and_o some_o other_o of_o suspect_a credit_n and_o of_o obscure_a note_n as_o dorotheus_n dionysius_n eusebius_n caius_n do_v oppugn_v it_o yet_o epiphanius_n be_v so_o passionate_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v they_o among_o heretic_n that_o do_v reject_v it_o and_o justin_n martyr_n and_o ireneus_fw-la of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o of_o singular_a piety_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v this_o book_n as_o canonical_a but_o write_v commentary_n on_o it_o 2._o whatsoever_o that_o caius_n be_v that_o father_n the_o apocalypse_v on_o cerinthus_n on_o who_o report_n all_o his_o follower_n be_v mislead_v yet_o the_o relation_n itself_o hold_v not_o any_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n for_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o write_v very_o large_o of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o his_o successor_n yet_o never_o mention_n that_o he_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o chiliasme_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v 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but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a strong_o confirm_v in_o many_o place_n thereof_o as_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n thereon_o will_v manifest_v and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o cerinthus_n hold_v and_o expect_v a_o riotous_a and_o luxuriant_a millenary_a which_o be_v now_o disprove_v yet_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n thereof_o but_o of_o a_o millenary_a of_o rest_n and_o joy_n in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n then_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v on_o earth_n heretofore_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o earthly_a sensual_a reign_n and_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n saint_n may_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o spiritualised_a and_o heavenly_a one_o which_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o suspect_v 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church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o expression_n thereof_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o that_o be_v not_o strange_a in_o prophetical_a writing_n as_o in_o daniel_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o set_v we_o on_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o overslip_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o their_o appoint_a time_n of_o discovery_n that_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o three_o dionysius_n aforesaid_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n reason_n very_o slight_o against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o cast_v up_o so_o oft_o his_o own_o name_n since_o in_o his_o gospel_n he_o never_o name_v himself_o but_o only_o point_v it_o out_o by_o some_o modest_a mark_n as_o these_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n in_o his_o vision_n and_o conference_n with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o do_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o word_n i_o john_n this_o reason_n move_v dionysius_n to_o think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v rather_o set_v out_o by_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n then_o by_o himself_o i_o answer_v this_o opposition_n be_v but_o weak_a for_o he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n or_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v mix_v of_o both_o he_o need_v not_o often_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o depend_v on_o its_o present_a verity_n and_o other_o apparent_a circumstance_n witness_v unto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o miracle_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o writer_n of_o prophecy_n for_o that_o receive_v authority_n by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o in_o every_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v we_o must_v inquire_v first_o who_o reveal_v it_o and_o then_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o to_o have_v divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o who_o will_v give_v credence_n or_o faith_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n or_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o see_v they_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n how_o oft_o do_v he_o repeat_v these_o word_n isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n and_o in_o daniel_n prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o name_n more_o than_o threescore_o time_n repeat_v yea_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o daniel_n about_o nine_o time_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o paul_n when_o his_o apostleship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o some_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o ministry_n how_o often_o shall_v you_o read_v i_o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v strange_a when_o john_n mention_n not_o his_o name_n above_o five_o time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o with_o that_o modesty_n that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n have_v wipe_v off_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v cast_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n on_o these_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v some_o testimony_n for_o that_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o will_n receive_v this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n but_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o from_o without_o or_o second_o within_o the_o say_a book_n those_o from_o without_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n except_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o contest_v among_o some_o violent_a person_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o the_o canon_n the_o counsel_n of_o laodicea_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o council_n of_o toletan_n 5._o cap._n 16._o decree_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n second_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n cyril_n epiphanius_n lactantius_n ireneus_fw-la augustine_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o this_o book_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n in_o their_o writing_n i_o shall_v
shall_v be_v for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n 13.14_o have_v show_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o the_o saint_n for_o 42._o month_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o witness_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n to_o be_v 1260._o day_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v he_o see_v that_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o saint_n mourning_n be_v in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n limit_v and_o prefix_v and_o that_o which_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v testify_v with_o a_o great_a oath_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o several_a period_n and_o appoint_a season_n again_o against_o the_o definite_a demonstration_n of_o the_o last_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n two_o scripture_n offer_v themselves_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o mark_n 13.32_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o his_o second_o come_v but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n the_o other_o be_v that_o of_o the_o act._n 1.7_o wherein_o christ_n answer_v his_o disciple_n question_v will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n so_o the_o objection_n lie_v thus_o if_o no_o man_n no_o not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n know_v the_o last_o day_n but_o that_o time_n and_o season_n be_v leave_v alone_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o father_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o of_o the_o last_o day_n itself_o and_o end_n of_o all_o make_v out_o unto_o john_n in_o this_o revelation_n by_o christ_n himself_o i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o nature_n distinct_a and_o unconfounded_a to_o make_v up_o one_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o the_o property_n of_o each_o nature_n do_v remain_v entire_a unto_o each_o he_o be_v true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v no_o derogation_n at_o all_o unto_o he_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v not_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o so_o of_o the_o last_o day_n but_o to_o affirm_v it_o as_o he_o be_v god_n be_v one_o in_o counsel_n nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v it_o for_o shall_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o handiwork_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o injunction_n or_o command_n of_o his_o father_n on_o he_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o on_o earth_n to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n be_v that_o scripture_n mark_n 10.40_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n to_o sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n or_o his_o left_a be_v not_o he_o to_o give_v yet_o in_o revel_n 3.21_o he_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o he_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n this_o scripture_n give_v a_o fair_a light_n to_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o former_a for_o while_o he_o be_v here_o beneath_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o father_n to_o discover_v time_n and_o season_n nor_o to_o give_v throne_n power_n and_o kingdom_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o saint_n until_o after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o father_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o give_v into_o his_o hand_n by_o right_a of_o purchase_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v clear_o intimate_v in_o the_o revel_n 5.9_o etc._n etc._n when_o none_o be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n than_o the_o 24._o elder_n before_o the_o throne_n sing_v a_o new_a song_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_v thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o thy_o blood_n of_o every_o kindred_n tongue_n people_n and_o nation_n the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n be_v as_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o his_o second_o come_v neither_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o suffer_v nor_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o father_n for_o christ_n unto_o that_o day_n 3._o that_o place_n of_o the_o act_n 1.7_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o disciple_n to_o know_v then_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o meet_a time_n which_o god_n think_v good_a at_o that_o time_n not_o to_o make_v know_v to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n he_o do_v not_o answer_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o de_fw-la tempore_fw-la tempestivo_fw-la of_o the_o opportune_a and_o fit_a time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n do_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o will_v not_o reveal_v unto_o his_o people_n 4._o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o essay_n i_o do_v consider_v the_o time_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o period_n of_o antichrist_n and_o other_o the_o great_a event_n syncronize_a with_o the_o same_o in_o a_o indefinite_a and_o more_o general_a way_n not_o in_o a_o exact_a definite_a precise_a day_n and_o hour_n here_o i_o only_o consider_v the_o year_n in_o a_o more_o general_a way_n which_o now_o the_o father_n have_v not_o reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o other_o book_n of_o god_n last_o account_v it_o as_o labour_v lose_v to_o answer_v the_o vain_a interpretation_n and_o gloss_n of_o the_o allegorise_a and_o chemical_a scripturist_n to_o wit_v the_o familistical_a notionist_n who_o can_v extract_v quidlibet_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la and_o so_o make_v the_o revelation_n indeed_o a_o mystery_n and_o book_n seal_v to_o the_o wise_a christian_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o meddle_v with_o they_o when_o as_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o mystical_a â—_z of_o their_o own_o confuse_a brain_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n for_o indeed_o if_o this_o book_n be_v not_o open_v according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n with_o their_o peculiar_a character_n right_o apply_v to_o their_o several_a time_n and_o season_n we_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o tolerable_a sense_n or_o exposition_n to_o set_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v well_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o do_v clear_o discover_v and_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o 17._o chap._n the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o be_v a_o government_n or_o empire_n that_o shall_v arise_v under_o ten_o king_n and_o that_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a and_o the_o woman_n sit_v upon_o many_o water_n to_o be_v that_o great_a city_n situate_v upon_o seven_o hill_n and_o which_o do_v reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v holpen_v we_o with_o this_o key_n to_o unshut_a in_o part_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o fall_v on_o the_o same_o method_n in_o open_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o figure_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v we_o some_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o itself_o as_o sure_a footstep_n to_o tread_v in_o from_o which_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v as_o from_o a_o watchtower_n take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o so_o a_o scanding_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n otherwise_o in_o itself_o inaccessible_a and_o that_o thy_o servant_n o_o christ_n who_o
in_o himself_o be_v too_o weak_a for_o such_o a_o work_n may_v be_v fit_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o thyself_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v find_v worthy_a o_o do_v thou_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n with_o true_a light_n from_o above_o and_o remove_v all_o impediment_n his_o iniquity_n out_o of_o thy_o sight_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o thy_o own_o blood_n than_o thou_o may_v discover_v thy_o mind_n unto_o thy_o poor_a servant_n be_v hallow_v by_o thyself_o to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o grant_v o_o christ_n that_o by_o thy_o favour_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n he_o may_v diligent_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o that_o unto_o sobriety_n and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v some_o advantage_n by_o he_o and_o if_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n have_v herein_o through_o weakness_n build_v any_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o thy_o precious_a structure_n o_o let_v it_o be_v consume_v but_o so_o as_o that_o thy_o servant_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a but_o if_o any_o of_o thou_o receive_v good_a hereby_o to_o thou_o for_o it_o as_o most_o due_a which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a be_v praise_n glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o catalogue_n of_o diverse_a question_n in_o this_o treatise_n discuss_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n pag._n 1_o whether_o john_n the_o divine_a the_o subordinate_a author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 5_o whether_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n own_a or_o some_o other_o person_n 7_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o christian_a wish_n or_o salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n unto_o you_o 19_o how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o church_n whilst_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o grace_n and_o peace_n aforehand_o 19_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v two_o last_o come_n to_o judgement_n 25_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 31_o and_o 112_o whether_o the_o lord_n day_n mention_v rev._n 1.10_o wherein_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o not_o 33_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a the_o devil_n be_v god_n ape_n herein_o 34_o do_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n 37_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 28_o 19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fullfil_v 38_o whether_o that_o samuel_n which_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v unto_o saul_n be_v the_o true_a prophet_n samuel_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o shape_n and_o likeness_n or_o otherwise_o some_o cozen_a consort_n and_o confederate_n of_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n 38_o 39_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n appear_v unto_o john_n rev._n 1_o 13._o when_o he_o appear_v to_o he_o as_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 43_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o separation_n between_o the_o deity_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n 44_o whether_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v to_o be_v only_o spiritual_o understand_v and_o not_o matterial_o also_o 50_o 51_o whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n and_o angel_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n do_v or_o shall_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n 53_o do_v not_o angel_n see_v god_n face_n in_o heaven_n and_o do_v not_o moses_n and_o jacob_n see_v god_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n 54._o and_o do_v not_o divine_n hold_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n 55_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v impassable_a 58_o why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o 68_o whether_o a_o sound_a church_n may_v censure_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 69_o 70_o whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n 71_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o presbytery_n 72_o what_o give_v unto_o our_o work_n the_o denomination_n of_o good_a work_n and_o whether_o any_o of_o our_o work_n be_v simple_o and_o strict_o to_o be_v call_v good_a and_o perfect_a 79_o and_o 80_o in_o who_o lie_v the_o power_n to_o try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 83_o and_o 196_o whether_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o word_n 84_o whether_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 85_o 86_o etc._n etc._n whether_o any_o else_o beside_o true_a and_o real_a saint_n or_o believer_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n 86_o 87_o whether_o the_o judicial_n or_o ceremonial_n of_o moses_n be_v any_o foundation_n for_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n 88_o 89_o whether_o baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o best_a satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n upon_o infant_n 88_o whether_o it_o must_v be_v true_a justify_n faith_n or_o dogmatical_a only_o that_o entitle_v to_o baptism_n 90_o 91_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o tie_v unto_o the_o first_o twelve_o 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o whether_o the_o first_o 12_o apostle_n be_v but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n 95_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n do_v continue_v unto_o the_o church_n 97_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o the_o true_a 101_o 102_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o church_n shall_v one_o repair_v to_o receive_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n call_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 105_o 106_o etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v the_o first_o reformer_n have_v a_o right_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o â—_o have_v it_o not_o from_o rome_n 108_o whether_o the_o presbytery_n of_o england_n have_v a_o right_a call_n from_o the_o late_a bishop_n as_o true_a presbyter_n 110_o whether_o believer_n complaint_n for_o want_n of_o will_n to_o repent_v be_v just_a or_o not_o 118_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o legal_a teach_v to_o denounce_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o non-amendment_n or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n 119_o whether_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n in_o some_o causality_n unto_o salvation_n or_o joint_o with_o he_o somewhat_o subordinate_a to_o that_o great_a end_n 120_o and_o whether_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o condiiion_n proper_o so_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 121_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n 126_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o paradise_n 130_o whether_o paradise_n and_o heaven_n above_o be_v all_o one_o 131_o whether_o god_n tempt_v man_n and_o whether_o he_o tempt_v unto_o evil_n or_o sin_n 143_o do_v not_o many_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n 144_o whether_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n or_o efficiency_n in_o and_o about_o sin_n 146_o why_o do_v god_n often_o afflict_v his_o own_o child_n with_o so_o sharp_a tribulation_n and_o whether_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v vindicate_v in_o that_o particular_a 149_o whether_o great_a corruption_n nullify_v a_o church_n 173_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o full_a reformation_n can_v be_v attain_v 171_o 172_o how_o be_v god_n justice_n vindicate_v if_o he_o smite_v godly_a and_o ungodly_a together_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a among_o they_o 179_o whether_o christ_n receive_v now_o by_o faith_n to_o justification_n and_o absolution_n be_v the_o hide_a manna_n and_o white_a stone_n promise_v rev._n 2.17_o to_o
because_o this_o of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n here_o be_v set_v as_o the_o general_a result_n and_o the_o main_a proposition_n of_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o revelation_n wherein_o the_o great_a design_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o christ_n to_o come_v and_o the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o i_o set_v these_o query_n out_o of_o zach._n 12._o collate_v with_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o matth._n 24.30_o 1._o be_v ever_o judah_n or_o jerusalem_n since_o that_o prophecy_n make_v to_o her_o enemy_n a_o cup_n of_o tremble_v be_v she_o ever_o a_o burdensome_a stone_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n to_o cut_v they_o in_o piece_n have_v ever_o the_o governor_n of_o judah_n be_v like_o a_o hearth_n of_o fire_n among_o the_o wood_n and_z and_z like_o a_o torch_n of_o fire_n in_o a_o sheaf_n devour_v all_o the_o people_n round_o about_o or_o be_v they_o ever_o since_o that_o prophecy_n of_o zachary_n in_o that_o strength_n that_o the_o feeble_a among_o they_o be_v as_o david_n and_o the_o house_n of_o david_n as_o elohim_n etc._n etc._n peruse_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consider_v whether_o you_o can_v find_v the_o least_o accomplishment_n thereof_o i_o next_o quere_z when_o be_v ever_o that_o eminent_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n pour_v out_o on_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v for_o he_o with_o great_a bitterness_n each_o family_n mourn_v apart_o be_v this_o do_v at_o christ_n passion_n by_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n his_o crucifier_n they_o deride_v he_o or_o be_v this_o fulfil_v by_o the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o disciple_n the_o eleven_o who_o flee_v at_o his_o suffering_n they_o do_v not_o pierce_v he_o or_o be_v this_o fulfil_v upon_o those_o mourner_n in_o act_n 2_o they_o see_v he_o not_o when_o they_o mourn_v nor_o with_o their_o family_n apart_o nor_o see_v he_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o thereupon_o mourn_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o yet_o the_o main_a of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v last_o be_v this_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o last_o resurrection_n or_o ultimate_a judgement_n i_o ask_v be_v that_o a_o day_n of_o repentance_n of_o mourning_n and_o of_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n unto_o the_o wicked_a and_o then_o christ_n dispensatory_a kingdom_n of_o grace_n be_v at_o a_o end_n 1_o cor._n 15.24_o therefore_o to_o be_v brief_a and_o not_o to_o exceed_v due_a bound_n i_o assert_v that_o here_o by_o see_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n by_o every_o eye_n and_o by_o they_o that_o pierce_v he_o and_o that_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v because_o of_o he_o be_v mean_v by_o john_n as_o zachary_n mean_v namely_o that_o all_o the_o tribe_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v see_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n with_o glory_n as_o man_n before_o the_o end_n of_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o his_o elect_n with_o grace_n and_o godly_a repentance_n to_o the_o all_o other_o his_o enemy_n with_o horror_n and_o confusion_n consult_v jer_n 25.5_o 6._o zach._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o isa_n 2._o throughout_o object_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o you_o make_v divers_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o one_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o restauration_n of_o his_o church_n to_o a_o glorious_a state_n and_o reign_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o another_o or_o second_o come_v again_o before_o the_o final_a end_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o execute_v the_o ultimate_a judgement_n but_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n which_o mention_n only_o of_o two_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o first_o in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o last_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o execute_v the_o wrath_n of_o his_o father_n on_o all_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n and_o the_o refuser_n of_o his_o gospel_n i_o answer_v christ_n come_v in_o scripture_n be_v various_o take_v sometime_o for_o his_o first_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o in_o spirit_n of_o grace_n power_n and_o miracle_n but_o last_o and_o most_o eminent_o to_o judgement_n and_o in_o this_o his_o last_o come_n there_o be_v several_a remarkable_a period_n and_o event_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o morning_n of_o this_o great_a day_n he_o come_v to_o convert_v the_o jew_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o destroy_v antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n enemy_n not_o utter_o final_o but_o of_o all_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o church_n which_o be_v quite_o take_v off_o by_o christ_n and_o a_o sure_a chain_n or_o tie_v lay_v on_o their_o spirit_n of_o malice_n and_o on_o their_o ringleader_n satan_n himself_o that_o there_o be_v none_o can_v hurt_v during_o this_o glorious_a reign_n in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n this_o restauration_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o day_n but_o the_o wotk_n of_o the_o evening_n of_o this_o day_n be_v the_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o give_v final_a sentence_n on_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o oppose_v he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v for_o evermore_o see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o chap._n 20._o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o two_o remarkable_a act_n or_o event_n in_o this_o his_o last_o come_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n of_o this_o great_a day_n of_o his_o appearance_n verse_n 8._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v even_o the_o almighty_a here_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_o assert_v who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n and_o to_o take_v his_o attribute_n unto_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o person_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v christ_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o precedent_a verse_n the_o same_o person_n that_o come_v with_o cloud_n and_o be_v pierce_v be_v the_o same_o here_o describe_v who_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o collate_v it_o to_o verse_n 11._o and_o 17._o where_o he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o who_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o alive_a command_v john_n to_o write_v what_o he_o see_v and_o that_o be_v christ_n verse_n 1_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o last_o letter_n of_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v even_o the_o almighty_a out_o of_o which_o description_n of_o his_o person_n note_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o infinite_a almighty_a and_o eternal_a god_n of_o himself_o with_o the_o father_n from_o everlasting_a by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n shall_v end_v this_o eternal_a word_n or_o christ_n be_v with_o god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o this_o word_n be_v god_n and_o therefore_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o essential_a and_o absolute_a incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n unto_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o most_o express_a scripture_n if_o there_o be_v not_o any_o more_o of_o this_o consort_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o it_o abound_v to_o â—ay_n low_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonless_a arrianize_v socinian_n of_o these_o time_n who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n or_o godhead_n of_o christ_n collate_n with_o this_o to_o this_o purpose_n verses_z 4_o and_o 5._o of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 9_o i_o john_n even_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n john_n in_o this_o verse_n describe_v his_o condition_n and_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o be_v when_o he_o receive_v this_o revelation_n use_v the_o love_a and_o common_a christian_a compellation_n of_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fellow_n commoner_n or_o fellow-sharer_n in_o affliction_n from_o whence_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v from_o
some_o of_o the_o mistake_v of_o our_o translator_n consult_v to_o this_o purpose_n luke_n 7.24_o mal._n 3.1_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v better_o render_v here_o messengers_z write_v unto_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o term_v because_o they_o be_v person_n send_v and_o commissionated_a by_o christ_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v his_o gospel_n among_o his_o church_n matth._n 28.18_o have_v clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o seven_o star_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o note_n observe_v 1._o christ_n have_v a_o especial_a eye_n of_o providence_n and_o hand_n of_o protection_n over_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a time_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n he_o take_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n clap_v they_o under_o his_o wing_n for_o safety_n noah_n who_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v righteous_a lot_n be_v preserve_v when_o sodom_n flame_v in_o fire_n ezekiel_n daniel_n mordecai_n etc._n etc._n be_v preserve_v in_o babylon_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o judah_n suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o a_o insolent_a conqueror_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o how_o luther_n be_v preserve_v when_o all_o the_o antichristian_a world_n seek_v his_o ruin_n be_v most_o admirable_a to_o consider_v i_o have_v hear_v it_o relate_v that_o that_o most_o famous_a minister_n of_o christ_n peter_n du_fw-fr molyne_n be_v preserve_v in_o paris_n be_v a_o suck_a child_n by_o his_o nurse_n under_o a_o tub_n when_o the_o bloody_a massacre_n do_v not_o spare_a man_n woman_n or_o child_n of_o the_o reform_a faith_n that_o he_o may_v afterward_o become_v a_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v they_o that_o be_v most_o engage_v for_o christ_n in_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n he_o do_v most_o engage_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o protection_n satan_n be_v their_o great_a enemy_n therefore_o christ_n be_v their_o great_a friend_n and_o bulwark_n oh_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n be_v shine_a star_n faithful_a angel_n or_o rather_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o god_n word_n and_o truth_n then_o christ_n will_v carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n of_o protection_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n unto_o he_o the_o angel_n messenger_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o these_o seven_o asian_a church_n be_v here_o represent_v by_o star_n star_n always_o in_o prophetical_a scripture_n signify_v eminency_n splendour_n light_n and_o excellency_n how_o be_v thou_o fall_v from_o heaven_n o_o lucifer_n thou_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n mean_v nabuchadnezzar_n isa_n 14.12_o and_o rev._n 18.10_o i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n which_o connote_v the_o fall_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a high_a and_o excellent_a person_n from_o hence_o note_n 2._o those_o that_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o christ_n mystery_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n than_o other_o inferior_a christian_n they_o be_v figure_v by_o star_n by_o the_o shine_a heavenly_a lamp_n they_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o lip_n shall_v especial_o preserve_v wisdom_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o star_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o their_o church_n they_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o they_o in_o soundness_n of_o life_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o too_o though_o their_o light_n be_v great_a shine_a and_o eminent_a yet_o let_v they_o consider_v they_o be_v but_o star_n their_o light_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sun_n they_o shall_v not_o advance_v it_o to_o that_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o infallible_a light_n but_o they_o shall_v eye_v the_o son_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a light_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritage_n let_v they_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o be_v star_n whereof_o some_o may_v be_v erratic_a as_o well_o as_o fix_v once_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a light_n the_o true_a morning_n star_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v receive_v light_n from_o this_o true_a son_n of_o righteousness_n he_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o father_n of_o all_o light_n 3._o another_o note_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o honourable_a call_n they_o be_v figure_v under_o the_o type_n of_o star_n celestial_a light_n they_o have_v the_o same_o title_n of_o god_n minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n they_o be_v his_o messenger_n that_o go_v on_o his_o errant_n his_o ambassador_n to_o treat_v with_o man_n about_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n hence_o arise_v another_o corrolary_n that_o all_o christ_n minister_n as_o they_o be_v star_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o glory_n in_o part_n gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o not_o differ_v in_o power_n nor_o lord_n over_o one_o another_o they_o be_v angel_n that_o be_v messengers_z ambassador_n not_o prince_n cardinal_n not_o lord_n bishop_n every_o church_n here_o have_v its_o angel_n its_o bishop_n its_o pastor_n its_o elder_a not_o many_o bishop_n not_o many_o elder_n in_o a_o classical_a form_n over_o divers_a church_n but_o every_o church_n have_v its_o angel_n its_o minister_n or_o officer_n ephesus_n have_v its_o anâ—gel_n smyrna_n its_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o ephesus_n angel_n either_o single_o o._n joint_n with_o two_o three_o or_o more_o be_v superintendent_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o be_v a_o far_a description_n of_o the_o terribleness_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o vision_n when_o he_o come_v in_o power_n and_o judgement_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n psalm_n 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o job_n 5.15_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n it_o cut_v both_o side_n but_o in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n it_o wound_v the_o penitent_a but_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n heb._n 4.12_o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o destroy_a sword_n to_o his_o adversary_n rev._n 19.15_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o heathen_a hence_o observe_v christ_n word_n be_v very_o powerful_a and_o pierce_v it_o divide_v between_o the_o bone_n and_o the_o marrow_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v telum_fw-la achilleum_fw-la achilles_n spear_n that_o can_v both_o hurt_v and_o cure_v kill_v and_o make_v alive_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o question_v whether_o this_o figure_n of_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o go_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o material_a sword_n also_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o that_o christ_n also_o be_v to_o use_v that_o sword_n which_o be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o and_o that_o be_v a_o material_a one_o for_o he_o be_v to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n rev._n 19.15_o now_o how_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n or_o rule_v they_o with_o his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n i_o see_v but_o small_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n and_o see_v too_o when_o he_o do_v this_o it_o be_v in_o fierceness_n tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o then_o some_o may_v say_v do_v christ_n judge_v and_o smite_v his_o enemy_n only_o by_o the_o material_a sword_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o he_o go_v out_o with_o the_o sword_n or_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n to_o wit_n his_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o make_v manifest_a destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n and_o worship_n 2_o thes_n 2._o then_o second_o he_o go_v out_o on_o the_o red_a horse_n of_o war_n with_o a_o material_a sword_n to_o destroy_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o they_o be_v so_o smite_v and_o destroy_v that_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v call_v to_o the_o prey_n to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o king_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o captain_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o mighty_a man_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o horse_n and_o of_o they_o that_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o flesh_n of_o all_o man_n both_o free_a and_o bond_n
church_n of_o christ_n in_o ephesus_n yet_o i_o presume_v on_o good_a ground_n that_o most_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o ephesus_n cry_v up_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o though_o there_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n in_o rome_n corinth_n smyrna_n pergamus_n and_o other_o place_n mention_v in_o scripture_n yet_o we_o know_v by_o good_a history_n that_o the_o national_a worship_n and_o religion_n be_v ethnic_a unto_o jupiter_n mars_n sol_n venus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o indeed_o i_o confess_v a_o church_n may_v be_v call_v the_o national_a church_n as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n of_o england_n of_o france_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o member_n or_o person_n of_o that_o nation_n but_o herein_o we_o have_v no_o difference_n the_o controversy_n be_v not_o about_o word_n but_o thing_n real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o as_o when_o they_o affirm_v every_o individual_a and_o singular_a parochial_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v particular_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n constitute_v of_o its_o singular_a part_n if_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n be_v the_o church_n what_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o profane_a therein_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v of_o england_n scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n to_o be_v the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o those_o expression_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o far_o at_o present_a have_v do_v with_o the_o inscription_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v know_v from_o who_o this_o subsequent_a message_n come_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o hold_v and_o keep_v in_o his_o fatherly_a hand_n of_o protection_n his_o faithful_a minister_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o his_o church_n for_o glory_n peruse_v the_o sixteenth_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o who_o walk_v that_o be_v be_v in_o active_a posture_n ready_a to_o observe_v all_o the_o do_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o all_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n consult_v more_o at_o large_a with_o v._o 13._o &_o 20._o of_o c._n 1._o from_o christ_n posture_n of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n note_n that_o christ_n be_v very_a intent_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o providential_a observation_n and_o that_o for_o their_o good_a over_o all_o his_o faithful_a church_n this_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n view_v the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v proficient_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o canticle_n cap_n 6._o 11._o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o garden_n of_o nut_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o valley_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o the_o vine_n flourish_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v christ_n be_v now_o view_v his_o church_n grace_n take_v delight_n therein_o and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n that_o the_o crown_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o also_o take_v a_o special_a notice_n of_o their_o backslide_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o deceitfulness_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v loathe_v they_o and_o return_v unto_o their_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n at_o his_o departure_n leave_v as_o his_o last_o comfort_v legacy_n with_o his_o afflict_a church_n matth._n 28.20_o that_o though_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n yet_o in_o his_o providential_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n teach_v direct_a counsel_v support_v and_o comfort_v they_o he_o will_v be_v ever_o with_o they_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o forbear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a 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 verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v see_v thy_o work_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o our_o knowledge_n be_v mix_v and_o join_v with_o much_o imperfection_n and_o at_o best_a be_v but_o a_o mix_a act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o so_o to_o know_v a_o thing_n by_o a_o human_a capacity_n be_v to_o understand_v it_o and_o the_o nature_n thereof_o in_o the_o high_a notion_n that_o its_o capable_a of_o comprehension_n and_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n in_o the_o understanding_n the_o affection_n or_o will_n be_v misplace_v and_o so_o become_v erroneous_a and_o sinful_a for_o a_o mind_n not_o well_o inform_v or_o a_o ignorant_a soul_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v a_o good_a or_o a_o godly_a one_o for_o without_o this_o light_n the_o judgement_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v often_o lead_v astray_o to_o that_o which_o be_v only_o good_a in_o appearance_n and_o to_o contemn_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o here_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n in_o this_o person_n christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o therefore_o all_o our_o work_n be_v patent_n and_o open_a before_o he_o his_o judgement_n or_o affection_n can_v be_v mislead_v to_o approve_v of_o thing_n and_o work_n that_o shall_v not_o or_o disapprove_v of_o work_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v approve_v he_o be_v god_n and_o can_v be_v deceive_v on_o any_o false_a pretence_n he_o see_v our_o work_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n we_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n by_o medium_n mixt_o weak_o and_o imperfect_o he_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n simple_o absolute_o and_o most_o perfect_o the_o eye_n itself_o can_v want_v sight_n nor_o the_o sun_n want_v light_n neither_o can_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o present_a temporal_a world_n or_o his_o church_n this_o spiritual_a world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o he_o or_o their_o handy_a work_n christ_n see_v and_o know_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n full_o what_o be_v approvable_a and_o what_o be_v disapprovable_a in_o they_o hence_o note_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a censurer_n of_o his_o church_n work_n he_o forbid_v to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n he_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o travel_n patience_n and_o sufferance_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o so_o place_v his_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o complacency_n thereon_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v evil_a in_o they_o he_o can_v bear_v without_o a_o reproof_n as_o it_o be_v defection_n or_o failure_n in_o its_o first_o love_n and_o ardent_a affection_n which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n bear_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o vers_n 4._o christ_n also_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n but_o in_o another_o tone_n not_o of_o approbation_n but_o of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n he_o say_v to_o sardis_n cap._n 3._o 1._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o in_o verse_n 15._o he_o fall_v upon_o laodicea_n and_o tell_v they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n will_v not_o palliate_v or_o lie_v cushion_n under_o great_a one_o elbow_n and_o prophesy_v smooth_a thing_n unto_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o whilst_o they_o be_v most_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n and_o heart_n have_v not_o god_n a_o controversy_n of_o old_a with_o his_o israel_n for_o this_o
officer_n now_o at_o present_a authorize_v in_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o such_o officer_n then_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o officer_n want_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v right_o dispense_v but_o the_o major_a be_v former_o clear_v the_o consequence_n i_o believe_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o look_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o office_n therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a and_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o primitive_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o positive_a institution_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v moral_a positive_a law_n and_o still_o constringent_a and_o perpetual_a unless_o you_o can_v show_v their_o repeal_v see_v cawdry_n on_o the_o sabbath_n part_v 1._o cap._n 2._o hereon_o and_o therefore_o bind_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n confer_v hereunto_o that_o of_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o all_o which_o indeed_o the_o church_n do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o maintain_v though_o they_o have_v lay_v by_o the_o name_n thereof_o so_o necessary_a do_v they_o find_v the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a office_n though_o the_o office_n themselves_o nominal_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o door_n when_o we_o send_v preacher_n to_o our_o american_n plantation_n for_o the_o discipling_n the_o poor_a indian_n be_v they_o not_o tantamount_n as_o apostle_n when_o eusebius_n the_o centurist_n and_o late_a church_n historiographer_n do_v historify_v the_o act_n and_o occurrence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n evangelist_n when_o person_n do_v interpret_v and_o enucleate_v dark_a or_o prophetical_a scripture_n do_v they_o not_o look_v like_o prophet_n when_o by_o the_o faith_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a corruption_n be_v vanquish_v the_o will_n be_v reform_v health_n restore_v and_o satanical_a dispossession_n accomplish_v do_v they_o not_o carry_v the_o face_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o entertain_v the_o office_n and_o gift_n themselves_o nominal_o as_o well_o as_o operative_o and_o virtual_o though_o with_o some_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o by_o a_o crescent_a as_o unto_o young_a brother_n acknowledge_v always_o and_o that_o just_o a_o pre-eminence_n of_o gift_n and_o spirit_n in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o near_a unto_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o verity_n but_o far_o thereby_o from_o conclude_v that_o their_o office_n be_v bury_v with_o the_o first_o founder_n together_o with_o their_o most_o excellent_a gift_n in_o one_o arm_n but_o still_o keep_v alive_a and_o preserve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o station_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o none_o may_v judge_v i_o rash_a or_o presumptory_a in_o this_o opinion_n i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o add_v adhuc_fw-la sub_fw-la judice_fw-la lie_fw-la est_fw-la try_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v every_o one_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a to_o walk_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n that_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o question_n may_v be_v seasonable_o set_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o true_a christ_n minister_n from_o antichrist_n or_o the_o pseudo-prophet_n from_o the_o orthodox_n see_v the_o false_a one_o can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o rev._n 2.2_o this_o question_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a the_o discussion_n useful_a both_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o strange_a to_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o god_n to_o have_v false_a prophet_n and_o false_a apostle_n in_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 18.19_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o of_o the_o grove_n four_o hundred_o but_o the_o true_a one_o hide_v by_o obadiah_n be_v but_o one_o hundred_o ezekiel_n jeremiah_n meet_v they_o too_o in_o babylon_n jer._n 28_o 29_o chap._n and_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n be_v much_o trouble_v and_o vex_v with_o false_a apostle_n false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n also_o witness_v 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o gal._n 5.12_o matth._n 24.11_o and_o those_o church_n of_o ephesus_n pergamus_n sardis_n etc._n etc._n have_v their_o share_n also_o in_o this_o trouble_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o god_n often_o suffer_v with_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o in_o and_o upon_o his_o church_n to_o make_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o precious_a to_o try_v the_o godly_a and_o discover_v hypocrite_n and_o to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o can_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o preserve_v his_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o contagion_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v to_o try_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o all_o their_o malignant_a influence_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n now_o a_o false_a apostle_n or_o prophet_n may_v be_v discover_v two_o way_n first_o either_o from_o his_o false_a doctrine_n or_o pprophecy_n or_o second_o from_o his_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n the_o ancient_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v call_v seer_n from_o the_o clear_a divine_a revelation_n and_o irradiation_n they_o have_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 17.13_o and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n next_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a call_n to_o exercise_v that_o gift_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n they_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o have_v see_v nothing_o as_o in_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o that_o be_v they_o be_v prophet_n because_o they_o will_v be_v prophet_n it_o be_v their_o own_o motion_n that_o make_v they_o prophesy_v they_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v their_o own_o will_n the_o high_a original_n of_o their_o call_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v their_o own_o what_o their_o fancy_n lust_n private_a interest_n affection_n and_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v unto_o they_o so_o their_o prophecy_n come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o therefore_o however_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v by_o man_n be_v worthless_a in_o god_n account_n because_o it_o only_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o from_o god_n spirit_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n now_o i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o press_v for_o enthusiastic_a prophecy_n but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o close_o with_o man_n base_a interest_n and_o motion_n but_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o therefore_o what_o come_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o private_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n various_o brand_v under_o the_o title_n of_o lie_n dream_n vain_a divination_n perverse_a thing_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mark_v 7.7_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2.6_o another_o jesus_n another_o spirit_n another_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 11_o 4._o therefore_o paul_n dare_v not_o preach_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o what_o he_o have_v from_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o therefore_o we_o may_v plain_o judge_v a_o false_a prophet_n or_o apostle_n when_o he_o come_v with_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n and_o own_o spirit_n and_o own_o design_n be_v opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o spirit_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n within_o the_o gospel_n object_n but_o will_v not_o some_o say_v that_o all_o heretic_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v with_o verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v high_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v concordant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o in_o vain_a to_o broach_v and_o attest_v they_o and_o who_o more_o high_a than_o
they_o in_o this_o particular_a witness_v the_o jesuitish_a sect_n with_o their_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n voluminous_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n counsel_n father_n tradition_n super-numerary_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o common_a trade_n with_o all_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine-monger_n to_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a with_o their_o intricate_a scriptural_a gloss_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o better_o swallow_v down_o the_o hook_n or_o poison_v undiscovered_a within_o the_o artificial_o compose_a bait_n and_o pill_n and_o as_o the_o fish_n sepia_n darken_v the_o water_n with_o its_o inky_a humour_n to_o avoid_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o fisher_n so_o do_v these_o serpentine_a fry_n so_o cloud_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o polemical_a discourse_n that_o unaware_o they_o have_v bring_v many_o heretical_a syncretisme_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o reason_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o high_a pretence_n to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n both_o be_v undermine_v by_o they_o and_o have_v endeavour_v the_o overthrow_n thereof_o by_o their_o strange_a conclusion_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n now_o understand_v that_o i_o hold_v not_o that_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o external_o or_o accidental_n of_o religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v the_o holder_n thereof_o a_o heretic_n or_o false_a teacher_n for_o than_o which_o of_o the_o father_n will_v go_v clear_a nor_o but_o few_o if_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n but_o that_o true_o and_o real_o denominate_v a_o heretic_n or_o false_a teacher_n be_v the_o hold_v and_o maintain_v such_o error_n as_o direct_o strike_v at_o and_o will_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n now_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n article_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v for_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a john_n 17_o 3._o and_o that_o doctrine_n that_o strike_v at_o this_o either_o direct_o or_o consequential_o be_v heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o just_o be_v they_o call_v false_a apostle_n that_o go_v about_o to_o add_v circumcision_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o act_n 15._o this_o be_v to_o nullify_v christ_n sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v the_o galathian_o that_o hereby_o they_o harken_v to_o a_o new_a gospel_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o plain_a and_o easy_a discernment_n for_o a_o competent_a spiritualised_a christian_a to_o make_v discovery_n of_o a_o false_a apostle_n prophet_n false_a teacher_n or_o heretic_n by_o the_o doctrine_n he_o bring_v for_o first_o if_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v of_o satan_n and_o from_o hell_n next_o if_o it_o strike_v direct_o or_o consequential_o at_o the_o subversion_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o of_o his_o office_n be_v sure_a that_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o name_n way_n or_o practice_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o none_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o son_n all_o other_o way_n be_v not_o only_o break_v reed_n but_o dangerous_a this_o only_a in_o the_o son_n be_v eternal_a life_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o their_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n and_o this_o will_v the_o better_o be_v evince_v by_o first_o consider_v its_o contrary_a the_o right_a call_n of_o true_a and_o faithful_a teacher_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o call_n be_v either_o first_o from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o church_n god_n call_n be_v by_o give_v ability_n gift_n and_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n and_o office_n that_o he_o ordain_v he_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o when_o god_n send_v moses_n he_o furnish_v he_o for_o the_o great_a work_n he_o appoint_v he_o to_o moses_n plead_v his_o unaptness_n and_o slowness_n of_o speech_n but_o god_n say_v go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o teach_v thou_o etc._n etc._n exod._n 4.12_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a god_n come_v with_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o sufficiency_n thereof_o before_o they_o be_v send_v upon_o their_o errand_n god_n call_v apostle_n of_o fisher_n and_o make_v they_o fisher_n of_o man_n and_o so_o spirit_n they_o and_o enable_v they_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o face_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o tell_v they_o go_v preach_v and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a assistance_n by_o his_o grace_n strength_n comfort_n direction_n spirit_n those_o that_o christ_n call_v and_o send_v he_o give_v they_o a_o full_a supply_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n necessary_a to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a service_n second_o god_n call_n give_v affection_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o work_n he_o move_v strong_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o send_v on_o his_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o will_v on_o as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o hesitate_v or_o secure_v his_o carnal_a interest_n yet_o second_o this_o call_n must_v proceed_v orderly_o unto_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o since_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o call_n be_v cease_v the_o mediate_a call_n must_v concur_v to_o set_v the_o seal_n and_o authority_n upon_o the_o first_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n the_o call_v of_o ability_n part_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o office_n do_v not_o real_o and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la invest_v he_o in_o that_o office_n it_o maybe_o say_v that_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi he_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o but_o not_o a_o right_a of_o possession_n for_o christ_n have_v delegated_a that_o power_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o set_v their_o public_a signature_n upon_o all_o officer_n for_o his_o service_n for_o who_o god_n qualify_v with_o a_o call_n of_o ability_n he_o be_v only_o judge_v and_o deem_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o real_o a_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v ordain_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o call_v only_o he_o may_v perform_v many_o good_a duty_n and_o service_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o able_a and_o faithful_a disciple_n or_o member_n but_o by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la and_o authoritative_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v their_o call_n to_o public_a office_n as_o apostle_n teacher_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n only_o as_o from_o god_n and_o contemn_v the_o other_o from_o the_o church_n sure_o i_o be_o of_o judgement_n as_o unto_o their_o mission_n they_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o be_v neither_o call_v of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o if_o their_o call_n of_o ability_n be_v from_o god_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o than_o it_o will_v manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o a_o submit_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o his_o word_n therefore_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a officer_n and_o shine_a star_n within_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o that_o boast_v of_o their_o calling_n from_o the_o church_n and_o want_v the_o first_o call_v of_o god_n of_o ability_n they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n to_o be_v cast_v unto_o the_o dung_n useless_a to_o any_o service_n they_o will_v not_o serve_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v a_o pin_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o be_v false_a apostle_n to_o the_o purpose_n fit_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o all_o faithful_a christian_n assembly_n shall_v have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o such_o who_o can_v only_o manifest_v their_o call_n from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n in_o competent_a gift_n and_o part_n fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n they_o can_v work_v at_o all_o to_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n for_o they_o want_v supply_n to_o that_o end_n we_o know_v a_o artificer_n can_v do_v little_a work_n without_o his_o tool_n or_o instrument_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o spiritual_a building_n if_o god_n have_v
deny_v the_o instrumentality_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v sure_a that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o zion_n such_o will_v erect_v a_o babel_n and_o be_v ignorant_a where_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v they_o will_v like_o idle_a shepherd_n either_o starve_v the_o sheep_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o at_o least_o poison_v they_o with_o unwholesome_a herbage_n and_o these_o i_o account_v as_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n by_o and_o to_o find_v they_o liar_n object_n but_o a_o objection_n may_v here_o arise_v from_o he_o that_o have_v the_o first_o call_v of_o ability_n from_o god_n that_o if_o i_o count_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o denominate_v he_o orthodox_n in_o his_o call_n to_o have_v the_o additional_a call_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o then_o say_v he_o to_o what_o church_n shall_v i_o repair_v to_o receive_v this_o call_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v pretender_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o 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singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scantle_v of_o my_o judgement_n not_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o cloud_n but_o in_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n though_o for_o my_o reward_n i_o may_v have_v his_o hire_n that_o trace_v truth_n so_o near_o at_o the_o heel_n that_o have_v his_o tooth_n dash_v out_o for_o his_o pain_n but_o if_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n herein_o yet_o be_v repute_v a_o fool_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n and_o if_o i_o suffer_v loss_n herein_o yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v consolate_v magnis_fw-la tamen_fw-la excidit_fw-la ausis_fw-la first_o then_o to_o the_o business_n understand_v that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o avoid_v all_o criticise_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v abundant_o be_v make_v good_a both_o by_o good_a authority_n and_o scripture_n now_o this_o church_n be_v either_o more_o improper_o first_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n or_o second_o more_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o invisible_a church_n comprehend_v only_o the_o elect_a and_o see_v their_o number_n to_o we_o be_v unknown_a therefore_o they_o be_v denominate_v invisible_a but_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o visible_a universal_a catholic_a church_n or_o second_o for_o a_o visible_a particular_a political_a church_n now_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o this_o last_o notion_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o invisible_a church_n as_o invisible_a have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o visible_a and_o outward_a ordinance_n neither_o second_o the_o visible_a universal_a church_n can_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o their_o representative_n convene_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o officer_n for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o conveniency_n or_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reasonableness_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o various_a and_o far_o distant_a corner_n and_o land_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o represent_v officer_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o catholic_a assembly_n for_o the_o dispose_n and_o confer_v of_o all_o mediate_a call_v and_o office_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o wise_a order_n and_o gubernation_n in_o and_o over_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n that_o every_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a body_n i_o mean_v every_o particular_a christian_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o every_o particular_a be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n a_o full_a power_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o her_o officer_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o office_n since_o the_o first_o apostle_n that_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a gift_v as_o to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_a authority_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o they_o may_v be_v account_v to_o have_v jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la fit_a to_o be_v officer_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o yet_o actual_a they_o have_v not_o before_o their_o particular_a call_v do_v invest_v they_o into_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n do_v to_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o catholic_a universal_a faith_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o church_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o result_v and_o conclusion_n of_o combine_a church_n provincial_a or_o national_a may_v be_v only_o admit_v as_o prudential_o bind_v and_o oblige_v as_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o canon_n but_o not_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o though_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a truth_n itself_o so_o that_o such_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v not_o sole_o virtute_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la convocation_n be_v sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la veritatis_fw-la propositae_fw-la which_o if_o the_o same_o conclusion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o particular_a christian_n political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n therein_o but_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o command_v and_o institute_n they_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o prudential_a ecclesiastic_a edict_n and_o ecclesiastic_a divine_a institution_n the_o one_o be_v humane_a and_o bind_v only_o prudential_o the_o other_o be_v divine_a and_o oblige_v conscientious_o these_o consideration_n be_v clear_v i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n to_o what_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v a_o candidate_n apply_v himself_o for_o a_o mediate_a authoritative_a call_n and_o mission_n to_o receive_v it_o right_o and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o answer_v and_o take_v leave_v here_o first_o to_o distinguish_v and_o take_v notice_n between_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o call_n there_o may_v be_v particular_a church_n which_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o to_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o true_a one_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n yet_o mix_v with_o much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n and_o as_o a_o leprous_a person_n be_v a_o man_n yet_o a_o sorry_a one_o so_o a_o church_n hold_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n thereof_o yet_o entertain_v much_o corruption_n and_o error_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o christian_n church_n but_o a_o sad_a one_o so_o the_o ministerial_a call_n do_v answer_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o offspring_n constitution_n do_v follow_v the_o parent_n temperature_n strong_a issue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v of_o sickly_a parent_n fort_n creantur_fw-la fortibus_fw-la &_o as_o seneca_n so_o in_o politic_a body_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v and_o healthy_a in_o the_o faith_n their_o off_o spring_n be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a also_o then_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n will_v be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o virtual_a if_o ootherwise_o be_v with_o they_o they_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o vigour_n life_n and_o virtue_n and_o
we_o need_v not_o fear_v of_o want_n of_o persecution_n or_o tribulation_n for_o that_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o satan_n be_v the_o great_a contriver_n and_o promoter_n of_o it_o observe_v 5._o from_o the_o word_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n note_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n people_n be_v but_o for_o a_o definite_a time_n and_o season_n the_o tribulation_n that_o pass_v over_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n be_v but_o for_o ten_o day_n that_o be_v ten_o prophetical_a day_n or_o year_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o i_o rather_o shall_v understand_v ten_o day_n to_o be_v ten_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o day_n in_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v signify_v time_n as_o well_o as_o year_n as_o in_o that_o of_o dan._n 4.29_o seven_o time_n shall_v pass_v over_o thou_o and_o in_o verse_n 31._o it_o be_v render_v and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o those_o day_n i_o nabuchadnezzar_n lift_v up_o my_o eye_n to_o heaven_n rev._n 12.6_o compare_v to_o vers_n 14._o so_o that_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o tribulation_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n shall_v be_v the_o ten_o great_a day_n or_o time_n of_o persecution_n that_o shall_v befall_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o red_a dragon_n the_o heathenish_a emperor_n seventy_o year_n be_v appoint_v to_o the_o jew_n captivity_n of_o babylon_n and_o the_o long_a day_n of_o tribulation_n that_o be_v to_o pass_v over_o god_n church_n that_o i_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o day_n or_o two_o and_o forty_o month_n or_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n therefore_o the_o time_n be_v certain_a fixed_z and_o determinate_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n that_o the_o godly_a may_v have_v hope_n to_o support_v their_o spirit_n and_o not_o faint_a under_o tribulation_n or_o affliction_n for_o their_o deliverer_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v quest_n but_o here_o you_o may_v demand_v why_o this_o innocent_a church_n of_o smyrna_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n can_v find_v no_o guile_n nor_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o lay_v unto_o her_o charge_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v very_o eminent_a in_o grace_n and_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n shall_v be_v so_o afflict_v with_o so_o sharp_a tribulation_n and_o how_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v vindicate_v in_o this_o particular_a answ_n first_o i_o say_v this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o derogate_a from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v his_o child_n as_o a_o judge_n de_fw-fr merito_fw-la for_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v already_o do_v upon_o the_o surety_n but_o he_o do_v it_o in_o wisdom_n as_o a_o love_a father_n will_v do_v unto_o his_o child_n keep_v he_o under_o the_o rod_n of_o correction_n to_o prevent_v he_o from_o run_v into_o future_a evil_n and_o so_o god_n deal_v here_o with_o the_o smyrnian_o that_o they_o may_v be_v try_v that_o be_v refine_v from_o their_o dross_n and_o become_v more_o pure_a metal_n second_o god_n see_v or_o judge_v not_o as_o man_n judge_v we_o see_v nothing_o public_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n but_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o fair_o of_o the_o seven_o sister_n church_n both_o for_o faith_n piety_n and_o suffering_n and_o worthy_o too_o she_o do_v deserve_v it_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o yet_o god_n can_v foresee_v that_o she_o will_v turn_v wanton_a and_o prodigal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o she_o have_v the_o same_o heart_n of_o corruption_n within_o as_o the_o other_o have_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n of_o the_o rod_n of_o correction_n to_o keep_v she_o close_o to_o christ_n and_o this_o in_o few_o age_n do_v appear_v by_o their_o iniquity_n whereby_o their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v from_o among_o they_o three_o when_o god_n chastise_n and_o afflict_v his_o child_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o grace_n to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o suffer_v say_v paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n 1.29_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o honour_n and_o service_n when_o we_o be_v single_v out_o to_o be_v martyr_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a saint_n act_n 5.41_o they_o go_v away_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n yea_o they_o think_v themselves_o bastard_n and_o not_o belove_v child_n if_o god_n chasten_v they_o not_o it_o be_v god_n rod_n as_o well_o as_o staff_n do_v comfort_v they_o four_o another_o reason_n that_o god_n afflict_v his_o most_o innocent_a child_n and_o the_o godly_a be_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o propagate_v thereby_o what_o though_o the_o godly_a shall_v suffer_v death_n that_o be_v but_o gain_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o church_n also_o gain_v by_o it_o for_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n see_v their_o patience_n and_o fortitude_n have_v be_v often_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v sanguis_fw-la martyrum_fw-la semen_fw-mi ecclesiae_fw-la just_o as_o a_o oak_n that_o live_v by_o its_o own_o wound_n the_o more_o blood_n of_o christian_n be_v spill_v in_o the_o primitive_a day_n the_o more_o they_o be_v multiply_v the_o church_n be_v first_o found_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o thrive_v best_o when_o they_o fulfil_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o body_n therefore_o think_v it_o not_o strange_a nor_o against_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n when_o he_o cast_v his_o child_n into_o divers_a tribulation_n last_o god_n do_v afflict_v his_o best_a child_n to_o try_v they_o the_o ordinary_a stroke_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o loss_n cross_n sickness_n and_o the_o like_a be_v more_o proper_o correction_n than_o trial_n correction_n great_a end_n be_v either_o to_o mortify_v sin_n or_o to_o keep_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o that_o end_n god_n often_o take_v the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n and_o correction_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o trial_n that_o god_n send_v we_o by_o satan_n or_o his_o instrument_n aim_v chief_o at_o the_o discovery_n and_o maintenance_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o therefore_o when_o such_o befall_v we_o they_o bring_v more_o inward_a comfort_n and_o experience_n with_o they_o then_o ordinary_a cross_n of_o providence_n according_a to_o that_o of_o 2_o cor._n 1.5_o for_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o so_o also_o consolation_n abound_v by_o christ_n these_o be_v the_o two_o way_n that_o god_n carry_v his_o saint_n unto_o a_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n they_o must_v be_v first_o hew_v before_o they_o will_v make_v fit_a stone_n for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n gold_n must_v pass_v through_o the_o refiner_n fire_n before_o it_o come_v unto_o its_o perfection_n trial_n and_o the_o cross_n though_o not_o meritorious_a for_o heaven_n yet_o be_v antecedent_n thereunto_o it_o be_v through_o much_o tribulation_n that_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o we_o have_v much_o dross_n and_o sin_n within_o we_o to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o we_o before_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n col._n 1.12_o and_o this_o work_n be_v much_o promote_v by_o affliction_n which_o make_v we_o more_o heavenly_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o before_o we_o be_v afflict_v as_o david_n we_o go_v astray_o but_o since_o we_o have_v cleaved_a close_a to_o his_o commandment_n wherefore_o when_o we_o enter_v into_o divers_a tribulation_n let_v we_o not_o judge_v that_o god_n have_v do_v it_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o gracious_a father_n either_o to_o wean_v we_o from_o sin_n preserve_v we_o against_o sin_n or_o to_o approve_v and_o improve_v our_o gift_n and_o grace_n under_o tribulation_n sincere_a grace_n be_v distinguish_v from_o guild_a or_o hypocritical_a true_a faith_n from_o a_o feign_a faith_n and_o the_o strong_a from_o the_o weak_a here_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o high_a glory_n and_o in_o their_o great_a fragrancy_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v in_o s._n james_n word_n cap._n 1._o 2._o my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n observe_v from_o the_o word_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n note_v the_o crown_n and_o reward_n be_v for_o he_o that_o faithful_o persevere_v under_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n unto_o the_o end_n he_o that_o leave_v off_o half_a
satan_n law_n nor_o the_o second_o death_n can_v take_v hold_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v for_o he_o for_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v rise_v for_o their_o justification_n therefore_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o danger_n of_o miscarry_v and_o so_o may_v just_o triumph_v and_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n hell_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 15._o verse_n 12._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n write_v this_o say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n here_o follow_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n it_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n and_o in_o the_o 18._o vers_fw-la follow_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n the_o spirit_n herein_o clear_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o inscription_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o of_o the_o ephesian_a church_n and_o here_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n or_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o significant_a and_o latitude_n and_o therefore_o such_o place_n be_v very_o incongruous_o take_v up_o to_o prove_v a_o church_n of_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o though_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v the_o term_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v always_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n not_o that_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o pergamus_n be_v the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o in_o england_n of_o ephesus_z or_o in_o or_o at_o ephesus_n of_o pergamus_n or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o or_o at_o thyatira_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o safe_a to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o wholesome_a word_n in_o such_o expression_n write_v this_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n christ_n set_v himself_o forth_o unto_o each_o church_n in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n in_o a_o general_n and_o full_a appearance_n and_o discovery_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o full_a lustre_n and_o now_o he_o discover_v himself_o by_o part_n unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o several_a want_n and_o imperfection_n where_o by_o the_o way_n take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o christ_n discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o his_o church_n be_v always_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a condition_n to_o afflict_a and_o persecute_v faithful_a church_n as_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n be_v he_o appear_v as_o a_o god_n of_o protection_n and_o salvation_n unto_o they_o as_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n under_o the_o description_n of_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n for_o a_o comfortable_a discovery_n unto_o they_o write_z these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v first_o and_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a but_o now_o unto_o the_o more_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n his_o discovery_n be_v in_o another_o posture_n as_o one_o have_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n v._o 18._o a_o appearance_n of_o indignation_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n faithful_a afflict_a christian_n need_v discovery_n of_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n but_o unfound_a and_o corrupt_a one_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n preach_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o know_v not_o right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v no_o complete_a workman_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n he_o be_v a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a that_o know_v how_o to_o preach_v gospel_n and_o glad_a tiding_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n to_o poor_a humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n but_o hell_n and_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o threat_n be_v not_o contradictory_n be_v wise_o manage_v yet_o in_o this_o appearance_n of_o christ_n of_o have_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n there_o be_v much_o mercy_n in_o it_o for_o understand_v that_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v mean_v his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n confer_v with_o heb._n 4.12_o psal_n 148.6_o and_o 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o for_o that_o be_v two_o edge_a and_o cut_v two_o way_n first_o it_o cut_v off_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o its_o kindly_a operate_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o it_o cut_v confound_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a not_o through_o any_o innate_a quality_n in_o the_o word_n but_o by_o accident_n for_o by_o their_o refusal_n and_o contempt_n thereof_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o author_n and_o instituter_n thereof_o god_n go_v out_o with_o the_o other_o edge_n or_o side_n of_o his_o sword_n against_o they_o on_o his_o black_a and_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o god_n judgement_n towards_o his_o back-slidden_a church_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o mercy_n though_o christ_n appearance_n to_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v much_o in_o wrath_n for_o their_o defilement_n and_o backslide_n yet_o he_o add_v much_o grace_n and_o mercy_n thereunto_o both_o in_o approbation_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o defection_n christ_n give_v always_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n providence_n after_o providence_n and_o mercy_n after_o mercy_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n before_o he_o will_v take_v his_o last_o cause_n of_o judgement_n with_o we_o his_o heart_n be_v still_o towards_o our_o amendment_n though_o he_o be_v provoke_v high_o by_o our_o sin_n against_o we_o and_o who_o but_o a_o heart_n of_o adamant_n will_v not_o believe_v he_o when_o he_o swear_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o the_o very_a weapon_n that_o he_o use_v against_o sinner_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n with_o two_o edge_n it_o heal_v as_o well_o as_o wound_n the_o one_o edge_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o balm_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o other_o with_o the_o gall_n of_o judgement_n verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o helde_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n go_v on_o in_o the_o approbation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o know_v her_o work_n and_o that_o her_o habitation_n or_o domestical_a conversation_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v be_v in_o a_o place_n even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v or_o throne_n be_v as_o the_o orginal_a have_v it_o we_o know_v the_o seat_n or_o throne_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o place_n or_o ensign_n of_o dominion_n rule_n or_o sway_v as_o psal_n 1._o v._n 1._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a that_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o such_o scorner_n as_o go_v on_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o say_v their_o tongue_n be_v their_o own_o who_o shall_v we_o control_v as_o christ_n have_v his_o throne_n and_o seat_n so_o satan_n have_v he_o as_o christ_n go_v out_o as_o a_o absolute_a monarch_n in_o his_o kingdom_n have_v his_o royal_a law_n and_o command_n and_o the_o observer_n thereof_o therein_o so_o satan_n have_v also_o his_o kingdom_n and_o his_o throne_n set_v up_o therein_o where_o his_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o the_o childen_a of_o disobedience_n without_o control_n and_o therefore_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v be_v render_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o another_o variation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o satan_n dwell_v or_o do_v his_o household_n affair_n a_o man_n house_n
or_o habitation_n be_v his_o throne_n or_o his_o castle_n as_o the_o law_n term_n have_v it_o therein_o he_o exercise_v his_o command_n free_o either_o by_o his_o paternal_a or_o magisterial_a authority_n and_o he_o have_v better_a title_n to_o this_o sovereignty_n it_o be_v natural_a &_o moral_a than_o any_o sovereign_n have_v to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o there_o be_v therein_o its_o subject_n who_o obey_v more_o free_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o more_o divine_a oeconomy_n than_o any_o prince_n subject_n whatsoever_o three_o a_o man_n most_o private_a design_n and_o transaction_n be_v agitate_a therein_o four_o a_o man_n therein_o live_v go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o no_o place_n be_v it_o ever_o so_o pleasant_a be_v so_o complacent_fw-la to_o a_o man_n as_o the_o place_n of_o his_o own_o habitation_n be_v it_o never_o so_o homely_a and_o therefore_o a_o man_n will_v not_o spare_v to_o spend_v all_o his_o strength_n wit_n or_o wealth_n to_o defend_v his_o house_n &_o place_n of_o habitation_n against_o all_o pretender_n of_o right_a thereunto_o therefore_o these_o metaphor_n of_o a_o throne_n seat_n house_n or_o habitation_n be_v fit_o take_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v unto_o we_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v his_o strong_a hold_n and_o habitation_n for_o in_o they_o he_o command_v and_o act_n free_o be_v as_o a_o father_n lord_n and_o master_n to_o we_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n for_o his_o servant_n and_o child_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o they_o obey_v free_o and_o without_o any_o regret_n as_o dutiful_a child_n and_o servant_n to_o such_o a_o father_n and_o master_n even_o the_o prince_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n even_o the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o there_o he_o make_v his_o habitation_n there_o he_o live_v and_o transact_v the_o high_a design_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n there_o he_o take_v his_o delight_n to_o dwell_v and_o take_v that_o pleasure_n in_o this_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n that_o before_o he_o will_v forego_v it_o or_o lose_v a_o inch_n of_o his_o possession_n the_o strong_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n must_v first_o come_v even_o christ_n in_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o after_o much_o struggle_a &_o contend_v between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v his_o title_n clear_a and_o evident_a by_o faith_n and_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o he_o will_v be_v dispossess_v of_o his_o ancient_a freehold_n tenor_n yea_o his_o love_n or_o rather_o pernicious_a desire_n to_o his_o old_a habitation_n be_v such_o that_o after_o he_o be_v dispossess_v thereof_o by_o christ_n that_o if_o he_o can_v get_v or_o make_v a_o reentry_n into_o his_o lose_a possession_n by_o his_o diabolical_a stratagem_n and_o temptation_n he_o come_v in_o with_o seven_o fold_n worse_a spirit_n than_o the_o first_o to_o make_v good_a his_o right_n and_o reentry_n if_o he_o may_v and_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o house_n be_v far_o more_o miserable_a then_o at_o the_o first_o o_o therefore_o watch_n and_o be_v prepare_v with_o the_o armoury_n of_o christ_n to_o oppose_v the_o assault_n of_o satan_n you_o believe_v and_o enlighten_v soul_n and_o though_o he_o sometime_o may_v foil_n you_o yet_o let_v he_o not_o overturn_v you_o though_o he_o may_v endeavour_v to_o come_v into_o your_o soul_n yet_o let_v he_o not_o have_v quiet_a possession_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v against_o we_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o and_o through_o christ_n we_o shall_v have_v victory_n note_v hence_o observe_v that_o satan_n rule_v as_o absolute_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n over_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o disobedient_a they_o be_v his_o house_n the_o place_n of_o his_o dwell_n his_o throne_n his_o kingdom_n his_o seat_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o describe_v their_o malignity_n and_o satan_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o they_o be_v call_v satan_n himself_o v._o 10._o the_o better_a to_o manifest_v satan_n seat_n throne_n and_o habitation_n in_o and_o over_o the_o ungodly_a consider_v the_o contrary_a the_o seat_n throne_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n though_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a nature_n be_v illocal_a infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a as_o unto_o any_o place_n or_o form_n yet_o metaphorical_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o in_o any_o special_a manner_n do_v manifest_v his_o glory_n power_n grace_n and_o goodness_n so_o god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v depart_z and_o return_v in_o scripture_n when_o he_o special_o manifest_v himself_o in_o grace_n mercy_n and_o answer_n to_o his_o people_n or_o unto_o any_o particular_a believe_a soul_n and_o when_o god_n withdraw_v that_o appearance_n of_o mercy_n grace_n and_o glory_n nor_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n but_o go_v out_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o than_o he_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v to_o be_v go_v and_o return_v into_o his_o place_n hos_fw-la 5.15_o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v three_o special_a place_n of_o habitation_n seat_n or_o throne_n in_o scripture_n 1._o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o his_o dwell_a place_n isa_n 66.1_o 1_o king_n 8.30_o 2._o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o dwell_v place_n isa_n 57.15_o 1_o jo._n 3.24_o 3._o the_o church_n or_o christ_n zion_n be_v the_o habitation_n and_o tabernacle_n of_o his_o glory_n psal_n 132.13_o the_o church_n be_v the_o place_n where_o god_n communicate_v himself_o and_o give_v his_o answer_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o often_o in_o scripture_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o special_a habitation_n of_o god_n satan_n have_v also_o three_o special_a place_n of_o habitation_n and_o dominion_n in_o scripture_n 1._o in_o hell_n over_o the_o damn_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n 2._o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o habitation_n of_o satan_n ephes_n 2.2_o 3._o his_o throne_n be_v among_o the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o be_v his_o synagogue_n v._o 9_o where_o his_o doctrine_n be_v transact_v and_o maintain_v and_o they_o be_v his_o seat_n and_o throne_n from_o whence_o all_o his_o wicked_a and_o pernicious_a edict_n do_v proceed_v against_o god_n and_o godliness_n psal_n 2.2_o 3._o therefore_o in_o this_o verse_n the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o satan_n bear_v rule_v in_o all_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o hatred_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n without_o controlment_n and_o yet_o to_o thy_o praise_n and_o comfort_n be_v it_o that_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n that_o be_v that_o thou_o do_v constant_o profess_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v to_o deny_v my_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n not_o in_o those_o very_a hot_a and_o persecute_v day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v in_o that_o city_n of_o you_o by_o those_o tyrannical_a person_n there_o in_o who_o satan_n dwell_v and_o prevail_v there_o be_v no_o far_a difficulty_n in_o those_o word_n only_o understand_v that_o antipas_n as_o aretus_n testify_v and_o some_o other_o of_o antiquity_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n to_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o other_o say_v he_o be_v only_o a_o assistant_n to_o the_o church_n however_o this_o bless_a st._n antipas_n policarpus_fw-la and_o some_o other_o be_v the_o first_o martyr_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v note_v obs_n 2._o that_o the_o godly_a by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v dispose_v and_o mingle_v among_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n by_o the_o wiseman_n in_o the_o canticle_n where_o the_o synagogue_n and_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v god_n have_v plant_v those_o asiatic_a church_n righteous_a job_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o brother_n to_o dragon_n and_o a_o companion_n to_o owl_n chap._n 30.29_o and_o holy_a david_n soul_n be_v vex_v by_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n psal_n 120.5_o honest_a heart_a joseph_n have_v his_o habitation_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a egyptian_n and_o there_o
become_v their_o enemy_n and_o deliver_v they_o up_o either_o to_o balack_n or_o the_o moabite_n hand_n or_o smite_v they_o himself_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n and_o indeed_o balaam_n desire_n and_o doctrine_n take_v effect_v and_o be_v right_a unto_o its_o end_n and_z according_o they_o sin_v and_z according_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o they_o and_o smite_v of_o they_o with_o a_o plague_n twenty_o four_o thousand_o num_fw-la 25.9_o compare_v numb_a 31.16_o to_o cap._n 25.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o seem_v the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n have_v such_o that_o hold_v such_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n such_o as_o pretend_v fair_a as_o balaam_n and_o carry_v it_o may_v be_v a_o high_a profession_n to_o christianity_n yet_o lay_v such_o a_o scandal_n or_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o church_n as_o balaam_n do_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v they_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o idolatrize_a sacrifice_n and_o heathenish_a festival_n of_o the_o panim_fw-la pergamite_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o same_o consort_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 10._o who_o will_v needs_o participate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o in_o the_o idol_n sacrifice_n which_o be_v the_o service_n of_o devil_n v._o 20_o so_o pleasant_a and_o sweet_a be_v the_o old_a heathenish_a idolatry_n to_o the_o new_a convert_v christian_n that_o they_o will_v needs_o keep_v their_o old_a jovial_a feast_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o jupiter_n bacchus_n venus_n adonis_n priapus_n etc._n etc._n together_o with_o the_o eucharistical_a feast_n of_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o not_o only_o thus_o turn_v spiritual_a fornicator_n and_o adulterer_n but_o also_o commit_v corporal_a whoredom_n and_o fornication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o loose_a idol_n feast_n can_v be_v celebrate_v without_o it_o for_o the_o feast_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o priapus_n venus_n bacchus_n adonis_n etc._n etc._n the_o more_o shame_n and_o bestiality_n and_o lasciviousness_n be_v discover_v therein_o the_o more_o they_o think_v they_o please_v their_o god_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o excess_n as_o all_o historian_n that_o treat_v thereof_o do_v witness_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o it_o come_v in_o with_o a_o conjunction_n copulative_a even_o so_o have_v thou_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n a_o loose_a lascivious_a and_o idolize_v doctrine_n agree_v with_o that_o of_o balaam_n only_o differ_v in_o some_o mysterious_a notion_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o high_a fly_v gnostic_n who_o have_v peculiar_a expression_n and_o un-intelligible_a notion_n proper_a to_o their_o sect_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o precedent_n v._n 6._o concern_v the_o nicolaitan_n more_o at_o large_a this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o stumble_a block_n the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o some_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a christian_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n this_o word_n stumble_v block_n be_v here_o take_v up_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n in_o lay_v stone_n block_n or_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n that_o make_v person_n fall_v or_o stumble_v thereat_o and_o this_o word_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o active_o sometime_o passive_o the_o pharise_n and_o scribe_n be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v at_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n mat._n 15.12_o here_o be_v a_o offence_n take_v but_o none_o give_v but_o a_o active_a scandal_n be_v when_o a_o real_a offence_n be_v give_v and_o a_o manifest_a stumbling-block_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n as_o balack_n do_v to_o israel_n and_o when_o any_o open_a evil_n be_v commit_v either_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n or_o when_o our_o liberty_n be_v use_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o a_o unseasonable_a time_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a whereby_o they_o be_v make_v the_o worse_a less_o godly_a and_o honest_a this_o also_o be_v a_o active_a scandal_n and_o a_o stumbling-block_n rom._n 14._o and_o to_o be_v avoid_v of_o all_o know_a christian_n the_o note_n that_o arise_v from_o this_o verse_n thus_o explain_v be_v obser_n 1_o that_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o all_o such_o church_n as_o hold_v and_o maintain_v pernicious_a unsound_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n this_o be_v that_o god_n hate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v so_o abominable_a to_o he_o that_o god_n have_v a_o charge_n against_o those_o back-slidden_a church_n for_o their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o threaten_v they_o that_o he_o will_v come_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n against_o they_o and_o will_v remove_v their_o candlestick_n from_o among_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v which_o in_o few-age_n after_o he_o exempt_v against_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a it_o be_v not_o church_n privilege_n will_v exempt_v a_o people_n sin_v against_o god_n from_o his_o desolate_v judgement_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v god_n peculiar_a own_o people_n choose_v out_o among_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o know_v his_o name_n the_o holy_a people_n isa_n 62.12_o dan._n 8.24_o a_o people_n near_o unto_o god_n and_o bless_v above_o all_o deut._n 7.6_o 14._o they_o be_v the_o people_n that_o have_v the_o holy_a land_n temple_n ordinance_n divine_a worship_n oracle_n of_o god_n the_o prophet_n his_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o most_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o as_o dear_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n zach._n 2.8_o yet_o when_o this_o people_n fall_v to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o rebel_v against_o god_n and_o cast_v off_o his_o yoke_n his_o wholesome_a law_n and_o doctrine_n none_o of_o their_o church-priviledge_n can_v secure_v or_o protect_v they_o from_o the_o desolation_n and_o judgement_n which_o come_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n to_o say_v when_o we_o sin_n against_o god_n we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n or_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v neither_o birth_n privilege_n nor_o church_n will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v unto_o the_o root_n and_o the_o people_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n shall_v beâ—â—â—_n down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n o_o then_o see_v god_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o own_o child_n if_o they_o sin_n and_o rebel_n against_o he_o and_o see_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o begin_v first_o at_o we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o sinner_n appear_v 1_o pet._n 4.17_o 18._o observe_v 2._o that_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a church_n and_o person_n be_v very_o obstinate_a and_o tenacious_a of_o their_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o practice_n the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v those_o that_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n they_o do_v it_o not_o underhand_o &_o in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o profess_o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o the_o business_n of_o baal_n peor_n at_o the_o advice_n of_o balaam_n when_o they_o commit_v idolatry_n and_o whoredom_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o avowed_o profess_o and_o shameless_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o num._n 25._o from_o v._o 1._o to_o 6._o and_o beholdone_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n come_v and_o bring_v unto_o his_o brethren_n a_o midianitish_a woman_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o moses_n &_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v weep_v before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n when_o moses_n and_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o israelite_n be_v mourning_n and_o weep_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o their_o brethren_n than_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o impudent_a as_o to_o come_v before_o they_o even_o in_o their_o face_n with_o their_o sin_n in_o their_o hand_n not_o ashamed_a of_o they_o sober_a christian_n will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o any_o profess_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_n shall_v open_o and_o profess_o hold_v and_o maintain_v doctrine_n &_o practice_n as_o bad_a as_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o if_o not_o far_o worse_a and_o yet_o this_o carry_v as_o much_o truth_n with_o it_o as_o any_o historical_a relation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o too_o maintain_v with_o as_o much_o pertinaciousness_n impudence_n strength_n of_o wit_n and_o policy_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o most_o virtuous_a or_o
a_o church_n do_v nullify_v a_o church_n though_o very_o high_a if_o right_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o root_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n this_o give_v the_o very_o be_v to_o a_o church_n and_o so_o i_o say_v that_o many_o of_o our_o national_a church_n have_v now_o renonunce_v their_o institution_n and_o call_v from_o antichrist_n and_o be_v call_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v become_v spouse_n of_o christ_n call_v and_o faithful_a though_o mix_v with_o many_o corruption_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o pergamus_n corinth_n and_o other_o be_v yet_o for_o their_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n among_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o the_o lord_n church_n of_o christ_n holy_a and_o sanctify_a but_o still_o observe_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n the_o more_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a one_o have_v the_o great_a praise_n great_a manifestation_n of_o love_n grace_n comfort_n and_o glory_n on_o she_o than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o the_o more_o unsound_a one_o though_o they_o be_v sister_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a one_o of_o her_o mother_n though_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v daughter_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o rose_n of_o sharon_n and_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o valley_n though_o the_o rest_n be_v christ_n vineyard_n too_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o garden_n enclose_v where_o he_o take_v his_o delight_n at_o noon_n and_o thus_o much_o hereon_o shall_v suffice_v verse_n 16._o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n repent_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grow_v wise_a change_v thy_o judgement_n and_o practice_v from_o evil_a to_o good_a cast_v off_o thy_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n and_o return_v unto_o i_o in_o sincerity_n and_o holiness_n or_o else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v long_o before_o i_o come_v against_o thou_o and_o make_v war_n against_o thou_o for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v it_o and_o that_o with_o a_o most_o cut_v confound_v weapon_n the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n christ_n make_v war_n with_o his_o enemy_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n or_o word_n two_o way_n first_o he_o manage_n it_o as_o light_a to_o discover_v darkness_n by_o his_o angel_n and_o minister_n both_o for_o the_o evince_a confound_a and_o overthrow_v all_o false_a worship_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o thus_o he_o manifest_v his_o displeasure_n from_o heaven_n by_o his_o word_n against_o all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n as_o he_o do_v here_o against_o the_o balaamitish_a and_o nicolaish_n doctrine_n of_o pergamus_n and_o as_o he_o have_v do_v of_o late_a among_o we_o against_o all_o popish_a and_o superstitious_a innovation_n and_o false_a worship_n but_o second_o if_o the_o ministerial_a convince_a word_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o recall_n and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n his_o rebellious_a people_n or_o enemy_n he_o will_v proceed_v far_o by_o his_o terrible_a doctrine_n or_o word_n of_o judgement_n against_o they_o if_o pergamus_n will_v not_o repent_v upon_o the_o conviction_n of_o her_o sin_n christ_n will_v go_v out_o and_o fight_v against_o she_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n from_o among_o she_o yea_o god_n will_v call_v for_o a_o nabuchadnezzar_n a_o mahomet_n a_o ottoman_a and_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v his_o servant_n to_o execute_v the_o lord_n command_n and_o burden_n of_o judgement_n against_o his_o rebellious_a sinful_a church_n and_o thus_o christ_n sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o which_o he_o fight_v against_o his_o enemy_n chap._n 19.21_o thus_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o horse_n which_o sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v as_o honest_a bishop_n hall_n on_o the_o place_n say_v they_o be_v slay_v by_o the_o powerful_a command_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o spiritual_o or_o analogical_o but_o corporal_o and_o upon_o their_o bodily_a death_n all_o the_o fowl_n be_v fill_v with_o their_o flesh_n thus_o far_o bishop_n hall_n god_n command_v to_o take_v the_o child_n of_o babel_n and_o to_o dash_v they_o against_o the_o wall_n take_v those_o my_o enemy_n and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n that_o he_o draw_v against_o his_o unrepentant_a and_o obstinate_a wicked_a church_n first_o confusion_n of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n by_o his_o powerful_a ministerial_a word_n and_o spirit_n next_o of_o their_o person_n by_o command_a war_n or_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n on_o they_o for_o they_o be_v also_o his_o destroy_a weapon_n jer._n 47.7_o now_o this_o be_v do_v and_o command_v by_o christ_n sometime_o express_o in_o scripture_n as_o rev._n 18.6_o 7_o 8._o reward_v she_o as_o she_o have_v reward_v you_o and_o cap._n 12._o 10._o he_o that_o kill_v with_o the_o sword_n must_v be_v kill_v with_o the_o sword_n sometime_o it_o be_v do_v providential_o by_o move_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n to_o war_n the_o persian_a against_o the_o turk_n or_o the_o turk_n against_o the_o emperor_n or_o venetian_a the_o english_a against_o the_o spaniard_n and_o spaniard_n against_o the_o french_a and_o so_o in_o the_o turmoil_n thereof_o many_o corrupt_a church_n of_o christ_n perish_v utter_o as_o to_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o policy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o great_a whore_n herself_o will_v fall_v and_o perish_v rev._n 17.16_o 17._o or_o three_o god_n send_v immediate_o his_o destroy_a angel_n to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n as_o ez._n 9.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o against_o his_o idolatrous_a people_n the_o jew_n and_o as_o many_o other_o place_n testify_v to_o smite_v they_o for_o their_o abomination_n and_o their_o wickedness_n observe_v 1._o note_v from_o these_o word_n that_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a gospel_n remedy_n to_o divert_v the_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o a_o wicked_a church_n or_o people_n repent_v or_o else_o say_v the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n you_o know_v what_o will_v follow_v turn_v from_o sinful_a way_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o keep_v god_n presence_n still_o among_o we_o if_o we_o will_v have_v have_v turn_v unto_o god_n from_o our_o former_a false_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o wicked_a practice_n against_o god_n law_n and_o his_o saint_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v see_v those_o late_a desolate_v day_n among_o we_o ahab_n repentance_n though_o it_o be_v formal_a and_o outward_a yet_o it_o stop_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n judgement_n much_o in_o his_o day_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o real_a repentance_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o a_o back-slidden_a and_o corrupt_a church_n god_n real_o divert_v his_o threaten_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v mere_o a_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o legal_a as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o for_o the_o law_n say_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v the_o law_n admtis_fw-la of_o no_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o sin_n but_o satisfaction_n and_o justice_n but_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n or_o gospel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v full_o satisfy_v both_o law_n and_o justice_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n cry_v out_o in_o the_o street_n and_o to_o every_o creature_n repent_v and_o believe_v believe_v and_o repent_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n see_v more_o at_o large_a on_o the_o precedent_n 5._o vers_fw-la of_o this_o cap._n what_o repentance_n be_v but_o by_o the_o way_n take_v a_o character_n of_o true_a penitent_n first_o they_o abhor_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n make_v they_o to_o abhor_v and_o loathe_v themselves_o ezek._n 20.43_o and_o job_n 42.6_o second_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o evil_a that_o sin_n bring_v upon_o they_o as_o for_o the_o evil_n itself_o which_o be_v in_o sin_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o holy_a law_n psal_n 51.2_o three_o their_o repentance_n be_v universal_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o its_o part_n it_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n or_o corruption_n they_o leave_v but_o all_o ezek._n 20.43_o you_o shall_v loathe_v yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o sight_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o you_o have_v commit_v four_o they_o be_v afterward_o the_o more_o jealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o fearful_a to_o sin_n against_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o sin_n against_o our_o god_n who_o have_v wash_v we_o and_o
liberty_n for_o tender_a conscience_n in_o point_n disputable_a and_o therein_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o their_o judgement_n by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o external_a conformity_n for_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o uniformity_n but_o not_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v hypocrite_n not_o saint_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o open_v my_o mouth_n for_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v blasphemous_a idolatrous_a against_o god_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v such_o bear_v their_o censure_n and_o punishment_n not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o gospel_n warrant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n also_o he_o be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o bear_v the_o sword_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o will_v always_o forelay_v this_o caution_n that_o none_o who_o life_n be_v sober_a and_o godly_a and_o desire_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o in_o this_o present_a world_n for_o difference_n in_o judgement_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v hereby_o but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a space_n shall_v we_o suffer_v a_o jezebel_n and_o impudent_a immodest_a or_o idolatrous_a false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o bear_v with_o it_o a_o hour_n for_o that_o which_o god_n have_v real_o declare_v himself_o against_o from_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v adversary_n to_o it_o also_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o and_o be_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o tolerate_v false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n appear_v clear_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o authority_n say_v the_o lord_n send_v they_o and_o speak_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n never_o appear_v to_o they_o second_o they_o cross_v god_n in_o his_o design_n god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o false_a teacher_n set_v up_o some_o ungodly_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o soul_n three_o they_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o their_o lie_n and_o vanity_n four_o they_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n servant_n they_o deceive_v they_o and_o entice_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o their_o abomination_n five_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o such_o assembly_n as_o do_v embrace_v they_o or_o own_v they_o and_o final_o undo_v poor_a soul_n for_o ever_o without_o repentance_n quest_n if_o a_o free_a toleration_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_n in_o a_o church_n the_o question_n will_v be_v in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o lawful_o and_o juridical_o to_o remove_v they_o answ_n doubtless_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v the_o check_n and_o against_o who_o alone_a christ_n lay_v the_o charge_n for_o tolerate_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o remove_v the_o evil_a from_o among_o they_o for_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v lay_v the_o charge_n of_o this_o sin_n against_o thyatira_n for_o tolerate_v jezebel_n be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o church_n power_n there_o within_o themselves_o to_o remedy_n remove_v and_o eject_v that_o false_a prophetess_n christ_n never_o blame_v any_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v suffer_v in_o another_o not_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thyatira_n nor_o thyatira_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o sardis_n or_o laodicea_n but_o every_o one_o be_v charge_v particular_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o more_o pure_a church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o philadelphia_n empower_v command_v or_o authorise_v either_o joint_n in_o a_o combination_n as_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_o as_o a_o prelatical_a superintendent_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o remove_v or_o reform_v the_o evil_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o every_o one_o be_v commend_v apart_o for_o their_o respective_a grace_n and_o every_o one_o by_o itself_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v apart_o from_o their_o sinful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o some_o age_n after_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o a_o lording_n episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o once_o but_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v then_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o all_o alike_o and_o of_o one_o extent_n within_o their_o own_o boundary_n and_o that_o superiority_n in_o church_n come_v in_o with_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o which_o be_v foment_v and_z nourish_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o bishop_n till_o at_o last_o it_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a we_o know_v all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a in_o power_n and_o privilege_n under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n that_o be_v christ_n gal._n 1.18_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la equal_v can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o equal_n unless_o by_o usurpation_n or_o tyranny_n or_o otherwise_o by_o compact_n if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n as_o when_o among_o ourselves_o and_o equal_n we_o choose_v our_o parliament_n man_n to_o be_v our_o legislator_n and_o ruler_n but_o if_o so_o church_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n get_v a_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sister_n church_n call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v either_o classical_a provincial_a or_o national_a sure_o at_o best_a it_o be_v but_o of_o a_o prudential_a and_o civil_a institution_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o divine_a stamp_n be_v more_o than_o it_o will_v bear_v peruse_v cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o last_o past_o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n m._n perkins_n on_o that_o vers_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n god_n give_v a_o full_a juridical_a power_n either_o to_o admit_v or_o keep_v out_o examine_v or_o cast_v out_o suspend_v or_o do_v any_o other_o juridical_a act_n or_o act_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n write_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o respective_a church_n as_o distinct_a church_n without_o dependency_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n king_n and_o sovereign_n actâ—_n 15.22_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o rom._n 1.6_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2_o 24._o ephes_n 5.24_o they_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n under_o one_o head_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o one_o husband_n sister_n of_o one_o mother_n cant._n 8.8_o none_o of_o they_o be_v servant_n or_o slave_n to_o the_o other_o not_o hagar_n but_o sarahs_n free_a and_o equal_a all_o of_o they_o be_v spouse_n of_o christ_n of_o equal_a privilege_n and_o authority_n all_o of_o they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n shine_v church_n among_o who_o christ_n equal_o walk_v rev._n 1.12_o all_o have_v equal_a and_o like_a power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v admit_v and_o reject_v receive_v or_o deny_v and_o for_o one_o church_n to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o prelatical_a humour_n which_o do_v very_o little_o comport_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n mat_n 16.16_o act_n 9.26.14.23_o rev._n 2.2_o act._n 1.15_o 6_o 2_o 3._o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.5_o 6._o quest_n 2._o but_o another_o question_n may_v hence_o arise_v whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n chief_a officer_n pastor_n or_o minister_n can_v alone_o remove_v this_o jezebel_n legal_o and_o judicial_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n which_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o he_o or_o whither_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o eldership_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n elder_n and_o brethren_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n be_v put_v for_o the_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o key_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o and_o this_o authority_n be_v either_o first_o supreme_a and_o monarchical_a and_o this_o reside_v only_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o
when_o they_o call_v themselves_o so_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a christian_n church_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n that_o christ_n will_v make_v those_o enemy_n of_o she_o the_o blaspheme_a jew_n to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o her_o foot_n that_o be_v will_v make_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o philadelphia_n which_o for_o her_o purity_n and_o soundness_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o who_o these_o carnal_a formal_a jew_n shall_v fall_v low_a and_o worship_n object_n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o shall_v they_o be_v make_v to_o worship_n i_o answer_v first_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o they_o have_v blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o philadelphia_n and_o the_o true_a church_n do_v honour_n and_o obey_v second_o they_o shall_v civil_o worship_v and_o reverence_n philadelphia_n and_o the_o true_a church_n for_o the_o honour_n that_o christ_n have_v put_v upon_o she_o and_o so_o will_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n indeed_o to_o come_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n worship_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o christian_n church_n and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v this_o say_v christ_n they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o always_o love_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o i_o now_o this_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n be_v never_o fulfil_v unto_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o full_a extent_n thereof_o only_o we_o read_v of_o some_o few_o of_o the_o malignant_a jew_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o other_o of_o that_o age_n but_o how_o this_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o latitude_n thereof_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o ever_o do_v those_o perverse_a jew_n that_o for_o their_o notorious_a malignity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v just_o call_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n come_v and_o worship_n or_o bow_v down_o before_o the_o foot_n of_o philadelphia_n or_o when_o do_v they_o submit_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n only_o but_o in_o some_o first_o fruit_n and_o that_o before_o this_o be_v write_v to_o philadelphia_n and_o when_o do_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n even_o to_o this_o day_n ever_o since_o become_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o some_o few_o scatter_a person_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n inconsiderable_a to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n or_o when_o do_v ever_o god_n make_v it_o it_o eminent_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o christian_n church_n be_v the_o only_o belove_a people_n and_o society_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n above_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n see_v those_o thing_n be_v never_o yet_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o fullness_n of_o this_o promise_n sure_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o universal_a call_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n into_o holy_a philadelphia_n or_o the_o christian_n church_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v to_o this_o present_a day_n a_o note_n hence_o will_v rise_v observe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o only_o make_v the_o natural_a obstinate_a jew_n but_o also_o their_o true_a counterpane_n the_o nominal_a seem_a christian_n to_o come_v and_o bow_v before_o the_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o latter_a day_n this_o be_v confirm_v from_o this_o verse_n wherein_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o worship_n before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n but_o towards_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o latter_a this_o be_v never_o as_o yet_o perform_v in_o the_o extensiveness_n of_o this_o scripture_n as_o be_v above_o manifest_v therefore_o as_o yet_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o true_a philadelphia_n the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o the_o natural_a jew_n shall_v come_v in_o submit_v and_o join_v to_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o formal_a birth_n christian_n shall_v also_o either_o come_v in_o and_o worship_n before_o this_o true_a church_n or_o else_o shall_v at_o least_o wise_a reverence_n this_o true_a holy_a church_n as_o the_o only_o belove_v of_o christ_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lamb_n will_v be_v upon_o she_o and_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o for_o her_o great_a honour_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v bring_v their_o glory_n and_o honour_n into_o it_o rev_n 21.23_o and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o god_n true_a church_n and_o people_n shall_v have_v a_o day_n too_o as_o well_o as_o their_o adversary_n have_v they_o we_o know_v how_o that_o the_o great_a and_o lofty_a one_o of_o the_o world_n have_v put_v all_o possible_a reproach_n and_o affliction_n on_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o church_n of_o the_o pure_a judgement_n but_o yet_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v and_o shall_v know_v the_o saint_n to_o be_v the_o only_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o stay_n of_o kingdom_n and_o then_o the_o great_a monarch_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o skirt_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o come_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o this_o holy_a church_n for_o their_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n quest._n and_o if_o any_o one_o ask_v when_o this_o shall_v be_v answ_n when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 11._o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v again_o for_o the_o restore_n of_o his_o kingdom_n than_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a dan._n 7.27_o then_o shall_v all_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o philadelphia_n the_o glorious_a new_a unite_a christian_n church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o true_a zion_n the_o dwell_a place_n of_o god_n glory_n whereunto_o all_o nation_n shall_v flock_v and_o worship_n before_o it_o and_o become_v one_o with_o it_o or_o otherwise_o shall_v be_v make_v bow_n unto_o the_o iron_n sceptre_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o fall_v and_o worship_n before_o his_o foot_n rev._n 19.15_o verse_n 10._o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o for_o which_o philadelphia_n be_v commend_v for_o by_o christ_n be_v for_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n this_o have_v either_o respect_n to_o christ_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n i_o have_v teach_v the_o world_n and_o with_o a_o like_a patience_n preach_v it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o else_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o cause_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o my_o gospel_n which_o enjoin_v and_o work_v patience_n either_o or_o both_o of_o these_o sense_n may_v apt_o be_v raise_v and_o entertain_v from_o these_o word_n without_o any_o prejudice_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o word_n or_o 2._o as_o respect_v the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n this_o word_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n which_o he_o teach_v patient_o the_o word_n be_v for_o many_o generation_n so_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o keep_v by_o she_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o which_o she_o have_v the_o reward_n of_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n quest_n but_o whither_o be_v philadelphia_n so_o save_v and_o keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o fall_v upon_o all_o other_o her_o sister_n church_n that_o she_o be_v so_o free_v that_o she_o be_v not_o touch_v by_o it_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o philadelphia_n go_v free_a when_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o persecution_n under_o the_o emperor_n
god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o of_o his_o family_n he_o will_v leave_v we_o alone_o to_o run_v on_o in_o our_o own_o perverse_a way_n until_o destruction_n and_o hell_n overwhelm_v we_o be_v zealous_a therefore_o and_o repent_v what_o zeal_n be_v see_v former_o on_o the_o fifteen_o and_o sixteenth_o verse_n christ_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n prescribe_v the_o remedy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n for_o her_o disease_n and_o here_o he_o advise_v to_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v zealous_a be_v fervent_a be_v hot_a cast_v away_o thy_o half_a mongrel_n religion_n which_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a purge_v out_o o_o england_n thy_o romish_a leven_a that_o make_v thou_o hang_v even_o half_a way_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n be_v zealous_a and_o repent_v o_o laodicea_n cast_v out_o o_o england_n thy_o pretend_a riches_n honour_n and_o preferment_n which_o work_v a_o conceit_n in_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v rich_a while_o thou_o be_v but_o beggarly_a and_o naked_a and_o buy_v gold_n try_v of_o the_o fire_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a honour_n from_o he_o and_o that_o white_a raiment_n of_o he_o righteousness_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a spouse_n in_o her_o external_a office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o will_v make_v thou_o true_o honourable_a beautiful_a rich_a and_o comely_a be_v zealous_a i_o say_v and_o fervent_a hot_a after_o those_o precious_a jewel_n and_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o repent_v of_o thy_o former_a folly_n and_o vain_a conceit_n and_o then_o thou_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o purpose_n and_o become_v as_o a_o lily_n among_o the_o thorn_n and_o the_o fair_a of_o all_o thy_o sister_n verse_n 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o christ_n add_v here_o another_o motive_n to_o the_o poor_a blind_a laodicean_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o for_o gold_n for_o white_a raiment_n for_o eyesalve_n to_o supply_v all_o their_o want_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o come_v in_o and_o converse_v with_o all_o such_o that_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o receive_v he_o and_o to_o close_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n christ_n come_v as_o one_o desire_v to_o have_v entrance_n he_o knock_v first_o that_o they_o may_v know_v to_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o must_v open_v christ_n come_v in_o his_o first_o grace_n be_v irresistible_a and_o as_o the_o strong_a man_n dispossess_v satan_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o house_n the_o soul_n by_o a_o spiritual_a force_n and_o overpower_v hand_n but_o if_o the_o soul_n after_o faith_n receive_v by_o its_o own_o sloth_n remissness_n or_o backslide_v shall_v shut_v the_o door_n or_o entrance_n thereof_o against_o the_o kindly_a operation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n christ_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o break_v up_o the_o door_n of_o that_o heart_n again_o by_o violence_n as_o at_o his_o first_o come_v in_o unto_o it_o but_o will_v come_v and_o call_v and_o knock_v for_o entrance_n that_o be_v will_v wait_v with_o mercy_n with_o providence_n with_o precept_n command_n with_o exhortation_n and_o reproof_n that_o if_o possible_a to_o melt_v the_o stray_a and_o err_a soul_n into_o compunction_n and_o to_o open_v again_o unto_o he_o that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v enter_v in_o from_o which_o posture_n of_o christ_n observe_v observe_v that_o christ_n use_v all_o possible_a mean_n for_o the_o reclaim_n and_o regain_n err_a soul_n into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n he_o come_v as_o it_o be_v a_o supplicant_n at_o their_o door_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o give_v entrance_n to_o he_o he_o stand_v and_o knock_v he_o wait_v and_o wait_v long_o and_o call_v and_o call_v again_o by_o divers_a and_o various_a way_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o former_a love_a kindness_n and_o how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o help_v they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o open_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v his_o direction_n and_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n sometime_o he_o shake_v his_o rod_n over_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o tell_v they_o as_o many_o as_o he_o love_v he_o rebuke_n and_o chasten_v sometime_o he_o invite_v they_o by_o mercy_n and_o gracious_a consideration_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o then_o again_o he_o take_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n to_o make_v they_o see_v their_o danger_n if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a unto_o his_o call_n and_o last_o he_o send_v his_o ambassador_n with_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o line_n upon_o line_n beseech_v in_o christ_n name_n the_o stray_a soul_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o christ_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v want_v unto_o themselves_o quest_n but_o why_o do_v not_o christ_n himself_o use_v his_o force_n and_o open_v the_o door_n himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n power_n to_o these_o poor_a laodicean_n be_v not_o he_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n who_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o if_o he_o will_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n he_o need_v not_o stand_v knock_v at_o their_o door_n they_o will_v fly_v open_a to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v enter_v in_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v true_a at_o christ_n first_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n our_o base_a nature_n be_v so_o resistable_a and_o abhorrent_n to_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o must_v come_v by_o force_n by_o a_o spiritual_a force_n with_o his_o key_n of_o david_n to_o unlock_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n if_o he_o will_v have_v a_o entrance_n thereinto_o but_o second_o have_v first_o shed_v abroad_o his_o first_o grace_n into_o our_o heart_n than_o he_o command_v we_o to_o work_v in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a have_v receive_v the_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n cleanse_v yourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o christ_n put_v we_o then_o upon_o do_v that_o we_o may_v stir_v up_o our_o grace_n improve_v our_o talent_n and_o become_v active_a grow_a and_o fruitful_a christian_n and_o on_o this_o account_n christ_n here_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o bid_v she_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n and_z ro_o open_v to_o he_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o first_o grace_n of_o faith_n from_o christ_n or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v number_v among_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n though_o she_o be_v a_o sad_a disorderly_a and_o rusty_a one_o yet_o she_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n still_o and_o therefore_o may_v very_o well_o be_v command_v to_o set_v her_o power_n and_o grace_v a_o work_n to_o open_v unto_o christ_n the_o operation_n of_o who_o spirit_n she_o have_v shut_v out_o and_o quench_v by_o her_o uneven_a carriage_n and_o lukewarm_a temper_n three_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n know_v that_o laodicea_n have_v not_o quite_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n she_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o a_o lukewarm_a one_o but_o she_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n and_o deny_v he_o passage_n in_o some_o of_o his_o ordinance_n by_o which_o christ_n usual_o and_o ordinary_o enter_v she_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n unto_o a_o true_a spiritual_a ministry_n discipline_n orderly_o call_v and_o regular_a dispense_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o instead_o thereof_o entertain_v a_o formal_a lazy_a indifferent_a lukewarm_a ministry_n state-discipline_n officer_n and_o call_v and_o so_o all_o ordinance_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o scantling_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n and_o so_o make_v up_o a_o mongrel_n hermaphroditical_a worship_n part_n of_o god_n and_o part_n of_o man_n which_o indeed_o be_v pure_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n and_o therefore_o a_o abomination_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n she_o have_v shut_v this_o door_n and_o way_n of_o entrance_n against_o christ_n as_o some_o of_o our_o church_n have_v do_v this_o day_n and_o therefore_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v and_o how_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o faithful_a witness_n and_o as_o john_n be_v send_v with_o a_o epistle_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o laodicea_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o delinquent_a asian_a church_n so_o christ_n send_v his_o faithful_a teacher_n and_o prophet_n with_o a_o burden_n in_o their_o mouth_n against_o all_o such_o false_a worship_n and_o doctrine_n to_o unshut_a the_o door_n if_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v enter_v in_o use_v from_o the_o discourse_v premise_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o scripture_n