and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n and_o withal_o guide_v bless_v and_o protect_v the_o same_o we_o can_v but_o be_v move_v to_o walk_v as_o enoch_n and_o abraham_n do_v with_o god_n even_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o this_o second_o verse_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n 2._o which_o be_v the_o proposition_n which_o contain_v the_o very_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o epistle_n this_o proposition_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n second_o a_o rebuke_n or_o reprehension_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n first_o the_o commendation_n be_v in_o general_a i_o know_v thy_o work_n second_o in_o particular_a for_o particular_a duty_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n some_o expound_v it_o of_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n but_o that_o can_v stand_v but_o when_o he_o say_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v the_o deal_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o affair_n i_o know_v they_o they_o be_v open_a and_o not_o hide_v from_o i_o and_o not_o only_o know_v they_o but_o with_o approbation_n allow_v they_o as_o in_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o four_o verse_n where_o there_o be_v a_o opposition_n though_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v allow_v they_o yet_o i_o find_v fault_n in_o some_o thing_n with_o thou_o whereas_o christ_n he_o know_v use_v that_o be_v approve_v their_o work_n way_n deal_v conversation_n and_o live_n this_o may_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o all_o secret_a and_o hide_a sin_n the_o adulterer_n thief_n and_o murderer_n wait_v for_o the_o night_n when_o they_o think_v none_o see_v they_o than_o they_o may_v as_o they_o think_v practice_v any_o sin_n so_o the_o tradesman_n he_o think_v no_o man_n see_v he_o change_v and_o counterfeit_v his_o ware_n and_o blear_a man_n eye_n think_v all_o be_v well_o and_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v such_o fraud_n deceit_n guile_n and_o injustice_n among_o man_n be_v because_o man_n think_v they_o can_v do_v it_o so_o as_o none_o shall_v see_v they_o they_o say_v god_n regard_v and_o see_v not_o our_o deal_n psal._n 94._o 7._o but_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v that_o though_o they_o can_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o can_v hide_v it_o from_o god_n see_v they_o be_v always_o in_o his_o sight_n this_o will_v make_v man_n make_v conscience_n of_o many_o secret_a corruption_n and_o sin_n in_o their_o heart_n whereas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o approbation_n obiction_n and_o so_o christ_n approve_v of_o their_o work_n some_o may_v ask_v how_o can_v god_n approve_v of_o that_o which_o do_v not_o satisfy_v his_o law_n as_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n do_v not_o answer_n answ._n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o more_o than_o the_o law_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o word_n now_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v and_o unfeigned_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n if_o a_o man_n do_v this_o in_o truth_n the_o lord_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n so_o christ_n here_o he_o approve_v of_o their_o work_n proceed_v from_o a_o pure_a will_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n as_o perfect_a take_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n but_o see_v christ_n approve_v their_o work_n objection_n the_o papist_n may_v argue_v hence_o thus_o if_o god_n approve_v thus_o of_o man_n than_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n if_o they_o have_v none_o than_o a_o man_n may_v fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o this_o life_n answer_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n ans._n christ_n approve_v not_o their_o or_o our_o work_n simple_o but_o in_o part_n as_o they_o be_v his_o work_n proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o be_v fruit_n of_o our_o flesh_n he_o do_v not_o again_o christ_n approve_v they_o with_o pardon_n as_o they_o be_v pardon_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o approve_v he_o can_v not_o approve_v they_o at_o all_o christ_n say_v i_o know_v your_o work_n that_o be_v as_o proceed_v from_o my_o spirit_n and_o as_o pardon_v have_v the_o guilt_n take_v from_o they_o now_o i_o come_v to_o her_o commendation_n particular_o which_o be_v especial_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n in_o who_o the_o first_o thing_n commend_v be_v this_o namely_o labour_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n especial_o in_o the_o minister_n painfulness_n diligence_n and_o labour_n in_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o this_o virtue_n be_v worthy_a of_o commendation_n as_o 1._o tim._n 5._o 17._o he_o which_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o paul_n match_v and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o all_o other_o apostle_n in_o this_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o they_o all_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n commend_v this_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1_o we_o see_v it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o pain_n and_o diligence_n if_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o not_o of_o ease_n and_o idleness_n as_o man_n common_o esteem_v of_o it_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o commend_v it_o above_o all_o other_o work_v in_o the_o ministry_n see_v christ_n commend_v the_o minister_n 2._o in_o be_v painful_a and_o diligent_a in_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n must_v be_v diligent_a in_o learning_n and_o obey_v they_o but_o man_n think_v all_o be_v well_o if_o they_o come_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n though_o they_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o people_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n be_v hear_v without_o profit_n man_n bestow_v all_o pain_n care_n and_o diligence_n in_o worldly_a thing_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o pain_n in_o the_o principal_a namely_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v commend_v of_o christ_n than_o they_o must_v use_v diligence_n take_v pain_n in_o hear_v learning_n and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n must_v labour_v to_o teach_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o people_n ergo_fw-la they_o must_v labour_v to_o obey_v and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o practice_v religion_n and_o as_o paul_n labour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o must_v all_o man_n learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o then_o to_o obey_v and_o practice_v the_o same_o second_o christ_n he_o commend_v their_o patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v worthy_a commendation_n see_v it_o be_v more_o than_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n perform_v jerem._n 20._o be_v exceed_v impatient_a jonah_n be_v school_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n yet_o after_o that_o all_o thing_n fall_v not_o out_o to_o his_o mind_n he_o be_v most_o impatient_a but_o this_o angel_n labour_v and_o withal_o joy_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v so_o must_v minister_n labour_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o because_o the_o cross_n accompany_v the_o gospel_n they_o must_v be_v arm_v against_o persecution_n with_o patience_n they_o must_v endure_v all_o cross_n as_o luke_n 8._o 15._o the_o good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o frutie_a with_o patience_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o patience_n must_v go_v together_o now_o christ_n join_v these_o two_o labour_v in_o his_o call_n and_o patience_n together_o &_o sever_v they_o not_o first_o because_o before_o the_o fall_n man_n can_v do_v all_o his_o duty_n without_o trouble_n with_o ease_n and_o joy_n but_o since_o the_o fall_n we_o be_v corrupt_v can_v do_v nothing_o but_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o we_o and_o god_n set_v this_o mark_n on_o our_o sin_n that_o all_o our_o duty_n shall_v be_v troublesome_a and_o our_o calling_n shall_v have_v cross_n and_o calamity_n join_v with_o they_o second_o because_o as_o the_o minister_n labour_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n so_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o hinder_v they_o and_o to_o stay_v they_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o only_a labour_n but_o be_v diligent_a to_o strive_v with_o patience_n so_o paul_n 1_o thess._n 2._o he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n hinder_v he_o now_o as_o christ_n join_v these_o two_o in_o the_o ministry_n so_o in_o all_o calling_n these_o must_v go_v together_o both_o in_o particular_a calling_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n first_o we_o
seek_v to_o get_v one_o foot_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o he_o have_v 16._o here_o s._n john_n describe_v he_o by_o his_o part_n and_o the_o property_n of_o every_o part_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n that_o be_v seven_o angel_n seven_o minister_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o minister_n be_v compare_v to_o star_n first_o because_o as_o star_n send_v out_o light_a to_o man_n on_o earth_n so_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o give_v light_n to_o man_n even_o spiritual_a light_n by_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o and_o by_o conversation_n of_o life_n among_o they_o second_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o star_n because_o as_o the_o star_n have_v their_o continual_a abode_n in_o heaven_n never_o descend_v down_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n especial_o shall_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o more_o special_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o calling_n first_o by_o seek_v their_o own_o salvation_n second_o by_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o by_o which_o two_n they_o must_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n though_o they_o have_v their_o body_n in_o earth_n three_o because_o they_o shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o star_n for_o dan._n 12._o they_o which_o do_v their_o duty_n they_o shall_v shine_v like_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n that_o be_v all_o regiment_n and_o government_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o christ_n he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a disposition_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ministry_n see_v he_o alone_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o his_o church_n he_o care_v for_o it_o and_o look_v to_o it_o see_v these_o star_n be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n 1._o this_o show_v that_o the_o choose_n &_o furnish_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n belong_v to_o christ_n eph._n 4._o he_o give_v they_o their_o gift_n and_o place_n then_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o last_o age_n to_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v out_o laborer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o so_o his_o child_n may_v be_v gather_v and_o a_o end_n make_v of_o these_o miserable_a day_n he_o hold_v these_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n whereby_o we_o see_v he_o give_v they_o defence_n and_o protection_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o calling_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n &_o though_o they_o have_v sundry_a discouragement_n yet_o see_v christ_n he_o order_v their_o ministry_n and_o dispose_v of_o it_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a nothing_o shall_v hinder_v their_o course_n nothing_o shall_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o duty_n neither_o the_o want_n of_o obedience_n in_o they_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o labour_v not_o see_v that_o fruit_n they_o shall_v nor_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o profession_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o see_v they_o be_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n this_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n idle_n man_n esteem_v it_o most_o base_a &_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o mean_a call_n and_o so_o discourage_v many_o but_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n he_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n defend_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o now_o what_o great_a glory_n can_v there_o be_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o honour_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o carry_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n though_o wicked_a man_n dishonour_v they_o esteem_v so_o base_o of_o they_o this_o shall_v stir_v those_o who_o have_v good_a gift_n to_o get_v this_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n thus_o to_o be_v honour_v of_o christ._n they_o must_v be_v unblameable_a 4._o for_o see_v christ_n carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o will_v hold_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o pure_a as_o he_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v defile_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a he_o will_v take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n put_v it_o under_o his_o brazen_a foot_n and_o grind_v it_o to_o piece_n and_o the_o more_o he_o have_v honour_v they_o the_o more_o will_v he_o dishonour_v they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o hearer_n be_v bind_v to_o profit_n else_o they_o must_v drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n for_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v punish_v for_o not_o preach_v than_o they_o for_o not_o hear_v and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n he_o describe_v he_o by_o the_o two_o last_o part_n of_o his_o body_n his_o mouth_n and_o his_o face_n and_o in_o his_o mouth_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v describe_v heb._n 4._o 12._o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v not_o only_o into_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o the_o bone_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o marrow_n so_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n deep_o to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o it_o enter_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o search_v every_o nook_n and_o corner_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a the_o word_n have_v a_o double_a operation_n one_o in_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o wicked_a this_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o word_n it_o wound_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o so_o by_o the_o same_o wound_n bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n esa._n 11._o 4._o he_o shall_v with_o his_o breath_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o word_n slay_v the_o wicked_a 8._o this_o be_v that_o sword_n that_o have_v and_o will_v kill_v antichrist_n ob._n but_o how_o come_v it_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v wound_v or_o kill_v any_o how_o shall_v it_o slay_v a_o wicked_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n the_o first_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n the_o soul_n convey_v to_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n the_o second_o be_v when_o a_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o word_n be_v wound_v and_o smite_v and_o so_o receive_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o deadly_a wound_n the_o three_o degree_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v go_v into_o hell_n fire_n for_o even_o a_o sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o hell_n and_o eternal_a death_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o the_o inflict_a and_o give_v of_o this_o wound_n there_o be_v three_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o he_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o their_o sin_n all_o their_o pride_n rebellion_n hypocrisy_n the_o damnable_a corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o all_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 24._o 25._o if_o in_o the_o church_n all_o prophecy_n there_o come_v in_o one_o which_o believe_v not_o he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o because_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o so_o the_o secret_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v the_o second_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o he_o after_o reveal_v to_o they_o the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n his_o indignation_n against_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o law_n be_v call_v the_o kill_a law_n because_o it_o show_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n three_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v sharpen_v the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n make_v it_o awake_a and_o terrify_v a_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v or_o remember_v the_o word_n and_o the_o curse_v denounce_v against_o sinner_n so_o felix_n when_o paul_n preach_v to_o he_o of_o justice_n and_o temperancy_n he_o faint_v and_o tremble_v the_o word_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wound_v his_o conscience_n with_o terror_n and_o fear_n so_o dan._n 5._o beltashar_n see_v but_o a_o hand_n writing_n he_o
quake_v for_o fear_n the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n and_o make_v his_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o and_o his_o knee_n smite_v together_o for_o fear_n so_o then_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n kill_v the_o wicked_a by_o reveal_v their_o sin_n show_v the_o wrath_n and_o anger_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n which_o repent_v not_o and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o also_o by_o sharpen_v the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n to_o wound_v they_o and_o strike_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n and_o so_o they_o by_o this_o have_v the_o first_o wound_n of_o eternal_a death_n though_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o wound_n yet_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o death_n and_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o step_n to_o eternal_a death_n for_o those_o horror_n and_o fear_n which_o come_v into_o a_o man_n heart_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n sever_v from_o grace_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o first_o wound_n to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o the_o lord_n give_v grace_n see_v christ_n carry_v the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o mouth_n 2._o whereby_o he_o wound_v his_o enemy_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n at_o the_o heart_n then_o when_o we_o see_v any_o which_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o after_o rebell_v storm_v and_o rage_v against_o the_o same_o be_v wound_v in_o conscience_n therewith_o we_o must_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o it_o but_o pity_v his_o case_n see_v he_o be_v wound_v at_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o he_o in_o this_o case_n be_v in_o the_o first_o step_n to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o the_o lord_n recover_v he_o of_o this_o wound_n in_o those_o church_n and_o place_n where_o the_o word_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n remain_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o unreform_v we_o must_v in_o these_o take_v pity_n on_o they_o see_v this_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o they_o for_o these_o be_v wound_v with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o the_o word_n have_v be_v long_o and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o without_o profit_n and_o the_o word_n it_o never_o return_v empty_a but_o either_o save_v or_o destroy_v wound_v or_o heal_v they_o so_o that_o though_o man_n may_v live_v civil_o before_o man_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v unreform_v and_o live_v in_o ignorance_n these_o be_v but_o dead_a man_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o word_n have_v give_v they_o the_o first_o deadly_a wound_n therefore_o we_o must_v pity_v their_o estate_n if_o we_o come_v into_o the_o field_n see_v a_o hundred_o man_n lie_v wound_v and_o gush_v out_o blood_n some_o in_o the_o head_n some_o in_o the_o side_n and_o some_o in_o the_o foot_n we_o can_v but_o be_v exceed_o move_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n many_o be_v unreform_v in_o obedience_n and_o repentance_n and_o though_o we_o can_v see_v their_o bloody_a wound_n with_o bodily_a eye_n yet_o we_o may_v see_v they_o lie_v wallow_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o ignorance_n and_o security_n of_o impenitency_n and_o wickedness_n therefore_o we_o must_v pity_v their_o estate_n for_o they_o be_v dead_a man_n indeed_o see_v they_o be_v not_o reviue_v by_o the_o word_n in_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o word_n either_o quicken_v or_o kill_v see_v the_o word_n without_o grace_n kill_v we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o it_o but_o seek_v to_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n by_o the_o word_n let_v we_o then_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n labour_n to_o apply_v christ_n by_o the_o word_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v say_v we_o live_v not_o but_o christ_n in_o us._n but_o this_o word_n have_v another_o action_n in_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n which_o though_o it_o be_v manifold_a yet_o all_o tend_v to_o further_o and_o procure_v their_o salvation_n the_o first_o work_n of_o it_o in_o these_o be_v to_o wound_v deep_o and_o to_o kill_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n that_o it_o never_o recover_v again_o yet_o though_o it_o wound_v a_o man_n it_o kill_v not_o the_o person_n as_o in_o the_o wicked_a but_o only_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o quicken_v the_o person_n to_o christ_n kill_v he_o in_o regard_n of_o rebellion_n and_o unbelief_n we_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v kill_v not_o in_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o in_o our_o corruption_n affection_n and_o rebellion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v kill_v the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v require_v which_o give_v our_o corruption_n the_o deadly_a wound_n and_o cut_v up_o the_o root_n since_o the_o second_o action_n after_o our_o conversion_n &_o change_n be_v this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v cut_v and_o pare_v the_o remnant_n of_o our_o corruption_n by_o lessen_v and_o weaken_v of_o it_o daily_o joh._n 15._o as_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v lop_v and_o pare_v off_o all_o branch_n that_o bear_v no_o fruit_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cut_v and_o pare_v away_o the_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n three_o the_o word_n of_o god_n serve_v to_o keep_v his_o people_n and_o child_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o christ_n hold_v the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o though_o the_o wicked_a will_v not_o be_v keep_v in_o awe_n yet_o his_o elect_a may_v tremble_v and_o fear_v at_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o same_o among_o man_n if_o many_o be_v fight_v let_v the_o magistrate_n but_o hold_v up_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n every_o man_n yield_v and_o put_v his_o sword_n into_o his_o sheath_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o cease_v from_o sin_n and_o fear_v when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n hold_v out_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o if_o any_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a and_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v count_v a_o rebel_n if_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n shall_v they_o not_o be_v so_o account_v so_o then_o by_o these_o action_n we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n it_o kill_v corruption_n in_o our_o heart_n pare_v it_o and_o the_o remnant_n of_o it_o and_o it_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n yet_o it_o differ_v in_o the_o wicked_a and_o in_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o wicked_a it_o make_v they_o fear_n and_o wound_v they_o to_o death_n destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o godly_a it_o wound_v they_o indeed_o not_o in_o their_o person_n but_o in_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n it_o make_v we_o fit_a to_o encounter_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o vanquish_v he_o in_o all_o his_o temptation_n if_o it_o be_v use_v with_o knowledge_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n serve_v to_o kill_v our_o corruption_n 1._o we_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n must_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o same_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o general_a but_o apply_v in_o particular_a though_o it_o touch_v we_o and_o wound_v our_o heart_n we_o must_v suffer_v it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o health_n to_o have_v our_o corruption_n rip_v up_o and_o touch_v when_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n enter_v to_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v ransack_v every_o nook_n and_o secret_a corner_n then_o we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o this_o blessing_n of_o god_n suffer_v it_o glad_o see_v it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o life_n if_o one_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o fistula_n he_o will_v suffer_v the_o chirurgeon_n to_o rip_v and_o lance_n he_o to_o search_v every_o part_n of_o the_o wound_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o suffer_v the_o physician_n of_o the_o word_n to_o display_v to_o lay_v open_a to_o ransack_v and_o search_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n see_v that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o recover_v health_n for_o we_o can_v live_v to_o god_n till_o we_o die_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o sin_n we_o can_v possible_o die_v to_o our_o sin_n till_o our_o corruption_n be_v destroy_v and_o all_o our_o sin_n kill_v and_o wound_v to_o death_n in_o his_o mouth_n other_o king_n carry_v their_o sceptre_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o he_o in_o his_o mouth_n to_o show_v that_o no_o doctrine_n must_v be_v receive_v of_o we_o unless_o it_o proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o receive_v his_o
stand_v all_o true_a happiness_n and_o joy_n eternal_a see_v it_o fear_v john_n that_o he_o be_v as_o dead_a 1_o we_o see_v that_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n to_o humble_a man_n to_o cast_v he_o down_o and_o make_v he_o know_v he_o be_v nothing_o in_o himself_o so_o soon_o as_o john_n perceive_v and_o see_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v as_o dead_a &_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n so_o abraham_n the_o more_o he_o perceive_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o more_o he_o humble_v himself_o confess_v he_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n and_o peter_n luke_n 5._o 8_o 9_o 10._o see_v but_o a_o glimmer_n of_o christ_n majesty_n and_o might_n he_o bid_v he_o depart_v from_o he_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n so_o esa._n 6._o 2._o the_o angel_n cover_v themselves_o with_o their_o wing_n with_o three_z they_o cover_v their_o face_n and_o with_o 3._o their_o foot_n as_o fear_v and_o not_o able_a to_o behold_v his_o majesty_n as_o confess_v they_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o themselves_o we_o see_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n for_o though_o he_o may_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o own_o self_n and_o so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o abide_v to_o hear_v his_o voice_n but_o shall_v be_v as_o dead_a man_n yet_o he_o in_o mercy_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o sinful_a man_n like_v to_o ourselves_o and_o familar_o then_o we_o must_v know_v and_o learn_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o mercy_n and_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o see_v it_o astonish_v s._n john_n we_o see_v that_o even_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n can_v abide_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n much_o less_o can_v the_o work_n of_o righteous_a man_n stand_v before_o his_o just_a judgement_n or_o answer_v to_o his_o justice_n for_o the_o person_n must_v be_v first_o accept_v before_o the_o work_n can_v be_v accept_v now_o if_o a_o righteous_a man_n can_v abide_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o can_v his_o work_n then_o damnable_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v have_v man_n to_o stand_v at_o god_n bar_n and_o bring_v their_o work_n as_o part_v of_o their_o justification_n but_o our_o work_n be_v but_o in_o part_n holy_a no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o in_o part_n just_a now_o follow_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o fear_n in_o s._n johns_n body_n point_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a but_o a_o great_a fear_n which_o astonish_v his_o sense_n make_v he_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n physician_n say_v that_o the_o mind_n follow_v the_o constitution_n and_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n but_o we_o may_v here_o as_o true_o say_v the_o body_n follow_v the_o temperature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o mind_n can_v work_v that_o on_o the_o body_n which_o other_o disease_n can_v work_v it_o can_v cast_v man_n into_o a_o swoon_n make_v the_o body_n cold_a and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o disease_n work_v in_o the_o body_n so_o ahab_n be_v grieve_v and_o fear_v he_o can_v not_o get_v naboths_n vineyard_n be_v sick_a and_o almost_o dead_a so_o then_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o hatred_n etc._n etc._n can_v change_v &_o kill_v the_o body_n therefore_o the_o body_n follow_v the_o temperature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o mind_n again_o we_o see_v disease_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o art_n and_o physic_n but_o often_o when_o physic_n can_v help_v the_o body_n be_v cure_v by_o order_v and_o compose_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n see_v these_o can_v order_v and_o dispose_v the_o body_n and_o change_v it_o as_o their_o nature_n be_v then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v the_o kind_n of_o fear_n i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a etc._n etc._n show_v it_o be_v a_o godly_a &_o religious_a reverence_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o john_n for_o this_o kind_n of_o prostrate_v the_o body_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o godly_a reverence_n and_o religious_a fear_n we_o must_v learn_v by_o this_o example_n use_v to_o cast_v down_o ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n as_o john_n do_v and_o to_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o his_o foot_n ob._n but_o some_o may_v say_v christ_n be_v not_o present_a we_o can_v now_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n see_v he_o be_v in_o heaven_n answ._n though_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n yet_o he_o have_v his_o footstool_n on_o earth_n and_o his_o foot_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n for_o the_o mercy_n seat_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n presence_n though_o that_o be_v take_v away_o god_n have_v yet_o his_o footstool_n on_o earth_n psal._n 99_o 5._o for_o wheresoever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v assemble_v to_o pray_v unto_o he_o there_o be_v christ_n true_o present_a and_o there_o be_v his_o footstool_n and_o there_o shall_v we_o cast_v down_o ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n he_o be_v there_o present_a now_o though_o s._n johns_n fear_n be_v a_o godly_a fear_n yet_o it_o be_v stain_v with_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v join_v with_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a affection_n of_o righteous_a man_n they_o have_v their_o imperfection_n they_o be_v stain_v with_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v sanctify_v but_o in_o part_n and_o in_o part_n be_v corrupt_a and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n which_o have_v true_a filial_a fear_n but_o he_o have_v withal_o a_o servile_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n the_o mean_n follow_v whereby_o christ_n confirm_v john_n then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n in_o this_o note_n two_o thing_n first_o when_o he_o use_v this_o mean_n second_o the_o mean_n itself_o the_o time_n when_o then_o that_o be_v after_o christ_n by_o his_o presence_n have_v smite_v he_o cast_v he_o down_o and_o lay_v he_o as_o dead_a then_o he_o use_v mean_n of_o confirmation_n and_o comfort_n and_o this_o be_v god_n practice_n first_o to_o humble_v a_o man_n and_o cast_v he_o down_o break_v he_o and_o bruise_v he_o to_o powder_n then_o he_o have_v make_v he_o pliable_a and_o fit_a to_o receive_v grace_n after_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v he_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n second_o a_o man_n must_v be_v wound_v then_o have_v oil_n pour_v in_o and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o lose_a sheep_n after_o christ_n will_v bring_v he_o home_o again_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o profit_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o by_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v not_o first_o humble_v and_o cast_v down_o and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v christ_n comfortable_o offer_v himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n now_o follow_v the_o mean_n themselves_o which_o be_v two_o the_o first_o a_o sign_n then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n second_o his_o word_n say_v fear_v not_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o use_v a_o part_n neither_o the_o sign_n nor_o the_o word_n alone_o but_o he_o use_v both_o mean_n more_o to_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v s._n john_n so_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o moses_n exod._n 3._o 12._o he_o first_o give_v he_o the_o word_n i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o to_o comfort_v thou_o and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o the_o sign_n he_o must_v offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n as_o a_o sign_n 4._o so_o to_o ahaz_n though_o a_o wicked_a king_n he_o give_v he_o his_o word_n to_o comfort_n and_o confirm_v he_o and_o vers_fw-la 11._o he_o bid_v he_o ask_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o so_o christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v his_o word_n and_o confirm_v the_o same_o by_o miracle_n now_o he_o give_v we_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o add_v sign_n and_o seal_n to_o confirm_v they_o namely_o his_o sacrament_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v exceed_v care_n of_o his_o child_n and_o of_o his_o church_n see_v he_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o he_o give_v they_o not_o only_o his_o word_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a 1._o but_o for_o our_o weakness_n he_o add_v sign_n to_o confirm_v we_o condescend_v thus_o to_o our_o capacity_n to_o take_v from_o we_o all_o doubt_n and_o to_o give_v we_o assurance_n even_o out_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o use_v the_o mean_n as_o here_o first_o he_o use_v the_o sign_n 2._o the_o word_n then_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o john_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o protection_n and_o after_o bid_v he_o not_o to_o fear_v by_o this_o order_n we_o see_v that_o the_o very_a assurance_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n be_v a_o present_a remedy_n against_o all_o fear_n
accurse_v that_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v save_v 3._o again_o they_o urge_v if_o the_o righteous_a turn_n from_o his_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v die_v ergo_fw-la a_o righteous_a man_n may_v perish_v to_o these_o word_n i_o answer_v 9_o there_o be_v a_o double_a righteousness_n one_o of_o the_o outward_a action_n another_o of_o the_o person_n the_o first_o be_v when_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o whole_a law_n outward_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n the_o second_o in_o that_o a_o man_n person_n be_v righteous_a by_o christ_n righteousness_n before_o god_n a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o first_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mean_v here_o of_o the_o first_o not_o of_o the_o second_o by_o which_o man_n be_v in_o deed_n righteous_a before_o god_n ans._n 2._o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o which_o esteem_v themselves_o righteous_a they_o plead_v that_o their_o father_n sin_v &_o they_o be_v punish_v so_o that_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v just_a but_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o another_o place_n be_v luke_n 8._o 13._o there_o be_v some_o which_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n ans._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o faith_n as_o also_o of_o believer_n historical_a temporal_a and_o true_a save_v faith_n in_o the_o first_o be_v knowledge_n &_o assent_n to_o the_o word_n yet_o no_o great_a joy_n or_o rejoice_v in_o the_o second_o be_v also_o join_a joy_n and_o rejoice_v to_o the_o assent_n with_o approbation_n but_o in_o save_v faith_n there_o be_v also_o apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o now_o as_o of_o faith_n so_o of_o believer_n there_o be_v three_o kind_n one_o which_o know_v the_o word_n and_o give_v assent_v to_o it_o yet_o have_v no_o great_a love_n or_o like_n of_o it_o the_o second_o he_o love_v it_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o apprehend_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o three_o he_o believe_v love_v and_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n now_o the_o two_o first_o may_v fall_v away_o but_o the_o last_o can_v fall_v away_o and_o luke_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o two_o first_o not_o of_o the_o last_o but_o they_o object_n and_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o faith_n therefore_o all_o faith_n be_v one_o phil._n 4._o answ._n that_o be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n one_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o one_o religion_n so_o faith_n be_v use_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v here_o understand_v second_o they_o prove_v it_o by_o example_n as_o first_o of_o adam_n second_o of_o david_n adam_n he_o have_v grace_n sufficient_a yet_o he_o in_o his_o innocence_n fall_v from_o god_n therefore_o much_o more_o we_o which_o have_v not_o so_o much_o grace_n as_o he_o have_v ans._n though_o he_o have_v great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o have_v more_o certain_a and_o sure_a privilege_n of_o grace_n than_o he_o have_v first_o he_o have_v his_o grace_n by_o creation_n we_o by_o redemption_n which_o be_v great_a than_o creation_n second_o he_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n not_o the_o second_o but_o we_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o the_o second_o too_o by_o promise_n which_o preserve_v we_o in_o the_o first_o grace_n phil._n 1._o 6._o 2._o thes._n 1._o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a to_o establish_v we_o &_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o evil_a god_n give_v the_o first_o grace_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o the_o second_o to_o make_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o they_o object_n david_n fall_v from_o grace_n by_o two_o great_a sin_n one_o of_o adultery_n the_o other_o of_o pride_n answ._n he_o fall_v grievous_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sore_o decay_v weaken_a and_o wound_v in_o he_o not_o clean_o extinguish_v for_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v contemn_v god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n &_o despair_v of_o mercy_n which_o he_o do_v not_o this_o show_v he_o have_v the_o remnant_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n still_o though_o weaken_a and_o wound_v ob._n 1._o but_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o create_v in_o he_o a_o new_a heart_n psal._n 51._o therefore_o he_o have_v clean_o lose_v grace_n answ._n david_n speak_v there_o as_o he_o feel_v himself_o not_o as_o he_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n much_o trouble_n and_o god_n wrath_n against_o he_o 2._o ob._n but_o he_o repent_v not_o of_o a_o whole_a year_n now_o no_o repentance_n no_o pardon_n and_o no_o pardon_n no_o grace_n answ._n the_o gift_n of_o repentance_n be_v in_o he_o when_o he_o fall_v and_o after_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o show_v itself_o not_o till_o that_o time_n that_o the_o prophet_n come_v to_o he_o he_o want_v not_o repentance_n simple_o but_o new_a repentance_n in_o practice_n for_o that_o fact_n their_o three_o argument_n be_v from_o equity_n of_o nature_n &_o common_a reason_n a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v become_v the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n now_o one_o can_v be_v the_o member_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v final_o ans._n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o member_n a_o dead_a a_o decay_a and_o a_o lively_a member_n the_o first_o be_v as_o a_o leg_n of_o wood_n or_o brass_n the_o second_o as_o a_o arm_n or_o leg_n take_v with_o a_o palsy_n the_o three_o a_o move_a and_o lively_a member_n as_o a_o hand_n sound_n and_o ready_a to_o move_v so_o in_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o dead_a member_n which_o be_v only_o in_o show_n not_o in_o deed_n second_o a_o member_n decay_a die_v but_o not_o dead_a as_o a_o man_n by_o sin_n take_v with_o a_o spiritual_a palsy_n which_o can_v not_o feel_v grace_n flow_v from_o christ_n three_o a_o lively_a member_n which_o feel_v and_o live_v in_o christ._n now_o a_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n can_v not_o be_v the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n but_o a_o decay_a member_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n between_o dead_a and_o alive_a that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n but_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o die_v shall_v be_v quicken_v again_o so_o a_o man_n be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n spiritual_o but_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n by_o carnal_a manner_n they_o say_v further_o if_o that_o man_n be_v so_o certain_a of_o their_o salvation_n that_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o than_o this_o show_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o word_n no_o need_n of_o preach_v and_o exhortation_n ans._n though_o a_o man_n be_v certain_a he_o can_v fall_v away_o yet_o preach_v and_o exhort_v have_v their_o use_n not_o only_o to_o work_v grace_n but_o also_o to_o make_v man_n constant_a in_o grace_n and_o to_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n and_o though_o a_o man_n be_v certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n yet_o he_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n paul_n act._n 28._o he_o know_v that_o not_o one_o in_o the_o ship_n shall_v perish_v yet_o there_o must_v not_o one_o go_v out_o of_o the_o ship_n isaiah_n 38_o tell_v hezechiah_n he_o shall_v recover_v but_o he_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n and_o so_o he_o do_v but_o say_v they_o this_o doctrine_n maintain_v gross_a security_n to_o teach_v that_o man_n be_v sure_a they_o can_v fall_v ans._n there_o be_v a_o double_a security_n one_o of_o the_o flesh_n when_o a_o man_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n have_v no_o care_n or_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n second_o there_o be_v a_o security_n of_o faith_n when_o one_o rely_v whole_o on_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n now_o see_v that_o doctrine_n maintain_v security_n not_o of_o the_o flesh_n but_o a_o spiritual_a security_n of_o faith_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dislike_v for_o it_o be_v a_o man_n chief_a felicity_n when_o a_o man_n in_o life_n and_o death_n rely_v whole_o on_o christ._n thus_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n be_v that_o a_o true_a believer_n can_v loose_v faith_n nor_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n whole_o or_o final_o but_o in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n see_v this_o decay_n of_o love_n be_v in_o this_o famous_a church_n found_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o then_o much_o more_o be_v it_o rife_o in_o our_o church_n see_v we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o have_v then_o we_o must_v look_v to_o ourselves_o see_v how_o we_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n if_o we_o do_v than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o after_o long_a profession_n we_o have_v decay_v much_o in_o love_n and_o if_o we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o yet_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o for_o see_v this_o famous_a church_n be_v subject_a to_o it_o it_o can_v be_v but_o we_o
man_n from_o evil_a action_n and_o affection_n to_o renew_a affection_n and_o renew_a action_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o the_o common_a description_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o good_a in_o that_o they_o say_v it_o stand_v in_o contrition_n which_o be_v sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o may_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o repentance_n godly_a sorrow_n indeed_o cause_v repentance_n but_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o cor._n 7._o 9_o 10._o or_o else_o that_o be_v if_o you_o will_v not_o practice_v that_o remedy_n to_o wit_n renew_v your_o former_a love_n and_o repentance_n i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o a_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n he_o come_v when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n to_o they_o by_o show_v mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n come_v to_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o peter_n say_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n 19_o second_o he_o come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n so_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n i_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o father_n sin_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o their_o child_n and_o will_v punish_v they_o so_o here_o if_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o he_o will_v come_v to_o she_o to_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n not_o mercy_n out_o of_o this_o first_o general_n threaten_v 1._o we_o may_v learn_v this_o one_o thing_n when_o any_o people_n or_o church_n live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n or_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n he_o than_o prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o they_o in_o judgement_n amos_n 4._o 12._o he_o will_v punish_v they_o because_o they_o return_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o lay_v in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o meet_v he_o this_o we_o must_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o our_o church_n and_o people_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v our_o sin_n we_o have_v decay_v in_o our_o first_o love_n since_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n first_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n and_o beside_o these_o sin_n we_o lie_v in_o many_o fearful_a sin_n atheism_n now_o abound_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o practice_n contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o what_o man_n be_v it_o that_o prepare_v to_o meet_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o he_o may_v just_o say_v we_o do_v decay_n in_o love_n that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o for_o these_o sin_n in_o judgement_n in_o plague_n and_o punishment_n and_o so_o be_v he_o come_v at_o this_o day_n it_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o sin_n he_o will_v sure_o come_v thus_o then_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o repent_v if_o we_o will_v not_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v come_v and_o that_o short_o and_o remove_v his_o gospel_n he_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n to_o destroy_v us._n the_o second_o threaten_v be_v more_o particular_a i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n here_o he_o show_v in_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o namely_o to_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o candlestick_n then_o when_o he_o say_v he_o will_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n he_o mean_v his_o word_n and_o gospel_n take_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n from_o she_o and_o so_o make_v she_o become_v of_o a_o church_n no_o church_n and_o have_v remove_v the_o gospel_n will_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o send_v ignorance_n and_o blindness_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o continue_v still_o in_o thy_o sin_n in_o this_o second_o threaten_v note_n three_o thing_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n second_o the_o church_n and_o people_n three_o every_o private_a man_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n if_o he_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n if_o he_o continue_v and_o lie_v in_o his_o sin_n or_o any_o one_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o office_n and_o calling_n and_o of_o his_o gift_n for_o this_o be_v especial_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n jer._n 15._o end_n the_o prophet_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n partly_o by_o fear_n partly_o by_o want_n of_o patience_n then_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v a_o prophet_n to_o jeremy_n tell_v he_o that_o unless_o he_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o repent_v the_o lord_n will_v make_v he_o no_o prophet_n so_o that_o in_o he_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o minister_n that_o if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n to_o remain_v they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n decay_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o religion_n for_o then_o their_o calling_n and_o gift_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n so_o especial_o for_o minister_n they_o must_v especial_o renew_v it_o see_v that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o continue_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v concern_v a_o church_n or_o people_n if_o any_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o his_o word_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n they_o then_o procure_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n to_o take_v from_o they_o his_o word_n the_o gospel_n and_o true_a religion_n ose._n 9_o 7._o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o man_n of_o spirit_n be_v mad_a a_o heavy_a judgement_n whereof_o come_v this_o he_o say_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a and_o become_v mad_a if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o fear_n that_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o for_o in_o most_o man_n there_o be_v great_a decay_n in_o love_n see_v religion_n be_v hate_v and_o contemn_v of_o most_o man_n therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o fear_v and_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o must_v needs_o remove_v his_o word_n take_v his_o gospel_n away_o if_o we_o meet_v he_o not_o with_o repentance_n for_o he_o in_o justice_n give_v man_n to_o believe_v lie_n when_o as_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o truth_n and_o gospel_n be_v so_o long_o among_o they_o our_o duty_n then_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n by_o hearty_a and_o true_a repentance_n the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n every_o private_a christian_a now_o a_o day_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n lie_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o etc._n etc._n now_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o particular_a gift_n for_o as_o a_o man_n love_n decay_v his_o knowledge_n decay_v and_o so_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o love_n to_o it_o wax_v cold_a in_o a_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v all_o the_o wheel_n stand_v if_o it_o go_v soft_o or_o swift_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o wheel_n go_v according_o so_o if_o our_o love_n be_v increase_v our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o if_o our_o love_n decay_v our_o knowledge_n our_o understanding_n in_o religion_n decay_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o ancient_a folk_n because_o they_o lose_v their_o love_n heb._n 4._o 12._o first_o we_o be_v deceive_v by_o sin_n second_o our_o heart_n be_v harden_v three_o we_o call_v into_o question_n religion_n 4._o we_o set_v ourselves_o against_o religion_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o it_o so_o that_o decay_n in_o grace_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o apostasy_n then_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n we_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n not_o live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n neither_o decay_n in_o love_n knowledge_n or_o affection_n to_o religion_n some_o gather_v hence_o that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v final_o and_o whole_o for_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v much_o more_o one_o man_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o a_o whole_a church_n for_o a_o church_n stand_v of_o a_o mix_a company_n good_a and_o bad_a sheep_n and_o goat_n corn_n and_o chaff_n wheat_n and_o tare_n now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o wicked_a may_v
sure_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o if_o one_o look_v and_o view_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o osea_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n every_o man_n seek_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o way_n none_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v he_o beside_o they_o be_v altogether_o carnal_a fleshly_a dead_a and_o drown_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n none_o affect_v thing_n belong_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o all_o man_n in_o general_a lie_n in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n in_o they_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n have_v wrap_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o security_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v never_o dream_v of_o the_o evil_a day_n though_o god_n preach_v daily_o by_o his_o judgement_n to_o they_o again_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n want_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n the_o cruelty_n which_o abound_v in_o all_o man_n oppression_n whoredom_n fornication_n these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n now_o in_o our_o day_n rife_o in_o every_o place_n these_o be_v common_a sin_n call_v for_o vengeance_n which_o will_v come_v undoubted_o unless_o we_o repent_v so_o that_o christ_n can_v speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o this_o church_n but_o in_o a_o contrary_a voice_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o common_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n yet_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o remnant_n who_o lament_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o they_o must_v take_v to_o they_o christian_a fortitude_n &_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n &_o of_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v and_o bold_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n to_o maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o let_v they_o first_o consider_v that_o they_o which_o fear_v distrustful_o must_v have_v a_o miserable_a portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n reu._n 21._o 8._o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o this_o reward_n let_v we_o go_v on_o fear_v nothing_o 2_o they_o must_v consider_v god_n presence_n he_o be_v by_o they_o ready_a to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o psalm_n 34._o 12._o 2._o king_n 6._o elishah_n servant_n see_v in_o dothan_n a_o huge_a army_n which_o beset_v he_o and_o his_o master_n he_o say_v be_v not_o afraid_a for_o they_o which_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o these_o against_o us._n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n and_o that_o god_n angel_n will_v defend_v and_o guard_v he_o so_o shall_v all_o man_n in_o danger_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o persuade_v themselves_o god_n be_v present_a he_o have_v his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v his_o child_n 3_o god_n child_n must_v consider_v in_o peril_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n paul_n he_o account_v it_o his_o chief_a honour_n nay_o he_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n then_o if_o suffer_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v such_o a_o honourable_a thing_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n &_o affliction_n whatsoever_o but_o those_o which_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o present_a day_n of_o misery_n nor_o have_v not_o this_o perfect_a fortitude_n they_o must_v lament_v and_o howl_v lest_o the_o evil_a day_n take_v they_o unprovided_a the_o next_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o this_o church_n must_v suffer_v but_o before_o he_o propound_v the_o affliction_n he_o set_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n often_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n before_o hand_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n judgement_n and_o correction_n before_o they_o come_v lest_o we_o perish_v in_o they_o for_o christ_n luk._n 19_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o she_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n because_o she_o will_v not_o think_v of_o her_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n forotel_v and_o show_v her_o final_a destruction_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o they_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o he_o which_o can_v foretell_v all_o future_a thing_n in_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v contingent_a he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n but_o christ_n foretell_v their_o particular_a affliction_n to_o come_v ergo_fw-la he_o be_v god_n ob._n but_o the_o physician_n can_v foretell_v the_o death_n of_o his_o patient_n the_o astronomer_n the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o come_v answ._n they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o mean_n the_o physician_n foretell_v by_o the_o cause_n and_o sign_n he_o see_v in_o the_o party_n by_o which_o death_n be_v in_o â—ort_n present_a so_o the_o astronomer_n by_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n can_v foretell_v a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o course_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o eclipse_n be_v present_a but_o without_o these_o sign_n and_o cause_n they_o can_v simple_o but_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n or_o cause_n simple_o foretell_v this_o affliction_n in_o particular_a to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n christ_n describe_v the_o affliction_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o devil_n second_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o three_o the_o kind_n imprisonment_n four_a the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o five_o the_o time_n ten_o day_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n ob._n but_o how_o can_v he_o afflict_v they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o deal_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o man_n ans._n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o rule_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o they_o direct_v their_o thought_n will_n affection_n so_o as_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o move_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v they_o in_o prison_n now_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o persecution_n we_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n those_o be_v which_o persecute_v the_o church_n namely_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n move_v and_o rule_v by_o he_o notorious_a wicked_a wretch_n which_o have_v satan_n for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n 2._o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n see_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o he_o to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o for_o he_o which_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o religion_n in_o word_n or_o action_n he_o in_o that_o action_n be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n lead_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o action_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n satan_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a agent_n he_o be_v his_o slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o be_v as_o a_o soldier_n under_o his_o band_n again_o learn_v we_o to_o take_v pity_n on_o all_o such_o person_n see_v they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n lead_v and_o move_v by_o he_o yea_o even_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecutor_n furthermore_o the_o weapon_n we_o must_v have_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o persecution_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a see_v our_o enemy_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v use_v invocation_n and_o prayer_n fast_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o which_o we_o show_v our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o this_o weapon_n of_o prayer_n elias_n be_v call_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a enemy_n among_o we_o then_o be_v indeed_o the_o soldier_n to_o be_v use_v but_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n that_o must_v be_v our_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n the_o
short_o 16._o after_o the_o remedy_n follow_v a_o twofold_a reason_n to_o enforce_v and_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o the_o former_a doctrine_n first_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n second_o concern_v the_o nicolaitane_n hold_v and_o practise_v of_o these_o two_o sin_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o reason_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o repent_v for_o these_o sin_n want_v of_o zeal_n and_o other_o thy_o particular_a sin_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o to_o punish_v and_o plague_v thou_o for_o the_o lord_n as_o i_o have_v say_v he_o come_v either_o in_o mercy_n or_o in_o judgement_n now_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o not_o to_o help_v they_o but_o to_o execute_v judgement_n on_o they_o to_o punish_v they_o so_o isaiah_n 30._o 27._o christ_n say_v not_o i_o will_v but_o i_o come_v to_o thou_o express_v the_o time_n to_o come_v by_o the_o time_n present_a to_o certify_v they_o that_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o he_o will_v most_o sure_o come_v as_o certain_o as_o if_o he_o do_v now_o come_v to_o they_o in_o this_o threaten_n we_o see_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o be_v learn_v of_o all_o that_o if_o any_o church_n or_o people_n will_v not_o repent_v than_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v to_o they_o in_o judgement_n to_o punish_v they_o as_o by_o sundry_a example_n we_o may_v see_v the_o lord_n have_v do_v in_o our_o church_n and_o people_n though_o some_o do_v repent_v yet_o for_o the_o common_a body_n of_o the_o people_n they_o do_v not_o but_o they_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n have_v no_o care_n to_o know_v god_n will_n and_o if_o they_o know_v it_o yet_o no_o care_n to_o obey_v the_o same_o but_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n continue_v in_o their_o sin_n see_v their_o case_n be_v such_o who_o can_v not_o out_o of_o god_n word_n in_o good_a conscience_n foretell_v and_o prophesy_v by_o this_o general_a rule_n that_o god_n will_v come_v against_o they_o short_o to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o and_o to_o plague_v they_o though_o we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o and_o think_v all_o be_v well_o yet_o we_o must_v assure_v ourselves_o he_o can_v but_o come_v unless_o we_o repent_v this_o shall_v then_o move_v we_o all_o to_o repent_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n crave_v pardon_n purpose_n newness_n of_o life_n desire_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v in_o christ_n be_v reconcile_v to_o each_o of_o we_o and_o promise_n and_o perform_v ever_o after_o new_a obedience_n if_o we_o do_v repent_v daily_o for_o new_a and_o particular_a sin_n than_o we_o shall_v stay_v the_o lord_n prevent_v his_o come_n to_o punish_v we_o but_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n assure_v ourselves_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a of_o his_o promise_n he_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n against_o us._n the_o second_o reason_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o nicolaitan_o with_o who_o he_o will_v fight_v that_o be_v be_v at_o enmity_n with_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o in_o wage_n battle_n with_o they_o see_v they_o hold_v these_o two_o gross_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o preach_v and_o publilish_v of_o the_o word_n the_o ministry_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n among_o man_n in_o which_o word_n he_o still_o allude_v to_o the_o do_v of_o balaam_n as_o in_o the_o doctrine_n so_o in_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n for_o when_o balaam_n curse_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o angel_n stand_v against_o he_o to_o stay_v and_o hinder_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v he_o see_v the_o angel_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o angel_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n but_o after_o see_v he_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v but_o go_v to_o curse_v the_o people_n he_o perish_v by_o the_o sword_n numb_a 31._o even_o so_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o nicolaitane_n as_o he_o do_v with_o balaam_n see_v they_o go_v on_o still_o in_o wickedness_n he_o fight_v with_o they_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n he_o withstand_v they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n but_o if_o they_o will_v needs_o go_v on_o than_o he_o fight_v not_o to_o reclaim_v they_o but_o to_o slay_v they_o as_o he_o do_v balaam_n but_o i_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o not_o kill_v thou_o for_o christ_n he_o intend_v not_o at_o the_o first_o to_o slay_v they_o but_o to_o withstand_v they_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o but_o after_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o stay_v to_o destroy_v they_o as_o he_o do_v balaam_n see_v christ_n come_v against_o the_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a 1_o not_o to_o kill_v they_o but_o to_o withstand_v and_o hinder_v they_o at_o the_o first_o we_o see_v his_o wonderful_a patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a man_n so_o gen._n 6._o the_o lord_n strive_v and_o wrestle_v with_o the_o old_a world_n one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o noah_n and_o genes_n 16._o he_o bear_v with_o the_o amorites_n till_o their_o sin_n be_v come_v to_o the_o full_a and_o he_o bear_v with_o the_o egyptian_n many_o hundred_o year_n nay_o the_o jew_n after_o they_o have_v kill_v christ_n be_v not_o straight_o way_n consume_v but_o the_o lord_n suffer_v they_o fifty_o year_n so_o the_o lord_n suffer_v sinner_n the_o blasphemer_n adulterer_n and_o cruel_a man_n to_o live_v come_v often_o to_o they_o by_o his_o word_n not_o to_o kill_v they_o at_o first_o but_o to_o win_v and_o reclaim_v they_o and_o so_o every_o one_o of_o we_o feel_v his_o mercy_n in_o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v and_o cast_v we_o into_o hell_n so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v bear_v yet_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v some_o twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o time_n and_o space_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o christ._n then_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o take_v this_o time_n of_o god_n patience_n not_o to_o let_v it_o slip_v but_o haste_n to_o repentance_n ere_o the_o time_n of_o patience_n be_v end_v the_o old_a world_n have_v one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o patience_n but_o neglect_v it_o they_o perish_v the_o time_n of_o mercy_n be_v end_v see_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v noah_n therefore_o they_o be_v now_o in_o prison_n 20._o that_o be_v in_o hell_n again_o in_o that_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v come_v thus_o against_o the_o nicolaitane_n we_o see_v that_o they_o which_o repent_v not_o have_v god_n for_o their_o enemy_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n sin_n be_v call_v rebellion_n against_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n to_o have_v god_n man_n enemy_n let_v we_o then_o repent_v that_o we_o may_v have_v god_n a_o friend_n to_o we_o as_o he_o be_v to_o abraham_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v to_o his_o disciple_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o and_o fight_v against_o thou_o here_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n he_o can_v divide_v the_o word_n aright_o give_v promise_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v and_o threaten_n to_o who_o they_o belong_v for_o judgement_n and_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v propound_v to_o all_o equal_o but_o there_o must_v be_v regard_n have_v of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n for_o judgement_n some_o be_v temporal_a which_o must_v be_v threaten_v to_o the_o penitent_a some_o eternal_a and_o those_o to_o the_o impenitent_a so_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v make_v not_o hand_n over_o head_n but_o with_o respect_n condition_n limitation_n and_o restraint_n to_o propound_v either_o promise_n or_o threaten_n otherwise_o be_v not_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n not_o to_o kill_v they_o but_o to_o resist_v and_o withstand_v they_o which_o repent_v not_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o win_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o wicked_a way_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o repent_v then_o to_o drown_v they_o in_o perdition_n and_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o this_o congregation_n we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n this_o 36_o year_n publish_v and_o preach_v to_o we_o the_o lord_n have_v rebuke_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o yet_o we_o still_o abide_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n the_o lord_n still_o come_v against_o we_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n still_o check_n we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o control_v the_o wicked_a idolater_n atheist_n fornicator_n &_o
he_o use_v mean_n to_o enter_v when_o they_o have_v bar_v he_o out_o mark_v the_o unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o christ_n they_o by_o their_o sin_n stop_v christ_n from_o enter_v yet_o he_o pursue_v they_o with_o mercy_n and_o offer_v mercy_n to_o they_o that_o refuse_v it_o and_o content_v themselves_o to_o lie_v and_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o flee_v from_o god_n the_o lord_n seek_v he_o out_o and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o he_o so_o isaiah_n 65._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o never_o seek_v he_o they_o that_o never_o dream_v of_o mercy_n sound_a mercy_n 15._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n that_o sheep_n which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o wild_a beast_n christ_n seek_v it_o up_o and_o bring_v it_o home_o all_o these_o place_n tend_v to_o one_o end_n to_o show_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o church_n yea_o in_o this_o of_o we_o if_o we_o have_v mercy_n we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o seek_v it_o nay_o when_o we_o refuse_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v this_o shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o magnify_v christ_n for_o his_o mercy_n we_o shall_v not_o let_v pass_v such_o consideration_n as_o these_o but_o rather_o break_v out_o into_o praise_n of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v a_o bottomless_a sea_n quest._n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o he_o knock_v answ._n the_o word_n precedent_n show_v the_o sense_n for_o these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o they_o he_o say_v before_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o then_o he_o give_v they_o counsel_n now_o by_o so_o sharp_a a_o rebuke_n they_o may_v have_v despair_v therefore_o he_o show_v that_o by_o this_o threaten_n and_o rebuke_v and_o counsel_n he_o knock_v that_o they_o may_v perceive_v they_o be_v not_o token_n of_o wrath_n but_o of_o mercy_n so_o then_o this_o knock_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reproof_n threaten_v and_o counsel_n use_v before_o he_o knock_v when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o make_v man_n see_v their_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n here_o than_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v the_o state_n of_o all_o people_n which_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o and_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v at_o every_o man_n heart_n all_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n reproof_n of_o sin_n exhortation_n admonition_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v so_o many_o knock_v of_o christ._n a_o great_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n that_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v do_v this_o now_o then_o do_v christ_n knock_v thus_o by_o preach_v promise_n and_o threaten_n etc._n etc._n then_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a dead_a and_o backward_o but_o show_v more_o zeal_n if_o any_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o calling_n knock_v at_o your_o door_n what_o stir_v be_v there_o that_o you_o may_v receive_v he_o as_o be_v meet_v then_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o when_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o deal_v thus_o merciful_o with_o we_o again_o in_o that_o christ_n come_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v our_o conversion_n it_o serve_v to_o admonish_v we_o to_o turn_v with_o all_o speed_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v stand_v and_o reach_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o ministry_n to_o beat_v upon_o our_o heart_n mark_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o a_o light_n and_o soft_a kind_n of_o knock_v but_o it_o go_v with_o cry_v he_o both_o knock_v and_o cry_v it_o be_v a_o earnest_a knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v fain_o enter_v see_v then_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n knocketh_v so_o earnest_o to_o save_v man_n soul_n we_o again_o ought_v to_o be_v earnest_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n he_o knock_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o we_o must_v according_o by_o god_n grace_v be_v as_o earnest_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n his_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o show_v by_o two_o sign_n first_o his_o wait_a second_o his_o knock_n and_o that_o join_v with_o cry_v if_o any_o man_n etc._n etc._n now_o follow_v the_o second_o token_n namely_o a_o promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v a_o little_a to_o set_v down_o the_o meaning_n mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n it_o be_v such_o as_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o action_n in_o his_o own_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v and_o receive_v christ._n so_o it_o attribute_n to_o man_n will_n a_o action_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o for_o my_o part_n stand_v and_o knock_v if_o therefore_o any_o man_n hear_v etc._n etc._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o such_o a_o action_n shall_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n but_o this_o speech_n be_v use_v for_o just_a cause_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o agent_n first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o the_o word_n three_o man_v will_n the_o principal_a agent_n and_o worker_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o change_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o will_n by_o nature_n will_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n second_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o work_v not_o now_o ordinary_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n and_o inspiration_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o heart_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o the_o will_n though_o it_o be_v dead_a by_o nature_n &_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o itself_o yet_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o move_v it_o it_o move_v itself_o and_o strive_v to_o be_v alter_v when_o god_n move_v it_o we_o must_v not_o think_v man_n will_n be_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n which_o have_v no_o action_n but_o only_o passive_o receive_v and_o impression_n but_o the_o will_n be_v dispose_v move_v and_o stir_v itself_o even_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v it_o burn_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v be_v fire_n so_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v grace_n the_o will_n move_v the_o mind_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v sin_n and_o the_o will_v incline_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v a_o strife_n against_o sin_n and_o make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n so_o much_o as_o he_o can_v so_o the_o will_n in_o the_o very_a first_o conversion_n have_v his_o action_n though_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n now_o consider_v these_o three_o action_n concur_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o sinner_n which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v as_o here_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n not_o that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o christ_n but_o when_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o a_o man_n have_v a_o free_a will_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n by_o grace_n as_o fire_n have_v some_o effect_n of_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v kindle_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v to_o impenitent_a person_n not_o because_o they_o can_v do_v it_o of_o themselves_o but_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o word_n they_o can_v turn_v and_o use_v good_a mean_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v a_o action_n to_o such_o person_n when_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o receive_v christ_n than_o it_o receive_v christ_n when_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n by_o that_o grace_n it_o be_v enable_v to_o receive_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n let_v we_o see_v how_o this_o text_n have_v be_v abuse_v first_o by_o papist_n which_o gather_v hereupon_o that_o a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n by_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v and_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o set_v open_v the_o heart_n wide_a to_o receive_v christ._n thus_o if_o you_o shall_v humble_v yourselves_o and_o acknowledge_v your_o unworthiness_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n with_o true_a faith_n and_o testify_v it_o by_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n then_o shall_v your_o heart_n be_v open_a indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v receive_v christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o condition_n it_o follow_v i_o