his_o church_n for_o the_o service_n thereof_o god_n first_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n when_o john_n be_v but_o upon_o enter_v upon_o his_o prophetical_a office_n god_n ravish_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o fill_v he_o therewith_o to_o fit_v he_o for_o this_o office_n when_o man_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o for_o the_o low_a service_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o like_a yet_o they_o must_v be_v man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o much_o more_o than_o for_o the_o high_a place_n as_o prophet_n pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o work_n act_v 11.24_o and_o 13.2_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o those_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o in_o some_o fullness_n of_o it_o those_o place_n be_v not_o for_o such_o as_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n covetousness_n pride_n the_o world_n contention_n ignorance_n and_o antichristian_a lord_v such_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v well_o say_v of_o such_o that_o they_o run_v for_o profit_n here_o and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o lord_n send_v they_o not_o jer._n 14.14_o and_o 23.21_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o be_v call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n because_o god_n have_v give_v they_o some_o common_a acquire_v gift_n and_o part_n yet_o want_v all_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o meekness_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o this_o world_n humility_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n ready_a to_o forgive_v sound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o that_o want_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o fit_a for_o those_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v satisfy_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o let_v this_o be_v as_o a_o memento_n to_o all_o such_o that_o climb_v over_o the_o wall_n into_o those_o holy_a function_n and_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o a_o call_n from_o man_n when_o they_o be_v never_o call_v of_o god_n i_o say_v let_v all_o such_o fear_n and_o tremble_v lest_o god_n spew_v they_o all_o our_o together_o with_o their_o flock_n that_o will_v have_v it_o so_o in_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o john_n be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a whether_o this_o day_n be_v here_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o those_o vision_n make_v unto_o john_n upon_o this_o day_n or_o because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o assemble_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o perform_v their_o service_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o same_o day_n with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o our_o christian_n sabbath_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o contend_v but_o rather_o be_o incline_v unto_o the_o latter_a for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n on_o that_o day_n wherein_o he_o be_v manifest_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n over_o hell_n and_o satan_n purchase_v it_o that_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n second_o because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n with_o all_o christian_n public_a service_n be_v transfer_v to_o that_o day_n and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o according_a to_o the_o scottish_a dialect_n the_o kirk_n day_n the_o church_n day_n because_o they_o hold_v their_o assembly_n and_o perform_v their_o public_a service_n upon_o that_o day_n hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o the_o great_a and_o public_a assembling_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o god_n high_a discovery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n receive_v here_o on_o this_o day_n his_o high_a irradiation_n of_o spirit_n and_o prophecy_n this_o be_v god_n great_a market_n day_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o mutual_a exchange_n or_o barter_v of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a commodity_n the_o saint_n come_v with_o the_o return_n of_o their_o improvement_n of_o mercy_n in_o praise_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n god_n give_v out_o in_o return_n far_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o his_o way_n and_o truth_n therefore_o sure_a most_o happy_a most_o know_a and_o most_o gracious_a be_v those_o saint_n that_o be_v most_o find_v in_o this_o way_n o_o this_o shall_v make_v all_o of_o we_o that_o be_v not_o in_o this_o way_n to_o wail_v for_o it_o as_o david_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o exile_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o special_a habitation_n of_o god_n glory_n psal_n 96.6_o and_o to_o breath_n after_o it_o even_o as_o the_o hart_n bray_v after_o the_o fountain_n stream_n for_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n assembling_n wherein_o the_o angel_n come_v down_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n christ_n in_o spirit_n to_o stir_v upon_o the_o water_n of_o bethesda_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o his_o people_n when_o john_n be_v in_o this_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o he_o hear_v behind_o he_o a_o mighty_a voice_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n loud_a and_o terrible_a the_o trumpet_n be_v a_o warlike_a instrument_n who_o sound_n be_v to_o prepare_v unto_o battle_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o adversary_n god_n public_a admonition_n be_v so_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o not_o only_o prepare_v his_o own_o unto_o repentance_n but_o be_v also_o of_o terrible_a signification_n unto_o all_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n but_o here_o come_v in_o a_o question_n fit_a to_o be_v discuss_v john_n have_v here_o his_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n ecstasy_n and_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n the_o quere_z will_v be_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a for_o satan_n be_v god_n ape_n and_o have_v his_o rapture_n possession_n strange_a apparition_n sound_n and_o voice_n also_o for_o answer_v first_o know_v that_o god_n vision_n be_v give_v either_o in_o the_o sleep_n as_o unto_o jacob_n when_o he_o see_v a_o ladder_n reach_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v in_o gen._n 28._o but_o such_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v divine_a dream_n or_o second_o when_o the_o person_n be_v awake_a as_o here_o when_o john_n be_v at_o patmos_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n doubtless_o either_o in_o god_n service_n or_o holy_a contemplation_n he_o receive_v those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n and_o those_o ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o great_a alteration_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v they_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o this_o posture_n and_o frame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n quasi_fw-la extra_fw-la se_fw-la raptus_fw-la be_v in_o that_o posture_n not_o master_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o power_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o act_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o both_o sort_n of_o rapture_n whether_o from_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n now_o to_o discern_v what_o spirit_n move_v in_o such_o rapture_n or_o vision_n observe_v first_o whether_o the_o person_n passive_a or_o that_o be_v under_o such_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n be_v always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o to_o be_v preserve_v against_o the_o evil_a one_o in_o their_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n second_o observe_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o vision_n in_o such_o rapture_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o sinful_a practice_n or_o not_o for_o sure_o satan_n will_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o his_o kingdom_n can_v not_o stand_v though_o i_o have_v read_v a_o story_n in_o some_o old_a popish_a mass-monger_n that_o the_o devil_n once_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o priest_n preach_v a_o very_a catholic_a sermon_n but_o be_v discover_v by_o some_o saint_n in_o presence_n it_o seem_v one_o of_o a_o excellent_a endowment_n in_o discern_a spirit_n ask_v he_o how_o dare_v satan_n to_o appear_v in_o that_o presence_n with_o so_o sound_a holy_a
prophecy_n than_o they_o that_o go_v before_o we_o and_o no_o discredit_n to_o they_o be_v they_o ever_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o and_o no_o mean_a one_o that_o be_v go_v before_o on_o this_o theme_n be_v not_o without_o their_o maculae_fw-la and_o defect_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v of_o too_o private_a and_o narrow_a a_o spirit_n in_o their_o interpret_n and_o apply_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n unto_o their_o own_o time_n interest_n and_o design_n as_o if_o the_o action_n and_o revolution_n of_o every_o petty_a city_n and_o commonweal_n yea_o the_o end_n design_n and_o period_n of_o every_o person_n that_o divine_a providence_n exalt_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n somewhat_o beyond_o the_o common_a boundary_n of_o the_o ordinary_a lord_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v comprise_v predict_v foretold_v and_o prophesy_v of_o in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n make_v strange_a and_o wild_a application_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o where_o this_o conceit_n work_v strong_o it_o will_v work_v mad_o too_o when_o once_o it_o be_v elevate_v to_o that_o height_n and_o get_v a_o power_n than_o there_o must_v be_v no_o oppose_v of_o those_o end_n and_o design_n that_o such_o opinionist_n pretend_v as_o just_a collection_n from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o have_v only_o a_o be_v as_o wild_a chimera_n in_o their_o own_o deceive_a imagination_n this_o be_v that_o rock_n whereon_o some_o have_v former_o make_v shipwreck_n and_o perish_v thereon_o and_o other_o now_o adays_o be_v sail_v with_o a_o full_a gale_n towards_o the_o same_o charybdis_n and_o if_o god_n in_o mercy_n prevent_v not_o will_v thereon_o split_v and_o perish_v also_o but_o to_o return_v here_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o answer_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi or_o to_o what_o end_v i_o undertake_v this_o exercitation_n on_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n this_o last_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o dangerous_a rock_n be_v not_o the_o least_o end_n that_o i_o set_v before_o i_o in_o this_o undertake_n which_o end_v for_o better_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v here_o more_o particular_o set_v down_o in_o order_n 1._o my_o first_o be_v next_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o truth_n for_o the_o keep_v the_o saint_n foot_n straight_o in_o not_o stumble_v by_o a_o false_a interpret_n and_o apply_v of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o in_o vain_o endeavour_v the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o pull_n down_o all_o authority_n that_o oppose_v such_o pretender_n to_o their_o own_o utter_a ruin_n and_o undo_n without_o repentance_n 2._o that_o christ_n true_a saint_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v under_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n own_o true_a and_o real_a kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o come_v not_o this_o of_o weakness_n which_o be_v partly_o spiritual_a partly_o carnal_a but_o that_o of_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n when_o all_o his_o enemy_n shall_v be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o break_a and_o rule_v by_o his_o rod_n of_o iron_n which_o will_v be_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o appearance_n and_o come_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o not_o before_o 3._o in_o profit_v myself_o and_o other_o myself_o in_o write_v other_o in_o read_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o augustine_n prodest_fw-la scribendo_fw-la &_o scribendo_fw-la prodest_fw-la we_o have_v all_o as_o aquinas_n testify_v long_v desire_n conjungi_fw-la cum_fw-la svo_fw-la principio_fw-la to_o be_v conjoin_v with_o our_o principle_n 4._o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n have_v spend_v many_o precious_a hour_n and_o day_n in_o folly_n and_o be_v example_n unto_o other_o in_o evil_n do_v so_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n we_o shall_v redeem_v the_o time_n and_o god_n call_v in_o this_o day_n of_o light_n both_o from_o myself_o and_o all_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v pattern_n unto_o other_o in_o well_o do_v if_o that_o possible_o we_o may_v redeem_v the_o lose_a time_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o folly_n last_o that_o god_n may_v have_v his_o end_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o be_v bear_v not_o alone_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o generation_n to_o serve_v god_n therein_o faithful_o in_o all_o the_o relation_n that_o he_o call_v we_o to_o god_n have_v not_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o spend_v away_o all_o our_o precious_a day_n in_o sport_n pastime_n and_o folly_n or_o about_o the_o more_o profitable_a affair_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o too_o too_o many_o be_v but_o to_o sacrifice_v some_o competent_a part_n thereof_o unto_o the_o service_n of_o our_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o our_o friend_n neighbour_n relation_n and_o posterity_n may_v take_v encouragement_n and_o example_n by_o we_o to_o live_v more_o unto_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o their_o creator_n have_v thus_o lay_v down_o my_o end_n in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v this_o more_o to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o this_o exercitation_n be_v send_v forth_o as_o my_o first-born_a in_o this_o kind_n in_o public_a unto_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v intend_v also_o on_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n if_o god_n do_v continue_v but_o his_o wont_a mercy_n and_o encouragement_n thereunto_o this_o first_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o doctrinal_a and_o therefore_o i_o have_v herein_o follow_v a_o method_n with_o observation_n and_o note_n which_o the_o second_o will_v not_o so_o commodious_o admit_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o each_o prophecy_n and_o how_o the_o mystery_n figure_n and_o character_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v understand_v and_o apply_v to_o their_o proper_a time_n period_n state_n interest_n and_o revolution_n represent_v by_o they_o but_o this_o first_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o treat_v of_o divers_a question_n that_o be_v under_o dispute_n now_o in_o these_o day_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o let_v this_o see_v the_o light_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o try_v how_o it_o will_v taste_v upon_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o godly_a ingenious_a for_o if_o it_o savour_v well_o with_o they_o it_o will_v suffice_v and_o be_v a_o far_a encouragement_n unto_o the_o second_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v not_o please_v all_o in_o this_o write_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o writer_n with_o who_o all_o have_v be_v satisfy_v for_o according_a to_o the_o poet_n ad_fw-la capio_fw-la lectoris_fw-la habent_fw-la sva_fw-la fata_fw-la libelli_fw-la book_n do_v either_o hit_v or_o miss_v as_o the_o reader_n judgement_n be_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o in_o my_o thought_n to_o endeavour_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o so_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n or_o at_o least_o so_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o servility_n in_o the_o world_n to_o captivate_v one_o reason_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o overween_a folly_n it_o be_v also_o far_o beneath_o my_o design_n to_o accommodate_v my_o write_n to_o the_o popular_a applause_n and_o as_o the_o tragedian_n say_v populo_fw-la ut_fw-la placerent_fw-la who_o common_o weigh_v not_o the_o matter_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o scriptural_a reason_n but_o by_o their_o own_o irregular_a fancy_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o be_o far_o from_o their_o humour_n who_o nil_fw-la rectum_fw-la reputant_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la placuit_fw-la sibi_fw-la ducunt_fw-la next_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o ingenious_a reader_n that_o if_o any_o of_o my_o conclusion_n recede_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o can_v willing_o wish_v all_o such_o a_o abortion_n in_o the_o very_a birth_n but_o if_o any_o thereof_o seem_v only_o to_o discede_fw-la from_o the_o common_a receive_v opinion_n let_v the_o ingenious_a consider_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o want_v a_o protector_n or_o a_o sufficient_a defence_n and_o apologie_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o add_v in_o this_o way_n of_o apologize_v unto_o the_o reader_n but_o if_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n unto_o the_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v i_o wish_v he_o a_o far_a increase_n of_o divine_a light_n if_o he_o be_v malevolent_a thereunto_o all_o the_o harm_n i_o wish_v he_o be_v a_o better_a spirit_n and_o a_o more_o enlighten_v judgement_n if_o he_o be_v supine_n and_o negligent_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o add_v diligence_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o right_a enquiry_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a i_o wish_v he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o true_a
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
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
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
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 vanity_n john_n write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n nor_o discover_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v be_v then_o present_a or_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after_o time_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v and_o be_v bold_a to_o preach_v and_o to_o commend_v unto_o you_o christ_n minister_n shall_v press_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o be_v assure_v be_v experience_v truth_n i_o doubt_v i_o every_o opinion_n concern_v outward_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o the_o like_a will_v not_o at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v vision_n of_o god_n which_o some_o do_v now_o a_o day_n so_o hot_o contend_v for_o it_o may_v be_v one_o day_n say_v unto_o such_o hotspur_n boanerges_n son_n of_o thunder_n who_o require_v such_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n while_o you_o let_v the_o great_a work_n as_o of_o love_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n lie_v prostrate_a at_o your_o foot_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o 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 character_n and_o figure_n of_o each_o vision_n christ_n himself_o in_o this_o verse_n have_v make_v the_o first_o entrance_n and_o essay_n on_o this_o account_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n do_v mystical_o represent_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n the_o church_n themselves_o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n christ_n be_v more_o large_a in_o interpret_n the_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o connote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o wise_a observant_a christian_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n thereinto_o the_o spirit_n say_v often_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n 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
go_v undiscovered_a that_o deserve_v such_o title_n better_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o wise_a so_o to_o raise_v a_o scarecrow_n to_o drive_v away_o the_o fearful_a and_o disingenuous_a from_o a_o full_a inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o will_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o their_o opposer_n but_o no_o more_o of_o this_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o one_o mistake_n of_o i_o who_o once_o think_v as_o most_o man_n do_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providential_a dispose_v the_o kingdom_n oâ—_n this_o world_n and_o in_o exalt_v man_n of_o low_a degreâ—_n into_o the_o throne_n of_o prince_n and_o throw_v down_o great_a prince_n and_o their_o progeny_n into_o the_o state_n of_o slave_n it_o be_v only_o to_o manifest_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n to_o give_v they_o to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o more_o mature_o consider_v the_o alwise_a order_n hand_n of_o god_n in_o such_o great_a transaction_n i_o have_v find_v the_o issue_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v very_o advantageous_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o such_o state-shaking_n and_o revolution_n to_o be_v in_o mercy_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n when_o god_n break_v the_o great_a caldeo-assyrian_a monarchy_n and_o transfer_v it_o to_o the_o medio-persian_a how_o wonderful_o and_o by_o what_o strange_a providence_n do_v god_n raise_v cyrus_n his_o servant_n or_o instrument_n for_o that_o work_n who_o be_v expose_v to_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o grandsire_n astyages_n while_o a_o infant_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o fatal_a prophecy_n yet_o preserve_v and_o bring_v up_o among_o shepherd_n as_o his_o story_n go_v that_o afterward_o he_o become_v most_o providential_o the_o great_a deliverer_n of_o god_n people_n the_o jew_n from_o their_o assyrian_a bondage_n moses_n the_o great_a captain_n of_o israel_n we_o be_v sure_o tread_v almost_o the_o same_o path_n under_o a_o strange_a providence_n of_o preservation_n that_o at_o last_o he_o become_v the_o deliverer_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o egyptian_a thraldom_n when_o saul_n be_v set_v by_o who_o be_v of_o a_o kingly_a presence_n and_o by_o the_o head_n and_o shoulder_n above_o his_o brethren_n david_n be_v call_v from_o the_o sheep-cot_a to_o the_o throne_n the_o issue_n whereof_o be_v the_o exaltation_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o downfall_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o we_o shall_v but_o reflect_v since_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n on_o the_o example_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a son_n unto_o helena_n a_o british_a lady_n who_o through_o many_o glorious_a and_o eminent_a victory_n and_o service_n be_v at_o last_o advance_v to_o the_o imperial_a seat_n and_o how_o he_o at_o last_o become_v as_o a_o temporal_a saviour_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o destroyer_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o dragon_n be_v most_o marvellous_a to_o consider_v it_o be_v worth_a further_o the_o take_a notice_n of_o how_o wonderful_o god_n in_o late_a age_n raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o some_o obscure_a person_n as_o martin_n luther_n and_o his_o associate_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n with_o some_o other_o reform_a minister_n since_o that_o they_o have_v make_v the_o great_a hierarchy_n of_o rome_n to_o shake_v with_o their_o power_n so_o that_o many_o christian_a prince_n then_o and_o since_o begin_v to_o hate_v the_o whore_n with_o the_o wine_n of_o who_o fornication_n they_o be_v make_v drunken_a and_o now_o begin_v not_o only_o to_o hate_v she_o but_o to_o make_v her_o desolate_a and_o naked_a and_o to_o eat_v her_o flesh_n but_o yet_o that_o age_n be_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n or_o prodromus_n not_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o work_n for_o she_o have_v since_o lift_v up_o her_o head_n and_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n and_o to_o cure_v herself_o of_o her_o great_a wound_n receive_v but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o her_o period_n draw_v nigh_o god_n exasperate_v she_o sore_o more_o and_o more_o and_o make_v those_o horn_n those_o prince_n that_o be_v once_o her_o strong_a supporter_n to_o fall_v off_o from_o she_o and_o to_o hate_v she_o indeed_o the_o first_o reformer_n take_v off_o her_o outward_a garment_n and_o show_v her_o nakedness_n in_o her_o false_a doctrine_n and_o partly_o in_o her_o false_a worship_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o eat_v her_o flesh_n in_o take_v off_o some_o of_o her_o pompous_a revenue_n but_o yet_o the_o main_a work_n be_v leave_v undo_v to_o its_o appoint_a time_n for_o as_o this_o great_a city_n rise_v not_o in_o one_o day_n but_o gradual_o so_o will_v also_o her_o ruin_n be_v by_o several_a measure_n or_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o she_o until_o the_o consummation_n of_o her_o ruin_n come_v with_o fire_n both_o material_a and_o analogical_a the_o one_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n word_n first_o destroy_v quite_o her_o false_a worship_n which_o daily_a go_v on_o in_o perfect_v the_o other_o god_n fire_n of_o war_n and_o judgement_n destroy_v quite_o up_o her_o outward_a state_n and_o policy_n that_o her_o place_n be_v no_o more_o find_v and_o to_o the_o bring_n about_o this_o great_a end_n god_n work_v very_o various_o sometime_o in_o move_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n and_o so_o make_v they_o willing_a unto_o this_o work_n sometime_o in_o lay_v aside_o prince_n of_o ancient_a and_o potent_a family_n and_o raise_v up_o mean_o and_o low_a person_n on_o their_o throne_n as_o he_o most_o wonderful_o have_v do_v of_o late_a among_o ourselves_o to_o who_o he_o give_v heart_n spirit_n and_o gift_n meet_v for_o this_o great_a work_n and_o last_o in_o overrule_a the_o design_n of_o other_o that_o though_o they_o go_v about_o to_o seek_v themselves_o and_o to_o advance_v their_o own_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o ruling_n yet_o the_o alwise_a providence_n of_o god_n know_v how_o so_o to_o order_v they_o as_o to_o bring_v about_o his_o predesigned_a end_n for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v be_v all_o pious_a good_a prince_n and_o right_a in_o their_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o this_o work_n for_o they_o be_v the_o ten_o horn_n or_o ten_o king_n that_o receive_v power_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n and_o be_v member_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v destroy_v the_o whore_n and_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n rev._n 17.12.16_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o few_o conclude_v that_o hen._n 8._o and_o some_o other_o prince_n be_v so_o justifiable_a in_o their_o end_n in_o expel_v the_o authority_n of_o antichrist_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o yet_o god_n employ_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v his_o business_n god_n know_v how_o to_o lay_v they_o by_o and_o all_o such_o self-ended_n person_n as_o useless_a or_o at_o least_o make_v they_o but_o as_o gibeonite_n or_o hewer_n of_o wood_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n last_o your_o worship_n may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o some_o conceive_v those_o and_o the_o like_a interpretation_n of_o dark_a prophecy_n to_o be_v but_o the_o issue_n of_o distemper_a brain_n and_o of_o little_a certainty_n to_o who_o i_o answer_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o book_n that_o have_v the_o public_a impress_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o leave_v as_o it_o be_v as_o its_o last_o legacy_n of_o this_o sort_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o profess_v sober_o i_o know_v not_o what_o tolerable_a sense_n to_o set_v on_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o historical_a discovery_n under_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o all_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n with_o their_o period_n and_o issue_n that_o shall_v befall_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o their_o oppressor_n and_o enemy_n until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o i_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o interpret_n and_o in_o not_o right_o apply_v some_o of_o the_o several_a character_n period_n and_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n and_o in_o other_o circumstantial_a part_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o i_o fail_v i_o entreat_v not_o only_o your_o worship_n but_o all_o other_o to_o remember_v my_o weakness_n and_o our_o common_a attribute_n humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la and_o especial_o be_v among_o such_o prophetical_a deep_n and_o difficulty_n which_o may_v well_o plead_v for_o his_o fail_n who_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o insufficiency_n for_o so_o high_a and_o difficult_a a_o undertake_n yet_o this_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v here_o clear_v and_o discover_v and_o if_o any_o receive_v light_a hereby_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n the_o dark_a mystery_n thereof_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v with_o daniel_n cap._n
2.28_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o reveal_v mystery_n to_o he_o be_v all_o the_o glory_n but_o to_o you_o worthy_a sir_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v nor_o for_o you_o a_o great_a good_a to_o pray_v then_o that_o god_n who_o have_v exalt_v you_o in_o authority_n and_o power_n into_o that_o likeness_n of_o himself_o so_o he_o will_v engrave_v upon_o you_o another_o image_n or_o likeness_n of_o his_o own_o true_a wisdom_n and_o give_v you_o a_o enlighten_v wise_a solomon-like_a discern_v heart_n whereby_o you_o may_v daily_o see_v more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v have_v your_o aim_n right_a and_o your_o heart_n fix_v to_o prosecute_v those_o end_n and_o that_o in_o integrity_n which_o god_n in_o your_o present_a employment_n have_v call_v you_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o this_o present_a generation_n for_o all_o christian_a worthy_n to_o set_v their_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v if_o not_o to_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o the_o eclipse_v of_o the_o austrian_a sun_n the_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n may_v not_o be_v want_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o christian_a worthy_n in_o those_o great_a transaction_n be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o he_o that_o be_v your_o worship_n most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n hicks_n to_o the_o judicious_a christian_a reader_n reader_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o among_o most_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o in_o search_v out_o hide_a verity_n they_o be_v various_a in_o their_o project_n and_o their_o cogitation_n be_v usual_o fix_v upon_o divers_a end_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v and_o this_o be_v vanity_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o this_o be_v curiosity_n other_o know_v that_o they_o may_v edify_v and_o this_o be_v charity_n how_o distasteful_a the_o two_o former_a be_v to_o all_o judicious_a person_n and_o how_o desirable_a the_o latter_a be_v to_o all_o know_a christian_n i_o need_v not_o inculcate_v the_o latter_a be_v my_o choice_n i_o hope_v thy_o candour_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o my_o end_n will_v apologise_v for_o i_o in_o that_o i_o appear_v in_o public_a now_o among_o the_o crowd_n in_o print_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o as_o one_o witty_o observe_v viz._n heylin_n geogr._n in_o folio_n 865._o the_o treasury_n of_o learning_n be_v never_o so_o full_a and_o yet_o never_o more_o empty_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o vain_a frothy_a and_o unnecessary_a discourse_n it_o abound_v with_o from_o the_o scribbler_n and_o idle_a paper-blurrer_n of_o these_o day_n and_o if_o i_o have_v go_v beside_o myself_o to_o become_v one_o of_o that_o number_n by_o play_v the_o fool_n in_o print_n i_o must_v say_v as_o paul_n do_v to_o his_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 5.13_o sive_fw-la insanimus_fw-la deo_fw-la insanimus_fw-la sive_fw-la sâ—na_fw-la ment_fw-la sumus_fw-la vobis_fw-la sana_fw-la ment_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o if_o i_o have_v play_v the_o fool_n herein_o it_o be_v unto_o god_n and_o for_o your_o sake_n christian_n that_o i_o have_v do_v it_o but_o if_o thou_o ask_v i_o to_o what_o end_n i_o fall_v upon_o this_o task_n of_o interpret_n this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n see_v many_o have_v already_o attempt_v it_o whereof_o some_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n yet_o other_o with_o more_o credit_n and_o proficiency_n i_o answer_v indeed_o in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o undertake_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi to_o what_o good_a for_o what_o end_n we_o do_v effect_v they_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v all_o our_o action_n and_o add_v perfection_n to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o exitus_fw-la actu_fw-la probat_fw-la the_o excellency_n of_o our_o work_n appear_v and_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o end_n therefore_o though_o my_o labour_n herein_o may_v by_o some_o be_v account_v superfluous_a and_o myself_o to_o be_v just_o number_v among_o the_o former_a sort_n that_o have_v oleum_fw-la &_o operam_fw-la perdiderunt_fw-la that_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o undertake_n yet_o i_o believe_v the_o indifferent_a and_o ingenious_a reader_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o when_o god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o myself_o opportunity_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o will_v partake_v of_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o instrument_n yet_o i_o trust_v the_o reader_n will_v find_v my_o end_n high_a and_o honourable_a enough_o and_o of_o sufficient_a excellency_n to_o bear_v up_o my_o spirit_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o his_o in_o peruse_v and_o consider_v and_o although_o to_o some_o i_o may_v seem_v herein_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o fall_v upon_o a_o theme_n full_o already_o discuss_v by_o other_o yet_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n with_o that_o say_n of_o augustine_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la plures_fw-la libros_fw-la a_o pluribus_fw-la fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it etiam_fw-la de_fw-la questionibus_fw-la iisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la res_fw-la perveniat_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la that_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o have_v book_n compose_v of_o the_o same_o work_n or_o question_n in_o a_o various_a and_o divers_a stile_n that_o knowledge_n may_v be_v convey_v to_o very_a many_o to_o some_o in_o one_o manner_n to_z other_o after_z another_z though_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o boast_n of_o my_o impartiality_n in_o interpret_n and_o apply_v those_o prophetical_a vision_n yet_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v single_a and_o unbiased_a in_o this_o undertake_n have_v first_o desire_v god_n to_o guide_v my_o understanding_n and_o pen_n aright_o to_o write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o do_v genuine_o rise_v from_o the_o substance_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n or_o what_o may_v be_v extract_v therefrom_o by_o good_a consequence_n or_o what_o do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o figure_n and_o hierogliphique_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n interpret_v not_o according_a to_o private_a judgement_n nor_o unto_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o party_n or_o faction_n be_v free_a from_o any_o such_o pre-engagement_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o in_o all_o such_o undertake_n as_o abraham_n do_v his_o follower_n as_o great_a encumbrance_n when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o mount_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n i_o trust_v the_o candid_a reader_n shall_v find_v the_o divine_a mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n open_v and_o apply_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o for_o the_o main_a make_v evident_a by_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n and_o according_a to_o that_o full_a complete_a spirit_n of_o harmony_n that_o run_v through_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n i_o confess_v i_o may_v come_v short_a of_o some_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v go_v herein_o before_o i_o to_o who_o labour_n i_o must_v just_o acknowledge_v a_o due_a tribute_n be_v assist_v thereby_o unto_o this_o work_n and_o though_o i_o can_v just_o apply_v that_o say_n of_o cicero_n to_o my_o cause_n for_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o vanity_n and_o self-exalting_a recentissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la sunt_fw-la emandata_fw-la magis_fw-la yet_o this_o i_o may_v bold_o adventure_v to_o say_v that_o thou_o shall_v find_v such_o variety_n of_o collection_n observation_n question_n and_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v not_o ordinary_a in_o any_o former_a writer_n hereupon_o that_o will_v yield_v thou_o if_o a_o ingenious_a person_n no_o small_a delight_n and_o profit_n in_o read_v ponder_a and_o treasure_v up_o the_o same_o the_o variety_n of_o flower_n make_v the_o sweet_a posy_n and_o various_a discord_v yet_o harmonize_a sound_n make_v the_o sweet_a music_n so_o variety_n of_o truth_n and_o question_n discuss_v will_v yield_v the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o though_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o many_o that_o go_v before_o i_o on_o this_o theme_n do_v excel_v in_o true_a piety_n learning_n and_o part_n yet_o save_v due_a respect_n both_o to_o the_o person_n and_o their_o part_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a if_o that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n be_v advance_v by_o their_o help_n upon_o their_o own_o shoulder_n and_o come_v near_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v see_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o mysterious_a
in_o himself_o be_v too_o weak_a for_o such_o a_o work_n may_v be_v fit_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o thyself_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v find_v worthy_a o_o do_v thou_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n with_o true_a light_n from_o above_o and_o remove_v all_o impediment_n his_o iniquity_n out_o of_o thy_o sight_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o thy_o own_o blood_n than_o thou_o may_v discover_v thy_o mind_n unto_o thy_o poor_a servant_n be_v hallow_v by_o thyself_o to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o grant_v o_o christ_n that_o by_o thy_o favour_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n he_o may_v diligent_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o that_o unto_o sobriety_n and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v some_o advantage_n by_o he_o and_o if_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n have_v herein_o through_o weakness_n build_v any_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o thy_o precious_a structure_n o_o let_v it_o be_v consume_v but_o so_o as_o that_o thy_o servant_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a but_o if_o any_o of_o thou_o receive_v good_a hereby_o to_o thou_o for_o it_o as_o most_o due_a which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a be_v praise_n glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o catalogue_n of_o diverse_a question_n in_o this_o treatise_n discuss_v whether_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n pag._n 1_o whether_o john_n the_o divine_a the_o subordinate_a author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 5_o whether_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n own_a or_o some_o other_o person_n 7_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o christian_a wish_n or_o salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n unto_o you_o 19_o how_o come_v john_n to_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o church_n whilst_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o grace_n and_o peace_n aforehand_o 19_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v two_o last_o come_n to_o judgement_n 25_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 31_o and_o 112_o whether_o the_o lord_n day_n mention_v rev._n 1.10_o wherein_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o not_o 33_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a the_o devil_n be_v god_n ape_n herein_o 34_o do_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n 37_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 28_o 19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fullfil_v 38_o whether_o that_o samuel_n which_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v unto_o saul_n be_v the_o true_a prophet_n samuel_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o shape_n and_o likeness_n or_o otherwise_o some_o cozen_a consort_n and_o confederate_n of_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n 38_o 39_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n appear_v unto_o john_n rev._n 1_o 13._o when_o he_o appear_v to_o he_o as_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 43_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o separation_n between_o the_o deity_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n 44_o whether_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n be_v to_o be_v only_o spiritual_o understand_v and_o not_o matterial_o also_o 50_o 51_o whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n and_o angel_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n do_v or_o shall_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n 53_o do_v not_o angel_n see_v god_n face_n in_o heaven_n and_o do_v not_o moses_n and_o jacob_n see_v god_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n 54._o and_o do_v not_o divine_n hold_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n 55_o whether_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v impassable_a 58_o why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o 68_o whether_o a_o sound_a church_n may_v censure_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 69_o 70_o whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n 71_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o presbytery_n 72_o what_o give_v unto_o our_o work_n the_o denomination_n of_o good_a work_n and_o whether_o any_o of_o our_o work_n be_v simple_o and_o strict_o to_o be_v call_v good_a and_o perfect_a 79_o and_o 80_o in_o who_o lie_v the_o power_n to_o try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 83_o and_o 196_o whether_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o word_n 84_o whether_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 85_o 86_o etc._n etc._n whether_o any_o else_o beside_o true_a and_o real_a saint_n or_o believer_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n 86_o 87_o whether_o the_o judicial_n or_o ceremonial_n of_o moses_n be_v any_o foundation_n for_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n 88_o 89_o whether_o baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o best_a satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n upon_o infant_n 88_o whether_o it_o must_v be_v true_a justify_n faith_n or_o dogmatical_a only_o that_o entitle_v to_o baptism_n 90_o 91_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o tie_v unto_o the_o first_o twelve_o 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o whether_o the_o first_o 12_o apostle_n be_v but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n 95_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n do_v continue_v unto_o the_o church_n 97_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o the_o true_a 101_o 102_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o church_n shall_v one_o repair_v to_o receive_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n call_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 105_o 106_o etc._n etc._n how_o shall_v the_o first_o reformer_n have_v a_o right_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o â—_o have_v it_o not_o from_o rome_n 108_o whether_o the_o presbytery_n of_o england_n have_v a_o right_a call_n from_o the_o late_a bishop_n as_o true_a presbyter_n 110_o whether_o believer_n complaint_n for_o want_n of_o will_n to_o repent_v be_v just_a or_o not_o 118_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o legal_a teach_v to_o denounce_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o non-amendment_n or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n 119_o whether_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n in_o some_o causality_n unto_o salvation_n or_o joint_o with_o he_o somewhat_o subordinate_a to_o that_o great_a end_n 120_o and_o whether_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o condiiion_n proper_o so_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 121_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n 126_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o paradise_n 130_o whether_o paradise_n and_o heaven_n above_o be_v all_o one_o 131_o whether_o god_n tempt_v man_n and_o whether_o he_o tempt_v unto_o evil_n or_o sin_n 143_o do_v not_o many_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n 144_o whether_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n or_o efficiency_n in_o and_o about_o sin_n 146_o why_o do_v god_n often_o afflict_v his_o own_o child_n with_o so_o sharp_a tribulation_n and_o whether_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v vindicate_v in_o that_o particular_a 149_o whether_o great_a corruption_n nullify_v a_o church_n 173_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o full_a reformation_n can_v be_v attain_v 171_o 172_o how_o be_v god_n justice_n vindicate_v if_o he_o smite_v godly_a and_o ungodly_a together_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a among_o they_o 179_o whether_o christ_n receive_v now_o by_o faith_n to_o justification_n and_o absolution_n be_v the_o hide_a manna_n and_o white_a stone_n promise_v rev._n 2.17_o to_o
he_o be_v the_o high_a steward_n and_o great_a dispenser_n in_o god_n kingdom_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n observe_v 3._o that_o that_o prophesy_v which_o come_v from_o so_o sure_a a_o author_n as_o jesus_n christ_n must_v infallible_o be_v true_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o be_v and_o always_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n sometime_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n sometime_o by_o himself_o in_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ezek._n 1._o v._o 26._o and_o all_o know_v that_o their_o prophecy_n stand_v sure_a and_o be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o respective_a season_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o steadfastness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n see_v what_o christ_n himself_o testify_v in_o rev._n 3.7_o &_o 14._o and_o in_o ch_z ult_n v._o 6._o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n therefore_o of_o most_o sure_a performance_n in_o god_n appoint_a season_n from_o the_o word_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n servant_n be_v very_o privy_a to_o god_n counsel_n and_o know_v much_o of_o his_o design_n this_o christ_n have_v verify_v first_o from_o that_o ground_n of_o union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n for_o be_v once_o become_v his_o member_n or_o servant_n than_o they_o in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o that_o 1_o john_n 2.20_o they_o have_v a_o unction_n from_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n so_o that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v the_o father_n also_o for_o they_o both_o be_v one_o in_o will_n counsel_n power_n and_o essence_n john_n 17.21_o 22._o and_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o 2._o they_o know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o combustion_n change_n and_o revolution_n of_o this_o world_n many_o think_v that_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n ill_a fortune_n or_o for_o want_n of_o foresight_n in_o management_n of_o state_n affair_n but_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n know_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o those_o revolution_n and_o state-shaking_n and_o that_o there_o can_v no_o evil_n befall_v unto_o the_o city_n but_o that_o there_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o it_o direct_v and_o overrule_a it_o unto_o its_o end_n so_o that_o they_o do_v foresee_v that_o this_o change_n and_o that_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n will_v come_v too_o and_o can_v right_o conclude_v that_o all_o tend_v as_o in_o a_o chain_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v about_o god_n great_a end_n in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n throne_n and_o the_o pull_v down_o his_o enemy_n observe_v 2._o god_n reserve_v the_o more_o full_a revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n exaltation_n in_o glory_n christ_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o glorious_a as_o christ_n in_o heaven_n he_o have_v not_o so_o full_a commission_n to_o send_v out_o so_o much_o of_o his_o spirit_n while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n john_n 7.39_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o communicate_v unto_o christ_n manhood_n while_o here_o on_o earth_n the_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o his_o manhood_n while_o here_o on_o earth_n may_v be_v ignorant_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o father_n reveal_v it_o to_o he_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v reveal_v it_o to_o his_o church_n as_o the_o due_a reward_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n chap._n 5._o 9_o thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o open_v the_o seal_n thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v etc._n etc._n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v see_v vers_fw-la 3._o on_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n from_o these_o word_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n reveal_v these_o prophecy_n not_o immediate_o from_o himself_o but_o mediate_o and_o by_o instrument_n first_o god_n give_v this_o revelation_n to_o christ_n christ_n give_v discovery_n partly_o himself_o and_o partly_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o same_o three_o the_o angel_n instruct_v john_n four_o john_n direct_v the_o same_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o five_o from_o the_o seven_o church_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o information_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o finiteness_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o compatible_a therefore_o god_n use_v instrument_n suitable_a to_o our_o capacity_n for_o discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n observe_v 2._o from_o the_o messenger_n or_o angel_n by_o who_o partly_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v send_v observe_v that_o christ_n employ_v angel_n in_o great_a service_n for_o his_o church_n angel_n be_v the_o first_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o christ_n birth_n a_o angel_n tell_v the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n shall_v return_v in_o that_o manner_n they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n act_v 1.11_o angel_n tell_v abraham_n and_o lot_n what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o sodom_n christ_n tell_v john_n rev._n 22.16_o that_o he_o send_v his_o angel_n to_o testify_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n the_o angel_n be_v make_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o service_n be_v more_o manifest_a in_o these_o particular_n 1._o they_o inform_v we_o of_o god_n will_n and_o god_n of_o our_o way_n they_o ascend_v and_o descend_v zac._n 1.11_o gen._n 18.19_o 2._o they_o oppose_v the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n rev._n 12.7_o dan._n 10.20_o numb_a 21.22_o 3._o they_o execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o enemy_n exo._n 12.23_o gen._n 19.11.13_o etc._n etc._n isa_n 37_o 36._o rev._n 16._o throughout_o 4._o they_o defend_v the_o godly_a both_o against_o wicked_a man_n wicked_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a practice_n rev_n 7.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 34.7_o and_o 91.11_o gen._n 32.1_o 2._o 2_o king_n 6.14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n 5._o next_o after_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a in_o their_o distress_n luke_n 1.30_o act_n 10.4_o and_o 27.24_o dan._n 6.10_o 11_o 12._o luke_n 22.43_o 6._o they_o be_v god_n reaper_n and_o gatherer_n of_o god_n elect_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24.31_o from_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v send_v and_o reveal_v by_o the_o angel_n under_o this_o relation_n of_o his_o servant_n john_n what_o this_o john_n be_v be_v make_v full_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o preliminary_n discourse_n unto_o the_o title_n it_o be_v john_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n our_o lord_n kinsman_n the_o belove_a disciple_n a_o great_a pillar_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v here_o describe_v under_o the_o title_n and_o relation_n of_o servant_n not_o only_o so_o by_o right_a of_o creation_n but_o of_o redemption_n special_a right_n covenant_n and_o service_n from_o which_o observe_v that_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o service_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n than_o any_o outward_a relation_n to_o he_o better_o be_v christ_n bondman_n than_o his_o kinsman_n inward_a privilege_n be_v more_o honourable_a than_o carnal_a mary_n be_v happy_a in_o carry_v christ_n in_o her_o heart_n then_o in_o her_o womb_n john_n glory_v more_o to_o be_v christ_n servant_n than_o his_o cousin_n mat._n 12.47_o 48_o etc._n etc._n christ_n profess_v that_o they_o be_v his_o kindred_n who_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o he_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n in_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v as_o sure_a of_o his_o love_n and_o acceptation_n as_o any_o of_o his_o near_a friend_n or_o kinsman_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v man_n great_a honour_n to_o be_v christ_n servant_n it_o be_v a_o curse_n upon_o cain_n gen._n 9_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o servant_n but_o to_o be_v christ_n servant_n be_v not_o only_o free_a but_o noble_a john_n though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a pillar_n a_o prophetical_a apostle_n the_o darling_n disciple_n yet_o christ_n call_v he_o but_o his_o servant_n paul_n
because_o this_o of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n here_o be_v set_v as_o the_o general_a result_n and_o the_o main_a proposition_n of_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o revelation_n wherein_o the_o great_a design_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o christ_n to_o come_v and_o the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o i_o set_v these_o query_n out_o of_o zach._n 12._o collate_v with_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o matth._n 24.30_o 1._o be_v ever_o judah_n or_o jerusalem_n since_o that_o prophecy_n make_v to_o her_o enemy_n a_o cup_n of_o tremble_v be_v she_o ever_o a_o burdensome_a stone_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n to_o cut_v they_o in_o piece_n have_v ever_o the_o governor_n of_o judah_n be_v like_o a_o hearth_n of_o fire_n among_o the_o wood_n and_z and_z like_o a_o torch_n of_o fire_n in_o a_o sheaf_n devour_v all_o the_o people_n round_o about_o or_o be_v they_o ever_o since_o that_o prophecy_n of_o zachary_n in_o that_o strength_n that_o the_o feeble_a among_o they_o be_v as_o david_n and_o the_o house_n of_o david_n as_o elohim_n etc._n etc._n peruse_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consider_v whether_o you_o can_v find_v the_o least_o accomplishment_n thereof_o i_o next_o quere_z when_o be_v ever_o that_o eminent_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n pour_v out_o on_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v for_o he_o with_o great_a bitterness_n each_o family_n mourn_v apart_o be_v this_o do_v at_o christ_n passion_n by_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n his_o crucifier_n they_o deride_v he_o or_o be_v this_o fulfil_v by_o the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o disciple_n the_o eleven_o who_o flee_v at_o his_o suffering_n they_o do_v not_o pierce_v he_o or_o be_v this_o fulfil_v upon_o those_o mourner_n in_o act_n 2_o they_o see_v he_o not_o when_o they_o mourn_v nor_o with_o their_o family_n apart_o nor_o see_v he_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o thereupon_o mourn_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o yet_o the_o main_a of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v last_o be_v this_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o last_o resurrection_n or_o ultimate_a judgement_n i_o ask_v be_v that_o a_o day_n of_o repentance_n of_o mourning_n and_o of_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n unto_o the_o wicked_a and_o then_o christ_n dispensatory_a kingdom_n of_o grace_n be_v at_o a_o end_n 1_o cor._n 15.24_o therefore_o to_o be_v brief_a and_o not_o to_o exceed_v due_a bound_n i_o assert_v that_o here_o by_o see_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n by_o every_o eye_n and_o by_o they_o that_o pierce_v he_o and_o that_o all_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v because_o of_o he_o be_v mean_v by_o john_n as_o zachary_n mean_v namely_o that_o all_o the_o tribe_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v see_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n with_o glory_n as_o man_n before_o the_o end_n of_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o his_o elect_n with_o grace_n and_o godly_a repentance_n to_o the_o all_o other_o his_o enemy_n with_o horror_n and_o confusion_n consult_v jer_n 25.5_o 6._o zach._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o isa_n 2._o throughout_o object_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o you_o make_v divers_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o one_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o restauration_n of_o his_o church_n to_o a_o glorious_a state_n and_o reign_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o another_o or_o second_o come_v again_o before_o the_o final_a end_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o execute_v the_o ultimate_a judgement_n but_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n which_o mention_n only_o of_o two_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o first_o in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o last_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o execute_v the_o wrath_n of_o his_o father_n on_o all_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n and_o the_o refuser_n of_o his_o gospel_n i_o answer_v christ_n come_v in_o scripture_n be_v various_o take_v sometime_o for_o his_o first_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o in_o spirit_n of_o grace_n power_n and_o miracle_n but_o last_o and_o most_o eminent_o to_o judgement_n and_o in_o this_o his_o last_o come_n there_o be_v several_a remarkable_a period_n and_o event_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o morning_n of_o this_o great_a day_n he_o come_v to_o convert_v the_o jew_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o destroy_v antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n enemy_n not_o utter_o final_o but_o of_o all_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o church_n which_o be_v quite_o take_v off_o by_o christ_n and_o a_o sure_a chain_n or_o tie_v lay_v on_o their_o spirit_n of_o malice_n and_o on_o their_o ringleader_n satan_n himself_o that_o there_o be_v none_o can_v hurt_v during_o this_o glorious_a reign_n in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n this_o restauration_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o day_n but_o the_o wotk_n of_o the_o evening_n of_o this_o day_n be_v the_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o give_v final_a sentence_n on_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o oppose_v he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v for_o evermore_o see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o chap._n 20._o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o two_o remarkable_a act_n or_o event_n in_o this_o his_o last_o come_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n of_o this_o great_a day_n of_o his_o appearance_n verse_n 8._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v even_o the_o almighty_a here_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_o assert_v who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n and_o to_o take_v his_o attribute_n unto_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o person_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v christ_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o precedent_a verse_n the_o same_o person_n that_o come_v with_o cloud_n and_o be_v pierce_v be_v the_o same_o here_o describe_v who_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o collate_v it_o to_o verse_n 11._o and_o 17._o where_o he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o who_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o alive_a command_v john_n to_o write_v what_o he_o see_v and_o that_o be_v christ_n verse_n 1_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o last_o letter_n of_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v even_o the_o almighty_a out_o of_o which_o description_n of_o his_o person_n note_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o infinite_a almighty_a and_o eternal_a god_n of_o himself_o with_o the_o father_n from_o everlasting_a by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n shall_v end_v this_o eternal_a word_n or_o christ_n be_v with_o god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o this_o word_n be_v god_n and_o therefore_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o essential_a and_o absolute_a incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n unto_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o most_o express_a scripture_n if_o there_o be_v not_o any_o more_o of_o this_o consort_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o it_o abound_v to_o â—ay_n low_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonless_a arrianize_v socinian_n of_o these_o time_n who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n or_o godhead_n of_o christ_n collate_n with_o this_o to_o this_o purpose_n verses_z 4_o and_o 5._o of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 9_o i_o john_n even_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n john_n in_o this_o verse_n describe_v his_o condition_n and_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o be_v when_o he_o receive_v this_o revelation_n use_v the_o love_a and_o common_a christian_a compellation_n of_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fellow_n commoner_n or_o fellow-sharer_n in_o affliction_n from_o whence_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v from_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
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
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 in_o scripture_n and_o among_o divine_n wherein_o the_o property_n of_o one_o nature_n be_v real_o attribute_v to_o the_o person_n denominate_v of_o the_o other_o nature_n interchangeable_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o person_n consist_v in_o both_o nature_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o oft_o in_o scripture_n that_o have_v the_o real_a denomination_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o so_o in_o appearance_n and_o resemblance_n that_o apparition_n or_o counterfeit_v of_o samuel_n that_o appear_v unto_o saul_n at_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n be_v call_v samuel_n several_a time_n in_o 1_o sam._n 28._o without_o any_o note_n of_o distinction_n from_o the_o true_a and_o real_a prophet_n samuel_n further_a than_o be_v collect_v from_o scriptural_a reason_n and_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o discourse_n in_o that_o place_n angel_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n and_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o jacob_n lot_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v man_n because_o they_o appear_v in_o humane_a form_n so_o this_o divine_a appearance_n of_o christ_n here_o be_v call_v the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v now_o alive_a because_o he_o appear_v in_o that_o shape_n and_o figure_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 and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o first_o before_o all_o beginning_n and_o the_o last_o to_o all_o eternity_n so_o christ_n assure_v all_o his_o in_o this_o place_n he_o be_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o to_o they_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o protect_v they_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v and_o direct_v they_o unto_o everlasting_a amen_o so_o be_v it_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v and_o he_o add_v and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n christ_n to_o take_v off_o all_o fear_n from_o john_n and_o to_o assure_v john_n and_o all_o his_o saint_n that_o he_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o able_a to_o effect_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v those_o vision_n and_o ptediction_n that_o he_o be_v about_o to_o reveal_v unto_o john_n and_o by_o he_o unto_o his_o church_n he_o now_o publish_v unto_o john_n that_o all_o power_n now_o be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n from_o the_o father_n even_o over_o hell_n itself_o for_o he_o have_v despoil_v it_o of_o its_o power_n here_o be_v a_o transport_v of_o the_o word_n hell_n before_o death_n hell_n be_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o order_n of_o thing_n the_o last_o rev._n 20.14_o so_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n take_v hell_n here_o for_o the_o grave_n or_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a so_o christ_n have_v the_o key_n to_o open_v it_o
thereon_o and_o in_o rev._n 4._o the_o two_o gospel_n witness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o two_o candlestick_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n with_o their_o two_o olive_n branch_n by_o their_o side_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o administration_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v always_o pour_v out_o their_o oil_n for_o light_n into_o the_o ministerial_a lamp_n of_o these_o golden_a candlestick_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o much_o light_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o anoint_a one_o that_o stand_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n zach._n 4.2.12_o and_o 14_o verse_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o general_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v finish_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o be_v christ_n under_o divers_a denomination_n and_o similitude_n some_o appropriable_a only_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n some_o to_o the_o humane_a clear_o notify_v that_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o christ_n god-man_n who_o give_v these_o divine_a revelation_n unto_o john_n some_o immediate_o by_o himself_o some_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v give_v and_o signify_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o angel_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n what_o be_v do_v by_o another_o at_o one_o order_n and_o command_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vision_n he_o give_v they_o out_o to_o john_n and_z john_n he_o be_v the_o recipient_a instrument_n and_o the_o subordinate_a author_n and_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o and_o make_v they_o know_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n john_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o write_v those_o premonition_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o their_o order_n shall_v be_v handle_v but_o in_o the_o way_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o enquiry_n quest_n why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o as_o their_o defection_n be_v divers_a and_o various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v various_a and_o divers_a reprehension_n so_o likewise_o their_o grace_n and_o endowment_n be_v various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a encouragement_n therein_o the_o more_o obdurate_a and_o high-handed_n sinner_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sharp_a and_o high_a reproof_n and_o censure_n but_o the_o more_o flexible_a and_o tender-hearted_a aught_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o the_o more_o tender_a hand_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n second_o the_o several_a charge_n be_v draw_v against_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o send_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_a angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o extrinsical_a power_n or_o authority_n over_o themselves_o christ_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a admonitor_n and_o reprehender_n of_o they_o all_o each_o of_o they_o be_v sole_o and_o single_o under_o his_o reprehensive_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v only_o receive_v command_n and_o reproof_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n for_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v not_o receive_v command_n or_o reproof_n to_o impose_v they_o juridical_o on_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n on_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n or_o on_o any_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o either_o single_o by_o itself_o or_o joint_o with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o one_o two_o or_o more_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v superintendent_o or_o to_o have_v a_o prelatical_a authority_n over_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v no_o cathedral_n then_o at_o ephesus_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o six_o the_o name_n of_o archiepiscopacy_n and_o hierarchycal_a supremacy_n be_v then_o unknown_a in_o the_o little_a well-ordered_a christian_a world_n or_o rather_o common-weal_n bishop_n than_o do_v look_v no_o far_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o authority_n then_o over_o their_o own_o flock_n neither_o then_o be_v it_o know_v that_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o few_o church_n or_o rather_o officer_n of_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o classical_a elder_n provincial_a elder_n or_o national_a elder_n shall_v have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o vicinity_n ephesus_n then_o as_o unto_o outward_a authority_n be_v independent_a smyrna_n then_o be_v independent_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n can_v then_o and_o also_o now_o can_v act_v consultative_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n by_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n either_o joint_n or_o single_o but_o not_o juridical_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o and_o another_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o peer_n respect_v their_o authority_n yet_o in_o their_o grace_n and_o perfection_n among_o themselves_o differ_v from_o one_o and_o another_o in_o glory_n christ_n keep_v the_o sole_a legislative_a power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o what_o he_o communicate_v thereof_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o their_o sister-churche_n faith_n but_o that_o they_o may_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n exercise_v their_o wholesome_a admonition_n and_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o church_n juridical_o to_o censure_v another_o sister-church_n though_o corrupt_a for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n give_v they_o christ_n keep_v that_o prerogative_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o reprove_v and_o censure_v the_o whole_a seven_a asian_a church_n himself_o but_o suffer_v not_o one_o or_o more_o to_o do_v it_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n have_v grant_v such_o authority_n unto_o one_o church_n over_o other_o that_o that_o church_n which_o become_v most_o potent_a and_o most_o countenance_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n though_o most_o corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n will_v undertake_v to_o censure_v the_o sound_a and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n of_o all_o as_o the_o arrian_n do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o son_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o their_o successor_n censure_n chastise_v and_o vex_v even_o the_o sound_a and_o most_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a apostatise_v church_n of_o rome_n under_o this_o pretence_n of_o have_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n do_v even_o fulminate_v out_o her_o dire_a anathemas_n on_o all_o other_o church_n though_o the_o faithful_a and_o undefiled_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v wise_a therefore_o you_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n hold_v fast_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a lest_o you_o subjugate_v your_o neck_n and_o precious_a faith_n unto_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o spiritual_a harlot_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n christ_n give_v his_o particular_a censure_n and_o reproof_n to_o each_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o their_o peculiar_a fail_n and_o error_n that_o one_o more_o corrupt_a church_n may_v not_o undertake_v to_o censure_v that_o which_o be_v less_o corrupt_a but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o a_o sound_n and_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v carry_v itself_o towards_o a_o erroneous_a and_o backslidden_a corrupt_a church_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o that_o in_o love_n and_o charity_n first_o they_o be_v to_o advise_v they_o and_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n charitable_o not_o juridical_o as_o a_o church_n exercise_n towards_o her_o own_o member_n second_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a malady_n if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o their_o amendment_n they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v
very_a sin_n abundant_o witness_v against_o by_o god_n in_o most_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n when_o as_o some_o will_v stand_v up_o and_o prophesy_v peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n as_o ezek._n 13.10.16_o and_o what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o peace_n while_o their_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n and_o iniquity_n i_o can_v wish_v it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o of_o the_o pretend_a angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n where_o be_v that_o faithful_a one_o to_o be_v find_v it_o may_v be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o as_o a_o true_a angel_n or_o ambassador_n from_o christ_n will_v deal_v roundly_o with_o their_o sin_n and_o tell_v israel_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o judah_n of_o her_o transgression_n good_a physician_n will_v search_v the_o wound_n thorough_o the_o rather_o for_o to_o cure_v they_o it_o be_v also_o christ_n method_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o wound_n and_o sin_n of_o his_o church_n that_o so_o he_o may_v like_o the_o good_a samaritane_n pour_v oil_n into_o they_o and_o heal_v they_o and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n christ_n minister_n shall_v follow_v their_o master_n pattern_n deal_v faithful_o simple_o and_o roundly_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o people_n according_a to_o gospel_n rule_v in_o that_o case_n provide_v and_o not_o as_o many_o do_v speak_v peace_n and_o word_n of_o comfort_n the_o true_a portion_n of_o spiritual_a member_n of_o christ_n unto_o profess_a enemy_n to_o godliness_n and_o the_o saint_n scorner_n and_o derider_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o ordinance_n drunkard_n swearer_n etc._n etc._n what_o have_v such_o to_o do_v with_o the_o child_n bread_n so_o continue_v unrepentant_a and_o obstinate_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v for_o this_o lukewarmness_n of_o many_o minister_n and_o church_n it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n cap._n 3._o 16._o as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a mat._n 21.43_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o of_o ezek._n 13.22_o 23._o to_o be_v serious_o consider_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o point_n the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o those_o that_o sow_v pillow_n under_o the_o arms-hole_n because_o with_o lie_v you_o have_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_a who_o i_o have_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o turn_v from_o his_o wicked_a way_n by_o promise_v he_o life_n therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v no_o more_o vanity_n nor_o divine_a divination_n for_o i_o will_v deliver_v my_o people_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n observe_v 2._o another_o correllary_n hence_o rise_v that_o all_o church_n and_o person_n ought_v to_o have_v and_o receive_v a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o be_v eminent_a in_o though_o chargeable_a with_o many_o defection_n and_o fail_n otherwise_o christ_n spare_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v but_o make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o chapter_n though_o otherwise_o many_o aberration_n and_o fail_n be_v lay_v unto_o their_o charge_n though_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v for_o the_o coldness_n in_o her_o first_o love_n yet_o she_o have_v these_o commendable_a virtue_n and_o grace_n in_o she_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o hatred_n to_o all_o evil_a worker_n and_o false_a light_n and_o apostle_n that_o come_v with_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o the_o great_a fundamental_a or_o corner_n stone_n the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o christ_n proceed_v with_o the_o other_o church_n in_o the_o like_a method_n and_o lay_v a_o commendable_a character_n on_o they_o all_o for_o those_o grace_n in_o they_o worthy_o call_v for_o it_o paul_n can_v give_v a_o just_a acknowledgement_n to_o his_o brethren_n the_o jew_n though_o otherwise_o perverse_a enough_o bear_v they_o witness_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n to_o god_n though_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n rom._n 10.2_o and_o christ_n tell_v the_o jew_n and_o speak_v it_o with_o approbation_n and_o to_o their_o commendation_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v you_o also_o in_o i_o it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o most_o of_o professor_n of_o these_o day_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o almost_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o brother_n in_o christ_n or_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o be_v not_o baptize_v into_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o interest_n with_o himself_o but_o this_o rather_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n schismatical_a and_o factious_a then_o of_o a_o meek_a christianlike_a peacemaking_a temper_n which_o will_v bear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a rather_o than_o break_v the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o brethren_n who_o have_v put_v on_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n o_o what_o a_o lamentable_a practice_n it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o be_v presbyterian_o to_o rake_v up_o all_o the_o fault_n and_o dirt_n they_o can_v and_o cast_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o independent_o and_o again_o for_o independent_o to_o cast_v it_o back_o on_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o both_o of_o they_o to_o cast_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o those_o call_v anabaptist_n and_o they_o again_o as_o ready_a as_o the_o former_a to_o repay_v it_o back_o again_o why_o have_v you_o so_o learned_a christ_n o_o for_o shame_n let_v all_o that_o fear_n god_n of_o each_o sort_n be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o unchristianlike_a practice_n let_v it_o not_o be_v tell_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v in_o askelon_n but_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o your_o common_a saviour_n what_o you_o see_v of_o god_n in_o your_o brethren_n commend_v it_o encourage_v it_o cherish_v it_o though_o there_o may_v be_v fail_n in_o each_o sort_n and_o that_o great_a one_o yet_o for_o that_o grace_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o they_o love_v they_o honour_v they_o and_o think_v better_o of_o they_o then_o of_o thyself_o though_o thou_o may_v be_v right_a in_o some_o external_o of_o worship_n than_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v right_a than_o thou_o in_o doctrinal_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v sound_a than_o they_o in_o doctrinal_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o holy_a and_o better_a man_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o due_a title_n of_o honour_n love_n and_o commendation_n for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o for_o their_o fault_n and_o fail_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n gal._n 6.1_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o repentance_n according_a to_o gospel_n order_n for_o so_o thou_o may_v win_v thy_o brother_n but_o by_o the_o other_o way_n thou_o be_v sure_a to_o drive_v he_o far_o from_o thou_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o familistical_a notionist_n the_o quaker_n in_o these_o day_n be_v high_o baptize_v in_o this_o sin_n and_o out_o run_v all_o other_o in_o this_o uncharitable_a and_o unchristianlike_a practice_n they_o be_v sharp_a censurer_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o person_n that_o will_v not_o run_v in_o the_o same_o fanatique_a wild_a course_n with_o themselves_o and_o which_o be_v strange_a and_o most_o observable_a be_v that_o they_o never_o will_v acknowledge_v nor_o give_v a_o due_a commendation_n to_o any_o though_o never_o so_o self-denying_a and_o godly_a and_o fill_v abundant_o with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n unless_o they_o take_v up_o the_o same_o mad_a opinion_n with_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a when_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-fulness_n and_o pride_n that_o they_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o so_o carry_v on_o to_o damnable_a and_o blasphemous_a opinion_n and_o heresy_n among_o the_o many_o reason_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o due_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o grace_n in_o the_o godly_a these_o be_v some_o 1._o that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o due_a honour_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o 2._o because_o all_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n work_v and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o honour_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v find_v 3._o for_o the_o encouragement_n and_o cherish_v all_o person_n under_o all_o hardship_n and_o affliction_n in_o acquire_v and_o maintain_v those_o grace_n alive_a fructify_a and_o effective_a 4._o and_o last_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v not_o so_o discourage_v the_o godly_a as_o to_o think_v nothing_o praise_v worthy_a in_o they_o while_o they_o have_v many_o thing_n in_o they_o worthy_a to_o
be_v praise_v cherish_v and_o follow_v as_o have_v the_o impress_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o they_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o suffering_n constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o their_o work_n catexochen_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o your_o grace_n and_o work_n of_o suffering_n patience_n and_o zeal_n against_o such_o worker_n false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o these_o be_v your_o good_a work_n worthy_a of_o commendation_n and_o imitation_n in_o you_o now_o in_o all_o our_o action_n observe_v there_o must_v be_v many_o circumstantial_a ingredient_n to_o denominate_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o good_a work_n according_a to_o that_o old_a rule_n a_o quo_fw-la cvi_fw-la quomodo_fw-la quando_fw-la first_o they_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o true_a fountain_n god_n spirit_n must_v be_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o author_n of_o they_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v produce_v nothing_o high_a than_o itself_o rom._n 3.9_o 10._o god_n can_v look_v upon_o none_o of_o our_o duty_n or_o work_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o complacency_n unless_o they_o have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n his_o stamp_n upon_o they_o second_o cui_fw-la you_o must_v examine_v to_o what_o end_n and_o to_o who_o to_o who_o name_n and_o glory_n they_o be_v direct_v if_o we_o sacrifice_v to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o own_o end_n and_o advantage_n our_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o vain_a a_o abomination_n and_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o dog_n head_n in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v it_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o lord_n consider_v isa_n 1._o a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n may_v lose_v its_o crown_n for_o want_v of_o a_o right_a end_n if_o we_o pray_v repent_v mourn_v for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v necessary_a duty_n yet_o if_o we_o only_o respect_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v free_v and_o deliver_v only_o from_o wrath_n to_o come_v not_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o god_n name_n thereby_o we_o may_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o duty_n if_o not_o the_o duty_n themselves_o become_v sin_n unto_o we_o for_o all_o must_v be_v do_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n three_o you_o must_v consider_v the_o quomodo_n in_o what_o manner_n work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o denominate_v they_o good_a they_o must_v not_o be_v do_v pharisaical_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n so_o they_o lose_v their_o reward_n the_o suffering_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o commendable_a grace_n in_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o shall_v affect_v they_o as_o the_o popeling_n do_v to_o attain_v to_o themselves_o the_o glory_n and_o name_n of_o martyr_n they_o have_v their_o reward_n the_o familistical_a quaker_n of_o these_o day_n do_v most_o perverse_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n high_o affect_v suffering_n and_o rush_v thereinto_o not_o consider_v the_o cui_fw-la nor_o the_o quomodo_n neither_o to_o what_o end_n they_o do_v it_o nor_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o do_v it_o indeed_o person_n may_v suffer_v just_o for_o their_o pertinacy_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o magistrate_n but_o not_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unless_o in_o his_o providence_n he_o call_v they_o to_o it_o therefore_o four_o the_o quando_fw-la be_v also_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v to_o bestow_v a_o beneficence_n on_o a_o rich_a person_n or_o one_o that_o want_v it_o not_o it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n for_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v retribution_n for_o it_o but_o to_o do_v it_o towards_o christ_n poor_a afflict_v member_n when_o their_o want_n and_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o than_o it_o be_v true_o a_o good_a work_n second_o to_o draw_v suffering_n on_o one_o self_n for_o one_o pertinaciousness_n in_o opinion_n not_o relate_v as_o necessary_n or_o fundamental_o unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o this_o can_v be_v term_v a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n but_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a and_o real_a truth_n that_o justify_v a_o soul_n in_o his_o suffering_n for_o it_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v keep_v undefiled_a thereby_o and_o so_o become_v a_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n when_o god_n call_v he_o to_o it_o in_o clear_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n see_v more_o hereon_o in_o v._o 9_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n five_o in_o the_o last_o place_n understand_v that_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o our_o work_n though_o they_o be_v all_o right_o circumstantiate_v as_o aforesaid_a yet_o strict_o and_o simple_o in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v good_a work_n for_o so_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n god_n be_v only_o good_a mark_v 10.18_o and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o production_n of_o they_o though_o the_o agency_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v manifest_o in_o they_o yet_o pass_v through_o corrupt_a conduit_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o sinful_a instrument_n they_o receive_v a_o tincture_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o defilement_n from_o the_o sinful_a agent_n that_o do_v produce_v and_o effect_v they_o and_o so_o single_o in_o themselves_o be_v sinful_a and_o imperfect_a but_o as_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o christ_n our_o work_n though_o otherwise_o weak_a sinful_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n accept_v as_o good_a holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o be_v do_v and_o present_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o that_o altar_n that_o both_o sanctify_v the_o gift_n and_o the_o giver_n in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o acceptation_n of_o our_o work_n before_o our_o person_n be_v in_o christ_n than_o he_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o our_o work_n though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o yet_o in_o christ_n and_o as_o flow_v from_o his_o divine_a efficiency_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o most_o holy_a good_a and_o perfect_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v more_o especial_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v the_o labour_n and_o patience_n they_o undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n which_o do_v manifest_o appear_v in_o their_o zeal_n against_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v from_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o burdensome_a troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o christ_n faithful_a church_n to_o have_v evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o the_o one_o do_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n the_o other_o their_o judgement_n the_o one_o be_v pernicious_a in_o their_o example_n the_o other_o in_o their_o doctrine_n the_o one_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n the_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o where_o the_o one_o be_v tolerate_v the_o other_o follow_v also_o for_o if_o evil_a worker_n be_v forbear_v in_o the_o church_n their_o judgement_n will_v be_v soon_o corrupt_v to_o endeavour_v to_o uphold_v their_o more_o corrupt_a practice_n for_o such_o as_o keep_v not_o to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o give_v they_o over_o judicial_o to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v false_a teacher_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o second_o when_o false_a teacher_n be_v tolerate_v quick_o follow_v evil_a practice_n when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a bishop_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o godly_a it_o be_v assert_v that_o the_o law_n that_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o moral_a but_o only_o humane_a and_o ecclesiastic_a what_o follow_v that_o false_a teach_n but_o most_o profane_a and_o wicked_a practice_n of_o card_v bowl_a sport_v revel_v drunkenness_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o profaneness_n upon_o that_o day_n uprightness_n in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v the_o two_o pillar_n of_o a_o church_n and_o where_o one_o fail_v the_o other_o will_v soon_o fall_v to_o ground_n after_o they_o be_v as_o inseparable_a twin_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o soon_o as_o these_o primitive_a church_n entertain_v false_a apostle_n among_o they_o we_o present_o hear_v of_o the_o obscene_a sect_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n follow_v the_o devil_n will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o corrupt_v the_o head_n only_o but_o the_o heart_n also_o and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n the_o evil_a affection_n will_v soon_o fume_v into_o the_o judgement_n and_o darken_v the_o understanding_n wherefore_o a_o use_n of_o caution_n
only_o indeed_o be_v temporary_a and_o necessary_a alone_o for_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v defunct_a because_o some_o of_o their_o first_o primitive_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v cease_v also_o but_o second_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o what_o be_v necessary_o essential_a to_o denominate_v a_o apostle_n do_v not_o consist_v sole_o in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n or_o of_o power_n of_o miracle_n for_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v partaker_n in_o those_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o equal_o with_o themselves_o and_o yet_o no_o apostle_n and_o paul_n that_o want_v much_o of_o the_o accommodation_n of_o witness_v unto_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n though_o supply_v by_o a_o miraculous_a sight_n from_o heaven_n none_o can_v deny_v but_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n and_o light_n unto_o the_o gentile_n last_o in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o assert_v the_o true_a essential_o of_o a_o apostle_n do_v consist_v in_o his_o call_n and_o commission_n to_o that_o work_n and_o function_n christ_n call_v the_o first_o twelve_o matth._n 10.1.5_o which_o be_v only_o denominate_v disciple_n and_o from_o their_o mission_n unto_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v then_o first_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n and_o so_o have_v take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o office_n as_o man_n send_v it_o soon_o become_v their_o proper_a appellation_n now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o right_a mission_n and_o commission_n that_o give_v a_o be_v and_o essential_o unto_o a_o apostle_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o first_o author_n that_o commissionated_a unto_o this_o office_n in_o that_o of_o matth._n 10._o his_o commission_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o of_o narrow_a jurisdiction_n but_o in_o matth._n 28.19_o it_o be_v much_o enlarge_v for_o in_o the_o first_o they_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o disciple_n all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n now_o as_o they_o be_v send_v on_o this_o great_a embassy_n for_o christ_n and_o by_o christ_n so_o they_o send_v other_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o same_o work_n mathias_n be_v the_o first_o we_o read_v of_o act_v 1._o that_o they_o choose_v into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n after_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_n 13.2_o 3._o be_v choose_v and_o separate_v unto_o this_o work_n and_o send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o may_v be_v true_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o again_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a province_n go_v about_o gather_v and_o constitute_v church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o those_o political_a church_n make_v up_o of_o officer_n and_o elder_n and_o member_n be_v the_o true_a delegate_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o they_o again_o from_o this_o delegated_a power_n commissionate_v other_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o disciple_v the_o gentile_n and_o unconvert_v nation_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o then_o practice_v unless_o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o all_o nation_n convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o day_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o history_n be_v afterward_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o become_v famous_a church_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n but_o of_o one_o generation_n and_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o that_o work_n be_v to_o make_v they_o eviternal_a though_o their_o doctrine_n continue_v yet_o their_o person_n be_v translate_v and_o go_v to_o their_o father_n and_o this_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o work_v of_o conversion_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n till_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v call_v in_o and_o we_o all_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v do_v by_o apostolical_a man_n and_o officer_n for_o i_o will_v have_v the_o ingenious_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n pastor_n teacher_n help_n and_o government_n be_v but_o relative_a function_n and_o have_v their_o be_v only_o dependent_a and_o limit_v to_o their_o relation_n and_o church_n they_o be_v neither_o elder_n pastor_n nor_o governent_n without_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o officer_n universal_o commissionated_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconverted_a gentile_n and_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v apostle_n of_o christ_n authorize_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o service_n joseph_n of_o arimethea_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v be_v our_o english_a apostle_n which_o be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o our_o nation_n conversion_n dionysius_n areopagita_n be_v the_o apostle_n unto_o france_n james_n unto_o spain_n anthony_n unto_o italy_n thomas_n unto_o italy_n and_o so_o other_o unto_o other_o nation_n and_o when_o christianity_n be_v almost_o lose_v and_o obliterated_a here_o in_o england_n by_o the_o incursion_n of_o barbarous_a nation_n gregory_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o yet_o antichistianize_v some_o century_n of_o year_n after_o send_v here_o austin_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o their_o almost_o lose_a faith_n and_o christian_n profession_n so_o likewise_o when_o our_o church_n send_v man_n to_o convert_v the_o gentile_a nation_n of_o america_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o private_a disciple_n they_o can_v go_v for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v as_o officer_n to_o wit_n as_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n or_o governent_n they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v relation_n only_o to_o their_o own_o church_n therefore_o they_o must_v go_v as_o apostle_n which_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a work_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o the_o apostolical_a office_n must_v continue_v as_o necessary_a to_o do_v the_o full_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n why_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o necssity_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o add_v because_o of_o unbelief_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n second_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a what_o great_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v admit_v that_o such_o gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n though_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o ordinary_a as_o in_o the_o first_o church_n i_o have_v read_v of_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o cyprian_a about_o the_o second_o century_n who_o provoke_v their_o adversary_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n by_o miracle_n by_o bring_v person_n possess_v with_o devil_n into_o their_o assembly_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v effect_v and_o make_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v m._n baxter_n give_v we_o a_o far_a account_n out_o of_o athanasiâ—_n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o miracle_n in_o their_o day_n and_o attest_v to_o by_o so_o many_o and_o honest_a witness_n that_o they_o be_v credible_a to_o reason_n page_n 63._o upon_o that_o question_n in_o his_o book_n of_o infidelity_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n page_z 15._o speak_v of_o cast_v out_o devil_n of_o which_o sort_n say_v he_o some_o think_v that_o real_o they_o do_v so_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o we_o may_v do_v now_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n sometime_o to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o the_o prayer_n and_o appeal_n of_o god_n people_n have_v strange_o and_o miraculous_o perfect_v and_o produce_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n of_o late_a and_o within_o our_o memory_n in_o divers_a example_n which_o be_v now_o too_o long_o to_o rehearse_v some_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o miraculous_o recover_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n other_o dispossess_v of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v palpable_o vex_v and_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o only_a by_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n of_o somg_v odd_o person_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v one_o instance_n i_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o a_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o public_a
officer_n now_o at_o present_a authorize_v in_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o such_o officer_n then_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o officer_n want_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v right_o dispense_v but_o the_o major_a be_v former_o clear_v the_o consequence_n i_o believe_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o look_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o office_n therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a and_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o primitive_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o positive_a institution_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v moral_a positive_a law_n and_o still_o constringent_a and_o perpetual_a unless_o you_o can_v show_v their_o repeal_v see_v cawdry_n on_o the_o sabbath_n part_v 1._o cap._n 2._o hereon_o and_o therefore_o bind_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n confer_v hereunto_o that_o of_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o all_o which_o indeed_o the_o church_n do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o maintain_v though_o they_o have_v lay_v by_o the_o name_n thereof_o so_o necessary_a do_v they_o find_v the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a office_n though_o the_o office_n themselves_o nominal_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o door_n when_o we_o send_v preacher_n to_o our_o american_n plantation_n for_o the_o discipling_n the_o poor_a indian_n be_v they_o not_o tantamount_n as_o apostle_n when_o eusebius_n the_o centurist_n and_o late_a church_n historiographer_n do_v historify_v the_o act_n and_o occurrence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n evangelist_n when_o person_n do_v interpret_v and_o enucleate_v dark_a or_o prophetical_a scripture_n do_v they_o not_o look_v like_o prophet_n when_o by_o the_o faith_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a corruption_n be_v vanquish_v the_o will_n be_v reform_v health_n restore_v and_o satanical_a dispossession_n accomplish_v do_v they_o not_o carry_v the_o face_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o entertain_v the_o office_n and_o gift_n themselves_o nominal_o as_o well_o as_o operative_o and_o virtual_o though_o with_o some_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o by_o a_o crescent_a as_o unto_o young_a brother_n acknowledge_v always_o and_o that_o just_o a_o pre-eminence_n of_o gift_n and_o spirit_n in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o near_a unto_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o verity_n but_o far_o thereby_o from_o conclude_v that_o their_o office_n be_v bury_v with_o the_o first_o founder_n together_o with_o their_o most_o excellent_a gift_n in_o one_o arm_n but_o still_o keep_v alive_a and_o preserve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o station_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o none_o may_v judge_v i_o rash_a or_o presumptory_a in_o this_o opinion_n i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o add_v adhuc_fw-la sub_fw-la judice_fw-la lie_fw-la est_fw-la try_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v every_o one_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a to_o walk_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n that_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o question_n may_v be_v seasonable_o set_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o true_a christ_n minister_n from_o antichrist_n or_o the_o pseudo-prophet_n from_o the_o orthodox_n see_v the_o false_a one_o can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o rev._n 2.2_o this_o question_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a the_o discussion_n useful_a both_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o strange_a to_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o god_n to_o have_v false_a prophet_n and_o false_a apostle_n in_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 18.19_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o of_o the_o grove_n four_o hundred_o but_o the_o true_a one_o hide_v by_o obadiah_n be_v but_o one_o hundred_o ezekiel_n jeremiah_n meet_v they_o too_o in_o babylon_n jer._n 28_o 29_o chap._n and_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n be_v much_o trouble_v and_o vex_v with_o false_a apostle_n false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n also_o witness_v 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o gal._n 5.12_o matth._n 24.11_o and_o those_o church_n of_o ephesus_n pergamus_n sardis_n etc._n etc._n have_v their_o share_n also_o in_o this_o trouble_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o god_n often_o suffer_v with_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o in_o and_o upon_o his_o church_n to_o make_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o precious_a to_o try_v the_o godly_a and_o discover_v hypocrite_n and_o to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o can_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o preserve_v his_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o contagion_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v to_o try_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o all_o their_o malignant_a influence_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n now_o a_o false_a apostle_n or_o prophet_n may_v be_v discover_v two_o way_n first_o either_o from_o his_o false_a doctrine_n or_o pprophecy_n or_o second_o from_o his_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n the_o ancient_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v call_v seer_n from_o the_o clear_a divine_a revelation_n and_o irradiation_n they_o have_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 17.13_o and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n next_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a call_n to_o exercise_v that_o gift_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n they_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o have_v see_v nothing_o as_o in_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o that_o be_v they_o be_v prophet_n because_o they_o will_v be_v prophet_n it_o be_v their_o own_o motion_n that_o make_v they_o prophesy_v they_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v their_o own_o will_n the_o high_a original_n of_o their_o call_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v their_o own_o what_o their_o fancy_n lust_n private_a interest_n affection_n and_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v unto_o they_o so_o their_o prophecy_n come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o therefore_o however_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v by_o man_n be_v worthless_a in_o god_n account_n because_o it_o only_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o from_o god_n spirit_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n now_o i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o press_v for_o enthusiastic_a prophecy_n but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o close_o with_o man_n base_a interest_n and_o motion_n but_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o therefore_o what_o come_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o private_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n various_o brand_v under_o the_o title_n of_o lie_n dream_n vain_a divination_n perverse_a thing_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mark_v 7.7_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2.6_o another_o jesus_n another_o spirit_n another_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 11_o 4._o therefore_o paul_n dare_v not_o preach_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o what_o he_o have_v from_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o therefore_o we_o may_v plain_o judge_v a_o false_a prophet_n or_o apostle_n when_o he_o come_v with_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n and_o own_o spirit_n and_o own_o design_n be_v opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o spirit_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n within_o the_o gospel_n object_n but_o will_v not_o some_o say_v that_o all_o heretic_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v with_o verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v high_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v concordant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o in_o vain_a to_o broach_v and_o attest_v they_o and_o who_o more_o high_a than_o
and_o good_a work_n as_o former_o she_o do_v as_o the_o true_a effect_n and_o issue_n of_o that_o love_n or_o else_o etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o contemplation_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a gospel_n motive_n unto_o true_a repentance_n the_o commemoration_n of_o god_n former_a gracious_a deal_n unto_o a_o backslidden_a soul_n will_v operate_v very_o strong_o if_o not_o judicial_o harden_v to_o recall_v he_o unto_o his_o god_n the_o stray_a prodigal_a experience_v this_o truth_n in_o himself_o luke_n 15.17_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o consider_v how_o that_o many_o hire_a servant_n in_o his_o father_n house_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o yet_o he_o starve_v for_o hunger_n it_o make_v he_o to_o reflect_v upon_o that_o full_a and_o gracious_a condition_n when_o he_o be_v as_o a_o obedient_a son_n with_o his_o father_n which_o move_v he_o to_o set_v on_o the_o resolution_n to_o be_v a_o truant_n no_o long_o but_o to_o arise_v and_o go_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o say_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v break_v the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o recall_v the_o heart_n unto_o its_o first_o love_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o former_a gracious_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o it_o will_v effect_v it_o it_o will_v reason_v thus_o with_o itself_o be_v it_o not_o better_o with_o i_o when_o i_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n then_o now_o it_o be_v since_o i_o have_v break_v with_o he_o be_v not_o my_o soul_n more_o at_o peace_n within_o itself_o when_o i_o be_v more_o zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o keep_v his_o command_n than_o now_o when_o i_o be_o more_o remiss_a and_o cold_a in_o my_o affection_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o christian_n duty_n be_v not_o then_o my_o food_n more_o spiritual_a and_o my_o delight_n more_o heavenly_a then_o now_o when_o i_o be_o clog_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o bewitch_a lust_n thereof_o have_v i_o not_o then_o a_o free_a access_n to_o god_n and_o of_o a_o free_a spirit_n in_o my_o approach_n cry_v abba_n father_n than_o now_o have_v stray_v from_o he_o instead_o thereof_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o of_o fear_n in_o short_a when_o i_o keep_v close_o with_o god_n do_v not_o a_o face_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v appear_v in_o all_o my_o performance_n and_o relation_n but_o now_o have_v depart_v from_o he_o all_o be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o bitterness_n against_o i_o sure_o those_o consideration_n of_o grace_n former_o receive_v will_v work_v more_o upon_o a_o ingenious_a spirit_n than_o any_o thunder_a legal_a threat_n whatsoever_o yet_o i_o add_v if_o these_o will_v not_o do_v christ_n have_v another_o course_n and_o method_n and_o can_v come_v judicial_o and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o such_o obstinate_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o true_a gospel_n repentance_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o change_v the_o mind_n but_o of_o practice_n and_o conversation_n also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rescipicite_fw-la to_o wax_v wise_a or_o repent_v do_v not_o only_o consist_v to_o grow_v wise_a in_o the_o judgement_n but_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o practical_a affection_n also_o if_o the_o will_v be_v not_o right_a as_o to_o its_o object_n as_o well_o as_o the_o judgement_n it_o will_v not_o denominate_v a_o true_a repentant_a the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v right_a as_o to_o her_o faith_n for_o which_o she_o suffer_v in_o patience_n yet_o her_o practice_n and_o affection_n be_v not_o straight_o for_o which_o she_o have_v the_o check_n and_o command_v to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n work_n of_o love_n work_v of_o charity_n work_v of_o piety_n which_o former_o she_o have_v be_v zealous_a in_o in_o true_a repentance_n there_o be_v a_o terminus_n a_o quo_fw-la and_o terminus_n ad_fw-la quem_fw-la turn_v you_o turn_v you_o every_o one_o from_o the_o abomination_n of_o his_o way_n there_o be_v the_o terminus_fw-la a_o quo_fw-la but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o a_o negative_a righteousness_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n but_o there_o must_v be_v terminus_n ad_fw-la quem_fw-la a_o positive_a righteousness_n also_o there_o must_v be_v a_o do_v of_o the_o first_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o love_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o all_o but_o more_o especial_o towards_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v the_o adequate_a ingredient_n of_o true_a and_o gospel_n repentance_n it_o be_v a_o gross_a deceit_n in_o many_o that_o think_v that_o they_o have_v believe_v sufficient_o and_o they_o have_v repent_v sufficient_o when_o they_o have_v alter_v their_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o their_o weathercock_n opinion_n from_o one_o external_a form_n unto_o another_o as_o when_o a_o episcopal_a man_n be_v become_v for_o a_o presbytery_n o_o most_o kind_a and_o benign_a sunshine_n quoth_v he_o but_o when_o a_o presbyterian_a turn_n independent_a in_o judgement_n he_o present_o cry_v out_o that_o heaven_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o never_o consider_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v consist_v in_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n but_o in_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n which_o if_o right_o regulate_v something_o of_o each_o may_v be_v right_o admit_v to_o make_v a_o just_a composure_n in_o the_o next_o place_n some_o think_v their_o repentance_n very_o sound_a when_o they_o have_v change_v one_o error_n for_o another_o when_o of_o a_o arminian_n or_o pelagian_a be_v become_v antinomist_n right_o so_o term_v deny_v and_o oppose_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o duty_n oblige_v unto_o christian_n when_o of_o a_o arrian_n or_o antitrinitarian_n be_v become_v tridheite_n or_o worshipper_n of_o three_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o corrupt_a be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v his_o own_o opinion_n a_o idol_n and_o all_o that_o look_v not_o that_o way_n nor_o bring_v any_o flower_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o yet_o otherwise_o apparent_o gracious_a shall_v neither_o have_v the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n or_o a_o repentant_a soul_n among_o they_o therefore_o with_o all_o such_o i_o will_v leave_v this_o scripture_n as_o a_o signet_n upon_o their_o finger_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n observe_v 3._o another_o note_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n christ_n that_o give_v this_o memento_n be_v that_o christ_n command_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v very_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a to_o bring_v we_o unto_o repentance_n shall_v christ_n be_v our_o anamnestes_n or_o remembrancer_n and_o set_v our_o fault_n before_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n and_o shall_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v melt_v for_o it_o shall_v he_o call_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o in_o his_o everliving_a word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o intend_v or_o hearken_v to_o that_o heavenly_a vision_n he_o give_v but_o one_o glance_n on_o peter_n reflect_v on_o his_o unkindness_n and_o denial_n which_o cause_v peter_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o weep_v bitter_o and_o shall_v he_o not_o only_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o daily_a providential_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n which_o lead_v unto_o repentance_n but_o give_v we_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o yet_o not_o return_v by_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o most_o obdurate_a heart_n and_o of_o stiff-necked_a sinner_n but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o want_v will_n to_o it_o and_o if_o christ_n give_v will_n as_o well_o as_o command_n we_o shall_v ready_o follow_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o where_o christ_n lay_v his_o command_n on_o his_o choose_a one_o he_o also_o give_v there_o the_o first_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v to_o obey_v that_o command_n and_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n may_v be_v oppose_v and_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v quench_v and_o be_v so_o often_o by_o our_o own_o defect_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abundancy_n of_o corruption_n so_o that_o the_o want_n of_o will_n to_o good_a thing_n proceed_v from_o our_o own_o base_a and_o corrupt_a will_n not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n from_o christ_n who_o command_v we_o to_o they_o but_o take_v notice_n though_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v by_o the_o elect_a themselves_o be_v oppose_v darken_a and_o quench_v partial_o but_o not_o total_o and_o final_o but_o at_o last_o will_v get_v the_o victory_n in_o bring_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o god_n unto_o perfection_n second_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o person_n in_o a_o â—nregenerate_a state_n to_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o will_n for_o before_o christ_n move_v thereon_o by_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v right_o will_v any_o good_a thing_n or_o work_n but_o the_o first_o grace_n be_v give_v
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
a_o church_n do_v nullify_v a_o church_n though_o very_o high_a if_o right_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o root_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n this_o give_v the_o very_o be_v to_o a_o church_n and_o so_o i_o say_v that_o many_o of_o our_o national_a church_n have_v now_o renonunce_v their_o institution_n and_o call_v from_o antichrist_n and_o be_v call_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v become_v spouse_n of_o christ_n call_v and_o faithful_a though_o mix_v with_o many_o corruption_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o pergamus_n corinth_n and_o other_o be_v yet_o for_o their_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n among_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o the_o lord_n church_n of_o christ_n holy_a and_o sanctify_a but_o still_o observe_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n the_o more_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a one_o have_v the_o great_a praise_n great_a manifestation_n of_o love_n grace_n comfort_n and_o glory_n on_o she_o than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o the_o more_o unsound_a one_o though_o they_o be_v sister_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a one_o of_o her_o mother_n though_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v daughter_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o rose_n of_o sharon_n and_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o valley_n though_o the_o rest_n be_v christ_n vineyard_n too_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o garden_n enclose_v where_o he_o take_v his_o delight_n at_o noon_n and_o thus_o much_o hereon_o shall_v suffice_v verse_n 16._o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n repent_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grow_v wise_a change_v thy_o judgement_n and_o practice_v from_o evil_a to_o good_a cast_v off_o thy_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n and_o return_v unto_o i_o in_o sincerity_n and_o holiness_n or_o else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v long_o before_o i_o come_v against_o thou_o and_o make_v war_n against_o thou_o for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v it_o and_o that_o with_o a_o most_o cut_v confound_v weapon_n the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n christ_n make_v war_n with_o his_o enemy_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n or_o word_n two_o way_n first_o he_o manage_n it_o as_o light_a to_o discover_v darkness_n by_o his_o angel_n and_o minister_n both_o for_o the_o evince_a confound_a and_o overthrow_v all_o false_a worship_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o thus_o he_o manifest_v his_o displeasure_n from_o heaven_n by_o his_o word_n against_o all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n as_o he_o do_v here_o against_o the_o balaamitish_a and_o nicolaish_n doctrine_n of_o pergamus_n and_o as_o he_o have_v do_v of_o late_a among_o we_o against_o all_o popish_a and_o superstitious_a innovation_n and_o false_a worship_n but_o second_o if_o the_o ministerial_a convince_a word_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o recall_n and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n his_o rebellious_a people_n or_o enemy_n he_o will_v proceed_v far_o by_o his_o terrible_a doctrine_n or_o word_n of_o judgement_n against_o they_o if_o pergamus_n will_v not_o repent_v upon_o the_o conviction_n of_o her_o sin_n christ_n will_v go_v out_o and_o fight_v against_o she_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n from_o among_o she_o yea_o god_n will_v call_v for_o a_o nabuchadnezzar_n a_o mahomet_n a_o ottoman_a and_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v his_o servant_n to_o execute_v the_o lord_n command_n and_o burden_n of_o judgement_n against_o his_o rebellious_a sinful_a church_n and_o thus_o christ_n sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o which_o he_o fight_v against_o his_o enemy_n chap._n 19.21_o thus_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o horse_n which_o sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v as_o honest_a bishop_n hall_n on_o the_o place_n say_v they_o be_v slay_v by_o the_o powerful_a command_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o spiritual_o or_o analogical_o but_o corporal_o and_o upon_o their_o bodily_a death_n all_o the_o fowl_n be_v fill_v with_o their_o flesh_n thus_o far_o bishop_n hall_n god_n command_v to_o take_v the_o child_n of_o babel_n and_o to_o dash_v they_o against_o the_o wall_n take_v those_o my_o enemy_n and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n that_o he_o draw_v against_o his_o unrepentant_a and_o obstinate_a wicked_a church_n first_o confusion_n of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n by_o his_o powerful_a ministerial_a word_n and_o spirit_n next_o of_o their_o person_n by_o command_a war_n or_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n on_o they_o for_o they_o be_v also_o his_o destroy_a weapon_n jer._n 47.7_o now_o this_o be_v do_v and_o command_v by_o christ_n sometime_o express_o in_o scripture_n as_o rev._n 18.6_o 7_o 8._o reward_v she_o as_o she_o have_v reward_v you_o and_o cap._n 12._o 10._o he_o that_o kill_v with_o the_o sword_n must_v be_v kill_v with_o the_o sword_n sometime_o it_o be_v do_v providential_o by_o move_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n to_o war_n the_o persian_a against_o the_o turk_n or_o the_o turk_n against_o the_o emperor_n or_o venetian_a the_o english_a against_o the_o spaniard_n and_o spaniard_n against_o the_o french_a and_o so_o in_o the_o turmoil_n thereof_o many_o corrupt_a church_n of_o christ_n perish_v utter_o as_o to_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o policy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o great_a whore_n herself_o will_v fall_v and_o perish_v rev._n 17.16_o 17._o or_o three_o god_n send_v immediate_o his_o destroy_a angel_n to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n as_o ez._n 9.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o against_o his_o idolatrous_a people_n the_o jew_n and_o as_o many_o other_o place_n testify_v to_o smite_v they_o for_o their_o abomination_n and_o their_o wickedness_n observe_v 1._o note_v from_o these_o word_n that_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a gospel_n remedy_n to_o divert_v the_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o a_o wicked_a church_n or_o people_n repent_v or_o else_o say_v the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n you_o know_v what_o will_v follow_v turn_v from_o sinful_a way_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o keep_v god_n presence_n still_o among_o we_o if_o we_o will_v have_v have_v turn_v unto_o god_n from_o our_o former_a false_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o wicked_a practice_n against_o god_n law_n and_o his_o saint_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v see_v those_o late_a desolate_v day_n among_o we_o ahab_n repentance_n though_o it_o be_v formal_a and_o outward_a yet_o it_o stop_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n judgement_n much_o in_o his_o day_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o real_a repentance_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o a_o back-slidden_a and_o corrupt_a church_n god_n real_o divert_v his_o threaten_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v mere_o a_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o legal_a as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o for_o the_o law_n say_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v the_o law_n admtis_fw-la of_o no_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o sin_n but_o satisfaction_n and_o justice_n but_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n or_o gospel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v full_o satisfy_v both_o law_n and_o justice_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n cry_v out_o in_o the_o street_n and_o to_o every_o creature_n repent_v and_o believe_v believe_v and_o repent_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n see_v more_o at_o large_a on_o the_o precedent_n 5._o vers_fw-la of_o this_o cap._n what_o repentance_n be_v but_o by_o the_o way_n take_v a_o character_n of_o true_a penitent_n first_o they_o abhor_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n make_v they_o to_o abhor_v and_o loathe_v themselves_o ezek._n 20.43_o and_o job_n 42.6_o second_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o evil_a that_o sin_n bring_v upon_o they_o as_o for_o the_o evil_n itself_o which_o be_v in_o sin_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o holy_a law_n psal_n 51.2_o three_o their_o repentance_n be_v universal_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o its_o part_n it_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n or_o corruption_n they_o leave_v but_o all_o ezek._n 20.43_o you_o shall_v loathe_v yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o sight_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o you_o have_v commit_v four_o they_o be_v afterward_o the_o more_o jealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o fearful_a to_o sin_n against_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o sin_n against_o our_o god_n who_o have_v wash_v we_o and_o
liberty_n for_o tender_a conscience_n in_o point_n disputable_a and_o therein_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o their_o judgement_n by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o external_a conformity_n for_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o uniformity_n but_o not_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v hypocrite_n not_o saint_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o open_v my_o mouth_n for_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v blasphemous_a idolatrous_a against_o god_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v such_o bear_v their_o censure_n and_o punishment_n not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o gospel_n warrant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n also_o he_o be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o bear_v the_o sword_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o will_v always_o forelay_v this_o caution_n that_o none_o who_o life_n be_v sober_a and_o godly_a and_o desire_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o in_o this_o present_a world_n for_o difference_n in_o judgement_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v hereby_o but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a space_n shall_v we_o suffer_v a_o jezebel_n and_o impudent_a immodest_a or_o idolatrous_a false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o bear_v with_o it_o a_o hour_n for_o that_o which_o god_n have_v real_o declare_v himself_o against_o from_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v adversary_n to_o it_o also_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o and_o be_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o tolerate_v false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n appear_v clear_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o authority_n say_v the_o lord_n send_v they_o and_o speak_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n never_o appear_v to_o they_o second_o they_o cross_v god_n in_o his_o design_n god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o false_a teacher_n set_v up_o some_o ungodly_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o soul_n three_o they_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o their_o lie_n and_o vanity_n four_o they_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n servant_n they_o deceive_v they_o and_o entice_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o their_o abomination_n five_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o such_o assembly_n as_o do_v embrace_v they_o or_o own_v they_o and_o final_o undo_v poor_a soul_n for_o ever_o without_o repentance_n quest_n if_o a_o free_a toleration_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_n in_o a_o church_n the_o question_n will_v be_v in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o lawful_o and_o juridical_o to_o remove_v they_o answ_n doubtless_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v the_o check_n and_o against_o who_o alone_a christ_n lay_v the_o charge_n for_o tolerate_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o remove_v the_o evil_a from_o among_o they_o for_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v lay_v the_o charge_n of_o this_o sin_n against_o thyatira_n for_o tolerate_v jezebel_n be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o church_n power_n there_o within_o themselves_o to_o remedy_n remove_v and_o eject_v that_o false_a prophetess_n christ_n never_o blame_v any_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v suffer_v in_o another_o not_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thyatira_n nor_o thyatira_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o sardis_n or_o laodicea_n but_o every_o one_o be_v charge_v particular_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o more_o pure_a church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o philadelphia_n empower_v command_v or_o authorise_v either_o joint_n in_o a_o combination_n as_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_o as_o a_o prelatical_a superintendent_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o remove_v or_o reform_v the_o evil_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o every_o one_o be_v commend_v apart_o for_o their_o respective_a grace_n and_o every_o one_o by_o itself_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v apart_o from_o their_o sinful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o some_o age_n after_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o a_o lording_n episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o once_o but_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v then_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o all_o alike_o and_o of_o one_o extent_n within_o their_o own_o boundary_n and_o that_o superiority_n in_o church_n come_v in_o with_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o which_o be_v foment_v and_z nourish_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o bishop_n till_o at_o last_o it_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a we_o know_v all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a in_o power_n and_o privilege_n under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n that_o be_v christ_n gal._n 1.18_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la equal_v can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o equal_n unless_o by_o usurpation_n or_o tyranny_n or_o otherwise_o by_o compact_n if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n as_o when_o among_o ourselves_o and_o equal_n we_o choose_v our_o parliament_n man_n to_o be_v our_o legislator_n and_o ruler_n but_o if_o so_o church_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n get_v a_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sister_n church_n call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v either_o classical_a provincial_a or_o national_a sure_o at_o best_a it_o be_v but_o of_o a_o prudential_a and_o civil_a institution_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o divine_a stamp_n be_v more_o than_o it_o will_v bear_v peruse_v cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o last_o past_o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n m._n perkins_n on_o that_o vers_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n god_n give_v a_o full_a juridical_a power_n either_o to_o admit_v or_o keep_v out_o examine_v or_o cast_v out_o suspend_v or_o do_v any_o other_o juridical_a act_n or_o act_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n write_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o respective_a church_n as_o distinct_a church_n without_o dependency_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n king_n and_o sovereign_n actâ—_n 15.22_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o rom._n 1.6_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2_o 24._o ephes_n 5.24_o they_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n under_o one_o head_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o one_o husband_n sister_n of_o one_o mother_n cant._n 8.8_o none_o of_o they_o be_v servant_n or_o slave_n to_o the_o other_o not_o hagar_n but_o sarahs_n free_a and_o equal_a all_o of_o they_o be_v spouse_n of_o christ_n of_o equal_a privilege_n and_o authority_n all_o of_o they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n shine_v church_n among_o who_o christ_n equal_o walk_v rev._n 1.12_o all_o have_v equal_a and_o like_a power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v admit_v and_o reject_v receive_v or_o deny_v and_o for_o one_o church_n to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o prelatical_a humour_n which_o do_v very_o little_o comport_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n mat_n 16.16_o act_n 9.26.14.23_o rev._n 2.2_o act._n 1.15_o 6_o 2_o 3._o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.5_o 6._o quest_n 2._o but_o another_o question_n may_v hence_o arise_v whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n chief_a officer_n pastor_n or_o minister_n can_v alone_o remove_v this_o jezebel_n legal_o and_o judicial_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n which_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o he_o or_o whither_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o eldership_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n elder_n and_o brethren_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n be_v put_v for_o the_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o key_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o and_o this_o authority_n be_v either_o first_o supreme_a and_o monarchical_a and_o this_o reside_v only_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o
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
in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v to_o destroy_v and_o spoil_v when_o christ_n say_v unto_o the_o man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o wedding_n garment_n friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o without_o thy_o wedding_n garment_n take_v he_o bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o utter_a darkness_n this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o dreadful_a judge_n in_o cap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o christ_n eye_n and_o foot_n be_v like_a unto_o flame_n of_o fire_n he_o have_v fiery_a judgement_n in_o his_o hand_n against_o his_o church_n which_o destroy_v and_o dissolve_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o send_v the_o miserable_a desolate_v judgement_n on_o the_o jew_n by_o titus_n and_o continue_v it_o over_o they_o until_o this_o day_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o send_v the_o sword_n and_o blood_n unto_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o for_o their_o iniquity_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o go_v forth_o on_o his_o red_a horse_n of_o judgement_n to_o war_n against_o babylon_n the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o all_o their_o curse_a complice_n and_o adherent_n rev._n 19_o we_o may_v conceive_v and_o conceive_v amiss_o when_o we_o think_v that_o it_o be_v man_n that_o blow_v these_o coal_n of_o war_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o do_v it_o luk._n 12.49_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v fire_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o mat._n 10.34_o i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n against_o his_o father_n and_o the_o daughter_n against_o her_o mother_n and_o the_o daughter_n in_o law_n against_o her_o mother_n in_o law_n and_o a_o man_n foe_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o household_n and_o this_o fire_n have_v be_v kindle_v among_o we_o and_o other_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o put_v it_o out_o unless_o it_o be_v christ_n to_o who_o power_n be_v give_v to_o compose_v all_o our_o difference_n and_o dissension_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v if_o christ_n open_v the_o sluice_n and_o door_n of_o his_o desolate_v judgement_n who_o can_v shut_v it_o up_o or_o keep_v they_o back_o but_o if_o he_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o his_o wrathful_a judgement_n and_o set_v a_o stop_n unto_o the_o current_n and_o progress_n of_o they_o who_o can_v open_v it_o for_o it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o can_v treat_v war_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n thereof_o and_o can_v again_o produce_v the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o tranquillity_n and_o peace_n object_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unadvised_o object_n this_o be_v a_o evil_a to_o affirm_v that_o christ_n send_v the_o sword_n and_o war_n into_o the_o world_n or_o think_v it_o harsh_a that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n shall_v put_v on_o such_o a_o fiery_a posture_n abhorrent_n to_o his_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a nature_n or_o say_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a for_o the_o wicked_a to_o do_v this_o work_n or_o to_o see_v fire_n come_v forth_o from_o a_o bramble_n judg._n 9.15_o this_o be_v but_o ordinary_a but_o to_o see_v fire_n come_v out_o from_o the_o vine_n from_o christ_n this_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o abhorrent_n to_o their_o understanding_n i_o answer_v as_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v so_o also_o he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o a_o judge_n you_o know_v must_v have_v his_o sheriff_n the_o executioner_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n so_o christ_n take_v the_o sword_n war_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n they_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o christ_n judgement_n against_o the_o delinquent_n wicked_a one_o of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o use_v they_o lawful_o and_o just_o and_o for_o such_o as_o will_v not_o kiss_v the_o son_n obey_v he_o fear_v he_o and_o love_v he_o he_o can_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v the_o king_n the_o great_a one_o and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o christ_n can_v raise_v up_o cyrus_n nabuchadnezzar_n heathen_a king_n and_o call_v they_o his_o servant_n and_o make_v they_o his_o instrument_n to_o do_v his_o work_n of_o judgement_n against_o his_o rebellious_a prophet_n and_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o ottoman_n mahomet_n selimus_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v just_a executioner_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o dead_a formal_a and_o luke_o warm_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o such_o as_o have_v but_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o true_a life_n in_o they_o hold_v fast_o be_v watchful_a and_o repent_v or_o else_o christ_n will_v come_v upon_o thou_o sudden_o as_o a_o thief_n both_o with_o his_o particular_a temporal_a judgement_n and_o with_o his_o eternal_a also_o verse_n 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a it_o may_v be_v first_o demand_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o have_v these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n doubtless_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o angel_n pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o principal_o receive_v this_o charge_n and_o to_o who_o the_o whole_a be_v direct_v to_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o and_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n pastor_n or_o angel_n thou_o have_v that_o be_v under_o thy_o charge_n a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n name_n be_v here_o put_v for_o person_n act._n 1.15_o the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n that_o be_v of_o man_n or_o person_n that_o be_v in_o one_o place_n be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o and_o rev._n 11.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o the_o earth_n quake_n be_v slay_v of_o man_n seven_o thousand_o in_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o name_n of_o man_n that_o be_v slay_v be_v seven_o thousand_o and_o i_o conceive_v this_o word_n name_n be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o spirit_n simple_o to_o denote_v the_o person_n of_o man_n as_o thus_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o person_n in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v etc._n etc._n but_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v a_o few_o person_n of_o name_n and_o quality_n they_o be_v name_n of_o man_n or_o man_n of_o name_n of_o excellent_a spirit_n temper_n weight_n and_o quality_n for_o they_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o outward_o taint_v by_o the_o common_a wickedness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o sardis_n and_o those_o poor_a soul_n shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a to_o walk_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o partaker_n with_o he_o in_o his_o heavenly_a enjoyment_n with_o who_o we_o walk_v we_o communicate_v with_o he_o enjoy_v his_o discourse_n council_n presence_n familiarity_n friendship_n and_o all_o other_o comfort_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v possible_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o walk_v with_o christ_n but_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o he_o in_o white_a a_o white_a raiment_n be_v usual_o set_v by_o antiquity_n on_o the_o acquit_v innocent_a absolve_v person_n but_o a_o black_a on_o the_o guilty_a and_o condemn_v this_o have_v some_o allusion_n to_o the_o former_a white_a stone_n which_o be_v give_v either_o to_o the_o conquer_a or_o to_o the_o innocent_a absolve_v saint_n so_o to_o walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o partake_v with_o christ_n either_o a_o free_a absolution_n at_o the_o last_o day_n oâ—_n to_o be_v with_o he_o as_o white_a innocent_a conquer_a saint_n at_o the_o resurrection_n for_o they_o be_v worthy_a that_o be_v those_o pure_a undefiled_a soul_n be_v accept_v by_o i_o as_o worthy_a of_o such_o happiness_n note_v hence_o from_o the_o person_n that_o have_v these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n observe_v 1._o that_o christian_n of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o name_n be_v under_o the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o angel_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n christ_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n teach_v and_o influence_a head_n over_o his_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n be_v the_o subordinate_a organical_a head_n to_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o hand_n or_o eye_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o head_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n will_v be_v but_o a_o trunk_n unfit_a for_o lively_a motion_n so_o a_o church_n without_o a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n may_v be_v a_o body_n but_o very_o liveless_a and_o useless_a
in_o which_o their_o soul_n will_v delight_v neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o compartner_n in_o that_o kingdom_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o weak_a christian_n shall_v be_v a_o partner_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n must_v needs_o know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o earth_n already_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o then_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o also_o for_o there_o be_v write_v thereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o the_o same_o all_o signify_v power_n strength_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o feel_v the_o effect_n thereof_o unto_o their_o pain_n if_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v rule_v and_o break_v they_o as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n as_o in_o cap._n 2._o v._n 27._o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o kingdom_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o god_n shall_v sure_o be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o all_o and_o especial_o come_v with_o thaâ—_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n do_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o most_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o morning_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o miriads_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o raâ—â—â—d_a saâ—â—â—s_n that_o none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v deal_v plain_o with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v the_o saint_n to_o reign_v before_o their_o leader_n head_n and_o king_n appear_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o right_a with_o their_o master_n spirit_n who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a ready_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n not_o draw_v the_o sword_n to_o free_v or_o revenge_v himself_o or_o his_o follower_n but_o check_v peter_n for_o it_o when_o he_o attempt_v it_o on_o malchas_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o lay_v hand_n upon_o he_o christ_n well_o know_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n of_o this_o age_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o sword_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o suffer_v and_o patience_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o they_o that_o go_v another_o way_n may_v build_v a_o city_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n who_o builder_n be_v god_n they_o may_v erect_v a_o city_n who_o builder_n be_v man_n and_o on_o who_o gate_n and_o wall_n be_v write_v their_o own_o name_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n they_o may_v build_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n a_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o beast_n may_v reign_v in_o not_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o kingdom_n of_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o they_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o trust_v thereunto_o may_v be_v just_o involve_v into_o utter_a ruin_n and_o misery_n for_o trust_v to_o the_o weak_a arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o hope_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a new_a city_n promise_v to_o the_o conquer_a suffer_a patient_a saint_n and_o not_o to_o the_o heady_a rebellious_a or_o precipitant_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o whereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v and_o inscribe_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o say_v at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o descend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o lamb_n wife_n the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o conspicuous_a for_o light_n and_o glory_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n thereof_o and_o bring_v their_o glory_n to_o it_o and_o this_o city_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n neither_o of_o the_o moon_n to_o shine_v in_o it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o rev._n 21.23_o verse_n 13._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 if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o word_n be_v so_o often_o inculcate_v at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o peculiarly_a relate_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o all_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o also_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o it_o be_v not_o only_o write_v for_o they_o but_o for_o our_o instruction_n also_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o wise_a christian_n consider_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n ver._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o of_o christ_n monitory_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v archippus_n as_o some_o say_v mention_v coloss_n 4.17_o not_o far_o from_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n it_o be_v call_v laodicea_n from_o laodice_n wife_n of_o antiochus_n who_o build_v it_o in_o honour_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o call_v it_o according_a to_o her_o name_n laodicea_n which_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v as_o much_o as_o commandress_n princess_n or_o dictatrix_n of_o the_o people_n the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o this_o church_n be_v somewhat_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o name_n she_o conceive_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n a_o princess_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o in_o vers_n 17._o she_o vaunt_v herself_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o be_v increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n bring_v she_o to_o the_o trial_n she_o be_v find_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v often_o in_o his_o providence_n ordain_v name_n to_o person_n and_o place_n suitable_a and_o well_o comport_v with_o their_o natural_a disposition_n and_o quality_n christ_n be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n joshua_n have_v a_o name_n also_o from_o the_o same_o root_n he_o be_v also_o a_o temporal_a saviour_n unto_o israel_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n save_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n many_o example_n be_v find_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o john_n who_o name_n and_o nature_n both_o be_v gracious_a chrysostome_n he_o be_v a_o eloquent_a golden_a mouth_a father_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v 2._o for_o place_n and_o church_n rome_n be_v call_v roma_n from_o romulus_n from_o some_o old_a word_n of_o the_o like_a sound_n which_o signify_v strength_n babylon_n from_o babel_n confusion_n philadelphia_n have_v a_o belove_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o belove_a church_n laodicea_n have_v a_o vainglorious_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a church_n much_o boast_n of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n while_o miserable_a poor_a and_o naked_a these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v here_o describe_v under_o a_o threefold_a property_n 1._o as_o the_o amen_o 2._o as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 3._o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n these_o three_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o general_a description_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preliminary_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o amen_o out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o what_o christ_n promise_v and_o predict_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n must_v sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v not_o fail_v he_o add_v another_o property_n take_v out_o of_o chap._n 1._o v._n 5._o he_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n now_o what_o this_o amen_o have_v promise_v predict_v and_o say_v in_o these_o prophecy_n must_v