then_o sure_o he_o will_v either_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o temple_n or_o else_o tread_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n we_o grant_v this_o liberty_n to_o every_o governor_n when_o he_o have_v light_n up_o candle_n for_o his_o family_n if_o any_o of_o they_o will_v not_o burn_v clear_o he_o may_v snuff_v it_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o may_v cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n and_o set_v another_o in_o it_o place_n and_o shall_v we_o deny_v to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o like_a authority_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o house_n over_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n god_n forbid_v the_o minister_n therefore_o in_o his_o place_n and_o every_o other_o christian_a in_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n must_v labour_v to_o be_v a_o shine_a candle_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o godly_a life_n before_o all_o the_o world_n that_o so_o he_o may_v escape_v god_n fearful_a judgement_n in_o common_a reason_n we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o shine_a light_n before_o otheâ—s_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n in_o the_o winter_n time_n to_o hang_v forth_o light_v for_o the_o guide_n of_o man_n body_n safe_a from_o place_n to_o place_n now_o if_o we_o have_v such_o care_n over_o their_o body_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v much_o more_o over_o body_n and_o soul_n both_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v guide_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o dangerous_a way_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o then_o all_o ignorant_a person_n and_o loose_a luâ—ers_n who_o abound_v in_o every_o place_n must_v be_v admonish_v to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o labour_n to_o become_v light_n in_o god_n church_n they_o stand_v as_o candle_n but_o they_o be_v extinct_a â—nd_v give_v no_o light_n to_o other_o ignorant_a person_n therefore_o must_v cast_v off_o their_o ignorance_n and_o labour_n for_o knowledge_n and_o wicked_a liver_n must_v reform_v their_o looseness_n of_o life_n and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o wordâ—_n truth_n that_o so_o they_o may_v shine_v unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o candle_n set_v up_o in_o his_o family_n and_o shall_v assay_v to_o light_v it_o and_o snuff_v it_o once_o or_o twice_o and_o can_v get_v it_o burn_v then_o in_o displeasure_n he_o will_v trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n or_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n even_o so_o christ_n jesus_n seek_v to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o these_o ignorant_a person_n and_o to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o these_o loose_a liver_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v that_o they_o refuse_v the_o light_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v undoubted_o in_o fury_n of_o his_o wrath_n he_o will_v at_o length_n â—_o pluck_v they_o from_o their_o place_n and_o stamp_v they_o to_o powder_n and_o cast_v they_o to_o hell_n many_o be_v ignorant_a in_o every_o place_n and_o more_o be_v profane_a and_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o good_a shine_a light_n but_o we_o must_v remember_v our_o duty_n and_o walk_v worthy_a our_o call_n if_o we_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o firmament_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v dan._n 12.3_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o base_a candlestick_n but_o candlestick_n make_v of_o gold_n there_o be_v two_o cause_n of_o this_o resemblance_n first_o because_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o god_n church_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o society_n the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o man_n in_o family_n town_n and_o kingdom_n and_o in_o other_o common_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o yet_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v far_o surmount_v they_o all_o and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o in_o god_n church_n salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v but_o in_o other_o society_n as_o they_o be_v society_n though_o sundry_a benefit_n arise_v from_o they_o yet_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v in_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v either_o particular_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o second_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o society_n and_o they_o be_v all_o ordain_v to_o preserve_v and_o cherish_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n three_o the_o church_n beautify_v all_o other_o society_n the_o principal_a praise_n and_o dignity_n of_o any_o town_n household_n or_o kingdom_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v either_o church_n of_o god_n or_o true_a member_n thereof_o from_o this_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_n to_o become_v true_a member_n of_o this_o society_n man_n have_v great_a care_n to_o become_v member_n of_o incorporation_n &_o town_n of_o great_a privilege_n but_o few_o there_o be_v that_o seek_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n and_o common_o those_o that_o seek_v most_o for_o privilege_n in_o chief_a town_n have_v the_o least_o care_n to_o become_v the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v a_o wretched_a practice_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v among_o we_o see_v the_o church_n have_v privilege_n far_o above_o all_o other_o society_n second_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v care_n to_o preserve_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n true_a it_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o magistrate_n must_v have_v chief_a care_n thereof_o and_o yet_o every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n must_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n hereunto_o because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a society_n three_o in_o that_o god_n church_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a society_n give_v honour_n to_o all_o other_o we_o be_v teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o calling_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v to_o bring_v all_o other_o society_n unto_o this_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o a_o family_n must_v labour_v to_o bring_v every_o one_o in_o their_o family_n to_o be_v good_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o in_o civil_a society_n man_n of_o government_n must_v labour_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n become_v also_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n thus_o governor_n of_o kingdom_n shall_v labour_v that_o the_o part_n of_o their_o dominion_n may_v be_v particular_a church_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n of_o this_o duty_n because_o all_o other_o society_n without_o this_o be_v companion_n of_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a sit_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n be_v spiritual_o blind_a and_o without_o all_o sound_a comfort_n in_o their_o soul_n second_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n of_o gold_n because_o of_o all_o society_n among_o man_n it_o be_v most_o precious_a &_o dear_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v resemble_v to_o a_o seal_n 8.6_o on_o christ_n heart_n and_o a_o signit_a on_o his_o arm_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n zachar._n 2.8_o the_o church_n be_v the_o queen_n that_o stand_v on_o christ_n right_a hand_n in_o a_o vesture_n of_o gold_n psa._n 4.5.9_o yea_o that_o which_o surpass_v all_o christ_n redeem_v 1â—_n the_o church_n unto_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n oh_o then_o how_o dear_a and_o precious_a be_v she_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o instruction_n that_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o former_a pre-eminence_n namely_o to_o have_v special_a care_n of_o god_n church_n to_o preserve_v the_o same_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v other_o to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n now_o it_o be_v add_v that_o christ_n the_o messiah_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n whereby_o be_v signify_v first_o that_o christ_n be_v present_a with_o his_o church_n at_o all_o time_n and_o second_o that_o be_v present_a he_o have_v care_n to_o gather_v his_o church_n and_o be_v gather_v to_o preserve_v the_o same_o against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o other_o enemy_n from_o hence_o we_o learn_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o one_o be_v make_v head_n of_o all_o the_o militant_a church_n be_v needless_a for_o christ_n be_v present_a always_o with_o his_o church_n have_v special_a care_n to_o gather_v guide_n and_o preserve_v the_o same_o and_o he_o need_v no_o vicar_n general_a to_o supply_v his_o room_n for_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o prince_n all_o commission_n of_o vicegerencie_n do_v cease_v though_o christ_n have_v grant_v this_o supremacy_n to_o any_o
have_v his_o grace_n come_v by_o creation_n we_o be_v by_o redemption_n and_o regeneration_n adam_n have_v the_o first_o grace_n to_o be_v able_a to_o obey_v but_o he_o want_v the_o second_o to_o be_v sure_a to_o persevere_v because_o god_n will_v permit_v his_o fall_n to_o make_v a_o way_n both_o to_o manifest_v his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ._n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n after_o his_o conversion_n wherein_o he_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v have_v also_o a_o infallible_a promise_n that_o he_o shall_v receive_v the_o second_o grace_n to_o abide_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v i_o 1.6_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o again_o 3_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v establish_v you_o and_o keep_v you_o from_o evil_n second_o david_n say_v they_o by_o his_o two_o grievous_a sin_n fall_v whole_o from_o grace_n answ_n he_o fall_v indeed_o grievous_o but_o not_o whole_o for_o after_o his_o fall_n he_o contemn_v not_o god_n word_n he_o hate_v not_o god_n nor_o despair_v of_o mercy_n which_o he_o must_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v fall_v whole_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v remorse_n for_o his_o sin_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n come_v unto_o he_o but_o say_v they_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o create_v a_o new_a heart_n in_o he_o therefore_o he_o have_v then_o no_o grace_n for_o creation_n be_v a_o make_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v answ._n david_n then_o speek_v not_o as_o he_o be_v before_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o by_o his_o sin_n god_n grace_n be_v sore_o decay_v but_o say_v they_o he_o repent_v not_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n now_o where_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n there_o be_v no_o faith_n and_o consequent_o no_o grace_n nor_o pardon_n answ._n in_o repentance_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o gift_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o act_n and_o practice_v thereof_o the_o gift_n of_o repentance_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o david_n when_o he_o yet_o lay_v in_o his_o sin_n but_o the_o act_n thereof_o lay_v hide_v and_o he_o want_v the_o renew_n thereof_o all_o that_o time_n again_o david_n have_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n past_a though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o pardon_n of_o those_o two_o sin_n till_o he_o repent_v of_o they_o neither_o be_v his_o repentance_n lose_v but_o decay_v only_o he_o want_v not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o simple_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o only_o in_o that_o act_n their_o three_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o equity_n and_o reason_n i._o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n cease_v whole_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n true_o believe_v may_v become_v the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o of_o satan_n as_o david_n do_v answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o member_n dead_a decay_a and_o live_a member_n a_o dead_a member_n be_v that_o which_o be_v only_o in_o show_v a_o member_n as_o a_o leg_n of_o wood_n or_o of_o brass_n in_o a_o man_n body_n a_o decay_a member_n be_v a_o true_a member_n though_o weak_a as_o be_v a_o leg_n or_o arm_n that_o be_v take_v with_o a_o palsy_n or_o sore_o wound_v but_o a_o lively_a member_n be_v that_o which_o do_v move_v and_o do_v all_o it_o function_n perfect_o so_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o member_n dead_a and_o only_o in_o show_n other_o feeble_a and_o weak_a that_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o there_o be_v lively_a member_n which_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o upright_o and_o perfect_a heart_n now_o though_o a_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n can_v be_v a_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n because_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o weaken_v and_o wound_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o every_o adulterer_n and_o fornicator_n do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o christ_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o decay_a member_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o may_v the_o rather_o stand_v because_o a_o man_n be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n one_o way_n namely_o spiritual_o and_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n another_o way_n namely_o bodily_a ii_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n can_v fall_v from_o grace_n then_o preach_v prayer_n the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n be_v needless_a answ._n nothing_o less_o for_o they_o have_v all_o their_o good_a and_o necessary_a use_n unto_o they_o which_o have_v grace_n even_o to_o make_v they_o constant_a in_o grace_n for_o where_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n it_o imply_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n paul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o rome_n be_v certain_a they_o shall_v come_v all_o safe_a to_o land_n 2d_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o marines_n will_v have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o ship_n he_o tell_v the_o captain_n unless_o 31._o these_o stay_n in_o we_o can_v be_v save_v because_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o land_n so_o when_o isaiah_n have_v tell_v ezekias_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v fifteen_o year_n long_o he_o be_v thereby_o assure_v of_o recovery_n and_o yet_o he_o use_v 38.21_o a_o bunch_n of_o fig_n as_o a_o mean_n thereof_o as_o also_o food_n and_o raiment_n to_o preserve_v his_o life_n afterward_o iii_o reason_n this_o doctrine_n of_o certain_a perseverance_n maintain_v man_n in_o security_n answ._n security_n be_v twofold_a carnal_a and_o spiritual_a carnal_a when_o a_o man_n regard_v not_o at_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n spiritual_a when_o a_o man_n rely_v on_o god_n for_o his_o salvation_n by_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o this_o security_n it_o maintain_v but_o not_o the_o carnal_a security_n for_o it_o teach_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n as_o prayer_n hear_v and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o thus_o i_o conclude_v this_o question_n that_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n who_o true_o believe_v when_o he_o sin_v do_v neither_o whole_o nor_o final_o fall_v away_o neither_o can_v do_v last_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v found_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o she_o suffer_v she_o first_o love_n to_o decay_v then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v our_o first_o love_n as_o well_o towards_o god_n as_o man_n to_o lessen_v and_o diminish_v and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o our_o conscience_n will_v tell_v we_o if_o we_o look_v to_o that_o love_n and_o zeal_n we_o have_v at_o our_o first_o calling_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o feel_v this_o decay_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o it_o continual_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o our_o good_a affection_n in_o religion_n to_o diminish_v water_n that_o have_v be_v once_o hot_a will_v afterward_o be_v most_o cold_a and_o freeze_v the_o hard_a even_o so_o when_o our_o heart_n have_v be_v once_o heat_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n altar_n as_o true_a love_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o suffer_v they_o to_o decay_v we_o shall_v become_v more_o freeze_v in_o iniquity_n than_o any_o other_o the_o hawk_n while_o she_o be_v quick_a to_o take_v her_o prey_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o noble_n but_o if_o she_o wax_v weak_a and_o die_v she_o be_v cast_v off_o to_o the_o dunghill_n even_o so_o while_o we_o be_v hot_a and_o cheerful_a in_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o church_n we_o be_v carry_v as_o it_o be_v on_o god_n own_o hand_n but_o if_o we_o faint_v and_o decay_v in_o love_n we_o shall_v be_v cast_v low_a than_o if_o we_o have_v never_o be_v so_o exalt_v this_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o be_v like_o a_o little_a flame_n of_o fire_n for_o the_o maintain_v whereof_o we_o must_v do_v three_o thing_n first_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n which_o quench_v love_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o water_n quench_v fire_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o priest_n keep_v fire_n burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n day_n and_o night_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o must_v we_o keep_v the_o flame_n of_o love_n &_o other_o grace_n continual_o burn_v in_o our_o heart_n
more_o though_o god_n summon_v man_n to_o repent_v by_o his_o daily_a judgement_n yet_o few_o or_o none_o by_o true_a humility_n prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n and_o to_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n security_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o people_n and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o state_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o god_n have_v be_v long_o since_o in_o come_v to_o we_o by_o his_o judgement_n and_o aâ—_n this_o day_n he_o be_v still_o come_v because_o we_o still_o decay_v in_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o more_o and_o more_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o thus_o continue_v the_o truth_n be_v he_o will_v come_v short_o unto_o we_o and_o that_o by_o most_o fearful_a judgement_n for_o this_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v a_o direction_n not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o worse_a case_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o we_o must_v prevent_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o judgement_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n every_o man_n and_o every_o family_n apart_o must_v repent_v private_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n open_o and_o public_o no_o way_n else_o we_o have_v to_o stay_v the_o lord_n come_v against_o we_o by_o his_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v a_o more_o particular_a threaten_n than_o the_o former_a and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n where_o he_o show_v with_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v punish_v this_o church_n namely_o by_o remove_v away_o the_o candlestick_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n therefore_o here_o he_o threaten_v to_o remove_v his_o church_n from_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n to_o send_v among_o they_o ignorance_n apostasy_n and_o heresy_n in_o steed_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n this_o particular_a judgement_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o this_o will_v i_o do_v i_o will_v make_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o church_n and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o in_o this_o particular_a threaten_n three_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v one_o concern_v the_o minister_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o concern_v every_o private_a man_n touch_v the_o minister_n note_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o if_o he_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o either_o of_o his_o call_n or_o of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o for_o this_o threaten_n be_v here_o direct_v especial_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n when_o jeremie_n have_v be_v want_v in_o deliver_v the_o lordâ—_n will_v unto_o the_o people_n partly_o for_o fear_n &_o partly_o through_o impatience_n then_o the_o lord_n become_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o â—â—â—â—_o return_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o whereby_o he_o will_v give_v he_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o he_o return_v not_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o decay_v in_o love_n fail_v in_o their_o duty_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n they_o must_v speedy_o renew_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n or_o else_o god_n will_v deprive_v they_o either_o of_o their_o call_n or_o of_o the_o gift_n thereof_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o renew_n thereof_o be_v needful_a unto_o all_o christian_n but_o especial_o to_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o will_v continue_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o stand_v before_o he_o become_v his_o mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n the_o second_o point_n concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n if_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o do_v lie_v in_o any_o common_a sin_n they_o procure_v hereby_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o they_o and_o the_o abolish_n of_o true_a religion_n 9.7_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o spirit_n iâ—_n mad_a this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n but_o markâ—_n the_o cause_n all_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o iniquity_n that_o be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v god_n send_v foolish_a minister_n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n in_o our_o church_n to_o fear_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o love_n in_o many_o and_o in_o the_o most_o no_o love_v at_o all_o many_o scorn_n and_o contemn_v true_a religion_n and_o hate_v the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o may_v wonder_v at_o the_o great_a patience_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o continue_v his_o gospel_n among_o we_o for_o 2.11_o god_n give_v man_n up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o love_v not_o his_o truth_n wherefore_o be_v in_o this_o danger_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v than_o by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o by_o every_o man_n apart_o and_o every_o family_n apart_o for_o when_o god_n shall_v speak_v sudden_o against_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n to_o root_v it_o up_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o people_n repent_v of_o their_o wickedness_n the_o lord_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o think_v to_o bring_v upon_o they_o jerem._n 18_o vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o any_o man_n decay_n in_o love_n or_o want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o he_o to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v the_o wheel_n stand_v as_o the_o watch_n go_v fast_o or_o soft_o so_o go_v the_o wheel_n answerable_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o man_n if_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n do_v increase_v then_o do_v his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n increase_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o if_o his_o love_n decay_n than_o other_o grace_n decay_n and_o if_o love_v be_v go_v then_o farewell_n all_o piety_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o palpable_a ignorance_n as_o be_v in_o many_o that_o have_v long_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o want_n of_o love_n heb._n 3.12_o 13._o the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v by_o what_o degree_n man_n come_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n first_o sin_n deceive_v they_o by_o draw_v they_o to_o commit_v it_o then_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v by_o custom_n of_o sin_v thence_o follow_v unbelief_n in_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o they_o make_v apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o his_o truth_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o final_a apostasy_n rather_o strive_v to_o increase_v in_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o so_o shall_v all_o his_o good_a grace_n increase_v in_o thy_o heart_n out_o of_o this_o particular_a threaten_v some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n &_o fall_v away_o final_o from_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o become_v no_o church_n then_o may_v any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o become_v no_o member_n but_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o as_o here_o we_o see_v and_o therefore_o may_v any_o one_o man_n answ._n this_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o one_o man_n that_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ._n for_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o mix_a company_n of_o true_a professor_n and_o dissembler_n like_v
unto_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v good_a corn_n and_o tare_n and_o like_v unto_o a_o barn_n floor_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o chaff_n mingle_v together_o and_o yet_o all_o be_v repute_v believer_n because_o they_o profess_v the_o gospel_n outward_o now_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o mixture_n it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v fall_v away_o and_o become_v no_o church_n either_o when_o the_o godly_a be_v take_v away_o and_o hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n make_v manifest_a or_o else_o when_o true_a believer_n wax_v few_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o the_o might_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o enemy_n which_o may_v daily_o increase_v but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o with_o a_o particular_a member_n of_o christ_n he_o can_v final_o fall_v away_o as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a vers_n 4._o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o both_o the_o former_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n except_o thâ—â—_n amend_v that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o unless_o thou_o prevent_v my_o come_n by_o true_a repentance_n here_o note_n that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v conditional_a 〈◊〉_d come_v to_o ninive_n and_o cry_v yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v be_v destroy_v he_o say_v no_o more_o but_o yet_o that_o threaten_a must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v why_o will_n some_o say_v be_v the_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n propound_v conditional_o answ._n god_n whole_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v one_o alone_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o distinguish_v to_o be_v partly_o secret_a and_o partly_o reveal_v god_n secret_a will_n be_v touch_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v manifest_a unto_o man_n he_o reveal_v will_n be_v touch_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v fall_v out_o every_o day_n now_o god_n secret_a will_n be_v without_o condition_n for_o as_o every_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o god_n will_v it_o when_o good_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v they_o he_o will_v simple_o when_o evil_a thing_n fall_v out_o they_o he_o permit_v to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o make_v god_n secret_a will_n conditional_a be_v to_o bring_v god_n will_v under_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o to_o subject_v the_o creator_n unto_o the_o creature_n but_o god_n reveal_v will_n be_v conditional_a because_o it_o contain_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o this_o manner_n of_o propound_v it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v for_o it_o keep_v man_n more_o in_o awful_a obedience_n than_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_a in_o this_o condition_n note_v this_o thing_n that_o christ_n repeat_v it_o twice_o both_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o reason_n if_o not_o and_o in_o the_o end_n except_o thou_o amend_v hereby_o he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o when_o man_n commit_v sin_n and_o lie_v therein_o or_o when_o they_o decay_v in_o any_o grace_n then_o have_v they_o most_o necessary_a cause_n to_o repent_v if_o they_o will_v escape_v god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o see_v our_o estate_n be_v like_a to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n or_o else_o worser_o by_o much_o for_o we_o lie_v in_o sin_n and_o thereby_o cause_n god_n to_o come_v to_o we_o in_o judgement_n as_o we_o tender_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n let_v we_o turn_v from_o our_o sin_n and_o repent_v every_o man_n apart_o every_o family_n apart_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n public_o for_o repentance_n be_v most_o needful_a else_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v double_v this_o condition_n verse_n 6._o but_o this_o thou_o haâ—â—_n that_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o which_o i_o also_o hate_n these_o word_n be_v a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n namely_o that_o this_o church_n can_v not_o abide_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o second_o verse_n this_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o their_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n and_o here_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o their_o affection_n of_o hatred_n towards_o the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o these_o nicolaitan_o be_v certain_a heretic_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o hold_v these_o two_o opinion_n first_o that_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n second_o that_o man_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o idol_n temple_n and_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v their_o practice_n these_o heretic_n as_o it_o be_v think_v come_v of_o one_o nicholas_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o deacons_n mention_v act_v 6._o who_o though_o for_o a_o while_o he_o do_v faithful_o discharge_v his_o duty_n outward_o yet_o after_o fall_v away_o and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o this_o heretical_a sect_n but_o this_o thou_o have_v this_o particle_n but_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o former_a verse_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o this_o be_v thy_o fault_n that_o thou_o fail_v in_o thy_o first_o love_n yet_o for_o this_o i_o commend_v thou_o that_o thou_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o this_o practice_n of_o christ_n discover_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o be_v use_n to_o set_v out_o in_o their_o colour_n man_n fault_n and_o infirmity_n to_o their_o great_a disgrace_n and_o yet_o by_o silence_n and_o oblivion_n to_o bury_v all_o their_o virtue_n which_o be_v praise_v worthy_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n example_n who_o with_o just_a reproof_n adjoin_v due_a deserve_v praise_n if_o our_o friend_n or_o our_o foe_n have_v a_o fault_n when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v reprove_v they_o but_o yet_o withal_o we_o must_v commend_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o second_o christ_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o anymans_n good_a estate_n before_o god_n that_o he_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o for_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n saul_n have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n into_o his_o kingdom_n but_o what_o be_v he_o afterward_o john_n be_v very_o zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n in_o kill_v all_o the_o idolatrous_a priest_n 31._o but_o he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o judas_n no_o doubt_n have_v many_o good_a gift_n while_o he_o be_v with_o christ_n but_o his_o end_n be_v most_o fearful_a and_o this_o church_n have_v many_o good_a thing_n in_o she_o yet_o iâ—_n she_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o so_o many_o among_o we_o have_v excellent_a gift_n some_o for_o knowledge_n some_o for_o 〈◊〉_d and_o conceive_v of_o prayer_n &_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o they_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o these_o but_o labour_n for_o the_o principal_n which_o be_v true_a hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o we_o must_v daily_o renew_v for_o our_o continual_a fall_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o from_o his_o judgement_n more_o particular_o christ_n here_o commend_v this_o church_n for_o hate_v the_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o be_v christian_n namely_o to_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o error_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o hate_v the_o same_o unfeigned_o yet_o note_n he_o commend_v they_o for_o hate_v their_o work_n not_o their_o person_n give_v we_o direction_n how_o to_o temper_v our_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v set_v it_o against_o the_o sin_n not_o against_o the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n some_o will_v say_v the_o prophet_n pray_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o david_n profess_v hatred_n of_o the_o man_n psalm_n 139.21_o do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o answ._n david_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o no_o doubt_n have_v this_o reveal_v unto_o he_o that_o those_o his_o enemy_n be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o repent_v again_o imprecation_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o prophecy_n of_o god_n judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o those_o against_o who_o they_o pray_v but_o we_o which_o want_v that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n must_v keep_v ourselves_o to_o our_o ordinary_a rule_n hate_v the_o sin_n and_o love_v the_o person_n further_o observe_v the_o work_n here_o
hate_v namely_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v join_v together_o in_o these_o nicolaitan_o adultery_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o idolatry_n the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n spiritual_a adultery_n be_v punish_v with_o bodily_a adultery_n this_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o old_a jew_n when_o they_o fall_v a_o whore_v after_o strange_a god_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o unclean_a lust_n and_o it_o be_v palpable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n do_v abound_v in_o all_o uncleanness_n for_o they_o tolerate_v stew_n for_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n and_o sodomic_a be_v common_a among_o they_o again_o sundry_a man_n may_v here_o be_v well_o admonish_v who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o schism_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o best_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v sect_n and_o heresy_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o here_o in_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o there_o be_v sect_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n this_o offence_n shall_v not_o move_v any_o to_o dislike_v the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o cause_v they_o more_o firm_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o also_o do_v hate_n this_o christ_n add_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o virtue_n for_o which_o he_o commend_v they_o in_o hate_v evil_a work_n for_o what_o can_v more_o provoke_v they_o to_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n therein_o than_o to_o know_v they_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o here_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a and_o like_v affect_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v man_n we_o must_v love_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n love_v and_o hate_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n hate_v rejoice_v wherein_o christ_n rejoice_v and_o mourn_v for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o christ_n mourn_v and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n for_o out_o of_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n and_o there_o must_v be_v consent_n and_o conformity_n between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n quest._n if_o christ_n hate_v these_o wicked_a man_n why_o do_v he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v and_o not_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o trouble_v his_o church_n answ._n because_o hereby_o he_o will_v manifest_v his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o wicked_a for_o he_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o good_a not_o only_o out_o of_o good_a but_o out_o of_o evil_a verse_n 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o excite_v this_o church_n to_o the_o more_o careful_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o prescribe_v this_o conclusion_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o commandment_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n let_v he_o that_o have_v aspare_a he_o arâ—_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o commandment_n note_v three_o point_n i._n who_o be_v command_v these_o which_o have_v ear_n ii_o the_o duty_n command_v they_o must_v hear_v iii_o what_o they_o must_v hear_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n i._n point_n the_o party_n command_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n who_o these_o be_v christ_n do_v more_o full_o expound_v matth._n 13.9_o when_o he_o say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v where_o he_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n that_o some_o be_v deaf_a hearer_n some_o hear_v hearer_n the_o deaf_a hearer_n be_v those_o that_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n their_o outward_a ear_n only_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o it_o neither_o do_v they_o care_v to_o learn_v to_o believe_v or_o obey_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o the_o hear_v hearer_n be_v all_o such_o as_o beside_o their_o bodily_a ear_n have_v ear_n pierce_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n outward_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o make_v pliable_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n unto_o it_o this_o hear_a ear_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o david_n when_o he_o say_v 6._o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v but_o my_o â—ares_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o prepare_v and_o then_o i_o say_v loâ—_n i_o come_v hereof_o isaiah_n say_v thou_o 50.5_o open_v my_o ear_n and_o i_o be_v noâ—_n rebellious_a and_o this_o hear_a ear_n 〈…〉_z give_v she_o when_o god_n 16.14_o open_v her_o heart_n whereby_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v by_o paul_n by_o this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n which_o christ_n make_v use_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n grace_n unto_o salvation_n be_v not_o universal_a that_o be_v god_n give_v not_o unto_o all_o man_n such_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v themselves_o they_o may_v believe_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v for_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o ever_o since_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n these_o two_o kind_a of_o hearer_n whereof_o the_o deaf_a hearer_n do_v not_o receive_v nor_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unto_o salvation_n neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n give_v grace_n sufficient_a unto_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o by_o their_o malice_n and_o sin_n do_v not_o abolish_v the_o same_o for_o though_o he_o admit_v all_o sort_n into_o his_o church_n yet_o not_o all_o but_o some_o only_o have_v ear_n pierce_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v christ_n 13._o why_o he_o speak_v in_o parable_n he_o answer_v thus_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 11_o and_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o give_v show_v plain_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o hear_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o and_o in_o some_o make_v void_a by_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n but_o to_o some_o it_o be_v give_v and_o they_o have_v hear_v ear_n and_o to_o some_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o their_o ear_n be_v deaf_a second_o see_v this_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o hear_n hearer_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n bring_v with_o we_o not_o only_o the_o bodily_a ear_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o our_o salvation_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n unless_o the_o inward_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o word_n and_o fit_v to_o receive_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o thus_o do_v good_a king_n iâ—sias_n hear_v the_o law_n read_v the_o text_n say_v 34·27_n his_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d within_o he_o and_o thus_o do_v david_n hear_v when_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n 27.8_o seek_v â—ee_n my_o face_n his_o heart_n answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n and_o as_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o get_v spiritual_a ear_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o deaf_a ear_n which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n come_v &_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o learn_v believe_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v isay._n 6.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o their_o heart_n fat_a that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v nor_o believe_v lest_o they_o shall_v turn_v and_o be_v save_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o we_o must_v look_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o many_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v deaf_a hearer_n which_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o after_o long_o teach_v they_o neither_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n nor_o in_o faith_n nor_o in_o obedience_n but_o remain_v the_o same_o for_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n
receive_v her_o doctrine_n &_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o great_a affliction_n first_o this_o must_v teach_v all_o person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o devilish_a speech_n to_o think_v and_o say_v use_n that_o fornication_n iâ—_n but_o a_o trick_n and_o ship_n of_o 〈◊〉_d for_o great_a affliction_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o notable_o argue_v the_o heinousness_n thereof_o second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o town_n and_o kingdom_n be_v afflict_v with_o grievous_a war_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n among_o the_o rest_n these_o be_v two_o fornication_n â—nd_v embracing_z of_o error_n and_o superstition_n sodom_n for_o fornication_n and_o other_o 〈◊〉_d be_v burn_v with_o fire_n &_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o israelit_n 9_o for_o this_o sin_n suffer_v most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o among_o the_o corinthian_n for_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o this_o sin_n among_o other_o â—_o many_o be_v sick_a many_o 〈◊〉_d and_o many_o sleâ—â—_n and_o this_o land_n of_o we_o have_v be_v afflict_v with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o for_o other_o sin_n so_o for_o fornication_n which_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n be_v multiply_v and_o so_o will_v continue_v till_o it_o draw_v upon_o we_o bloodshed_n also_o and_o great_a affliction_n for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o the_o follower_n of_o jesabel_n must_v be_v verify_v of_o all_o that_o live_v in_o the_o like_a sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o exception_n of_o these_o communication_n except_o they_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o work_n where_o we_o may_v see_v first_o that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o of_o eternal_a destruction_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o repentance_n whence_o also_o this_o follow_v that_o man_n of_o year_n live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o condemn_v for_o other_o particular_a sin_n as_o for_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repent_v â—ee_z every_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o damnation_n but_o it_o be_v this_o impenitency_n that_o bring_v upon_o they_o actual_a damnation_n want_v of_o repentance_n for_o sin_n be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o the_o sin_n itself_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o lie_v in_o sin_n though_o we_o have_v commit_v it_o but_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o speedy_a repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o continuance_n in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n that_o cast_v the_o soul_n to_o hell_n when_o thou_o shall_v turn_v from_o thy_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n thou_o be_v free_a from_o the_o threaten_a and_o the_o curse_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o admit_v the_o exception_n of_o true_a repentance_n 〈◊〉_d 18.8_o further_o observe_v how_o this_o exception_n of_o repentance_n be_v place_v between_o two_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n which_o show_v how_o god_n mingle_v his_o judgement_n with_o mercy_n he_o show_v not_o whole_o either_o justice_n or_o mercy_n but_o temper_v they_o together_o in_o all_o the_o work_n that_o concern_v man_n salvation_n three_o here_o note_v that_o repentance_n prevent_v not_o only_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o also_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o grievous_a sickness_n and_o other_o plague_n and_o affliction_n this_o point_n may_v have_v special_a use_n among_o we_o we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n enjoy_v his_o gospel_n with_o long_a peace_n but_o for_o our_o abuse_n thereof_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v that_o judgement_n we_o must_v repent_v both_o high_a and_o low_a of_o their_o â—_z that_o be_v of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n where_o he_o show_v of_o what_o thing_n true_a repentance_n must_v be_v namely_o of_o bad_a work_n in_o particular_a whereto_o man_n give_v themselves_o every_o man_n that_o will_v true_o repent_v must_v consider_v of_o his_o particular_a fault_n the_o drunkerd_n in_o particular_a of_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n of_o his_o covetousness_n and_o instead_o of_o injury_n and_o hard_a deal_n show_v mercy_n unto_o the_o poor_a the_o common_a repentance_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v do_v in_o general_a be_v nothing_o but_o a_o vizard_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v use_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n for_o they_o will_v come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o general_n confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o have_v do_v enough_o but_o true_a repentance_n be_v of_o particular_a sin_n as_o david_n psalm_n 51._o cry_v out_o of_o blood_n guiltiness_n vers._n 23._o and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o â—ee_n which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o his_o work_n here_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n threaten_v against_o jesabels_n child_n by_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v proper_o those_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o she_o and_o be_v of_o her_o husband_n and_o not_o her_o follower_n for_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o grievous_a affliction_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v say_v i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d her_o child_n but_o to_o note_v the_o certainty_n and_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o punishment_n he_o say_v i_o will_v kill_v they_o with_o death_n quest._n how_o can_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n ans._n god_n dear_v so_o for_o temporal_a punishment_n not_o for_o eternal_a and_o though_o we_o can_v not_o perceive_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o so_o do_v yet_o we_o must_v reverence_v the_o â—ame_n blame_v our_o own_o ignorance_n albeit_o even_o in_o reason_n we_o may_v conceive_v of_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o course_n for_o society_n as_o church_n commonwealth_n and_o family_n be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o party_n in_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o member_n of_o those_o society_n for_o god_n conceive_v of_o they_o when_o he_o afflict_v the_o punishment_n deserve_v by_o one_o upon_o another_o as_o of_o the_o prince_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o parent_n upon_o their_o child_n this_o he_o may_v just_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o near_a bond_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o society_n like_v as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n when_o the_o stomach_n be_v distemper_v the_o head_n ache_v and_o when_o the_o head_n be_v wound_v the_o stomach_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o body_n may_v be_v smite_v for_o the_o error_n of_o the_o tongue_n thus_o when_o david_n sin_v the_o child_n die_v and_o when_o he_o number_v the_o israelite_n the_o people_n be_v plague_v and_o thus_o be_v the_o child_n stain_v in_o blood_n for_o the_o father_n treason_n against_o earthly_a prince_n and_o so_o god_n punish_v this_o woman_n in_o her_o child_n that_o she_o may_v know_v the_o greatness_n of_o her_o sin_n he_o smite_v her_o child_n with_o death_n use_n hence_o parent_n be_v teach_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n for_o thereby_o they_o may_v bring_v judgement_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o family_n even_o to_o death_n now_o what_o bloody_a heart_a parent_n be_v those_o that_o will_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o do_v that_o whereby_o they_o bring_v vengeance_n upon_o their_o own_o child_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n must_v every_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o society_n be_v admonish_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n because_o thereby_o a_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o a_o society_n may_v bring_v destruction_n upon_o many_o as_o david_n do_v by_o number_v the_o people_n and_o achan_n by_o his_o covetous_a stealth_n josua_n 7_o and_o ahab_n upon_o his_o posterity_n so_o that_o impenitent_a person_n which_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v but_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v both_o from_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o hurtful_a member_n yea_o enemy_n to_o all_o good_a society_n that_o these_o threaten_n might_n take_v place_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o jesabell_n and_o her_o follower_n christ_n remove_v two_o carnal_a conceit_n whereby_o they_o may_v think_v to_o delude_v or_o escape_v these_o judgement_n threaten_v the_o first_o be_v this_o jesabell_n and_o her_o company_n may_v think_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v secret_a not_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n this_o be_v a_o wicked_a imagination_n that_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sinner_n but_o this_o christ_n cut_v off_o say_v and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o the_o
of_o god_n in_o the_o good_a of_o other_o hereto_o i_o aim_v in_o this_o second_o edition_n of_o this_o book_n for_o my_o call_n to_o this_o work_n when_o my_o accuser_n stand_v forth_o the_o executor_n of_o the_o dead_a shall_v answer_v for_o my_o discharge_n and_o for_o my_o endeavour_n to_o do_v good_a the_o small_a gain_n of_o this_o revised_a work_n be_v true_o return_v to_o the_o right_a owner_n thereof_o if_o thou_o therefore_o return_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o good_a receive_v to_o thy_o soul_n in_o this_o behalf_n i_o have_v my_o desire_n here_o only_o rest_v the_o doubt_n how_o this_o second_o edition_n shall_v not_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o good_a estimation_n that_o publish_v the_o former_a i_o answer_v well_o enough_o for_o i_o hope_v he_o intend_v end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o this_o work_n now_o if_o any_o addition_n be_v bring_v hereunto_o his_o intent_n be_v further_v and_o wherein_o then_o can_v he_o be_v grieve_v if_o one_o man_n shall_v help_v poor_a orphan_n to_o some_o land_n or_o live_a he_o will_v not_o think_v himself_o wrong_v by_o another_o that_o shall_v enlarge_v their_o just_a claim_n or_o settle_v their_o possession_n in_o a_o better_a tenure_n so_o i_o trust_v it_o fare_v in_o this_o work_n where_o thou_o shall_v find_v upon_o thy_o diligent_a view_n in_o some_o doubtful_a 1._o thing_n the_o author_n meaning_n true_o clear_v his_o method_n rectify_v many_o repetition_n omit_v and_o the_o matter_n special_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n somewhat_o enlarge_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v dissonant_n to_o the_o author_n judgement_n in_o his_o live-work_n which_o i_o hope_v thou_o shall_v not_o perceive_v rather_o charge_v the_o fault_n on_o i_o through_o ignorance_n or_o misunderstanding_n than_o entertain_v in_o thy_o heart_n the_o least_o conceit_n of_o waver_a levity_n in_o so_o godly_a learned_a and_o judicious_a a_o divine_a who_o have_v so_o well_o deserve_v of_o thy_o love_n if_o thou_o love_v the_o truth_n thus_o crave_v thy_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o my_o help_a hand_n to_o do_v thou_o good_a i_o end_v with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n thou_o in_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o t.p._n â§_o a_o general_n analysis_n of_o the_o vision_n show_v to_o john_n the_o three_o first_o chapter_n consist_v of_o a_o preface_n contain_v the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n viz._n apocalypse_n or_o revelation_n describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3._o inscription_n of_o the_o vision_n wherein_o be_v johns_n dedication_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n verse_n 4._o salutation_n include_v the_o blessing_n wish_v for_o grace_n verse_n 4._o peace_n verse_n 4._o author_n of_o they_o viz._n 1._o the_o father_n verse_n 4._o 2._o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 4._o 3._o the_o son_n who_o be_v describe_v by_o his_o office_n prophetical_a vers._n 5._o priestly_n vers._n 5._o kingly_a vers._n 5._o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n in_o four_o work_n 1._o love_v us._n vers._n 5._o 2._o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n vers._n 5._o 3._o make_v we_o king_n &_o priest_n vers._n 6._o 4._o come_v to_o â—â—dgement_n vers._n 7._o do_v confirm_v the_o former_a description_n vers._n 8._o a_o vision_n contain_v circumstance_n four_o person_n to_o who_o john_n vers._n 9_o place_v where_o isle_n pathmâ—â—_n vers._n 9_o manner_n how_o in_o a_o trance_n vers._n 10._o time_n when_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n vers._n 10._o part_v the_o entrance_n into_o it_o contain_v the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n viz._n a_o voice_n set_v out_o by_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v vers._n 10._o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o vers._n 10._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o vers._n 11._o part_n of_o his_o preparation_n hear_v note_v in_o the_o mean_n vers._n 10._o turn_v himself_o vers._n 12._o matter_n viz._n a_o representation_n of_o christ_n in_o majesty_n set_v out_o by_o the_o place_n where_o john_n see_v he_o vers._n 13._o his_o form_n or_o figure_n in_o his_o attire_n vers._n 13._o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n vers._n 14.15_o the_o property_n thereof_o vers._n 16._o his_o action_n 1._o a_o confirmation_n of_o john_n be_v sore_o afraid_a vers._n 17_o 18._o 2._o a_o commandment_n to_o write_v vers._n 19_o 3._o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vision_n vers._n 20._o 4._o seven_o several_a commandment_n to_o write_v seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n chap._n 2._o &_o 3_o a_o godly_a and_o learned_a exposition_n of_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n revel_v 1.1_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o 〈…〉_z his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n where_o in_o be_v contain_v singular_a mater_fw-la fit_a for_o the_o time_n &_o age_n this_o question_n must_v be_v handle_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n for_o some_o have_v heretofore_o as_o also_o in_o our_o time_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o in_o question_n but_o we_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n to_o resolve_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n book_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v apostolical_a as_o any_o shall_v perceive_v which_o serious_o read_v the_o same_o second_o the_o stile_n of_o this_o book_n be_v apostolical_a that_o be_v plain_a simple_a and_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v prophetical_a three_o this_o book_n have_v be_v approve_v and_o receive_v for_o canonical_a by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o god_n church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o day_n of_o john_n and_o be_v never_o refuse_v of_o any_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o of_o some_o private_a man_n four_o the_o thing_n foretell_v in_o this_o book_n come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v foretell_v as_o among_o the_o rest_n in_o one_o for_o all_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o two_o beast_n whereof_o one_o come_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n the_o other_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n chap._n 13._o the_o one_o prefigure_v the_o roman_a empire_n the_o other_o the_o heretical_a apostatical_a church_n of_o rome_n both_o which_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n answerable_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o contrary_a reason_n bring_v to_o improve_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n 1._o reason_n john_n name_v himself_o sundry_a time_n in_o this_o book_n whereas_o in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n he_o do_v not_o once_o mention_v his_o own_o name_n though_o he_o have_v just_a occasion_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v by_o john_n but_o by_o some_o other_o and_o publish_v afterward_o in_o johns_n name_n answ._n the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o history_n and_o a_o prophecy_n the_o gospel_n of_o john_n be_v a_o history_n of_o christ_n now_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a reason_n why_o one_o man_n pen_v the_o history_n of_o another_o shall_v name_v himself_o but_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o prophecy_n in_o pen_v whereof_o it_o be_v more_o requisite_a the_o prophet_n shall_v put_v to_o his_o own_o name_n so_o do_v the_o former_a prophet_n jeremy_n mention_v his_o name_n in_o his_o book_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n so_o do_v isaiah_n and_o daniel_n almost_o in_o every_o chapter_n then_o see_v they_o do_v it_o so_o often_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o s._n john_n repeat_v his_o name_n five_o sundry_a time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n 2._o they_o object_n that_o his_o stile_n in_o this_o book_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o he_o use_v in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o gospel_n ans._n the_o difference_n of_o the_o stile_n arise_v from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o matter_n see_v there_o he_o write_v a_o history_n here_o he_o pen_v a_o prophecy_n again_o he_o write_v not_o his_o own_o word_n but_o those_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n by_o particular_a revelation_n 3._o they_o say_v this_o book_n have_v be_v reject_v in_o diverse_a age_n as_o not_o canonical_a ans._n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o refuse_v of_o any_o whole_a church_n but_o of_o some_o particular_a man_n now_o the_o disallow_n of_o any_o private_a man_n can_v make_v a_o whole_a book_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o then_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n of_o james_n and_o of_o john_n shall_v not_o be_v canonical_a which_o yet_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o
must_v give_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 1._o cor._n 15.24_o and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n give_v his_o revelation_n to_o his_o son_n first_o therefore_o christ_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o this_o revelation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v his_o own_o right_n and_o royalty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v now_o govern_v whereof_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n again_o this_o revelation_n be_v reveal_v unto_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n before_o it_o be_v ever_o know_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o manhood_n with_o the_o godhead_n in_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v christ_n his_o right_n and_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o own_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n for_o as_o the_o law_n in_o any_o kingdom_n belong_v to_o the_o prince_n thereof_o and_o be_v call_v his_o law_n alone_o and_o no_o man_n else_o so_o this_o book_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o christ_n govern_v his_o church_n be_v his_o royalty_n alone_o for_o god_n give_v it_o he_o and_o he_o have_v by_o his_o angel_n send_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o book_n must_v be_v understand_v proportional_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n christ_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o royalty_n and_o possession_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v follow_v necessary_o first_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v authority_n above_o this_o book_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n indeed_o monarch_n and_o prince_n have_v great_a authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o their_o dominion_n over_o all_o person_n and_o over_o all_o cause_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o church_n they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v homage_n unto_o christ_n there_o he_o have_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v his_o law_n whereto_o every_o one_o must_v subject_v himself_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v his_o royal_a ordinance_n over_o which_o none_o may_v dare_v to_o claim_v rule_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o shall_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o prerogative_n as_o they_o be_v to_o christ_n but_o god_n give_v they_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o he_o dispose_v thereof_o as_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o the_o pope_n in_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o word_n and_o to_o mangle_v the_o sacrament_n do_v herein_o step_n into_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n by_o seek_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o princely_a royalty_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o second_o that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o expound_v scripture_n belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o and_o to_o none_o other_o with_o he_o true_a it_o be_v that_o man_n have_v a_o ministry_n commit_v unto_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v expound_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o man_n have_v no_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o popish_a practice_n in_o give_v to_o the_o church_n absolute_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o without_o scripture_n be_v flat_a robbery_n against_o christ_n for_o therein_o they_o give_v unto_o man_n that_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ._n three_o herein_o we_o observe_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n for_o all_o of_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o like_a can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o write_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v they_o never_o so_o excellent_a herein_o the_o scripture_n surpass_v they_o all_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v more_o reverent_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n than_o of_o all_o the_o write_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n here_o then_o behold_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o more_o delight_v to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n than_o the_o glorious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n whereas_o the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o every_o way_n perfect_a proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n unto_o his_o belove_a son_n who_o have_v faithful_o disperse_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o show_v to_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v viz._n the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v arg._n ii_o the_o end_n of_o this_o revelation_n be_v to_o show_v that_o be_v to_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v exceed_o in_o debar_v lie_v people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a to_o god_n servant_n thing_n to_o come_v and_o who_o be_v god_n servant_n be_v the_o clergy_n only_o and_o not_o lay_v people_n also_o god_n forbid_v the_o lie_v man_n be_v christ_n his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o he_o shall_v learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v this_o book_n like_o one_o of_o his_o servant_n and_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a must_v be_v learn_v of_o the_o lie_v man_n then_o much_o more_o must_v he_o search_v into_o all_o other_o book_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o history_n of_o gospel_n epistle_n etc._n etc._n arg._n iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v viz._n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n this_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n indefinite_o but_o for_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v such_o alone_a as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o new_a obedience_n so_o he_o teach_v elsewhere_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n to_o give_v they_o understanding_n psalm_n 25.14_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o and_o god_n will_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v unto_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n because_o he_o know_v abraham_n will_v do_v his_o will_n and_o teach_v his_o family_n after_o he_o genes_n 18._o vers_fw-la 17.19_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o outward_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o labour_v principal_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n and_o to_o show_v the_o same_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v hereby_o shall_v we_o receive_v instruction_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o our_o understand_n shall_v more_o easy_o conceive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o they_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v know_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7.17_o here_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o most_o hearer_n after_o long_o teach_v profit_n little_a but_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v even_o their_o own_o impiety_n they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n second_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v true_a god_n for_o here_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n every_o true_a believer_n be_v his_o servant_n and_o he_o his_o lord_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v his_o angel_n as_o after_o we_o shall_v see_v which_o prerogative_n none_o can_v have_v but_o he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o very_o god_n three_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v those_o confute_v which_o hold_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v save_v and_o call_v all_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o if_o he_o call_v all_o effectual_o than_o he_o will_v offer_v the_o mean_n to_o all_o to_o wit_n his_o holy_a word_n that_o so_o they_o may_v
be_v call_v to_o the_o state_n of_o gâ—ace_n this_o he_o do_v not_o for_o as_o we_o see_v this_o book_n be_v give_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o this_o book_n be_v true_a of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o lord_n show_v his_o word_n say_v david_n not_o to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o jacob_n that_o be_v his_o people_n with_o who_o he_o make_v a_o covenant_n psal._n 147.19_o 20._o the_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o viz._n thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v whereby_o in_o general_a we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n of_o this_o book_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o thing_n present_a or_o past_a this_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o come_v they_o must_v be_v do_v second_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o short_o or_o quick_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v so_o speak_v the_o holy_a ghost_n elsewhere_o of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o come_v of_o offence_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v mat._n 18.7_o of_o heresy_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 11.19_o and_o of_o affliction_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o and_o they_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o timoâ—h_o 3.12_o from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v concern_v god_n church_n and_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n will_v not_o agree_v unto_o it_o for_o some_o will_v say_v if_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o then_o in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n man_n have_v no_o free_a will_n for_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n can_v stand_v together_o answ._n they_o may_v indeed_o constraint_n and_o man_n free_a will_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o man_n will_n and_o unchangeable_a necessity_n may_v well_o accord_v as_o i_o show_v thus_o in_o god_n there_o be_v most_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o will_n yet_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n of_o necessity_n as_o he_o will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a necessary_o for_o he_o can_v possible_o will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o yet_o he_o will_v the_o same_o most_o free_o so_o christ_n die_v necessary_o he_o can_v not_o but_o die_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o die_v most_o free_o for_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n of_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o he_o john_n 10.18_o it_o will_v be_v say_v again_o if_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o necessity_n than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o mean_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o for_o god_n will_v must_v be_v do_v do_v we_o what_o we_o will_n answ._n this_o be_v man_n corrupt_a reason_n these_o man_n must_v consider_v that_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v what_o thing_n must_v come_v to_o pass_v so_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v effect_v and_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o well_o the_o mean_n as_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v by_o this_o necessity_n rather_o be_v induce_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n than_o any_o way_n move_v to_o neglect_v the_o same_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v a_o double_a necessity_n one_o be_v absolute_a another_o in_o part_n i_o call_v that_o absolute_a necessity_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o possible_o as_o that_o god_n live_v and_o can_v die_v be_v omnipotent_a infinite_a etc._n etc._n necessity_n in_o part_n be_v when_o any_o thing_n do_v be_v necessary_a only_a because_o it_o depend_v on_o necessary_a cause_n as_o fire_n to_o burn_v be_v necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o nature_n by_o creation_n yet_o this_o necessity_n be_v not_o absolute_a for_o fire_n will_v not_o burn_v if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o change_v that_o order_n set_v in_o nature_n as_o he_o do_v when_o the_o three_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o hot_a fiery_a oven_n dan._n 3.27_o now_o whereas_o we_o say_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v necessary_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o necessity_n in_o part_n and_o not_o of_o absolute_a for_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v changeable_a and_o contingent_a and_o necessary_a only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n decree_n appoint_v they_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o regard_n whereof_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v take_v away_o freedom_n from_o man_n will_n it_o only_o incline_v the_o same_o to_o one_o part_n &_o so_o dispose_v that_o man_n shall_v free_o will_v that_o to_o be_v which_o god_n eternal_o have_v decree_v the_o second_o thing_n whereby_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v shortly_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o howsoever_o some_o thing_n foretell_v be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o which_o space_n of_o time_n may_v seem_v very_o long_o yet_o in_o two_o respect_n it_o be_v but_o short_a first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n to_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n 2._o pet._n 3.8_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n to_o who_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n seem_v but_o a_o short_a time_n when_o once_o they_o be_v expire_v though_o before_o they_o seem_v long_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v set_v down_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o terrify_v all_o carnal_a and_o careless_a man_n for_o this_o book_n foretell_v judgement_n plague_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n which_o mâ—st_v short_o come_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a our_o careful_a consideration_n in_o this_o secure_a age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o man_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v after_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n say_v spare_v thyself_o this_o shall_v not_o come_v unto_o thou_o but_o shall_v the_o lion_n roar_v and_o the_o beast_n not_o tremble_v yet_o the_o lord_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n but_o man_n will_v not_o repent_v well_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o whether_o we_o be_v young_a or_o old_a high_a or_o low_o that_o god_n judgement_n be_v short_o to_o come_v and_o let_v this_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o raise_v we_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o security_n that_o which_o peter_n say_v of_o false_a teacher_n be_v also_o true_a of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n unless_o they_o prevent_v the_o same_o by_o speedy_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n their_o judgement_n long_o ago_o be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o 2._o pet._n 2.3_o second_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n serve_v great_o to_o comfort_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o all_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v under_o any_o adversity_n or_o distress_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o in_o body_n or_o mind_n or_o both_o indeed_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o impatience_n and_o distrust_n by_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v here_o set_v down_o concern_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o foretell_v deliverance_n for_o god_n church_n and_o for_o every_o member_n thereof_o namely_o that_o they_o must_v short_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o a_o very_a little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o come_v for_o their_o deliverance_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v hebr._n 10._o vers_fw-la 37._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o revelation_n now_o follow_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o lord_n do_v convey_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o these_o word_n which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n where_o two_o point_n must_v be_v observe_v first_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o employment_n second_o the_o person_n employ_v therein_o as_o his_o instrument_n for_o the_o
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a benediction_n for_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n &_o must_v short_o be_v fulfil_v therefore_o those_o be_v bless_v which_o read_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n and_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o secret_a objection_n for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v we_o need_v not_o to_o read_v or_o remember_v this_o prophecy_n see_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n but_o he_o add_v the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v mark_v these_o word_n for_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o revelation_n be_v of_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o here_o they_o be_v repeat_v again_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o these_o prophecy_n contain_v weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v deep_o consider_v and_o earnest_o think_v on_o and_o s._n john_n repeat_v the_o same_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o awake_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n continual_o for_o though_o they_o can_v fall_v into_o the_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o slumber_n of_o security_n may_v overtake_v they_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a matth._n 25.5_o and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a church_n confess_v that_o she_o sleep_v though_o her_o heart_n wake_v cant._n 5.2_o second_o to_o confirm_v and_o hearten_v the_o church_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o affliction_n to_o come_v for_o herein_o be_v the_o common_a say_n true_a he_o that_o be_v forewarn_v be_v fore-armed_n now_o in_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n whether_o affliction_n temptation_n death_n or_o the_o last_o judgement_n itself_o all_o will_v come_v short_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o life_n as_o to_o stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n so_o to_o move_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n the_o bad_a servant_n beat_v his_o fellow_n because_o he_o think_v his_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.48.49_o the_o old_a world_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n never_o regard_v noah_n prophecy_n and_o so_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o matth._n 24.39_o we_o shall_v lay_v these_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o always_o think_v with_o paul_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o â—and_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n these_o eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v interchangeable_a one_o while_o peace_n and_o then_o trouble_v so_o as_o it_o be_v like_a this_o peaceable_a state_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v but_o we_o must_v be_v try_v and_o the_o time_n of_o ouâ—_n trial_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v befall_v the_o church_n will_v come_v short_o we_o must_v therefore_o prepare_v for_o trouble_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o less_o grievous_a vers._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o wit_n the_o inscription_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o a_o dedication_n in_o these_o word_n john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n second_o a_o salutation_n in_o the_o next_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n observe_v first_o the_o penman_n that_o dedicate_v this_o book_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v for_o the_o first_o the_o penman_n be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o repeat_v his_o name_n to_o show_v and_o certify_v every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o true_a penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v this_o revelation_n but_o though_o he_o repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o add_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n or_o commendation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v never_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o cause_n to_o our_o own_o praise_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o god_n glory_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n maintain_v this_o paul_n practise_v who_o often_o humble_v himself_o and_o call_v himself_o the_o 15._o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n yet_o when_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n come_v into_o question_n than_o he_o set_v out_o himself_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a apostle_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o as_o we_o may_v find_v in_o both_o of_o his_o 11.5_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n second_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n concern_v they_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o write_v to_o church_n second_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o the_o first_o why_o write_v he_o to_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o church_n see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a catholic_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a &_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o the_o same_o be_v part_v into_o several_a branch_n and_o company_n one_o part_n be_v in_o one_o country_n and_o another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o wherein_o also_o every_o several_a congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n all_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v only_o one_o yet_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o take_v their_o name_n of_o the_o country_n whereto_o they_o adjoine_v be_v call_v so_o many_o particular_a sea_n as_o the_o english_a sea_n the_o spanish_a sea_n french_a italian_a scottish_a sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o particular_a church_n must_v john_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n now_o john_n choose_v rather_o to_o write_v to_o church_n than_o to_o particular_a man_n first_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n second_o because_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o call_v not_o that_o her_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n house_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o god_n enemy_n second_o because_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o three_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v therein_o second_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n among_o all_o particular_a church_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o seven_o in_o asia_n no_o doubt_n for_o special_a cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a church_n as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v plain_o show_v second_o that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o long_o before_o have_v be_v foretell_v may_v be_v more_o evident_a for_o here_o the_o jew_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o gentile_n send_v unto_o last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o other_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n whereon_o alâ—_n other_o church_n shall_v depend_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v know_v of_o they_o why_o john_n pass_v by_o it_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n which_o contain_v matter_n needful_a for_o all_o church_n to_o know_v grace_n be_v with_o
of_o god_n so_o christ_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n than_o all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o matth._n 6.33_o this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n every_o where_o use_n who_o in_o seek_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o will_v toil_v themselves_o in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v wealth_n honour_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o regard_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a foundation_n of_o all_o outward_a welfare_n here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o god_n give_v i_o wealth_n honour_n and_o reputation_n than_o he_o love_v i_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n thereof_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v no_o sure_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o be_v his_o enemy_n may_v enjoy_v they_o all_o as_o job._n 21.7_o to_o the_o 14._o this_o david_n perceive_v how_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v in_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psalm_n 73.3.7_o and_o yet_o they_o stand_v but_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n herewith_o deceive_v himself_o he_o that_o want_v god_n favour_n in_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o curse_a wretch_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o world_n for_o outward_a thing_n at_o his_o command_n for_o all_o earthly_a thing_n sever_v from_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n the_o wicked_a man_n peace_n be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 48.22_o and_o the_o man_n that_o have_v god_n grace_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o want_v all_o worldly_a benefit_n yet_o he_o have_v more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n without_o it_o for_o hereby_o alone_o he_o be_v true_o bless_a and_o happy_a from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wit_n god_n himself_o distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n etc._n etc._n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o a_o distribution_n which_o express_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o which_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o exod._n 3.14_o 15._o where_o moses_n demand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v ask_v who_o send_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v answer_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o say_v ehich_n jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o which_o two_o name_n serve_v to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o be_v translate_v i_o be_o and_o the_o lord_n but_o these_o english_a word_n do_v not_o full_o express_v their_o signification_n yet_o s._n john_n expound_v they_o here_o make_v ehich_n to_o signify_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v which_o word_n of_o john_n also_o in_o the_o original_n be_v more_o full_a in_o sense_n than_o our_o english_a tongue_n can_v well_o express_v and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o explain_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a substance_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a simple_a substance_n and_o essence_n in_o these_o word_n be_v touch_v sundry_a weighty_a point_n first_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n which_o have_v his_o be_v in_o himself_o of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o paul_n say_v a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o that_o be_v nothing_o subsist_v in_o nature_n but_o a_o mere_a fond_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o essence_n subsist_v and_o that_o of_o himself_o alone_o perfect_o and_o herein_o differ_v from_o all_o idol_n and_o false_a god_n second_o hereby_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n every_o creature_n be_v a_o substance_n as_o angel_n and_o man_n likewise_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n be_v substance_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n and_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v part_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v their_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o he_o for_o then_o each_o creature_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n can_v be_v without_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n substance_n be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n my_o meaning_n then_o be_v that_o god_n make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o he_o create_v by_o his_o word_n and_o preserve_v they_o be_v make_v which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o return_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o thankfulness_n endeavour_v his_o glory_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n three_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o every_o way_n though_o they_o be_v eternal_a in_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v yet_o have_v they_o a_o beginning_n second_o they_o be_v eternal_a not_o absolute_o but_o by_o participation_n for_o god_n make_v they_o eternal_a but_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_o of_o himself_o eternal_a four_o note_n he_o say_v not_o from_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v but_o from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o eternal_a god_n be_v also_o a_o judge_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n a_o point_n of_o special_a use_n to_o move_v we_o to_o well_o before_o god_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n if_o any_o shall_v flatter_v himself_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v dead_a before_o that_o day_n come_v i_o answer_v iâ—_n may_v be_v so_o what_o then_o think_v thâ—u_n thereby_o to_o escape_v his_o judgement_n no_o very_o for_o this_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v thou_o particular_o by_o death_n and_o thereby_o to_o reserve_v thou_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n oâ—_n that_o we_o can_v serious_o think_v on_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v â—o_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n act_n 24.16_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v he_o at_o his_o come_n whether_o by_o death_n or_o judgement_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o 〈◊〉_d before_o his_o throne_n these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o seven_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v before_o the_o thronâ—_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o they_o for_o two_o cause_n a_o first_o because_o 〈◊〉_d and_o peace_n be_v here_o say_v to_o proceed_v from_o these_o seven_o spirit_n but_o it_o can_v come_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o attend_v to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n second_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o be_v a_o benediction_n or_o a_o salutation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o spirit_n be_v set_v before_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o respect_n for_o which_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v place_v before_o christ._n the_o word_n be_v rather_o thus_o to_o be_v expound_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o exposition_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v only_o one_o in_o substance_n
show_v mercy_n exercise_n judgement_n keep_v court_n assize_n begin_v end_n and_o continue_v war_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n and_o so_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o direction_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v their_o guide_n as_o it_o be_v to_o david_n thy_o law_n o_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o counselor_n psal._n 119.24_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v sovereign_a king_n than_o all_o earthly_a prince_n be_v bind_v to_o plant_v and_o establish_v in_o their_o kingdom_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n else_o how_o can_v they_o show_v themselves_o his_o loyal_a subject_n many_o imagine_v that_o earthly_a prince_n may_v admit_v unto_o their_o subject_n any_o religion_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o this_o be_v against_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n in_o this_o place_n for_o wherein_o can_v earthly_a prince_n do_v homage_n unto_o christ_n if_o they_o maintain_v not_o his_o religion_n and_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v signify_v plain_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n for_o when_o they_o that_o be_v bid_v do_v not_o come_v the_o king_n send_v forth_o his_o 2d_o servant_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n for_o that_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a religion_n five_o see_v christ_n alone_o be_v prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o king_n on_o earth_n in_o their_o dominion_n be_v sovereign_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n next_o under_o christ_n he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n absolute_o and_o they_o be_v under_o he_o alone_o and_o have_v no_o other_o head_n but_o he_o whereby_o we_o see_v the_o presumption_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o sea_n of_o rome_n in_o claim_v supremacy_n above_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o high_a treason_n against_o christ_n for_o hereby_o he_o be_v rob_v of_o this_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o only_a prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n last_o see_v christ_n be_v king_n of_o all_o king_n we_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v any_o affliction_n for_o his_o truth_n let_v the_o tyrant_n of_o the_o earth_n rage_n and_o bend_v their_o force_n to_o hurt_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o king_n above_o they_o all_o for_o who_o we_o suffer_v he_o be_v their_o king_n he_o can_v stay_v and_o bridle_v they_o and_o if_o he_o please_v confound_v and_o bruise_v they_o in_o piece_n they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o he_o permit_v for_o he_o rule_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 110.2_o he_o can_v break_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n description_n be_v by_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n which_o consist_v in_o four_o work_n the_o first_o contain_v in_o these_o word_n unto_o he_o which_o love_v we_o the_o second_o in_o these_o which_o wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n the_o other_o two_o in_o the_o two_o verse_n which_o follow_v viz._n 6_o and_o 7._o for_o the_o first_o which_o love_v we_o that_o be_v john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n &_o by_o proportion_n all_o other_o church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n have_v three_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v a_o general_a love_n whereby_o he_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n approve_v the_o same_o to_o be_v good_a as_o they_o be_v his_o by_o creation_n the_o second_o be_v the_o love_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o become_v a_o redeemer_n for_o mankind_n after_o their_o fall_n and_o not_o â—or_a any_o other_o creature_n no_o not_o for_o the_o angel_n which_o fall_v as_o well_o as_o man_n who_o therefore_o remain_v without_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n the_o three_o and_o principal_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o love_v his_o elect_a and_o choose_a child_n which_o be_v that_o special_a savour_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o they_o to_o life_n everlasting_a this_o three_o degree_n have_v two_o part_n first_o it_o be_v take_v for_o his_o purpose_n to_o love_v as_o when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n rom._n 9.13_o second_o for_o the_o act_n of_o love_a which_o be_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o purpose_n by_o spiritual_a benefit_n 1._o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o singular_a love_n god_n have_v show_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n note_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o adoption_n so_o in_o this_o verse_n by_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o actual_a declaration_n of_o his_o special_a favour_n in_o accept_v they_o for_o his_o child_n and_o bestow_v many_o singular_a blessing_n upon_o they_o whereas_o s._n john_n place_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o love_v we_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o this_o special_a love_n be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o man_n redemption_n which_o exclude_v all_o foresee_v faith_n and_o work_v from_o be_v motive_n of_o man_n election_n in_o god_n eternal_a council_n and_o so_o proportional_o all_o foresee_v sin_n from_o be_v motive_n in_o god_n of_o man_n reprobation_n it_o may_v be_v object_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o man_n respect_v a_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v good_a first_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v good_a and_o then_o it_o be_v love_v and_o so_o in_o man_n redemption_n god_n first_o foresee_v their_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o choose_v they_o ans._n there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o the_o creator_n the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n follow_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o thing_n because_o he_o see_v it_o be_v good_a therefore_o he_o love_v it_o but_o god_n the_o creator_n first_o love_v the_o creature_n before_o it_o be_v good_a and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o it_o be_v good_a because_o he_o love_v it_o second_o whereas_o saint_n john_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n as_o other_o true_a church_n do_v believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n love_v they_o for_o that_o saint_n john_n take_v for_o grant_v this_o shall_v move_v all_o man_n to_o have_v this_o care_n to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n see_v he_o place_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v the_o ephesian_n root_v and_o ground_v and_o therefore_o pray_v that_o with_o all_o saint_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n depth_n and_o height_n thereof_o ephes._n 2._o vers_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o we_o do_v when_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o he_o love_v we_o in_o christ._n so_o that_o he_o which_o deny_v unto_o we_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o that_o we_o may_v have_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n we_o must_v in_o all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o our_o heart_n keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v god_n draw_v near_o to_o us._n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o say_v christ_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o then_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o dwell_v with_o he_o john_n 14.23_o mean_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v shed_v this_o love_n into_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 5._o cause_v we_o to_o increase_v in_o the_o feel_n thereof_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n towards_o he_o and_o have_v wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n here_o be_v the_o second_o benefit_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n where_o first_o of_o all_o the_o very_a phrase_n have_v wash_v we_o do_v import_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v as_o filthy_a spot_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o himself_o and_o this_o church_n of_o god_n be_v touch_v with_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o vileness_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o wash_v presuppose_v former_a filthiness_n and_o pollution_n thus_o do_v david_n most_o sensible_o feel_v his_o own_o filthiness_n and_o see_v his_o miserable_a estate_n when_o he_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o â—_o wash_v he_o thorough_o confess_v thereby_o that_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v so_o foul_o stain_v and_o
son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o friend_n who_o shall_v give_v they_o not_o only_a life_n and_o motion_n but_o eternal_a life_n with_o his_o own_o majesty_n this_o be_v job_n comfort_v that_o though_o he_o die_v yet_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o redeemer_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o comfort_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o last_o judgement_n second_o this_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n that_o they_o shall_v will_n they_o will_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o christ_n judgement_n seat_n &_o there_o look_v on_o he_o who_o be_v their_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v in_o their_o life_n contemn_v and_o despise_v and_o this_o consideration_n may_v serve_v to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n which_o have_v noâ—_n begin_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n aâ—_n also_o to_o increase_v and_o further_a repentance_n in_o they_o who_o have_v by_o god_n grace_n begin_v the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v some_o do_v think_v when_o they_o die_v all_o be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o further_a account_n to_o follow_v but_o though_o we_o lie_v rot_v in_o our_o grave_n a_o thousand_o or_o two_o thousand_o year_n yet_o we_o shall_v rise_v and_o look_v upon_o our_o judge_n with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o in_o our_o life_n time_n repent_v we_o shall_v hear_v he_o with_o our_o own_o ear_n give_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n against_o we_o go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v best_o for_o we_o in_o this_o day_n of_o grace_n to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n and_o now_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o then_o we_o may_v rise_v with_o joy_n and_o stand_v with_o holâ—nesse_n before_o christ_n jesus_n no_o doubt_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o shall_v thus_o appear_v it_o will_v move_v we_o to_o repent_v three_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o that_o be_v all_o man_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n shall_v look_v on_o he_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o those_o who_o want_v their_o fight_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v have_v it_o then_o restore_v it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o divine_n that_o the_o elect_n shall_v have_v all_o their_o sense_n and_o other_o defect_n restore_v wherein_o they_o be_v want_v in_o this_o life_n and_o it_o may_v also_o be_v add_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v then_o have_v some_o of_o their_o sense_n restore_v if_o they_o want_v the_o same_o in_o this_o life_n as_o hear_v and_o see_v at_o the_o least_o for_o the_o deaf_a shall_v hear_v the_o blind_a shall_v see_v this_o judge_n and_o this_o can_v be_v no_o glory_n to_o they_o see_v it_o be_v to_o increase_v their_o misery_n for_o the_o more_o sense_n they_o have_v the_o more_o punishment_n they_o shall_v feel_v because_o by_o sense_n we_o apprehend_v misery_n even_o thâ—se_a which_o pierce_v he_o here_o be_v add_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o christ_n manifestation_n of_o his_o come_n and_o that_o for_o three_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o no_o power_n or_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n can_v free_v any_o one_o from_o his_o appearance_n for_o if_o any_o can_v escape_v in_o all_o likelihod_n it_o will_v be_v those_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o prevail_v most_o against_o christ_n and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o none_o of_o those_o can_v escape_v his_o judgement_n for_o even_o they_o which_o pierce_v he_o they_o shall_v see_v this_o judge_n and_o be_v summon_v before_o his_o majesty_n for_o though_o they_o have_v power_n to_o kill_v he_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o before_o his_o bar_n of_o judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n second_o to_o show_v the_o case_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n namely_o that_o such_o woe_n and_o misery_n shall_v befall_v they_o as_o they_o never_o once_o think_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o crucify_v christ_n never_o dream_v of_o this_o that_o he_o who_o they_o then_o put_v to_o a_o temporal_a death_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v their_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o they_o have_v repent_v three_o to_o show_v the_o rueful_a and_o woeful_a estate_n of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n they_o shall_v rise_v to_o judgement_n and_o have_v the_o great_a enemy_n their_o judge_n who_o will_v show_v rigour_n upon_o they_o and_o justice_n without_o all_o mercy_n for_o this_o pierce_a of_o christ_n be_v mean_v not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o of_o all_o ungodly_a personâ—_n because_o all_o such_o do_v by_o their_o sin_n as_o with_o sword_n and_o spear_n wound_v he_o at_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o soldier_n do_v impenitent_a sinner_n be_v as_o the_o jew_n which_o crucify_v christ_n as_o judas_n which_o betray_v he_o and_o as_o the_o soldier_n which_o goar_n his_o side_n and_o unless_o they_o now_o repent_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v judge_v as_o his_o enemy_n even_o they_o which_o pierce_v he_o out_o of_o these_o word_n some_o gather_v that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n have_v still_o the_o wound_n and_o scar_n which_o be_v give_v he_o at_o his_o death_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n and_o that_o these_o shall_v be_v see_v in_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n add_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v no_o blemish_n to_o christ_n to_o have_v these_o but_o rather_o a_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n but_o this_o can_v be_v gather_v hence_o for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v see_v he_o who_o they_o pierce_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v pierce_v what_o though_o they_o see_v the_o person_n who_o they_o wound_v shall_v they_o therefore_o see_v his_o wound_n many_o shall_v see_v king_n and_o queen_n who_o they_o crown_v in_o this_o world_n but_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v wear_v their_o crown_n so_o we_o shall_v see_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n but_o not_o as_o father_n and_o mother_n iv._o point_n the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o come_n especial_o in_o the_o wicked_a in_o these_o word_n and_o all_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v before_o he_o where_o s._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o only_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o tribe_n as_o in_o like_a case_n our_o saviour_n christ_n set_v out_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o manner_n of_o judge_v the_o visible_a church_n math._n 25._o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o which_o repent_v not_o of_o what_o nation_n soever_o of_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o have_v be_v shall_v wail_v and_o mourn_v at_o that_o day_n and_o he_o add_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o mourning_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o before_o he_o or_o over_o he_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v wail_v and_o lament_v with_o exceed_a lamentation_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o his_o word_n but_o contemn_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o now_o they_o want_v all_o help_n to_o free_v they_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n afterward_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o invention_n that_o can_v alter_v man_n estate_n hence_o than_o we_o be_v admonish_v first_o that_o in_o this_o world_n we_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o get_v our_o sin_n pardon_v to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o holy_a word_n and_o unless_o we_o attain_v hereunto_o in_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v wail_v eternal_o for_o when_o the_o last_o day_n be_v coâ—e_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o help_n no_o way_n to_o escape_v no_o time_n of_o grace_n to_o repeâ—â—_n remember_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o seek_v for_o oil_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o knock_v when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v math._n 25._o but_o if_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n get_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n then_o shall_v we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o eternal_o yea_o at_o this_o dreadful_a day_n to_o all_o the_o wicked_a we_o shall_v lift_v up_o our_o head_n and_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v christ_n come_v to_o our_o full_a redemption_n all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v cry_v and_o howl_v woe_n and_o alas_o for_o evermore_o the_o devil_n know_v the_o worth_n of_o this_o admonition_n will_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o our_o heart_n
be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o towards_o the_o poor_a afflict_a servant_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o be_v our_o fellow_n member_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v and_o show_v our_o compassion_n in_o pity_v they_o if_o the_o foot_n be_v prick_v the_o head_n stoop_v the_o eye_n behold_v and_o look_v on_o it_o the_o finger_n pull_v it_o out_o the_o hand_n apply_v the_o plaster_n the_o other_o foot_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v for_o help_v the_o tongue_n to_o ask_v for_o counsel_n &_o all_o the_o member_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n in_o pity_n and_o fellow-feeling_n so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v affliction_n be_v prick_v with_o persecution_n for_o christ_n cause_n then_o shall_v we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o help_n we_o can_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o show_v our_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v this_o copartner_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o observe_v that_o he_o place_v fellowship_n in_o affliction_n before_o companion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o through_o affliction_n &_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v that_o way_n which_o be_v beat_v and_o tread_v by_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 14.12_o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o this_o â—7_n momentary_a affliction_n cause_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a weight_n of_o glory_n not_o by_o deserve_v it_o but_o by_o show_v the_o plain_a way_n thither_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o think_v it_o hard_o when_o trial_n do_v befall_v we_o but_o rather_o to_o count_v it_o a_o good_a thing_n yea_o exceed_a great_a gladness_n when_o any_o affliction_n do_v befall_v we_o for_o christ_n sake_n for_o hereby_o we_o be_v bring_v like_o wander_a sheep_n into_o that_o beat_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n 1.2_o nay_o we_o must_v rather_o marvel_v when_o we_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v no_o affliction_n then_o we_o may_v 12.8_o fear_v we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n see_v the_o lord_n afflict_v every_o child_n which_o be_v he_o three_o he_o be_v copartner_n in_o patience_n which_o he_o add_v because_o it_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o persevere_v in_o affliction_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n affliction_n be_v the_o beat_a way_n heaven_n be_v our_o joyful_a end_n patience_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o go_v on_o till_o we_o come_v thither_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n &_o comfort_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15.4_o where_o true_a hope_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n be_v obtain_v by_o patience_n which_o make_v a_o believer_n to_o go_v on_o in_o suffer_v till_o he_o come_v to_o life_n eternal_a there_o be_v much_o fruit_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n 1â—_n but_o not_o bring_v forth_o without_o patience_n &_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v save_v by_o hope_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n without_o patience_n ja._n 5._o for_o thereby_o he_o must_v possess_v his_o sâ—ule_n now_o because_o man_n will_v say_v patience_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n and_o so_o be_v discourage_v from_o seek_v for_o it_o therefore_o to_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o their_o desire_n he_o add_v it_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v so_o call_v either_o because_o he_o command_v it_o or_o because_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o chief_o because_o he_o himself_o suffer_v in_o his_o member_n and_o as_o their_o misery_n and_o suffering_n be_v he_o so_o be_v their_o patience_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o singular_a motive_n to_o induce_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n for_o they_o have_v christ_n their_o fellow_n sufferer_n he_o take_v part_n with_o they_o and_o put_v under_o his_o shoulder_n who_o will_v not_o then_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v with_o patience_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o branch_n of_o his_o fellowship_n several_o now_o consider_v they_o joint_o and_o they_o contain_v a_o notable_a description_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v a_o special_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n stand_v in_o three_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o patience_n and_o mark_v well_o that_o this_o communion_n begin_v in_o tribulation_n therein_o we_o must_v be_v partner_n and_o that_o with_o patience_n before_o we_o come_v to_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o man_n therefore_o that_o have_v affliction_n lay_v on_o he_o must_v bear_v they_o patient_o and_o when_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o the_o cross_n he_o must_v in_o tender_a compassion_n be_v touch_v with_o their_o misery_n and_o when_o he_o do_v true_o feel_v in_o his_o heart_n this_o christian_a patience_n and_o compassion_n then_o may_v he_o assure_v himself_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o this_o communion_n and_o shall_v undoubted_o with_o all_o saint_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o patience_n and_o compassion_n be_v want_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o in_o vain_a of_o this_o communion_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o strive_v against_o impatience_n and_o against_o the_o deadness_n and_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o murmur_v against_o god_n in_o our_o own_o affliction_n nor_o yeâ—_n want_v compassion_n towards_o our_o brethren_n that_o any_o where_fw-mi suffer_v affliction_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n call_v patmos_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o second_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o place_n where_o this_o vision_n 〈◊〉_d give_v to_o john_n this_o patmos_n be_v one_o of_o those_o island_n which_o the_o geographerâ—_n call_v sporades_n lie_v in_o the_o west_n part_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o less_o near_o to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o john_n write_v and_o by_o the_o sea_n common_o call_v the_o egâ—â—n_a sea_n this_o island_n be_v a_o small_a base_a and_o poor_a island_n little_a or_o never_o a_o whit_n inhabit_v saint_n john_n have_v his_o vision_n not_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o antioch_n or_o rome_n but_o in_o patmos_n a_o base_a poor_a and_o little_o inhabit_v island_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o one_o place_n above_o another_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o he_o do_v as_o well_o manifest_v himself_o to_o john_n by_o this_o vision_n in_o patmos_n as_o to_o other_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o holy_a city_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v difference_n of_o place_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o presence_n as_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o presence_n and_o tie_v his_o worship_n especial_o to_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o daniel_n show_v by_o his_o gesture_n in_o prayer_n 6._o for_o be_v in_o captivity_n when_o he_o pray_v in_o his_o chamber_n he_o open_v the_o window_n which_o be_v towards_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o turn_v his_o face_n thitherward_o but_o now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o difference_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o paul_n will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o 2.8_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n unto_o god_n and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v think_v the_o like_a i._o then_o away_o with_o popish_a pilgrimage_n to_o church_n and_o chapel_n of_o saint_n use_n or_o to_o their_o relic_n this_o be_v mere_a superstition_n for_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o a_o man_n that_o will_v worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o one_o place_n as_o well_o as_o another_o ii_o also_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o correct_v a_o false_a conceit_n which_o many_o have_v of_o our_o church_n and_o chapel_n for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o dwell_a house_n they_o think_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n there_o to_o humble_v themselves_o to_o kneel_v down_o and_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o if_o they_o come_v into_o a_o church_n or_o chapel_n never_o so_o often_o upon_o ordinary_a affair_n they_o fall_v down_o to_o prayer_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o think_v these_o place_n be_v more_o holy_a and_o god_n more_o present_a there_o and_o they_o shall_v soon_o be_v hear_v in_o they_o than_o in_o
ministry_n will_v soon_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o man_n invention_n again_o in_o this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n saying_n to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v â—5_n for_o though_o john_n be_v endue_v with_o rare_a knowledge_n and_o singular_a gift_n yet_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o knowledge_n to_o his_o former_a the_o lord_n find_v he_o faithful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o reveal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o secret_n unto_o he_o in_o most_o full_a manner_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n at_o this_o day_n all_o that_o have_v care_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v it_o though_o their_o knowledge_n be_v small_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v they_o and_o add_v daily_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n not_o but_o wax_v worse_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n be_v because_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o have_v their_o knowledge_n increase_v by_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o know_v for_o if_o they_o do_v then_o to_o he_o which_o have_v shall_v more_o be_v add_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o be_v negligent_a to_o hear_v or_o know_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o spirit_n indeed_o send_v upon_o we_o yet_o not_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o blindness_n &_o ignorance_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o see_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o isay._n 6.9_o 6.9_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o four_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o time_n when_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v to_o s._n john_n this_o day_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o we_o sunday_n it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o on_o this_o day_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v bury_v the_o even_a of_o the_o jew_n sabboath_n which_o be_v our_o friday_n and_o he_o rest_v in_o the_o grave_a their_o whole_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n and_o rise_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n which_o be_v our_o sunday_n second_o this_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n account_n come_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n and_o be_v ordain_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o sanctify_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n especial_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n the_o manifestation_n whereof_o as_o some_o think_v john_n chief_o intend_v in_o this_o title_n and_o touch_v this_o time_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o point_n first_o who_o change_v the_o jew_n sabbath_n second_o for_o what_o cause_n three_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n power_n to_o change_v the_o sabbath_n day_n we_o now_o celebrate_v to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n be_v change_v into_o this_o lord_n day_n by_o christian_n emperor_n long_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o hold_v that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o change_n my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n either_o by_o voice_n or_o instinct_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v this_o sabbath_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o be_v keep_v a_o day_n of_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 16.1_o where_o paul_n ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n that_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n in_o the_o week_n this_o he_o leave_v not_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o appoint_v it_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a from_o christ._n now_o the_o day_n of_o collect_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sabbath_n day_n when_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v for_o god_n service_n for_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o christ_n first_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v then_o to_o gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n a_o oblation_n and_o the_o mass_n not_o a_o real_a sacrifice_n as_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o but_o spiritual_a because_o therewith_o be_v join_v collection_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oblation_n not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mass_n because_o the_o collect_v relief_n thereat_o be_v send_v to_o the_o poor_a saint_n abroad_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o keep_v this_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 20.7_o and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o observe_v any_o other_o day_n for_o a_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n after_o christ_n ascension_n save_v only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v keep_v none_o other_o but_o the_o old_a sabbath_n of_o the_o law_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v john_n 20.19.26_o the_o same_o day_n whereâ—n_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n â—e_v appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o eight_o day_n after_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o appear_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o same_o end_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v they_o a_o example_n to_o celebrate_v and_o keep_v that_o day_n wherein_o he_o rise_v again_o for_o a_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ii_o point_n the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n thaâ—_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o stand_v with_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n wherein_o as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v make_v a_o new_a heaven_n &_o a_o new_a earth_n chap._n 66._o and_o whereby_o man_n become_v new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n 5.17_o nay_o this_o redemption_n be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o the_o creation_n for_o in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n but_o in_o this_o redemption_n christ_n jesus_n be_v our_o head_n by_o the_o first_o creation_n we_o receive_v a_o temporal_a life_n but_o by_o redemption_n we_o receive_v life_n eternal_a in_o the_o creation_n adam_n be_v espouse_v to_o eve_n but_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n every_o christian_n be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o creation_n adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n in_o the_o creation_n god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v principal_o appear_v in_o this_o redemption_n with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o show_v mercy_n and_o justice_n justice_n in_o christ_n passion_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o forgiveness_n by_o creation_n he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o by_o redemption_n he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o and_o better_a than_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v the_o creation_n it_o be_v meet_v a_o day_n shall_v be_v set_v a_o apart_o for_o the_o memory_n thereof_o now_o no_o day_n can_v be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o which_o christ_n rise_v again_o whereby_o he_o confirm_v
golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o i_o hear_v this_o sudden_a and_o mighty_a voice_n i_o turn_v myself_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o utter_v the_o same_o in_o this_o behaviour_n of_o john_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o word_n as_o john_n dispose_v himself_o towards_o christ_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o vision_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o voice_n speak_v john_n hearken_v and_o because_o the_o sound_n thereof_o come_v behind_o he_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o utter_v it_o even_o so_o must_v we_o do_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n stranger_n with_o god_n slow_a to_o hear_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o ready_a to_o turn_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n when_o we_o hear_v therefore_o when_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n we_o must_v hearken_v and_o though_o we_o be_v go_v another_o way_n yet_o we_o must_v turn_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o voice_n that_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o saint_n john_n have_v not_o see_v this_o marvelous_a vision_n unless_o he_o have_v turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v he_o that_o speak_v no_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n unless_o we_o turn_v our_o heart_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o that_o betimes_o while_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n viz._n the_o entrance_n thereunto_o the_o second_o part_n it_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o vision_n contain_v a_o most_o worthy_a representation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o a_o description_n of_o christ_n continue_v from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n wherein_o john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v and_o partly_o by_o see_v and_o first_o he_o begin_v his_o description_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o see_v he_o represent_v in_o vision_n and_o so_o describe_v he_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o place_n where_o he_o see_v he_o second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n wherein_o he_o appear_v i._o for_o the_o place_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v himself_o vers_fw-la 20._o now_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n for_o that_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o they_o for_o as_o the_o candlestick_n serve_v to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n that_o be_v set_v therein_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n they_o bear_v up_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o call_v candlestick_n than_o candle_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o or_o from_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v god_n instrument_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a true_a lamp_n and_o candle_n that_o give_v light_a to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n second_o hence_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n must_v learn_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v a_o shine_a and_o burn_a candle_n indeed_o this_o principal_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n john_n 5._o vers_fw-la 35._o but_o yet_o it_o must_v also_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o member_n thereof_o as_o saint_n paul_n command_v 16._o shine_v say_v he_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n quest._n how_o shall_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n become_v a_o burn_a light_n answ._n first_o he_o must_v have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o then_o as_o a_o candlestick_n hold_v out_o and_o send_v forth_o the_o beaâ—es_n thereof_o to_o other_o partly_o by_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n and_o partly_o by_o example_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n thus_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v god_n commandment_n shine_v as_o light_n say_v s._n paul_n in_o the_o world_n philip_n 2.15_o and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n ephes._n 5.8_o second_o consider_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o which_o be_v wonderful_a great_a for_o by_o godly_a instruction_n in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o answerable_a obedience_n in_o our_o life_n we_o win_v many_o to_o the_o lord_n show_v forth_o such_o light_n whereby_o other_o may_v walk_v in_o this_o dark_a world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a light_n in_o the_o winter_n season_n man_n think_v they_o do_v other_o great_a pleasure_n if_o in_o the_o night_n they_o hang_v forth_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v passenger_n a_o little_a way_n in_o a_o earthly_a walk_n what_o a_o bless_a thing_n then_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v guide_v a_o sinful_a wicked_a wretch_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n live_v in_o god_n church_n like_o candle_n put_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n hence_o come_v great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o other_o with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o they_o lead_v other_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n especial_o they_o who_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o conscience_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o good_a example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o as_o in_o a_o haven_n town_n if_o any_o man_n in_o the_o night_n time_n do_v remove_v the_o sea-mark_a which_o guide_v the_o ship_n in_o the_o right_a channel_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v near_o the_o shore_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n even_o so_o they_o that_o shall_v give_v light_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o false_a light_n to_o such_o as_o depend_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v sail_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n hereby_o they_o lead_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a haven_n and_o instead_o of_o heaven_n bring_v their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n which_o must_v terrify_v we_o from_o ignorance_n and_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v we_o labour_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o this_o world_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o godly_a conversation_n three_o reason_n consider_v the_o fearful_a judgment_n of_o god_n against_o such_o as_o live_v in_o his_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o yet_o give_v no_o light_n they_o do_v incur_v the_o fearful_a wrath_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o temple_n the_o keep_n of_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n and_o other_o instrument_n to_o trim_v the_o same_o which_o notable_o figure_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n who_o look_v to_o every_o light_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v to_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o a_o lamp_n and_o when_o they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o dark_a he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n to_o trim_v they_o and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o better_a light_n both_o by_o godly_a life_n and_o good_a instruction_n but_o when_o he_o have_v snuff_v they_o again_o and_o again_o if_o still_o they_o burn_v dark_a and_o dim_a and_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o else_o a_o false_a light_n
future_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o will_v reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o thus_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a book_n distinguish_v i._o it_o contain_v thing_n touch_v the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o johns_n daâ—es_n ii_o it_o entreat_v of_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o future_a estate_n thereof_o from_o johns_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n use_n hence_o observe_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n for_o division_n be_v lawful_a else_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o here_o have_v use_v they_o and_o so_o by_o proportion_n be_v other_o argument_n of_o reason_v and_o therefore_o that_o art_n which_o give_v rule_n of_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o argument_n be_v lawful_a and_o good_a those_o man_n than_o be_v far_o deceive_v who_o account_v the_o art_n of_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n to_o be_v frivolous_a and_o unlawful_a and_o in_o so_o say_v they_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n vers._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 seven_o angel_n of_o the_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 this_o be_v the_o three_o action_n of_o christ_n namely_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o vision_n in_o the_o principal_a part_n thereof_o which_o he_o expound_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o john_n in_o this_o business_n be_v to_o show_v himself_o a_o prophet_n of_o god_n by_o declare_v the_o present_a and_o future_a estate_n of_o god_n church_n now_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v to_o expound_v vision_n or_o dream_n reveal_v either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o daniel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n second_o that_o john_n may_v be_v encourage_v in_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n calling_n respect_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v these_o vision_n to_o concern_v the_o church_n this_o will_v stir_v up_o his_o diligence_n in_o observe_v and_o pen_v the_o thing_n reveal_v now_o christ_n expound_v not_o the_o whole_a vision_n but_o two_o principal_a thing_n therein_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o star_n to_o wit_n the_o seven_o angel_n or_o the_o seven_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n namely_o the_o seven_o church_n themselves_o the_o reason_n why_o both_o be_v so_o call_v we_o have_v show_v before_o with_o the_o use_n thereof_o here_o only_o i_o will_v observe_v these_o three_o point_n first_o why_o christ_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o his_o vision_n do_v not_o expound_v the_o whole_a but_o only_o two_o principal_a part_n thereof_o this_o he_o do_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o exercise_v about_o this_o vision_n for_o if_o he_o have_v expound_v every_o part_n himself_o than_o he_o have_v leave_v herein_o no_o matter_n to_o his_o church_n whereabout_o she_o may_v exercise_v her_o gift_n second_o to_o provoke_v god_n minister_n especial_o with_o other_o member_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o all_o diligence_n in_o study_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a than_o man_n will_v grow_v careless_a in_o read_v and_o search_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n three_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a desire_n to_o understand_v the_o same_o four_o to_o excite_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v with_o read_v the_o scripture_n understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o ii_o point_n note_v here_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v angel_n what_o these_o angel_n be_v appear_v in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v to_o wit_n the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n so_o mat._n 11.10_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v christ_n angel_n or_o messenger_n whereby_o we_o have_v good_a light_n for_o the_o expound_v of_o a_o place_n in_o paul_n 1._o cor._n 11.10_o say_n that_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n that_o be_v be_v cover_v because_o of_o the_o angel_n where_o by_o angel_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o precept_n may_v be_v this_o among_o the_o corinthian_n the_o cover_n of_o the_o head_n be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o a_o token_n of_o prelieminence_n and_o superiority_n but_o a_o sign_n of_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v the_o woman_n of_o corinth_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n to_o have_v their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o other_o assembly_n to_o signify_v their_o submission_n and_o reverence_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n use_n whereas_o minister_n be_v the_o lord_n angel_n and_o ambassador_n hence_o we_o gather_v that_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v carry_v himself_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n messenger_n have_v regard_n of_o two_o thing_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o message_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o delivery_n that_o they_o speak_v all_o which_o they_o be_v command_v and_o in_o such_o order_n as_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v have_v it_o speak_v or_o speak_v it_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v present_a and_o he_o that_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o these_o may_v just_o be_v challenge_v of_o unfaithfulness_n the_o minister_n therefore_o be_v christ_n messenger_n must_v deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n alone_o unto_o his_o people_n as_o also_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o christ_n approve_v and_o will_v himself_o observe_v if_o he_o be_v present_a now_o can_v we_o once_o imagine_v that_o christ_n will_v deliver_v his_o will_n partly_o in_o english_a partly_o in_o latin_a and_o other_o language_n or_o intermingle_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o sentence_n of_o father_n of_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o other_o writer_n those_o therefore_o that_o in_o this_o sort_n dispense_v christ_n gospel_n do_v hereby_o bewray_v unfaithfulness_n in_o their_o delivery_n indeed_o this_o be_v count_v the_o learned_a kind_n of_o preach_v but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o manner_n which_o christ_n approve_v and_o beside_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o teach_v may_v take_v place_n it_o will_v bring_v in_o as_o great_a barbarism_n in_o regard_n of_o true_a divinity_n as_o be_v among_o the_o schoolman_n when_o god_n word_n be_v whole_o turn_v unto_o needless_a disputation_n yea_o it_o will_v short_o banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o this_o land_n iii_o point_n note_v the_o phrase_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v he_o say_v not_o the_o seven_o star_n signify_v the_o seven_o angel_n but_o be_v the_o seven_o angel_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n give_v to_o the_o sign_n the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v wherein_o we_o have_v a_o good_a warrant_n for_o our_o exposition_n of_o that_o phrase_n in_o the_o sacrament_n this_o bread_n be_v my_o body_n this_o cup_n be_v my_o blood_n which_o the_o papist_n understand_v proper_o of_o the_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o real_a transmutation_n but_o as_o these_o seven_o star_n be_v say_v to_o be_v seven_o minister_n because_o they_o do_v signify_v the_o seven_o minister_n so_o be_v the_o bread_n call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o body_n and_o the_o cup_n his_o blood_n and_o as_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v the_o seven_o minister_n be_v indeed_o seven_o star_n because_o they_o be_v so_o call_v so_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o hold_v the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v real_o christ_n body_n or_o the_o wine_n his_o blood_n because_o it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o action_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o vision_n the_o second_o chapter_n vers._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 and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o next_o be_v contain_v the_o four_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n wherein_o he_o give_v seven_o particular_a commandment_n to_o john_n to_o write_v unto_o the_o
he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n do_v hinder_v he_o he_o seek_v the_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o minister_n not_o only_o by_o stir_v up_o persecution_n but_o by_o keepinh_v his_o people_n from_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o every_o minister_n have_v need_v to_o take_v pain_n with_o patience_n in_o his_o call_n and_o as_o christ_n join_v together_o labour_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o shall_v every_o christian_n after_o this_o direction_n join_v patience_n with_o his_o pain_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n for_o look_v what_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o place_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o every_o child_n of_o god_n in_o he_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a call_n and_o therein_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n then_o consider_v the_o cross_n do_v accompany_v godly_a diligence_n they_o must_v labour_v to_o join_v patience_n with_o their_o diligence_n for_o their_o continuance_n in_o welldoing_a even_o under_o the_o cross_n and_o for_o attain_v of_o this_o patience_n they_o must_v set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o protection_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v dismay_v by_o any_o affliction_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v thus_o walk_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a place_n painful_o and_o with_o patience_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o commendation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a reward_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o their_o reward_n but_o on_o contrary_a if_o we_o walk_v in_o our_o calling_n negligent_o or_o else_o forsake_v they_o because_o of_o affliction_n or_o be_v impatient_a in_o our_o labour_n we_o shall_v loose_v our_o reward_n and_o undergo_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o outward_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v us._n the_o three_o special_a work_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n be_v severity_n show_v against_o wicked_a man_n in_o these_o word_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o evil_a man_n he_o mean_v such_o as_o live_v offensive_o and_o maintain_v manifest_a error_n and_o heresy_n these_o she_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o judge_v they_o as_o burden_n and_o therefore_o seek_v to_o disburden_v herself_o of_o they_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v purge_v of_o evil_a man_n use_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v put_v in_o practice_v this_o work_n so_o soon_o as_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n 4.14_o god_n cast_v he_o out_o from_o his_o face_n as_o appear_z by_o his_o own_o complaint_n to_o wit_n from_o that_o particular_a place_n where_o adam_n and_o his_o family_n worship_v god_n when_o false_a prophet_n and_o idolater_n do_v arise_v among_o the_o israelit_n the_o lord_n command_v 8._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v kill_v and_o take_v from_o among_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o jeremie_n 15.19_o if_o thou_o turn_v and_o repent_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a thou_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o my_o word_n 1._o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o paul_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n the_o church_n purge_v of_o that_o old_a leaven_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n put_v from_o among_o they_o verse_n 13._o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o testimony_n some_o reason_n may_v be_v add_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o separation_n first_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v be_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v but_o evil_a man_n defile_v god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n second_o lest_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o the_o infection_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o leaven_n sour_v the_o whole_a lump_n so_o will_v evil_a man_n defile_v the_o whole_a church_n three_o they_o be_v burden_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o every_o burden_n this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v a_o common_a fault_n in_o the_o most_o congregation_n among_o we_o wherein_o all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o unto_o the_o lord_n table_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o restraint_n as_o though_o every_o man_n be_v a_o good_a &_o sound_a christian_n whereas_o experience_n show_v that_o many_o be_v ignorant_a many_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o sabbath_n breaker_n drunkard_n and_o blasphemer_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v bar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n sever_v from_o the_o church_n as_o burden_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n a_o power_n judicial_a to_o suspend_v evil_a man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v commend_v this_o minister_n with_o his_o church_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n the_o reason_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o no_o force_n i._o say_v they_o the_o parable_n matth._n 13.30_o allow_v the_o grow_v together_o of_o tare_n and_o wheat_n till_o harvest_n and_o therefore_o evil_a man_n must_v be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o separation_n answ._n in_o that_o parable_n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a purge_n of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a purge_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o the_o field_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o mâ—n_z but_o angel_n that_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n again_o they_o allege_v luk_n 14.23_o compel_v they_o in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o come_v into_o the_o supper_n here_o say_v they_o all_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o but_o none_o must_v be_v exclude_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o compel_a man_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n but_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereto_o man_n must_v be_v cause_v to_o subject_v themselves_o which_o hinder_v nothing_o why_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n ordain_v only_o for_o such_o as_o repent_v and_o believe_v qu._n see_v this_o separation_n must_v be_v make_v how_o far_o forth_o may_v we_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o be_v open_o evil_a &_o offensive_a either_o for_o life_n or_o doctrine_n ans._n evil_a man_n must_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o commonwealth_n of_o some_o city_n or_o incorporation_n second_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n by_o toleration_n in_o the_o first_o regard_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o they_o i._o for_o outward_a deal_n and_o civil_a affair_n as_o bargain_v buy_v and_o sell_v etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o may_v maintain_v outward_a civil_a peace_n with_o they_o so_o paul_n command_v the_o roman_n 12.18_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n iii_o in_o this_o civil_a converse_v with_o the_o wicked_a we_o must_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o outward_a courtesy_n and_o love_n unto_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o do_v not_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n command_v we_o to_o be_v 3.2_o soft_a and_o courteous_a show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o man_n even_o to_o evil_a man_n as_o the_o reason_n follow_v show_v 3._o for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o time_n past_o unwise_a disobedient_a deceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o be_v we_o evil_a second_o consider_v they_o as_o dweller_n in_o the_o church_n and_o member_n by_o permission_n and_o so_o we_o may_v live_v with_o they_o in_o it_o for_o we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v permit_v therein_o christ_n live_v among_o the_o
another_o and_o yet_o beseech_v they_o to_o increase_v therein_o phil._n 3.13.4_o in_o paul_n person_n we_o have_v a_o worthy_a precedent_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v if_o we_o think_v to_o come_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o though_o he_o have_v go_v far_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o labour_v to_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o consider_v not_o that_o which_o be_v past_a as_o rest_v in_o it_o but_o rather_o how_o far_o he_o be_v too_o short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v use_v mean_n to_o increase_v in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o other_o good_a grace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o perfection_n a_o christian_n man_v life_n be_v a_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o once_o set_v foot_n must_v â—uer_o go_v forward_o and_o not_o stand_v still_o or_o turn_v back_o lest_o we_o never_o come_v there_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o child_n which_o still_o grow_v till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a strength_n and_o so_o must_v every_o child_n of_o god_n labour_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o stand_v still_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o they_o the_o rhemist_n in_o their_o annotation_n abuse_v this_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o text_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n thiâ—_n question_n must_v be_v scan_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n answ._n grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o for_o that_o favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o some_o for_o his_o child_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o and_o take_v grace_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v lose_v but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v be_v lose_v of_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v when_o a_o earthly_a father_n be_v displease_v with_o his_o child_n for_o some_o notorious_a crime_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o sign_n of_o displeasure_n and_o show_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o stripe_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o continue_v his_o father_n and_o hold_v he_o for_o his_o son_n without_o any_o purpose_n to_o disinherit_v he_o even_o so_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o love_a countenance_n from_o they_o and_o change_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n when_o as_o yet_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o their_o adoption_n be_v not_o alter_v but_o remain_v firm_a for_o ever_o and_o god_n be_v still_o their_o father_n though_o a_o angry_a father_n through_o the_o provocation_n of_o their_o sin_n second_o grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n these_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o more_o principal_a of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v save_v as_o faith_n and_o also_o hope_v and_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n there_o be_v other_o also_o less_o principal_a which_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o requisite_a yet_o not_o absolute_o needful_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n alacrity_n in_o prayer_n &_o sense_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o less_o principal_a grace_n may_v quite_o be_v lose_v the_o principal_a grace_n also_o may_v be_v decay_v lessen_v and_o cover_v in_o regard_n of_o operation_n even_o in_o god_n child_n but_o quite_o extinguish_v they_o can_v be_v for_o god_n uphold_v they_o by_o perseverance_n where_o faith_n hope_n &_o love_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n they_o be_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o take_v away_o but_o only_o in_o part_n and_o in_o sense_n and_o feel_n for_o a_o time_n this_o answer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o text_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v here_o blame_v not_o for_o quite_o lose_v her_o loveâ—_n but_o because_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o waxelesse_a than_o it_o be_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o because_o this_o doctrine_n be_v oppugn_v earnest_o not_o only_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o by_o some_o church_n and_o school_n of_o the_o protestant_n i_o will_v first_o show_v the_o truth_n hereof_o out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o scan_v the_o chief_a reason_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o grace_n can_v be_v whole_o and_o final_o lose_v these_o reason_n prove_v i._o matth._n 16.18_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o upon_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o profess_v christ_n will_v build_v his_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o which_o last_o word_n must_v be_v mark_v for_o they_o intimate_v that_o the_o devil_n with_o his_o adherent_n will_v show_v much_o force_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a but_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o get_v the_o victory_n or_o overcome_v it_o whole_o ii_o matth._n 24.24_o christ_n foretell_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v say_v they_o shall_v seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_a where_o he_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o elect_v albeit_o they_o may_v be_v assault_v grievous_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o or_o final_o draw_v away_o from_o their_o faith_n iii_o john_n 10.27_o 28_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v to_o this_o they_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v never_o perish_v so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o cavil_n be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o next_o word_n neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o flesh_n can_v by_o any_o temptation_n draw_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n from_o their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o sheep_n iv._o reason_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n they_o say_v he_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n and_o no_o otherwise_o i_o answer_v if_o they_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n they_o shall_v never_o perish_v 5.5_o for_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a v._o reason_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinat_a they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o be_v justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o be_v glorify_v those_o which_o be_v elect_v call_v and_o justify_v by_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v glorify_v and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v away_o final_o for_o such_o shall_v never_o be_v glorify_v and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 38._o he_o add_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n angel_n principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v separate_v we_o viz._n the_o faithful_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n but_o if_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v away_o final_o than_o they_o may_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n vi_o reason_n rom._n 11.29_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n call_v that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v without_o repentance_n they_o say_v it_o be_v true_a god_n indeed_o never_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o gift_n but_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v and_o fall_v away_o because_o he_o may_v refuse_v and_o reject_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o answer_n be_v frivolous_a maintain_v this_o absurdity_n that_o the_o powerful_a will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o silly_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o man_n can_v repel_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o than_o shall_v man_n will_v take_v place_n and_o god_n will_v be_v make_v frustrate_a and_o void_a vii_o reason_n 1._o john_n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o because_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n how_o be_v that_o true_a for_o chap._n 1.10_o he_o that_o say_v he_o have_v not_o sin_v make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o he_o answ._n the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v
of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v with_o full_a consent_n and_o with_o all_o his_o hart_n sin_n do_v not_o reign_v in_o he_o for_o the_o regenerate_a man_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o sin_v not_o as_o he_o be_v spirit_n that_o be_v regenerate_v but_o as_o he_o be_v flesh_n and_o sinful_a his_o will_n sin_v not_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a but_o as_o it_o be_v carnal_a the_o papist_n say_v indeed_o he_o sin_v not_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o this_o shift_n be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o this_o place_n plain_o prove_v even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v whole_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o grace_n they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a place_n and_o indeed_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o it_o viii_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n may_v final_o fall_v from_o grace_n then_o may_v he_o be_v whole_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n for_o grace_n be_v never_o whole_o lose_v till_o a_o man_n be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o christ._n but_o it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v quite_o cut_v off_o for_o than_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n must_v be_v often_o join_v to_o christ_n namely_o so_o often_o as_o he_o fall_v by_o sin_n if_o he_o will_v be_v save_v whereupon_o this_o will_v also_o follow_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n must_v be_v often_o baptize_v for_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o incision_n the_o mean_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ._n but_o rebaptisation_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v the_o church_n of_o god_n deny_v it_o upon_o this_o ground_n because_o a_o man_n be_v only_o once_o bear_v of_o god_n ix_o reason_n christ_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thus_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v suffer_v not_o satan_n and_o sin_n whole_o to_o prevail_v against_o we_o and_o final_o to_o vanquish_v us._n this_o petition_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a and_o according_a to_o god_n will_v and_o therefore_o hereunto_o as_o to_o every_o lawful_a petition_n belong_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o god_n command_n to_o make_v it_o second_o his_o promise_n to_o assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v whereby_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v in_o god_n word_n a_o promise_n assure_v every_o child_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o whole_o be_v conquer_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o grace_n for_o if_o he_o may_v than_o be_v he_o whole_o overcome_v in_o temptation_n the_o contrary_a argument_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n place_n of_o scripture_n example_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o first_o exod._n 32_o 32._o when_o the_o israelit_n have_v sin_v that_o great_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n moses_n pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o if_o not_o say_v he_o blot_v i_o out_o of_o thy_o book_n hence_o they_o gather_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o god_n book_n of_o life_n and_o so_o final_o perish_v answ._n that_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o condition_n if_o be_v be_v possible_a as_o in_o the_o like_a prayer_n it_o be_v express_v by_o christ_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o this_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v add_v for_o else_o we_o must_v say_v that_o moses_n pray_v for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v be_v impossible_a namely_o that_o one_o private_a man_n shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o though_o in_o temporal_a punishment_n such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o in_o eternal_a it_o be_v impossible_a again_o moses_n in_o this_o prayer_n do_v principal_o show_v his_o exceed_a affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o brethren_n both_o which_o he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o life_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v lord_n pardon_v they_o and_o rather_o than_o thy_o name_n shall_v loose_v glory_n blot_v i_o out_o of_o thy_o book_n the_o like_a affection_n be_v in_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v 9.3_o he_o can_v wish_v himself_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o christ_n for_o the_o love_n of_o his_o brethren_n the_o jew_n they_o further_o urge_v the_o lord_n answer_v to_o moses_n vers_fw-la 33._o whosoever_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o i_o will_v put_v he_o out_o of_o my_o book_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n therein_o answer_v to_o moses_n prayer_n so_o must_v it_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o like_a exception_n ii_o object_n ezek._n 18.24_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v but_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n here_o say_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o grace_n answ._n righteousness_n be_v twofold_a of_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o of_o the_o person_n so_o paul_n distinguish_v when_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v sound_v 3.9_o not_o in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n but_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o action_n be_v when_o a_o man_n for_o outward_a action_n keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o person_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n be_v accept_v righteous_a before_o god_n and_o answerable_a hereunto_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o righteous_a man_n one_o that_o be_v outward_o righteous_a before_o man_n though_o not_o indeed_o the_o other_o that_o be_v true_o righteous_a before_o god_n now_o of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o must_v that_o place_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o lord_n there_o plead_v with_o such_o as_o do_v esteem_v and_o avow_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a say_v their_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n that_o be_v have_v sin_v and_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o father_n offence_n though_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v according_a to_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o call_v they_o righteous_a and_o of_o such_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v turn_v from_o their_o righteousness_n iii_o object_n luk._n 8.13_o some_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n go_v away_o answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o faith_n historical_a temporary_a and_o save_v faith_n in_o historical_a faith_n be_v knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o assent_n unto_o it_o in_o temporary_a faith_n be_v three_o thing_n knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n assent_n and_o approbation_n also_o with_o some_o joy_n in_o save_v faith_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n knowledge_n assent_n approbation_n and_o apprehension_n that_o be_v a_o applying_z of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o man_n self_n whence_o proceed_v some_o joy_n and_o answerable_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o believer_n i._o such_o as_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o love_n thereof_o ii_o such_o as_o know_v it_o assent_n unto_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o also_o for_o a_o time_n the_o three_o be_v such_o as_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o now_o the_o two_o first_o kind_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v leave_v and_o the_o two_o first_o kind_n of_o believer_n may_v fall_v away_o whereof_o saint_n luke_n speak_v but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o save_v faith_n may_v be_v lose_v for_o he_o that_o be_v endue_v therewith_o can_v never_o fall_v away_o but_o faith_n say_v they_o be_v only_o one_o ephes._n 4.5_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n one_o god_n one_o hope_n and_o one_o baptism_n answ._n by_o one_o faith_n be_v there_o mean_v one_o religion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n as_o elsewhere_o be_v usual_a by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n 1._o tim._n 1.19_o their_o second_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v example_n which_o be_v chief_o two_o one_o of_o adam_n the_o other_o of_o david_n for_o adam_n they_o say_v he_o be_v create_v righteous_a and_o yet_o he_o fall_v whole_o from_o grace_n and_o therefore_o any_o believer_n now_o may_v much_o more_o fall_v away_o who_o have_v far_o less_o grace_n than_o he_o have_v answ._n this_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a for_o though_o adam_n have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n than_o we_o now_o have_v yet_o our_o grace_n have_v a_o great_a privilege_n than_o his_o
he_o must_v begin_v to_o repent_v when_o he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n he_o must_v renew_v that_o repentance_n for_o his_o daily_a offence_n if_o god_n therefore_o have_v give_v â—s_a grace_n to_o repent_v use_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o good_a beginning_n but_o add_v more_o repentance_n daily_o unto_o it_o for_o no_o man_n live_v that_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o repent_v but_o he_o see_v in_o himself_o continual_a cause_n of_o renew_v the_o same_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o daily_a sâ—ilâ—_n and_o want_n for_o every_o sin_n decay_v grace_n which_o must_v be_v repair_v by_o a_o new_a practice_n of_o repentance_n this_o duty_n must_v needs_o be_v practise_v it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a case_n that_o can_v be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o lie_v in_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n liable_a to_o all_o god_n judgement_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o lie_v in_o sin_n that_o bring_v damnation_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n 2._o corin._n 5.20_o speak_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n do_v still_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o say_v we_o beseech_v you_o in_o christ_n steed_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o through_o we_o that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n intend_v thereby_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o daily_a renew_n of_o their_o repentance_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v get_v a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o their_o reconciliation_n v._o point_n for_o what_o must_v they_o repent_v namely_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o their_o love_n not_o for_o the_o want_n thereof_o but_o for_o that_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o wax_v lesser_a both_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o towards_o their_o brethren_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o we_o daily_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o whereas_o our_o first_o love_n be_v go_v many_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o and_o more_o have_a none_o at_o all_o we_o will_v unfeigned_o repent_v of_o this_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v that_o if_o we_o have_v have_v love_n and_o now_o wax_v cold_a we_o may_v renew_v it_o and_o if_o we_o never_o have_v it_o we_o may_v labour_v for_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o his_o bless_a desire_n and_o here_o observe_v that_o christ_n enjoin_v we_o a_o strait_a repentance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o man_n to_o repent_v they_o of_o gross_a sin_n as_o whoredom_n theft_n drunkenness_n and_o such_o like_a but_o they_o must_v repent_v they_o of_o their_o wantâ—_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_v and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o of_o decay_n in_o any_o grace_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a we_o have_v many_o iusticiaries_n in_o conceit_n that_o be_v pharisaical_o mind_v think_v too_o well_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n because_o they_o live_v civile_o and_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o gross_a sin_n but_o these_o consider_v little_a what_o god_n do_v here_o require_v even_o repentance_n for_o our_o secret_a want_n and_o decay_n and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o else_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o of_o our_o secret_a want_n unless_o we_o shall_v repent_v we_o of_o they_o have_v find_v they_o in_o we_o again_o if_o this_o church_n must_v repent_v for_o her_o want_n then_o what_o great_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o repent_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o atheism_n a_o gross_a and_o common_a sin_n of_o outward_a pride_n in_o apparel_n a_o sin_n flat_a against_o god_n word_n and_o for_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o sin_n that_o enlarge_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o among_o us._n and_o for_o cruelty_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n all_o which_o be_v rife_o in_o our_o church_n and_o may_v more_o easy_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o we_o then_o want_v of_o love_n can_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o this_o church_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n that_o be_v show_v the_o like_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n this_o duty_n christ_n add_v to_o the_o former_a because_o true_a repentance_n never_o perish_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o always_o break_v out_o into_o action_n in_o the_o life_n here_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a lesson_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n we_o must_v search_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n have_v be_v in_o we_o what_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n or_o good_a affection_n we_o must_v also_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o former_a way_n and_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v do_v and_o if_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n we_o find_v decay_v we_o must_v recover_v our_o loss_n and_o seek_v to_o do_v our_o first_o work_n and_o strive_v to_o continue_v so_o do_v to_o our_o life_n end_n that_o so_o we_o may_v escape_v this_o heavy_a charge_n of_o decay_n in_o grace_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v in_o these_o word_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o reason_n to_o persuade_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o former_a remedy_n especial_o for_o repentance_n this_o reason_n contain_v three_o part_n i._o a_o general_a commination_n in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o ii_o a_o particular_a threaten_n of_o a_o particular_a judgement_n and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o they_o both_o except_o thou_o amend_v i._o point_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o practice_v this_o remedy_n and_o the_o duty_n therein_o prescribe_v especial_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n then_o will_v i_o come_v against_o thou_o short_o the_o word_n may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v thus_o if_o not_o then_o will_v i_o come_v to_o thou_o short_o for_o so_o they_o be_v in_o the_o original_n and_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o sufficient_a and_o profitable_a instruction_n god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o any_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n and_o in_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n by_o work_n of_o mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n go_v unto_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o person_n of_o no_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o flood_n 1._o pet._n 3.19_o 20._o second_o god_n come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n by_o judgement_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n god_n say_v he_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n that_o be_v he_o will_v make_v inquiry_n among_o the_o child_n for_o the_o father_n sin_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n that_o their_o father_n do_v then_o will_v he_o punish_v they_o this_o be_v proper_o to_o visit_v so_o in_o this_o place_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o testify_v my_o presence_n not_o in_o mercy_n but_o in_o judgement_n in_o this_o general_a threaten_n we_o may_v observe_v use_n that_o when_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o else_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n then_o god_n prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v unto_o they_o in_o judgement_n amoâ—_n 4.12_o because_o i_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n therefore_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n oh_o israel_n meaning_n that_o because_o they_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o will_v make_v know_v his_o presence_n by_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n this_o doctrine_n according_a to_o christ_n direction_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o church_n and_o people_n they_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o the_o brethren_n so_o do_v we_o nay_o general_o there_o be_v no_o love_n at_o all_o in_o we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o beside_o these_o want_n there_o be_v many_o other_o gross_a sin_n wherein_o our_o church_n and_o people_n do_v lie_v as_o in_o atheism_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v
of_o hart_n and_o profaneness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n these_o must_v know_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v on_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o come_v out_o of_o this_o estate_n &_o endeavour_n so_o to_o hear_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v unto_o god_n both_o in_o mind_n heart_n and_o life_n ii_o point_n the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o to_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v and_o with_o attention_n to_o bring_v faith_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n every_o way_n eph._n 4.21_o 22_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n be_v notable_o describe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mindâ—_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o utter_v it_o as_o to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o risâ—_n 〈◊〉_d newness_n of_o life_n and_o indeed_o a_o man_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v again_o to_o be_v admonish_v that_o we_o so_o hear_v with_o attention_n that_o by_o hear_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o that_o with_o our_o change_n we_o join_v â—are_v to_o believe_v and_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o iâ—_n that_o save_v hearing_n which_o bring_v eternal_a life_n all_o other_o hear_n do_v increase_v our_o sin_n to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n whereby_o also_o appear_v the_o fearful_a state_n of_o many_o who_o lend_v only_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n to_o hâ—â—re_v the_o word_n but_o then_o heart_n be_v not_o move_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v thereby_o iii_o point_n what_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n say_v â—nto_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o go_v beâ—ore_o &_o not_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o thiâ—_n commandment_n belong_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o go_v before_o the_o promise_n follow_v rather_o concern_v the_o person_n themselves_o than_o the_o matter_n the_o thing_n then_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v these_o christ_n his_o sharp_a reproof_n for_o sin_n his_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n a_o remedy_n prescribe_v &_o motive_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o especial_o repentance_n for_o of_o all_o these_o christ_n speak_v before_o use_n from_o this_o that_o christ_n bid_v they_o hear_v these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n in_o sin_n &_o amendment_n by_o repentance_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o the_o same_o second_o that_o after_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n have_v consider_v of_o theri_fw-la sin_n and_o of_o god_n judgement_n it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v and_o if_o they_o have_v repent_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o daily_a &_o do_v it_o more_o that_o so_o god_n judgement_n both_o private_a and_o common_a may_v be_v avoid_v we_o therefore_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o search_v into_o our_o own_o way_n to_o find_v out_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v that_o by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o so_o escape_v his_o fearful_a iudgementâ—_n further_o these_o word_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n contain_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n to_o move_v every_o man_n to_o hear_v i._o because_o they_o be_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o because_o they_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o one_o man_n oâ—_n one_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o churcheâ—_n for_o the_o firstâ—_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d demand_v seeinâ—_n christ_n spâ—ke_v thâ—se_a wordâ—_n how_o 〈…〉_z be_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v theâ—_n ans._n both_o may_v stand_v first_o because_o all_o the_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v common_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z to_o â—each_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o the_o father_n create_v thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o son_n also_o create_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n create_v they_o so_o herâ—_n when_o the_o son_n reach_v the_o father_n teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v for_o as_o the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o must_v they_o be_v join_v in_o all_o outward_a action_n second_o christ_n say_v the_o spirit_n speak_v because_o he_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o teach_v his_o church_n in_o bodily_a presence_n but_o hy_z his_o spirit_n which_o after_o his_o ascension_n he_o send_v to_o be_v their_o comforter_n and_o instructor_n here_o then_o observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o speak_v unto_o man_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n because_o say_v they_o a_o judge_n must_v speak_v and_o christ_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o church_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o dumb_a letter_n and_o can_v speak_v therefore_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o the_o church_n can_v be_v judge_n it_o be_v but_o christ_n minister_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o he_o command_v christ_n therefore_o must_v be_v judge_n unto_o his_o church_n by_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o dumb_a judge_n for_o therein_o his_o spirit_n speak_v plain_o and_o sufficient_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o any_o point_n in_o controversy_n that_o be_v needful_a in_o god_n church_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o attention_n be_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o all_o church_n where_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n agree_v to_o all_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a duty_n in_o read_v and_o hear_a god_n holy_a word_n namely_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o applicacation_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o flourish_a knowledge_n of_o the_o story_n but_o apply_v every_o precept_n and_o example_n unto_o ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o for_o imitation_n if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o vice_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o move_v we_o to_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v the_o like_a for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o learn_v that_o which_o he_o speak_v unto_o one_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n to_o wit_n a_o most_o excellent_a promise_n wherein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v for_o the_o first_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o fight_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n sin_n sathan_n hell_n and_o condemnation_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o overcome_v these_o enemy_n first_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcom_v the_o world_n so_o by_o regeneration_n he_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n death_n sin_n and_o satan_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v and_o renounce_v himself_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o death_n passion_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ._n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n which_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n his_o victory_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o subdue_v his_o own_o corruption_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n three_o he_o that_o will_v overcome_v must_v keep_v faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n stand_v out_o in_o life_n and_o death_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o use_n in_o this_o that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v first_o we_o observe_v that_o
this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n to_o bless_v â—_o themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v yet_o still_o to_o say_v and_o think_v god_n will_v bless_v they_o take_v a_o heretickâ—_n who_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o his_o error_n and_o he_o will_v say_v he_o teach_v that_o which_o in_o conscience_n he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n for_o which_o he_o will_v shed_v his_o blood_n and_o whereto_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n yield_v so_o take_v a_o profess_a witch_n man_n or_o woman_n they_o will_v say_v all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o good_a angel_n and_o by_o some_o special_a gift_n give_v unto_o they_o above_o other_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n from_o whence_o indeed_o come_v all_o they_o can_v do_v and_o so_o the_o carnal_a protestant_n of_o our_o time_n they_o look_v for_o god_n blessing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n after_o death_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n in_o sin_n &_o profaneness_n thus_o they_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o make_v christ_n a_o packhorse_n for_o their_o iniquity_n but_o in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o jew_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o lay_v down_o all_o presumptuous_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o goodness_n and_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o god_n favour_n without_o his_o true_a grace_n and_o rather_o look_v unto_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o that_o god_n may_v lift_v we_o up_o ii_o point_n christ_n judgement_n of_o they_o be_v this_o they_o be_v not_o jew_n but_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o seem_v to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o jewish_a manner_n but_o do_v indeed_o worship_v the_o devil_n herein_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v i._n how_o this_o can_v be_v true_a of_o any_o company_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n answ._n election_n be_v twofold_a special_a and_o general_a god_n special_a election_n be_v when_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsâ—ll_v he_o choose_v a_o man_n to_o life_n eternal_a and_o â—his_n befall_v not_o all_o the_o jew_n but_o some_o only_o god_n general_a election_n be_v â—hen_o he_o â—ouchsafeth_v any_o people_n to_o become_v his_o visible_a church_n to_o have_v and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o outward_a signeâ—_n and_o 〈…〉_z his_o covenant_n &_o thus_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n elect_v and_o therefore_o be_v circumcise_v and_o receive_v the_o passover_o from_o this_o general_a election_n a_o church_n and_o people_n may_v fall_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v 9_o and_o so_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n be_v indeed_o never_o within_o the_o particular_a call_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v fall_v away_o for_o god_n election_n remain_v sâ—â—e_z 2._o tim._n 2.19_o his_o calling_n be_v without_o repentance_n rom._n 11._o â—9_n ii_o point_n at_o what_o time_n do_v the_o jew_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n not_o at_o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n though_o that_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n for_o though_o some_o therein_o sin_v of_o malice_n yet_o many_o do_v it_o of_o ignorance_n this_o peter_n confess_v acts._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o sermon_n after_o christ_n ascension_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o 〈…〉_z that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o act_n â—_o â—â—_o but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o long_a time_n preach_v christ_n unto_o they_o &_o convince_v their_o conscience_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o remain_v obstinate_a reject_v and_o persecute_v both_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n then_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o gâ—â—â—ils_n â—_o whereby_o we_o see_v when_o a_o church_n of_o god_n become_v no_o church_n namely_o not_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o hold_v a_o heresy_n for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n hold_v justification_n by_o work_n yet_o thereupon_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o when_o they_o embrace_v a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v convict_v of_o it_o not_o by_o private_a man_n but_o by_o apostolical_a authority_n or_o by_o public_a judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o papist_n of_o the_o libertine_n and_o anabaptist_n family_n of_o love_n and_o such_o like_a namely_o that_o they_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n for_o they_o hold_v heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n which_o the_o church_n long_o ago_o condemn_v by_o apostolical_a and_o judicial_a authority_n again_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n many_o there_o be_v that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o church_n among_o we_o because_o some_o private_a man_n have_v reprove_v the_o same_o for_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o reform_v but_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a and_o foolish_a reason_n for_o first_o the_o error_n must_v be_v against_o the_o foundation_n and_o yet_o that_o make_v not_o a_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v obstinate_o maintain_v after_o sufficient_a reproof_n and_o judicial_a conviction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v affirm_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n iii_o point_n how_o become_v the_o jew_n a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n through_o their_o unbelief_n as_o be_v plain_o prove_v roman_a 11.20_o object_n but_o they_o hold_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o defend_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o which_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o they_o answ._n indeed_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o raze_v out_o and_o deny_v and_o so_o though_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n yet_o worship_v god_n out_o of_o christ_n they_o worship_v a_o idol_n and_o not_o that_o god_n which_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n for_o out_o of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o hold_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereupon_o some_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o indeed_o they_o hold_v they_o not_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v but_o a_o feign_a christ_n for_o they_o take_v from_o he_o both_o his_o nature_n especial_o his_o humanity_n and_o his_o office_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o separat_fw-la from_o they_o this_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v once_o a_o most_o famous_a people_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n must_v be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n continual_o for_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v reject_v they_o stand_v high_a in_o god_n favour_n but_o now_o for_o their_o unbelief_n they_o be_v cast_v off_o from_o god_n and_o be_v become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o must_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o to_o fear_n ro._n 11.20_o for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n they_o that_o be_v his_o first_o choose_v people_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v we_o that_o be_v but_o wild_a olive_n graff_v into_o the_o true_a vine_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o unbelief_n and_o labour_n for_o true_a faith_n which_o we_o must_v testify_v by_o obedience_n in_o our_o life_n &_o conversation_n verse_n 10._o fear_v none_o of_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v behold_v it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v cast_v 〈◊〉_d of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v trieâ—_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o thâ—_n proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n that_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n which_o i_o call_v counsel_n because_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v such_o kind_n of_o instruction_n
in_o two_o thing_n in_o due_a deserve_a praise_n &_o commendation_n &_o in_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o good_a virtue_n &_o godly_a life_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n commend_v antipas_n unto_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v his_o good_a conversation_n but_o as_o for_o popish_a honour_n of_o invocation_n &_o adoration_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n again_o in_o call_v he_o faithful_a martyr_n he_o commend_v more_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n than_o the_o death_n to_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n not_o the_o death_n for_o a_o heretic_n may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o damnable_a opinion_n therefore_o antipas_n be_v a_o martyr_n not_o because_o he_o be_v slay_v but_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n ii_o point_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n christ_n show_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o antipas_n his_o death_n namely_o such_o among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n rule_v for_o he_o be_v slay_v say_v christ_n among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o word_n he_o repent_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o persecutor_n let_v they_o carry_v what_o face_n they_o will_v be_v in_o truth_n such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v where_o he_o have_v his_o hold_n and_o keep_v possession_n quest._n why_o do_v satan_n more_o dwell_v there_o than_o in_o other_o place_n answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o place_n be_v gentile_n who_o contemn_v and_o mock_v the_o gospel_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n whereby_o they_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o satan_n and_o by_o proportion_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o contemner_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o wicked_a way_n be_v indeed_o the_o stable_n and_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o many_o family_n as_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v mock_v god_n name_n blaspheme_v injustice_n and_o impiety_n practise_v so_o many_o hold_v of_o satan_n there_o be_v where_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o such_o they_o continue_v till_o they_o reform_v themselves_o of_o their_o impiety_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n of_o family_n especial_o shall_v love_v the_o gospel_n and_o see_v that_o in_o their_o family_n religion_n be_v teach_v embrace_v and_o obey_v that_o so_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v no_o hold_n in_o their_o family_n que._n whether_o may_v not_o antipas_n be_v pastor_n of_o this_o church_n have_v flee_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o persecution_n one_o that_o be_v direct_o intend_v against_o the_o pastor_n principal_o the_o other_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o in_o the_o persecution_n direct_v against_o the_o pastor_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v whether_o god_n give_v he_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o fly_v or_o not_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n he_o may_v fly_v and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assist_v he_o and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o his_o preservation_n but_o if_o god_n deny_v he_o mean_n to_o escape_v than_o he_o must_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o name_n and_o so_o he_o may_v not_o fly_v and_o such_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o antipas_n in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o the_o persecution_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o than_o the_o pastor_n may_v not_o fly_v but_o take_v part_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o stay_v and_o comfort_v his_o brethren_n verse_n 14._o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n here_o follow_v the_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o be_v first_o general_o propound_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o second_o in_o particular_a for_o want_v of_o zeal_n in_o suffer_v among_o they_o such_o as_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balam_n three_o he_o set_v down_o a_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n thereof_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 14_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o the_o general_a reproof_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v out_o against_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n vers_n 4._o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o special_a duty_n namely_o that_o every_o man_n must_v serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o sin_n he_o have_v in_o he_o which_o christ_n may_v have_v to_o lay_v unto_o his_o charge_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n do_v christ_n rehearse_v it_o unto_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v call_v ourselves_o to_o reckon_n and_o examine_v ourselves_o not_o by_o our_o own_o wit_n but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o search_v out_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o see_v how_o many_o thing_n christ_n may_v have_v against_o we_o that_o so_o make_v a_o beforehand_a reckon_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v clear_v by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v this_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o conscionable_a obedience_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v perish_v eternal_o for_o a_o day_n of_o account_n will_v come_v wherein_o we_o shall_v never_o escape_v unless_o by_o a_o beforehand_a reckon_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o prevent_v the_o same_o lamentable_a and_o fearful_a be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o never_o call_v themselves_o to_o this_o account_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o remorse_n hos_fw-la 7.2_o hereof_o jeremie_n complain_v 8.6_o that_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o denounce_v fearful_a judgement_n against_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o old_a world_n 24._o man_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o this_o security_n bring_v man_n soul_n to_o hell_n before_o they_o wot_v where_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o david_n cry_v out_o psal._n 50._o vers_fw-la 22._o oh_o consider_v this_o mean_v the_o account_n that_o god_n will_v take_v with_o they_o lest_o god_n tear_v they_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o the_o end_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o account_n make_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o many_o a_o one_o for_o how_o shall_v man_n embrace_v with_o comfort_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n till_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o their_o enmity_n with_o god_n and_o desert_n of_o condemnation_n ii_o point_n because_o thou_o have_v they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o particular_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o that_o they_o entertain_v and_o suffer_v heretical_a minister_n to_o live_v among_o they_o which_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n this_o show_v that_o though_o they_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o cold_o and_o without_o that_o fervent_a zeal_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v against_o such_o heretic_n use_n here_o first_o christ_n teach_v this_o church_n to_o show_v forth_o zeal_n in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o such_o heretic_n as_o by_o damnable_a doctrine_n do_v trouble_v they_o this_o place_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n when_o man_n hold_v heretical_a opinion_n the_o church_n after_o two_o or_o three_o admonition_n be_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o so_o do_v paul_n to_o hymaeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1._o tim._n 1.20_o second_o christ_n reprove_v this_o church_n for_o entertain_v such_o heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o member_n of_o god_n church_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a dislike_n of_o all_o person_n that_o hold_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o truth_n but_o maintain_v error_n against_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n to_o 5._o separat_fw-la
himself_o from_o such_o aâ—_n teach_v otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v give_v direct_a on_o and_o consent_v not_o unto_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n be_v puff_v up_o and_o know_v nothing_o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o careful_a practice_n we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n true_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o we_o must_v maintain_v with_o zeal_n and_o if_o any_o bring_v in_o other_o doctrine_n we_o must_v reject_v it_o and_o show_v forth_o detestation_n to_o he_o that_o bring_v it_o not_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n 2._o john_n 10._o we_o must_v rather_o loose_v our_o life_n than_o suffer_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deface_v three_o that_o which_o christ_n lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o this_o church_n may_v in_o sundry_a respect_n be_v charge_v upon_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n at_o this_o day_n namely_o want_v of_o zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o severity_n against_o sinner_n for_o though_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n repel_v the_o heresy_n of_o popery_n anabaptist_n and_o family_n of_o love_n and_o suppress_v all_o doctrine_n that_o race_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v commendable_a thing_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o congregation_n be_v abundance_n of_o atheist_n who_o by_o deed_n and_o conversation_n deny_v christ_n jesus_n for_o many_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o be_v profane_a who_o both_o think_v and_o speak_v most_o base_o of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o professor_n thereof_o yea_o we_o have_v flat_a epicure_n permit_v to_o live_v in_o our_o church_n such_o as_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n who_o give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o eat_v drink_v sport_n and_o delight_n without_o all_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o call_n we_o have_v also_o among_o we_o many_o cruel_a and_o merciless_a person_n that_o in_o their_o affair_n abound_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n wrong_v usury_n and_o oppression_n 5.11_o who_o tread_v be_v upon_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o covetousness_n whereby_o also_o they_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o godâ—_n people_n and_o flay_v off_o their_o skin_n from_o they_o and_o break_v their_o bone_n and_o chap_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o for_o the_o pot_n and_o as_o flesh_n within_o the_o cauldron_n mich._n 3.6_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o because_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o civil_a authority_n be_v permit_v without_o controlment_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n even_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v themselves_o flat_a enemy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o many_o of_o these_o be_v great_o countenance_v and_o grace_v for_o wisdom_n and_o reputation_n when_o as_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n be_v count_v vile_a all_o which_o as_o it_o argue_v exceed_v want_n of_o zeal_n in_o severity_n against_o sin_n so_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o come_v against_o we_o in_o judgement_n as_o he_o do_v against_o this_o church_n the_o mean_n whereby_o this_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v reform_v do_v follow_v afterward_o iii_o point_n the_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a reproof_n whereby_o the_o lord_n will_v move_v this_o church_n to_o detest_v these_o false_a teacher_n be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o similitude_n as_o balaam_n the_o false_a prophet_n teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o this_o church_n maintain_v among_o they_o nicholaitan_o who_o teach_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n at_o idol_n feast_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o similitude_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o 14_o verse_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v three_o point_n first_o what_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o offence_n be_v second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cast_v or_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n three_o by_o what_o mean_v king_n balac_n do_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o first_o a_o stumble_a block_n be_v proper_o any_o thing_n as_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o such_o like_a that_o be_v cast_v in_o a_o man_n way_n to_o hinder_v he_o in_o his_o gate_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o trip_v or_o fall_v and_o by_o resemblance_n in_o this_o place_n a_o offence_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o so_o to_o slip_v or_o fall_v or_o to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n further_o a_o offence_n be_v twofold_a either_o give_v or_o take_v a_o offence_n give_v be_v any_o speech_n or_o deed_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v provoke_v to_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v peter_n a_o offence_n unto_o christ_n though_o he_o take_v it_o not_o mat._n 16.23_o a_o offence_n take_v be_v when_o any_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o fall_v and_o sin_n by_o that_o which_o be_v well_o do_v by_o other_o so_o be_v the_o pharisy_n offend_v at_o the_o sacred_a preach_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ._n ii_o point_n the_o cast_n or_o put_v of_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o give_v a_o offence_n be_v the_o do_v or_o say_v of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v occasion_v to_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o about_o thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a thing_n evil_a be_v such_o as_o god_n word_n forbid_v and_o they_o be_v twofold_a either_o persuasion_n or_o example_n bad_a persuasion_n be_v false_a doctrine_n and_o evil_a counsel_n bad_a example_n be_v also_o a_o give_v of_o offence_n because_o it_o do_v embolden_v evil_a man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o draw_v the_o godly_a to_o evil_n again_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n etc._n etc._n may_v offence_n be_v give_v when_o as_o they_o be_v use_v unreasonable_o not_o in_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n and_o before_o fit_a person_n and_o of_o this_o paul_n speak_v say_v if_o i_o know_v my_o eat_n do_v offend_v my_o brother_n i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v the_o offence_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o offence_n give_v in_o evil_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a act_n do_v by_o balaam_n and_o according_o receive_v and_o take_v of_o the_o israelit_n for_o he_o use_v outward_a provocation_n to_o allure_v they_o unto_o sin_n iii_o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o king_n balac_n do_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n by_o provoke_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v this_o full_o read_v number_n 25._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o history_n be_v this_o when_o balaam_n have_v assay_v sundry_a way_n to_o curse_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o can_v not_o he_o give_v balac_n counsel_v to_o use_v mean_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o sin_n at_o his_o counsel_n balac_n send_v forth_o the_o most_o beautiful_a woman_n in_o his_o kingdom_n into_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o banquet_n with_o they_o at_o their_o idol_n feast_n that_o so_o they_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o fornication_n whereunto_o the_o israelite_n condescend_v and_o so_o sin_v against_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o use_n here_o observe_v a_o special_a property_n of_o false_a teacher_n namely_o to_o cast_v offence_n before_o man_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o salvation_n by_o this_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o this_o church_n the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n 1.1_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n because_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o true_a godliness_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n be_v call_v â—_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n because_o the_o scope_n thereof_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o all_o iniquity_n and_o abomination_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v between_o true_a doctrine_n and_o false_a even_o by_o look_v into_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n thereof_o if_o it_o aim_v at_o true_a
in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o renew_v of_o their_o repentance_n all_o which_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n fearful_a and_o careful_a than_o secure_a for_o with_o the_o mean_n be_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n both_o attein_v and_o preserve_v so_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o offence_n but_o a_o true_a doctrine_n that_o beat_v out_o the_o plain_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n second_o christ_n his_o detestation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n must_v admonish_v we_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o our_o behaviour_n every_o way_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o any_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v balaams_n scholar_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o special_a observation_n we_o must_v look_v to_o our_o communication_n that_o it_o be_v void_a of_o rail_v &_o bad_a speech_n and_o to_o our_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a in_o every_o thing_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o to_o hinder_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n woe_n 7._o be_v to_o they_o say_v christ_n that_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o huge_a millstone_n such_o as_o a_o ass_n can_v but_o turn_v about_o as_o the_o word_n import_v be_v tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o a_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n give_v his_o brother_n a_o offence_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o plunge_v his_o brother_n soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v fly_v offence_n as_o hell_n itself_o yea_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v help_v our_o brethren_n forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o remove_v from_o they_o all_o stumble_a block_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v our_o church_n will_v abound_v with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v want_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o we_o have_v so_o small_a increase_n after_o long_a labour_n in_o preach_v for_o example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n do_v quench_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n three_o hereby_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o have_v special_a care_n against_o offence_n give_v by_o evil_a counsel_n or_o bad_a example_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o other_o then_o be_v it_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o us._n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v many_o offence_n give_v but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o take_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o christ_n bid_v we_o â—_o if_o thy_o foot_n offend_v thou_o or_o thy_o haâ—d_a cut_v it_o off_o or_o thy_o eye_n pluck_v it_o out_o teach_v we_o to_o forgo_v the_o dear_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o if_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o mark_v the_o israelit_n example_n in_o the_o wilderness_n while_o they_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o observe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n all_o balaams_n curse_n be_v turn_v into_o blessing_n but_o when_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n &_o fornication_n with_o the_o moabitish_a woman_n then_o be_v god_n wrath_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o his_o plague_n seize_v upon_o they_o even_o so_o if_o our_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o enjoy_v and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o become_v a_o penitent_a and_o obedient_a people_n unto_o god_n then_o may_v balaam_n curse_v and_o all_o our_o enemy_n spit_v their_o venom_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a but_o if_o we_o let_v go_v true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o fall_v to_o sin_n than_o we_o must_v look_v for_o â—ods_n heavy_a judgement_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o his_o wrath_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n four_o when_o balaams_n curse_v will_v not_o prevail_v than_o do_v fair_a woman_n and_o banquet_v draw_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v take_v from_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o soon_o prevail_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_o a_o besiege_a city_n when_o a_o huge_a army_n can_v sack_v it_o than_o silver_n and_o gold_n will_v open_v the_o gate_n hereof_o even_o so_o when_o adversity_n can_v make_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v religion_n &_o good_a conscience_n then_o by_o prosperity_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v the_o devil_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v ease_n pleasure_n and_o outward_a blessing_n at_o will_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a case_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n than_o other_o unless_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o special_a grace_n to_o watch_v against_o these_o please_a temptation_n this_o make_v godly_a job_n 1.5_o to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n every_o day_n when_o they_o feast_v each_o other_o at_o their_o house_n lest_o any_o one_o than_o shall_v have_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n because_o he_o know_v the_o devil_n by_o pleasure_n will_v soon_o wind_v himself_o into_o their_o heart_n last_o note_v the_o order_n of_o these_o sin_n first_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o sit_v at_o idol_n feast_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v adultery_n where_o we_o see_v that_o these_o two_o sin_n go_v together_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o be_v idolatry_n and_o bodily_a adultery_n one_o be_v the_o plague_n &_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o that_o people_n which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n will_v god_n give_v up_o to_o bodily_a adultery_n as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o these_o israeliâ—s_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o turk_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o maintain_n fornication_n in_o tollerate_v stew_n and_o further_o it_o much_o by_o their_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n wherewith_o they_o bind_v the_o conscience_n though_o the_o party_n want_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n verse_n 15._o even_o so_o have_v thou_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o which_o thing_n i_o haâ—e_v here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o comparison_n where_o christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o the_o nicolaitan_o be_v second_o how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o what_o they_o be_v be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n even_o so_o which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o resemblance_n or_o comparison_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n go_v before_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v the_o nicolaitan_o be_v a_o seâ—t_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n that_o maintain_v two_o damnable_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n i._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n sit_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n iâ—_n that_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o commit_v it_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o hold_v such_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v hereby_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v a_o like_n of_o their_o wicked_a opinion_n let_v we_o examine_v their_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v ground_v for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o will_v plead_v thus_o i._o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n liberty_n thing_n indifferent_a may_v â—e_v lawful_o use_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v ans._n meat_n and_o drink_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n if_o they_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o market_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o paul_n teach_v at_o large_a 1._o cor._n 10.25.29_o but_o if_o these_o meat_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o the_o nicolaitan_o hold_v this_o to_o be_v lawful_a ii_o reason_n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o and_o therefore_o we_o sin_v not_o in_o eat_v meat_n offer_v unto_o they_o ans._n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o nature_n subsist_v nothing_o
of_o a_o harlot_n five_o their_o body_n be_v temple_n and_o dwell_v place_n not_o for_o earthly_a prince_n but_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o god_n grace_n and_o adorn_v with_o chastity_n &_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a mansion_n place_n for_o so_o worthy_a a_o guest_n but_o by_o fornication_n they_o be_v make_v the_o sâ—ies_n &_o stable_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n verse_n 16._o repent_v thyself_o or_o else_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n christ_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o error_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o do_v here_o propound_v unto_o this_o church_n first_o a_o remedy_n for_o her_o recovery_n second_o a_o reason_n to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o remedy_n the_o remedy_n be_v in_o these_o word_n repent_v thyself_o in_o it_o consider_v these_o point_n first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o repent_v second_o why_o christ_n so_o often_o urge_v thereunto_o three_o to_o who_o christ_n prescribe_v this_o remedy_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n brief_o therefore_o repentance_n be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n here_o repentance_n must_v be_v take_v more_o large_o for_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o accompany_v repentance_n in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o as_o i._o humiliation_n of_o a_o man_n by_o confess_v of_o his_o sin_n unto_o god_n and_o condemn_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o sin_n ii_o prayer_n whereby_o a_o man_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n iii_o reformation_n whereby_o a_o man_n in_o hart_n propose_v and_o in_o life_n endeavour_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o for_o ever_o after_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o obedience_n unto_o god_n unto_o all_o these_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n exhort_v they_o in_o this_o place_n ii_o point_n why_o do_v christ_n so_o often_o prescribe_v this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v it_o an._n not_o for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n or_o a_o meritorious_a mean_n to_o procure_v remission_n of_o sin_n &_o life_n everlasting_a as_o the_o papist_n do_v false_o and_o damnable_o teach_v for_o that_o nothing_o can_v do_v but_o the_o obedience_n &_o passion_n of_o christ_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o god_n favour_n procure_v &_o a_o most_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o make_v a_o man_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o move_v he_o to_o do_v good_a second_o because_o it_o be_v a_o way_n wherein_o man_n must_v walk_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o will_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n &_o life_n eternal_a iii_o point_n to_o who_o be_v this_o remedy_n prescribe_v answ._n first_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o then_o to_o the_o nicholaitan_o in_o that_o church_n though_o they_o be_v most_o wicked_a man_n touch_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o most_o worthy_a grace_n for_o they_o have_v repentance_n and_o yet_o note_n christ_n say_v still_o unto_o they_o repent_v thyself_o herein_o teach_v we_o a_o most_o worthy_a lesson_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o learn_v and_o practice_v namely_o that_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a practice_n of_o repentance_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o repent_v that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o every_o new_a day_n must_v have_v a_o new_a repentance_n for_o his_o daily_a slip_n we_o 5.2_o be_v god_n ambassador_n say_v paul_n for_o christ_n beseech_v you_o in_o christ_n steed_n that_o you_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n now_o they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n before_o for_o they_o be_v call_v 16._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v strive_v more_o and_o more_o after_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o further_a assurance_n and_o also_o for_o their_o particular_a sin_n wherein_o they_o daily_o offend_v every_o christian_a must_v daily_o wresâ—â—e_v with_o his_o own_o corruption_n which_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o that_o the_o long_o he_o live_v the_o more_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o dislike_n with_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o distaste_n of_o himself_o he_o must_v daily_o proceed_v that_o he_o may_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o grow_v up_o in_o christ._n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o this_o church_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o they_o their_o sin_n be_v our_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v we_o want_v zeal_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n now_o be_v in_o the_o same_o fault_n with_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o practice_v the_o same_o remedy_n and_o renew_v our_o repentance_n though_o we_o have_v repent_v heretofore_o second_o he_o prescribe_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o nicolaitan_o that_o hold_v two_o damnable_a error_n and_o no_o doubt_n live_v according_o in_o those_o sin_n and_o yet_o christ_n bar_v they_o not_o from_o his_o kingdom_n but_o bid_v they_o repent_v where_o note_n that_o great_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v not_o bar_v from_o god_n mercy_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v excellent_a be_v that_o say_n of_o isaiah_n god_n iâ—_n much_o in_o spare_v and_o that_o of_o david_n also_o with_o god_n be_v plentiful_a redemption_n 130.7_o this_o point_n be_v serious_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o we_o have_v in_o our_o congregation_n many_o that_o be_v well_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o for_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o life_n be_v flat_a atheist_n we_o have_v also_o among_o we_o epicure_n blasphemer_n murderer_n and_o fornicator_n with_o these_o nicolaitan_o now_o to_o all_o these_o and_o such_o like_a this_o doctrine_n appertain_v not_o to_o embolden_v they_o in_o sin_n but_o to_o assure_v they_o there_o be_v mercy_n in_o store_n for_o they_o with_o god_n if_o they_o will_v true_o repent_v they_o must_v not_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n â—o_o wantonness_n and_o make_v his_o mercy_n a_o bolster_n to_o their_o iniquity_n for_o this_o be_v despise_v of_o god_n bounty_n whereby_o they_o help_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o if_o with_o job_n they_o humble_v themselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o mercy_n from_o a_o break_a heart_n that_o carry_v a_o resolute_a purpose_n to_o leave_v all_o sin_n then_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o many_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n of_o god_n mercy_n though_o they_o be_v as_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a which_o will_v take_v no_o other_o die_v yet_o in_o christ_n blood_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o wool_n &_o snow_n yea_o though_o they_o have_v fall_v often_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a yet_o upon_o this_o unfeigned_a repentance_n they_o shall_v be_v restore_v to_o mercy_n for_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o can_v be_v dry_v up_o but_o see_v they_o do_v repent_v for_o whosoever_o look_v for_o christ_n merit_n must_v know_v that_o he_o look_v for_o true_a repentance_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o remedy_n ii_o point_n the_o reason_n whereby_o christ_n will_v set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o former_a remedy_n contain_v a_o twofold_a threaten_a or_o commination_n the_o first_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o the_o second_o against_o the_o nicolaitan_o in_o these_o word_n and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n for_o the_o first_o if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o short_o these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o five_o verse_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o &_o testify_v my_o presence_n by_o take_v punishment_n upon_o thou_o for_o thy_o want_n of_o zeal_n and_o of_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o this_o effect_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v chap._n 30.27_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o far_o to_o take_v punishment_n upon_o the_o assyrian_n in_o this_o threaten_a the_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v note_v christ_n say_v if_o not_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o express_v a_o thing_n to_o come_v by_o a_o word_n of_o the_o time_n present_a to_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o come_n unto_o they_o by_o judgement_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a unless_o they_o do_v repent_v where_o this_o general_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o namely_o that_o when_o a_o church_n or_o
this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n who_o work_n be_v better_a at_o the_o last_o than_o at_o the_o first_o a_o fearful_a case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n will_v and_o a_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o decay_v in_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v prevent_v god_n judgement_n we_o must_v have_v care_n to_o get_v knowledge_n and_o to_o increase_v therein_o and_o with_o knowledge_n to_o join_v obedience_n in_o all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n some_o plead_v for_o themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n want_v of_o memory_n and_o capacity_n but_o these_o must_v learn_v to_o show_v forth_o better_a affection_n and_o more_o sincere_a obedience_n the_o young_a sort_n also_o must_v employ_v their_o wit_n and_o strength_n to_o get_v knowledge_n and_o with_o knowledge_n join_v obedience_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v in_o grace_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o day_n yea_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o good_a beginning_n must_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o more_o for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v more_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n but_o from_o he_o that_o hide_v his_o gift_n or_o abuse_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v luk._n 8.18_o vers._n 20._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o that_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jesabell_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v &_o deceive_v my_o servant_n to_o make_v they_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n here_o be_v christ_n reproof_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o it_o be_v twofold_a first_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o 20._o verse_n second_o of_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o church_n vers_fw-la 21._o in_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o reproof_n itself_o and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o the_o reproof_n itself_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n notwithstanding_o i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o that_o be_v though_o i_o have_v praise_v thou_o for_o many_o worthy_a work_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o i_o do_v not_o approve_v this_o reproof_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a epistle_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o reproof_n follow_v in_o these_o word_n that_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jesabell_n who_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n this_o reason_n of_o her_o reproof_n contain_v sundry_a point_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n i._o from_o the_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o large_a power_n that_o god_n give_v to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v beside_o the_o power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n &_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n a_o further_a power_n to_o appoint_v who_o shall_v preach_v among_o they_o &_o who_o shall_v not_o preach_v and_o also_o a_o power_n to_o repress_v evil_a man_n and_o evil_a woman_n &_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n the_o like_a power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n they_o have_v power_n to_o discern_v false_a prophet_n &_o apostle_n and_o to_o restrain_v the_o same_o the_o like_a power_n do_v god_n give_v to_o all_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_a cause_n there_o be_v hereof_o for_o without_o this_o authority_n no_o church_n can_v long_o stand_v &_o be_v a_o church_n ii_o here_o note_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o church_n to_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o it_o must_v have_v severity_n and_o sharp_a government_n whereby_o wicked_a people_n may_v be_v restrain_v this_o church_n be_v therefore_o discommend_v for_o that_o she_o use_v not_o that_o severe_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v give_v she_o in_o suppress_v of_o sin_n and_o in_o our_o congregation_n the_o like_a fault_n be_v to_o be_v find_v where_o much_o preach_n be_v yet_o sin_n abound_v as_o adultery_n blasphemy_n usury_n and_o cruelty_n and_o the_o cause_n be_v for_o that_o this_o severe_a execution_n of_o government_n in_o restrain_v sin_n be_v not_o so_o strait_o put_v in_o practice_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v again_o in_o this_o reason_n of_o his_o reprofe_n christ_n do_v charge_v they_o with_o two_o fault_n first_o for_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o teach_v second_o for_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o seduce_v his_o people_n for_o the_o first_o the_o word_n translate_v teach_v be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n common_o put_v for_o public_a teach_n in_o the_o ministry_n their_o fault_n then_o be_v this_o that_o they_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o teach_v open_o and_o it_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o tim._n 2.12_o i_o permit_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v and_o 1._o cor._n 14.34_o 35_o woman_n ought_v to_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n and_o learn_v of_o they_o at_o home_n object_n but_o deborah_n be_v a_o prophetess_n jud._n 4.4_o and_o hulda_n prophesy_v 2._o kin._n 22.4_o for_o josiah_n send_v to_o she_o for_o counsel_n 2._o chro._n 34._o and_o therefore_o woman_n may_v prophesy_v an._n these_o woman_n have_v extraordinary_a gift_n &_o call_n &_o therefore_o upon_o their_o example_n we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n ii_o ob._n but_o it_o may_v seem_v paul_n allow_v it_o when_o he_o say_v a_o woman_n pray_v or_o prophesy_v uncover_v dishonour_v her_o head_n 1._o co._n 11.5_o answ._n hereto_o some_o do_v answer_v thus_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n some_o woman_n be_v extraordinary_o endue_v with_o that_o gift_n and_o do_v indeed_o prophesy_v other_o judge_v it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o say_v in_o the_o 14._o cha_n the_o apostle_n reprove_v it_o command_v woman_n to_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n three_o a_o woman_n may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v when_o she_o give_v her_o assent_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n by_o say_v amen_n and_o she_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v when_o she_o sing_v psalm_n or_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n 1._o chron._n 25.1_o asaph_z and_o his_o company_n prophesy_v with_o harp_n and_o vial_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v translate_v they_o sing_v prophecy_n and_o play_v thereunto_o upon_o their_o instrument_n from_o the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n against_o this_o church_n use_n we_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o god_n word_n for_o a_o woman_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o so_o a_o part_n thereof_o and_o must_v go_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o may_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o preach_v no_o not_o in_o time_n and_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o man_n be_v want_v and_o although_o they_o may_v not_o teach_v public_o yet_o they_o may_v teach_v at_o home_n and_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o husband_n it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o teach_v her_o child_n proverb_n 31_o lemuel_n that_o be_v solomon_n be_v teach_v many_o worthy_a thing_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o timothy_n be_v bring_v up_o of_o a_o child_n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o his_o grandmother_n lois_fw-fr and_o his_o mother_n eunice_n 2._o tim._n 1.5_o hence_o some_o will_v gather_v that_o as_o a_o woman_n may_v not_o teach_v public_o so_o she_o may_v not_o public_o govern_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o this_o consequence_n be_v not_o good_a for_o public_a teach_n be_v flat_o forbid_v to_o a_o woman_n so_o be_v not_o public_a civil_a regiment_n there_o be_v special_a reason_n why_o she_o may_v not_o public_o teach_v for_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o man_n so_o they_o that_o stand_v in_o his_o room_n and_o stead_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n shall_v also_o be_v man_n but_o the_o regiment_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v a_o civil_a thing_n and_o so_o may_v lawful_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o woman_n when_o she_o come_v unto_o it_o by_o lawful_a succession_n to_o her_o father_n who_o whole_a patrimony_n in_o the_o want_n of_o son_n she_o may_v right_o enjoy_v object_n but_o the_o woman_n must_v bâ—e_v in_o subjection_n unto_o the_o man_n 1._o cor._n 14._o â—4_n answ._n so_o she_o may_v and_o yet_o have_v sovereignty_n in_o the_o kingdom_n object_n but_o the_o man_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o woman_n 1._o cor._n 11.3_o answ._n that_o be_v the_o man_n in_o that_o he_o iâ—_n a_o man_n be_v a_o person_n more_o excellent_a than_o the_o woman_n as_o she_o be_v a_o woman_n yet_o the_o person_n that_o in_o
sin_n of_o impenitency_n forbid_v for_o the_o law_n condemn_v no_o more_o than_o it_o reveal_v but_o it_o never_o reveal_v repentance_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v or_o condemn_v the_o want_n thereof_o second_o for_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o may_v appear_v because_o hereby_o man_n heap_v sin_n upon_o sin_n and_o 5â—_n wrath_n unto_o themselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n some_o to_o aggravate_v the_o grievousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n say_v that_o impenitency_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o opinion_n be_v ancient_a but_o yet_o false_a and_o erroneous_a for_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o blasphemy_n mat._n 12.31_o but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o blasphemy_n again_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o this_o life_n but_o final_a impenitency_n be_v never_o before_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n use_n hence_o also_o the_o papist_n gather_v free_a will_n to_o good_a by_o nature_n she_o do_v not_o repent_v therefore_o she_o have_v freewill_n &_o power_n to_o repent_v if_o she_o will_v ans._n this_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a thus_o much_o may_v hence_o be_v gather_v that_o she_o have_v freewill_n not_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o sin_n for_o every_o man_n sin_v free_o but_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n to_o cease_v from_o sin_n or_o to_o repent_v without_o god_n special_a grace_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v will_n or_o do_v that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a before_o god_n again_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o be_v reprove_v in_o this_o wicked_a woman_n may_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o great_a number_n in_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o man_n a_o long_a time_n of_o repentance_n to_o some_o ten_o to_o some_o twenty_o year_n but_o they_o repent_v not_o as_o their_o life_n do_v plain_o testify_v for_o some_o live_v in_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n some_o in_o sabbath_n break_v some_o in_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n some_o in_o idleness_n some_o in_o covetousness_n and_o extortion_n give_v themselves_o whole_o and_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n never_o regard_v with_o reverence_n thâ—_n thing_n of_o god_n 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 fornication_n with_o she_o into_o great_a affliction_n except_o they_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o work_n christ_n have_v reprove_v this_o church_n and_o this_o woman_n for_o their_o several_a fault_n do_v here_o give_v special_a counsel_n and_o direction_n unto_o they_o both_o whereby_o they_o may_v avoid_v &_o escape_v the_o grievous_a judgement_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v this_o counsel_n of_o christ_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o jesabell_n and_o her_o company_n vers_n 22.23_o the_o second_o to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n verse_n 24_o 25._o the_o sum_n of_o christ_n counsel_n to_o jesabell_n be_v to_o repent_v which_o be_v not_o express_v but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o reason_n to_o move_v she_o to_o repentance_n be_v propound_v and_o it_o may_v be_v frame_v thus_o if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v punish_v thou_o with_o sundry_a judgement_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v so_o punish_v and_o therefore_o repent_v this_o reason_n have_v two_o part_n a_o threaten_a and_o a_o exception_n thereof_o the_o threaten_n in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o into_o great_a affliction_n and_o before_o this_o threaten_n christ_n prefix_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o and_o we_o that_o we_o ought_v serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o threaten_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o god_n word_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n when_o josias_n hear_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n read_v hiâ—_n heart_n 22.19_o melt_v which_o it_o can_v never_o have_v do_v unless_o it_o have_v first_o tremble_v at_o the_o judgement_n therein_o denounce_v and_o the_o prick_a that_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o jew_n â—7_n by_o peter_n first_o sermon_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o compunction_n wrought_v in_o they_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n the_o cause_n why_o sin_n be_v so_o rise_v in_o every_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n at_o this_o day_n be_v for_o that_o man_n set_v light_a by_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n if_o man_n will_v tremble_v when_o they_o hear_v of_o god_n judgement_n it_o will_v make_v they_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o doâ—_n but_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a therefore_o man_n fear_v he_o not_o isay._n 57.11_o this_o threaten_a have_v three_o several_a part_n according_a to_o the_o three_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n who_o it_o concern_v the_n i._n be_v against_o jesabell_n herself_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o all_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o like_a word_n of_o jonaâ—â—â—_n to_o ammon_n bid_n he_o 13.5_o lie_v down_o on_o his_o bed_n and_o make_v himself_o sick_a so_o that_o christ_n meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v strike_v she_o with_o some_o grievous_a sickness_n the_o place_n of_o the_o sick_a person_n be_v put_v for_o the_o sickness_n itself_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v jesabell_n take_v her_o pleasure_n in_o fornication_n and_o thereto_o abuse_v the_o bed_n i_o will_v therefore_o send_v on_o she_o some_o great_a sickness_n which_o shall_v cast_v she_o into_o her_o bed_n use_n here_o note_v god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o abuse_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o sin_n will_v the_o lord_n plague_n and_o punish_v they_o iâ—sabell_n abuse_v her_o bed_n with_o fornication_n &_o thither_o she_o must_v be_v cast_v with_o sickness_n diveâ—_n in_o his_o life_n time_n abuse_v his_o tongue_n and_o taste_v by_o gluttony_n and_o therefore_o 〈…〉_z now_o in_o in_o hell_n therein_o most_o of_o all_o plagâ—d_n and_o torment_v at_o hiâ—_n cry_v 24._o 〈◊〉_d drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n do_v import_v gamester_n take_v their_o pleasure_n in_o â—â—â—ding_n and_o dice_v which_o many_o time_n god_n turn_v to_o their_o woe_n for_o thereby_o they_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o extreme_a want_n and_o misery_n ahab_n shed_v naboths_n blood_n to_o get_v his_o vineyard_n and_o for_o that_o sin_n must_v 24._o his_o blood_n the_o blood_n of_o jezabell_n and_o his_o child_n he_o shed_v and_o now_o in_o these_o day_n the_o covetous_a for_o their_o gain_n do_v suck_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o that_o blood_n will_v have_v blood_n from_o they_o again_o the_o lord_n will_v spoil_v the_o soul_n of_o he_o that_o spoyleâ—_n the_o poor_a prou._n 22_o 2d_o this_o must_v make_v we_o to_o beware_v how_o we_o abuse_v any_o creature_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v we_o for_o any_o sin_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v cause_v that_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o woe_n and_o punishment_n unto_o we_o which_o we_o misuse_v unto_o our_o lust_n again_o note_v here_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o grievous_a sickness_n namely_o christ_n himself_o for_o he_o say_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n sickness_n come_v not_o by_o chance_n or_o fortune_n but_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o believe_v and_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o make_v better_a use_n of_o sickness_n than_o usual_o we_o do_v if_o man_n do_v believe_v this_o it_o will_v make_v the_o hard_a heart_n to_o repent_v in_o time_n of_o sickness_n for_o this_o they_o will_v say_v have_v god_n cast_v i_o down_o with_o sickness_n no_o doubt_v it_o be_v to_o humble_v i_o for_o some_o of_o my_o sin_n to_o make_v i_o know_v they_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o this_o use_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v make_v hereof_o â—_o when_o the_o prophet_n come_v to_o hezâ—â—ias_n and_o tell_v he_o he_o shall_v die_v he_o turn_v his_o face_n to_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v as_o for_o other_o thing_n so_o for_o his_o sin_n especial_o and_o jaacob_n be_v to_o die_v â—â—_o leaâ—ed_v on_o his_o â—â—affe_n and_o by_o faith_n worshippeâ—_n towards_o the_o bed_n head_n lift_v up_o his_o body_n to_o do_v reverence_n unto_o god_n thereby_o testify_v his_o humility_n faith_n and_o hope_n and_o the_o like_a aught_o we_o to_o do_v which_o if_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v find_v our_o sickness_n will_v become_v a_o blessing_n unto_o us._n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n threaten_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o her_o follower_n which_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n
and_o doctrine_n second_o reason_n antichrist_n say_v they_o sit_v in_o the_o 2.4_o temple_n of_o god_n now_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v god_n church_n &_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v god_n church_n answ._n he_o sit_v there_o not_o as_o a_o member_n thereof_o but_o as_o a_o usurper_n and_o deceiver_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o popery_n be_v the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v therein_o mingle_v as_o a_o little_a wheat_n with_o much_o chaff_n and_o as_o little_a gold_n with_o much_o dross_n so_o that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v where_o antichrist_n sit_v yet_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o we_o regard_v their_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n to_o beget_v or_o preserve_v spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o church_n further_o this_o which_o christ_n say_v of_o sardis_n may_v be_v say_v not_o only_o of_o the_o papist_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o protestant_n as_o of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n &_o of_o the_o most_o congregation_n in_o the_o great_a town_n thereof_o though_o not_o for_o doctrine_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n conversationsâ—_n for_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n seem_v to_o be_v alive_a by_o their_o outward_a profession_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o by_o occasion_n of_o outward_a peace_n these_o sin_n abound_v fullness_n of_o bread_n pride_n both_o inward_a in_o heart_n &_o outward_a in_o attire_n also_o cruelty_n covetousness_n &_o carnal_a security_n like_v as_o it_o be_v in_o noah_n time_n now_o where_o these_o sin_n reign_v there_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v want_v man_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o prejudice_n the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n to_o nullify_v it_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v his_o choose_a among_o we_o in_o all_o place_n who_o live_v indeed_o a_o spiritual_a life_n though_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n be_v dead_a in_o 〈◊〉_d &_o so_o will_v continue_v while_o peace_n abide_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o minister_n will_v not_o awake_a man_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v the_o rod_n of_o correction_n that_o must_v put_v into_o they_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v like_a to_o little_a child_n who_o beside_o admonition_n must_v feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n further_o in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n who_o christ_n call_v dead_a though_o they_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v note_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n who_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o and_o yet_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o part_n not_o whole_o and_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a conversation_n and_o of_o sundry_a erroneous_a opinion_n may_v yet_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v they_o err_v not_o in_o the_o foundation_n which_o serve_v for_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o think_v our_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n because_o it_o maintain_v not_o that_o outward_a order_n which_o they_o think_v shall_v be_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o must_v prefer_v church_n before_o church_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o condemn_v a_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n for_o some_o corruption_n that_o be_v therein_o a_o true_a body_n may_v have_v some_o blemish_n and_o a_o true_a church_n some_o want_n again_o the_o church_n of_o god_n say_v this_o be_v a_o church_n yet_o christ_n say_v they_o be_v dead_a how_o can_v these_o two_o stand_n answ._n the_o church_n about_o sardis_n judge_v this_o to_o be_v alive_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n because_o of_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o infant_n be_v not_o indeed_o all_o holy_a as_o experience_n show_v yet_o till_o we_o see_v the_o same_o make_v manifest_a we_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v holy_a that_o be_v bear_v of_o faithful_a parent_n even_o so_o ought_v the_o minister_n and_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n till_o god_n make_v manifest_a what_o he_o be_v paul_n follow_v this_o rule_n call_v whole_a church_n elect_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a here_o be_v two_o judgement_n one_o of_o neighbour_n church_n the_o other_o of_o christ_n and_o christ_n judgement_n be_v prefer_v we_o must_v therefore_o regard_v special_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o labour_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o &_o our_o conversation_n unto_o christ_n rather_o than_o to_o man_n for_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v of_o we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o must_v save_v and_o condemn_v this_o make_v 4.3.4_o paul_n to_o say_v i_o pass_v little_a to_o be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n why_o so_o for_o he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o without_o christ_n commendation_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o for_o christ_n may_v condemn_v we_o when_o man_n think_v well_o and_o speak_v well_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v woe_n be_v unto_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o luke_n 6.26_o verse_n 2._o be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o hypocrisy_n first_o when_o man_n profess_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n at_o all_o the_o second_o when_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o more_o than_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n this_o second_o kind_n of_o hypocrisy_n oft_o befall_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n reprove_v in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o former_a vers_n after_o which_o reproof_n here_o he_o propound_v a_o remedy_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o use_v the_o same_o the_o remedy_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n where_o be_v two_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o be_v watchful_a and_o to_o strengthen_v or_o confirm_v the_o decay_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o for_o the_o first_o be_v watchful_a to_o be_v watchful_a here_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a duty_n it_o be_v not_o bodily_a but_o spiritual_a and_o it_o be_v practise_v when_o any_o man_n have_v a_o circumspect_a care_n and_o diligent_a heed_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n this_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n concern_v two_o thing_n sin_n and_o death_n watchfulness_n against_o sin_n stand_v in_o two_o duty_n first_o a_o man_n must_v daily_o and_o continual_o bethink_v himself_o before_o hand_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o vice_n into_o which_o he_o may_v happy_o fall_v &_o for_o the_o do_v of_o this_o he_o must_v consider_v in_o himself_o two_o â—hings_n his_o nature_n and_o his_o call_v touch_v his_o nature_n he_o must_v consider_v that_o in_o he_o remain_v the_o seed_n and_o root_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o any_o sin_n whatsoever_o again_o a_o man_n consider_v his_o nature_n shall_v find_v himself_o more_o incline_v to_o some_o sin_n then_o to_o other_o and_o those_o he_o must_v especial_o mark_v and_o observe_v second_o for_o his_o call_v a_o man_n must_v mark_v the_o sin_n thereof_o for_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n every_o calling_n have_v his_o especial_a sin_n whereto_o man_n that_o walk_v therein_o be_v more_o incident_a the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o sin_n the_o minister_n he_o the_o lawyer_n his_o the_o physician_n his_o and_o the_o tradesman_n his_o and_o touch_v these_o a_o man_n must_v consider_v unto_o what_o vice_n and_o abuse_n man_n be_v most_o subject_a that_o walk_v in_o that_o call_n wherein_o he_o live_v and_o so_o shall_v he_o have_v a_o foresight_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o second_o after_o this_o foresight_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v watch_v his_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o though_o it_o be_v tempt_v and_o assault_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o any_o one_o sin_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n counsel_v 4.21_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o thy_o action_n may_v be_v keep_v holy_a and_o pure_a the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o watchfulness_n respect_v death_n or_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ._n in_o this_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v practise_v
first_o a_o man_n must_v every_o day_n bethink_v himself_o of_o his_o end_n and_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n either_o in_o general_a to_o all_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o unto_o he_o by_o death_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n he_o must_v esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o every_o day_n as_o of_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n second_o he_o must_v prepare_v himself_o against_o death_n &_o against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n every_o day_n even_o this_o present_a day_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v now_o die_v or_o meet_v christ_n in_o judgement_n and_o the_o next_o day_n do_v the_o like_a and_o so_o go_v on_o continual_o to_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n and_o for_o our_o furtherance_n in_o this_o christian_a watch_n we_o must_v be_v mindful_a of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n that_o we_o keep_v mediocrity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o when_o man_n plunge_v themselves_o either_o in_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n or_o in_o earthly_a delight_n they_o quite_o forget_v both_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o christ_n mean_v by_o watchfulness_n as_o christ_n prescribe_v this_o duty_n unto_o this_o church_n use_n so_o be_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v enjoin_v the_o same_o christian_a watchfulness_n both_o against_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o consider_v these_o reason_n first_o we_o be_v watchful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o if_o a_o town_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o sack_v or_o burn_v there_o be_v watch_n and_o ward_n keep_v continual_o and_o if_o a_o man_n house_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o rob_v he_o will_v sit_v up_o night_n and_o day_n to_o save_v his_o good_n yea_o every_o man_n be_v very_o painful_a and_o watchful_a to_o heap_v up_o to_o himself_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n now_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v watchful_a for_o temporal_a thing_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n that_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o again_o want_v of_o watchfulness_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o death_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n i._o thess._n 5._o vers_fw-la 3._o when_o man_n say_v peace_n and_o safety_n then_o shall_v come_v upon_o they_o sudden_a destruction_n when_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v enlarge_v his_o barn_n upon_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o substance_n he_o promise_v to_o himself_o case_n and_o security_n say_v 1â—.20_n soul_n soul_n take_v thy_o rest_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o he_o oh_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o the_o 24.39_o old_a world_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o now_o if_o the_o want_n of_o watchfulness_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o destruction_n how_o great_a a_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o watch_v the_o second_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v to_o confirm_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n decay_v in_o they_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v sundry_a be_v the_o grace_n which_o i_o have_v bestow_v on_o you_o but_o many_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v and_o those_o which_o remain_v be_v about_o to_o perish_v unless_o you_o confirm_v they_o therefore_o see_v now_o that_o you_o strengthen_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o in_o this_o duty_n christ_n teach_v this_o church_n and_o we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v any_o gift_n of_o god_n must_v have_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o make_v the_o same_o gift_n strong_a in_o he_o by_o continual_a increase_n if_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o any_o other_o gift_n of_o grace_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v the_o same_o to_o lie_v dead_a in_o he_o but_o stir_v up_o increase_n and_o confirm_v it_o daily_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ._n for_o the_o gift_n which_o man_n have_v be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o god_n also_o who_o look_v to_o receive_v his_o own_o with_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o man_n like_o good_a steward_n must_v so_o use_v the_o gift_n receive_v that_o they_o may_v return_v they_o to_o god_n with_o increase_n thus_o paul_n persuade_v timothy_n 1.6_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o for_o else_o the_o receiver_n be_v a_o unfaithful_a servant_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v reward_v and_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v often_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o meditate_v therein_o we_o must_v hear_v it_o often_o preach_v and_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o preparation_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o pray_v continual_o strive_v earnest_o against_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o daily_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o all_o good_a duty_n thus_o do_v david_n check_v the_o corruption_n and_o deadness_n of_o his_o heart_n â—1_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o cast_v down_o oh_o my_o soul_n and_o also_o stir_v up_o the_o same_o unto_o all_o good_a duty_n say_v i_o have_v apply_v my_o heart_n to_o fulfil_v thy_o statute_n always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n ps._n 119.112_o hereby_o be_v reprove_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o professor_n &_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n use_n who_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o go_v not_o forward_o in_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n for_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v grace_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o same_o that_o we_o may_v confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o daily_o further_o christ_n add_v which_o be_v about_o to_o die_v where_o he_o answer_v to_o a_o question_n that_o be_v move_v by_o sundry_a at_o this_o day_n namely_o whether_o grace_n that_o concern_v salvation_n may_v be_v utter_o lose_v or_o not_o christ_n answer_v by_o a_o distinction_n that_o some_o grace_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n may_v be_v lose_v quite_o and_o other_o may_v be_v decay_v so_o as_o they_o be_v about_o to_o die_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o as_o without_o they_o a_o man_n of_o year_n can_v be_v save_v and_o such_o be_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n other_o be_v less_o necessary_a which_o sometime_o go_v with_o faith_n but_o not_o always_o such_o be_v a_o plentiful_a feel_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n these_o may_v be_v lose_v whole_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n yea_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n themselves_o may_v decay_v grievous_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o diâ—_n as_o this_o text_n say_v second_o consider_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n in_o themselves_o and_o they_o may_v be_v whole_o lose_v for_o nothing_o in_o itself_o be_v unchangeable_a but_o god_n the_o state_n of_o the_o elect_a angel_n by_o nature_n be_v changeable_a for_o they_o stand_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n three_o these_o grace_n may_v perish_v and_o decay_v final_o unless_o thy_o bee_n confirm_v question_n why_o then_o do_v not_o the_o elect_v final_o fall_v away_o after_o their_o call_n ans._n their_o stand_n come_v not_o from_o the_o constancy_n of_o grace_n or_o faith_n but_o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o they_o &_o to_o their_o faith_n so_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n 1â—_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v upon_o thy_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v profess_v will_v i_o build_v my_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v though_o they_o may_v assault_v it_o and_o grievous_o weaken_v it_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a final_o to_o overcome_v it_o use_n see_v sundry_a grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lose_v and_o the_o most_o necessary_a grace_n great_o decay_v yea_o of_o themselves_o quite_o die_v we_o that_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n any_o grace_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o repentance_n be_v hereby_o teach_v not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_a or_o over_o confident_a in_o our_o self_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a work_n out_o our_o salvation_n philip_n 2.13_o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v the_o former_a remedy_n be_v this_o for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o therefore_o watch_v and_o confirm_v the_o decay_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o in_o this_o reason_n christ_n give_v they_o &_o we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o make_v a_o search_n in_o his_o church_n of_o all_o the_o work_v that_o man_n do_v in_o the_o same_o that_o he_o may_v according_o reward_v they_o for_o not_o find_v do_v presuppose_v a_o search_n and_o so_o the_o
of_o mankind_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o mean_v appoint_v hereunto_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o show_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a who_o teach_v that_o god_n call_v all_o â—he_n world_n effectual_o unto_o salvation_n use_n for_o how_o can_v thâ—y_o be_v call_v that_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n but_o all_o in_o all_o age_n never_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n albeit_o 〈◊〉_d the_o come_n of_o christ_n their_o sound_n have_v go_v forth_o into_o all_o nation_n second_o this_o show_v the_o fondness_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v grace_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n unto_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v save_v if_o he_o will_v for_o the_o mean_n to_o receive_v grace_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n which_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n never_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o duty_n prescribe_v be_v the_o hold_v fast_o of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o hold_v fast_o here_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n second_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n of_o these_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o cap._n 2.25_o the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o repent_v where_o by_o repentance_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o same_o for_o their_o hardness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o they_o do_v slack_o and_o cold_o practice_v the_o good_a duty_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v use_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v renew_v the_o same_o continual_o &_o that_o not_o for_o gross_a sin_n only_o but_o even_o for_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o for_o our_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o for_o our_o hypocrisy_n and_o decay_v in_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o this_o church_n be_v very_o dead_a and_o dull_a of_o heart_n therefore_o christ_n add_v a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d 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 here_o mark_v christ_n order_n and_o deal_n have_v prescribe_v a_o remedy_n for_o their_o fault_n he_o give_v they_o a_o direction_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o after_o add_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n to_o drive_v they_o thereunto_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v against_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o that_o end_n remember_v my_o word_n hold_v fast_o the_o same_o and_o repent_v then_o look_v as_o a_o thief_n come_v upon_o a_o man_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o spoil_n his_o good_n and_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o his_o child_n so_o will_v i_o come_v on_o thou_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o power_n upon_o thou_o my_o wrath_n whereby_o i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d cut_v the_o throat_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o mean_n to_o escape_v my_o punishment_n here_o christ_n threaten_v sudden_a and_o speedy_a destruction_n but_o yet_o with_o condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o repentance_n now_o because_o we_o be_v like_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a peace_n which_o we_o enjoy_v we_o may_v also_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o threaten_n at_o this_o day_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o dead_a heart_n we_o must_v watch_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o this_o end_n must_v have_v in_o memory_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o repent_v continual_o of_o all_o want_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o then_o be_v the_o vengeance_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o without_o measure_n and_o that_o sudden_o when_o we_o can_v prevent_v they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o will_v move_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o watchfulness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o awake_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o sin_n than_o nothing_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v unavoidable_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n have_v some_o thousand_o year_n allot_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n there_o be_v some_o cause_n why_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o they_o but_o see_v this_o punishment_n be_v eternal_a and_o when_o many_o thousand_o year_n be_v expire_v they_o be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n of_o their_o woe_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v therefore_o it_o must_v stir_v up_o all_o dead_a and_o drowsy_a heart_n unto_o repentance_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o shake_v off_o security_n ignorance_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o every_o sin_n vers._n 4._o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardie_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o thâ—y_n shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n do_v thus_o depend_v upon_o those_o which_o go_v before_o whereas_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o have_v only_o a_o name_n to_o live_v some_o man_n may_v aâ—ke_v how_o it_o can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o this_o christ_n answer_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o though_o the_o great_a part_n in_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n yet_o some_o few_o there_o be_v among_o they_o that_o be_v alive_a in_o christ_n and_o do_v testify_v the_o the_o same_o by_o true_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n in_o this_o coherence_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o instruction_n i._o that_o a_o particular_a congregation_n on_o earth_n be_v make_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o call_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n elect_v therein_o who_o do_v true_o believe_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a true_o beleve_v in_o christ_n &_o particular_a congregation_n be_v member_n of_o it_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o rest_n that_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n but_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n like_v unto_o superfluous_a humour_n which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o no_o part_n thereof_o this_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o teach_v that_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v reject_v in_o god_n decree_n may_v yet_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o this_o coherence_n christ_n intimate_v unto_o we_o a_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o church_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o this_o church_n be_v man_n call_v profess_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o yet_o of_o they_o some_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o other_o be_v alive_a in_o christ._n touch_v this_o distinction_n of_o man_n we_o must_v search_v the_o cause_n thereof_o it_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o power_n or_o will_v in_o man_n but_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v for_o when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelite_n have_v give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n there_o be_v yet_o 11.4_o seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o live_v like_a to_o the_o other_o israelite_n surely_n nothing_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o themselves_o but_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o have_v preserve_v and_o keep_v they_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o erroneous_a and_o false_a the_o divinity_n of_o some_o protestant_n be_v use_n which_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n be_v renew_v by_o grace_n say_v that_o god_n give_v to_o everye_o man_n save_v grace_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o yet_o because_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v still_o remain_v sinful_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o obey_v
unto_o ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v the_o very_a occasion_n thereof_o for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o obey_v the_o same_o our_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o when_o we_o commit_v any_o sin_n we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v make_v a_o pen_n and_o reach_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n to_o blot_v our_o name_n out_o of_o that_o book_n and_o they_o that_o keep_v a_o course_n in_o sin_v do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o write_v therein_o second_o consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v certain_a it_o must_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o some_o aâ—â—â—rance_n of_o election_n that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v we_o have_v our_o name_n write_v in_o god_n book_n but_o here_o some_o bad_a person_n will_v say_v see_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v unchangeable_a i_o will_v live_v as_o i_o list_v for_o if_o my_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o it_o can_v never_o be_v add_v ans._n these_o man_n deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n shall_v live_v as_o these_o few_o do_v in_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n in_o true_a faith_n and_o holy_a obedience_n for_o he_o that_o be_v ordain_v to_o glorification_n be_v ordain_v to_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o live_v always_o in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o these_o man_n must_v rather_o labour_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o get_v some_o sign_n of_o their_o election_n that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n the_o three_o benefit_n be_v this_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n that_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v he_o to_o be_v i_o one_o of_o my_o elect_a that_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n i_o will_v take_v he_o from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n and_o set_v he_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o advance_v he_o to_o glory_n pronounce_v upon_o he_o the_o bless_a voice_n of_o absolution_n come_v thou_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n mat._n 25.34_o the_o end_n why_o this_o benefit_n be_v thus_o propound_v be_v to_o draw_v this_o church_n to_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o if_o they_o will_v profess_v christ_n before_o man_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o his_o own_o at_o the_o last_o day_n use_n this_o same_o reason_n here_o propound_v must_v induce_v we_o to_o make_v a_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o world_n &_o all_o christ_n enemy_n which_o to_o do_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n and_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v stand_v out_o but_o yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n will_v confess_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v a_o notable_a motive_n and_o mean_n to_o enable_v he_o thereto_o if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o man_n among_o a_o great_a company_n and_o call_v he_o by_o his_o name_n speak_v kind_o unto_o he_o he_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o great_a honour_n unto_o he_o and_o for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v in_o the_o prince_n cause_n oh_o then_o what_o honour_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n jesus_n will_v in_o the_o last_o day_n vouchsafe_v to_o all_o those_o that_o in_o this_o life_n do_v sincere_o confess_v he_o and_o overcome_v he_o will_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v he_o and_o receive_v they_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o will_v not_o confess_v he_o here_o but_o disgrace_v he_o either_o by_o false_a doctrine_n or_o profaneness_n of_o life_n will_v christ_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n utter_o disgrace_n by_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v his_o and_o there_o pronounce_v upon_o they_o the_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n which_o if_o we_o will_v then_o escape_v and_o also_o procure_v unto_o we_o the_o joyful_a voice_n of_o absolution_n we_o must_v here_o labour_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n &_o also_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n but_o if_o we_o only_o profess_v he_o in_o judgement_n and_o not_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n sure_o christ_n will_v profess_v that_o he_o know_v we_o not_o and_o then_o give_v we_o our_o portion_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o commandment_n follow_v vers_fw-la 6._o let_v he_o &c_n &c_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v verse_n 7._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o philadelphia_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a which_o hâ—th_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v here_o begin_v the_o six_o particular_a epistle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o 14._o and_o before_o it_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n be_v prefix_v a_o special_a commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n the_o end_n of_o which_o commandment_n be_v to_o warrant_v the_o call_n of_o john_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o this_o verse_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v send_v namely_o in_o christ_n where_o as_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n he_o be_v excellent_o describe_v for_o the_o win_n of_o more_o credit_n unto_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o first_o by_o his_o property_n holiness_n and_o truth_n second_o by_o his_o kingly_a office_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v for_o his_o property_n first_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a quest._n how_o can_v christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v man_n consider_v he_o descend_v from_o adam_n who_o câ—â—ueyed_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n the_o common_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o indeed_o christ_n descend_v from_o adam_n as_o he_o be_v man_n but_o his_o substance_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n and_o thereby_o he_o be_v free_v from_o adam_n sin_n this_o answer_n be_v true_a but_o not_o sufficient_a for_o man_n beside_o the_o corruption_n original_a take_v from_o adam_n the_o guiltiness_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o adam_n commit_v now_o sanctification_n take_v away_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o therefore_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o all_o which_o come_v of_o adam_n by_o natural_a generation_n do_v receive_v by_o that_o order_n which_o god_n set_v in_o nature_n at_o the_o creation_n say_v increase_n &_o multiply_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o sin_n &_o guilt_n thereof_o but_o god_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o this_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n ordain_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o come_v of_o adam_n by_o natural_a generation_n but_o by_o a_o miraculous_a conception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o he_o take_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n with_o the_o infirmity_n thereof_o without_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n nature_n or_o the_o the_o guiltiness_n thereof_o and_o thus_o be_v christ_n free_a from_o sin_n as_o he_o be_v man_n further_o christ_n be_v holy_a two_o way_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o church_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v holy_a sundry_a way_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o godhead_n for_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v holiness_n itself_o second_o as_o he_o be_v man_n for_o his_o manhood_n be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o miraculous_a conception_n but_o it_o be_v also_o enrich_v and_o fill_v with_o holiness_n and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n for_o he_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o measure_n and_o again_o as_o he_o be_v man_n christ_n be_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o action_n for_o live_v on_o earth_n he_o do_v actual_o as_o our_o surety_n fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o us._n second_o christ_n be_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o church_n first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v in_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n
horrible_a abuse_n of_o this_o power_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v and_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o though_o the_o pope_n carry_v in_o his_o arm_n the_o key_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n but_o of_o hell_n for_o he_o have_v make_v more_o place_n of_o rest_n and_o woe_n than_o ever_o god_n do_v as_o limbus_n potgun_n and_o purgatory_n &_o therefore_o must_v needs_o make_v more_o door_n thither_o and_o so_o more_o lock_n &_o key_n by_o this_o doctrine_n use_n touch_v the_o key_n of_o david_n give_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o church_n derive_v thence_o we_o may_v learn_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v do_v not_o open_a to_o all_o but_o to_o some_o only_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o adam_n be_v create_v in_o integrity_n be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n &_o so_o bar_v himself_o both_o out_o of_o the_o earthly_a and_o heavenly_a paradise_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n by_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a sin_n be_v likewise_o debar_v for_o 59.2_o sin_n be_v a_o partition_n wall_n between_o we_o and_o god_n and_o a_o 3.44_o cloud_n between_o our_o prayer_n and_o god_n himself_o as_o jeremie_n speak_v so_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o exclusion_n and_o so_o many_o sin_n as_o a_o man_n commit_v so_o many_o bolt_n and_o bar_n he_o make_v to_o exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v move_v every_o one_o to_o take_v a_o narrow_a view_n of_o his_o miserable_a state_n in_o himself_o through_o adam_n for_o by_o original_a sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o our_o actual_a transgression_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o bar_v ourself_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v lamentable_a to_o see_v how_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o sin_n and_o how_o the_o devil_n bewitch_v man_n to_o conceal_v or_o diminish_v their_o sin_n make_v great_a sin_n small_a and_o little_a sin_n none_o at_o all_o when_o as_o the_o least_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v without_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bar_v they_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n again_o see_v every_o sin_n do_v bar_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n this_o must_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o induce_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o repent_v of_o all_o our_o sin_n to_o bewail_v the_o same_o &_o to_o pray_v earnest_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o continual_o to_o labour_v to_o turn_v unto_o god_n from_o all_o sin_n because_o if_o we_o live_v but_o in_o one_o sin_n it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a barâ—e_n sufficient_a to_o exclude_v we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n eternal_o three_o see_v christ_n keep_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n &_o to_o seek_v by_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v open_v heaven_n as_o he_o say_v unto_o nathaniel_n and_o philip_n 1.51_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o shall_v you_o see_v heaven_n open_a meaning_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v it_o be_v open_a we_o must_v strive_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o as_o the_o man_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n do_v mat._n 11.12_o this_o we_o do_v by_o endevor_v to_o become_v good_a member_n of_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n for_o that_o be_v the_o door_n and_o suburb_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o every_o one_o must_v enter_v into_o that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n itself_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o will_v go_v into_o a_o house_n must_v needs_o come_v to_o the_o door_n now_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v the_o true_a door_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o key_n thereof_o which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o do_v lock_v and_o unlock_v the_o same_o quest._n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n we_o must_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o humble_a ourselves_o for_o all_o our_o sin_n pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o believe_v the_o same_o through_o christ._n second_o endeavour_v and_o purpose_n by_o god_n grace_n every_o day_n to_o leave_v the_o same_o sin_n this_o do_v we_o be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o soul_n enter_v into_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v this_o we_o must_v do_v while_o we_o live_v but_o if_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o door_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n while_o we_o live_v we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n after_o death_n vers._n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o twelve_o be_v contain_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o â—eads_n a_o praise_n a_o promise_n and_o a_o commandment_n the_o praise_n in_o this_o eight_o verse_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o the_o commandment_n in_o the_o 11._o for_o the_o first_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o church_n be_v first_o summary_o propound_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n which_o have_v be_v expound_v and_o the_o end_n thereof_o with_o the_o use_n in_o the_o former_a epistle_n then_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o commendation_n wherein_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v i_o the_o sign_n of_o christ_n approbation_n in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n ii_o their_o conversation_n or_o the_o work_n which_o christ_n approve_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n &_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n both_o these_o may_v be_v undetstood_v either_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o both_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v behold_v and_o consider_v i_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n unto_o i_o so_o much_o s._n paul_n mean_v by_o the_o door_n of_o utterance_n 1._o cor._n 16.9_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 that_o be_v though_o thou_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n pertain_v to_o thy_o call_n yet_o thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o gospel_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o expound_v do_v afford_v we_o these_o instruction_n first_o from_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o approbation_n we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n for_o any_o minister_n to_o have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n unto_o christ_n so_o much_o the_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v import_v which_o may_v also_o further_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o worthy_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o vouchsafe_v this_o favour_n as_o isaiah_n and_o ezekiell_n who_o be_v send_v sometime_o to_o harden_v 6.9_o thy_o people_n and_o christ_n himself_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o privilege_n say_v 49.4_o i_o have_v spend_v my_o strength_n in_o vain_a and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o privilege_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1â—_n saviors_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o liberty_n they_o have_v title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o shine_v as_o star_n in_o glory_n dan_o 12.3_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o all_o minister_n that_o have_v the_o same_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o ought_v high_o to_o magnify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o it_o and_o to_o value_v it_o more_o worth_a than_o all_o earthly_a blessing_n whatsoever_o second_o from_o the_o work_n which_o christ_n approve_v in_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o minister_n endue_v with_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v great_a service_n unto_o god_n in_o his_o church_n this_o thing_n
god_n this_o fruit_n no_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o till_o he_o be_v convert_v for_o 14.4_o the_o wicked_a and_o natural_a man_n call_v not_o upon_o god_n true_a it_o be_v they_o will_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o same_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o they_o will_v come_v outward_o and_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o element_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n from_o the_o heart_n which_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v perform_v unto_o god_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a conversion_n which_o when_o a_o man_n receive_v he_o do_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o reverence_n tremble_v at_o god_n judgement_n and_o mingle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o call_v upon_o god_n he_o feel_v his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o prayer_n do_v earnest_o desire_v the_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n have_v his_o hart_n also_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v mercy_n and_o in_o thanksgiving_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o thankfulness_n so_o as_o be_v convert_v all_o his_o worship_n unto_o god_n be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o these_o jew_n be_v note_v three_o property_n require_v in_o godâ—_n service_n first_o it_o must_v be_v willing_a and_o cheerful_a so_o do_v these_o jew_n worship_n god_n for_o they_o be_v say_v not_o only_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o thus_o do_v all_o god_n child_n worship_v he_o isay._n 56.7_o those_o who_o god_n bring_v to_o his_o mountain_n he_o make_v joyful_a in_o his_o house_n of_o prayer_n psal._n 110.3_o they_o shall_v come_v willing_o in_o the_o day_n of_o assembly_n by_o this_o property_n we_o may_v see_v a_o great_a number_n at_o this_o day_n every_o where_o come_v far_o short_a in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o most_o man_n never_o regard_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n which_o they_o frequent_a to_o avoid_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o these_o be_v miserable_a worshipper_n of_o god_n his_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a and_o willing_a the_o second_o property_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n must_v be_v express_v with_o seemly_a meet_v and_o convenient_a gesture_n the_o word_n translate_v worship_n signify_v do_v of_o reverence_n with_o bow_v of_o the_o body_n and_o knee_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o necessary_a to_o use_v convenient_a gesture_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o thereby_o the_o grace_n and_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v express_v the_o â—_o angel_n that_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n have_v two_o wing_n to_o cover_v their_o foot_n and_o two_o to_o cover_v their_o face_n thereby_o testify_v their_o reverence_n to_o god_n majesty_n in_o this_o point_n also_o many_o come_v short_a for_o as_o the_o common_a complaint_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o many_o be_v to_o lie_v snort_v and_o sleep_v under_o man_n elbow_n at_o sermon_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n to_o sit_v unreverent_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o god_n be_v lord_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v with_o both_o the_o three_o property_n all_o that_o will_v true_o worship_v god_n must_v first_o be_v humble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n bring_v down_o and_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n so_o these_o jew_n do_v prostrate_v their_o body_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o congregation_n when_o they_o come_v to_o worship_v god._n the_o â—â—_o jailor_n that_o imprison_v paul_n and_o silas_n overnight_o and_o put_v their_o foot_n in_o the_o stock_n will_v then_o have_v very_o little_o regard_v paul_n doctrine_n be_v so_o cruel_a and_o rigorous_a to_o their_o person_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o have_v kill_v himself_o with_o his_o sword_n suppose_v the_o prisoner_n have_v be_v go_v because_o he_o see_v the_o door_n open_v he_o be_v glad_a and_o joyful_a to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o paul_n who_o call_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v himself_o no_o harm_n for_o they_o be_v all_o there_o then_o be_v humble_v by_o that_o strange_a and_o wonder_a work_n of_o god_n he_o come_v in_o unto_o they_o humble_v himself_o and_o fall_v down_o before_o they_o crave_v they_o to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o must_v do_v to_o be_v save_v in_o like_a manner_n so_o long_o as_o man_n have_v not_o their_o proud_a heart_n beat_v down_o they_o will_v never_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n will_v we_o therefore_o know_v why_o the_o most_o part_n worship_n god_n formal_o sure_o it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v humble_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n majesty_n and_o a_o terror_n of_o hell_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v hope_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o worship_n god_n sincere_o till_o our_o heart_n be_v thus_o break_v within_o we_o and_o we_o touch_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n and_o woman_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o bare_a mumble_v over_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o creed_n and_o ten_o commandment_n never_o seek_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n cheerful_o and_o willing_o both_o with_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o do_v worship_n unto_o god_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o true_a conversion_n concern_v man_n and_o that_o be_v a_o reverence_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n note_v in_o these_o word_n before_o thy_o foot_n these_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v do_v not_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o congregation_n but_o submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v footstool_n unto_o they_o this_o reverence_n show_v itself_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n thereof_o namely_o a_o base_a opinion_n which_o every_o true_a convert_a person_n have_v of_o himself_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v in_o paul_n cause_v he_o to_o call_v himself_o the_o 1.15_o chief_n of_o all_o sinner_n and_o the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o this_o be_v true_a grace_n and_o a_o note_n of_o true_a repentance_n when_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n can_v true_o abase_v themselves_o beneath_o all_o god_n people_n so_o as_o if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o vile_a person_n in_o the_o church_n the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n shall_v answer_v i_o myself_o the_o proud_a and_o pharesaicall_a heart_n be_v far_o from_o true_a conversion_n but_o the_o humble_a hart_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a submiss_a behaviour_n of_o these_o jew_n for_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o shall_v these_o jew_n come_v to_o join_v themselves_o with_o god_n people_n and_o be_v content_a to_o make_v themselves_o footstool_n unto_o they_o the_o answer_n be_v because_o christ_n will_v make_v they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v love_v his_o church_n here_o mark_v and_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a reverence_n god_n love_n and_o favour_n sundry_a person_n both_o in_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n have_v reverence_n due_a unto_o they_o as_o master_n from_o their_o servant_n parent_n from_o their_o child_n and_o all_o superior_n from_o their_o inferior_n now_o if_o these_o man_n will_v attain_v to_o true_a reverence_n indeed_o first_o they_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o child_n and_o so_o shall_v they_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o true_a reverence_n for_o when_o man_n set_v their_o heart_n to_o fear_n god_n then_o will_v god_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o reverence_v they_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o of_o those_o that_o be_v great_a in_o birth_n and_o wealth_n they_o must_v not_o stand_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o look_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o true_a reverence_n namely_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o and_o get_v that_o god_n will_v get_v they_o reverence_n even_o of_o wicked_a man_n the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o high_a place_n as_o magistrate_n master_n etc._n etc._n want_v due_a reverence_n be_v for_o that_o they_o care_v not_o for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o ground_n thereof_o vers._n 10._o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n therefore_o will_v i_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o will_v
come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o promise_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o church_n concern_v their_o preservation_n in_o time_n of_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n for_o this_o epistle_n unto_o this_o church_n as_o also_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o john_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n after_o who_o succeed_v traâ—anus_n who_o when_o he_o be_v seat_v in_o his_o empire_n raise_v up_o grievous_a persecution_n against_o god_n church_n in_o all_o place_n of_o his_o dominion_n wherein_o he_o put_v to_o death_n innumerable_a thousand_o of_o christian_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o year_n of_o this_o persecution_n our_o saviour_n christ_n foretell_v this_o church_n call_v it_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o withal_o he_o promise_v to_o preserve_v this_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o bloody_a persecution_n add_v a_o reason_n thereof_o because_o they_o have_v constant_o and_o sincere_o profess_v his_o gospel_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o preservation_n note_v sundry_a point_n i._o the_o occasion_n thereof_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n ii_o the_o thing_n promise_v deliverance_n under_o traianus_n iii_o a_o prediction_n of_o this_o persecution_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n to_o try_v they_o i._o point_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n some_o expound_v to_o be_v christ_n commandment_n of_o patience_n but_o that_o exposition_n be_v too_o straight_o here_o it_o signify_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n first_o because_o it_o teach_v patience_n second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o patience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n know_v salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o also_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o belong_v to_o he_o that_o will_v make_v he_o patient_a in_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n three_o because_o it_o can_v be_v profess_v and_o hold_v unto_o death_n without_o patience_n but_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o good_a ground_n it_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n so_o must_v every_o one_o do_v that_o profess_v this_o gospel_n in_o this_o occasion_n of_o god_n promise_v observe_v that_o god_n grace_n well_o use_v be_v reward_v with_o increase_n those_o which_o have_v receive_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n at_o the_o first_o by_o become_v faithful_a therein_o have_v receive_v increase_n which_o serve_v to_o move_v we_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o talent_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v for_o hereby_o we_o shall_v receive_v increase_n when_o as_o those_o which_o have_v receive_v good_a gift_n from_o god_n as_o knowledge_n and_o such_o like_a because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o use_n thereof_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o same_o wherefore_o whosoever_o have_v begin_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o repent_v let_v the_o same_o party_n proceed_v to_o use_v those_o gift_n still_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v double_v and_o treble_a and_o great_o increase_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o again_o note_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o patience_n this_o show_v how_o good_a and_o meet_v it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o to_o learn_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n for_o every_o one_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n will_v wish_v for_o strength_n and_o patience_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o these_o day_n of_o peace_n will_v last_v again_o each_o man_n in_o his_o call_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o cross_n and_o misery_n for_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o our_o face_n must_v we_o eat_v our_o bread_n and_o who_o be_v free_a from_o pain_n and_o disease_n yea_o who_o can_v escape_v death_n itself_o now_o in_o all_o these_o and_o in_o all_o other_o trouble_n we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o time_n of_o health_n and_o ease_n let_v we_o hide_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o grace_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o patience_n which_o will_v make_v we_o content_v in_o all_o distress_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v why_o most_o man_n be_v so_o impatient_a in_o affliction_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v so_o little_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n second_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n hereby_o all_o person_n that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o gospel_n must_v learn_v to_o put_v on_o patience_n keep_v a_o moderation_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n will_n and_o affection_n for_o when_o we_o be_v impatienâ—_n any_o way_n we_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o salvation_n three_o this_o word_n of_o patience_n be_v call_v christ_n the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n because_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v add_v to_o beat_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o this_o church_n for_o when_o god_n do_v praise_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n their_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n but_o to_o prevent_v this_o evil_n in_o this_o church_n who_o he_o now_o praise_v he_o call_v it_o his_o patience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v this_o good_a thing_n be_v of_o themselves_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n must_v check_v the_o proud_a thought_n that_o rise_v in_o our_o heart_n namely_o to_o remember_v that_o no_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v be_v our_o own_o but_o christ_n what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v why_o then_o shall_v thou_o boast_v 1._o corinth_n 4.7_o ii_o point_n the_o thing_n promise_v be_v preservation_n and_o deliverance_n in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n under_o traianuâ—_n in_o which_o for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o year_n innumerable_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n here_o first_o observe_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v certain_a set_v hour_n and_o time_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o church_n as_o well_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o hypocrisy_n thus_o he_o lead_v the_o israelite_n 1.2_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o and_o he_o send_v 13.3_o false_a prophet_n among_o they_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o no._n and_o as_o god_n thus_o deal_v with_o his_o church_n so_o he_o bathe_v appoint_v particular_a time_n and_o hour_n wherein_o he_o will_v try_v particular_a person_n 2_o god_n bid_v abraham_n kill_v his_o son_n and_o that_o be_v his_o trial_n and_o 32.31_o hezekias_n be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v see_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o for_o every_o christian_a god_n have_v a_o set_a time_n of_o trial_n wherein_o he_o will_v either_o make_v manifest_a his_o grace_n or_o disclose_v their_o hypocrisy_n this_o point_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v for_o herein_o the_o lord_n deal_v like_o the_o worthy_a founder_n of_o great_a school_n use_n who_o have_v appoint_v certain_a set_v time_n of_o pose_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o scholar_n to_o see_v what_o every_a one_o proceed_v be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v according_o reward_v and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o one_o to_o have_v be_v long_o in_o a_o good_a school_n and_o to_o have_v make_v no_o proceed_n in_o learning_n so_o it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o that_o have_v live_v long_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o profit_v in_o grace_n this_o therefore_o must_v teach_v we_o these_o duty_n first_o to_o try_v our_o self_n and_o that_o staight_o concern_v our_o progress_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n himself_o will_v try_v we_o who_o eye_n we_o can_v never_o blind_v though_o we_o may_v deceive_v man_n he_o will_v lay_v open_a our_o heart_n and_o make_v know_v what_o be_v in_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n or_o false_a hypocrisy_n let_v we_o not_o cover_v ourselves_o with_o fig_n leave_v for_o god_n will_v strip_v we_o naked_a but_o rather_o let_v we_o search_v our_o self_n touch_v our_o sin_n and_o god_n grace_n and_o never_o rest_v content_v till_o we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o good_a gift_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v abide_v his_o trial_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v admonish_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o will_n
diverse_a some_o thing_n he_o decree_v to_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n some_o other_o thing_n god_n decree_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o other_o as_o sin_n and_o so_o evil_a thing_n though_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n yet_o they_o come_v in_o some_o sort_n from_o his_o will_n &_o decree_n for_o if_o he_o simple_o nill_v they_o they_o can_v never_o be_v beside_o in_o god_n decree_n be_v set_v down_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o also_o the_o mean_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o this_o persecution_n the_o place_n and_o end_n be_v plain_o note_v this_o we_o must_v remember_v &_o on_o the_o contrary_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o protestant_n which_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o sundry_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v god_n only_o foresee_v they_o and_o no_o way_n decree_a or_o will_v they_o as_o namely_o sin_n but_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n a_o bare_a foreknowledge_n without_o a_o decree_n be_v to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o idle_a providence_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n will_v not_o admit_v the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o expound_v his_o former_a say_n for_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o do_v christ_n call_v this_o persecution_n the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n christ_n answer_v because_o it_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v on_o earth_n where_o we_o may_v note_v what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n be_v they_o public_a or_o private_a namely_o they_o serve_v to_o discover_v the_o state_n of_o man_n heart_n either_o by_o make_v manifest_a their_o faith_n repentance_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n or_o by_o detect_v their_o impatience_n &_o hypocrisy_n verse_n 11._o behold_v i_o come_v short_o hold_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n here_o be_v christ_n commandment_n to_o this_o church_n wherein_o consider_v first_o what_o he_o injoin_v they_o then_o the_o reason_n thereof_o the_o thing_n he_o enjoin_v be_v this_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o be_v hold_v as_o it_o be_v with_o both_o hand_n that_o little_a meaof_n faith_n and_o grace_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v from_o i_o and_o in_o no_o wise_a part_n with_o the_o same_o this_o commandment_n have_v be_v before_o expound_v chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 25._o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v this_o commandment_n be_v two_o one_o go_v before_o it_o in_o these_o word_n i_o come_v short_o that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o general_a judgement_n or_o by_o death_n unto_o thou_o particular_o before_o this_o reason_n be_v put_v a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o speedy_a come_n of_o christ_n unto_o we_o either_o by_o death_n in_o particular_a or_o in_o judgement_n general_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v but_o â—aid_v up_o &_o treasure_v even_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n herein_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o and_o say_v with_o the_o bad_a servant_n mat._n 24.48_o my_o master_n do_v foreslowe_v his_o come_n for_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o impenitency_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o with_o a_o ancient_a jerome_n father_n think_v we_o ever_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o his_o trumpet_n this_o daily_a persuasion_n of_o the_o speedy_a come_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o notable_a use_n for_o first_o it_o will_v daunt_v the_o most_o desperate_a wretch_n that_o be_v and_o make_v he_o to_o tremble_v in_o himself_o and_o restrain_v he_o from_o many_o sin_n and_o if_o a_o man_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o be_v yet_o a_o loose_a liver_n this_o persuasion_n will_v rouse_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o make_v he_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o repentance_n for_o who_o will_v not_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o soul_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v now_o come_v to_o give_v he_o his_o final_a reward_n second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n and_o have_v repent_v and_o do_v believe_v this_o persuasion_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o make_v he_o constant_a in_o every_o good_a duty_n both_o of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n towards_o his_o brethren_n three_o this_o serve_v to_o comfort_v any_o person_n that_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o when_o he_o shall_v believe_v this_o which_o christ_n have_v say_v i_o come_v short_o he_o can_v but_o think_v but_o his_o deliverance_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o at_o his_o come_n he_o bring_v perfect_a redemption_n to_o all_o his_o elect._n the_o second_o reason_n be_v set_v after_o the_o commandment_n that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n that_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o thy_o glory_n even_o everlasting_a life_n this_o must_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n take_v it_o only_o for_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o ministry_n though_o it_o be_v also_o understand_v of_o he_o but_o the_o same_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v say_v if_o thou_o hold_v not_o fast_o thy_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n thou_o will_v loose_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o be_v ordain_v for_o thou_o hence_o some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n ordain_v to_o life_n may_v final_o perish_v because_o another_o may_v have_v that_o crown_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a abuse_n of_o this_o and_o such_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o absolute_a that_o a_o man_n may_v loose_v his_o crown_n but_o conditional_a hold_v fast_o or_o else_o thou_o shall_v perish_v and_o loose_v eternal_a life_n though_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o thou_o now_o the_o use_n of_o such_o speech_n be_v not_o to_o signify_v fall_v from_o grace_n but_o to_o show_v unto_o we_o our_o own_o weakness_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v of_o god_n whole_o to_o ourselves_o we_o can_v not_o but_o perish_v therefore_o they_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n unto_o a_o careful_a use_v of_o the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o salvation_n like_a as_o a_o father_n that_o take_v his_o child_n and_o set_v he_o on_o a_o horse_n guide_v the_o horse_n with_o one_o hand_n and_o hold_v he_o with_o the_o other_o and_o then_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n take_v heed_n lest_o thou_o fall_v not_o mean_v thereby_o that_o the_o child_n shall_v fall_v but_o intend_v to_o make_v he_o sit_v fast_o &_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o if_o he_o shall_v leave_v he_o he_o will_v fall_v second_o christ_n use_v such_o speech_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v make_v his_o church_n persevere_v in_o grace_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o all_o exhortation_n and_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n be_v instrument_n of_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n unto_o god_n child_n because_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v who_o shall_v be_v save_v certain_o so_o he_o have_v ordain_v certain_a mean_n to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v part_v whereof_o be_v exhortation_n &_o threaten_n which_o do_v not_o import_v any_o final_a relapse_n but_o serve_v as_o mean_n &_o cause_n of_o perseverance_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n here_o bid_v this_o church_n hold_v fast_o lest_o another_o take_v her_o crown_n in_o this_o threaten_n we_o may_v note_v that_o when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o one_o man_n or_o his_o blessing_n from_o any_o one_o people_n for_o the_o abuse_n thereof_o he_o have_v other_o ready_a to_o bestow_v the_o same_o upon_o who_o will_v use_v the_o same_o well_o when_o judas_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o apostleship_n mathias_n be_v choose_v in_o his_o room_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n by_o infidelity_n fall_v away_o from_o god_n he_o have_v the_o gentile_n in_o store_n to_o engraph_v in_o their_o stead_n for_o the_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v not_o shorten_v when_o any_o one_o people_n shall_v abuse_v his_o gospel_n he_o can_v give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o mat._n 21.43_o this_o must_v be_v think_v upon_o for_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o be_v now_o god_n people_n use_n and_o do_v enjoy_v his_o gospel_n but_o we_o must_v not_o flatter_v ourselves_o herewith_o for_o if_o we_o abuse_v the_o same_o we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o have_v another_o nation_n in_o store_n who_o we_o now_o contemn_v whither_o he_o can_v send_v his_o gospel_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o plentiful_a fruit_n thereof_o we_o therefore_o must_v embrace_v and_o hold_v fast_o this_o blessing_n of_o god_n which_o now_o we_o enjoy_v and_o show_v
yet_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o read_v the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o constant_a course_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v three_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n be_v break_v for_o though_o most_o man_n at_o set_a time_n will_v come_v into_o the_o congregation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o that_o private_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v which_o god_n word_n require_v but_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o to_o outward_a delight_n to_o omit_v those_o that_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n in_o any_o sort_n now_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o want_v both_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o all_o sound_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v employ_v themselves_o in_o god_n word_n and_o by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o infect_v our_o congregation_n now_o where_o this_o negligence_n be_v though_o coldness_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v zeal_n and_o so_o luke-warmnesse_n must_v needs_o abound_v ii_o sign_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n be_v this_o in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_n they_o show_v religion_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o in_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n who_o show_v his_o religion_n for_o when_o as_o man_n shall_v practice_v their_o calling_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o true_a godliness_n they_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n little_a conscience_n be_v make_v of_o lie_v and_o oppression_n that_o love_n and_o plain_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v want_v which_o prove_v they_o plain_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n iii_o sign_n there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a for_o though_o all_o general_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o many_o when_o they_o see_v some_o make_v conscience_n to_o become_v answerable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o receive_v do_v take_v up_o in_o their_o mouth_n this_o slander_n of_o precizenesse_n against_o they_o mock_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n themselves_o profess_v shall_v be_v do_v these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o profess_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v zealous_a by_o reproach_v zeal_n in_o other_o therefore_o they_o do_v more_o than_o these_o laodicean_n do_v even_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a for_o he_o that_o reproach_v another_o for_o zeal_n in_o religion_n brand_v himself_o with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o who_o know_v not_o how_o many_o of_o this_o â—ort_n be_v every_o where_o i_o dare_v with_o good_a conscience_n say_v our_o congregation_n general_o consist_v of_o such_o now_o mark_v what_o follow_v hereupon_o first_o that_o our_o common_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n than_o heathen_a man_n jew_n and_o turk_n that_o know_v not_o christ._n this_o christ_n teach_v in_o prefer_v cold_a person_n before_o the_o lukewarm_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v rather_o thou_o were_v a_o pagan_a than_o a_o professor_n without_o zeal_n and_o 2.21_o saint_n peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v of_o such_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v further_a matter_n in_o we_o than_o knowledge_n and_o bare_a profession_n our_o case_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o turk_n religion_n know_v will_v not_o make_v thou_o better_o than_o they_o but_o it_o be_v zeal_n and_o obedience_n that_o must_v prefer_v thou_o before_o they_o second_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o estate_n i_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n out_o of_o the_o stomach_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n here_o threaten_v which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o may_v know_v where_o lukewarmenesse_a take_v place_n there_o this_o punishment_n will_v follow_v we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o old_a world_n do_v &_o think_v all_o be_v well_o never_o regard_v till_o the_o judgement_n come_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o true_a society_n with_o christ_n god_n can_v do_v this_o sundry_a way_n either_o by_o bereave_v we_o of_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v we_o as_o the_o heathen_a or_o by_o send_v the_o enemy_n among_o we_o to_o destroy_v and_o root_v we_o out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o even_o in_o our_o neighbor-countreys_n and_o town_n he_o set_v spectacle_n before_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v see_v how_o he_o can_v spew_v we_o ouâ—_n &_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a vers._n 17._o for_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o make_v rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a &_o blind_a and_o naked_a here_o be_v the_o second_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o former_a as_o a_o reason_n thereof_o before_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o deadness_n in_o religion_n and_o here_o he_o paint_v out_o the_o cause_n thereof_o namely_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o hart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o think_v thus_o within_o thyself_o i_o be_o rich_a for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n by_o their_o speech_n because_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v as_o evident_a to_o christ_n as_o any_o man_n speech_n can_v be_v to_o another_o use_n in_o that_o christ_n do_v express_v man_n secret_a thought_n and_o propound_v the_o same_o in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o set_v down_o the_o thought_n of_o country_n of_o church_n &_o of_o particular_a man_n even_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o this_o can_v no_o man_n do_v in_o any_o book_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v a_o argument_n against_o atheist_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o they_o reveal_v man_n secret_a thought_n now_o follow_v the_o thought_n itself_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o people_n of_o this_o church_n i_o be_o rich_a that_o be_v i_o have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o this_o effect_n he_o express_v their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o overween_a their_o estate_n before_o god_n this_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o have_v be_v christ_n say_v 5.32_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o righteous_a mean_v such_o as_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o the_o 10._o proud_a pharisie_n in_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o heart_n think_v himself_o far_o better_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n or_o other_o man_n and_o paul_n â—_o bring_v in_o the_o corinthian_n think_v proud_o of_o themselves_o say_v we_o be_v full_a and_o make_v rich_a etc._n etc._n this_o sin_n take_v place_n in_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o temporal_a work_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o other_o to_o come_v to_o ourselves_o this_o same_o proud_a thought_n have_v place_n among_o us._n first_o we_o think_v we_o be_v rich_a in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n both_o young_a and_o old_a scorn_n to_o be_v catechize_v because_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a some_o stick_v not_o to_o profess_v this_o pride_n by_o brag_v thus_o that_o they_o know_v as_o much_o for_o substance_n as_o any_o man_n can_v teach_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o nature_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n second_o man_n plead_v that_o they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a say_v so_o as_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_v
be_v the_o cheap_a and_o the_o chief_a merchandise_n that_o ever_o be_v set_v to_o sale_n which_o we_o may_v buy_v without_o money_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a for_o ever_o many_o labour_n in_o tafficke_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n and_o yet_o often_o loose_v thereby_o but_o make_v this_o bargain_n once_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v never_o loose_v it_o nor_o any_o thing_n thereby_o but_o continue_v for_o ever_o rich_a in_o god_n verse_n 19_o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v be_v zealous_a therefore_o and_o amend_v because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v so_o sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n they_o may_v thereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o distrust_n and_o despair_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o mercy_n here_o therefore_o it_o please_v he_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o doubt_v after_o this_o sort_n if_o i_o use_v to_o rebuke_v &_o chasten_v all_o those_o who_o i_o love_v than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o my_o mercy_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o sharp_a reproof_n whereby_o i_o have_v threaten_v to_o spew_v you_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n for_o your_o sin_n of_o luke-warmnesse_n but_o thus_o i_o use_v to_o deal_v with_o all_o those_o who_o i_o love_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n you_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o my_o love_n and_o favour_n the_o meaning_n as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v christ_n love_v the_o creature_n two_o way_n as_o he_o be_v creator_n and_o as_o he_o be_v redeemer_n as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n he_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n with_o a_o common_a &_o general_a love_n whether_o they_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a reasonable_a or_o unreasonable_a as_o he_o be_v redeemer_n he_o love_v his_o creature_n with_o a_o special_a and_o a_o peculiar_a love_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o but_o proper_a to_o that_o part_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o of_o this_o peculiar_a love_n he_o speak_v here_o i_o rebuke_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n which_o be_v translate_v rebuke_v 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o significant_a than_o can_v fit_o be_v express_v in_o any_o one_o english_a word_n thus_o much_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v first_o i_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o after_o reprove_v admonish_v and_o check_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o chasten_v this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o kind_n of_o correction_n which_o a_o father_n use_v on_o his_o child_n call_v nurture_v which_o be_v correction_n to_o break_v the_o child_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o bad_a manner_n and_o to_o teach_v he_o his_o duty_n this_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n all_o those_o who_o i_o bear_v special_a favour_n unto_o do_v i_o convince_v of_o their_o particular_a fault_n and_o then_o check_v and_o reprove_v they_o and_o nurture_n they_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n to_o make_v they_o leave_v their_o particular_a vice_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n read_v pro._n 3.12_o whence_o the_o word_n be_v take_v &_o heb._n 12.5_o where_o they_o be_v more_o full_o explain_v here_o then_o christ_n set_v down_o his_o ordinary_a deal_n with_o they_o who_o he_o take_v and_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o member_n namely_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n he_o reprove_v and_o chasten_v they_o for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o break_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o this_o deal_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o every_o servant_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o exception_n yea_o christ_n lay_v rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n on_o all_o his_o child_n &_o that_o in_o diverse_a measure_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o party_n such_o as_o be_v hardly_o break_v of_o their_o sin_n he_o lay_v on_o they_o more_o heavy_a judgement_n and_o chastisement_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v 〈…〉_z humiliation_n and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d true_a 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n must_v look_v to_o go_v under_o his_o correction_n and_o his_o sharp_a and_o severe_a rebuke_n according_a as_o they_o be_v in_o heart_n dispose_v unto_o sin_n either_o more_o or_o less_o he_o must_v pass_v under_o the_o rod_n that_o will_v come_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezech._n 20.37_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v twofold_a set_v down_o prov._n 3.12_o the_o first_o thus_o my_o 〈◊〉_d despise_v noâ—_n the_o correction_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o lord_n correct_v who_o he_o love_v his_o chastycement_n be_v token_n of_o his_o love_n that_o be_v whensoever_o the_o lord_n either_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n reprove_v thy_o sin_n or_o by_o any_o affliction_n chasten_v thou_o despise_v it_o not_o neither_o set_a light_n by_o it_o but_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o unto_o thy_o own_o soul_n the_o second_o use_n be_v faint_v not_o when_o thou_o be_v correct_v that_o be_v let_v not_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o daunt_v thou_o but_o arm_v thyself_o with_o patience_n because_o he_o use_v to_o correct_v all_o those_o who_o he_o love_v make_v his_o chastisement_n token_n of_o his_o love_n second_o christ_n here_o set_v before_o all_o governor_n a_o example_n to_o follow_v especial_o to_o father_n and_o master_n his_o example_n be_v this_o on_o every_o child_n that_o he_o love_v he_o lay_v correction_n for_o this_o â—nd_n to_o break_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d answerable_o governor_n must_v show_v token_n of_o love_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o by_o due_a reproof_n and_o correction_n that_o â—o_o they_o may_v be_v break_v of_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o bring_v unto_o obedience_n to_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o both_o parent_n and_o master_n will_v follow_v christ_n in_o this_o example_n and_o so_o seek_v the_o reformation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o but_o more_o lamentable_a be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d parent_n and_o master_n do_v think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o if_o they_o provide_v for_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n food_n and_o raiment_n and_o necessary_n for_o the_o body_n and_o so_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o sin_n and_o so_o of_o many_o judgement_n both_o which_o ought_v to_o move_v they_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v this_o duty_n three_o the_o very_a order_n of_o christ_n word_n do_v minister_v unto_o we_o a_o necessary_a instruction_n â—â—â—ching_v his_o manner_n of_o correct_v his_o servant_n for_o first_o he_o propound_v a_o direct_a end_n of_o all_o his_o correction_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n their_o nurture_a and_o reformation_n then_o that_o he_o may_v attain_v thereto_o he_o proceed_v thus_o first_o he_o do_v convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o their_o sin_n then_o by_o reproof_n he_o rebuke_n and_o check_n they_o and_o last_o correct_v they_o by_o lay_v chastisement_n on_o they_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o bless_a order_n in_o use_v correction_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o party_n chastise_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o governor_n parent_n and_o master_n especial_o first_o they_o must_v propound_v a_o good_a end_n of_o their_o correction_n even_o the_o amendment_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o party_n and_o that_o they_o may_v then_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d they_o must_v first_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d then_o reprove_v check_n and_o admonish_v they_o and_o if_o that_o take_v not_o place_n they_o must_v proceed_v unto_o meet_a and_o convenient_a bodily_a correction_n all_o which_o must_v be_v do_v not_o for_o revenge_v but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o amendment_n and_o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o see_v how_o far_o many_o parent_n and_o governor_n over_o shoot_v themselves_o when_o as_o they_o make_v their_o correction_n matter_n of_o revenge_n and_o choler_n wherein_o they_o seldom_o intend_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o offender_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n flat_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v zealous_a therefore_o and_o repent_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n he_o propound_v a_o remedy_n against_o their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n he_o do_v direct_o propound_v a_o remedy_n against_o their_o luke-warmnesse_n but_o first_o observe_v the_o coherence_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a christ_n have_v say_v who_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o correct_v according_a as_o their_o fault_n be_v therefore_o say_v he_o to_o this_o church_n because_o i_o have_v rebuke_v and_o correct_v thou_o by_o severe_a threaten_n for_o thy_o luke-warmnesse_n therefore_o now_o become_v zealous_a and_o amend_v