of_o god_n so_o christ_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n than_o all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o matth._n 6.33_o this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n every_o where_o use_n who_o in_o seek_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o will_v toil_v themselves_o in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v wealth_n honour_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o regard_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a foundation_n of_o all_o outward_a welfare_n here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o god_n give_v i_o wealth_n honour_n and_o reputation_n than_o he_o love_v i_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n thereof_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v no_o sure_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o be_v his_o enemy_n may_v enjoy_v they_o all_o as_o job._n 21.7_o to_o the_o 14._o this_o david_n perceive_v how_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v in_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psalm_n 73.3.7_o and_o yet_o they_o stand_v but_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n herewith_o deceive_v himself_o he_o that_o want_v god_n favour_n in_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o curse_a wretch_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o world_n for_o outward_a thing_n at_o his_o command_n for_o all_o earthly_a thing_n sever_v from_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n the_o wicked_a man_n peace_n be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 48.22_o and_o the_o man_n that_o have_v god_n grace_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o want_v all_o worldly_a benefit_n yet_o he_o have_v more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n without_o it_o for_o hereby_o alone_o he_o be_v true_o bless_a and_o happy_a from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wit_n god_n himself_o distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n etc._n etc._n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o a_o distribution_n which_o express_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o which_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o exod._n 3.14_o 15._o where_o moses_n demand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v ask_v who_o send_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v answer_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o say_v ehich_n jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o which_o two_o name_n serve_v to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o be_v translate_v i_o be_o and_o the_o lord_n but_o these_o english_a word_n do_v not_o full_o express_v their_o signification_n yet_o s._n john_n expound_v they_o here_o make_v ehich_n to_o signify_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v which_o word_n of_o john_n also_o in_o the_o original_n be_v more_o full_a in_o sense_n than_o our_o english_a tongue_n can_v well_o express_v and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o explain_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a substance_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a simple_a substance_n and_o essence_n in_o these_o word_n be_v touch_v sundry_a weighty_a point_n first_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n which_o have_v his_o be_v in_o himself_o of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o paul_n say_v a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o that_o be_v nothing_o subsist_v in_o nature_n but_o a_o mere_a fond_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o essence_n subsist_v and_o that_o of_o himself_o alone_o perfect_o and_o herein_o differ_v from_o all_o idol_n and_o false_a god_n second_o hereby_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n every_o creature_n be_v a_o substance_n as_o angel_n and_o man_n likewise_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n be_v substance_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n and_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v part_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v their_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o he_o for_o then_o each_o creature_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n can_v be_v without_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n substance_n be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n my_o meaning_n then_o be_v that_o god_n make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o he_o create_v by_o his_o word_n and_o preserve_v they_o be_v make_v which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o return_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o thankfulness_n endeavour_v his_o glory_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n three_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o every_o way_n though_o they_o be_v eternal_a in_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v yet_o have_v they_o a_o beginning_n second_o they_o be_v eternal_a not_o absolute_o but_o by_o participation_n for_o god_n make_v they_o eternal_a but_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_o of_o himself_o eternal_a four_o note_n he_o say_v not_o from_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v but_o from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o eternal_a god_n be_v also_o a_o judge_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n a_o point_n of_o special_a use_n to_o move_v we_o to_o well_o before_o god_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n if_o any_o shall_v flatter_v himself_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v dead_a before_o that_o day_n come_v i_o answer_v iâ—_n may_v be_v so_o what_o then_o think_v thâ—u_n thereby_o to_o escape_v his_o judgement_n no_o very_o for_o this_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v thou_o particular_o by_o death_n and_o thereby_o to_o reserve_v thou_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n oâ—_n that_o we_o can_v serious_o think_v on_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v â—o_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n act_n 24.16_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v he_o at_o his_o come_n whether_o by_o death_n or_o judgement_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o 〈◊〉_d before_o his_o throne_n these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o seven_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v before_o the_o thronâ—_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o they_o for_o two_o cause_n a_o first_o because_o 〈◊〉_d and_o peace_n be_v here_o say_v to_o proceed_v from_o these_o seven_o spirit_n but_o it_o can_v come_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o attend_v to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n second_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o be_v a_o benediction_n or_o a_o salutation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o spirit_n be_v set_v before_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o respect_n for_o which_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v place_v before_o christ._n the_o word_n be_v rather_o thus_o to_o be_v expound_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o exposition_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v only_o one_o in_o substance_n
himself_o and_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o godhead_n quicken_v his_o manhood_n the_o most_o godly_a man_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v can_v do_v so_o but_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v raise_v from_o death_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n through_o that_o mystical_a union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o all_o his_o member_n by_o mean_v whereof_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n his_o godhead_n which_o raise_v up_o his_o manhood_n be_v convey_v to_o all_o his_o member_n in_o their_o resurrection_n from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v christ_n call_v 15._o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n because_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o corn_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n do_v sanctify_v the_o whole_a crop_n so_o christ_n his_o resurrection_n do_v make_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o all_o his_o member_n in_o this_o title_n be_v comprise_v a_o notable_a comfort_n for_o all_o god_n child_n against_o the_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n if_o john_n have_v say_v christ_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v among_o the_o live_n it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a comfort_n for_o than_o have_v he_o show_v that_o the_o live_a saintâ—_n on_o earth_n be_v child_n in_o god_n family_n have_v christ_n for_o their_o elder_a brother_n but_o call_v he_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v a_o further_a comfort_n the_o lord_n show_v hereby_o what_o special_a regard_n he_o have_v to_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v dead_a for_o even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a they_o continue_v member_n of_o his_o family_n and_o have_v christ_n jesus_n dead_a and_o bury_v reckon_v among_o they_o for_o their_o elder_a brother_n in_o regard_v whereof_o christ_n have_v a_o double_a right_n among_o the_o dead_a first_o of_o a_o king_n second_o of_o a_o priest_n the_o right_a of_o a_o king_n he_o have_v to_o command_v his_o member_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o enter_v into_o glory_n after_o he_o the_o right_a of_o a_o priest_n whereby_o he_o offer_v up_o himself_o in_o death_n a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o death_n of_o all_o his_o member_n for_o by_o his_o death_n he_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o unto_o they_o a_o sweet_a sleep_n in_o the_o grave_n as_o in_o a_o bed_n of_o down_o out_o of_o which_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n rise_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n here_o be_v the_o three_o title_n give_v to_o christ_n wherein_o his_o kingly_a office_n be_v express_v he_o be_v call_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o so_o be_v king_n together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n govern_v all_o thing_n with_o they_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n second_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o redeemer_n god_n and_o man_n in_o two_o nature_n in_o this_o respect_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n give_v he_o a_o 10._o name_n above_o every_o name_n at_o which_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v even_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o in_o this_o second_o respect_n he_o be_v call_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o place_n now_o christ_n be_v a_o king_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o the_o might_n and_o policy_n of_o man_n as_o earthly_a kingdom_n do_v but_o it_o be_v spiritual_a direct_o concern_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n where_o he_o rule_v by_o his_o law_n and_o this_o be_v his_o privilege_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n to_o rule_v and_o reign_v spiritual_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o dint_n of_o sword_n or_o force_v of_o arm_n but_o by_o his_o holy_a word_n through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o he_o be_v as_o a_o king_n which_o carry_v his_o sceptre_n in_o his_o mouth_n even_o his_o word_n isay._n 11.4_o that_o be_v the_o râ—d_n of_o his_o power_n by_o which_o he_o rule_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 110._o vers_fw-la 2._o now_o christ_n be_v here_o entitle_v prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o because_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o as_o mediator_n can_v give_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o the_o great_a monarch_n in_o the_o world_n second_o because_o he_o have_v sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o potentate_n as_o well_o as_o over_o other_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v for_o not_o only_o have_v he_o power_n to_o make_v a_o law_n to_o bind_v their_o conscience_n but_o also_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o to_o save_v they_o if_o they_o break_v his_o law_n he_o have_v power_n to_o destroy_v they_o be_v they_o what_o they_o may_v be_v he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o hell_n to_o open_v and_o to_o shut_v at_o his_o pleasure_n revel_v 3.7_o he_o can_v if_o he_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o life_n and_o save_v they_o or_o else_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o destroy_v they_o hence_o arise_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v far_o above_o they_o we_o must_v then_o with_o all_o fear_n and_o tremble_a reverence_n his_o high_a majesty_n great_a be_v that_o reverence_n which_o man_n yield_v to_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o than_o what_o reverence_n shall_v we_o perform_v to_o he_o which_o be_v prince_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v conceive_v what_o honour_n we_o owe_v unto_o he_o which_o be_v advance_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o all_o majesty_n and_o this_o our_o reverence_n we_o must_v show_v by_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o tremble_v and_o believe_v heart_n as_o isaiah_n say_v cap._n 66.2_o we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o christ_n without_o great_a reverence_n at_o his_o name_n every_o knee_n must_v bow_v that_o be_v at_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a majesty_n whereto_o he_o be_v now_o exalt_v every_o heart_n even_o of_o the_o great_a monarch_n shall_v be_v touch_v with_o submission_n awe_n and_o reverence_n if_o this_o take_v place_n in_o man_n heart_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v so_o profane_v and_o blaspheme_v as_o it_o be_v in_o â—easting_v sport_n in_o curse_v and_o swear_v whereby_o man_n toss_v it_o like_o a_o ball_n without_o all_o reverence_n to_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n as_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o see_v he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n we_o must_v give_v he_o absolute_a obedience_n prince_n on_o earth_n must_v be_v obey_v so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v be_v obey_v without_o exception_n not_o only_o absolute_o and_o perpetual_o in_o all_o his_o commandment_n but_o most_o willing_o and_o free_o as_o it_o be_v say_v his_o people_n come_v free_o in_o the_o day_n of_o assemble_v psal._n 110.3_o man_n will_v say_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o they_o must_v obey_v he_o also_o as_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o prince_n many_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v a_o good_a faith_n in_o christ_n their_o saviour_n which_o little_a regard_n obedience_n to_o he_o as_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o none_o can_v have_v christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n which_o have_v he_o not_o for_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n neither_o do_v that_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n which_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o this_o our_o obedience_n must_v be_v show_v in_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o hear_v and_o learn_v out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n three_o see_v christ_n be_v king_n of_o king_n all_o prince_n must_v do_v he_o service_n for_o they_o be_v all_o inferior_a and_o subject_a to_o he_o psal._n 72.11_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 12._o be_v wise_a now_o o_o you_o king_n be_v learned_a you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n kiss_v the_o son_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v inward_o reverence_n and_o outward_o obey_v he_o this_o their_o homage_n must_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o kingdom_n they_o must_v frame_v their_o law_n after_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n they_o must_v
be_v the_o very_a first_o of_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o before_o he_o he_o have_v â—_o be_v when_o all_o creature_n be_v not_o then_o be_v he_o the_o same_o that_o he_o be_v now_o and_o for_o this_o say_v saint_n john_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 1._o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o have_v his_o be_v and_o subsist_v when_o all_o other_o creature_n want_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o be_v this_o prove_v the_o eternity_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v his_o be_v before_o any_o creature_n he_o be_v a_o substance_n and_o essence_n beget_v of_o the_o father_n before_o all_o world_n not_o create_v as_o other_o creature_n be_v or_o make_v of_o any_o other_o second_o he_o be_v call_v the_o beginning_n because_o he_o give_v a_o beginning_n to_o all_o creature_n for_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v create_v and_o have_v a_o be_v be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o have_v their_o be_v from_o he_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n be_v from_o he_o and_o for_o he_o colos._n 1.16_o and_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o go_v about_o any_o business_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n we_o must_v begin_v it_o with_o invocation_n on_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n he_o give_v the_o beginning_n and_o proceed_v to_o all_o thing_n and_o without_o his_o help_n we_o can_v have_v in_o any_o thing_n good_a success_n second_o the_o same_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o after_o he_o be_v nothing_o in_o subsist_v and_o be_v for_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o whereas_o some_o creature_n be_v eternal_a it_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o he_o and_o from_o he_o which_o be_v the_o end_n but_o though_o they_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o nothing_o yet_o christ_n will_v remain_v the_o same_o he_o be_v for_o ever_o namely_o the_o eternal_a son_n and_o word_n of_o the_o father_n this_o than_o shall_v make_v we_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n for_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o change_v and_o unless_o we_o have_v our_o stableness_n from_o he_o we_o can_v but_o come_v to_o a_o end_n second_o he_o be_v the_o end_n because_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v make_v to_o serve_v he_o for_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v coloss._n 1.16_o that_o be_v to_o serve_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o praise_n the_o second_o thing_n here_o say_v of_o christ_n be_v this_o which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n where_o the_o very_a same_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o father_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o presence_n a_o perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n or_o be_v subsist_v in_o by_z and_o from_o himself_o and_o such_o a_o substance_n he_o be_v in_o time_n past_a from_o all_o eternity_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v continue_v in_o time_n to_o come_v for_o evermore_o hence_o we_o learn_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o substance_n and_o nature_n with_o he_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o only_a substance_n or_o essence_n which_o have_v be_v in_o and_o by_o itself_o and_o from_o itself_o alone_o neither_o can_v we_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v two_o or_o more_o but_o only_o one_o as_o there_o can_v be_v two_o eternal_o or_o two_o infinits_z two_o omnipotents_a and_o absolute_a lord_n which_o have_v nothing_o one_o of_o another_o now_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v a_o substance_n of_o himself_o in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o alone_o and_o here_o the_o selfsame_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o the_o second_o person_n the_o son_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v of_o the_o very_a same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n yet_o they_o have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o substance_n one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o godhead_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n of_o himself_o because_o as_o the_o â—â—ther_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o son_n iâ—_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n so_o that_o as_o the_o father_n be_v god_n of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o so_o the_o son_n be_v god_n of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o indeed_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n the_o second_o person_n so_o he_o be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o have_v his_o be_v from_o he_o by_o eternal_a generation_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n and_o coequal_a with_o he_o and_o have_v his_o essence_n of_o and_o in_o himself_o alone_o and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o be_v the_o three_o person_n he_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o three_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o christ_n be_v coeternal_a with_o the_o father_n be_v everlasting_a as_o the_o father_n be_v and_o every_o way_n coequal_a have_v the_o same_o attribute_n of_o the_o godhead_n that_o the_o father_n have_v the_o three_o point_n touch_v christ_n be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o almighty_a there_o be_v in_o god_n and_o so_o in_o christ_n a_o double_a power_n first_o a_o potential_a second_o a_o actual_a power_n potential_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o can_v do_v many_o thing_n more_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v or_o will_v do_v as_o he_o can_v raise_v child_n to_o abraham_n of_o the_o stone_n but_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v have_v deliver_v christ_n from_o death_n but_o he_o will_v not_o now_o christ_n omnipotency_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o potential_a power_n here_o principal_o but_o rather_o of_o his_o actual_a power_n whereby_o he_o bring_v to_o pass_v without_o let_v and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o he_o decree_v will_v or_o promise_v from_o this_o omnipotency_n of_o christ_n arise_v a_o double_a comfort_n to_o his_o church_n first_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v effectual_o without_o stop_n and_o let_v as_o assure_o as_o he_o promise_v it_o now_o christ_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n remission_n of_o sin_n mortification_n justification_n and_o life_n everlasting_a every_o one_o whereof_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v do_v to_o every_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v a_o singular_a comfort_n to_o they_o for_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v give_v one_o of_o these_o to_o any_o one_o man_n but_o christ_n he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v effect_v they_o all_o to_o his_o elect_a the_o second_o comfort_n that_o christ_n both_o can_v and_o will_v give_v his_o church_n sufficient_a security_n and_o protection_n through_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n he_o can_v defend_v and_o guard_v she_o against_o all_o the_o fury_n and_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o her_o enemy_n he_o be_v above_o they_o and_o can_v bridle_v their_o might_n when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v hence_o also_o that_o christ_n be_v almighty_a we_o be_v teach_v two_o duty_n first_o under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o tribulation_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o his_o mighty_a hand_n for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o correct_v we_o who_o be_v almighty_a able_a to_o do_v what_o he_o list_v and_o more_o than_o he_o will_v resistance_n or_o repine_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a second_o this_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o perform_v hearty_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n both_o in_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a calling_n to_o walk_v upright_o before_o he_o for_o he_o be_v almighty_a &_o see_v whether_o we_o walk_v sincere_o before_o he_o or_o not_o if_o we_o do_v not_o he_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v us._n by_o this_o argument_n god_n persuade_v abraham_n to_o walk_v upright_o before_o he_o because_o he_o be_v almighty_a able_a to_o correct_v and_o destroy_v those_o which_o refuse_v to_o obey_v he_o genes_n 17.1_o vers._n 9_o i_o john_n even_o your_o brother_n and_o compaâ—â—on_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o â—sle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o witness_v of_o jesus_n christ._n hitherto_o we_o have_v entreat_v
of_o hart_n and_o profaneness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n these_o must_v know_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v on_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o come_v out_o of_o this_o estate_n &_o endeavour_n so_o to_o hear_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v unto_o god_n both_o in_o mind_n heart_n and_o life_n ii_o point_n the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o to_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v and_o with_o attention_n to_o bring_v faith_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n every_o way_n eph._n 4.21_o 22_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n be_v notable_o describe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mindâ—_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o utter_v it_o as_o to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o risâ—_n 〈◊〉_d newness_n of_o life_n and_o indeed_o a_o man_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v again_o to_o be_v admonish_v that_o we_o so_o hear_v with_o attention_n that_o by_o hear_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o that_o with_o our_o change_n we_o join_v â—are_v to_o believe_v and_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o iâ—_n that_o save_v hearing_n which_o bring_v eternal_a life_n all_o other_o hear_n do_v increase_v our_o sin_n to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n whereby_o also_o appear_v the_o fearful_a state_n of_o many_o who_o lend_v only_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n to_o hâ—â—re_v the_o word_n but_o then_o heart_n be_v not_o move_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v thereby_o iii_o point_n what_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n say_v â—nto_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o go_v beâ—ore_o &_o not_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o thiâ—_n commandment_n belong_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o go_v before_o the_o promise_n follow_v rather_o concern_v the_o person_n themselves_o than_o the_o matter_n the_o thing_n then_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v these_o christ_n his_o sharp_a reproof_n for_o sin_n his_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n a_o remedy_n prescribe_v &_o motive_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o especial_o repentance_n for_o of_o all_o these_o christ_n speak_v before_o use_n from_o this_o that_o christ_n bid_v they_o hear_v these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n in_o sin_n &_o amendment_n by_o repentance_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o the_o same_o second_o that_o after_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n have_v consider_v of_o theri_fw-la sin_n and_o of_o god_n judgement_n it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v and_o if_o they_o have_v repent_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o daily_a &_o do_v it_o more_o that_o so_o god_n judgement_n both_o private_a and_o common_a may_v be_v avoid_v we_o therefore_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o search_v into_o our_o own_o way_n to_o find_v out_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v that_o by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o so_o escape_v his_o fearful_a iudgementâ—_n further_o these_o word_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n contain_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n to_o move_v every_o man_n to_o hear_v i._o because_o they_o be_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o because_o they_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o one_o man_n oâ—_n one_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o churcheâ—_n for_o the_o firstâ—_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d demand_v seeinâ—_n christ_n spâ—ke_v thâ—se_a wordâ—_n how_o 〈…〉_z be_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v theâ—_n ans._n both_o may_v stand_v first_o because_o all_o the_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v common_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z to_o â—each_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o the_o father_n create_v thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o son_n also_o create_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n create_v they_o so_o herâ—_n when_o the_o son_n reach_v the_o father_n teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v for_o as_o the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o must_v they_o be_v join_v in_o all_o outward_a action_n second_o christ_n say_v the_o spirit_n speak_v because_o he_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o teach_v his_o church_n in_o bodily_a presence_n but_o hy_z his_o spirit_n which_o after_o his_o ascension_n he_o send_v to_o be_v their_o comforter_n and_o instructor_n here_o then_o observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o speak_v unto_o man_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n because_o say_v they_o a_o judge_n must_v speak_v and_o christ_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o church_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o dumb_a letter_n and_o can_v speak_v therefore_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o the_o church_n can_v be_v judge_n it_o be_v but_o christ_n minister_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o he_o command_v christ_n therefore_o must_v be_v judge_n unto_o his_o church_n by_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o dumb_a judge_n for_o therein_o his_o spirit_n speak_v plain_o and_o sufficient_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o any_o point_n in_o controversy_n that_o be_v needful_a in_o god_n church_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o attention_n be_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o all_o church_n where_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n agree_v to_o all_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a duty_n in_o read_v and_o hear_a god_n holy_a word_n namely_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o applicacation_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o flourish_a knowledge_n of_o the_o story_n but_o apply_v every_o precept_n and_o example_n unto_o ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o for_o imitation_n if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o vice_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o move_v we_o to_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v the_o like_a for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o learn_v that_o which_o he_o speak_v unto_o one_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n to_o wit_n a_o most_o excellent_a promise_n wherein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v for_o the_o first_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o fight_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n sin_n sathan_n hell_n and_o condemnation_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o overcome_v these_o enemy_n first_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcom_v the_o world_n so_o by_o regeneration_n he_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n death_n sin_n and_o satan_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v and_o renounce_v himself_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o death_n passion_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ._n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n which_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n his_o victory_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o subdue_v his_o own_o corruption_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n three_o he_o that_o will_v overcome_v must_v keep_v faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n stand_v out_o in_o life_n and_o death_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o use_n in_o this_o that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v first_o we_o observe_v that_o
charity_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o godly_a professor_n be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n but_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o have_v receive_v this_o new_a name_n and_o new_a estate_n he_o know_v it_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o certain_o and_o infallible_o second_o if_o no_o man_n know_v this_o name_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o then_o can_v none_o beside_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n know_v from_o within_o the_o man_n his_o particular_a faith_n and_o adoption_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o charge_v the_o evil_a and_o hard_a censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n upon_o any_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n in_o so_o do_v we_o overshoot_v ourselves_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o god_n not_o to_o man_n save_v only_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o for_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o good_a within_o the_o man_n proper_o but_o by_o effect_n quest._n how_o far_o forth_o may_v a_o man_n judge_v of_o another_o man_n election_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o judgement_n judgement_n of_o certainty_n and_o judgement_n of_o charity_n judgement_n of_o certainty_n be_v when_o a_o man_n can_v set_v down_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v peremptory_a judgement_n belong_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o some_o man_n only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o estate_n of_o some_o man_n to_o david_n and_o to_o some_o prophet_n whereupon_o david_n sometime_o pray_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o give_v ordinary_o no_o not_o to_o god_n minister_n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o judge_v the_o best_a of_o another_o and_o herein_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o touch_v the_o unregenerate_a charity_n bind_v we_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o such_o as_o yet_o live_v profane_o but_o to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v in_o good_a time_n call_v they_o and_o touch_v the_o regenerate_a who_o have_v give_v good_a testimony_n of_o their_o vocation_n charity_n bind_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v without_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o may_v do_v without_o repugnance_n to_o this_o place_n for_o though_o we_o can_v from_o within_o the_o man_n know_v his_o estate_n yet_o by_o the_o fruit_n we_o may_v which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o judgement_n that_o charity_n can_v exercise_v three_o here_o we_o see_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v deceive_v who_o make_v visibilitie_n the_o mark_n of_o god_n church_n for_o god_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n which_o believe_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n election_n and_o adoption_n and_o man_n faith_n which_o none_o other_o can_v see_v but_o the_o party_n that_o have_v they_o the_o sign_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v but_o proper_o the_o church_n can_v be_v see_v it_o come_v to_o be_v visible_a by_o the_o fruit_n of_o election_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a work_n of_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n we_o therefore_o hold_v far_o better_o that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o that_o we_o see_v the_o church_n last_o if_o other_o know_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n child_n than_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o if_o the_o wicked_a miscall_v they_o 1._o john_n 3.2_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o god_n child_n therefore_o must_v not_o be_v daunt_v at_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o pray_v with_o christ_n father_n forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v luk._n 23.34_o verse_n 18._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v to_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n here_o follow_v the_o four_o particular_a commandment_n of_o christ_n unto_o john_n as_o also_o the_o four_o particular_a epistle_n the_o commandment_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n write_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o commandment_n i_o have_v speak_v before_o only_o remember_v the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o certify_v this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o john_n have_v a_o calling_n and_o commandment_n from_o god_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o they_o and_o further_o to_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o his_o calling_n to_o write_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n a_o proposition_n and_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n all_o which_o thing_n almost_o have_v be_v handle_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o former_a 1â—.15_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v borrow_v in_o the_o preface_n first_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n in_o christ_n name_n the_o cause_n thereof_o we_o have_v show_v before_o then_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o three_o argument_n first_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o to_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n three_o to_o have_v foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n for_o the_o first_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o by_o god_n we_o must_v not_o absolute_o understand_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v oppose_v either_o to_o the_o son_n or_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v usual_o call_v god_n not_o that_o he_o be_v god_n more_o than_o the_o son_n or_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n and_o because_o he_o be_v that_o person_n from_o who_o the_o godhead_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o here_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n which_o mystery_n we_o can_v full_o understand_v for_o the_o word_n have_v not_o reveal_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o out_o of_o the_o word_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o better_a conceive_v thereof_o remember_v these_o two_o rule_n i._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o godhead_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n for_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o beget_v neither_o be_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n beget_v ii_o rule_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o by_o creation_n as_o the_o angel_n and_o adam_n be_v nor_o by_o adoption_n as_o every_o believer_n be_v but_o by_o nature_n in_o that_o he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n for_o the_o father_n communicate_v from_o himself_o the_o whole_a godhead_n that_o be_v in_o himself_o unto_o his_o son_n christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n use_n to_o stir_v up_o reverence_n attention_n and_o care_n in_o this_o church_n in_o mark_v and_o obey_v the_o thing_n that_o follow_v in_o this_o particular_a epistle_n and_o in_o their_o example_n christ_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v or_o read_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o reverence_n because_o he_o that_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o pilate_n be_v about_o to_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o hear_v it_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o he_o tremble_v and_o be_v the_o more_o afraid_a joh._n 19_o verse_n 8._o shall_v a_o â—illie_a heathen_a man_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n tremble_v towards_o he_o when_o he_o hear_v his_o name_n and_o yet_o we_o that_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v nothing_o move_v with_o reverence_n towards_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n at_o his_o presence_n the_o hill_n melt_v and_o at_o his_o voice_n the_o rock_n cleave_v in_o sunder_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o heart_n shall_v not_o melt_v and_o cleave_v asunder_o with_o a_o reverend_a fear_n when_o he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v worse_a than_o these_o senseless_a creature_n second_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n which_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v literal_o the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n vers_fw-la 14._o where_o christ_n be_v describe_v not_o as_o he_o be_v in_o truth_n but_o
write_v that_o he_o put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o come_v from_o christ._n nay_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n this_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o give_v the_o disciple_n understanding_n 24._o as_o they_o go_v unto_o emaus_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n be_v to_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o father_n will_n this_o certificate_n be_v two_o fold_n general_a or_o particular_a general_a when_o he_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n that_o the_o word_n write_v or_o speak_v by_o man_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o nature_n nor_o learning_n can_v do_v this_o but_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n and_o for_o this_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 16.13_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v god_n will_v unto_o they_o and_o assure_v their_o heart_n that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a unto_o this_o assurance_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v the_o outward_a mean_n which_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o a_o inward_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a to_o wit_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o this_o doctrine_n three_o point_n be_v resolve_v first_o use_n this_o demand_n of_o the_o papist_n how_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n read_v and_o teach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n we_o must_v here_o have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v enlighten_v and_o make_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v it_o of_o himself_o second_o we_o must_v have_v christ_n his_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o in_o they_o he_o set_v down_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o christ_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n why_o do_v not_o alâ—_n man_n know_v this_o testimony_n and_o receive_v it_o i_o answer_v the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n before_o a_o man_n face_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o cause_v he_o to_o see_v unless_o he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o gift_n and_o sense_n of_o see_v even_o so_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v in_o god_n word_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n that_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v have_v in_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o testimony_n to_o his_o conscience_n and_o then_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o mark_v the_o manner_n and_o style_n the_o majesty_n and_o power_n thereof_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v in_o every_o sentence_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n assure_v his_o conscience_n that_o the_o same_o be_v undoubted_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o second_o doubt_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n know_v the_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o turk_n papist_n jew_n and_o protestant_n have_v their_o several_a religion_n and_o die_v in_o they_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o look_v whereto_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n that_o we_o must_v hold_v for_o true_a religion_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o testimony_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o in_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o not_o the_o religion_n of_o jew_n turk_n or_o papist_n a_o three_o doubt_n to_o be_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v how_o to_o know_v the_o particular_a truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o sundry_a man_n profess_v the_o same_o religion_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n answ._n still_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o mark_v they_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o judgement_n quest._n but_o if_o there_o be_v diverse_a opinion_n about_o scripture_n itself_o and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o several_a sense_n unto_o it_o who_o must_v then_o be_v judge_n answ._n in_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n yea_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v still_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n alone_o for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o diverse_a exposition_n of_o one_o place_n yet_o by_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o confer_v it_o with_o other_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n expound_v himself_o the_o particular_a certificate_n of_o christ_n belong_v also_o to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o assure_v man_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n therein_o contain_v as_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a which_o in_o the_o word_n be_v general_o expound_v do_v belong_v unto_o they_o particular_o as_o to_o peter_n to_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o assurance_n as_o the_o former_a be_v principal_o wrought_v by_o the_o word_n not_o bare_o read_v but_o preach_v for_o therein_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o general_a promise_n be_v particular_o apply_v this_o paul_n import_v say_v you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o testify_v with_o our_o spirit_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n use_n and_o of_o all_o other_o which_o hold_v that_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o faith_n be_v wicked_a and_o damnable_a for_o hereby_o they_o cut_v off_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n wherein_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o do_v consist_v that_o be_v to_o assure_v a_o man_n particular_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o he_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v witness_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v only_o outward_o to_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o can_v speak_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o conscience_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o they_o certify_v any_o man_n particular_o though_o their_o ministry_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n second_o observe_v christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o so_o he_o be_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o testify_v not_o his_o own_o will_n but_o he_o which_o send_v he_o namely_o his_o father_n john_n 8.26_o second_o he_o testify_v all_o his_o father_n will_n neither_o add_v thereto_o nor_o detract_n from_o it_o john_n 17.4_o three_o because_o he_o teach_v his_o father_n will_v sincere_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o alter_v change_a or_o deprave_v any_o part_n thereof_o as_o my_o father_n teach_v i_o so_o i_o speak_v these_o thing_n john_n 8.28_o three_o christ_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o witness_n the_o lord_n have_v sundry_a faithful_a witness_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n the_o church_n nay_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n psalm_n 89.37_o but_o christ_n alone_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o because_o his_o witness_n be_v 8.14_o authentical_a sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o authentical_a and_o certain_a but_o as_o it_o consent_v with_o christ_n witness_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n second_o he_o be_v that_o witness_n because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o that_o house_n whereto_o he_o give_v witness_n namely_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v but_o servant_n there_o hebr._fw-la 5.5_o 6._o three_o christ_n his_o witness_n be_v inward_a it_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o there_o give_v undoubted_a assurance_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v outward_a only_a it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n it_o never_o bind_v and_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o itself_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o he_o be_v call_v here_o that_o faithful_a witness_n use_n first_o whereas_o christ_n the_o doctor_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n we_o learn_v that_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v faithful_a witness_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o
be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o our_o right_n to_o that_o kingdom_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n second_o christ_n be_v a_o universal_a king_n over_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n wheresoever_o his_o regiment_n be_v absolute_a in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o he_o can_v by_o his_o word_n bind_v all_o thing_n but_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o universal_a king_n for_o they_o have_v no_o superiority_n above_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v they_o absolute_a king_n as_o he_o be_v nor_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o they_o participate_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a believer_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v priest_n consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o christ_n to_o the_o worship_n &_o service_n of_o god_n here_o in_o this_o life_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v to_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o eternal_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o priest_n so_o be_v all_o his_o member_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v difference_n first_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o external_a and_o real_a priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o offer_v up_o a_o true_a real_a and_o external_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o believer_n they_o be_v not_o real_a and_o external_a priest_n but_o spiritual_a offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n as_o when_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n give_v a_o alm_n he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o a_o corporal_a sacrifice_n though_o the_o thing_n give_fw-mi be_v a_o bodily_a substance_n but_o it_o be_v every_o way_n spiritual_a for_o to_o offer_v a_o real_a outward_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v proper_a to_o christ._n again_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a priest_n and_o offer_v up_o a_o perfect_a sacrifice_n but_o we_o be_v imperfect_a do_v offer_v up_o imperfect_a sacrifice_n taint_v and_o blemish_v with_o sin_n yet_o accept_v as_o perfect_v for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o believer_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n namely_o in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o in_o the_o entrance_n into_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n there_o be_v degree_n first_o to_o have_v good_a right_a and_o title_n to_o it_o second_o to_o get_v possession_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o title_n only_o and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n title_n be_v good_a though_o he_o want_v possession_n he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o king_n so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n child_n they_o have_v the_o right_n give_v they_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v king_n further_o in_o the_o possess_n of_o a_o kingdom_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o the_o entrance_n upon_o some_o part_n second_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a enjoy_n of_o all_o now_o every_o true_a believer_n begin_v to_o enter_v possession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n for_o it_o stand_v 14.17_o 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n joy_n and_o peace_n and_o they_o which_o 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n in_o their_o heart_n have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n begin_v in_o they_o in_o this_o life_n but_o the_o full_a fruition_n and_o perfect_a possession_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v reserve_v to_o be_v give_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n and_o at_o the_o dâ—y_n of_o judgement_n and_o as_o true_a believer_n be_v king_n in_o this_o world_n so_o likewise_o be_v they_o priest_n in_o offer_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o dedicate_a and_o consecrate_v themselves_o to_o his_o service_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o three_o point_n be_v the_o manner_n how_o true_a believer_n become_v king_n and_o priest_n they_o be_v not_o such_o by_o nature_n neither_o do_v this_o dignity_n come_v by_o descent_n in_o blood_n or_o birthright_n or_o by_o any_o other_o privilege_n they_o have_v from_o man_n but_o only_o from_o christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o divine_a call_n make_v they_o spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n like_v as_o under_o the_o law_n by_o solemn_a election_n and_o ordination_n some_o be_v make_v earthly_a king_n and_o priest_n now_o in_o this_o call_n of_o christ_n two_o thing_n concur_v first_o christ_n give_v his_o member_n right_a to_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n yet_o not_o so_o that_o they_o can_v execute_v the_o regiment_n sustain_v by_o christ_n or_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o his_o priesthood_n but_o because_o they_o have_v right_a in_o part_n to_o these_o office_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o both_o redound_v to_o they_o whole_o and_o this_o right_n they_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o god_n be_v bind_v again_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n among_o which_o these_o two_o must_v be_v account_v for_o indeed_o every_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v convey_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o every_o true_a believer_n second_o in_o this_o divine_a call_n christ_n endue_v all_o his_o member_n with_o gift_n and_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n be_v anoint_v so_o be_v all_o his_o member_n so_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o christ_n say_v he_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n psal._n 45._o vers_fw-la 7._o therefore_o his_o fellow_n that_o be_v believer_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o same_o oil_n though_o in_o less_o measure_n and_o saint_n john_n say_v you_o have_v receive_v the_o anoint_v 1._o john_n 2.27_o yea_o god_n himself_o charge_v wicked_a man_n not_o to_o touch_v his_o anointed_n psal._n 105.15_o mean_v not_o only_a patriarch_n king_n and_o prophet_n but_o all_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v then_o anoint_v when_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n wherewith_o christ_n in_o his_o manhood_n be_v fill_v above_o measure_n the_o four_o point_n to_o who_o have_v he_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n answ._n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n this_o be_v add_v for_o special_a cause_n to_o prevent_v that_o carnal_a liberty_n which_o man_n nature_n may_v claim_v from_o this_o spiritual_a royalty_n for_o man_n may_v say_v if_o all_o believer_n be_v king_n then_o may_v they_o live_v as_o they_o list_v but_o these_o word_n unto_o god_n do_v show_v that_o the_o right_n of_o their_o kingdom_n with_o the_o office_n of_o their_o priesthood_n must_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n last_o he_o add_v even_o his_o father_n by_o way_n of_o exposition_n to_o show_v more_o particular_o to_o which_o of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v first_o of_o all_o make_v king_n and_o priest_n for_o the_o title_n god_n must_v not_o here_o be_v take_v absolute_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o with_o restraint_n to_o the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n unto_o who_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o they_o both_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v here_o name_v above_o the_o rest_n not_o as_o be_v above_o they_o in_o degree_n or_o honour_n for_o so_o they_o be_v equal_a but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v convey_v from_o he_o to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o they_o both_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o follow_v sundry_a use_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o dignity_n of_o believer_n and_o first_o their_o kingly_a dignity_n afford_v matter_n both_o of_o instruction_n and_o consolation_n instruct._n i._o whereas_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v make_v true_a king_n in_o this_o life_n hereby_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n be_v teach_v to_o carry_v himself_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o namely_o to_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n even_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o call_v every_o christian_a have_v title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n what_o affinity_n then_o can_v we_o have_v with_o those_o that_o be_v both_o enemy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o that_o make_v we_o king_n
in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o renew_v of_o their_o repentance_n all_o which_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n fearful_a and_o careful_a than_o secure_a for_o with_o the_o mean_n be_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n both_o attein_v and_o preserve_v so_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o offence_n but_o a_o true_a doctrine_n that_o beat_v out_o the_o plain_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n second_o christ_n his_o detestation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n must_v admonish_v we_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o our_o behaviour_n every_o way_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o any_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v balaams_n scholar_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o special_a observation_n we_o must_v look_v to_o our_o communication_n that_o it_o be_v void_a of_o rail_v &_o bad_a speech_n and_o to_o our_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a in_o every_o thing_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o to_o hinder_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n woe_n 7._o be_v to_o they_o say_v christ_n that_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o huge_a millstone_n such_o as_o a_o ass_n can_v but_o turn_v about_o as_o the_o word_n import_v be_v tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o a_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n give_v his_o brother_n a_o offence_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o plunge_v his_o brother_n soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v fly_v offence_n as_o hell_n itself_o yea_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v help_v our_o brethren_n forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o remove_v from_o they_o all_o stumble_a block_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v our_o church_n will_v abound_v with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v want_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o we_o have_v so_o small_a increase_n after_o long_a labour_n in_o preach_v for_o example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n do_v quench_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n three_o hereby_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o have_v special_a care_n against_o offence_n give_v by_o evil_a counsel_n or_o bad_a example_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o other_o then_o be_v it_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o us._n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v many_o offence_n give_v but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o take_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o christ_n bid_v we_o â—_o if_o thy_o foot_n offend_v thou_o or_o thy_o haâ—d_a cut_v it_o off_o or_o thy_o eye_n pluck_v it_o out_o teach_v we_o to_o forgo_v the_o dear_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o if_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o mark_v the_o israelit_n example_n in_o the_o wilderness_n while_o they_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o observe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n all_o balaams_n curse_n be_v turn_v into_o blessing_n but_o when_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n &_o fornication_n with_o the_o moabitish_a woman_n then_o be_v god_n wrath_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o his_o plague_n seize_v upon_o they_o even_o so_o if_o our_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o enjoy_v and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o become_v a_o penitent_a and_o obedient_a people_n unto_o god_n then_o may_v balaam_n curse_v and_o all_o our_o enemy_n spit_v their_o venom_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a but_o if_o we_o let_v go_v true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o fall_v to_o sin_n than_o we_o must_v look_v for_o â—ods_n heavy_a judgement_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o his_o wrath_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n four_o when_o balaams_n curse_v will_v not_o prevail_v than_o do_v fair_a woman_n and_o banquet_v draw_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v take_v from_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o soon_o prevail_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_o a_o besiege_a city_n when_o a_o huge_a army_n can_v sack_v it_o than_o silver_n and_o gold_n will_v open_v the_o gate_n hereof_o even_o so_o when_o adversity_n can_v make_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v religion_n &_o good_a conscience_n then_o by_o prosperity_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v the_o devil_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v ease_n pleasure_n and_o outward_a blessing_n at_o will_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a case_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n than_o other_o unless_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o special_a grace_n to_o watch_v against_o these_o please_a temptation_n this_o make_v godly_a job_n 1.5_o to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n every_o day_n when_o they_o feast_v each_o other_o at_o their_o house_n lest_o any_o one_o than_o shall_v have_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n because_o he_o know_v the_o devil_n by_o pleasure_n will_v soon_o wind_v himself_o into_o their_o heart_n last_o note_v the_o order_n of_o these_o sin_n first_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o sit_v at_o idol_n feast_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v adultery_n where_o we_o see_v that_o these_o two_o sin_n go_v together_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o be_v idolatry_n and_o bodily_a adultery_n one_o be_v the_o plague_n &_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o that_o people_n which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n will_v god_n give_v up_o to_o bodily_a adultery_n as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o these_o israeliâ—s_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o turk_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o maintain_n fornication_n in_o tollerate_v stew_n and_o further_o it_o much_o by_o their_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n wherewith_o they_o bind_v the_o conscience_n though_o the_o party_n want_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n verse_n 15._o even_o so_o have_v thou_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o which_o thing_n i_o haâ—e_v here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o comparison_n where_o christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o the_o nicolaitan_o be_v second_o how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o what_o they_o be_v be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n even_o so_o which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o resemblance_n or_o comparison_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n go_v before_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v the_o nicolaitan_o be_v a_o seâ—t_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n that_o maintain_v two_o damnable_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n i._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n sit_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n iâ—_n that_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o commit_v it_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o hold_v such_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v hereby_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v a_o like_n of_o their_o wicked_a opinion_n let_v we_o examine_v their_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v ground_v for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o will_v plead_v thus_o i._o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n liberty_n thing_n indifferent_a may_v â—e_v lawful_o use_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v ans._n meat_n and_o drink_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n if_o they_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o market_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o paul_n teach_v at_o large_a 1._o cor._n 10.25.29_o but_o if_o these_o meat_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o the_o nicolaitan_o hold_v this_o to_o be_v lawful_a ii_o reason_n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o and_o therefore_o we_o sin_v not_o in_o eat_v meat_n offer_v unto_o they_o ans._n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o nature_n subsist_v nothing_o