of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v with_o full_a consent_n and_o with_o all_o his_o hart_n sin_n do_v not_o reign_v in_o he_o for_o the_o regenerate_a man_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o sin_v not_o as_o he_o be_v spirit_n that_o be_v regenerate_v but_o as_o he_o be_v flesh_n and_o sinful_a his_o will_n sin_v not_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a but_o as_o it_o be_v carnal_a the_o papist_n say_v indeed_o he_o sin_v not_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o this_o shift_n be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o this_o place_n plain_o prove_v even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v whole_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o grace_n they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a place_n and_o indeed_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o it_o viii_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n may_v final_o fall_v from_o grace_n then_o may_v he_o be_v whole_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n for_o grace_n be_v never_o whole_o lose_v till_o a_o man_n be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o christ._n but_o it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v quite_o cut_v off_o for_o than_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n must_v be_v often_o join_v to_o christ_n namely_o so_o often_o as_o he_o fall_v by_o sin_n if_o he_o will_v be_v save_v whereupon_o this_o will_v also_o follow_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n must_v be_v often_o baptize_v for_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o incision_n the_o mean_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ._n but_o rebaptisation_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v the_o church_n of_o god_n deny_v it_o upon_o this_o ground_n because_o a_o man_n be_v only_o once_o bear_v of_o god_n ix_o reason_n christ_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thus_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v suffer_v not_o satan_n and_o sin_n whole_o to_o prevail_v against_o we_o and_o final_o to_o vanquish_v us._n this_o petition_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a and_o according_a to_o god_n will_v and_o therefore_o hereunto_o as_o to_o every_o lawful_a petition_n belong_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o god_n command_n to_o make_v it_o second_o his_o promise_n to_o assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v whereby_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v in_o god_n word_n a_o promise_n assure_v every_o child_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o whole_o be_v conquer_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o grace_n for_o if_o he_o may_v than_o be_v he_o whole_o overcome_v in_o temptation_n the_o contrary_a argument_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n place_n of_o scripture_n example_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o first_o exod._n 32_o 32._o when_o the_o israelit_n have_v sin_v that_o great_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n moses_n pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o if_o not_o say_v he_o blot_v i_o out_o of_o thy_o book_n hence_o they_o gather_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o god_n book_n of_o life_n and_o so_o final_o perish_v answ._n that_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o condition_n if_o be_v be_v possible_a as_o in_o the_o like_a prayer_n it_o be_v express_v by_o christ_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o this_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v add_v for_o else_o we_o must_v say_v that_o moses_n pray_v for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v be_v impossible_a namely_o that_o one_o private_a man_n shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o though_o in_o temporal_a punishment_n such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o in_o eternal_a it_o be_v impossible_a again_o moses_n in_o this_o prayer_n do_v principal_o show_v his_o exceed_a affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o brethren_n both_o which_o he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o life_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v lord_n pardon_v they_o and_o rather_o than_o thy_o name_n shall_v loose_v glory_n blot_v i_o out_o of_o thy_o book_n the_o like_a affection_n be_v in_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v 9.3_o he_o can_v wish_v himself_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o christ_n for_o the_o love_n of_o his_o brethren_n the_o jew_n they_o further_o urge_v the_o lord_n answer_v to_o moses_n vers_fw-la 33._o whosoever_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o i_o will_v put_v he_o out_o of_o my_o book_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n therein_o answer_v to_o moses_n prayer_n so_o must_v it_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o like_a exception_n ii_o object_n ezek._n 18.24_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v but_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n here_o say_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o grace_n answ._n righteousness_n be_v twofold_a of_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o of_o the_o person_n so_o paul_n distinguish_v when_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v sound_v 3.9_o not_o in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n but_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o action_n be_v when_o a_o man_n for_o outward_a action_n keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o person_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n be_v accept_v righteous_a before_o god_n and_o answerable_a hereunto_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o righteous_a man_n one_o that_o be_v outward_o righteous_a before_o man_n though_o not_o indeed_o the_o other_o that_o be_v true_o righteous_a before_o god_n now_o of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o must_v that_o place_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o lord_n there_o plead_v with_o such_o as_o do_v esteem_v and_o avow_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a say_v their_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n that_o be_v have_v sin_v and_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o father_n offence_n though_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v according_a to_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o call_v they_o righteous_a and_o of_o such_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v turn_v from_o their_o righteousness_n iii_o object_n luk._n 8.13_o some_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n go_v away_o answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o faith_n historical_a temporary_a and_o save_v faith_n in_o historical_a faith_n be_v knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o assent_n unto_o it_o in_o temporary_a faith_n be_v three_o thing_n knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n assent_n and_o approbation_n also_o with_o some_o joy_n in_o save_v faith_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n knowledge_n assent_n approbation_n and_o apprehension_n that_o be_v a_o applying_z of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o man_n self_n whence_o proceed_v some_o joy_n and_o answerable_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o believer_n i._o such_o as_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o love_n thereof_o ii_o such_o as_o know_v it_o assent_n unto_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o also_o for_o a_o time_n the_o three_o be_v such_o as_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o now_o the_o two_o first_o kind_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v leave_v and_o the_o two_o first_o kind_n of_o believer_n may_v fall_v away_o whereof_o saint_n luke_n speak_v but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o save_v faith_n may_v be_v lose_v for_o he_o that_o be_v endue_v therewith_o can_v never_o fall_v away_o but_o faith_n say_v they_o be_v only_o one_o ephes._n 4.5_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n one_o god_n one_o hope_n and_o one_o baptism_n answ._n by_o one_o faith_n be_v there_o mean_v one_o religion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n as_o elsewhere_o be_v usual_a by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n 1._o tim._n 1.19_o their_o second_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v example_n which_o be_v chief_o two_o one_o of_o adam_n the_o other_o of_o david_n for_o adam_n they_o say_v he_o be_v create_v righteous_a and_o yet_o he_o fall_v whole_o from_o grace_n and_o therefore_o any_o believer_n now_o may_v much_o more_o fall_v away_o who_o have_v far_o less_o grace_n than_o he_o have_v answ._n this_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a for_o though_o adam_n have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n than_o we_o now_o have_v yet_o our_o grace_n have_v a_o great_a privilege_n than_o his_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n
counsel_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o principale_a counsellor_n be_v christ_n so_o he_o say_v in_o the_o person_n of_o wisdom_n pro._n 8.14_o counsel_n be_v i_o 9.6_o and_o isaiah_n say_v to_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o he_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n yea_o he_o be_v both_o king_n &_o counsellor_n to_o his_o church_n this_o office_n christ_n challenge_v to_o himself_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o advise_v his_o church_n touch_v the_o way_n whereby_o they_o must_v escape_v everlasting_a death_n and_o come_v to_o eternal_a life_n second_o because_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o may_v practice_v every_o business_n so_o as_o it_o may_v please_v god_n three_o because_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o may_v in_o grievous_a danger_n and_o distress_n find_v a_o good_a issue_n or_o else_o be_v able_a with_o patience_n to_o bear_v they_o these_o thing_n he_o work_v daily_o in_o his_o church_n not_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n but_o ordinary_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o challenge_v this_o honour_n to_o be_v call_v the_o counsellor_n of_o his_o church_n from_o this_o office_n of_o christ_n use_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o do_v all_o the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n we_o can_v unto_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o be_v our_o profess_a counsellor_n who_o employ_v himself_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n counsellor_n of_o the_o state_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v high_o honour_v and_o respect_v of_o all_o sort_n even_o for_o their_o counsel_n in_o worldly_a matter_n though_o often_o it_o fail_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o honour_n christ_n our_o heavenly_a counsellor_n who_o counsel_n lead_v unto_o glory_n and_o be_v stable_a and_o sure_a for_o ever_o look_v how_o much_o his_o counsel_n excel_v they_o so_o much_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v honour_v above_o they_o all_o second_o in_o all_o distress_n and_o grievous_a temptation_n and_o danger_n either_o of_o soul_n or_o body_n we_o must_v take_v counsel_n and_o advise_v from_o christ_n jesus_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o counsellor_n that_o man_n in_o distress_n come_v to_o he_o by_o his_o advice_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o ease_v when_o moab_n ammon_n and_o mount_v seir_n band_v themselves_o against_o juda_n the_o people_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n and_o danger_n but_o mark_v what_o good_a king_n jehosophat_n do_v he_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n his_o counsellor_n say_v lord_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o 2._o chron._n 20.12_o that_o be_v direct_v thou_o we_o in_o this_o danger_n for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o escape_v this_o pratise_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o man_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o any_o danger_n such_o as_o these_o day_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o sin_n the_o counsel_n of_o wizard_n sorcerer_n and_o astrologian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o but_o by_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o call_v only_o and_o continual_o on_o this_o our_o only_a true_a counsellor_n ii_o point_n the_o remedy_n itself_o which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o former_a verse_n for_o there_o he_o set_v down_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o church_n in_o three_o part_n which_o be_v all_o great_a misery_n and_o here_o he_o so_o propound_v his_o remedy_n that_o it_o be_v answerable_a to_o their_o misery_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o for_o first_o here_o be_v gold_n to_o make_v they_o rich_a answerable_a to_o their_o poverty_n second_o raiment_n to_o hide_v their_o nakedness_n three_o ointment_n to_o take_v away_o their_o blindness_n for_o the_o first_o by_o gold_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o true_a faith_n repentance_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a love_n of_o man_n 1._o pet._n 1.7_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o gold_n in_o the_o trial_n thereof_o and_o so_o may_v all_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v hereby_o understand_v second_o by_o gold_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v christ_n merit_n yea_o christ_n himself_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n this_o gold_n be_v further_o say_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o precious_a gold_n purge_v from_o all_o dross_n as_o fine_a as_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o art_n of_o man_n this_o be_v add_v to_o express_v the_o property_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o gift_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v more_o precious_a unto_o god_n then_o gold_n yea_o than_o gold_n try_v by_o the_o fire_n as_o peter_n say_v use_n by_o this_o every_o person_n be_v teach_v how_o to_o beautify_v themselves_o both_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n it_o be_v the_o common_a blind_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o foreign_a attire_n and_o rich_a jewel_n do_v adorn_v the_o body_n and_o indeed_o in_o some_o case_n the_o body_n may_v be_v adorn_v with_o pearl_n and_o jewel_n but_o the_o right_a way_n to_o adorn_v any_o person_n indeed_o be_v to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o these_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o unto_o god_n be_v more_o precious_a than_o fine_a gold_n our_o body_n and_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o dwell_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o therefore_o we_o must_v adorn_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o so_o worthy_a a_o guest_n which_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o good_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o strange_a and_o foreign_a attire_n which_o no_o good_a man_n can_v ever_o abide_v second_o these_o grace_n have_v a_o further_a effect_n than_o to_o beautify_v and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v rich_a here_o then_o see_v the_o common_a folly_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a madness_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n wit_n and_o strength_n to_o furnish_v their_o house_n with_o treasure_n &_o to_o enrich_v their_o body_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n leave_v their_o soul_n ungarnished_a what_o a_o madness_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v neglect_v the_o true_a riches_n and_o follow_v after_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o counterfeit_a copper_n see_v therefore_o god_n grace_n be_v the_o true_a treasure_n which_o fade_v not_o let_v we_o seek_v after_o they_o as_o wisdom_n counsel_v pro._n 8.10_o 11_o receive_v my_o instruction_n and_o not_o silver_n and_o knowledge_n rather_o than_o fine_a gold_n for_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o precious_a stone_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v a_o white_a garment_n that_o be_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o righteousness_n impute_v so_o paul_n say_v 3.27_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n there_o christ_n be_v make_v a_o garment_n who_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o do_v put_v on_o again_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o garment_n &_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v to_o 3.12_o put_v on_o tender_a mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n and_o long_o suffer_v further_o christ_n show_v the_o end_n of_o this_o garment_n namely_o to_o cover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o our_o soul_n lest_o the_o filthynesse_n thereof_o which_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o do_v appear_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v anoint_v with_o eye-salue_n where_o by_o eye-salue_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n and_o knowledge_n wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o man_n know_v themselves_o and_o their_o estate_n for_o as_o eye-salue_n sharpen_v the_o eye_n and_o clear_v the_o sight_n where_o it_o be_v by_o some_o occasion_n dimn_v so_o do_v christ_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v a_o man_n know_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o between_o thing_n temporal_a and_o blessing_n eternal_a thus_o we_o have_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o by_o all_o these_o three_o we_o can_v understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o merit_n now_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o christ_n be_v signify_v by_o diverse_a term_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o plentiful_a redemption_n yea_o store_n of_o supply_n for_o all_o our_o want_n the_o laodicean_n be_v poor_a but_o christ_n be_v their_o riches_n they_o be_v naked_a christ_n be_v their_o garment_n and_o last_o they_o be_v blind_a but_o christ_n be_v their_o eye-salue_n so_o that_o what_o want_v soever_o be_v in_o we_o there_o be_v store_n of_o supply_n thereof_o in_o christ._n this_o must_v the_o more_o diligent_o be_v mark_v
be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o our_o right_n to_o that_o kingdom_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n second_o christ_n be_v a_o universal_a king_n over_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n wheresoever_o his_o regiment_n be_v absolute_a in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o he_o can_v by_o his_o word_n bind_v all_o thing_n but_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o universal_a king_n for_o they_o have_v no_o superiority_n above_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v they_o absolute_a king_n as_o he_o be_v nor_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o they_o participate_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a believer_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v priest_n consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o christ_n to_o the_o worship_n &_o service_n of_o god_n here_o in_o this_o life_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v to_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o eternal_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o priest_n so_o be_v all_o his_o member_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v difference_n first_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o external_a and_o real_a priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o offer_v up_o a_o true_a real_a and_o external_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o believer_n they_o be_v not_o real_a and_o external_a priest_n but_o spiritual_a offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n as_o when_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n give_v a_o alm_n he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o a_o corporal_a sacrifice_n though_o the_o thing_n give_fw-mi be_v a_o bodily_a substance_n but_o it_o be_v every_o way_n spiritual_a for_o to_o offer_v a_o real_a outward_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v proper_a to_o christ._n again_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a priest_n and_o offer_v up_o a_o perfect_a sacrifice_n but_o we_o be_v imperfect_a do_v offer_v up_o imperfect_a sacrifice_n taint_v and_o blemish_v with_o sin_n yet_o accept_v as_o perfect_v for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o believer_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n namely_o in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o in_o the_o entrance_n into_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n there_o be_v degree_n first_o to_o have_v good_a right_a and_o title_n to_o it_o second_o to_o get_v possession_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o title_n only_o and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n title_n be_v good_a though_o he_o want_v possession_n he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o king_n so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n child_n they_o have_v the_o right_n give_v they_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v king_n further_o in_o the_o possess_n of_o a_o kingdom_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o the_o entrance_n upon_o some_o part_n second_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a enjoy_n of_o all_o now_o every_o true_a believer_n begin_v to_o enter_v possession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n for_o it_o stand_v 14.17_o 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n joy_n and_o peace_n and_o they_o which_o 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n in_o their_o heart_n have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n begin_v in_o they_o in_o this_o life_n but_o the_o full_a fruition_n and_o perfect_a possession_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v reserve_v to_o be_v give_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n and_o at_o the_o dâ—y_n of_o judgement_n and_o as_o true_a believer_n be_v king_n in_o this_o world_n so_o likewise_o be_v they_o priest_n in_o offer_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o dedicate_a and_o consecrate_v themselves_o to_o his_o service_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o three_o point_n be_v the_o manner_n how_o true_a believer_n become_v king_n and_o priest_n they_o be_v not_o such_o by_o nature_n neither_o do_v this_o dignity_n come_v by_o descent_n in_o blood_n or_o birthright_n or_o by_o any_o other_o privilege_n they_o have_v from_o man_n but_o only_o from_o christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o divine_a call_n make_v they_o spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n like_v as_o under_o the_o law_n by_o solemn_a election_n and_o ordination_n some_o be_v make_v earthly_a king_n and_o priest_n now_o in_o this_o call_n of_o christ_n two_o thing_n concur_v first_o christ_n give_v his_o member_n right_a to_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n yet_o not_o so_o that_o they_o can_v execute_v the_o regiment_n sustain_v by_o christ_n or_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o his_o priesthood_n but_o because_o they_o have_v right_a in_o part_n to_o these_o office_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o both_o redound_v to_o they_o whole_o and_o this_o right_n they_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o god_n be_v bind_v again_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n among_o which_o these_o two_o must_v be_v account_v for_o indeed_o every_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v convey_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o every_o true_a believer_n second_o in_o this_o divine_a call_n christ_n endue_v all_o his_o member_n with_o gift_n and_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n be_v anoint_v so_o be_v all_o his_o member_n so_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o christ_n say_v he_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n psal._n 45._o vers_fw-la 7._o therefore_o his_o fellow_n that_o be_v believer_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o same_o oil_n though_o in_o less_o measure_n and_o saint_n john_n say_v you_o have_v receive_v the_o anoint_v 1._o john_n 2.27_o yea_o god_n himself_o charge_v wicked_a man_n not_o to_o touch_v his_o anointed_n psal._n 105.15_o mean_v not_o only_a patriarch_n king_n and_o prophet_n but_o all_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v then_o anoint_v when_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n wherewith_o christ_n in_o his_o manhood_n be_v fill_v above_o measure_n the_o four_o point_n to_o who_o have_v he_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n answ._n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n this_o be_v add_v for_o special_a cause_n to_o prevent_v that_o carnal_a liberty_n which_o man_n nature_n may_v claim_v from_o this_o spiritual_a royalty_n for_o man_n may_v say_v if_o all_o believer_n be_v king_n then_o may_v they_o live_v as_o they_o list_v but_o these_o word_n unto_o god_n do_v show_v that_o the_o right_n of_o their_o kingdom_n with_o the_o office_n of_o their_o priesthood_n must_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n last_o he_o add_v even_o his_o father_n by_o way_n of_o exposition_n to_o show_v more_o particular_o to_o which_o of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v first_o of_o all_o make_v king_n and_o priest_n for_o the_o title_n god_n must_v not_o here_o be_v take_v absolute_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o with_o restraint_n to_o the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n unto_o who_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o they_o both_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v here_o name_v above_o the_o rest_n not_o as_o be_v above_o they_o in_o degree_n or_o honour_n for_o so_o they_o be_v equal_a but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v convey_v from_o he_o to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o they_o both_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o follow_v sundry_a use_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o dignity_n of_o believer_n and_o first_o their_o kingly_a dignity_n afford_v matter_n both_o of_o instruction_n and_o consolation_n instruct._n i._o whereas_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v make_v true_a king_n in_o this_o life_n hereby_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n be_v teach_v to_o carry_v himself_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o namely_o to_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n even_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o call_v every_o christian_a have_v title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n what_o affinity_n then_o can_v we_o have_v with_o those_o that_o be_v both_o enemy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o that_o make_v we_o king_n
golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o i_o hear_v this_o sudden_a and_o mighty_a voice_n i_o turn_v myself_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o utter_v the_o same_o in_o this_o behaviour_n of_o john_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o word_n as_o john_n dispose_v himself_o towards_o christ_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o vision_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o voice_n speak_v john_n hearken_v and_o because_o the_o sound_n thereof_o come_v behind_o he_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o utter_v it_o even_o so_o must_v we_o do_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n stranger_n with_o god_n slow_a to_o hear_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o ready_a to_o turn_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n when_o we_o hear_v therefore_o when_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n we_o must_v hearken_v and_o though_o we_o be_v go_v another_o way_n yet_o we_o must_v turn_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o voice_n that_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o saint_n john_n have_v not_o see_v this_o marvelous_a vision_n unless_o he_o have_v turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v he_o that_o speak_v no_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n unless_o we_o turn_v our_o heart_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o that_o betimes_o while_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n viz._n the_o entrance_n thereunto_o the_o second_o part_n it_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o vision_n contain_v a_o most_o worthy_a representation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o a_o description_n of_o christ_n continue_v from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n wherein_o john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v and_o partly_o by_o see_v and_o first_o he_o begin_v his_o description_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o see_v he_o represent_v in_o vision_n and_o so_o describe_v he_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o place_n where_o he_o see_v he_o second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n wherein_o he_o appear_v i._o for_o the_o place_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v himself_o vers_fw-la 20._o now_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n for_o that_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o they_o for_o as_o the_o candlestick_n serve_v to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n that_o be_v set_v therein_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n they_o bear_v up_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o call_v candlestick_n than_o candle_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o or_o from_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v god_n instrument_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a true_a lamp_n and_o candle_n that_o give_v light_a to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n second_o hence_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n must_v learn_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v a_o shine_a and_o burn_a candle_n indeed_o this_o principal_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n john_n 5._o vers_fw-la 35._o but_o yet_o it_o must_v also_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o member_n thereof_o as_o saint_n paul_n command_v 16._o shine_v say_v he_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n quest._n how_o shall_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n become_v a_o burn_a light_n answ._n first_o he_o must_v have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o then_o as_o a_o candlestick_n hold_v out_o and_o send_v forth_o the_o beaâ—es_n thereof_o to_o other_o partly_o by_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n and_o partly_o by_o example_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n thus_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v god_n commandment_n shine_v as_o light_n say_v s._n paul_n in_o the_o world_n philip_n 2.15_o and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n ephes._n 5.8_o second_o consider_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o which_o be_v wonderful_a great_a for_o by_o godly_a instruction_n in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o answerable_a obedience_n in_o our_o life_n we_o win_v many_o to_o the_o lord_n show_v forth_o such_o light_n whereby_o other_o may_v walk_v in_o this_o dark_a world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a light_n in_o the_o winter_n season_n man_n think_v they_o do_v other_o great_a pleasure_n if_o in_o the_o night_n they_o hang_v forth_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v passenger_n a_o little_a way_n in_o a_o earthly_a walk_n what_o a_o bless_a thing_n then_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v guide_v a_o sinful_a wicked_a wretch_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n live_v in_o god_n church_n like_o candle_n put_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n hence_o come_v great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o other_o with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o they_o lead_v other_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n especial_o they_o who_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o conscience_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o good_a example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o as_o in_o a_o haven_n town_n if_o any_o man_n in_o the_o night_n time_n do_v remove_v the_o sea-mark_a which_o guide_v the_o ship_n in_o the_o right_a channel_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v near_o the_o shore_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n even_o so_o they_o that_o shall_v give_v light_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o false_a light_n to_o such_o as_o depend_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v sail_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n hereby_o they_o lead_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a haven_n and_o instead_o of_o heaven_n bring_v their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n which_o must_v terrify_v we_o from_o ignorance_n and_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v we_o labour_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o this_o world_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o godly_a conversation_n three_o reason_n consider_v the_o fearful_a judgment_n of_o god_n against_o such_o as_o live_v in_o his_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o yet_o give_v no_o light_n they_o do_v incur_v the_o fearful_a wrath_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o temple_n the_o keep_n of_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n and_o other_o instrument_n to_o trim_v the_o same_o which_o notable_o figure_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n who_o look_v to_o every_o light_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v to_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o a_o lamp_n and_o when_o they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o dark_a he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n to_o trim_v they_o and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o better_a light_n both_o by_o godly_a life_n and_o good_a instruction_n but_o when_o he_o have_v snuff_v they_o again_o and_o again_o if_o still_o they_o burn_v dark_a and_o dim_a and_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o else_o a_o false_a light_n
but_o the_o deadly_a wound_n of_o christ_n enemy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d much_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o wicked_a the_o second_o work_n of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v in_o god_n elect_v in_o they_o it_o have_v sundry_a work_n all_o which_o â—end_n to_o their_o subjection_n first_o it_o wound_v to_o the_o quick_a the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n this_o be_v one_o special_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v call_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n because_o it_o enter_v deep_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n and_o give_v their_o corruption_n such_o a_o deadly_a blow_n as_o it_o shall_v never_o recover_v again_o it_o kill_v not_o the_o person_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o wicked_a but_o quicken_a the_o soul_n it_o wound_v his_o corruption_n paul_n minister_v the_o gospel_n 16_o that_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v acceptable_a where_o resemble_v god_n church_n to_o a_o sacrifice_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v slay_v though_o not_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o sinful_a motion_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o rebellious_a action_n by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v his_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o root_n of_o corruption_n be_v stock_v up_o second_o after_o conversion_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n serve_v to_o cut_v off_o and_o pare_v away_o the_o remnant_n of_o unbelief_n doubt_v impiety_n anger_n and_o other_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o elect_a 15._o every_o branch_n say_v christ_n that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o i_o my_o father_n the_o husbandman_n grune_v to_o make_v it_o bring_v foâ—rth_o more_o fruit_n three_o it_o serve_v to_o keep_v god_n child_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o in_o this_o vision_n christ_n stand_v in_o his_o church_n hold_v up_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o he_o bear_v in_o his_o mouth_n for_o this_o end_n that_o though_o his_o enemy_n will_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o yet_o his_o own_o child_n may_v hereby_o be_v keep_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o at_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n tremble_v and_o fear_n before_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o rebellious_a subject_n if_o there_o be_v brawl_v in_o humane_a society_n let_v the_o magistrate_n but_o show_v himself_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o straightway_o every_o one_o be_v quiet_a if_o any_o resist_n he_o be_v take_v for_o a_o rebel_n now_o shall_v this_o be_v effect_v in_o civil_a policy_n and_o not_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n spiritual_a government_n unless_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o rebel_v against_o christ_n let_v we_o cease_v from_o sin_n and_o tremble_v before_o he_o see_v he_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n four_o this_o sword_n serve_v notable_o for_o our_o defence_n and_o victory_n in_o all_o temptation_n ephes_n 6._o â—â—_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v one_o piece_n of_o the_o complete_a armour_n of_o a_o christian._n herewith_o do_v christ_n vanquish_v satan_n matth._n 4_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o elect_a hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o we_o must_v with_o all_o reverence_n hear_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o man_n will_v hear_v it_o while_o it_o be_v teach_v general_o but_o if_o it_o once_o touch_v their_o particular_a fault_n than_o they_o can_v brook_v it_o but_o we_o must_v suffer_v it_o to_o ransack_v our_o heart_n and_o be_v glad_a thereof_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o corruption_n be_v wound_v and_o sin_n slay_v in_o we_o our_o soul_n be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o any_o man_n be_v disease_v with_o a_o fistula_n or_o any_o other_o dangerous_a sore_n he_o will_v willing_o suffer_v the_o surgeon_n to_o search_v and_o pierce_v into_o the_o fame_n shall_v we_o do_v this_o for_o our_o bodily_a health_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o rip_v up_o our_o sin_n that_o they_o be_v wound_v and_o subdue_v we_o may_v be_v heal_v and_o so_o our_o soul_n live_v for_o ever_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n till_o we_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o we_o can_v never_o die_v unto_o sin_n till_o the_o same_o be_v wound_v in_o we_o by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n away_o therefore_o with_o all_o niceness_n in_o dislike_a the_o word_n when_o it_o cross_v our_o humour_n and_o if_o we_o love_v eternal_a life_n let_v we_o then_o embrace_v it_o most_o willing_o saint_n john_n say_v fâ—â—ther_o of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o it_o come_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n other_o king_n carry_v their_o sword_n and_o sceptre_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o christ_n bear_v he_o in_o his_o mouth_n to_o teach_v we_o this_o special_a point_n that_o we_o must_v receive_v no_o doctrine_n from_o any_o man_n which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o thâ—_n mouth_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o son_n &_o christ_n deliver_v it_o unto_o his_o prophetâ—_n and_o apostles_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n in_o their_o write_n they_o therefore_o must_v deliver_v nothing_o unto_o god_n people_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v from_o christ_n if_o they_o deliver_v aught_o else_o they_o hold_v noâ—_n forth_o christ_n sword_n neither_o can_v it_o have_v that_o powerful_a effect_n either_o in_o the_o godly_a or_o in_o the_o wicked_a and_o his_o face_n 〈…〉_z the_o sun_n shine_v iâ—_n his_o brightness_n here_o be_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o this_o description_n of_o christ_n his_o face_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n and_o that_o in_o his_o strength_n because_o christ_n be_v unto_o his_o churchy_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o look_v what_o duty_n the_o sun_n perform_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o same_o duty_n christ_n perform_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n as_o their_o resemblance_n will_v evident_o declare_v first_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o world_n dispel_v night_n and_o darkness_n and_o make_v the_o day_n by_o bring_v light_n so_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n malach._n 4.2_o send_v down_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n into_o his_o church_n whereby_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v take_v away_o 2._o corinth_n 4.6_o and_o hereby_o every_o one_o of_o what_o sort_n or_o place_n soever_o be_v teach_v first_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o great_a shame_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o be_v ignorant_a herâ—in_n when_o the_o day_n come_v we_o set_v open_a our_o window_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o our_o comfort_n behold_v christ_n jesus_n be_v ever_o a_o shine_a light_n in_o his_o church_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o open_v our_o heart_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o descend_v from_o he_o may_v enter_v into_o we_o and_o give_v we_o light_n second_o we_o must_v hereby_o learn_v in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n among_o man_n to_o walk_v by_o this_o light_n we_o be_v here_o but_o pilgrim_n travel_v towards_o heaven_n and_o the_o way_n of_o this_o miserable_a word_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n yet_o christ_n jesus_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v the_o right_a way_n thither_o without_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o wander_a his_o word_n be_v the_o light_n and_o himself_o the_o day_n star_n we_o therefore_o must_v attend_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o our_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o our_o lawful_a calling_n take_v direction_n from_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v from_o his_o face_n second_o the_o sun_n serve_v most_o excellent_o to_o comfort_n and_o revive_v cold_a and_o dead_a starve_a body_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n teach_v so_o christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n convey_v spiritual_a life_n and_o heat_n â—nto_o the_o dead_a and_o freeze_a heart_n of_o man_n he_o be_v of_o power_n to_o comfort_v they_o that_o mourn_v to_o give_v life_n to_o the_o break_a heart_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a isay._n 57.15_o and_o for_o this_o most_o excellent_a work_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o must_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o life_n and_o joy_n which_o come_v
first_o he_o give_v he_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o presence_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o to_o assure_v he_o of_o protection_n from_o all_o danger_n of_o death_n then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o wrod_n bid_v he_o not_o to_o fear_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n be_v a_o soverigne_a remedy_n against_o all_o fear_n when_o moses_n fear_v the_o great_a calling_n he_o be_v send_v about_o to_o take_v away_o that_o fear_n the_o lord_n say_v 3.12_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o hence_o david_n say_v 40_o he_o will_v not_o fear_v though_o he_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n because_o god_n be_v his_o stay_n and_o comfort_n wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o of_o god_n presence_n but_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o special_a protection_n and_o so_o in_o all_o danger_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n we_o shall_v have_v stay_n and_o comfort_n for_o our_o soul_n the_o lord_n have_v use_v these_o two_o mean_n to_o confirm_v john_n both_o a_o sign_n &_o his_o word_n do_v yet_o further_o condescend_v unto_o johns_n weakness_n and_o establish_v his_o own_o word_n by_o two_o reason_n the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o because_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v before_o he_o the_o last_o because_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v after_o he_o these_o two_o title_n be_v give_v unto_o christ_n to_o express_v his_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n as_o before_o we_o have_v hear_v verse_n 8._o now_o here_o they_o be_v again_o set_v down_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o power_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o protect_v his_o servant_n from_o all_o danger_n and_o from_o death_n and_o will_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o all_o his_o promise_n unto_o eternal_a life_n verse_n 18._o and_o be_o he_o that_o live_v but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o reason_n to_o confirm_v john_n and_o it_o may_v thus_o be_v frame_v by_o way_n of_o a_o distinction_n although_o i_o be_v dead_a yet_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n yea_o i_o have_v power_n over_o death_n and_o hell_n this_o distinction_n contain_v three_o part_n first_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v second_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o live_v for_o evermore_o three_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o part_n and_o be_o he_o that_o live_v though_o i_o be_v dead_a here_o life_n be_v ascribe_v to_o christ_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n for_o christ_n live_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n different_a from_o the_o life_n of_o other_o creature_n for_o first_o he_o have_v sufficient_a life_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o second_o he_o give_v life_n to_o other_o for_o the_o first_o that_o we_o may_v better_o conceive_v it_o we_o must_v know_v that_o life_n be_v twofold_a uncreated_a and_o create_v uncreated_a life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o god_n whereby_o god_n live_v this_o life_n be_v eternal_a and_o infinite_a in_o itself_o &_o from_o itself_o now_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o live_v this_o uncreated_a life_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o godhead_n again_o create_v be_v twofold_a the_o first_o be_v natural_a preserve_v by_o mean_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o second_o be_v spiritual_a both_o begin_v and_o continue_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v more_o perfect_a than_o the_o natural_a now_o christ_n live_v not_o the_o natural_a life_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n live_v the_o uncreated_a life_n &_o as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o live_v the_o spiritual_a life_n his_o body_n and_o soul_n have_v all_o their_o subsist_v and_o sustentation_n in_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v in_o himself_o most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a life_n and_o so_o live_v of_o himself_o second_o christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o live_v because_o he_o give_v life_n unto_o man_n &_o that_o two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o he_o give_v life_n to_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o in_o he_o every_o thing_n live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v act._n 17.28_o second_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n and_o man_n and_o so_o he_o give_v spiritual_a life_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o people_n hence_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o john_n 14.19_o for_o look_v as_o christ_n die_v not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o die_v eternal_o so_o he_o live_v now_o in_o heaven_n the_o spiritual_a life_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v that_o spiritual_a life_n in_o and_o by_o he_o eternal_o and_o therefore_o our_o life_n be_v say_v to_o be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o do_v eat_v the_o body_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n real_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o he_o for_o as_o we_o receive_v grace_n from_o his_o grace_n so_o we_o receive_v life_n from_o his_o life_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o seek_v for_o this_o spiritual_a life_n at_o christ_n hand_n use_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o paul_n i_o live_v not_o now_o but_o christ_n liâ—eth_v in_o i_o gal._n â—_o 21_o and_o that_o our_o life_n 〈◊〉_d â—id_v in_o christ_n as_o in_o a_o head_n and_o root_n for_o he_o live_v in_o heaven_n that_o we_o may_v live_v by_o he_o our_o care_n must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o for_o our_o temporal_a life_n which_o be_v but_o a_o vapour_n and_o like_o a_o fleet_a shadow_n as_o for_o this_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v eternal_a but_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v though_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n man_n whole_a care_n be_v for_o temporal_a life_n few_o think_v on_o this_o how_o to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o this_o spiritual_a life_n by_o christ_n though_o he_o have_v say_v i_o live_v that_o you_o may_v live_v in_o i_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o common_a practice_n they_o will_v go_v ten_o twenty_o yea_o a_o hundred_o mile_n to_o provide_v mean_n for_o their_o bodily_a preservation_n and_o yet_o will_v scarce_o go_v one_o or_o two_o mile_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n for_o ever_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v the_o hardness_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v for_o their_o sin_n nor_o feel_v the_o smart_n &_o weight_n thereof_o this_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o in_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n for_o when_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o well_o of_o jacob_n talk_v with_o she_o 4._o and_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n of_o who_o water_n whosoever_o drink_v shall_v never_o thirst_v she_o do_v nothing_o but_o cavil_n with_o he_o but_o when_o he_o lay_v to_o her_o heart_n her_o principal_a sin_n than_o she_o leave_v off_o cavil_v and_o in_o reverence_n and_o some_o beginning_n of_o faith_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n even_o so_o let_v the_o minister_n say_v unto_o his_o people_n he_o can_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o water_n of_o life_n they_o will_v nothing_o regard_v but_o cavil_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o their_o sin_n be_v touch_v and_o their_o soul_n humble_v by_o the_o sight_n thereof_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o heart_n fit_a to_o receive_v spiritual_a life_n by_o christ_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o fear_v god_n wrath_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o same_o hereby_o we_o shall_v be_v wean_v from_o the_o dangerous_a love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v ravish_v with_o desire_n of_o christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o if_o once_o we_o can_v feel_v a_o parch_a heat_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n than_o will_v we_o thirst_v &_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v drink_v our_o fill_n and_o dine_v ourselves_o in_o his_o save_a merit_n this_o natural_a life_n be_v but_o vanish_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o this_o spiritual_a
jew_n though_o their_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n be_v both_o heretic_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o live_v among_o they_o and_o behold_v their_o wicked_a conversation_n we_o must_v not_o approve_v of_o their_o ungodliness_n but_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o same_o as_o righteous_a lot_n be_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o sodom_n 2._o pet._n 2.7_o further_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o evil_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n we_o must_v not_o for_o their_o company_n refuse_v to_o communicate_v for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n live_v among_o the_o jew_n communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sacrament_n and_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v notorious_a both_o for_o wicked_a life_n and_o false_a doctrine_n the_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o another_o man_n evil_a conscience_n do_v not_o defile_v our_o good_a conscience_n but_o we_o may_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o that_o action_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a be_v defile_v now_o though_o we_o may_v thus_o converse_v with_o evil_a man_n yet_o these_o two_o caveat_n must_v be_v observe_v i._o to_o have_v no_o private_a company_n with_o know_v and_o open_a evil_a person_n this_o paul_n express_o forbid_v say_v i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o 1â—_n that_o you_o company_n not_o together_o that_o be_v in_o private_a and_o familiar_a manner_n ii_o we_o must_v not_o show_v special_a familiaritâ—â—_n to_o evil_a person_n god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o hand_n job._n 8.20_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v if_o any_o man_n come_v unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n 2._o john_n 9_o which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o special_a familiarity_n for_o thereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o perform_v outward_a duty_n to_o the_o person_n but_o also_o give_v countenance_n to_o their_o sin_n which_o in_o any_o case_n we_o must_v not_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o to_o converse_v with_o evil_a man_n hereby_o all_o those_o be_v just_o blame_v which_o fit_a themselves_o for_o the_o humour_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o company_n use_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v if_o any_o be_v know_v to_o be_v open_o wicked_a either_o for_o life_n or_o opinion_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v private_a company_n with_o they_o or_o afford_v they_o our_o special_a familiarity_n but_o by_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o they_o case_v we_o of_o such_o burden_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v commend_v this_o church_n for_o her_o severity_n against_o the_o wicked_a in_o that_o she_o can_v not_o endure_v they_o do_v prove_v the_o same_o to_o be_v true_a by_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o verse_n the_o second_o in_o the_o six_o verse_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o sharp_a and_o round_o deal_n of_o this_o church_n against_o evil_a man_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o her_o discovery_n of_o false_a apostle_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n second_o her_o oppose_a herself_o against_o they_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o discovery_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n note_v two_o special_a point_n first_o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o particular_a church_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v this_o appear_v by_o sundry_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n 1._o cor._n 2.15_o the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o be_v be_v which_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n holy_a spirit_n discern_v all_o thing_n and_o paul_n 11.29_o assume_v that_o the_o faithful_a corinthian_n do_v discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v see_v and_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o that_o sacrament_n and_o other_o common_a bread_n &_o wine_n which_o none_o that_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v do_v again_o he_o bid_v they_o 13.5_o prove_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o they_o do_v know_v their_o own_o estate_n whether_o they_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n or_o under_o grace_n and_o s._n john_n bid_v the_o church_n to_o 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v those_o doctrine_n which_o man_n pretend_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v and_o in_o this_o place_n this_o church_n discover_v of_o false_a apostle_n declare_v plain_o that_o she_o have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v who_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v his_o church_n and_o who_o not_o and_o hence_o the_o godly_a learned_a in_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a heb._n 5.14_o and_o in_o this_o regard_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o company_n of_o man_n for_o unless_o man_n be_v of_o god_n church_n they_o want_v this_o gift_n of_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o differ_v as_o true_a apostle_n and_o false_a good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o which_o be_v not_o use_n for_o the_o church_n can_v discern_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a apostle_n or_o not_o and_o by_o the_o same_o gift_n it_o may_v discern_v the_o state_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n whence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o it_o please_v some_o to_o call_v it_o into_o question_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v and_o they_o avouch_v that_o it_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n no_o true_a preach_n or_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n with_o we_o be_v illusion_n of_o satan_n and_o our_o church_n his_o synagogue_n but_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o germany_n france_n scotland_n and_o italy_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v not_o now_o they_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o we_o and_o reverence_v our_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o who_o testimony_n we_o must_v rather_o cleave_v than_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o so_o resolve_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v scripture_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o scripture_n the_o papist_n say_v the_o church_n indeed_o have_v this_o gift_n but_o it_o be_v by_o counsel_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a forgery_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o can_v discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n can_v no_o doubt_n by_o the_o same_o gift_n discern_v of_o the_o bookeâ—_n of_o god_n and_o that_o without_o counsel_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o at_o this_o time_n when_o john_n write_v it_o be_v a_o more_o famous_a church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o go_v not_o thither_o for_o counsel_n ii_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discern_a of_o false_a apostle_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o judicial_a action_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n here_o note_v first_o in_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o in_o condemnation_n afterward_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o their_o condemn_a or_o sentence_n give_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n for_o the_o first_o examination_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o be_v here_o use_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o false_a apostle_n que._n how_o may_v any_o church_n try_v a_o false_a teacher_n answ._n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o large_a discourse_n but_o the_o head_n of_o true_a examination_n be_v these_o first_o that_o church_n or_o that_o man_n that_o will_v right_o examine_v a_o false_a teacher_n must_v prepare_v himself_o thereunto_o after_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v look_v that_o he_o have_v a_o meek_a spirit_n and_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n
of_o hart_n and_o profaneness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n these_o must_v know_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v on_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o come_v out_o of_o this_o estate_n &_o endeavour_n so_o to_o hear_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v unto_o god_n both_o in_o mind_n heart_n and_o life_n ii_o point_n the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o to_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v and_o with_o attention_n to_o bring_v faith_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n every_o way_n eph._n 4.21_o 22_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n be_v notable_o describe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mindâ—_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o utter_v it_o as_o to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o risâ—_n 〈◊〉_d newness_n of_o life_n and_o indeed_o a_o man_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v again_o to_o be_v admonish_v that_o we_o so_o hear_v with_o attention_n that_o by_o hear_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o that_o with_o our_o change_n we_o join_v â—are_v to_o believe_v and_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o iâ—_n that_o save_v hearing_n which_o bring_v eternal_a life_n all_o other_o hear_n do_v increase_v our_o sin_n to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n whereby_o also_o appear_v the_o fearful_a state_n of_o many_o who_o lend_v only_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n to_o hâ—â—re_v the_o word_n but_o then_o heart_n be_v not_o move_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v thereby_o iii_o point_n what_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n say_v â—nto_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o go_v beâ—ore_o &_o not_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o thiâ—_n commandment_n belong_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o go_v before_o the_o promise_n follow_v rather_o concern_v the_o person_n themselves_o than_o the_o matter_n the_o thing_n then_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v these_o christ_n his_o sharp_a reproof_n for_o sin_n his_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n a_o remedy_n prescribe_v &_o motive_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o especial_o repentance_n for_o of_o all_o these_o christ_n speak_v before_o use_n from_o this_o that_o christ_n bid_v they_o hear_v these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n in_o sin_n &_o amendment_n by_o repentance_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o the_o same_o second_o that_o after_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n have_v consider_v of_o theri_fw-la sin_n and_o of_o god_n judgement_n it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v and_o if_o they_o have_v repent_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o daily_a &_o do_v it_o more_o that_o so_o god_n judgement_n both_o private_a and_o common_a may_v be_v avoid_v we_o therefore_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o search_v into_o our_o own_o way_n to_o find_v out_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v that_o by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o so_o escape_v his_o fearful_a iudgementâ—_n further_o these_o word_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n contain_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n to_o move_v every_o man_n to_o hear_v i._o because_o they_o be_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o because_o they_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o one_o man_n oâ—_n one_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o churcheâ—_n for_o the_o firstâ—_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d demand_v seeinâ—_n christ_n spâ—ke_v thâ—se_a wordâ—_n how_o 〈…〉_z be_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v theâ—_n ans._n both_o may_v stand_v first_o because_o all_o the_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v common_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z to_o â—each_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o the_o father_n create_v thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o son_n also_o create_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n create_v they_o so_o herâ—_n when_o the_o son_n reach_v the_o father_n teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v for_o as_o the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o must_v they_o be_v join_v in_o all_o outward_a action_n second_o christ_n say_v the_o spirit_n speak_v because_o he_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o teach_v his_o church_n in_o bodily_a presence_n but_o hy_z his_o spirit_n which_o after_o his_o ascension_n he_o send_v to_o be_v their_o comforter_n and_o instructor_n here_o then_o observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o speak_v unto_o man_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n because_o say_v they_o a_o judge_n must_v speak_v and_o christ_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o church_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o dumb_a letter_n and_o can_v speak_v therefore_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o the_o church_n can_v be_v judge_n it_o be_v but_o christ_n minister_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o he_o command_v christ_n therefore_o must_v be_v judge_n unto_o his_o church_n by_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o dumb_a judge_n for_o therein_o his_o spirit_n speak_v plain_o and_o sufficient_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o any_o point_n in_o controversy_n that_o be_v needful_a in_o god_n church_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o attention_n be_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o all_o church_n where_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n agree_v to_o all_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a duty_n in_o read_v and_o hear_a god_n holy_a word_n namely_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o applicacation_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o flourish_a knowledge_n of_o the_o story_n but_o apply_v every_o precept_n and_o example_n unto_o ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o for_o imitation_n if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o vice_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o move_v we_o to_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v the_o like_a for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o learn_v that_o which_o he_o speak_v unto_o one_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n to_o wit_n a_o most_o excellent_a promise_n wherein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v for_o the_o first_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o fight_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n sin_n sathan_n hell_n and_o condemnation_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o overcome_v these_o enemy_n first_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcom_v the_o world_n so_o by_o regeneration_n he_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n death_n sin_n and_o satan_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v and_o renounce_v himself_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o death_n passion_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ._n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n which_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n his_o victory_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o subdue_v his_o own_o corruption_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n three_o he_o that_o will_v overcome_v must_v keep_v faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n stand_v out_o in_o life_n and_o death_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o use_n in_o this_o that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v first_o we_o observe_v that_o
that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o god_n of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o any_o other_o but_o by_o christ_n god_n hear_v not_o god_n help_v not_o god_n save_v not_o but_o by_o christ_n nay_o god_n be_v no_o god_n unto_o we_o out_o of_o christ._n for_o first_o he_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o christ_n and_o then_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o unto_o us._n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n we_o must_v call_v on_o he_o through_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v give_v he_o thanks_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o only_o be_v we_o hear_v if_o we_o will_v know_v god_n it_o must_v be_v by_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v the_o very_a engraven_a image_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o be_v manife_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o idol_n in_o the_o brain_n last_o if_o we_o will_v receive_v any_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n as_o meat_n drink_n and_o clothing_n for_o if_o we_o receive_v they_o from_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n we_o be_v but_o usurper_n of_o they_o and_o the_o use_n thereof_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n four_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o do_v all_o desire_n and_o look_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n after_o this_o life_n therefore_o here_o we_o must_v live_v as_o citizen_n of_o god_n kingdom_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n commandment_n abandon_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o after_o this_o life_n we_o may_v assure_o persuade_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o kingdom_n five_o it_o be_v say_v this_o city_n of_o god_n be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v more_o careful_o to_o seek_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o behold_v god_n endless_a mercy_n herein_o our_o sin_n shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v open_v they_o and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o make_v heaven_n come_v down_o unto_o man_n god_n therefore_o will_v not_o see_v we_o damn_v he_o have_v make_v open_a away_o even_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o escape_n hell_n god_n have_v bring_v down_o heaven_n among_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o with_o the_o people_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n violent_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n and_o strive_v to_o take_v it_o by_o force_n matt._n 11.12_o last_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o new_a name_n on_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v he_o partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o digniâ—ie_v wherewith_o i_o myself_o be_o glorify_v since_o my_o death_n and_o resurrection_n mark_v this_o all_o that_o after_o this_o life_n must_v have_v christ_n new_a name_n must_v in_o this_o life_n become_v new_a creature_n so_o paul_n say_v 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o again_o 6.15_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n will_v we_o then_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v here_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n herein_o stand_v true_a religion_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o not_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n and_o profession_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v of_o 4.23.24_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a with_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mâ—â—ds_n put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n but_o if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o old_a man_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o christ_n glory_n for_o this_o new_a name_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o old_a man_n and_o it_o can_v agree_v together_o vers._n 13._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 this_o conclusion_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n vers._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v amen_o that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n that_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n here_o follow_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n whereto_o be_v prefix_v a_o commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v authorise_v to_o pen_v the_o same_o in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v which_o have_v be_v handle_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v this_o 14._o verse_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n christ_n who_o be_v here_o describe_v by_o two_o argument_n i._o he_o be_v call_v amen_o which_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n ii_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o amen_o be_v a_o hebrew_n aduerbe_n of_o asseveration_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o very_o true_o or_o certain_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n &_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o full_a exposition_n of_o the_o same_o amen_n be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v amen_o to_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o a_o true_a witness_n which_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v expound_v and_o reason_n render_v why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v unto_o which_o title_n be_v here_o add_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n according_a as_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o without_o error_n deceit_n or_o falsehood_n for_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o must_v first_o search_v out_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v amen_o that_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n which_o by_o the_o content_n of_o the_o epistle_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v to_o be_v these_o first_o to_o set_v forth_o himself_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n a_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o fidelity_n in_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o duty_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a christ_n therefore_o by_o his_o own_o example_n will_v teach_v he_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o instruct_v the_o church_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o how_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v have_v be_v show_v before_o chap._n 1.5_o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o member_n do_v christ_n propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o first_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n make_v good_a all_o his_o lawful_a word_n promise_n oath_n league_n compact_n and_o bargain_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o his_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v truth_n be_v another_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n without_o fraud_n lie_v or_o deceit_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o good_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o we_o therefore_o must_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n this_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n without_o any_o fame_a or_o falsehood_n so_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o show_v ourselves_o faithful_a in_o all_o lawful_a promise_n and_o true_a in_o all_o our_o speech_n that_o so_o by_o these_o virtue_n we_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o christ_n through_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n second_o
yet_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o read_v the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o constant_a course_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v three_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n be_v break_v for_o though_o most_o man_n at_o set_a time_n will_v come_v into_o the_o congregation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o that_o private_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v which_o god_n word_n require_v but_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o to_o outward_a delight_n to_o omit_v those_o that_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n in_o any_o sort_n now_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o want_v both_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o all_o sound_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v employ_v themselves_o in_o god_n word_n and_o by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o infect_v our_o congregation_n now_o where_o this_o negligence_n be_v though_o coldness_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v zeal_n and_o so_o luke-warmnesse_n must_v needs_o abound_v ii_o sign_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n be_v this_o in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_n they_o show_v religion_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o in_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n who_o show_v his_o religion_n for_o when_o as_o man_n shall_v practice_v their_o calling_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o true_a godliness_n they_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n little_a conscience_n be_v make_v of_o lie_v and_o oppression_n that_o love_n and_o plain_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v want_v which_o prove_v they_o plain_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n iii_o sign_n there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a for_o though_o all_o general_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o many_o when_o they_o see_v some_o make_v conscience_n to_o become_v answerable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o receive_v do_v take_v up_o in_o their_o mouth_n this_o slander_n of_o precizenesse_n against_o they_o mock_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n themselves_o profess_v shall_v be_v do_v these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o profess_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v zealous_a by_o reproach_v zeal_n in_o other_o therefore_o they_o do_v more_o than_o these_o laodicean_n do_v even_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a for_o he_o that_o reproach_v another_o for_o zeal_n in_o religion_n brand_v himself_o with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o who_o know_v not_o how_o many_o of_o this_o â—ort_n be_v every_o where_o i_o dare_v with_o good_a conscience_n say_v our_o congregation_n general_o consist_v of_o such_o now_o mark_v what_o follow_v hereupon_o first_o that_o our_o common_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n than_o heathen_a man_n jew_n and_o turk_n that_o know_v not_o christ._n this_o christ_n teach_v in_o prefer_v cold_a person_n before_o the_o lukewarm_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v rather_o thou_o were_v a_o pagan_a than_o a_o professor_n without_o zeal_n and_o 2.21_o saint_n peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v of_o such_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v further_a matter_n in_o we_o than_o knowledge_n and_o bare_a profession_n our_o case_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o turk_n religion_n know_v will_v not_o make_v thou_o better_o than_o they_o but_o it_o be_v zeal_n and_o obedience_n that_o must_v prefer_v thou_o before_o they_o second_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o estate_n i_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n out_o of_o the_o stomach_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n here_o threaten_v which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o may_v know_v where_o lukewarmenesse_a take_v place_n there_o this_o punishment_n will_v follow_v we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o old_a world_n do_v &_o think_v all_o be_v well_o never_o regard_v till_o the_o judgement_n come_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o true_a society_n with_o christ_n god_n can_v do_v this_o sundry_a way_n either_o by_o bereave_v we_o of_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v we_o as_o the_o heathen_a or_o by_o send_v the_o enemy_n among_o we_o to_o destroy_v and_o root_v we_o out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o even_o in_o our_o neighbor-countreys_n and_o town_n he_o set_v spectacle_n before_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v see_v how_o he_o can_v spew_v we_o ouâ—_n &_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a vers._n 17._o for_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o make_v rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a &_o blind_a and_o naked_a here_o be_v the_o second_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o former_a as_o a_o reason_n thereof_o before_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o deadness_n in_o religion_n and_o here_o he_o paint_v out_o the_o cause_n thereof_o namely_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o hart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o think_v thus_o within_o thyself_o i_o be_o rich_a for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n by_o their_o speech_n because_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v as_o evident_a to_o christ_n as_o any_o man_n speech_n can_v be_v to_o another_o use_n in_o that_o christ_n do_v express_v man_n secret_a thought_n and_o propound_v the_o same_o in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o set_v down_o the_o thought_n of_o country_n of_o church_n &_o of_o particular_a man_n even_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o this_o can_v no_o man_n do_v in_o any_o book_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v a_o argument_n against_o atheist_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o they_o reveal_v man_n secret_a thought_n now_o follow_v the_o thought_n itself_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o people_n of_o this_o church_n i_o be_o rich_a that_o be_v i_o have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o this_o effect_n he_o express_v their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o overween_a their_o estate_n before_o god_n this_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o have_v be_v christ_n say_v 5.32_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o righteous_a mean_v such_o as_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o the_o 10._o proud_a pharisie_n in_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o heart_n think_v himself_o far_o better_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n or_o other_o man_n and_o paul_n â—_o bring_v in_o the_o corinthian_n think_v proud_o of_o themselves_o say_v we_o be_v full_a and_o make_v rich_a etc._n etc._n this_o sin_n take_v place_n in_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o temporal_a work_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o other_o to_o come_v to_o ourselves_o this_o same_o proud_a thought_n have_v place_n among_o us._n first_o we_o think_v we_o be_v rich_a in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n both_o young_a and_o old_a scorn_n to_o be_v catechize_v because_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a some_o stick_v not_o to_o profess_v this_o pride_n by_o brag_v thus_o that_o they_o know_v as_o much_o for_o substance_n as_o any_o man_n can_v teach_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o nature_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n second_o man_n plead_v that_o they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a say_v so_o as_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_v
another_o and_o yet_o beseech_v they_o to_o increase_v therein_o phil._n 3.13.4_o in_o paul_n person_n we_o have_v a_o worthy_a precedent_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v if_o we_o think_v to_o come_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o though_o he_o have_v go_v far_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o labour_v to_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o consider_v not_o that_o which_o be_v past_a as_o rest_v in_o it_o but_o rather_o how_o far_o he_o be_v too_o short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v use_v mean_n to_o increase_v in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o other_o good_a grace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o perfection_n a_o christian_n man_v life_n be_v a_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o once_o set_v foot_n must_v â—uer_o go_v forward_o and_o not_o stand_v still_o or_o turn_v back_o lest_o we_o never_o come_v there_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o child_n which_o still_o grow_v till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a strength_n and_o so_o must_v every_o child_n of_o god_n labour_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o stand_v still_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o they_o the_o rhemist_n in_o their_o annotation_n abuse_v this_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o text_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n thiâ—_n question_n must_v be_v scan_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n answ._n grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o for_o that_o favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o some_o for_o his_o child_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o and_o take_v grace_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v lose_v but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v be_v lose_v of_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v when_o a_o earthly_a father_n be_v displease_v with_o his_o child_n for_o some_o notorious_a crime_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o sign_n of_o displeasure_n and_o show_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o stripe_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o continue_v his_o father_n and_o hold_v he_o for_o his_o son_n without_o any_o purpose_n to_o disinherit_v he_o even_o so_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o love_a countenance_n from_o they_o and_o change_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n when_o as_o yet_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o their_o adoption_n be_v not_o alter_v but_o remain_v firm_a for_o ever_o and_o god_n be_v still_o their_o father_n though_o a_o angry_a father_n through_o the_o provocation_n of_o their_o sin_n second_o grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n these_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o more_o principal_a of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v save_v as_o faith_n and_o also_o hope_v and_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n there_o be_v other_o also_o less_o principal_a which_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o requisite_a yet_o not_o absolute_o needful_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n alacrity_n in_o prayer_n &_o sense_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o less_o principal_a grace_n may_v quite_o be_v lose_v the_o principal_a grace_n also_o may_v be_v decay_v lessen_v and_o cover_v in_o regard_n of_o operation_n even_o in_o god_n child_n but_o quite_o extinguish_v they_o can_v be_v for_o god_n uphold_v they_o by_o perseverance_n where_o faith_n hope_n &_o love_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n they_o be_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o take_v away_o but_o only_o in_o part_n and_o in_o sense_n and_o feel_n for_o a_o time_n this_o answer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o text_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v here_o blame_v not_o for_o quite_o lose_v her_o loveâ—_n but_o because_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o waxelesse_a than_o it_o be_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o because_o this_o doctrine_n be_v oppugn_v earnest_o not_o only_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o by_o some_o church_n and_o school_n of_o the_o protestant_n i_o will_v first_o show_v the_o truth_n hereof_o out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o scan_v the_o chief_a reason_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o grace_n can_v be_v whole_o and_o final_o lose_v these_o reason_n prove_v i._o matth._n 16.18_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o upon_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o profess_v christ_n will_v build_v his_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o which_o last_o word_n must_v be_v mark_v for_o they_o intimate_v that_o the_o devil_n with_o his_o adherent_n will_v show_v much_o force_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a but_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o get_v the_o victory_n or_o overcome_v it_o whole_o ii_o matth._n 24.24_o christ_n foretell_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v say_v they_o shall_v seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_a where_o he_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o elect_v albeit_o they_o may_v be_v assault_v grievous_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o or_o final_o draw_v away_o from_o their_o faith_n iii_o john_n 10.27_o 28_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v to_o this_o they_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v never_o perish_v so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o cavil_n be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o next_o word_n neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o flesh_n can_v by_o any_o temptation_n draw_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n from_o their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o sheep_n iv._o reason_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n they_o say_v he_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n and_o no_o otherwise_o i_o answer_v if_o they_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n they_o shall_v never_o perish_v 5.5_o for_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a v._o reason_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinat_a they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o be_v justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o be_v glorify_v those_o which_o be_v elect_v call_v and_o justify_v by_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v glorify_v and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v away_o final_o for_o such_o shall_v never_o be_v glorify_v and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 38._o he_o add_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n angel_n principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v separate_v we_o viz._n the_o faithful_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n but_o if_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v away_o final_o than_o they_o may_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n vi_o reason_n rom._n 11.29_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n call_v that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v without_o repentance_n they_o say_v it_o be_v true_a god_n indeed_o never_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o gift_n but_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v and_o fall_v away_o because_o he_o may_v refuse_v and_o reject_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o answer_n be_v frivolous_a maintain_v this_o absurdity_n that_o the_o powerful_a will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o silly_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o man_n can_v repel_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o than_o shall_v man_n will_v take_v place_n and_o god_n will_v be_v make_v frustrate_a and_o void_a vii_o reason_n 1._o john_n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o because_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n how_o be_v that_o true_a for_o chap._n 1.10_o he_o that_o say_v he_o have_v not_o sin_v make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o he_o answ._n the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v
unto_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v good_a corn_n and_o tare_n and_o like_v unto_o a_o barn_n floor_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o chaff_n mingle_v together_o and_o yet_o all_o be_v repute_v believer_n because_o they_o profess_v the_o gospel_n outward_o now_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o mixture_n it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v fall_v away_o and_o become_v no_o church_n either_o when_o the_o godly_a be_v take_v away_o and_o hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n make_v manifest_a or_o else_o when_o true_a believer_n wax_v few_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o the_o might_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o enemy_n which_o may_v daily_o increase_v but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o with_o a_o particular_a member_n of_o christ_n he_o can_v final_o fall_v away_o as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a vers_n 4._o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o both_o the_o former_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n except_o thâ—â—_n amend_v that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o unless_o thou_o prevent_v my_o come_n by_o true_a repentance_n here_o note_n that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v conditional_a 〈◊〉_d come_v to_o ninive_n and_o cry_v yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v be_v destroy_v he_o say_v no_o more_o but_o yet_o that_o threaten_a must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v why_o will_n some_o say_v be_v the_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n propound_v conditional_o answ._n god_n whole_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v one_o alone_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o distinguish_v to_o be_v partly_o secret_a and_o partly_o reveal_v god_n secret_a will_n be_v touch_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v manifest_a unto_o man_n he_o reveal_v will_n be_v touch_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v fall_v out_o every_o day_n now_o god_n secret_a will_n be_v without_o condition_n for_o as_o every_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o god_n will_v it_o when_o good_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v they_o he_o will_v simple_o when_o evil_a thing_n fall_v out_o they_o he_o permit_v to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o make_v god_n secret_a will_n conditional_a be_v to_o bring_v god_n will_v under_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o to_o subject_v the_o creator_n unto_o the_o creature_n but_o god_n reveal_v will_n be_v conditional_a because_o it_o contain_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o this_o manner_n of_o propound_v it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v for_o it_o keep_v man_n more_o in_o awful_a obedience_n than_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_a in_o this_o condition_n note_v this_o thing_n that_o christ_n repeat_v it_o twice_o both_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o reason_n if_o not_o and_o in_o the_o end_n except_o thou_o amend_v hereby_o he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o when_o man_n commit_v sin_n and_o lie_v therein_o or_o when_o they_o decay_v in_o any_o grace_n then_o have_v they_o most_o necessary_a cause_n to_o repent_v if_o they_o will_v escape_v god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o see_v our_o estate_n be_v like_a to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n or_o else_o worser_o by_o much_o for_o we_o lie_v in_o sin_n and_o thereby_o cause_n god_n to_o come_v to_o we_o in_o judgement_n as_o we_o tender_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n let_v we_o turn_v from_o our_o sin_n and_o repent_v every_o man_n apart_o every_o family_n apart_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n public_o for_o repentance_n be_v most_o needful_a else_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v double_v this_o condition_n verse_n 6._o but_o this_o thou_o haâ—â—_n that_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o which_o i_o also_o hate_n these_o word_n be_v a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n namely_o that_o this_o church_n can_v not_o abide_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o second_o verse_n this_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o their_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n and_o here_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o their_o affection_n of_o hatred_n towards_o the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o these_o nicolaitan_o be_v certain_a heretic_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o hold_v these_o two_o opinion_n first_o that_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n second_o that_o man_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o idol_n temple_n and_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v their_o practice_n these_o heretic_n as_o it_o be_v think_v come_v of_o one_o nicholas_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o deacons_n mention_v act_v 6._o who_o though_o for_o a_o while_o he_o do_v faithful_o discharge_v his_o duty_n outward_o yet_o after_o fall_v away_o and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o this_o heretical_a sect_n but_o this_o thou_o have_v this_o particle_n but_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o former_a verse_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o this_o be_v thy_o fault_n that_o thou_o fail_v in_o thy_o first_o love_n yet_o for_o this_o i_o commend_v thou_o that_o thou_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o this_o practice_n of_o christ_n discover_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o be_v use_n to_o set_v out_o in_o their_o colour_n man_n fault_n and_o infirmity_n to_o their_o great_a disgrace_n and_o yet_o by_o silence_n and_o oblivion_n to_o bury_v all_o their_o virtue_n which_o be_v praise_v worthy_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n example_n who_o with_o just_a reproof_n adjoin_v due_a deserve_v praise_n if_o our_o friend_n or_o our_o foe_n have_v a_o fault_n when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v reprove_v they_o but_o yet_o withal_o we_o must_v commend_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o second_o christ_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o anymans_n good_a estate_n before_o god_n that_o he_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o for_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n saul_n have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n into_o his_o kingdom_n but_o what_o be_v he_o afterward_o john_n be_v very_o zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n in_o kill_v all_o the_o idolatrous_a priest_n 31._o but_o he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o judas_n no_o doubt_n have_v many_o good_a gift_n while_o he_o be_v with_o christ_n but_o his_o end_n be_v most_o fearful_a and_o this_o church_n have_v many_o good_a thing_n in_o she_o yet_o iâ—_n she_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o so_o many_o among_o we_o have_v excellent_a gift_n some_o for_o knowledge_n some_o for_o 〈◊〉_d and_o conceive_v of_o prayer_n &_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o they_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o these_o but_o labour_n for_o the_o principal_n which_o be_v true_a hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o we_o must_v daily_o renew_v for_o our_o continual_a fall_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o from_o his_o judgement_n more_o particular_o christ_n here_o commend_v this_o church_n for_o hate_v the_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o be_v christian_n namely_o to_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o error_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o hate_v the_o same_o unfeigned_o yet_o note_n he_o commend_v they_o for_o hate_v their_o work_n not_o their_o person_n give_v we_o direction_n how_o to_o temper_v our_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v set_v it_o against_o the_o sin_n not_o against_o the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n some_o will_v say_v the_o prophet_n pray_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o david_n profess_v hatred_n of_o the_o man_n psalm_n 139.21_o do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o answ._n david_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o no_o doubt_n have_v this_o reveal_v unto_o he_o that_o those_o his_o enemy_n be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o repent_v again_o imprecation_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o prophecy_n of_o god_n judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o those_o against_o who_o they_o pray_v but_o we_o which_o want_v that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n must_v keep_v ourselves_o to_o our_o ordinary_a rule_n hate_v the_o sin_n and_o love_v the_o person_n further_o observe_v the_o work_n here_o
hate_v namely_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v join_v together_o in_o these_o nicolaitan_o adultery_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o idolatry_n the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n spiritual_a adultery_n be_v punish_v with_o bodily_a adultery_n this_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o old_a jew_n when_o they_o fall_v a_o whore_v after_o strange_a god_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o unclean_a lust_n and_o it_o be_v palpable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n do_v abound_v in_o all_o uncleanness_n for_o they_o tolerate_v stew_n for_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n and_o sodomic_a be_v common_a among_o they_o again_o sundry_a man_n may_v here_o be_v well_o admonish_v who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o schism_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o best_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v sect_n and_o heresy_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o here_o in_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o there_o be_v sect_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n this_o offence_n shall_v not_o move_v any_o to_o dislike_v the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o cause_v they_o more_o firm_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o also_o do_v hate_n this_o christ_n add_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o virtue_n for_o which_o he_o commend_v they_o in_o hate_v evil_a work_n for_o what_o can_v more_o provoke_v they_o to_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n therein_o than_o to_o know_v they_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o here_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a and_o like_v affect_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v man_n we_o must_v love_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n love_v and_o hate_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n hate_v rejoice_v wherein_o christ_n rejoice_v and_o mourn_v for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o christ_n mourn_v and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n for_o out_o of_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n and_o there_o must_v be_v consent_n and_o conformity_n between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n quest._n if_o christ_n hate_v these_o wicked_a man_n why_o do_v he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v and_o not_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o trouble_v his_o church_n answ._n because_o hereby_o he_o will_v manifest_v his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o wicked_a for_o he_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o good_a not_o only_o out_o of_o good_a but_o out_o of_o evil_a verse_n 7._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 to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o excite_v this_o church_n to_o the_o more_o careful_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o prescribe_v this_o conclusion_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o commandment_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n let_v he_o that_o have_v aspare_a he_o arâ—_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o commandment_n note_v three_o point_n i._n who_o be_v command_v these_o which_o have_v ear_n ii_o the_o duty_n command_v they_o must_v hear_v iii_o what_o they_o must_v hear_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n i._n point_n the_o party_n command_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n who_o these_o be_v christ_n do_v more_o full_o expound_v matth._n 13.9_o when_o he_o say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v where_o he_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n that_o some_o be_v deaf_a hearer_n some_o hear_v hearer_n the_o deaf_a hearer_n be_v those_o that_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n their_o outward_a ear_n only_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o it_o neither_o do_v they_o care_v to_o learn_v to_o believe_v or_o obey_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o the_o hear_v hearer_n be_v all_o such_o as_o beside_o their_o bodily_a ear_n have_v ear_n pierce_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n outward_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o make_v pliable_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n unto_o it_o this_o hear_a ear_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o david_n when_o he_o say_v 6._o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v but_o my_o â—ares_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o prepare_v and_o then_o i_o say_v loâ—_n i_o come_v hereof_o isaiah_n say_v thou_o 50.5_o open_v my_o ear_n and_o i_o be_v noâ—_n rebellious_a and_o this_o hear_a ear_n 〈…〉_z give_v she_o when_o god_n 16.14_o open_v her_o heart_n whereby_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v by_o paul_n by_o this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n which_o christ_n make_v use_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n grace_n unto_o salvation_n be_v not_o universal_a that_o be_v god_n give_v not_o unto_o all_o man_n such_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v themselves_o they_o may_v believe_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v for_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o ever_o since_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n these_o two_o kind_a of_o hearer_n whereof_o the_o deaf_a hearer_n do_v not_o receive_v nor_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unto_o salvation_n neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n give_v grace_n sufficient_a unto_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o by_o their_o malice_n and_o sin_n do_v not_o abolish_v the_o same_o for_o though_o he_o admit_v all_o sort_n into_o his_o church_n yet_o not_o all_o but_o some_o only_o have_v ear_n pierce_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v christ_n 13._o why_o he_o speak_v in_o parable_n he_o answer_v thus_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 11_o and_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o give_v show_v plain_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o hear_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o and_o in_o some_o make_v void_a by_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n but_o to_o some_o it_o be_v give_v and_o they_o have_v hear_v ear_n and_o to_o some_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o their_o ear_n be_v deaf_a second_o see_v this_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o hear_n hearer_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n bring_v with_o we_o not_o only_o the_o bodily_a ear_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o our_o salvation_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n unless_o the_o inward_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o word_n and_o fit_v to_o receive_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o thus_o do_v good_a king_n iâ—sias_n hear_v the_o law_n read_v the_o text_n say_v 34·27_n his_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d within_o he_o and_o thus_o do_v david_n hear_v when_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n 27.8_o seek_v â—ee_n my_o face_n his_o heart_n answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n and_o as_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o get_v spiritual_a ear_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o deaf_a ear_n which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n come_v &_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o learn_v believe_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v isay._n 6.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o their_o heart_n fat_a that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v nor_o believe_v lest_o they_o shall_v turn_v and_o be_v save_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o we_o must_v look_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o many_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v deaf_a hearer_n which_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o after_o long_o teach_v they_o neither_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n nor_o in_o faith_n nor_o in_o obedience_n but_o remain_v the_o same_o for_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n