and_o bring_v they_o to_o amendment_n now_o for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o word_n use_v christ_n set_v down_o his_o ordinary_a deal_n with_o his_o servant_n which_o be_v by_o reproof_n and_o chastisement_n and_o diverse_a visitation_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v convince_v they_o and_o correct_v they_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n must_v come_v under_o his_o rod_n therefore_o look_v for_o it_o yea_o mark_v further_o christ_n lay_v upon_o all_o his_o servant_n affliction_n in_o diverse_a sort_n according_a to_o the_o diverse_a disposition_n of_o man_n nature_n such_o as_o will_v hardly_o be_v break_v of_o their_o fault_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o more_o sharp_a punishment_n where_o man_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v amend_v there_o he_o use_v mild_a correction_n the_o use_n of_o this_o be_v twofold_a proverb_n 3._o 12._o the_o first_o be_v despise_v not_o the_o lord_n chastisement_n for_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o his_o love_n whensoever_o he_o reprove_v or_o afflict_v thou_o by_o visitation_n and_o cross_n make_v not_o light_a account_n but_o make_v profit_n of_o it_o the_o second_o be_v faint_v not_o arm_n thyself_o with_o patience_n because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n manner_n to_o chastise_v those_o that_o he_o love_v and_o so_o many_o chastisement_n so_o many_o pledge_n and_o pawn_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o his_o servant_n by_o this_o christ_n be_v a_o example_n to_o all_o parent_n and_o governor_n they_o must_v give_v token_n of_o love_n in_o necessary_a correction_n that_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o their_o misdemeanure_n for_o this_o end_n chastisement_n shall_v be_v use_v it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o parent_n and_o master_n do_v use_v to_o give_v correction_n thus_o but_o our_o case_n be_v lamentable_a in_o this_o respect_n man_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o provide_v food_n and_o raiment_n for_o their_o household_n all_o their_o care_n be_v for_o the_o body_n only_o and_o they_o never_o seek_v to_o reform_v their_o misdemeanour_n in_o life_n this_o negligence_n bring_v many_o sin_n with_o it_o and_o pull_v many_o judgement_n upon_o us._n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n amend_v again_o mark_v the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n rebuke_v and_o chasten_v here_o we_o have_v a_o necessary_a instruction_n see_v christ_n first_o propound_v a_o direct_a end_n of_o his_o chastisement_n that_o be_v their_o amendment_n which_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_a effect_n first_o he_o convince_v they_o second_o he_o reprehend_v and_o three_o chasten_v they_o and_o all_o these_o tend_v to_o our_o amendment_n a_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a order_n and_o to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o governor_n they_o must_v propound_v a_o good_a end_n of_o all_o chastisement_n first_o the_o good_a of_o the_o party_n chastise_v then_o they_o must_v use_v this_o order_n first_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o reprehension_n three_o correction_n if_o the_o two_o former_a will_v not_o serve_v which_o be_v so_o you_o see_v how_o they_o overshoote_v themselves_o that_o make_v correction_n serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o a_o mean_n of_o revenge_n a_o action_n of_o choler_n and_o rage_n without_o any_o purpose_n to_o better_v the_o party_n whereas_o this_o order_n use_v will_v reform_v the_o person_n and_o stop_v many_o vice_n and_o nip_v they_o even_o in_o the_o head_n to_o some_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_v to_o be_v fight_v and_o brawl_v be_v zealous_a here_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o luke-warmnesse_n in_o the_o eight_o verse_n they_o have_v a_o remedy_n for_o pride_n now_o he_o make_v a_o plaster_n for_o luke-warmnesse_n here_o first_o mark_v how_o these_o word_n depend_v on_o the_o former_a christ_n have_v say_v who_o i_o love_v i_o use_v to_o chastise_v according_a as_o their_o fault_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a therefore_o see_v i_o have_v correct_v thou_o repent_v where_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o use_n of_o all_o reproof_n admonition_n and_o visitation_n the_o special_a end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o drive_v we_o to_o amend_v as_o oft_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v either_o by_o word_n reprove_v or_o by_o deed_n correct_v we_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o must_v repent_v and_o amend_v therefore_o whensoever_o you_o be_v visit_v say_v the_o lord_n summon_v you_o to_o repent_v take_v a_o occasion_n by_o the_o visitation_n of_o further_a reformation_n yea_o know_v it_o that_o so_o many_o affliction_n be_v so_o many_o sermon_n of_o repentance_n to_o make_v you_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o this_o commandment_n be_v zealous_a mean_v diverse_a point_n be_v to_o be_v handle_v first_o what_o zeal_n be_v zeal_n be_v a_o affection_n that_o be_v compound_v of_o two_o affection_n love_n and_o indignation_n or_o sorrow_n therefore_o first_o we_o must_v love_v christ_n above_o all_o thing_n if_o we_o will_v be_v zealous_a second_o we_o must_v be_v grieve_v and_o anger_v when_o christ_n be_v dishonour_v love_n of_o religion_n and_o grief_n for_o the_o want_n of_o good_a success_n thereof_o will_v make_v man_n zealous_a we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o christ_n joh._n 2._o 17._o where_o thus_o much_o be_v signify_v that_o his_o love_n to_o his_o father_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o indignation_n have_v almost_o consume_v he_o he_o prefer_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o father_n will_n before_o all_o in_o the_o second_o place_n note_v the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o zeal_n good_a that_o be_v true_a or_o bad_a that_o be_v counterfeit_v to_o a_o good_a zeal_n there_o be_v require_v first_o true_a faith_n second_o repentance_n three_o knowledge_n as_o for_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o good_a zeal_n for_o as_o paul_n say_v love_n be_v from_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1._o tim._n 1._o 5._o now_o zeal_n be_v a_o affection_n compound_v of_o love_n and_o faith_n and_o as_o for_o repentance_n we_o see_v that_o zeal_n and_o it_o be_v conjoin_v in_o this_o place_n jehu_n indeed_o be_v zealous_a but_o because_o he_o repent_v not_o but_o live_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o predecessor_n it_o be_v no_o good_a zeal_n and_o for_o the_o last_o we_o must_v know_v that_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n be_v but_o rashness_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a zeal_n from_o counterfeit_n even_o by_o the_o companion_n of_o it_o now_o further_o by_o the_o fruit_n it_o may_v be_v discern_v first_o it_o compel_v a_o man_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n it_o will_v enforce_v one_o over-rule_v and_o master_v he_o 2._o cor._n 5._o 13._o whether_o we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o wit_n we_o be_v in_o it_o unto_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o very_a love_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n inforce_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o preach_v so_o wheresoever_o this_o true_a zeal_n be_v in_o any_o measure_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n that_o he_o can_v but_o do_v his_o duty_n it_o will_v burst_v forth_o and_o find_v a_o issue_n 33._o like_o a_o flame_n as_o elihu_n say_v he_o can_v not_o contain_v his_o belly_n will_v burst_v second_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n indevor_n to_o obey_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n strength_n &_o power_n example_n good_a king_n josia_n turn_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n david_n pray_v with_o groan_n unspeakable_a according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o go_v on_o marvelous_a earnest_o and_o fervent_o he_o pray_v not_o slack_o and_o cold_o but_o with_o all_o his_o force_n and_o power_n from_o the_o heart_n for_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o so_o when_o he_o give_v thanks_n he_o say_v my_o soul_n praise_v the_o lord_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o etc._n etc._n psal._n 103._o 1._o thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o zeal_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v zealous_a in_o a_o word_n than_o it_o be_v this_o to_o have_v our_o heart_n inflame_v with_o a_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v exceed_o angry_a when_o it_o be_v disobey_v enforce_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o all_o the_o strength_n we_o have_v now_o to_o end_v this_o point_n we_o hear_v before_o that_o lukewarmenesse_n in_o religion_n be_v our_o sin_n general_o throughout_o the_o land_n our_o zeal_n be_v cold_a and_o our_o profession_n but_o formal_a how_o shall_v we_o reform_v this_o become_v zealous_a bear_v a_o fervent_a love_n to_o religion_n love_n christ_n above_o all_o and_o be_v grieve_v when_o you_o see_v he_o dishonour_v or_o his_o word_n disobey_v and_o false_a worship_n establish_v away_o with_o this_o slackness_n in_o religion_n otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v better_a you_o have_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v neither_o
it_o and_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o then_o we_o must_v do_v as_o mary_n do_v we_o must_v leave_v other_o less_o matter_n and_o sit_v at_o christ_n foot_n to_o hear_v his_o gracious_a word_n luke_n 11._o further_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v the_o same_o knowledge_n convey_v to_o other_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v true_o we_o can_v contain_v ourselves_o but_o we_o must_v needs_o teach_v other_o he_o which_o drink_v of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v full_a stream_n of_o run_a water_n joh._n 7._o he_o can_v hold_v it_o in_o but_o will_v convey_v it_o to_o other_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v first_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n he_o must_v teach_v and_o instruct_v his_o family_n for_o god_n have_v bind_v he_o in_o conscience_n to_o spread_v abroad_o that_o knowledge_n he_o have_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o his_o family_n and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a yet_o god_n require_v he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v they_o that_o so_o a_o particular_a and_o little_a church_n may_v be_v in_o his_o family_n again_o every_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o win_v his_o enemy_n and_o those_o which_o be_v ignorant_a to_o believe_v the_o word_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o the_o wicked_a labour_n to_o win_v man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v much_o more_o shall_v we_o yea_o and_o every_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o edify_v those_o which_o be_v fellow-member_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o faith_n hope_n love_n repentance_n and_o such_o like_a &_o as_o jude_n say_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o save_v some_o last_o to_o maintain_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n 1._o pet._n 3._o 15._o see_v the_o maintain_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n use_v we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n labour_v for_o it_o to_o spread_v it_o abroad_o over_o the_o whole_a earth_n to_o defend_v it_o against_o all_o false_a teacher_n so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v persecute_v and_o injure_v by_o false_a apostle_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a labour_n to_o to_o defend_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o with_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o manner_n how_o she_o defend_v it_o namely_o that_o she_o do_v not_o faint_a but_o be_v constant_a persevere_v to_o the_o end_n so_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n long_a time_n preach_v we_o have_v defend_v it_o with_o hazard_n of_o life_n &_o good_n we_o must_v not_o now_o leave_v off_o but_o still_o continue_v and_o this_o exhortation_n be_v necessary_a see_v the_o lord_n after_o so_o long_a peace_n purpose_v to_o try_v we_o by_o persecution_n or_o false_a teacher_n then_o let_v we_o purpose_n to_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o end_n and_o not_o as_o some_o who_o can_v change_v as_o religion_n change_v be_v of_o any_o religion_n to_o maintain_v religion_n be_v commend_v but_o the_o principal_a thing_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v be_v perseverance_n nevertheless_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o four_o verse_n christ_n set_v down_o a_o direct_a and_o severe_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o here_o christ_n deal_v as_o a_o judge_n call_v the_o church_n to_o a_o account_n lay_v action_n to_o her_o charge_n which_o action_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v lose_v thy_o first_o love_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o ephesus_n the_o angel_n and_o the_o people_n have_v lose_v that_o love_n to_o god_n religion_n and_o man_n which_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v first_o call_v not_o that_o they_o leave_v it_o whole_o but_o because_o both_o people_n and_o minister_n suffer_v their_o first_o love_n to_o decay_v that_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o fervent_a and_o plentiful_a as_o before_o objection_n ob._n christ_n commend_v her_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n answer_n answ._n it_o be_v true_a she_o have_v now_o zeal_n and_o love_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o she_o have_v first_o it_o be_v no_o zeal_n nay_o it_o be_v cold_a and_o freeze_v therefore_o he_o say_v thou_o have_v lose_v thy_o first_o love_n if_o god_n have_v something_o against_o this_o church_n use_v then_o now_o he_o may_v just_o have_v against_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o against_o we_o in_o this_o land_n see_v we_o be_v in_o her_o estate_n a_o great_a part_n never_o have_v love_n of_o christ_n and_o many_o have_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n that_o some_o have_v fall_v it_o be_v plain_a many_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n be_v content_a to_o live_v in_o persecution_n for_o the_o gospel_n but_o after_o when_o quietness_n come_v they_o become_v plain_a worldling_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n record_v and_o in_o these_o day_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o twenty_o or_o seven_o and_o twenty_o year_n ago_o be_v zealous_a professor_n now_o become_v cold_a and_o freeze_a professor_n many_o i_o grant_v be_v free_a from_o this_o sin_n yet_o be_v they_o worse_o than_o these_o for_o they_o never_o have_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o religion_n 24._o but_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o of_o this_o world_n 3._o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n now_o than_o if_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o these_o church_n for_o lose_v their_o love_n much_o more_o may_v he_o have_v against_o we_o who_o never_o have_v true_a love_n of_o he_o that_o man_n now_o adays_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o of_o christ_n it_o appear_v see_v most_o congregation_n and_o church_n after_o this_o long_a time_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v be_v daily_o teach_v yet_o be_v not_o better_v in_o opinion_n judgement_n life_n and_o obedience_n but_o still_o remain_v ignorant_a which_o argue_v no_o love_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o which_o love_v god_n and_o love_v religion_n indeed_o shall_v continue_v from_o year_n to_o year_n in_o ignorance_n never_o profit_v in_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o better_v his_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n and_o in_o that_o man_n live_v in_o their_o particular_a calling_n without_o all_o love_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o argue_v they_o love_v not_o god_n for_o if_o they_o love_v god_n they_o must_v needs_o love_v their_o neighbour_n these_o go_v together_o but_o man_n practise_v their_o calling_n with_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o of_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n no_o love_n to_o god_n no_o love_n to_o religion_n this_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o labour_n to_o get_v true_a love_n of_o god_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o christ_n have_v no_o action_n against_o us._n for_o if_o a_o king_n or_o a_o mighty_a man_n shall_v have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o especial_o be_v just_a and_o good_a it_o will_v make_v one_o quake_n and_o tremble_v but_o we_o have_v even_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o than_o it_o be_v best_o to_o look_v about_o us._n this_o paul_n urge_v to_o timothy_n 16._o that_o he_o will_v go_v beyond_o himself_o &_o abound_v in_o fear_n love_n and_o repentance_n phil._n 3._o 13._o he_o labour_v to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o forget_v that_o which_o be_v behind_o that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o perfection_n he_o look_v first_o on_o his_o want_n and_o then_o by_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n we_o be_v in_o a_o way_n we_o must_v walk_v to_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o stand_v if_o we_o purpose_v to_o come_v to_o the_o mark_n we_o must_v be_v as_o young_a child_n who_o first_o be_v child_n little_a in_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n after_o be_v strong_a and_o last_o become_v tall_a man_n so_o must_v we_o daily_o grow_v till_o we_o become_v tall_a man_n in_o christ_n perfect_a and_o tall_a man_n in_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o which_o after_o long_o preach_v be_v ignorant_a or_o make_v no_o increase_n in_o religion_n they_o be_v in_o a_o dangerous_a estate_n and_o can_v possible_o come_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n have_v fall_v from_o thy_o first_o love_n hence_o the_o papist_n as_o also_o other_o church_n gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v away_o whole_o and_o final_o then_o this_o question_n must_v be_v consider_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v whole_o fall_v from_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v answer_v to_o this_o we_o must_v know_v grace_n be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o for_o that_o favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o
the_o papist_n though_o he_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n yet_o he_o perform_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o he_o part_v stake_n with_o christ_n and_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o own_o saviour_n so_o that_o howsoever_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o most_o zealous_a catholic_a yet_o he_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n 2_o the_o temporizer_n he_o which_o alter_v his_o religion_n as_o time_n alter_v and_o such_o be_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v it_o that_o they_o will_v follow_v the_o prince_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n with_o the_o time_n and_o this_o show_v what_o man_n will_v do_v if_o popery_n come_v again_o they_o may_v say_v they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o they_o show_v themselves_o plain_a laodicean_n 3_o all_o such_o as_o follow_v nicodemus_n that_o be_v which_o love_n christ_n but_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o he_o by_o day_n light_n such_o as_o think_v they_o may_v hear_v mass_n and_o yet_o keep_v their_o conscience_n to_o themselves_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n 4_o such_o as_o be_v mediator_n and_o pacificator_n and_o will_v make_v a_o union_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n be_v persuade_v that_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n for_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o circumstance_n so_o they_o write_v and_o defend_v their_o opinion_n but_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v it_o never_o so_o much_o they_o be_v but_o laodicean_n a_o five_o fort_n there_o be_v and_o who_o be_v they_o luk._n 16._o such_o as_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n and_o where_o be_v they_o nay_o where_o be_v they_o not_o lamentable_a be_v out_o time_n wherein_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v professor_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v all_o their_o time_n spend_v upon_o care_n for_o this_o world_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o time_n be_v bestow_v on_o that_o there_o be_v all_o their_o joy_n care_n desire_v labour_n and_o study_v let_v they_o say_v what_o they_o will_v so_o long_o as_o their_o care_n and_o study_n be_v spend_v upon_o mammon_n they_o be_v very_a laodicean_n and_o such_o be_v the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o hearer_n they_o draw_v near_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v upon_o their_o good_n the_o whole_a heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o this_o who_o they_o be_v your_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v you_o they_o be_v indeed_o christian_n &_o professor_n but_o lukewarm_a and_o worse_o than_o christ_n enemy_n 6_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o like_o it_o but_o in_o their_o life_n give_v themselves_o to_o sin_n blasphemy_n drunkenness_n fornication_n oppression_n usury_n some_o to_o this_o vice_n some_o to_o that_o and_o even_o in_o this_o very_a rank_n i_o place_v those_o which_o profess_v religion_n but_o yet_o delight_n in_o the_o fond_a and_o irreligious_a fashion_n of_o the_o world_n use_v the_o new_a strange_a and_o monstrous_a fashion_n of_o apparel_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n upon_o their_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n go_v naked_a the_o world_n abound_v with_o such_o now_o young_a and_o old_a it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o absurd_a man_n be_v beyond_o all_o common_a reason_n in_o apparel_v themselves_o so_o fond_o whereas_o their_o garment_n shall_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n &_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o glory_v in_o they_o and_o the_o modest_a garment_n shall_v show_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o what_o do_v they_o else_o but_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o vice_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o use_v shall_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o though_o we_o be_v none_o of_o these_o not_o entangle_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n no_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v find_v want_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o reverend_a regard_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v so_o as_o no_o man_n can_v say_v he_o be_v free_a from_o this_o nay_o every_o man_n even_o he_o that_o have_v best_a grace_n shall_v feel_v in_o himself_o want_v of_o care_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n therefore_o we_o must_v with_o job_n lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n and_o say_v we_o be_v vile_a well_o this_o be_v so_o now_o consider_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v lie_v it_o before_o your_o eye_n mark_v the_o end_n and_o recompense_v christ_n will_v spew_v such_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v cast_v they_o from_o god_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n this_o threaten_a pertain_v to_o this_o age_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v tremble_v and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o repent_v of_o this_o sin_n leave_v ere_o long_o we_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o sin_n now_o of_o the_o amendment_n of_o it_o where_o note_n first_o the_o fault_n second_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o three_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n now_o i_o will_v proceed_v further_a to_o show_v that_o even_o among_o we_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n this_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v find_v that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v the_o better_o acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o state_n and_o this_o appear_v by_o diverse_a sign_n first_o by_o common_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v manifest_v diverse_a way_n first_o though_o we_o come_v often_o and_o greedy_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o very_a few_o profit_n in_o knowledge_n and_o few_o in_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o many_o that_o profit_n in_o knowledge_n something_o do_v thrive_v in_o obedience_n little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o how_o true_a this_o be_v i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n conscience_n this_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o great_a negligence_n in_o all_o sort_n take_v the_o body_n of_o our_o congregation_n &_o they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o any_o i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o which_o profit_n both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a part_n experience_n in_o diverse_a occasion_n make_v this_o manifest_a the_o second_o token_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o few_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o read_v of_o the_o word_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n &_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v teach_v or_o not_o nay_o few_o will_v be_v at_o the_o cost_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n or_o if_o they_o have_v one_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v in_o it_o or_o to_o keep_v a_o constant_a course_n in_o read_v of_o it_o daily_o a_o three_o sign_n be_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n though_o many_o come_v to_o church_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o private_a sanctification_n of_o it_o at_o home_n but_o when_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n profit_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n no_o such_o person_n can_v possible_o have_v any_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n and_o grace_n because_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v time_n for_o this_o purpose_n by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a yea_o palpable_a that_o there_o be_v great_a negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o negligence_n though_o coldness_n be_v want_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o heat_n and_o we_o be_v but_o lukewarm_a gospeler_n another_o sign_n of_o lukewarmnesse_n be_v this_o our_o religion_n stand_v on_o general_n and_o reach_v not_o to_o our_o particular_a calling_n in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o when_o we_o come_v home_o to_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o our_o private_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n then_o where_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o we_o hear_v there_o be_v no_o conscience_n make_v of_o lie_v deceive_a &_o oppress_v &_o no_o care_n of_o that_o good_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o man_n al_n our_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o none_o at_o home_n whereas_o if_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o hart_n it_o will_v show_v some_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n as_o fire_n and_o heat_n can_v be_v hide_v although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o who_o these_o sin_n take_v no_o hold_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o which_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a but_o in_o a_o mean_a between_o both_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o when_o they_o see_v any_o have_v care_n to_o obey_v they_o have_v present_o the_o name_n of_o
knowledge_n wisdom_n constancy_n zeal_n piety_n and_o religion_n so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o his_o prophet_n not_o to_o all_o but_o his_o servant_n man_n of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o exceed_a holiness_n and_o piety_n indeed_o the_o lord_n reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n to_o wicked_a man_n as_o to_o balaam_n but_o they_o never_o know_v they_o comfortable_o it_o be_v a_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vision_n reveal_v and_o to_o know_v the_o same_o now_o both_o these_o befall_v s._n john_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o exceed_a holiness_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n love_v he_o and_o of_o singular_a and_o rare_a gift_n now_o the_o devil_n make_v no_o such_o choice_n but_o his_o vision_n befall_v man_n which_o be_v heretic_n wicked_a notorious_a sinner_n and_o they_o have_v no_o rare_a and_o special_a gift_n as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o befall_v then_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o it_o as_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v to_o his_o own_o apostle_n s._n john_n after_o the_o description_n of_o christ_n 9_o john_n describe_v himself_o by_o many_o modest_a term_n title_n first_o your_o brother_n that_o be_v of_o they_o be_v member_n all_o of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o family_n god_n the_o father_n be_v head_n and_o householder_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n we_o all_o be_v fellow_n brethren_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n be_v by_o he_o the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n and_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o by_o this_o title_n first_o he_o set_v out_o his_o humility_n and_o great_a modesty_n 1._o for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n above_o all_o man_n which_o live_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n he_o be_v the_o last_o apostle_n and_o have_v apostolical_a authority_n be_v a_o most_o true_a professor_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o brother_n to_o all_o true_a believer_n make_v himself_o but_o equal_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o esteem_v better_o of_o all_o our_o brethren_n then_o of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v ourselves_o inferior_a to_o they_o second_o by_o this_o title_n we_o see_v he_o have_v his_o hart_n full_a of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o we_o but_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n &_o religion_n to_o these_o especial_o shall_v we_o show_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o they_o which_o have_v the_o same_o head_n christ_n the_o same_o god_n the_o same_o faith_n hope_n 12._o religion_n and_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o affect_v to_o one_o another_o and_o be_v link_v by_o all_o these_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o near_a love_n then_o be_v between_o man_n &_o man_n but_o in_o this_o world_n 5._o as_o isaiah_n say_v man_n hate_v their_o brethren_n even_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n whereby_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v if_o they_o live_v with_o more_o conscience_n than_o other_o than_o they_o revile_v speak_v ill_o of_o and_o hate_v they_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o title_n companion_n or_o fellow_n partner_n compartner_z in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o patience_n he_o be_v partner_n with_o they_o in_o tribulation_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v this_o vision_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n under_o that_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n about_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o flee_v to_o pathmos_n at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o partner_n with_o they_o in_o affliction_n by_o which_o he_o show_v our_o estate_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n to_o live_v in_o affliction_n not_o to_o be_v companion_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n but_o partaker_n of_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o therefore_o those_o which_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o follow_v he_o they_o must_v deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n daily_o and_o because_o of_o this_o estate_n the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v call_v the_o militant_a church_n now_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o tribulation_n use_v we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o church_n which_o have_v have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n so_o long_o without_o persecution_n we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v give_v we_o that_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n for_o see_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v under_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v and_o try_v his_o church_n for_o it_o must_v increase_v and_o grow_v by_o trial_n the_o lord_n have_v send_v labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n a_o long_a time_n which_o have_v gather_v much_o wheat_n into_o the_o lord_n barn_n now_o there_o must_v come_v a_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v his_o fan_n and_o sieve_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v with_o the_o fan_n and_o sieve_n of_o persecution_n try_v the_o wheat_n and_o winnow_v the_o corn_n from_o the_o chaff_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v who_o be_v his_o true_a child_n then_o stand_v it_o we_o in_o hand_n to_o take_v heed_n we_o be_v find_v good_a corn_n and_o not_o chaff_n that_o we_o may_v abide_v the_o sieve_n that_o we_o prove_v not_o light_a corn_n blow_v about_o with_o the_o wind_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v burn_v he_o call_v himself_o their_o fellow_n partner_n in_o affliction_n because_o his_o pitiful_a hart_n be_v move_v with_o compassion_n to_o all_o his_o fellow_n member_n and_o partner_n in_o affliction_n when_o he_o remember_v their_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n they_o suffer_v under_o the_o cruel_a tyrant_n dominitian_n now_o look_v what_o be_v in_o he_o the_o same_o affection_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v pitiful_a full_a of_o compassion_n for_o the_o poor_a afflict_a member_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o be_v our_o fellow_n member_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o fellow_n feel_v with_o they_o and_o show_v our_o compassion_n in_o pity_v they_o if_o the_o foot_n be_v prick_v the_o head_n stoop_v the_o eye_n behold_v and_o look_v on_o it_o the_o finger_n pull_v it_o out_o the_o hand_n apply_v the_o plaster_n the_o other_o foot_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v for_o help_v the_o tongue_n to_o ask_v for_o counsel_n and_o all_o the_o member_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n in_o pity_n and_o fellow_n feel_v so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v affliction_n be_v prick_v with_o persecution_n for_o christ_n cause_n than_o shall_v we_o as_o fellow_n member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o help_n we_o can_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o show_v our_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o that_o he_o set_v first_o affliction_n then_o add_v a_o kingdom_n he_o show_v that_o the_o affliction_n &_o cross_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o be_v beat_v and_o tread_v by_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 21._o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o this_o momentany_a affliction_n cause_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a weight_n of_o glory_n 18._o not_o that_o it_o deserve_v or_o effect_n it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o pathway_n to_o heaven_n then_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a when_o it_o befall_v we_o use_v for_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v wander_a sheep_n out_o of_o the_o way_n into_o the_o ready_a and_o beat_a way_n to_o heaven_n nay_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a when_o we_o have_v no_o affliction_n 8._o for_o than_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n see_v the_o lord_n afflict_v every_o child_n which_o be_v he_o in_o patience_n a_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o persevere_v in_o affliction_n to_o go_v on_o suffer_v till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n affliction_n be_v the_o beat_a way_n heaven_n be_v our_o joyful_a end_n patience_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o
man_n from_o evil_a action_n and_o affection_n to_o renew_a affection_n and_o renew_a action_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o the_o common_a description_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o good_a in_o that_o they_o say_v it_o stand_v in_o contrition_n which_o be_v sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o may_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o repentance_n godly_a sorrow_n indeed_o cause_v repentance_n but_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o cor._n 7._o 9_o 10._o or_o else_o that_o be_v if_o you_o will_v not_o practice_v that_o remedy_n to_o wit_n renew_v your_o former_a love_n and_o repentance_n i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o a_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n he_o come_v when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n to_o they_o by_o show_v mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n come_v to_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o peter_n say_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n 19_o second_o he_o come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n so_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n i_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o father_n sin_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o their_o child_n and_o will_v punish_v they_o so_o here_o if_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o he_o will_v come_v to_o she_o to_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n not_o mercy_n out_o of_o this_o first_o general_n threaten_v 1._o we_o may_v learn_v this_o one_o thing_n when_o any_o people_n or_o church_n live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n or_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n he_o than_o prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o they_o in_o judgement_n amos_n 4._o 12._o he_o will_v punish_v they_o because_o they_o return_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o lay_v in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o meet_v he_o this_o we_o must_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o our_o church_n and_o people_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v our_o sin_n we_o have_v decay_v in_o our_o first_o love_n since_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n first_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n and_o beside_o these_o sin_n we_o lie_v in_o many_o fearful_a sin_n atheism_n now_o abound_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o practice_n contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o what_o man_n be_v it_o that_o prepare_v to_o meet_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o he_o may_v just_o say_v we_o do_v decay_n in_o love_n that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o for_o these_o sin_n in_o judgement_n in_o plague_n and_o punishment_n and_o so_o be_v he_o come_v at_o this_o day_n it_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o sin_n he_o will_v sure_o come_v thus_o then_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o repent_v if_o we_o will_v not_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v come_v and_o that_o short_o and_o remove_v his_o gospel_n he_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n to_o destroy_v us._n the_o second_o threaten_v be_v more_o particular_a i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n here_o he_o show_v in_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o namely_o to_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o candlestick_n then_o when_o he_o say_v he_o will_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n he_o mean_v his_o word_n and_o gospel_n take_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n from_o she_o and_o so_o make_v she_o become_v of_o a_o church_n no_o church_n and_o have_v remove_v the_o gospel_n will_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o send_v ignorance_n and_o blindness_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o continue_v still_o in_o thy_o sin_n in_o this_o second_o threaten_v note_n three_o thing_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n second_o the_o church_n and_o people_n three_o every_o private_a man_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n if_o he_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n if_o he_o continue_v and_o lie_v in_o his_o sin_n or_o any_o one_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o office_n and_o calling_n and_o of_o his_o gift_n for_o this_o be_v especial_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n jer._n 15._o end_n the_o prophet_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n partly_o by_o fear_n partly_o by_o want_n of_o patience_n then_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v a_o prophet_n to_o jeremy_n tell_v he_o that_o unless_o he_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o repent_v the_o lord_n will_v make_v he_o no_o prophet_n so_o that_o in_o he_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o minister_n that_o if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n to_o remain_v they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n decay_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o religion_n for_o then_o their_o calling_n and_o gift_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n so_o especial_o for_o minister_n they_o must_v especial_o renew_v it_o see_v that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o continue_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v concern_v a_o church_n or_o people_n if_o any_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o his_o word_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n they_o then_o procure_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n to_o take_v from_o they_o his_o word_n the_o gospel_n and_o true_a religion_n ose._n 9_o 7._o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o man_n of_o spirit_n be_v mad_a a_o heavy_a judgement_n whereof_o come_v this_o he_o say_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a and_o become_v mad_a if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o fear_n that_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o for_o in_o most_o man_n there_o be_v great_a decay_n in_o love_n see_v religion_n be_v hate_v and_o contemn_v of_o most_o man_n therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o fear_v and_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o must_v needs_o remove_v his_o word_n take_v his_o gospel_n away_o if_o we_o meet_v he_o not_o with_o repentance_n for_o he_o in_o justice_n give_v man_n to_o believe_v lie_n when_o as_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o truth_n and_o gospel_n be_v so_o long_o among_o they_o our_o duty_n then_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n by_o hearty_a and_o true_a repentance_n the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n every_o private_a christian_a now_o a_o day_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n lie_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o etc._n etc._n now_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o particular_a gift_n for_o as_o a_o man_n love_n decay_v his_o knowledge_n decay_v and_o so_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o love_n to_o it_o wax_v cold_a in_o a_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v all_o the_o wheel_n stand_v if_o it_o go_v soft_o or_o swift_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o wheel_n go_v according_o so_o if_o our_o love_n be_v increase_v our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o if_o our_o love_n decay_v our_o knowledge_n our_o understanding_n in_o religion_n decay_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o ancient_a folk_n because_o they_o lose_v their_o love_n heb._n 4._o 12._o first_o we_o be_v deceive_v by_o sin_n second_o our_o heart_n be_v harden_v three_o we_o call_v into_o question_n religion_n 4._o we_o set_v ourselves_o against_o religion_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o it_o so_o that_o decay_n in_o grace_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o apostasy_n then_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n we_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n not_o live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n neither_o decay_n in_o love_n knowledge_n or_o affection_n to_o religion_n some_o gather_v hence_o that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v final_o and_o whole_o for_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v much_o more_o one_o man_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o a_o whole_a church_n for_o a_o church_n stand_v of_o a_o mix_a company_n good_a and_o bad_a sheep_n and_o goat_n corn_n and_o chaff_n wheat_n and_o tare_n now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o wicked_a may_v
deal_v with_o abraham_n command_v he_o to_o kill_v his_o son_n gen._n 22._o 2._o chron._n 32._o 31._o he_o leave_v hezechiah_n to_o try_v he_o and_o so_o every_o christian_a have_v his_o set_a time_n when_o he_o must_v be_v try_v that_o so_o god_n may_v either_o discover_v his_o hypocrisy_n or_o make_v know_v his_o faith_n when_o one_o found_v a_o school_n he_o set_v some_o to_o see_v how_o they_o profit_v after_o seven_o year_n or_o some_o such_o space_n he_o will_v look_v to_o try_v the_o scholar_n that_o he_o may_v see_v how_o they_o go_v on_o and_o without_o this_o trial_n man_n will_v not_o make_v so_o good_a progress_n so_o in_o god_n school_n the_o lord_n he_o come_v at_o his_o set_a time_n to_o try_v what_o profit_n man_n have_v make_v to_o try_v their_o heart_n or_o true_a obedience_n to_o reward_v they_o according_o if_o god_n will_v thus_o try_v we_o use_v than_o it_o be_v best_o to_o try_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v what_o be_v in_o we_o for_o though_o thou_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o thou_o can_v not_o deceive_v he_o he_o will_v search_v thou_o and_o lay_v all_o open_a to_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n he_o will_v detect_v thou_o and_o make_v thou_o know_v if_o not_o he_o will_v make_v know_v thy_o grace_n then_o never_o daub_v up_o the_o matter_n spare_v not_o thyself_o but_o serious_o enter_v into_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o never_o run_v with_o adam_n from_o god_n for_o he_o will_v pull_v thou_o out_o slip_v off_o thy_o fig_n leave_v and_o make_v thou_o manifest_v to_o all_o man_n now_o when_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o narrow_a search_n we_o must_v in_o a_o strait_a manner_n seek_v to_o reform_v our_o life_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o try_v we_o may_v approve_v of_o we_o for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o will_v come_v the_o time_n be_v set_v and_o can_v be_v change_v it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v how_o man_n mouth_n be_v full_a of_o preciseness_n so_o that_o if_o man_n know_v not_o the_o world_n to_o be_v full_a of_o blindness_n it_o may_v daunt_v many_o christian_a heart_n but_o see_v there_o must_v be_v a_o day_n of_o trial_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o take_v our_o hypocrisy_n but_o he_o look_v for_o sincerity_n then_o we_o must_v seek_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n will_v for_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v we_o come_v far_o short_a and_o though_o man_n mock_v we_o yet_o god_n will_v approve_v us._n then_o labour_v to_o be_v pure_a in_o all_o thing_n without_o hypocrisy_n not_o give_v to_o any_o one_o sin_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n word_n deed_n and_o thought_n keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o like_a to_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v not_o blaze_v lamp_n without_o oil_n if_o a_o man_n come_v to_o try_v a_o scholar_n in_o a_o good_a school_n and_o after_o long_a teach_n find_v he_o not_o to_o have_v profit_v it_o be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n they_o what_o disgrace_n be_v it_o for_o we_o if_o after_o so_o long_a time_n of_o grace_n christ_n come_v to_o try_v we_o and_o find_v no_o grace_n in_o we_o no_o faith_n repentance_n nor_o obedience_n but_o hypocrisy_n and_o nothing_o answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n but_o we_o must_v with_o david_n psal._n 26._o be_v so_o upright_o that_o for_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o have_v the_o lord_n to_o try_v we_o be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o sin_n nor_o taint_v with_o any_o offence_n i_o will_v save_v they_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v see_v no_o church_n be_v free_a from_o this_o general_a persecution_n of_o trajan_n for_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v all_o persecute_v now_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n how_o then_o do_v christ_n save_v they_o see_v they_o be_v persecute_v grievous_o and_o it_o may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n many_o of_o they_o ans._n promise_v of_o deliverance_n as_o this_o be_v be_v not_o simple_o make_v but_o with_o condition_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o that_o be_v save_v thou_o from_o temptation_n and_o persecution_n so_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v hurtful_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o thou_o christ_n promise_v freedom_n not_o simple_o from_o persecution_n but_o from_o the_o hurt_n which_o may_v come_v thereby_o to_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o their_o salvation_n ps._n 91._o he_o which_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n the_o plague_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o his_o dwell_n yet_o we_o see_v in_o common_a plague_n as_o well_o the_o godly_a as_o the_o wicked_a die_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o true_a promise_n that_o the_o plague_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o he_o to_o hurt_v he_o or_o he_o to_o hinder_v any_o man_n salvation_n and_o we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n not_o to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o temptation_n but_o that_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o leave_v of_o god_n unto_o the_o devil_n but_o though_o we_o be_v tempt_v that_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o temptation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o our_o profit_n and_o not_o our_o hurt_n 1._o and_o so_o christ_n promise_n be_v good_a to_o they_o god_n will_v have_v his_o child_n tempt_v yet_o here_o be_v their_o comfort_n he_o will_v keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v any_o hurt_n by_o the_o temptation_n to_o hinder_v his_o grace_n or_o their_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v a_o thousand_o cross_n yea_o die_v in_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o keep_v the_o faith_n they_o shall_v take_v no_o hurt_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v turn_v they_o to_o their_o good_a so_o that_o this_o may_v comfort_v and_o revive_v any_o perplex_a and_o oppress_a conscience_n in_o persecution_n and_o temptation_n again_o see_v this_o promise_n be_v only_o conditional_a and_o not_o simple_a but_o as_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o temptation_n we_o see_v they_o which_o pray_v for_o freedom_n from_o all_o temptation_n affliction_n and_o persecution_n have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o god_n word_n if_o they_o put_v not_o in_o that_o caveat_n for_o every_o petition_n must_v have_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n 2._o now_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o temptation_n but_o only_o from_o the_o hurt_n of_o temptation_n &_o affliction_n then_o we_o must_v when_o we_o pray_v for_o temporal_a deliverance_n pray_v only_o with_o condition_n so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v our_o salvation_n and_o hinder_v god_n grace_n in_o us._n from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n but_o how_o can_v this_o also_o be_v true_a that_o the_o long_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n under_o trajan_n for_o fourteen_o year_n shall_v be_v call_v but_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n ans._n first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n to_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n therefore_o fourteen_o year_n be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n second_o in_o regard_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o hell_n which_o we_o deserve_v this_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n three_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o god_n people_n jacob_n serve_v twice_o seven_o year_n for_o leah_n and_o they_o seem_v a_o short_a time_n to_o he_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o she_o so_o the_o affection_n that_o god_n people_n have_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o word_n and_o religion_n make_v they_o think_v many_o year_n persecution_n a_o short_a time_n paul_n for_o his_o affection_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n think_v eternal_a damnation_n but_o a_o year_n a_o short_a time_n so_o these_o in_o this_o church_n think_v this_o long_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n a_o short_a time_n a_o hour_n for_o that_o love_n they_o have_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o affection_n can_v have_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v it_o long_o the_o end_n why_o christ_n use_v this_o phrase_n be_v to_o comfort_v this_o and_o all_o other_o church_n in_o persecution_n by_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o continuance_n which_o be_v but_o a_o hour_n a_o short_a time_n now_o though_o they_o last_v twenty_o year_n yet_o if_o we_o have_v any_o affection_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o his_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o hour_n a_o short_a time_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n may_v encourage_v any_o man_n and_o arm_v he_o to_o endure_v any_o persecution_n cross_n or_o affliction_n beside_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v note_v that_o in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o prediction_n there_o be_v a_o prediction_n of_o a_o