man_n shut_v shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v rev._n 3.7_o and_o so_o he_o have_v the_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o headship_n and_o none_o but_o he_o isa_n 9_o 6._o col._n 1.18_o ephes_n 5.23_o second_o there_o be_v a_o delegated_a or_o ministerial_a power_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v 1_o either_o the_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o election_n or_o 2._o of_o office_n and_o authority_n the_o whole_a body_n have_v power_n of_o choose_v admit_v receive_v or_o of_o reject_v and_o censure_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a be_v above_o any_o particular_a member_n or_o officer_n but_o second_o the_o power_n of_o office_n be_v not_o in_o the_o multitude_n but_o in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o as_o pastor_n elder_n and_o the_o like_a which_o they_o have_v call_v to_o this_o authority_n and_o ministerial_a office_n and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o high_a authority_n though_o inferior_a to_o the_o whole_a than_o any_o other_o private_a member_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v judicial_o act_v or_o censure_v the_o power_n of_o office_n be_v to_o precede_v therein_o and_o all_o what_o be_v do_v thereby_o it_o be_v still_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la and_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o censure_v be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o office_n in_o the_o brethren_n over_o their_o elder_n as_o some_o will_v object_v but_o a_o distinct_a power_n and_o the_o one_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o church_n as_o that_o of_o judgement_n but_o that_o of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o rule_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o it_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v in_o a_o church_n sine_fw-la interritu_fw-la subjecto_fw-la so_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n have_v the_o essential_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o her_o officer_n and_o fraternity_n as_o in_o one_o origanical_a body_n joint_o together_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o woman_n jezabel_n for_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v lay_v a_o chece_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o idolatry_n of_o jezabel_n among_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o they_o but_o in_o the_o officer_n power_n alone_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v think_v he_o a_o hard_a father_n or_o master_n if_o not_o somewhat_o senfless_a and_o beside_o himself_o that_o will_v will_v will_v whip_v all_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n with_o stripe_n for_o the_o neglect_v miscarriage_n and_o fault_n of_o the_o chief_a steward_n of_o the_o house_n and_o shall_v we_o judge_v this_o a_o hard_a matter_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o judge_v it_o far_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o mercful_a deal_n towards_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v put_v a_o check_n upoh_o we_o and_o come_v against_o we_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n for_o tolerate_v evil_n among_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o reform_v or_o remedy_n far_o be_v these_o conceit_n from_o our_o thought_n and_o judgement_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n towards_o we_o doubtless_o the_o whole_a combine_a church_n of_o thyatira_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v her_o scandal_n although_o the_o charge_n be_v superscribe_v 〈◊〉_d the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n woite_n i_o know_v thy_o love_n thy_o service_n thy_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n notwithstanding_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o the_o pastor_n officer_n or_o minister_n be_v god_n angel_n they_o receive_v from_o god_n his_o message_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o people_n they_o be_v aâ—_n it_o be_v god_n mouth_n unto_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n what_o god_n have_v to_o say_v unto_o they_o either_o for_o their_o encouragement_n or_o for_o their_o reprehension_n so_o this_o check_n and_o message_n here_o be_v not_o lay_v or_o send_v only_o on_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o thyatira_n but_o on_o the_o whole_a church_n col._n 1.11_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o angel_n be_v but_o the_o hand_n and_o instrument_n for_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o though_o he_o shall_v first_o move_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o removove_a and_o censure_v of_o this_o harlot_n jezabel_n and_o yet_o be_v neglegent_fw-la rmiss_o and_o dormant_a therein_o that_o shall_v not_o excuse_v this_o church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a with_o he_o in_o the_o same_o sinful_a connivance_n and_o compliance_n for_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v christ_n according_a to_o their_o work_n if_o you_o will_v indulge_v and_o comply_v with_o jezabel_n and_o her_o curse_a doctrine_n you_o shall_v suffer_v with_o she_o but_o if_o you_o shall_v overcome_v and_o escape_v her_o falsity_n you_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n the_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o censure_v be_v in_o the_o officer_n only_o directive_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n formaliter_fw-la and_o effectual_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v act_v out_o of_o office_n neither_o can_v the_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n act_v in_o judgement_n or_o censure_v without_o the_o aprobation_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n mr._n rutherford_n the_o great_a learned_a champion_n for_o presbytery_n write_v thus_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o way_n and_o judgement_n lib._n 1._o pag._n 49._o here_o grave_a beza_n our_o divine_n calvin_n bucer_n bullinger_n melancthon_n bucan_n pareus_n rivetus_n sibrandus_fw-la junius_n trelcatius_n the_o father_n cyprian_n jerome_n augustine_n nazianzene_n chrisostome_n ambrose_n theodoret_n theophilact_fw-mi require_v all_o to_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n about_o excommunication_n and_o censure_v plebe_fw-la consentiente_fw-la and_o why_o shall_v their_o consent_n be_v desire_v if_o the_o elder_n will_v do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n peter_n martyr_n be_v peremptory_a in_o his_o common_a place_n sect._n 9_o unde_fw-la concluditur_fw-la non_fw-la absque_fw-la commensa_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quempiam_fw-la excommunicari_fw-la posse_fw-la and_o this_o hereon_o shall_v suffice_v see_v more_o former_o in_o the_o 2_o vers_n of_o this_o cap._n verse_n 21._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 verse_n 22._o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n though_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v very_o faulty_a in_o suffer_v the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n within_o she_o and_o though_o the_o abomination_n of_o this_o false_a prophetess_n be_v high_o provoke_v sin_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v unto_o this_o false_a prophetess_n and_o to_o the_o church_n that_o entertain_v she_o a_o space_n not_o a_o little_a but_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a fornication_n and_o yet_o â—he_v slight_v the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v lead_v she_o to_o repentance_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o whereupon_o christ_n lay_v a_o index_n a_o mark_n a_o asterisme_n upon_o she_o not_o such_o a_o mark_n as_o he_o lay_v on_o his_o elect_a one_o of_o love_n and_o favour_n but_o the_o contrary_a of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n behold_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o let_v all_o see_v take_v notice_n &_o admire_v of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n i_o be_o go_v about_o to_o pour_v forth_o on_o this_o false_a impenitent_a prophetess_n and_o her_o adherent_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n as_o she_o have_v play_v the_o harlot_n under_o her_o green_a coverture_n both_o in_o her_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o as_o she_o make_v her_o bed_n the_o place_n of_o her_o abomination_n so_o i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o another_o bed_n a_o bed_n of_o my_o own_o make_n not_o of_o down_n or_o of_o wanton_a dalliance_n but_o a_o bed_n of_o affliction_n a_o bed_n of_o tribulation_n and_o of_o much_o anguish_n if_o nothing_o will_v cure_v she_o if_o she_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o gracious_a precaution_n if_o she_o will_v not_o repent_v for_o all_o my_o gracious_a deal_n and_o long_a suffering_n towards_o she_o i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n i_o will_v make_v her_o sick_a unto_o the_o very_a heart_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o bed_n of_o great_a tribulation_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o she_o to_o reform_v and_o amend_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o another_o bed_n a_o bed_n of_o death_n and_o not_o only_o she_o but_o all_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o
thereon_o and_o in_o rev._n 4._o the_o two_o gospel_n witness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o two_o candlestick_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n with_o their_o two_o olive_n branch_n by_o their_o side_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o administration_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v always_o pour_v out_o their_o oil_n for_o light_n into_o the_o ministerial_a lamp_n of_o these_o golden_a candlestick_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o much_o light_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o anoint_a one_o that_o stand_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n zach._n 4.2.12_o and_o 14_o verse_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v 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 who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o general_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v finish_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o be_v christ_n under_o divers_a denomination_n and_o similitude_n some_o appropriable_a only_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n some_o to_o the_o humane_a clear_o notify_v that_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o christ_n god-man_n who_o give_v these_o divine_a revelation_n unto_o john_n some_o immediate_o by_o himself_o some_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v give_v and_o signify_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o angel_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n what_o be_v do_v by_o another_o at_o one_o order_n and_o command_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vision_n he_o give_v they_o out_o to_o john_n and_z john_n he_o be_v the_o recipient_a instrument_n and_o the_o subordinate_a author_n and_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o and_o make_v they_o know_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n john_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o write_v those_o premonition_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o their_o order_n shall_v be_v handle_v but_o in_o the_o way_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o enquiry_n quest_n why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o as_o their_o defection_n be_v divers_a and_o various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v various_a and_o divers_a reprehension_n so_o likewise_o their_o grace_n and_o endowment_n be_v various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a encouragement_n therein_o the_o more_o obdurate_a and_o high-handed_n sinner_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sharp_a and_o high_a reproof_n and_o censure_n but_o the_o more_o flexible_a and_o tender-hearted_a aught_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o the_o more_o tender_a hand_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n second_o the_o several_a charge_n be_v draw_v against_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o send_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_a angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o extrinsical_a power_n or_o authority_n over_o themselves_o christ_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a admonitor_n and_o reprehender_n of_o they_o all_o each_o of_o they_o be_v sole_o and_o single_o under_o his_o reprehensive_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v only_o receive_v command_n and_o reproof_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n for_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v not_o receive_v command_n or_o reproof_n to_o impose_v they_o juridical_o on_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n on_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n or_o on_o any_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o either_o single_o by_o itself_o or_o joint_o with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o one_o two_o or_o more_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v superintendent_o or_o to_o have_v a_o prelatical_a authority_n over_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v no_o cathedral_n then_o at_o ephesus_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o six_o the_o name_n of_o archiepiscopacy_n and_o hierarchycal_a supremacy_n be_v then_o unknown_a in_o the_o little_a well-ordered_a christian_a world_n or_o rather_o common-weal_n bishop_n than_o do_v look_v no_o far_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o authority_n then_o over_o their_o own_o flock_n neither_o then_o be_v it_o know_v that_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o few_o church_n or_o rather_o officer_n of_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o classical_a elder_n provincial_a elder_n or_o national_a elder_n shall_v have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o vicinity_n ephesus_n then_o as_o unto_o outward_a authority_n be_v independent_a smyrna_n then_o be_v independent_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n can_v then_o and_o also_o now_o can_v act_v consultative_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n by_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n either_o joint_n or_o single_o but_o not_o juridical_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o and_o another_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o peer_n respect_v their_o authority_n yet_o in_o their_o grace_n and_o perfection_n among_o themselves_o differ_v from_o one_o and_o another_o in_o glory_n christ_n keep_v the_o sole_a legislative_a power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o what_o he_o communicate_v thereof_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o their_o sister-churche_n faith_n but_o that_o they_o may_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n exercise_v their_o wholesome_a admonition_n and_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o church_n juridical_o to_o censure_v another_o sister-church_n though_o corrupt_a for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n give_v they_o christ_n keep_v that_o prerogative_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o reprove_v and_o censure_v the_o whole_a seven_a asian_a church_n himself_o but_o suffer_v not_o one_o or_o more_o to_o do_v it_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n have_v grant_v such_o authority_n unto_o one_o church_n over_o other_o that_o that_o church_n which_o become_v most_o potent_a and_o most_o countenance_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n though_o most_o corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n will_v undertake_v to_o censure_v the_o sound_a and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n of_o all_o as_o the_o arrian_n do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o son_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o their_o successor_n censure_n chastise_v and_o vex_v even_o the_o sound_a and_o most_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a apostatise_v church_n of_o rome_n under_o this_o pretence_n of_o have_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n do_v even_o fulminate_v out_o her_o dire_a anathemas_n on_o all_o other_o church_n though_o the_o faithful_a and_o undefiled_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v wise_a therefore_o you_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n hold_v fast_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a lest_o you_o subjugate_v your_o neck_n and_o precious_a faith_n unto_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o spiritual_a harlot_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n christ_n give_v his_o particular_a censure_n and_o reproof_n to_o each_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o their_o peculiar_a fail_n and_o error_n that_o one_o more_o corrupt_a church_n may_v not_o undertake_v to_o censure_v that_o which_o be_v less_o corrupt_a but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o a_o sound_n and_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v carry_v itself_o towards_o a_o erroneous_a and_o backslidden_a corrupt_a church_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o that_o in_o love_n and_o charity_n first_o they_o be_v to_o advise_v they_o and_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n charitable_o not_o juridical_o as_o a_o church_n exercise_n towards_o her_o own_o member_n second_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a malady_n if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o their_o amendment_n they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v
hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a christian_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o reprove_v the_o false_a teacher_n and_o evil_a worker_n the_o great_a hinderer_n at_o present_a of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n not_o consider_v that_o their_o lust_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o if_o christ_n witness_n speak_v against_o they_o in_o faithfulness_n they_o be_v present_o brand_v as_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o faction_n and_o often_o suffer_v for_o it_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v their_o portion_n herein_o of_o travel_n and_o patience_n for_o their_o integrity_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n against_o these_o teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n in_o that_o primitive_a age_n so_o near_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o under_o the_o fall_n away_o and_o antichrist_n dominion_n christ_n faithful_a witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o thou_o have_v try_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 it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
only_o indeed_o be_v temporary_a and_o necessary_a alone_o for_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v defunct_a because_o some_o of_o their_o first_o primitive_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v cease_v also_o but_o second_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o what_o be_v necessary_o essential_a to_o denominate_v a_o apostle_n do_v not_o consist_v sole_o in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n or_o of_o power_n of_o miracle_n for_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v partaker_n in_o those_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o equal_o with_o themselves_o and_o yet_o no_o apostle_n and_o paul_n that_o want_v much_o of_o the_o accommodation_n of_o witness_v unto_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n though_o supply_v by_o a_o miraculous_a sight_n from_o heaven_n none_o can_v deny_v but_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n and_o light_n unto_o the_o gentile_n last_o in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o assert_v the_o true_a essential_o of_o a_o apostle_n do_v consist_v in_o his_o call_n and_o commission_n to_o that_o work_n and_o function_n christ_n call_v the_o first_o twelve_o matth._n 10.1.5_o which_o be_v only_o denominate_v disciple_n and_o from_o their_o mission_n unto_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v then_o first_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n and_o so_o have_v take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o office_n as_o man_n send_v it_o soon_o become_v their_o proper_a appellation_n now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o right_a mission_n and_o commission_n that_o give_v a_o be_v and_o essential_o unto_o a_o apostle_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o first_o author_n that_o commissionated_a unto_o this_o office_n in_o that_o of_o matth._n 10._o his_o commission_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o of_o narrow_a jurisdiction_n but_o in_o matth._n 28.19_o it_o be_v much_o enlarge_v for_o in_o the_o first_o they_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o disciple_n all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n now_o as_o they_o be_v send_v on_o this_o great_a embassy_n for_o christ_n and_o by_o christ_n so_o they_o send_v other_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o same_o work_n mathias_n be_v the_o first_o we_o read_v of_o act_v 1._o that_o they_o choose_v into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n after_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_n 13.2_o 3._o be_v choose_v and_o separate_v unto_o this_o work_n and_o send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o may_v be_v true_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o again_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a province_n go_v about_o gather_v and_o constitute_v church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o those_o political_a church_n make_v up_o of_o officer_n and_o elder_n and_o member_n be_v the_o true_a delegate_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o they_o again_o from_o this_o delegated_a power_n commissionate_v other_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o disciple_v the_o gentile_n and_o unconvert_v nation_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o then_o practice_v unless_o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o all_o nation_n convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o day_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o history_n be_v afterward_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o become_v famous_a church_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n but_o of_o one_o generation_n and_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o that_o work_n be_v to_o make_v they_o eviternal_a though_o their_o doctrine_n continue_v yet_o their_o person_n be_v translate_v and_o go_v to_o their_o father_n and_o this_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o work_v of_o conversion_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n till_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v call_v in_o and_o we_o all_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v do_v by_o apostolical_a man_n and_o officer_n for_o i_o will_v have_v the_o ingenious_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n pastor_n teacher_n help_n and_o government_n be_v but_o relative_a function_n and_o have_v their_o be_v only_o dependent_a and_o limit_v to_o their_o relation_n and_o church_n they_o be_v neither_o elder_n pastor_n nor_o governent_n without_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o officer_n universal_o commissionated_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconverted_a gentile_n and_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v apostle_n of_o christ_n authorize_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o service_n joseph_n of_o arimethea_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v be_v our_o english_a apostle_n which_o be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o our_o nation_n conversion_n dionysius_n areopagita_n be_v the_o apostle_n unto_o france_n james_n unto_o spain_n anthony_n unto_o italy_n thomas_n unto_o italy_n and_o so_o other_o unto_o other_o nation_n and_o when_o christianity_n be_v almost_o lose_v and_o obliterated_a here_o in_o england_n by_o the_o incursion_n of_o barbarous_a nation_n gregory_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o yet_o antichistianize_v some_o century_n of_o year_n after_o send_v here_o austin_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o their_o almost_o lose_a faith_n and_o christian_n profession_n so_o likewise_o when_o our_o church_n send_v man_n to_o convert_v the_o gentile_a nation_n of_o america_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o private_a disciple_n they_o can_v go_v for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v as_o officer_n to_o wit_n as_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n or_o governent_n they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v relation_n only_o to_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o they_o must_v go_v as_o apostle_n which_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a work_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o the_o apostolical_a office_n must_v continue_v as_o necessary_a to_o do_v the_o full_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n why_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o necssity_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o add_v because_o of_o unbelief_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n second_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a what_o great_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v that_o such_o gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n though_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o ordinary_a as_o in_o the_o first_o church_n i_o have_v read_v of_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o cyprian_a about_o the_o second_o century_n who_o provoke_v their_o adversary_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n by_o miracle_n by_o bring_v person_n possess_v with_o devil_n into_o their_o assembly_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v effect_v and_o make_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v m._n baxter_n give_v we_o a_o far_a account_n out_o of_o athanasiâ—_n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o miracle_n in_o their_o day_n and_o attest_v to_o by_o so_o many_o and_o honest_a witness_n that_o they_o be_v credible_a to_o reason_n page_n 63._o upon_o that_o question_n in_o his_o book_n of_o infidelity_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n page_z 15._o speak_v of_o cast_v out_o devil_n of_o which_o sort_n say_v he_o some_o think_v that_o real_o they_o do_v so_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o we_o may_v do_v now_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n sometime_o to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o the_o prayer_n and_o appeal_n of_o god_n people_n have_v strange_o and_o miraculous_o perfect_v and_o produce_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n of_o late_a and_o within_o our_o memory_n in_o divers_a example_n which_o be_v now_o too_o long_o to_o rehearse_v some_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o miraculous_o recover_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n other_o dispossess_v of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v palpable_o vex_v and_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o only_a by_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n of_o somg_v odd_o person_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v one_o instance_n i_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o a_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o public_a
sermon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o exeter_n to_o wit_n m._n lewis_n steukley_n a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a who_o occasional_o in_o that_o discourse_n speak_v of_o a_o great_a man_n steward_n in_o scotland_n real_o possess_v with_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v torment_v so_o sore_a many_o day_n that_o his_o tongue_n be_v swell_v without_o his_o mouth_n to_o that_o magnitude_n and_o extensiveness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o bring_v it_o in_o or_o contain_v it_o within_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o thereby_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o all_o use_n of_o speech_n yet_o however_o in_o that_o horrid_a posture_n and_o speechless_a there_o be_v a_o clear_a distinct_a voice_n hear_v within_o he_o say_v unto_o that_o minister_n that_o minister_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v the_o possess_a party_n be_v his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o may_v save_v his_o pain_n for_o that_o the_o person_n possess_v be_v his_o own_o to_o who_o the_o minister_n answer_v i_o can_v believe_v thou_o satan_n for_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n then_o the_o spirit_n or_o voice_n within_o will_v answer_v again_o be_v go_v for_o he_o be_v i_o to_o who_o the_o minister_n reply_v if_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o thou_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o i_o will_v try_v with_o my_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o prove_v thou_o a_o liar_n satan_n whereupon_o he_o depart_v and_o leave_v the_o party_n miserable_o extort_a and_o torment_v and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n return_v to_o his_o house_n it_o be_v in_o his_o thought_n to_o pitch_v upon_o some_o certain_a faithful_a christian_n to_o join_v with_o he_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o this_o duty_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o possess_a party_n and_o to_o send_v for_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o return_v but_o observe_v the_o providence_n when_o as_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o house_n he_o find_v all_o these_o person_n there_o come_v on_o other_o account_n to_o speak_v with_o he_o which_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n have_v in_o the_o way_n pitch_v on_o when_o he_o see_v that_o he_o admire_v and_o bless_a god_n for_o the_o providence_n and_o present_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o intend_v forthwith_o to_o send_v for_o they_o all_o in_o particular_a to_o assist_v he_o in_o duty_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o releasement_n of_o such_o a_o person_n possess_v by_o satan_n and_o will_v try_v their_o interest_n with_o god_n for_o he_o and_o on_o his_o behalf_n they_o glad_o hear_v it_o and_o entertain_v the_o motion_n and_o so_o continue_v that_o evening_n some_o hour_n together_o very_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n and_o after_o the_o duty_n perform_v they_o all_o depart_v to_o their_o several_a rest_n the_o next_o morning_n very_o early_o the_o party_n possess_v come_v to_o the_o minister_n well_o compose_v and_o sensible_a and_o his_o tongue_n restore_v to_o his_o wont_a bigness_n and_o station_n speak_v to_o the_o minister_n plain_o and_o distinct_o that_o he_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o he_o for_o he_o affirm_v by_o his_o prayer_n he_o be_v heal_v and_o deliver_v from_o the_o evil_a one_o that_o vex_v he_o the_o minister_n demandse_v he_o by_o what_o time_n he_o have_v releasement_n he_o answer_v by_o such_o a_o time_n in_o the_o precedent_a evening_n by_o which_o the_o minister_n find_v it_o swas_fw-mi about_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o he_o and_o so_o both_o minister_n and_o party_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o story_n and_o he_o avouch_v he_o have_v it_o from_o a_o godly_a minister_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n who_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o minister_n own_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o actor_n of_o it_o and_o come_v from_o so_o serious_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o public_a exercise_n it_o deserve_v as_o much_o of_o a_o historical_a faith_n as_o any_o story_n of_o like_a kind_n whatsoever_o and_o why_o the_o church_n shall_v now_o want_v miracle_n i_o know_v not_o see_v the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v that_o abundance_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o because_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v of_o late_o so_o cheat_v the_o world_n with_o so_o many_o legend_n of_o they_o that_o we_o will_v now_o give_v credit_n to_o none_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a one_o coin_a and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o little_a faith_n we_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o but_o to_o return_v that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v singular_a in_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o press_v not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o necessary_a faith_n but_o dogmatical_o only_a i_o shall_v recite_v some_o of_o good_a authority_n to_o defend_v i_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o singularity_n herein_o but_o for_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v only_o conversant_a about_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v have_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n recognize_v hisce_fw-la veniam_fw-la petimusque_fw-la damusque_fw-la vicissm_n and_o first_o d._n hammond_n resolve_v 6._o page_n 351._o assert_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n bishop_n be_v usual_o call_v apostle_n and_o manifest_v that_o the_o notion_n apostles_n be_v not_o always_o take_v proper_o or_o strict_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o m._n parker_n of_o the_o cross_n part_v 2._o 126._o affirm_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n extend_v the_o apostolical_a time_n beyond_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o therefore_o some_o author_n and_o person_n of_o antiquity_n be_v say_v to_o live_v temporibus_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o live_v about_o 300._o year_n after_o christ_n and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n admit_v of_o these_o first_o five_o century_n of_o year_n after_o christ_n to_o be_v apostolical_a pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a for_o the_o main_a and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v what_o disadvantage_n or_o inconvenience_n can_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o dogmatical_a point_n and_o tenet_n but_o rather_o much_o many_o way_n by_o want_n thereof_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o general_a or_o universal_a officer_n do_v the_o church_n now_o enjoy_v that_o can_v right_o preach_v abroad_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n for_o all_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n be_v mere_o relative_n and_o can_v move_v or_o act_v authoritative_o beyond_o their_o own_o proper_a sphere_n and_o relation_n to_o wit_n their_o flock_n and_o church_n unless_o they_o will_v hereby_o inevitable_o grant_v a_o liberty_n of_o pprophecy_n to_o all_o gift_a person_n and_o so_o rank_a themselves_o among_o those_o that_o do_v it_o only_o virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la non_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la unto_o the_o unconverted_a world_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_o do_v virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la be_v to_o slight_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tacit_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n in_o it_o to_o confer_v such_o a_o office_n whereby_o christ_n may_v be_v public_o teach_v unto_o the_o gentile_a or_o heathenish_a world_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o world_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n rom._n 10._o and_o matth._n 28.19_o for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v and_o to_o prophesy_v interpret_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la be_v only_o a_o relative_a duty_n and_o permit_v and_o exercise_v within_o the_o church_n assembly_n only_o that_o i_o can_v collect_v either_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v send_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o ethnic_a world_n be_v send_v ordinary_o from_o the_o church_n some_o extraordinary_a case_n only_o except_v which_o never_o amount_v unto_o a_o rule_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o apostle_n as_o be_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o want_v of_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v enforce_v to_o maintain_v heterodoxical_a opinion_n concern_v the_o authority_n the_o power_n of_o preach_v mission_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o effect_n conclude_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o universal_a bishop_n or_o at_o least_o as_o absurd_o universal_a elder_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n be_v mere_o relative_n that_o must_v have_v power_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n from_o the_o discourse_v premise_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o argument_n if_o the_o word_n can_v lawful_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n either_o by_o private_a christian_n or_o
by_o interpose_v a_o intervening_a necessity_n and_o clear_a obstacle_n thereunto_o and_o therein_o god_n love_v obedience_n better_o than_o sacrifice_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o first_o ministerial_a reformer_n never_o maintain_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o ministry_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n lineal_o through_o the_o loin_n of_o antichrist_n but_o only_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o all_o age_n be_v by_o the_o invisible_a church_n maintain_v and_o assert_v sometime_o with_o more_o perspicuity_n and_o visibility_n than_o other_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o officer_n and_o ministry_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o must_v needs_o also_o grant_v a_o perpetual_a and_o necessary_a visibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o consequential_o a_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o how_o a_o true_a christian_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o antichristian_a state_n in_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n as_o i_o former_o say_v i_o know_v not_o or_o how_o the_o same_o state_n can_v be_v both_o mere_o antichristian_a and_o christian_n a_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o a_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n a_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o oâ—_n idol_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a and_o justifiable_a call_n respect_v the_o essence_n thereof_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o foundation_n aright_o of_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o otherwise_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o many_o circumstantial_a point_n yet_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o may_v more_o comfortable_o be_v receive_v from_o one_o church_n then_o another_o as_o former_o be_v evince_v the_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o sound_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o sound_a spiritual_a and_o edify_v their_o ministerial_a function_n be_v the_o more_o loose_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o loose_v their_o ministerial_a call_n will_v be_v therefore_o the_o godly_a church_n and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o mission_n ministerial_a call_v and_o office_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o repair_v unto_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v then_o of_o the_o present_a ministry_n of_o england_n as_o now_o constitute_v who_o as_o presbyter_n ordain_v one_o another_o to_o their_o ministerial_a office_n who_o be_v first_o ordain_v themselves_o by_o the_o late_a bishop_n and_o so_o hold_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o as_o from_o true_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v but_o contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cloud_v my_o judgement_n in_o any_o thing_n if_o the_o english_a presbytery_n as_o the_o helvetian_a and_o genevan_n have_v do_v to_o their_o perpetual_a glory_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o antichristian_a whore_n and_o so_o public_o renounce_v all_o ministerial_a call_v as_o derive_v from_o she_o than_o i_o grant_v such_o ministry_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o though_o collate_v of_o office_n mere_o as_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n without_o the_o just_a assent_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o church_n be_v not_o so_o justifiable_a as_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o evince_v but_o if_o they_o maintain_v their_o call_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v good_a as_o by_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n they_o have_v utter_o nullify_v and_o undo_v their_o case_n and_o their_o call_n too_o in_o my_o judgement_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v for_o what_o be_v not_o good_a and_o justifiable_a in_o the_o fountain_n and_o first_o origin_n can_v be_v make_v justifiable_a by_o succession_n in_o the_o stream_n and_o branch_n a_o pollute_a fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a wholesome_a stream_n causa_fw-la causae_fw-la causa_fw-la causati_fw-la if_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a as_o most_o of_o they_o grant_v though_o both_o name_n and_o office_n be_v warrantable_a in_o a_o gospel_n regulate_v sense_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o first_o mission_n and_o call_v how_o then_o come_v their_o call_n more_o warrantable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o author_n and_o founder_n if_o bishop_n in_o their_o ministry_n be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_n how_o come_v they_o to_o supplant_v they_o and_o pull_v they_o down_o christ_n ministry_n be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o desolate_v and_o dethrone_v brethren_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a function_n but_o rather_o for_o consolidate_v and_o confirm_v therefore_o sure_o there_o be_v somewhat_o amiss_o all_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v stand_v to_o this_o day_n witness_v the_o national_a covenant_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o constitute_v in_o england_n be_v of_o the_o off_o spring_n and_o brood_n of_o babylon_n they_o always_o hold_v their_o call_n good_a as_o ministerial_a bishop_n have_v their_o personal_a call_v from_o such_o successive_o as_o first_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a or_o justifiable_a in_o the_o succession_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v as_o some_o say_v to_o salve_v it_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o church_n of_o invisible_a saint_n under_o antichrist_n because_o they_o must_v prove_v themselves_o then_o to_o succeed_v that_o very_a church_n or_o those_o very_a invisible_a saint_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o that_o those_o very_a saint_n be_v ministerial_a officer_n or_o presbyter_n or_o else_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o man_n may_v be_v saint_n but_o not_o ministerial_o saint_n send_v or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o they_o have_v the_o alone_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o in_o want_n of_o such_o true_a ministerial_a presbyter_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v either_o unavoidable_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n their_o ministerial_a office_n void_a and_o null_a or_o otherwise_o plain_o concede_fw-la that_o they_o have_v it_o derivative_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o what_o a_o sorry_a call_n that_o be_v if_o at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v call_v i_o have_v former_o evince_v and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o law_n that_o quod_fw-la initio_fw-la vitiosum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr poor_a tractu_fw-la temporis_fw-la convalescere_fw-la see_v more_o hereon_o du_n plessis_n treat_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 3624._o and_o bishop_n jewel_n defen_n apolog._n part_n 2._o page_n 131._o who_o be_v witness_n without_o exception_n manifest_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v observe_v from_o this_o observe_v that_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n be_v great_a persecuter_n of_o the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v suffer_v much_o from_o such_o false_a teacher_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a be_v always_o against_o the_o true_a one_o and_o cause_v they_o often_o to_o be_v smite_v and_o afflict_v as_o micaiah_n be_v jeer_v by_o zedekiah_n which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n from_o i_o to_o thou_o 1_o king_n 22._o 2_o 4._o and_o that_o not_o all_o but_o be_v smite_v disgraceful_o on_o the_o check_n also_o shemaiah_n stir_v up_o the_o authority_n against_o jeremiah_n the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o will_v have_v cast_v he_o in_o the_o prison_n jer._n 29.24_o yea_o say_v ezekiel_n 22.25_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o her_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o not_o only_o like_o fox_n but_o even_o like_a lion_n raven_v the_o prey_n these_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v always_o very_o pernicious_a to_o god_n true_a church_n what_o great_a persecuter_n arrius_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o athanasius_n and_o the_o orthodox_n they_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a that_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o not_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o by_o incense_a the_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o how_o willing_o will_v pilate_n release_v christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o follower_n false_a prophet_n still_o exclaim_v and_o fastigate_v the_o magistrate_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o
liberty_n for_o tender_a conscience_n in_o point_n disputable_a and_o therein_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o their_o judgement_n by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o external_a conformity_n for_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o uniformity_n but_o not_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v hypocrite_n not_o saint_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o open_v my_o mouth_n for_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v blasphemous_a idolatrous_a against_o god_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v such_o bear_v their_o censure_n and_o punishment_n not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o gospel_n warrant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n also_o he_o be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o bear_v the_o sword_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o will_v always_o forelay_v this_o caution_n that_o none_o who_o life_n be_v sober_a and_o godly_a and_o desire_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o in_o this_o present_a world_n for_o difference_n in_o judgement_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v hereby_o but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a space_n shall_v we_o suffer_v a_o jezebel_n and_o impudent_a immodest_a or_o idolatrous_a false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o bear_v with_o it_o a_o hour_n for_o that_o which_o god_n have_v real_o declare_v himself_o against_o from_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v adversary_n to_o it_o also_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o and_o be_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o tolerate_v false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n appear_v clear_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o authority_n say_v the_o lord_n send_v they_o and_o speak_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n never_o appear_v to_o they_o second_o they_o cross_v god_n in_o his_o design_n god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o false_a teacher_n set_v up_o some_o ungodly_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o soul_n three_o they_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o their_o lie_n and_o vanity_n four_o they_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n servant_n they_o deceive_v they_o and_o entice_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o their_o abomination_n five_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o such_o assembly_n as_o do_v embrace_v they_o or_o own_v they_o and_o final_o undo_v poor_a soul_n for_o ever_o without_o repentance_n quest_n if_o a_o free_a toleration_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_n in_o a_o church_n the_o question_n will_v be_v in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o lawful_o and_o juridical_o to_o remove_v they_o answ_n doubtless_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v the_o check_n and_o against_o who_o alone_a christ_n lay_v the_o charge_n for_o tolerate_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o remove_v the_o evil_a from_o among_o they_o for_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v lay_v the_o charge_n of_o this_o sin_n against_o thyatira_n for_o tolerate_v jezebel_n be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o church_n power_n there_o within_o themselves_o to_o remedy_n remove_v and_o eject_v that_o false_a prophetess_n christ_n never_o blame_v any_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v suffer_v in_o another_o not_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thyatira_n nor_o thyatira_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o sardis_n or_o laodicea_n but_o every_o one_o be_v charge_v particular_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o more_o pure_a church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o philadelphia_n empower_v command_v or_o authorise_v either_o joint_n in_o a_o combination_n as_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_o as_o a_o prelatical_a superintendent_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o remove_v or_o reform_v the_o evil_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o every_o one_o be_v commend_v apart_o for_o their_o respective_a grace_n and_o every_o one_o by_o itself_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v apart_o from_o their_o sinful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o some_o age_n after_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o a_o lording_n episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o once_o but_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v then_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o all_o alike_o and_o of_o one_o extent_n within_o their_o own_o boundary_n and_o that_o superiority_n in_o church_n come_v in_o with_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o which_o be_v foment_v and_z nourish_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o bishop_n till_o at_o last_o it_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a we_o know_v all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a in_o power_n and_o privilege_n under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n that_o be_v christ_n gal._n 1.18_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la equal_v can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o equal_n unless_o by_o usurpation_n or_o tyranny_n or_o otherwise_o by_o compact_n if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n as_o when_o among_o ourselves_o and_o equal_n we_o choose_v our_o parliament_n man_n to_o be_v our_o legislator_n and_o ruler_n but_o if_o so_o church_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n get_v a_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sister_n church_n call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v either_o classical_a provincial_a or_o national_a sure_o at_o best_a it_o be_v but_o of_o a_o prudential_a and_o civil_a institution_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o divine_a stamp_n be_v more_o than_o it_o will_v bear_v peruse_v cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o last_o past_o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n m._n perkins_n on_o that_o vers_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n god_n give_v a_o full_a juridical_a power_n either_o to_o admit_v or_o keep_v out_o examine_v or_o cast_v out_o suspend_v or_o do_v any_o other_o juridical_a act_n or_o act_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n write_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o respective_a church_n as_o distinct_a church_n without_o dependency_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n king_n and_o sovereign_n actâ—_n 15.22_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o rom._n 1.6_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2_o 24._o ephes_n 5.24_o they_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n under_o one_o head_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o one_o husband_n sister_n of_o one_o mother_n cant._n 8.8_o none_o of_o they_o be_v servant_n or_o slave_n to_o the_o other_o not_o hagar_n but_o sarahs_n free_a and_o equal_a all_o of_o they_o be_v spouse_n of_o christ_n of_o equal_a privilege_n and_o authority_n all_o of_o they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n shine_v church_n among_o who_o christ_n equal_o walk_v rev._n 1.12_o all_o have_v equal_a and_o like_a power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v admit_v and_o reject_v receive_v or_o deny_v and_o for_o one_o church_n to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o prelatical_a humour_n which_o do_v very_o little_o comport_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n mat_n 16.16_o act_n 9.26.14.23_o rev._n 2.2_o act._n 1.15_o 6_o 2_o 3._o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.5_o 6._o quest_n 2._o but_o another_o question_n may_v hence_o arise_v whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n chief_a officer_n pastor_n or_o minister_n can_v alone_o remove_v this_o jezebel_n legal_o and_o judicial_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n which_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o he_o or_o whither_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o eldership_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n elder_n and_o brethren_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n be_v put_v for_o the_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o key_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o and_o this_o authority_n be_v either_o first_o supreme_a and_o monarchical_a and_o this_o reside_v only_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o
king_n priest_n and_o judge_n yea_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v write_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o sure_a most_o honourable_a little_o do_v the_o high_a one_o of_o this_o present_a generation_n with_o their_o counterfeit_n and_o mock-honour_n think_v that_o the_o now_o poor_a despicable_a saint_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o so_o much_o scorn_v and_o trample_v underfoot_n be_v those_o for_o who_o sake_n the_o world_n be_v preserve_v from_o flame_a fire_n and_o that_o one_o day_n shall_v become_v the_o only_a king_n ruler_n and_o prince_n thereof_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o their_o antichristian_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o the_o great_a and_o honourable_a person_n of_o the_o world_n do_v but_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o saint_n of_o christ_n shall_v one_o day_n become_v so_o honourable_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n they_o will_v more_o esteem_v they_o then_o they_o do_v as_o heir_n bear_v unto_o so_o great_a a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v the_o common_a and_o not_o unwise_a practice_n of_o politic_a courtier_n when_o their_o old_a sovereign_n or_o prince_n be_v upon_o decline_v they_o adore_v and_o worship_v the_o next_o heir_n or_o repute_v successor_n as_o the_o rise_a sun_n as_o the_o near_a step_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o will_v you_o not_o be_v so_o wise_a you_o son_n of_o man_n to_o make_v good_a your_o interest_n with_o the_o rise_a heir_n and_o child_n of_o this_o great_a ensue_a monarch_n three_o of_o the_o great_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n be_v dead_a and_o we_o have_v see_v their_o grave_n the_o four_o be_v sick_a with_o age_n if_o not_o even_o at_o death_n door_n have_v one_o foot_n in_o his_o grave_n already_o for_o his_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n be_v but_o as_o a_o image_n of_o the_o first_o beast_n or_o of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o youth_n under_o his_o caesarian_a head_n and_o empire_n and_o the_o five_o be_v draw_v nigh_o have_v already_o pour_v out_o many_o vial_n of_o ruin_n upon_o the_o four_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o himself_o this_o heavenly_a one_o and_o think_v you_o be_v it_o not_o good_a and_o honest_a policy_n to_o come_v under_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o courtier_n of_o this_o great_a and_o heavenly_a prince_n to_o become_v one_o in_o faith_n manner_n discipline_n and_o interest_n with_o they_o that_o when_o he_o appear_v you_o may_v joint_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o they_o in_o his_o new_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o will_v be_v the_o first_o step_n unto_o honour_n and_o your_o rise_n to_o become_v one_o in_o interest_n with_o the_o now_o despicable_a and_o vilify_v saint_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o at_o present_a they_o differ_v nothing_o from_o servant_n yet_o know_v they_o will_v be_v one_o day_n heir_n of_o all_o observe_v 2._o that_o christ_n new_a restore_v church-state_n new_a temple_n new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n shall_v never_o perish_v but_o be_v establish_v for_o ever_o though_o some_o will_v have_v these_o word_n to_o be_v make_v pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o to_o go_v out_o no_o more_o to_o signify_v the_o stability_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a whereunto_o i_o can_v whole_o assent_v for_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o faithful_a as_o philadelphia_n be_v make_v pillar_n for_o their_o stability_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o confirm_v to_o they_o that_o they_o never_o need_v to_o fear_v of_o utter_a fail_v or_o perish_v yet_o there_o be_v more_o promise_v in_o this_o verse_n than_o a_o mere_a confirmation_n of_o the_o elect_a from_o non-falling_a away_o for_o the_o next_o coherent_a word_n do_v connote_v so_o much_o when_o christ_n promise_v to_o write_v the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o to_o be_v make_v pillar_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v establish_v therein_o be_v always_o a_o continue_a promise_n and_o always_o perform_v to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n but_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v annex_v hereunto_o be_v never_o yet_o make_v good_a unto_o the_o church_n but_o have_v reference_n unto_o a_o more_o glorious_a future_a church-state_n on_o earth_n speak_v of_o rev._n 21_o 1._o i_o see_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n which_o in_o vers_fw-la 10._o be_v call_v the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n which_o on_o the_o subsequent_a word_n of_o this_o verse_n shall_v more_o evident_o be_v explain_v but_o to_o return_v this_o new_a church-state_n new_a temple_n be_v to_o continue_v to_o perpetuity_n yea_o for_o everlasting_a they_o that_o enter_v thereinto_o be_v make_v firm_a as_o pillar_n not_o to_o be_v remove_v they_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o present_a visible_a temple_n may_v again_o be_v remove_v eject_v and_o lose_v their_o station_n for_o be_v not_o root_v in_o the_o faith_n yea_o and_o the_o temple_n itself_o as_o those_o seven_o asian_a temple_n remove_v overthrow_v and_o extirpate_v for_o their_o iniquity_n but_o they_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o holy_a new_a temple_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o be_v make_v pillar_n therein_o and_o shall_v never_o go_v forth_o more_o until_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o kingdom_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o not_o as_o some_o vain_o object_n against_o the_o expectant_a triumph_v saint_n that_o they_o shall_v reign_v for_o the_o term_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o then_o their_o kingdom_n shall_v cease_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o when_o gog_n and_o magog_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o all_o christ_n open_a enemy_n cast_v into_o the_o bottomless_a lake_n of_o fire_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a thousand_o year_n rev._n 20.10_o than_o that_o kingdom_n which_o christ_n during_o all_o that_o former_a happy_a millenary_a rule_v and_o reign_v in_o as_o mediator_n and_o god-man_n which_o proper_o be_v call_v his_o throne_n and_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v devolve_v and_o swallow_v up_o by_o a_o more_o glorious_a kingdom_n and_o the_o saint_n translate_v in_o the_o high_a heavenly_a glory_n which_o for_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o godlike_a property_n thereof_o be_v call_v in_o 1_o cor._n 15.24_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o wherein_o all_o ordinance_n shall_v cease_v for_o john_n in_o rev._n 21.22_o say_v and_o i_o see_v no_o temple_n therein_o for_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o it_o and_o in_o chap._n 22._o v._n 5._o describe_v further_o this_o glorious_a state_n he_o say_v and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o night_n there_o and_o they_o need_v no_o candle_n neither_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o be_v those_o ordinance_n or_o the_o like_a thereunto_o we_o now_o enjoy_v for_o the_o lord_n god_n give_v they_o light_n and_o they_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o they_o do_v therefore_o vain_o cavil_v that_o say_v that_o christ_n shall_v utter_o and_o altogether_o cease_v to_o reign_v in_o his_o headship_n over_o his_o church_n triumphant_a from_o that_o of_o 1_o cor._n 15.24_o where_o it_o be_v say_v when_o he_o shall_v have_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v put_v down_o all_o rule_n and_o all_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o in_o v._o 28._o and_o when_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subdue_v unto_o he_o then_o shall_v the_o son_n also_o himself_o be_v subject_a unto_o he_o that_o put_v all_o thing_n under_o he_o that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o now_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o ever_o or_o at_o any_o time_n to_o cease_v to_o rule_v over_o they_o as_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n mystical_a whereof_o he_o himself_o be_v head_n but_o when_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v put_v under_o his_o foot_n and_o all_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n be_v by_o he_o utter_o vanquish_v and_o put_v down_o and_o when_o the_o last_o enemy_n death_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o death_n and_o hell_n cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n rev._n 20.14_o after_o the_o general_a and_o last_o judgement_n of_o the_o dead_a then_o i_o say_v christ_n shall_v deliver_v up_o to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n his_o former_a mediatory_a and_o judiciary_n kingdom_n whereby_o he_o rule_v and_o reign_v not_o only_o over_o his_o holy_a faithful_a one_o by_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n but_o also_o
2.28_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o reveal_v mystery_n to_o he_o be_v all_o the_o glory_n but_o to_o you_o worthy_a sir_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v nor_o for_o you_o a_o great_a good_a to_o pray_v then_o that_o god_n who_o have_v exalt_v you_o in_o authority_n and_o power_n into_o that_o likeness_n of_o himself_o so_o he_o will_v engrave_v upon_o you_o another_o image_n or_o likeness_n of_o his_o own_o true_a wisdom_n and_o give_v you_o a_o enlighten_v wise_a solomon-like_a discern_v heart_n whereby_o you_o may_v daily_o see_v more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v have_v your_o aim_n right_a and_o your_o heart_n fix_v to_o prosecute_v those_o end_n and_o that_o in_o integrity_n which_o god_n in_o your_o present_a employment_n have_v call_v you_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o this_o present_a generation_n for_o all_o christian_a worthy_n to_o set_v their_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v if_o not_o to_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o the_o eclipse_v of_o the_o austrian_a sun_n the_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n may_v not_o be_v want_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o christian_a worthy_n in_o those_o great_a transaction_n be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o he_o that_o be_v your_o worship_n most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n hicks_n to_o the_o judicious_a christian_a reader_n reader_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o among_o most_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o in_o search_v out_o hide_a verity_n they_o be_v various_a in_o their_o project_n and_o their_o cogitation_n be_v usual_o fix_v upon_o divers_a end_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v and_o this_o be_v vanity_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o this_o be_v curiosity_n other_o know_v that_o they_o may_v edify_v and_o this_o be_v charity_n how_o distasteful_a the_o two_o former_a be_v to_o all_o judicious_a person_n and_o how_o desirable_a the_o latter_a be_v to_o all_o know_a christian_n i_o need_v not_o inculcate_v the_o latter_a be_v my_o choice_n i_o hope_v thy_o candour_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o my_o end_n will_v apologise_v for_o i_o in_o that_o i_o appear_v in_o public_a now_o among_o the_o crowd_n in_o print_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o as_o one_o witty_o observe_v viz._n heylin_n geogr._n in_o folio_n 865._o the_o treasury_n of_o learning_n be_v never_o so_o full_a and_o yet_o never_o more_o empty_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o vain_a frothy_a and_o unnecessary_a discourse_n it_o abound_v with_o from_o the_o scribbler_n and_o idle_a paper-blurrer_n of_o these_o day_n and_o if_o i_o have_v go_v beside_o myself_o to_o become_v one_o of_o that_o number_n by_o play_v the_o fool_n in_o print_n i_o must_v say_v as_o paul_n do_v to_o his_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 5.13_o sive_fw-la insanimus_fw-la deo_fw-la insanimus_fw-la sive_fw-la sâ—na_fw-la ment_fw-la sumus_fw-la vobis_fw-la sana_fw-la ment_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o if_o i_o have_v play_v the_o fool_n herein_o it_o be_v unto_o god_n and_o for_o your_o sake_n christian_n that_o i_o have_v do_v it_o but_o if_o thou_o ask_v i_o to_o what_o end_n i_o fall_v upon_o this_o task_n of_o interpret_n this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n see_v many_o have_v already_o attempt_v it_o whereof_o some_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n yet_o other_o with_o more_o credit_n and_o proficiency_n i_o answer_v indeed_o in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o undertake_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi to_o what_o good_a for_o what_o end_n we_o do_v effect_v they_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v all_o our_o action_n and_o add_v perfection_n to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o exitus_fw-la actu_fw-la probat_fw-la the_o excellency_n of_o our_o work_n appear_v and_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o end_n therefore_o though_o my_o labour_n herein_o may_v by_o some_o be_v account_v superfluous_a and_o myself_o to_o be_v just_o number_v among_o the_o former_a sort_n that_o have_v oleum_fw-la &_o operam_fw-la perdiderunt_fw-la that_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o undertake_n yet_o i_o believe_v the_o indifferent_a and_o ingenious_a reader_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o when_o god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o myself_o opportunity_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o will_v partake_v of_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o instrument_n yet_o i_o trust_v the_o reader_n will_v find_v my_o end_n high_a and_o honourable_a enough_o and_o of_o sufficient_a excellency_n to_o bear_v up_o my_o spirit_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o his_o in_o peruse_v and_o consider_v and_o although_o to_o some_o i_o may_v seem_v herein_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o fall_v upon_o a_o theme_n full_o already_o discuss_v by_o other_o yet_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n with_o that_o say_n of_o augustine_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la plures_fw-la libros_fw-la a_o pluribus_fw-la fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it etiam_fw-la de_fw-la questionibus_fw-la iisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la res_fw-la perveniat_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la that_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o have_v book_n compose_v of_o the_o same_o work_n or_o question_n in_o a_o various_a and_o divers_a stile_n that_o knowledge_n may_v be_v convey_v to_o very_a many_o to_o some_o in_o one_o manner_n to_z other_o after_z another_z though_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o boast_n of_o my_o impartiality_n in_o interpret_n and_o apply_v those_o prophetical_a vision_n yet_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v single_a and_o unbiased_a in_o this_o undertake_n have_v first_o desire_v god_n to_o guide_v my_o understanding_n and_o pen_n aright_o to_o write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o do_v genuine_o rise_v from_o the_o substance_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n or_o what_o may_v be_v extract_v therefrom_o by_o good_a consequence_n or_o what_o do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o figure_n and_o hierogliphique_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n interpret_v not_o according_a to_o private_a judgement_n nor_o unto_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o party_n or_o faction_n be_v free_a from_o any_o such_o pre-engagement_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o in_o all_o such_o undertake_n as_o abraham_n do_v his_o follower_n as_o great_a encumbrance_n when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o mount_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n i_o trust_v the_o candid_a reader_n shall_v find_v the_o divine_a mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n open_v and_o apply_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o for_o the_o main_a make_v evident_a by_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n and_o according_a to_o that_o full_a complete_a spirit_n of_o harmony_n that_o run_v through_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n i_o confess_v i_o may_v come_v short_a of_o some_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v go_v herein_o before_o i_o to_o who_o labour_n i_o must_v just_o acknowledge_v a_o due_a tribute_n be_v assist_v thereby_o unto_o this_o work_n and_o though_o i_o can_v just_o apply_v that_o say_n of_o cicero_n to_o my_o cause_n for_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o vanity_n and_o self-exalting_a recentissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la sunt_fw-la emandata_fw-la magis_fw-la yet_o this_o i_o may_v bold_o adventure_v to_o say_v that_o thou_o shall_v find_v such_o variety_n of_o collection_n observation_n question_n and_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v not_o ordinary_a in_o any_o former_a writer_n hereupon_o that_o will_v yield_v thou_o if_o a_o ingenious_a person_n no_o small_a delight_n and_o profit_n in_o read_v ponder_a and_o treasure_v up_o the_o same_o the_o variety_n of_o flower_n make_v the_o sweet_a posy_n and_o various_a discord_v yet_o harmonize_a sound_n make_v the_o sweet_a music_n so_o variety_n of_o truth_n and_o question_n discuss_v will_v yield_v the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o though_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o many_o that_o go_v before_o i_o on_o this_o theme_n do_v excel_v in_o true_a piety_n learning_n and_o part_n yet_o save_v due_a respect_n both_o to_o the_o person_n and_o their_o part_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a if_o that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n be_v advance_v by_o their_o help_n upon_o their_o own_o shoulder_n and_o come_v near_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v see_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o mysterious_a
in_o the_o resurrection_n so_o have_v power_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o state_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n or_o second_o take_v death_n and_o hell_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o he_o have_v power_n over_o that_o too_o he_o hold_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 20.1_o as_o he_o have_v obtain_v power_n since_o his_o exaltation_n to_o give_v crown_n and_o throne_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o shall_v persevere_v and_o overcome_v so_o also_o to_o chastise_v his_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a adversary_n with_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o key_n in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v power_n dominion_n and_o rule_n he_o that_o keep_v and_o command_v the_o key_n of_o a_o city_n have_v the_o power_n and_o rule_n over_o it_o the_o key_n be_v ancient_o carry_v before_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o be_v in_o some_o place_n at_o this_o present_a time_n as_o symbol_n and_o badge_n of_o authority_n on_o peter_n honourable_a confession_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o christ_n which_o intimate_v the_o power_n of_o shut_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n deposit_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n that_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o in_o chap._n 20._o v._n 1._o christ_n be_v there_o represent_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n all_o this_o connote_v observe_v that_o christ_n have_v the_o full_a power_n over_o all_o power_n and_o principality_n of_o darkness_n over_o the_o devil_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n itself_o which_o before_o he_o have_v attain_v and_o purchase_v by_o his_o death_n 1_o cor._n 15.55_o etc._n etc._n they_o can_v move_v nor_o stir_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n but_o as_o he_o permit_v they_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a conceit_n yea_o and_o savour_v of_o little_a faith_n in_o those_o that_o think_v that_o the_o godly_a or_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o devil_n or_o witch_n to_o be_v hurt_v by_o they_o or_o torment_v at_o their_o pleasure_n christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o wicked_a angel_n be_v so_o sure_o lock_v in_o their_o prison_n and_o reserve_v in_o chain_n up_o by_o his_o providence_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o touch_v any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o god_n no_o not_o to_o hurt_v a_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n or_o the_o least_o lamb_n in_o their_o fold_n without_o christ_n special_a commission_n for_o it_o and_o then_o too_o they_o be_v like_o a_o dog_n in_o a_o chain_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o direction_n to_o go_v thus_o far_o and_o no_o far_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o touch_v job_n who_o be_v hedge_v about_o by_o god_n before_o he_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o therefore_o o_o how_o reasonless_a and_o weak_a it_o be_v to_o affirm_v or_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n power_n to_o touch_v or_o hurt_v at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o who_o christ_n have_v say_v down_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o be_v as_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n god_n shall_v give_v any_o of_o he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v touch_v by_o he_o either_o in_o person_n or_o good_n let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v either_o to_o withdraw_v and_o wean_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n for_o it_o or_o else_o to_o winnow_v and_o try_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v bless_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n which_o seldom_o god_n exercise_v his_o child_n under_o for_o few_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v such_o temptation_n and_o god_n will_v lay_v no_o more_o on_o he_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o most_o high_a and_o eminent_a in_o grace_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o meet_v with_o such_o strong_a trial_n and_o not_o sink_v under_o they_o as_o job_n and_o paul_n who_o satan_n buffet_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o smite_v any_o of_o his_o child_n let_v they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o the_o principal_a mover_n and_o author_n of_o it_o and_o though_o satan_n be_v the_o instrument_n yet_o to_o say_v with_o wise_a and_o godly_a job_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o the_o lord_n take_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n observe_v 2._o another_o observation_n hence_o be_v that_o christ_n obstinate_a enemy_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n may_v expect_v and_o look_v for_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o here_o christ_n say_v unto_o john_n fear_v thou_o not_o john_n that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o execution_n of_o those_o dreadful_a prediction_n and_o judiciary_n vision_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o make_v know_v unto_o thou_o concern_v those_o high_a implacable_a and_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o i_o they_o may_v think_v i_o have_v not_o power_n to_o execute_v those_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n that_o satan_n be_v at_o my_o command_n and_o beck_n to_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o my_o wrath_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o i_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o hell_n death_n and_o destruction_n and_o to_o shut_v they_o up_o together_o with_o satan_n in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o rev._n 19.20_o and_o 20.10_o hence_o two_o uses_n arise_v very_o natural_o first_o that_o the_o godly_a need_v not_o fear_v hell_n nor_o death_n either_o that_o of_o the_o grave_n or_o that_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o christ_n their_o head_n be_v the_o key-keeper_n of_o both_o and_o have_v power_n thereof_o next_o let_v the_o impenitent_a wicked_a and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n therefore_o repent_v in_o time_n and_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a before_o the_o day_n come_v wherein_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v verse_n 19_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v after_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v in_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v this_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n after_o christ_n have_v fit_v and_o confirm_v john_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o by_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o he_o and_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o that_o be_v alive_a but_o be_v dead_a and_o have_v the_o power_n over_o hell_n and_o death_n most_o able_a and_o mighty_a therefore_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o execute_v all_o the_o dreadful_a prediction_n and_o vision_n which_o christ_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v thus_o qualify_v and_o confirm_v he_o receive_v his_o commission_n to_o write_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v see_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o be_v to_o record_v these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v and_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o by_z and_o in_o the_o precedent_a vision_n which_o relate_v unto_o thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o in_o be_v to_o wit_n god_n discovery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o judgement_n towards_o the_o famous_a seven_o asian_a church_n some_o whereof_o have_v much_o back-slidden_a from_o their_o native_a purity_n which_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n do_v treat_v of_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v then_o present_a and_o in_o be_v next_o john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v the_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v after_o that_o be_v he_o be_v to_o record_v vision_n and_o thing_n which_o he_o shall_v see_v which_o be_v relate_v unto_o the_o future_a observe_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o historical_a relation_n and_o discovery_n under_o hyerogliphick_n figure_n of_o thing_n present_a but_o also_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o asian_a church_n and_o that_o as_o a_o introduction_n to_o all_o the_o future_a prophecy_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o cap._n 5._o v._n 1._o where_o a_o book_n be_v represent_v write_v within_o and_o without_o within_z that_o be_v secret_a seal_v under_o seven_o seal_n and_o their_o end_n yet_o
than_o what_o magistrate_n as_o such_o can_v take_v cognizance_n of_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o mat._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o by_o those_o law_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a time_n be_v error_n depress_v and_o punish_v and_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o appeal_n unto_o cesar_n for_o this_o work_n object_n but_o some_o erastianize_a or_o rather_o sycophantize_v doctor_n of_o these_o day_n that_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o gratify_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o boon_n more_o than_o be_v just_o due_a unto_o he_o come_v and_o object_n be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n subordinate_a as_o unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o make_v law_n for_o he_o and_o to_o rule_v next_o and_o immediate_a under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n answ_n indeed_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o some_o weight_n when_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n henry_n 8._o be_v make_v supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whilst_o the_o sound_n thereof_o be_v continue_v down_o to_o his_o successor_n even_o till_o ten_o year_n since_o in_o the_o constant_a public_a prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n on_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n next_o and_o immediate_a under_o christ_n then_o i_o say_v this_o objection_n be_v somewhat_o but_o now_o it_o be_v judge_v to_o savour_n of_o too_o much_o levity_n and_o ostentation_n second_o but_o to_o answer_v more_o full_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o magistrate_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n and_o gubernation_n by_o which_o as_o god_n he_o rule_v the_o whole_a universe_n but_o also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o redemption_n and_o his_o mediatorship_n so_o by_o he_o king_n reign_v and_o decree_v justice_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o die_v there_o have_v be_v no_o king_n or_o subject_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v a_o common_a temporal_a salvation_n attain_v for_o all_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n all_o have_v so_o die_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o die_v many_o have_v benefit_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n this_o way_n in_o a_o temporal_a salvation_n which_o shall_v never_o taste_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n saving_o or_o eternal_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n of_o all_o but_o especial_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o i_o say_v all_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o mediatorship_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o purchase_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o he_o hold_v their_o kingdom_n and_o principality_n as_o in_o chief_a from_o he_o for_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o in_o heaven_n over_o the_o saint_n militant_a and_o triumphant_a and_o in_o earth_n over_o all_o power_n and_o principality_n thereof_o so_o that_o christ_n have_v at_o present_a a_o twofold_a kingdom_n and_o people_n to_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o one_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o nation_n thereof_o which_o now_o he_o govern_v and_o rule_v only_o providential_o by_o place_v king_n and_o prince_n over_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o reign_v next_o and_o immediate_a under_o he_o by_o law_n which_o the_o legislator_n conceive_v most_o conduce_v to_o the_o well-being_n of_o their_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o herein_o christ_n concurrence_n be_v no_o more_o but_o in_o common_a providence_n and_o preservation_n which_o he_o exercise_v equal_o towards_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o redemption_n but_o he_o have_v another_o kingdom_n and_o people_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a purchase_n of_o his_o death_n christ_n have_v another_o eye_n a_o more_o distinguish_a respect_n to_o those_o then_o to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o more_o especial_o he_o provide_v for_o they_o to_o reign_v and_o rule_v over_o they_o with_o special_a and_o peculiar_a law_n suit_v to_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n not_o that_o christ_n exempt_v they_o from_o the_o wholesome_a temporal_a law_n of_o magistrate_n but_o that_o he_o suit_v they_o law_n and_o ordinance_n fit_a for_o his_o own_o body_n whereof_o he_o himself_o be_v head_n influendo_fw-la &_o infundendo_fw-la and_o for_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o oeconomy_n christ_n have_v his_o law_n his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o subordinate_a officer_n which_o be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o body_n till_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.12_o and_o among_o the_o whole_a catalogue_n of_o christ_n officer_n we_o can_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o king_n prince_z or_o parliament_n that_o be_v ordain_v to_o such_o a_o work_n and_o therefore_o sure_o their_o work_n be_v another_o work_n then_o to_o make_v law_n for_o so_o spiritual_a a_o people_n as_o christ_n church_n be_v they_o be_v to_o hear_v no_o other_o voice_n but_o their_o master_n nor_o to_o derogate_v so_o far_o from_o their_o spiritual_a head_n lord_n and_o sovereign_a as_o to_o suffer_v any_o to_o reign_v and_o rule_v over_o they_o in_o this_o spiritual_a oeconomy_n but_o he_o alone_o who_o have_v his_o law_n his_o ordinance_n his_o officer_n to_o which_o they_o must_v obey_v and_o he_o substitute_n none_o next_z and_o immediate_a under_o he_o in_o this_o his_o dispensatory_a kingdom_n of_o grace_n but_o his_o vicar_n general_a the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v virtuate_v all_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o therefore_o such_o power_n of_o the_o world_n as_o go_v about_o as_o subordinate_a to_o christ_n to_o make_v and_o impose_v law_n on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v as_o soon_o attempt_v to_o give_v law_n and_o ordinance_n to_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n for_o though_o they_o be_v creature_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o too_o high_a for_o their_o law_n to_o reach_v so_o be_v the_o other_o star_n god_n church_n for_o they_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o bear_v from_o above_o neither_o be_v they_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o how_o vain_a and_o absurd_a it_o be_v for_o the_o magistracy_n of_o this_o world_n to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n for_o they_o that_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o live_v in_o another_o world_n they_o live_v in_o heaven_n and_o by_o heavenly_a law_n they_o be_v govern_v their_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n edict_n they_o only_o hear_v and_o follow_v they_o live_v in_o a_o spiritual_a bless_a state_n and_o nothing_o but_o spiritual_a law_n will_v they_o hearken_v to_o their_o lot_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o utopia_n and_o none_o but_o utopian_a law_n shall_v be_v their_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o fall_v as_o man_n let_v the_o law_n of_o man_n take_v hold_v upon_o they_o though_o man_n can_v make_v law_n suitable_a to_o the_o saint_n condition_n yet_o it_o the_o saint_n transgress_v the_o wholesome_a ordinance_n of_o man_n they_o shall_v just_o suffer_v as_o man_n and_o not_o as_o saint_n for_o in_o thing_n honest_a and_o indifferent_a the_o canon_n be_v universal_a let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n whether_o saint_n or_o other_o therefore_o give_v god_n his_o due_a and_o cesar_n he_o verse_n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n christ_n come_v to_o a_o narration_n of_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o first_o toll_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o she_o behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v behold_v i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o my_o gospel_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o same_o to_o other_o and_o none_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o bereave_v or_o hide_v the_o same_o from_o thou_o any_o more_o for_o a_o open_a door_n be_v either_o put_v for_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n col._n 4.13_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v have_v the_o colossian_n to_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o he_o that_o god_n will_v open_v a_o door_n of_o speech_n unto_o he_o or_o second_o for_o a_o readiness_n of_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o paul_n in_o 1._o cor._n 16.9_o a_o great_a and_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v unto_o i_o and_o 2_o cor._n 2.12_o and_o this_o door_n be_v open_v when_o man_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o be_v lydia_n ready_a to_o