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 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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 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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 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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 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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
may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v hâ—m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n fâ—om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o manâ—r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n fâ—r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n â—o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o purpose_n of_o s._n john_n who_o do_v therefore_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v that_o shall_v hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n with_o conscience_n to_o keep_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o do_v it_o with_o delight_n second_o we_o be_v hereby_o admonish_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n that_o place_n before_o name_v be_v most_o excellent_a search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o iâ—_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n â—_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n iâ—_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o taâ—es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
jew_n though_o their_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n be_v both_o heretic_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o live_v among_o they_o and_o behold_v their_o wicked_a conversation_n we_o must_v not_o approve_v of_o their_o ungodliness_n but_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o same_o as_o righteous_a lot_n be_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o sodom_n 2._o pet._n 2.7_o further_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o evil_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n we_o must_v not_o for_o their_o company_n refuse_v to_o communicate_v for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n live_v among_o the_o jew_n communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sacrament_n and_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v notorious_a both_o for_o wicked_a life_n and_o false_a doctrine_n the_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o another_o man_n evil_a conscience_n do_v not_o defile_v our_o good_a conscience_n but_o we_o may_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o that_o action_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a be_v defile_v now_o though_o we_o may_v thus_o converse_v with_o evil_a man_n yet_o these_o two_o caveat_n must_v be_v observe_v i._o to_o have_v no_o private_a company_n with_o know_v and_o open_a evil_a person_n this_o paul_n express_o forbid_v say_v i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o 1â—_n that_o you_o company_n not_o together_o that_o be_v in_o private_a and_o familiar_a manner_n ii_o we_o must_v not_o show_v special_a familiaritâ—â—_n to_o evil_a person_n god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o hand_n job._n 8.20_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v if_o any_o man_n come_v unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n 2._o john_n 9_o which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o special_a familiarity_n for_o thereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o perform_v outward_a duty_n to_o the_o person_n but_o also_o give_v countenance_n to_o their_o sin_n which_o in_o any_o case_n we_o must_v not_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o to_o converse_v with_o evil_a man_n hereby_o all_o those_o be_v just_o blame_v which_o fit_a themselves_o for_o the_o humour_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o company_n use_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v if_o any_o be_v know_v to_o be_v open_o wicked_a either_o for_o life_n or_o opinion_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v private_a company_n with_o they_o or_o afford_v they_o our_o special_a familiarity_n but_o by_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o they_o case_v we_o of_o such_o burden_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v commend_v this_o church_n for_o her_o severity_n against_o the_o wicked_a in_o that_o she_o can_v not_o endure_v they_o do_v prove_v the_o same_o to_o be_v true_a by_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o verse_n the_o second_o in_o the_o six_o verse_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o sharp_a and_o round_o deal_n of_o this_o church_n against_o evil_a man_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o her_o discovery_n of_o false_a apostle_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n second_o her_o oppose_a herself_o against_o they_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o discovery_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n note_v two_o special_a point_n first_o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o particular_a church_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v this_o appear_v by_o sundry_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n 1._o cor._n 2.15_o the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o be_v be_v which_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n holy_a spirit_n discern_v all_o thing_n and_o paul_n 11.29_o assume_v that_o the_o faithful_a corinthian_n do_v discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v see_v and_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o that_o sacrament_n and_o other_o common_a bread_n &_o wine_n which_o none_o that_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v do_v again_o he_o bid_v they_o 13.5_o prove_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o they_o do_v know_v their_o own_o estate_n whether_o they_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n or_o under_o grace_n and_o s._n john_n bid_v the_o church_n to_o 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v those_o doctrine_n which_o man_n pretend_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v and_o in_o this_o place_n this_o church_n discover_v of_o false_a apostle_n declare_v plain_o that_o she_o have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v who_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v his_o church_n and_o who_o not_o and_o hence_o the_o godly_a learned_a in_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a heb._n 5.14_o and_o in_o this_o regard_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o company_n of_o man_n for_o unless_o man_n be_v of_o god_n church_n they_o want_v this_o gift_n of_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o differ_v as_o true_a apostle_n and_o false_a good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o which_o be_v not_o use_n for_o the_o church_n can_v discern_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a apostle_n or_o not_o and_o by_o the_o same_o gift_n it_o may_v discern_v the_o state_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n whence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o it_o please_v some_o to_o call_v it_o into_o question_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v and_o they_o avouch_v that_o it_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n no_o true_a preach_n or_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n with_o we_o be_v illusion_n of_o satan_n and_o our_o church_n his_o synagogue_n but_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o germany_n france_n scotland_n and_o italy_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v not_o now_o they_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o we_o and_o reverence_v our_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o who_o testimony_n we_o must_v rather_o cleave_v than_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o so_o resolve_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v scripture_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o scripture_n the_o papist_n say_v the_o church_n indeed_o have_v this_o gift_n but_o it_o be_v by_o counsel_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a forgery_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o can_v discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n can_v no_o doubt_n by_o the_o same_o gift_n discern_v of_o the_o bookeâ—_n of_o god_n and_o that_o without_o counsel_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o at_o this_o time_n when_o john_n write_v it_o be_v a_o more_o famous_a church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o go_v not_o thither_o for_o counsel_n ii_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discern_a of_o false_a apostle_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o judicial_a action_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n here_o note_v first_o in_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o in_o condemnation_n afterward_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o their_o condemn_a or_o sentence_n give_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n for_o the_o first_o examination_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o be_v here_o use_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o false_a apostle_n que._n how_o may_v any_o church_n try_v a_o false_a teacher_n answ._n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o large_a discourse_n but_o the_o head_n of_o true_a examination_n be_v these_o first_o that_o church_n or_o that_o man_n that_o will_v right_o examine_v a_o false_a teacher_n must_v prepare_v himself_o thereunto_o after_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v look_v that_o he_o have_v a_o meek_a spirit_n and_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n
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
gospel_n when_o he_o preach_v god_n word_n be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a witness_n sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n first_o they_o must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o before_o all_o testimony_n of_o man_n in_o the_o office_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o christ_n to_o 4.34_o teach_v his_o father_n will_n eleazar_n abraham_n elder_a servant_n show_v his_o fidelity_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o have_v do_v his_o master_n message_n gen._n 24.33_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v special_a care_n of_o that_o weighty_a message_n commit_v unto_o they_o second_o they_o must_v testify_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v matter_n of_o salvation_n as_o faith_n obedience_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n among_o man_n we_o count_v he_o a_o faithful_a witness_n which_o testify_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o his_o church_n herein_o paul_n clear_v himself_o 27._o that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n blood_n see_v he_o deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o keep_v nothing_o back_o three_o he_o must_v neither_o add_v unto_o or_o take_v away_o much_o less_o in_o any_o case_n deprave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o false_a prophet_n teach_v some_o truth_n but_o withal_o they_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o or_o detract_v from_o god_n truth_n something_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v thing_n concern_v moral_a virtue_n handle_v sound_o but_o come_v to_o justification_n and_o thereto_o they_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o man_n work_n &_o so_o they_o deal_v with_o faith_n and_o repentance_n matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o take_v away_o one_o part_n and_o add_v another_o to_o the_o scripture_n they_o hold_v the_o creed_n in_o word_n yet_o in_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o same_o as_o by_o their_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v &_o so_o show_v themselves_o false_a witness_n four_o a_o faithful_a witness_n must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o best_o beseem_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o best_a approve_v that_o be_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a and_o familiar_a kind_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v touch_v &_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v edify_v when_o the_o word_n be_v otherwise_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n or_o for_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n or_o much_o read_n though_o nothing_o be_v say_v but_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o that_o so_o dispense_v it_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a witness_n because_o he_o corrupt_v the_o word_n by_o his_o vain_a delivery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n in_o many_o minister_n who_o teach_v the_o truth_n indeed_o but_o yet_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o seek_v themselves_o and_o not_o god_n glory_n respect_v little_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o simple_a so_o themselves_o may_v be_v famous_a for_o wit_n eloquence_n and_o learning_n but_o these_o man_n make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n like_v to_o huxter_n that_o by_o starch_v blow_v and_o spice_v set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o their_o ware_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o will_v banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o our_o land_n unless_o it_o be_v reform_v second_o this_o title_n of_o christ_n that_o faithful_a witness_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o the_o damnable_a practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n for_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o his_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o 5.10_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o not_o do_v make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o a_o liar_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o horrible_a &_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n for_o when_o the_o law_n be_v apply_v who_o be_v afraid_a and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v yet_o who_o believe_v our_o report_n god_n minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o little_a child_n we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v this_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o man_n be_v not_o move_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o this_o fearful_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n this_o therefore_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o ourselves_o the_o heinousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v strive_v against_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o word_n into_o our_o heart_n tremble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o each_o part_n thereof_o may_v have_v his_o perfect_a work_n in_o we_o for_o which_o end_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o among_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o burn_a lake_n unbeliever_n be_v set_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n revel_v 21._o vers_fw-la 8._o three_o see_v christ_n jesus_n be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o man_n conscience_n in_o particular_a of_o their_o salvation_n we_o learn_v that_o every_o one_o which_o profess_v himself_o to_o repent_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o election_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o he_o particular_o and_o though_o this_o be_v against_o all_o humane_a sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v a_o faithful_a witness_n avouch_v the_o same_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o testimony_n for_o by_o unbelief_n we_o great_o dishonour_v our_o witness_n bearer_n by_o deny_v truth_n unto_o his_o record_n here_o than_o we_o see_v it_o it_o no_o presumption_n as_o the_o papist_n say_v to_o believe_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o particular_a nay_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n in_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v christ_n a_o most_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hereto_o also_o serve_v the_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o seal_v up_o unto_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n the_o minister_n give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o they_o that_o true_o repent_v be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v believe_v thou_o and_o life_n eternal_a belong_v to_o thou_o and_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o second_o office_n of_o christ_n namely_o his_o priesthood_n the_o principal_a action_n whereof_o stand_v in_o die_v in_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n and_o here_o s._n john_n allude_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o family_n among_o the_o jew_n compare_v christ_n to_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o as_o among_o they_o he_o which_o be_v first_o bear_v and_o elder_a of_o the_o family_n have_v many_o privilege_n and_o preeminence_n above_o his_o brethren_n as_o lordship_n right_a of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o double_a portion_n etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n he_o have_v his_o privilege_n yea_o even_a christ_n crucify_v he_o have_v his_o prerogative_n among_o the_o dead_a above_o all_o that_o be_v dead_a so_o paul_n expound_v this_o title_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o beginning_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n coloss._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n dead_a and_o bury_v among_o all_o the_o dead_a be_v two_o first_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o so_o to_o glory_v some_o indeed_o have_v rise_v before_o christ_n from_o natural_a death_n to_o natural_a life_n as_o lazarus_n but_o it_o be_v to_o die_v again_o and_o moses_n and_o elias_n assume_v their_o body_n in_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n but_o yet_o they_o lay_v they_o down_o again_o to_o the_o former_a misery_n of_o corruption_n for_o a_o time_n but_o christ_n jesus_n rosâ—_n from_o death_n to_o life_n eternal_a never_o to_o die_v again_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o step_n into_o his_o glory_n second_o that_o by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o raise_v up_o
reveal_v his_o will_n not_o to_o the_o proud_a but_o to_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o as_o isaiah_n say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n isay._n 57.15_o and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o a_o man_n must_v renounce_v his_o own_o natural_a wit_n and_o reason_n and_o become_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o even_o a_o fool_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o conceit_n also_o he_o must_v unfeigned_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o truth_n ask_v say_v christ_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o even_o 11.13_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o they_o that_o desire_v of_o the_o father_n and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n which_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o second_o after_o preparation_n he_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v thorough_o what_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v and_o what_o be_v theiâ—_n opinion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n maintain_v by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a oversight_n to_o misconceive_v the_o state_n of_o the_o adversary_n question_n by_o propound_v it_o otherwise_o than_o they_o hold_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o many_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o controversy_n three_o due_a proof_n must_v be_v make_v whether_o the_o adversary_n doctrine_n be_v of_o man_n or_o of_o god_n this_o be_v god_n commandment_n 1._o john_n 4.1_o prove_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o for_o trial_n hereof_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o cause_n isa._n 8._o vers_fw-la 20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o look_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o who_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o he_o do_v in_o his_o write_a word_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n the_o scripture_n show_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n examine_v be_v direct_o gather_v thence_o and_o by_o just_a consequent_a or_o not_o four_o serious_a consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o live_v of_o the_o teacher_n examine_v for_o a_o false_a teacher_n by_o god_n just_a judgement_n be_v usual_o a_o wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v 1â—_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o examine_v such_o they_o will_v appear_v howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o famous_a heretic_n do_v plain_o declare_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o discovery_n be_v sentence_n give_v in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n the_o church_n here_o give_v out_o a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a sentence_n against_o they_o she_o call_v they_o false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n and_o yet_o she_o sin_v not_o for_o christ_n commend_v she_o for_o it_o though_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_n can_v beseem_v any_o yet_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o place_n may_v give_v ouâ—_n severe_a speech_n against_o offender_n in_o token_n of_o detestation_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o offend_v thus_o john_n call_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n a_o generation_n of_o viper_n matth._n 3.7_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n luk._n 13.32_o and_o paul_n call_v the_o galatian_n fool_n gal._n 3.1_o and_o in_o this_o place_n the_o church_n call_v these_o false_a teacher_n liar_n which_o be_v very_o much_o for_o therein_o she_o accuse_v they_o of_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o teach_v that_o which_o be_v false_a indeed_o second_o that_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n with_o intent_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n in_o this_o discovery_n use_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o just_a accomplishment_n of_o paul_n prophecy_n acts._n 20.29_o 30._o namely_o that_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o among_o the_o ephesian_n grievous_a wolf_n and_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n and_o such_o be_v these_o false_a apostle_n who_o after_o examination_n be_v find_v liar_n again_o see_v in_o the_o day_n of_o this_o apostle_n john_n man_n dare_v presume_v to_o claim_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o do_v challenge_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v peter_n successor_n and_o to_o have_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o dare_v now_o avouch_v some_o book_n to_o be_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o as_o also_o bring_v in_o their_o tradition_n &_o unwritten_a verity_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o obey_v equal_o with_o god_n word_n verse_n 3._o thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v here_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v how_o this_o minister_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o false_a teacher_n after_o their_o discovery_n the_o manner_n we_o shall_v see_v in_o handle_v the_o point_n particular_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n thou_o have_v suffer_v or_o thou_o have_v bear_v a_o burden_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o be_v press_v down_o under_o a_o great_a burden_n this_o burden_n be_v the_o trouble_n which_o false_a apostle_n bring_v upon_o they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v partly_o by_o open_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n partly_o by_o the_o spread_a of_o their_o heretical_a and_o schismatical_a doctrine_n these_o false_a teacher_n be_v ebion_n cerinthus_n martion_n and_o such_o like_a who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n trouble_v this_o church_n as_o history_n do_v show_v here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o the_o best_a church_n shall_v be_v trouble_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o heretical_a teacher_n who_o both_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o persecution_n become_v grievous_a burden_n this_o the_o lord_n permit_v for_o weighty_a cause_n i._o that_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v excite_v more_o constant_o to_o embrace_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o jude_n 3._o most_o worthy_o exhort_v the_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n to_o fight_v for_o the_o common_a faith_n ii_o that_o professor_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o sound_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o not_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o it_o be_v â—ette_v say_v paul_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o approve_a may_v â—ee_n know_v iii_o that_o god_n may_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n reveal_v unto_o they_o 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11._o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o strange_a illusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n for_o many_o know_v the_o word_n that_o love_v it_o not_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o common_a scandal_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v use_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o lord_n wheat_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o evil_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o offence_n that_o hereby_o we_o be_v rather_o provoke_v with_o more_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v religion_n and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n have_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o deal_n of_o this_o church_n against_o these_o false_a apostle_n in_o all_o their_o persecution_n but_o first_o note_v the_o coherence_n of_o this_o virtue_n with_o the_o former_a thou_o have_v suffer_v trouble_n and_o have_v have_v patience_n quest._n how_o can_v these_o stand_v together_o it_o be_v against_o man_n nature_n in_o trouble_n to_o be_v patient_a for_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n make_v man_n discontent_n and_o to_o fret_v against_o god_n and_o man_n answ._n they_o stand_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 4._o tribulation_n bring_v forth_o patience_n namely_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o to_o they_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o their_o trouble_n shed_v
yet_o he_o be_v seven_o that_o be_v manifold_a in_o regard_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o second_o saint_n john_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o see_v they_o in_o vision_n for_o here_o he_o set_v down_o one_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v now_o he_o behold_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o form_n of_o seven_o light_n in_o a_o vision_n revel_v 4.5_o which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n this_o he_o speak_v by_o comparison_n take_v from_o earthly_a king_n which_o sit_v in_o their_o throne_n do_v there_o show_v their_o glory_n and_o majesty_n so_o s._n john_n see_v in_o vision_n god_n the_o father_n sit_v in_o his_o throne_n and_o christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o before_o the_o throne_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manner_n of_o appearance_n prove_v not_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o son_n but_o hereby_o be_v express_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o iâ—_n to_o be_v send_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n to_o the_o church_n to_o enlighten_v the_o member_n thereof_o this_o they_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n that_o be_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v with_o you_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n who_o from_o they_o both_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o enlighten_v to_o sanctify_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o member_n thereof_o first_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n use_n for_o look_v from_o who_o come_v grace_n and_o peace_n that_o same_o be_v very_a god_n but_o here_o grace_n &_o peace_n proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v very_a god_n second_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o by_o who_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v give_v to_o he_o we_o may_v direct_v our_o prayer_n but_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o he_o for_o they_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v observe_v because_o there_o be_v some_o which_o doubt_n whether_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bâ—t_o they_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n they_o say_v we_o have_v no_o example_n hereof_o in_o scripture_n ans._n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o in_o this_o benediction_n john_n pray_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v grace_n be_v wiâ—h_v you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o substance_n it_o be_v as_o much_o â—s_n if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o thy_o grace_n and_o peace_n o_o father_n and_o thy_o grace_n and_o peace_n o_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thou_o o_o son_n be_v with_o thy_o church_n three_o in_o this_o description_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o person_n subsist_v and_o not_o a_o quality_n some_o heretic_n that_o acknowledge_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n deny_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v hold_v that_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o father_n but_o this_o be_v most_o false_a for_o aâ—_n the_o father_n be_v a_o substance_n fit_v upon_o the_o throne_n so_o here_o we_o see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o substance_n stand_v before_o the_o throne_n four_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n for_o he_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o throne_n as_o do_v the_o father_n nor_o sit_v at_o the_o father_n right_a hand_n as_o do_v the_o son_n but_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n apart_o from_o they_o both_o verse_n 5._o 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 son_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o be_v grace_n and_o peace_n from_o jesus_n christ._n where_o christ_n jesus_n be_v join_v with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o bestow_v grace_n and_o peace_n on_o his_o church_n here_o some_o may_v ask_v why_o be_v christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n place_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o personâ—_n answer_n for_o 〈◊〉_d cause_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o office_n for_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n second_o as_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n he_o be_v the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n and_o so_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n so_o he_o be_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v where_o christ_n confess_v himself_o to_o be_v senâ—_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o be_v set_v after_o he_o second_o he_o be_v place_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o fit_a progress_n of_o the_o history_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o which_o pen_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o set_v they_o in_o the_o last_o place_n of_o who_o they_o mean_v to_o speak_v most_o as_o matth._n 1._o the_o evangelist_n set_v down_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n from_o abraham_n though_o among_o they_o all_o be_v none_o so_o excellent_a as_o christ_n yet_o place_v he_o the_o last_o because_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n so_o john_n place_v christ_n the_o last_o because_o he_o purpose_v to_o make_v a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o can_v not_o so_o fit_o have_v bring_v in_o if_o he_o have_v place_v he_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o this_o five_o verse_n till_o the_o nine_o he_o describe_v christ_n at_o large_a first_o by_o his_o office_n second_o by_o the_o execution_n thereof_o his_o office_n be_v three_o first_o his_o prophetical_a office_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n second_o his_o priestly_a office_n the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a three_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o that_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o execution_n of_o all_o his_o office_n be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o forth_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n touch_v his_o office_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n we_o may_v note_v three_o thing_n first_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n second_o a_o faithful_a witness_n three_o that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n isay._n 55.4_o i_o give_v he_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o nation_n by_o his_o witness_n â—earing_v be_v signify_v two_o duty_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n first_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o his_o church_n second_o to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o same_o &_o in_o these_o two_o stand_v his_o whole_a office_n prophetical_a for_o the_o first_o to_o reveal_v his_o father_n will_n to_o the_o church_n immediate_o be_v his_o office_n as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o none_o have_v see_v god_n but_o he_o which_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1.18_o now_o christ_n declare_v the_o father_n by_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n but_o from_o the_o begin_n by_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o will_v do_v to_o the_o end_n by_o all_o true_a preacher_n for_o in_o the_o church_n the_o father_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o son_n when_o the_o lord_n rain_v fire_n on_o sodom_n gen._n 19.24_o there_o jehovah_n the_o father_n rain_v down_o by_o jehovah_n the_o son_n so_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n it_o be_v make_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n it_o be_v renew_a to_o noah_n abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n for_o that_o jehovah_n which_o appear_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n exod._n 3._o be_v by_o s._n paul_n call_v christ._n 1._o cor._n 10._o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n write_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o christ_n they_o be_v but_o his_o instrument_n to_o speak_v and_o
write_v that_o he_o put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o come_v from_o christ._n nay_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n this_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o give_v the_o disciple_n understanding_n 24._o as_o they_o go_v unto_o emaus_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n be_v to_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o father_n will_n this_o certificate_n be_v two_o fold_n general_a or_o particular_a general_a when_o he_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n that_o the_o word_n write_v or_o speak_v by_o man_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o nature_n nor_o learning_n can_v do_v this_o but_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n and_o for_o this_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 16.13_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v god_n will_v unto_o they_o and_o assure_v their_o heart_n that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a unto_o this_o assurance_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v the_o outward_a mean_n which_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o a_o inward_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a to_o wit_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o this_o doctrine_n three_o point_n be_v resolve_v first_o use_n this_o demand_n of_o the_o papist_n how_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n read_v and_o teach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n we_o must_v here_o have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v enlighten_v and_o make_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v it_o of_o himself_o second_o we_o must_v have_v christ_n his_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o in_o they_o he_o set_v down_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o christ_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n why_o do_v not_o alâ—_n man_n know_v this_o testimony_n and_o receive_v it_o i_o answer_v the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n before_o a_o man_n face_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o cause_v he_o to_o see_v unless_o he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o gift_n and_o sense_n of_o see_v even_o so_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v in_o god_n word_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n that_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v have_v in_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o testimony_n to_o his_o conscience_n and_o then_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o mark_v the_o manner_n and_o style_n the_o majesty_n and_o power_n thereof_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v in_o every_o sentence_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n assure_v his_o conscience_n that_o the_o same_o be_v undoubted_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o second_o doubt_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n know_v the_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o turk_n papist_n jew_n and_o protestant_n have_v their_o several_a religion_n and_o die_v in_o they_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o look_v whereto_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n that_o we_o must_v hold_v for_o true_a religion_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o testimony_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o in_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o not_o the_o religion_n of_o jew_n turk_n or_o papist_n a_o three_o doubt_n to_o be_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v how_o to_o know_v the_o particular_a truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o sundry_a man_n profess_v the_o same_o religion_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n answ._n still_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o mark_v they_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o judgement_n quest._n but_o if_o there_o be_v diverse_a opinion_n about_o scripture_n itself_o and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o several_a sense_n unto_o it_o who_o must_v then_o be_v judge_n answ._n in_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n yea_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v still_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n alone_o for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o diverse_a exposition_n of_o one_o place_n yet_o by_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o confer_v it_o with_o other_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n expound_v himself_o the_o particular_a certificate_n of_o christ_n belong_v also_o to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o assure_v man_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n therein_o contain_v as_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a which_o in_o the_o word_n be_v general_o expound_v do_v belong_v unto_o they_o particular_o as_o to_o peter_n to_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o assurance_n as_o the_o former_a be_v principal_o wrought_v by_o the_o word_n not_o bare_o read_v but_o preach_v for_o therein_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o general_a promise_n be_v particular_o apply_v this_o paul_n import_v say_v you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o testify_v with_o our_o spirit_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n use_n and_o of_o all_o other_o which_o hold_v that_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o faith_n be_v wicked_a and_o damnable_a for_o hereby_o they_o cut_v off_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n wherein_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o do_v consist_v that_o be_v to_o assure_v a_o man_n particular_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o he_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v witness_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v only_o outward_o to_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o can_v speak_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o conscience_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o they_o certify_v any_o man_n particular_o though_o their_o ministry_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n second_o observe_v christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o so_o he_o be_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o testify_v not_o his_o own_o will_n but_o he_o which_o send_v he_o namely_o his_o father_n john_n 8.26_o second_o he_o testify_v all_o his_o father_n will_n neither_o add_v thereto_o nor_o detract_n from_o it_o john_n 17.4_o three_o because_o he_o teach_v his_o father_n will_v sincere_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o alter_v change_a or_o deprave_v any_o part_n thereof_o as_o my_o father_n teach_v i_o so_o i_o speak_v these_o thing_n john_n 8.28_o three_o christ_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o witness_n the_o lord_n have_v sundry_a faithful_a witness_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n the_o church_n nay_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n psalm_n 89.37_o but_o christ_n alone_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o because_o his_o witness_n be_v 8.14_o authentical_a sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o authentical_a and_o certain_a but_o as_o it_o consent_v with_o christ_n witness_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n second_o he_o be_v that_o witness_n because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o that_o house_n whereto_o he_o give_v witness_n namely_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v but_o servant_n there_o hebr._fw-la 5.5_o 6._o three_o christ_n his_o witness_n be_v inward_a it_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o there_o give_v undoubted_a assurance_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v outward_a only_a it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n it_o never_o bind_v and_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o itself_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o he_o be_v call_v here_o that_o faithful_a witness_n use_n first_o whereas_o christ_n the_o doctor_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n we_o learn_v that_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v faithful_a witness_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o