contemn_v and_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o inferior_n unto_o they_o be_v thy_o authority_n among_o christian_n as_o great_a as_o paul_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o less_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o consent_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n to_o show_v for_o that_o which_o thou_o hold_v teach_v and_o profess_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v and_o send_v be_v thessalonian_n i_o certain_a people_n dwell_v in_o or_o about_o that_o famous_a city_n of_o thessalonica_n in_o macedonia_n build_v by_o philip_n the_o father_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o so_o name_v in_o memory_n of_o a_o great_a victory_n get_v over_o thessalia_n a_o country_n of_o greece_n border_v upon_o macedonia_n this_o epistle_n be_v not_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o country_n there_o but_o to_o the_o church_n i._o to_o so_o many_o of_o they_o whether_o citizen_n or_o other_o as_o be_v join_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a society_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o be_v the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v and_o write_v their_o epistle_n unto_o the_o special_a fruit_n then_o of_o this_o and_o such_o like_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v reap_v principal_o by_o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n thereof_o those_o which_o direct_a letter_n to_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o state_n use_v therein_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a to_o treat_v of_o such_o matter_n as_o principal_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n they_o write_v unto_o howsoever_o therefore_o heretic_n schismatic_n person_n excommunicate_v and_o infidel_n may_v reap_v some_o fruit_n and_o profit_n by_o the_o due_a read_n and_o meditate_v upon_o this_o epistle_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inspire_v and_o breathe_v for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n the_o principal_a fruit_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v reap_v by_o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o dâ—d_a either_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n write_v any_o of_o their_o epistle_n and_o letter_n to_o country_n city_n or_o person_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v thereby_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o first_o they_o win_v they_o by_o preach_v and_o then_o they_o write_v unto_o they_o to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n though_o therefore_o that_o which_o they_o write_v be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o gospel_n with_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v yet_o by_o this_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n write_v be_v to_o be_v reap_v and_o gather_v by_o they_o which_o have_v be_v call_v to_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o under_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o gospel_n preach_v which_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n he_o describe_v the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o by_o this_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n wherein_o the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o near_a union_n &_o conjunction_n between_o god_n and_o every_o true_a church_n if_o they_o be_v in_o deed_n and_o truth_n that_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o near_a and_o straight_a band_n knit_v unto_o god_n himself_o yea_o ingraff_v into_o he_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o one_o person_n to_o be_v so_o knit_v unto_o another_o as_o the_o church_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v knit_v unto_o god_n they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n and_o other_o where_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o they_o be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n be_v in_o they_o which_o note_v the_o near_a and_o most_o inseparable_a and_o bless_a union_n that_o may_v be_v the_o apostle_n amplify_v this_o union_n by_o describe_v that_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o which_o this_o church_n be_v to_o be_v he_o and_o their_o father_n his_o and_o their_o lord_n and_o jesus_n so_o that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v a_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n be_v a_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o so_o jesus_n signify_v unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o this_o union_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n but_o horror_n in_o the_o same_o god_n therefore_o be_v their_o father_n and_o christ_n their_o saviour_n and_o lord_n those_o that_o be_v thus_o ingraff_v into_o they_o may_v presume_v to_o receive_v from_o this_o father_n be_v almighty_a any_o good_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v need_v and_o to_o be_v secure_v and_o free_v from_o any_o evil_n that_o may_v hurt_v they_o it_o be_v a_o nature_n ingraff_v into_o father_n by_o this_o heavenly_a father_n to_o do_v their_o child_n all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v and_o such_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o have_v be_v content_a with_o a_o great_a price_n even_o with_o their_o own_o servitude_n yea_o death_n to_o redeem_v their_o servant_n from_o their_o cruel_a enemy_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v hurt_v if_o it_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o inhibit_v it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n their_o jesus_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v in_o the_o near_a bond_n even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n knit_v unto_o god_n &_o christ_n they_o may_v build_v upon_o it_o that_o this_o christ_n their_o saviour_n in_o who_o they_o be_v will_v save_v they_o from_o whatsoever_o may_v hurt_v they_o that_o this_o god_n their_o father_n will_v show_v the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a disposition_n of_o a_o father_n towards_o they_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o lively_a feel_n of_o if_o in_o our_o holy_a communion_n and_o society_n with_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o god_n as_o dutiful_a child_n &_o unto_o christ_n jesus_n as_o faithful_a servant_n till_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o use_v we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o if_o we_o desire_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o become_v not_o in_o outward_a profession_n only_o and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n delight_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o this_o prerogative_n be_v here_o attribute_v unto_o such_o never_o think_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o long_o at_o least_o as_o thou_o be_v not_o in_o will_n and_o affection_n join_v unto_o the_o same_o 2._o let_v we_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o true_a member_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n until_o we_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o this_o that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n and_o so_o in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o father_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o let_v we_o never_o rest_v and_o be_v at_o quiet_a until_o we_o have_v a_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a sense_n indeed_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o our_o father_n and_o our_o saviour_n by_o some_o infallible_a fruit_n and_o sign_n thereof_o for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o god_n as_o in_o their_o father_n and_o in_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o saviour_n but_o they_o shall_v if_o they_o stir_v up_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o they_o feel_v in_o some_o degree_n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o father_n and_o of_o a_o saviour_n transfuse_v into_o their_o soul_n 3._o let_v every_o church_n esteem_v this_o union_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o prerogative_n that_o may_v be_v if_o it_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o set_v forth_o itself_o withal_o yet_o let_v we_o esteem_v this_o to_o be_v fullness_n of_o honour_n unto_o it_o the_o fruit_n that_o spring_v from_o this_o union_n the_o grace_n that_o be_v communicate_v in_o this_o conjunction_n shall_v abundant_o content_v and_o satisfy_v every_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o she_o have_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n to_o boast_v of_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n verse_n 2._o grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o
full_a of_o spirit_n and_o life_n his_o discourse_n not_o extravagant_a but_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o point_n and_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o seem_v neither_o unworthy_a to_o see_v further_a light_n nor_o unable_a well_o to_o endure_v the_o light_n i_o be_v not_o unwilling_a notwithstanding_o my_o own_o occasion_n and_o distraction_n otherwise_o out_o of_o my_o love_n to_o the_o decease_a and_o desire_v of_o advance_v the_o common_a good_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n about_o the_o transcribe_v and_o perfect_v some_o of_o they_o and_o so_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o press_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n perceive_v these_o his_o meditation_n on_o that_o second_o to_o the_o thessalonian_n to_o be_v both_o pithy_a and_o compendious_a handle_v a_o entire_a parcel_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o our_o language_n few_o have_v former_o deal_v with_o as_o also_o that_o himself_o have_v begin_v to_o write_v they_o out_o more_o fair_o and_o large_o then_o ordinary_a as_o intend_v some_o such_o thing_n i_o think_v good_a to_o break_v the_o ice_n with_o they_o and_o so_o begin_v at_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o he_o have_v leave_v transcribe_v out_o of_o other_o his_o own_o note_n contain_v a_o continue_a commentary_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n some_o defect_n only_o supply_v have_v i_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a work_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v such_o good_a acceptance_n as_o my_o desire_n be_v it_o shall_v and_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v deserve_v i_o may_v receive_v thereby_o encouragement_n to_o take_v further_a pain_n about_o the_o finish_n and_o fit_v for_o public_a view_n some_o other_o of_o his_o labour_n that_o as_o yet_o remain_v with_o i_o for_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o poor_a wife_n and_o four_o fatherless_a orphan_n have_v he_o himself_o while_o he_o live_v put_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o the_o two_o latter_a chapter_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o first_o the_o whole_a work_n have_v be_v more_o consummate_a and_o exact_a then_o now_o it_o be_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v though_o not_o altogether_o so_o artificial_o compact_v and_o put_v together_o and_o so_o want_v some_o of_o its_o grace_n that_o way_n it_o be_v for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o it_o in_o all_o likelihood_n no_o other_o than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v have_v he_o procee_v to_o perfect_v it_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v his_o second_o transcript_n with_o his_o first_o draught_n in_o that_o that_o he_o have_v finish_v that_o bless_a spirit_n accompany_v the_o publish_n of_o it_o by_o who_o immediate_a inspiration_n the_o epistle_n itself_o be_v at_o first_o indict_v and_o by_o who_o gracious_a assistance_n these_o meditation_n on_o it_o be_v former_o conceive_v and_o deliver_v and_o through_o his_o blessing_n it_o may_v prove_v beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o not_o a_o few_o in_o the_o read_n of_o it_o as_o in_o hear_v it_o have_v be_v the_o like_a to_o many_o already_o to_o he_o commend_v it_o and_o thou_o i_o rest_v thou_o in_o christ_n t._n g._n a_o exposition_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o first_o chapter_n verse_n 1._o paul_n and_o silvanus_n and_o timotheus_n the_o principal_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v epistle_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v this_o church_n in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o plant_v and_o therein_o to_o arm_v it_o against_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n arise_v either_o from_o wicked_a persecutor_n or_o corrupt_v and_o antichristian_a seducer_n the_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v many_o knit_v together_o in_o that_o frame_n and_o method_n by_o the_o inditer_n thereof_o that_o be_v most_o common_a in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n among_o not_o only_o divine_a but_o humane_a writer_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o epistle_n the_o first_o part_n be_v a_o superscription_n wherein_o be_v express_v 1._o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v the_o principal_a author_n be_v paul_n by_o who_o spirit_n alone_o stir_v up_o and_o direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v indict_v silvanus_n and_o timothy_n consent_v thereunto_o who_o name_n paul_n use_v together_o with_o his_o own_o for_o the_o further_o establish_v and_o confirm_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o here_o he_o write_v of_o and_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o affection_n with_o he_o in_o these_o three_o person_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o be_v declare_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o these_o be_v though_o so_o much_o be_v not_o in_o this_o text_n specify_v the_o one_o a_o apostle_n the_o other_o evangelist_n their_o authority_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o by_o mouth_n or_o pen_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a they_o have_v especial_o paul_n a_o spirit_n that_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o a_o epistle_n write_v from_o they_o and_o under_o their_o name_n unto_o any_o church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v send_v from_o heaven_n write_v with_o christ_n own_o hand_n and_o subscribe_v by_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o though_o they_o have_v conceal_v their_o name_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v that_o yet_o the_o very_a matter_n thereof_o will_v have_v own_v that_o spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v indict_v yet_o the_o prefix_v of_o their_o name_n do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v weight_n and_o moment_n unto_o the_o same_o we_o see_v then_o first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o paul_n and_o silvanus_n &c_n &c_n of_o themselves_o but_o weak_a and_o frail_a man_n add_v authority_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o which_o without_o their_o name_n will_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n be_v for_o their_o name_n sake_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v authority_n to_o they_o they_o give_v authority_n &_o weight_n to_o it_o this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o not_o of_o these_o worthy_n only_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n communicate_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o sincere_o profess_v it_o do_v not_o only_o honour_v their_o name_n 1.10_o but_o their_o name_n also_o honour_v it_o miserable_a professor_n be_v they_o who_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n profess_v the_o gospel_n that_o neither_o they_o be_v a_o credit_n to_o it_o nor_o it_o a_o credit_n to_o they_o much_o more_o they_o and_o how_o many_o be_v they_o who_o name_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o discredit_n to_o it_o and_o it_o to_o they_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n 2._o in_o that_o paul_n for_o the_o further_a credit_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o here_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o be_v move_v to_o write_v use_v also_o the_o name_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n which_o in_o gift_n office_n and_o authority_n be_v inferior_a unto_o he_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o especial_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n add_v much_o authority_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v yea_o the_o consent_n of_o inferior_n in_o gift_n grace_n and_o calling_n add_v authority_n to_o that_o which_o superior_n do_v hold_v and_o profess_v though_o silvanus_n and_o timothy_n authority_n be_v lesser_a than_o paul_n yet_o concur_v with_o paul_n it_o make_v his_o the_o great_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o more_o authority_n then_o that_o a_o man_n do_v desire_v to_o have_v in_o god_n church_n the_o more_o must_v he_o labour_v after_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o brethren_n yea_o of_o they_o that_o in_o gift_n and_o authority_n be_v his_o inferior_n vain_a be_v the_o conceit_n of_o they_o that_o look_v to_o amplify_v their_o authority_n in_o god_n church_n by_o their_o singularity_n god_n may_v indeed_o reveal_v that_o truth_n to_o one_o which_o he_o conceal_v from_o another_o neither_o be_v any_o such_o truth_n to_o be_v smother_v or_o betray_v for_o want_n of_o this_o consent_n yet_o this_o knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o this_o or_o that_o divine_a truth_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v singular_a be_v and_o will_v be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o so_o much_o the_o less_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o paul_n then_o flourish_v most_o when_o silvanus_n and_o timothy_n join_v in_o consent_n with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o lead_v by_o paul_n spirit_n that_o
himself_o except_o he_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o spirit_n speak_v peace_n unto_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v still_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n any_o fancy_n or_o conceit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v wicked_a man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o at_o peace_n with_o god_n yea_o those_o ordinary_o be_v most_o conceit_v of_o it_o that_o be_v further_a from_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n wish_v here_o be_v the_o wish_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_v but_o when_o may_v a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o receive_v grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n &_o c_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o humble_a sinner_n that_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n then_o do_v the_o grace_n and_o peace_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o thou_o from_o god_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v unto_o thy_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o ministry_n &c_n &c_n that_o thou_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o verse_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o thank_v god_n always_o for_o you_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n begin_v here_o &_o reach_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v spend_v in_o consolation_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o hearten_v and_o encourage_v they_o against_o the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o they_o suffer_v for_o their_o profession_n thereby_o the_o more_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o method_n be_v usual_o observe_v in_o all_o letter_n when_o man_n write_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n or_o affliction_n after_o they_o have_v salute_v they_o and_o before_o they_o write_v of_o other_o matter_n unto_o they_o to_o comfort_v they_o by_o the_o way_n before_o we_o come_v to_o particular_n we_o may_v observe_v one_o special_a reason_n why_o he_o wish_v unto_o this_o church_n grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n because_o for_o god_n the_o father_n and_o for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n they_o have_v lose_v all_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o peace_n with_o man_n so_o that_o the_o more_o disgrace_n and_o the_o less_o peace_n that_o christian_n have_v with_o man_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o grace_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n for_o that_o which_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v wish_v unto_o a_o man_n it_o will_v effect_v the_o more_o than_o that_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n do_v disgrace_v we_o and_o war_n with_o we_o the_o more_o god_n show_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n unto_o us._n the_o first_o mean_v he_o use_v to_o comfort_v they_o by_o be_v by_o praise_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o those_o grace_n which_o in_o these_o their_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n they_o do_v manifest_a to_o be_v in_o they_o vers_fw-la 3_o 4._o wherein_n in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n he_o first_o unfeigned_o acknowledge_v that_o for_o their_o sake_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v what_o a_o glory_n be_v this_o unto_o this_o church_n that_o these_o three_o worthy_n shall_v profess_v and_o acknowledge_v thus_o much_o unto_o they_o our_o lesson_n hence_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o if_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o the_o house_n and_o church_n of_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o shall_v bind_v all_o christian_n yea_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n unto_o us._n they_o shall_v be_v indebt_v unto_o god_n for_o we_o and_o shall_v esteem_v themselves_o bind_v for_o ever_o to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o us._n and_o let_v we_o never_o think_v we_o have_v demean_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o god_n church_n until_o we_o have_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o all_o the_o godly_a that_o know_v we_o especial_o to_o our_o pastor_n and_o minister_n to_o praise_v and_o bless_v god_n for_o we_o and_o to_o esteem_v themselves_o eternal_o indebt_v unto_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n but_o alas_o most_o of_o we_o do_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o god_n church_n that_o we_o give_v our_o minister_n and_o all_o religious_a people_n cause_n rather_o to_o mourn_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o complain_v unto_o he_o of_o us._n 2._o let_v we_o from_o paul_n example_n of_o how_o great_a note_n and_o worth_n so_o ever_o we_o be_v in_o god_n church_n learn_v to_o esteem_v god_n grace_n in_o other_o as_o blessing_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v such_o interest_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v and_o indebt_v unto_o god_n in_o all_o thankfulness_n for_o they_o as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v a_o title_n to_o and_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a christian_n in_o thessalonica_n but_o paul_n himself_o do_v think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n the_o grace_n of_o one_o member_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o another_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o that_o man_n do_v not_o esteem_v his_o brother_n a_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o he_o that_o count_v his_o brother_n grace_n disgrace_n unto_o he_o as_o though_o his_o own_o grace_n be_v eclipse_v and_o lose_v their_o lustre_n through_o the_o brightness_n of_o another_o we_o know_v that_o the_o comeliness_n of_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n do_v not_o eclipse_n but_o rather_o add_v beauty_n to_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o face_n if_o therefore_o we_o judge_v our_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n with_o we_o we_o can_v but_o esteem_v their_o grace_n a_o grace_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o ourselves_o ho_o bright_a soever_o do_v shine_v so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o the_o beam_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o a_o bond_n of_o debt_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o as_o paul_n here_o acknowledge_v but_o we_o be_v most_o of_o we_o so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o we_o hardly_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o ourselves_o we_o so_o seldom_o so_o cold_o so_o slight_o and_o negligent_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o as_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o same_o of_o this_o disposition_n rather_o to_o murmur_v grudge_n and_o repine_v against_o god_n for_o they_o as_o though_o the_o more_o he_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o they_o the_o more_o he_o do_v wrong_a and_o disgrace_v us._n because_o that_o your_o faith_n grow_v exceed_o and_o the_o love_n of_o every_o one_o of_o you_o one_o towards_o another_o abound_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o paul_n silvanus_n &c_n &c_n acknowledge_v themselves_o bind_v to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a wherein_o be_v express_v the_o special_a matter_n and_o argument_n of_o their_o praise_n their_o exceed_a growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n whereby_o he_o mean_v all_o religious_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n require_v either_o in_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n they_o show_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n in_o make_v more_o and_o more_o conscience_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o show_v great_a and_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o word_n the_o sacrament_n the_o sabbath_n the_o ministry_n prayer_n they_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o manifest_v more_o and_o more_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o repentance_n and_o over_o and_o beside_o this_o they_o be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o kind_a love_a and_o free-hearted_a one_o to_o another_o one_o strive_v to_o go_v before_o another_o not_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n only_o but_o also_o in_o love_a kindness_n humility_n liberality_n fidelity_n courtesy_n justice_n &c_n &c_n from_o such_o fruit_n as_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n gather_v the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o love._n for_o as_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v see_v unto_o man_n only_o by_o the_o work_n that_o proceed_v therefrom_o so_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o be_v see_v by_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o work_n never_o tell_v i_o that_o any_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o he_o that_o grow_v and_o
let_v we_o esteem_v this_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o may_v be_v that_o paul_n shall_v glory_v in_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v ring_v of_o our_o praise_n we_o need_v not_o then_o care_v though_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n do_v bark_n and_o bawl_v against_o we_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o forgo_v any_o part_n of_o this_o honour_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o any_o hellhound_n whatsoever_o much_o more_o for_o the_o purchase_n of_o honour_n in_o their_o mouth_n to_o give_v any_o cause_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v or_o hear_v dishonourable_o of_o us._n and_o though_o there_o be_v now_o no_o paul_n in_o god_n church_n to_o give_v we_o such_o encouragement_n yet_o let_v not_o this_o ever-the-lesse_a discourage_v we_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o this_o church_n for_o if_o we_o be_v like_o they_o god_n can_v and_o will_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o make_v our_o name_n as_o glorious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o paul_n himself_o be_v live_v and_o go_v from_o church_n to_o church_n to_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o us._n but_o alas_o belove_a when_o we_o shall_v compare_v ourselves_o with_o this_o church_n can_v we_o think_v that_o paul_n if_o he_o be_v alive_a will_v boast_v of_o we_o in_o all_o the_o church_n where_o he_o shall_v come_v will_v he_o not_o rather_o consider_v the_o coldness_n of_o some_o of_o we_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o some_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o mean_n speak_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n do_v not_o most_o of_o we_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o god_n church_n that_o we_o rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v boast_v and_o glory_v of_o in_o alehouse_n and_o tavern_n and_o in_o profane_a stage_n and_o theatre_n then_o in_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n do_v we_o not_o most_o of_o we_o so_o live_v as_o if_o we_o affect_v that_o minstrel_n stage-player_n ale-house-knight_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o rascality_n shall_v glory_v and_o boast_v of_o we_o rather_o than_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rather_o than_o paul_n silvanus_n and_o timothy_n let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n learn_v of_o paul_n how_o to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v those_o church_n and_o christian_n who_o we_o see_v to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n let_v we_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o always_o but_o let_v we_o honour_v their_o name_n in_o all_o holy_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o be_v respect_v and_o honour_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o be_v we_o in_o never_o so_o high_a place_n in_o god_n church_n let_v we_o account_v the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o other_o our_o own_o crown_n and_o glory_n let_v we_o boast_v of_o it_o and_o glory_n in_o it_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o strive_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o god_n church_n may_v be_v fix_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o tongue_n speak_v of_o their_o praise_n this_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n whatsoever_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v no_o doubt_n a_o special_a mean_n that_o so_o many_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n have_v shrink_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o weakness_n in_o christian_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o encouragement_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o ground_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v disgrace_v and_o dishonour_v they_o for_o it_o yea_o though_o they_o which_o have_v teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o therein_o shall_v discourage_v they_o from_o it_o yet_o they_o ought_v constant_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o same_o but_o see_v that_o the_o humane_a frailty_n of_o christian_n needs_o such_o prop_n as_o these_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o one_o another_o fall_n if_o we_o do_v not_o by_o such_o mean_v labour_n to_o support_v one_o another_o but_o far_o be_v such_o from_o this_o apostle_n spirit_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o boast_v and_o glory_v either_o in_o those_o church_n or_o person_n that_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o of_o all_o other_o they_o most_o despite_n and_o disgrace_v they_o in_o all_o the_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n where_o they_o open_v their_o mouth_n because_o of_o your_o patience_n and_o faith_n in_o all_o your_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n which_o you_o suffer_v this_o be_v the_o special_a matter_n of_o paul_n glory_v and_o rejoice_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o they_o manifest_v in_o all_o their_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o church_n be_v at_o this_o time_n very_o much_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v and_o that_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n praise_n in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v to_o comfort_v they_o in_o the_o same_o and_o thereby_o to_o strengthen_v they_o that_o they_o may_v persevere_v as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o in_o the_o grace_n receive_v he_o testify_v therefore_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o esteem_v himself_o bind_v to_o be_v always_o thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o exceed_a growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o also_o that_o in_o the_o same_o regard_n he_o glori_v and_o boast_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n especial_o for_o this_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o persecution_n and_o trouble_n that_o they_o sustain_v they_o show_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o faith_n i'faith_o then_o and_o patience_n in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o a_o christian._n they_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o injury_n and_o wrong_n disgrace_n loss_n of_o good_n liberty_n hazard_n of_o life_n &c_n &c_n for_o christ_n sake_n can_v still_o notwithstanding_o by_o faith_n apprehend_v god_n goodness_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o conceive_v never_o the_o less_o hope_n in_o god_n bear_v never_o the_o less_o affection_n but_o rather_o the_o more_o to_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v never_o show_v the_o least_o repentance_n for_o their_o profession_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o neither_o murmur_v nor_o repine_v against_o god_n therefore_o nor_o break_v forth_o through_o impatience_n into_o any_o breach_n of_o duty_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n they_o which_o have_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v honourable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o their_o profession_n but_o dishonourable_a be_v that_o profession_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v name_v with_o any_o respect_n or_o honour_n in_o god_n church_n that_o in_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n make_v some_o show_n and_o flourish_v but_o when_o persecution_n come_v shrink_v in_o the_o wet_n the_o apostle_n join_v patience_n and_o faith_n together_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v sunder_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n but_o the_o one_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o other_o where_o there_o be_v impatiency_n in_o suffer_v there_o appear_v no_o faith_n but_o infidelity_n faith_n make_v patience_n patience_n manifest_v faith_n never_o say_v thou_o believe_v in_o christ_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o show_v thy_o belief_n in_o patient_a suffering_n for_o christ_n at_o least_o never_o look_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v praise_v and_o glory_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o thy_o faith_n until_o it_o shine_v and_o show_v forth_o itself_o in_o thy_o patience_n the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n do_v not_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o resist_v the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o a_o meek_a and_o willing_a suffering_n of_o wrong_n and_o evil_a if_o thou_o suffer_v never_o so_o much_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n though_o thou_o shall_v give_v thy_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o the_o same_o yet_o if_o thou_o do_v it_o not_o patient_o but_o perforce_o thou_o may_v be_v pity_v but_o never_o look_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n those_o suffering_n only_o be_v celebrate_v there_o wherein_o a_o man_n may_v lively_o behold_v the_o very_a face_n and_o live_a countenance_n of_o faith_n in_o patience_n verse_n 5._o which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v count_v worthy_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o which_o you_o also_o suffer_v hitherto_o of_o the_o
that_o be_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n this_o be_v out_o of_o question_n and_o appear_v as_o before_o be_v show_v by_o the_o title_n give_v it_o vers_n 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n oppose_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o use_v make_v of_o it_o ver_fw-la 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o etc._n etc._n 2._o this_o apostasy_n be_v catholic_n and_o universal_a overspreading_a the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o indefinite_a speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 1._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n even_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o &_o by_o the_o event_n 3._o this_o apostasy_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wherein_o man_n do_v not_o profess_o fall_v from_o christ_n but_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n do_v fight_n against_o he_o in_o a_o hide_a and_o artificial_a manner_n vers_fw-la 7._o 4._o this_o apostasy_n shall_v be_v one_o body_n and_o have_v a_o catholic_a head_n who_o shall_v in_o that_o manner_n rule_v over_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o christ_n do_v over_o his_o church_n vers_fw-la 4._o 5._o this_o apostasy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v such_o on_o the_o sudden_a but_o to_o begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o increase_v and_o afterward_o again_o to_o decrease_v by_o degree_n vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o 6._o this_o apostasy_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v vers_fw-la 7._o 7._o it_o shall_v prevail_v against_o those_o that_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o give_v liberty_n and_o indulgence_n unto_o themselves_o to_o live_v in_o some_o sin_n vers_fw-la 10._o 8._o it_o shall_v be_v effect_v and_o uphold_v with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n &_o lie_v wonder_n vers_fw-la 9_o 9_o it_o shall_v be_v consume_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n mouth_n i._o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 8._o all_o these_o point_n be_v clear_a enough_o out_o of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o may_v we_o well_o conclude_v that_o where_o all_o these_o may_v be_v verify_v of_o any_o apostasy_n now_o in_o be_v that_o it_o be_v either_o the_o same_o with_o it_o or_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o these_o point_n be_v true_a this_o apostasy_n must_v needs_o now_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o great_o concern_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v warn_v thereof_o as_o also_o that_o for_o the_o find_v thereof_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v the_o secret_a nook_n and_o corner_n wood_n and_o wilderness_n for_o it_o be_v to_o spread_v over_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o this_o apostasy_n then_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o prophesy_v of_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o notorious_a for_o 1._o that_o this_o romish_a church_n have_v make_v a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o for_o this_o 1000_o year_n so_o that_o she_o be_v no_o more_o like_a to_o that_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v at_o rome_n than_o hell_n be_v to_o heaven_n may_v appear_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church_n government_n 3._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 4._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o worship_n 1._o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n hold_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o catholic_a church_n universal_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n unto_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n do_v appertain_v as_o member_n so_o that_o they_o be_v hold_v no_o true_a church_n or_o member_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o profess_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o what_o part_n so_o ever_o of_o the_o world_n they_o abide_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v be_v a_o particular_a church_n only_o comprehend_v under_o it_o only_o those_o christian_n which_o dwell_v in_o and_o about_o rome_n and_o not_o in_o any_o other_o place_n for_o paul_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n describe_v it_o thus_o the_o saint_n at_o rome_n and_o conclude_v his_o epistle_n with_o salutation_n unto_o such_o person_n as_o inhabit_v in_o or_o about_o rome_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v send_v from_o corinth_n unto_o this_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o this_o church_n be_v every_o where_o and_o have_v not_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n again_o this_o apostle_n write_v to_o other_o church_n give_v they_o as_o great_a glorious_a and_o respectful_a title_n and_o privilege_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o this_o church_n neither_o do_v he_o any_o where_o in_o any_o colourable_a manner_n subject_n they_o to_o this_o but_o write_v unto_o they_o as_o entire_a and_o distinct_a and_o free_a church_n of_o themselves_o never_o exhort_v or_o move_v unto_o subjection_n or_o obedience_n to_o this_o church_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n he_o will_v out_o of_o question_n have_v describe_v it_o write_v unto_o it_o as_o james_n and_o peter_n do_v write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n to_o the_o 12._o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o to_o the_o stranger_n that_o dwell_v through_o pontus_n asia_n etc._n etc._n so_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o even_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o that_o this_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n plant_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o coventrie_n or_o lichfield_n or_o london_n and_o for_o any_o colour_n of_o aught_o in_o god_n word_n these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o yea_o this_o parish_n of_o stapen-hill_n may_v make_v as_o good_a claim_n to_o be_v the_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v 2._o the_o head-officer_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o same_o for_o name_n &_o office_n that_o be_v appoint_v in_o other_o church_n for_o have_v they_o be_v officer_n of_o a_o other_o kind_n the_o apostle_n will_v undoubted_o have_v give_v notice_n of_o it_o but_o the_o head-officer_n of_o this_o church_n be_v such_o as_o who_o name_n and_o peculiar_a office_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n or_o time_n the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n do_v often_o mention_v the_o church-governor_n in_o their_o time_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o syllable_n concern_v any_o pope_n cardinal_n abbot_n monk_n friar_n jesuit_n etc._n etc._n nor_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o officer_n take_v these_o office_n and_o officer_n out_o of_o the_o present_a romish_a church_n and_o you_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o church_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a without_o they_o 3._o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n whereby_o it_o differ_v from_o those_o reform_a church_n that_o have_v make_v separation_n from_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o other_o church_n in_o those_o time_n comprehend_v in_o the_o canonical_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n transubstantiation_n man_n freewill_n ability_n to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n merit_n of_o work_n satisfaction_n for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v not_o be_v needful_a upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o enter_v into_o proof_n of_o particular_n this_o in_o general_a may_v serve_v for_o a_o proof_n of_o all_o her_o enmity_n to_o the_o scripture_n diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o as_o much_o as_o she_o may_v prefer_v her_o own_o authority_n above_o they_o her_o tie_v the_o scripture_n to_o what_o translation_n she_o please_v to_o what_o sense_n she_o list_v and_o her_o keep_v they_o lock_v from_o the_o people_n show_v that_o her_o fundamental_a doctrine_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequent_a differ_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n 4._o her_o principal_a worship_n and_o service_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n be_v as_o different_a as_o may_v be_v from_o that_o worship_n &_o service_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o
apostle_n to_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o church_n her_o mass_n her_o dirge_n her_o trental_n her_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a her_o pilgrimage_n procession_n adoration_n of_o image_n angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v her_o vow_n of_o virginity_n and_o poverty_n her_o service_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o do_v her_o principal_a worship_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o these_o have_v any_o colour_n or_o shadow_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n or_o in_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o this_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o catholic_a apostasy_n need_v no_o proof_n see_v themselves_o glory_n and_o boast_v of_o the_o catholicness_n of_o their_o religion_n especial_o before_o luther_n and_o how_o general_o and_o universal_o their_o worship_n and_o faith_n aforesaid_a have_v be_v receive_v and_o profess_v neither_o have_v there_o be_v since_o the_o apostle_n any_o profession_n so_o general_a and_o universal_a as_o the_o papacy_n when_o it_o be_v at_o his_o height_n in_o this_o they_o glory_n but_o except_o they_o can_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n this_o their_o glory_n be_v their_o shame_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o rather_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o of_o this_o apostasy_n because_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a departure_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n in_o which_o case_n not_o the_o true_a church_n but_o the_o apostatical_a must_v be_v universal_a 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o catholic_a head_n who_o in_o that_o manner_n rule_v over_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o christ_n do_v over_o his_o church_n for_o the_o pope_n claim_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n make_v law_n according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n even_o to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v under_o he_o of_o no_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n come_v not_o in_o all_o at_o one_o time_n but_o by_o degree_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n decrease_v it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v see_v in_o history_n when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o gross_a and_o main_a point_n of_o the_o popish_a religion_n come_v in_o 5._o it_o prevail_v against_o who_o most_o sure_o such_o as_o evident_o show_v that_o they_o bear_v no_o love_n to_o the_o word_n but_o be_v despiser_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o such_o in_o our_o experience_n be_v they_o that_o use_v to_o be_v seduce_v man_n that_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v any_o colour_n to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n save_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o cross_v their_o corruption_n 6._o the_o whole_a world_n know_v with_o what_o efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o satan_n it_o have_v be_v uphold_v how_o busy_a satan_n be_v how_o oft_o he_o appear_v in_o goblin_n fairy_n walk_v spirit_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o support_v of_o it_o 7._o it_o can_v endure_v the_o brightness_n of_o god_n word_n but_o melt_v before_o it_o as_o snow_n before_o the_o sun_n hitherto_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o antichristian_a apostasy_n that_o here_o be_v prophesy_v of_o because_o all_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n thereof_o do_v most_o lively_o agree_v thereunto_o more_o than_o to_o any_o religion_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o apostasy_n and_o that_o great_a antichrist_n here_o prophesy_v of_o which_o appear_v partly_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o apostasy_n of_o that_o church_n &_o shall_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o those_o note_n whereby_o in_o this_o prophecy_n he_o be_v describe_v the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o antichrist_n be_v a_o man_n of_o sinne._n i._n not_o only_o a_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o as_o satan_n be_v a_o notable_a instrument_n of_o satan_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n this_o agree_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o sea_n in_o a_o manner_n since_o they_o become_v universal_a bishop_n it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o monstrous_a villain_n most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o historian_n you_o shall_v not_o read_v of_o any_o sect_n or_o order_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o among_o who_o so_o many_o &_o such_o monster_n have_v be_v find_v as_o among_o they_o murderer_n poisoner_n of_o their_o predecessor_n simoniac_n negromancer_n sodomite_n adulterer_n atheist_n church-robber_n etc._n etc._n yea_o such_o lewd_a person_n ordinary_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v that_o the_o time_n be_v in_o those_o part_n where_o the_o pope_n most_o abide_v that_o when_o they_o will_v note_v a_o man_n for_o a_o notorious_a extraordinary_a villain_n or_o knave_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o knave_n or_o villain_n enough_o to_o be_v pope_n non_fw-fr est_fw-fr opus_fw-la instare_fw-la again_o they_o be_v not_o only_o such_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o the_o grand_a patron_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o and_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o lewdness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v their_o trade_n to_o devise_v how_o they_o may_v either_o by_o law_n force_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o protect_v such_o as_o be_v wicked_a he_o be_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o ignorance_n use_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n he_o have_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v the_o right_a way_n to_o serve_v he_o he_o forbid_v marriage_n to_o all_o his_o clergy_n which_o be_v innumerable_a the_o hundred_o part_n whereof_o be_v idle_a belly_n not_o force_v to_o any_o pain_n but_o live_v like_o epicure_n and_o swine_n put_v up_o to_o feed_v by_o mean_n whereof_o innumerable_a adultery_n fornication_n rape_n sodomitry_n murder_n of_o infant_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n be_v commit_v he_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v stew_n as_o it_o be_v college_n and_o society_n of_o whore_n whereunto_o man_n may_v free_o without_o punishment_n repair_v and_o count_v it_o better_o for_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o keep_v a_o whore_n or_o to_o defile_v a_o other_o man_n wife_n then_o to_o have_v a_o wife_n of_o their_o own_o he_o count_v some_o sin_n small_a and_o venial_a not_o deserve_v hell_n fire_n and_o no_o sin_n so_o gross_a but_o that_o for_o money_n he_o can_v pardon_v it_o and_o he_o can_v dispense_v with_o incest_n divorce_n at_o his_o pleasure_n discharge_n man_n of_o their_o oath_n and_o absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n etc._n etc._n by_o mean_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v the_o procurer_n and_o author_n of_o infinite_a treason_n rebellion_n assassinate_n poison_n bloodshed_n of_o many_o thousand_o murder_n of_o prince_n and_o potentate_n and_o other_o the_o like_a villainy_n in_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n the_o second_o note_n follow_v he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o perdition_n wherein_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v such_o a_o other_o as_o judas_n be_v and_o sure_o judas_n may_v well_o be_v a_o emblem_n to_o represent_v the_o nature_n disposition_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o most_o part_n judas_n be_v a_o covetous_a wretch_n and_o grudge_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v go_v beside_o his_o bag_n so_o be_v the_o pope_n judas_n seek_v all_o mean_n to_o betray_v christ_n so_o do_v the_o pope_n in_o his_o member_n judas_n though_o christ_n convince_v his_o conscience_n of_o the_o vileness_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o denounce_v such_o a_o woe_n against_o he_o as_o may_v just_o have_v terrify_v he_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o hold_v on_o his_o wicked_a purpose_n so_o do_v the_o pope_n judas_n in_o word_n and_o ceremonial_a compliment_n most_o honour_a christ_n when_o he_o betray_v he_o so_o do_v the_o pope_n judas_n come_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n so_o have_v the_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o judas_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o of_o his_o own_o perdition_n so_o be_v the_o pope_n none_o live_v more_o like_a man_n ordain_v to_o destruction_n than_o they_o 3._o the_o antichrist_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o oppose_v himself_o against_o and_o lift_v himself_o up_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n the_o scripture_n give_v this_o title_n not_o to_o god_n himself_o only_o but_o to_o angel_n also_o psal_n
we_o and_o all_o other_o that_o aught_o we_o not_o only_o to_o wish_v to_o ourselves_o but_o by_o all_o mean_v earnest_o strive_v and_o endeavour_v to_o compass_v let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o follow_v those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o peace_n and_o eschew_v so_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v all_o occasion_n and_o mean_n of_o contention_n and_o strife_n and_o hate_v as_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n all_o make-bates_a raiser_n and_o kindler_n of_o contention_n and_o strife_n he_o wish_v they_o further_o all_o manner_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v peace_n &_o quietness_n in_o church_n &_o state_n at_o home_o &_o abroad_o in_o heaven_n above_o and_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n here_o peace_n civil_a peace_n domestic_a peace_n spiritual_a peace_n with_o man_n with_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o angel_n with_o god_n and_o that_o continual_a too_o that_o be_v sure_a firm_a sound_a never-ceasing_a we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o follow_v peace_n not_o with_o this_o or_o that_o man_n alone_o or_o at_o this_o or_o that_o time_n alone_o but_o always_o with_o all_o man_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n here_o wish_v the_o like_a as_o well_o to_o other_o as_o to_o ourselves_o now_o this_o peace_n he_o wish_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o peace_n wherein_o he_o teach_v 1._o that_o such_o peace_n issue_v only_o from_o god_n and_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o on_o he_o it_o depend_v and_o without_o he_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o have_v it_o 2._o that_o no_o peace_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v but_o that_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o especial_o to_o be_v refuse_v as_o be_v contrary_n to_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o accurse_a peace_n that_o be_v get_v by_o fight_v against_o god_n it_o be_v no_o peace_n but_o a_o curse_a conspiracy_n &_o war_n against_o god_n 3._o that_o peace_n among_o christian_n be_v a_o special_a work_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o be_v great_a praise_n due_a unto_o he_o and_o by_o prosecute_a &_o maintain_v it_o we_o honour_v he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o all_o the_o second_o good_a that_o he_o wish_v they_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o all_o that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v be_v present_a with_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o manifest_v this_o his_o presence_n by_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o heavenly_a grace_n now_o out_o of_o the_o connexion_n of_o this_o with_o the_o former_a whereof_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o learn_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a and_o sound_a peace_n but_o among_o those_o with_o who_o god_n be_v he_o by_o his_o presence_n in_o house_n church_n and_o state_n work_v this_o peace_n and_o where_o this_o peace_n be_v there_o be_v god_n himself_o in_o special_a manner_n present_a with_o that_o society_n &_o a_o member_n in_o some_o manner_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o this_o peace_n be_v not_o some_o evil_a spirit_n reign_v in_o that_o society_n and_o be_v with_o that_o house_n church_n town_n or_o state_n will_v we_o then_o have_v god_n to_o be_v and_o abide_v with_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v our_o society_n with_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o knit_v we_o fast_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n let_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o and_o let_v we_o account_v it_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o can_v be_v for_o god_n to_o be_v with_o we_o and_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v be_v for_o he_o not_o to_o be_v with_o us._n vers._n 17._o the_o salutation_n of_o i_o paul_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n which_o be_v a_o token_n in_o every_o epistle_n so_o i_o write_v here_o follow_v the_o postscript_n annex_v to_o the_o former_a wherein_o he_o give_v this_o church_n a_o certain_a token_n or_o sign_n whereby_o they_o may_v know_v that_o this_o epistle_n be_v his_o own_o and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o forge_a and_o counterfeit_a one_o wherein_o 1._o observe_v the_o fraud_n and_o impudence_n of_o satan_n who_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n own_o time_n attempt_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n bastardly_a and_o counterfeit_a write_n as_o apostolical_a that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v corrupt_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n 2._o it_o concern_v we_o much_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n for_o albeit_o that_o other_o man_n shall_v write_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v yet_o will_v not_o their_o write_n be_v of_o the_o like_a use_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o they_o be_v will_v we_o then_o have_v our_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o weight_n with_o god_n people_n let_v we_o give_v they_o some_o sign_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v apostolical_a and_o not_o a_o humane_a device_n let_v they_o see_v how_o it_o be_v deduce_v and_o derive_v from_o their_o spring_n and_o have_v consonance_n and_o agreement_n with_o they_o the_o sign_n he_o give_v they_o be_v the_o write_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o salutation_n that_o be_v ordinary_a with_o he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o paul_n oft_o as_o well_o he_o may_v make_v use_v of_o other_o man_n hand_n in_o write_v of_o his_o epistle_n himself_o only_o dictate_v to_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v because_o he_o have_v not_o so_o plain_a or_o so_o fair_a a_o hand_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o purpose_n or_o it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v give_v a_o more_o evident_a proof_n that_o what_o he_o deliver_v proceed_v from_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o transcribe_v by_o he_o from_o some_o other_o vers._n 18._o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amen_n this_o be_v that_o usual_a salutation_n of_o paul_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o use_v the_o help_n of_o other_o for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o rest_n wherein_o under_o the_o term_n of_o grace_n he_o comprehend_v and_o consequent_o wish_v unto_o they_o all_o effectual_a mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o flow_v from_o christ._n for_o to_o wish_v unto_o any_o the_o grace_n of_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o wish_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v 〈…〉_z make_v a_o christian_a man_n eternal_o happy_a 〈…〉_z then_o be_v the_o upshot_n and_o the_o utmost_a aime_fw-fr 〈…〉_z christian_n desire_n to_o desire_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n 〈…〉_z it_o will_v bring_v with_o it_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a hap_a 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o in_o vain_a expect_v or_o hope_v we_o for_o unless_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o we_o become_v his_o servant_n the_o word_n amen_o signify_v not_o only_o his_o sincere_a desire_n that_o what_o he_o wish_v unto_o they_o may_v according_o befall_v they_o but_o his_o faith_n also_o and_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v certain_o enjoy_v it_o which_o mind_n let_v we_o bear_v also_o towards_o all_o those_o who_o we_o see_v to_o be_v well_o give_v and_o to_o embrace_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n finis_fw-la ruth_n 2.20_o hebr._n 6.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dan._n 12.3_o 12.3_o zach._n 1.5_o 6._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o tim._n 2.9_o 2.9_o svo_fw-la sibi_fw-la suceâ—_n uâ—uont_n ros_fw-fr si_fw-fr nâ—_n cadit_fw-la plaut_n capt._n scen._n 1._o 1._o sirrah_n 46.20_o 46.20_o h._n northampt_v of_o prophecy_n chytraeus_n sirâ—gel_n in_o sirac_n &_o alij_fw-la alij_fw-la hebr._n 11.4_o 11.4_o 2._o king_n 13.21_o 13.21_o 2._o chr._n 21.12_o 21.12_o 2_o king_n 2.11_o 2.11_o 2._o pet._n 1_o 15._o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n tit._n 1.10_o luc._n 21.36_o pro._n 16.14_o &_o 19.12_o seneca_n ephes._n 2.12_o act._n 15.9_o jam._n 2._o â—4_n 18_o câ—l_n 2.20.21.22.23.16_o mat._n 15.9_o jam._n 5.16_o jam._n 1.26_o &_o 2.14.18_o act_n 26_o 29._o act._n 7._o bellarm._n de_fw-fr pont._n rom._n l._n 3._o c._n 2._o ambrose_n sedulius_n primasius_n hebr._n 6_o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d luk._n 18.8_o rhem._n on_o 1._o thess._n 2._o domin_n à _fw-fr soto_n in_o sent._n l._n 4._o do_v 46._o q._n 1._o art_n 1._o catharin_n in_o 2._o thess._n 2._o chrysost._n in_o 1._o cor._n 14._o hom_n 36._o 〈◊〉_d ad_fw-la ciâ—rum_fw-la in_o 〈…〉_z cornelius_n ditontinuâ—_n act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30_o math._n 23.15_o 2._o thess._n 3.6_o joh._n 17.12_o apoc._n 9.11_o clement_n 6._o luk._n 11_o 1._o it_o be_v 1.1_o act._n 13._o â—8_o philâ—p_n 2.11_o so_o 1_o 〈◊〉_d â—_o 13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d see_v 1_o cor._n 5.6_o 11._o act._n 3._o 1._o tim._n 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d