here_o see_v the_o proper_a â—nd_n of_o all_o reproof_n and_o correction_n namely_o the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o man_n fault_n &_o misdemeanour_n whatsoever_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o their_o way_n and_o more_o zealous_a in_o good_a duty_n then_o ever_o they_o be_v whensoever_o therefore_o we_o be_v reprove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v visit_v we_o in_o body_n mind_n or_o good_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o cross_n we_o must_v remember_v to_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o repent_v and_o amend_v know_v that_o by_o all_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o sermon_n the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o amendment_n now_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n of_o their_o luke-warmnesse_n be_v zealous_a that_o we_o may_v understand_v this_o commandment_n we_o be_v to_o handle_v some_o point_n touch_v zeal_n first_o what_o be_v zeal_n zeal_n be_v a_o burn_a affection_n in_o regard_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n this_o zeal_n be_v compound_v of_o two_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o anger_n or_o indignation_n so_o that_o in_o this_o commandment_n be_v two_o duty_n enjoin_v unto_o this_o church_n first_o that_o they_o shall_v love_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n above_o all_o thing_n second_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v grieve_v especial_o for_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v dishonour_v his_o worship_n profane_v and_o his_o doctrine_n not_o embrace_v but_o instead_o thereof_o false_a worship_n and_o false_a doctrine_n entertain_v when_o both_o these_o concur_v than_o zeal_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o most_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n psalm_n 69.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o his_o person_n say_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n have_v eat_v he_o up_o whereby_o thus_o much_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o love_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n have_v even_o consume_v he_o and_o that_o his_o indignation_n be_v so_o great_a because_o his_o father_n name_n be_v dishonour_v and_o his_o worship_n profane_v that_o it_o do_v even_o care_v he_o up_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n john_n 2.17_o yea_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o he_o to_o do_v his_o father_n will_n joh._n 4.34_o that_o thing_n he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o life_n or_o safety_n nay_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v the_o pang_n of_o hell_n the_o like_a zeal_n be_v in_o elias_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n his_o heart_n be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1._o king_n 19.14_o ii_o point_n the_o kind_n of_o zeal_n zeal_n be_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a in_o good_a zeal_n be_v these_o thing_n require_v i._o true_a faith_n as_o the_o root_n thereof_o 1._o tim._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v love_n 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a now_o one_o apart_o of_o zeal_n be_v love_n and_o therefore_o 〈…〉_z procee_v from_o true_a faith_n so_o must_v true_a zeal_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o faith_n be_v rather_o rashness_n and_o fierceness_n of_o nature_n than_o true_a zeal_n ii_o repentance_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o there_o be_v seven_o 〈◊〉_d of_o repentance_n recite_v whereof_o zeal_n be_v one_o that_o be_v good_a zeal_n even_o a_o burn_a love_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o godly_a indignation_n when_o false_a religion_n be_v embrace_v there_o may_v be_v zeal_n in_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o repentance_n as_o be_v in_o jehu_n 2._o king_n 10.16_o come_v with_o i_o say_v he_o and_o see_v the_o zeal_n that_o i_o have_v for_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o want_v repentance_n for_o vers._n 29.31_o it_o be_v say_v jehu_n regard_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n for_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la which_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o in_o he_o the_o true_a zeal_n that_o be_v here_o command_v iii_o zeal_n must_v come_v from_o knowledge_n for_o without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v but_o rashness_n and_o bold-hardinesse_n such_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v rom._n 10.2_o who_o zeal_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o such_o as_o paul_n have_v before_o his_o conversion_n phil._n 3._o vers_fw-la 6._o in_o zeal_n he_o persecute_v god_n church_n knowledge_n therefore_o in_o god_n word_n must_v be_v the_o guide_n and_o conductor_n of_o our_o zeal_n iii_o point_n the_o fruit_n of_o zeal_n must_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o better_a discern_v of_o true_a zeal_n first_o true_a zeal_n constrain_v a_o man_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n 5.13.14_o whether_o we_o be_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d wit_n we_o be_v it_o unto_o god_n or_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o our_o right_a mind_n we_o be_v it_o unto_o you_o for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v us._n so_o wheresoever_o this_o true_a zeal_n be_v in_o any_o measure_n it_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o heart_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v but_o endeavour_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o love_n he_o bear_v unto_o christ._n elihu_n say_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o new_a wine_n in_o a_o vessel_n which_o must_v needs_o vent_v out_o job._n 32.18.19_o second_o true_a zeal_n make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n power_n and_o strength_n so_o good_a king_n josiah_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n read_v he_o turn_v not_o slacke_o or_o negligent_o but_o 23.25_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o like_v he_o be_v no_o king_n before_o neither_o after_o he_o arise_v there_o any_o like_o he_o psal._n 51_o david_n humble_v himself_o for_o his_o sin_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o with_o such_o marvelous_a zeal_n as_o no_o tongue_n can_v utter_v desire_v god_n to_o remember_v he_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n often_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o diverse_a term_n that_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o may_v express_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o give_v god_n thanks_n for_o his_o benefit_n he_o put_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o heart_n thereto_o cry_v out_o my_o soul_n praise_n thou_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o psa._n 103.1_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v zealous_a whence_o true_a zeal_n arise_v and_o what_o it_o work_v in_o man_n heart_n use_n see_v we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v taint_v with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmnesse_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n let_v we_o here_o learn_v how_o to_o redress_v this_o vice_n we_o must_v become_v zealous_a have_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o fervent_a love_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o vehement_a indignation_n when_o the_o same_o be_v disgrace_v and_o false_a worship_n take_v place_n let_v religion_n therefore_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o show_n that_o same_o in_o our_o life_n by_o zealous_a obedience_n away_o with_o all_o slackness_n and_o lukewarmnesse_n it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v jews_n and_o turk_n and_o to_o hold_v no_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a in_o the_o true_a profession_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o zeal_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v to_o repent_v or_o amend_v this_o they_o be_v also_o enjoin_v because_o zeal_n without_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o but_o rashness_n jehues_n zeal_n be_v no_o true_a zeal_n because_o he_o want_v repentance_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v zealous_a but_o wherefore_o be_v this_o church_n enjoin_v to_o repent_v namely_o for_o lukewarmness_n not_o for_o that_o she_o have_v commit_v any_o horrible_a sin_n but_o because_o she_o be_v slack_a in_o good_a duty_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o good_a lesson_n for_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n that_o challenge_n god_n mercy_n unto_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v no_o notorious_a malefactor_n as_o murderer_n &_o adulterer_n they_o hate_v no_o man_n but_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o but_o here_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o reform_v this_o their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o repentance_n must_v be_v for_o want_n of_o good_a duty_n yea_o for_o slackness_n therein_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n soothe_v himself_o in_o his_o ignorance_n with_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o all_o be_v well_o if_o he_o live_v not_o in_o gross_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o enchantment_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o he_o rock_n many_o asleep_a in_o
ver_fw-la 22.23_o iv._o every_o private_a man_n must_v profess_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o 1._o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o this_o confession_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n for_o by_o a_o blameless_a and_o holy_a conversation_n every_o christian_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2_o 15_o 16._o see_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o work_n use_n we_o must_v be_v admonish_v every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o we_o christâ—_n religion_n may_v be_v further_v for_o god_n church_n be_v not_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n only_o because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o maintain_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o pillar_n in_o his_o place_n to_o maintain_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o glory_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v more_o special_a care_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o two_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v herself_o against_o false_a teacher_n and_o have_v not_o faint_v here_o christ_n set_v down_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o church_n labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o true_a religion_n and_o thereby_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n namely_o by_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o labour_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o a_o notable_a example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v for_o we_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o for_o many_o year_n sundry_a among_o we_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o against_o all_o enemy_n though_o not_o without_o some_o trouble_n and_o danger_n now_o this_o which_o have_v be_v do_v be_v nothing_o unless_o we_o hold_v on_o our_o good_a course_n constant_o and_o labour_n unto_o death_n in_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n with_o peace_n for_o usual_o after_o long_a peace_n god_n try_v he_o by_o persecution_n neither_o know_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v of_o trial_n god_n will_v exercise_v us._n therefore_o as_o we_o now_o profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o let_v we_o continue_v constant_a therein_o and_o not_o turn_v with_o time_n or_o state_n for_o than_o we_o lose_v our_o commendation_n at_o christ_n hand_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n for_o her_o virtue_n verse_n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o decay_n in_o grace_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o here_o christ_n speak_v as_o a_o judge_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o lay_v this_o action_n unto_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n that_o be_v that_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v first_o call_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o love_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v not_o as_o though_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v it_o but_o only_o because_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o to_o wax_v cold_a in_o good_a work_n but_o some_o will_v say_v they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o their_o zeal_n and_o labour_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o their_o severity_n against_o false_a teacher_n how_o then_o have_v they_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n answ._n at_o this_o time_n when_o christ_n do_v thus_o reprove_v they_o their_o love_n be_v commendable_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n if_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o this_o church_n for_o leave_v her_o first_o love_n use_n then_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o against_o we_o at_o this_o day_n howsoever_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v high_a in_o his_o favour_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o a_o worse_a estate_n than_o this_o church_n now_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o church_n have_v leave_v off_o their_o first_o love_n and_o the_o great_a part_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o that_o many_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n be_v too_o too_o evident_a for_o such_o as_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n be_v content_a to_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o history_n of_o our_o church_n do_v show_v after_o they_o enjoy_v a_o little_a quietness_n become_v mere_a worldling_n as_o their_o life_n have_v testify_v afterward_o and_o in_o such_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o of_o ten_o or_o seven_o year_n have_v show_v fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n do_v now_o fall_v away_o and_o show_v none_o at_o all_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v see_v many_o for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o very_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n who_o soon_o after_o suffer_v pleasure_n profit_n or_o preferment_n to_o draw_v they_o quite_o away_o some_o i_o confess_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v free_a from_o this_o decay_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o grievous_a fault_n among_o we_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o these_o be_v the_o day_n whereof_o christ_n say_v 24.12.22_o love_n shall_v wax_v cold_a and_o whereof_o paul_n say_v man_n shall_v be_v 3.2_o lover_n of_o themselves_o for_o take_v the_o most_o congregation_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v yet_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o hearer_n be_v neither_o better_v for_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o obedience_n but_o remain_v still_o as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v this_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v no_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o have_v a_o formal_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o their_o mouth_n for_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v there_o most_o needs_o be_v increase_n in_o knowledge_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n again_o see_v how_o man_n general_o walk_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o therein_o behold_v a_o mere_a defect_n of_o love_n all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v be_v for_o their_o private_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n no_o regard_n be_v have_v of_o god_n glory_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n herein_o their_o own_o conscience_n shall_v be_v the_o witness_n so_o that_o general_o this_o may_v be_v say_v we_o have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o what_o a_o action_n than_o shall_v we_o think_v have_v christ_n against_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grievous_a and_o so_o our_o case_n fearful_a and_o dangerous_a if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o potentat_fw-la have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o and_o his_o case_n be_v good_a it_o will_v make_v we_o look_v about_o we_o yea_o to_o tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o to_o be_v at_o our_o wit_n end_n behold_v not_o a_o worldly_a prince_n but_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o matter_n against_o we_o just_a and_o grievoâ—â—â—_o oh_o how_o shall_v this_o move_v we_o to_o search_v ourselves_o to_o try_v our_o estate_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o his_o majesty_n we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o this_o charge_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o concern_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n show_v it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v god_n judgement_n by_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v of_o love_n again_o this_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n for_o decay_n of_o love_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o increase_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o brethren_n add_v grace_n to_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o add_v day_n unto_o day_n in_o our_o life_n that_o so_o our_o love_n may_v obound_v read_v 1._o thes._n 4.1.9_o 10_o where_o paul_n urge_v this_o duty_n at_o large_a he_o confess_v they_o do_v love_v one_o
another_o and_o yet_o beseech_v they_o to_o increase_v therein_o phil._n 3.13.4_o in_o paul_n person_n we_o have_v a_o worthy_a precedent_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v if_o we_o think_v to_o come_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o though_o he_o have_v go_v far_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o labour_v to_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o consider_v not_o that_o which_o be_v past_a as_o rest_v in_o it_o but_o rather_o how_o far_o he_o be_v too_o short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v use_v mean_n to_o increase_v in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o other_o good_a grace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o perfection_n a_o christian_n man_v life_n be_v a_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o once_o set_v foot_n must_v â—uer_o go_v forward_o and_o not_o stand_v still_o or_o turn_v back_o lest_o we_o never_o come_v there_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o child_n which_o still_o grow_v till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a strength_n and_o so_o must_v every_o child_n of_o god_n labour_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o stand_v still_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o they_o the_o rhemist_n in_o their_o annotation_n abuse_v this_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o text_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n thiâ—_n question_n must_v be_v scan_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n answ._n grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o for_o that_o favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o some_o for_o his_o child_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o and_o take_v grace_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v lose_v but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v be_v lose_v of_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v when_o a_o earthly_a father_n be_v displease_v with_o his_o child_n for_o some_o notorious_a crime_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o sign_n of_o displeasure_n and_o show_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o stripe_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o continue_v his_o father_n and_o hold_v he_o for_o his_o son_n without_o any_o purpose_n to_o disinherit_v he_o even_o so_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o love_a countenance_n from_o they_o and_o change_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n when_o as_o yet_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o their_o adoption_n be_v not_o alter_v but_o remain_v firm_a for_o ever_o and_o god_n be_v still_o their_o father_n though_o a_o angry_a father_n through_o the_o provocation_n of_o their_o sin_n second_o grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n these_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o more_o principal_a of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v save_v as_o faith_n and_o also_o hope_v and_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n there_o be_v other_o also_o less_o principal_a which_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o requisite_a yet_o not_o absolute_o needful_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n alacrity_n in_o prayer_n &_o sense_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o less_o principal_a grace_n may_v quite_o be_v lose_v the_o principal_a grace_n also_o may_v be_v decay_v lessen_v and_o cover_v in_o regard_n of_o operation_n even_o in_o god_n child_n but_o quite_o extinguish_v they_o can_v be_v for_o god_n uphold_v they_o by_o perseverance_n where_o faith_n hope_n &_o love_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n they_o be_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o take_v away_o but_o only_o in_o part_n and_o in_o sense_n and_o feel_n for_o a_o time_n this_o answer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o text_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v here_o blame_v not_o for_o quite_o lose_v her_o loveâ—_n but_o because_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o waxelesse_a than_o it_o be_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o because_o this_o doctrine_n be_v oppugn_v earnest_o not_o only_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o by_o some_o church_n and_o school_n of_o the_o protestant_n i_o will_v first_o show_v the_o truth_n hereof_o out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o scan_v the_o chief_a reason_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o grace_n can_v be_v whole_o and_o final_o lose_v these_o reason_n prove_v i._o matth._n 16.18_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o upon_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o profess_v christ_n will_v build_v his_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o which_o last_o word_n must_v be_v mark_v for_o they_o intimate_v that_o the_o devil_n with_o his_o adherent_n will_v show_v much_o force_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a but_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o get_v the_o victory_n or_o overcome_v it_o whole_o ii_o matth._n 24.24_o christ_n foretell_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v say_v they_o shall_v seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_a where_o he_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o elect_v albeit_o they_o may_v be_v assault_v grievous_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o or_o final_o draw_v away_o from_o their_o faith_n iii_o john_n 10.27_o 28_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v to_o this_o they_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v never_o perish_v so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o cavil_n be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o next_o word_n neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o flesh_n can_v by_o any_o temptation_n draw_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n from_o their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o sheep_n iv._o reason_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n they_o say_v he_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n and_o no_o otherwise_o i_o answer_v if_o they_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n they_o shall_v never_o perish_v 5.5_o for_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a v._o reason_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinat_a they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o be_v justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o be_v glorify_v those_o which_o be_v elect_v call_v and_o justify_v by_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v glorify_v and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v away_o final_o for_o such_o shall_v never_o be_v glorify_v and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 38._o he_o add_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n angel_n principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v separate_v we_o viz._n the_o faithful_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n but_o if_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v away_o final_o than_o they_o may_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n vi_o reason_n rom._n 11.29_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n call_v that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v without_o repentance_n they_o say_v it_o be_v true_a god_n indeed_o never_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o gift_n but_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v and_o fall_v away_o because_o he_o may_v refuse_v and_o reject_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o answer_n be_v frivolous_a maintain_v this_o absurdity_n that_o the_o powerful_a will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o silly_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o man_n can_v repel_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o than_o shall_v man_n will_v take_v place_n and_o god_n will_v be_v make_v frustrate_a and_o void_a vii_o reason_n 1._o john_n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o because_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n how_o be_v that_o true_a for_o chap._n 1.10_o he_o that_o say_v he_o have_v not_o sin_v make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o he_o answ._n the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v
be_v the_o cheap_a and_o the_o chief_a merchandise_n that_o ever_o be_v set_v to_o sale_n which_o we_o may_v buy_v without_o money_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a for_o ever_o many_o labour_n in_o tafficke_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n and_o yet_o often_o loose_v thereby_o but_o make_v this_o bargain_n once_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v never_o loose_v it_o nor_o any_o thing_n thereby_o but_o continue_v for_o ever_o rich_a in_o god_n verse_n 19_o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v be_v zealous_a therefore_o and_o amend_v because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v so_o sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n they_o may_v thereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o distrust_n and_o despair_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o mercy_n here_o therefore_o it_o please_v he_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o doubt_v after_o this_o sort_n if_o i_o use_v to_o rebuke_v &_o chasten_v all_o those_o who_o i_o love_v than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o my_o mercy_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o sharp_a reproof_n whereby_o i_o have_v threaten_v to_o spew_v you_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n for_o your_o sin_n of_o luke-warmnesse_n but_o thus_o i_o use_v to_o deal_v with_o all_o those_o who_o i_o love_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n you_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o my_o love_n and_o favour_n the_o meaning_n as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v christ_n love_v the_o creature_n two_o way_n as_o he_o be_v creator_n and_o as_o he_o be_v redeemer_n as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n he_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n with_o a_o common_a &_o general_a love_n whether_o they_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a reasonable_a or_o unreasonable_a as_o he_o be_v redeemer_n he_o love_v his_o creature_n with_o a_o special_a and_o a_o peculiar_a love_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o but_o proper_a to_o that_o part_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o of_o this_o peculiar_a love_n he_o speak_v here_o i_o rebuke_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n which_o be_v translate_v rebuke_v 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o significant_a than_o can_v fit_o be_v express_v in_o any_o one_o english_a word_n thus_o much_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v first_o i_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o after_o reprove_v admonish_v and_o check_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o chasten_v this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o kind_n of_o correction_n which_o a_o father_n use_v on_o his_o child_n call_v nurture_v which_o be_v correction_n to_o break_v the_o child_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o bad_a manner_n and_o to_o teach_v he_o his_o duty_n this_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n all_o those_o who_o i_o bear_v special_a favour_n unto_o do_v i_o convince_v of_o their_o particular_a fault_n and_o then_o check_v and_o reprove_v they_o and_o nurture_n they_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n to_o make_v they_o leave_v their_o particular_a vice_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n read_v pro._n 3.12_o whence_o the_o word_n be_v take_v &_o heb._n 12.5_o where_o they_o be_v more_o full_o explain_v here_o then_o christ_n set_v down_o his_o ordinary_a deal_n with_o they_o who_o he_o take_v and_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o member_n namely_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n he_o reprove_v and_o chasten_v they_o for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o break_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o this_o deal_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o every_o servant_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o exception_n yea_o christ_n lay_v rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n on_o all_o his_o child_n &_o that_o in_o diverse_a measure_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o party_n such_o as_o be_v hardly_o break_v of_o their_o sin_n he_o lay_v on_o they_o more_o heavy_a judgement_n and_o chastisement_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v 〈…〉_z humiliation_n and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d true_a 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n must_v look_v to_o go_v under_o his_o correction_n and_o his_o sharp_a and_o severe_a rebuke_n according_a as_o they_o be_v in_o heart_n dispose_v unto_o sin_n either_o more_o or_o less_o he_o must_v pass_v under_o the_o rod_n that_o will_v come_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezech._n 20.37_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v twofold_a set_v down_o prov._n 3.12_o the_o first_o thus_o my_o 〈◊〉_d despise_v noâ—_n the_o correction_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o lord_n correct_v who_o he_o love_v his_o chastycement_n be_v token_n of_o his_o love_n that_o be_v whensoever_o the_o lord_n either_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n reprove_v thy_o sin_n or_o by_o any_o affliction_n chasten_v thou_o despise_v it_o not_o neither_o set_a light_n by_o it_o but_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o unto_o thy_o own_o soul_n the_o second_o use_n be_v faint_v not_o when_o thou_o be_v correct_v that_o be_v let_v not_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o daunt_v thou_o but_o arm_v thyself_o with_o patience_n because_o he_o use_v to_o correct_v all_o those_o who_o he_o love_v make_v his_o chastisement_n token_n of_o his_o love_n second_o christ_n here_o set_v before_o all_o governor_n a_o example_n to_o follow_v especial_o to_o father_n and_o master_n his_o example_n be_v this_o on_o every_o child_n that_o he_o love_v he_o lay_v correction_n for_o this_o â—nd_n to_o break_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d answerable_o governor_n must_v show_v token_n of_o love_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o by_o due_a reproof_n and_o correction_n that_o â—o_o they_o may_v be_v break_v of_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o bring_v unto_o obedience_n to_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o both_o parent_n and_o master_n will_v follow_v christ_n in_o this_o example_n and_o so_o seek_v the_o reformation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o but_o more_o lamentable_a be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d parent_n and_o master_n do_v think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o if_o they_o provide_v for_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n food_n and_o raiment_n and_o necessary_n for_o the_o body_n and_o so_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o sin_n and_o so_o of_o many_o judgement_n both_o which_o ought_v to_o move_v they_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v this_o duty_n three_o the_o very_a order_n of_o christ_n word_n do_v minister_v unto_o we_o a_o necessary_a instruction_n â—â—â—ching_v his_o manner_n of_o correct_v his_o servant_n for_o first_o he_o propound_v a_o direct_a end_n of_o all_o his_o correction_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n their_o nurture_a and_o reformation_n then_o that_o he_o may_v attain_v thereto_o he_o proceed_v thus_o first_o he_o do_v convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o their_o sin_n then_o by_o reproof_n he_o rebuke_n and_o check_n they_o and_o last_o correct_v they_o by_o lay_v chastisement_n on_o they_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o bless_a order_n in_o use_v correction_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o party_n chastise_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o governor_n parent_n and_o master_n especial_o first_o they_o must_v propound_v a_o good_a end_n of_o their_o correction_n even_o the_o amendment_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o party_n and_o that_o they_o may_v then_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d they_o must_v first_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d then_o reprove_v check_n and_o admonish_v they_o and_o if_o that_o take_v not_o place_n they_o must_v proceed_v unto_o meet_a and_o convenient_a bodily_a correction_n all_o which_o must_v be_v do_v not_o for_o revenge_v but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o amendment_n and_o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o see_v how_o far_o many_o parent_n and_o governor_n over_o shoot_v themselves_o when_o as_o they_o make_v their_o correction_n matter_n of_o revenge_n and_o choler_n wherein_o they_o seldom_o intend_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o offender_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n flat_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v zealous_a therefore_o and_o repent_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n he_o propound_v a_o remedy_n against_o their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n he_o do_v direct_o propound_v a_o remedy_n against_o their_o luke-warmnesse_n but_o first_o observe_v the_o coherence_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a christ_n have_v say_v who_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o correct_v according_a as_o their_o fault_n be_v therefore_o say_v he_o to_o this_o church_n because_o i_o have_v rebuke_v and_o correct_v thou_o by_o severe_a threaten_n for_o thy_o luke-warmnesse_n therefore_o now_o become_v zealous_a and_o amend_v
their_o sin_n till_o he_o carry_v their_o soul_n to_o hell_n a_o good_a meaning_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n god_n require_v true_a zeal_n in_o well-doing_n vers._n 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_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 here_o christ_n to_o keep_v his_o church_n from_o despair_n minister_n unto_o they_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o before_o the_o same_o set_v down_o this_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v hereby_o intend_v to_o make_v they_o more_o attentive_o to_o mark_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n that_o plain_o see_v the_o same_o they_o may_v not_o doubt_v thereof_o hereby_o in_o general_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o if_o we_o will_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o desperation_n and_o distrust_n in_o any_o distress_n we_o must_v both_o often_o and_o serious_o consider_v and_o mark_v the_o token_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o will_v fortify_v our_o faith_n read_v psal._n 23_o in_o every_o verse_n save_o the_o last_o he_o set_v down_o token_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n towards_o he_o and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o conclude_v thus_o without_o doubt_n kindesse_n &_o mercy_n shall_v follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o i_o shall_v remain_v a_o long_a season_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o heart_n be_v natural_o fill_v with_o doubt_v which_o will_v bewray_v itself_o in_o any_o distress_n but_o to_o prevent_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o hurt_n that_o may_v come_v thereby_o let_v we_o mark_v the_o good_a deal_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o and_o observe_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n and_o these_o will_v notable_o strengthen_v we_o against_o distrust_n and_o sure_o no_o person_n be_v so_o full_a of_o despair_n but_o if_o he_o can_v look_v back_o into_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o day_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o his_o heart_n they_o will_v minister_v comfort_n unto_o he_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n at_o that_o instant_n more_o particular_o christ_n minister_a comfort_n unto_o this_o church_n do_v express_v his_o meaning_n by_o a_o borrow_a speech_n compare_v every_o man_n unto_o a_o house_n his_o heart_n unto_o a_o door_n whereby_o entrance_n be_v make_v and_o himself_o unto_o a_o guest_n or_o stranger_n desire_v to_o come_v and_o enter_v in_o not_o so_o much_o to_o find_v courtesy_n as_o to_o show_v favour_n and_o kindness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n there_o be_v two_o sign_n of_o his_o love_n set_v down_o first_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o earnest_o seek_v second_o a_o promise_n of_o mutual_a fellowship_n after_o their_o conversion_n the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n in_o this_o desire_n christ_n express_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o church_n if_o we_o regard_v the_o great_a part_n thereof_o have_v no_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n nor_o christ_n with_o they_o for_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o be_v close_v up_o against_o he_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o the_o case_n be_v evident_a for_o though_o they_o have_v in_o they_o many_o good_a thing_n as_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o this_o notorious_a sin_n of_o luke-warmnesse_n which_o close_v up_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o christ_n and_o bar_v he_o out_o here_o than_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v in_o he_o many_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o by_o live_v in_o one_o sin_n we_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o all_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ._n judas_n have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n he_o forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v christ_n he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o by_o covetousness_n the_o door_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v quite_o bar_v against_o christ._n so_o herode_fw-la reverence_v john_n and_o hear_v he_o glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n at_o his_o instruction_n mark_n 6.20_o yet_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o incest_n his_o heart_n be_v so_o close_v that_o he_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o christ._n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o it_o be_v good_a that_o we_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o approve_v the_o same_o and_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o our_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ._n for_o if_o we_o nourish_v though_o but_o one_o sin_n and_o live_v therein_o that_o will_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v the_o sin_n what_o it_o will_v as_o covetousness_n adultery_n profaneness_n or_o such_o like_a hereby_o then_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o have_v true_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o purge_v their_o life_n from_o all_o sin_n so_o as_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o taint_v with_o nourish_v any_o one_o sin_n for_o even_o one_o sin_n wâ—â—â—â—soever_o it_o be_v be_v a_o strong_a bar_n 〈◊〉_d will_v keep_v christ_n from_o come_v into_o us._n second_o whereas_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v stand_v at_o the_o door_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v here_o he_o speak_v to_o this_o church_n as_o he_o use_v to_o speak_v by_o his_o old_a prophet_n as_o by_o jeremie_n 13._o i_o have_v send_v unto_o you_o all_o my_o prophet_n rise_v early_o every_o day_n and_o send_v they_o and_o by_o isaiah_n 65.2_o i_o have_v spread_v out_o my_o hand_n all_o the_o day_n unto_o a_o rebellious_a people_n which_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a even_o after_o their_o own_o imagination_n so_o here_o i_o have_v stand_v at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v long_o even_o till_o night_n as_o the_o word_n sup_v import_v hereby_o christ_n will_v signify_v his_o great_a patience_n in_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o this_o people_n of_o loadicea_n in_o justice_n he_o may_v long_o ago_o have_v cast_v they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o in_o mercy_n he_o wait_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o complain_v that_o he_o have_v wait_v long_o here_o than_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o god_n patience_n in_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o which_o he_o say_v to_o this_o church_n he_o may_v as_o just_o say_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v stand_v very_o long_o at_o our_o door_n even_o 36._o year_n and_o upward_o and_o yet_o still_o continue_v knock_v so_o as_o he_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o his_o long_a wait_v let_v we_o then_o here_o learn_v to_o know_v the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n which_o be_v then_o to_o any_o people_n when_o christ_n stand_v at_o their_o door_n and_o knock_n and_o unto_o we_o this_o day_n be_v present_a we_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o visitation_n and_o hereupon_o learn_v the_o duty_n which_o christ_n teach_v the_o jew_n namely_o acknowledge_v the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o must_v look_v for_o like_a vengeance_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o regard_v not_o when_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n from_o his_o bosom_n to_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v here_o be_v a_o further_a signification_n of_o his_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v his_o great_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n towards_o this_o church_n and_o in_o they_o towards_o all_o other_o his_o child_n this_o church_n have_v bar_v out_o christ_n by_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o pursue_v they_o he_o knock_v he_o use_v mean_n to_o enter_v for_o 〈◊〉_d good_a and_o vouchsafe_v they_o mercy_n 〈◊〉_d then_o when_o they_o refuse_v it_o thus_o when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o flee_v and_o hide_v himself_o do_v the_o lord_n seek_v he_o in_o the_o garden_n &_o make_v with_o he_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v in_o 65.1_o isaiah_n the_o lord_n be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o never_o seek_v he_o luk._n 15.4.5_o christ_n fetch_v the_o lose_a sheep_n that_o be_v go_v astray_o all_o which_o show_n and_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o unspeakable_a greatness_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n unto_o miserable_a man_n who_o then_o show_v mercy_n unto_o he_o when_o he_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