church_n for_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n now_o come_v to_o the_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n these_o three_o first_o chapter_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o preface_n and_o a_o vision_n the_o preface_n be_v a_o entrance_n to_o the_o vision_n contain_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o nine_o the_o vision_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o three_o chapter_n the_o preface_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n second_o the_o inscription_n thereof_o the_o title_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n the_o inscription_n from_o the_o four_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n the_o title_n in_o these_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n a_o revelation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o manifestation_n or_o discovery_n of_o thing_n secret_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n revelation_n from_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v show_v three_o way_n first_o by_o dream_n second_o by_o vision_n three_o by_o create_a voice_n of_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num._n 12.6_o 8._o now_o this_o be_v not_o by_o dream_n nor_o by_o vision_n or_o voice_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mix_a revelation_n receive_v partly_o by_o vision_n and_o partly_o by_o voice_n utter_v in_o the_o vision_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o author_n second_o the_o end_n three_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v four_o the_o matter_n five_o the_o instrument_n six_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o seven_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o revelation_n first_o the_o author_n be_v jesus_n christ_n it_o come_v from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v call_v his_o revelation_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o not_o to_o exclude_v the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o show_v the_o special_a office_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n which_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o publish_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o his_o church_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v the_o 3.1_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o â—_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o â—4_n wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n &_o the_o 1._o word_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v difference_n between_o this_o and_o all_o satanical_a revelation_n for_o as_o god_n have_v his_o true_a revelation_n so_o satan_n who_o herein_o may_v be_v call_v god_n ape_n have_v his_o counterfeit_a vision_n and_o deliver_v they_o in_o show_n like_o to_o god_n but_o they_o differ_v much_o first_o the_o devil_n revelation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ambiguous_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o speech_n and_o phrase_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o way_n to_o take_v they_o but_o the_o revelation_n which_o come_v from_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o truth_n who_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n deliver_v second_o the_o devil_n show_v his_o vision_n to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o be_v his_o instrument_n but_o the_o lord_n choose_v the_o godly_a which_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o to_o they_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o devil_n revelation_n evermore_o tend_v to_o set_v up_o and_o uphold_v heresy_n wickedness_n apostasy_n and_o idolatry_n deut._n 13.1_o 2._o but_o these_o that_o come_v from_o god_n serve_v to_o erect_v and_o maintain_v truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n even_o pure_a apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o his_o special_a kingly_a office_n in_o heaven_n for_o be_v ascend_v and_o exalt_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n might_n and_o domination_n and_o there_o do_v direct_v rule_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n upon_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n for_o all_o these_o vision_n serve_v to_o direct_v his_o church_n in_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n whereas_o christ_n jesus_n be_v author_n of_o this_o revelation_n use_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n give_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n we_o may_v observe_v his_o constant_a care_n over_o his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n before_o his_o incarnation_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n such_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o still_o some_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v such_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o now_o behold_v the_o continuance_n or_o rather_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o his_o care_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o beside_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o former_a prophecy_n and_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a will_n by_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v unto_o eternal_a life_n loe_o here_o be_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o this_o worthy_a prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o great_a good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o show_v how_o this_o become_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n namely_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o where_o the_o title_n god_n in_o any_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v oppose_v to_o christ_n there_o it_o import_v the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o sundry_a time_n in_o scripture_n the_o father_n alone_o be_v term_v god_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o the_o other_o person_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o the_o son_n receive_v the_o godhead_n by_o communication_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n receive_v it_o from_o they_o both_o but_o the_o father_n have_v his_o godhead_n of_o himself_o and_o receive_v it_o not_o by_o communication_n from_o any_o other_o here_o some_o will_v say_v this_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o christ_n see_v he_o be_v god_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n of_o himself_o answ._n we_o must_v conceive_v of_o christ_n two_o way_n first_o as_o god_n second_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o father_n give_v he_o nothing_o for_o so_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o the_o same_o with_o the_o father_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v except_v personal_a property_n and_o be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o father_n neither_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o give_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n do_v but_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v mediator_n he_o be_v not_o god_n simple_o but_o god_n incarnate_a or_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n as_o himself_o confess_v all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o matth._n 28.18_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n philip._n 2.9_o he_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v peter_n act._n 2.33_o and_o god_n make_v he_o both_o lord_n and_o christ_n ver_fw-la 36._o and_o so_o god_n give_v he_o this_o revelation_n in_o this_o place_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o make_v christ_n inferior_a to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o receiver_n be_v usual_o inferior_a to_o the_o giver_n answer_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n incarnate_a and_o make_v man_n he_o be_v inferior_a and_o receive_v of_o he_o so_o much_o himself_o confess_v my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o john_n 10.29_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n paul_n call_v god_n the_o father_n the_o head_n of_o christ._n 1._o cor._n 11.6_o and_o as_o christ_n now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n be_v mediator_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o his_o father_n and_o receive_v his_o kingdom_n from_o his_o father_n which_o he_o
must_v give_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 1._o cor._n 15.24_o and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n give_v his_o revelation_n to_o his_o son_n first_o therefore_o christ_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o this_o revelation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v his_o own_o right_n and_o royalty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v now_o govern_v whereof_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n again_o this_o revelation_n be_v reveal_v unto_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n before_o it_o be_v ever_o know_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o manhood_n with_o the_o godhead_n in_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v christ_n his_o right_n and_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o own_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n for_o as_o the_o law_n in_o any_o kingdom_n belong_v to_o the_o prince_n thereof_o and_o be_v call_v his_o law_n alone_o and_o no_o man_n else_o so_o this_o book_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o christ_n govern_v his_o church_n be_v his_o royalty_n alone_o for_o god_n give_v it_o he_o and_o he_o have_v by_o his_o angel_n send_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o book_n must_v be_v understand_v proportional_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n christ_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o royalty_n and_o possession_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v follow_v necessary_o first_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v authority_n above_o this_o book_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n indeed_o monarch_n and_o prince_n have_v great_a authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o their_o dominion_n over_o all_o person_n and_o over_o all_o cause_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o church_n they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v homage_n unto_o christ_n there_o he_o have_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v his_o law_n whereto_o every_o one_o must_v subject_v himself_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v his_o royal_a ordinance_n over_o which_o none_o may_v dare_v to_o claim_v rule_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o shall_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o prerogative_n as_o they_o be_v to_o christ_n but_o god_n give_v they_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o he_o dispose_v thereof_o as_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o the_o pope_n in_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o word_n and_o to_o mangle_v the_o sacrament_n do_v herein_o step_n into_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n by_o seek_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o princely_a royalty_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o second_o that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o expound_v scripture_n belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o and_o to_o none_o other_o with_o he_o true_a it_o be_v that_o man_n have_v a_o ministry_n commit_v unto_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v expound_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o man_n have_v no_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o popish_a practice_n in_o give_v to_o the_o church_n absolute_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o without_o scripture_n be_v flat_a robbery_n against_o christ_n for_o therein_o they_o give_v unto_o man_n that_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ._n three_o herein_o we_o observe_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n for_o all_o of_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o like_a can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o write_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v they_o never_o so_o excellent_a herein_o the_o scripture_n surpass_v they_o all_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v more_o reverent_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n than_o of_o all_o the_o write_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n here_o then_o behold_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o more_o delight_v to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n than_o the_o glorious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n whereas_o the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o every_o way_n perfect_a proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n unto_o his_o belove_a son_n who_o have_v faithful_o disperse_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o show_v to_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v viz._n the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v arg._n ii_o the_o end_n of_o this_o revelation_n be_v to_o show_v that_o be_v to_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v exceed_o in_o debar_v lie_v people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a to_o god_n servant_n thing_n to_o come_v and_o who_o be_v god_n servant_n be_v the_o clergy_n only_o and_o not_o lay_v people_n also_o god_n forbid_v the_o lie_v man_n be_v christ_n his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o he_o shall_v learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v this_o book_n like_o one_o of_o his_o servant_n and_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a must_v be_v learn_v of_o the_o lie_v man_n then_o much_o more_o must_v he_o search_v into_o all_o other_o book_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o history_n of_o gospel_n epistle_n etc._n etc._n arg._n iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v viz._n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n this_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n indefinite_o but_o for_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v such_o alone_a as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o new_a obedience_n so_o he_o teach_v elsewhere_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n to_o give_v they_o understanding_n psalm_n 25.14_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o and_o god_n will_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v unto_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n because_o he_o know_v abraham_n will_v do_v his_o will_n and_o teach_v his_o family_n after_o he_o genes_n 18._o vers_fw-la 17.19_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o outward_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o labour_v principal_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n and_o to_o show_v the_o same_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v hereby_o shall_v we_o receive_v instruction_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o our_o understand_n shall_v more_o easy_o conceive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o they_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v know_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7.17_o here_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o most_o hearer_n after_o long_o teach_v profit_n little_a but_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v even_o their_o own_o impiety_n they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n second_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v true_a god_n for_o here_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n every_o true_a believer_n be_v his_o servant_n and_o he_o his_o lord_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v his_o angel_n as_o after_o we_o shall_v see_v which_o prerogative_n none_o can_v have_v but_o he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o very_o god_n three_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v those_o confute_v which_o hold_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v save_v and_o call_v all_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o if_o he_o call_v all_o effectual_o than_o he_o will_v offer_v the_o mean_n to_o all_o to_o wit_n his_o holy_a word_n that_o so_o they_o may_v
may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v hâ—m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n fâ—om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o manâ—r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n fâ—r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n â—o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o purpose_n of_o s._n john_n who_o do_v therefore_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v that_o shall_v hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n with_o conscience_n to_o keep_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o do_v it_o with_o delight_n second_o we_o be_v hereby_o admonish_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n that_o place_n before_o name_v be_v most_o excellent_a search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o iâ—_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n â—_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n iâ—_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o taâ—es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
cast_v off_o all_o dulness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o may_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o attentive_a hear_n so_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v bless_v unto_o we_o otherwise_o our_o hear_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n verse_n 11._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardai_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o description_n of_o this_o voice_n whereby_o johns_n heart_n be_v prepare_v touch_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n which_o be_v utter_v which_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v and_o send_v etc._n etc._n i._o touch_v the_o testimony_n the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n where_o the_o word_n be_v handle_v and_o the_o meaning_n show_v they_o do_v serve_v direct_o to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v here_o avouch_v to_o give_v unto_o john_n and_o unto_o the_o church_n full_a assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n now_o utter_v and_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n for_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n in_o this_o testimony_n note_v god_n special_a care_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o more_o special_o his_o care_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o from_o god_n this_o have_v be_v god_n care_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o peter_n receive_v a_o vision_n from_o god_n withal_o 19_o god_n spirit_n assure_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o be_v certain_a &_o sure_a and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n among_o man_n he_o do_v withal_o work_v strange_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n this_o special_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n do_v first_o confute_v the_o papist_n opinion_n touch_v scripture_n use_n they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o unto_o man_n till_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n thereunto_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o god_n ever_o have_v this_o care_n over_o his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v be_v his_o undoubted_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o ever_o be_v not_o only_o in_o it_o self_n bâ—t_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o come_v thereunto_o second_o hereby_o be_v confute_v many_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n therein_o be_v so_o diverse_a that_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n almost_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n in_o sundry_a matter_n hold_v sundry_a private_a opinion_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v religion_n therefore_o be_v uncertain_a god_n forbid_v for_o religion_n be_v certain_a unto_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o certify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o may_v man_n come_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n ii_o point_n the_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n this_o commandment_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o write_v the_o thing_n see_v in_o a_o book_n second_o to_o send_v the_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n here_o name_v and_o both_o these_o must_v john_n do_v be_v now_o disable_v by_o his_o exile_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n unto_o they_o personal_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o these_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o strengthen_v in_o these_o most_o grievous_a time_n of_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v become_v keeper_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o publish_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o in_o this_o commandment_n note_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worthy_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o have_v write_v these_o vision_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o blind_a papist_n which_o say_v the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n because_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v be_v turn_v every_o way_n as_o man_n will_n this_o also_o confute_v the_o anabaptist_n which_o so_o much_o magnify_v their_o revelation_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o word_n write_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o best_o he_o will_v have_v teach_v these_o church_n by_o revelation_n but_o they_o must_v learn_v by_o the_o word_n write_v second_o that_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n either_o public_o or_o private_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v this_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n hereby_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v read_v the_o same_o as_o they_o do_v other_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o sound_n and_o confirm_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o ordinary_o justify_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o read_v must_v have_v his_o due_a reverence_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v three_o here_o note_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o persecution_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o this_o banishment_n into_o such_o a_o desert_a place_n be_v unto_o john_n a_o grievous_a cross_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v there_o to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o honour_n he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o thing_n each_o one_o shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n it_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o seven_o church_n ephesus_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v name_v which_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n wherein_o be_v plant_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v in_o those_o part_n and_o for_o their_o excellency_n be_v they_o name_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n now_o follow_v the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o be_v hear_v fold_v up_o with_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n second_o be_v turn_v of_o himself_o to_o see_v the_o party_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o in_o these_o word_n verse_n 12._o then_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n which_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o when_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o
another_o and_o yet_o beseech_v they_o to_o increase_v therein_o phil._n 3.13.4_o in_o paul_n person_n we_o have_v a_o worthy_a precedent_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v if_o we_o think_v to_o come_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o though_o he_o have_v go_v far_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o labour_v to_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o consider_v not_o that_o which_o be_v past_a as_o rest_v in_o it_o but_o rather_o how_o far_o he_o be_v too_o short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v use_v mean_n to_o increase_v in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o other_o good_a grace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o perfection_n a_o christian_n man_v life_n be_v a_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o once_o set_v foot_n must_v â—uer_o go_v forward_o and_o not_o stand_v still_o or_o turn_v back_o lest_o we_o never_o come_v there_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o child_n which_o still_o grow_v till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a strength_n and_o so_o must_v every_o child_n of_o god_n labour_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o stand_v still_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o they_o the_o rhemist_n in_o their_o annotation_n abuse_v this_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o text_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n thiâ—_n question_n must_v be_v scan_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n answ._n grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o for_o that_o favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o some_o for_o his_o child_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o and_o take_v grace_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v lose_v but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v be_v lose_v of_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v when_o a_o earthly_a father_n be_v displease_v with_o his_o child_n for_o some_o notorious_a crime_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o sign_n of_o displeasure_n and_o show_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o stripe_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o continue_v his_o father_n and_o hold_v he_o for_o his_o son_n without_o any_o purpose_n to_o disinherit_v he_o even_o so_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o love_a countenance_n from_o they_o and_o change_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n when_o as_o yet_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o their_o adoption_n be_v not_o alter_v but_o remain_v firm_a for_o ever_o and_o god_n be_v still_o their_o father_n though_o a_o angry_a father_n through_o the_o provocation_n of_o their_o sin_n second_o grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n these_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o more_o principal_a of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v save_v as_o faith_n and_o also_o hope_v and_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n there_o be_v other_o also_o less_o principal_a which_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o requisite_a yet_o not_o absolute_o needful_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n alacrity_n in_o prayer_n &_o sense_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o less_o principal_a grace_n may_v quite_o be_v lose_v the_o principal_a grace_n also_o may_v be_v decay_v lessen_v and_o cover_v in_o regard_n of_o operation_n even_o in_o god_n child_n but_o quite_o extinguish_v they_o can_v be_v for_o god_n uphold_v they_o by_o perseverance_n where_o faith_n hope_n &_o love_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n they_o be_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o take_v away_o but_o only_o in_o part_n and_o in_o sense_n and_o feel_n for_o a_o time_n this_o answer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o text_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v here_o blame_v not_o for_o quite_o lose_v her_o loveâ—_n but_o because_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o waxelesse_a than_o it_o be_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o because_o this_o doctrine_n be_v oppugn_v earnest_o not_o only_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o by_o some_o church_n and_o school_n of_o the_o protestant_n i_o will_v first_o show_v the_o truth_n hereof_o out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o scan_v the_o chief_a reason_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o grace_n can_v be_v whole_o and_o final_o lose_v these_o reason_n prove_v i._o matth._n 16.18_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o upon_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o profess_v christ_n will_v build_v his_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o which_o last_o word_n must_v be_v mark_v for_o they_o intimate_v that_o the_o devil_n with_o his_o adherent_n will_v show_v much_o force_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a but_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o get_v the_o victory_n or_o overcome_v it_o whole_o ii_o matth._n 24.24_o christ_n foretell_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v say_v they_o shall_v seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_a where_o he_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o elect_v albeit_o they_o may_v be_v assault_v grievous_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o or_o final_o draw_v away_o from_o their_o faith_n iii_o john_n 10.27_o 28_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v to_o this_o they_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v never_o perish_v so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o cavil_n be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o next_o word_n neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o flesh_n can_v by_o any_o temptation_n draw_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n from_o their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o sheep_n iv._o reason_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n they_o say_v he_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n and_o no_o otherwise_o i_o answer_v if_o they_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n they_o shall_v never_o perish_v 5.5_o for_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a v._o reason_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinat_a they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o be_v justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o be_v glorify_v those_o which_o be_v elect_v call_v and_o justify_v by_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v glorify_v and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v away_o final_o for_o such_o shall_v never_o be_v glorify_v and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 38._o he_o add_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n angel_n principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v separate_v we_o viz._n the_o faithful_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n but_o if_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v away_o final_o than_o they_o may_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n vi_o reason_n rom._n 11.29_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n call_v that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v without_o repentance_n they_o say_v it_o be_v true_a god_n indeed_o never_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o gift_n but_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v and_o fall_v away_o because_o he_o may_v refuse_v and_o reject_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o answer_n be_v frivolous_a maintain_v this_o absurdity_n that_o the_o powerful_a will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o silly_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o man_n can_v repel_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o than_o shall_v man_n will_v take_v place_n and_o god_n will_v be_v make_v frustrate_a and_o void_a vii_o reason_n 1._o john_n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o because_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n how_o be_v that_o true_a for_o chap._n 1.10_o he_o that_o say_v he_o have_v not_o sin_v make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o he_o answ._n the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v
of_o hart_n and_o profaneness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n these_o must_v know_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v on_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o come_v out_o of_o this_o estate_n &_o endeavour_n so_o to_o hear_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v unto_o god_n both_o in_o mind_n heart_n and_o life_n ii_o point_n the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o to_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v and_o with_o attention_n to_o bring_v faith_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n every_o way_n eph._n 4.21_o 22_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n be_v notable_o describe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mindâ—_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o utter_v it_o as_o to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o risâ—_n 〈◊〉_d newness_n of_o life_n and_o indeed_o a_o man_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v again_o to_o be_v admonish_v that_o we_o so_o hear_v with_o attention_n that_o by_o hear_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o that_o with_o our_o change_n we_o join_v â—are_v to_o believe_v and_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o iâ—_n that_o save_v hearing_n which_o bring_v eternal_a life_n all_o other_o hear_n do_v increase_v our_o sin_n to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n whereby_o also_o appear_v the_o fearful_a state_n of_o many_o who_o lend_v only_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n to_o hâ—â—re_v the_o word_n but_o then_o heart_n be_v not_o move_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v thereby_o iii_o point_n what_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n say_v â—nto_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o go_v beâ—ore_o &_o not_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o thiâ—_n commandment_n belong_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o go_v before_o the_o promise_n follow_v rather_o concern_v the_o person_n themselves_o than_o the_o matter_n the_o thing_n then_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v these_o christ_n his_o sharp_a reproof_n for_o sin_n his_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n a_o remedy_n prescribe_v &_o motive_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o especial_o repentance_n for_o of_o all_o these_o christ_n speak_v before_o use_n from_o this_o that_o christ_n bid_v they_o hear_v these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n in_o sin_n &_o amendment_n by_o repentance_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o the_o same_o second_o that_o after_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n have_v consider_v of_o theri_fw-la sin_n and_o of_o god_n judgement_n it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v and_o if_o they_o have_v repent_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o daily_a &_o do_v it_o more_o that_o so_o god_n judgement_n both_o private_a and_o common_a may_v be_v avoid_v we_o therefore_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o search_v into_o our_o own_o way_n to_o find_v out_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v that_o by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o so_o escape_v his_o fearful_a iudgementâ—_n further_o these_o word_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n contain_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n to_o move_v every_o man_n to_o hear_v i._o because_o they_o be_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o because_o they_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o one_o man_n oâ—_n one_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o churcheâ—_n for_o the_o firstâ—_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d demand_v seeinâ—_n christ_n spâ—ke_v thâ—se_a wordâ—_n how_o 〈…〉_z be_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v theâ—_n ans._n both_o may_v stand_v first_o because_o all_o the_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v common_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z to_o â—each_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o the_o father_n create_v thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o son_n also_o create_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n create_v they_o so_o herâ—_n when_o the_o son_n reach_v the_o father_n teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v for_o as_o the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o must_v they_o be_v join_v in_o all_o outward_a action_n second_o christ_n say_v the_o spirit_n speak_v because_o he_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o teach_v his_o church_n in_o bodily_a presence_n but_o hy_z his_o spirit_n which_o after_o his_o ascension_n he_o send_v to_o be_v their_o comforter_n and_o instructor_n here_o then_o observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o speak_v unto_o man_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n because_o say_v they_o a_o judge_n must_v speak_v and_o christ_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o church_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o dumb_a letter_n and_o can_v speak_v therefore_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o the_o church_n can_v be_v judge_n it_o be_v but_o christ_n minister_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o he_o command_v christ_n therefore_o must_v be_v judge_n unto_o his_o church_n by_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o dumb_a judge_n for_o therein_o his_o spirit_n speak_v plain_o and_o sufficient_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o any_o point_n in_o controversy_n that_o be_v needful_a in_o god_n church_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o attention_n be_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o all_o church_n where_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n agree_v to_o all_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a duty_n in_o read_v and_o hear_a god_n holy_a word_n namely_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o applicacation_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o flourish_a knowledge_n of_o the_o story_n but_o apply_v every_o precept_n and_o example_n unto_o ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o for_o imitation_n if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o vice_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o move_v we_o to_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v the_o like_a for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o learn_v that_o which_o he_o speak_v unto_o one_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n to_o wit_n a_o most_o excellent_a promise_n wherein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v for_o the_o first_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o fight_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n sin_n sathan_n hell_n and_o condemnation_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o overcome_v these_o enemy_n first_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcom_v the_o world_n so_o by_o regeneration_n he_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n death_n sin_n and_o satan_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v and_o renounce_v himself_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o death_n passion_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ._n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n which_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n his_o victory_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o subdue_v his_o own_o corruption_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n three_o he_o that_o will_v overcome_v must_v keep_v faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n stand_v out_o in_o life_n and_o death_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o use_n in_o this_o that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v first_o we_o observe_v that_o
sign_n or_o rule_v whereto_o he_o will_v conform_v and_o square_v the_o last_o judgement_n second_o whereas_o every_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v that_o be_v save_v or_o condemn_v according_a to_o his_o work_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o not_o as_o cause_n thereof_o either_o efficient_a or_o help_v any_o way_n but_o only_o as_o a_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o come_v unto_o salvation_n for_o faith_n be_v necessary_a and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o token_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v necessary_a three_o here_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o be_v careful_a to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n not_o to_o win_v heaven_n by_o they_o but_o to_o get_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o ourselves_o and_o these_o good_a work_n be_v the_o do_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n unto_o our_o brethren_n even_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o the_o do_v of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o a_o man_n calling_n for_o if_o these_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o love_n unto_o our_o brethren_n though_o the_o call_n be_v never_o so_o base_a they_o be_v good_a work_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o condemnation_n and_o so_o many_o wicked_a work_n as_o we_o commit_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o brand_n do_v we_o set_v upon_o ourselves_o of_o our_o just_a and_o deserve_a condemnation_n unless_o we_o repent_v last_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o torment_n in_o hell_n for_o judgement_n and_o reward_n go_v according_a to_o man_n work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o testify_v their_o faith_n by_o great_a and_o many_o good_a work_n shall_v have_v great_a reward_n they_o that_o testify_v their_o 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sufficient_a authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o that_o he_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o name_n whereby_o he_o put_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o himself_o and_o all_o other_o his_o minister_n either_o prophet_n apostle_n or_o ordinary_a teacher_n for_o they_o must_v not_o propound_v any_o thing_n unto_o god_n people_n in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n but_o christ_n teach_v in_o his_o own_o name_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n that_o iâ—_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o christ_n himself_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o name_n to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o better_a part_n thereof_o with_o reverence_n and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o counsel_n follow_v consider_v it_o come_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o point_n the_o party_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o you_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n and_o the_o better_a part_n of_o this_o church_n for_o so_o christ_n expound_v it_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v though_o first_o he_o say_v in_o general_a to_o you_o that_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatira_n when_o as_o christ_n will_v behave_v himself_o as_o the_o doctor_n and_o chief_a angel_n of_o this_o church_n note_n that_o he_o make_v a_o distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o church_n and_o also_o devide_v his_o counsel_n give_v one_o doctrine_n and_o one_o judgement_n to_o one_o part_n and_o a_o diverse_a doctrine_n and_o judgement_n to_o another_o use_n this_o give_v we_o good_a direction_n for_o sundry_a action_n for_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o must_v doctrine_n be_v deliver_v in_o a_o mix_a congregation_n where_o some_o be_v papist_n some_o protestant_n some_o be_v harden_v other_o despair_v answ._n the_o person_n must_v be_v distinguish_v after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o suitable_a doctrine_n divide_v for_o they_o that_o every_o one_o may_v have_v his_o due_n impenitent_a sinner_n must_v be_v terrify_v and_o threaten_n deliver_v against_o they_o with_o exception_n of_o they_o that_o repent_v comfort_n must_v be_v propound_v and_o apply_v to_o they_o that_o despair_n with_o restraint_n from_o all_o impenitent_a person_n that_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n if_o any_o demand_n more_o particular_o who_o these_o be_v who_o christ_n call_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatyra_n christ_n answer_v direct_o as_o the_o word_n import_v to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o learning_n neither_o have_v know_v the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n where_o christ_n give_v two_o note_n whereby_o to_o discern_v who_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatira_n the_o first_o be_v the_o not_o receive_v or_o maintain_v of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n whereof_o entreaty_n have_v be_v former_o make_v the_o second_o note_n be_v ignorance_n in_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n neither_o have_v know_v the_o 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revelation_n and_o by_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o they_o keep_v still_o in_o their_o cabbala_n and_o of_o the_o like_a judgement_n touch_v scripture_n be_v the_o popish_a church_n the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a word_n a_o dead_a letter_n or_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a scripture_n be_v unwritten_a which_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o catholic_n and_o by_o such_o great_a term_n the_o anabaptist_n libertine_n and_o arrian_n maintain_v their_o doctrine_n and_o abuse_v scripture_n call_v the_o write_a word_n milk_n for_o every_o novice_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o heart_n among_o themselves_o with_o revelation_n that_o be_v the_o strong_a meat_n yea_o this_o opinion_n have_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o in_o part_n man_n think_v base_o of_o scripture_n and_o prefer_v other_o man_n write_n before_o it_o for_o let_v a_o man_n preach_v plain_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o 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