that_o thence_o we_o may_v offer_v up_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n second_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 1.6_o use_v a_o comparison_n from_o the_o fire_n which_o burn_v more_o bright_a and_o clear_a when_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o last_o we_o must_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o faith_n repentance_n love_n and_o such_o like_a &_o so_o shall_v they_o not_o decay_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n verse_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o faithful_a physician_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n do_v here_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o their_o sin_n of_o decay_n in_o love_n fron_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o sin_n be_v reprove_v be_v to_o be_v teach_v but_o yet_o with_o this_o qualification_n that_o withal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v join_v thereunto_o that_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v rip_v up_o by_o the_o law_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v christ_n manner_n of_o preach_v in_o this_o place_n who_o practice_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a platform_n for_o all_o his_o minister_n for_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n at_o this_o day_n to_o preach_v the_o law_n bare_o which_o only_o make_v the_o wound_n without_o the_o gospel_n which_o alone_o show_v the_o remedy_n this_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v be_v of_o special_a use_n and_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n general_o by_o it_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o answer_v to_o two_o necessary_a question_n of_o practice_n which_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n first_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o after_o his_o conversion_n either_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n fall_v into_o sin_n again_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v for_o his_o recovery_n ans._n he_o must_v remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v of_o those_o his_o sin_n and_o do_v his_o first_o work_n the_o second_o question_n be_v this_o a_o man_n that_o have_v all_o his_o life_n long_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n be_v now_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o his_o loose_a life_n how_o shall_v this_o man_n escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n &_o become_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o ans._n he_o must_v first_o remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o by_o his_o own_o transgression_n second_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o his_o sin_n three_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n whereto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n &_o so_o shall_v he_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o particular_a this_o remedy_n have_v three_o part_n the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o second_o and_o repent_v the_o three_o and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n the_o word_n follow_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o remedy_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v for_o the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n examine_v thyself_o thorough_o &_o see_v in_o thyself_o the_o decay_n of_o thy_o former_a love_n and_o then_o ponder_v the_o same_o in_o thy_o heart_n serious_o and_o thorough_o here_o christ_n injoin_v to_o this_o church_n two_o duty_n i._o examination_n whereby_o she_o must_v descend_v into_o she_o own_o heart_n and_o search_v out_o her_o own_o want_n especial_o the_o want_n of_o her_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o her_o brethren_n ii_o consideration_n whereby_o she_o must_v often_o think_v of_o these_o her_o want_n and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o her_o heart_n unfeigned_o this_o course_n which_o christ_n take_v with_o this_o church_n teach_v we_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o person_n in_o god_n church_n not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v thorough_o with_o his_o own_o estate_n that_o so_o he_o may_v search_v out_o his_o own_o want_n and_o deep_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n jeremie_n blame_v the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n that_o no_o man_n say_v with_o himself_o 8.6_o what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o christ_n lay_v this_o sin_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o estate_n 39_o they_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o â—â—oke_v they_o all_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n no_o man_n almost_o do_v examine_v himself_o &_o consider_v in_o his_o hart_n his_o own_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o want_n nay_o man_n be_v grow_v to_o this_o that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o mean_n to_o breed_v melancholy_n and_o therefore_o do_v â—lie_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o nuzzell_v themselves_o in_o their_o fearful_a security_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v out_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o often_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o their_o particular_a want_n zephanie_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o people_n 2.1_o begin_v thus_o search_v you_o search_v yourselves_o oh_o nation_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v where_o the_o word_n translate_v search_n signify_v such_o a_o search_n as_o a_o man_n will_v make_v for_o some_o small_a thing_n in_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o chaff_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n counsel_n hag._n 1.7_o consider_v your_o own_o way_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v our_o practice_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o ground_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o christ_n here_o give_v it_o the_o first_o place_n for_o no_o man_n can_v true_o repent_v before_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o with_o his_o own_o fearful_a and_o damnable_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v 119.59_o i_o first_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o then_o i_o turn_v my_o foot_n into_o thy_o testimony_n the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o repent_v be_v want_n of_o consideration_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o what_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v for_o till_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v she_o own_o misery_n the_o hart_n can_v never_o right_o hunger_n after_o mercy_n sin_n must_v be_v our_o great_a woe_n before_o christ_n become_v our_o chief_a joy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v repentance_n iâ—_n self_n for_o after_o a_o man_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o want_n and_o have_v thorough_o consider_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n than_o he_o come_v to_o repent_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o five_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v i._o what_o repentanceis_n ii_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v iii_o who_o command_v it_o iv._o to_o who_o it_o be_v command_v v._o for_o what_o they_o must_v repent_v for_o the_o first_o repentance_n proper_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n do_v import_v for_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o after_o some_o folly_n or_o overslip_v to_o be_v better_o advise_v repentance_n then_o in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o change_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a or_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.20_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n which_o latter_a word_n expound_v the_o former_a &_o plain_o show_v what_o repentance_n be_v and_o this_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n stand_v in_o this_o resolution_n whereby_o a_o man_n by_o god_n grace_n purpose_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n therewithal_o follow_v a_o turn_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o will_n in_o affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o description_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n which_o paul_n reduce_v to_o seven_o head_n viz._n care_n clear_v of_o themselves_o indignation_n fear_n great_a desire_n zeal_n and_o revenge_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o whereof_o some_o be_v renew_v affection_n
never_o seek_v it_o this_o his_o mercy_n be_v verify_v in_o all_o church_n and_o unto_o we_o which_o must_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o enlarge_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o vouchsafe_v we_o favour_n when_o we_o never_o seek_v it_o but_o refuse_v it_o quest._n how_o do_v christ_n knock_v answ._n the_o word_n go_v before_o whereto_o these_o have_v reference_n give_v light_n unto_o this_o question_n before_o christ_n have_v threaten_v this_o church_n even_o to_o spew_v she_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o her_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o after_o he_o counsel_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o gold_n and_o other_o remedy_n now_o upon_o this_o grievous_a threaten_n the_o church_n may_v despair_v of_o his_o mercy_n but_o christ_n to_o comfort_v she_o tell_v she_o here_o that_o these_o reproof_n and_o rebuke_n be_v but_o knock_v be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o open_a for_o then_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o people_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o mean_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o withal_o give_v they_o coun_fw-fr whereby_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o fearful_a punishment_n thereby_o deserve_v here_o then_o note_v the_o state_n of_o any_o people_n that_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v to_o come_v in_o by_o exhortation_n admonition_n threaten_n and_o by_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a mercy_n first_o see_v we_o have_v christ_n knock_v at_o our_o door_n use_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o we_o such_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n in_o hear_v he_o knock_v if_o a_o man_n of_o any_o account_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o house_n oh_o what_o a_o stir_n will_v we_o make_v to_o let_v he_o in_o quick_o what_o a_o shame_n than_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v dead-harted_n when_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n second_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o with_o all_o speed_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v continue_v knock_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o turn_v before_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o we_o perish_v eternal_o for_o if_o we_o refuse_v when_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n he_o will_v refuse_v when_o we_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n prou._n 1._o 25.26_o mat._n 25.11.12_o note_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o it_o be_v join_v with_o cry_v for_o he_o say_v if_o he_o hear_v my_o voice_n so_o that_o he_o both_o knock_v &_o cry_n it_o be_v then_o the_o knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v enter_v we_o therefore_o ought_v answerable_o with_o serious_a regard_n to_o receive_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v as_o earnest_n in_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o knock_v to_o come_v into_o us._n the_o second_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o set_v down_o the_o true_a use_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o same_o mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v such_o as_o give_v unto_o a_o man_n will_n &_o soul_n a_o action_n in_o his_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v christ._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o it_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o worker_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o word_n and_o man_n will_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a knowledge_n soften_a the_o heart_n and_o change_v the_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o now_o he_o work_v not_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n but_o ordinary_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v hear_v or_o meditate_v either_o public_o or_o private_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o man_n salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o man_v will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o dead_a unto_o grace_n yet_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o conversion_n move_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v turn_v it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n only_o passive_a which_o without_o any_o action_n receive_v impression_n but_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o fire_n do_v bear_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v it_o be_v fire_n so_o the_o will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o move_v not_o yet_o be_v renew_v by_o grace_n it_o move_v and_o so_o some_o as_o it_o move_v it_o be_v renew_v and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v action_n unto_o a_o sinner_n that_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v which_o argue_v not_o that_o by_o themselves_o man_n can_v have_v a_o will_n to_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o be_v renew_v they_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o these_o term_n repent_v and_o believe_v not_o to_o show_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v repent_v or_o believe_v but_o that_o god_n in_o man_n conversion_n do_v give_v he_o grace_v to_o will_n and_o desire_v the_o same_o hence_o than_o it_o follow_v thar_z this_o text_n have_v be_v diverse_a way_n abuse_v first_o by_o the_o papist_n who_o hence_o will_v gather_v free_a will_n of_o conversion_n in_o a_o sinner_n by_o nature_n true_a it_o be_v a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o be_v gather_v hence_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v and_o open_v when_o i_o knock_v nay_o hence_o we_o may_v rather_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v hear_v nor_o open_a because_o the_o counsel_n be_v give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a by_o nature_n second_o they_o also_o abuse_v this_o text_n that_o hereby_o will_v prove_v a_o flexible_a free_a will_n by_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o man_n which_o be_v this_o sundry_a man_n think_v that_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o sin_n god_n give_v a_o general_a grace_n whereby_o any_o man_n may_v will_v and_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o this_o grace_n though_o it_o dispose_v the_o will_n in_o some_o part_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o it_o take_v not_o the_o corruption_n away_o but_o that_o remain_v still_o whereupon_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v receive_v christ_n by_o that_o general_a grace_n or_o if_o he_o will_v not_o he_o may_v refuse_v christ_n by_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o he_o it_o be_v say_v this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o text_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o flexible_a freewill_n all_o that_o can_v here_o be_v gather_v be_v that_o man_n have_v freewill_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o a_o general_a but_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n nay_o christ_n ministry_n serueâ—_n for_o this_o end_n that_o those_o which_o before_o can_v not_o turn_v of_o themselves_o may_v by_o grace_n be_v convert_v this_o flexible_a grace_n be_v against_o god_n word_n christ_n say_v 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o he_o say_v not_o may_v come_v if_o he_o will_v but_o peremptory_o come_v for_o man_n will_n can_v dispose_v and_o over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n 〈◊〉_d god_n overrule_v the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o man_n be_v unwilling_a yet_o when_o god_n call_v effectual_o he_o can_v but_o come_v for_o the_o creature_n can_v reject_v or_o resist_v the_o will_n and_o call_n of_o his_o creator_n if_o any_o man_n open_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v etc._n etc._n the_o proper_a intent_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o conditional_a promise_n be_v to_o provoke_v they_o that_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a to_o listen_v diligent_o to_o christ_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n from_o he_o glad_o in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v our_o duty_n see_v
be_v a_o inducement_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o gift_n fit_a for_o this_o call_n to_o affect_v the_o same_o last_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o call_n and_o holy_a in_o his_o conversation_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n he_o be_v place_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n now_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v long_o bear_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n any_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a or_o profane_v nay_o he_o will_v take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n and_o there_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n for_o as_o they_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o by_o their_o place_n so_o shall_v their_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a unless_o they_o be_v faithful_a this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n levit._n 10.1_o and_o hophâ—â—â—_n and_o phineas_n 1._o sam._n 3.13_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n ought_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o their_o way_n for_o by_o their_o call_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ._n now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a and_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n he_o will_v sure_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o unfaithful_a minister_n put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n &_o confound_v they_o for_o ever_o they_o must_v therefore_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o become_v not_o hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o his_o will_n so_o shall_v christ_n protect_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o save_v they_o eternal_o and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n this_o sword_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v in_o the_o write_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n heb._n 4.12_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lively_a mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o it_o be_v thereto_o compare_v because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v sharp_o into_o the_o flesh_n and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o bone_n even_o to_o the_o very_a marrow_n so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n enter_v sharp_o and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o very_a marrow_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o twofold_a operation_n one_o upon_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o elect_a it_o wound_v the_o wicked_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n isay._n 11.4_o christ_n shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o lip_n that_o be_v with_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n herewith_o shall_v he_o consume_v antichrist_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o visit_v leviathan_n and_o slay_v the_o dragon_n that_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n isay._n 27._o vers_fw-la 1._o here_o consider_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v kill_v a_o impenitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n first_o in_o this_o life_n where_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n the_o second_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o the_o soul_n go_v to_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a the_o three_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o go_v to_o hell_n eternal_o now_o a_o sinner_n receive_v in_o this_o life_n his_o deadly_a wound_n after_o this_o manner_n christ_n in_o the_o give_v thereof_o have_v a_o threefold_a work_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n first_o hereby_o he_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o sin_n as_o hypocrisy_n pride_n and_o rebellion_n of_o heart_n with_o all_o other_o his_o horrible_a and_o damnable_a transgression_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14.24.25_o when_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v reprove_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o word_n judge_v he_o and_o thereby_o lie_v open_a unto_o he_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n second_o christ_n hereby_o reveâ—leth_v unto_o he_o his_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n due_a unto_o he_o in_o which_o regard_n the_o law_n be_v call_v 3.6_o a_o kill_a letter_n show_v no_o mercy_n but_o only_o thunder_v out_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o transgressor_n three_o hereby_o christ_n awake_v his_o guilty_a conscience_n sharpen_v the_o sting_n thereof_o and_o terrify_v he_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n thus_o wicked_a felix_n tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n preach_v 24.25_o of_o temperance_n righteousness_n and_o the_o â—udgement_n to_o come_v so_o when_o king_n 4.6_o belshazzer_n see_v the_o palm_n of_o the_o hand_n writing_n thing_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o â—all_n his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o his_o joint_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n stand_v one_o against_o another_o and_o all_o these_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o wicked_a without_o apprehension_n of_o mercy_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o recover_v one_o that_o â—s_v 〈◊〉_d wound_v but_o while_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d this_o estate_n he_o have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o without_o unfamed_a repentance_n be_v already_o in_o thâ—_n first_o step_n towards_o eternal_a death_n for_o these_o horror_n oâ—_n conscience_n sever_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o flash_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a woe_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n by_o this_o sword_n wound_v his_o enemy_n hence_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v sundry_a duty_n first_o how_o to_o earn_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o will_v rage_v and_o storm_n against_o it_o and_o the_o preacher_n thereof_o because_o it_o touch_v they_o we_o must_v not_o despise_v or_o malign_v they_o but_o rather_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n towards_o they_o for_o this_o their_o behaviour_n be_v a_o token_n they_o be_v wound_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o these_o their_o raging_n be_v nothing_o but_o struggle_n before_o death_n eternal_a unless_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o deadly_a wound_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v let_v to_o see_v and_o know_v the_o lamentable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a number_n in_o those_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v for_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n that_o in_o those_o placeâ—_n few_o come_v to_o true_a knowledge_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o most_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a now_o this_o their_o condition_n be_v most_o fearful_a a_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o man_n have_v long_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o thereby_o better_v for_o knowledge_n in_o mind_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n they_o be_v thereby_o wound_v unto_o death_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n have_v always_o his_o work_n it_o either_o cure_v unto_o life_n by_o work_a repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o salvation_n or_o wound_v unto_o death_n they_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o we_o must_v therefore_o lament_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n as_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o dead_a man_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v how_o soever_o they_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n by_o their_o â—â—ill_a honesty_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o a_o field_n and_o there_o behold_v many_o thousand_o slaughter_a and_o 〈◊〉_d ouâ—_n bloâ—d_v some_o in_o the_o â—ead_a some_o in_o the_o side_n etc._n etc._n this_o sight_n will_v make_v his_o heart_n to_o bleed_v well_o this_o 〈…〉_z god_n be_v church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o see_v with_o bodily_a eye_n the_o most_o man_n be_v wound_v with_o this_o sword_n of_o god_n word_n and_o lie_v 〈◊〉_d wallow_v in_o the_o bloâ—d_n of_o their_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d they_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n in_o security_n and_o want_n of_o repentance_n iii_o this_o mâ—st_v admonish_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v earnest_o to_o have_v further_a thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o than_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n oâ—_n horror_n of_o conscience_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o sound_a reformation_n of_o life_n for_o without_o this_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_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
people_n do_v not_o repent_v the_o lord_n will_v come_v unto_o they_o to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o yea_o though_o they_o have_v before_o repent_v if_o for_o particular_a sin_n and_o want_n they_o do_v not_o renew_v their_o repentance_n he_o will_v sure_o come_v to_o punish_v they_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o this_o text_n that_o i_o omit_v all_o further_a proof_n only_o i_o will_v apply_v it_o to_o this_o our_o church_n of_o which_o this_o may_v be_v true_o say_v thou_o do_v not_o repent_v nor_o renew_v thy_o repentance_n for_o thy_o daily_a sin_n for_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o that_o by_o god_n grace_n repent_v and_o set_v themselves_o daily_o to_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o yet_o take_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o renew_v their_o repentance_n that_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v at_o all_o for_o either_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n or_o if_o they_o have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o want_v care_n and_o conscience_n to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o condition_n what_o man_n may_v not_o be_v a_o prophet_n against_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v thus_o direct_v by_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n to_o say_v and_o that_o true_o that_o god_n will_v come_v unto_o we_o in_o judgment_n to_o plague_v and_o punish_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n we_o may_v soothe_v ourselves_o in_o hope_n of_o mercy_n still_o but_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n continue_v as_o it_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o judgement_n from_o the_o lord_n this_o then_o must_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o repent_v every_o person_n apart_o and_o every_o family_n &_o congregation_n apart_o we_o must_v humble_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o we_o and_o purpose_n full_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o strive_v in_o our_o life_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o his_o commandment_n yea_o though_o we_o can_v say_v we_o have_v repent_v yet_o for_o our_o daily_a want_n and_o sin_n we_o must_v renew_v our_o repentance_n thus_o do_v we_o shall_v stay_v the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v come_v against_o us._n but_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o blindness_n ignorance_n and_o rebellion_n follow_v the_o lust_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n than_o nothing_o but_o vengeance_n and_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v for_o this_o conclusion_n must_v stand_v with_o all_o church_n and_o people_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o god_n will_v come_v in_o judgement_n against_o they_o the_o second_o threaten_v or_o commination_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o nicolaitan_o in_o these_o word_n and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v i_o will_v be_v at_o emnitie_n with_o they_o and_o testify_v the_o same_o by_o wage_n battle_n against_o those_o among_o you_o that_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o of_o fornication_n thus_o i_o say_v will_v i_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o my_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o commination_n christ_n allude_v still_o to_o the_o story_n of_o balaam_n for_o when_o he_o be_v send_v for_o by_o balac_n to_o curse_v the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n stand_v against_o he_o in_o the_o way_n with_o a_o naked_a sword_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o go_v and_o when_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v that_o he_o see_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n withstand_v he_o in_o that_o sort_n he_o fall_v down_o and_o adore_v the_o angel_n for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n yet_o because_o he_o cease_v not_o from_o his_o wicked_a covetousness_n but_o give_v bad_a counsel_n against_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o can_v not_o curse_v they_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o sin_n therefore_o he_o be_v slay_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n among_o the_o midianite_n by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n num._n 31.8_o even_o so_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o nicolaitan_o because_o they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o bad_a counsel_n persuade_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n &_o also_o of_o fornication_n therefore_o first_o he_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n thereby_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o will_v still_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o with_o the_o same_o sword_n destroy_v they_o for_o ever_o first_o here_o mark_v christ_n say_v not_o use_n i_o will_v kill_v they_o but_o fight_v against_o they_o for_o he_o intend_v not_o at_o the_o first_o to_o destroy_v these_o nicolaitan_o but_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n yet_o so_o as_o afterward_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o his_o word_n he_o will_v therewith_o destroy_v they_o wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o exceed_a patience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n towards_o lewd_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n that_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n and_o give_v themselves_o thereunto_o so_o the_o lord_n use_n in_o spirit_n stroâ—e_n with_o the_o old_a world_n and_o spare_v they_o 120_o year_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o noe._n so_o likewise_o he_o spare_v the_o ammonite_n 15.16_o till_o their_o sin_n be_v come_v to_o the_o full_a and_o the_o egyptian_n also_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n though_o they_o be_v most_o cruel_a persecutor_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n most_o malicious_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o spare_v they_o fifty_o year_n before_o he_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n yea_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o this_o his_o long_a suffering_n we_o may_v hear_v most_o bloody_a and_o bitter_a oath_n from_o blasphemer_n whereby_o they_o daily_o crucify_v christ_n with_o their_o tongue_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o adulterer_n and_o all_o cruel_a person_n and_o yet_o he_o forbear_v the_o same_o yea_o in_o our_o own_o self_n we_o daily_o taste_v of_o this_o his_o patience_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n and_o yet_o in_o mercy_n he_o vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o to_o some_o twenty_o to_o some_o thirty_o and_o to_o some_o more_o year_n for_o a_o time_n of_o repentance_n when_o as_o every_o day_n he_o may_v in_o justice_n condemn_v us._n this_o therefore_o must_v admonish_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n not_o to_o abuse_v this_o his_o long_a suffer_v any_o long_o but_o now_o while_o the_o day_n of_o mercy_n last_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o true_a repentance_n these_o be_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n but_o how_o long_o they_o will_v last_v god_n only_o know_v for_o when_o death_n once_o come_v he_o show_v no_o more_o mercy_n the_o old_a world_n because_o they_o abuse_v the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n â—0_n be_v destroy_v and_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o prison_n for_o it_o as_o peter_n teach_v and_o undoubted_o the_o same_o prison_n will_v be_v our_o portion_n if_o we_o take_v the_o same_o course_n that_o they_o do_v second_o in_o this_o threaten_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o irrepentant_a sinner_n have_v god_n for_o their_o enemy_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o a_o draw_a sword_n for_o this_o cause_n sin_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v rebellion_n and_o every_o sinner_n be_v a_o rebel_n against_o god_n a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v god_n for_o a_o enemy_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o do_v never_o repent_v but_o of_o all_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o profession_n and_o yet_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n without_o renew_v their_o repentance_n this_o also_o must_v serve_v to_o induce_v every_o man_n that_o have_v not_o repent_v now_o to_o begin_v and_o if_o they_o have_v begin_v to_o repent_v more_o daily_o renew_v the_o same_o for_o their_o daily_a slip_n and_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n as_o 13_o abraham_n be_v and_o aâ—_n his_o disciple_n be_v joâ—_a 15.15_o three_o in_o these_o two_o threatening_n christ_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n for_o he_o will_v fight_v against_o these_o nicolaitan_o when_o as_o he_o will_v only_o come_v unto_o his_o church_n where_o we_o see_v he_o devide_v his_o word_n aright_o wherein_o consist_v the_o principal_a wisdom_n of_o a_o true_a
she_o proceed_v to_o describe_v her_o doctrine_n and_o first_o he_o show_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n thereof_o namely_o to_o seduce_v and_o to_o deceive_v wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o further_a note_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n to_o wit_n to_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o draw_v man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n true_a doctrine_n be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n and_o lead_v man_n thereto_o but_o the_o end_n of_o false_a doctrine_n be_v impiety_n against_o god_n and_o man_n as_o be_v show_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n vers_fw-la 14._o and_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o woman_n use_n sundry_a student_n now_o adays_o be_v marvellous_o affect_v with_o the_o sermon_n commentary_n and_o postil_v of_o monk_n and_o friar_n these_o they_o prefer_v before_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a and_o sound_a divine_n which_o be_v a_o lamentable_a case_n for_o they_o be_v in_o their_o kind_a jezabel_n the_o scope_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o error_n and_o transgression_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yea_o to_o bring_v man_n from_o heaven_n to_o hell_n and_o therefore_o this_o exceed_a approbation_n of_o they_o be_v no_o small_a offence_n be_v in_o truth_n the_o right_a way_n to_o bring_v in_o again_o error_n atheism_n and_o popery_n for_o turn_v a_o papist_n from_o a_o moral_a point_n wherein_o he_o often_o err_v and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o sermon_n be_v nothing_o but_o false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n will_v have_v this_o church_n to_o hate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o woman_n because_o it_o do_v deceive_v so_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o dislike_n with_o the_o commentary_n and_o postil_v of_o monk_n and_o friar_n which_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n second_o christ_n set_v forth_o the_o end_n of_o her_o doctrine_n by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o person_n deceive_v his_o servant_n second_o by_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v deceive_v to_o wit_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v mere_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n touch_v the_o person_n whereas_o she_o deceive_v not_o all_o man_n but_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n of_o man_n this_o increase_v her_o fault_n because_o they_o belong_v unto_o god_n but_o here_o two_o question_n may_v be_v move_v first_o why_o some_o man_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o some_o be_v not_o second_o whether_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n may_v be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n to_o the_o first_o some_o answer_n that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n 〈◊〉_d be_v his_o servant_n and_o for_o his_o part_n do_v all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o all_o man_n to_o make_v they_o his_o servant_n redeem_v they_o and_o give_v they_o sufficient_a grace_n hereunto_o yet_o some_o be_v not_o his_o servant_n because_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o but_o wilful_o reject_v his_o grace_n that_o be_v offer_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o doctrine_n be_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o do_v much_o derogate_a from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o hereby_o they_o make_v every_o man_n a_o emperor_n and_o god_n a_o underling_n subject_a unto_o man_n they_o make_v god_n good_a pleasure_n to_o depend_v upon_o man_n pleasure_n and_o the_o accept_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o depend_v upon_o man_n will_n but_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n his_o will_n overrule_v man_n will_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v some_o man_n be_v not_o god_n servant_n because_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n hereof_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n elect_v some_o and_o they_o alone_o become_v his_o servant_n because_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o but_o god_n do_v never_o choose_v all_o man_n first_o to_o grace_n &_o then_o to_o glory_n and_o therefore_o as_o luke_n say_v 13.48_o so_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n believe_v so_o we_o may_v say_v so_o many_o as_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n to_o grace_n and_o salvation_n they_o become_v his_o servant_n the_o second_o question_n whether_o may_v god_n servant_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a prophet_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o servant_n of_o god_n servant_n in_o appearance_n and_o servant_n in_o truth_n servant_n in_o appearance_n be_v such_o as_o outward_o only_o embrace_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v such_o servant_n now_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o and_o that_o whole_o and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o whole_a particular_a church_n may_v fall_v away_o as_o do_v the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o many_o other_o and_o these_o be_v call_v servant_n because_o we_o must_v in_o charity_n judge_v that_o all_o which_o make_v profession_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o god_n church_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n though_o they_o may_v be_v seduce_v in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o they_o can_v neither_o whole_o nor_o final_o fall_v away_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a 1â—_n thou_o 〈◊〉_d peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o thou_o profess_v will_v i_o build_v my_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o 〈◊〉_d which_o last_o word_n prevail_v insinuate_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v show_v great_a malice_n and_o strength_n to_o vanquish_v their_o faith_n but_o yet_o shall_v never_o whole_o overcome_v it_o and_o matth._n 6.13_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v lâ—ad_v we_o 〈◊〉_d into_o temptation_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o temptation_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v overcome_v in_o temptation_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a petition_n must_v needs_o have_v godâ—_n promise_v to_o grant_v the_o same_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o saâ—han_n may_v assay_v to_o overcome_v the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o get_v final_a victory_n over_o he_o for_o true_a faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o can_v stand_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n these_o two_o banish_v each_o other_o sin_n bring_v the_o child_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o knee_n but_o true_a faith_n do_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o ii_o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o she_o seek_v to_o seduce_v they_o be_v by_o draw_v they_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o be_v a_o favourer_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o whereof_o entreaty_n be_v make_v in_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n 21._o and_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o here_o christ_n reprove_v this_o woman_n for_o her_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o she_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n by_o space_n to_o repent_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v liberty_n to_o live_v for_o though_o by_o her_o sin_n she_o deserve_v present_a death_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a yet_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n give_v her_o liberty_n to_o live_v that_o she_o may_v repent_v use_n in_o her_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o god_n give_v we_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n namely_o thâ—â—_n it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o repentance_n for_o before_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o after_o this_o life_n can_v none_o repent_v but_o the_o time_n we_o now_o live_v or_o have_v live_v or_o shall_v live_v be_v the_o only_a time_n allot_v for_o repentance_n this_o point_n ought_v serious_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o all_o estate_n for_o it_o do_v plain_o rebuke_v the_o shameful_a practice_n of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o lead_v not_o their_o life_n as_o a_o time_n of_o repentance_n but_o spend_v it_o whole_o in_o another_o course_n some_o in_o follow_v their_o vain_a pleasure_n as_o card_v dice_a etc._n etc._n some_o in_o heap_v up_o riches_n seek_v nothing_o but_o temporal_a profit_n other_o in_o good_a fellowship_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v in_o company_n keep_v in_o eat_v and_o drink_v god_n in_o justice_n may_v have_v cut_v off_o these_o man_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o in_o mercy_n he_o give_v they_o time_n to_o repent_v to_o some_o twenty_o to_o other_o thirty_o forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n but_o they_o abuse_v this_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o steed_n of_o repent_v employ_v themselves_o in_o such_o work_n as_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o their_o case_n be_v most_o fearful_a they_o treasure_v up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n &_o declaration_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n like_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o every_o
receive_v her_o doctrine_n &_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o great_a affliction_n first_o this_o must_v teach_v all_o person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o devilish_a speech_n to_o think_v and_o say_v use_n that_o fornication_n iâ—_n but_o a_o trick_n and_o ship_n of_o 〈◊〉_d for_o great_a affliction_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o notable_o argue_v the_o heinousness_n thereof_o second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o town_n and_o kingdom_n be_v afflict_v with_o grievous_a war_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n among_o the_o rest_n these_o be_v two_o fornication_n â—nd_v embracing_z of_o error_n and_o superstition_n sodom_n for_o fornication_n and_o other_o 〈◊〉_d be_v burn_v with_o fire_n &_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o israelit_n 9_o for_o this_o sin_n suffer_v most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o among_o the_o corinthian_n for_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o this_o sin_n among_o other_o â—_o many_o be_v sick_a many_o 〈◊〉_d and_o many_o sleâ—â—_n and_o this_o land_n of_o we_o have_v be_v afflict_v with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o for_o other_o sin_n so_o for_o fornication_n which_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n be_v multiply_v and_o so_o will_v continue_v till_o it_o draw_v upon_o we_o bloodshed_n also_o and_o great_a affliction_n for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o the_o follower_n of_o jesabel_n must_v be_v verify_v of_o all_o that_o live_v in_o the_o like_a sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o exception_n of_o these_o communication_n except_o they_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o work_n where_o we_o may_v see_v first_o that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o of_o eternal_a destruction_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o repentance_n whence_o also_o this_o follow_v that_o man_n of_o year_n live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o condemn_v for_o other_o particular_a sin_n as_o for_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repent_v â—ee_z every_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o damnation_n but_o it_o be_v this_o impenitency_n that_o bring_v upon_o they_o actual_a damnation_n want_v of_o repentance_n for_o sin_n be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o the_o sin_n itself_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o lie_v in_o sin_n though_o we_o have_v commit_v it_o but_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o speedy_a repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o continuance_n in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n that_o cast_v the_o soul_n to_o hell_n when_o thou_o shall_v turn_v from_o thy_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n thou_o be_v free_a from_o the_o threaten_a and_o the_o curse_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o admit_v the_o exception_n of_o true_a repentance_n 〈◊〉_d 18.8_o further_o observe_v how_o this_o exception_n of_o repentance_n be_v place_v between_o two_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n which_o show_v how_o god_n mingle_v his_o judgement_n with_o mercy_n he_o show_v not_o whole_o either_o justice_n or_o mercy_n but_o temper_v they_o together_o in_o all_o the_o work_n that_o concern_v man_n salvation_n three_o here_o note_v that_o repentance_n prevent_v not_o only_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o also_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o grievous_a sickness_n and_o other_o plague_n and_o affliction_n this_o point_n may_v have_v special_a use_n among_o we_o we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n enjoy_v his_o gospel_n with_o long_a peace_n but_o for_o our_o abuse_n thereof_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v that_o judgement_n we_o must_v repent_v both_o high_a and_o low_a of_o their_o â—_z that_o be_v of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n where_o he_o show_v of_o what_o thing_n true_a repentance_n must_v be_v namely_o of_o bad_a work_n in_o particular_a whereto_o man_n give_v themselves_o every_o man_n that_o will_v true_o repent_v must_v consider_v of_o his_o particular_a fault_n the_o drunkerd_n in_o particular_a of_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n of_o his_o covetousness_n and_o instead_o of_o injury_n and_o hard_a deal_n show_v mercy_n unto_o the_o poor_a the_o common_a repentance_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v do_v in_o general_a be_v nothing_o but_o a_o vizard_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v use_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n for_o they_o will_v come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o general_n confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o have_v do_v enough_o but_o true_a repentance_n be_v of_o particular_a sin_n as_o david_n psalm_n 51._o cry_v out_o of_o blood_n guiltiness_n vers._n 23._o and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o â—ee_n which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o his_o work_n here_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n threaten_v against_o jesabels_n child_n by_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v proper_o those_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o she_o and_o be_v of_o her_o husband_n and_o not_o her_o follower_n for_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o grievous_a affliction_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v say_v i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d her_o child_n but_o to_o note_v the_o certainty_n and_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o punishment_n he_o say_v i_o will_v kill_v they_o with_o death_n quest._n how_o can_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n ans._n god_n dear_v so_o for_o temporal_a punishment_n not_o for_o eternal_a and_o though_o we_o can_v not_o perceive_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o so_o do_v yet_o we_o must_v reverence_v the_o â—ame_n blame_v our_o own_o ignorance_n albeit_o even_o in_o reason_n we_o may_v conceive_v of_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o course_n for_o society_n as_o church_n commonwealth_n and_o family_n be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o party_n in_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o member_n of_o those_o society_n for_o god_n conceive_v of_o they_o when_o he_o afflict_v the_o punishment_n deserve_v by_o one_o upon_o another_o as_o of_o the_o prince_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o parent_n upon_o their_o child_n this_o he_o may_v just_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o near_a bond_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o society_n like_v as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n when_o the_o stomach_n be_v distemper_v the_o head_n ache_v and_o when_o the_o head_n be_v wound_v the_o stomach_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o body_n may_v be_v smite_v for_o the_o error_n of_o the_o tongue_n thus_o when_o david_n sin_v the_o child_n die_v and_o when_o he_o number_v the_o israelite_n the_o people_n be_v plague_v and_o thus_o be_v the_o child_n stain_v in_o blood_n for_o the_o father_n treason_n against_o earthly_a prince_n and_o so_o god_n punish_v this_o woman_n in_o her_o child_n that_o she_o may_v know_v the_o greatness_n of_o her_o sin_n he_o smite_v her_o child_n with_o death_n use_n hence_o parent_n be_v teach_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n for_o thereby_o they_o may_v bring_v judgement_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o family_n even_o to_o death_n now_o what_o bloody_a heart_a parent_n be_v those_o that_o will_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o do_v that_o whereby_o they_o bring_v vengeance_n upon_o their_o own_o child_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n must_v every_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o society_n be_v admonish_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n because_o thereby_o a_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o a_o society_n may_v bring_v destruction_n upon_o many_o as_o david_n do_v by_o number_v the_o people_n and_o achan_n by_o his_o covetous_a stealth_n josua_n 7_o and_o ahab_n upon_o his_o posterity_n so_o that_o impenitent_a person_n which_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v but_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v both_o from_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o hurtful_a member_n yea_o enemy_n to_o all_o good_a society_n that_o these_o threaten_n might_n take_v place_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o jesabell_n and_o her_o follower_n christ_n remove_v two_o carnal_a conceit_n whereby_o they_o may_v think_v to_o delude_v or_o escape_v these_o judgement_n threaten_v the_o first_o be_v this_o jesabell_n and_o her_o company_n may_v think_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v secret_a not_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n this_o be_v a_o wicked_a imagination_n that_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sinner_n but_o this_o christ_n cut_v off_o say_v and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o the_o