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
he_o must_v begin_v to_o repent_v when_o he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n he_o must_v renew_v that_o repentance_n for_o his_o daily_a offence_n if_o god_n therefore_o have_v give_v â—s_a grace_n to_o repent_v use_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o good_a beginning_n but_o add_v more_o repentance_n daily_o unto_o it_o for_o no_o man_n live_v that_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o repent_v but_o he_o see_v in_o himself_o continual_a cause_n of_o renew_v the_o same_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o daily_a sâ—ilâ—_n and_o want_n for_o every_o sin_n decay_v grace_n which_o must_v be_v repair_v by_o a_o new_a practice_n of_o repentance_n this_o duty_n must_v needs_o be_v practise_v it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a case_n that_o can_v be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o lie_v in_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n liable_a to_o all_o god_n judgement_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o lie_v in_o sin_n that_o bring_v damnation_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n 2._o corin._n 5.20_o speak_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n do_v still_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o say_v we_o beseech_v you_o in_o christ_n steed_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o through_o we_o that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n intend_v thereby_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o daily_a renew_n of_o their_o repentance_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v get_v a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o their_o reconciliation_n v._o point_n for_o what_o must_v they_o repent_v namely_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o their_o love_n not_o for_o the_o want_n thereof_o but_o for_o that_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o wax_v lesser_a both_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o towards_o their_o brethren_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o we_o daily_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o whereas_o our_o first_o love_n be_v go_v many_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o and_o more_o have_a none_o at_o all_o we_o will_v unfeigned_o repent_v of_o this_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v that_o if_o we_o have_v have_v love_n and_o now_o wax_v cold_a we_o may_v renew_v it_o and_o if_o we_o never_o have_v it_o we_o may_v labour_v for_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o his_o bless_a desire_n and_o here_o observe_v that_o christ_n enjoin_v we_o a_o strait_a repentance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o man_n to_o repent_v they_o of_o gross_a sin_n as_o whoredom_n theft_n drunkenness_n and_o such_o like_a but_o they_o must_v repent_v they_o of_o their_o wantâ—_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_v and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o of_o decay_n in_o any_o grace_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a we_o have_v many_o iusticiaries_n in_o conceit_n that_o be_v pharisaical_o mind_v think_v too_o well_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n because_o they_o live_v civile_o and_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o gross_a sin_n but_o these_o consider_v little_a what_o god_n do_v here_o require_v even_o repentance_n for_o our_o secret_a want_n and_o decay_n and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o else_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o of_o our_o secret_a want_n unless_o we_o shall_v repent_v we_o of_o they_o have_v find_v they_o in_o we_o again_o if_o this_o church_n must_v repent_v for_o her_o want_n then_o what_o great_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o repent_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o atheism_n a_o gross_a and_o common_a sin_n of_o outward_a pride_n in_o apparel_n a_o sin_n flat_a against_o god_n word_n and_o for_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o sin_n that_o enlarge_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o among_o us._n and_o for_o cruelty_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n all_o which_o be_v rife_o in_o our_o church_n and_o may_v more_o easy_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o we_o then_o want_v of_o love_n can_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o this_o church_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n that_o be_v show_v the_o like_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n this_o duty_n christ_n add_v to_o the_o former_a because_o true_a repentance_n never_o perish_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o always_o break_v out_o into_o action_n in_o the_o life_n here_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a lesson_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n we_o must_v search_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n have_v be_v in_o we_o what_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n or_o good_a affection_n we_o must_v also_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o former_a way_n and_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v do_v and_o if_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n we_o find_v decay_v we_o must_v recover_v our_o loss_n and_o seek_v to_o do_v our_o first_o work_n and_o strive_v to_o continue_v so_o do_v to_o our_o life_n end_n that_o so_o we_o may_v escape_v this_o heavy_a charge_n of_o decay_n in_o grace_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v in_o these_o word_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o reason_n to_o persuade_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o former_a remedy_n especial_o for_o repentance_n this_o reason_n contain_v three_o part_n i._o a_o general_a commination_n in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o ii_o a_o particular_a threaten_n of_o a_o particular_a judgement_n and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o they_o both_o except_o thou_o amend_v i._o point_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o practice_v this_o remedy_n and_o the_o duty_n therein_o prescribe_v especial_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n then_o will_v i_o come_v against_o thou_o short_o the_o word_n may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v thus_o if_o not_o then_o will_v i_o come_v to_o thou_o short_o for_o so_o they_o be_v in_o the_o original_n and_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o sufficient_a and_o profitable_a instruction_n god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o any_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n and_o in_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n by_o work_n of_o mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n go_v unto_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o person_n of_o no_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o flood_n 1._o pet._n 3.19_o 20._o second_o god_n come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n by_o judgement_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n god_n say_v he_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n that_o be_v he_o will_v make_v inquiry_n among_o the_o child_n for_o the_o father_n sin_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n that_o their_o father_n do_v then_o will_v he_o punish_v they_o this_o be_v proper_o to_o visit_v so_o in_o this_o place_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o testify_v my_o presence_n not_o in_o mercy_n but_o in_o judgement_n in_o this_o general_a threaten_n we_o may_v observe_v use_n that_o when_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o else_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n then_o god_n prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v unto_o they_o in_o judgement_n amoâ—_n 4.12_o because_o i_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n therefore_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n oh_o israel_n meaning_n that_o because_o they_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o will_v make_v know_v his_o presence_n by_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n this_o doctrine_n according_a to_o christ_n direction_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o church_n and_o people_n they_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o the_o brethren_n so_o do_v we_o nay_o general_o there_o be_v no_o love_n at_o all_o in_o we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o beside_o these_o want_n there_o be_v many_o other_o gross_a sin_n wherein_o our_o church_n and_o people_n do_v lie_v as_o in_o atheism_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v
ministry_n will_v soon_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o man_n invention_n again_o in_o this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n saying_n to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v â—5_n for_o though_o john_n be_v endue_v with_o rare_a knowledge_n and_o singular_a gift_n yet_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o knowledge_n to_o his_o former_a the_o lord_n find_v he_o faithful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o reveal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o secret_n unto_o he_o in_o most_o full_a manner_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n at_o this_o day_n all_o that_o have_v care_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v it_o though_o their_o knowledge_n be_v small_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v they_o and_o add_v daily_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n not_o but_o wax_v worse_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n be_v because_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o have_v their_o knowledge_n increase_v by_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o know_v for_o if_o they_o do_v then_o to_o he_o which_o have_v shall_v more_o be_v add_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o be_v negligent_a to_o hear_v or_o know_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o spirit_n indeed_o send_v upon_o we_o yet_o not_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o blindness_n &_o ignorance_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o see_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o isay._n 6.9_o 6.9_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o four_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o time_n when_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v to_o s._n john_n this_o day_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o we_o sunday_n it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o on_o this_o day_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v bury_v the_o even_a of_o the_o jew_n sabboath_n which_o be_v our_o friday_n and_o he_o rest_v in_o the_o grave_a their_o whole_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n and_o rise_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n which_o be_v our_o sunday_n second_o this_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n account_n come_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n and_o be_v ordain_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o sanctify_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n especial_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n the_o manifestation_n whereof_o as_o some_o think_v john_n chief_o intend_v in_o this_o title_n and_o touch_v this_o time_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o point_n first_o who_o change_v the_o jew_n sabbath_n second_o for_o what_o cause_n three_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n power_n to_o change_v the_o sabbath_n day_n we_o now_o celebrate_v to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n be_v change_v into_o this_o lord_n day_n by_o christian_n emperor_n long_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o hold_v that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o change_n my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n either_o by_o voice_n or_o instinct_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v this_o sabbath_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o be_v keep_v a_o day_n of_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 16.1_o where_o paul_n ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n that_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n in_o the_o week_n this_o he_o leave_v not_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o appoint_v it_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a from_o christ._n now_o the_o day_n of_o collect_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sabbath_n day_n when_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v for_o god_n service_n for_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o christ_n first_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v then_o to_o gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n a_o oblation_n and_o the_o mass_n not_o a_o real_a sacrifice_n as_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o but_o spiritual_a because_o therewith_o be_v join_v collection_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oblation_n not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mass_n because_o the_o collect_v relief_n thereat_o be_v send_v to_o the_o poor_a saint_n abroad_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o keep_v this_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 20.7_o and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o observe_v any_o other_o day_n for_o a_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n after_o christ_n ascension_n save_v only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v keep_v none_o other_o but_o the_o old_a sabbath_n of_o the_o law_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v john_n 20.19.26_o the_o same_o day_n whereâ—n_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n â—e_v appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o eight_o day_n after_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o appear_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o same_o end_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v they_o a_o example_n to_o celebrate_v and_o keep_v that_o day_n wherein_o he_o rise_v again_o for_o a_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ii_o point_n the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n thaâ—_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o stand_v with_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n wherein_o as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v make_v a_o new_a heaven_n &_o a_o new_a earth_n chap._n 66._o and_o whereby_o man_n become_v new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n 5.17_o nay_o this_o redemption_n be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o the_o creation_n for_o in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n but_o in_o this_o redemption_n christ_n jesus_n be_v our_o head_n by_o the_o first_o creation_n we_o receive_v a_o temporal_a life_n but_o by_o redemption_n we_o receive_v life_n eternal_a in_o the_o creation_n adam_n be_v espouse_v to_o eve_n but_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n every_o christian_n be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o creation_n adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n in_o the_o creation_n god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v principal_o appear_v in_o this_o redemption_n with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o show_v mercy_n and_o justice_n justice_n in_o christ_n passion_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o forgiveness_n by_o creation_n he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o by_o redemption_n he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o and_o better_a than_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v the_o creation_n it_o be_v meet_v a_o day_n shall_v be_v set_v a_o apart_o for_o the_o memory_n thereof_o now_o no_o day_n can_v be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o which_o christ_n rise_v again_o whereby_o he_o confirm_v
for_o the_o first_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n many_o do_v expound_v this_o of_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n but_o that_o will_v not_o so_o well_o stand_v for_o he_o say_v to_o every_o church_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v blame_v for_o want_n of_o these_o good_a work_n by_o work_n than_o be_v mean_v the_o way_n that_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o deal_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o of_o minister_n as_o people_n in_o all_o their_o affair_n also_o by_o knowledge_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v a_o knowledge_n that_o go_v with_o application_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o four_o verse_n whither_o it_o have_v relation_n for_o thus_o they_o must_v go_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v all_o thy_o way_n and_o deal_n in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o do_v general_o approve_v of_o they_o here_o first_o in_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o knowledge_n christ_n minister_v a_o remedy_n against_o secret_a sin_n and_o offence_n the_o thief_n the_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n wait_v for_o the_o night_n wherein_o to_o attempt_v their_o shameful_a practice_n the_o tradesman_n in_o secret_n falsify_v his_o weight_n and_o mingle_v his_o ware_n among_o most_o man_n fraud_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n do_v abound_v and_o all_o because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o man_n see_v not_o all_o be_v well_o as_o david_n say_v the_o wicked_a man_n say_v god_n shall_v not_o see_v he_o will_v not_o regard_v 94.7_o but_o if_o man_n can_v think_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o christ_n see_v and_o know_v all_o their_o way_n it_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n not_o only_o of_o gross_a sin_n but_o even_o of_o their_o hide_a and_o secret_a offence_n second_o whereas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o approbation_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o this_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o law_n as_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o most_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o be_v stain_v with_o some_o corruption_n isay._n 64_o 6._o answ._n the_o gospel_n which_o be_v another_o part_n of_o god_n will_n reveal_v more_o unto_o we_o than_o ever_o the_o law_n can_v do_v namely_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v his_o true_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o deed_n itself_o 2._o cor._n 8.12_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n approve_v of_o their_o work_n in_o this_o place_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o abide_v the_o â—igor_n of_o his_o law_n but_o a_o papist_n will_v here_o reason_v thus_o if_o a_o righteous_a man_n work_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n for_o god_n will_v not_o approve_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o if_o his_o work_n be_v no_o sin_n than_o he_o may_v fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o work_n answ._n that_o which_o christ_n approve_v simple_o have_v no_o sin_n in_o it_o but_o here_o he_o only_o approve_v of_o their_o work_n in_o part_n namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o but_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o worker_n which_o be_v in_o part_n corrupt_v they_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o he_o approve_v they_o not_o again_o work_v of_o grace_n be_v approve_v of_o christ_n with_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o accept_v of_o the_o person_n he_o remit_v the_o fault_n that_o be_v in_o his_o good_a work_n and_o so_o only_o approve_v his_o own_o work_n in_o he_o and_o so_o here_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o his_o approbation_n of_o their_o work_n to_o wit_n as_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o fault_n thereof_o remit_v in_o his_o own_o merit_n the_o special_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o particular_a action_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v diligent_a labour_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n especal_o in_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n to_o be_v painful_a in_o his_o particular_a call_n for_o the_o faithful_a instruction_n and_o godly_a regiment_n of_o his_o particular_a charge_n hence_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 5.17_o he_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v principal_o worthy_a double_a honour_n and_o herein_o paul_n match_v yea_o prefer_v himself_o before_o other_o apostle_n that_o he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o all_o 1._o cor._n 15.10_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n use_n if_o it_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v be_v a_o work_n full_a of_o great_a pain_n and_o labour_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v full_a of_o ease_n and_o his_o calling_n a_o matter_n of_o nothing_o such_o as_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o hand_n but_o here_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n be_v other_o way_n who_o use_v not_o thus_o to_o approve_v a_o light_n or_o idle_a work_n second_o this_o commendation_n of_o diligence_n in_o the_o minister_n must_v admonish_v all_o christian_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o christ_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o learn_v and_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o here_o a_o common_a fault_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v many_o will_v hear_v but_o where_o be_v their_o labour_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n &_o in_o grace_n that_o be_v want_v which_o iâ—_n the_o cause_n of_o such_o fruitless_a hear_n as_o be_v common_a in_o the_o world_n for_o earthly_a thing_n man_n refuse_v no_o pain_n but_o god_n heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o regard_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v bestow_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n about_o base_a and_o transitory_a thing_n and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o main_a good_a which_o concern_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o three_o the_o minister_n diligence_n in_o teach_v must_v provoke_v conscience_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o hearer_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n without_o this_o he_o spend_v his_o strength_n in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o with_o the_o apostle_n they_o must_v endeavour_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n act._n 24.16_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o christ_n here_o commend_v be_v patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o do_v usual_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n for_o herein_o he_o go_v before_o sundry_a worthy_a prophet_n jeremie_n be_v marvelous_a impatient_a for_o the_o mock_n of_o the_o people_n 15._o and_o though_o jonas_n have_v be_v school_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n yet_o when_o all_o thing_n go_v not_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o niniveh_n he_o become_v exceed_v discontent_a herein_o must_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n become_v follower_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n use_n while_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n they_o must_v possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n their_o meek_a and_o mild_a spirit_n yea_o every_o christian_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n must_v learn_v to_o practice_v this_o duty_n luk._n 8.16_o the_o good_a ground_n receive_v the_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o how_o with_o patience_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n for_o whosoever_o will_v live_v godly_a must_v suffer_v affliction_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o ii_o again_o here_o observe_v how_o christ_n join_v labour_n and_o patience_n together_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o let_v we_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v set_v on_o the_o labour_n of_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n the_o labour_n of_o man_n calling_n be_v practise_v without_o all_o trouble_n or_o pain_n but_o since_o man_n fall_n the_o best_a calling_n have_v their_o cross_n and_o vexation_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o man_n transgression_n socond_o to_o show_v we_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n against_o the_o good_a progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2.18_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n
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
prophet_n give_v comfort_n to_o who_o comfort_n belong_v and_o threaten_a judgement_n to_o who_o judgement_n be_v due_a and_o make_v difference_n of_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o be_v threaten_v for_o the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n must_v not_o be_v threaten_v against_o all_o person_n but_o against_o the_o impenitent_a and_o because_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o judgement_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a therefore_o temporal_a judgement_n must_v be_v threaten_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v &_o eternal_a judgement_n denounce_v against_o those_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v observe_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n according_a to_o christ_n example_n in_o this_o place_n and_o else_o where_o so_o likewise_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v propound_v to_o every_o person_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o difference_n but_o with_o restraint_n to_o some_o only_a as_o god_n prophet_n have_v do_v it_o be_v often_o a_o great_a offence_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v propound_v to_o all_o and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n denounce_v against_o all_o without_o limitation_n or_o restraint_n the_o condition_n therefore_o of_o repentance_n &_o impenitency_n of_o faith_n and_o unbelief_n and_o also_o the_o degree_n of_o they_o all_o must_v careful_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n fight_n must_v be_v consider_v for_o first_o he_o intend_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v then_o to_o cause_v the_o same_o word_n to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o deep_a condemnation_n this_o must_v be_v deep_o weigh_v of_o we_o all_o who_o have_v have_v by_o god_n mercy_n for_o many_o year_n the_o plentiful_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o god_n have_v continual_o rebuke_v &_o check_v the_o sin_n that_o be_v among_o we_o as_o ignorance_n blasphemy_n and_o filthiness_n cruelty_n and_o all_o iniquity_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o lord_n yet_o continue_v to_o do_v unto_o us._n we_o therefore_o must_v think_v that_o all_o this_o while_n the_o lord_n be_v fight_v against_o we_o when_o ignorance_n be_v reprove_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ignorant_a person_n must_v think_v the_o lord_n be_v fight_v against_o he_o and_o so_o all_o atheist_n blasphemer_n adulterer_n oppresser_n and_o cruel_a person_n when_o their_o sin_n be_v reprove_v they_o must_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n stand_v face_n to_o face_n against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n seek_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o these_o iniquity_n as_o he_o do_v to_o balaam_n in_o his_o way_n and_o when_o any_o man_n sin_n be_v thus_o touch_v he_o must_v not_o rebel_v but_o humble_v himself_o as_o balaam_n fall_v before_o the_o angel_n consider_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o wage_v battle_n against_o he_o when_o we_o hear_v that_o foreign_a nation_n shake_v their_o sword_n against_o we_o how_o be_v we_o move_v both_o high_a and_o low_a shall_v we_o fear_v the_o sword_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o tremble_v when_o we_o hear_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n be_v shake_v against_o we_o those_o therefore_o who_o heart_n be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o sin_n must_v humble_v themselves_o by_o true_a and_o speedy_a repentance_n there_o be_v no_o withstand_v of_o the_o lord_n if_o his_o sword_n do_v not_o cure_v we_o it_o will_v cut_v we_o in_o piece_n if_o his_o word_n do_v not_o convert_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n it_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o cast_v our_o soul_n deep_a into_o hell_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o balaam_n when_o he_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o give_v bad_a counsel_n he_o be_v slay_v among_o the_o midianite_n few_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n from_o whence_o come_v such_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o either_o death_n or_o life_n come_v by_o the_o stroke_n of_o this_o sword_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v repent_v five_o note_v the_o title_n give_v to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v once_o deliver_v by_o himself_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n but_o because_o it_o do_v daily_o proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v true_o call_v be_v the_o very_a mouth_n of_o christ_n from_o which_o god_n people_n receive_v his_o word_n 19_o if_o thou_o shall_v return_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o jeremie_n and_o shall_v separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a then_o shall_v thou_o stand_v before_o i_o and_o be_v according_a to_o my_o word_n 2._o cor._n 5.19_o we_o be_v the_o embassador_n of_o christ_n beseech_v you_o in_o his_o steed_n which_o be_v a_o high_a and_o wonderful_a honour_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o sundry_a duty_n first_o all_o student_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o preparation_n to_o high_a calling_n must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o conceive_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o affect_v the_o same_o above_o other_o calling_n for_o though_o the_o blind_a world_n count_v it_o a_o base_a call_n yet_o christ_n we_o see_v make_v the_o minister_n his_o own_o mouth_n which_o honour_n be_v not_o give_v either_o to_o the_o lawyer_n or_o to_o the_o physician_n second_o hereby_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v teach_v to_o deliver_v nothing_o in_o his_o public_a ministry_n but_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o christ_n shall_v enable_v he_o and_o that_o also_o in_o so_o pure_a a_o manner_n as_o in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o think_v christ_n will_v speak_v if_o he_o be_v there_o present_a like_v unto_o faithful_a ambassador_n who_o speak_v only_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o prince_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o their_o lord_n and_o prince_n do_v best_a approve_v if_o this_o be_v well_o weigh_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v such_o preach_n as_o be_v common_o use_v consist_v of_o a_o mixture_n of_o testimony_n partly_o divine_a and_o partly_o humane_a consider_v that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o three_o the_o people_n also_o be_v hence_o teach_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o hear_v a_o sinful_a man_n like_o unto_o themselves_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o must_v not_o despise_v god_n ordinance_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o man_n but_o receive_v the_o same_o as_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o consent_v with_o holy_a scripture_n in_o this_o behalf_n paul_n bless_v god_n for_o the_o thessalonian_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o he_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o thess._n 2._o vers_fw-la 13._o six_o where_o christ_n say_v i_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o it_o be_v worldly_a than_o a_o civil_a sword_n wield_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n shall_v belong_v unto_o he_o but_o he_o have_v no_o such_o sword_n he_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o people_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n his_o holy_a word_n whereby_o appear_v that_o the_o primacy_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n be_v from_o hell_n not_o from_o heaven_n for_o the_o pope_n say_v he_o be_v christ_n vicar_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v arm_v with_o both_o sword_n when_o as_o christ_n deal_v not_o with_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o only_o use_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n verse_n 17._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o manna_n which_o be_v hide_v and_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o commandment_n in_o these_o word_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v etc._n etc._n the_o commandment_n serve_v to_o stir_v up_o god_n church_n to_o attention_n in_o mark_v that_o which_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
seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o to_o send_v unto_o they_o seven_o letter_n or_o epistle_n the_o first_o of_o which_o commandment_n be_v express_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o first_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v then_o after_o follow_v the_o epistle_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o etc._n etc._n continue_v to_o the_o eight_o verse_n first_o for_o the_o commandment_n the_o party_n to_o who_o john_n must_v write_v be_v the_o angel_n which_o word_n may_v be_v expound_v two_o way_n either_o to_o signify_v the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o it_o be_v common_o take_v of_o the_o most_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v token_n the_o company_n of_o the_o minister_n teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o therein_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o appear_v act._n 20.28_o where_o paul_n call_v together_o the_o bishop_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v and_o give_v they_o charge_n over_o their_o particular_a flock_n now_o in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o one_o person_n take_v collective_o oftentimes_o signify_v the_o whole_a multitude_n as_o exod._n 4.22_o israel_n be_v my_o son_n even_o my_o first_o bear_v where_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o one_o man_n and_o so_o though_o antichrist_n be_v not_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o a_o state_n and_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o pope_n yet_o be_v that_o whole_a estate_n note_v by_o the_o special_a name_n of_o one_o manâ—_n as_o that_o 2._o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o word_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v and_o whether_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o one_o man_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o elder_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a in_o this_o particular_a commandment_n note_v two_o point_n first_o that_o christ_n his_o intent_n be_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o appear_z chap._n 1.11_o where_o john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v in_o a_o boohe_o and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n as_o also_o by_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n where_o it_o be_v say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n â—_o and_o yet_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o particular_o to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n thereof_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o intimate_v unto_o this_o minister_n his_o duty_n which_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o teach_v the_o content_n of_o this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o in_o become_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o they_o all_o of_o do_v the_o thing_n therein_o require_v second_o because_o either_o much_o good_a or_o much_o evil_n come_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o minister_n thereof_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n if_o he_o be_v faithful_a he_o bring_v great_a good_a to_o the_o church_n if_o unfaithful_a exceed_v great_a hurt_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o example_n in_o all_o age_n now_o christ_n write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o much_o good_a unto_o they_o all_o by_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n require_v in_o this_o epistle_n ii_o point_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n christ_n write_v first_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n not_o for_o that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o rest_n for_o they_o be_v all_o candlestick_n and_o all_o of_o gold_n but_o because_o ephesus_n be_v the_o mother_n city_n far_o exceed_v the_o rest_n in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n whereby_o christ_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o will_n be_v that_o those_o people_n town_n and_o city_n which_o excel_v other_o in_o estimation_n and_o wealth_n shall_v also_o go_v before_o they_o in_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o answerable_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o particular_a person_n they_o which_o excel_v other_o for_o outward_a reputation_n and_o temporal_a blessing_n aught_o to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o godliness_n and_o religion_n those_o which_o shall_v fail_v herein_o and_o suffer_v other_o that_o be_v far_o their_o inferior_n for_o outward_a thing_n to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n shall_v find_v it_o true_a to_o their_o shame_n before_o man_n but_o especial_o at_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o commandment_n now_o follow_v the_o example_n itself_o which_o contain_v three_o part_n as_o all_o ordinary_a epistle_n do_v a_o pereface_n a_o proposition_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o proposition_n and_o conclusion_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v the_o preface_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n verse_n 16._o and_o 13._o where_o also_o it_o be_v handle_v the_o intent_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v to_o draw_v this_o church_n to_o a_o reverend_a adoration_n of_o his_o person_n and_o to_o cause_v in_o they_o a_o great_a care_n to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v his_o admonition_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o twofold_a action_n which_o he_o avouch_v of_o himself_o to_o wit_n his_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o walk_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n by_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v signify_v his_o power_n in_o protect_v and_o govern_v his_o minister_n and_o by_o the_o second_o be_v note_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n guide_v and_o bless_v his_o minister_n with_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o be_v he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o protect_v and_o govern_v that_o be_o present_a also_o to_o bless_v and_o direct_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n then_o my_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v in_o this_o preface_n note_v two_o special_a point_n first_o that_o christ_n here_o again_o repeat_v that_o which_o be_v before_o deliver_v touch_v his_o presence_n in_o his_o church_n and_o his_o mighty_a power_n and_o providence_n over_o the_o same_o in_o protect_v guide_a and_o blessing_n both_o minister_v and_o people_n by_o which_o reputation_n he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o specall_a weight_n and_o moment_n of_o this_o point_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n and_o indeed_o till_o we_o be_v persuade_v thereof_o we_o shall_v never_o learn_v religion_n sound_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v this_o to_o take_v the_o true_a god_n for_o our_o god_n and_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o redeemer_n and_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o swim_a notion_n hereof_o in_o the_o brain_n but_o in_o the_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o never_o have_v till_o we_o be_v resolve_v both_o of_o christ_n presence_n with_o we_o and_o of_o his_o providence_n over_o we_o for_o our_o blessing_n and_o defence_n ii_o point_n in_o this_o preface_n also_o note_n that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o christ_n presence_n and_o special_a providence_n in_o his_o church_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o draw_v we_o on_o to_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o thereby_o christ_n will_v persuade_v both_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o ephesus_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v this_o his_o epistle_n and_o no_o doubt_n he_o that_o be_v indeed_o persuade_v hereof_o can_v but_o be_v move_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n as_o do_v enoch_n abraham_n and_o all_o the_o godly_a patriarch_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o preface_n verse_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o forbear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n the_o proposition_n contain_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n this_o proposition_n have_v two_o point_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n second_o a_o rebuke_n and_o reprehension_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o commenâ—ation_n be_v first_o general_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n then_o more_o particular_a for_o special_a duty_n &_o action_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o thy_o labour_n and_o patience_n etc._n etc._n