n for_o when_o he_o say_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v psal._n 32.1_o he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o use_v to_o uncover_v his_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o open_v before_o god_n that_o at_o his_o hand_n in_o christ_n he_o may_v get_v a_o cover_n for_o they_o these_o be_v the_o particular_a part_n of_o a_o man_n misery_n which_o every_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o feel_v in_o himself_o if_o he_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o thus_o have_v christ_n both_o in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a set_v down_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o church_n that_o he_o may_v prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o bless_a comfort_n which_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n vers._n 18._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v by_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o thy_o filthy_a nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eye-salue_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v here_o begin_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o church_n wherein_o first_o he_o propound_v a_o notable_a remedy_n for_o her_o misery_n before_o note_v in_o this_o remedy_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o thing_n the_o manner_n of_o prescribe_v it_o the_o remedy_n itself_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o the_o first_o this_o remedy_n be_v propound_v not_o in_o any_o sharp_a commandment_n but_o by_o a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a advice_n i_o counsel_v thou_o and_o herein_o christ_n do_v take_v to_o himself_o the_o office_n of_o the_o counsellor_n of_o his_o church_n for_o as_o god_n have_v his_o church_n and_o people_n so_o he_o have_v his_o counsellor_n by_o who_o in_o mercy_n he_o have_v reveal_v his_o
never_o seek_v it_o this_o his_o mercy_n be_v verify_v in_o all_o church_n and_o unto_o we_o which_o must_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o enlarge_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o vouchsafe_v we_o favour_n when_o we_o never_o seek_v it_o but_o refuse_v it_o quest._n how_o do_v christ_n knock_v answ._n the_o word_n go_v before_o whereto_o these_o have_v reference_n give_v light_n unto_o this_o question_n before_o christ_n have_v threaten_v this_o church_n even_o to_o spew_v she_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o her_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o after_o he_o counsel_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o gold_n and_o other_o remedy_n now_o upon_o this_o grievous_a threaten_n the_o church_n may_v despair_v of_o his_o mercy_n but_o christ_n to_o comfort_v she_o tell_v she_o here_o that_o these_o reproof_n and_o rebuke_n be_v but_o knock_v be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o open_a for_o then_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o people_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o mean_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o withal_o give_v they_o coun_fw-fr whereby_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o fearful_a punishment_n thereby_o deserve_v here_o then_o note_v the_o state_n of_o any_o people_n that_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v to_o come_v in_o by_o exhortation_n admonition_n threaten_n and_o by_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a mercy_n first_o see_v we_o have_v christ_n knock_v at_o our_o door_n use_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o we_o such_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n in_o hear_v he_o knock_v if_o a_o man_n of_o any_o account_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o house_n oh_o what_o a_o stir_n will_v we_o make_v to_o let_v he_o in_o quick_o what_o a_o shame_n than_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v dead-harted_n when_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n second_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o with_o all_o speed_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v continue_v knock_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o turn_v before_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o we_o perish_v eternal_o for_o if_o we_o refuse_v when_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n he_o will_v refuse_v when_o we_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n prou._n 1._o 25.26_o mat._n 25.11.12_o note_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o it_o be_v join_v with_o cry_v for_o he_o say_v if_o he_o hear_v my_o voice_n so_o that_o he_o both_o knock_v &_o cry_n it_o be_v then_o the_o knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v enter_v we_o therefore_o ought_v answerable_o with_o serious_a regard_n to_o receive_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v as_o earnest_n in_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o knock_v to_o come_v into_o us._n the_o second_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o set_v down_o the_o true_a use_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o same_o mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v such_o as_o give_v unto_o a_o man_n will_n &_o soul_n a_o action_n in_o his_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v christ._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o it_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o worker_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o word_n and_o man_n will_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a knowledge_n soften_a the_o heart_n and_o change_v the_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o now_o he_o work_v not_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n but_o ordinary_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v hear_v or_o meditate_v either_o public_o or_o private_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o man_n salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o man_v will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o dead_a unto_o grace_n yet_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o conversion_n move_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v turn_v it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n only_o passive_a which_o without_o any_o action_n receive_v impression_n but_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o fire_n do_v bear_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v it_o be_v fire_n so_o the_o will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o move_v not_o yet_o be_v renew_v by_o grace_n it_o move_v and_o so_o some_o as_o it_o move_v it_o be_v renew_v and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v action_n unto_o a_o sinner_n that_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v which_o argue_v not_o that_o by_o themselves_o man_n can_v have_v a_o will_n to_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o be_v renew_v they_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o these_o term_n repent_v and_o believe_v not_o to_o show_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v repent_v or_o believe_v but_o that_o god_n in_o man_n conversion_n do_v give_v he_o grace_v to_o will_n and_o desire_v the_o same_o hence_o than_o it_o follow_v thar_z this_o text_n have_v be_v diverse_a way_n abuse_v first_o by_o the_o papist_n who_o hence_o will_v gather_v free_a will_n of_o conversion_n in_o a_o sinner_n by_o nature_n true_a it_o be_v a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o be_v gather_v hence_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v and_o open_v when_o i_o knock_v nay_o hence_o we_o may_v rather_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v hear_v nor_o open_a because_o the_o counsel_n be_v give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a by_o nature_n second_o they_o also_o abuse_v this_o text_n that_o hereby_o will_v prove_v a_o flexible_a free_a will_n by_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o man_n which_o be_v this_o sundry_a man_n think_v that_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o sin_n god_n give_v a_o general_a grace_n whereby_o any_o man_n may_v will_v and_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o this_o grace_n though_o it_o dispose_v the_o will_n in_o some_o part_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o it_o take_v not_o the_o corruption_n away_o but_o that_o remain_v still_o whereupon_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v receive_v christ_n by_o that_o general_a grace_n or_o if_o he_o will_v not_o he_o may_v refuse_v christ_n by_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o he_o it_o be_v say_v this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o text_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o flexible_a freewill_n all_o that_o can_v here_o be_v gather_v be_v that_o man_n have_v freewill_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o a_o general_a but_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n nay_o christ_n ministry_n serueâ—_n for_o this_o end_n that_o those_o which_o before_o can_v not_o turn_v of_o themselves_o may_v by_o grace_n be_v convert_v this_o flexible_a grace_n be_v against_o god_n word_n christ_n say_v 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o he_o say_v not_o may_v come_v if_o he_o will_v but_o peremptory_o come_v for_o man_n will_n can_v dispose_v and_o over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n 〈◊〉_d god_n overrule_v the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o man_n be_v unwilling_a yet_o when_o god_n call_v effectual_o he_o can_v but_o come_v for_o the_o creature_n can_v reject_v or_o resist_v the_o will_n and_o call_n of_o his_o creator_n if_o any_o man_n open_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v etc._n etc._n the_o proper_a intent_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o conditional_a promise_n be_v to_o provoke_v they_o that_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a to_o listen_v diligent_o to_o christ_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n from_o he_o glad_o in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v our_o duty_n see_v
ministry_n will_v soon_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o man_n invention_n again_o in_o this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n saying_n to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v â—5_n for_o though_o john_n be_v endue_v with_o rare_a knowledge_n and_o singular_a gift_n yet_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o knowledge_n to_o his_o former_a the_o lord_n find_v he_o faithful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o reveal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o secret_n unto_o he_o in_o most_o full_a manner_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n at_o this_o day_n all_o that_o have_v care_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v it_o though_o their_o knowledge_n be_v small_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v they_o and_o add_v daily_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n not_o but_o wax_v worse_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n be_v because_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o have_v their_o knowledge_n increase_v by_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o know_v for_o if_o they_o do_v then_o to_o he_o which_o have_v shall_v more_o be_v add_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o be_v negligent_a to_o hear_v or_o know_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o spirit_n indeed_o send_v upon_o we_o yet_o not_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o blindness_n &_o ignorance_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o see_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o isay._n 6.9_o 6.9_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o four_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o time_n when_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v to_o s._n john_n this_o day_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o we_o sunday_n it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o on_o this_o day_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v bury_v the_o even_a of_o the_o jew_n sabboath_n which_o be_v our_o friday_n and_o he_o rest_v in_o the_o grave_a their_o whole_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n and_o rise_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n which_o be_v our_o sunday_n second_o this_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n account_n come_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n and_o be_v ordain_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o sanctify_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n especial_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n the_o manifestation_n whereof_o as_o some_o think_v john_n chief_o intend_v in_o this_o title_n and_o touch_v this_o time_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o point_n first_o who_o change_v the_o jew_n sabbath_n second_o for_o what_o cause_n three_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n power_n to_o change_v the_o sabbath_n day_n we_o now_o celebrate_v to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n be_v change_v into_o this_o lord_n day_n by_o christian_n emperor_n long_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o hold_v that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o change_n my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n either_o by_o voice_n or_o instinct_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v this_o sabbath_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o be_v keep_v a_o day_n of_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 16.1_o where_o paul_n ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n that_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n in_o the_o week_n this_o he_o leave_v not_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o appoint_v it_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a from_o christ._n now_o the_o day_n of_o collect_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sabbath_n day_n when_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v for_o god_n service_n for_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o christ_n first_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v then_o to_o gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n a_o oblation_n and_o the_o mass_n not_o a_o real_a sacrifice_n as_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o but_o spiritual_a because_o therewith_o be_v join_v collection_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oblation_n not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mass_n because_o the_o collect_v relief_n thereat_o be_v send_v to_o the_o poor_a saint_n abroad_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o keep_v this_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 20.7_o and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o observe_v any_o other_o day_n for_o a_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n after_o christ_n ascension_n save_v only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v keep_v none_o other_o but_o the_o old_a sabbath_n of_o the_o law_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v john_n 20.19.26_o the_o same_o day_n whereâ—n_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n â—e_v appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o eight_o day_n after_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o appear_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o same_o end_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v they_o a_o example_n to_o celebrate_v and_o keep_v that_o day_n wherein_o he_o rise_v again_o for_o a_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ii_o point_n the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n thaâ—_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o stand_v with_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n wherein_o as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v make_v a_o new_a heaven_n &_o a_o new_a earth_n chap._n 66._o and_o whereby_o man_n become_v new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n 5.17_o nay_o this_o redemption_n be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o the_o creation_n for_o in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n but_o in_o this_o redemption_n christ_n jesus_n be_v our_o head_n by_o the_o first_o creation_n we_o receive_v a_o temporal_a life_n but_o by_o redemption_n we_o receive_v life_n eternal_a in_o the_o creation_n adam_n be_v espouse_v to_o eve_n but_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n every_o christian_n be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o creation_n adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n in_o the_o creation_n god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v principal_o appear_v in_o this_o redemption_n with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o show_v mercy_n and_o justice_n justice_n in_o christ_n passion_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o forgiveness_n by_o creation_n he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o by_o redemption_n he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o and_o better_a than_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v the_o creation_n it_o be_v meet_v a_o day_n shall_v be_v set_v a_o apart_o for_o the_o memory_n thereof_o now_o no_o day_n can_v be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o which_o christ_n rise_v again_o whereby_o he_o confirm_v
that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o god_n of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o any_o other_o but_o by_o christ_n god_n hear_v not_o god_n help_v not_o god_n save_v not_o but_o by_o christ_n nay_o god_n be_v no_o god_n unto_o we_o out_o of_o christ._n for_o first_o he_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o christ_n and_o then_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o unto_o us._n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n we_o must_v call_v on_o he_o through_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v give_v he_o thanks_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o only_o be_v we_o hear_v if_o we_o will_v know_v god_n it_o must_v be_v by_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v the_o very_a engraven_a image_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o be_v manife_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o idol_n in_o the_o brain_n last_o if_o we_o will_v receive_v any_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n as_o meat_n drink_n and_o clothing_n for_o if_o we_o receive_v they_o from_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n we_o be_v but_o usurper_n of_o they_o and_o the_o use_n thereof_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n four_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o do_v all_o desire_n and_o look_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n after_o this_o life_n therefore_o here_o we_o must_v live_v as_o citizen_n of_o god_n kingdom_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n commandment_n abandon_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o after_o this_o life_n we_o may_v assure_o persuade_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o kingdom_n five_o it_o be_v say_v this_o city_n of_o god_n be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v more_o careful_o to_o seek_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o behold_v god_n endless_a mercy_n herein_o our_o sin_n shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v open_v they_o and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o make_v heaven_n come_v down_o unto_o man_n god_n therefore_o will_v not_o see_v we_o damn_v he_o have_v make_v open_a away_o even_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o escape_n hell_n god_n have_v bring_v down_o heaven_n among_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o with_o the_o people_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n violent_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n and_o strive_v to_o take_v it_o by_o force_n matt._n 11.12_o last_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o new_a name_n on_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v he_o partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o digniâ—ie_v wherewith_o i_o myself_o be_o glorify_v since_o my_o death_n and_o resurrection_n mark_v this_o all_o that_o after_o this_o life_n must_v have_v christ_n new_a name_n must_v in_o this_o life_n become_v new_a creature_n so_o paul_n say_v 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o again_o 6.15_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n will_v we_o then_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v here_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n herein_o stand_v true_a religion_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o not_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n and_o profession_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v of_o 4.23.24_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a with_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mâ—â—ds_n put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n but_o if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o old_a man_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o christ_n glory_n for_o this_o new_a name_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o old_a man_n and_o it_o can_v agree_v together_o vers._n 13._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o conclusion_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n vers._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v amen_o that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n that_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n here_o follow_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n whereto_o be_v prefix_v a_o commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v authorise_v to_o pen_v the_o same_o in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v which_o have_v be_v handle_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v this_o 14._o verse_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n christ_n who_o be_v here_o describe_v by_o two_o argument_n i._o he_o be_v call_v amen_o which_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n ii_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o amen_o be_v a_o hebrew_n aduerbe_n of_o asseveration_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o very_o true_o or_o certain_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n &_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o full_a exposition_n of_o the_o same_o amen_n be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v amen_o to_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o a_o true_a witness_n which_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v expound_v and_o reason_n render_v why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v unto_o which_o title_n be_v here_o add_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n according_a as_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o without_o error_n deceit_n or_o falsehood_n for_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o must_v first_o search_v out_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v amen_o that_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n which_o by_o the_o content_n of_o the_o epistle_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v to_o be_v these_o first_o to_o set_v forth_o himself_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n a_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o fidelity_n in_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o duty_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a christ_n therefore_o by_o his_o own_o example_n will_v teach_v he_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o instruct_v the_o church_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o how_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v have_v be_v show_v before_o chap._n 1.5_o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o member_n do_v christ_n propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o first_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n make_v good_a all_o his_o lawful_a word_n promise_n oath_n league_n compact_n and_o bargain_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o his_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v truth_n be_v another_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n without_o fraud_n lie_v or_o deceit_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o good_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o we_o therefore_o must_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n this_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n without_o any_o fame_a or_o falsehood_n so_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o show_v ourselves_o faithful_a in_o all_o lawful_a promise_n and_o true_a in_o all_o our_o speech_n that_o so_o by_o these_o virtue_n we_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o christ_n through_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n second_o
alone_o on_o the_o house_n top_n act._n 10.11_o and_o so_o doubtless_o find_v john_n thus_o employ_v this_o lord_n day_n he_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o we_o learn_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o john_n be_v in_o a_o solitary_a island_n keep_v the_o sabbath_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prisoner_n and_o those_o which_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o dead_a paluesie_a or_o other_o great_a disease_n as_o mariner_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v keep_v holy_a the_o lord_n sabbath_n by_o perform_v such_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v as_o prayer_n confession_n of_o sin_n and_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v though_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o in_o that_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o holy_a duty_n hence_o arise_v a_o consolation_n to_o god_n church_n that_o god_n draw_v near_o unto_o they_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o as_o james_n 4.8_o and_o so_o let_v we_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n will_v show_v himself_o sundry_a way_n and_o draw_v near_o unto_o us._n the_o cause_n why_o man_n have_v so_o little_a taste_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o by_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n for_o when_o man_n draw_v back_o from_o god_n be_v it_o not_o good_a reason_n he_o shall_v draw_v back_o from_o they_o this_o therefore_o must_v stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o move_v we_o to_o come_v often_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o by_o use_n in_o these_o duty_n shall_v we_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o i_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o trumpet_n first_o here_o follow_v the_o part_n of_o this_o vision_n which_o be_v two_o the_o beginning_n or_o entrance_n into_o it_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o part_n of_o the_o twelve_o second_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n thereof_o from_o the_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n be_v a_o preparation_n whereby_o the_o lord_n make_v john_n more_o fit_a to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o which_o preparation_n we_o must_v observe_v first_o the_o mean_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n prepare_v he_o be_v a_o voice_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n the_o like_a manner_n of_o preparation_n have_v god_n use_v in_o former_a time_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v with_o adam_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n first_o he_o prepare_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n speak_v unto_o he_o before_o he_o appear_v and_o by_o this_o voice_n cause_v he_o to_o sly_a for_o fear_v then_o have_v rebuke_v he_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o make_v with_o he_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n genes_n 3._o and_o in_o mount_n sinai_n before_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o law_n 20._o he_o first_o come_v down_o in_o thunder_a and_o lightning_n and_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o terrify_v the_o people_n and_o then_o he_o utter_v his_o law_n to_o moses_n and_o to_o his_o people_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v instruct_v samuel_n touch_v the_o house_n of_o elie_n 3._o he_o awake_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n again_o and_o again_o and_o then_o speak_v plain_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o all_o vision_n usual_o and_o general_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o prepare_v his_o servant_n by_o voice_n by_o sign_n and_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o fit_a to_o receive_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n in_o prepare_v he_o to_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o this_o vision_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o much_o more_o shall_v be_v prepare_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o come_v far_o short_a of_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o john_n who_o yet_o must_v be_v prepare_v our_o come_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a and_o we_o dull_a to_o learn_v we_o must_v therefore_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n prepare_v ourselves_o that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o profit_n the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a profit_n after_o long_a hear_n be_v want_v of_o preparation_n but_o hereof_o we_o have_v entreat_v already_o upon_o the_o three_o verse_n this_o voice_n be_v here_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o three_o way_n first_o by_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v second_o by_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o three_o by_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n which_o it_o contain_v for_o the_o place_n it_o be_v utter_v from_o behind_o he_o which_o the_o lord_n observe_v to_o stir_v up_o â—â—re_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o usual_o man_n do_v more_o careful_o mark_v those_o thing_n which_o come_v on_o a_o sudden_a behind_o they_o than_o those_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v direct_o before_o their_o face_n second_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o this_o voice_n be_v great_a as_o be_v express_v further_o by_o a_o similitude_n like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n that_o be_v full_a of_o power_n and_o majesty_n which_o also_o god_n add_v unto_o it_o to_o further_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o ordinary_a voice_n or_o small_a he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o have_v regard_v it_o but_o be_v so_o sudden_a so_o great_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n it_o can_v not_o but_o make_v he_o very_o attentive_a now_o see_v christ_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o prepare_v johns_n mind_n with_o attention_n and_o diligence_n to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v tell_v he_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n of_o attention_n for_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o john_n then_o be_v it_o far_o more_o necessary_a for_o we_o who_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o in_o all_o gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n and_o here_o also_o be_v another_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n and_o little_a like_n of_o god_n word_n namely_o want_v of_o attention_n in_o the_o heart_n we_o must_v therefore_o like_o godly_a lydia_n act._n 16._o stir_v up_o our_o dull_a and_o heavy_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o diligence_n mark_v the_o thing_n we_o hear_v and_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o enemy_n to_o attention_n the_o first_o be_v by-thought_n as_o when_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v present_a but_o the_o mind_n wander_v from_o the_o word_n and_o be_v whole_o possess_v with_o thought_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o worldly_a affair_n for_o these_o be_v thorn_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n many_o will_v complain_v they_o can_v mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v now_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o themselves_o their_o wander_a thought_n which_o hinder_v both_o understanding_n and_o memory_n for_o the_o mind_n conceive_v other_o matter_n can_v observe_v how_o one_o point_n depend_v on_o another_o much_o less_o remember_v they_o afterward_o the_o second_o enemy_n to_o attention_n be_v dulness_n and_o heaviness_n in_o body_n &_o soul_n a_o common_a fault_n in_o many_o hearer_n which_o show_v itself_o by_o drowsiness_n and_o sleepiness_n in_o the_o time_n of_o preach_v when_o they_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o their_o body_n and_o heart_n to_o all_o attention_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o his_o prince_n be_v speak_v unto_o he_o of_o some_o weighty_a matter_n that_o be_v for_o his_o good_a it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o part_n of_o contempt_n and_o disloyalty_n towards_o his_o majesty_n what_o disloyalty_n then_o be_v this_o unto_o the_o king_n of_o king_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o sure_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n unto_o salvation_n we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v and_o in_o hear_v
cast_v off_o all_o dulness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o may_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o attentive_a hear_n so_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v bless_v unto_o we_o otherwise_o our_o hear_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n verse_n 11._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardai_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o description_n of_o this_o voice_n whereby_o johns_n heart_n be_v prepare_v touch_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n which_o be_v utter_v which_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v and_o send_v etc._n etc._n i._o touch_v the_o testimony_n the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n where_o the_o word_n be_v handle_v and_o the_o meaning_n show_v they_o do_v serve_v direct_o to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v here_o avouch_v to_o give_v unto_o john_n and_o unto_o the_o church_n full_a assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n now_o utter_v and_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n for_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n in_o this_o testimony_n note_v god_n special_a care_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o more_o special_o his_o care_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o from_o god_n this_o have_v be_v god_n care_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o peter_n receive_v a_o vision_n from_o god_n withal_o 19_o god_n spirit_n assure_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o be_v certain_a &_o sure_a and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n among_o man_n he_o do_v withal_o work_v strange_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n this_o special_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n do_v first_o confute_v the_o papist_n opinion_n touch_v scripture_n use_n they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o unto_o man_n till_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n thereunto_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o god_n ever_o have_v this_o care_n over_o his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v be_v his_o undoubted_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o ever_o be_v not_o only_o in_o it_o self_n bâ—t_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o come_v thereunto_o second_o hereby_o be_v confute_v many_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n therein_o be_v so_o diverse_a that_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n almost_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n in_o sundry_a matter_n hold_v sundry_a private_a opinion_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v religion_n therefore_o be_v uncertain_a god_n forbid_v for_o religion_n be_v certain_a unto_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o certify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o may_v man_n come_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n ii_o point_n the_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n this_o commandment_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o write_v the_o thing_n see_v in_o a_o book_n second_o to_o send_v the_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n here_o name_v and_o both_o these_o must_v john_n do_v be_v now_o disable_v by_o his_o exile_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n unto_o they_o personal_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o these_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o strengthen_v in_o these_o most_o grievous_a time_n of_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v become_v keeper_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o publish_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o in_o this_o commandment_n note_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worthy_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o have_v write_v these_o vision_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o blind_a papist_n which_o say_v the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n because_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v be_v turn_v every_o way_n as_o man_n will_n this_o also_o confute_v the_o anabaptist_n which_o so_o much_o magnify_v their_o revelation_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o word_n write_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o best_o he_o will_v have_v teach_v these_o church_n by_o revelation_n but_o they_o must_v learn_v by_o the_o word_n write_v second_o that_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n either_o public_o or_o private_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v this_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n hereby_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v read_v the_o same_o as_o they_o do_v other_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o sound_n and_o confirm_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o ordinary_o justify_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o read_v must_v have_v his_o due_a reverence_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v three_o here_o note_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o persecution_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o this_o banishment_n into_o such_o a_o desert_a place_n be_v unto_o john_n a_o grievous_a cross_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v there_o to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o honour_n he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o thing_n each_o one_o shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n it_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o seven_o church_n ephesus_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v name_v which_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n wherein_o be_v plant_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v in_o those_o part_n and_o for_o their_o excellency_n be_v they_o name_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n now_o follow_v the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o be_v hear_v fold_v up_o with_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n second_o be_v turn_v of_o himself_o to_o see_v the_o party_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o in_o these_o word_n verse_n 12._o then_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n which_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o when_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o