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
of_o the_o preface_n of_o this_o book_n contain_v the_o title_n and_o inscription_n thereof_o now_o from_o this_o nine_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v contain_v one_o of_o those_o seven_o vision_n which_o be_v show_v unto_o john_n and_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n in_o this_o first_o vision_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v first_o the_o circumstance_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o part_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n be_v four_o first_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v namely_o john_n the_o second_o the_o place_n where_o at_o paâ—mos_n the_o three_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v propound_v it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o be_v 〈…〉_z the_o spirit_n the_o four_o the_o time_n when_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o first_o john_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n befall_v who_o do_v therefore_o name_n himself_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o the_o devil_n have_v he_o 1._o but_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v god_n give_v his_o vision_n not_o to_o all_o man_n but_o unto_o those_o which_o be_v most_o â—it_a for_o they_o such_o as_o be_v most_o holy_a man_n for_o life_n endue_v with_o exceed_a gift_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v 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 not_o they_o to_o all_o 〈…〉_z his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n man_n of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o exceed_a holiness_n &_o piety_n indeed_o the_o lord_n reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n by_o wicked_a man_n as_o by_o balaam_n and_o cayphaâ—_n but_o they_o never_o know_v what_o those_o thing_n mean_v which_o be_v show_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v a_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v a_o vision_n and_o to_o know_v the_o same_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o for_o both_o these_o be_v john_n thorough_o qualify_v 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 full_a of_o zeal_n love_n and_o piety_n and_o also_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o vision_n make_v know_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o devil_n make_v no_o such_o choice_n his_o vision_n befall_v man_n which_o be_v heretic_n wicked_a notorious_a sinner_n who_o have_v no_o such_o rare_a and_o special_a gift_n as_o the_o other_o have_v so_o that_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o this_o as_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o apostle_n s._n john_n now_o john_n have_v name_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o receiver_n of_o this_o vision_n for_o the_o great_a credit_n hereof_o he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o modest_a term_n first_o a_o brother_n second_o a_o companion_n first_o he_o call_v himself_o their_o brother_n that_o be_v of_o they_o who_o by_o faith_n be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o family_n whereof_o god_n the_o father_n be_v head_n and_o householder_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o â—lder_a brother_n and_o all_o believer_n be_v fellow_n brethren_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n be_v by_o faith_n the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n member_n of_o that_o family_n and_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d to_o other_o by_o this_o title_n your_o brother_n first_o he_o set_v out_o his_o humility_n and_o great_a modesty_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n above_o all_o man_n which_o liveâ—_n 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 bâ—ing_v a_o most_o zeâ—lous_a and_o constant_a professor_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o brother_n to_o 〈…〉_z 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 our_o brethren_n than_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 heart_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 he_o love_v they_o as_o brethren_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n even_o our_o enemy_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o we_o but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n with_o we_o to_o these_o especial_o shall_v we_o show_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n so_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o christian_n roman_n he_o affection_a to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n rom._n 12.10_o and_o great_a reason_n for_o believer_n be_v link_v each_o to_o other_o with_o the_o near_a bond_n they_o have_v the_o same_o father_n which_o be_v god_n the_o same_o redeemer_n the_o same_o faith_n hope_n baptism_n and_o the_o same_o benefit_n by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o death_n and_o obedience_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o practise_v there_o be_v that_o call_v themselves_o brethren_n who_o as_o isaiah_n say_v hate_v they_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n 66.5_o and_o mock_v they_o 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 any_o seem_v to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o they_o be_v revile_v and_o hate_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o among_o all_o true_a christian_n shall_v be_v brotherly_a love_n the_o second_o title_n companion_n or_o copartner_n in_o three_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o patience_n of_o christ._n he_o call_v himself_o copartner_n with_o 〈◊〉_d in_o tribulation_n for_o two_o causus_fw-la 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 domâ—â—ian_n about_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christâ—_n who_o banish_v he_o into_o 〈◊〉_d where_o he_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o therefore_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 what_o be_v that_o state_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n namely_o to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o must_v not_o be_v companion_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n but_o copartner_n in_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n teach_v those_o which_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n these_o lesson_n first_o to_o deny_v themselves_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o to_o follow_v he_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 be_v in_o continual_a fight_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o this_o land_n have_v have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n for_o many_o year_n without_o persecution_n which_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o special_a blessing_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o for_o this_o end_n 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 for_o see_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v under_o affliction_n we_o be_v all_o in_o duty_n bind_v to_o wait_v continual_o when_o god_n will_v call_v we_o out_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n no_o man_n can_v define_v the_o time_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o trial_n but_o yet_o that_o it_o will_v come_v we_o must_v resolve_v because_o of_o the_o usual_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n send_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n whereby_o no_o doubt_n many_o sheaf_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o lord_n barn_n now_o after_o this_o long_o gather_v there_o will_v come_v a_o day_n of_o â—â—â—â—ing_n the_o lord_n will_v take_v into_o his_o hand_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o affliction_n and_o put_v it_o into_o his_o corn_n and_o thereby_o try_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n it_o stand_v we_o therefore_o in_o hand_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o in_o this_o time_n of_o peacâ—_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v good_a corn_n in_o the_o lord_n sieve_n and_o not_o chaff_n which_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o unquenchable_a fire_n second_o he_o call_v himself_o their_o copartner_n in_o affliction_n because_o his_o pitiful_a heart_n be_v move_v with_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o all_o his_o fellow_n member_n when_o he_o remember_v their_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n under_o the_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n shall_v
have_v his_o grace_n come_v by_o creation_n we_o be_v by_o redemption_n and_o regeneration_n adam_n have_v the_o first_o grace_n to_o be_v able_a to_o obey_v but_o he_o want_v the_o second_o to_o be_v sure_a to_o persevere_v because_o god_n will_v permit_v his_o fall_n to_o make_v a_o way_n both_o to_o manifest_v his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ._n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n after_o his_o conversion_n wherein_o he_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v have_v also_o a_o infallible_a promise_n that_o he_o shall_v receive_v the_o second_o grace_n to_o abide_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v i_o 1.6_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o again_o 3_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v establish_v you_o and_o keep_v you_o from_o evil_n second_o david_n say_v they_o by_o his_o two_o grievous_a sin_n fall_v whole_o from_o grace_n answ_n he_o fall_v indeed_o grievous_o but_o not_o whole_o for_o after_o his_o fall_n he_o contemn_v not_o god_n word_n he_o hate_v not_o god_n nor_o despair_v of_o mercy_n which_o he_o must_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v fall_v whole_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v remorse_n for_o his_o sin_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n come_v unto_o he_o but_o say_v they_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o create_v a_o new_a heart_n in_o he_o therefore_o he_o have_v then_o no_o grace_n for_o creation_n be_v a_o make_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v answ._n david_n then_o speek_v not_o as_o he_o be_v before_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o by_o his_o sin_n god_n grace_n be_v sore_o decay_v but_o say_v they_o he_o repent_v not_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n now_o where_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n there_o be_v no_o faith_n and_o consequent_o no_o grace_n nor_o pardon_n answ._n in_o repentance_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o gift_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o act_n and_o practice_v thereof_o the_o gift_n of_o repentance_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o david_n when_o he_o yet_o lay_v in_o his_o sin_n but_o the_o act_n thereof_o lay_v hide_v and_o he_o want_v the_o renew_n thereof_o all_o that_o time_n again_o david_n have_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n past_a though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o pardon_n of_o those_o two_o sin_n till_o he_o repent_v of_o they_o neither_o be_v his_o repentance_n lose_v but_o decay_v only_o he_o want_v not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o simple_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o only_o in_o that_o act_n their_o three_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o equity_n and_o reason_n i._o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n cease_v whole_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n true_o believe_v may_v become_v the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o of_o satan_n as_o david_n do_v answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o member_n dead_a decay_a and_o live_a member_n a_o dead_a member_n be_v that_o which_o be_v only_o in_o show_v a_o member_n as_o a_o leg_n of_o wood_n or_o of_o brass_n in_o a_o man_n body_n a_o decay_a member_n be_v a_o true_a member_n though_o weak_a as_o be_v a_o leg_n or_o arm_n that_o be_v take_v with_o a_o palsy_n or_o sore_o wound_v but_o a_o lively_a member_n be_v that_o which_o do_v move_v and_o do_v all_o it_o function_n perfect_o so_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o member_n dead_a and_o only_o in_o show_n other_o feeble_a and_o weak_a that_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o there_o be_v lively_a member_n which_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o upright_o and_o perfect_a heart_n now_o though_o a_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n can_v be_v a_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n because_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o weaken_v and_o wound_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o every_o adulterer_n and_o fornicator_n do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o christ_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o decay_a member_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o may_v the_o rather_o stand_v because_o a_o man_n be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n one_o way_n namely_o spiritual_o and_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n another_o way_n namely_o bodily_a ii_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n can_v fall_v from_o grace_n then_o preach_v prayer_n the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n be_v needless_a answ._n nothing_o less_o for_o they_o have_v all_o their_o good_a and_o necessary_a use_n unto_o they_o which_o have_v grace_n even_o to_o make_v they_o constant_a in_o grace_n for_o where_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n it_o imply_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n paul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o rome_n be_v certain_a they_o shall_v come_v all_o safe_a to_o land_n 2d_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o marines_n will_v have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o ship_n he_o tell_v the_o captain_n unless_o 31._o these_o stay_n in_o we_o can_v be_v save_v because_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o land_n so_o when_o isaiah_n have_v tell_v ezekias_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v fifteen_o year_n long_o he_o be_v thereby_o assure_v of_o recovery_n and_o yet_o he_o use_v 38.21_o a_o bunch_n of_o fig_n as_o a_o mean_n thereof_o as_o also_o food_n and_o raiment_n to_o preserve_v his_o life_n afterward_o iii_o reason_n this_o doctrine_n of_o certain_a perseverance_n maintain_v man_n in_o security_n answ._n security_n be_v twofold_a carnal_a and_o spiritual_a carnal_a when_o a_o man_n regard_v not_o at_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n spiritual_a when_o a_o man_n rely_v on_o god_n for_o his_o salvation_n by_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o this_o security_n it_o maintain_v but_o not_o the_o carnal_a security_n for_o it_o teach_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n as_o prayer_n hear_v and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o thus_o i_o conclude_v this_o question_n that_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n who_o true_o believe_v when_o he_o sin_v do_v neither_o whole_o nor_o final_o fall_v away_o neither_o can_v do_v last_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v found_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o she_o suffer_v she_o first_o love_n to_o decay_v then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v our_o first_o love_n as_o well_o towards_o god_n as_o man_n to_o lessen_v and_o diminish_v and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o our_o conscience_n will_v tell_v we_o if_o we_o look_v to_o that_o love_n and_o zeal_n we_o have_v at_o our_o first_o calling_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o feel_v this_o decay_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o it_o continual_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o our_o good_a affection_n in_o religion_n to_o diminish_v water_n that_o have_v be_v once_o hot_a will_v afterward_o be_v most_o cold_a and_o freeze_v the_o hard_a even_o so_o when_o our_o heart_n have_v be_v once_o heat_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n altar_n as_o true_a love_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o suffer_v they_o to_o decay_v we_o shall_v become_v more_o freeze_v in_o iniquity_n than_o any_o other_o the_o hawk_n while_o she_o be_v quick_a to_o take_v her_o prey_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o noble_n but_o if_o she_o wax_v weak_a and_o die_v she_o be_v cast_v off_o to_o the_o dunghill_n even_o so_o while_o we_o be_v hot_a and_o cheerful_a in_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o church_n we_o be_v carry_v as_o it_o be_v on_o god_n own_o hand_n but_o if_o we_o faint_v and_o decay_v in_o love_n we_o shall_v be_v cast_v low_a than_o if_o we_o have_v never_o be_v so_o exalt_v this_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o be_v like_o a_o little_a flame_n of_o fire_n for_o the_o maintain_v whereof_o we_o must_v do_v three_o thing_n first_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n which_o quench_v love_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o water_n quench_v fire_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o priest_n keep_v fire_n burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n day_n and_o night_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o must_v we_o keep_v the_o flame_n of_o love_n &_o other_o grace_n continual_o burn_v in_o our_o heart_n
more_o though_o god_n summon_v man_n to_o repent_v by_o his_o daily_a judgement_n yet_o few_o or_o none_o by_o true_a humility_n prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n and_o to_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n security_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o people_n and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o state_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o god_n have_v be_v long_o since_o in_o come_v to_o we_o by_o his_o judgement_n and_o aâ—_n this_o day_n he_o be_v still_o come_v because_o we_o still_o decay_v in_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o more_o and_o more_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o thus_o continue_v the_o truth_n be_v he_o will_v come_v short_o unto_o we_o and_o that_o by_o most_o fearful_a judgement_n for_o this_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v a_o direction_n not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o worse_a case_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o we_o must_v prevent_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o judgement_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n every_o man_n and_o every_o family_n apart_o must_v repent_v private_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n open_o and_o public_o no_o way_n else_o we_o have_v to_o stay_v the_o lord_n come_v against_o we_o by_o his_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v a_o more_o particular_a threaten_n than_o the_o former_a and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n where_o he_o show_v with_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v punish_v this_o church_n namely_o by_o remove_v away_o the_o candlestick_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n therefore_o here_o he_o threaten_v to_o remove_v his_o church_n from_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n to_o send_v among_o they_o ignorance_n apostasy_n and_o heresy_n in_o steed_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n this_o particular_a judgement_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o this_o will_v i_o do_v i_o will_v make_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o church_n and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o in_o this_o particular_a threaten_n three_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v one_o concern_v the_o minister_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o concern_v every_o private_a man_n touch_v the_o minister_n note_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o if_o he_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o either_o of_o his_o call_n or_o of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o for_o this_o threaten_n be_v here_o direct_v especial_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n when_o jeremie_n have_v be_v want_v in_o deliver_v the_o lordâ—_n will_v unto_o the_o people_n partly_o for_o fear_n &_o partly_o through_o impatience_n then_o the_o lord_n become_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o â—â—â—â—_o return_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o whereby_o he_o will_v give_v he_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o he_o return_v not_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o decay_v in_o love_n fail_v in_o their_o duty_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n they_o must_v speedy_o renew_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n or_o else_o god_n will_v deprive_v they_o either_o of_o their_o call_n or_o of_o the_o gift_n thereof_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o renew_n thereof_o be_v needful_a unto_o all_o christian_n but_o especial_o to_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o will_v continue_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o stand_v before_o he_o become_v his_o mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n the_o second_o point_n concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n if_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o do_v lie_v in_o any_o common_a sin_n they_o procure_v hereby_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o they_o and_o the_o abolish_n of_o true_a religion_n 9.7_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o spirit_n iâ—_n mad_a this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n but_o markâ—_n the_o cause_n all_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o iniquity_n that_o be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v god_n send_v foolish_a minister_n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n in_o our_o church_n to_o fear_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o love_n in_o many_o and_o in_o the_o most_o no_o love_v at_o all_o many_o scorn_n and_o contemn_v true_a religion_n and_o hate_v the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o may_v wonder_v at_o the_o great_a patience_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o continue_v his_o gospel_n among_o we_o for_o 2.11_o god_n give_v man_n up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o love_v not_o his_o truth_n wherefore_o be_v in_o this_o danger_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v than_o by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o by_o every_o man_n apart_o and_o every_o family_n apart_o for_o when_o god_n shall_v speak_v sudden_o against_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n to_o root_v it_o up_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o people_n repent_v of_o their_o wickedness_n the_o lord_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o think_v to_o bring_v upon_o they_o jerem._n 18_o vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o any_o man_n decay_n in_o love_n or_o want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o he_o to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v the_o wheel_n stand_v as_o the_o watch_n go_v fast_o or_o soft_o so_o go_v the_o wheel_n answerable_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o man_n if_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n do_v increase_v then_o do_v his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n increase_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o if_o his_o love_n decay_n than_o other_o grace_n decay_n and_o if_o love_v be_v go_v then_o farewell_n all_o piety_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o palpable_a ignorance_n as_o be_v in_o many_o that_o have_v long_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o want_n of_o love_n heb._n 3.12_o 13._o the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v by_o what_o degree_n man_n come_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n first_o sin_n deceive_v they_o by_o draw_v they_o to_o commit_v it_o then_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v by_o custom_n of_o sin_v thence_o follow_v unbelief_n in_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o they_o make_v apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o his_o truth_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o final_a apostasy_n rather_o strive_v to_o increase_v in_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o so_o shall_v all_o his_o good_a grace_n increase_v in_o thy_o heart_n out_o of_o this_o particular_a threaten_v some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n &_o fall_v away_o final_o from_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o become_v no_o church_n then_o may_v any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o become_v no_o member_n but_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o as_o here_o we_o see_v and_o therefore_o may_v any_o one_o man_n answ._n this_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o one_o man_n that_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ._n for_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o mix_a company_n of_o true_a professor_n and_o dissembler_n like_v
notable_a mean_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v faith_n and_o true_a religion_n 1._o pet._n 3.1_o iii_o that_o god_n may_v show_v on_o the_o godly_a token_n of_o his_o special_a love_n and_o favour_n which_o he_o do_v when_o he_o send_v judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o spare_v his_o child_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v a_o common_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n he_o cause_v those_o that_o mourn_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o people_n 9.4_o to_o be_v mark_v in_o the_o forehead_n that_o they_o may_v bespared_a so_o that_o if_o any_o godly_a person_n dwell_v among_o such_o as_o hate_v religion_n and_o be_v profane_a he_o must_v content_v himself_o know_v it_o be_v god_n will_v his_o church_n shall_v be_v vex_v and_o trouble_v by_o the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a six_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n people_n may_v lawful_o dwell_v among_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n always_o remember_v that_o they_o communicate_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n for_o so_o lâ—t_v dwell_v in_o sodom_n and_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n 1._o cor._n 7.2_o this_o question_n be_v answer_v a_o master_n be_v a_o heathen_a man_n and_o his_o servant_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n whereupon_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o serve_v his_o master_n but_o paul_n tell_v he_o he_o must_v do_v external_a service_n still_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o keep_v good_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o constrain_v to_o renounce_v true_a religion_n last_o hence_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o answer_v a_o question_n much_o urge_v against_o we_o by_o the_o papist_n to_o wit_n where_o our_o church_n be_v fourscore_o year_n ago_o when_o luther_n first_o begin_v to_o preach_v they_o intend_v hereby_o to_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v but_o of_o fourscore_o year_n continuance_n and_o so_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v new_a we_o answer_v by_o the_o like_a where_o be_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n when_o the_o devil_n throne_n be_v in_o that_o city_n sure_o it_o be_v there_o where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n and_o so_o when_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v spread_v popery_n over_o all_o europe_n at_o that_o very_o same_o time_n be_v god_n church_n in_o europe_n where_o popery_n be_v profess_v mingle_v with_o the_o papist_n which_o to_o be_v true_a appear_v by_o this_o that_o in_o all_o age_n there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o open_o have_v oppugn_v popery_n more_o or_o less_o partly_o by_o writing_n and_o partly_o by_o speak_v as_o the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n do_v testify_v &_o make_v manifest_a so_o that_o though_o iniquity_n have_v the_o upper_a hand_n yet_o our_o church_n have_v his_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n and_o thou_o keep_v my_o name_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n yet_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n so_o as_o neither_o force_n nor_o fraud_n of_o the_o adversary_n can_v take_v my_o name_n from_o thou_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v by_o christ_n name_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o paul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 9.15_o a_o choose_a vessel_n to_o carry_v christ_n name_n among_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v to_o publish_v among_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v particular_o commend_v for_o her_o constancy_n in_o hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o teach_v or_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o all_o gainsayer_n and_o not_o be_v turn_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n but_o in_o life_n and_o death_n keep_v sure_o the_o truth_n that_o neither_o fraud_n nor_o forcâ—_n of_o any_o adversary_n power_n draw_v it_o from_o we_o or_o we_o from_o it_o mat._n 13._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 〈◊〉_d compare_v to_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o the_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n sud_v be_v go_v and_o sell_v all_o he_o have_v to_o buy_v the_o field_n the_o scope_n of_o that_o parable_n be_v this_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o any_o of_o our_o field_n &_o by_o search_v find_v a_o gold_n i_o he_o will_v not_o make_v it_o know_v to_o any_o but_o cover_v it_o close_o and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o buy_v that_o field_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v enrich_v himself_o even_o so_o have_v find_v this_o that_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v the_o way_n to_o life_n everlasting_a though_o we_o must_v not_o conceal_v the_o same_o from_o other_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v like_o this_o man_n herein_o that_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o we_o have_v that_o so_o we_o may_v make_v the_o gospel_n we_o 1._o tim._n 3.9_o deacon_n must_v have_v this_o property_n to_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o sure_a treasure_n house_n which_o can_v be_v rob_v by_o any_o adversary_n power_n and_o faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n be_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v there_o safe_o lay_v up_o such_o a_o store-house_n must_v we_o get_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o faith_n any_o thing_n else_o we_o may_v lose_v but_o if_o we_o part_v with_o true_a religion_n salvation_n be_v go_v and_o all_o be_v lose_v and_o therefore_o in_o life_n and_o death_n we_o must_v keep_v fast_o the_o faith_n further_o christ_n amplifi_v the_o praise_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o two_o argument_n first_o that_o they_o hold_v christ_n name_n without_o denial_n second_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n for_o the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a commendation_n for_o many_o will_v hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o after_o deny_v the_o same_o by_o apostasy_n but_o this_o church_n hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n without_o any_o revolt_n at_o all_o their_o practice_n must_v we_o follow_v and_o so_o hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n that_o therein_o we_o never_o make_v revolt_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v once_o deny_v religion_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v give_v we_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n that_o wâ—e_n may_v profess_v it_o again_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o we_o perish_v eternal_o consider_v esauâ—_n example_n who_o sell_v his_o birth_n right_a for_o a_o mess_n of_o red_a broth_n and_o after_o lose_v the_o blessing_n which_o when_o he_o will_v have_v recover_v he_o be_v reject_v 12.17_o and_o find_v no_o place_n to_o repentance_n though_o be_v seek_v it_o with_o tear_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o fearful_a danger_n of_o not_o repent_v after_o revoult_v we_o must_v still_o hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n without_o denial_n here_o in_o this_o place_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o one_o with_o christ_n name_n that_o be_v with_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v call_v christ_n faith_n first_o because_o christ_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n thereof_o second_o because_o christ_n reveal_v the_o same_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n for_o god_n reveal_v his_o gospel_n unto_o man_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n three_o because_o christ_n be_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o indeed_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o second_o argument_n of_o their_o praise_n for_o conscience_n be_v take_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n they_o hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n even_o in_o those_o day_n say_v christ_n when_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v who_o this_o antipas_n be_v be_v not_o know_v neither_o certain_o record_v in_o any_o history_n it_o be_v think_v he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o oppose_a himself_o against_o idolatry_n and_o gentilism_n in_o this_o city_n of_o pergamus_n in_o this_o argument_n note_v two_o point_n i._o that_o christ_n commend_v antipas_n call_v he_o his_o faithful_a martyr_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o in_o god_n church_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o honour_v saint_n and_o martyr_n for_o that_o which_o christ_n do_v his_o church_n may_v do_v this_o their_o honour_n must_v stand_v
yet_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o read_v the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o constant_a course_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v three_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n be_v break_v for_o though_o most_o man_n at_o set_a time_n will_v come_v into_o the_o congregation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o that_o private_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v which_o god_n word_n require_v but_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o to_o outward_a delight_n to_o omit_v those_o that_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n in_o any_o sort_n now_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o want_v both_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o all_o sound_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v employ_v themselves_o in_o god_n word_n and_o by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o infect_v our_o congregation_n now_o where_o this_o negligence_n be_v though_o coldness_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v zeal_n and_o so_o luke-warmnesse_n must_v needs_o abound_v ii_o sign_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n be_v this_o in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_n they_o show_v religion_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o in_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n who_o show_v his_o religion_n for_o when_o as_o man_n shall_v practice_v their_o calling_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o true_a godliness_n they_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n little_a conscience_n be_v make_v of_o lie_v and_o oppression_n that_o love_n and_o plain_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v want_v which_o prove_v they_o plain_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n iii_o sign_n there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a for_o though_o all_o general_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o many_o when_o they_o see_v some_o make_v conscience_n to_o become_v answerable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o receive_v do_v take_v up_o in_o their_o mouth_n this_o slander_n of_o precizenesse_n against_o they_o mock_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n themselves_o profess_v shall_v be_v do_v these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o profess_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v zealous_a by_o reproach_v zeal_n in_o other_o therefore_o they_o do_v more_o than_o these_o laodicean_n do_v even_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a for_o he_o that_o reproach_v another_o for_o zeal_n in_o religion_n brand_v himself_o with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o who_o know_v not_o how_o many_o of_o this_o â—ort_n be_v every_o where_o i_o dare_v with_o good_a conscience_n say_v our_o congregation_n general_o consist_v of_o such_o now_o mark_v what_o follow_v hereupon_o first_o that_o our_o common_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n than_o heathen_a man_n jew_n and_o turk_n that_o know_v not_o christ._n this_o christ_n teach_v in_o prefer_v cold_a person_n before_o the_o lukewarm_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v rather_o thou_o were_v a_o pagan_a than_o a_o professor_n without_o zeal_n and_o 2.21_o saint_n peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v of_o such_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v further_a matter_n in_o we_o than_o knowledge_n and_o bare_a profession_n our_o case_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o turk_n religion_n know_v will_v not_o make_v thou_o better_o than_o they_o but_o it_o be_v zeal_n and_o obedience_n that_o must_v prefer_v thou_o before_o they_o second_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o estate_n i_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n out_o of_o the_o stomach_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n here_o threaten_v which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o may_v know_v where_o lukewarmenesse_a take_v place_n there_o this_o punishment_n will_v follow_v we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o old_a world_n do_v &_o think_v all_o be_v well_o never_o regard_v till_o the_o judgement_n come_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o true_a society_n with_o christ_n god_n can_v do_v this_o sundry_a way_n either_o by_o bereave_v we_o of_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v we_o as_o the_o heathen_a or_o by_o send_v the_o enemy_n among_o we_o to_o destroy_v and_o root_v we_o out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o even_o in_o our_o neighbor-countreys_n and_o town_n he_o set_v spectacle_n before_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v see_v how_o he_o can_v spew_v we_o ouâ—_n &_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a vers._n 17._o for_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o make_v rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a &_o blind_a and_o naked_a here_o be_v the_o second_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o former_a as_o a_o reason_n thereof_o before_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o deadness_n in_o religion_n and_o here_o he_o paint_v out_o the_o cause_n thereof_o namely_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o hart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o think_v thus_o within_o thyself_o i_o be_o rich_a for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n by_o their_o speech_n because_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v as_o evident_a to_o christ_n as_o any_o man_n speech_n can_v be_v to_o another_o use_n in_o that_o christ_n do_v express_v man_n secret_a thought_n and_o propound_v the_o same_o in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o set_v down_o the_o thought_n of_o country_n of_o church_n &_o of_o particular_a man_n even_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o this_o can_v no_o man_n do_v in_o any_o book_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v a_o argument_n against_o atheist_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o they_o reveal_v man_n secret_a thought_n now_o follow_v the_o thought_n itself_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o people_n of_o this_o church_n i_o be_o rich_a that_o be_v i_o have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o this_o effect_n he_o express_v their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o overween_a their_o estate_n before_o god_n this_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o have_v be_v christ_n say_v 5.32_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o righteous_a mean_v such_o as_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o the_o 10._o proud_a pharisie_n in_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o heart_n think_v himself_o far_o better_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n or_o other_o man_n and_o paul_n â—_o bring_v in_o the_o corinthian_n think_v proud_o of_o themselves_o say_v we_o be_v full_a and_o make_v rich_a etc._n etc._n this_o sin_n take_v place_n in_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o temporal_a work_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o other_o to_o come_v to_o ourselves_o this_o same_o proud_a thought_n have_v place_n among_o us._n first_o we_o think_v we_o be_v rich_a in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n both_o young_a and_o old_a scorn_n to_o be_v catechize_v because_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a some_o stick_v not_o to_o profess_v this_o pride_n by_o brag_v thus_o that_o they_o know_v as_o much_o for_o substance_n as_o any_o man_n can_v teach_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o nature_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n second_o man_n plead_v that_o they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a say_v so_o as_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_v