may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v hâ—m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n fâ—om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o manâ—r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n fâ—r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n â—o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o purpose_n of_o s._n john_n who_o do_v therefore_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v that_o shall_v hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n with_o conscience_n to_o keep_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o do_v it_o with_o delight_n second_o we_o be_v hereby_o admonish_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n that_o place_n before_o name_v be_v most_o excellent_a search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o iâ—_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n â—_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n iâ—_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o taâ—es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
cast_v off_o all_o dulness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o may_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o attentive_a hear_n so_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v bless_v unto_o we_o otherwise_o our_o hear_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n verse_n 11._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardai_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o description_n of_o this_o voice_n whereby_o johns_n heart_n be_v prepare_v touch_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n which_o be_v utter_v which_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v and_o send_v etc._n etc._n i._o touch_v the_o testimony_n the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n where_o the_o word_n be_v handle_v and_o the_o meaning_n show_v they_o do_v serve_v direct_o to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v here_o avouch_v to_o give_v unto_o john_n and_o unto_o the_o church_n full_a assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n now_o utter_v and_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n for_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n in_o this_o testimony_n note_v god_n special_a care_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o more_o special_o his_o care_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o from_o god_n this_o have_v be_v god_n care_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o peter_n receive_v a_o vision_n from_o god_n withal_o 19_o god_n spirit_n assure_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o be_v certain_a &_o sure_a and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n among_o man_n he_o do_v withal_o work_v strange_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n this_o special_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n do_v first_o confute_v the_o papist_n opinion_n touch_v scripture_n use_n they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o unto_o man_n till_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n thereunto_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o god_n ever_o have_v this_o care_n over_o his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v be_v his_o undoubted_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o ever_o be_v not_o only_o in_o it_o self_n bâ—t_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o come_v thereunto_o second_o hereby_o be_v confute_v many_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n therein_o be_v so_o diverse_a that_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n almost_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n in_o sundry_a matter_n hold_v sundry_a private_a opinion_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v religion_n therefore_o be_v uncertain_a god_n forbid_v for_o religion_n be_v certain_a unto_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o certify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o may_v man_n come_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n ii_o point_n the_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n this_o commandment_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o write_v the_o thing_n see_v in_o a_o book_n second_o to_o send_v the_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n here_o name_v and_o both_o these_o must_v john_n do_v be_v now_o disable_v by_o his_o exile_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n unto_o they_o personal_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o these_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o strengthen_v in_o these_o most_o grievous_a time_n of_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v become_v keeper_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o publish_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o in_o this_o commandment_n note_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worthy_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o have_v write_v these_o vision_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o blind_a papist_n which_o say_v the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n because_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v be_v turn_v every_o way_n as_o man_n will_n this_o also_o confute_v the_o anabaptist_n which_o so_o much_o magnify_v their_o revelation_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o word_n write_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o best_o he_o will_v have_v teach_v these_o church_n by_o revelation_n but_o they_o must_v learn_v by_o the_o word_n write_v second_o that_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n either_o public_o or_o private_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v this_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n hereby_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v read_v the_o same_o as_o they_o do_v other_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o sound_n and_o confirm_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o ordinary_o justify_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o read_v must_v have_v his_o due_a reverence_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v three_o here_o note_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o persecution_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o this_o banishment_n into_o such_o a_o desert_a place_n be_v unto_o john_n a_o grievous_a cross_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v there_o to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o honour_n he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o thing_n each_o one_o shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n it_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o seven_o church_n ephesus_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v name_v which_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n wherein_o be_v plant_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v in_o those_o part_n and_o for_o their_o excellency_n be_v they_o name_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n now_o follow_v the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o be_v hear_v fold_v up_o with_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n second_o be_v turn_v of_o himself_o to_o see_v the_o party_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o in_o these_o word_n verse_n 12._o then_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n which_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o when_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o
of_o god_n so_o christ_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n than_o all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o matth._n 6.33_o this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n every_o where_o use_n who_o in_o seek_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o will_v toil_v themselves_o in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v wealth_n honour_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o regard_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a foundation_n of_o all_o outward_a welfare_n here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o god_n give_v i_o wealth_n honour_n and_o reputation_n than_o he_o love_v i_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n thereof_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v no_o sure_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o be_v his_o enemy_n may_v enjoy_v they_o all_o as_o job._n 21.7_o to_o the_o 14._o this_o david_n perceive_v how_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v in_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psalm_n 73.3.7_o and_o yet_o they_o stand_v but_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n herewith_o deceive_v himself_o he_o that_o want_v god_n favour_n in_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o curse_a wretch_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o world_n for_o outward_a thing_n at_o his_o command_n for_o all_o earthly_a thing_n sever_v from_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n the_o wicked_a man_n peace_n be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 48.22_o and_o the_o man_n that_o have_v god_n grace_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o want_v all_o worldly_a benefit_n yet_o he_o have_v more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n without_o it_o for_o hereby_o alone_o he_o be_v true_o bless_a and_o happy_a from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wit_n god_n himself_o distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n etc._n etc._n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o a_o distribution_n which_o express_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o which_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o exod._n 3.14_o 15._o where_o moses_n demand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v ask_v who_o send_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v answer_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o say_v ehich_n jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o which_o two_o name_n serve_v to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o be_v translate_v i_o be_o and_o the_o lord_n but_o these_o english_a word_n do_v not_o full_o express_v their_o signification_n yet_o s._n john_n expound_v they_o here_o make_v ehich_n to_o signify_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v which_o word_n of_o john_n also_o in_o the_o original_n be_v more_o full_a in_o sense_n than_o our_o english_a tongue_n can_v well_o express_v and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o explain_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a substance_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a simple_a substance_n and_o essence_n in_o these_o word_n be_v touch_v sundry_a weighty_a point_n first_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n which_o have_v his_o be_v in_o himself_o of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o paul_n say_v a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o that_o be_v nothing_o subsist_v in_o nature_n but_o a_o mere_a fond_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o essence_n subsist_v and_o that_o of_o himself_o alone_o perfect_o and_o herein_o differ_v from_o all_o idol_n and_o false_a god_n second_o hereby_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n every_o creature_n be_v a_o substance_n as_o angel_n and_o man_n likewise_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n be_v substance_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n and_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v part_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v their_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o he_o for_o then_o each_o creature_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n can_v be_v without_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n substance_n be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n my_o meaning_n then_o be_v that_o god_n make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o he_o create_v by_o his_o word_n and_o preserve_v they_o be_v make_v which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o return_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o thankfulness_n endeavour_v his_o glory_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n three_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o every_o way_n though_o they_o be_v eternal_a in_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v yet_o have_v they_o a_o beginning_n second_o they_o be_v eternal_a not_o absolute_o but_o by_o participation_n for_o god_n make_v they_o eternal_a but_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_o of_o himself_o eternal_a four_o note_n he_o say_v not_o from_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v but_o from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o eternal_a god_n be_v also_o a_o judge_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n a_o point_n of_o special_a use_n to_o move_v we_o to_o well_o before_o god_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n if_o any_o shall_v flatter_v himself_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v dead_a before_o that_o day_n come_v i_o answer_v iâ—_n may_v be_v so_o what_o then_o think_v thâ—u_n thereby_o to_o escape_v his_o judgement_n no_o very_o for_o this_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v thou_o particular_o by_o death_n and_o thereby_o to_o reserve_v thou_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n oâ—_n that_o we_o can_v serious_o think_v on_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v â—o_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n act_n 24.16_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v he_o at_o his_o come_n whether_o by_o death_n or_o judgement_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o 〈◊〉_d before_o his_o throne_n these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o seven_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v before_o the_o thronâ—_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o they_o for_o two_o cause_n a_o first_o because_o 〈◊〉_d and_o peace_n be_v here_o say_v to_o proceed_v from_o these_o seven_o spirit_n but_o it_o can_v come_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o attend_v to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n second_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o be_v a_o benediction_n or_o a_o salutation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o spirit_n be_v set_v before_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o respect_n for_o which_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v place_v before_o christ._n the_o word_n be_v rather_o thus_o to_o be_v expound_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o exposition_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v only_o one_o in_o substance_n
wail_v five_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o narration_n with_o two_o note_n of_o asseveration_n even_o so_o amen_o to_o confirm_v the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n unto_o all_o people_n i._o point_n behold_v first_o saint_n john_n begin_v this_o narration_n with_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v accustom_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v of_o special_a weight_n and_o worth_n our_o careful_a mark_v to_o prefix_v before_o it_o this_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v or_o such_o like_a hence_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v this_o special_a duty_n namely_o often_o and_o every_o day_n earnest_o and_o serious_o to_o bethink_v ourselves_o of_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n this_o consideration_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n for_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o begin_v and_o continue_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n unto_o god_n when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n obstinate_a enemy_n come_v to_o the_o baptism_n of_o s._n john_n he_o use_v this_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o to_o turn_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n say_v ob_fw-la generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v forewarn_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v fly_v from_o the_o vengeance_n to_o come_v matth._n 3.7_o so_o peter_n use_v this_o same_o argument_n to_o bring_v the_o jew_n to_o repentance_n exhort_v they_o to_o turn_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v put_v away_o when_o the_o day_n of_o refresh_v that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v come_v act_v 3.19_o paul_n persuade_v the_o athenian_n to_o repentance_n because_o there_o be_v a_o day_n appoint_v in_o which_o the_o lord_n will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n act._n 17.30_o 31._o second_o this_o note_n of_o attention_n serve_v to_o strike_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o it_o give_v we_o warning_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n we_o be_v touch_v with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n towards_o earthly_a magistrate_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o attach_v apprehend_v &_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o their_o court_n and_o assize_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v this_o work_n in_o we_o a_o reverend_a awe_n towards_o christ_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o one_o day_n we_o must_v all_o be_v bring_v before_o his_o tribunal_n seat_n and_o there_o be_v judge_v of_o he_o ii_o point_n the_o come_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o come_v that_o be_v christ_n local_o descend_v from_o the_o high_a heaven_n in_o his_o manhood_n to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o cloud_n be_v there_o to_o give_v judgement_n upon_o all_o mankind_n quick_a and_o dead_a here_o mark_v in_o what_o manner_n john_n propound_v his_o come_n he_o say_v nor_o he_o shall_v come_v but_o in_o the_o present_a time_n he_o come_v whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o first_o that_o this_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v now_o present_a second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o long_o to_o or_o far_o off_o but_o will_v be_v quick_o three_o that_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n present_a this_o saint_n john_n learned_a and_o so_o shall_v we_o by_o his_o example_n for_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n for_o hence_o weâ—_n be_v teach_v to_o desire_v and_o do_v that_o every_o day_n which_o we_o will_v desire_v and_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o attain_v hereunto_o now_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v daily_o consider_v of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n not_o as_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v delay_v or_o far_o off_o but_o as_o a_o thing_n present_a we_o must_v every_o day_n call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o reckon_n and_o account_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o this_o may_n be_v the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o carry_v ourselves_o every_o day_n as_o we_o will_v in_o the_o last_o day_n now_o we_o will_v wish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o every_o day_n of_o our_o life_n before_o the_o last_o judgement_n come_v we_o ought_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ._n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v we_o shall_v find_v less_o corruption_n and_o more_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o less_o sin_n use_v more_o obedience_n in_o our_o life_n every_o day_n than_o other_o but_o grace_n be_v want_v and_o sin_n abound_v because_o this_o meditation_n take_v no_o place_n in_o our_o heart_n again_o in_o that_o he_o say_v he_o come_v mean_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n hence_o we_o gather_v he_o be_v absent_a from_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o bodily_a presence_n and_o the_o heaven_n must_v contain_v he_o until_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o if_o christ_n be_v always_o bodily_a present_n in_o the_o sacrament_n he_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o come_v but_o only_o to_o manifest_v himself_o be_v before_o present_v and_o therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o which_o hold_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v real_o the_o bread_n to_o be_v in_o or_o about_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v most_o false_a and_o frivolous_a flat_a against_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o hold_v that_o he_o come_v from_o heaven_n only_o at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o manhood_n iii_o point_n the_o manner_n of_o christ_n christ_n come_n in_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o come_v with_o cloud_n second_o that_o his_o come_n be_v open_a and_o visible_a to_o every_o eye_n first_o with_o cloud_n here_o s._n john_n speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o to_o set_v out_o god_n in_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n say_v he_o come_v with_o cloud_n 97._o ride_v on_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v he_o come_v in_o exceed_a majesty_n and_o glory_n these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o first_o and_o second_o come_v of_o christ._n his_o first_o come_n be_v in_o humility_n bear_v of_o a_o poor_a virgin_n entertain_v in_o a_o stable_n of_o a_o inn_n but_o his_o second_o come_n be_v with_o glory_n majesty_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o come_v first_o to_o be_v a_o redeemer_n and_o a_o saviour_n by_o his_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o come_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n but_o his_o second_o come_n be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o of_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o come_v with_o all_o might_n majesty_n and_o glory_n to_o show_v himself_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o use_n of_o this_o his_o second_o come_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 97_o psalm_n to_o make_v the_o very_a mountain_n to_o tremble_v to_o confound_v the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o to_o comfort_v the_o godly_a in_o that_o day_n second_o for_o his_o open_a appearance_n every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o majesty_n and_o glory_n not_o secret_o but_o in_o visible_a show_n to_o all_o the_o world_n all_o man_n shall_v see_v he_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n all_o i_o say_v which_o be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o his_o come_n in_o these_o word_n he_o touch_v three_o point_n first_o he_o take_v it_o here_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n though_o their_o death_n be_v never_o so_o strange_a or_o never_o so_o long_o before_o second_o that_o all_o man_n be_v raise_v again_o shall_v have_v life_n and_o motion_n and_o their_o sense_n restore_v to_o they_o as_o before_o they_o die_v three_o that_o all_o man_n none_o except_v shall_v come_v and_o stand_v before_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v judge_v of_o he_o in_o the_o cloud_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v first_o a_o exceed_a comfort_n to_o god_n child_n in_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a in_o their_o grave_n shall_v rise_v and_o receive_v their_o life_n and_o motion_n and_o see_v christ_n their_o saviour_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o man_n if_o a_o man_n when_o he_o lay_v he_o down_o to_o sleep_v shall_v be_v tell_v that_o when_o he_o rise_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o dead_a father_n and_o mother_n or_o his_o dear_a friend_n who_o he_o see_v not_o of_o long_o before_o this_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a comfort_n to_o he_o that_o now_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v they_o again_o 〈◊〉_d how_o far_o great_a comfort_n shall_v this_o yield_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a who_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o rot_a in_o the_o grave_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o and_o not_o only_o to_o meet_v with_o godly_a friend_n but_o enjoy_v christ_n jesus_n the_o
life_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v eternal_a this_o will_v comfort_v we_o in_o all_o distress_n and_o take_v from_o we_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o danger_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n though_o i_o be_v dead_a yet_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o evermore_o amen_n this_o part_n be_v utter_v and_o propound_v by_o two_o note_n to_o be_v observe_v first_o by_o a_o note_n of_o certainty_n amen_n second_o by_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v the_o note_n of_o certainty_n amen_o serve_v to_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n which_o christ_n affirm_v of_o himself_o say_v i_o live_v for_o evermore_o the_o note_n of_o attention_n which_o be_v prefix_v behold_v serve_v to_o stir_v up_o johns_n mind_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o which_o christ_n say_v i_o live_v for_o evermore_o and_o because_o it_o please_v christ_n to_o propound_v this_o point_n in_o this_o manner_n let_v we_o a_o little_a stand_v thereon_o and_o herein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o nature_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o second_o for_o what_o end_n he_o live_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o first_o no_o doubt_n as_o christ_n as_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n he_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o both_o his_o nature_n godhead_n and_o manhood_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o godhead_n he_o be_v coeternal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n live_v of_o himself_o that_o uncreated_a and_o essential_a life_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o godhead_n be_v eternal_a without_o beginning_n or_o end_v second_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o as_o he_o be_v man_n for_o after_o his_o death_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n where_o in_o full_a glory_n he_o enjoy_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o the_o godhead_n for_o in_o he_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a his_o manhood_n be_v whole_o and_o immediate_o sustain_v by_o his_o godhead_n ii_o point_n the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n live_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o give_v eternal_a life_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v this_o be_v 11_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n even_o the_o father_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o that_o his_o son_n and_o here_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v of_o we_o as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n as_o the_o root_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n for_o as_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n live_v not_o for_o itself_o but_o for_o the_o body_n and_o for_o all_o the_o branch_n even_o so_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o he_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o that_o he_o may_v convey_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o member_n yea_o we_o must_v consider_v christ_n as_o the_o common_a treasury_n &_o storehouse_n of_o all_o true_a felicity_n wherein_o life_n eternal_a be_v lay_v up_o for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o say_v 55._o his_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o whosoever_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n shall_v live_v for_o ever_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o manhood_n have_v quicken_a virtue_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o of_o itself_o or_o by_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o manhood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o from_o the_o godhead_n it_o receive_v this_o quicken_a power_n to_o give_v eternal_a life_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o here_o the_o mean_n must_v be_v consider_v by_o which_o christ_n give_v life_n unto_o his_o church_n namely_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o mystical_a union_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n which_o union_n be_v thus_o cause_v god_n the_o father_n give_v christ_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o that_o real_o and_o true_o according_a to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o this_o gift_n be_v this_o whole_a christ_n god_n &_o man_n be_v give_v to_o every_o believer_n even_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o yet_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o give_v with_o the_o manhood_n but_o only_o the_o virtue_n &_o operation_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o manhood_n by_o which_o the_o manhood_n be_v make_v able_a to_o merit_v for_o the_o believer_n but_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v both_o for_o substance_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o benefit_n that_o be_v convey_v to_o man_n by_o it_o as_o justification_n and_o redemption_n as_o true_o as_o land_n and_o good_n be_v give_v of_o man_n to_o man_n and_o when_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o any_o he_o do_v withal_o give_v unto_o the_o same_o party_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o christ_n have_v part_n in_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o spirit_n creat_v in_o his_o heart_n the_o instrument_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o christ_n give_v of_o the_o father_n be_v receive_v and_o apprehend_v both_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o efficacy_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o christ_n be_v not_o receive_v in_o imagination_n as_o man_n receive_v thing_n by_o conceit_n in_o the_o brain_n but_o as_o he_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n namely_o in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n real_o and_o true_o though_o spiritual_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o work_v this_o faith_n do_v knit_v the_o believer_n unto_o christ_n real_o though_o mystical_o make_v he_o one_o with_o christ_n so_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o believer_n a_o member_n and_o thus_o be_v this_o mystical_a conjunction_n wrought_v from_o whence_o proceed_v this_o eternal_a life_n the_o benefit_n that_o come_v from_o this_o mystical_a conjunction_n be_v these_o i._o hereby_o a_o believer_n begin_v in_o this_o world_n to_o live_v eternal_a life_n for_o by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n christ_n make_v that_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o unite_a unto_o he_o to_o begin_v to_o die_v unto_o all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v unto_o he_o spiritual_o as_o himself_o live_v ii_o hence_o come_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n for_o this_o conjunction_n be_v once_o begin_v remain_v eternal_a and_o be_v never_o whole_o break_v off_o no_o not_o from_o the_o body_n while_o it_o be_v consume_v to_o dust_n and_o ash_n look_v as_o in_o the_o winter_n season_n the_o sap_n return_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o then_o all_o the_o branch_n seem_v as_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o when_o spring_n time_n come_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o sap_n ascend_v and_o make_v they_o fresh_a and_o green_a again_o even_o so_o the_o body_n of_o god_n child_n have_v their_o winter_n season_n while_o they_o lie_v dead_a and_o rot_a but_o yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v life_n be_v convey_v from_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v raise_v to_o life_n iii_o hence_o come_v eternal_a life_n to_o every_o believer_n that_o be_v glory_n and_o bliss_n in_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o be_v once_o begin_v as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v never_o dissolve_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n convey_v eternal_a life_n unto_o his_o member_n use_n the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n do_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o two_o main_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n namely_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o life_n everlasting_a for_o both_o these_o be_v effect_v to_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o give_v life_n to_o us._n and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a joy_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o job_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o misery_n stay_v himself_o on_o this_o that_o he_o know_v his_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o behold_v he_o with_o those_o same_o eye_n wherewith_o he_o see_v other_o creature_n job._n 19.25_o 26._o 2._o again_o if_o christ_n live_v in_o heaven_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o eternal_a life_n then_o must_v we_o learn_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n with_o christ_n for_o where_o our_o life_n be_v there_o shall_v our_o conversation_n be_v now_o that_o our_o conversation_n may_v be_v with_o he_o we_o must_v often_o serious_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o of_o this_o
that_o thence_o we_o may_v offer_v up_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n second_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 1.6_o use_v a_o comparison_n from_o the_o fire_n which_o burn_v more_o bright_a and_o clear_a when_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o last_o we_o must_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o faith_n repentance_n love_n and_o such_o like_a &_o so_o shall_v they_o not_o decay_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n verse_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o faithful_a physician_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n do_v here_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o their_o sin_n of_o decay_n in_o love_n fron_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o sin_n be_v reprove_v be_v to_o be_v teach_v but_o yet_o with_o this_o qualification_n that_o withal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v join_v thereunto_o that_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v rip_v up_o by_o the_o law_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v christ_n manner_n of_o preach_v in_o this_o place_n who_o practice_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a platform_n for_o all_o his_o minister_n for_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n at_o this_o day_n to_o preach_v the_o law_n bare_o which_o only_o make_v the_o wound_n without_o the_o gospel_n which_o alone_o show_v the_o remedy_n this_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v be_v of_o special_a use_n and_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n general_o by_o it_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o answer_v to_o two_o necessary_a question_n of_o practice_n which_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n first_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o after_o his_o conversion_n either_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n fall_v into_o sin_n again_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v for_o his_o recovery_n ans._n he_o must_v remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v of_o those_o his_o sin_n and_o do_v his_o first_o work_n the_o second_o question_n be_v this_o a_o man_n that_o have_v all_o his_o life_n long_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n be_v now_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o his_o loose_a life_n how_o shall_v this_o man_n escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n &_o become_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o ans._n he_o must_v first_o remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o by_o his_o own_o transgression_n second_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o his_o sin_n three_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n whereto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n &_o so_o shall_v he_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o particular_a this_o remedy_n have_v three_o part_n the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o second_o and_o repent_v the_o three_o and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n the_o word_n follow_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o remedy_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v for_o the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n examine_v thyself_o thorough_o &_o see_v in_o thyself_o the_o decay_n of_o thy_o former_a love_n and_o then_o ponder_v the_o same_o in_o thy_o heart_n serious_o and_o thorough_o here_o christ_n injoin_v to_o this_o church_n two_o duty_n i._o examination_n whereby_o she_o must_v descend_v into_o she_o own_o heart_n and_o search_v out_o her_o own_o want_n especial_o the_o want_n of_o her_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o her_o brethren_n ii_o consideration_n whereby_o she_o must_v often_o think_v of_o these_o her_o want_n and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o her_o heart_n unfeigned_o this_o course_n which_o christ_n take_v with_o this_o church_n teach_v we_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o person_n in_o god_n church_n not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v thorough_o with_o his_o own_o estate_n that_o so_o he_o may_v search_v out_o his_o own_o want_n and_o deep_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n jeremie_n blame_v the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n that_o no_o man_n say_v with_o himself_o 8.6_o what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o christ_n lay_v this_o sin_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o estate_n 39_o they_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o â—â—oke_v they_o all_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n no_o man_n almost_o do_v examine_v himself_o &_o consider_v in_o his_o hart_n his_o own_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o want_n nay_o man_n be_v grow_v to_o this_o that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o mean_n to_o breed_v melancholy_n and_o therefore_o do_v â—lie_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o nuzzell_v themselves_o in_o their_o fearful_a security_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v out_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o often_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o their_o particular_a want_n zephanie_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o people_n 2.1_o begin_v thus_o search_v you_o search_v yourselves_o oh_o nation_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v where_o the_o word_n translate_v search_n signify_v such_o a_o search_n as_o a_o man_n will_v make_v for_o some_o small_a thing_n in_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o chaff_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n counsel_n hag._n 1.7_o consider_v your_o own_o way_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v our_o practice_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o ground_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o christ_n here_o give_v it_o the_o first_o place_n for_o no_o man_n can_v true_o repent_v before_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o with_o his_o own_o fearful_a and_o damnable_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v 119.59_o i_o first_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o then_o i_o turn_v my_o foot_n into_o thy_o testimony_n the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o repent_v be_v want_n of_o consideration_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o what_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v for_o till_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v she_o own_o misery_n the_o hart_n can_v never_o right_o hunger_n after_o mercy_n sin_n must_v be_v our_o great_a woe_n before_o christ_n become_v our_o chief_a joy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v repentance_n iâ—_n self_n for_o after_o a_o man_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o want_n and_o have_v thorough_o consider_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n than_o he_o come_v to_o repent_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o five_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v i._o what_o repentanceis_n ii_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v iii_o who_o command_v it_o iv._o to_o who_o it_o be_v command_v v._o for_o what_o they_o must_v repent_v for_o the_o first_o repentance_n proper_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n do_v import_v for_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o after_o some_o folly_n or_o overslip_v to_o be_v better_o advise_v repentance_n then_o in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o change_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a or_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.20_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n which_o latter_a word_n expound_v the_o former_a &_o plain_o show_v what_o repentance_n be_v and_o this_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n stand_v in_o this_o resolution_n whereby_o a_o man_n by_o god_n grace_n purpose_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n therewithal_o follow_v a_o turn_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o will_n in_o affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o description_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n which_o paul_n reduce_v to_o seven_o head_n viz._n care_n clear_v of_o themselves_o indignation_n fear_n great_a desire_n zeal_n and_o revenge_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o whereof_o some_o be_v renew_v affection_n
this_o duty_n especial_o concern_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v teach_v the_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n and_o beat_v down_o false_a doctrine_n which_o poison_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n if_o in_o the_o night_n season_n a_o man_n set_v up_o a_o false_a light_n in_o the_o haven_n all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v to_o land_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o shipwreck_n so_o in_o god_n church_n if_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o pure_a religion_n be_v not_o set_v up_o and_o advance_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n the_o want_n of_o care_n in_o perform_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n send_v heresy_n and_o apostasy_n into_o his_o church_n thus_o come_v in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11_o because_o man_n love_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o i_o no_o doubt_n will_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o if_o we_o have_v not_o care_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n verse_n 26._o for_o he_o that_o overcom_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o nation_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v 28._o even_o as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n so_o will_v i_o give_v he_o the_o morning_n star_n 29._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n vers_fw-la 26_o 27_o 28._o second_o a_o commandment_n vers_fw-la 29._o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o the_o benefit_n promise_v the_o party_n to_o who_o be_v every_o one_o that_o overcom_v who_o christ_n describe_v by_o a_o property_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o keep_v his_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o description_n of_o true_a obedience_n first_o the_o form_n thereof_o consist_v in_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o do_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o of_o a_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o god_n accept_v their_o will_n and_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a obedience_n itself_o this_o we_o must_v know_v and_o hold_v for_o truth_n for_o many_o have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n and_o thereupon_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_v yet_o they_o must_v know_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o if_o they_o have_v care_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n and_o make_v conscience_n to_o obey_v that_o which_o they_o know_v than_o they_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n promise_v second_o obedience_n be_v here_o describe_v by_o the_o object_n or_o matter_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v all_o such_o work_n as_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o those_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o member_n use_n hereby_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o he_o that_o will_v obey_v god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v not_o think_v his_o own_o thought_n speak_v his_o own_o word_n nor_o do_v his_o own_o deed_n but_o he_o must_v think_v speak_v &_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n will_v have_v he_o second_o that_o no_o work_n be_v or_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o be_v ordain_v by_o he_o isaiah_n 29.13_o complain_v of_o they_o that_o will_v teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o man_n commandment_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n commandment_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o our_o obedience_n this_o rule_n overthrow_v all_o other_o religion_n beside_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o papist_n for_o almost_o all_o their_o work_n be_v of_o man_n invent_v and_o be_v never_o ordain_v by_o christ_n such_o be_v most_o point_n in_o popery_n as_o say_v of_o mass_n go_v on_o pilgrimage_n fasting_n vow_v and_o pray_v to_o saint_n etc._n etc._n three_o whereas_o he_o â—aith_v my_o work_n mean_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o all_o his_o work_n we_o learn_v that_o true_a obedience_n consist_v in_o do_v all_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v never_o part_v stake_n god_n must_v either_o have_v all_o our_o work_n or_o none_o and_o therefore_o david_n say_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v because_o 119.6_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n and_o good_a king_n josiaâ—_n be_v commâ—nded_v for_o that_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o 25_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n this_o point_n must_v be_v learn_v of_o all_o for_o many_o think_v if_o they_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n with_o 20_o herod_n all_o be_v well_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n many_o a_o man_n abhor_v covetousness_n and_o pride_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o true_a obedience_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o four_o branch_n of_o true_a obedience_n it_o be_v constant_a that_o obedience_n which_o christ_n will_v reward_v must_v not_o be_v for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o year_n but_o from_o time_n to_o time_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n and_o thus_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o obedience_n not_o by_o some_o particular_a action_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o a_o man_n life_n put_v case_n a_o man_n have_v make_v conscience_n of_o all_o his_o way_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o in_o sickness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o extremity_n thereof_o be_v distract_v and_o rave_v blaspheme_v god_n and_o so_o die_v what_o must_v we_o judge_v of_o this_o man_n sure_o we_o must_v not_o censure_v he_o by_o his_o behaviour_n in_o his_o sickness_n but_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v thâ—â—enour_n of_o his_o life_n if_o that_o have_v be_v upright_o than_o his_o obedience_n be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v reward_v ii_o point_n the_o benefit_n promise_v and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v power_n to_o rule_n verse_n 27._o 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v even_o as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n the_o second_o be_v the_o morning_n star_n verse_n 28._o where_o note_v by_o the_o way_n that_o these_o word_n even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n be_v refer_v amiss_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o morning_n star_n when_o as_o they_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o former_a word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o i_o have_v receive_v power_n over_o nation_n of_o my_o father_n so_o will_v i_o give_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v power_n to_o rule_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o iron_n etc._n etc._n now_o come_v to_o the_o benefit_n first_o here_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o nation_n christâ—_n power_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v very_o great_a and_o here_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o three_o argument_n borrow_v from_o the_o second_o psalm_n verse_n 8.9_o first_o by_o the_o largeness_n of_o it_o iâ—_n reach_v not_o to_o one_o country_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o country_n and_o to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o nation_n second_o by_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o it_o christ_n power_n be_v absolute_a in_o rule_v and_o overrule_a and_o this_o his_o sovereignty_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o make_v law_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o keep_v he_o may_v just_o condemn_v they_o and_o in_o overrule_a the_o will_n of_o all_o man_n conform_v they_o to_o his_o will_n will_v they_o will_v they_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o he_o shall_v rule_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n second_o in_o that_o he_o have_v this_o absolute_a power_n in_o himself_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v 1.18_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v three_o by_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o christ_n receive_v this_o power_n from_o his_o father_n indeed_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o his_o father_n and_o have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n his_o power_n be_v give_v he_o of_o his_o father_n mat._n 28.18_o for_o the_o better_a
of_o god_n so_o that_o here_o these_o few_o have_v a_o promise_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o want_n and_o to_o live_v with_o christ_n in_o all_o glory_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n this_o benefit_n have_v be_v in_o effect_n further_o urge_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n here_o only_o i_o will_v note_v one_o doctrine_n namely_o that_o they_o which_o live_v in_o the_o world_n among_o the_o wicked_a and_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o their_o sin_n shall_v not_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o punishment_n for_o the_o body_n of_o this_o church_n must_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v amongst_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n but_o the_o godly_a must_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a in_o glory_n 19_o lot_z be_v free_v from_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o sodomite_n because_o he_o partake_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o among_o the_o israelite_n 9.6_o those_o that_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v mark_v in_o the_o forehead_n that_o when_o judgement_n come_v upon_o the_o wicked_a they_o may_v be_v spare_v this_o point_n must_v be_v remember_v for_o by_o reason_n of_o long_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n among_o we_o many_o sin_n abound_v as_o ignorance_n atheism_n contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n with_o innumerable_a sin_n of_o the_o second_o table_n all_o which_o call_v for_o judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v be_v punish_v partly_o in_o this_o life_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v unless_o our_o people_n do_v repent_v those_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o come_v must_v now_o beware_v that_o they_o communicate_v not_o with_o the_o common_a sin_n that_o dâ—e_v abound_v and_o see_v that_o they_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n have_v their_o righteous_a and_o zealous_a heart_n grieve_v for_o the_o abomination_n among_o which_o they_o live_v after_o the_o promise_n be_v adjoin_v the_o reason_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v worthy_a hence_o the_o church_n of_o room_n do_v conclude_v that_o a_o man_n by_o his_o work_n may_v merit_v heaven_n because_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n a_o most_o blasphemous_a conclusion_n and_o a_o manifest_a abuse_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n god_n child_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a life_n everlasting_a but_o not_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n worthiness_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o their_o person_n when_o as_o they_o stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o when_o god_n will_v save_v any_o man_n he_o give_v christ_n unto_o that_o man_n true_o and_o real_o so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v christ_n be_v i_o and_o with_o christ_n god_n give_v his_o spirit_n which_o work_v in_o his_o heart_n true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o he_o do_v receive_v christ_n and_o so_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n belong_v unto_o that_o man_n reallye_o and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o he_o be_v worthy_a life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o be_v the_o worthiness_n which_o christ_n mean_v in_o this_o place_n and_o not_o any_o worthiness_n of_o their_o work_n so_o that_o this_o do_v help_v they_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v and_o justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n merit_n vers._n 5._o he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n vers._n 6._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o promise_n and_o a_o commandment_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o the_o commandment_n in_o the_o six_o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v 2.7_o before_o second_o the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n glory_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v express_v three_o way_n first_o thus_o he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n so_o much_o be_v signify_v by_o white_a â—ayment_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v hence_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n conclude_v that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v good_a work_n respect_v a_o reward_n use_n answer_n in_o some_o sort_n it_o be_v true_a for_o so_o it_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n hebr._n 11.26_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n but_o yet_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n must_v not_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o our_o good_a work_n for_o chief_o we_o must_v thereby_o intend_v to_o testify_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o with_o that_o we_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o everlasting_a life_n the_o second_o thing_n promise_v and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o two_o question_n must_v be_v scan_v first_o what_o this_o book_n of_o life_n be_v second_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o first_o this_o book_n of_o life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n predestination_n or_o eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n whereby_o he_o have_v choose_v some_o man_n unto_o salvation_n upon_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o this_o be_v call_v a_o book_n because_o it_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o book_n for_o as_o the_o general_n in_o a_o camp_n have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o soldier_n that_o fight_v under_o he_o in_o a_o book_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n of_o a_o town_n have_v the_o name_n of_o every_o free_a man_n and_o denison_n inâ—owled_v so_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o the_o second_o question_n a_o man_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n two_o way_n either_o true_o before_o god_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n only_o those_o who_o name_n be_v true_o before_o god_n write_v in_o this_o book_n can_v be_v blot_v out_o for_o god_n counsel_n touch_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o every_o man_n be_v unchangeable_a this_o the_o golden_a chain_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o who_o he_o have_v predestinate_a 8.30_o they_o he_o have_v call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o he_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v other_o there_o be_v that_o have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o this_o book_n only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o be_v all_o man_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o so_o charity_n bind_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o these_o may_v have_v their_o 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horrible_a abuse_n of_o this_o power_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v and_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o though_o the_o pope_n carry_v in_o his_o arm_n the_o key_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n but_o of_o hell_n for_o he_o have_v make_v more_o place_n of_o rest_n and_o woe_n than_o ever_o god_n do_v as_o limbus_n potgun_n and_o purgatory_n &_o therefore_o must_v needs_o make_v more_o door_n thither_o and_o so_o more_o lock_n &_o key_n by_o this_o doctrine_n use_n touch_v the_o key_n of_o david_n give_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o church_n derive_v thence_o we_o may_v learn_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v do_v not_o open_a to_o all_o but_o to_o some_o only_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o adam_n be_v create_v in_o integrity_n be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n &_o so_o bar_v himself_o both_o out_o of_o the_o earthly_a and_o heavenly_a paradise_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n by_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a sin_n be_v likewise_o debar_v for_o 59.2_o sin_n be_v a_o partition_n wall_n between_o we_o and_o god_n and_o a_o 3.44_o cloud_n between_o our_o prayer_n and_o god_n himself_o as_o jeremie_n speak_v so_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o exclusion_n and_o so_o many_o sin_n as_o a_o man_n commit_v so_o many_o bolt_n and_o bar_n he_o make_v to_o exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v move_v every_o one_o to_o take_v a_o narrow_a view_n of_o his_o miserable_a state_n in_o himself_o through_o adam_n for_o by_o original_a sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o our_o actual_a transgression_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o bar_v ourself_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o 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teach_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n &_o to_o seek_v by_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v open_v heaven_n as_o he_o say_v unto_o nathaniel_n and_o philip_n 1.51_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o shall_v you_o see_v heaven_n open_a meaning_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v it_o be_v open_a we_o must_v strive_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o as_o the_o man_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n do_v mat._n 11.12_o this_o we_o do_v by_o endevor_v to_o become_v good_a member_n of_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n for_o that_o be_v the_o door_n and_o suburb_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o every_o one_o must_v enter_v into_o that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n itself_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o will_v go_v into_o a_o house_n must_v needs_o come_v to_o the_o door_n now_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v the_o true_a door_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o key_n thereof_o which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o do_v lock_v and_o unlock_v the_o same_o quest._n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n we_o must_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o humble_a ourselves_o for_o all_o our_o sin_n pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o believe_v the_o same_o through_o christ._n second_o endeavour_v and_o purpose_n by_o god_n grace_n every_o day_n to_o leave_v the_o same_o sin_n this_o do_v we_o be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o soul_n enter_v into_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v this_o we_o must_v do_v while_o we_o live_v but_o if_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o door_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n while_o we_o live_v we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n after_o death_n vers._n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o twelve_o be_v contain_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o â—eads_n a_o praise_n a_o promise_n and_o a_o commandment_n the_o praise_n in_o this_o eight_o verse_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o the_o commandment_n in_o the_o 11._o for_o the_o first_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o church_n be_v first_o summary_o propound_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n which_o have_v be_v expound_v and_o the_o end_n thereof_o with_o the_o use_n in_o the_o former_a epistle_n then_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o commendation_n wherein_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v i_o the_o sign_n of_o christ_n approbation_n in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n ii_o their_o conversation_n or_o the_o work_n which_o christ_n approve_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n &_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n both_o these_o may_v be_v undetstood_v either_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o both_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v behold_v and_o consider_v i_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n unto_o i_o so_o much_o s._n paul_n mean_v by_o the_o door_n of_o utterance_n 1._o cor._n 16.9_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_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 pertain_v to_o thy_o call_n yet_o thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o gospel_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o expound_v do_v afford_v we_o these_o instruction_n first_o from_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o approbation_n we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n for_o any_o minister_n to_o have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n unto_o christ_n so_o much_o the_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v import_v which_o may_v also_o further_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o worthy_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o vouchsafe_v this_o favour_n as_o isaiah_n and_o ezekiell_n who_o be_v send_v sometime_o to_o harden_v 6.9_o thy_o people_n and_o christ_n himself_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o privilege_n say_v 49.4_o i_o have_v spend_v my_o strength_n in_o vain_a and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o privilege_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1â—_n saviors_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o liberty_n they_o 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be_v plain_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n and_o may_v also_o be_v show_v by_o manifold_a example_n of_o such_o man_n in_o all_o age_n but_o to_o come_v to_o our_o time_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n marie_n when_o religion_n be_v in_o banish_v this_o our_o famous_a school_n of_o the_o prophet_n cambridge_n have_v many_o learned_a man_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o stand_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o as_o a_o poor_a secular_a priest_n not_o three_o mile_n off_o who_o be_v far_o behind_o they_o in_o gift_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o have_v the_o truth_n reveal_v unto_o he_o do_v stand_v out_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o even_o to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o at_o this_o day_n many_o man_n of_o small_a gift_n in_o the_o ministry_n do_v more_o further_a the_o gospel_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o true_a obedience_n than_o those_o that_o be_v enrich_v with_o far_o great_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o tongue_n and_o art_n so_o as_o though_o they_o be_v many_o hundred_o degree_n short_a in_o regard_n of_o school-learning_n yet_o they_o go_v as_o far_o before_o they_o in_o benefit_v god_n church_n if_o this_o be_v so_o will_n some_o say_v than_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o man_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o so_o much_o in_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n ans._n not_o so_o for_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v god_n minister_n ought_v to_o have_v knowledge_n of_o school-learning_n both_o in_o art_n and_o tongue_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o oft_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o god_n providence_n that_o the_o great_a clerk_n for_o learning_n be_v less_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n than_o man_n of_o small_a gift_n this_o god_n do_v to_o humble_v the_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v not_o proud_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o magnify_v the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o weak_a instrument_n further_o these_o word_n must_v also_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o they_o bear_v this_o sense_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n that_o be_v i_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o a_o special_a privilege_n even_o liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o liberty_n to_o life_n everlasting_a be_v a_o special_a priuâ—ledge_n belong_v not_o to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ._n this_o point_n have_v sundry_a use_n i._o to_o confute_v this_o erroneous_a opinion_n that_o christ_n do_v effectual_o redeem_v all_o and_o every_o man_n which_o be_v â—â—at_a against_o god_n word_n and_o this_o text_n for_o those_o that_o be_v effectual_o redeem_v have_v liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o all_o man_n have_v not_o that_o liberty_n for_o than_o it_o be_v no_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n alone_o to_o have_v heaven_n open_v unto_o they_o ii_o see_v this_o be_v a_o privilege_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o his_o church_n to_o have_v heaven_n gate_n open_v unto_o they_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o liberty_n while_o the_o door_n be_v open_a and_o in_o time_n to_o strive_v to_o enter_v therein_o for_o as_o christ_n tell_v nathaniel_n the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v by_o faith_n see_v heaven_n open_a 5â—_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o neglect_v this_o opportunity_n but_o it_o be_v our_o common_a shame_n that_o we_o be_v slack_a in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o suffer_v ourselves_o so_o to_o be_v clog_v with_o heap_n of_o sin_n and_o worldly_a lust_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o walk_v in_o that_o straight_a way_n nor_o enter_v into_o that_o door_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n for_o sin_n be_v â—n_o heavy_a burden_n like_o a_o great_a pack_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o so_o strait_a a_o door_n we_o must_v therefore_o cast_v off_o all_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v so_o enter_v in_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o here_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o former_a benefit_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o again_o confute_v another_o opinion_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o every_o man_n but_o yet_o some_o be_v not_o save_v because_o they_o will_v not_o they_o shut_v heaven_n door_n against_o themselves_o but_o this_o opinion_n can_v stand_v for_o none_o can_v shut_v heaven_n door_n against_o they_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v it_o open_v effectual_o neither_o sin_n satan_n nor_o the_o world_n no_o not_o man_n himself_o nor_o all_o their_o power_n together_o for_o herein_o be_v the_o will_n of_o man_n rule_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o look_v who_o god_n will_v have_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n they_o do_v he_o incline_v to_o will_v their_o own_o salvation_n and_o also_o make_v unwilling_a ever_o to_o shut_v this_o door_n against_o themselves_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v thou_o be_v endue_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o faith_n hope_n and_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o word_n and_o not_o deny_v my_o name_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v do_v work_n please_v unto_o god_n &_o by_o the_o same_o grace_n come_v to_o life_n â—uerlasting_a christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 17.20_o if_o your_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n by_o it_o shall_v you_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v mountain_n now_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n be_v say_v of_o all_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o justify_v faith_n if_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o small_a a_o measure_n thereof_o yet_o thereby_o he_o shall_v do_v work_n acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o as_o paul_n teach_v god_n child_n receive_v not_o the_o ten_o but_o 23_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v only_o a_o pledge_n of_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v full_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o this_o cause_n be_v rahab_n commend_v for_o her_o faith_n 31_o although_o it_o be_v but_o small_a and_o weak_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o we_o read_v the_o whole_a history_n joshâ—_n 2_o for_o god_n accept_v of_o man_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o save_v a_o man_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n before_o god_n this_o serve_v notable_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o that_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n use_n such_o be_v most_o dismay_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o want_n &_o corruption_n but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o god_n approve_v of_o their_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v care_n to_o increase_v in_o grace_n and_o do_v strive_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v ii_o hereby_o every_o one_o must_v be_v encorage_v to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v true_a religion_n many_o be_v dismay_v herein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o obedience_n which_o they_o think_v god_n require_v and_o therefore_o they_o leave_v of_o all_o obedience_n but_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o for_o god_n approve_v of_o a_o man_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o by_o the_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o this_o must_v make_v we_o slack_v and_o negligent_a in_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n that_o so_o we_o may_v also_o increase_v in_o true_a obedience_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n here_o he_o set_v down_o two_o work_n for_o the_o which_o he_o commend_v this_o church_n first_o their_o faithful_a keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ._n second_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o behaviour_n of_o this_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o a_o look_a glass_n for_o we_o to_o square_v our_o conversation_n by_o for_o these_o work_n thou_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n though_o the_o word_n be_v few_o yet_o they_o continue_v much_o in_o