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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A43727 Apokalypsis apokalypseos, or, The revelation revealed being a practical exposition on the revelation of St. John : whereunto is annexed a small essay, entituled Quinto-Monarchiæ, cum Quarto Omologia, or, A friendly complyance between Christ's monarchy, and the magistrates / by William Hicks ... Hicks, William, 1621-1660. 1659 (1659) Wing H1928; ESTC R20296 349,308 358

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to_o they_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o hear_v they_o as_o they_o you_o but_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v those_o christian_n society_n and_o church_n among_o you_o that_o be_v as_o lily_n shine_v in_o grace_n among_o those_o thorn_n and_o unfruitful_a nation_n and_o to_o retard_v our_o reformation_n in_o church_n and_o ordinance_n till_o all_o be_v square_v and_o hew_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n or_o before_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v all_o unto_o this_o work_n be_v a_o vain_a expectation_n see_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o that_o old_a leven_a of_o our_o ancestor_n national_a church_n national_a officer_n birth_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n on_o that_o account_n etc._n etc._n still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o among_o we_o that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o render_v the_o work_n of_o a_o full_a reformation_n in_o this_o generation_n most_o difficult_a but_o the_o attempt_n thereof_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o 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give_v the_o foresay_a power_n be_v give_v but_o the_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n only_o and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n mat._n 18._o therefore_o the_o say_a power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n and_o suppress_v error_n be_v commit_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n object_n but_o may_v not_o magistrate_n suppress_v error_n and_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o that_o end_n when_o they_o be_v thereunto_o well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n or_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v such_o adviser_n herein_o do_v first_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o call_n in_o their_o master_n service_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n plain_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v not_o provide_v a_o armoury_n sufficient_a in_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n to_o overthrow_v error_n as_o well_o as_o mean_n for_o their_o discovery_n be_v not_o this_o to_o run_v for_o carnal_a weapon_n whilst_o they_o lie_v by_o those_o make_v by_o god_n spiritual_a one_o and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o power_n principality_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n second_o if_o magistrate_n act_n thus_o upon_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o they_o must_v not_o only_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o act_n upon_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o do_v also_o hereby_o become_v but_o the_o executioner_n of_o their_o assembly_n decree_n what_o more_o do_v the_o popish_a prince_n when_o they_o execute_v the_o edict_n of_o the_o romish_a conclave_n and_o what_o otherwise_o do_v pilate_n when_o he_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o the_o priest_n sentence_n upon_o christ_n in_o crucify_a he_o a_o seamark_n to_o all_o to_o take_v notice_n on_o this_o account_n three_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o suppress_v error_n because_o christ_n have_v other_o law_n ordinance_n and_o way_n to_o suppress_v they_o
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
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
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 act●_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
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 a●_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 ●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
gullelmus_fw-la hicks_n gen._n atat●s_n 〈◊〉_d 1658._o though_o thou_o no_o prophet_n art_n nor_o prophet_n son_n without_o their_o spirit_n this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v though_o brightman_n napeir_n mede_n be_v go_v to_o rest_n their_o spirit_n yet_o live_v redouble_v in_o thy_o breast_n you_o that_o have_v cast_v the_o apocalypse_v to_o ground_n because_o so_o dark_a mysterious_a and_o profound_a why_o take_v it_o up_o again_o and_o use_v this_o glass_n it_o will_v then_o no_o long_o for_o a_o mystriè_fw-fr pass_n d_o loggan_n del_fw-it et_fw-la sculp_v ἀποκάλυψις_n ἀποκάλυψεως_n or_o the_o revelation_n reveal_v be_v a_o practical_a exposition_n on_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n whereunto_o be_v annex_v a_o small_a essay_n entitle_v quinto-monarchiae_a cum_fw-la quarto_fw-la ὁμολογία_n or_o a_o friendly_a compliance_n between_o christ_n monarchy_n and_o the_o magistrate_n by_o william_n hicks_n gent._n sometime_o of_o wadham_n college_n in_o oxon_n now_o live_v near_o the_o mount_n in_o cornwall_n dan._n 2.28_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n that_o reveal_v secret_n and_o make_v know_v u●…_n the_o king_n what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophe●…_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v herein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n a_o deo_fw-la principium_fw-la dabit_fw-la deus_fw-la his_fw-la quoque_fw-la finem_fw-la london_n print_v by_o j._n macock_n for_o daniel_n white_a and_o sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n 1659._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a sr_n richard_n chyverton_n late_a lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o honourable_a city_n of_o london_n sir_n i_o take_v the_o boldness_n to_o present_v unto_o you_o this_o essay_n on_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n and_o i_o hope_v for_o this_o my_o address_n and_o for_o prefix_v your_o most_o worthy_a name_n to_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v either_o unseasonable_a or_o presumptuous_a consider_v not_o only_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o devotion_n i_o bear_v to_o your_o most_o worthy_a name_n and_o person_n but_o be_v also_o bind_v in_o gratitude_n to_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o most_o generous_a and_o noble_a family_n of_o the_o chyvertons_n of_o kerris_n your_o worthy_a kinsman_n to_o who_o i_o be_v oblige_v by_o so_o many_o real_a benefit_n and_o near_a relation_n that_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o manifest_v a_o better_a retaliation_n then_o by_o a_o revival_n of_o their_o most_o worthy_a memory_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o your_o worship_n protection_n who_o be_v the_o only_o survive_v branch_n of_o that_o ancient_n and_o true_o generous_a family_n of_o the_o chyvertons_n of_o our_o county_n of_o cornwall_n but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o assure_v you_o be_v not_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o end_n and_o aim_v that_o most_o man_n lay_v before_o themselves_o in_o such_o dedication_n that_o it_o be_v least_o in_o my_o intention_n to_o affix_v hereunto_o your_o honourable_a name_n thereby_o to_o add_v a_o countenance_n to_o any_o private_a opinion_n of_o i_o much_o less_o be_v it_o in_o my_o eye_n to_o raise_v a_o esteem_n upon_o my_o weak_a endeavour_n by_o insinuate_v the_o least_o compliance_n in_o your_o worship_n judgement_n in_o many_o thing_n i_o have_v write_v herein_o let_v they_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n therein_o manifest_v i_o quite_o disclaim_v any_o such_o pretence_n in_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o my_o plea_n for_o this_o my_o application_n unto_o your_o worthy_a self_n but_o if_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v herein_o find_v i_o trust_v it_o will_v be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o yourself_o nor_o to_o the_o great_a among_o man_n that_o such_o walk_n under_o the_o countenance_n of_o your_o authority_n and_o great_a name_n but_o what_o herein_o shall_v just_o appear_v heterodox_n and_o dissentaneon_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n let_v it_o not_o have_v the_o least_o approbation_n or_o countenance_n from_o man_n but_o let_v it_o rather_o be_v as_o a_o abortive_a birth_n and_o die_v for_o ever_o never_o to_o have_v a_o resurrection_n more_o thus_o have_v wipe_v off_o the_o sinister_a interpretation_n for_o this_o application_n in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v please_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o be_v here_o tender_v when_o the_o urgency_n of_o your_o great_a and_o important_a affair_n will_v permit_v it_o be_v a_o interpretation_n on_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o john_n divine_a prophecy_n wherein_o god_n various_a deal_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n as_o also_o with_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n under_o who_o power_n they_o come_v under_o be_v under_o most_o lively_a prophetical_a representation_n and_o hyerogliphique_a figure_n discover_v and_o make_v know_v even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o that_o prophecy_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o you_o know_v it_o be_v a_o common_a custom_n among_o most_o man_n to_o get_v a_o prognostication_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o old_a year_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o event_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o ensue_a year_n lo_o now_o about_o the_o end_n of_o this_o year_n i_o present_v you_o with_o this_o first_o part_n of_o this_o divine_a ephemerides_n compose_v by_o the_o skilful_a astronomer_n that_o ever_o be_v there_o be_v now_o no_o need_n of_o uphold_v that_o wretched_a practice_n of_o run_v to_o the_o wizard_n or_o stargazer_n to_o know_v the_o event_n and_o success_n of_o church_n state_n and_o kingdom_n we_o have_v here_o a_o full_a discovery_n from_o himself_o who_o create_v the_o star_n and_o know_v their_o course_n and_o call_v they_o all_o by_o their_o name_n who_o lose_v the_o band_n of_o orion_n and_o bind_v up_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pleyade_n man_n may_v conjecture_v and_o their_o conjecture_n fail_v they_o talk_v of_o the_o heaven_n but_o never_o be_v there_o for_o a_o full_a discovery_n but_o here_o then_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o he_o that_o create_v the_o sea_n tell_v and_o foretell_v sign_n and_o wonder_n not_o for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o month_n or_o a_o year_n but_o for_o many_o year_n even_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o the_o event_n of_o our_o present_a old_a year_n but_o the_o accident_n also_o of_o the_o new_a year_n that_o be_v of_o the_o other_o life_n the_o mathematician_n of_o this_o world_n never_o dream_v of_o that_o great_a day_n wherein_o a_o thousand_o year_n shall_v make_v up_o but_o one_o great_a and_o glorious_a day_n only_o this_o book_n the_o saint_n great_a almanac_n report_v this_o and_o therefore_o i_o believe_v it_o aristotle_n can_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v end_v because_o he_o never_o understand_v how_o it_o do_v begin_v but_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o aristotle_n be_v here_o christ_n have_v teach_v of_o the_o end_n and_o give_v note_n and_o sign_n to_o discern_v this_o end_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o will_v perceive_v and_o find_v how_o singular_a useful_a the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o prophecy_n will_v be_v to_o all_o person_n but_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o have_v their_o hand_n much_o employ_v in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o angel_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n how_o comfortable_a then_o will_v the_o contemplation_n be_v that_o they_o in_o their_o several_a generation_n have_v employ_v their_o interest_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n against_o antichris●_n and_o its_o adherent_n those_o christian_a wor●thies_n that_o have_v already_o long_o since_o fall_v asleep_o with_o those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o christ_n second_o come_v that_o have_v engage_v on_o this_o account_n wi●_n be_v sure_a then_o to_o have_v a_o euge_fw-la bene_fw-la serve_v to_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o they_o that_o have_v rule_v here_o for_o christ_n shall_v then_o rule_v and_o reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o but_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o that_o i_o judge_v all_o be_v antichrist_n that_o many_o in_o these_o day_n call_v antichrist_n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o true_a real_a antichrist_n a_o opposite_a state_n to_o christ_n and_o truth_n under_o the_o visor_n of_o christ_n and_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o religion_n that_o make_v up_o antichrist_n indeed_o o●_n late_o i_o find_v it_o a_o state-knack_n of_o several_a party_n and_o faction_n to_o brand_v their_o adversary_n with_o those_o odious_a style_n of_o antichrist_n heretic_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v
light_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n if_o he_o be_v spiritual_o judicious_a and_o learned_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v diligent_o true_a berean-like_a whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o so_o shall_v he_o deliver_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o his_o brother_n also_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n to_o all_o which_o as_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o say_v amen_n who_o be_o kerris_n in_o cornwall_n nou._n 1._o 1658._o thou_o in_o all_o christian_a service_n william_n hicks_n the_o preface_n god_n speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n in_o old_a time_n to_o our_o father_n after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n but_o now_o in_o these_o late_a day_n he_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o ambassador_n the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n move_v on_o his_o endeavour_n in_o search_v meditate_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o old_a and_o new_a not_o only_o find_v out_o that_o treasure_n where_o out_o flow_v both_o new_a and_o old_a thing_n that_o will_v make_v his_o soul_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o also_o he_o shall_v find_v a_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n that_o will_v replenish_v his_o soul_n while_o here_o beneath_o in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n for_o what_o will_v add_v great_a hope_n or_o be_v a_o sure_a prop_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o affliction_n and_o mourning_n then_o to_o fore_o see_v know_v and_o be_v assure_v next_o to_o its_o interest_n in_o christ_n of_o the_o day_n of_o its_o deliverance_n this_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a portion_n and_o lot_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o interest_v in_o christ_n jesus_n through_o their_o several_a generation_n for_o the_o servant_n must_v not_o look_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o master_n christ_n enter_v into_o his_o glory_n by_o suffering_n temptation_n sorrow_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n his_o member_n must_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o while_o here_o militant_a though_o not_o to_o the_o same_o measure_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n for_o herein_o they_o be_v not_o make_v mighty_a to_o bear_v his_o suffering_n be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n that_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n may_v be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o thereby_o may_v become_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n our_o suffering_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o to_o fullfil_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o ourselves_o in_o our_o journey_v towards_o our_o celestial_a canaan_n and_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o particular_a member_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n thereof_o yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o gracious_a god_n to_o manifest_v his_o fatherly_a oversight_n and_o faithful_a providence_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o without_o intermission_n dispense_v towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n have_v often_o for_o a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o warning_n to_o the_o wicked_a not_o only_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o oppressor_n and_o set_v they_o above_o they_o but_o so_o prefix_v the_o time_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o deliverance_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o in_o observe_v the_o event_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o alwise_a hand_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o the_o one_o for_o good_a to_o the_o other_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o for_o ever_o god_n have_v his_o access_n and_o his_o recess_n his_o come_n in_o and_o his_o withdrawing_n towards_o his_o church_n some_o be_v conditional_a as_o if_o we_o keep_v with_o god_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o we_o but_o if_o we_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v we_o some_o again_o be_v absolute_a and_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n as_o that_o i_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o etc._n etc._n yet_o however_o god_n purpose_n of_o do_v good_a to_o his_o church_n be_v so_o steadfast_a and_o unalterable_a that_o though_o many_o of_o they_o run_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o precedent_a condition_n or_o qualification_n in_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o will_v in_o faithfulness_n perform_v his_o promise_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n either_o by_o make_v they_o a_o fit_a people_n for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n by_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o they_o and_o so_o will_v make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n or_o otherwise_o rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n shall_v fall_v to_o ground_v unaccomplish_v will_v do_v it_o absolute_o of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o before_o the_o flood_n god_n give_v 120._o year_n respite_n to_o the_o old_a world_n before_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o gen._n 6.3_o when_o this_o time_n be_v expire_v his_o spirit_n will_v contend_v with_o they_o no_o long_o but_o god_n come_v with_o the_o flood_n and_o destroy_v all_o live_n except_o noah_n and_o what_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ark._n 2._o god_n declare_v to_o abraham_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stanger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o in_o egypt_n and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o for_o 400._o year_n but_o withal_o that_o nation_n who_o they_o shall_v serve_v he_o will_v judge_v and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o etc._n etc._n which_o promise_n god_n do_v fulfil_v most_o faithful_o unto_o they_o in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_a term_n he_o bring_v out_o his_o people_n with_o a_o mighty_a and_o strong_a arm_n in_o drown_v the_o host_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n 3._o to_o that_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n god_n set_v a_o period_n of_o 70._o year_n jerem._n 29.10_o when_o that_o time_n be_v accomplish_v god_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v 4._o to_o daniel_n god_n show_v that_o 70._o week_n viz._n week_n of_o year_n be_v 490._o year_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o which_o time_n the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o at_o length_n the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v dan._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n and_o how_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v full_o accomplish_v be_v most_o evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n deal_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n 5._o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n set_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o long_o she_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o persecution_n and_o when_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o it_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 7.25_o and_o the_o 12.7_o they_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o four_o beast_n hand_n until_o a_o time_n time_n and_o the_o divide_n of_o time_n which_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n do_v answer_v that_o of_o rev._n 12.14_o the_o woman_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n which_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n 1260._o day_n or_o year_n which_o term_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n can_v exceed_v for_o he_o that_o have_v set_v a_o bind_v and_o period_n to_o all_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n in_o this_o world_n have_v say_v it_o hither_o thou_o shall_v go_v &_o no_o far_o and_o that_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 12.7_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a it_o be_v then_o clear_o evince_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o appoint_a time_n visit_v his_o church_n with_o sure_a mercy_n and_o have_v prefix_v in_o all_o age_n the_o time_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o persecution_n and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o visitation_n he_o will_v come_v with_o a_o certain_a deliverance_n to_o his_o people_n and_o ruin_n to_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a joy_n &_o comfort_n to_o his_o
in_o himself_o be_v too_o weak_a for_o such_o a_o work_n may_v be_v fit_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o thyself_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v find_v worthy_a o_o do_v thou_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n with_o true_a light_n from_o above_o and_o remove_v all_o impediment_n his_o iniquity_n out_o of_o thy_o sight_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o thy_o own_o blood_n than_o thou_o may_v discover_v thy_o mind_n unto_o thy_o poor_a servant_n be_v hallow_v by_o thyself_o to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o grant_v o_o christ_n that_o by_o thy_o favour_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n he_o may_v diligent_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o that_o unto_o sobriety_n and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v some_o advantage_n by_o he_o and_o if_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n have_v herein_o through_o weakness_n build_v any_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o thy_o precious_a structure_n o_o let_v it_o be_v consume_v but_o so_o as_o that_o thy_o servant_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a but_o if_o any_o of_o thou_o receive_v good_a hereby_o to_o thou_o for_o it_o as_o most_o due_a which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a be_v praise_n glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o catalogue_n of_o diverse_a question_n in_o this_o treatise_n discuss_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n pag._n 1_o whether_o john_n the_o divine_a the_o subordinate_a author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 5_o whether_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n own_a or_o some_o other_o person_n 7_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o christian_a wish_n or_o salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n unto_o you_o 19_o how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o church_n whilst_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o grace_n and_o peace_n aforehand_o 19_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v two_o last_o come_n to_o judgement_n 25_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 31_o and_o 112_o whether_o the_o lord_n day_n mention_v rev._n 1.10_o wherein_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o not_o 33_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a the_o devil_n be_v god_n ape_n herein_o 34_o do_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n 37_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 28_o 19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fullfil_v 38_o whether_o that_o samuel_n which_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v unto_o saul_n be_v the_o true_a prophet_n samuel_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o shape_n and_o likeness_n or_o otherwise_o some_o cozen_a consort_n and_o confederate_n of_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n 38_o 39_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n appear_v unto_o john_n rev._n 1_o 13._o when_o he_o appear_v to_o he_o as_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 43_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o separation_n between_o the_o deity_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n 44_o whether_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v to_o be_v only_o spiritual_o understand_v and_o not_o matterial_o also_o 50_o 51_o whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n and_o angel_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n do_v or_o shall_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n 53_o do_v not_o angel_n see_v god_n face_n in_o heaven_n and_o do_v not_o moses_n and_o jacob_n see_v god_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n 54._o and_o do_v not_o divine_n hold_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n 55_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v impassable_a 58_o 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 68_o whether_o a_o sound_a church_n may_v censure_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 69_o 70_o whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n 71_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o presbytery_n 72_o what_o give_v unto_o our_o work_n the_o denomination_n of_o good_a work_n and_o whether_o any_o of_o our_o work_n be_v simple_o and_o strict_o to_o be_v call_v good_a and_o perfect_a 79_o and_o 80_o in_o who_o lie_v the_o power_n to_o try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 83_o and_o 196_o whether_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o word_n 84_o whether_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 85_o 86_o etc._n etc._n whether_o any_o else_o beside_o true_a and_o real_a saint_n or_o believer_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n 86_o 87_o whether_o the_o judicial_n or_o ceremonial_n of_o moses_n be_v any_o foundation_n for_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n 88_o 89_o whether_o baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o best_a satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n upon_o infant_n 88_o whether_o it_o must_v be_v true_a justify_n faith_n or_o dogmatical_a only_o that_o entitle_v to_o baptism_n 90_o 91_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o tie_v unto_o the_o first_o twelve_o 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o whether_o the_o first_o 12_o apostle_n be_v but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n 95_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n do_v continue_v unto_o the_o church_n 97_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o the_o true_a 101_o 102_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o church_n shall_v one_o repair_v to_o receive_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n call_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 105_o 106_o etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v the_o first_o reformer_n have_v a_o right_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o ●_o have_v it_o not_o from_o rome_n 108_o whether_o the_o presbytery_n of_o england_n have_v a_o right_a call_n from_o the_o late_a bishop_n as_o true_a presbyter_n 110_o whether_o believer_n complaint_n for_o want_n of_o will_n to_o repent_v be_v just_a or_o not_o 118_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o legal_a teach_v to_o denounce_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o non-amendment_n or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n 119_o whether_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n in_o some_o causality_n unto_o salvation_n or_o joint_o with_o he_o somewhat_o subordinate_a to_o that_o great_a end_n 120_o and_o whether_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o condiiion_n proper_o so_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 121_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n 126_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o paradise_n 130_o whether_o paradise_n and_o heaven_n above_o be_v all_o one_o 131_o whether_o god_n tempt_v man_n and_o whether_o he_o tempt_v unto_o evil_n or_o sin_n 143_o do_v not_o many_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n 144_o whether_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n or_o efficiency_n in_o and_o about_o sin_n 146_o why_o do_v god_n often_o afflict_v his_o own_o child_n with_o so_o sharp_a tribulation_n and_o whether_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v vindicate_v in_o that_o particular_a 149_o whether_o great_a corruption_n nullify_v a_o church_n 173_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o full_a reformation_n can_v be_v attain_v 171_o 172_o how_o be_v god_n justice_n vindicate_v if_o he_o smite_v godly_a and_o ungodly_a together_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a among_o they_o 179_o whether_o christ_n receive_v now_o by_o faith_n to_o justification_n and_o absolution_n be_v the_o hide_a manna_n and_o white_a stone_n promise_v rev._n 2.17_o to_o
the_o conquer_a saint_n 181_o 182_o in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o to_o remove_v false_a teacher_n 196_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o presbytery_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n together_o 198_o how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o innocent_a infant_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o have_v never_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a 204_o how_o come_v infant_n die_v infant_n to_o be_v save_v that_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o whether_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o salvation_n 205_o etc._n etc._n whether_o we_o may_v merit_v by_o our_o work_n 208_o &_o 237._o how_o be_v the_o saint_n copartner_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o imperial_a reign_n and_o kingdom_n 212_o be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o saint_n to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o sin_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 223_o whether_o true_a saint_n may_v final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n 223_o 241._o whether_o perfection_n may_v be_v have_v in_o this_o life_n 225_o whether_o christ_n create_v war_n and_o send_v the_o sword_n into_o the_o world_n 233_o whether_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o their_o iniquity_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 241_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o any_o name_n or_o person_n out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n 242_o whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n 250_o 251_o whether_o magistrate_n may_v not_o suppress_v error_n be_v well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n 851_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o make_v law_n for_o he_o to_o rule_v next_o and_o immediate_o under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n 252_o when_o shall_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v glorious_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n 261_o whether_o saint_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o yet_o suffer_v in_o it_o 262_o whether_o the_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v here_o on_o earth_n or_o in_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n 276_o 313_o whether_o the_o imperial_a reign_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o general_a resurrection_n or_o before_o 277_o whether_o christian_n may_v not_o be_v overhot_a and_o zealous_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o whether_o a_o moderate_a temper_n will_v not_o be_v more_o advantageous_a therein_o then_o a_o over-furious_a one_o 285_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o buy_v of_o christ_n his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o contract_n or_o not_o 295_o how_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o love_v those_o who_o he_o bitter_o chastise_v 302_o whether_o do_v christ_n always_o use_v a_o spiritual_a force_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o his_o back_o slidden_a people_n 304_o whether_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o father_n be_v all_o one_o 310_o whether_o the_o saint_n as_o saint_n may_v just_o expect_v by_o virtue_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n under_o christ_n on_o earth_n at_o this_o present_a time_n 335_o whether_o the_o saint_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n may_v oppose_v the_o supreme_a magistracy_n they_o live_v under_o 335_o 337_o whether_o heathenish_a or_o antichristian_a magistrate_n may_v be_v oppose_v 338_o 339_o whether_o the_o saint_n imperial_a reign_n be_v far_o off_o or_o near_o at_o h●nd_n 341_o 342_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o saint_n to_o put_v to_o a_o help_a hand_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n that_o uphold_a babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n thereof_o 346_o 347_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o praecognita_fw-la the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a chap._n i._n ver_fw-la i._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n this_o book_n have_v for_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o here_o in_o the_o entrance_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insert_v some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o preliminary_a discourse_n and_o question_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v discuss_v before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o body_n of_o this_o book_n quest_n 1._o whether_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n 2._o whether_o john_n who_o in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n be_v name_v john_n the_o divine_a the_o author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o compendious_a view_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n 1._o concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v say_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o unto_o it_o well_o know_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o move_v foundation_n stone_n or_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n receive_v reverent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o age_n to_o age_n as_o the_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o adversary_n of_o old_a take_v advantage_n by_o this_o artifice_n to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o cast_v prejudice_n on_o many_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o weaken_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o saint_n main_o cherish_v and_o support_v by_o the_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o first_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n hence_o rose_n in_o that_o it_o favour_v the_o pretend_a heresy_n of_o the_o chyliast_n or_o millenaries_n and_o their_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o father_n it_o rather_o on_o cerinthus_n the_o heretic_n than_o the_o apostle_n john_n thereby_o if_o possible_o they_o may_v not_o only_o enervate_v its_o testimony_n but_o quite_o shut_v it_o out_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v never_o do_v the_o chylia_v any_o service_n more_o upon_o this_o ground_n hyrome_n be_v the_o first_o that_o do_v most_o public_o call_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 400._o and_o that_o in_o pure_a opposition_n unto_o the_o millenaries_n the_o follower_n of_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n ireneus_fw-la lactantius_n and_o other_o of_o good_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o judgement_n second_o it_o become_v suspect_v as_o erasmus_n witness_v who_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o concern_v other_o divine_a book_n also_o be_v very_o unstable_a in_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a primitive_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o revelation_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o hierome_n himself_o also_o testify_v but_o on_o what_o slender_a ground_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o shall_v present_o consider_v and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o ancient_a greek_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o other_o of_o the_o same_o age_n and_o of_o the_o far_o able_a part_n judgement_n and_o integrity_n number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v the_o public_a stamp_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o it_o there_o be_v one_o caius_n or_o gaius_n as_o eusebius_n witness_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o history_n who_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v of_o one_o cerinthus_n a_o heretic_n who_o hold_v among_o many_o other_o error_n that_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a wherein_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v again_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n for_o the_o term_n of_o a_o complete_a millenary_a of_o year_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n take_v up_o this_o report_n from_o this_o caius_n a_o obscure_a person_n and_o as_o be_v think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o heretical_a alogi_fw-la who_o deny_v as_o epiphanius_n testify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o false_a report_n of_o this_o caius_n dionysius_n doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n but_o hierome_n take_v up_o the_o same_o slender_a ground_n from_o dionysius_n and_o do_v object_v it_o strong_o but_o i_o answer_v it_o seem_v hierome_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o slender_a testimony_n to_o the_o invalidating_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n because_o this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a fortress_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o chiliast_n yet_o however_o though_o hierome_n
add_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1651._o who_o do_v number_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n very_o radiant_a and_o pregnant_a within_o the_o say_a book_n to_o prove_v it_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n first_o in_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o so_o high_o illuminate_v a_o person_n as_o john_n the_o apostle_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v evince_v and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o last_o public_a legacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o special_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v god_n will_v never_o suffer_v such_o a_o palpable_a deceit_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o long_o without_o control_n and_o under_o his_o own_o name_n so_o often_o reiterated_a in_o those_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n direction_n approbation_n and_o providential_a preservation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o this_o book_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o do_v full_o harmonise_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o indubitable_a receive_v book_n of_o god_n that_o treat_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n three_o and_o last_o see_v those_o thing_n be_v evident_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v predict_v and_o foretell_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o dethron_n of_o the_o dragon_n the_o rise_n continuance_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o whore_n ride_v upon_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n with_o divers_a other_o event_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o former_a some_o whereof_z be_v long_o since_o evident_o accomplish_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o determine_a time_n and_o period_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o prophecy_n come_v from_o god_n when_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v consult_v deut._n 18.21_o 22_o verse_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n about_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n have_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o whether_o this_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n first_o they_o that_o oppose_v the_o first_o do_v offer_n as_o their_o reason_n the_o unlikelyness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n that_o there_o be_v between_o this_o book_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n and_o his_o epistle_n which_o two_o latter_a agree_v in_o style_n and_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n be_v very_a dissonant_n from_o they_o both_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n in_o the_o first_o two_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n though_o he_o write_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o substantial_a truth_n contain_v therein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a tie_v up_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o the_o epistle_n but_o be_v leave_v at_o large_a by_o the_o spirit_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o expression_n which_o he_o write_v according_a to_o his_o own_o genius_n and_o temper_n be_v high_a and_o sublimate_n but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o must_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v and_o be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o beside_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o prophecy_n keep_v somewhat_o the_o like_a and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o expression_n character_n and_o method_n as_o it_o do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n daniel_n isaiah_n and_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v joint_o run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n in_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v and_o other_o of_o john_n writing_n second_o they_o that_o oppose_v give_v as_o another_o reason_n but_o unadvised_o that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n the_o revelation_n be_v entitle_v not_o unto_o john_n evangelist_n or_o john_n the_o apostle_n but_o unto_o john_n the_o divine_a this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n for_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o john_n be_v by_o excellency_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n call_v by_o this_o name_n of_o the_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o write_v and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o heretic_n that_o oppose_v it_o in_o his_o time_n as_o the_o ebonite_n simon_n magus_n carpocrates_n cerinthus_n and_o their_o follower_n yet_o withal_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o this_o word_n the_o divine_a in_o our_o language_n be_v too_o narrow_a a_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o this_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v of_o more_o copious_a and_o extensive_a signification_n which_o make_v much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o evangelist_n that_o write_v this_o book_n for_o the_o foresay_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n and_o maintainer_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v this_o denomination_n either_o from_o his_o work_n and_o so_o be_v entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a or_o last_o he_o acquire_v that_o peculiar_a title_n to_o himself_o from_o the_o high_a divine_a inspiration_n and_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n he_o have_v from_o god_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o those_o his_o vision_n and_o so_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o eminent_o conversant_a with_o god_n he_o may_v just_o acquire_v unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o john_n the_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o former_a be_v the_o more_o genuine_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o title_n in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v that_o this_o john_n who_o be_v the_o subordinate_a author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o be_v write_v cap._n 1._o 9_o when_o john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n under_o banishment_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n which_o do_v agree_v with_o all_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a father_n who_o all_o testify_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v there_o banish_v and_o second_o as_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n as_o aretas_n witness_v basil_n gregory_n cyril_n epiphanius_n ireneus_fw-la hippolyta_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n counsel_n plain_o avouch_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n this_o john_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n major_n or_o the_o great_a and_o the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o three_o great_a witness_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o most_o retire_a and_o eminent_a action_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n who_o after_o christ_n have_v accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v ascend_v he_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o as_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n testify_v have_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n receive_v power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o province_n fall_v in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n where_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o preach_v convert_v and_o found_v those_o several_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n philadelphia_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n but_o also_o it_o seem_v
evident_a that_o he_o appoint_v pastor_n and_o elder_n and_o other_o officer_n over_o those_o church_n by_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o paul_n and_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v in_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o this_o be_v somewhat_o clear_a in_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n those_o several_a preadmonishment_n which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v and_o to_o deliver_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o child_n beget_v of_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 84._o wherein_o fall_v the_o second_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n john_n be_v force_v and_o banish_v from_o his_o church_n at_o ephesus_n to_o pathmos_n a_o mediterranean_a island_n and_o one_o of_o those_o call_v cyclades_n wherein_o he_o himself_o testify_v cap._n 1._o 9_o that_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o banishment_n last_o i_o conceive_v the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a to_o be_v a_o superadded_a title_n and_o not_o john_n own_a and_o yet_o of_o great_a antiquity_n give_v it_o by_o some_o primitive_a well-meaning_a christian_n my_o reason_n for_o this_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o john_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o writing_n the_o revelation_n it_o be_v write_v some_o year_n before_o his_o gospel_n but_o his_o gospel_n be_v write_v after_o his_o return_n from_o banishment_n as_o eusebius_n prideaux_n history_n pag_n 27._o and_o other_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n testify_v and_o for_o write_v so_o divine_o of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n in_o his_o gospel_n as_o be_v declare_v he_o just_o acquire_v the_o title_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o not_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v write_v before_o it_o another_o reason_n that_o justify_v this_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o first_o verse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n look_v as_o john_n own_o title_n write_v by_o himself_o to_o wit_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n wherein_o he_o only_o modest_o nominate_v himself_o by_o the_o title_n of_o christ_n servant_n john_n and_o without_o any_o other_o eminent_a superadded_a title_n as_o john_n the_o divine_a which_o have_v sway_v my_o reason_n that_o that_o first_o title_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o for_o honour_n sake_n and_o not_o take_v up_o by_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o also_o with_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v consider_v to_o wit_n the_o scope_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o i_o shall_v handle_v but_o compendious_o and_o more_o general_a that_o i_o may_v not_o preoccupy_v my_o subsequent_a discourse_n this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n wherein_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o notable_a event_n and_o alteration_n as_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o her_o enemy_n from_o her_o first_o rise_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o set_v out_o and_o describe_v in_o hyerogliphique_a and_o prophetical_a vision_n which_o christ_n have_v signify_v unto_o his_o servant_n john_n and_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o two_o general_a part_n 1._o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n minor_a which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n 2._o a_o general_a discourse_n of_o all_o the_o alteration_n which_o general_o do_v concern_v or_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o john_n time_n to_o the_o latter_a day_n which_o be_v comprise_v from_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n 1._o in_o the_o epistle_n there_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n as_o in_o the_o preface_n thereof_o first_o the_o immediate_a author_n from_o who_o this_o admonition_n come_v and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n cap_n 1._o 1._o and_o 11._o second_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o deliver_v and_o that_o be_v john_n vers_fw-la 9_o three_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o be_v particular_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n to_o sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n cap._n 1._o v._n 11._o and_o cap._n 2._o &_o 3._o throughout_o four_o in_o this_o monitory_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o fault_n and_o error_n they_o be_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v of_o five_o the_o threat_n lay_v out_o against_o they_o for_o non-amendment_n six_o and_o last_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o well-doing_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n with_o a_o exhortation_n unto_o perseverance_n therein_o ●_o in_o the_o second_o general_a part_n or_o discourse_n concern_v the_o great_a alteration_n that_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o adversary_n these_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n 1._o a_o historical_a relation_n under_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o seal_a book_n or_o seal_v prophecy_n in_o the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o and_o 8_o chapter_n which_o principal_o concern_v the_o various_a success_n combustion_n confusion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o heathenish_a roman_a empire_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o high_a confusion_n yet_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o providential_a preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o it_o hot_a persecution_n and_o though_o mighty_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n yet_o preserve_v fence_a and_o seal_v by_o god_n 2._o in_o part_n of_o the_o eight_o and_o in_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n under_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n there_o be_v a_o alarm_n sound_v forth_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o then_o degenerate_v roman_a christian_n empire_n by_o a_o sevenfold_a order_n of_o plague_n the_o four_o first_o be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o the_o three_o last_o be_v entitle_v the_o three_o wo-trumpet_n 3._o you_o may_v observe_v as_o it_o be_v a_o digression_n in_o the_o pprophecy_n after_o the_o plague_n of_o the_o sixth_o be_v the_o second_o wo-trumpet_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n and_o the_o description_n of_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o wo-trumpet_n set_v off_o to_o another_o place_n where_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n find_v it_o more_o convenient_o to_o refer_v it_o and_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o little_a book_n which_o be_v as_o a_o preface_n and_o entrance_n unto_o the_o pprophecy_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o event_n and_o destiny_n that_o shall_v befall_v to_o christ_n church_n until_o the_o end_n 4._o in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n you_o may_v observe_v how_o therein_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a visible_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o state_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n unto_o the_o late_a day_n and_o you_o may_v far_o observe_v that_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o open_a book_n which_o principal_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o eleven_o chapter_n do_v most_o necessary_o concur_v and_o connex_v with_o all_o other_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o revelation_n concern_v the_o secular_a power_n under_o the_o seal_n and_o trumpet_n for_o both_o do_v concur_v together_o though_o under_o several_a character_n and_o vision_n 5._o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o retrogranation_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a ample_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o persecute_a and_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n concur_v with_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o six_o seal_n under_o the_o idolatrous_a heathenish_a roman_a empire_n until_o she_o have_v bring_v forth_o her_o man-child_n and_o the_o dragon_n cast_v down_o and_o destroy_v yet_o she_o be_v not_o so_o free_v from_o her_o afflict_a state_n but_o she_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o the_o dragon_n send_v his_o flood_n after_o she_o of_o persecution_n beside_o error_n and_o heresy_n to_o overwhelm_v she_o if_o he_o can_v 6._o you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n the_o dragon_n be_v dethrone_v how_o he_o substitute_n in_o his_o room_n the_o ten_o horn_a beast_n the_o secular_a roman_a empire_n divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n which_o persecute_v the_o woman_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o of_o the_o former_a heathenish_a empire_n against_o she_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v
another_o two_o horn_a beast_n joint_o rage_v and_o reign_v with_o the_o former_a at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n which_o do_v as_o much_o mischief_n to_o she_o as_o that_o secular_a beast_n itself_o do_v be_v the_o ecclesiastic_a and_o pseudo-prophetical_a beast_n or_o antichrist_n itself_o who_o be_v the_o former_a beast_n great_a chaplain_n prophet_n and_o vicar_n general_a who_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n have_v two_o horn_n like_o a_o lamb_n yet_o exercise_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o set_v up_o again_o other_o under_o specious_a title_n the_o late_a abolish_v heathenish_a idolatry_n and_o tyrannous_a persecute_v government_n like_o that_o of_o the_o dragon_n and_o so_o heal_v the_o wound_n give_v to_o the_o first_o beast_n this_o beast_n token_n quality_n and_o character_n be_v herein_o describe_v that_o they_o that_o have_v wisdom_n may_v know_v and_o shun_v they_o 7._o in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n be_v observable_a how_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o this_o antichristian_a beast_n the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n by_o their_o continual_a publish_n of_o the_o sincere_a gospel_n of_o christ_n they_o bring_v ruin_n and_o desolation_n upon_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a babylon_n the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o seat_n set_v forth_o under_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o three_o angel_n but_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o 15_o and_o 16_o chapter_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o vial_n and_o the_o effusion_n thereof_o be_v the_o particular_a gradual_a and_o final_a ruin_n of_o the_o anti-christian_n beast_n with_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n more_o full_o set_v forth_o and_o manifest_v at_o the_o pour_v out_o whereof_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v free_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o anti-christs_a oppression_n and_o idolatrous_a pollution_n she_o sing_v her_o triumphant_a song_n the_o song_n of_o moses_n 8._o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n that_o those_o precedent_n prophetical_a vision_n and_o discovery_n may_v not_o seem_v improbable_a the_o spirit_n itself_o give_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n of_o babylon_n sit_v upon_o a_o scarlet_a colour_a beast_n of_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n the_o beast_n be_v the_o roman_a empire_n divide_v under_o ten_o king_n or_o kingdom_n the_o woman_n harlot_n be_v the_o great_a city_n to_o wit_n rome_n itself_o which_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o can_v deny_v as_o in_o the_o preface_n hereof_o be_v more_o full_o manifest_v which_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o mother_n city_n of_o all_o spiritual_a fornication_n by_o this_o taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v interpretation_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o vision_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o explain_v historical_o and_o that_o every_o mystery_n open_v other_o to_o the_o discovery_n even_o of_o the_o whole_a 9_o in_o the_o 18_o and_o 19_o chapter_n be_v but_o a_o more_o solemn_a reiterate_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o the_o antichristian_a state_n with_o the_o horror_n anguish_n and_o utter_a desolation_n that_o shall_v befall_v it_o and_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v enemy_n whereupon_o the_o church_n be_v now_o free_v from_o all_o danger_n give_v praise_n power_n and_o glory_n unto_o god_n and_o in_o chap._n 20._o enjoy_v that_o happy_a sabbath_n of_o rest_n that_o glorious_a reign_n on_o earth_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n that_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n begin_v with_o the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o determine_v with_o the_o last_o and_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o all_o the_o dead_a when_o all_o christ_n enemy_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o cast_v into_o hell_n to_o be_v torment_v for_o evermore_o and_o the_o saint_n translate_v into_o the_o glorify_a estate_n that_o heavenly_a city_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 10._o in_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n you_o may_v observe_v the_o glorious_a description_n of_o this_o new_a glorify_a church-state_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n set_v forth_o by_o most_o excellent_a metaphor_n and_o figure_n wherein_o all_o spiritual_a delicacy_n in_o a_o far_o high_a pitch_n than_o the_o church_n ever_o yet_o enjoy_v on_o earth_n set_v forth_o unto_o we_o by_o such_o resemblance_n &_o figure_n as_o be_v now_o most_o glorious_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o fit_a to_o express_v such_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n whereupon_o follow_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o property_n of_o that_o glory_n but_o never_o of_o the_o glory_n itself_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a pprophecy_n with_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o verity_n and_o truth_n thereof_o until_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_v and_o premise_v and_o have_v lay_v down_o a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o come_v by_o god_n assistance_n and_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o sobriety_n and_o with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n to_o open_v in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o book_n itself_o remove_v not_o the_o stone_n well_o lay_v the_o revelation_n reveal_v chap._n i._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3._o ver._n 1._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n ver._n 2._o who_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v ver._n 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n have_v former_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n premise_v some_o thing_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o here_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o as_o the_o mediator_n of_o his_o church_n receive_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o a_o unspeakable_a manner_n and_o make_v it_o know_v by_o his_o servant_n john_n for_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o church_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n from_o this_o word_n or_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o revelation_n you_o may_v observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o book_n of_o truth_n and_o prophecy_n not_o hide_v and_o seal_v but_o make_v know_v and_o reveal_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o revelation_n of_o thing_n and_o passage_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v verse_n 3_o and_o how_o with_o reason_n can_v a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o keep_v we_o have_v further_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o it_o cap._n 10._o five_o 8._o that_o the_o little_a book_n be_v a_o open_a book_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o great_a revolution_n of_o the_o church_n until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o and_o in_o chap._n 22._o v._n 10._o there_o be_v a_o positive_a command_v not_o to_o seal_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n observe_v 2._o from_o the_o author_n of_o the_o revelation_n jesus_n christ_n observe_v that_o all_o good_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o counsel_n determine_v to_o bestow_v and_o give_v unto_o his_o church_n he_o do_v give_v and_o bestow_v they_o in_o by_z and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o he_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a and_o be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v he_o that_o bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n in_o the_o beginning_n upon_o our_o parent_n first_o transgression_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o he_o be_v the_o same_o spiritual_a rock_n and_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a as_o he_o be_v now_o unto_o we_o and_o none_o ever_o do_v or_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o father_n or_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o son_n who_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o lighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n be_v you_o than_o all_o be_v you_o whether_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v for_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o last_o
but_o especial_o for_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n quest_n what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n answ_n not_o only_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o grace_n itself_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o all_o good_a even_o the_o good_a will_n and_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o elect_n even_o whilst_o sinner_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v not_o only_o happy_a success_n from_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o felicity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o reconciliation_n unto_o and_o with_o god_n from_o whence_o flow_v all_o true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n quest_n how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n whilst_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o grace_n and_o peace_n aforehand_o answ_n he_o wish_v unto_o they_o a_o full_a sense_n and_o more_o plenteous_a fruit_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o perseverance_n in_o it_o it_o seem_v by_o their_o backslide_n they_o have_v lose_v some_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o therefore_o need_v a_o supply_n from_o god_n second_o i_o answer_v all_o grace_n be_v not_o give_v at_o once_o to_o god_n best_a child_n but_o by_o degree_n and_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o right_o may_v john_n wish_v these_o church_n a_o increase_n and_o so_o may_v all_o christ_n minister_n unto_o all_o that_o will_v ever_o want_v increase_n of_o grace_n while_o here_o beneath_o for_o none_o here_o in_o this_o world_n will_v ever_o see_v perfection_n in_o a_o absolute_a and_o abstract_a sense_n and_o therefore_o will_v still_o have_v need_n of_o a_o additament_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n you_o have_v here_o the_o author_n or_o fountain_n to_o wit_n the_o trinity_n from_o which_o all_o happiness_n all_o true_a grace_n and_o peace_n do_v proceed_v even_o from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v from_o that_o almighty_a glorious_a god_n who_o only_o have_v a_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a be_v in_o and_o of_o himself_o who_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o be_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_n be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o interpretation_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o spirit_n some_o interpret_v that_o here_o be_v mean_v seven_o principal_a minister_a spirit_n or_o angel_n that_o always_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o command_n but_o this_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o first_o because_o grace_v and_o peace_n be_v here_o desire_a from_o they_o joint_o as_o from_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o angel_n or_o creature_n work_v but_o only_o the_o creator_n second_o for_o that_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a salutation_n you_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o in_o any_o create_a spirit_n or_o angel_n name_n but_o only_o in_o this_o sort_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o consolation_n or_o peace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v with_o you_o three_o for_o that_o in_o chap._n 5._o v._n 6._o these_o seven_o spirit_n be_v there_o call_v the_o seven_o eye_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v which_o the_o spirit_n send_v forth_o into_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o reason_n do_v clear_o convince_v i_o that_o we_o must_v here_o in_o this_o place_n and_o there_o also_o understand_v this_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o here_o go_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o seven_o spirit_n to_o signify_v its_o sevenfold_a power_n virtue_n efficacy_n and_o gift_n rom._n 12._o for_o this_o mystical_a number_n of_o seven_o do_v always_o in_o this_o book_n and_o all_o other_o prophecy_n signify_v compleatness_n and_o perfection_n seven_o church_n seven_o candlestick_n seven_o seal_n seven_o trumpet_n seven_o vial_n seven_o angel_n all_o signify_v a_o perfection_n in_o their_o kind_n hence_o take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n the_o whole_a trinity_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o support_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o of_o all_o our_o joy_n comfort_n and_o happiness_n here_o hereafter_o and_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o father_n more_o peculiar_o flow_v the_o grace_n of_o election_n from_o the_o son_n the_o grace_n of_o redemption_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o spirit_n the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n peace_n and_o consolation_n and_o from_o the_o three_o in_o one_o our_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a glory_n verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o the_o first-begotten_a of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n verse_n 6._o and_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n etc._n etc._n christ_n here_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n in_o sundry_a respect_n first_o in_o that_o he_o have_v faithful_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n second_o in_o that_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o work_n about_o our_o redemption_n commit_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n three_o in_o that_o he_o have_v here_o faithful_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n in_o these_o prophecy_n from_o whence_o observe_v as_o before_o on_z vers_n 1._o observe_v that_o this_o prophecy_n have_v so_o faithful_a a_o author_n and_o relater_n as_o christ_n it_o must_v sure_o be_v true_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a much_o more_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o son_n heb._n 2.1_o 2._o see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 3._o 14._o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o first-gotten_a of_o the_o dead_a first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o rise_v by_o his_o own_o proper_a power_n from_o the_o dead_a second_o because_o all_o that_o have_v rise_v or_o shall_v so_o rise_v do_v it_o by_o a_o derivative_a virtue_n and_o power_n from_o he_o three_o he_o may_v be_v call_v the_o first-born_a or_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o dead_a because_o he_o be_v the_o true_a and_o substantial_a first-fruit_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o levitical_a primicy_n or_o first_o fruit_n or_o first-born_a that_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15.20_o observe_v this_o prove_v the_o resurrection_n if_o christ_n be_v the_o first-born_a of_o the_o dead_a than_o other_o of_o his_o member_n must_v necessary_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o resurrection_n also_o 2_o cor._n 4.14_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n first_o as_o head_n of_o his_o church_n or_o of_o saint_n who_o be_v call_v king_n of_o the_o earth_n rev._n 5.10_o second_o as_o king_n of_o king_n so_o by_o he_o king_n reign_v this_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o bless_v we_o here_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o at_o last_o to_o raise_v we_o and_o to_o save_v we_o and_o unto_o this_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a saviour_n who_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n that_o be_v king_n and_o conqueror_n not_o only_o over_o our_o own_o lust_n but_o over_o the_o world_n and_o over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o priest_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n unto_o the_o father_n to_o this_o gracious_a saviour_n who_o have_v do_v all_o these_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o be_v give_v all_o glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o evermore_o amen_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n under_o these_o particular_n first_o he_o love_v we_o that_o be_v accept_v our_o person_n in_o himself_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o in_o time_n justify_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n second_o he_o sanctify_v we_o by_o make_v we_o conqueror_n over_o our_o lust_n and_o to_o become_v active_o zealous_a towards_o god_n in_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o last_o he_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n after_o the_o resurrection_n ruler_n with_o christ_n and_o sharer_n with_o he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n see_v more_o cap._n 5._o 1._o verse_n 7._o behold_v he_o come_v with_o cloud_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o also_o which_o pierce_v he_o and_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o
because_o this_o of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n here_o be_v set_v as_o the_o general_a result_n and_o the_o main_a proposition_n of_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o revelation_n wherein_o the_o great_a design_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o christ_n to_o come_v and_o the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o i_o set_v these_o query_n out_o of_o zach._n 12._o collate_v with_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o matth._n 24.30_o 1._o be_v ever_o judah_n or_o jerusalem_n since_o that_o prophecy_n make_v to_o her_o enemy_n a_o cup_n of_o tremble_v be_v she_o ever_o a_o burdensome_a stone_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n to_o cut_v they_o in_o piece_n have_v ever_o the_o governor_n of_o judah_n be_v like_o a_o hearth_n of_o fire_n among_o the_o wood_n and_z and_z like_o a_o torch_n of_o fire_n in_o a_o sheaf_n devour_v all_o the_o people_n round_o about_o or_o be_v they_o ever_o since_o that_o prophecy_n of_o zachary_n in_o that_o strength_n that_o the_o feeble_a among_o they_o be_v as_o david_n and_o the_o house_n of_o david_n as_o elohim_n etc._n etc._n peruse_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consider_v whether_o you_o can_v find_v the_o least_o accomplishment_n thereof_o i_o next_o quere_z when_o be_v ever_o that_o eminent_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n pour_v out_o on_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v for_o he_o with_o great_a bitterness_n each_o family_n mourn_v apart_o be_v this_o do_v at_o christ_n passion_n by_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n his_o crucifier_n they_o deride_v he_o or_o be_v this_o fulfil_v by_o the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o disciple_n the_o eleven_o who_o flee_v at_o his_o suffering_n they_o do_v not_o pierce_v he_o or_o be_v this_o fulfil_v upon_o those_o mourner_n in_o act_n 2_o they_o see_v he_o not_o when_o they_o mourn_v nor_o with_o their_o family_n apart_o nor_o see_v he_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o thereupon_o mourn_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o yet_o the_o main_a of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v last_o be_v this_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o last_o resurrection_n or_o ultimate_a judgement_n i_o ask_v be_v that_o a_o day_n of_o repentance_n of_o mourning_n and_o of_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n unto_o the_o wicked_a and_o then_o christ_n dispensatory_a kingdom_n of_o grace_n be_v at_o a_o end_n 1_o cor._n 15.24_o therefore_o to_o be_v brief_a and_o not_o to_o exceed_v due_a bound_n i_o assert_v that_o here_o by_o see_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n by_o every_o eye_n and_o by_o they_o that_o pierce_v he_o and_o that_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v because_o of_o he_o be_v mean_v by_o john_n as_o zachary_n mean_v namely_o that_o all_o the_o tribe_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v see_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n with_o glory_n as_o man_n before_o the_o end_n of_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o his_o elect_n with_o grace_n and_o godly_a repentance_n to_o the_o all_o other_o his_o enemy_n with_o horror_n and_o confusion_n consult_v jer_n 25.5_o 6._o zach._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o isa_n 2._o throughout_o object_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o you_o make_v divers_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o one_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o restauration_n of_o his_o church_n to_o a_o glorious_a state_n and_o reign_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o another_o or_o second_o come_v again_o before_o the_o final_a end_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o execute_v the_o ultimate_a judgement_n but_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n which_o mention_n only_o of_o two_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o first_o in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o last_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o execute_v the_o wrath_n of_o his_o father_n on_o all_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n and_o the_o refuser_n of_o his_o gospel_n i_o answer_v christ_n come_v in_o scripture_n be_v various_o take_v sometime_o for_o his_o first_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o in_o spirit_n of_o grace_n power_n and_o miracle_n but_o last_o and_o most_o eminent_o to_o judgement_n and_o in_o this_o his_o last_o come_n there_o be_v several_a remarkable_a period_n and_o event_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o morning_n of_o this_o great_a day_n he_o come_v to_o convert_v the_o jew_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o destroy_v antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n enemy_n not_o utter_o final_o but_o of_o all_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o church_n which_o be_v quite_o take_v off_o by_o christ_n and_o a_o sure_a chain_n or_o tie_v lay_v on_o their_o spirit_n of_o malice_n and_o on_o their_o ringleader_n satan_n himself_o that_o there_o be_v none_o can_v hurt_v during_o this_o glorious_a reign_n in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n this_o restauration_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o day_n but_o the_o wotk_n of_o the_o evening_n of_o this_o day_n be_v the_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o give_v final_a sentence_n on_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o oppose_v he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v for_o evermore_o see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o chap._n 20._o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o two_o remarkable_a act_n or_o event_n in_o this_o his_o last_o come_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n of_o this_o great_a day_n of_o his_o appearance_n verse_n 8._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v even_o the_o almighty_a here_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_o assert_v who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n and_o to_o take_v his_o attribute_n unto_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o person_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v christ_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o precedent_a verse_n the_o same_o person_n that_o come_v with_o cloud_n and_o be_v pierce_v be_v the_o same_o here_o describe_v who_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o collate_v it_o to_o verse_n 11._o and_o 17._o where_o he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o who_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o alive_a command_v john_n to_o write_v what_o he_o see_v and_o that_o be_v christ_n verse_n 1_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o last_o letter_n of_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v even_o the_o almighty_a out_o of_o which_o description_n of_o his_o person_n note_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o infinite_a almighty_a and_o eternal_a god_n of_o himself_o with_o the_o father_n from_o everlasting_a by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n shall_v end_v this_o eternal_a word_n or_o christ_n be_v with_o god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o this_o word_n be_v god_n and_o therefore_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o essential_a and_o absolute_a incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n unto_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o most_o express_a scripture_n if_o there_o be_v not_o any_o more_o of_o this_o consort_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o it_o abound_v to_o ●ay_n low_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonless_a arrianize_v socinian_n of_o these_o time_n who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n or_o godhead_n of_o christ_n collate_n with_o this_o to_o this_o purpose_n verses_z 4_o and_o 5._o of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 9_o i_o john_n even_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n john_n in_o this_o verse_n describe_v his_o condition_n and_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o be_v when_o he_o receive_v this_o revelation_n use_v the_o love_a and_o common_a christian_a compellation_n of_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fellow_n commoner_n or_o fellow-sharer_n in_o affliction_n from_o whence_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v from_o
disciple_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o imprison_v revile_v and_o suffer_v many_o persecution_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v from_o that_o promise_n in_o gen._n 3._o that_o god_n will_v set_v enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o this_o enmity_n have_v abide_v ever_o since_o and_o will_v ever_o abide_v between_o those_o two_o mystical_a seed_n until_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n christ_n and_o his_o member_n shall_v become_v absolute_a conqueror_n in_o the_o bind_n up_o the_o old_a serpent_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o enmity_n and_o mischief_n this_o inform_v god_n people_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o when_o the_o world_n and_o their_o enemy_n do_v rage_n against_o they_o here_o a_o question_n may_v come_v in_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v brief_o that_o truth_n be_v either_o about_o fundamental_o or_o circumstantial_o fundamental_o be_v such_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o we_o can_v ordinary_o be_v save_v and_o they_o be_v conversant_a either_o about_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o saint_n and_o christian_n or_o second_o about_o the_o well-being_n in_o preserve_v and_o build_v up_o this_o christian_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v call_v principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n heb._n 6.1_o you_o know_v no_o one_o can_v proceed_v to_o be_v a_o artist_n in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n or_o come_v to_o any_o perfection_n therein_o without_o some_o certain_a rule_n and_o principle_n to_o proceed_v by_o so_o none_o can_v become_v a_o true_a christian_a or_o artist_n in_o that_o heavenly_a science_n of_o christianity_n without_o some_o first_o lay_v principle_n and_o among_o those_o fundamental_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_n i_o believe_v as_o some_o have_v be_v too_o large_a in_o the_o description_n of_o their_o fundamental_o so_o some_o have_v be_v too_o narrow_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v not_o precise_o determine_v by_o any_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v gather_v up_o here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o parcel_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a to_o define_v their_o certain_a number_n only_o i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o that_o creed_n which_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a set_v a_o qualify_a sense_n on_o that_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n to_o be_v the_o exact_a square_n and_o rule_v of_o principle_n that_o relate_v unto_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v this_o day_n extant_a and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n now_o second_o other_o fundamental_o be_v about_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o baptism_n lord_n supper_n prayer_n thanks-givings_a all_o church_n order_n and_o fellowship_n preach_v exhort_v reprove_v oversee_n and_o the_o like_a and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n we_o be_v rather_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o they_o then_o to_o defile_v our_o soul_n or_o conscience_n under_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o they_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o bear_v they_o a_o testimony_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o every_o opinion_n that_o arise_v about_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o manner_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n which_o be_v but_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o set_v bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n therein_o it_o savour_v rather_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n heat_n and_o passion_n then_o of_o find_a judgement_n and_o christian_n wisdom_n this_o be_v to_o make_v hard_a knot_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o christ_n call_v his_o yoke_n easy_a this_o be_v to_o make_v it_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a the_o substantial_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o the_o blind_a may_v walk_v therein_o and_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v through_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v mystery_n high_a question_n and_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n these_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o gift_n not_o of_o our_o faith_n no_o further_o then_o as_o part_v of_o the_o reveal_v mind_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n though_o we_o understand_v they_o not_o which_o be_v reserve_v until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o when_o all_o our_o ignorances_n and_n imperfection_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o this_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o some_o hot_a spirit_n of_o these_o time_n that_o rather_o than_o lose_v or_o part_n with_o their_o wild_a opinion_n or_o let_v they_o lie_v unvented_a will_v break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n charity_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o utter_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o otherwise_o their_o gift_n and_o part_n may_v stand_v in_o stead_n for_o i_o doubt_v all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o our_o time_n be_v too_o far_o baptize_v into_o this_o error_n and_o satan_n have_v too_o great_a a_o stroke_n in_o it_o to_o divide_v the_o heart_n of_o christian_n about_o circumstantial_o when_o as_o they_o hold_v one_o and_o the_o same_o fundamental_o joint_o together_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n remedy_n this_o great_a evil_n and_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n verse_n 10._o i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o in_o beza_n translation_n be_v render_v correptus_fw-la in_o spiritu_fw-la i_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n a_o ecstasy_n wherein_o john_n receive_v this_o vision_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o their_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n they_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o themselves_o and_o out_o of_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o this_o be_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v mighty_o in_o their_o spirit_n observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v set_v a_o violence_n on_o those_o person_n he_o employ_v about_o the_o high_a mystery_n and_o discovery_n of_o his_o choice_a truth_n paul_n that_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o have_v his_o rapture_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v exekiel_n when_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o high_a vision_n he_o oft_o report_v of_o the_o spirit_n enter_v into_o he_o and_o take_v he_o up_o cap._n 3.12_o and_o 2.2_o john_n for_o his_o better_a accomplishment_n to_o receive_v those_o divine_a vision_n he_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v first_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o take_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a view_n of_o those_o divine_a discovery_n which_o be_v about_o to_o be_v show_v unto_o he_o when_o we_o will_v show_v one_o thing_n distinct_o we_o use_v to_o place_v he_o up_o on_o high_a for_o the_o better_a sight_n second_o that_o he_o may_v have_v satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o those_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n see_v he_o have_v so_o extraordinary_a taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o may_v well_o conclude_v he_o be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v to_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o church_n last_o that_o his_o thought_n and_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v sequester_v from_o thing_n below_o and_o his_o contemplation_n raise_v high_a on_o thing_n divine_a as_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v another_o note_n from_o hence_o be_v as_o a_o corrollary_n to_o the_o former_a that_o when_o christ_n set_v up_o any_o eminent_a officer_n or_o light_n in_o
the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o be_v from_o his_o first_o undertake_n for_o fall_v man_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o great_a administrator_n and_o agent_n for_o his_o father_n and_o so_o will_v be_v until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o under_o several_a appearance_n to_o wit_n either_o in_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o second_o in_o visional_a representation_n as_o here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a or_o three_o and_o last_o in_o his_o real_a humane_a nature_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o come_v object_n but_o some_o may_v here_o unadvised_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n that_o appear_v here_o to_o john_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o his_o manhood_n in_o heaven_n why_o then_o there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n but_o this_o objection_n savour_v of_o much_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n though_o the_o deity_n i_o grant_v be_v most_o eminent_o conjunct_a with_o the_o manhood_n in_o heaven_n for_o that_o be_v the_o most_o special_a and_o magnificent_a habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o that_o infinite_a deity_n which_o be_v one_o with_o the_o humanity_n in_o heaven_n do_v from_o thence_o flow_v and_o extend_v itself_o most_o infinite_o over_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o only_o most_o glorious_a in_o heaven_n but_o all_o other_o sublunary_a place_n also_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o glorious_a presence_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n 119.8_o if_o i_o ascend_v up_o unto_o heaven_n why_o thou_o be_v there_o that_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o glory_n if_o i_o go_v down_o unto_o the_o deep_n thou_o be_v there_o also_o thy_o power_n and_o wonderful_a providential_a working_n be_v see_v there_o also_o this_o be_v make_v good_a by_o that_o old_a verse_n enter_v praesenter_fw-la deus_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o ubique_fw-la potenter_fw-la god_n be_v power_n and_o presence_n be_v most_o clear_a on_o high_a and_o here_o beneath_o and_o every_o where_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o christ_n shall_v here_o appear_v unto_o john_n in_o his_o deity_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o not_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o form_n or_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appear_v to_o john_n in_o his_o humanity_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o stephen_n he_o have_v then_o call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o take_v only_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o be_v call_v cap._n 2._o 18._o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v under_o a_o figure_n like_o to_o his_o humanity_n his_o humane_a body_n be_v in_o heaven_n since_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v there_o to_o abide_v until_o the_o latter_a day_n act_n 2.34_o 35._o from_o this_o figure_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n observe_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o glorious_a for_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o behold_v therefore_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o john_n under_o the_o form_n of_o man_n the_o more_o excellent_a glory_n be_v here_o shadow_v under_o that_o be_v less_o glorious_a if_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o divine_a nature_n and_o glory_n unto_o john_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o other_o then_o in_o some_o dark_a representation_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v overwhelm_v john_n and_o slay_v he_o no_o man_n can_v see_v i_o and_o live_v say_v god_n to_o moses_n exod._n 33.18_o when_o he_o desire_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n this_o representation_n unto_o john_n be_v so_o glorious_a though_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n that_o john_n profess_v in_o verse_n 17._o when_o he_o see_v it_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a if_o we_o can_v behold_v without_o prejudice_n the_o sun_n in_o its_o glory_n how_o can_v we_o behold_v the_o exceed_a glory_n of_o the_o creator_n who_o glory_n exceed_v infinite_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n as_o far_o as_o infinity_n exceed_v all_o finite_a being_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o majesty_n will_v turn_v we_o into_o nothing_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n and_o shrine_n up_o his_o majesty_n under_o the_o form_n of_o man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n between_o he_o and_o we_o oh_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n from_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n note_v that_o christ_n sit_v as_o king_n and_o supreme_a moderator_n and_o governor_n in_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v couch_v in_o these_o word_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o they_o for_o a_o king_n supreme_a captain_n or_o governor_n sit_v in_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o his_o noble_n and_o servant_n be_v environ_v about_o with_o attendant_n for_o his_o great_a majesty_n this_o person_n here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o denote_v christ_n kingly_a office_n be_v far_o describe_v by_o his_o garment_n be_v clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n betoken_v gravity_n and_o wisdom_n this_o sort_n of_o garment_n be_v wear_v of_o the_o priest_n of_o old_a and_o also_o of_o the_o roman_a senator_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n in_o christ_n time_n matth._n 12.38_o use_v also_o this_o kind_n of_o garment_n and_o christ_n here_o appear_v in_o this_o garb_n which_o do_v typical_o represent_v both_o his_o priestly_a office_n and_o his_o prophetical_a office_n also_o for_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v array_v in_o such_o long_a garment_n exod._n 28.42_o 43._o leu._n 6.10_o and_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n minister_v in_o such_o a_o garment_n 1_o sam._n 2.18_o hence_o observe_v that_o when_o christ_n make_v discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o church_n he_o desire_v to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o all_o his_o office_n when_o he_o appear_v here_o among_o these_o asian_a church_n in_o a_o kingly_a way_n and_o power_n to_o chastise_v they_o for_o their_o backslide_n yet_o he_o appear_v too_o in_o a_o sacerdotal_a garment_n under_o his_o priestly_a office_n intercede_v for_o his_o poor_a backslide_a people_n and_o withal_o exercise_v his_o prophetical_a office_n in_o admonish_v they_o to_o return_v to_o their_o first_o love_n who_o they_o have_v forsake_v christ_n will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o any_o of_o his_o office_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n which_o denote_v christ_n readiness_n in_o all_o his_o office_n for_o their_o good_a consult_v luke_n 12.35_o and_o 17.8_o when_o the_o roman_n of_o old_a do_v undertake_v any_o matter_n of_o action_n they_o do_v use_v to_o truss_v up_o their_o long_a garment_n for_o the_o better_a expedition_n in_o their_o action_n so_o christ_n here_o be_v say_v to_o be_v gird_v with_o a_o precious_a and_o golden_a girdle_n to_o manifest_v his_o readiness_n for_o his_o church_n service_n either_o as_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o chastise_v they_o as_o a_o priest_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o and_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o inform_v they_o verse_n 14._o his_o head_n and_o hair_n be_v white_a as_o white_a wool_n and_o as_o snow_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n verse_n 15._o and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n and_o his_o voice_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n this_o appearance_n or_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v far_a describe_v to_o have_v his_o head_n and_o hair_n white_a as_o wool_n and_o as_o snow_n and_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n in_o dan._n 7.9_o be_v ever_o under_o the_o same_o figure_n describe_v white_a hair_n and_o white_a head_n shows_z gravity_n age_n and_o antiquity_n worthy_a of_o all_o due_a reverence_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n magna_fw-la fuit_fw-la quadam_fw-la capitis_fw-la reverentia_fw-la cani_fw-la from_o this_o description_n note_v that_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o same_o antiquity_n with_o the_o father_n even_o one_o and_o the_o same_o coeternal_a god_n bless_v for_o ever_o for_o god_n who_o be_v call_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n in_o that_o vision_n of_o daniel_n 7.9_o manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o like_a appearance_n as_o he_o do_v here_o unto_o john_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n therefore_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n have_v the_o
the_o solemn_a and_o the_o ultimate_a complete_a act_n in_o ordination_n unto_o all_o office_n in_o the_o church_n so_o christ_n here_o follow_v his_o own_o method_n use_v in_o his_o church_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o but_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n man_n may_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o that_o be_v bestow_v office_n on_o man_n but_o can_v add_v power_n to_o execute_v those_o office_n but_o christ_n not_o only_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o make_v john_n a_o prophet_n but_o fill_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n also_o who_o christ_n call_v unto_o office_n in_o his_o church_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o they_o he_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n john_n before_o he_o receive_v his_o confirmation_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o the_o command_n to_o write_v his_o vision_n and_o what_o he_o see_v unto_o the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n divine_a vision_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o the_o glory_n thereof_o whereupon_o christ_n lay_v his_o hand_n of_o comfort_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v that_o rouse_a voice_n say_v fear_v not_o the_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v in_o some_o measure_n run_v parallel_n with_o john_n first_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v clear_a vision_n of_o christ_n sound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o their_o own_o corruption_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_a and_o lie_v low_a at_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v pattern_n unto_o other_o in_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o other_o grace_n three_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o christ_n hand_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v his_o spirit_n which_o will_v manifest_v itself_o in_o their_o sanctify_a desire_n willingness_n and_o readiness_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n four_o and_o last_o they_o ought_v to_o hear_v that_o rouse_a word_n of_o comfort_n within_o fear_v not_o that_o be_v the_o comfortable_a experience_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n fear_v not_o which_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a confidence_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o face_n of_o man_n for_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n this_o endowment_n with_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o that_o be_v principal_o look_v at_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o even_a officer_n of_o the_o low_a form_n consult_v act_n 6.3_o and_o 9.17.11.24_o and_o 13.2_o unless_o man_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o in_o some_o fullness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v neither_o fit_n for_o those_o holy_a function_n nor_o can_v satisfy_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n unto_o they_o verse_n 18._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o that_o this_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v christ_n be_v clear_a to_o avoid_v repetition_n peruse_v the_o precedent_n 8_o and_o 13_o verse_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n object_n it_o be_v former_o assert_v on_o vers_n 13._o that_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a person_n of_o christ_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n now_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v impassable_a he_o do_v not_o suffer_v death_n nor_o be_v again_o make_v alive_a for_o he_o be_v life_n itself_o therefore_o this_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o his_o humanity_n and_o that_o be_v it_o to_o wit_n his_o humane_a nature_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n that_o which_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o be_v dead_a to_o clear_v this_o i_o answer_v you_o must_v understand_v that_o be_v frequent_a in_o scripture_n to_o attribute_v that_o unto_o one_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a attribute_n of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o as_o the_o learned_a call_v it_o communicatione_n idiomatum_fw-la by_o the_o communication_n of_o property_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v communicate_v or_o attribute_v unto_o the_o humane_a and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o instance_n when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v buy_v justify_v or_o save_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a to_o conceive_v that_o god_n have_v blood_n but_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o person_n who_o cleanse_v we_o by_o his_o blood_n be_v both_o man_n and_o god_n in_o one_o person_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v here_o attribute_v unto_o the_o divine_a and_o so_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n create_v all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o the_o father_n from_o everlasting_a this_o be_v predicate_v of_o one_o nature_n which_o 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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 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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
church_n it_o pass_v my_o skill_n to_o conjecture_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o good_a bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v take_v on_o he_o that_o self-denying_a title_n only_o of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la christi_fw-la a_o servant_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n but_o o_o now_o quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la second_o as_o some_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a interest_n will_v have_v this_o inscription_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v mean_v the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o combine_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v assert_v with_o far_o less_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v inscribe_v unto_o the_o angel_n not_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n neither_o be_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v more_o political_a church_n than_o one_o in_o ephesus_n to_o make_v up_o a_o combination_n of_o divers_a as_o the_o presbytery_n will_v have_v it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a for_o if_o there_o be_v more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o ephesus_n the_o inscription_n will_v run_v more_o rational_o thus_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o they_o will_v object_v as_o i_o have_v find_v that_o one_o of_o their_o learned_a champion_n i_o mean_v m._n rutherford_n former_o have_v do_v that_o angel_n here_o be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o as_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o the_o righteous_a i_o grant_v angel_n in_o that_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o for_o many_o angel_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v so_o in_o this_o place_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la yea_o rather_o a_o foul_a absurdity_n will_v be_v according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o father_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n for_o understand_v that_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v a_o collective_a and_o combine_a body_n of_o many_o elder_n of_o divers_a church_n which_o they_o will_v have_v here_o to_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n all_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a judgement_n do_v intend_v thereby_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o go_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v say_v they_o the_o presbytery_n hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v say_v they_o the_o presbytery_n now_o that_o this_o word_n angel_n will_v stand_v with_o such_o interpretation_n sound_v very_o harsh_o for_o observe_v what_o a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a sound_n and_o sense_n do_v these_o word_n give_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n according_a to_o their_o acceptation_n for_o so_o they_o call_v the_o presbytery_n the_o church_n i_o suppose_v few_o will_v find_v but_o very_o little_a reason_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n yet_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o one_o church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o minister_n so_o there_o may_v be_v in_o ephesus_n many_o teacher_n many_o elder_n many_o deacon_n for_o they_o be_v all_o minister_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o they_o may_v have_v one_o that_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o overseer_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n who_o care_n and_o office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rule_v and_o guide_v the_o flock_n but_o to_o feed_v they_o also_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o his_o ministerial_a service_n above_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o may_v right_o be_v call_v the_o angel_n catexochen_n or_o chief_a messenger_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o these_o admonition_n be_v direct_v and_o so_o i_o take_v the_o word_n angel_n in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v the_o chief_a minister_n to_o wit_n the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o the_o charge_n be_v inscribe_v and_o this_o be_v onesimus_n as_o eusebius_n justify_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 35._o out_o of_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n observe_v from_o this_o former_a discourse_n note_n that_o the_o pastor_n and_o chief_a minister_n of_o church_n be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n to_o receive_v and_o deliver_v christ_n message_n and_o intendment_n unto_o his_o church_n they_o can_v do_v it_o authoritative_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_n unto_o that_o end_n other_o of_o private_a capacity_n can_v do_v it_o only_o charitative_o virtute_fw-la doni_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gift_n by_o way_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n the_o charge_n here_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o it_o be_v the_o rather_o inscribe_v and_o direct_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n for_o sundry_a reason_n first_o that_o it_o may_v have_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v second_o that_o it_o may_v be_v set_v home_o on_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o vigour_n for_o admonition_n or_o reproof_n come_v from_o pastor_n or_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o nail_n drive_v by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n three_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o more_o faithfulness_n for_o they_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o christ_n flock_n four_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o more_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o they_o be_v the_o shepherd_n or_o pastor_n of_o christ_n flock_n to_o feed_v and_o heal_v they_o notto_n wound_n or_o destroy_v they_o five_o and_o last_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a experience_n for_o they_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o our_o spiritual_a malady_n and_o know_v their_o several_a cure_n and_o be_v the_o best_a physician_n next_z and_z subordinate_a to_o christ_n for_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o world_n o_o let_v we_o therefore_o give_v they_o due_a honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v most_o commendable_a and_o worthy_a of_o a_o sound_n christian_n to_o all_o christ_n true_a and_o faithful_a minister_n and_o ambassador_n of_o his_o word_n and_o gospel_n who_o christ_n have_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n bishop_n pastor_n elder_n and_o the_o like_a let_v we_o not_o dishonour_n vilify_v or_o upbraid_v with_o any_o brand_a or_o unworthy_a title_n whatsoever_o observe_v 2._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v hence_o note_n that_o every_o right_o constitute_v and_o well_o order_v church_n aught_o to_o have_v their_o angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n over_o they_o every_o golden_a candlestick_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o burn_a lamp_n within_o they_o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o come_v before_o they_o see_v more_o hereon_o on_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n yet_o in_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o the_o be_v and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n do_v remain_v whole_o in_o the_o officer_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o believer_n the_o essential_a matter_n thereof_o primary_o and_o chief_o so_o that_o i_o here_o intend_v the_o well-being_n of_o a_o church_n not_o the_o be_v thereof_o and_o so_o i_o affirm_v that_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o close_o with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n though_o without_o ministerial_a officer_n yet_o may_v be_v for_o the_o essential_a matter_n term_v a_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o a_o political_a organical_a one_o which_o have_v the_o high_a and_o great_a glory_n on_o it_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o first_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o exercise_n only_o of_o some_o ordinance_n within_o themselves_o as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o latter_a have_v the_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a gospel_n patent_n and_o commission_n even_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o unto_o excommunication_n and_o high_a censure_n which_o can_v right_o be_v execute_v out_o of_o political_a church_n which_o be_v mere_o act_n of_o power_n office_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o smyrna_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n some_o hence_o absurd_o reason_n for_o a_o national_a church_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o ephesus_n at_o smyrna_n at_o corinth_n at_o rome_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o in_o rome_n all_o in_o corinth_n all_o in_o ephesus_n must_v be_v the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a fond_a reason_n this_o be_v to_o argue_v that_o nero_n that_o bloody_a heathenish_a tyrant_n with_o his_o whole_a household_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o himself_o in_o barbarous_a cruelty_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n in_o nero_n house_n and_o though_o there_o be_v the_o
lay_v home_o close_o on_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o her_o prophetic_a delusion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v alone_o in_o the_o angel_n power_n of_o thyatira_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o balaamitish_a prophet_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v especial_o lay_v the_o burden_n and_o reproof_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o superintendent_o of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v clear_o notify_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v whole_o lay_v home_o upon_o the_o church_n v._o 17._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o i_o grant_v the_o eldership_n or_o officer_n may_v be_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o again_o the_o church_n mouth_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n agitate_v in_o his_o name_n and_o be_v to_o precede_v in_o many_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o charge_n for_o admission_n and_o entertainment_n of_o heterodoxy_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sole_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o hence_o this_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o those_o that_o be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o evil_n have_v a_o indubitable_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o either_o not_o to_o admit_v it_o or_o be_v admit_v to_o try_v it_o and_o cut_v it_o off_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o end_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o corruption_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a but_o this_o shall_v suffice_v herein_o see_v more_o hereon_o v._o 20._o follow_v object_n but_o be_v not_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o raise_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n so_o high_a as_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v negative_o for_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n receive_v no_o diminution_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o subordinate_a minister_n of_o state_n to_o receive_v that_o honour_n due_a unto_o their_o place_n neither_o so_o do_v the_o word_n lose_v at_o all_o of_o its_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o church_n have_v its_o due_a honour_n put_v upon_o it_o also_o indeed_o the_o word_n be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la the_o standard_n the_o rule_n and_o light_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o its_o self_n infallible_a must_v needs_o be_v above_o the_o authority_n and_o of_o a_o sure_a testimony_n then_o that_o which_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o fallibility_n and_o imperfection_n as_o the_o choice_a and_o pure_a church_n ever_o be_v as_o those_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o law_n of_o mere_a humane_a institution_n be_v repute_v of_o so_o high_a authority_n that_o it_o bind_v the_o legislator_n themselves_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v above_o those_o that_o make_v it_o but_o much_o more_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o law_n and_o his_o reveal_v mind_n come_v from_o so_o infinite_a and_o unerrable_a a_o legislator_n as_o god_n be_v so_o far_o transcend_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o judicature_n on_o earth_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o infinite_a do_v a_o finite_a creature_n therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v know_v have_v such_o a_o perfection_n in_o it_o that_o whosoever_o be_v conversant_a therein_o it_o be_v able_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o work_n the_o word_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o dial_n if_o the_o dial_n be_v set_v right_o to_o the_o sun_n it_o will_v give_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o day_n so_o if_o the_o church_n give_v a_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o square_a and_o scantling_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n but_o otherwise_o to_o make_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr and_o to_o conclude_v unto_o the_o church_n dictate_v be_v a_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o dial_n which_o will_v prove_v aethiopiam_fw-la lware_v and_o most_o irrational_a so_o that_o church_n that_o keep_v herself_o within_o her_o own_o sphere_n and_o try_v and_o examine_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v heterodox_n and_o unsound_a by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a light_n and_o infallible_a cynosure_n doubtless_o that_o church_n will_v be_v lead_v and_o preserve_v in_o all_o truth_n but_o if_o any_o one_o so_o far_o exalt_v its_o self_n as_o to_o conclude_v for_o truth_n its_o own_o dictate_v dissentaneous_a unto_o the_o word_n but_o suit_v with_o self-interest_n and_o design_n the_o first_o may_v be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n both_o precious_a and_o famous_a for_o its_o faith_n integrity_n and_o justice_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o latter_a will_n soon_o degenerate_a into_o a_o harlot-church_n if_o not_o soon_o become_v apostate_n to_o the_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n wherein_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o walk_v in_o as_o his_o garden_n enclose_v to_o view_v their_o pleasant_a fruit_n but_o the_o other_o christ_n will_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o rot_a tree_n that_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n observe_v 4._o another_o observation_n be_v that_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n and_o church_n there_o be_v find_v great_a corruption_n both_o in_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v find_v both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d evil_a one_o and_o false_a one_o such_o as_o pretend_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v find_v liar_n and_o deceiver_n among_o the_o twelve_o there_o be_v a_o judas_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o the_o world_n and_o church_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o boundary_n in_o eight_o person_n only_o yet_o one_o be_v a_o cham_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o cain_n when_o it_o be_v of_o a_o lesser_a number_n and_o but_o four_o in_o the_o world_n but_o here_o obiter_fw-la and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n decretive_a will_n and_o his_o preceptive_a will._n his_o voluntas_fw-la bene_fw-la placiti_fw-la and_o voluntas_fw-la signi_fw-la as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o or_o his_o will_n of_o purpose_n and_o his_o will_n of_o good_a pleasure_n not_o that_o there_o be_v two_o will_n in_o god_n but_o several_a and_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n as_o by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o love_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o hate_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o purpose_v one_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o command_v another_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o two_o contradictory_n will_n but_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n diversa_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la contraria_fw-la now_o though_o god_n may_v in_o his_o providential_a wisdom_n ordain_v false_a teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n for_o divers_a end_n know_v unto_o god_n and_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o hence_o argue_v either_o for_o admission_n of_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o their_o toleration_n therein_o after_o a_o discovery_n for_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o admit_v not_o such_o be_v know_v into_o the_o consortship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v admit_v upon_o discovery_n we_o tolerate_v they_o not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o tolerate_v quiet_o within_o the_o church_n then_o doubtless_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v not_o receive_v that_o encomium_fw-la and_o well_o do_v for_o their_o zeal_n against_o they_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o worthy_a reproof_n for_o the_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o one_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n and_o obey_v christ_n preceptive_a will_n and_o have_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o the_o other_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o just_a check_n lay_v upon_o she_o so_o that_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v state_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la non_fw-la de_fw-la facto_fw-la i_o confess_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la there_o may_v be_v evil_a person_n false_a teacher_n in_o the_o best_a church_n and_o pure_a time_n but_o de_fw-la
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 athanasi●_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
officer_n now_o at_o present_a authorize_v in_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o such_o officer_n then_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o officer_n want_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v right_o dispense_v but_o the_o major_a be_v former_o clear_v the_o consequence_n i_o believe_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o look_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o office_n therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a and_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o primitive_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o positive_a institution_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v moral_a positive_a law_n and_o still_o constringent_a and_o perpetual_a unless_o you_o can_v show_v their_o repeal_v see_v cawdry_n on_o the_o sabbath_n part_v 1._o cap._n 2._o hereon_o and_o therefore_o bind_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n confer_v hereunto_o that_o of_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o all_o which_o indeed_o the_o church_n do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o maintain_v though_o they_o have_v lay_v by_o the_o name_n thereof_o so_o necessary_a do_v they_o find_v the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a office_n though_o the_o office_n themselves_o nominal_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o door_n when_o we_o send_v preacher_n to_o our_o american_n plantation_n for_o the_o discipling_n the_o poor_a indian_n be_v they_o not_o tantamount_n as_o apostle_n when_o eusebius_n the_o centurist_n and_o late_a church_n historiographer_n do_v historify_v the_o act_n and_o occurrence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n evangelist_n when_o person_n do_v interpret_v and_o enucleate_v dark_a or_o prophetical_a scripture_n do_v they_o not_o look_v like_o prophet_n when_o by_o the_o faith_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a corruption_n be_v vanquish_v the_o will_n be_v reform_v health_n restore_v and_o satanical_a dispossession_n accomplish_v do_v they_o not_o carry_v the_o face_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o entertain_v the_o office_n and_o gift_n themselves_o nominal_o as_o well_o as_o operative_o and_o virtual_o though_o with_o some_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o by_o a_o crescent_a as_o unto_o young_a brother_n acknowledge_v always_o and_o that_o just_o a_o pre-eminence_n of_o gift_n and_o spirit_n in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o near_a unto_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o verity_n but_o far_o thereby_o from_o conclude_v that_o their_o office_n be_v bury_v with_o the_o first_o founder_n together_o with_o their_o most_o excellent_a gift_n in_o one_o arm_n but_o still_o keep_v alive_a and_o preserve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o station_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o none_o may_v judge_v i_o rash_a or_o presumptory_a in_o this_o opinion_n i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o add_v adhuc_fw-la sub_fw-la judice_fw-la lie_fw-la est_fw-la try_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v every_o one_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a to_o walk_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n that_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o question_n may_v be_v seasonable_o set_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o true_a christ_n minister_n from_o antichrist_n or_o the_o pseudo-prophet_n from_o the_o orthodox_n see_v the_o false_a one_o can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o rev._n 2.2_o this_o question_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a the_o discussion_n useful_a both_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o strange_a to_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o god_n to_o have_v false_a prophet_n and_o false_a apostle_n in_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 18.19_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o of_o the_o grove_n four_o hundred_o but_o the_o true_a one_o hide_v by_o obadiah_n be_v but_o one_o hundred_o ezekiel_n jeremiah_n meet_v they_o too_o in_o babylon_n jer._n 28_o 29_o chap._n and_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n be_v much_o trouble_v and_o vex_v with_o false_a apostle_n false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n also_o witness_v 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o gal._n 5.12_o matth._n 24.11_o and_o those_o church_n of_o ephesus_n pergamus_n sardis_n etc._n etc._n have_v their_o share_n also_o in_o this_o trouble_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o god_n often_o suffer_v with_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o in_o and_o upon_o his_o church_n to_o make_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o precious_a to_o try_v the_o godly_a and_o discover_v hypocrite_n and_o to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o can_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o preserve_v his_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o contagion_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v to_o try_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o all_o their_o malignant_a influence_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n now_o a_o false_a apostle_n or_o prophet_n may_v be_v discover_v two_o way_n first_o either_o from_o his_o false_a doctrine_n or_o pprophecy_n or_o second_o from_o his_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n the_o ancient_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v call_v seer_n from_o the_o clear_a divine_a revelation_n and_o irradiation_n they_o have_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 17.13_o and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n next_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a call_n to_o exercise_v that_o gift_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n they_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o have_v see_v nothing_o as_o in_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o that_o be_v they_o be_v prophet_n because_o they_o will_v be_v prophet_n it_o be_v their_o own_o motion_n that_o make_v they_o prophesy_v they_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v their_o own_o will_n the_o high_a original_n of_o their_o call_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v their_o own_o what_o their_o fancy_n lust_n private_a interest_n affection_n and_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v unto_o they_o so_o their_o prophecy_n come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o therefore_o however_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v by_o man_n be_v worthless_a in_o god_n account_n because_o it_o only_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o from_o god_n spirit_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n now_o i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o press_v for_o enthusiastic_a prophecy_n but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o close_o with_o man_n base_a interest_n and_o motion_n but_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o therefore_o what_o come_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o private_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n various_o brand_v under_o the_o title_n of_o lie_n dream_n vain_a divination_n perverse_a thing_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mark_v 7.7_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2.6_o another_o jesus_n another_o spirit_n another_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 11_o 4._o therefore_o paul_n dare_v not_o preach_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o what_o he_o have_v from_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o therefore_o we_o may_v plain_o judge_v a_o false_a prophet_n or_o apostle_n when_o he_o come_v with_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n and_o own_o spirit_n and_o own_o design_n be_v opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o spirit_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n within_o the_o gospel_n object_n but_o will_v not_o some_o say_v that_o all_o heretic_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v with_o verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v high_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v concordant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o in_o vain_a to_o broach_v and_o attest_v they_o and_o who_o more_o high_a than_o
deny_v the_o instrumentality_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v sure_a that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o zion_n such_o will_v erect_v a_o babel_n and_o be_v ignorant_a where_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v they_o will_v like_o idle_a shepherd_n either_o starve_v the_o sheep_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o at_o least_o poison_v they_o with_o unwholesome_a herbage_n and_o these_o i_o account_v as_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n by_o and_o to_o find_v they_o liar_n object_n but_o a_o objection_n may_v here_o arise_v from_o he_o that_o have_v the_o first_o call_v of_o ability_n from_o god_n that_o if_o i_o count_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o denominate_v he_o orthodox_n in_o his_o call_n to_o have_v the_o additional_a call_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o then_o say_v he_o to_o what_o church_n shall_v i_o repair_v to_o receive_v this_o call_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v pretender_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o alone_o ordain_v authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o other_o this_o be_v indeed_o locus_fw-la lubricus_fw-la a_o slippery_a question_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o deal_v with_o it_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o contrary_n mind_v by_o ventilate_v my_o judgement_n herein_o but_o i_o profess_v ingenious_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o party_n self_n interest_n nor_o by-affection_n that_o do_v lead_v i_o first_o to_o this_o undertake_n but_o only_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n move_v my_o heart_n with_o much_o singleness_n of_o spirit_n be_v clear_o unbiased_a and_o not_o so_o overmuch_o engage_v to_o any_o of_o the_o new_a party_n of_o these_o time_n but_o that_o i_o can_v reserve_v my_o judgement_n free_a to_o close_v with_o truth_n wheresoever_o i_o can_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o to_o prosecute_v my_o first_o intendment_n in_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scantle_v of_o my_o judgement_n not_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o cloud_n but_o in_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n though_o for_o my_o reward_n i_o may_v have_v his_o hire_n that_o trace_v truth_n so_o near_o at_o the_o heel_n that_o have_v his_o tooth_n dash_v out_o for_o his_o pain_n but_o if_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n herein_o yet_o be_v repute_v a_o fool_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n and_o if_o i_o suffer_v loss_n herein_o yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v consolate_v magnis_fw-la tamen_fw-la excidit_fw-la ausis_fw-la first_o then_o to_o the_o business_n understand_v that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o avoid_v all_o criticise_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v abundant_o be_v make_v good_a both_o by_o good_a authority_n and_o scripture_n now_o this_o church_n be_v either_o more_o improper_o first_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n or_o second_o more_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o invisible_a church_n comprehend_v only_o the_o elect_a and_o see_v their_o number_n to_o we_o be_v unknown_a therefore_o they_o be_v denominate_v invisible_a but_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o visible_a universal_a catholic_a church_n or_o second_o for_o a_o visible_a particular_a political_a church_n now_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o this_o last_o notion_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o invisible_a church_n as_o invisible_a have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o visible_a and_o outward_a ordinance_n neither_o second_o the_o visible_a universal_a church_n can_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o their_o representative_n convene_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o officer_n for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o conveniency_n or_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reasonableness_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o various_a and_o far_o distant_a corner_n and_o land_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o represent_v officer_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o catholic_a assembly_n for_o the_o dispose_n and_o confer_v of_o all_o mediate_a call_v and_o office_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o wise_a order_n and_o gubernation_n in_o and_o over_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n that_o every_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a body_n i_o mean_v every_o particular_a christian_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o every_o particular_a be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n a_o full_a power_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o her_o officer_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o office_n since_o the_o first_o apostle_n that_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a gift_v as_o to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_a authority_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o they_o may_v be_v account_v to_o have_v jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la fit_a to_o be_v officer_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o yet_o actual_a they_o have_v not_o before_o their_o particular_a call_v do_v invest_v they_o into_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n do_v to_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o catholic_a universal_a faith_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o church_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o result_v and_o conclusion_n of_o combine_a church_n provincial_a or_o national_a may_v be_v only_o admit_v as_o prudential_o bind_v and_o oblige_v as_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o canon_n but_o not_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o though_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a truth_n itself_o so_o that_o such_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v not_o sole_o virtute_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la convocation_n be_v sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la veritatis_fw-la propositae_fw-la which_o if_o the_o same_o conclusion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o particular_a christian_n political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n therein_o but_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o command_v and_o institute_n they_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o prudential_a ecclesiastic_a edict_n and_o ecclesiastic_a divine_a institution_n the_o one_o be_v humane_a and_o bind_v only_o prudential_o the_o other_o be_v divine_a and_o oblige_v conscientious_o these_o consideration_n be_v clear_v i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n to_o what_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v a_o candidate_n apply_v himself_o for_o a_o mediate_a authoritative_a call_n and_o mission_n to_o receive_v it_o right_o and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o answer_v and_o take_v leave_v here_o first_o to_o distinguish_v and_o take_v notice_n between_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o call_n there_o may_v be_v particular_a church_n which_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o to_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o true_a one_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n yet_o mix_v with_o much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n and_o as_o a_o leprous_a person_n be_v a_o man_n yet_o a_o sorry_a one_o so_o a_o church_n hold_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n thereof_o yet_o entertain_v much_o corruption_n and_o error_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o christian_n church_n but_o a_o sad_a one_o so_o the_o ministerial_a call_n do_v answer_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o offspring_n constitution_n do_v follow_v the_o parent_n temperature_n strong_a issue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v of_o sickly_a parent_n fort_n creantur_fw-la fortibus_fw-la &_o as_o seneca_n so_o in_o politic_a body_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v and_o healthy_a in_o the_o faith_n their_o off_o spring_n be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a also_o then_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n will_v be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o virtual_a if_o ootherwise_o be_v with_o they_o they_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o vigour_n life_n and_o virtue_n and_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 o●_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
then_o monastical_a life_n and_o votary_n of_o all_o sort_n testify_v than_o they_o yet_o who_o have_v lay_v more_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o truth_n than_o they_o by_o their_o balaamitish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v most_o usual_a among_o we_o to_o commend_v the_o day_n of_o our_o forefather_n as_o most_o imitable_a and_o religious_a yet_o how_o sad_a to_o consider_v when_o we_o find_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n leave_v unto_o we_o from_o they_o for_o though_o at_o present_a i_o have_v not_o number_v the_o thirty_o seven_o year_n of_o my_o age_n yet_o i_o well_o remember_v how_o rise_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v practise_v here_o among_o we_o and_o that_o too_o by_o imitation_n from_o our_o predecessor_n we_o have_v our_o floralia_fw-la our_o feast_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o goddess_n of_o maia_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o great_a and_o solemn_a vanity_n with_o much_o paganish_a custom_n exercise_v thereabouts_o mix_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vanity_n sin_n shame_n and_o bestiality_n and_o this_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o maintain_v and_o defend_v by_o ungodly_a balaamite_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o these_o part_n be_v so_o vile_a that_o the_o same_o person_n the_o same_o day_n that_o they_o do_v eat_v of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n the_o same_o day_n be_v drunken_a and_o fill_v with_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n i_o mean_v in_o their_o heathenish_a sport_n and_o vanity_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o have_v now_o teach_v we_o otherwise_o yet_o though_o at_o present_a we_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v some_o remainder_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n all_o england_n over_o even_o in_o keep_v our_o wake_n our_o revel_n our_o parochial_a festival_n a_o foot_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a smatch_n of_o antichristian_a idolatrize_v and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o lust_a after_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n and_o flesh_n pot_n and_o onion_n of_o egypt_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o and_o other_o roman_a festival_n if_o feast_n or_o festival_n be_v they_o never_o so_o pious_o institute_v as_o the_o '_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o love-feast_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v once_o come_v to_o be_v defile_v and_o to_o lose_v their_o primitive_a virgin_n institution_n and_o end_n and_o to_o become_v sacrifice_n to_o bacchus_n or_o venus_n or_o to_o any_o idol_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v disannul_v abrogate_a and_o lay_v aside_o as_o a_o unholy_a thing_n the_o lord_n deliver_v his_o church_n and_o people_n from_o the_o politic_a balaamite_n of_o these_o time_n who_o will_v teach_v balack_n to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o discern_a heart_n unto_o our_o sovereign_a magistrate_n to_o discover_v all_o such_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o move_v or_o teach_v he_o to_o lay_v stumble_v block_n or_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n of_o god_n let_v such_o have_v the_o wage_n of_o balaam_n who_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v go_v astray_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o beor_n so_o let_v they_o receive_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n for_o their_o hire_n observe_v 4._o that_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n be_v still_o ready_a to_o insinuate_v with_o and_o please_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o wicked_a design_n balaam_n be_v very_o ready_a and_o intense_a to_o answer_v balack_n curse_a desire_n against_o israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o prevent_v he_o what_o elsemade_v balaam_n after_o he_o have_v the_o denial_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o balack_n numb_a 22.12_o to_o make_v another_o application_n to_o god_n to_o get_v permission_n to_o go_v to_o balack_n and_o when_o he_o know_v his_o errand_n that_o it_o be_v to_o curse_v israel_n how_o often_o do_v he_o tempt_v the_o lord_n with_o sacrifice_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v to_o draw_v god_n to_o his_o design_n and_o though_o god_n do_v manifest_v his_o displeasure_n to_o balaam_n in_o his_o way_n in_o the_o business_n he_o go_v about_o by_o the_o angel_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o make_v his_o ass_n miraculous_o to_o reprove_v he_o yet_o neither_o miracle_n cross_n providence_n nor_o prohibition_n shall_v hinder_v balaam_n to_o serve_v balack_n against_o the_o israelite_n if_o he_o may_v if_o once_o false_a prophet_n perceive_v the_o humour_n of_o their_o prince_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o sew_v pillow_n under_o their_o armhole_n they_o will_v observe_v the_o humour_n of_o man_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o please_v answerable_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o they_o will_v as_o balaam_n instruct_v balack_n in_o wicked_a and_o curse_a design_n and_o practice_n though_o they_o have_v command_n enough_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o witness_v sufficient_o from_o heaven_n against_o it_o yet_o they_o will_v justle_v such_o curse_a and_o bloody_a plot_n into_o their_o prince_n heart_n that_o they_o never_o think_v of_o yea_o that_o be_v abhorrent_n to_o some_o of_o their_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v witness_v in_o the_o history_n of_o q._n marry_o that_o her_o own_o natural_a disposition_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a and_o only_o instigate_v and_o teach_v to_o persecution_n against_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o wicked_a balaamite_n false_a teacher_n as_o bonner_n fisher_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o our_o late_a king_n charles_n of_o england_n have_v never_o split_v the_o ship_n of_o the_o commonweal_n against_o the_o rock_n have_v he_o not_o hearken_v too_o much_o to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o balaamite_n about_o he_o the_o bishop_n &_o their_o corrupt_a party_n who_o teach_v he_o to_o lay_v snare_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o promotion_n and_o countenance_n of_o romish_a idolatry_n and_o their_o midianitish_a fornication_n but_o behold_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v both_o take_v in_o their_o own_o snare_n and_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n together_o and_o so_o according_a to_o that_o numb_a 31.8_o they_o slay_v the_o king_n of_o midianitish_a 〈◊〉_d prince_n and_o balaam_n also_o the_o son_n of_o beor_n they_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n beyond_o sea_n it_o be_v a_o proverb_n no_o curse_a design_n afoot_o but_o a_o priest_n have_v a_o finger_n in_o it_o i_o can_v pray_v it_o be_v not_o in_o england_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o they_o in_o our_o israel_n have_v less_o of_o achitophel_n or_o machiavelli_n in_o they_o and_o more_o of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o he_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o observe_v 5._o false_a prophet_n as_o balaam_n lay_v their_o design_n not_o only_o for_o the_o temporal_a destruction_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o for_o the_o eternal_a also_o if_o they_o may_v balaams_n design_n in_o his_o curse_a counsel_n to_o balak_n be_v that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v idolatrise_v and_o adulterize_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v both_o reach_v their_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n desire_v that_o all_o may_v have_v no_o better_a portion_n than_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o destruction_n of_o saint_n body_n but_o will_v night_n and_o day_n like_o roar_a lion_n go_v about_o to_o seek_v to_o destroy_v they_o and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o lose_v and_o forfeit_v their_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n if_o they_o can_v it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v these_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o lose_v their_o candlestick_n and_o it_o will_v be_v always_o the_o balaamitish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o will_v cause_n god_n to_o remove_v his_o presence_n of_o grace_n power_n and_o comfort_n from_o one_o people_n to_o another_o that_o be_v more_o sound_a and_o fruitful_a o_o therefore_o you_o church_n of_o christ_n look_v to_o your_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o they_o be_v right_a and_o straight_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n so_o god_n will_v delight_v to_o dwell_v among_o you_o and_o will_v make_v you_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n otherwise_o will_v leave_v your_o place_n desolate_a and_o forsake_v though_o you_o be_v his_o people_n in_o profession_n if_o you_o turn_v to_o idol_n false_a worship_n and_o wicked_a practice_n though_o moses_n and_o eliah_n be_v among_o you_o righteous_a soul_n they_o shall_v only_o save_v themselves_o but_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n which_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o inheritance_n for_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a observe_v 6._o that_o
be_v impossible_a dan._n 7.13_o 14._o the_o kingdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n which_o in_o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o 27._o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v so_o reciprocal_a and_o so_o unite_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o one_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o other_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v term_v contraria_fw-la that_o they_o be_v hardly_o diversa_fw-la though_o i_o shall_v grant_v the_o saint_n subordinate_a unto_o christ_n yet_o what_o be_v predicate_v of_o the_o one_o be_v often_o predicate_v of_o the_o other_o in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a say_n to_o assert_v that_o believer_n under_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o as_o his_o member_n and_o by_o his_o donation_n and_o assistance_n shall_v do_v his_o own_o peculiar_a work_n as_o subordinate_a instrument_n unto_o himself_o for_o qui_fw-la facit_fw-la per_fw-la alium_fw-la facit_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la and_o so_o may_v the_o saint_n have_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n till_o they_o be_v break_v as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n and_o this_o interpretation_n stand_v with_o best_a reason_n for_o though_o our_o late_a bibles_n have_v include_v all_o the_o 27._o v._o in_o a_o parenthesis_n save_v the_o last_o clause_n thereof_o as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o cut_v it_o off_o from_o have_v any_o applicatory_a reference_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n in_o the_o 25._o and_o 26._o v._o and_o to_o be_v reserve_v sole_o applicable_a unto_o christ_n but_o sure_o such_o interpreter_n can_v not_o have_v a_o righteous_a intention_n in_o such_o a_o service_n for_o in_o the_o best_a greek_a copy_n as_o stephanus_n and_o other_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n or_o stroke_n of_o a_o parenthesis_n but_o the_o continue_a speech_n in_o the_o 25_o and_o 26._o verse_n it_o be_v to_o the_o overcome_a christian_n and_o so_o continue_v as_o a_o far_a addition_n in_o the_o 27._o verse_n until_o the_o latter_a clause_n thereof_o come_v in_o even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n which_o make_v it_o plain_a for_o what_o have_v christ_n receive_v of_o his_o father_n power_n over_o the_o nation_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o to_o break_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n psal_n 2.9_o rev._n 19.15_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o my_o father_n over_o the_o nation_n so_o will_v i_o give_v it_o to_o he_o that_o shall_v overcome_v and_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o all_o false_a way_n and_o practice_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v copartner_n with_o i_o in_o this_o my_o throne_n and_o kingdom_n cap._n 3._o 21._o the_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v clear_v in_o these_o word_n to_o be_v the_o conquer_a saint_n to_o who_o power_n be_v give_v over_o the_o nation_n to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o to_o break_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n next_o i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o the_o power_n be_v that_o be_v give_v they_o first_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n whereby_o they_o shall_v judge_v the_o nation_n so_o our_o new_a annotation_n have_v it_o second_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n that_o they_o thereby_o shall_v get_v victory_n and_o subdue_v all_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n enemy_n so_o bishop_n hall_n on_o the_o place_n three_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n whereby_o they_o shall_v break_v all_o the_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o christ_n to_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n the_o first_o be_v confirm_v from_o 1_o cor._n 6.2_o mat._n 19.28_o judas_n 14.15_o the_o second_o and_o three_o be_v confirm_v from_o this_o vers_fw-la and_o psal_n 2._o compare_v to_o rev._n 19.18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n where_o christ_n and_o his_o army_n power_n out_o the_o full_a vial_n of_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o all_o their_o obstinate_a enemy_n to_o the_o utmost_a again_o this_o power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o rule_v by_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o break_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o corporal_a break_n roll_a and_o overpower_v and_o not_o a_o spiritual_a so_o that_o spiritual_a be_v a_o strange_a work_n to_o a_o rod_n or_o sceptre_n of_o iron_n christ_n golden_a sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a instrument_n to_o make_v the_o nation_n bow_v to_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n but_o for_o the_o refuser_n thereof_o he_o have_v another_o sceptre_n in_o another_o day_n to_o be_v exercise_v on_o they_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o force_n whereby_o he_o will_v destroy_v the_o mighty_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o will_v dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n to_o the_o make_v the_o king_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n wise_a and_o to_o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a psal_n 2.10_o 11._o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o christ_n faithful_a saint_n have_v a_o day_n to_o come_v to_o judge_n rule_n and_o reign_v over_o the_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o now_o to_o suffer_v under_o they_o though_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o their_o sufferance_n and_o patience_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o kingdom_n join_v to_o it_o cap._n 1._o 9_o though_o john_n be_v a_o brother_n and_o companion_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o tribulation_n and_o patience_n yet_o he_o be_v too_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o be_v reveal_v this_o kingdom_n be_v never_o yet_o fulfil_v to_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n but_o still_o rather_o the_o contrary_a hitherto_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n break_v the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o iron_n sceptre_n of_o force_n and_o power_n both_o mahometanes_n and_o popish_a antichristian_a ruler_n and_o prince_n not_o spare_v christ_n little_a flock_n but_o break_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o equitable_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o day_n too_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n and_o sufferance_n wherein_o they_o shall_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v their_o enemy_n the_o same_o measure_n that_o they_o former_o mete_v forth_o unto_o the_o saint_n for_o they_o be_v worthy_a 2._o this_o kingdom_n as_o yet_o hitherto_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n nor_o yet_o will_v be_v for_o this_o power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o rod_n of_o iron_n be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o result_n of_o their_o perseverance_n in_o the_o truth_n at_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o last_o precedent_n verse_n be_v declare_v hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v and_o in_o that_o day_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v he_o will_v give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v promise_v long_o after_o christ_n first_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o also_o after_o his_o special_a come_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v a_o day_n when_o he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o fulfil_v this_o promise_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o and_o for_o any_o to_o expect_v this_o rule_n over_o the_o nation_n by_o the_o rod_n of_o iron_n before_o christ_n come_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o cloud_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n they_o may_v reign_v but_o without_o christ_n they_o may_v get_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n but_o not_o in_o christ_n way_n or_o his_o give_v hence_o another_o note_n arise_v observe_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o give_v power_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o saint_n over_o the_o nation_n they_o be_v not_o to_o catch_v at_o it_o themselves_o this_o time_n be_v christ_n spiritual_a and_o his_o intercessory_a kingdom_n and_o if_o we_o fight_v with_o or_o use_v any_o other_o weapon_n therein_o then_o be_v spiritual_a we_o may_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o second_o kingdom_n which_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n under_o the_o first_o kingdom_n he_o that_o walk_v spiritual_o and_o sober_o under_o the_o first_o of_o grace_n and_o spirit_n doubtless_o the_o second_o also_o will_v be_v his_o portion_n otherwise_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o lose_v both_o his_o comfort_n here_o and_o his_o portion_n hereafter_o in_o the_o other_o kingdom_n also_o verse_n 28._o and_o i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o morning_n star_n this_o be_v a_o additional_a degree_n of_o happiness_n to_o the_o overcome_a saint_n in_o that_o day_n when_o they_o shall_v judge_v and_o rule_v the_o nation_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n in_o ver_fw-la 17._o it_o be_v call_v hide_a manna_n and_o a_o white_a stone_n wherein_o a_o new_a name_n be_v write_v and_o former_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o the_o tree_n of_o
some_o one_o may_v be_v more_o eminent_a than_o other_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o must_v be_v there_o as_o they_o will_v have_v faith_n they_o will_v have_v patience_n as_o patience_n love_n zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n whatsoever_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1.15.16_o and_o this_o must_v be_v also_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o for_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v if_o sin_n be_v strong_a in_o thou_o then_o grace_n than_o you_o be_v sinner_n and_o wicked_a one_o but_o if_o grace_n prevail_v then_o be_v you_o gracious_a and_o perfect_a one_o three_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n must_v be_v after_o perfection_n they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a grace_n no_o less_o measure_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n then_o what_o they_o enjoy_v after_o the_o resurrection_n i_o will_v by_o any_o mean_n attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a say_v paul_n phil._n 3.11_o their_o aim_n be_v no_o low_o then_o unto_o the_o glorious_a and_o everlasting_a state_n and_o therefore_o do_v always_o press_v on_o unto_o perfection_n their_o desire_n be_v somewhat_o infinite_a as_o the_o glory_n they_o expect_v leave_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o heb._n 6.1_o and_o herein_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n will_v appear_v more_o perfect_a in_o that_o they_o hate_v sin_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_a until_o it_o be_v abolish_v and_o they_o free_v from_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o by_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 2._o from_o the_o pierce_a power_n thereof_o by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 3._o from_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o in_o their_o glorification_n 4._o they_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o perfection_n in_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o want_v any_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o so_o be_v they_o not_o to_o want_v it_o in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v 5._o true_a saint_n press_v forward_o to_o excel_v and_o precede_v other_o formal_a and_o outside_n christian_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o grace_n and_o perfection_n he_o that_o have_v any_o grace_n will_v always_o desire_v more_o a_o holy_a ambition_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v very_o commendable_a god_n tell_v satan_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o job_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n job_n 1.8_o a_o perfect_a and_o upright_o man_n many_o desire_n to_o be_v before_o other_o in_o honour_n riches_n and_o power_n but_o few_o desire_n to_o excel_v in_o grace_n if_o we_o be_v true_a saint_n and_o aim_n at_o perfection_n we_o will_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o be_v like_o other_o in_o grace_n but_o labour_v to_o go_v beyond_o other_o in_o all_o good_a and_o perfect_a work_n hence_o the_o quaker_n may_v see_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o hold_v a_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n though_o not_o a_o absolute_a legal_a one_o whereunto_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v as_o they_o but_o a_o evangelical_n one_o upon_o better_a ground_n and_o principle_n verse_n 3._o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v if_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n which_o thou_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o cleave_v fast_o thereunto_o and_o repent_v thy_o stray_v there_o from_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o this_o thy_o sleep_n of_o sin_n i_o shall_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n sudden_o unaware_o upon_o thou_o and_o seize_v on_o thou_o with_o unexpected_a judgement_n christ_n take_v up_o this_o metaphor_n and_o comparison_n of_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n for_o divers_a reason_n 1._o because_o a_o thief_n come_v speedy_o in_o a_o time_n when_o no_o man_n look_v for_o mat._n 24.43_o this_o set_v we_o on_o a_o diligent_a watchfulness_n if_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n do_v know_v in_o what_o watch_n the_o thief_n will_v come_v he_o will_v watch_v and_o not_o suffer_v his_o house_n to_o be_v break_v through_o or_o his_o good_n steal_v 2._o as_o a_o thief_n come_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o dead_a of_o night_n so_o christ_n come_v when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a darkness_n and_o deep_a night_n of_o error_n on_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v in_o luke_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o earth_n true_a faith_n will_v be_v such_o a_o rarity_n at_o christ_n come_n that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o very_a few_o his_o elect_a only_o this_o quicken_v our_o faith_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o thief_n come_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o overmaster_v all_o opposition_n so_o christ_n come_v in_o judgement_n be_v with_o power_n and_o to_o tread_v down_o and_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n this_o support_n and_o comfort_v the_o distress_a afflict_a saint_n he_o former_o come_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o suffer_v and_o he_o after_o come_v as_o a_o comforter_n to_o support_v all_o those_o for_o who_o he_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o he_o have_v a_o other_o come_v his_o ordinary_a particular_a temporal_a judgement_n against_o his_o enemy_n which_o he_o frequent_o and_o very_o often_o send_v forth_o against_o they_o for_o their_o transgression_n and_o so_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v here_o against_o sardis_n and_o his_o offend_a church_n and_o last_o he_o come_v in_o his_o last_o and_o ultimate_a judgement_n with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n to_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v all_o his_o antichristian_a foe_n and_o enemy_n whatsoever_o in_o rev._n 16.15_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n and_o present_o follow_v the_o great_a battle_n of_o armageddon_n and_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o babylon_n by_o the_o seven_o vial_n of_o god_n plague_n and_o judgement_n first_o from_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n observe_v observe_v that_o a_o call_n to_o mind_n of_o god_n former_a gracious_a deal_n with_o we_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a preservative_n against_o sin_n but_o a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n out_o of_o sin_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n look_v back_o unto_o the_o rock_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v hew_v and_o review_v thy_o former_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o how_o you_o be_v therein_o alien_n stranger_n and_o enemy_n unto_o god_n by_o evil_a work_n and_o how_o it_o be_v far_o better_a with_o you_o now_o in_o your_o state_n of_o faith_n than_o it_o be_v then_o in_o sin_n and_o wrath_n for_o when_o you_o have_v sin_n present_v unto_o you_o in_o its_o enticement_n and_o provocation_n it_o will_v make_v gracious_a soul_n to_o reason_n thus_o with_o themselves_o be_v i_o not_o once_o a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n in_o my_o sinful_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o shall_v i_o again_o fall_v back_o into_o it_o as_o the_o sow_n into_o the_o mire_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n will_v not_o then_o my_o latter_a estate_n be_v far_o worse_o than_o the_o first_o because_o god_n have_v be_v gracious_a unto_o my_o poor_a soul_n and_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n or_o snatch_v it_o as_o a_o brand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n shall_v i_o again_o cast_v myself_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o satan_n and_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n by_o my_o turn_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o sin_n and_o wantonness_n the_o lord_n forbid_v again_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o backslidden_a soul_n that_o be_v almost_o spiritual_o dead_a and_o have_v almost_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o common_a reputation_n of_o live_v once_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a to_o such_o poor_a soul_n for_o their_o recovery_n to_o recognize_v and_o look_v back_o on_o those_o good_a thing_n they_o former_o receive_v of_o god_n and_o hear_v concern_v he_o for_o first_o they_o hear_v that_o god_n be_v a_o gracious_a reconcile_a god_n and_o a_o merciful_a father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n ready_a to_o receive_v those_o of_o his_o choose_a one_o even_o in_o their_o blood_n and_o sin_n that_o do_v come_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v heal_v of_o their_o transgression_n and_o this_o they_o not_o only_o hear_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o receive_v it_o also_o into_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o if_o god_n be_v so_o ready_a then_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o reconciliation_n with_o himself_o while_o enemy_n unto_o
in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v to_o destroy_v and_o spoil_v when_o christ_n say_v unto_o the_o man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o wedding_n garment_n friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o without_o thy_o wedding_n garment_n take_v he_o bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o utter_a darkness_n this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o dreadful_a judge_n in_o cap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o christ_n eye_n and_o foot_n be_v like_a unto_o flame_n of_o fire_n he_o have_v fiery_a judgement_n in_o his_o hand_n against_o his_o church_n which_o destroy_v and_o dissolve_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o send_v the_o miserable_a desolate_v judgement_n on_o the_o jew_n by_o titus_n and_o continue_v it_o over_o they_o until_o this_o day_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o send_v the_o sword_n and_o blood_n unto_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o for_o their_o iniquity_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o go_v forth_o on_o his_o red_a horse_n of_o judgement_n to_o war_n against_o babylon_n the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o all_o their_o curse_a complice_n and_o adherent_n rev._n 19_o we_o may_v conceive_v and_o conceive_v amiss_o when_o we_o think_v that_o it_o be_v man_n that_o blow_v these_o coal_n of_o war_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o do_v it_o luk._n 12.49_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v fire_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o mat._n 10.34_o i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n against_o his_o father_n and_o the_o daughter_n against_o her_o mother_n and_o the_o daughter_n in_o law_n against_o her_o mother_n in_o law_n and_o a_o man_n foe_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o household_n and_o this_o fire_n have_v be_v kindle_v among_o we_o and_o other_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o put_v it_o out_o unless_o it_o be_v christ_n to_o who_o power_n be_v give_v to_o compose_v all_o our_o difference_n and_o dissension_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v if_o christ_n open_v the_o sluice_n and_o door_n of_o his_o desolate_v judgement_n who_o can_v shut_v it_o up_o or_o keep_v they_o back_o but_o if_o he_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o his_o wrathful_a judgement_n and_o set_v a_o stop_n unto_o the_o current_n and_o progress_n of_o they_o who_o can_v open_v it_o for_o it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o can_v treat_v war_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n thereof_o and_o can_v again_o produce_v the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o tranquillity_n and_o peace_n object_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unadvised_o object_n this_o be_v a_o evil_a to_o affirm_v that_o christ_n send_v the_o sword_n and_o war_n into_o the_o world_n or_o think_v it_o harsh_a that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n shall_v put_v on_o such_o a_o fiery_a posture_n abhorrent_n to_o his_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a nature_n or_o say_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a for_o the_o wicked_a to_o do_v this_o work_n or_o to_o see_v fire_n come_v forth_o from_o a_o bramble_n judg._n 9.15_o this_o be_v but_o ordinary_a but_o to_o see_v fire_n come_v out_o from_o the_o vine_n from_o christ_n this_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o abhorrent_n to_o their_o understanding_n i_o answer_v as_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v so_o also_o he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o a_o judge_n you_o know_v must_v have_v his_o sheriff_n the_o executioner_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n so_o christ_n take_v the_o sword_n war_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n they_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o christ_n judgement_n against_o the_o delinquent_n wicked_a one_o of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o use_v they_o lawful_o and_o just_o and_o for_o such_o as_o will_v not_o kiss_v the_o son_n obey_v he_o fear_v he_o and_o love_v he_o he_o can_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v the_o king_n the_o great_a one_o and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o christ_n can_v raise_v up_o cyrus_n nabuchadnezzar_n heathen_a king_n and_o call_v they_o his_o servant_n and_o make_v they_o his_o instrument_n to_o do_v his_o work_n of_o judgement_n against_o his_o rebellious_a prophet_n and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o ottoman_n mahomet_n selimus_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v just_a executioner_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o dead_a formal_a and_o luke_o warm_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o such_o as_o have_v but_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o true_a life_n in_o they_o hold_v fast_o be_v watchful_a and_o repent_v or_o else_o christ_n will_v come_v upon_o thou_o sudden_o as_o a_o thief_n both_o with_o his_o particular_a temporal_a judgement_n and_o with_o his_o eternal_a also_o verse_n 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a it_o may_v be_v first_o demand_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o have_v these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n doubtless_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o angel_n pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o principal_o receive_v this_o charge_n and_o to_o who_o the_o whole_a be_v direct_v to_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o and_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n pastor_n or_o angel_n thou_o have_v that_o be_v under_o thy_o charge_n a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n name_n be_v here_o put_v for_o person_n act._n 1.15_o the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n that_o be_v of_o man_n or_o person_n that_o be_v in_o one_o place_n be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o and_o rev._n 11.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o the_o earth_n quake_n be_v slay_v of_o man_n seven_o thousand_o in_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o name_n of_o man_n that_o be_v slay_v be_v seven_o thousand_o and_o i_o conceive_v this_o word_n name_n be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o spirit_n simple_o to_o denote_v the_o person_n of_o man_n as_o thus_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o person_n in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v etc._n etc._n but_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v a_o few_o person_n of_o name_n and_o quality_n they_o be_v name_n of_o man_n or_o man_n of_o name_n of_o excellent_a spirit_n temper_n weight_n and_o quality_n for_o they_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o outward_o taint_v by_o the_o common_a wickedness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o sardis_n and_o those_o poor_a soul_n shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a to_o walk_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o partaker_n with_o he_o in_o his_o heavenly_a enjoyment_n with_o who_o we_o walk_v we_o communicate_v with_o he_o enjoy_v his_o discourse_n council_n presence_n familiarity_n friendship_n and_o all_o other_o comfort_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v possible_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o walk_v with_o christ_n but_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o he_o in_o white_a a_o white_a raiment_n be_v usual_o set_v by_o antiquity_n on_o the_o acquit_v innocent_a absolve_v person_n but_o a_o black_a on_o the_o guilty_a and_o condemn_v this_o have_v some_o allusion_n to_o the_o former_a white_a stone_n which_o be_v give_v either_o to_o the_o conquer_a or_o to_o the_o innocent_a absolve_v saint_n so_o to_o walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o partake_v with_o christ_n either_o a_o free_a absolution_n at_o the_o last_o day_n o●_n to_o be_v with_o he_o as_o white_a innocent_a conquer_a saint_n at_o the_o resurrection_n for_o they_o be_v worthy_a that_o be_v those_o pure_a undefiled_a soul_n be_v accept_v by_o i_o as_o worthy_a of_o such_o happiness_n note_v hence_o from_o the_o person_n that_o have_v these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n observe_v 1._o that_o christian_n of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o name_n be_v under_o the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o angel_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n christ_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n teach_v and_o influence_a head_n over_o his_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n be_v the_o subordinate_a organical_a head_n to_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o head_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n will_v be_v but_o a_o trunk_n unfit_a for_o lively_a motion_n so_o a_o church_n without_o a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n may_v be_v a_o body_n but_o very_o liveless_a and_o useless_a
be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.17_o because_o it_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n come_v as_o a_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v it_o come_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o christ_n make_v any_o discovery_n unto_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v as_o unto_o philadelphia_n as_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o as_o the_o true_a one_o as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n unto_o holiness_n so_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o he_o john_n 14.6_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shute_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n cap._n 22._o 20._o 22._o about_o the_o call_n of_o eliakim_n the_o son_n of_o hilkiah_n who_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n shall_v be_v commit_v and_o in_o vers_n 22._o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v this_o eliakim_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v his_o chief_a steward_n or_o master_n of_o his_o household_n as_o appear_v by_o 2_o king_n 18.18_o 26._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o transaction_n between_o he_o and_o senacharib_n none_o be_v suffer_v to_o go_v in_o or_o out_o to_o treat_v with_o senacharib_n but_o eliakim_n and_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o he_o be_v a_o man_n in_o great_a authority_n with_o the_o king_n and_o carry_v the_o key_n and_o sovereignty_n ever_o his_o whole_a household_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o isaiah_n to_o come_v or_o to_o be_v call_v again_o of_o god_n not_o in_o person_n but_o in_o his_o antitype_n and_o true_a counterpane_n jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a eliakim_n who_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n etc._n etc._n christ_n may_v well_o be_v typify_v by_o eliakim_n and_o to_o be_v call_v the_o spiritual_a eliakim_n promise_v in_o isa_n 22._o both_o for_o his_o name_n and_o nature_n eliakim_n signify_v as_o hierom_n the_o interpretatione_n nominum_fw-la the_o god_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o god_n that_o rise_v again_o and_o who_o be_v this_o true_a eliakim_n but_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o place_n christ_n be_v descend_v from_o this_o eliakim_n luke_n 3.30_o therefore_o right_o bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o isaiah_n to_o typify_v he_o forth_o but_o last_o and_o chief_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a eliakim_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o sovereignty_n which_o he_o bear_v over_o his_o spiritual_a house_n his_o church_n as_o eliakim_n bear_v it_o over_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o key_n be_v put_v metonymice_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o but_o why_o the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n isa_n 2d_o 22_o i_o answer_v either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v metonimical_o the_o master_n be_v put_v for_o the_o house_n or_o else_o for_o the_o more_o excellency_n of_o this_o key_n that_o christ_n bear_v before_o that_o of_o eliakim_n the_o truth_n itself_o exceed_v the_o type_n eliakim_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a minister_n as_o the_o steward_n and_o that_o in_o the_o family_n of_o david_n but_o christ_n he_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v before_o or_o by_o david_n himself_o due_a unto_o the_o high_a governor_n and_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o excel_v that_o of_o eliakim_n be_v limit_v only_o to_o the_o household_n of_o david_n but_o why_o be_v the_o key_n of_o david_n bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o represent_v christ_n sovereignty_n and_o kingdom_n over_o his_o church_n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o god_n promise_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n to_o david_n and_o therefore_o a_o fit_a type_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v love_v with_o the_o everlasting_a and_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n second_o david_n kingdom_n be_v over_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n so_o christ_n over_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n three_o david_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n over_o his_o kingdom_n he_o suffer_v no_o jebusite_n nor_o canaanite_n to_o domineer_v within_o his_o realm_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o christ_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n he_o suffer_v no_o unclean_a canaanite_n to_o rule_v and_o reign_v nor_o any_o unclean_a thing_n to_o enter_v therein_o but_o he_o will_v be_v sole_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n within_o his_o house_n as_o be_v david_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o same_o key_n that_o open_v the_o same_o key_n shut_v christ_n key_n power_n or_o authority_n do_v open_a and_o shut_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n first_o it_o open_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n that_o none_o ever_o hereafter_o shall_v shut_v it_o up_o or_o obscure_v it_o and_o again_o he_o shut_v it_o up_o to_o many_o unworthy_a and_o impenitent_a people_n which_o none_o but_o by_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a again_o to_o open_v and_o discover_v second_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o christ_n bear_v over_o his_o kingdom_n his_o holy_a temple_n and_o church_n either_o in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n isa_n 9.6_o zeah._n 6.12_o and_o herein_o no_o man_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v admit_v or_o exclude_v but_o as_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n three_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v into_o christ_n hidden_a mystical_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o invisible_a saint_n and_o to_o who_o christ_n do_v open_a to_o enter_v herein_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v and_o to_o who_o christ_n shut_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o open_a so_o absolute_a a_o lord_n be_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o what_o he_o do_v no_o man_n can_v undo_v or_o hinder_v and_o what_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v none_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v from_o the_o word_n thus_o explicate_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o sole_a absolute_a lord_n sovereign_a giver_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n relate_v unto_o his_o kingdom_n christ_n be_v a_o lord_n by_o power_n mat._n 28.18_o 2._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o purchase_n rom._n 7.20_o 3._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o conquest_n john_n 16.30_o 4._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o donation_n ps_n 2.8_o 5._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o election_n as_o from_o god_n mat._n 12.18_o isa_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o such_o a_o lord_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o all_o the_o ministration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o promote_v execute_v or_o hinder_v as_o he_o please_v the_o magistrate_n walk_v not_o in_o this_o sphere_n he_o have_v another_o kingdom_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o magistrate_n can_v here_o shut_v nor_o open_v though_o erastus_n vain_o dream_v the_o contrary_n christ_n key_n or_o the_o key_n of_o david_n only_o fit_v this_o lock_n as_o the_o spiritual_a key_n of_o david_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v in_o the_o civil_a kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v their_o civil_a key_n open_a or_o shut_v in_o the_o spiritual_a house_n of_o david_n be_v fit_v for_o another_o lock_n and_o who_o prove_v the_o contrary_a disorder_v the_o whole_a lock_n and_o bring_v always_o ruin_v instead_o of_o blessing_n upon_o the_o experiencer_n thereof_o christ_n fit_v not_o upon_o caesar_n throne_n nor_o caesar_n upon_o he_o each_o must_v remember_v and_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o station_n if_o christ_n open_v with_o his_o key_n and_o receive_v into_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o shut_v out_o if_o christ_n shut_v against_o any_o caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o open_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d caesar_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n to_o true_a saint_n and_o open_v it_o to_o the_o debauch_a world_n and_o so_o make_v a_o image_n like_a to_o that_o of_o nebuchadnezzar_n who_o foot_n be_v partly_o iron_n partly_o clay_n but_o when_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n
receive_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o double_a door_n open_v a_o free_a power_n give_v she_o by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ready_a and_o willing_a heart_n to_o receive_v it_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o from_o she_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n himself_o that_o have_v open_v it_o and_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o hellish_a design_n it_o can_v never_o be_v obscure_v and_o shut_v up_o more_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o vouchsafe_v and_o give_v fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n for_o a_o kindly_a entertainment_n of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o man_n wit_n conceit_n or_o eloquence_n of_o word_n will_v open_v this_o door_n either_o to_o one self_o or_o other_o christ_n must_v first_o open_v and_o give_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n or_o else_o the_o tongue_n will_v be_v as_o dumb_a as_o zachariah_n before_o john_n be_v bear_v unto_o all_o gospel_n mystery_n next_o the_o hearer_n will_v be_v as_o deaf_a unto_o the_o sound_n thereof_o as_o dumb_a unto_o the_o utterance_n of_o it_o before_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o work_v kind_o on_o their_o heart_n to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o how_o possible_o else_o can_v twelve_o plain_a tradesman_n mechanic_n fisherman_n etc._n etc._n go_v on_o with_o that_o boldness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v that_o door_n of_o utterance_n and_o entertainment_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n among_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n have_v not_o touch_v their_o tongue_n and_o unshut_a their_o mouth_n and_o t●●_n heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n both_o at_o once_o the_o one_o with_o a_o power_n of_o speak_v the_o other_o with_o a_o power_n and_o willingness_n of_o hear_v receive_v and_o treasure_v up_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v what_o a_o large_a door_n have_v christ_n lay_v open_a since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o reformation_n to_o this_o present_a day_n this_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n who_o by_o weak_a and_o despicable_a thing_n and_o person_n have_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v consider_v with_o what_o weapon_n i_o have_v overcome_v their_o error_n i_o have_v never_o touch_v they_o with_o a_o finger_n but_o christ_n have_v destroy_v they_o all_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n i._n e._n the_o word_n of_o his_o gospel_n what_o do_n what_o imprisoning_n what_o fining_n what_o punishment_n what_o torture_n what_o punishment_n what_o death_n do_v the_o old_a popish_a doctor_n and_o clergy_n and_o of_o late_a the_o prelatical_a bishop_n raise_v and_o invent_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o door_n that_o christ_n have_v open_v to_o his_o faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o land_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v they_o prevail_v and_o get_v thereby_o but_o by_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o suffocate_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o true_a light_n become_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o break_v themselves_o to_o piece_n against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o become_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o such_o endeavour_n be_v again_o set_v on_o foot_n against_o christ_n faithful_a witness_n to_o shut_v that_o door_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v open_a to_o they_o let_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o time_n pass_v towards_o the_o prelatical_a person_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n be_v a_o curb_n unto_o such_o undertaker_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o reproach_n or_o act_n of_o man_n against_o they_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n shall_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 these_o word_n be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n for_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n for_o the_o sense_n run_v thus_o because_o though_o thy_o strength_n be_v but_o small_a and_o thy_o gift_n be_v but_o low_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o yet_o thou_o have_v well_o improve_v those_o which_o thou_o have_v and_o have_v maintain_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_a among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o put_v the_o couple_a particle_n and_o for_o the_o disjunctive_a though_o or_o yet_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n not_o in_o opposition_n of_o much_o corruption_n that_o reign_v in_o philadelphia_n as_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o name_n alive_a because_o the_o great_a part_n be_v dead_a but_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n be_v apparent_o no_o great_a strength_n comparative_o to_o what_o other_o have_v and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v she_o for_o her_o talon_n which_o she_o improve_n and_o put_v to_o profitable_a use_n according_a to_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v most_o commend_v of_o god_n and_o in_o nothing_o reprove_v by_o he_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o a_o small_a talon_n well_o improve_v be_v follow_v both_o by_o a_o benediction_n and_o a_o commendation_n from_o god_n himself_o the_o parable_n in_o match_n 25._o confirm_v this_o where_o he_o that_o increase_v his_o talon_n be_v make_v owner_n of_o more_o and_o governor_n of_o many_o city_n this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n bear_v the_o name_n from_o all_o her_o sister_n for_o her_o proficiency_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n though_o her_o strength_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o her_o profession_n and_o ability_n seem_v so_o high_a as_o the_o rest_n yet_o she_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o she_o surpass_v they_o all_o and_o have_v the_o great_a portion_n and_o blessing_n give_v she_o then_o to_o any_o other_o and_o so_o become_v the_o only_a daughter_n of_o her_o mother_n the_o peerless_a sister_n of_o the_o seven_o have_v not_o of_o late_a many_o low_a despicable_a church_n and_o person_n for_o well_o improve_n their_o small_a talent_n become_v fragrant_a garden_n and_o eminent_a workman_n in_o god_n vineyard_n while_o other_o of_o high_a profession_n part_n and_o ability_n for_o want_v of_o husband_v their_o talent_n both_o lose_v their_o talent_n and_o become_v barren_a desert_n and_o like_o unsavoury_a salt_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dunghill_n though_o my_o year_n be_v but_o few_o and_o my_o experience_n small_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o this_o improvement_n i_o have_v know_v great_a doctor_n to_o become_v wittol_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n child_n and_o babe_n by_o better_v of_o their_o talent_n though_o but_o of_o small_a and_o of_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o as_o but_o a_o mustardseed_n in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o to_o become_v sound_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o last_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o great_a tree_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v fly_v for_o shelter_n verse_n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o by_o this_o double_a remarkable_a asterisme_n or_o twice_o repeat_v note_n of_o attention_n behold_v in_o one_o verse_n christ_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o notable_a work_n in_o his_o church_n and_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o perverse_a jew_n that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v affliction_n and_o tribulation_n on_o the_o true_a professor_n thereof_o but_o to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o worship_v he_o before_o their_o foot_n to_o make_v they_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o this_o christ_n and_o this_o church_n who_o they_o have_v vilify_v blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v to_o be_v the_o only_a special_a object_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o explicate_v the_o word_n more_o full_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_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
god_n of_o power_n and_o strength_n that_o shall_v be_v set_v upon_o they_o and_o when_o will_v it_o be_v but_o in_o that_o day_n when_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n rev._n 21.2_o then_o the_o weak_a saint_n shall_v be_v as_o david_n and_o the_o house_n of_o david_n as_o elohim_n zach._n 12._o 2._o the_o second_o name_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o be_v that_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v god_n name_n and_o nature_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v also_o visible_o appear_v to_o be_v citizen_n of_o that_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n and_o if_o it_o come_v down_o from_o god_n and_o from_o heaven_n then_o sure_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o estate_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o not_o in_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n as_o many_o dream_n of_o concern_v this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o rev._n 21.2_o that_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o and_o be_v celestial_a that_o abide_v and_o be_v fix_v and_o shall_v not_o descend_v nor_o come_v down_o but_o this_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o come_v down_o and_o to_o be_v with_o man_n rev._n 21.3_o and_o god_n will_v dwell_v with_o they_o it_o be_v b●t_v a_o superfluous_a promise_n for_o god_n to_o tell_v the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n he_o will_v dwell_v with_o they_o there_o that_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v here_o mean_v that_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v with_o man_n when_o christ_n come_v before_o the_o last_o day_n to_o the_o great_a restauration_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o this_o new_a city_n and_o church-state_n be_v call_v by_o christ_n the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n because_o god_n be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o from_o god_n because_o the_o rise_n and_o dignity_n thereof_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a that_o all_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o erect_n thereof_o and_o that_o his_o hand_n do_v whole_o rear_v it_o for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o 3._o christ_n will_v write_v his_o own_o new_a name_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o that_o name_n mention_v in_o rev._n 19.16_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o this_o correspond_v with_o that_o name_n in_o phil._n 2.9_o which_o god_n have_v give_v christ_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n at_o which_o name_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o heb._n 2.8_o thou_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n in_o subjection_n under_o his_o foot_n but_o now_o we_o see_v not_o yet_o all_o thing_n put_v under_o he_o sure_o christ_n as_o yet_o have_v never_o this_o new_a name_n put_v upon_o he_o though_o he_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o heaven_n into_o glory_n but_o we_o see_v not_o yet_o all_o thing_n put_v in_o subjection_n under_o his_o foot_n nor_o yet_o every_o knee_n on_o earth_n to_o bow_v unto_o he_o or_o to_o worship_v he_o five_o part_n in_o six_o of_o the_o world_n be_v pagan_n or_o mahometan_n that_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o therefore_o sure_a not_o bow_n unto_o he_o and_o among_o profess_a christian_n how_o few_o do_v sincere_o bow_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o godly_a know_v neither_o as_o yet_o have_v that_o new_a name_n of_o k●ng_v of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n be_v put_v upon_o he_o as_o mediator_n and_o god-man_n i_o grant_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n and_o mediation_n all_o king_n in_o the_o world_n reign_n and_o decree_v justice_n and_o as_o god_n he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o he_o must_v as_o man_n be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o he_o must_v rule_v and_o reign_v in_o another_o mode_n and_o posture_n then_o ever_o hitherto_o he_o have_v do_v we_o have_v know_v he_o hitherto_o only_o as_o a_o lamb_n and_o as_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n rule_v by_o his_o spiritual_a law_n and_o ordinance_n in_o and_o over_o his_o saint_n only_o but_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o yet_o again_o with_o another_o new_a name_n write_v on_o he_o that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o himself_o with_o his_o head_n crown_v with_o many_o crown_n and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o nation_n and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n rev._n 19.12.15_o the_o nimrods_n of_o the_o world_n have_v hitherto_o reign_v and_o tread_a underfoot_n the_o holy_a city_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v be_v hitherto_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o title_n only_o when_o christ_n come_v first_o in_o the_o flesh_n he_o be_v only_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o jure_fw-la in_o right_a and_o in_o god_n purpose_n and_o decree_n but_o never_o in_o possession_n and_o in_o esse_fw-la christ_n in_o his_o first_o come_n be_v as_o a_o heir_n under_o year_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n though_o lord_n of_o all_o which_o will_v be_v complete_o manifest_v at_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o full_a age_n at_o his_o second_o come_v he_o be_v promise_v and_o prophesy_v to_o be_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o the_o three_o wise_a man_n that_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o his_o swaddle_a clout_n gold_n myrrh_n and_o frankincense_n but_o by_o himself_o also_o and_o by_o that_o inscription_n on_o his_o cross_n though_o ironical_o set_v thereon_o by_o pilate_n and_o the_o jew_n yet_o by_o divine_a ordination_n it_o be_v write_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o kingly_a power_n of_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v manifest_v when_o he_o will_v arise_v and_o take_v the_o iron_n sceptre_n of_o power_n and_o force_v in_o his_o hand_n to_o destroy_v all_o his_o enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o his_o kingdom_n he_o then_o will_v make_v it_o appear●_n that_o he_o be_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o will_v become_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o this_o new_a name_n of_o he_o he_o will_v write_v upon_o his_o faithful_a follower_n as_o he_o shall_v reign_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v compartner_n and_o sharer_n with_o he_o in_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o kingdom_n they_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o glory_n and_o shall_v sit_v with_o he_o on_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n judge_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n rev._n 3.21_o from_o the_o word_n note_v observe_v that_o god_n will_v make_v his_o church_n most_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a here_o on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o all_o he_o will_v put_v his_o own_o name_n upon_o she_o she_o shall_v be_v godlike_a in_o power_n strength_n and_o glory_n she_o shall_v have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n write_v on_o she_o that_o for_o her_o strength_n and_o glory_n be_v describe_v in_o rev._n 21._o to_o have_v her_o wall_n and_o gate_n strong_a and_o high_a and_o of_o precious_a stone_n build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n set_v upon_o by'r_a as_o christ_n shall_v be_v then_o king_n of_o king_n so_o she_o shall_v be_v the_o queen-city_n of_o the_o world_n rome_n or_o babylon_n shall_v be_v no_o long_o the_o empress_n of_o the_o universe_n she_o shall_v lie_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o become_v the_o habitation_n of_o owl_n and_o satyr_n while_o this_o new_a jerusalem_n or_o new_a church-state_n shall_v become_v the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n wherein_o his_o glory_n and_o light_n shall_v more_o eminent_o appear_v then_o in_o any_o other_o society_n ever_o hitherto_o in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o monarchy_n be_v but_o partial_a in_o respect_n of_o this_o nebuchadnezzar_n and_o the_o persian_n reach_v but_o part_n of_o asia_n alexander_n but_o a_o little_a further_o than_o they_o the_o roman_a caesar_n though_o far_o in_o the_o west_n than_o the_o former_a yet_o not_o so_o extensive_a in_o the_o east_n as_o they_o the_o spanish_a mahometan_a turkish_a persian_a tartarian_a and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o monarchy_n that_o be_v now_o a_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n the_o several_a branch_n head_n or_o horn_n of_o the_o latter_a former_a roman_a beast_n be_v but_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o this_o universal_a monarchy_n the_o church_n shall_v enjoy_v before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o on_o earth_n this_o mountain_n shall_v be_v set_v on_o the_o top_n of_o all_o other_o
god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o of_o his_o family_n he_o will_v leave_v we_o alone_o to_o run_v on_o in_o our_o own_o perverse_a way_n until_o destruction_n and_o hell_n overwhelm_v we_o be_v zealous_a therefore_o and_o repent_v what_o zeal_n be_v see_v former_o on_o the_o fifteen_o and_o sixteenth_o verse_n christ_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n prescribe_v the_o remedy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n for_o her_o disease_n and_o here_o he_o advise_v to_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v zealous_a be_v fervent_a be_v hot_a cast_v away_o thy_o half_a mongrel_n religion_n which_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a purge_v out_o o_o england_n thy_o romish_a leven_a that_o make_v thou_o hang_v even_o half_a way_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n be_v zealous_a and_o repent_v o_o laodicea_n cast_v out_o o_o england_n thy_o pretend_a riches_n honour_n and_o preferment_n which_o work_v a_o conceit_n in_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v rich_a while_o thou_o be_v but_o beggarly_a and_o naked_a and_o buy_v gold_n try_v of_o the_o fire_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a honour_n from_o he_o and_o that_o white_a raiment_n of_o he_o righteousness_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a spouse_n in_o her_o external_a office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o will_v make_v thou_o true_o honourable_a beautiful_a rich_a and_o comely_a be_v zealous_a i_o say_v and_o fervent_a hot_a after_o those_o precious_a jewel_n and_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o repent_v of_o thy_o former_a folly_n and_o vain_a conceit_n and_o then_o thou_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o purpose_n and_o become_v as_o a_o lily_n among_o the_o thorn_n and_o the_o fair_a of_o all_o thy_o sister_n verse_n 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o christ_n add_v here_o another_o motive_n to_o the_o poor_a blind_a laodicean_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o for_o gold_n for_o white_a raiment_n for_o eyesalve_n to_o supply_v all_o their_o want_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o come_v in_o and_o converse_v with_o all_o such_o that_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o receive_v he_o and_o to_o close_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n christ_n come_v as_o one_o desire_v to_o have_v entrance_n he_o knock_v first_o that_o they_o may_v know_v to_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o must_v open_v christ_n come_v in_o his_o first_o grace_n be_v irresistible_a and_o as_o the_o strong_a man_n dispossess_v satan_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o house_n the_o soul_n by_o a_o spiritual_a force_n and_o overpower_v hand_n but_o if_o the_o soul_n after_o faith_n receive_v by_o its_o own_o sloth_n remissness_n or_o backslide_v shall_v shut_v the_o door_n or_o entrance_n thereof_o against_o the_o kindly_a operation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n christ_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o break_v up_o the_o door_n of_o that_o heart_n again_o by_o violence_n as_o at_o his_o first_o come_v in_o unto_o it_o but_o will_v come_v and_o call_v and_o knock_v for_o entrance_n that_o be_v will_v wait_v with_o mercy_n with_o providence_n with_o precept_n command_n with_o exhortation_n and_o reproof_n that_o if_o possible_a to_o melt_v the_o stray_a and_o err_a soul_n into_o compunction_n and_o to_o open_v again_o unto_o he_o that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v enter_v in_o from_o which_o posture_n of_o christ_n observe_v observe_v that_o christ_n use_v all_o possible_a mean_n for_o the_o reclaim_n and_o regain_n err_a soul_n into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n he_o come_v as_o it_o be_v a_o supplicant_n at_o their_o door_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o give_v entrance_n to_o he_o he_o stand_v and_o knock_v he_o wait_v and_o wait_v long_o and_o call_v and_o call_v again_o by_o divers_a and_o various_a way_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o former_a love_a kindness_n and_o how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o help_v they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o open_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v his_o direction_n and_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n sometime_o he_o shake_v his_o rod_n over_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o tell_v they_o as_o many_o as_o he_o love_v he_o rebuke_n and_o chasten_v sometime_o he_o invite_v they_o by_o mercy_n and_o gracious_a consideration_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o then_o again_o he_o take_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n to_o make_v they_o see_v their_o danger_n if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a unto_o his_o call_n and_o last_o he_o send_v his_o ambassador_n with_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o line_n upon_o line_n beseech_v in_o christ_n name_n the_o stray_a soul_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o christ_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v want_v unto_o themselves_o quest_n but_o why_o do_v not_o christ_n himself_o use_v his_o force_n and_o open_v the_o door_n himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n power_n to_o these_o poor_a laodicean_n be_v not_o he_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n who_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o if_o he_o will_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n he_o need_v not_o stand_v knock_v at_o their_o door_n they_o will_v fly_v open_a to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v enter_v in_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v true_a at_o christ_n first_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n our_o base_a nature_n be_v so_o resistable_a and_o abhorrent_n to_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o must_v come_v by_o force_n by_o a_o spiritual_a force_n with_o his_o key_n of_o david_n to_o unlock_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n if_o he_o will_v have_v a_o entrance_n thereinto_o but_o second_o have_v first_o shed_v abroad_o his_o first_o grace_n into_o our_o heart_n than_o he_o command_v we_o to_o work_v in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a have_v receive_v the_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n cleanse_v yourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o christ_n put_v we_o then_o upon_o do_v that_o we_o may_v stir_v up_o our_o grace_n improve_v our_o talent_n and_o become_v active_a grow_a and_o fruitful_a christian_n and_o on_o this_o account_n christ_n here_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o bid_v she_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n and_z ro_o open_v to_o he_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o first_o grace_n of_o faith_n from_o christ_n or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v number_v among_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n though_o she_o be_v a_o sad_a disorderly_a and_o rusty_a one_o yet_o she_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n still_o and_o therefore_o may_v very_o well_o be_v command_v to_o set_v her_o power_n and_o grace_v a_o work_n to_o open_v unto_o christ_n the_o operation_n of_o who_o spirit_n she_o have_v shut_v out_o and_o quench_v by_o her_o uneven_a carriage_n and_o lukewarm_a temper_n three_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n know_v that_o laodicea_n have_v not_o quite_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n she_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o a_o lukewarm_a one_o but_o she_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n and_o deny_v he_o passage_n in_o some_o of_o his_o ordinance_n by_o which_o christ_n usual_o and_o ordinary_o enter_v she_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n unto_o a_o true_a spiritual_a ministry_n discipline_n orderly_o call_v and_o regular_a dispense_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o instead_o thereof_o entertain_v a_o formal_a lazy_a indifferent_a lukewarm_a ministry_n state-discipline_n officer_n and_o call_v and_o so_o all_o ordinance_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o scantling_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n and_o so_o make_v up_o a_o mongrel_n hermaphroditical_a worship_n part_n of_o god_n and_o part_n of_o man_n which_o indeed_o be_v pure_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n and_o therefore_o a_o abomination_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n she_o have_v shut_v this_o door_n and_o way_n of_o entrance_n against_o christ_n as_o some_o of_o our_o church_n have_v do_v this_o day_n and_o therefore_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v and_o how_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o faithful_a witness_n and_o as_o john_n be_v send_v with_o a_o epistle_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o laodicea_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o delinquent_a asian_a church_n so_o christ_n send_v his_o faithful_a teacher_n and_o prophet_n with_o a_o burden_n in_o their_o mouth_n against_o all_o such_o false_a worship_n and_o doctrine_n to_o unshut_a the_o door_n if_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v enter_v in_o use_v from_o the_o discourse_v premise_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o scripture_n
stand_v little_a in_o stead_n unto_o the_o papist_n and_o their_o champion_n bellarmine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o grace_n and_o free_a will_n cap._n 1._o to_o maintain_v from_o hence_o their_o pelagian_a doctrine_n the_o power_n of_o man_n freewill_n before_o conversion_n unto_o faith_n and_o amendment_n for_o bellarmine_n therein_o triumphant_o interrogate_v be_v not_o he_o foolish_a that_o will_v knock_v at_o his_o neighbour_n door_n if_o he_o know_v for_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n within_o that_o can_v open_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v so_o but_o bellarmine_n for_o all_o his_o great_a learning_n herein_o be_v much_o mistake_v christ_n here_o knock_v at_o a_o door_n where_o there_o be_v one_o within_o that_o be_v able_a to_o open_v the_o party_n be_v only_o asleep_a he_o be_v not_o dead_a or_o quite_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v unto_o he_o to_o awake_v and_o open_a unto_o he_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n 5.2_o she_o be_v asleep_a when_o her_o belove_a come_v and_o knock_v say_v open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a so_o christ_n come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n vers_fw-la 2._o and_o bid_v she_o to_o awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v and_o command_v laodicea_n to_o open_v unto_o he_o who_o have_v a_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o open_v though_o it_o be_v grow_v weak_a and_o remiss_a and_o therefore_o have_v need_n of_o a_o knock_n a_o vigorous_a call_n to_o rouse_v she_o up_o unto_o her_o duty_n and_o therefore_o bellarmine_n be_v quite_o mistake_v when_o from_o hence_o he_o assert_n that_o christ_n bid_v the_o reprobate_a and_o unregenerate_a to_o open_v to_o he_o it_o be_v only_o a_o believe_a church_n a_o backslidden_a lukewarm_a believe_a church_n that_o he_o bid_v to_o rise_v up_o and_o open_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o one_o altogether_o dead_a but_o a_o sleepy_a careless_a lukewarm_a church_n that_o he_o stir_v up_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o open_v to_o he_o second_o i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v grant_v bellarmine_n that_o christ_n sometime_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o reprobate_n and_o unregenerate_a person_n and_o call_v to_o open_v to_o he_o though_o they_o neither_o will_v or_o can_v open_v to_o he_o yet_o christ_n may_v do_v this_o as_o often_o he_o do_v without_o any_o impeachment_n to_o his_o wisdom_n he_o hereby_o show_v what_o their_o duty_n be_v and_o require_v it_o from_o they_o and_o just_o he_o may_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o possibility_n to_o perform_v it_o they_o have_v forfeit_v and_o lose_v their_o ability_n by_o their_o own_o fault_n not_o only_o in_o their_o common_a parent_n the_o first_o adam_n but_o also_o by_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n of_o disobedience_n with_o he_o and_o christ_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o any_o law_n to_o restore_v it_o again_o unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n in_o the_o last_o place_n do_v often_o call_v to_o open_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o very_a reprobate_a themselves_o as_o in_o a_o judiciary_n way_n for_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o condemnation_n upon_o their_o refusal_n according_a to_o that_o of_o john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n thus_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o bellarmine_n and_o his_o doctrine_n of_o freewill_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mere_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v nourish_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v consummate_v and_o perfect_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o to_o proceed_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v obedient_a to_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n open_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n yield_v obedience_n to_o my_o many_o and_o earnest_a solicitation_n i_o will_v then_o come_v and_o dwell_v in_o that_o soul_n and_o impart_v myself_o unto_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o that_o be_v communicate_v and_o have_v mutual_a fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o note_v hence_o observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n high_a privilege_n to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o he_o with_o they_o where_o there_o be_v those_o heavenly_a intercourse_n there_o be_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n or_o earth_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n come_v down_o upon_o earth_n person_n hereby_o do_v become_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o say_v christ_n that_o be_v christ_n will_v dwell_v in_o he_o spiritual_o real_o operative_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o i_o that_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o so_o such_o become_v and_o be_v make_v the_o son_n of_o god_n luke_n 19.5_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o holy_a nature_n be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a shame_n to_o our_o christian_n church_n to_o deny_v themselves_o this_o great_a privilege_n in_o not_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n or_o open_v the_o door_n unto_o he_o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v ready_a to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o stand_v with_o our_o interest_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v account_v heathen_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o that_o be_v all_o if_o it_o will_v amount_v so_o far_o for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v be_v no_o distinguish_a ordinance_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v but_o natural_a duty_n which_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o christian_n but_o where_o be_v the_o open_v the_o door_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o especial_a distinguish_a ordinance_n where_o be_v the_o mutual_a feast_n sup_v and_o communicate_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n taste_v and_o feed_v on_o the_o several_a and_o various_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o member_n where_o be_v the_o improve_n of_o his_o discipline_n where_o be_v his_o garden_n enclose_v be_v not_o all_o like_a a_o forest_n or_o wilderness_n without_o any_o culture_n or_o hedge_n about_o they_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o few_o garden_n who_o savoury_a spice_n and_o precious_a ointment_n do_v cast_v a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n abroad_o but_o their_o tender_a grape_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v if_o god_n mercy_n prevent_v not_o that_o either_o the_o little_a fox_n will_v undermine_v they_o or_o the_o wild_a boar_n root_v they_o out_o i_o speak_v it_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o our_o contentation_n and_o sit_v satisfy_v under_o a_o formal_a and_o lukewarm_a preach_n and_o some_o other_o natural_a duty_n only_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o provoke_v god_n to_o spew_v we_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o our_o half_a way_n religion_n the_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o the_o other_o not_o leave_v undo_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n not_o so_o far_o only_o as_o our_o carnal_a wisdom_n think_v sufficient_a and_o no_o far_o it_o be_v once_o and_o not_o long_o since_o a_o just_a complaint_n that_o common_a prayer_n and_o other_o church_n discipline_n and_o episcopal_a ruling_n have_v thrust_v out_o of_o door_n a_o true_a preach_n and_o divers_a other_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o observe_v the_o change_n now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o preach_v will_v silence_v and_o invalidate_v many_o other_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o render_v they_o useless_a to_o we_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n the_o whole_a voice_n of_o god_n and_o open_a to_o it_o if_o we_o expect_v christ_n to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o sup_v with_o we_o and_o we_o with_o he_o we_o be_v first_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o word_n open_v the_o door_n to_o he_o of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o preach_n thereof_o then_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v and_o not_o sit_v still_o as_o those_o silly_a one_o that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o work_n of_o perfection_n that_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v build_v up_o our_o soul_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o make_v we_o wise_a indeed_o unto_o salvation_n last_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v more_o in_o these_o word_n i_o
will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n now_o this_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v attribute_v to_o that_o kingdom_n which_o christ_n have_v as_o god_n with_o the_o father_n by_o right_a of_o creation_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n by_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n long_o after_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n pprophecy_n and_o christ_n have_v long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o daniel_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o natural_a kingdom_n of_o he_o as_o one_o with_o the_o father_n neither_o second_o can_v it_o be_v apply_v with_o any_o more_o show_v of_o reason_n to_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n because_o how_o few_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o language_n do_v as_o much_o as_o own_v or_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o some_o learned_a observe_v and_o that_o aright_o that_o not_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o tongue_n in_o the_o world_n do_v as_o much_o as_o own_v or_o acknowledge_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o again_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v christ_n how_o great_a a_o part_n thereof_o be_v apostate_n antichristian_n and_o even_o violent_a persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o again_o consider_v how_o few_o of_o those_o in_o the_o reform_a nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o more_o clearness_n and_o light_n discover_v and_o preach_v be_v true_o sincere_a servant_n of_o christ_n submit_v with_o cheerfulness_n unto_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o righteousness_n own_v christ_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n thereof_o therefore_o sure_o this_o kingdom_n and_o happy_a period_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v as_o christ_n say_v john_n 18.36_o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v of_o this_o present_a world_n but_o that_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n and_o be_v here_o promise_v as_o a_o reward_n to_o the_o overcome_a saint_n and_o for_o which_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v which_o will_v not_o be_v give_v by_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n until_o he_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n dan._n 7.13_o compare_v to_o rev._n 14.14_o last_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o humane_a testimony_n and_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v the_o least_o with_o some_o and_o that_o be_v of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o annotation_n only_o on_o two_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o matter_n and_o substance_n i_o contend_v for_o to_o wit_n a_o more_o glorious_a triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o ultimate_a day_n of_o judgement_n first_o they_o in_o their_o new_a annotation_n on_o rev._n 5.10_o and_o we_o shall_v reign_v on_o earth_n confess_v that_o this_o may_v signify_v the_o prosperous_a time_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christian_n king_n and_o emperor_n dan._n 7.27_o psal_n 37.11_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n and_o on_o rev._n 2.25_o 26._o they_o say_v hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v signify_v till_o christ_n second_o come_v general_a or_o special_a power_n over_o the_o nation_n signify_v to_o join_v with_o christ_n in_o judge_v the_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o give_v the_o morning_n star_n signify_v christ_n give_v the_o full_a fruition_n of_o himself_o thus_o far_o they_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v in_o the_o full_a extent_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o yet_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o futurity_n but_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o show_v their_o great_a mistake_n that_o expect_v a_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o christ_n reign_n or_o monarchy_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n before_o christ_n second_o appearance_n in_o the_o cloud_n to_o accomplish_v this_o work_n this_o opinion_n be_v not_o a_o little_a dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a both_o unto_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o unto_o all_o magistracy_n that_o such_o opinionist_n live_v under_o for_o once_o entertain_v the_o judgement_n that_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v now_o to_o be_v set_v up_o all_o other_o opposite_n and_o kingdom_n must_v down_o before_o it_o for_o who_o will_v count_v it_o a_o hard_a say_n or_o sinful_a to_o remove_v humane_a power_n and_o magistrate_n be_v they_o ever_o so_o just_a that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o all-righteous_a sceptre_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o on_o this_o very_a ground_n and_o principle_n that_o every_o party_n and_o faction_n that_o pretend_v high_a to_o christ_n have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v itself_o in_o the_o throne_n how_o be_v episcopacy_n dethrone_v but_o that_o presbytery_n think_v itself_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n must_v go_v with_o they_o whether_o prelacy_n or_o presbytery_n be_v of_o the_o divine_a or_o better_a size_n that_o be_v not_o the_o dispute_n but_o have_v once_o entertain_v the_o conceit_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o their_o geneva_n model_n and_o presbytery_n what_o nation_n be_v at_o peace_n among_o the_o reform_a before_o it_o be_v exalt_v and_o have_v the_o throne_n again_o this_o principle_n be_v again_o entertain_v by_o some_o other_o pretend_v to_o more_o holiness_n and_o truth_n than_o they_o o_o how_o they_o labour_v for_o a_o eruption_n like_o a_o inbred_a wind_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n never_o at_o rest_n till_o it_o set_v up_o its_o interest_n or_o its_o pretend_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n up_o at_o top_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a principle_n and_o fancy_n that_o carry_v on_o those_o irregular_a head_n of_o munster_n and_o john_n of_o leyden_n etc._n etc._n that_o make_v they_o dream_v of_o a_o new_a state_n come_v down_o among_o they_o from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v as_o weak_a frail_a and_o sinful_a as_o any_o other_o do_v not_o this_o excite_v they_o to_o contemn_v all_o power_n and_o magistracy_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o tread_v all_o under_o foot_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o new_a camaera_n and_o be_v not_o this_o again_o attempt_v and_o act_v by_o some_o in_o our_o day_n that_o have_v take_v up_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o who_o know_v where_o it_o will_v rest_v be_v once_o set_v on_o foot_n or_o work_v by_o a_o fiery_a irregular_a zeal_n judicious_a m._n hooker_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n though_o a_o episcopal_a man_n yet_o wise_o foresee_v the_o evil_a of_o this_o judgement_n and_o principle_n and_o give_v forewarn_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o it_o do_v destroy_v episcopacy_n and_o it_o will_v destroy_v presbytery_n and_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o if_o it_o be_v not_o moderate_v and_o wise_o regulate_v by_o a_o overmastering_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o herein_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v but_o my_o duty_n and_o discharge_v my_o conscience_n in_o show_v the_o false_a ground_n of_o many_o man_n miscarriage_n about_o the_o prosecution_n and_o attainment_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o indeed_o will_v never_o be_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o infirm_a and_o corrupt_a generation_n which_o be_v partly_o spiritual_a and_o partly_o carnal_a and_o they_o that_o endeavour_v to_o set_v it_o up_o may_v just_o perish_v in_o the_o attempt_n be_v not_o call_v to_o it_o neither_o by_o god_n nor_o christ_n neither_o let_v any_o say_v hence_o that_o i_o contemn_v full_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o reform_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n unto_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n when_o god_n open_v a_o door_n unto_o we_o unto_o this_o work_n it_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o the_o church_n triumphant_a before_o christ_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v her_o captain_n and_o leader_n on_o which_o then_o will_v be_v with_o great_a power_n and_o might_n and_o none_o shall_v hinder_v we_o be_v now_o command_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o overcome_v our_o temptation_n patient_o not_o to_o reign_v and_o triumph_n which_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o patience_n unto_o another_o life_n he_o that_o thus_o overcome_v shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o reign_v with_o he_o while_o other_o may_v be_v shut_v out_o for_o their_o sin_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o power_n they_o live_v under_o have_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o false_a principle_n to_o wit_n a_o expectance_n to_o reign_v with_o christ_n at_o present_a let_v all_o wise_a christian_n shun_v it_o as_o a_o ruinous_a house_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o overwhelm_v all_o that_o
be_v a_o she_o prophetess_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o that_o she_o be_v one_o of_o that_o sect_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o that_o she_o come_v with_o the_o same_o curse_a nicolaitish_a doctrine_n in_o the_o 14_o and_o 15._o verse_n mention_v teach_v and_o draw_v god_n people_n to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n first_o herein_o appear_v her_o impudence_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o modesty_n of_o her_o sex_n and_o apostolical_a prohibition_n yet_o she_o take_v the_o name_n of_o a_o prophetess_n upon_o herself_o and_o to_o teach_v public_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 14_o 34._o next_o observe_v her_o falsity_n and_o deceit_n she_o be_v a_o prophetess_n and_o why_o it_o be_v only_o to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v christ_n servant_n three_o observe_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o her_o seduction_n it_o be_v by_o false_a doctrine_n by_o teach_v idolatry_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o idol_n and_o fornication_n to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a for_o i_o always_o take_v these_o to_o be_v two_o great_a distinct_a sin_n and_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n idolatry_n and_o fornication_n and_o not_o only_a idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a fornication_n or_o adultery_n for_o balaam_n advice_n be_v not_o only_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o business_n of_o baal_n peor_n mumb._n 25.1_o 2._o shall_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n but_o to_o fornication_n also_o with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n so_o also_o jezabel_n ahab_n wife_n who_o provoke_v he_o to_o set_v up_o idolatry_n unto_o baal_n in_o israel_n 1_o king_n 16.31_o 32._o compare_v to_o 1_o king_n 21.25_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a adultress_n as_o by_o that_o of_o 2_o king_n 9.22_o what_o peace_n whilst_o the_o woredom_n of_o thy_o mother_n jezabel_n and_o her_o witchcraft_n be_v yet_o in_o great_a number_n and_o her_o carriage_n be_v according_o impudent_a for_o 30._o do_v convince_v her_o whoredom_n for_o she_o paint_v her_o face_n and_o tire_v her_o head_n and_o look_v out_o at_o window_n the_o posture_n rather_o of_o a_o strumpet_n then_o of_o majesty_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o and_o therefore_o balaam_n and_o jezabel_n be_v here_o fit_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o personate_v this_o lewd_a nicolaitish_a sect_n and_o their_o great_a prophetess_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n observe_v 1._o hence_o note_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a defigne_n of_o satan_n to_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o false_a she_o prophetess_n as_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n so_o there_o be_v a_o false_a prophetess_n and_o a_o very_a impudent_a one_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n in_o thyatira_n if_o god_n will_v have_v he_o or_o she_o prophet_n the_o devil_n will_v be_v god_n ape_n and_o will_v have_v the_o same_o if_o god_n to_o honour_v that_o weak_a sex_n sometime_o raise_v up_o she_o prophet_n to_o help_v his_o people_n be_v sure_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v upon_o the_o same_o work_n he_o will_v have_v his_o jezabel_n his_o maximillae_n for_o her_o service_n also_o we_o find_v in_o ezekiel_n day_n there_o be_v false_a propheteses_n who_o sow_v pillow_n to_o ahe_fw-la armhole_n 13._o 1k_n 18._o prophesy_v please_v thing_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o neh._n 6.14_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o one_o noadia_n a_o prophetess_n she_o with_o other_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v against_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n encourage_v sanballet_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discourage_v nehemiah_n and_o the_o bvilder_n of_o it_o and_o some_o such_o there_o be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o all_o age_n who_o with_o their_o false_a doctrine_n will_v deceive_v unwary_a people_n simon_n magus_n have_v his_o helena_n carpocrates_n his_o marcellina_n montanus_n have_v his_o prisca_n and_o maximillina_n and_o so_o all_o erroneous_a sect_n have_v their_o she_o prophetess_n as_o well_o as_o he_o prophet_n for_o the_o devil_n design_n thrive_v on_o both_o way_n observe_v 2._o false_a she_o prophetess_n be_v not_o only_o very_o bold_a but_o very_o subtle_a to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v god_n servant_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v liken_v to_o jezabel_n a_o bold_a setter_n up_o of_o idolatry_n and_o a_o subtle_a deceiver_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o naboth_n and_o seek_v the_o death_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n appear_v and_o it_o appear_v also_o henbe_n that_o this_o false_a nicolaitish_a prophetess_n be_v not_o only_o a_o very_a impudent_a one_o for_o she_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v but_o be_v also_o a_o very_a sly_a and_o subtle_a one_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o deceive_v christ_n servant_n i_o conjecture_v that_o her_o practice_n be_v somewhat_o like_o the_o rant_a familist_n and_o antiscripturists_a of_o our_o day_n who_o pretend_v some_o high_a notion_n and_o transcendent_a matter_n above_o the_o common_a pitch_n of_o plain_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o so_o fly_v beyond_o sobriety_n god_n suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o they_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n to_o sin_n be_v but_o of_o a_o legal_a spirit_n and_o of_o bondage_n and_o sin_n can_v at_o all_o reach_n god_n or_o offend_v his_o majesty_n and_o then_o they_o can_v free_o among_o the_o heathen_n as_o the_o nicolaitish_a christian_n do_v of_o old_a partake_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o baal_n of_o bacchus_n priapus_n venus_n or_o any_o of_o their_o heathenish_a idol_n and_o can_v free_o without_o regret_n eat_v of_o their_o idolothite_n and_o join_v and_o commix_v with_o their_o corporal_a fornication_n also_o high_a and_o untrodden_a speculation_n and_o novelty_n carry_v the_o vizor_n of_o deceit_n with_o they_o wholesome_a doctrine_n be_v old_a and_o plain_a but_o novel_a and_o erroneous_a be_v hold_v forth_o in_o most_o high_a and_o unintelligible_a motion_n which_o false_a proprophet_n and_o prophetess_n on_o purpose_n make_v use_v of_o to_o amuse_v confound_v ensnare_v and_o deceive_v the_o easy_a credulous_a and_o simple_a people_n many_o of_o these_o false_a she_o prophetess_n go_v up_o and_o down_o with_o their_o new_a light_n new_a christ_n and_o new_a gospel_n and_o all_o within_o they_o in_o these_o very_a day_n of_o we_o a_o true_a branch_n of_o the_o old_a gnostic_n and_o nicolaitan_n observe_v 3._o some_o of_o god_n own_o faithful_a servant_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o false_a teacher_n this_o jeze●el_n or_o false_a lady_n prophetess_n have_v seduce_v christ_n servant_n and_o have_v entice_v they_o to_o their_o filthy_a idolatry_n and_o adultery_n we_o know_v peter_n and_o barnabas_n be_v draw_v away_o by_o such_o into_o error_n gal_n 2.13_o 14_o the_o old_a lie_a prophet_n deceive_v the_o young_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o draw_v he_o into_o a_o snare_n which_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n for_o a_o lion_n devour_v he_o 1_o kin._n 13._o christ_n have_v foretell_v we_o mat._n 24._o that_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o but_o whence_o do_v they_o arise_v from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o do_v raise_v such_o a_o smoke_n with_o their_o false_a doctrine_n rev._n 9_o that_o they_o darken_v the_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n truth_n that_o the_o saint_n can_v clear_o see_v their_o way_n and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a if_o they_o stumble_v do_v not_o many_o precious_a soul_n stumble_v in_o the_o late_a day_n of_o prelacy_n and_o be_v turn_v away_o with_o their_o error_n and_o have_v not_o many_o stumble_v in_o these_o day_n of_o liberty_n and_o carry_v away_o and_o deceive_v by_o familistical_a anti-scriptural_a error_n and_o the_o like_a but_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v we_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o peter_n 2_o epist_n 3.17_o 18._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v against_o thyatira_n and_o it_o be_v because_o she_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n a_o church_n be_v not_o so_o blame_v worthy_a for_o have_v a_o jezebel_n a_o false_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n among_o they_o but_o for_o suffer_v for_o countenance_v own_v and_o free_o tolerate_v of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n whence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o toleration_n and_o indulgence_n of_o false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o will_n to_o suffer_v opinion_n in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v dissonant_n from_o his_o truth_n that_o will_v corrupt_v the_o soul_n with_o sin_n though_o i_o shall_v plead_v for_o a_o just_a