right_a hand_n on_o john_n first_o upon_o his_o consternation_n he_o give_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n elevate_v and_o excite_v john_n spirit_n to_o see_v divine_a mystery_n and_o second_o give_v he_o his_o spirit_n of_o strength_n power_n and_o consolation_n which_o may_v subdue_v all_o his_o carnal_a conceit_n and_o fear_n and_o so_o remove_v all_o impediment_n whatsoever_o that_o hinder_v he_o in_o that_o work_n which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o undertake_v and_o therefore_o come_v in_o with_o consolation_n and_o bid_v john_n fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o from_o this_o note_v that_o those_o that_o be_v strike_v low_a and_o humble_v by_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v rise_v by_o god_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o choice_a divine_a truth_n and_o mystery_n john_n be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o then_o hear_v a_o voice_n fear_v not_o but_o write_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o shall_v see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n when_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n be_v fall_v down_o on_o their_o face_n than_o they_o be_v lift_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o receive_v glorious_a vision_n we_o must_v let_v all_o our_o own_o go_v our_o false_a confidence_n and_o carnal_a prop_n as_o of_o our_o own_o part_n our_o grace_n our_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o the_o like_a if_o we_o will_v be_v fit_a auditor_n for_o christ_n we_o must_v fall_v down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o throne_n if_o we_o expect_v a_o answer_n from_o his_o throne_n moses_n a_o meek_a man_n yea_o the_o meek_a of_o all_o man_n he_o receive_v the_o choice_a favour_n from_o god_n hand_n for_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n and_o face_n to_o face_n deut._n 34.10_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o hence_o second_o note_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o only_o a_o most_o powerful_a but_o also_o a_o comfort_v and_o consolate_v spirit_n this_o be_v the_o comforter_n that_o take_v off_o all_o fear_n from_o john_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v convince_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o do_v inspire_v godly_a man_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a agent_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o which_o god_n do_v all_o his_o work_n christ_n here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a apparition_n unto_o john_n it_o serve_v only_o to_o strike_v he_o dead_a before_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o to_o comfort_v and_o support_v he_o so_o the_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o co-operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a sight_n and_o knowledge_n that_o make_v for_o the_o great_a condemnation_n christ_n unto_o some_o may_v be_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o a_o stumble_a stone_n while_o unto_o other_o that_o have_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o corner_n stone_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o precious_a o_o lay_v thy_o right_a hand_n o_o lord_n upon_o thy_o servant_n give_v he_o thy_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v know_v thy_o will_n and_o mind_n in_o thy_o word_n and_o serve_v thou_o without_o fear_n observe_v 3._o that_o christ_n be_v full_a of_o bowel_n of_o grace_n and_o compassion_n towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o smite_v and_o humble_v the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a thing_n unto_o poor_a frail_a worthless_a creature_n god_n follow_v it_o with_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n no_o soon_o do_v christ_n appear_v unto_o john_n in_o his_o glory_n that_o make_v he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a but_o present_o christ_n lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v his_o comfort_a word_n say_v fear_v not_o christ_n will_v not_o leave_v john_n in_o that_o spiritless_a and_o liveless_a condition_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n have_v affect_v he_o with_o but_o quick_o raise_v he_o and_o comfort_v he_o again_o with_o the_o most_o effectual_a and_o sweet_a consolation_n christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a high_a priest_n and_o that_o good_a compassionate_a samaritane_n who_o be_v so_o affect_a and_o touch_v with_o our_o wound_n and_o infirmity_n luk._n 10.33_o heb_fw-mi 4.15_o and_o that_o more_o especial_o with_o such_o hurt_n and_o wound_n that_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a at_o hand_n with_o the_o oil_n and_o wine_n the_o grace_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o blood_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o pour_v into_o our_o wound_a soul_n for_o peace_n heal_v and_o consolation_n job_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v and_o humble_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o come_v to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o do_v it_o his_o captivity_n be_v turn_v into_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v multiply_v job_n 42.5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n daniel_n after_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o humble_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o forefather_n cap._n 4._o then_o the_o lord_n send_v gabriel_n to_o comfort_v he_o and_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n great_o belove_v ver_fw-la 22._o god_n do_v not_o throw_v down_o afflict_v wound_n or_o humble_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n to_o leave_v they_o so_o but_o forthwith_o or_o within_o a_o short_a time_n reach_v out_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o observe_v 4._o another_o note_n from_o this_o comfort_a word_n of_o christ_n say_v fear_v not_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v conjunct_a with_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a comfort_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v inefficacious_a in_o its_o operation_n john_n have_v lie_v still_o as_o a_o senseless_a and_o dead_a person_n notwithstanding_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o lie_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o also_o the_o word_n be_v of_o little_a power_n if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o in_o it_o without_o this_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n that_o word_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v powerful_a and_o efficacious_a carry_v the_o spirit_n with_o it_o the_o same_o word_n go_v forth_o unto_o all_o and_o work_n from_o common_a gift_n in_o some_o so_o many_o be_v call_v but_o that_o that_o make_v it_o a_o distinguish_v powerful_a word_n be_v the_o concomitancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o few_o be_v choose_v when_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n such_o expression_n as_o that_o the_o word_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o life_n sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o the_o like_a phrase_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v such_o in_o itself_o without_o the_o spirit_n but_o conjunctive_o when_o the_o word_n be_v make_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o a_o voice_n void_a of_o virtue_n and_o operation_n and_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o medium_n of_o the_o word_n work_v not_o ordinary_o but_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o that_o true_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.8_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n tit._n 2.11_o god_n be_v light_v itself_o and_o the_o father_n of_o light_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o useless_a but_o by_o it_o he_o enlighten_v we_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o comforter_n and_o the_o sanctifier_n but_o do_v both_o comfort_n sanctify_v and_o perform_v all_o other_o his_o office_n and_o work_n in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o word_n o_o lord_n sanctify_v and_o comfort_v we_o by_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n for_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o our_o god_n unto_o salvation_n observe_v 5._o the_o last_o note_n that_o i_o shall_v raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v that_o christ_n do_v full_o furnish_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n all_o such_o as_o he_o call_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o great_a office_n of_o his_o church_n first_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o john_n intimate_v his_o designation_n installment_n and_o confirmation_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n for_o as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v
receive_v to_o and_o by_o soul_n before_o they_o can_v act_v towards_o god_n in_o the_o least_o acceptable_a service_n object_n but_o then_o again_o some_o one_o may_v say_v if_o the_o small_a remain_v of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o sardis_n be_v almost_o dead_a or_o ready_a to_o die_v do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o perish_v total_o answ_n grace_n may_v be_v very_o low_a and_o yet_o not_o dead_a it_o be_v as_o spark_n of_o fire_n under_o much_o ash_n with_o sardis_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v spark_n be_v as_o real_a fire_n though_o not_o as_o fervent_a and_o virtual_a as_o a_o flame_a one_o indeed_o it_o be_v low_a with_o sardis_n in_o her_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v most_o just_a with_o god_n when_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n against_o he_o that_o he_o hide_v much_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o we_o when_o by_o sin_n we_o quench_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n god_n may_v just_o quench_v its_o effect_n towards_o we_o but_o no_o soon_o shall_v we_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o renew_v by_o repentance_n but_o present_o god_n give_v a_o more_o enliven_a and_o effectual_a spirit_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o former_a withdrawing_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n not_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n and_o forsake_v second_o i_o answer_v person_n that_o be_v elect_a and_o have_v real_o taste_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o intercession_n can_v never_o utter_o fall_v away_o unless_o they_o will_v make_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o preordination_n of_o god_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o fallible_a and_o the_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n impotent_a and_o insufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v yet_o withal_o i_o assert_v though_o elect_a person_n can_v utter_o fall_v away_o as_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n unto_o christ_n and_o none_o such_o can_v be_v cast_v away_o be_v help_v by_o the_o mighty_a powâ—â—_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n yet_o election_n of_o a_o state_n of_o person_n may_v fail_v and_o perish_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o election_n thereof_o do_v obtain_v rom._n 11.7_o to_o wit_n those_o that_o do_v pertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o god_n in_o that_o nation_n do_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n yet_o at_o last_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o nation_n the_o election_n of_o god_n do_v fail_v as_o respect_v that_o state_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v unto_o the_o root_n and_o that_o good_a olive_n cut_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o wild_a olive_n or_o gentile_a nation_n graff_v in_o upon_o their_o stock_n obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n be_v their_o cut_n off_o and_o faith_n be_v the_o gentile_n incision_n and_o graft_n in_o as_o the_o one_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n so_o the_o other_o be_v graff_v in_o by_o faith_n rom._n 11.20_o those_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n that_o do_v hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n whilst_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o church_n may_v perish_v utter_o the_o first_o be_v mark_v and_o write_v in_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o life_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o can_v perish_v but_o after_o god_n have_v finish_v his_o work_n at_o sardis_n thyatira_n rome_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o call_v his_o elect_n out_o of_o they_o and_o secure_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n he_o can_v remove_v the_o current_n of_o his_o election_n to_o another_o people_n without_o any_o changeableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n in_o he_o and_o make_v those_o very_a people_n in_o their_o posterity_n the_o very_a seat_n and_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v once_o his_o beulah_n darling_n and_o belove_a one_o three_o there_o be_v guild_v formal_a hipocritical_a grace_n and_o believer_n and_o such_o may_v not_o be_v only_o ready_a to_o die_v but_o dead_a twice_o dead_a dead_a at_o the_o root_n and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o such_o be_v fall_v away_o perish_v and_o lose_v from_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v all_o their_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n only_o so_o demas_n simon_n magus_n judas_n ananias_n and_o saphira_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v never_o the_o truth_n of_o real_a grace_n in_o they_o all_o be_v but_o seem_v formal_a hypocritical_a and_o at_o best_a but_o historical_a which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v and_o for_o all_o this_o perish_v everlasting_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n for_o god_n to_o leave_v some_o remain_v of_o grace_n in_o a_o sinful_a church_n and_o people_n if_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n we_o have_v be_v worse_o than_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n small_a spark_n be_v blow_v and_o cherish_v may_v become_v a_o flame_n so_o little_a grace_n though_o like_o a_o mustardseed_n may_v become_v a_o great_a tree_n if_o god_n shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o spiritual_a death_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v go_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v soul-less_a and_o dead_a unto_o every_o good_a and_o spiritual_a work_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v life_n in_o we_o though_o it_o be_v infirm_a and_o weak_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o recovery_n but_o be_v once_o dead_a there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_n so_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o work_v but_o faint_o and_o weak_o by_o reason_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o come_v but_o to_o the_o first_o step_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a life_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o dead_a and_o carnal_a condition_n and_o to_o complain_v under_o it_o there_o be_v good_a hope_n of_o recovery_n unto_o such_o a_o soul_n and_o unto_o such_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v unto_o its_o comfort_n awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v observe_v 3._o though_o our_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o low_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o cherish_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o until_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n within_o ourselves_o unto_o perfection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o contemn_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n for_o he_o that_o improve_v but_o one_o talon_n well_o shall_v be_v make_v ruler_n of_o many_o talent_n the_o beast_n in_o the_o prophet_n always_o go_v forward_o ezek._n 1.11_o but_o grub_n that_o be_v backward_o be_v reckon_v among_o unclean_a creature_n leu._n 11.10_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n if_o we_o cherish_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o though_o in_o never_o so_o small_a a_o measure_n god_n will_v add_v a_o great_a and_o full_a supply_n unto_o we_o god_n will_v add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n unto_o virtue_n patience_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v all_o come_v hand_n in_o hand_n in_o consort_n as_o follow_v one_o the_o other_o as_o in_o a_o chorus_n or_o dance_n doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o be_v labour_n lose_v for_o sardis_n to_o strengthen_v and_o revive_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o expire_v within_o she_o though_o christ_n will_v be_v at_o hand_n to_o assist_v she_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o without_o her_o motion_n and_o improvement_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o austin_n though_o god_n make_v we_o without_o we_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o without_o we_o grace_n work_v most_o kind_o when_o it_o meet_v with_o improve_n heart_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o young_a samuel_n thy_o servant_n hear_v lord_n speak_v though_o god_n have_v ascertain_v and_o decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o duty_n of_o creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o second_o cause_n ezek._n 36.37_o jer._n 29.11_o 12._o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a we_o be_v to_o work_v for_o life_n as_o if_o life_n be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o work_v and_o doubtless_o the_o crown_n will_v be_v the_o more_o glorious_a where_o the_o great_a improument_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v the_o more_o grace_n the_o vessel_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o here_o
under_o tribulation_n the_o condition_n itself_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n too_o as_o a_o faithful_a hold_v out_o under_o persecution_n be_v the_o cause_n causa_fw-la dispositiva_fw-la the_o kingdom_n or_o reign_v be_v as_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n therefore_o not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o the_o interpretation_n or_o sense_n of_o this_o verse_n run_v thus_o i_o john_n your_o brother_n and_o sharer_n or_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n with_o you_o for_o the_o hope_n in_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o second_o come_v and_o for_o which_o i_o and_o you_o and_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o wait_v for_o in_o patience_n and_o long_a desiring_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n from_o whence_o this_o note_n arise_v observe_v that_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o ought_v to_o wait_v with_o patience_n under_o all_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n for_o the_o day_n of_o their_o release_n by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o kingdom_n this_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o patience_n and_o suffering_n not_o of_o reign_v and_o triumph_v some_o of_o christ_n disciple_n will_v needs_o have_v the_o kingdom_n present_o in_o that_o their_o question_n be_v this_o the_o time_n that_o thou_o will_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o christ_n answer_v it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n you_o be_v to_o occupy_v employ_v your_o talent_n till_o i_o come_v of_o the_o soul_n behead_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n how_o long_a lord_n be_v their_o continual_a cry_n their_o work_n be_v with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o deliverance_n they_o set_v not_o the_o world_n on_o fire_n by_o war_n and_o bloodshed_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o member_n they_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o saint_n or_o at_o least_o shall_v be_v of_o meek_a placid_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n easy_o to_o be_v entreat_v when_o they_o be_v revile_v not_o to_o revile_v when_o they_o be_v strike_v not_o to_o strike_v again_o yea_o to_o pray_v even_o for_o their_o very_a enemy_n and_o to_o such_o person_n in_o god_n appoint_a time_n he_o will_v fulfil_v that_o promise_n the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n this_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o the_o turbulent_a one_o of_o this_o age_n the_o soundness_n of_o who_o spirit_n i_o question_v be_v opposite_a to_o the_o former_a character_n of_o christ_n spirit_n who_o conceive_v they_o go_v about_o to_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n when_o they_o raise_v commotion_n rebellion_n and_o bloodshed_n in_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n thereof_o when_o as_o indeed_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o work_n against_o antichrist_n be_v rather_o hinder_v then_o further_v hereby_o for_o hereby_o they_o weaken_v and_o divert_v the_o hand_n of_o sovereign_n from_o that_o work_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v for_o antichrist_n be_v to_o fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o prince_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n from_o who_o it_o have_v its_o first_o rise_n rev._n 17.16_o and_o therefore_o all_o shall_v rather_o add_v to_o their_o help_a hand_n in_o assist_v those_o christian_a magistrate_n they_o live_v under_o rather_o than_o disturb_v or_o oppose_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v let_v they_o be_v here_o companion_n with_o john_n wait_v for_o his_o come_n in_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o stand_v still_o and_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n hence_o rise_v that_o the_o contempletion_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a prop_n and_o stay_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o under_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n john_n here_o comfort_v himself_o and_o the_o church_n with_o those_o thought_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o often_o inculcate_n this_o contemplation_n on_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v try_v and_o come_v under_o tribulation_n christ_n will_v give_v they_o as_o the_o guerdon_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n this_o kingdom_n describe_v under_o several_a name_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n v._o 10._o manna_n which_o be_v hide_v and_o white_a stone_n v._o 17._o the_o tree_n of_o life_n v._o 7._o power_n over_o nation_n v._o 26._o and_o to_o rule_v with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n v._o 27._o and_o last_o christ_n himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o morning_n star_n v._o 28._o and_o indeed_o what_o can_v more_o support_v the_o spirit_n of_o afflict_a saint_n then_o to_o know_v there_o be_v a_o crown_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o and_o dominion_n that_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o after_o the_o progress_n of_o a_o short_a afflict_a life_n here_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n account_v the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o rom._n 8.18_o be_v in_o the_o isle_n call_v patmos_n whether_o john_n flee_v there_o voluntary_o to_o avoid_v persecution_n or_o banish_v there_o as_o most_o ancient_a writer_n affirm_v i_o shall_v not_o contend_v but_o sure_o he_o be_v in_o this_o island_n call_v patmos_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a persecution_n in_o domitian_n day_n about_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 97._o this_o island_n be_v one_o of_o the_o cyclades_n in_o the_o aegean_a sea_n now_o call_v archipelago_n situate_v between_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o greece_n now_o under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o grand_a signior_n and_o in_o the_o way_n go_v up_o from_o the_o mediterranean_a unto_o the_o hellespont_n and_o constantinople_n this_o island_n be_v famous_a for_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o for_o this_o entertainment_n of_o our_o apostle_n john_n in_o his_o exile_n be_v one_o of_o those_o barbarous_a island_n into_o which_o the_o roman_n do_v use_v to_o send_v their_o malefactor_n and_o exile_n and_o here_o in_o this_o island_n among_o the_o barbarian_n john_n receive_v these_o vision_n and_o revelation_n wherein_o observe_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v not_o tie_v himself_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o holiness_n of_o place_n the_o rabbin_n have_v a_o rule_n among_o they_o and_o they_o hold_v it_o for_o truth_n that_o god_n never_o speak_v unto_o the_o prophet_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a land_n but_o this_o be_v contradict_v in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n who_o receive_v their_o vision_n at_o babylon_n by_o the_o river_n chebar_v in_o chaldea_n ezek._n 1.1_o 2._o god_n do_v here_o pass_v by_o the_o holy_a land_n the_o holy_a temple_n the_o holy_a city_n and_o give_v those_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o chaldea_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n in_o babylon_n while_o john_n converse_v about_o jerusalem_n and_o those_o holy_a place_n john_n have_v not_o any_o vision_n but_o when_o in_o patmos_n among_o barbarian_n he_o have_v these_o high_a and_o glorious_a revelation_n god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o place_n in_o a_o dungeon_n in_o prison_n as_o unto_o paul_n and_o other_o in_o a_o babylon_n as_o unto_o ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o the_o three_o child_n god_n pour_v down_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o unto_o a_o height_n of_o prophecy_n observe_v 2._o that_o god_n often_o in_o the_o most_o obscure_a and_o barbarous_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v raise_v up_o glorious_a instrument_n for_o his_o service_n it_o be_v once_o a_o question_n can_v any_o good_a come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v say_v can_v any_o good_a come_v out_o of_o egypt_n of_o rome_n of_o babylon_n of_o patmos_n the_o answer_n be_v come_v and_o see_v so_o i_o say_v come_v and_o see_v a_o glorious_a prophet_n in_o patmos_n a_o moses_n in_o egypt_n a_o church_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o house_n of_o nero_n in_o babylon_n a_o ezekiel_n a_o daniel_n in_o caldea_n god_n can_v raise_v up_o instrument_n most_o serviceable_a unto_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o idolatrous_a place_n and_o this_o be_v from_o that_o unlimited_a spirit_n of_o god_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v see_v more_o hereon_o in_o chap._n 2._o v._n 13._o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_n show_v the_o cause_n of_o john_n exile_n because_o he_o profess_v faithful_o the_o word_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n hence_o observe_v that_o the_o saint_n faithful_a profession_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n move_v the_o rage_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o enemy_n against_o they_o john_n here_o become_v a_o fugitive_n and_o exile_n in_o patmos_n for_o this_o faithful_a testimony_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o christ_n foretell_v of_o before_o his_o passion_n that_o his_o
disciple_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o imprison_v revile_v and_o suffer_v many_o persecution_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v from_o that_o promise_n in_o gen._n 3._o that_o god_n will_v set_v enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o this_o enmity_n have_v abide_v ever_o since_o and_o will_v ever_o abide_v between_o those_o two_o mystical_a seed_n until_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n christ_n and_o his_o member_n shall_v become_v absolute_a conqueror_n in_o the_o bind_n up_o the_o old_a serpent_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o enmity_n and_o mischief_n this_o inform_v god_n people_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o when_o the_o world_n and_o their_o enemy_n do_v rage_n against_o they_o here_o a_o question_n may_v come_v in_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v brief_o that_o truth_n be_v either_o about_o fundamental_o or_o circumstantial_o fundamental_o be_v such_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o we_o can_v ordinary_o be_v save_v and_o they_o be_v conversant_a either_o about_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o saint_n and_o christian_n or_o second_o about_o the_o well-being_n in_o preserve_v and_o build_v up_o this_o christian_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v call_v principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n heb._n 6.1_o you_o know_v no_o one_o can_v proceed_v to_o be_v a_o artist_n in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n or_o come_v to_o any_o perfection_n therein_o without_o some_o certain_a rule_n and_o principle_n to_o proceed_v by_o so_o none_o can_v become_v a_o true_a christian_a or_o artist_n in_o that_o heavenly_a science_n of_o christianity_n without_o some_o first_o lay_v principle_n and_o among_o those_o fundamental_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_n i_o believe_v as_o some_o have_v be_v too_o large_a in_o the_o description_n of_o their_o fundamental_o so_o some_o have_v be_v too_o narrow_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v not_o precise_o determine_v by_o any_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v gather_v up_o here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o parcel_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a to_o define_v their_o certain_a number_n only_o i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o that_o creed_n which_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a set_v a_o qualify_a sense_n on_o that_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n to_o be_v the_o exact_a square_n and_o rule_v of_o principle_n that_o relate_v unto_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v this_o day_n extant_a and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n now_o second_o other_o fundamental_o be_v about_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o baptism_n lord_n supper_n prayer_n thanks-givings_a all_o church_n order_n and_o fellowship_n preach_v exhort_v reprove_v oversee_n and_o the_o like_a and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n we_o be_v rather_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o they_o then_o to_o defile_v our_o soul_n or_o conscience_n under_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o they_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o bear_v they_o a_o testimony_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o every_o opinion_n that_o arise_v about_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o manner_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n which_o be_v but_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o set_v bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n therein_o it_o savour_v rather_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n heat_n and_o passion_n then_o of_o find_a judgement_n and_o christian_n wisdom_n this_o be_v to_o make_v hard_a knot_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o christ_n call_v his_o yoke_n easy_a this_o be_v to_o make_v it_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a the_o substantial_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o the_o blind_a may_v walk_v therein_o and_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v through_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v mystery_n high_a question_n and_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n these_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o gift_n not_o of_o our_o faith_n no_o further_o then_o as_o part_v of_o the_o reveal_v mind_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n though_o we_o understand_v they_o not_o which_o be_v reserve_v until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o when_o all_o our_o ignorances_n and_n imperfection_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o this_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o some_o hot_a spirit_n of_o these_o time_n that_o rather_o than_o lose_v or_o part_n with_o their_o wild_a opinion_n or_o let_v they_o lie_v unvented_a will_v break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n charity_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o utter_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o otherwise_o their_o gift_n and_o part_n may_v stand_v in_o stead_n for_o i_o doubt_v all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o our_o time_n be_v too_o far_o baptize_v into_o this_o error_n and_o satan_n have_v too_o great_a a_o stroke_n in_o it_o to_o divide_v the_o heart_n of_o christian_n about_o circumstantial_o when_o as_o they_o hold_v one_o and_o the_o same_o fundamental_o joint_o together_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n remedy_n this_o great_a evil_n and_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n verse_n 10._o i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o in_o beza_n translation_n be_v render_v correptus_fw-la in_o spiritu_fw-la i_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n a_o ecstasy_n wherein_o john_n receive_v this_o vision_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o their_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n they_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o themselves_o and_o out_o of_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o this_o be_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v mighty_o in_o their_o spirit_n observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v set_v a_o violence_n on_o those_o person_n he_o employ_v about_o the_o high_a mystery_n and_o discovery_n of_o his_o choice_a truth_n paul_n that_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o have_v his_o rapture_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v exekiel_n when_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o high_a vision_n he_o oft_o report_v of_o the_o spirit_n enter_v into_o he_o and_o take_v he_o up_o cap._n 3.12_o and_o 2.2_o john_n for_o his_o better_a accomplishment_n to_o receive_v those_o divine_a vision_n he_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v first_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o take_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a view_n of_o those_o divine_a discovery_n which_o be_v about_o to_o be_v show_v unto_o he_o when_o we_o will_v show_v one_o thing_n distinct_o we_o use_v to_o place_v he_o up_o on_o high_a for_o the_o better_a sight_n second_o that_o he_o may_v have_v satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o those_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n see_v he_o have_v so_o extraordinary_a taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o may_v well_o conclude_v he_o be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v to_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o church_n last_o that_o his_o thought_n and_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v sequester_v from_o thing_n below_o and_o his_o contemplation_n raise_v high_a on_o thing_n divine_a as_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v another_o note_n from_o hence_o be_v as_o a_o corrollary_n to_o the_o former_a that_o when_o christ_n set_v up_o any_o eminent_a officer_n or_o light_n in_o
and_o catholic_a instruction_n in_o his_o mouth_n the_o devil_n or_o the_o devilish_a preacher_n answer_v he_o that_o whilst_o he_o preach_v good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n unto_o his_o auditor_n and_o they_o be_v not_o follower_n of_o it_o he_o have_v his_o end_n even_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o condemnation_n for_o their_o neglect_n inproficiency_n and_o contempt_n of_o such_o good_a doctrine_n sure_o how_o this_o odd_a design_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o devil_n be_v head_n i_o know_v not_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o truth_n abide_v not_o in_o he_o nor_o will_v confess_v it_o no_o further_o than_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o overmastering_a divine_a power_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o god_n never_o send_v the_o evil_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o messenger_n to_o provoke_v to_o break_v off_o from_o sin_n to_o live_v to_o god_n holiness_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n his_o very_a nature_n be_v contrary_a to_o such_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o great_a hinderer_n not_o the_o promoter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v another_o mark_n to_o discern_v of_o what_o spirit_n vision_n be_v of_o three_o another_o distinguish_a mark_n be_v that_o in_o respect_n those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o terribleness_n in_o the_o strange_a apparition_n therein_o they_o leave_v a_o high_a and_o strange_a impression_n of_o spirit_n upon_o the_o party_n under_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n leave_v always_o behind_o they_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v away_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o glory_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o worthlesness_n isaiah_n the_o prophet_n when_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o have_v discovery_n of_o his_o glory_n he_o can_v call_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o job_n also_o confess_v cap._n 42._o 5_o 6._o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n do_v always_o humble_a in_o that_o it_o bring_v to_o sight_n our_o own_o worthlesness_n even_o in_o our_o best_a attainment_n in_o respect_n of_o it_o which_o cause_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n now_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n bring_v contrary_a fruit_n and_o effect_n as_o pride_n vainglory_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v difference_v in_o their_o operation_n four_o vision_n ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n though_o often_o they_o may_v much_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v their_o spirit_n that_o be_v under_o they_o as_o in_o dan._n 7.15_o and_o 8.27_o and_o take_v away_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o present_a and_o their_o strength_n and_o comeliness_n and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v faint_v dead_a dumb_a and_o breathless_a as_o in_o daniel_n cap._n 10._o 8._o 15._o 17._o verse_n and_o as_o john_n in_o verse_n 17._o at_o the_o vision_n of_o christ_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o zachariah_n paul_n etc._n etc._n yet_o after_o they_o be_v pass_v they_o have_v no_o impair_n in_o the_o part_n either_o of_o their_o body_n or_o soul_n but_o rather_o a_o great_a glory_n put_v upon_o they_o as_o moses_n who_o face_n do_v shine_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o vision_n of_o god_n paul_n grow_v a_o most_o eminent_a light_n and_o the_o high_a of_o all_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o convert_n vision_n act_v 9_o john_n here_o receive_v great_a and_o high_a revelation_n from_o christ_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n god_n be_v no_o hard_a master_n none_o be_v ever_o loser_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n in_o this_o sort_n for_o unto_o such_o he_o common_o add_v great_a addition_n of_o part_n grace_n and_o glory_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n rapture_n or_o possession_n many_o have_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o due_a temperature_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o become_v altogether_o besot_v and_o wittol_n but_o have_v also_o their_o body_n impair_v by_o the_o hard_a service_n of_o their_o master_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v report_v and_o common_o by_o experience_n see_v of_o witch_n and_o such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o be_v true_o bewitch_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o as_o servant_n to_o his_o will_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o impair_v and_o hurt_v by_o his_o possession_n and_o daily_a disturb_v of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o apollyon_n or_o destroyer_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v break_v in_o their_o reason_n they_o conceive_v in_o their_o rapture_n that_o they_o be_v transform_v into_o strange_a shape_n of_o cat_n dog_n hare_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o instant_a to_o be_v transport_v and_o carry_v into_o far_a place_n distant_a and_o in_o and_o out_o to_o house_n though_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v thing_n in_o themselves_o above_o the_o efficiency_n of_o any_o creature_n and_o contradictory_n to_o nature_n and_o all_o its_o work_n and_o unless_o person_n of_o such_o belief_n make_v two_o omnipotents_a it_o can_v never_o stand_v indeed_o the_o true_a ground_n hereof_o and_o of_o all_o their_o confession_n in_o this_o kind_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o devil_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o frequent_a ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n have_v so_o befool_v they_o in_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o do_v very_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v real_o do_v and_o act_v which_o the_o devil_n do_v represent_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n and_o so_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n believe_v and_o often_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v of_o truth_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v impossibility_n in_o nature_n without_o a_o miracle_n and_o have_v never_o a_o be_v further_o than_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o their_o confuse_a and_o disturb_a brain_n this_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n five_o and_o last_o if_o all_o these_o former_a distinguish_a mark_n fail_v for_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v very_o far_o in_o comply_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o herein_o he_o can_v deceive_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o vision_n or_o revelation_n in_o the_o event_n thereof_o this_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o try_v he_o whether_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o event_n discover_v vision_n and_o distinguish_v prophet_n jer._n 28.9_o the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o and_o this_o be_v according_a to_o that_o of_o deut._n 18.21_o 22._o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o a_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o look_v to_o the_o event_n if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v of_o god_n if_o not_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o jerusalem_n hananiah_n and_o other_o false_a prophet_n the_o contrary_a jer._n 28.2_o 3_o 4._o ahab_n fear_v not_o to_o go_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n while_o zedekiah_n the_o false_a prophet_n tell_v he_o go_v and_o prosper_v 1_o king_n 22._o but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o micaiah_n prove_v true_a to_o ahab_n in_o his_o destruction_n than_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v confound_v and_o zedekiah_n run_v into_o a_o inner_a chamber_n to_o hide_v himself_o 2_o king_n 22.25_o object_n but_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n yes_o but_o not_o with_o that_o clearness_n as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v he_o leave_v no_o hesitation_n or_o doubt_v on_o which_o side_n the_o overthrow_n will_v be_v the_o beast_n together_o with_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n must_v be_v take_v and_o destroy_v the_o saint_n must_v remain_v the_o conqueror_n satan_n in_o his_o prediction_n be_v but_o as_o a_o good_a guesser_n or_o conjecturer_n at_o best_a to_o keep_v his_o credit_n good_a with_o his_o complice_n he_o give_v out_o his_o prediction_n in_o riddle_n or_o aenigma_n as_o of_o old_a in_o the_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n aio_fw-la te_fw-la aeacides_n romanos_fw-la vincere_fw-la posse_fw-la or_o that_o of_o croesus_n croesus_n halyn_n penetrans_fw-la magnam_fw-la pervertet_fw-la opum_fw-la vim_o both_o which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o diverse_a sense_n which_o the_o constructor_n take_v in_o advantage_n as_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o prove_v to_o both_o fatal_a in_o not_o
first_o vision_n john_n see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o they_o one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n some_o may_v conceive_v that_o this_o person_n here_o represent_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v some_o angel_n and_o not_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o a_o angel_n which_o christ_n deputize_v as_o v._o 1._o to_o give_v these_o vision_n unto_o john_n but_o to_o refel_v this_o opinion_n i_o offer_v these_o reason_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o α_n and_o ω_fw-gr in_o verse_n 8._o and_o in_o chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 18._o where_o the_o same_o person_n be_v describe_v he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o sure_a god_n will_v never_o give_v these_o title_n and_o his_o peculiar_a attribute_n unto_o creature-angel_n but_o unto_o his_o son_n who_o be_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o consimiliar_a but_o consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n and_o who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n for_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o say_v you_o be_v the_o α_n and_o ω_fw-gr the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o or_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o say_v as_o in_o verse_n 18._o you_o be_v alive_a but_o you_o be_v dead_a or_o you_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n sure_o no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n will_v take_v these_o high_a title_n and_o prerogative_n unto_o themselves_o but_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o this_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v christ_n and_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v have_v the_o observant_a reason_n take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a to_o discern_v what_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o christ_n and_o what_o by_o angel_n by_o observe_v the_o description_n of_o the_o party_n that_o give_v they_o for_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o remarkable_a vision_n christ_n give_v out_o himself_o but_o the_o less_o principal_a he_o discover_v by_o his_o minister_n the_o angel_n but_o to_o leave_v nothing_o in_o the_o dark_a some_o may_v say_v why_o may_v not_o this_o be_v the_o father_n who_o appear_v unto_o daniel_n chap._n 7._o 9_o who_o be_v there_o call_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n who_o garment_n be_v white_a as_o snow_n and_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n as_o pure_a wool_n his_o throne_n be_v like_o the_o fiery_a flame_n and_o his_o wheel_n be_v as_o burn_a fire_n the_o description_n of_o this_o person_n here_o in_o daniel_n be_v almost_o the_o same_o with_o this_o in_o the_o revelation_n compare_v the_o 11._o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o the_o learned_a do_v observe_v that_o neither_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n or_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n second_o the_o anthropomorphites_n have_v abuse_v this_o place_n to_o maintain_v their_o gross_a opinion_n of_o the_o corporiety_n and_o circumscription_n of_o the_o infinite_a deity_n and_o therefore_o the_o alwise_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o prevent_v the_o mistake_n of_o man_n about_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n describe_v this_o vision_n of_o daniel_n in_o the_o likeness_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n not_o that_o they_o be_v material_o so_o it_o be_v the_o likeness_n of_o a_o throne_n and_o like_o a_o fiery_a flame_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 13_o verse_n like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n no_o true_a substantial_a body_n nor_o material_a vision_n three_o i_o answer_v this_o must_v be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n for_o the_o reason_n immediate_o forego_v who_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a and_o he_o that_o shall_v attribute_v this_o to_o the_o father_n or_o the_o spirit_n shall_v want_v some_o hellebore_n last_o this_o must_v be_v christ_n because_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v often_o appear_v in_o vision_n like_a unto_o man_n dan._n 7.13_o i_o see_v in_o the_o night_n vision_n and_o behold_v one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ezek._n 1.26_o and_o rev._n 14.14_o i_o look_v and_o behold_v a_o white_a cloud_n and_o upon_o the_o cloud_n one_o sit_v like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n and_o not_o the_o father_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o verse_n 18._o of_o chap._n 2._o where_n one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v in_o the_o 13_o 14_o and_z 15_o verses_z here_o describe_v in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n of_o chap._n 2._o he_o command_v john_n to_o write_v to_o thyatira_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n therefore_o to_o be_v brief_a that_o person_n that_o be_v here_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o spirit_n but_o christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n quere_z but_o be_v not_o this_o appearance_n then_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n true_o man_n or_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n see_v you_o hold_v it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v christ_n but_o not_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n that_o nullum_fw-la simile_n est_fw-la idem_fw-la and_o here_o he_o be_v call_v like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n therefore_o not_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a son_n of_o man_n the_o heaven_n be_v to_o contain_v his_o manhood_n until_o the_o restauration_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o his_o divinity_n be_v ubiquitary_a omnipresent_v and_o omnipotent_a yet_o his_o manhood_n be_v circumscribe_v and_o terminate_v unto_o one_o place_n at_o once_o if_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o can_v be_v on_o earth_n it_o ascend_v there_o act_v 1.10_o 11._o and_o stephen_n see_v he_o there_o even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o glory_n act_n 7.56_o not_o by_o a_o visional_a representation_n but_o true_o and_o real_o as_o god_n give_v stephen_n this_o glorify_a sight_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o heaven_n so_o god_n doubtless_o fit_v and_o qualify_v his_o organical_a instrument_n of_o sight_n above_o their_o common_a pitch_n to_o reach_v a_o object_n at_o so_o high_a a_o distance_n when_o god_n will_v work_v wonderful_o he_o can_v turn_v nature_n out_o of_o its_o proper_a frame_n either_o in_o elevate_a it_o beyond_o its_o own_o power_n of_o production_n or_o to_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o own_o peculiar_a operation_n he_o can_v make_v the_o sun_n to_o stand_v still_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n he_o can_v make_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v a_o thousand_o mile_n distance_n as_o unto_o stephen_n he_o can_v bind_v up_o the_o fiery_a flame_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v or_o burn_v as_o unto_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n walk_v therein_o without_o scorch_a a_o hair_n but_o to_o return_v if_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v in_o heaven_n than_o he_o be_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n he_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v or_o consubstantiate_v into_o or_o with_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o papist_n and_o some_o lutheran_n dream_v of_o but_o second_o i_o answer_v christ_n here_o appear_v to_o john_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a before_o his_o incarnation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o deity_n and_o godhead_n be_v transfigure_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o take_v up_o the_o form_n of_o man_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o so_o manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o shape_n or_o form_n of_o man_n otherwise_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o itself_o be_v invisible_a as_o in_o dan._n 7.13_o and_o 10.5_o ezek._n 1.26_o rev._n 14.14_o before_o christ_n incarnation_n he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o show_v that_o in_o time_n he_o will_v become_v the_o true_a and_o real_a son_n of_o man_n by_o assume_v flesh_n into_o union_n with_o his_o godhead_n and_o since_o his_o ascension_n he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o one_o day_n he_o will_v in_o the_o true_a humane_a nature_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v
both_o small_a and_o great_a rev._n 19.18_o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v by_o the_o sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n v._o 21._o and_o how_o this_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n i_o know_v not_o otherwise_o then_o by_o move_v and_o work_v powerful_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o instrument_n as_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o employ_v to_o take_v the_o material_a sword_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o effect_v this_o work_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n collate_n to_o this_o the_o note_n on_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n 14_o &_o 15._o and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o strength_n this_o show_v far_o the_o resplendency_n of_o this_o vision_n his_o face_n be_v liken_v to_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o glory_n there_o be_v much_o and_o great_a glory_n in_o this_o vision_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o glory_n if_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o ten_o thousand_o sun_n unite_v in_o one_o yet_o will_v be_v short_a of_o the_o essential_a glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v neither_o expressible_a nor_o comprehensible_a by_o any_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o here_o be_v present_v by_o thing_n beneath_o its_o excellency_n that_o according_a to_o man_n weakness_n we_o may_v perceive_v a_o little_a of_o his_o glory_n for_o no_o man_n yet_o ever_o can_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o live_v hence_o note_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n be_v a_o glorious_a administration_n christ_n face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o call_v his_o delinquent_n and_o offend_a church_n to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o backslide_n in_o chap._n 10._o v._n 1._o &_o 3._o his_o face_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o sun_n in_o that_o appearance_n also_o but_o then_o present_o follow_v thunder_n and_o voice_n as_o when_o a_o lion_n roar_v to_o denote_v unto_o we_o when_o christ_n be_v go_v forth_o with_o terrible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n his_o carriage_n and_o appearance_n therein_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o exod._n 15.6_o upon_o the_o destruction_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n thy_o right_a hand_n o_o god_n be_v become_v glorious_a in_o power_n thy_o right_a hand_n have_v dash_v in_o piece_n the_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o excellency_n thou_o have_v overthrow_v they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o the_o act_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n do_v shine_v so_o clear_o in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o dazzle_v man_n eye_n and_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v before_o god_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n not_o any_o magistrate_n commonweal_n or_o nation_n be_v more_o honourable_a shine_a and_o dreadful_a to_o their_o enemy_n than_o such_o as_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n against_o offender_n never_o be_v solomon_n more_o glorious_a in_o all_o his_o reign_n then_o when_o he_o execute_v justice_n between_o the_o two_o harlot_n and_o call_v for_o the_o sword_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n how_o honourable_a be_v phineas_n and_o what_o a_o high_a reward_n he_o get_v for_o execute_v justice_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o old_a say_n fiat_n justitia_fw-la &_o ruat_fw-la coelum_fw-la if_o our_o chief_a magistrate_n keep_v close_o to_o justice_n in_o our_o land_n and_o common-weal_n our_o nation_n will_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n none_o of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o will_v be_v able_a to_o look_v we_o in_o the_o face_n for_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v upon_o we_o verse_n 17._o and_o when_o i_o see_v he_o i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o verse_n 18._o and_o i_o be_o alive_a 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 death_n when_o john_n have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o this_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o of_o that_o great_a and_o dreadful_a majesty_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o appear_v in_o it_o strike_v he_o as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n hence_o note_v that_o the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_o and_o humble_v sight_n when_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v a_o sight_n of_o this_o glory_n he_o can_v cry_v out_o i_o be_o a_o man_n undo_v and_o of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o see_v this_o glory_n it_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o his_o own_o worthlesness_n and_o to_o a_o abhorrency_n in_o his_o own_o eye_n there_o be_v no_o great_a or_o more_o efficacious_a way_n to_o take_v off_o our_o heart_n from_o the_o creature_n then_o to_o behold_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o poor_a self_n all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o goodliness_n thereof_o be_v as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n isa_n 40.5_o 6._o and_o why_o because_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v it_o together_o and_o when_o job_n have_v a_o sight_n of_o this_o glory_n he_o cry_v out_o job_n 42.5_o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n observe_v 2_o that_o revelation_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v dreadful_o glorious_a they_o strike_v john_n as_o dead_a there_o do_v but_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o inferior_a glory_n unto_o gideon_n and_o manoah_n and_o make_v those_o worthy_n quake_v judg._n 16._o &_o 13._o apparition_n of_o glory_n work_v strong_o upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o quick_o overwhelm_v they_o and_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o resplendent_a how_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bear_v who_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6.16_o paul_n can_v not_o behold_v that_o glorious_a light_n that_o shine_v about_o he_o act_v 9_o but_o be_v strike_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o blind_v with_o it_o in_o the_o earth_n heaven_n and_o world_n we_o may_v behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o part_n and_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n but_o his_o essential_a glory_n as_o it_o be_v himself_o wherein_o he_o make_v his_o habitation_n be_v that_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v to_o or_o comprehend_v and_o live_v and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v but_o leave_v out_o to_o appear_v but_o in_o some_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n of_o man_n fire_n or_o the_o like_a it_o work_v such_o terrible_a effect_n upon_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o abraham_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n when_o he_o have_v this_o glory_n appear_v to_o he_o gen._n 17.3_o the_o three_o disciple_n when_o they_o have_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o this_o glory_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n in_o the_o mount_n they_o fall_v upon_o their_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n now_o the_o reason_n that_o the_o appearance_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v so_o dreadful_a be_v first_o because_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v partly_o in_o those_o vision_n and_o the_o lustre_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v too_o high_a and_o burdensome_a for_o mortal_a eye_n second_o that_o it_o may_v breed_v a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o we_o of_o and_o unto_o the_o divine_a majesty_n when_o israel_n see_v the_o lightning_n and_o hear_v the_o thunder_n in_o the_o mount_n all_o the_o people_n in_o the_o camp_n tremble_v exod._n 19.16_o three_o it_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o soul_n for_o entertainment_n of_o what_o god_n have_v to_o speak_v unto_o it_o our_o soul_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o temper_n by_o reason_n of_o lust_n care_n fear_n and_o the_o world_n to_o have_v converse_n with_o god_n this_o prepare_v they_o for_o this_o divine_a communion_n quest_n here_o a_o question_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n angel_n or_o bless_a soul_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v or_o do_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v mortal_a eye_n can_v see_v this_o glory_n yet_o those_o bless_a glorify_a creature_n may_v i_o answer_v that_o i_o be_o sway_v for_o the_o negative_a my_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n essential_a glory_n be_v himself_o and_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o that_o glory_v inaccessible_a and_o no_o far_o and_o in_o no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v see_v and_o comprehend_v by_o any_o create_v be_v then_o himself_o think_v good_a to_o propound_v it_o in_o and_o this_o have_v
the_o solemn_a and_o the_o ultimate_a complete_a act_n in_o ordination_n unto_o all_o office_n in_o the_o church_n so_o christ_n here_o follow_v his_o own_o method_n use_v in_o his_o church_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o but_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n man_n may_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o that_o be_v bestow_v office_n on_o man_n but_o can_v add_v power_n to_o execute_v those_o office_n but_o christ_n not_o only_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o make_v john_n a_o prophet_n but_o fill_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n also_o who_o christ_n call_v unto_o office_n in_o his_o church_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o they_o he_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n john_n before_o he_o receive_v his_o confirmation_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o the_o command_n to_o write_v his_o vision_n and_o what_o he_o see_v unto_o the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n divine_a vision_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o the_o glory_n thereof_o whereupon_o christ_n lay_v his_o hand_n of_o comfort_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v that_o rouse_a voice_n say_v fear_v not_o the_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v in_o some_o measure_n run_v parallel_n with_o john_n first_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v clear_a vision_n of_o christ_n sound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o their_o own_o corruption_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_a and_o lie_v low_a at_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v pattern_n unto_o other_o in_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o other_o grace_n three_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o christ_n hand_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v his_o spirit_n which_o will_v manifest_v itself_o in_o their_o sanctify_a desire_n willingness_n and_o readiness_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n four_o and_o last_o they_o ought_v to_o hear_v that_o rouse_a word_n of_o comfort_n within_o fear_v not_o that_o be_v the_o comfortable_a experience_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n fear_v not_o which_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a confidence_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o face_n of_o man_n for_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n this_o endowment_n with_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o that_o be_v principal_o look_v at_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o even_a officer_n of_o the_o low_a form_n consult_v act_n 6.3_o and_o 9.17.11.24_o and_o 13.2_o unless_o man_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o in_o some_o fullness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v neither_o fit_n for_o those_o holy_a function_n nor_o can_v satisfy_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n unto_o they_o verse_n 18._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o that_o this_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v christ_n be_v clear_a to_o avoid_v repetition_n peruse_v the_o precedent_n 8_o and_o 13_o verse_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n object_n it_o be_v former_o assert_v on_o vers_n 13._o that_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a person_n of_o christ_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n now_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v impassable_a he_o do_v not_o suffer_v death_n nor_o be_v again_o make_v alive_a for_o he_o be_v life_n itself_o therefore_o this_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o his_o humanity_n and_o that_o be_v it_o to_o wit_n his_o humane_a nature_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n that_o which_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o be_v dead_a to_o clear_v this_o i_o answer_v you_o must_v understand_v that_o be_v frequent_a in_o scripture_n to_o attribute_v that_o unto_o one_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a attribute_n of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o as_o the_o learned_a call_v it_o communicatione_n idiomatum_fw-la by_o the_o communication_n of_o property_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v communicate_v or_o attribute_v unto_o the_o humane_a and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o instance_n when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v buy_v justify_v or_o save_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a to_o conceive_v that_o god_n have_v blood_n but_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o person_n who_o cleanse_v we_o by_o his_o blood_n be_v both_o man_n and_o god_n in_o one_o person_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v here_o attribute_v unto_o the_o divine_a and_o so_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n create_v all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o the_o father_n from_o everlasting_a this_o be_v predicate_v of_o one_o nature_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o other_o consult_v act_n 20.28_o and_o so_o in_o this_o verse_n though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o divine_a person_n appear_v unto_o john_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o be_v alive_a but_o be_v dead_a import_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o that_o similitude_n or_o form_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n be_v the_o very_a same_o christ_n and_o divine_a person_n that_o be_v conjunct_a with_o his_o humanity_n in_o heaven_n and_o by_o a_o mutual_a and_o interchangeable_a communication_n and_o attribution_n of_o property_n this_o divine_a idea_n or_o representation_n that_o john_n see_v be_v call_v by_o the_o proper_a attribution_n of_o christ_n humanity_n which_o be_v pierce_v dead_a and_o live_v again_o though_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o the_o divine_a person_n of_o christ_n clothe_v with_o the_o figure_n and_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v now_o alive_a this_o be_v very_o usual_a 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in_o part_n to_o come_v write_v without_o that_o be_v plain_a for_o discovery_n open_a to_o the_o view_n all_o which_o import_v that_o john_n be_v to_o write_v of_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a and_o as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o also_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o a_o book_n write_v within_o seal_v and_o secret_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o futurity_n 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o god_n true_a prophet_n and_o faithful_a minister_n will_v commend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o church_n as_o vision_n from_o god_n than_o what_o they_o have_v real_o see_v and_o have_v be_v discover_v from_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v vision_n from_o god_n like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jer._n 14_o while_o their_o mouth_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_v 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concern_v you_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n to_o make_v thing_n plain_a unto_o john_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o his_o book_n interpret_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n present_v unto_o his_o sight_n in_o the_o precedent_n 12_o and_o 16_o verse_n and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o candlestick_n because_o indeed_o unto_o john_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n what_o those_o figure_n of_o star_n and_o candlestick_n do_v mystical_o mean_a or_o represent_v and_o unto_o john_n it_o will_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n if_o christ_n himself_o have_v not_o here_o interpret_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v make_v clear_a obvious_a and_o manifest_a by_o a_o diligent_a observation_n and_o a_o right_a applicationof_o the_o mystical_a 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hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v the_o number_n here_o be_v the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n cap._n 17._o v._n 9_o so_o that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n a_o intelligent_a understand_a ear_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a heart_n to_o consider_v that_o be_v fit_a and_o capable_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v aright_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n therefore_o difficult_a to_o all_o but_o unto_o the_o spiritualised_a eye_n and_o unto_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o such_o to_o undertake_v this_o essay_n see_v it_o have_v please_v christ_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o fruit_n himself_o in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v as_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o whole_a and_o since_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v mean_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n by_o the_o woman_n array_v in_o scarlet_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v the_o great_a city_n that_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o signify_v a_o government_n empire_n or_o kingdom_n on_o seven_o mountain_n where_o the_o great_a harlot_n reign_v under_o ten_o king_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a rash_a or_o presumptuous_a to_o interpret_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystical_a figure_n and_o hyeroglyphick_n character_n of_o this_o book_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a and_o genuine_a tendency_n and_o as_o they_o be_v open_v and_o apply_v in_o other_o prophetical_a writing_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n who_o wisdom_n it_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o represent_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o downial_n of_o the_o great_a empire_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n by_o such_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a figure_n and_o representation_n unto_o god_n servant_n his_o prophet_n and_o conceive_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a carriage_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o intendment_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v but_o unto_o few_o such_o as_o have_v spirit_n suitable_a and_o will_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o great_a event_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n be_v make_v vulgar_a and_o know_v unto_o all_o it_o will_v raise_v innumerable_a combustion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o those_o power_n that_o they_o live_v under_o for_o who_o sake_n these_o great_a concussion_n and_o subversion_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n and_o their_o interest_n may_v be_v exalt_v at_o the_o last_o 2._o note_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o make_v know_v and_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o divine_a mystery_n unto_o his_o servant_n christ_n discover_v unto_o john_n those_o mystery_n of_o star_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v this_o spirit_n that_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 16.15_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n because_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v beforehand_o hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n manifest_a unto_o poor_a soul_n and_o so_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v too_o high_a a_o work_n for_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o his_o natural_a capacity_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o not_o carnal_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n star_n in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v signify_v person_n of_o eminency_n and_o honour_n and_o in_o heraldry_n it_o be_v account_v the_o most_o noble_a sort_n of_o blazon_v peculiar_a alone_o to_o the_o armoury_n of_o prince_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o rather_o messenger_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v because_o they_o come_v with_o the_o best_a message_n and_o news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o
christ_n hate_v it_o and_o his_o church_n hate_v it_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o have_v some_o poisonous_a and_o pestilential_a quality_n in_o it_o sometime_o it_o amount_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defile_v both_o judgement_n and_o practice_v joint_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o this_o it_o most_o frequent_o do_v unless_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n will_v seem_v better_o with_o satan_n design_n for_o if_o the_o theoretique_n part_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o sound_a the_o practic_a can_v hardly_o be_v straight_o where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v darken_v our_o foot_n will_v soon_o stumble_v and_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o some_o make_v the_o will_v to_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o practic_a part_n of_o the_o judgement_n so_o near_o they_o be_v relate_v into_o oneness_n that_o the_o contagion_n of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o defilement_n of_o the_o other_o yet_o second_o satan_n be_v so_o serpentine_a and_o crafty_a that_o often_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o will_n and_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o set_v on_o a_o strict_a garb_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n then_o ordinary_a even_o unto_o a_o erenetique_a monastical_a conversation_n deny_v the_o lawful_a comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o society_n that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o great_a impression_n to_o deceive_v thereby_o as_o he_o do_v in_o some_o of_o the_o crafty_a deceive_a heretic_n of_o these_o day_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o but_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o crown_n to_o abominate_a and_o hate_v all_o such_o deed_n and_o mystery_n of_o satan_n even_o as_o they_o be_v abominate_v and_o hate_v by_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 7._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o taste_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 the_o ear_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n or_o organ_n by_o which_o we_o hear_v and_o the_o spirit_n set_v it_o here_o metonimical_o for_o hear_v itself_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o right_a understanding_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o rom._n 10.17_o as_o come_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o a_o sagacious_a and_o diligent_a prepend_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n stir_v up_o and_o warm_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o such_o a_o ear_n be_v here_o call_v as_o competent_o fit_a for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o prophecy_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v chief_o require_v a_o spiritualised_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n and_o a_o well_o order_v judgement_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n holy_a and_o good_a affection_n without_o sound_a knowledge_n will_v not_o reach_v it_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v understanding_n that_o must_v count_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 13.18_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a some_o one_o be_v excellent_a for_o a_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n another_o for_o prophecy_n another_o for_o exhortation_n another_o for_o a_o psalm_n another_o for_o gubernation_n and_o discipline_n another_o be_v excellent_a about_o justification_n another_o about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n other_o again_o be_v for_o unlock_v prophetical_a deep_n and_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n so_o every_o one_o have_v their_o variety_n of_o gift_n and_o excellency_n that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v complete_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o co-assistance_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o book_n be_v dark_a and_o difficult_a to_o the_o supine_n and_o lazy_a christian_n it_o be_v only_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v neither_o angel_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n personal_o consider_v for_o in_o the_o next_o immediate_a verse_n the_o same_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a now_o this_o must_v be_v christ_n who_o appear_v unto_o john_n not_o in_o his_o humanity_n but_o spiritual_o in_o his_o deity_n under_o the_o figure_n and_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n review_n v._n 13._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n to_o denote_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o only_o in_o property_n and_o quality_n with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o in_o essence_n also_o he_o have_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o precedent_a chapter_n v._o 4_o 8_o &_o 17._o who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o in_o vers_fw-la 18._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n all_o make_v up_o this_o harmonious_a conclusion_n and_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o everlasting_a father_n son_n and_o spirit_n our_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o observe_v another_o note_n from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o every_o wise_a and_o judicious_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_a intent_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o all_o his_o providential_a deal_n and_o discovery_n towards_o his_o church_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n what_o god_n speak_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v not_o of_o a_o private_a interpretation_n but_o of_o a_o public_a concernment_n unto_o all_o other_o if_o god_n have_v deal_v in_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n with_o those_o asiatic_a church_n and_o for_o their_o abound_a iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o have_v anathematise_v and_o utter_o unchurch_v they_o all_o think_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v free_a if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o transgression_n with_o they_o there_o be_v other_o church_n too_o as_o well_o as_o these_o once_o famous_a for_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n now_o become_v the_o den_n of_o dragon_n and_o habitation_n of_o all_o unclean_a spirit_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o divine_a judgement_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n how_o behoveful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o be_v sure_a if_o we_o run_v the_o same_o course_n of_o sin_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n of_o indignation_n with_o they_o also_o if_o we_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o repent_v not_o for_o god_n be_v the_o same_o immutable_a be_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o a_o hater_n of_o all_o iniquity_n today_o and_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v hold_v out_o against_o the_o spiritual_a assault_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n will_v i_o give_v say_v christ_n 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 here_o we_o have_v the_o triumphant_a christian_a conqueror_n describe_v together_o with_o his_o crown_n and_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v the_o conqueror_n the_o reward_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v wherein_o shall_v a_o christian_n combatant_n overcome_v to_o denominate_v he_o a_o true_a conqueror_n and_o to_o overcome_v indeed_o i_o answer_v as_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o armoury_n from_o himself_o which_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n so_o we_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o he_o to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_n warfare_n here_o beneath_o we_o have_v not_o only_o to_o fight_v with_o our_o corruption_n within_o but_o we_o must_v meet_v with_o divers_a assault_n of_o satan_n also_o from_o without_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n to_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o if_o we_o comply_v not_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v his_o buffet_n from_o without_o in_o revile_n reproach_n affliction_n etc._n etc._n and_o often_o as_o paul_n do_v fight_v with_o unreasonable_a and_o bestial_a man_n as_o he_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n so_o that_o he_o that_o overcome_v to_o
life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o be_v variety_n of_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o great_a and_o excellent_a glory_n of_o the_o other_o world_n christ_n do_v former_o promise_v the_o participation_n of_o himself_o in_o that_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n under_o the_o type_n of_o hide_a manna_n tree_n of_o life_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n as_o the_o morning_n star_n christ_n be_v the_o bright_a morning_n star_n first_o because_o he_o than_o bring_v comfort_n with_o he_o to_o his_o afflict_a church_n second_o he_o bring_v light_a with_o he_o to_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n that_o now_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n rom._n 11.25_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o this_o morning_n star_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o sun_n that_o rise_v in_o malachy_n 4.2_o with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v christ_n personal_a appearance_n again_o as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o faithful_a one_o and_o for_o the_o heal_n enlighten_v and_o conversion_n of_o his_o ancient_a church_n and_o people_n the_o jew_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o christ_n will_v appear_v again_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o afflict_a gentile_a church_n and_o to_o the_o enlighten_v and_o conversion_n of_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o and_o general_a judgement_n because_o then_o be_v a_o day_n of_o total_a destruction_n not_o a_o appearance_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o unbelief_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o the_o saint_n receive_v their_o utmost_a glory_n not_o strive_v roll_a and_o overpowering_a the_o nation_n christ_n then_o deliver_v up_o all_o power_n unto_o the_o father_n 1_o cor._n 15.24_o therefore_o that_o be_v no_o day_n to_o give_v power_n into_o their_o hand_n over_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ultimate_a judgement_n gog_n and_o magog_n and_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n be_v catch_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o cap._n 19_o 20._o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o day_n of_o rule_v over_o they_o for_o that_o day_n than_o will_v be_v past_a and_o over_o to_o conclude_v the_o saint_n temporal_a reign_n begin_v with_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o morning_n star_n and_o end_n with_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a but_o their_o heavenly_a glory_n shall_v never_o end_v and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 29._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n let_v the_o wise_a intelligent_a christian_n consider_v and_o ponder_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o each_o of_o these_o church_n and_o from_o the_o often_o repetition_n of_o the_o spirit_n memento_n in_o these_o word_n take_v this_o conclusion_n that_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n can_v be_v too_o often_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o memory_n of_o his_o people_n chap._n iii_o verse_n 1._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n write_v these_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a christ_n proceed_v with_o his_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n at_o sardis_n superscribe_v unto_o the_o angel_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o reason_n before_o specify_v chap._n 2._o v._n 1._o write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o can_v join_v unto_o their_o interpretation_n that_o make_v the_o seven_o spirit_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n to_o be_v all_o one_o to_o wit_n christ_n seven_o angel_n of_o his_o church_n which_o he_o carry_v in_o his_o hand_n cap._n 1._o 20._o so_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o tautology_n whilst_o a_o more_o convenient_a sense_n may_v be_v find_v applicable_a to_o it_o to_o wit_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sevenfold_a grace_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o number_n seven_o in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v intimate_v perfection_n as_o cap._n 1._o 5._o and_o 4._o 5._o and_o this_o sevenfold_a spirit_n of_o perfection_n be_v christ_n own_o spirit_n and_o be_v send_v by_o he_o and_o at_o his_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o christ_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sevenfold_a operate_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o disposal_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o gracious_a ministry_n be_v the_o special_a inseparable_a gift_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n they_o be_v inseparable_a companion_n where_o the_o one_o do_v go_v the_o other_o be_v present_a also_o if_o christ_n come_v with_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o come_v with_o the_o seven_o spirit_n in_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o that_o people_n also_o a_o true_a ministry_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o separate_v though_o i_o shall_v not_o tie_v up_o god_n to_o those_o mean_n only_o yet_o ordinary_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v christ_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o ministerial_a adminstration_n of_o his_o star_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o charioteer_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o spirit_n be_v vehiculum_fw-la or_o chariot_n but_o the_o minister_n thereof_o be_v those_o that_o carry_v and_o support_v this_o chariot_n on_o the_o shoulder_n never_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o chariot_n will_v come_v or_o rest_n in_o our_o temple_n unless_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o star_n those_o beautiful_a one_o that_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n god_n have_v so_o link_v together_o in_o his_o alwise_a decree_n and_o predetermination_n the_o concatenation_n of_o subordinate_a cause_n or_o medium_n unto_o salvation_n that_o ordinary_o one_o can_v be_v effect_v without_o the_o other_o and_o so_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n one_o will_v not_o do_v this_o work_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o other_o but_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o they_o joint_o together_o either_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n or_o church_n he_o make_v they_o of_o a_o wilderness_n and_o a_o land_n of_o darkness_n a_o goshen_n and_o a_o land_n of_o light_n and_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n to_o who_o christ_n so_o come_v with_o his_o seven_o spirit_n and_o his_o seven_o star_n with_o his_o gracious_a spirit_n and_o spiritual_a ministry_n and_o for_o such_o who_o lot_n be_v fall_v in_o such_o a_o land_n i_o say_v their_o lot_n be_v fall_v in_o a_o goodly_a heritage_n but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o christ_n here_o appear_v under_o this_o representation_n of_o one_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o answer_v christ_n be_v upon_o discovery_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a defection_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o thererefore_o he_o need_v to_o appear_v not_o only_o under_o a_o search_a pierce_a and_o spiritual_a administration_n as_o one_o that_o can_v search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n cap._n 2._o 23._o and_o as_o one_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sevenfold_a search_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o know_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o man_n but_o also_o under_o a_o lightsome_a administration_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n for_o a_o further_a discovery_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o hypocritical_a practice_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n hide_a hypocrisy_n and_o inward_a rottenness_n be_v search_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o true_a light_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n angel_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n he_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o his_o charge_n against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o christ_n spiritual_a ministry_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n can_v try_v the_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n of_o man_n the_o spiritual_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o and_o if_o a_o private_a spiritual_a member_n may_v judge_v judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la then_o sure_o much_o more_o the_o public_a ambassador_n and_o authorise_a minister_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v try_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n whither_o our_o work_n &_o profession_n
body_n and_o spirit_n well_o then_o try_v your_o faith_n and_o profession_n whether_o it_o be_v dead_a or_o formal_a or_o active_a or_o live_a by_o these_o few_o particular_n it_o be_v not_o a_o naked_a assent_n or_o unactive_a outward_a profession_n will_v serve_v turn_n this_o be_v dead_a and_o liveless_a yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n jud._n 12._o dead_a in_o your_o first_o natural_a condition_n and_o dead_a in_o your_o hypocritical_a profession_n for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v never_o to_o be_v otherwise_o with_o you_o but_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o work_a faith_n by_o and_o through_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o glory_n paul_n whole_a life_n phil._n 1.21_o be_v as_o it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o christ_n for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n say_v he_o that_o be_v my_o life_n be_v christ_n for_o his_o use_n his_o purpose_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o short_a a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o christ_n by_o the_o continual_a supply_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o for_o christ_n and_o with_o aim_n at_o his_o glory_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a for_o dead_a formalist_n to_o carry_v a_o high_a hand_n in_o outward_a profession_n than_o the_o real_a christian_n sardis_n pretend_v high_o to_o faith_n and_o to_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v beyond_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o the_o name_n be_v only_a that_o she_o aim_v at_o for_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n she_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a and_o rot_a it_o be_v not_o very_o usual_a still_o among_o dead_a and_o carnal_a christian_n to_o boast_v of_o their_o christianity_n their_o baptism_n their_o church_n their_o external_a ordinance_n and_o the_o like_a they_o needs_o will_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o carnal_a jew_n that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o vers_n 9_o so_o unto_o these_o carnal_a formalist_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v pleasant_a to_o they_o yet_o still_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o true_a saint_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o perceive_v they_o want_v the_o true_a work_a faith_n which_o be_v only_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n all_o be_v natural_o self-lover_n they_o will_v needs_o content_v themselves_o and_o god_n too_o if_o they_o may_v with_o a_o guild_a sophisticate_a and_o dead_a faith_n and_o profession_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n than_o the_o true_a one_o which_o shall_v commend_v they_o unto_o god_n and_o denominate_v they_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o faith_n be_v too_o short_a for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v dead_a false_a and_o liveless_a as_o a_o carcase_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o justifi_v and_o christ_n accept_v that_o work_v by_o love_n 1_o thes_n 1.3_o verse_n 2._o be_v thou_o watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n esto_fw-la vigilans_fw-la as_o beza_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o shall_v rather_o take_v it_o in_o the_o active_a sense_n be_v thou_o awake_v or_o awake_v thou_o then_o be_v watchful_a for_o it_o it_o argue_v the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o activity_n to_o be_v watchful_a watch_n and_o pray_v but_o to_o awake_v it_o only_o show_v a_o dormant_a dead_a and_o sleepy_a state_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v for_o she_o bear_v the_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a therefore_o christ_n tell_v her_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rouse_v up_o thyself_o from_o thy_o sleepy_a state_n and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v reinforce_v revive_v and_o stir_v up_o those_o small_a remain_a spark_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o give_v up_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n within_o thou_o and_o though_o thou_o think_v and_o may_v have_v a_o conceit_n of_o thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v something_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o external_a profession_n and_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v yet_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o say_v christ_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n hence_o note_v observe_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a impair_n and_o consumption_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n sardis_n be_v bring_v by_o it_o even_o to_o death_n door_n her_o grace_n that_o be_v once_o eminent_a be_v come_v thereby_o to_o some_o small_a remainder_n and_o they_o too_o almost_o extinct_a and_o near_o the_o grave_n and_o though_o death_n itself_o i_o mean_v spiritual_a have_v not_o yet_o seize_v she_o yet_o she_o be_v somewhat_o near_o it_o she_o be_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n for_o she_o sleep_v and_o be_v call_v to_o awake_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o remainder_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o she_o lest_o she_o take_v her_o last_o sleep_n by_o the_o spiritual_a death_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o eternal_a death_n hereafter_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o sickness_n be_v to_o the_o body_n 1._o it_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o distemperature_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o leprosy_n under_o the_o law_n 3._o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o sickness_n cause_v grief_n to_o the_o body_n so_o sin_n cause_v horror_n and_o anguish_n unto_o the_o soul_n 4._o it_o cause_v weakness_n for_o the_o more_o sin_n the_o more_o weakness_n and_o disability_n to_o spiritual_a duty_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 5.6_o weak_a feeble_a soul_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n 5._o every_o sickness_n of_o the_o body_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n so_o every_o sin_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n eternal_o the_o only_a remedy_n that_o we_o have_v against_o this_o poison_n and_o sting_v of_o sin_n be_v to_o hasten_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n who_o be_v the_o physician_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o who_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v here_o to_o sardis_n to_o awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o sardis_n to_o awake_v herself_o recover_v herself_o and_o renew_v her_o grace_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n i_o answer_v negative_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n not_o only_o for_o a_o propitiation_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n but_o it_o be_v also_o from_o his_o influence_n and_o from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n whereby_o all_o our_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a for_o the_o life_n i_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o awake_v out_o of_o sin_n nor_o do_v our_o first_o work_n or_o renovate_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n second_o this_o duty_n to_o awake_v and_o renew_v their_o grace_n be_v set_v on_o those_o of_o sardis_n that_o have_v already_o receive_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v here_o say_v strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v therefore_o they_o have_v a_o be_v though_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v grace_n from_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o work_v from_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n have_v receive_v the_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v christ_n the_o great_a end_n and_o object_n of_o the_o promise_n cleanse_v yourselves_o go_v on_o in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o our_o gracious_a act_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o through_o his_o continue_a power_n and_o influence_n three_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o awake_v strengthen_v and_o renew_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n they_o must_v be_v always_o take_v to_o be_v as_o inseparable_a part_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o we_o can_v awake_v from_o sin_n unless_o we_o first_o look_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o renew_v or_o restore_v our_o fall_a grace_n before_o we_o first_o eye_n god_n in_o christ_n out_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o set_v home_o spiritual_a duty_n on_o person_n that_o have_v not_o first_o receive_v light_n and_o life_n from_o christ_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o work_n that_o must_v be_v offer_v and_o
the_o more_o glory_n it_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o hereafter_o every_o vessel_n shall_v have_v his_o fullness_n in_o glory_n but_o every_o one_o according_a to_o its_o capacity_n as_o there_o be_v a_o glory_n in_o the_o star_n moon_n and_o sun_n and_o one_o differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n yet_o every_o one_o have_v their_o fullness_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n oâ—_n glory_n when_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n every_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o work_n eternal_a happiness_n but_o some_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n all_o shall_v be_v shine_a star_n but_o some_o of_o a_o great_a magnitude_n than_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n it_o be_v not_o a_o legal_a perfection_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v in_o sardis_n he_o do_v never_o seek_v for_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o they_o that_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a see_v they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o this_o intimate_v that_o the_o faithful_a christian_n and_o their_o work_n may_v be_v perfect_a before_o god_n although_o they_o be_v not_o find_v perfect_a in_o sardis_n yet_o may_v be_v find_v perfect_a in_o other_o that_o be_v more_o sound_a and_o godly_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o understand_v that_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n perfection_n be_v take_v for_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n as_o gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o &_o be_v thou_o perfect_a that_o be_v upright_o &_o sincere_a as_o job_n 1.1_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a he_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n honest_a at_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o work_n of_o sardis_n be_v not_o perfect_a before_o god_n they_o be_v not_o honest_a sincere_a and_o upright_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o be_v hypocritical_a in_o name_n show_v and_o appearance_n only_o not_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n second_o perfection_n may_v be_v take_v 1._o as_o respect_v our_o justification_n or_o 2._o our_o sanctification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v a_o complete_a perfection_n for_o the_o saint_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n leave_v which_o be_v not_o wash_v away_o by_o his_o blood_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v perfect_a by_o one_o offering_n christ_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.14_o then_o second_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o part_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o aim_v thereof_o 4._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n have_v a_o perfect_a beginning_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o its_o part_n because_o it_o begin_v in_o every_o part_n they_o be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o though_o every_o part_n be_v not_o throughout_o sanctify_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o medium_n by_o which_o they_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o every_o part_n throughout_o in_o understanding_n will_n affection_n desire_n memory_n thought_n and_o heart_n second_o they_o have_v every_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o only_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o as_o when_o faith_n love_n patience_n humility_n etc._n etc._n overcome_v infidelity_n hatred_n impatience_n pride_n and_o other_o their_o opposite_a vice_n and_o evil_n so_o when_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v in_o all_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v a_o perfect_a work_n in_o beginning_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o perfect_a work_n have_v prevail_v against_o its_o contrary_n three_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o he_o that_o aim_v and_o strive_v for_o perfection_n god_n accept_v as_o perfect_a though_o mix_v with_o much_o imperfection_n christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n neither_o four_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o duration_n apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o truth_n will_v loose_v the_o honour_n of_o perfection_n and_o make_v their_o crown_n to_o wither_v when_o a_o righteous_a or_o perfect_a man_n turn_v to_o iniquity_n all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v ezek._n 18.24_o five_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o the_o saint_n be_v perfect_a soul_n compare_v they_o unto_o the_o guild_a out_o side_n formal_a christian_n and_o they_o be_v gold_n and_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o and_o so_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a before_o he_o as_o those_o of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v first_o observe_v 1._o the_o great_a cause_n that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a before_o god_n be_v for_o want_v of_o honest_a sincerity_n in_o they_o sardis_n be_v blame_v for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n she_o carry_v a_o fair_a name_n that_o she_o live_v in_o her_o pretend_a grace_n but_o she_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v no_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o they_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o avoid_v all_o outward_a evil_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v double-heartedness_n in_o his_o spirit_n all_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n as_o abominable_a sincerity_n be_v that_o that_o give_v perfection_n to_o every_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o every_o grace_n as_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o must_v believe_v sincere_o when_o we_o love_v we_o must_v love_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o when_o we_o sorrow_n or_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v do_v sincere_o that_o be_v true_o full_o without_o any_o mixture_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o a_o double_a mind_a man_n god_n do_v hate_v sincere_a quasi_fw-la sine_fw-la cera_fw-la without_o wax_n without_o composition_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o bear_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n full_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v within_o to_o make_v they_o complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o this_o ingredient_n grace_n of_o sincerity_n all_o our_o duty_n be_v but_o as_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cimbal_n but_o add_v sincerity_n unto_o the_o least_o and_o most_o imperfect_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v become_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n most_o perfect_a god_n accept_v a_o lamb_n from_o abel_n offer_v in_o sincerity_n rather_o than_o cloud_n of_o incense_n and_o thousand_o of_o sacrifice_n from_o a_o wicked_a and_o profain_a cain_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o widow_n mite_n or_o some_o goat_n hair_n come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v sincere_a god_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rich_a present_a and_o call_v the_o presenter_n thereof_o perfect_a truth_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n be_v our_o perfection_n here_o but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v have_v perfection_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o let_v we_o so_o walk_v before_o god_n as_o become_v perfect_a one_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o saint_n duty_n that_o they_o aim_v and_o press_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o their_o grace_n work_n and_o duty_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v worthy_o blame_v for_o want_n of_o this_o perfection_n her_o work_n be_v not_o full_a and_o entire_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v and_o therefore_o blame-worthy_a and_o imperfect_a first_o they_o be_v to_o press_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o evidence_v by_o love_n and_o work_n and_o so_o make_v their_o election_n and_o justification_n sure_a unto_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o manifest_v it_o unto_o other_o also_o second_o to_o seek_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o part_n of_o christianity_n in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v perfect_a entire_a want_v nothing_o ja._n 1.4_o as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o to_o wit_n charity_n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o there_o must_v not_o one_o necessary_a grace_n be_v want_v in_o true_a saint_n though_o
receive_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o double_a door_n open_v a_o free_a power_n give_v she_o by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ready_a and_o willing_a heart_n to_o receive_v it_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o from_o she_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n himself_o that_o have_v open_v it_o and_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o hellish_a design_n it_o can_v never_o be_v obscure_v and_o shut_v up_o more_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o vouchsafe_v and_o give_v fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n for_o a_o kindly_a entertainment_n of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o man_n wit_n conceit_n or_o eloquence_n of_o word_n will_v open_v this_o door_n either_o to_o one self_o or_o other_o christ_n must_v first_o open_v and_o give_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n or_o else_o the_o tongue_n will_v be_v as_o dumb_a as_o zachariah_n before_o john_n be_v bear_v unto_o all_o gospel_n mystery_n next_o the_o hearer_n will_v be_v as_o deaf_a unto_o the_o sound_n thereof_o as_o dumb_a unto_o the_o utterance_n of_o it_o before_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o work_v kind_o on_o their_o heart_n to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o how_o possible_o else_o can_v twelve_o plain_a tradesman_n mechanic_n fisherman_n etc._n etc._n go_v on_o with_o that_o boldness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v that_o door_n of_o utterance_n and_o entertainment_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n among_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n have_v not_o touch_v their_o tongue_n and_o unshut_a their_o mouth_n and_o tâ—â—_n heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n both_o at_o once_o the_o one_o with_o a_o power_n of_o speak_v the_o other_o with_o a_o power_n and_o willingness_n of_o hear_v receive_v and_o treasure_v up_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v what_o a_o large_a door_n have_v christ_n lay_v open_a since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o reformation_n to_o this_o present_a day_n this_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n who_o by_o weak_a and_o despicable_a thing_n and_o person_n have_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v consider_v with_o what_o weapon_n i_o have_v overcome_v their_o error_n i_o have_v never_o touch_v they_o with_o a_o finger_n but_o christ_n have_v destroy_v they_o all_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n i._n e._n the_o word_n of_o his_o gospel_n what_o do_n what_o imprisoning_n what_o fining_n what_o punishment_n what_o torture_n what_o punishment_n what_o death_n do_v the_o old_a popish_a doctor_n and_o clergy_n and_o of_o late_a the_o prelatical_a bishop_n raise_v and_o invent_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o door_n that_o christ_n have_v open_v to_o his_o faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o land_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v they_o prevail_v and_o get_v thereby_o but_o by_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o suffocate_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o true_a light_n become_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o break_v themselves_o to_o piece_n against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o become_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o such_o endeavour_n be_v again_o set_v on_o foot_n against_o christ_n faithful_a witness_n to_o shut_v that_o door_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v open_a to_o they_o let_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o time_n pass_v towards_o the_o prelatical_a person_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n be_v a_o curb_n unto_o such_o undertaker_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o reproach_n or_o act_n of_o man_n against_o they_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n for_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n for_o the_o sense_n run_v thus_o because_o though_o thy_o strength_n be_v but_o small_a and_o thy_o gift_n be_v but_o low_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o yet_o thou_o have_v well_o improve_v those_o which_o thou_o have_v and_o have_v maintain_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_a among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o put_v the_o couple_a particle_n and_o for_o the_o disjunctive_a though_o or_o yet_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n not_o in_o opposition_n of_o much_o corruption_n that_o reign_v in_o philadelphia_n as_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o name_n alive_a because_o the_o great_a part_n be_v dead_a but_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n be_v apparent_o no_o great_a strength_n comparative_o to_o what_o other_o have_v and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v she_o for_o her_o talon_n which_o she_o improve_n and_o put_v to_o profitable_a use_n according_a to_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v most_o commend_v of_o god_n and_o in_o nothing_o reprove_v by_o he_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o a_o small_a talon_n well_o improve_v be_v follow_v both_o by_o a_o benediction_n and_o a_o commendation_n from_o god_n himself_o the_o parable_n in_o match_n 25._o confirm_v this_o where_o he_o that_o increase_v his_o talon_n be_v make_v owner_n of_o more_o and_o governor_n of_o many_o city_n this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n bear_v the_o name_n from_o all_o her_o sister_n for_o her_o proficiency_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n though_o her_o strength_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o her_o profession_n and_o ability_n seem_v so_o high_a as_o the_o rest_n yet_o she_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o she_o surpass_v they_o all_o and_o have_v the_o great_a portion_n and_o blessing_n give_v she_o then_o to_o any_o other_o and_o so_o become_v the_o only_a daughter_n of_o her_o mother_n the_o peerless_a sister_n of_o the_o seven_o have_v not_o of_o late_a many_o low_a despicable_a church_n and_o person_n for_o well_o improve_n their_o small_a talent_n become_v fragrant_a garden_n and_o eminent_a workman_n in_o god_n vineyard_n while_o other_o of_o high_a profession_n part_n and_o ability_n for_o want_v of_o husband_v their_o talent_n both_o lose_v their_o talent_n and_o become_v barren_a desert_n and_o like_o unsavoury_a salt_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dunghill_n though_o my_o year_n be_v but_o few_o and_o my_o experience_n small_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o this_o improvement_n i_o have_v know_v great_a doctor_n to_o become_v wittol_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n child_n and_o babe_n by_o better_v of_o their_o talent_n though_o but_o of_o small_a and_o of_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o as_o but_o a_o mustardseed_n in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o to_o become_v sound_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o last_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o great_a tree_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v fly_v for_o shelter_n verse_n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o by_o this_o double_a remarkable_a asterisme_n or_o twice_o repeat_v note_n of_o attention_n behold_v in_o one_o verse_n christ_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o notable_a work_n in_o his_o church_n and_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o perverse_a jew_n that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v affliction_n and_o tribulation_n on_o the_o true_a professor_n thereof_o but_o to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o worship_v he_o before_o their_o foot_n to_o make_v they_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o this_o christ_n and_o this_o church_n who_o they_o have_v vilify_v blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v to_o be_v the_o only_a special_a object_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o explicate_v the_o word_n more_o full_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o