that_o be_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n this_o be_v out_o of_o question_n and_o appear_v as_o before_o be_v show_v by_o the_o title_n give_v it_o vers_n 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n oppose_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o use_v make_v of_o it_o ver_fw-la 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o etc._n etc._n 2._o this_o apostasy_n be_v catholic_n and_o universal_a overspreading_a the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o indefinite_a speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 1._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n even_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o &_o by_o the_o event_n 3._o this_o apostasy_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wherein_o man_n do_v not_o profess_o fall_v from_o christ_n but_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n do_v fight_n against_o he_o in_o a_o hide_a and_o artificial_a manner_n vers_fw-la 7._o 4._o this_o apostasy_n shall_v be_v one_o body_n and_o have_v a_o catholic_a head_n who_o shall_v in_o that_o manner_n rule_v over_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o christ_n do_v over_o his_o church_n vers_fw-la 4._o 5._o this_o apostasy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v such_o on_o the_o sudden_a but_o to_o begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o increase_v and_o afterward_o again_o to_o decrease_v by_o degree_n vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o 6._o this_o apostasy_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v vers_fw-la 7._o 7._o it_o shall_v prevail_v against_o those_o that_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o give_v liberty_n and_o indulgence_n unto_o themselves_o to_o live_v in_o some_o sin_n vers_fw-la 10._o 8._o it_o shall_v be_v effect_v and_o uphold_v with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n &_o lie_v wonder_n vers_fw-la 9_o 9_o it_o shall_v be_v consume_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n mouth_n i._o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 8._o all_o these_o point_n be_v clear_a enough_o out_o of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o may_v we_o well_o conclude_v that_o where_o all_o these_o may_v be_v verify_v of_o any_o apostasy_n now_o in_o be_v that_o it_o be_v either_o the_o same_o with_o it_o or_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o these_o point_n be_v true_a this_o apostasy_n must_v needs_o now_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o great_o concern_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v warn_v thereof_o as_o also_o that_o for_o the_o find_v thereof_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v the_o secret_a nook_n and_o corner_n wood_n and_o wilderness_n for_o it_o be_v to_o spread_v over_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o this_o apostasy_n then_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o prophesy_v of_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o notorious_a for_o 1._o that_o this_o romish_a church_n have_v make_v a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o for_o this_o 1000_o year_n so_o that_o she_o be_v no_o more_o like_a to_o that_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v at_o rome_n than_o hell_n be_v to_o heaven_n may_v appear_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o church_n government_n 3._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 4._o from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o worship_n 1._o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n hold_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o catholic_a church_n universal_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n unto_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n do_v appertain_v as_o member_n so_o that_o they_o be_v hold_v no_o true_a church_n or_o member_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o profess_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o what_o part_n so_o ever_o of_o the_o world_n they_o abide_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v be_v a_o particular_a church_n only_o comprehend_v under_o it_o only_o those_o christian_n which_o dwell_v in_o and_o about_o rome_n and_o not_o in_o any_o other_o place_n for_o paul_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n describe_v it_o thus_o the_o saint_n at_o rome_n and_o conclude_v his_o epistle_n with_o salutation_n unto_o such_o person_n as_o inhabit_v in_o or_o about_o rome_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v send_v from_o corinth_n unto_o this_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o this_o church_n be_v every_o where_o and_o have_v not_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n again_o this_o apostle_n write_v to_o other_o church_n give_v they_o as_o great_a glorious_a and_o respectful_a title_n and_o privilege_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o this_o church_n neither_o do_v he_o any_o where_o in_o any_o colourable_a manner_n subject_n they_o to_o this_o but_o write_v unto_o they_o as_o entire_a and_o distinct_a and_o free_a church_n of_o themselves_o never_o exhort_v or_o move_v unto_o subjection_n or_o obedience_n to_o this_o church_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n he_o will_v out_o of_o question_n have_v describe_v it_o write_v unto_o it_o as_o james_n and_o peter_n do_v write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n to_o the_o 12._o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o to_o the_o stranger_n that_o dwell_v through_o pontus_n asia_n etc._n etc._n so_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o even_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o that_o this_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n plant_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o coventrie_n or_o lichfield_n or_o london_n and_o for_o any_o colour_n of_o aught_o in_o god_n word_n these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o yea_o this_o parish_n of_o stapen-hill_n may_v make_v as_o good_a claim_n to_o be_v the_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v 2._o the_o head-officer_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o same_o for_o name_n &_o office_n that_o be_v appoint_v in_o other_o church_n for_o have_v they_o be_v officer_n of_o a_o other_o kind_n the_o apostle_n will_v undoubted_o have_v give_v notice_n of_o it_o but_o the_o head-officer_n of_o this_o church_n be_v such_o as_o who_o name_n and_o peculiar_a office_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n or_o time_n the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n do_v often_o mention_v the_o church-governor_n in_o their_o time_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o syllable_n concern_v any_o pope_n cardinal_n abbot_n monk_n friar_n jesuit_n etc._n etc._n nor_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o officer_n take_v these_o office_n and_o officer_n out_o of_o the_o present_a romish_a church_n and_o you_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o church_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a without_o they_o 3._o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n whereby_o it_o differ_v from_o those_o reform_a church_n that_o have_v make_v separation_n from_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o other_o church_n in_o those_o time_n comprehend_v in_o the_o canonical_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n transubstantiation_n man_n freewill_n ability_n to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n merit_n of_o work_n satisfaction_n for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v not_o be_v needful_a upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o enter_v into_o proof_n of_o particular_n this_o in_o general_a may_v serve_v for_o a_o proof_n of_o all_o her_o enmity_n to_o the_o scripture_n diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o as_o much_o as_o she_o may_v prefer_v her_o own_o authority_n above_o they_o her_o tie_v the_o scripture_n to_o what_o translation_n she_o please_v to_o what_o sense_n she_o list_v and_o her_o keep_v they_o lock_v from_o the_o people_n show_v that_o her_o fundamental_a doctrine_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequent_a differ_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n 4._o her_o principal_a worship_n and_o service_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n be_v as_o different_a as_o may_v be_v from_o that_o worship_n &_o service_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o
contemn_v and_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o inferior_n unto_o they_o be_v thy_o authority_n among_o christian_n as_o great_a as_o paul_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o less_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o consent_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n to_o show_v for_o that_o which_o thou_o hold_v teach_v and_o profess_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v and_o send_v be_v thessalonian_n i_o certain_a people_n dwell_v in_o or_o about_o that_o famous_a city_n of_o thessalonica_n in_o macedonia_n build_v by_o philip_n the_o father_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o so_o name_v in_o memory_n of_o a_o great_a victory_n get_v over_o thessalia_n a_o country_n of_o greece_n border_v upon_o macedonia_n this_o epistle_n be_v not_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o country_n there_o but_o to_o the_o church_n i._o to_o so_o many_o of_o they_o whether_o citizen_n or_o other_o as_o be_v join_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a society_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o be_v the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v and_o write_v their_o epistle_n unto_o the_o special_a fruit_n then_o of_o this_o and_o such_o like_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v reap_v principal_o by_o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n thereof_o those_o which_o direct_a letter_n to_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o state_n use_v therein_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a to_o treat_v of_o such_o matter_n as_o principal_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n they_o write_v unto_o howsoever_o therefore_o heretic_n schismatic_n person_n excommunicate_v and_o infidel_n may_v reap_v some_o fruit_n and_o profit_n by_o the_o due_a read_n and_o meditate_v upon_o this_o epistle_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inspire_v and_o breathe_v for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n the_o principal_a fruit_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v reap_v by_o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o dâ—d_a either_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n write_v any_o of_o their_o epistle_n and_o letter_n to_o country_n city_n or_o person_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v thereby_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o first_o they_o win_v they_o by_o preach_v and_o then_o they_o write_v unto_o they_o to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n though_o therefore_o that_o which_o they_o write_v be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o gospel_n with_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v yet_o by_o this_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n write_v be_v to_o be_v reap_v and_o gather_v by_o they_o which_o have_v be_v call_v to_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o under_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o gospel_n preach_v which_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n he_o describe_v the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o by_o this_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n wherein_o the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o near_a union_n &_o conjunction_n between_o god_n and_o every_o true_a church_n if_o they_o be_v in_o deed_n and_o truth_n that_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o near_a and_o straight_a band_n knit_v unto_o god_n himself_o yea_o ingraff_v into_o he_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o one_o person_n to_o be_v so_o knit_v unto_o another_o as_o the_o church_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v knit_v unto_o god_n they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n and_o other_o where_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o they_o be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n be_v in_o they_o which_o note_v the_o near_a and_o most_o inseparable_a and_o bless_a union_n that_o may_v be_v the_o apostle_n amplify_v this_o union_n by_o describe_v that_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o which_o this_o church_n be_v to_o be_v he_o and_o their_o father_n his_o and_o their_o lord_n and_o jesus_n so_o that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v a_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n be_v a_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o so_o jesus_n signify_v unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o this_o union_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n but_o horror_n in_o the_o same_o god_n therefore_o be_v their_o father_n and_o christ_n their_o saviour_n and_o lord_n those_o that_o be_v thus_o ingraff_v into_o they_o may_v presume_v to_o receive_v from_o this_o father_n be_v almighty_a any_o good_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v need_v and_o to_o be_v secure_v and_o free_v from_o any_o evil_n that_o may_v hurt_v they_o it_o be_v a_o nature_n ingraff_v into_o father_n by_o this_o heavenly_a father_n to_o do_v their_o child_n all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v and_o such_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o have_v be_v content_a with_o a_o great_a price_n even_o with_o their_o own_o servitude_n yea_o death_n to_o redeem_v their_o servant_n from_o their_o cruel_a enemy_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v hurt_v if_o it_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o inhibit_v it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n their_o jesus_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v in_o the_o near_a bond_n even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n knit_v unto_o god_n &_o christ_n they_o may_v build_v upon_o it_o that_o this_o christ_n their_o saviour_n in_o who_o they_o be_v will_v save_v they_o from_o whatsoever_o may_v hurt_v they_o that_o this_o god_n their_o father_n will_v show_v the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a disposition_n of_o a_o father_n towards_o they_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o lively_a feel_n of_o if_o in_o our_o holy_a communion_n and_o society_n with_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o god_n as_o dutiful_a child_n &_o unto_o christ_n jesus_n as_o faithful_a servant_n till_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o use_v we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o if_o we_o desire_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o become_v not_o in_o outward_a profession_n only_o and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n delight_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o this_o prerogative_n be_v here_o attribute_v unto_o such_o never_o think_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o long_o at_o least_o as_o thou_o be_v not_o in_o will_n and_o affection_n join_v unto_o the_o same_o 2._o let_v we_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o true_a member_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n until_o we_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o this_o that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n and_o so_o in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o father_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o let_v we_o never_o rest_v and_o be_v at_o quiet_a until_o we_o have_v a_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a sense_n indeed_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o our_o father_n and_o our_o saviour_n by_o some_o infallible_a fruit_n and_o sign_n thereof_o for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o god_n as_o in_o their_o father_n and_o in_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o saviour_n but_o they_o shall_v if_o they_o stir_v up_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o they_o feel_v in_o some_o degree_n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o father_n and_o of_o a_o saviour_n transfuse_v into_o their_o soul_n 3._o let_v every_o church_n esteem_v this_o union_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o prerogative_n that_o may_v be_v if_o it_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o set_v forth_o itself_o withal_o yet_o let_v we_o esteem_v this_o to_o be_v fullness_n of_o honour_n unto_o it_o the_o fruit_n that_o spring_v from_o this_o union_n the_o grace_n that_o be_v communicate_v in_o this_o conjunction_n shall_v abundant_o content_v and_o satisfy_v every_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o she_o have_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n to_o boast_v of_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n verse_n 2._o grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o
8.5_o hebr._n 2.6_o and_o to_o magistrate_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 82.6_o this_o property_n notable_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n agree_v to_o the_o pope_n concern_v the_o first_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a whether_o you_o respect_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n claim_n or_o his_o practice_n he_o claim_v to_o be_v in_o all_o christian_a dominion_n throughout_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n that_o emperor_n and_o king_n be_v but_o his_o vassal_n and_o subject_n that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o place_v they_o in_o their_o throne_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o to_o absolve_v their_o subject_n from_o that_o loyalty_n and_o allegiance_n that_o they_o owe_v and_o have_v swear_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o emperor_n but_o as_o the_o moon_n borrow_v all_o light_n from_o he_o that_o he_o be_v as_o gold_n and_o the_o emperor_n as_o lead_v that_o emperor_n and_o king_n be_v but_o as_o saw_n and_o he_o as_o the_o sawyer_n to_o move_v they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n that_o the_o emperor_n be_v but_o his_o sword-bearer_n and_o his_o creature_n and_o the_o imperial_a majesty_n as_o much_o under_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o creature_n under_o god_n concern_v practice_n have_v he_o not_o depose_v king_n and_o emperor_n have_v he_o not_o make_v they_o kiss_v his_o toe_n hold_v his_o stirrup_n wait_v barefoot_a at_o his_o palace-gate_n crown_v king_n with_o his_o foot_n make_v they_o carry_v he_o on_o their_o shoulder_n &_o c_o again_o he_o advance_v himself_o above_o angel_n and_o devil_n for_o he_o claim_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n one_o pope_n in_o his_o bull_n for_o the_o jubilee_n 6._o command_v the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n to_o take_v such_o soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n as_o die_v by_o the_o way_n and_o carry_v they_o instant_o to_o heaven_n and_o for_o his_o lift_n up_o of_o himself_o above_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o other_o matter_n it_o be_v nothing_o with_o he_o to_o be_v another_o god_n on_o earth_n the_o scripture_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n or_o christ_n as_o esai_n 60.12_o &_o 28.16_o psal._n 24.1_o &_o 8.6_o joh._n 10.16_o &_o 15.5_o &_o 3.19_o apoc._n 5.5_o they_o apply_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o like_o the_o proud_a man_n of_o sin_n admit_v of_o they_o yea_o this_o be_v all_o too_o little_a he_o be_v above_o god_n and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o claim_n he_o can_v bind_v where_o god_n lose_v and_o lose_v where_o he_o bind_v he_o can_v dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n with_o both_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n his_o word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o god_n word_n be_v and_o to_o sin_n against_o his_o law_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n last_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o wicked_a only_o but_o a_o lawless_a person_n one_o that_o shake_v off_o all_o yoke_n like_o a_o son_n of_o belial_n that_o live_v like_o a_o outlaw_n that_o refuse_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o any_o law_n either_o divine_a or_o humane_a but_o who_o more_o lawless_a than_o he_o that_o no_o law_n can_v hold_v either_o of_o god_n or_o man_n that_o will_v give_v law_n to_o all_o but_o take_v none_o of_o any_o that_o not_o only_o claim_v power_n to_o break_v law_n as_o he_o list_v himself_o but_o can_v at_o his_o pleasure_n dispense_v so_o not_o with_o man_n law_n alone_o but_o with_o god_n to_o that_o he_o can_v make_v treason_n murder_n and_o massacre_n and_o the_o horrible_a sin_n that_o god_n law_n condemn_v act_n pious_a and_o meritorious_a whereby_o man_n shall_v deserve_v heaven_n yea_o who_o so_o lawless_a as_o he_o that_o not_o only_o refuse_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o any_o law_n but_o exemt_v all_o his_o shaveling_n his_o principal_a member_n from_o all_o subjection_n to_o law_n and_o civil_a jurisdiction_n though_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o list_v in_o all_o looseness_n and_o lewdness_n without_o check_n or_o control_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v show_v both_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o apostasy_n foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n and_o where_o both_o he_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v vers._n 13._o but_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o you_o brethren_n belove_v of_o the_o lord_n hitherto_o of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o universal_a &_o catholic_a apostasy_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o next_o and_o immediate_o under_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v supreme_a head_n and_o author_n thereof_o a_o burdensome_a prophecy_n to_o all_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o can_v not_o but_o make_v their_o heart_n heavy_a and_o possess_v their_o soul_n with_o much_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n before_o he_o pass_v unto_o any_o other_o matter_n comfort_v this_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o and_o therein_o labour_v to_o remove_v that_o fear_n &_o sorrow_n which_o this_o prophecy_n may_v cast_v they_o into_o in_o the_o consolation_n 1._o he_o propound_v the_o main_a argument_n and_o matter_n of_o their_o comfort_n 2._o he_o make_v special_a use_n thereof_o the_o matter_n or_o argument_n be_v set_v down_o 1._o general_o 2._o more_o special_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o general_a proposition_n be_v express_v in_o the_o title_n he_o give_v unto_o they_o o_o you_o belove_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v o_o my_o brethren_n though_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n shall_v be_v fearful_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o power_n and_o tyranny_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n yet_o you_o need_v not_o to_o be_v dismay_v thereat_o for_o the_o lord_n love_v you_o most_o dear_o and_o tender_o and_o therefore_o will_v preserve_v and_o keep_v you_o from_o that_o fearful_a apostasy_n whence_o we_o note_v 1._o that_o the_o more_o that_o any_o christian_a man_n or_o church_n be_v belove_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o more_o afraid_a they_o be_v of_o this_o apostasy_n and_o of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v humble_v and_o grieve_v to_o consider_v the_o same_o and_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v fear_v it_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v arm_v and_o strengthen_v against_o it_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n to_o withstand_v so_o great_a assault_n and_o temptation_n as_o also_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v mourn_v and_o groan_n under_o the_o tyranny_n and_o burden_n of_o it_o or_o of_o any_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o it_o the_o more_o present_a will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o yield_v comfort_n &_o consolation_n and_o spiritual_a might_n and_o strength_n unto_o they_o as_o here_o he_o be_v unto_o this_o church_n and_o further_o the_o more_o feel_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o the_o less_o cause_n he_o shall_v have_v to_o be_v dismay_v and_o fainthearted_a in_o regard_n of_o this_o apostasy_n be_v thou_o one_o belove_v of_o the_o lord_n have_v thou_o a_o lively_a sense_n thereof_o in_o thy_o soul_n very_o though_o by_o prophecy_n it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o thou_o that_o all_o thy_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n the_o whole_a town_n and_o realm_n where_o thou_o live_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n wherein_o thou_o be_v a_o subject_n shall_v revolt_v from_o christ_n to_o antichrist_n yea_o though_o thy_o own_o eye_n shall_v behold_v it_o though_o thou_o shall_v see_v all_o the_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o among_o they_o those_o that_o have_v be_v the_o powerful_a instrument_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v thou_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v away_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o beast_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o fearful_a and_o so_o lamentable_a a_o spectacle_n thou_o shall_v find_v comfort_n and_o strength_n enough_o to_o support_v thou_o though_o thou_o stand_v alone_o against_o all_o the_o tempest_n and_o storm_n that_o satan_n and_o his_o vicar-general_a can_v raise_v against_o thou_o will_v we_o therefore_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o such_o tempest_n and_o brunt_n let_v we_o labour_n to_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o get_v unto_o ourselves_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n thereof_o that_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v none_o safe_a from_o antichrist_n but_o those_o who_o god_n hide_v in_o his_o own_o bowel_n and_o if_o once_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o
and_o further_a mercy_n from_o god_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o former_a favour_n and_o love_n towards_o us._n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v assurance_n of_o the_o one_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v our_o faith_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o hopeful_a expectation_n of_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o four_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n vers._n 1._o furthermore_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v free_a passage_n and_o be_v glorify_v as_o it_o be_v with_o you_o the_o five_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o petition_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n become_v a_o earnest_a suitor_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o he_o write_v unto_o and_o what_o do_v he_o sue_v for_o for_o their_o prayer_n he_o entreat_v they_o that_o they_o will_v pray_v for_o he_o &_o for_o syluanus_n and_o timothy_n his_o fellow-labourer_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v his_o desire_n he_o call_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v do_v twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o this_o epistle_n already_o wherein_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o common_a usage_n of_o this_o age_n do_v it_o only_o for_o courtly_a compliment_n a_o thing_n far_o from_o the_o disposition_n of_o that_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n but_o he_o do_v unfeigned_o desire_v this_o office_n at_o their_o hand_n as_o a_o principal_a fruit_n of_o their_o brotherly_a love_n and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o as_o a_o matter_n whereby_o he_o expect_v a_o special_a blessing_n from_o god_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v these_o lesson_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a brethren_n mutual_o to_o pray_v one_o for_o a_o other_o unto_o god_n their_o father_n paul_n he_o pray_v for_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o he_o pray_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o the_o brethren_n in_o christ_n do_v mutual_o merit_v one_o a_o other_o prayer_n when_o they_o pray_v one_o for_o a_o other_o do_v i_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o thou_o i_o have_v therein_o deserve_v that_o thou_o shall_v pray_v for_o i_o the_o wage_n of_o a_o hire_a labourer_n be_v no_o more_o due_a to_o he_o than_o thy_o prayer_n be_v due_a unto_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v answer_v at_o god_n tribunal_n upon_o a_o action_n of_o debt_n and_o default_n of_o payment_n if_o thou_o answer_v not_o the_o same_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o pray_v for_o thou_o yet_o be_v thou_o bind_v to_o pray_v for_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v this_o law_n upon_o we_o to_o pray_v even_o for_o they_o that_o persecute_v we_o and_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o how_o much_o more_o be_v we_o then_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o bless_v we_o and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o mutual_a duty_n and_o debt_n that_o one_o christian_n owe_v to_o a_o other_o so_o ought_v all_o christian_n to_o make_v that_o reckon_n of_o this_o debt_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v upon_o all_o occasion_n demand_v and_o require_v it_o and_o not_o remit_v or_o forgive_v it_o we_o can_v demand_v our_o temporal_a debt_n and_o will_v think_v much_o to_o remit_v a_o penny_n in_o the_o payment_n of_o a_o great_a sum_n but_o for_o this_o spiritual_a debt_n we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o let_v it_o go_v and_o never_o demand_v it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n demand_v it_o it_o be_v but_o for_o ceremony_n and_o fashion_n we_o care_v not_o whither_o man_n pay_v it_o or_o no._n this_o show_v belove_v that_o we_o make_v no_o reckon_v or_o account_n of_o a_o other_o prayer_n for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o will_v often_o demand_v they_o then_o we_o do_v and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o debt_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o more_o we_o urge_v the_o payment_n thereof_o the_o more_o we_o favour_v the_o person_n indebt_v &_o the_o more_o we_o neglect_v to_o urge_v the_o same_o the_o more_o wrong_n we_o do_v unto_o he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o prayer_n that_o he_o make_v for_o we_o but_o he_o obtain_v thereby_o as_o great_a a_o blessing_n for_o himself_o as_o for_o us._n 2._o if_o we_o desire_v that_o other_o shall_v pray_v effectual_o unto_o god_n for_o we_o let_v they_o see_v that_o we_o esteem_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o let_v we_o so_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o as_o they_o may_v esteem_v of_o we_o as_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o as_o yet_o be_v not_o brethren_n in_o christ_n yet_o be_v there_o a_o more_o lively_a feel_n of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n obtain_v by_o they_o when_o profess_a brethren_n pray_v one_o for_o a_o other_o and_o only_o by_o their_o prayer_n can_v we_o look_v to_o get_v good_a that_o be_v our_o brethren_n for_o otherwise_o their_o prayer_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n and_o their_o blessing_n in_o themselves_o but_o so_o many_o curse_n 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o common_a good_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o high_a and_o great_a in_o favour_n with_o god_n but_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o even_o of_o their_o inferior_n behold_v here_o paul_n a_o great_a apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o have_v be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o there_o hear_v thing_n unutterable_a he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o who_o be_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n illuminate_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o inspire_v to_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n will_v that_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n have_v suffer_v he_o so_o to_o have_v do_v but_o that_o through_o the_o same_o spirit_n he_o have_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o need_n and_o a_o confidence_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a bless_a by_o mean_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n will_v for_o their_o sake_n show_v the_o more_o favour_n unto_o he_o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o so_o low_a &_o mean_a in_o god_n church_n but_o the_o high_a may_v be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o their_o prayer_n paul_n here_o desire_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o speak_v to_o and_o entreat_v god_n for_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o stir_v up_o this_o gift_n in_o ourselves_o and_o high_o to_o esteem_v the_o prayer_n even_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o god_n servant_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v paul_n to_o make_v that_o reckon_n of_o they_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o even_o the_o minister_n who_o as_o we_o be_v many_o degree_n inferior_a to_o paul_n so_o do_v we_o by_o so_o many_o degree_n more_o need_v the_o help_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o god_n people_n even_o we_o i_o say_v that_o be_v minister_n do_v need_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o people_n and_o the_o people_n need_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o minister_n yea_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o be_v orator_n unto_o god_n for_o he_o if_o they_o look_v to_o reap_v fruit_n by_o his_o labour_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o main_a cause_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v no_o more_o bless_v our_o labour_n unto_o you_o because_o you_o never_o pray_v for_o we_o nay_o because_o many_o of_o you_o can_v pray_v for_o us._n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o in_o general_n require_v this_o church_n prayer_n but_o he_o give_v they_o special_a direction_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o those_o prayer_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o make_v for_o he_o wherein_o in_o general_a and_o by_o the_o way_n he_o teach_v that_o if_o minister_n will_v look_v to_o reap_v fruit_n from_o the_o prayer_n of_o their_o church_n they_o must_v teach_v and_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o inform_v they_o in_o the_o special_a matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n we_o must_v not_o only_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o pray_v but_o we_o must_v teach_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v 1._o as_o both_o christ_n and_o john_n teach_v their_o disciple_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v and_o necessary_a that_o christian_n shall_v have_v direction_n for_o prayer_n yea_o and_o for_o the_o further_a help_n of_o their_o weakness_n set_v form_n of_o prayer_n also_o though_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v only_o unto_o they_o and_o stint_v &_o straighten_v so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o use_v any_o other_o prayer_n but_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n that_o prescribe_v and_o use_v set_v form_n