have_v forget_v what_o he_o be_v about_o bring_v in_o a_o large_a vision_n consist_v of_o seven_o part_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o prophetical_a but_o only_o the_o reproof_n or_o praise_n the_o commination_n or_o promise_n to_o a_o few_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o steady_a order_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n especial_o in_o this_o book_n than_o which_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o accurate_o write_v 10._o and_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n 16._o seven_o star_n methinks_v it_o be_v extreme_o harsh_a to_o conceit_n that_o these_o seven_o star_n be_v mere_o the_o seven_o bishop_n of_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n of_o asia_n as_o if_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o support_v nor_o guide_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n but_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o his_o left_a such_o high_a representation_n can_v be_v appropriate_v to_o any_o seven_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o but_o seven_o must_v signify_v all_o in_o both_o coexistence_n and_o in_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o sense_n worthy_a so_o sublime_a a_o book_n as_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o septenaries_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n they_o signify_v a_o entire_a succession_n of_o some_o seven_o thing_n or_o other_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o represent_v 11._o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o angel_n 20._o of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o same_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n though_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n these_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v easy_o applicable_a to_o those_o particular_a seven_o church_n of_o asia_n above_o specify_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o he_o not_o call_v they_o here_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o seven_o church_n in_o general_a it_o be_v a_o invitation_n to_o the_o search_v out_o some_o more_o large_a prophetical_a sense_n such_o as_o we_o drive_v at_o as_o also_o in_o that_o he_o say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n at_o large_a and_o not_o of_o asia_n nor_o name_v the_o church_n by_o name_n but_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o call_v they_o angel_n in_o stead_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n for_o he_o continue_v so_o in_o the_o prophetical_a style_n proper_a to_o this_o book_n that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v also_o a_o prophetical_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o a_o literal_a or_o rather_o that_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o be_v most_o chief_o of_o all_o intend_a 12._o all_o these_o intimation_n put_v togegether_o out_o of_o this_o first_o chapter_n towards_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v that_o force_n with_o i_o that_o though_o i_o can_v not_o myself_o produce_v such_o a_o continue_a mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n which_o will_v be_v all_o along_o easy_a and_o natural_a yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o reach_v it_o but_o if_o i_o have_v through_o the_o divine_a assistence_n light_n on_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v both_o continual_o coherent_a important_a and_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o prophetical_a style_n i_o hope_v this_o preparation_n will_v even_o extort_v the_o belief_n thereof_o from_o the_o reader_n but_o such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v now_o present_v to_o his_o view_n chap._n iii_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesine_n church_n 1._o it_o be_v intimate_v out_o of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n by_o name_n be_v a_o fair_a invitation_n to_o we_o to_o suspect_v a_o more_o large_a and_o release_v sense_n of_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o indeed_o this_o releasement_n be_v more_o free_a in_o the_o greek_a copy_n then_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n 20._o which_o thou_o see_v be_v seven_o church_n not_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n one_o may_v be_v prone_a to_o imagine_v to_o be_v none_o other_o than_o those_o situate_a in_o asia_n minor_fw-la but_o this_o division_n of_o the_o church_n into_o seven_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v rather_o distributio_fw-la ex_fw-la adjunctis_fw-la then_o è_fw-la subjectis_fw-la the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o its_o succession_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n be_v cast_v into_o seven_o intervall_n according_a to_o seven_o notorious_a qualification_n or_o condition_n thereof_o for_o so_o we_o say_v the_o primitive_a church_n the_o apostatise_v church_n the_o reform_a church_n etc._n etc._n denote_v not_o their_o place_n but_o rather_o their_o time_n and_o quality_n which_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o prophetic_a style_n if_o it_o be_v to_o express_v they_o will_v exhibit_v as_o so_o many_o church_n distinct_o situate_a 2._o but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v far_a to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o appropriate_a these_o seven_o church_n to_o asia_n do_v also_o fair_o quit_v the_o mystical_a interpreter_n of_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o name_n it_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o i_o think_v worth_a the_o note_n tâ—â—â—_n all_o pretence_n of_o cavil_v may_v be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o may_v haply_o prove_v less_o satisfy_v with_o our_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o greek_a name_n from_o a_o hebrew_n allusion_n though_o their_o cavil_v to_o the_o more_o judicious_a i_o hope_v will_v seem_v altogether_o groundless_a 3._o nor_o last_o do_v the_o return_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n by_o name_n in_o these_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o determine_v the_o vision_n sole_o and_o adequate_o to_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n topical_o understand_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o church_n at_o least_o by_o a_o easy_a allusion_n have_v a_o appellative_a signification_n and_o manifest_o denote_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o exposition_n 4._o first_o therefore_o of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o christ_n salute_v after_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o 1._o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o by_o angel_n according_a to_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n all_o the_o agent_n under_o their_o presidency_n be_v represent_v or_o insinuate_v i_o have_v already_o note_v and_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_a and_o obvious_a in_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o none_o that_o be_v verse_v therein_o can_v any_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o wherefore_o christ_n his_o writing_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n be_v his_o writing_n to_o all_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o christian_n in_o this_o first_o apostolical_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o particular_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o this_o church_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n thereof_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o they_o under_o the_o character_n of_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o sense_n strip_v of_o this_o prophetical_a pomp_n be_v that_o i_o be_o he_o that_o support_v all_o my_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o all_o that_o labour_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o my_o kingdom_n from_o this_o time_n for_o ever_o i_o be_o present_a with_o they_o and_o uphold_v they_o as_o he_o say_v at_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 20._o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o walk_v through_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o golden_a
be_v as_o the_o dung_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o the_o notation_n of_o the_o name_n denote_v with_o what_o foul_a reproach_n the_o papal_a power_n and_o superstition_n will_v be_v put_v down_o in_o those_o place_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exterminate_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v tread_v down_o into_o the_o very_a dirt._n so_o that_o upon_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o pergamenian_a interval_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n of_o the_o people_n the_o papal_a hierarchy_n domineer_a over_o all_o at_o the_o close_a of_o this_o thyatirian_a interval_n this_o insult_a lamentation_n may_v be_v take_v up_o with_o a_o paronomasticall_a allusion_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o forego_n etymology_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o near_o enough_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d namely_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d alas_o the_o dung_n or_o dirt_n of_o the_o papal_a lordlinesse_n how_o be_v it_o tread_v down_o as_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n which_o be_v notorious_o perform_v in_o the_o act_n of_o martin_n luther_n against_o the_o pope_n and_o roman_a clergy_n but_o whether_o this_o or_o what_o else_o may_v be_v allude_v to_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o name_n i_o be_o not_o very_o solicitous_a the_o story_n of_o the_o person_n be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v the_o meaning_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o text_n as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v by_o peruse_v the_o expolition_n and_o our_o performance_n i_o hope_v will_v appear_v solid_a enough_o without_o descend_v to_o such_o curious_a nicety_n we_o will_v therefore_o now_o only_o add_v something_o brief_o touch_v the_o usesulnesse_n thereof_o and_o so_o conclude_v 13._o and_o certain_o our_o exposition_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n have_v a_o equal_a usefulnesse_n with_o any_o other_o exposition_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a vision_n and_o the_o more_o considerable_a in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o compendious_a comprehension_n of_o the_o main_a drift_n of_o they_o all_o first_o then_o it_o serve_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o particular_a providence_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n it_o be_v so_o manifest_a from_o this_o exposition_n with_o what_o care_n and_o steddiness_n he_o have_v carry_v on_o thing_n hitherto_o in_o the_o first_o five_o intervall_n and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o otherwise_o then_o he_o himself_o have_v predict_v in_o these_o prophetical_a epistle_n but_o then_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n here_o be_v a_o ample_a and_o timely_a testimony_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o protestant_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o have_v declare_v against_o and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o waldenses_n to_o the_o first_o reformer_n usual_o so_o call_v the_o waldenses_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o other_o that_o live_v within_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n carry_v away_o no_o less_o encomium_n as_o be_v thus_o describe_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n 19_o and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o so_o that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o even_o till_o they_o break_v out_o at_o last_o into_o a_o national_a reformation_n and_o shall_v not_o our_o first_o reformer_n than_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o have_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n apply_v to_o they_o who_o have_v so_o 12._o ample_a a_o testimony_n from_o christ_n himself_o who_o the_o father_n have_v constitute_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o shall_v not_o they_o right_o be_v say_v to_o have_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o a_o political_a sense_n to_o who_o be_v make_v good_a that_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n to_o he_o 26._o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n &_o c_o this_o therefore_o of_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n do_v far_o ratify_v what_o we_o have_v 12._o elsewhere_o deliver_v touch_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o prophecy_n be_v in_o that_o wonderful_a reformation_n god_n unexpected_o bring_v about_o by_o luther_n and_o other_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o six_o trumpet_n be_v over_o and_o that_o the_o forty_o two_o month_n the_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n or_o the_o time_n and_o time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n be_v expire_v as_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o compute_v any_o futurity_n upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o their_o expiration_n to_o come_v and_o that_o those_o that_o do_v so_o will_v find_v themselves_o confute_v by_o the_o unsutablenesse_n of_o event_n and_o thereby_o expose_v the_o endeavour_n of_o interpret_n prophecy_n to_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n and_o weaken_v man_n belief_n even_o of_o those_o exposition_n that_o be_v true_a and_o give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a adversary_n but_o as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a in_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o reform_a christendom_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o of_o their_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o man_n may_v have_v that_o value_n for_o the_o reformation_n that_o be_v due_a thereto_o it_o have_v thereby_o so_o plain_a a_o ratification_n from_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o rightfulness_n thereof_o against_o the_o tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n may_v everywhere_o be_v the_o better_o soder_v together_o upon_o this_o consideration_n and_o that_o all_o sect_n that_o keep_v the_o foundation_n may_v have_v the_o better_a esteem_n for_o one_o another_o and_o not_o vilify_v and_o hate_v one_o another_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o usual_o they_o do_v but_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n for_o christian_a unity_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v this_o dispensation_n of_o spirit_n that_o must_v give_v antichrist_n that_o most_o deadly_a blow_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o not_o a_o flame_a sword_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n literal_o understand_v or_o large_a stream_n of_o fire_n spout_v out_o of_o heaven_n upon_o he_o or_o any_o such_o miraculous_a assistence_n as_o some_o ignorant_o expect_v at_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o 1260_o day_n which_o groundless_a supposition_n be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o engender_v vain_a heat_n and_o presumptuous_a conceit_n to_o which_o no_o answer_n will_v be_v give_v but_o shame_n and_o frustration_n but_o the_o plain_a truth_n understand_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o tend_v to_o the_o beget_n in_o all_o reform_a christendom_n a_o mutual_a esteem_n of_o one_o another_o and_o the_o suppress_v that_o vain_a presumption_n in_o party_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a people_n that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o witness_n belong_v to_o and_o so_o ought_v to_o expect_v marvellous_a thing_n for_o themselves_o conjoin_v with_o the_o destruction_n or_o suppression_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o party_n which_o fond_a or_o rather_o unchristian_a conceit_n be_v quite_o expunge_v by_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a interpretation_n i_o have_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n which_o put_v they_o in_o a_o way_n rather_o of_o due_o prize_v one_o another_o and_o of_o joint_o endeavour_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o sobriety_n to_o advance_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o whole_a reform_a christendom_n then_o for_o any_o one_o party_n so_o vain_o to_o presume_v of_o themselves_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o final_o this_o groundless_a expectation_n of_o any_o such_o wonderful_a event_n upon_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o 1260_o day_n be_v thus_o wipe_v away_o that_o time_n as_o to_o any_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n be_v already_o expire_v and_o no_o set_a time_n be_v define_v for_o the_o future_a but_o only_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o vial_n it_o be_v leave_v for_o the_o protestant_n to_o compute_v the_o approach_n of_o the_o final_a ruin_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o bless_a millennium_n according_a to_o their_o own_o progress_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o real_a regeneration_n and_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n by_o how_o much_o more_o holy_a by_o how_o much_o more_o harmless_a by_o how_o much_o more_o humble_a by_o how_o much_o more_o heavenly-affected_n they_o find_v one_o another_o by_o how_o much_o more_o discreet_a by_o how_o much_o more_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o public_a
ought_v to_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o sardis_n be_v in_o asia_n minor_fw-la and_o this_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v once_o understand_v it_o will_v be_v of_o the_o like_a usefulness_n to_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n especial_o and_o also_o to_o the_o laodicean_n wherefore_o the_o objection_n be_v but_o small_a consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o epistolar_n way_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o the_o mystical_a for_o as_o in_o a_o entire_a vision_n where_o the_o beginning_n be_v touch_v something_o past_a or_o present_a all_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o prophetical_a though_o that_o part_n that_o respect_v thing_n past_a be_v but_o historical_a representation_n so_o in_o this_o entire_a epistolar_n vision_n though_o the_o first_o part_n be_v epistolar_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o historical_a representation_n exhibit_v time_n and_o person_n past_a as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a to_o be_v write_v to_o and_o that_o for_o uniformity_n sake_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n as_o what_o be_v pass_v in_o history_n under_o the_o form_n of_o prophetical_a vision_n as_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n which_o be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n though_o the_o representation_n be_v of_o what_o be_v partly_o past_a and_o partly_o present_a but_o what_o be_v to_o come_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o vision_n prophetical_a but_o now_o beside_o all_o this_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n there_o be_v then_o a_o church_n in_o ephesus_n when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o it_o and_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n it_o be_v applicable_a to_o any_o church_n that_o do_v ephesize_n in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o at_o any_o time_n the_o objection_n in_o my_o judgement_n have_v melt_v into_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o exception_n we_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o place_v the_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o ephesine_n succession_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n reign_n and_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o till_o then_o let_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o title_n of_o ephesus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o about_o three_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n after_o christ_n under_o the_o name_n of_o smyrna_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o albigenses_n and_o waldenses_n let_v she_o be_v the_o church_n dwell_v in_o pergamus_n from_o that_o time_n till_o whole_a nation_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n let_v the_o same_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o thyatira_n from_o that_o time_n protestantisme_n become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n till_o the_o last_o vial_n let_v this_o church_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n from_o that_o time_n till_o the_o four_o thunder_n let_v it_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o philadelphia_n 38._o from_o the_o four_o thunder_n till_o christ_n come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o cloud_n let_v the_o church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o laodicea_n these_o be_v the_o seven_o interval_n which_o how_o well_o they_o will_v fit_v with_o the_o title_n of_o these_o distinct_a successive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o vision_n i_o will_v anon_o endeavour_v to_o unfold_v chap._n ii_o a_o far_a preparation_n out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n whereby_o this_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v more_o clear_o assure_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o prophetical_a or_o mystical_a sense_n we_o will_v first_o make_v some_o far_a remark_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o apocalypso_n where_o we_o will_v make_v only_o this_o one_o modest_a supposition_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v down_o nothing_o immethodical_o nor_o in_o vain_a or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o vain_o immethodicall_a wherefore_o upon_o the_o very_a first_o verse_n which_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o 1._o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v some_o short_o and_o other_o some_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n as_o all_o interpreter_n agree_v i_o can_v but_o note_v this_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v but_o respicere_fw-la titulum_fw-la as_o most_o certain_o he_o will_v he_o will_v set_v down_o no_o entire_a vision_n as_o this_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v but_o they_o must_v in_o the_o main_n be_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o of_o thing_n present_v mere_o and_o not_o hide_v but_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o mention_v be_v to_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o something_o far_o must_v be_v mean_v by_o they_o then_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v not_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o title_n require_v but_o only_o of_o thing_n present_a or_o some_o promise_n or_o threaten_n that_o do_v not_o proper_o amount_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n no_o more_o than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n for_o 3._o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n this_o again_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o book_n be_v all_o of_o it_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o entire_a vision_n thereof_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n which_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o mere_a promise_n and_o threaten_n can_v make_v it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v those_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o they_o be_v adjoin_v and_o though_o the_o several_a state_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n may_v be_v applicable_a to_o several_a state_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o after-age_n in_o christendom_n l_o yet_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v in_o this_o literal_a sense_n by_o way_n of_o prediction_n but_o of_o example_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n of_o pious_a or_o impious_a action_n which_o repeated_o happen_v in_o all_o history_n whence_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o then_o thus_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n can_v be_v deem_v any_o prophecy_n and_o therefore_o be_v heterogeneous_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o title_n of_o the_o book_n 3._o but_o upon_o the_o so_o express_o call_v 4._o this_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n for_o john_n to_o salute_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n with_o this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v methinks_v it_o do_v even_o forcible_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o he_o so_o immediate_o fall_v upon_o be_v a_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o title_n immediate_o mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n beside_o that_o the_o description_n of_o the_o party_n in_o who_o name_n he_o salute_v they_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v do_v very_o natural_o insinuate_v that_o he_o be_v treat_v of_o what_o reach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o late_a age_n thereof_o which_o he_o insist_o more_o upon_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n behold_v he_o come_v 7._o with_o the_o cloud_n this_o reach_v the_o last_o period_n of_o laodicea_n when_o god_n will_v judge_v all_o people_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o also_o which_o pierce_v he_o and_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v because_o of_o he_o for_o the_o earth_n shall_v then_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o the_o work_v thereof_o even_o so_o amen_n this_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o the_o seven_o thunder_n in_o that_o dark_a hollow_a dungeon_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n let_v the_o son_n of_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n conceit_n what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n wherefore_o the_o mind_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v carry_v out_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a age_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o according_a as_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o 8._o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a that_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o reach_v from_o one_o end_n to_o another_o mighty_o and_o sweet_o order_v all_o thing_n this_o methinks_v strong_o insinuate_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o
candlestick_n till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v methodical_o put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o be_v general_a and_o run_v through_o all_o the_o intervall_n thereof_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o frontispiece_n as_o i_o before_o call_v it_o to_o this_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v the_o glorious_a character_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o piecemeal_n for_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o part_n of_o this_o vision_n as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o all_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o fit_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n where_o the_o part_n of_o the_o frontispiece_n be_v also_o make_v use_n of_o to_o usher_v in_o four_o of_o the_o seal_n for_o the_o four_o beast_n one_o after_o another_o and_o that_o with_o apposite_a significancy_n as_o here_o at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o four_o first_o seal_n be_v introduce_v utter_v this_o voice_n come_v and_o see_v wherefore_o there_o be_v the_o like_a contrivance_n 6._o in_o both_o vision_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a intimation_n that_o they_o be_v vision_n of_o like_a importance_n that_o be_v very_o reach_o and_o comprehensive_o prophetical_a as_o i_o endeavour_v to_o evince_v out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n 5._o and_o how_o accommodate_v that_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n that_o concern_v the_o ephesine_n church_n be_v already_o declare_v we_o shall_v now_o confider_v the_o fitness_n of_o the_o paronomasticall_a allusion_n in_o the_o name_n for_o that_o the_o prophetical_a style_n do_v affect_v such_o allusion_n both_o grotius_n and_o mr._n mede_n and_o all_o interpreter_n that_o i_o know_v be_v agree_v upon_o and_o grotius_n do_v particular_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n of_o all_o these_o church_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o apocalypse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o levity_n or_o indiscretion_n in_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o same_o in_o ephesus_n therefore_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v a_o double_a allusion_n both_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o matres_fw-la lectionis_fw-la as_o they_o be_v call_v contain_v in_o it_o both_o e_o and_o a_o it_o do_v plain_o intimate_v that_o the_o sound_n of_o e_z and_o a_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o different_a one_o from_o another_o but_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v huge_o well_o and_o peculiar_o accommodate_v to_o this_o church_n it_o be_v the_o first_o interval_n of_o the_o seven_o as_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o same_o the_o careere_n or_o list_n from_o whence_o the_o race_n begin_v of_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o end_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o s._n paul_n compare_v the_o call_n of_o christian_n to_o a_o race_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o grotius_n also_o express_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o pitch_v upon_o the_o allusion_n thereto_o be_v unexceptionable_a both_o as_o to_o sound_v and_o signification_n for_o it_o denote_v that_o great_a servour_n and_o zealous_a desire_n the_o church_n in_o those_o first_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a time_n have_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o they_o do_v sincere_o and_o earnest_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o that_o heros_n on_o the_o white_a horse_n with_o his_o bow_n and_o arrow_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n aim_v at_o and_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o enlarge_a the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n here_o and_o of_o obtain_v that_o immarcescible_a crown_n hereafter_o and_o of_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o love_n of_o this_o church_n this_o be_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o vehement_a and_o sincere_a desire_n and_o only_a scope_n of_o their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v christ_n here_o and_o enjoy_v he_o afterward_o in_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o this_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n they_o do_v at_o first_o easy_o devour_v all_o difficulty_n 7._o as_o it_o be_v note_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o 3._o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v with_o such_o as_o be_v evil_a for_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_o and_o fervent_o good_a it_o can_v but_o make_v they_o have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o discern_v they_o that_o bear_v themselves_o never_o so_o apostolical_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o right_a at_o the_o bottom_n to_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n and_o liar_n and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n within_o which_o the_o period_n of_o this_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n take_v notice_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 13._o which_o therefore_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o interval_n of_o this_o first_o church_n for_o when_o shall_v any_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostle_n send_v from_o god_n but_o in_o that_o age_n there_o be_v apostle_n send_v into_o the_o world_n by_o he_o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n haste_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v what_o be_v here_o be_v muchwhat_a the_o same_o sense_n and_o word_n as_o be_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n but_o it_o be_v not_o repeat_v in_o vain_a for_o these_o word_n i_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o special_a correspondence_n to_o the_o reward_n promise_v in_o the_o 7._o verse_n he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_n shall_v not_o eat_v but_o he_o that_o labour_v very_o much_o and_o break_v not_o off_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o lazy_a faint_a or_o culpable_a lassitude_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n but_o beside_o this_o labour_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o high_a circumstance_n be_v here_o repeat_v the_o better_a to_o set_v off_o the_o present_a remissness_n of_o some_o in_o this_o ephesine_fw-la church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n 8._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v something_o 4._o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grotius_n and_o dr._n hammond_n expound_v it_o because_o thou_o have_v remit_v of_o thy_o first_o love_n and_o so_o allow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v relaxation_n and_o remission_n in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o intention_n of_o degree_n whence_o there_o may_v be_v another_o ground_n of_o allusion_n in_o ephesus_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o counter_a distinction_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o this_o ephesine_n church_n may_v have_v its_o name_n from_o its_o first_o intense_a love_n and_o it_o after_o remission_n thereof_o by_o this_o double_a allusion_n but_o as_o the_o allusion_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o perfect_a than_o that_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o questionless_a this_o first_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o famous_a for_o their_o sincere_a and_o real_a love_n to_o christ_n then_o for_o their_o remissness_n therein_o which_o serve_v something_o for_o the_o countenance_v of_o the_o term_n of_o this_o interval_n because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n that_o be_v to_o say_v because_o thou_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n as_o at_o the_o first_o which_o first_o love_n be_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o christ_n own_o prescript_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o make_v the_o ephesine_n church_n love_n christ_n more_o than_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o any_o worldly_a interest_n whatsoever_o according_o as_o he_o require_v but_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o this_o first_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n this_o love_n and_o courage_n it_o seem_v begin_v to_o abate_v and_o too_o many_o begin_v to_o gnosticize_v as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o that_o point_n and_o think_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o deny_v the_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n even_o those_o that_o yet_o profess_v themselves_o of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v believer_n that_o this_o be_v
church_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o what_o a_o plain_a and_o manifest_a account_n be_v there_o to_o he_o that_o compare_v the_o epistle_n in_o their_o prophetical_a sense_n with_o the_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n lie_v in_o that_o order_n that_o these_o church_n be_v range_v this_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n and_o worthy_a the_o spirit_n that_o write_v these_o epistle_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v range_v in_o this_o order_n because_o that_o a_o letter-carrier_n go_v from_o patmos_n his_o first_o journey_n will_v be_v to_o ephesus_n and_o then_o to_o smyrna_n and_o so_o in_o order_n till_o he_o come_v to_o laodicea_n whether_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o prophecy_n regard_v that_o in_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o letter_n though_o alcazar_n the_o jesuit_n be_v for_o it_o i_o can_v but_o suspend_v my_o judgement_n and_o that_o not_o without_o a_o smile_n but_o of_o this_o ataxy_n more_o particular_o anon_o 3._o four_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o just_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v write_v to_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o especial_o that_o in_o thyatira_n according_a to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o epiphanius_n be_v than_o not_o found_v but_o after_o the_o write_n of_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n for_o to_o say_v this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n affect_v the_o number_n seven_o and_o that_o because_o it_o run_v upon_o the_o number_n seven_o altogether_o in_o the_o ensue_a part_n of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v prophetical_a it_o therefore_o for_o conformity_n sake_n choose_v this_o number_n in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n though_o literal_o understand_v seem_v but_o a_o meager_a mean_a and_o trifle_a account_n a_o design_n unworthy_a the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o dictate_v this_o book_n but_o the_o use_v this_o number_n seven_o all_o over_o be_v rather_o a_o intimation_n that_o the_o book_n be_v prophetical_a all_o over_o and_o that_o these_o epistle_n be_v also_o a_o prophecy_n according_o as_o we_o have_v explain_v they_o and_o take_v they_o so_o the_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a viz._n the_o number_n seven_n be_v here_o choose_v out_o as_o symbolical_a it_o be_v the_o note_n of_o universality_n whence_o the_o pythagorean_n as_o i_o above_o note_v call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o seven_o and_o no_o more_o than_o seven_o church_n be_v write_v unto_o as_o stand_v for_o the_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o five_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o seven_o church_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n may_v have_v the_o same_o virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o these_o be_v commend_v and_o tax_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v write_v in_o the_o very_a notation_n of_o their_o name_n every_o name_n be_v significative_a of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o that_o successive_a interval_n of_o time_n that_o this_o or_o that_o church_n so_o name_v stand_v for_o and_o in_o such_o order_n as_o they_o be_v repeat_v six_o if_o one_o require_v a_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o sardis_n why_o the_o same_o description_n in_o both_o or_o why_o in_o either_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o peculiar_a reason_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n already_o declare_v it_o be_v obvious_a for_o the_o seven_o star_n signify_v all_o the_o pastor_n whether_o in_o present_a existence_n or_o succession_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o beginning-state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o very_o seasonable_a and_o methodical_a to_o represent_v the_o first_o founder_n sustainer_n and_o continuer_n thereof_o by_o this_o emblem_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o again_o be_v hint_v at_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v with_o evident_a proportion_n and_o analogy_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n there_o represent_v for_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n again_o or_o the_o emerge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n 4._o seven_o why_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v commend_v for_o their_o try_v false_a apostle_n why_o may_v not_o other_o church_n be_v attaque_v by_o they_o and_o also_o discover_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o solution_n of_o which_o problem_n be_v easy_a in_o this_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o epistle_n that_o place_n the_o ephesine_n interval_n within_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n of_o they_o eight_o if_o any_o one_o demand_n why_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v 11._o give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o again_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v by_o the_o second_o death_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v any_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o this_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n where_o there_o be_v kill_v for_o religion_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o martyr_n antipas_n ay_o but_o there_o be_v no_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n there_o in_o any_o peculiar_a sense_n but_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a crown_n be_v give_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n under_o the_o ten_o persecution_n to_o who_o also_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n belong_v which_o be_v here_o oblique_o glance_v at_o according_a to_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n that_o love_v to_o hint_n thing_n by_o ellipse_n in_o that_o promise_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v by_o 6._o the_o second_o death_n imply_v thereby_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n nine_o if_o any_o one_o will_v again_o object_v more_o particular_o against_o the_o ataxy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v range_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n nor_o congeneracy_n of_o their_o condition_n pretend_v that_o it_o have_v be_v far_o better_a to_o have_v join_v the_o two_o irreprehensible_a church_n together_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n at_o all_o and_o than_o ephesus_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n of_o eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o afterward_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n in_o which_o church_n alone_o there_o be_v if_o any_o one_o i_o say_v contend_v that_o this_o method_n have_v be_v more_o exact_a true_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o frame_v a_o handsome_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n especial_o if_o he_o urge_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o method_n as_o well_o as_o the_o god_n of_o order_n but_o in_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o answer_n be_v solid_a and_o exquisite_a and_o muchwhat_a the_o same_o that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o like_a difficulty_n more_o general_o propound_v before_o namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v name_v in_o that_o order_n the_o successive_a intervall_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o of_o which_o these_o asiatic_a church_n be_v but_o the_o symbol_n or_o hieroglyphic_n and_o therefore_o those_o two_o intervall_n of_o time_n which_o take_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n viz._n the_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o of_o thyatira_n must_v come_v after_o ephesus_n and_o smyrna_n because_o till_o the_o expiration_n of_o those_o two_o intervall_n idolatry_n have_v not_o again_o reentered_n the_o apostatise_v church_n and_o the_o three_o follow_a intervall_n of_o sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n be_v the_o intervall_n of_o the_o true_a church_n elapse_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o domineer_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o we_o hear_v no_o more_o in_o they_o of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n nor_o of_o any_o jezabel_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o the_o most_o glorious_a interval_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o appear_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v name_v according_a to_o her_o dignity_n but_o according_a to_o her_o succession_n in_o time_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o she_o be_v here_o range_v but_o of_o this_o more_o than_o enough_o because_o we_o have_v
touch_v of_o it_o in_o the_o general_n before_o 5._o ten_o why_o be_v christ_n in_o his_o description_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n set_v out_o by_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n coming_z suppose_v 12._o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n according_a to_o the_o ellipticalnesse_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n what_o reason_n in_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o for_o especial_o if_o this_o supplement_n be_v make_v it_o can_v respect_v the_o slay_v of_o antipas_n with_o the_o sword_n what_o peculiar_a thing_n then_o in_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v there_o to_o require_v this_o description_n true_o nothing_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o the_o letter_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n it_o be_v very_o proper_a the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n in_o this_o interval_n assault_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o defend_v themselves_o and_o their_o pure_a faith_n so_o signal_o by_o this_o weapon_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o themselves_o die_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n by_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o faith_n they_o thus_o defend_v and_o in_o the_o eleven_o place_n the_o description_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n as_o if_o they_o burn_v 18._o in_o a_o furnace_n for_o that_o supplement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v out_o of_o his_o description_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n as_o before_o but_o now_o what_o peculiar_a significancy_n have_v this_o description_n or_o what_o congruity_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n literal_o understand_v sure_o none_o but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n it_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o those_o low_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n of_o their_o invincible_a zeal_n and_o patience_n and_o sincerity_n of_o affection_n such_o as_o do_v abide_v the_o most_o fiery_a trial_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o stand_v at_o the_o stake_n among_o burn_a faggot_n with_o the_o flame_n about_o their_o ear_n and_o never_o flinch_v for_o it_o as_o have_v be_v note_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o epistle_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n twelve_o in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o enigmatical_a involution_n and_o cover_n upon_o cover_n where_o he_o call_v the_o church_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n star_n and_o angel_n even_o then_o when_o he_o interpret_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v more_o plain_a that_o the_o same_o author_n shall_v so_o open_o and_o plain_o mention_v any_o one_o by_o name_n as_o he_o do_v the_o martyr_n antipas_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o far_a mystery_n in_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hardly_o to_o be_v digest_v by_o the_o more_o sagacious_a and_o curious_a i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o this_o name_n antipas_n by_o name_n till_o i_o understand_v a_o far_a sense_n thereof_o such_o as_o we_o have_v render_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o that_o epistle_n 6._o in_o the_o thirteen_o place_n one_o may_v well_o demand_v why_o christ_n express_v a_o great_a disgust_n against_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n then_o that_o of_o sardis_n for_o though_o the_o former_a be_v say_v to_o be_v lukewarm_a yet_o the_o other_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o life_n be_v notwithstanding_o declare_v to_o be_v dead_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o enrage_v against_o luke_n warmness_n than_o hypocrisy_n and_o threaten_v it_o more_o deep_o than_o the_o other_o i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n which_o be_v quite_o to_o cast_v a_o thing_n away_o never_o to_o be_v resume_v again_o must_v seem_v marvellous_a to_o the_o considerate_a certain_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o great_a matter_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o speak_v so_o severe_o only_a to_o follow_v a_o metaphor_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o solution_n be_v easy_a that_o passage_n be_v predictive_a of_o the_o extermination_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v expound_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o place_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o so_o affect_o and_o repeat_o in_o every_o epistle_n that_o phrase_n be_v use_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n without_o any_o variation_n or_o omission_n which_o seem_v a_o thing_n but_o of_o small_a importance_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a it_o seem_v on_o purpose_n so_o repeat_v to_o intimate_v a_o allusion_n in_o asia_n to_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o answer_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o asia_n may_v also_o be_v significant_a as_o well_o as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o they_o all_o be_v it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n this_o repetition_n be_v for_o some_o such_o design_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v whereas_o the_o literal_a sense_n can_v give_v no_o account_n thereof_o fifteenth_o alcazar_n himself_o be_v much_o stumble_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a woman_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o so_o call_v she_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jezabel_n as_o be_v ordinary_o suppose_v and_o indeed_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o little_a for_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o write_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n if_o we_o will_v interpret_v with_o constancy_n and_o coherency_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n there_o be_v no_o such_o incongruity_n the_o object_n be_v worth_a the_o spirit_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o this_o kind_n this_o jezabel_n be_v that_o paint_a woman_n of_o rome_n intoxicate_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o cup_n of_o her_o spiritual_a fornication_n as_o have_v be_v show_v upon_o the_o text._n 7._o sixteenth_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o that_o promise_v of_o rule_v over_o the_o nation_n and_o receive_v the_o morningstar_n which_o doubtless_o be_v political_a promise_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n more_o than_o to_o that_o in_o pergamus_n or_o ephesus_n and_o other_o what_o victory_n or_o dominion_n do_v the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n in_o asia_n get_v over_o the_o nation_n more_o than_o other_o church_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a knot_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a it_o be_v loosen_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o the_o closure_n of_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n bring_v in_o the_o time_n wherein_o whole_a nation_n revolt_v from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a church_n and_o profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o so_o in_o these_o part_n get_v the_o pontifician_n party_n under_o they_o seventeenth_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o mighty_a temptation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n touch_v which_o he_o say_v behold_v i_o come_v quick_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o church_n here_o specify_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o thing_n be_v plain_a for_o the_o interval_n of_o philadelphia_n beginning_n in_o the_o last_o vial_n wherein_o that_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a earthquake_n be_v to_o happen_v the_o great_a temptation_n what_o it_o be_v be_v plain_o thence_o understand_v and_o how_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o philadelphian_a church_n it_o will_v come_v quick_o she_o commence_v but_o in_o the_o very_a same_o vial_n that_o this_o be_v to_o happen_v under_o eighteenth_o why_o upon_o this_o philadelphia_n a_o private_a asiatic_a church_n shall_v the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v express_v apoc._n 21._o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v this_o title_n be_v too_o big_a and_o turgent_fw-la for_o any_o private_a church_n be_v it_o not_o a_o type_n or_o symbol_n of_o some_o great_a matter_n but_o by_o the_o prophetical_a interpretation_n this_o difficulty_n be_v quite_o remove_v for_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n be_v co-incident_a with_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n mention_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o of_o the_o millenniall_a empire_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n 8._o
cor_fw-la meum_fw-la illumina_fw-la fulgens_fw-la stella_fw-la maris_fw-la et_fw-la ab_fw-la hostess_fw-la machina_fw-la semper_fw-la tuearis_fw-la o_o gloriosa_fw-la virgo_fw-la maria_fw-la mater_fw-la regis_fw-la aeterni_fw-la libera_n nos_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la malo_fw-la &_o à _fw-la poenis_fw-la inferni_fw-la which_o be_v a_o petition_n for_o illumination_n of_o heart_n for_o security_n from_o the_o devil_n and_o from_o eternal_a death_n which_o be_v only_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n to_o grant_v who_o be_v say_v also_o to_o have_v the_o key_n 18._o of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n 4._o but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o observable_a and_o which_o i_o main_o drive_v at_o be_v this_o that_o the_o roman_a church_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n before_o the_o reformation_n break_v out_o have_v run_v so_o mad_a after_o the_o patronage_n of_o the_o virgin_n that_o they_o have_v almost_o forget_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o spend_v all_o their_o devotion_n on_o she_o who_o they_o do_v at_o least_o equalise_v to_o christ_n and_o so_o real_o make_v she_o as_o well_o as_o some_o love_n to_o call_v she_o the_o daughter_n of_o god_n in_o as_o high_a a_o sense_n as_o christ_n be_v his_o son_n as_o will_n far_o appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o quotation_n as_o in_o that_o prayer_n to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n that_o follow_v in_o chemnitius_n te_o mater_fw-la illuminationis_fw-la cordis_fw-la mei_fw-la te_fw-la nutrix_fw-la salutis_fw-la meae_fw-la mentis_fw-la te_fw-la obsecrant_fw-la quantum_fw-la possunt_fw-la cuncta_fw-la praecordia_fw-la mea_fw-la exaudi_fw-la domina_fw-la adesto_fw-la propitia_fw-la adjuva_fw-la potentissima_fw-la ut_fw-la mundentur_fw-la sordes_fw-la mentis_fw-la meae_fw-la ut_fw-la illuminentur_fw-la tenebrae_fw-la meae_fw-la o_o gloriosa_fw-la domina_fw-la porta_n aquavitae_fw-la janua_n salutis_fw-la via_fw-la reconciliationis_fw-la aditus_fw-la recuperationis_fw-la obsecro_fw-la te_fw-la per_fw-la salvatricem_fw-la tuam_fw-la foecunditatem_fw-la fac_fw-la ut_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la meorum_fw-la venia_fw-la &_o vivendi_fw-la gratia_fw-la concedatur_fw-la &_o usque_fw-la in_o finem_fw-la hic_fw-la servus_n tuus_fw-la sub_fw-la tua_fw-la protectione_n custodiatur_fw-la which_o petition_n and_o compellation_n save_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o sex_n be_v most_o proper_a and_o natural_a to_o be_v use_v towards_o christ._n but_o the_o virgin_n be_v here_o make_v our_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n in_o the_o feminine_a gender_n 5._o as_o she_o be_v again_o most_o express_o in_o that_o prayer_n to_o she_o in_o her_o feast_n of_o visitation_n veni_fw-la praecelsa_fw-la domina_fw-la maria_fw-la tu_fw-la nos_fw-la visita_fw-la aegras_n mentes_fw-la illumina_fw-la per_fw-la sacrae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la munera_fw-la veni_fw-la salvatrix_fw-la seculi_fw-la sordes_fw-la aufer_fw-la piaculi_fw-la in_o visitando_fw-la populum_fw-la poenae_fw-la tollas_fw-la periculum_fw-la veni_fw-la regina_fw-la gentium_fw-la deal_v flammas_fw-la reatuum_fw-la deal_v quodcunque_fw-la devium_fw-la dam_fw-la vitam_fw-la innocentium_fw-la in_o which_o invocation_n the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v plain_o call_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o pray_v unto_o for_o spiritual_a illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o purgation_n thereof_o from_o the_o filth_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o gild_n whereby_o she_o be_v plain_o equallize_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o she-christ_n or_o daughter_n of_o god_n to_o this_o sense_n also_o be_v those_o prayer_n put_v up_o to_o she_o in_o her_o feast_n of_o the_o conception_n and_o of_o the_o annunciation_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_a to_o produce_v all_o read_v that_o prayer_n in_o chemnitius_n sing_v to_o she_o by_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n it_o be_v a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n vi_o more_o form_n of_o invocation_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n out_o of_o the_o mary-psalter_n so_o call_v extreme_o idolatrous_a and_o blasphemous_a 1._o we_o will_v now_o only_o note_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o mary-psalter_n as_o it_o be_v call_v wherein_o how_o much_o at_o that_o time_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v thrust_v themselves_o under_o the_o protection_n and_o patronage_n of_o the_o virgin_n and_o make_v she_o the_o daughter_n of_o god_n in_o stead_n of_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a touch_a the_o right_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o son_n and_o his_o worship_n will_v be_v most_o notorious_o evident_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o thirty_o psalm_n in_o te_fw-la domina_fw-la speravi_fw-la non_fw-la confundar_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la in_o gratiam_fw-la tuam_fw-la suscipe_fw-la i_o inclina_fw-la ad_fw-la i_o aurem_fw-la tuam_fw-la &_o in_o moerore_fw-la meolaetifica_fw-la i_o tu_fw-la es_fw-la fortitudo_fw-la mea_fw-la &_o refugium_fw-la meum_fw-la consolatio_fw-la mea_fw-la &_o protectio_fw-la mea_fw-la ad_fw-la te_fw-la clamavi_fw-la cum_fw-la tribularetur_fw-la cor_fw-la meum_fw-la &_o exaudîsti_fw-la de_fw-la vertice_fw-la collium_fw-la aeternorum_fw-la in_o manus_fw-la tuas_fw-la domina_fw-la commendo_fw-la spiritum_fw-la meum_fw-la meam_fw-la totam_fw-la vitam_fw-la diem_fw-la ultimum_fw-la this_o be_v that_o whole_a psalm_n to_o the_o virgin_n jusr_v in_o such_o a_o form_n and_o with_o such_o a_o repose_n of_o spirit_n as_o david_n pray_v in_o to_o god_n himself_o 2._o but_o we_o will_v content_v ourselves_o with_o transcribe_v only_o some_o select_a piece_n as_o psalm_n 71._o resperge_n domina_fw-la cor_fw-la meum_fw-la dulcedine_fw-la tuâ_fw-la fac_n i_o oblivisci_fw-la miserias_fw-la huius_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la concupiscentias_fw-la aeternas_fw-la excita_fw-la in_o anima_fw-la mea_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr gaudio_fw-la paradiss_fw-la inebria_fw-la mentem_fw-la meam_fw-la and_o again_o psalm_n 104._o salus_fw-la sempiterna_fw-la in_o manu_fw-la tua_fw-la est_fw-la domina_fw-la qui_fw-la te_fw-la dignè_fw-la honoraverint_fw-la suscipient_fw-la illam_fw-la clementia_n tua_fw-la non_fw-la deficiet_fw-la à _fw-la seculis_fw-la aeternis_fw-la &_o misericordia_fw-la tua_fw-la à _fw-la generatione_n in_o generationem_fw-la and_o psalm_n 117._o dispositione_n tuâ_fw-la mundus_fw-la perseverat_fw-la quem_fw-la tu_fw-la domina_fw-la cum_fw-la deo_fw-la fundâsti_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la tuus_fw-la totus_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la domina_fw-la salvum_fw-la i_o fac_fw-la quoniam_fw-la desiderabiles_fw-la sunt_fw-la laudes_fw-la tuus_fw-la in_o tempore_fw-la peregrinationis_fw-la meae_fw-la no_o man_n can_v say_v more_o to_o or_o expect_v more_o from_o the_o eternal_a god_n himself_o whence_o they_o make_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n as_o hypostatical_o unite_v with_o the_o virgin_n as_o with_o christ_n himself_o and_o carry_v themselves_o to_o she_o as_o if_o she_o be_v as_o proper_o the_o daughter_n of_o god_n as_o he_o the_o son_n for_o else_o how_o can_v she_o be_v say_v to_o have_v everlasting_a salvation_n in_o her_o power_n and_o to_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n with_o the_o eternal_a deity_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o other_o passage_n in_o this_o psalter_n whereby_o they_o make_v the_o virgin_n mary_n a_o she-christ_n the_o daughter_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o apply_v of_o the_o very_a phrase_n speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o she_o as_o in_o psalm_n 2._o venite_fw-la ad_fw-la eam_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la laboratis_fw-la &_o tribulati_fw-la estis_fw-la &_o refrigerium_fw-la &_o solatium_fw-la dabit_fw-la animabus_fw-la vestris_fw-la and_o psalm_n 81._o terge_fw-la foeditatem_fw-la i_o be_fw-mi domina_fw-la quae_fw-la semper_fw-la rutilas_fw-la puritate_fw-la fons_n aquavitae_fw-la influe_v in_o os_fw-la meum_fw-la ex_fw-la quo_fw-la viventes_fw-la aquae_fw-la profluunt_fw-la &_o emanant_fw-la omnes_fw-la sitientes_fw-la venite_fw-la ad_fw-la illam_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr fonte_fw-la svo_fw-la gratanter_fw-la vos_fw-la potabit_fw-la this_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v only_o to_o christ_n to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o he_o be_v also_o say_v to_o be_v the_o 28._o ease_n and_o rest_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o again_o psalm_n 46._o omnes_fw-la gentes_fw-la plaudite_fw-la manibus_fw-la psallite_fw-la in_o jubilo_fw-la virgini_fw-la gloriosae_fw-la quoniam_fw-la ipsa_fw-la est_fw-la porta_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la janua_fw-la salutis_fw-la &_o via_fw-la nostrae_fw-la reconciliationis_fw-la spes_fw-la poenitentium_fw-la solamen_fw-la lugentium_fw-la pax_fw-la beata_fw-la cordium_fw-la atque_fw-la salus_fw-la this_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o virgin_n whenas_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n 4._o this_o be_v a_o foul_a and_o tedious_a subject_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v a_o end_n at_o length_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o 41._o psalm_n quemadmodum_fw-la desiderat_fw-la cervus_fw-la ad_fw-la fontes_fw-la aquarum_fw-la ità _fw-la ad_fw-la amorem_fw-la tuum_fw-la anhelat_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la virgo_fw-la sancta_fw-la quia_fw-la tu_fw-la es_fw-la genitrix_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la meae_fw-la &_o altrix_fw-la reparationis_fw-la carnis_fw-la meae_fw-la quia_fw-la tu_fw-la lactatrix_fw-la salvationis_fw-la animae_fw-la meae_fw-la initium_fw-la &_o finis_fw-la totius_fw-la salutis_fw-la meae_fw-la here_o be_v that_o attribute_v to_o the_o virgin_n which_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n
magistrate_n by_o how_o much_o more_o kind_a and_o love_a to_o one_o another_o and_o by_o how_o much_o more_o serious_o affect_v for_o the_o advance_v the_o public_a good_a and_o the_o endeavour_v the_o common_a welfare_n of_o all_o mankind_n which_o will_v introduce_v the_o philadelphian_a interval_n by_o so_o much_o more_o near_o they_o may_v reckon_v the_o approach_n of_o the_o downfall_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o glorious_a reign_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o saint_n at_o the_o happy_a millennium_n but_o what_o other_o indication_n there_o be_v beside_o these_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o prophet_n whereby_o we_o may_v compute_v the_o nearness_n of_o those_o time_n i_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o be_v a_o sudden_a excursion_n we_o will_v return_v again_o into_o the_o way_n 14._o but_o three_o in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n 20._o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o perfect_a clear_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformer_n from_o that_o heinous_a crime_n of_o schism_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o magisterial_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n it_o plain_o imply_v that_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o no_o fault_n but_o a_o virtue_n and_o a_o indispensable_a point_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n against_o christ_n not_o to_o have_v separate_v and_o therefore_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v any_o schism_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o notice_n and_o consideration_n as_o be_v also_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o otherwise_o learned_a that_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o the_o very_a account_n of_o idolatry_n be_v not_o schism_n before_o god_n but_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o those_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v of_o none_o of_o the_o pure_a mind_n but_o rather_o such_o as_o have_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n then_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o worship_n for_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o do_v here_o blame_v the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n that_o she_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n any_o long_a and_o do_v not_o cast_v she_o off_o as_o the_o eunuch_n cast_v she_o out_o of_o the_o window_n in_o the_o type_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n because_o she_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o a_o abettour_n and_o countenancer_n of_o spiritual_a fornication_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o text._n so_o that_o before_o god_n or_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n both_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n stand_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n and_o also_o the_o protestant_n leave_v her_o communion_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v acquit_v from_o any_o the_o least_o taint_n or_o suspicion_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v but_o witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o lose_v the_o free_a use_n of_o thy_o reason_n that_o brief_a treatise_n of_o idolatry_n add_v to_o this_o present_a exposition_n will_v i_o hope_v abundant_o satisfy_v thou_o which_o therefore_o i_o have_v adjoin_v as_o a_o suitable_a appendage_n thereunto_o 15._o four_o in_o that_o reform_a christendom_n especial_o after_o their_o remissness_n in_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o contentionsnesse_n about_o trifle_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o type_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o imperfect_a condition_n though_o emerge_v out_o of_o the_o grossness_n of_o the_o popish_a idolatry_n for_o there_o be_v no_o far_a complaint_n of_o either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n or_o of_o jezebel_n here_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o not_o over-fierce_a and_o confident_a in_o our_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o meek_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v instruct_v by_o one_o another_o for_o the_o clear_n up_o the_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thing_n be_v no_o better_o than_o they_o be_v since_o they_o be_v no_o worse_o than_o they_o be_v predict_v we_o be_v hence_o to_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n never_o to_o suffer_v our_o mind_n to_o relapse_n towards_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n or_o think_v we_o have_v as_o good_a go_v back_o again_o to_o rome_n as_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o we_o be_v for_o this_o sardian_n state_n be_v like_o the_o wander_a in_o the_o wilderness_n betwixt_o egypt_n and_o the_o promise_a land_n which_o be_v the_o philadelphian_a state_n into_o which_o there_o be_v no_o entrance_n till_o after_o the_o seven_o vial_n that_o be_v till_o the_o last_o of_o they_o be_v pour_v out_o or_o at_o least_o a-pouring_a as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v fill_v with_o smoke_n from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o from_o his_o power_n and_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n till_o the_o seven_o plague_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v fulfil_v where_o no_o man_n according_a to_o the_o apocalyptick_a style_n signify_v that_o that_o company_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o and_o make_v up_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v here_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o live_a temple_n of_o god_n will_v not_o appear_v in_o that_o eminent_a condition_n till_o after_o the_o vial_n the_o last_o either_o current_n or_o complete_a which_o agree_v admirable_o with_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o philadelphia_n he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o 12._o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n so_o that_o these_o philadelphian_o shall_v not_o only_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n after_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o vial_n but_o never_o go_v out_o of_o it_o again_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v explain_v it_o in_o wherefore_o because_o we_o be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o wildernesse-condition_n we_o ought_v with_o faith_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n to_o abide_v till_o god_n shall_v bring_v we_o into_o that_o good_a land_n and_o not_o to_o murmur_v against_o he_o and_o reproach_v his_o providence_n who_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o carry_v on_o thing_n with_o such_o leisurely_o step_n nor_o peevish_o and_o false_o to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v as_o good_a return_n to_o rome_n again_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o reformation_n have_v do_v more_o good_a or_o hurt_n for_o such_o thought_n or_o speech_n be_v false_a injudicious_a and_o ingrateful_a reproach_n against_o the_o sacred_a providence_n of_o god_n who_o way_n these_o bitter_a shallow_a and_o unsanctify_v spirit_n understand_v not_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o this_o sardian_n church_n nor_o the_o least_o hint_n to_o make_v any_o separation_n as_o before_o all_o the_o church_n of_o reform_a christendom_n and_o all_o the_o particular_a sect_n and_o member_n thereof_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_n how_o they_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o or_o break_v communion_n for_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n or_o opinion_n but_o hold_v all_o the_o indispensable_a foundation_n and_o bear_v joint_a testimony_n against_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o wild_a enormity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o study_v peace_n and_o mutual_a compliance_n that_o the_o body_n of_o reform_a christendom_n may_v be_v more_o strong_a and_o compact_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o common_a enemy_n but_o above_o all_o we_o be_v with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o purge_v ourselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v prevent_v the_o extremity_n of_o that_o judgement_n which_o be_v threaten_v as_o sudden_o and_o unexpected_o to_o come_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o these_o i_o think_v be_v main_a 3._o usefulness_n discoverable_a in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o sardian_n church_n 16._o and_o five_o as_o for_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n it_o be_v of_o main_a importance_n for_o the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n good_a for_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a excuse_n for_o the_o reign_v of_o impiety_n and_o immorality_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v be_v man_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v and_o that_o thing_n be_v more_o likely_a ever_o to_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_a then_o
better_a and_o therefore_o very_a few_o there_o be_v that_o will_v either_o attempt_v the_o amend_v of_o their_o own_o life_n or_o the_o encourage_n other_o so_o to_o do_v when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v plain_a according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n will_v have_v a_o most_o glorious_a reign_n upon_o earth_n but_o those_o that_o be_v averse_a from_o this_o belief_n be_v usual_o averse_a also_o from_o believe_v any_o certitude_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o prophecy_n they_o will_v not_o forsooth_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o pretend_v they_o can_v understand_v they_o especial_o such_o as_o either_o chastise_v the_o abominable_a wickedness_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o such_o as_o promise_v time_n transcendent_o better_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n much_o like_o that_o of_o ahaz_n when_o the_o prophet_n bid_v he_o ask_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n but_o he_o good_a modest_a hypocrite_n will_v not_o ask_v a_o sign_n neither_o will_v he_o tempt_v the_o 12._o lord_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o amuse_n nor_o distract_v his_o thought_n nor_o render_v himself_o more_o obnoxious_a by_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o supernatural_a evidence_n against_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o carnal_a mind_n under_o who_o government_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v and_o not_o be_v dissettled_a by_o the_o inlet_n of_o any_o high_a light_n the_o application_n be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a 17._o and_o last_o admit_v the_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o establish_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o grand_a point_n that_o this_o terrestrial_a scene_n will_v have_v a_o end_n and_o that_o at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o christ_n will_v visible_o come_v in_o judgement_n to_o reward_v all_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n that_o he_o will_v judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a according_a to_o the_o orthodox_n sense_n of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o as_o the_o exposition_n of_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o convince_a as_o any_o other_o vision_n in_o the_o whole_a apocalypse_n so_o they_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a and_o reach_v the_o main_a design_n in_o a_o less_o compass_n of_o word_n and_o have_v not_o that_o operosenesse_n of_o synchronism_n necessary_o hang_v on_o they_o as_o the_o other_o have_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o be_v only_o seven_o intervall_n manifest_o succeed_v one_o another_o who_o bound_n so_o far_o as_o thing_n be_v pass_v be_v easy_o determinable_a and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o interval_n of_o sardis_n end_v where_o that_o of_o philadelphia_n begin_v and_o laodicea_n be_v the_o close_a of_o all_o which_o facility_n and_o comprehensiblenesse_n must_v needs_o improve_v the_o usefulnesse_n of_o these_o exposition_n very_o considerable_o and_o there_o want_v nothing_o but_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o name_n to_o be_v add_v for_o the_o easy_a applicability_n of_o the_o event_n to_o each_o interval_n i_o will_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o reader_n brief_o furnish_v they_o that_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n aforehand_o 18._o ephesus_z therefore_o with_o a_o allusion_n to_o the_o greek_a word_n ephesis_fw-la signify_v desire_n the_o first_o move_v principle_n that_o drive_v on_o a_o activity_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o main_a scope_n we_o aim_v at_o but_o with_o a_o allusion_n to_o aphesis_n it_o signisy_n remissness_n for_o which_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v 4._o blame_v or_o else_o allude_v again_o to_o aphesis_n it_o signify_v the_o start_n or_o let_v loose_a the_o racer_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o race_n which_o agree_v very_o fit_o with_o this_o ephesine_n interval_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o providence_n concern_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n smyrna_n signify_v myrrh_n intimate_v the_o bitter_a affliction_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n under_o the_o ten_o pagan_a persecution_n pergamus_n signify_v sublimity_n or_o exaltation_n intimate_v the_o raise_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o her_o former_a deject_a and_o afflict_a condition_n under_o the_o aforesaid_a persecution_n into_o a_o glorious_a triumph_n over_o paganism_n as_o it_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o conquest_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a it_o signify_v also_o or_o prefigure_n the_o enormous_a haughtiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o interval_n thyatira_n in_o allusion_n to_o thygatira_n a_o daughter_n intimate_v the_o more-then-ordinary_a womanishness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o interval_n but_o in_o allusion_n to_o thyateria_n altar_n of_o incense_n or_o sweet_a odour_n it_o signify_v the_o more-then-ordinary_a frequentness_n of_o burn_v the_o bless_a protestant_a martyr_n with_o fire_n and_o faggot_n in_o this_o period_n which_o cruelty_n though_o it_o be_v abominable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a church_n that_o commit_v it_o yet_o the_o suffering_n of_o those_o holy_a martyr_n in_o this_o manner_n out_o of_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a odour_n to_o he_o and_o very_o grateful_o accept_v of_o he_o sardis_n in_o allusion_n to_o sarda_n or_o lapis_fw-la sardius_n the_o same_o that_o carnalina_n signify_v the_o imperfect_a and_o carnal_a condition_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o be_v call_v sardian_n philadelphia_n which_o signify_v charity_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o a_o more_o special_a love_n to_o they_o of_o the_o true_a household_n of_o faith_n intimate_v the_o reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n for_o god_n be_v 16._o love_n and_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o love_n abide_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o this_o be_v that_o illustrious_a reign_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o millenniall_a empire_n of_o love_n when_o the_o christian_a life_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o opinion_n and_o persecution_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o last_o laodicea_n signify_v a_o popular_a political_a or_o externally-legal_a righteousness_n the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o former_a philadelphian_a state_n but_z as_o in_o old_a age_n the_o spirit_n much_o decay_v though_o the_o outward_a figure_n of_o the_o body_n muchwhat_a the_o same_o it_o signify_v also_o the_o arraign_v and_o judgeing_a of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a because_o this_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v at_o the_o close_a of_o this_o laodicean_n interval_n 19_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n reckon_v always_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o that_o seven_o intervall_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o answer_v exact_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n both_o to_o these_o name_n in_o this_o order_n they_o be_v reckon_v and_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n as_o they_o be_v orderly_o describe_v in_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o they_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o extreme_o refractory_a especial_o if_o you_o add_v the_o certainty_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o prophetical_a meaning_n of_o these_o epistle_n as_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o ensue_a book_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o our_o exposition_n be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o so_o easy_a and_o comprehensible_a and_o therefore_o of_o a_o universal_a usefulnesse_n as_o well_o to_o the_o illiterate_a as_o the_o learned_a which_o i_o hope_v reader_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o the_o author_n that_o he_o have_v either_o invite_v thou_o to_o the_o pain_n of_o read_v or_o give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o compile_v this_o present_a treatise_n farewell_n a_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n from_o he_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v siracides_n ch._n 59_o he_o that_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o be_v occupy_v in_o the_o meditation_n thereof_o will_v seek_v out_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n and_o be_v occupy_v in_o prophecy_n a_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n chap._n i._n a_o preparation_n towards_o the_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o seven_o
stage_n but_z if_o thou_o strive_v so_o as_o to_o get_v the_o victory_n in_o the_o way_n i_o have_v instruct_v thou_o i_o will_v translate_v thou_o to_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n most_o natural_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v where_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o and_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o my_o father_n as_o i_o 29._o after_o i_o have_v overcome_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n into_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n and_o there_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n and_o encumbrance_n the_o pleasure_n and_o enticement_n of_o this_o low_a world_n will_v i_o cause_v to_o sit_v down_o with_o i_o in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o monition_n be_v the_o more_o seasonable_a by_o how_o much_o more_o near_o the_o approach_n of_o that_o great_a day_n be_v for_o i_o shall_v come_v visible_o to_o judgement_n in_o the_o very_a next_o thunder_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o gog_n and_o magog_n when_o i_o will_v transform_v your_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o my_o glorious_a body_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fit_a companion_n for_o i_o in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o behold_v i_o show_v 54._o you_o a_o mystery_n you_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n yet_o you_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o stupendous_a promise_n but_o thou_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o will_n and_o can_v carry_v on_o all_o his_o design_n to_o the_o very_a end_n amen_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o 22._o the_o church_n from_o the_o epiphonema_n come_v here_o last_o as_o in_o all_o these_o four_o last_o epistle_n one_o may_v haply_o raise_v this_o objection_n as_o if_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n immediate_o precede_v it_o be_v not_o political_a or_o prophetical_a enough_o but_o mere_o theological_a the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o therefore_o be_v against_o our_o profess_a rule_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n after_o this_o life_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n be_v mere_o a_o theogicall_a promise_n and_o of_o a_o thing_n more_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v see_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o earth_n yet_o this_o promise_n of_o obtain_v heaven_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o general_a day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o that_o great_a and_o visible_a assize_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v appear_v in_o glorify_v body_n may_v well_o be_v range_v in_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o promise_v immediate_o precede_v the_o epiphonemata_fw-la of_o each_o epistle_n and_o to_o be_v accomplish_v visible_o in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o as_o christ_n after_o his_o suffering_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n ascend_v visible_o into_o heaven_n for_o heaven_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o heaven_n become_v also_o christ_n throne_n so_o those_o of_o laodicea_n who_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o their_o lust_n shall_v attain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o life_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v ascend_v visible_o into_o christ_n throne_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v leave_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o inferior_a region_n of_o the_o air_n sentence_v to_o that_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o such_o as_o the_o place_n of_o the_o epiphonema_n require_v and_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n no_o mean_a ratification_n of_o the_o true_a and_o literal_a sense_n of_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n touch_v the_o visible_a resurrection_n and_o glorification_n of_o our_o body_n and_o their_o ascension_n into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n against_o such_o as_o will_v whiffle_v away_o all_o these_o truth_n by_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o mere_a moral_a allegory_n thus_o consonant_a every_o way_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o epistle_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o apostolic_a truth_n chap._n x._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o main_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o way_n of_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n touch_v the_o say_a epistle_n and_o their_o circumstance_n otherwise_o hardly_o or_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v solve_v 1._o as_o in_o natural_a hypothesis_n those_o be_v account_v true_a that_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n the_o most_o natural_o and_o easy_o and_o especial_o if_o such_o as_o be_v no_o otherwise_o solvible_a then_o upon_o the_o propose_a hypothesis_n so_o that_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n i_o mean_v especial_o of_o any_o considerable_a portion_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v true_a that_o can_v solve_v the_o most_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v the_o same_o or_o the_o context_n precedent_n or_o subsequent_a thereto_o and_o if_o all_o still_o the_o more_o certain_a and_o if_o unsolvible_a otherwise_o there_o be_v still_o the_o more_o assurance_n of_o undeniable_a demonstration_n now_o how_o near_o this_o mystical_a or_o prophetical_a exposition_n of_o these_o epistle_n approach_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o case_n i_o will_v leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v after_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o question_n easy_o raise_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o or_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n and_o not_o easy_o answer_v nor_o at_o all_o satisfactory_o at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o hypothesis_n we_o have_v go_v 2._o as_o first_o if_o a_o man_n inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n after_o he_o have_v so_o express_o give_v notice_n that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o call_v it_o plain_o a_o book_n of_o prophecy_n 3._o shall_v start_v so_o unexpected_o from_o the_o title_n and_o intend_a subject_n as_o to_o write_v no_o less_o than_o seven_o epistle_n to_o certain_a church_n that_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a of_o prophecy_n in_o they_o before_o he_o deliver_v any_o prophecy_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o only_o promise_v and_o commination_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v this_o with_o as_o great_a pomp_n and_o as_o high_a a_o preamble_n as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o begin_v so_o famous_a prophecy_n as_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o seal_n and_o the_o open_a book_n but_o according_a to_o our_o hypothesis_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a viz._n that_o though_o these_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v a_o literal_a sense_n yet_o they_o be_v also_o a_o parable_n or_o prophecy_n and_o of_o as_o high_a concern_v for_o both_o matter_n and_o extent_n of_o time_n they_o reach_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o open_a book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o great_a pomp_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o notice_n thereof_o second_o a_o man_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o inquire_v why_o the_o spirit_n dictate_v letter_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o the_o church_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o africa_n for_o certain_o the_o church_n have_v disspr_v itself_o into_o all_o these_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o time_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o respecter_n of_o person_n for_o these_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n of_o john_n but_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o our_o answer_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n that_o for_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o word_n asia_n to_o comport_v also_o with_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n asia_n alone_o be_v pitch_v upon_o but_o according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a sense_n the_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v write_v unto_o under_o such_o distinct_a condition_n as_o she_o be_v to_o vary_v into_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n nor_o acception_n of_o person_n in_o this_o three_o if_o a_o man_n demand_v touch_v the_o order_n or_o precedency_n of_o these_o seven_o