servant_n in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n for_o s._n john_n be_v his_o servant_n not_o only_o in_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o general_o but_o in_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o particular_a call_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o paul_n 9_o he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o general_o but_o in_o the_o special_a call_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o preach_v the_o same_o this_o example_n of_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v our_o direction_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o general_a call_n of_o christian_n but_o serve_v christ_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o profess_v christ_n in_o public_a assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n we_o must_v serve_v he_o at_o home_n as_o the_o magistrate_n not_o only_o in_o his_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o in_o his_o particular_a call_n as_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n the_o minister_n as_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n as_o he_o be_v a_o master_n and_o so_o all_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a calling_n must_v obey_v christ._n and_o if_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n come_v to_o the_o assembly_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n yet_o in_o his_o family_n fail_v and_o perform_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o master_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n he_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n though_o man_n accept_v so_o of_o he_o because_o he_o must_v be_v obedient_a to_o christ_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a call_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o john_n be_v describe_v namely_o the_o effect_n that_o he_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o john_n bear_v this_o record_n partly_o by_o preach_v partly_o by_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v two_o part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n add_v of_o thing_n do_v and_o say_v by_o christ._n and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v call_v his_o testimony_n into_o question_n he_o say_v he_o testify_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_n he_o see_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a the_o end_n why_o he_o allege_v these_o word_n be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o these_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v use_v that_o to_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o a_o false_a if_o they_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v true_a deut._n 13._o if_o they_o work_v wonder_n and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o true_a god_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o must_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v of_o his_o authority_n he_o allege_v luk._n 10._o 1._o johns_n testimony_n and_o confirm_v johns_n testimony_n to_o be_v true_a ask_v they_o this_o question_n the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n show_v that_o john_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n see_v his_o baptism_n that_o be_v his_o doctrine_n be_v from_o heaven_n hereby_o we_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o false_a allege_a by_o the_o papist_n be_v no_o true_a difference_n for_o they_o say_v if_o one_o can_v work_v miracle_n he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n whereas_o deut._n 13._o false_a prophet_n may_v do_v that_o but_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o he_o which_o bring_v this_o though_o he_o can_v not_o work_v a_o miracle_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n now_o follow_v the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v which_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o propound_v and_o deliver_v of_o it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o delivery_n of_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 second_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_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 the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n now_o in_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o convey_v his_o scripture_n to_o man_n we_o see_v his_o perpetual_a care_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n also_o we_o see_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n as_o also_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o book_n see_v they_o be_v deliver_v to_o man_n by_o god_n and_o by_o he_o he_o deliver_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n this_o show_v the_o blasphemy_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n a_o dumb_a judge_n they_o hold_v that_o general_a counsel_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o word_n that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n it_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n to_o they_o which_o otherwise_o they_o say_v of_o themselves_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a and_o dumb_a word_n but_o we_o see_v they_o be_v far_o above_o all_o these_o for_o they_o be_v most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a and_o also_o most_o excellent_a see_v they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o he_o convey_v to_o a_o angel_n who_o deliver_v they_o to_o john_n and_o he_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o church_n these_o degree_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o show_v they_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a bless_a be_v they_o which_o hear_v etc._n etc._n 3._o here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n of_o this_o description_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v by_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o be_v hear_v or_o read_v and_o join_v with_o mark_v and_o attention_n it_o bring_v happiness_n bless_a that_o be_v blessedness_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a belong_v to_o they_o which_o hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n and_o mark_v it_o keep_v it_o in_o memory_n remember_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n partly_o present_a partly_o to_o come_v bless_a be_v he_o which_o read_v here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o of_o this_o book_n particular_o for_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 the_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o life_n everlasting_a joh._n 20._o last_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o so_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n 1._o joh._n 1._o â—_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 son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n itself_o joh._n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n 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 thence_o erroneous_a and_o miss_v of_o the_o end_n of_o happiness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v light_a by_o by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n and_o have_v all_o their_o truth_n from_o it_o see_v the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n 1_o as_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n we_o see_v 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 bar_v they_o of_o
propound_v doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n to_o be_v believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n christ_n show_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v one_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n nay_o he_o which_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1._o second_o christ_n have_v absolute_a power_n to_o prescribe_v regiment_n to_o his_o church_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o also_o the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v so_o moses_n make_v the_o tabernacle_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n christ_n show_v he_o solomon_n build_v the_o temple_n according_a to_o the_o form_n he_o see_v by_o revelation_n 1._o chron._n 28._o 12._o three_o christ_n have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v time_n for_o his_o worship_n to_o appoint_v sabbaths_n etc._n etc._n and_o gen._n 1._o as_o he_o create_v the_o sabbath_n so_o have_v he_o power_n alone_o to_o alter_v it_o no_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v a_o time_n to_o god_n service_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o christ_n alone_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v two_o sabbath_n in_o one_o week_n or_o one_o in_o many_o week_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n honour_n to_o prescribe_v his_o worship_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v to_o judge_v to_o have_v power_n to_o determine_v of_o his_o own_o will_n without_o help_n of_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o give_v sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o alone_o give_v they_o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n and_o must_v expound_v his_o own_o law_n second_o christ_n alone_o must_v decide_v question_n and_o controversy_n concern_v faith_n then_o the_o church_n have_v not_o any_o such_o power_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o help_n of_o the_o write_a word_n by_o which_o christ_n expound_v they_o to_o us._n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o sovereignty_n be_v that_o christ_n can_v save_v and_o destroy_v open_a and_o shut_v he_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n he_o can_v open_v that_o be_v pardon_v sin_n proper_o and_o he_o alone_o promise_v this_o pardon_n and_o can_v perform_v it_o be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o give_v the_o pardon_n for_o sin_n so_o he_o give_v also_o eternal_a life_n save_v man_n soul_n second_o he_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v to_o cast_v some_o into_o hell_n and_o to_o destroy_v when_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o die_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n he_o have_v power_n to_o hold_v man_n in_o sin_n after_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o hell_n and_o shut_v they_o up_o for_o ever_o see_v christ_n prescribe_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n use_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a part_n of_o man_n soul_n &_o such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v save_v and_o destroy_v we_o see_v christ_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a will_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o papist_n say_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o key_n of_o david_n christ_n can_v set_v up_o and_o depose_v king_n and_o prince_n at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o this_o they_o hold_v crafty_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o damn_a power_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o it_o will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n of_o the_o church_n and_o governor_n thereof_o he_o depose_v none_o he_o make_v no_o king_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n so_o he_o make_v and_o pull_v down_o at_o his_o pleasure_n be_v far_o above_o all_o man_n and_o hence_o king_n be_v call_v god_n because_o they_o represent_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v god_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n make_v man_n spiritual_a king_n but_o he_o make_v not_o temporal_a king_n but_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n for_o if_o he_o have_v such_o power_n why_o do_v he_o refuse_v to_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o adulterous_a woman_n confess_v he_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n from_o this_o power_n be_v another_o derive_v from_o christ_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o which_o power_n the_o key_n of_o david_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n mat._n 16._o 19_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o ministry_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o it_o be_v a_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o service_n and_o duty_n for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n do_v be_v but_o a_o service_n do_v to_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v but_o servant_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v it_o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o authority_n but_o a_o service_n when_o adam_n fall_v we_o all_o fall_v in_o he_o and_o he_o thrust_v himself_o and_o all_o mankind_n out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n by_o his_o sin_n &_o close_v up_o heaven_n gate_n against_o us._n now_o since_o that_o fall_n christ_n become_v man_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o this_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o proper_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o else_o proper_o christ_n alone_o can_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o church_n can_v only_o reveal_v and_o pronounce_v the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o no_o otherwise_o she_o open_v or_o shut_v but_o by_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v open_a or_o shut_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o the_o company_n of_o true_a believer_n call_v to_o salvation_n by_o christ_n to_o they_o only_o be_v this_o key_n give_v mat._n 18._o 18._o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o god_n people_n not_o to_o all_o society_n of_o man_n the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v how_o christ_n he_o know_v best_a joh._n 20._o 23._o where_o he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o key_n and_o what_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v namely_o to_o pardon_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o no_o way_n else_o can_v man_n open_a and_o shut_v now_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o give_v sentence_n &_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n the_o first_o belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o the_o second_o to_o man_n who_o forgive_v sin_n not_o by_o give_v sentence_n but_o pronounce_v sentence_n give_v already_o by_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v sin_n proper_o be_v to_o rob_v christ_n of_o a_o special_a honour_n due_a to_o his_o godhead_n then_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v they_o only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v first_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o steward_n second_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o word_n not_o man_n tradition_n and_o affection_n three_o to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o salvation_n to_o beget_v and_o continue_v they_o in_o repentance_n they_o be_v so_o use_v have_v a_o promise_n namely_o what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o christ_n power_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n now_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o the_o church_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n the_o first_o mat._n 16._o 19_o namely_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v down_o and_o authorise_v by_o christ_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o who_o sin_n thou_o shall_v bind_v by_o that_o word_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o cord_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v two_o way_n first_o by_o teach_v &_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o key_n luk._n 11._o 52._o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n in_o man_n lawful_o call_v in_o that_o they_o apply_v in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n to_o they_o which_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o repentant_a heart_n so_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n pronounce_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v fast_o bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n
give_v of_o god_n for_o in_o john_n his_o body_n and_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v benumb_v he_o neither_o hear_v see_v nor_o feel_v but_o they_o be_v asleep_a and_o therefore_o the_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n second_o that_o they_o may_v take_v the_o deep_a impression_n in_o he_o and_o their_o mind_n for_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v free_v from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n not_o hinder_v by_o any_o fantasy_n of_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o quiet_a than_o the_o mind_n have_v best_a opportunity_n to_o attend_v and_o mark_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v and_o also_o to_o imprint_v deep_o in_o memory_n thing_n reveal_v here_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n of_o god_n doctrine_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o child_n to_o receive_v these_o vision_n by_o sense_n imperfect_o but_o that_o they_o may_v thorough_o understand_v know_v believe_v and_o carry_v they_o away_o in_o faithful_a memory_n he_o deliver_v they_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n the_o mind_n then_o be_v no_o whit_n hinder_v with_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n but_o free_v from_o the_o same_o the_o like_a care_n have_v he_o of_o his_o prophet_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v constant_o believe_v and_o faithful_o remember_v those_o vision_n he_o will_v not_o have_v their_o mind_n trouble_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n or_o of_o the_o sense_n inward_a or_o outward_a and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n of_o this_o for_o they_o which_o must_v teach_v a_o thing_n to_o other_o to_o make_v they_o know_v and_o understand_v to_o believe_v and_o remember_v the_o same_o it_o be_v reason_n they_o shall_v understand_v and_o hold_v it_o themselves_o and_o keep_v it_o well_o in_o memory_n this_o see_v the_o lord_n do_v use_v to_o make_v they_o to_o understand_v more_o thorough_o to_o believe_v more_o constant_o and_o to_o carry_v away_o more_o faithful_o this_o teach_v minister_n that_o they_o must_v have_v also_o the_o through_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n believe_v it_o constant_o and_o remember_v it_o careful_o now_o we_o must_v not_o look_v for_o and_o expect_v trance_n as_o they_o have_v but_o we_o must_v come_v to_o this_o by_o continual_a study_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o that_o knowledge_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o all_o man_n preacher_n student_n and_o hearer_n do_v know_v then_o we_o shall_v seek_v to_o be_v cunning_a in_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o understand_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o to_o be_v good_a text_n man_n to_o understand_v believe_v and_o remember_v it_o then_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o those_o which_o in_o study_v of_o divinity_n use_v will_v rather_o read_v ancient_a write_n of_o man_n nay_o the_o base_a write_n of_o of_o wicked_a and_o heretical_a friar_n then_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o receive_v this_o vision_n &_o will_n of_o god_n in_o a_o trance_n and_o have_v it_o so_o make_v full_o know_v unto_o he_o we_o see_v that_o though_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o singular_a gift_n yet_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o knowledge_n to_o his_o former_a so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o say_v justify_v to_o he_o which_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v s._n john_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o in_o most_o full_a manner_n even_o so_o all_o that_o have_v care_n to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n though_o their_o knowledge_n be_v small_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v they_o add_v daily_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o increase_v it_o so_o we_o see_v why_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o increase_v not_o but_o wax_v worse_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o have_v their_o knowledge_n increase_v for_o if_o they_o do_v then_o to_o he_o which_o have_v he_o shall_v have_v more_o add_v nay_o contrary_o when_o we_o be_v negligent_a to_o hear_v and_o to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o spirit_n indeed_o but_o not_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o see_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o isaiah_n 29._o 10._o on_o the_o lord_n day_n 10._o in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o four_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o time_n when_o this_o vision_n be_v grant_v to_o s._n john_n this_o day_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o we_o sunday_n it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o on_o this_o day_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v bury_v the_o even_a of_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o friday_n and_o he_o rest_v in_o the_o grave_a their_o whole_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n and_o rise_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n which_o be_v our_o sunday_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n first_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n 2_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n because_o this_o first_o day_n to_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v to_o they_o in_o stead_n of_o their_o sabbath_n in_o which_o day_n they_o worship_v god_n solemn_o it_o be_v the_o day_n appoint_v to_o his_o service_n among_o they_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n especial_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n to_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n we_o must_v know_v three_o point_n first_o who_o change_v this_o day_n from_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n second_o for_o what_o cause_n three_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n power_n to_o change_v the_o sabbath_n day_n to_o any_o other_o day_n than_o this_o seven_o day_n the_o changer_n and_o appointer_n of_o this_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v christ_n himself_o though_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o christian_a emperor_n change_v it_o my_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n either_o by_o voice_n or_o instinct_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o they_o deliver_v this_o &_o enjoin_v this_o sabath_n to_o the_o church_n although_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o christ._n that_o they_o enjoin_v this_o day_n of_o rest_n and_o sabbath_n to_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 16._o 1._o for_o paul_n ordain_v that_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o ordain_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o not_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o appoint_v it_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a from_o christ._n now_o the_o day_n of_o collect_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sabbath_n day_n when_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v than_o they_o use_v to_o make_v their_o collection_n for_o before_o that_o collection_n there_o go_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n many_o year_n after_o christ_n first_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v then_o to_o gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o mass_n not_o as_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o but_o because_o in_o it_o we_o offer_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n mittendo_fw-la but_o to_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v send_v they_o and_o so_o give_v the_o name_n to_o that_o sacrament_n to_o be_v call_v the_o mass_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o appoint_v by_o apostolical_a authority_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n to_o be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n keep_v this_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 20._o 7._o and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o observe_v any_o other_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n but_o only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o they_o live_v among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o keep_v their_o old_a sabbath_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v john_n 20._o 19_o 26._o that_o same_o day_n which_o christ_n rise_v from_o death_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o the_o eight_o day_n after_o he_o appear_v again_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n instruct_v they_o in_o matter_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a christ_n will_v celebrate_v and_o
on_o the_o sea_n yet_o they_o must_v keep_v the_o sabbath_n they_o must_v pray_v fast_o and_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o vision_n then_o 2._o when_o he_o be_v exercise_v in_o pray_v and_o fast_v here_o be_v a_o comfort_n for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o when_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o god_n he_o draw_v near_o to_o they_o jam._n 4._o john_n a_o worthy_a apostle_n be_v in_o banishment_n he_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n he_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o and_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o so_o if_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n by_o faith_n &_o repentance_n by_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n than_o he_o will_v draw_v near_o to_o us._n but_o if_o we_o draw_v ourselves_o back_o from_o he_o he_o draw_v back_o from_o us._n this_o than_o shall_v move_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o seek_v to_o draw_v as_o near_o he_o as_o can_v be_v then_o he_o will_v come_v and_o show_v his_o goodness_n to_o us._n and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o be_v so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o his_o goodness_n be_v because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o he_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n follow_v after_o the_o four_o circumstance_n the_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o be_v two_o first_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n second_o the_o representation_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o chief_a thing_n in_o this_o vision_n the_o entrance_n be_v in_o these_o word_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n behind_o i_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eleven_o verse_n the_o vision_n or_o the_o representation_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o twelve_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n be_v a_o preparation_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v s._n john_n more_o fit_a to_o receive_v and_o mark_v thing_n to_o be_v reveal_v which_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o mean_n to_o prepare_v john_n be_v a_o voice_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n the_o like_a to_o this_o we_o have_v common_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o will_n do_v send_v a_o voice_n before_o to_o prepare_v his_o servant_n to_o receive_v his_o will_n so_o when_o he_o will_v give_v the_o covenant_n to_o adam_n gen._n 3._o he_o prepare_v he_o to_o receive_v and_o let_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o garden_n which_o make_v he_o afraid_a and_o to_o hide_v himself_o after_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o give_v the_o covenant_n to_o he_o so_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v the_o law_n to_o moses_n in_o the_o mount_n 6._o first_o he_o send_v a_o voice_n in_o a_o mighty_a thunder_n lightning_z and_o sound_v of_o a_o trumpet_n after_o he_o declare_v the_o law_n to_o he_o 1._o sam._n 3._o when_o the_o lord_n will_v speak_v to_o samuel_n he_o send_v a_o voice_n to_o he_o three_o time_n and_o after_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o plain_o and_o call_v he_o by_o his_o name_n so_o common_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o the_o lord_n will_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o his_o prophet_n he_o prepare_v they_o by_o a_o voice_n so_o to_o cornelius_n act._n 10._o etc._n etc._n see_v the_o lord_n deal_v thus_o with_o this_o most_o famous_a apostle_n use_v when_o he_o receive_v his_o will_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v first_o prepare_v then_o much_o more_o we_o which_o be_v sinful_a man_n which_o have_v not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o those_o grace_n he_o have_v of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o be_v so_o far_o short_a in_o ordinary_a gift_n we_o must_v much_o more_o be_v prepare_v that_o our_o understanding_n and_o memory_n may_v be_v make_v fit_a to_o hear_v know_v and_o remember_v god_n will_v and_o word_n declare_v to_o us._n and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o increase_v not_o in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o knowledge_n after_o long_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v because_o we_o come_v unprepared_a without_o look_v that_o our_o understanding_n &_o memory_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n the_o voice_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o place_n behind_o i_o not_o before_o he_o but_o behind_o he_o to_o stir_v up_o attention_n in_o he_o for_o man_n most_o mark_v those_o thing_n which_o come_v as_o of_o a_o sudden_a behind_o they_o so_o this_o come_n sudden_o behind_o he_o draw_v he_o to_o more_o earnest_a attention_n a_o great_a voice_n three_o it_o be_v like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n not_o only_o a_o great_a voice_n but_o full_a of_o power_n and_o majesty_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n now_o he_o utter_v these_o to_o stir_v up_o more_o attention_n in_o he_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v a_o ordinary_a voice_n or_o a_o small_a voice_n it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o have_v stir_v he_o but_o be_v a_o great_a powerful_a sudden_a and_o a_o strange_a voice_n it_o can_v not_o but_o make_v he_o very_o attentive_a see_v he_o use_v all_o these_o mean_n of_o attention_n in_o john_n a_o worthy_a apostle_n then_o much_o more_o must_v we_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o stir_v up_o attention_n in_o we_o see_v we_o in_o all_o gift_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n inferior_a to_o the_o least_o apostle_n see_v we_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o our_o sense_n not_o so_o sharp_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v we_o must_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o seek_v to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o which_o be_v speak_v 16._o and_o as_o lydia_n do_v we_o must_v employ_v all_o our_o diligence_n to_o make_v we_o attentive_a and_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v without_o fruit_n be_v because_o we_o hear_v it_o without_o attention_n and_o have_v no_o affection_n to_o it_o now_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o two_o enemy_n of_o attention_n the_o first_o be_v by-thought_n when_o a_o man_n bring_v his_o body_n but_o his_o mind_n go_v about_o his_o farm_n or_o worldly_a riches_n about_o a_o journey_n or_o bargain_n or_o some_o worldly_a affair_n 8._o these_o by-thought_n be_v thorn_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o can_v prosper_v and_o grow_v for_o man_n which_o be_v trouble_v with_o they_o can_v see_v how_o one_o point_n depend_v and_o hang_v on_o another_o but_o their_o memory_n and_o understanding_n be_v hinder_v the_o second_o enemy_n be_v dulness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v show_v in_o this_o that_o we_o come_v heavy_a and_o sleepy_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o spend_v that_o time_n which_o we_o shall_v employ_v in_o hear_v in_o heaviness_n and_o sleep_v but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o word_n fruitful_a to_o we_o we_o must_v shake_v off_o this_o drowsiness_n be_v affect_v with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o greediness_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v heavy_a and_o sleepy_a into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n especial_o he_o be_v to_o tell_v he_o of_o great_a matter_n or_o the_o give_n of_o he_o some_o great_a benefit_n he_o will_v take_v it_o for_o disloyalty_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n have_v no_o better_a effect_n in_o we_o but_o that_o after_o long_o preach_v and_o teach_v we_o be_v as_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o we_o be_v be_v because_o we_o come_v not_o prepare_v contrary_o if_o we_o come_v prepare_v the_o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n knowledge_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n 11._o before_o he_o describe_v the_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o this_o preparation_n by_o the_o place_n second_o the_o quality_n a_o great_a voice_n like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o these_o word_n he_o proceed_v further_a to_o describe_v this_o voice_n in_o this_o eleven_o verse_n &_o set_v down_o the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v which_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o a_o commandment_n to_o write_v all_o these_o word_n etc._n etc._n 1_o the_o testimony_n in_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o eight_o verse_n before_o in_o which_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o before_o a_o comparison_n namely_o as_o alpha_n and_o omega_n be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o letter_n in_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n so_o i_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_o the_o first_o and_o last_o of_o all_o thing_n because_o before_o i_o there_o be_v nothing_o neither_o after_o i_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o
sure_o there_o be_v cause_n why_o if_o one_o look_v and_o view_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n as_o osea_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n every_o man_n seek_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o way_n none_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v he_o beside_o they_o be_v altogether_o carnal_a fleshly_a dead_a and_o drown_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n none_o affect_v thing_n belong_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o all_o man_n in_o general_a lie_n in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n there_o be_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n in_o they_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n have_v wrap_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o security_n and_o ignorance_n never_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v never_o dream_v of_o the_o evil_a day_n though_o god_n preach_v daily_o by_o his_o judgement_n to_o they_o again_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n want_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n the_o cruelty_n which_o abound_v in_o all_o man_n oppression_n whoredom_n fornication_n these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n now_o in_o our_o day_n rife_o in_o every_o place_n these_o be_v common_a sin_n call_v for_o vengeance_n which_o will_v come_v undoubted_o unless_o we_o repent_v so_o that_o christ_n can_v speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o this_o church_n but_o in_o a_o contrary_a voice_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o common_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n yet_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o remnant_n who_o lament_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o they_o must_v take_v to_o they_o christian_a fortitude_n &_o courage_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n &_o of_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v and_o bold_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n to_o maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o let_v they_o first_o consider_v that_o they_o which_o fear_v distrustful_o must_v have_v a_o miserable_a portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n reu._n 21._o 8._o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o this_o reward_n let_v we_o go_v on_o fear_v nothing_o 2_o they_o must_v consider_v god_n presence_n he_o be_v by_o they_o ready_a to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o psalm_n 34._o 12._o 2._o king_n 6._o elishah_n servant_n see_v in_o dothan_n a_o huge_a army_n which_o beset_v he_o and_o his_o master_n he_o say_v be_v not_o afraid_a for_o they_o which_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o these_o against_o us._n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n and_o that_o god_n angel_n will_v defend_v and_o guard_v he_o so_o shall_v all_o man_n in_o danger_n they_o must_v believe_v and_o persuade_v themselves_o god_n be_v present_a he_o have_v his_o angel_n pitch_v their_o tent_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v his_o child_n 3_o god_n child_n must_v consider_v in_o peril_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n paul_n he_o account_v it_o his_o chief_a honour_n nay_o he_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n then_o if_o suffer_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v such_o a_o honourable_a thing_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n arm_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n &_o affliction_n whatsoever_o but_o those_o which_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o present_a day_n of_o misery_n nor_o have_v not_o this_o perfect_a fortitude_n they_o must_v lament_v and_o howl_v lest_o the_o evil_a day_n take_v they_o unprovided_a the_o next_o part_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v a_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o this_o church_n must_v suffer_v but_o before_o he_o propound_v the_o affliction_n he_o set_v a_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n often_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n before_o hand_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n judgement_n and_o correction_n before_o they_o come_v lest_o we_o perish_v in_o they_o for_o christ_n luk._n 19_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o cause_n be_v because_o she_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n because_o she_o will_v not_o think_v of_o her_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n forotel_v and_o show_v her_o final_a destruction_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o they_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o this_o christ_n show_v he_o be_v true_a god_n for_o he_o which_o can_v foretell_v all_o future_a thing_n in_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v contingent_a he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n but_o christ_n foretell_v their_o particular_a affliction_n to_o come_v ergo_fw-la he_o be_v god_n ob._n but_o the_o physician_n can_v foretell_v the_o death_n of_o his_o patient_n the_o astronomer_n the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o come_v answ._n they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o mean_n the_o physician_n foretell_v by_o the_o cause_n and_o sign_n he_o see_v in_o the_o party_n by_o which_o death_n be_v in_o â—ort_n present_a so_o the_o astronomer_n by_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n can_v foretell_v a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o course_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o eclipse_n be_v present_a but_o without_o these_o sign_n and_o cause_n they_o can_v simple_o but_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n or_o cause_n simple_o foretell_v this_o affliction_n in_o particular_a to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n christ_n describe_v the_o affliction_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o devil_n second_o the_o person_n some_o of_o you_o three_o the_o kind_n imprisonment_n four_a the_o end_n to_o try_v you_o five_o the_o time_n ten_o day_n for_o the_o first_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n ob._n but_o how_o can_v he_o afflict_v they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o deal_v not_o with_o the_o body_n of_o man_n ans._n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o rule_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o they_o direct_v their_o thought_n will_n affection_n so_o as_o he_o stir_v they_o up_o move_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v they_o in_o prison_n now_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o persecution_n we_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n those_o be_v which_o persecute_v the_o church_n namely_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o devil_n move_v and_o rule_v by_o he_o notorious_a wicked_a wretch_n which_o have_v satan_n for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n 2._o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n see_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o he_o to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v then_o all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o for_o he_o which_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o religion_n in_o word_n or_o action_n he_o in_o that_o action_n be_v the_o vassal_n of_o satan_n lead_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o action_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n satan_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a agent_n he_o be_v his_o slave_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o be_v as_o a_o soldier_n under_o his_o band_n again_o learn_v we_o to_o take_v pity_n on_o all_o such_o person_n see_v they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n lead_v and_o move_v by_o he_o yea_o even_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o persecutor_n furthermore_o the_o weapon_n we_o must_v have_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o persecution_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a see_v our_o enemy_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v use_v invocation_n and_o prayer_n fast_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o which_o we_o show_v our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o this_o weapon_n of_o prayer_n elias_n be_v call_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v a_o foreign_a enemy_n among_o we_o then_o be_v indeed_o the_o soldier_n to_o be_v use_v but_o our_o principal_a weapon_n must_v be_v prayer_n that_o must_v be_v our_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n the_o
be_v excellent_a man_n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n hence_o arise_v two_o question_n first_o why_o some_o man_n be_v rather_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n then_o other_o some_o second_o whether_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v seduce_v for_o the_o first_o some_o say_v god_n will_v have_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n his_o servant_n &_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o make_v they_o so_o he_o call_v they_o redeem_v they_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o be_v his_o child_n reconcile_v they_o to_o himself_o so_o that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v now_o some_o will_v not_o for_o all_o this_o receive_v god_n grace_n but_o contemn_v his_o mercy_n though_o he_o call_v they_o redeem_v they_o and_o give_v they_o grace_n but_o this_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n to_o make_v god_n will_v in_o subjection_n &_o man_n will_n to_o rule_v to_o disgrace_n god_n and_o set_a man_n aloft_o to_o make_v god_n will_v to_o be_v order_v by_o man_n will_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n not_o all_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n in_o elect_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o for_o he_o elect_v not_o all_o to_o grace_n and_o glory_n but_o some_o only_a and_o these_o be_v his_o servant_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n act._n 13._o 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o life_n that_o be_v elect_v and_o redeem_v of_o god_n free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o believe_v the_o second_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v be_v seduce_v answ._n servant_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v only_o in_o appearance_n some_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n those_o be_v only_o in_o appearance_n which_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o outward_a seal_n but_o not_o the_o inward_a fruit_n and_o these_o be_v in_o our_o church_n the_o great_a part_n these_o may_v fall_v away_o final_o and_o whole_o as_o do_v the_o galatian_n and_o many_o other_o but_o those_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o may_v fall_v in_o part_n yet_o they_o can_v fall_v whole_o or_o final_o mat._n 16._o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v strive_v &_o show_v their_o strength_n against_o that_o rock_n of_o faith_n but_o shall_v not_o prevail_v so_o we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v let_v we_o never_o be_v whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n now_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n for_o it_o and_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o constant_a purpose_n to_o live_v in_o any_o on_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o preserve_v it_o in_o life_n and_o death_n ergo_fw-la a_o true_a believer_n can_v fall_v whole_o or_o final_o to_o come_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o discern_v they_o it_o be_v by_o commit_v fornication_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n she_o make_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o sin_n by_o these_o two_o sin_n and_o mean_n which_o show_v she_o be_v a_o maintainer_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n of_o who_o i_o speak_v before_o and_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v 21._o christ_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n before_o for_o suffer_v she_o here_o he_o reprove_v she_o for_o her_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o she_o will_v not_o repent_v of_o her_o sin_n time_n to_o repent_v that_o be_v though_o her_o sin_n deserve_v present_a death_n yet_o god_n suffer_v she_o to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n a_o space_n of_o time_n to_o see_v if_o she_o will_v repent_v now_o in_o her_o example_n he_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o use_v time_n while_o we_o live_v in_o the_o world_n namely_o see_v it_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o so_o to_o come_v to_o salvation_n we_o must_v use_v it_o so_o &_o repent_v while_o we_o have_v time_n for_o that_o cause_n he_o let_v some_o live_v twenty_o or_o forty_o year_n for_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n before_o we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n or_o after_o we_o go_v out_o therefore_o while_o we_o live_v in_o it_o we_o must_v repent_v then_o we_o must_v think_v of_o it_o earnest_o that_o we_o use_v it_o to_o repent_v in_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n receive_v to_o mercy_n and_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o damnable_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o day_n when_o man_n live_v in_o eat_v drink_v sport_v card_v &_o dice_v in_o spend_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n in_o get_v riches_n never_o think_v of_o the_o true_a end_n why_o they_o live_v which_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o come_v to_o salvation_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n he_o give_v they_o to_o repent_v other_o way_n the_o lord_n may_v cut_v they_o off_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v yet_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v to_o see_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v then_o if_o they_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n they_o increase_v their_o damnation_n and_o do_v as_o a_o man_n shall_v every_o day_n carry_v a_o faggot_n for_o ten_o year_n to_o one_o heap_n and_o be_v burn_v himself_o with_o they_o at_o the_o end_n i_o give_v she_o namely_o christ_n give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v no_o creature_n no_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v dispose_v of_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n but_o only_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n alone_o when_o one_o must_v repent_v or_o not_o then_o see_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n it_o be_v best_o for_o we_o to_o repent_v without_o delay_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n the_o young_a man_n take_v his_o swinge_n because_o he_o be_v young_a as_o though_o he_o can_v repent_v in_o old_a age_n or_o when_o he_o list_v but_o he_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n for_o he_o alone_o can_v dispose_v of_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n then_o take_v the_o present_a who_o know_v when_o the_o lord_n will_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o then_o his_o estate_n be_v miserable_a we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v repent_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o defer_v see_v he_o may_v die_v quiet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sickness_n yet_o may_v die_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o to_o who_o give_v christ_n this_o time_n to_o she_o that_o be_v jesabel_n a_o wicked_a woman_n here_o we_o see_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o offer_v mercy_n to_o jesabel_n a_o lewd_a wicked_a fornicator_n &_o idolater_n a_o blasphemous_a wretch_n father_v her_o sin_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o she_o have_v mercy_n offer_v so_o the_o lord_n deal_v not_o in_o justice_n to_o cut_v man_n off_o but_o give_v grievous_a sinner_n time_n to_o repent_v so_o do_v he_o to_o manaess_n a_o wizard_n and_o idolater_n who_o humble_v himself_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n solomon_n a_o idolater_n yet_o repent_v be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n ergo_fw-la a_o holy_a man_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 20._o isaiah_n 1_o the_o jew_n a_o sinful_a people_n as_o ill_o as_o they_o which_o be_v in_o hell_n the_o sodomite_n and_o gomorrhean_n they_o have_v mercy_n offer_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o red_a as_o crimson_a yet_o god_n will_v wash_v they_o as_o white_a as_o snow_n we_o may_v not_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o sin_n but_o they_o which_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n must_v not_o despair_v if_o they_o can_v repent_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n of_o her_o fornication_n she_o have_v sundry_a sin_n especial_o idolatry_n which_o can_v want_v company_n for_o no_o sin_n go_v alone_o christ_n call_v she_o to_o repent_v for_o that_o one_o sin_n of_o fornication_n because_o that_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a sin_n the_o head_n sin_n of_o that_o woman_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o repent_v we_o must_v begin_v with_o our_o great_a sin_n which_o most_o clog_v our_o conscience_n and_o by_o which_o we_o offend_v most_o again_o he_o which_o can_v repent_v true_o of_o one_o great_a sin_n he_o repent_v of_o all_o if_o he_o hate_v the_o great_a he_o will_v hate_v the_o lesser_a then_o we_o in_o repentance_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o repent_v in_o particular_a for_o it_o for_o confuse_a repentance_n be_v not_o true_a as_o to_o say_v i_o be_o a_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n but_o repentance_n in_o particular_a for_o particular_a sin_n begin_v at_o the_o head_n sin_n which_o most_o trouble_v we_o that_o be_v true_a repentance_n see_v christ_n say_v he_o give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v free_a will_n namely_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o repent_v for_o else_o this_o admonition_n be_v in_o vain_a but_o it_o follow_v not_o for_o god_n give_v
proper_o three_o they_o absolve_v from_o the_o fault_n but_o not_o the_o punishment_n and_o this_o be_v to_o enrich_v themselves_o and_o to_o get_v whole_a country_n yea_o all_o man_n land_n and_o live_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n four_o they_o will_v have_v they_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o withal_o make_v christ_n satisfaction_n imperfect_a now_o by_o these_o four_o abuse_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n unto_o they_o be_v no_o true_a christ_n but_o though_o the_o pope_n give_v the_o key_n of_o peter_n the_o cross_a key_n in_o his_o arm_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o true_a use_n of_o they_o nay_o see_v he_o make_v new_a door_n as_o beside_o that_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n those_o of_o purgatory_n and_o lymbus_n patrum_fw-la 1._o he_o must_v make_v new_a key_n to_o open_v they_o flat_a contrary_n to_o the_o key_n of_o christ._n in_o that_o christ_n be_v say_v both_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v we_o learn_v that_o he_o open_v not_o to_o all_o man_n and_o every_o person_n but_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o some_o for_o adam_n fall_v from_o god_n favour_n by_o his_o sin_n shut_v out_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n both_o out_o of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o earthly_a paradise_n so_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v now_o as_o a_o partition_n wall_n and_o a_o cloud_n to_o separate_v god_n and_o us._n and_o for_o this_o even_o for_o our_o sin_n christ_n shut_v some_o out_o of_o heaven_n then_o by_o this_o we_o see_v our_o miserable_a case_n for_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v all_o shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n our_o sin_n have_v be_v as_o so_o many_o bar_n to_o shut_v up_o heaven_n gate_n which_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n yet_o the_o devil_n bewitch_v we_o and_o make_v we_o think_v sin_n be_v no_o sin_n great_a sin_n be_v small_a small_a none_o whereas_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v sufficient_a to_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n for_o ever_o again_o 2._o see_v sin_n shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n we_o must_v repent_v for_o every_o sin_n for_o we_o can_v come_v thither_o if_o we_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o bar_n and_o lock_v to_o shut_v we_o from_o god_n kingdom_n and_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v these_o bolt_n take_v of_o which_o be_v only_o by_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o alone_o can_v take_v they_o away_o three_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n open_v heaven_n to_o some_o as_o to_o nathanael_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o have_v now_o open_v heaven_n door_n by_o his_o death_n and_o trace_v the_o way_n by_o his_o blood_n now_o the_o door_n be_v open_a we_o must_v labour_v to_o enter_v in_o yea_o thrust_n and_o crowd_n to_o get_v in_o that_o we_o may_v come_v thither_o we_o must_v become_v member_n first_o of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n else_o we_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o first_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o door_n namely_o the_o church_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o house_n namely_o heaven_n now_o the_o church_n be_v the_o door_n and_o in_o it_o be_v the_o key_n to_o open_a heaven_n gate_n namely_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o thou_o may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n first_o humble_a thyself_o for_o all_o thy_o sin_n second_o trust_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o thy_o sin_n and_o purpose_n in_o thy_o heart_n to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n and_o constant_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n to_o open_a heaven_n gate_n but_o if_o thou_o come_v not_o to_o open_v this_o door_n in_o this_o life_n where_o the_o key_n be_v thou_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v verse_n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n from_o this_o eight_o verse_n to_o the_o eleven_o be_v contain_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v three_o head_n first_o praise_n second_o promise_n three_o commandment_n the_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o eigth_n verse_n the_o promise_n be_v twofold_a in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o commandment_n in_o the_o eleven_o 1._o the_o praise_n be_v propound_v summary_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n then_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o praise_v she_o where_o the_o former_a word_n be_v expound_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o have_v be_v expound_v in_o every_o epistle_n i_o know_v and_o approve_v thy_o course_n and_o conversation_n of_o life_n these_o word_n be_v repeat_v in_o every_o epistle_n to_o stir_v up_o every_o church_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n by_o these_o word_n will_v have_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n be_v present_a with_o we_o see_v all_o we_o do_v be_v a_o eyewitness_n of_o all_o our_o action_n then_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o our_o action_n as_o in_o his_o presence_n as_o before_o his_o majesty_n and_o where_o this_o consideration_n be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o true_a religion_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o commendation_n be_v add_v behold_v etc._n etc._n here_o note_v two_o point_n first_o a_o sign_n of_o his_o approbation_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o open_a door_n etc._n etc._n second_o what_o be_v the_o work_v he_o approve_v thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n behold_v etc._n etc._n these_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o angel_n of_o philadelpha_n alone_o or_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n both_o pastor_n and_o people_n if_o of_o the_o angel_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n behold_v i_o have_v give_v thou_o that_o be_v behold_v and_o consider_v i_o have_v give_v and_o vouchsafe_v thou_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o preach_v my_o gospel_n and_o by_o preach_v to_o win_v and_o convert_v sinner_n to_o i_o so_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 9_o there_o paul_n use_v the_o same_o word_n signify_v by_o the_o door_n of_o utterance_n liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n yet_o thou_o have_v maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o not_o deny_v my_o gospel_n in_o persecution_n now_o christ_n say_v thus_o to_o this_o minister_n that_o he_o have_v give_v he_o liberty_n to_o preach_v show_v it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o win_v soul_n to_o christ_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n behold_v and_o the_o word_n themselves_o import_v that_o it_o be_v so_o it_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o most_o worthy_a prophet_n have_v not_o have_v this_o grant_v as_o isaiah_n ezechiel_n etc._n etc._n they_o harden_v the_o people_n and_o they_o say_v they_o spend_v their_o strength_n in_o vain_a &_o do_v no_o good_a for_o this_o minister_n be_v call_v the_o instrument_n of_o salvation_n dan._n 12._o they_o shall_v shine_v for_o the_o win_n of_o soul_n as_o star_n in_o heaven_n then_o they_o which_o have_v this_o privilege_n shall_v esteem_v of_o it_o high_o above_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a dignity_n above_o all_o earthly_a preferment_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v especial_o to_o magnify_v god_n mercy_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n though_o thou_o have_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n use_v yet_o thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o word_n here_o we_o see_v that_o minister_n though_o endue_v with_o small_a gift_n may_v do_v much_o good_a to_o the_o church_n as_o this_o angel_n of_o philadelphia_n do_v and_o we_o have_v see_v by_o experience_n when_o as_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n in_o this_o place_n learn_v abound_v yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o will_v stand_v out_o for_o the_o gospel_n yet_o one_o not_o far_o off_o have_v but_o small_a gift_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o school-learning_n stand_v out_o and_o seal_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o now_o man_n of_o small_a gift_n further_o the_o church_n and_o gospel_n more_o than_o they_o which_o have_v far_o great_a knowledge_n in_o the_o art_n and_o tong_n for_o such_o as_o have_v great_a gift_n be_v common_o flacke_a so_o that_o they_o which_o be_v behind_o they_o in_o gift_n a_o hundred_o degree_n do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o church_n than_o they_o by_o a_o thousand_o degree_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n must_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o labour_n to_o know_v art_n and_o tongue_n though_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n which_o want_v such_o school-learning_n they_o have_v zeal_n and_o do_v more_o good_a than_o they_o which_o excel_v in_o they_o that_o so_o man_n of_o great_a
like_o a_o stock_n i_o will_v give_v they_o and_o make_v they_o come_v therefore_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v he_o can_v either_o come_v or_o not_o come_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o though_o god_n do_v for_o his_o part_n offer_v man_n grace_n and_o will_v he_o to_o come_v yet_o he_o may_v refuse_v it_o and_o not_o come_v but_o if_o god_n call_v man_n can_v but_o come_v else_o christ_n will_v not_o have_v say_v i_o will_v give_v he_o and_o make_v he_o come_v but_o they_o say_v matth._n 23._o christ_n say_v to_o jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o etc._n etc._n but_o you_o will_v not_o answ._n he_o speak_v that_o not_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n again_o say_v they_o act._n 27._o they_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n ans._n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o no_o inferior_a power_n can_v resist_v a_o superior_a to_o come_v to_o the_o next_o who_o be_v convert_v namely_o a_o certain_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o philadelphia_n which_o say_v they_o be_v worshipper_n of_o christ_n yet_o indeed_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o bondslave_n of_o the_o devil_n here_o we_o see_v not_o only_o small_a use_v but_o great_a and_o old_a sinner_n may_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v christ_n he_o die_v for_o all_o kind_n of_o sinner_n great_a rebellious_a and_o obstinate_a if_o they_o can_v repent_v they_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o come_v to_o christ._n 2._o thess._n 2._o 26._o they_o must_v wait_v for_o the_o repentance_n of_o those_o which_o be_v take_v in_o the_o devil_n snare_n so_o as_o he_o will_v wish_v they_o no_o sure_a rom._n 1._o some_o be_v give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n yet_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o some_o of_o they_o repent_v then_o we_o see_v great_a grievous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n but_o gather_v comfort_n hence_o that_o though_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v repent_v there_o be_v mercy_n with_o the_o lord_n no_o sin_n can_v hinder_v we_o from_o christ._n we_o read_v that_o christ_n heal_v three_o sort_n of_o dead_a man_n some_o when_o they_o go_v to_o the_o grave_n some_o bury_v and_o some_o which_o lie_v four_o day_n and_o stanke_z as_o lazarus_n do_v so_o christ_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o person_n he_o call_v man_n of_o all_o sort_n even_o they_o which_o lie_v stink_a in_o sin_n and_o be_v almost_o rot_v in_o they_o then_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n exceed_a mercy_n when_o he_o call_v thou_o to_o repent_v come_v and_o cast_v away_o thy_o sin_n though_o thou_o be_v a_o vassal_n of_o satan_n a_o man_n rot_v in_o sin_n yet_o christ_n have_v mercy_n infinite_a he_o can_v heal_v and_o help_v thou_o and_o he_o come_v to_o call_v not_o those_o which_o think_v they_o be_v righteous_a but_o such_o as_o be_v penitent_a sinner_n to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o lion_n paw_n and_o to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n then_o abuse_v not_o this_o exceed_a mercy_n but_o bless_v his_o majesty_n for_o it_o and_o use_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o repent_v to_o bring_v thou_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o break_v off_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v thou_o a_o lively_a member_n in_o jesus_n christ._n i_o will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o worship_n now_o follow_v the_o three_o point_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n namely_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n i_o will_v make_v they_o worship_n these_o word_n be_v expound_v 1._o cor._n 14._o 25._o where_o the_o child_n of_o god_n prophesy_v there_o come_v in_o a_o unlearned_a man_n he_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v so_o here_o he_o will_v cause_v these_o wicked_a jew_n to_o come_v and_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n and_o adore_v the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n in_o these_o word_n note_v two_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n the_o first_o concern_v god_n the_o second_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o first_o to_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v a_o true_a fruit_n of_o a_o convert_a sinner_n which_o no_o man_n can_v true_o perform_v as_o he_o ought_v till_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o wit_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v god_n in_o the_o company_n of_o his_o saint_n &_o people_n the_o natural_a man_n know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n must_v be_v worship_v but_o to_o worship_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o none_o but_o he_o which_o be_v true_o convert_v can_v perform_v another_o may_v perform_v outward_a worship_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o true_a worship_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n that_o he_o can_v perform_v now_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n three_o property_n be_v to_o be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n first_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n not_o worship_v simple_o but_o come_v signify_v that_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n must_v be_v voluntary_a willing_a and_o cheerful_a not_o of_o constraint_n or_o compulsion_n but_o as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o law_n or_o judgement_n for_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o psa._n 110._o they_o come_v free_o not_o by_o compulsion_n then_o we_o see_v how_o most_o man_n come_v short_a for_o man_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o love_n of_o the_o word_n never_o or_o seldom_o come_v to_o hear_v it_o only_o come_v to_o morning_n or_o evening_n prayer_n because_o if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o law_n will_v compel_v they_o these_o be_v no_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n for_o he_o can_v abide_v any_o worshipper_n but_o willing_a and_o voluntary_a and_o worship_n that_o be_v reverence_n god_n with_o bow_v the_o body_n or_o knee_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o property_n we_o must_v express_v our_o reverence_n in_o convenient_a and_o seemly_a bow_v of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o knee_n then_o we_o see_v this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o necessary_a to_o use_v meet_a and_o convenient_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o bow_v down_o and_o prostrate_v ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n isaiah_n 6._o the_o angel_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n cover_v their_o foot_n with_o three_o wing_n and_o their_o face_n with_o other_o three_o testify_v their_o reverence_n and_o adoration_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o must_v god_n people_n worship_v he_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o come_v short_a in_o this_o duty_n for_o whereas_o we_o shall_v use_v seemly_a and_o convenient_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n to_o show_v our_o reverence_n and_o humility_n we_o see_v many_o lie_n snort_v and_o lean_v on_o their_o elbow_n other_o unreverent_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v bare_a for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n therefore_o we_o must_v reverence_v he_o with_o both_o before_o thy_o foot_n this_o be_v the_o three_o property_n namely_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n they_o shall_v prostrate_v themselves_o at_o their_o foot_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o prayer_n they_o must_v be_v humble_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n beat_v down_o be_v smite_v with_o fear_n of_o god_n majesty_n and_o of_o their_o own_o sin_n act._n 16._o 29._o the_o jailor_n over_o night_n put_v paul_n into_o prison_n but_o in_o the_o morning_n find_v all_o the_o prison_n door_n open_a and_o think_v all_o the_o prisoner_n to_o be_v go_v he_o will_v have_v kill_v himself_o now_o be_v thus_o astonish_v and_o afraid_a paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o which_o before_o he_o contemn_v but_o now_o be_v smite_v with_o fear_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n he_o hear_v paul_n willing_o with_o tremble_v and_o come_v kneel_v and_o crouch_v to_o he_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v etc._n etc._n and_o until_o a_o man_n be_v smite_v down_o with_o fear_n of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n with_o sense_n of_o his_o judgement_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o come_v to_o humble_v himself_o he_o can_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o true_a professor_n and_o that_o all_o serve_v god_n with_o formal_a worship_n be_v because_o they_o be_v never_o cast_v down_o they_o be_v never_o smite_v with_o fear_n of_o god_n majesty_n never_o confound_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n for_o till_o these_o be_v in_o we_o in_o some_o sort_n we_o can_v worship_v god_n we_o can_v
reason_n of_o sin_n a_o punishment_n and_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n a_o curse_n and_o all_o the_o hurt_n that_o come_v by_o the_o creature_n whereas_o they_o be_v at_o enmity_n between_o themselves_o or_o with_o man_n it_o be_v a_o curse_n for_o man_n sin_n and_o in_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o vanity_n too_o all_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n further_o all_o loss_n and_o damage_n and_o cross_n whatsoever_o and_o want_v of_o temporal_a blessing_n they_o be_v misery_n the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o calling_n for_o there_o be_v none_o but_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o grief_n and_o vexation_n no_o man_n can_v carry_v himself_o so_o in_o any_o call_n but_o he_o shall_v feel_v some_o woe_n and_o misery_n and_o as_o in_o this_o life_n so_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n the_o misery_n be_v bodily_a death_n that_o be_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n which_o if_o man_n have_v not_o fall_v shall_v have_v remain_v unseparable_a this_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o fearful_a curse_n for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n and_o after_o this_o life_n follow_v the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o god_n wrath_n all_o the_o misery_n in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o preparation_n to_o that_o then_o come_v destruction_n endless_a in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o this_o destruction_n be_v first_o a_o separation_n from_o god_n and_o exclude_v man_n from_o all_o society_n with_o he_o second_o a_o apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n in_o the_o whole_a man_n body_n and_o soul_n for_o ever_o three_o it_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n therefore_o this_o misery_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o misery_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o beginning_n of_o this_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o man_v misery_n be_v now_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o misery_n original_a sin_n &_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o misery_n namely_o it_o be_v a_o curse_n and_o punishment_n we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a thou_o be_v wretched_a that_o be_v taint_v with_o sin_n and_o subject_a to_o punishment_n for_o it_o in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o after_o it_o now_o touch_v this_o general_a point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o end_n why_o christ_n say_v this_o and_o know_v not_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v that_o he_o may_v teach_v they_o and_o we_o to_o learn_v to_o know_v our_o misery_n and_o to_o feel_v it_o and_o to_o be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o it_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o read_v over_o this_o epistle_n shall_v see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o it_o for_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v high_o in_o god_n favour_n when_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o indeed_o i_o pray_v you_o all_o therefore_o which_o be_v now_o assemble_v here_o to_o hear_v thing_n touch_v eternal_a life_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n forsake_v &_o abandon_v other_o conceit_n and_o turn_v your_o eye_n to_o this_o that_o you_o may_v see_v what_o be_v the_o misery_n to_o which_o you_o be_v subject_a and_o when_o you_o see_v they_o go_v further_a labour_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v touch_v that_o you_o may_v even_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 39_o till_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o these_o laodicean_n neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v true_a and_o sound_a religion_n in_o we_o till_o we_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o misery_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o misery_n be_v god_n grace_n but_o go_v to_o the_o root_n and_o seek_v that_o all_o pride_n may_v be_v expulse_v and_o you_o may_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n which_o minister_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o misery_n but_o thou_o be_v miserable_a 〈◊〉_d this_o word_n miserable_a signify_v one_o that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v pity_v which_o he_o use_v to_o express_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o misery_n meaning_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o subject_a to_o misery_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v pity_v of_o all_o man_n so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o add_v to_o show_v any_o new_a thing_n but_o to_o enlarge_v the_o former_a learn_v we_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o disdain_v a_o sinner_n that_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o to_o reproach_n &_o scorn_n but_o to_o pity_v he_o the_o more_o grievous_a sinner_n a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v to_o be_v pity_v it_o be_v david_n manner_n so_o to_o do_v 1._o sam_n 16._o and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contemn_v a_o sinner_n that_o he_o shed_v river_n of_o tear_n psal._n 119._o 136._o and_o ezec._n 9_o the_o good_a man_n be_v move_v with_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n when_o the_o people_n be_v sinful_a 5._o the_o like_a be_v in_o jer._n 9_o it_o be_v the_o corinthian_n fault_n when_o the_o incestuous_a man_n have_v sin_v they_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n humble_v or_o move_v with_o pity_n but_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o contempt_n so_o that_o they_o scorn_v he_o and_o paul_n reprove_v it_o in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o many_o of_o we_o that_o man_n be_v not_o humble_v when_o they_o see_v other_o man_n sin_n our_o heart_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o sorrow_n for_o it_o but_o rather_o puff_v up_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v more_o grace_n than_o other_o let_v we_o not_o despise_v or_o scorn_v they_o which_o have_v not_o the_o like_a measure_n thus_o much_o of_o their_o misery_n in_o general_n as_o for_o the_o particular_n they_o be_v in_o number_n three_o that_o he_o may_v strike_v their_o heart_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o misery_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o set_v it_o down_o in_o general_a term_n but_o enter_v into_o particular_a name_v three_o main_a misery_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o word_n signify_v one_o so_o poor_a that_o he_o have_v not_o a_o rag_n to_o his_o back_n nor_o a_o bit_n of_o bread_n to_o put_v in_o his_o mouth_n more_o than_o he_o get_v by_o beg_v but_o here_o he_o mean_v spiritual_a poverty_n which_o what_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v best_o understand_v when_o we_o know_v what_o be_v true_a riches_n to_o wit_n the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o life_n everlasting_a so_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v he_o that_o want_v this_o that_o have_v no_o good_a thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v as_o a_o beggar_n which_o have_v nothing_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o first_o word_n now_o the_o end_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v why_o christ_n call_v they_o poor_a namely_o that_o they_o and_o we_o may_v strive_v to_o see_v our_o poverty_n that_o we_o may_v become_v poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a therefore_o christ_n to_o beat_v down_o this_o conceit_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o to_o true_a grace_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v poor_a in_o regard_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a and_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v a_o principal_a point_n of_o religion_n use_v namely_o to_o feel_v our_o own_o poverty_n that_o we_o have_v no_o goodness_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o despair_v utter_o of_o our_o salvation_n in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o this_o be_v great_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o learn_v another_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n poor_a and_o have_v no_o goodness_n in_o ourselves_o so_o labour_v to_o see_v it_o and_o to_o be_v out_o of_o heart_n with_o ourselves_o that_o be_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n otherwise_o you_o may_v come_v to_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o never_o have_v salvation_n or_o have_v spiritual_a blessing_n except_o you_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o your_o poor_a estate_n that_o you_o be_v very_a beggar_n nay_o more_o plain_a bankerupt_v for_o so_o christ_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n therefore_o christ_n tell_v the_o proud_a church_n of_o her_o poverty_n happy_a and_o bless_a be_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n if_o we_o can_v learn_v this_o and_o lay_v aside_o our_o pride_n for_o we_o be_v so_o poor_a that_o we_o must_v plead_v nothing_o but_o pardon_n no_o merit_n or_o satisfaction_n if_o we_o do_v this_o than_o will_v we_o esteem_v aright_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v some_o comfort_n by_o it_o now_o because_o we_o have_v not_o this_o we_o do_v not_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n hearty_o and_o cheerful_o as_o we_o ought_v cary_n therefore_o away_o this_o lesson_n with_o you_o that_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o grace_n be_v to_o feel_v the_o want_n
he_o use_v mean_n to_o enter_v when_o they_o have_v bar_v he_o out_o mark_v the_o unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o christ_n they_o by_o their_o sin_n stop_v christ_n from_o enter_v yet_o he_o pursue_v they_o with_o mercy_n and_o offer_v mercy_n to_o they_o that_o refuse_v it_o and_o content_v themselves_o to_o lie_v and_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o flee_v from_o god_n the_o lord_n seek_v he_o out_o and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o he_o so_o isaiah_n 65._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o never_o seek_v he_o they_o that_o never_o dream_v of_o mercy_n sound_a mercy_n 15._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n that_o sheep_n which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o wild_a beast_n christ_n seek_v it_o up_o and_o bring_v it_o home_o all_o these_o place_n tend_v to_o one_o end_n to_o show_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o church_n yea_o in_o this_o of_o we_o if_o we_o have_v mercy_n we_o have_v it_o before_o we_o seek_v it_o nay_o when_o we_o refuse_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v this_o shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o magnify_v christ_n for_o his_o mercy_n we_o shall_v not_o let_v pass_v such_o consideration_n as_o these_o but_o rather_o break_v out_o into_o praise_n of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v a_o bottomless_a sea_n quest._n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o he_o knock_v answ._n the_o word_n precedent_n show_v the_o sense_n for_o these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o they_o he_o say_v before_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o then_o he_o give_v they_o counsel_n now_o by_o so_o sharp_a a_o rebuke_n they_o may_v have_v despair_v therefore_o he_o show_v that_o by_o this_o threaten_n and_o rebuke_v and_o counsel_n he_o knock_v that_o they_o may_v perceive_v they_o be_v not_o token_n of_o wrath_n but_o of_o mercy_n so_o then_o this_o knock_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reproof_n threaten_v and_o counsel_n use_v before_o he_o knock_v when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o make_v man_n see_v their_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n here_o than_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v the_o state_n of_o all_o people_n which_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o and_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v at_o every_o man_n heart_n all_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n reproof_n of_o sin_n exhortation_n admonition_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v so_o many_o knock_v of_o christ._n a_o great_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n that_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v do_v this_o now_o then_o do_v christ_n knock_v thus_o by_o preach_v promise_n and_o threaten_n etc._n etc._n then_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a dead_a and_o backward_o but_o show_v more_o zeal_n if_o any_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o calling_n knock_v at_o your_o door_n what_o stir_v be_v there_o that_o you_o may_v receive_v he_o as_o be_v meet_v then_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o when_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o deal_v thus_o merciful_o with_o we_o again_o in_o that_o christ_n come_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v our_o conversion_n it_o serve_v to_o admonish_v we_o to_o turn_v with_o all_o speed_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v stand_v and_o reach_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o ministry_n to_o beat_v upon_o our_o heart_n mark_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o a_o light_n and_o soft_a kind_n of_o knock_v but_o it_o go_v with_o cry_v he_o both_o knock_v and_o cry_v it_o be_v a_o earnest_a knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v fain_o enter_v see_v then_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n knocketh_v so_o earnest_o to_o save_v man_n soul_n we_o again_o ought_v to_o be_v earnest_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n he_o knock_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o we_o must_v according_o by_o god_n grace_v be_v as_o earnest_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n his_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o show_v by_o two_o sign_n first_o his_o wait_a second_o his_o knock_n and_o that_o join_v with_o cry_v if_o any_o man_n etc._n etc._n now_o follow_v the_o second_o token_n namely_o a_o promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v a_o little_a to_o set_v down_o the_o meaning_n mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n it_o be_v such_o as_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o action_n in_o his_o own_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v and_o receive_v christ._n so_o it_o attribute_n to_o man_n will_n a_o action_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o for_o my_o part_n stand_v and_o knock_v if_o therefore_o any_o man_n hear_v etc._n etc._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o such_o a_o action_n shall_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n but_o this_o speech_n be_v use_v for_o just_a cause_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o agent_n first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o the_o word_n three_o man_v will_n the_o principal_a agent_n and_o worker_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o change_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o will_n by_o nature_n will_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n second_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o work_v not_o now_o ordinary_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n and_o inspiration_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o heart_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o the_o will_n though_o it_o be_v dead_a by_o nature_n &_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o itself_o yet_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o move_v it_o it_o move_v itself_o and_o strive_v to_o be_v alter_v when_o god_n move_v it_o we_o must_v not_o think_v man_n will_n be_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n which_o have_v no_o action_n but_o only_o passive_o receive_v and_o impression_n but_o the_o will_n be_v dispose_v move_v and_o stir_v itself_o even_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v it_o burn_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v be_v fire_n so_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v grace_n the_o will_n move_v the_o mind_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v sin_n and_o the_o will_v incline_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v a_o strife_n against_o sin_n and_o make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n so_o much_o as_o he_o can_v so_o the_o will_n in_o the_o very_a first_o conversion_n have_v his_o action_n though_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n now_o consider_v these_o three_o action_n concur_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o sinner_n which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v as_o here_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n not_o that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o christ_n but_o when_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o a_o man_n have_v a_o free_a will_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n by_o grace_n as_o fire_n have_v some_o effect_n of_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v kindle_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v to_o impenitent_a person_n not_o because_o they_o can_v do_v it_o of_o themselves_o but_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o word_n they_o can_v turn_v and_o use_v good_a mean_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v a_o action_n to_o such_o person_n when_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o receive_v christ_n than_o it_o receive_v christ_n when_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n by_o that_o grace_n it_o be_v enable_v to_o receive_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n let_v we_o see_v how_o this_o text_n have_v be_v abuse_v first_o by_o papist_n which_o gather_v hereupon_o that_o a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n by_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v and_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o set_v open_v the_o heart_n wide_a to_o receive_v christ._n thus_o if_o you_o shall_v humble_v yourselves_o and_o acknowledge_v your_o unworthiness_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n with_o true_a faith_n and_o testify_v it_o by_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n then_o shall_v your_o heart_n be_v open_a indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v receive_v christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o condition_n it_o follow_v i_o
seven_o head_n do_v signify_v seven_o hill_n whereon_o the_o woman_n sit_v now_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o woman_n signify_v a_o great_a city_n we_o must_v see_v where_o we_o can_v find_v a_o great_a city_n build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n and_o that_o by_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v babylon_n the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n and_o if_o we_o seek_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o great_a city_n build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n but_o that_o great_a city_n in_o italy_n which_o all_o writer_n poet_n historian_n cosmographer_n with_o one_o consent_n do_v confess_v to_o be_v rome_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n who_o name_n be_v these_o palatinus_n capitolinus_n auentinus_n exquilinus_n viminaelis_fw-la quirinalis_n and_o caelius_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o notation_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v babylon_n build_v on_o seven_o hill_n that_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o more_o plain_o have_v express_v rome_n though_o he_o have_v name_v she_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o more_o evident_a and_o certain_a description_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n then_o if_o in_o plain_a word_n he_o have_v say_v babylon_n be_v rome_n for_o it_o may_v be_v that_o some_o other_o city_n then_o that_o here_o be_v mean_v may_v have_v the_o name_n of_o rome_n but_o no_o other_o city_n can_v have_v this_o notation_n to_o be_v build_v on_o seven_o hill_n for_o constantinople_n be_v afterward_o call_v new_a rome_n but_o constantinople_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n like_a unto_o old_a rome_n therefore_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o manifest_a circumlocution_n of_o rome_n which_o with_o no_o reason_n can_v receive_v any_o other_o exposition_n for_o what_o boy_n go_v to_o the_o grammar_n school_n and_o read_v in_o virgil_n georgickes_n this_o verse_n septem_fw-la quae_fw-la una_fw-la sibi_fw-la muro_fw-la circundedit_fw-la arces_fw-la that_o city_n say_v virgil_n which_o have_v compass_v seven_o hill_n within_o her_o wall_n what_o boy_n i_o say_v in_o the_o grammar_n school_n do_v not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n although_o the_o poet_n in_o that_o place_n do_v not_o once_o name_n rome_n with_o what_o face_n therefore_o will_v any_o man_n deny_v that_o the_o angel_n here_o mean_v any_o other_o city_n by_o this_o periphrasis_n and_o circumlocution_n than_o rome_n for_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o froward_a to_o except_v that_o the_o word_n of_o hill_n be_v not_o take_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o figurative_o and_o metaphorical_o for_o some_o other_o thing_n as_o some_o will_v seem_v to_o interpret_v seven_o hill_n in_o this_o place_n for_o seven_o kingdom_n he_o shall_v plain_o be_v convince_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o the_o angel_n shall_v repeat_v one_o thing_n twice_o for_o in_o the_o next_o clause_n he_o show_v that_o the_o seven_o head_n do_v signify_v kingdom_n also_o but_o special_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o this_o be_v a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o must_v either_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v or_o it_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o interpretation_n therefore_o if_o the_o angel_n offer_v to_o expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o head_n give_v this_o exposition_n that_o they_o signify_v seven_o hill_n if_o hill_n be_v not_o take_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v this_o exposition_n for_o if_o the_o name_n of_o hill_n have_v need_v of_o another_o exposition_n he_o have_v be_v as_o good_a to_o have_v leave_v the_o name_n of_o head_n unexpound_v and_o as_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o hill_n to_o signify_v king_n be_v more_o obscure_a dark_a and_o far_o fetch_v than_o that_o head_n shall_v represent_v king_n for_o it_o be_v more_o apt_a by_o metaphor_n to_o call_v a_o king_n a_o head_n then_o to_o call_v he_o a_o hill_n therefore_o except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v vain_a yea_o more_o dark_a than_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v expound_v by_o he_o we_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o hill_n be_v take_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n for_o hill_n and_o then_o the_o city_n build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n without_o all_o controversy_n be_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n the_o four_o and_o last_o proof_n that_o i_o will_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o seventeen_o chapter_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o plain_a description_n of_o rome_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v for_o there_o the_o angel_n in_o plain_a word_n expound_v that_o the_o woman_n which_o s._n john_n see_v which_o be_v the_o great_a whore_n babylon_n be_v that_o great_a city_n which_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o brazen_a face_n be_v so_o impudent_a to_o deny_v that_o rome_n be_v that_o great_a city_n which_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o that_o time_n when_o this_o be_v speak_v or_o what_o other_o city_n have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o s._n johns_n time_n but_o rome_n who_o be_v therefore_o so_o froward_a and_o untoward_a that_o he_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v babylon_n here_o to_o be_v plain_o call_v rome_n if_o i_o shall_v name_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o england_n who_o will_v not_o understand_v london_n if_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o france_n who_o will_v not_o conceive_v paris_n and_o when_o the_o angel_n name_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v be_v ignorant_a live_v in_o that_o time_n or_o know_v the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n that_o he_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o sea_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o from_o whence_o we_o shall_v look_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v according_a to_o the_o former_a prophecy_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n in_o this_o place_n to_o fly_v unto_o allegory_n and_o further_a exposition_n of_o this_o angelical_a interpretation_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o exposition_n as_o when_o one_o know_v one_o unknown_a thing_n be_v expound_v by_o another_o as_o much_o or_o more_o unknown_a it_o be_v vain_a superfluous_a and_o ridiculous_a wherefore_o who_o any_o bond_n of_o reason_n will_v hold_v in_o they_o must_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n for_o see_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o know_v aswell_o the_o place_n where_o antichrist_n shall_v fit_v as_o to_o be_v instruct_v of_o his_o craft_n and_o cruelty_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o congregation_n to_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o but_o send_v his_o angel_n plain_o to_o interpret_v and_o expound_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thorough_o admonish_v of_o her_o wickedness_n and_o instruct_v perfect_o to_o know_v she_o may_v more_o easy_o take_v heed_n of_o she_o fly_v from_o she_o and_o abhor_v she_o so_o that_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o first_o proposition_n which_o i_o take_v in_o hand_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n but_o because_o some_o be_v of_o such_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a forwardness_n that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o but_o they_o will_v still_o grudge_v and_o repine_v carp_n and_o object_n against_o my_o interpretation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o text_n they_o can_v deny_v i_o wish_v they_o that_o be_v such_o if_o they_o like_v not_o these_o exposition_n which_o i_o have_v bring_v to_o the_o deface_v of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o then_o they_o admit_v and_o reverence_v those_o exposition_n which_o their_o own_o author_n bring_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o pope_n authority_n and_o his_o religion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v these_o god_n say_v moses_n in_o genesis_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n to_o govern_v the_o night_n that_o be_v say_v the_o famous_a interpreter_n god_n ordain_v the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n by_o the_o sun_n be_v mean_v the_o pope_n and_o by_o the_o moon_n the_o emperor_n and_o look_v how_o much_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a the_o sun_n be_v then_o the_o moon_n so_o much_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a be_v the_o pope_n than_o the_o emperor_n and_o not_o content_a with_o this_o he_o count_v by_o arithmetic_n how_o much_o great_a the_o sun_n be_v in_o quantity_n then_o the_o moon_n by_o proportion_n that_o it_o have_v to_o the_o earth_n