day_n for_o some_o certain_a time_n carry_v a_o faggot_n for_o his_o own_o burn_n in_o the_o end_n second_o from_o this_o end_n of_o life_n all_o that_o have_v not_o repent_v must_v learn_v not_o to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n but_o now_o begin_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o endeavour_n while_o we_o live_v shall_v be_v this_o to_o get_v a_o room_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v without_o repentance_n next_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o give_v this_o time_n of_o repentance_n neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n have_v this_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n but_o the_o power_n of_o appoint_v it_o belong_v unto_o christ_n alone_o hereby_o than_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v without_o delay_n to_o repent_v the_o young_a man_n will_v take_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o repent_v when_o he_o be_v old_a but_o hereby_o he_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n who_o only_o have_v power_n to_o point_v out_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n use_v therefore_o the_o time_n present_a while_o thou_o have_v it_o and_o defer_v not_o repentance_n for_o how_o know_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v old_a and_o though_o thou_o do_v yet_o how_o can_v thou_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v give_v thou_o repentance_n consider_v thou_o do_v refuse_v while_o he_o call_v for_o it_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o die_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o all_o be_v well_o they_o go_v to_o heaven_n straight_o but_o herewith_o many_o be_v deceive_v for_o unless_o they_o have_v true_o repent_v they_o go_v straight_o to_o the_o devil_n let_v their_o manner_n of_o die_v be_v what_o it_o will_n a_o quiet_a death_n be_v a_o comfortable_a thing_n but_o no_o sure_a sign_n of_o grace_n because_o it_o may_v come_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o easy_a linger_a sickness_n consider_v therefore_o we_o have_v no_o title_n unto_o this_o grace_n of_o repentance_n to_o claim_v it_o at_o our_o pleasure_n it_o be_v the_o rare_a gift_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o leaâ—â—_n of_o our_o life_n but_o be_v mere_a tenant_n at_o will_n let_v we_o seek_v to_o turn_v to_o god_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n while_o 〈◊〉_d be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o if_o we_o have_v begin_v let_v we_o daily_o renew_v this_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n three_o consider_v to_o who_o god_n give_v space_n of_o repentance_n namely_o to_o a_o wicked_a woman_n as_o wicked_a as_o jezabell_n wherein_o behold_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o unto_o such_o a_o wicked_a person_n who_o blaspheme_v god_n in_o father_v her_o sin_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o dishonour_v god_n by_o seduce_v his_o servant_n do_v yet_o vouchsafe_v a_o time_n of_o repentance_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o most_o grievous_a sinner_n manasses_n be_v one_o that_o sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n give_v himself_o to_o sorcery_n and_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o upon_o his_o hearty_a repentance_n god_n receive_v he_o to_o mercy_n and_o solomon_n fall_v most_o fearful_o but_o yet_o before_o his_o death_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o he_o repent_v and_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o scripture_n all_o which_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n as_o peter_n say_v 2._o pet._n 1.20_o the_o israelite_n be_v 1.10_o a_o people_n of_o sodom_n and_o of_o gomorrha_n as_o bad_a as_o those_o who_o be_v condemn_v in_o hell_n and_o yet_o mercy_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n and_o conversion_n use_n hereby_o no_o man_n must_v take_v occasion_n to_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n but_o those_o that_o feel_v themselves_o lade_v with_o the_o huge_a burden_n of_o their_o transgression_n have_v here_o a_o comfort_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n for_o if_o they_o can_v humble_v themselves_o and_o turn_v unto_o christ_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n there_o be_v yet_o with_o the_o lord_n mercy_n in_o store_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v last_o christ_n say_v he_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n no_o doubt_v she_o have_v many_o other_o sin_n whereof_o she_o be_v to_o repent_v for_o no_o sin_n go_v alone_o but_o every_o capital_a sin_n draw_v many_o with_o it_o christ_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v not_o that_o she_o shall_v let_v pass_v other_o sin_n without_o repentance_n but_o he_o name_v this_o one_o sin_n of_o fornication_n because_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a sin_n in_o she_o for_o she_o both_o practise_v it_o in_o her_o own_o body_n and_o so_o make_v herself_o the_o stable_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o maintain_v this_o sin_n and_o so_o draw_v other_o thereto_o now_o special_a and_o principal_a repentance_n must_v be_v of_o principal_a sin_n use_n here_o then_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o sinner_n how_o to_o practice_v repentance_n they_o must_v begin_v with_o their_o capital_a sin_n which_o burden_n their_o conscience_n and_o whereto_o they_o be_v most_o addict_v and_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o the_o man_n that_o true_o repent_v of_o one_o sin_n repent_v of_o all_o for_o true_a repentance_n make_v the_o heart_n alike_o affect_v to_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o heart_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o hate_v his_o special_a sin_n will_v never_o approve_v of_o petty_a sin_n this_o lesson_n ought_v careful_o to_o be_v learned_a &_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o most_o man_n be_v only_o in_o general_n to_o say_v we_o be_v all_o sinner_n lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o or_o god_n forgive_v i_o but_o this_o confuse_a repentance_n be_v not_o good_a it_o stand_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o sin_n again_o in_o particular_a therefore_o we_o must_v search_v our_o conscience_n and_o see_v wherein_o we_o have_v most_o dishonour_v god_n and_o what_o sin_n have_v near_o plunge_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n and_o with_o that_o we_o must_v begin_v to_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o heaven_n by_o repent_v true_o for_o the_o same_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o man_n have_v free_a will_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a before_o god_n as_o namely_o to_o repent_v for_o say_v they_o god_n give_v jesabell_n space_n of_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o therefore_o she_o have_v power_n to_o repent_v or_o else_o the_o give_v of_o that_o time_n unto_o she_o have_v be_v in_o vain_a answ._n their_o reason_n be_v nought_o it_o follow_v not_o because_o god_n give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v therefore_o she_o have_v power_n of_o herself_o to_o repent_v as_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v man_n space_n &_o time_n of_o repentance_n and_o commandment_n so_o to_o do_v the_o end_n be_v two_o i._o that_o in_o that_o time_n of_o repentance_n which_o he_o allot_v to_o man_n he_o may_v give_v his_o child_n grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o repent_v for_o the_o lord_n use_v the_o commandment_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o outward_a mean_n of_o give_v grace_n unto_o man_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n ii_o he_o give_v commandment_n and_o time_n to_o repent_v that_o man_n may_v see_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v not_o what_o they_o can_v do_v and_o that_o the_o wicked_a may_v be_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o slavery_n &_o bondage_n unto_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o here_o the_o sin_n of_o jezabell_n be_v express_v namely_o her_o impenitency_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o without_o remorse_n she_o live_v in_o her_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o her_o sin_n two_o point_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v i._o where_o this_o sin_n of_o impenitency_n be_v forbid_v in_o god_n word_n ii_o what_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o god_n word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o distinguish_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v overturn_v many_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o law_n give_v commandment_n touch_v thing_n that_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o adam_n before_o his_o fall_n forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o his_o perfect_a nature_n but_o the_o gospel_n command_v &_o forbid_v thing_n that_o be_v above_o nature_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o god_n word_n be_v this_o
be_v a_o inducement_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o gift_n fit_a for_o this_o call_n to_o affect_v the_o same_o last_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o call_n and_o holy_a in_o his_o conversation_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n he_o be_v place_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n now_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v long_o bear_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n any_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a or_o profane_v nay_o he_o will_v take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n and_o there_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n for_o as_o they_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o by_o their_o place_n so_o shall_v their_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a unless_o they_o be_v faithful_a this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n levit._n 10.1_o and_o hophâ—â—â—_n and_o phineas_n 1._o sam._n 3.13_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n ought_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o their_o way_n for_o by_o their_o call_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ._n now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a and_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n he_o will_v sure_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o unfaithful_a minister_n put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n &_o confound_v they_o for_o ever_o they_o must_v therefore_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o become_v not_o hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o his_o will_n so_o shall_v christ_n protect_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o save_v they_o eternal_o and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n this_o sword_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v in_o the_o write_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n heb._n 4.12_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lively_a mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o it_o be_v thereto_o compare_v because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v sharp_o into_o the_o flesh_n and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o bone_n even_o to_o the_o very_a marrow_n so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n enter_v sharp_o and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o very_a marrow_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o twofold_a operation_n one_o upon_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o elect_a it_o wound_v the_o wicked_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n isay._n 11.4_o christ_n shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o lip_n that_o be_v with_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n herewith_o shall_v he_o consume_v antichrist_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o visit_v leviathan_n and_o slay_v the_o dragon_n that_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n isay._n 27._o vers_fw-la 1._o here_o consider_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v kill_v a_o impenitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n first_o in_o this_o life_n where_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n the_o second_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o the_o soul_n go_v to_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a the_o three_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o go_v to_o hell_n eternal_o now_o a_o sinner_n receive_v in_o this_o life_n his_o deadly_a wound_n after_o this_o manner_n christ_n in_o the_o give_v thereof_o have_v a_o threefold_a work_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n first_o hereby_o he_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o sin_n as_o hypocrisy_n pride_n and_o rebellion_n of_o heart_n with_o all_o other_o his_o horrible_a and_o damnable_a transgression_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14.24.25_o when_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v reprove_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o word_n judge_v he_o and_o thereby_o lie_v open_a unto_o he_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n second_o christ_n hereby_o reveâ—leth_v unto_o he_o his_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n due_a unto_o he_o in_o which_o regard_n the_o law_n be_v call_v 3.6_o a_o kill_a letter_n show_v no_o mercy_n but_o only_o thunder_v out_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o transgressor_n three_o hereby_o christ_n awake_v his_o guilty_a conscience_n sharpen_v the_o sting_n thereof_o and_o terrify_v he_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n thus_o wicked_a felix_n tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n preach_v 24.25_o of_o temperance_n righteousness_n and_o the_o â—udgement_n to_o come_v so_o when_o king_n 4.6_o belshazzer_n see_v the_o palm_n of_o the_o hand_n writing_n thing_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o â—all_n his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o his_o joint_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n stand_v one_o against_o another_o and_o all_o these_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o wicked_a without_o apprehension_n of_o mercy_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o recover_v one_o that_o â—s_v 〈◊〉_d wound_v but_o while_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d this_o estate_n he_o have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o without_o unfamed_a repentance_n be_v already_o in_o thâ—_n first_o step_n towards_o eternal_a death_n for_o these_o horror_n oâ—_n conscience_n sever_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o flash_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a woe_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n by_o this_o sword_n wound_v his_o enemy_n hence_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v sundry_a duty_n first_o how_o to_o earn_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o will_v rage_v and_o storm_n against_o it_o and_o the_o preacher_n thereof_o because_o it_o touch_v they_o we_o must_v not_o despise_v or_o malign_v they_o but_o rather_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n towards_o they_o for_o this_o their_o behaviour_n be_v a_o token_n they_o be_v wound_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o these_o their_o raging_n be_v nothing_o but_o struggle_n before_o death_n eternal_a unless_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o deadly_a wound_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v let_v to_o see_v and_o know_v the_o lamentable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a number_n in_o those_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v for_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n that_o in_o those_o placeâ—_n few_o come_v to_o true_a knowledge_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o most_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a now_o this_o their_o condition_n be_v most_o fearful_a a_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o man_n have_v long_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o thereby_o better_v for_o knowledge_n in_o mind_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n they_o be_v thereby_o wound_v unto_o death_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n have_v always_o his_o work_n it_o either_o cure_v unto_o life_n by_o work_a repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o salvation_n or_o wound_v unto_o death_n they_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o we_o must_v therefore_o lament_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n as_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o dead_a man_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v how_o soever_o they_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n by_o their_o â—â—ill_a honesty_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o a_o field_n and_o there_o behold_v many_o thousand_o slaughter_a and_o 〈◊〉_d ouâ—_n bloâ—d_v some_o in_o the_o â—ead_a some_o in_o the_o side_n etc._n etc._n this_o sight_n will_v make_v his_o heart_n to_o bleed_v well_o this_o 〈…〉_z god_n be_v church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o see_v with_o bodily_a eye_n the_o most_o man_n be_v wound_v with_o this_o sword_n of_o god_n word_n and_o lie_v 〈◊〉_d wallow_v in_o the_o bloâ—d_n of_o their_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d they_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n in_o security_n and_o want_n of_o repentance_n iii_o this_o mâ—st_v admonish_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v earnest_o to_o have_v further_a thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o than_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n oâ—_n horror_n of_o conscience_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o sound_a reformation_n of_o life_n for_o without_o this_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o
for_o the_o first_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n many_o do_v expound_v this_o of_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n but_o that_o will_v not_o so_o well_o stand_v for_o he_o say_v to_o every_o church_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v blame_v for_o want_n of_o these_o good_a work_n by_o work_n than_o be_v mean_v the_o way_n that_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o deal_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o of_o minister_n as_o people_n in_o all_o their_o affair_n also_o by_o knowledge_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v a_o knowledge_n that_o go_v with_o application_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o four_o verse_n whither_o it_o have_v relation_n for_o thus_o they_o must_v go_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v all_o thy_o way_n and_o deal_n in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o do_v general_o approve_v of_o they_o here_o first_o in_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o knowledge_n christ_n minister_v a_o remedy_n against_o secret_a sin_n and_o offence_n the_o thief_n the_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n wait_v for_o the_o night_n wherein_o to_o attempt_v their_o shameful_a practice_n the_o tradesman_n in_o secret_n falsify_v his_o weight_n and_o mingle_v his_o ware_n among_o most_o man_n fraud_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n do_v abound_v and_o all_o because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o man_n see_v not_o all_o be_v well_o as_o david_n say_v the_o wicked_a man_n say_v god_n shall_v not_o see_v he_o will_v not_o regard_v 94.7_o but_o if_o man_n can_v think_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o christ_n see_v and_o know_v all_o their_o way_n it_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n not_o only_o of_o gross_a sin_n but_o even_o of_o their_o hide_a and_o secret_a offence_n second_o whereas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o approbation_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o this_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o law_n as_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o most_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o be_v stain_v with_o some_o corruption_n isay._n 64_o 6._o answ._n the_o gospel_n which_o be_v another_o part_n of_o god_n will_n reveal_v more_o unto_o we_o than_o ever_o the_o law_n can_v do_v namely_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v his_o true_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o deed_n itself_o 2._o cor._n 8.12_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n approve_v of_o their_o work_n in_o this_o place_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o abide_v the_o â—igor_n of_o his_o law_n but_o a_o papist_n will_v here_o reason_v thus_o if_o a_o righteous_a man_n work_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n for_o god_n will_v not_o approve_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o if_o his_o work_n be_v no_o sin_n than_o he_o may_v fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o work_n answ._n that_o which_o christ_n approve_v simple_o have_v no_o sin_n in_o it_o but_o here_o he_o only_o approve_v of_o their_o work_n in_o part_n namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o but_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o worker_n which_o be_v in_o part_n corrupt_v they_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o he_o approve_v they_o not_o again_o work_v of_o grace_n be_v approve_v of_o christ_n with_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o accept_v of_o the_o person_n he_o remit_v the_o fault_n that_o be_v in_o his_o good_a work_n and_o so_o only_o approve_v his_o own_o work_n in_o he_o and_o so_o here_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o his_o approbation_n of_o their_o work_n to_o wit_n as_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o fault_n thereof_o remit_v in_o his_o own_o merit_n the_o special_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o particular_a action_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v diligent_a labour_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n especal_o in_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n to_o be_v painful_a in_o his_o particular_a call_n for_o the_o faithful_a instruction_n and_o godly_a regiment_n of_o his_o particular_a charge_n hence_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 5.17_o he_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v principal_o worthy_a double_a honour_n and_o herein_o paul_n match_v yea_o prefer_v himself_o before_o other_o apostle_n that_o he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o all_o 1._o cor._n 15.10_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n use_n if_o it_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v be_v a_o work_n full_a of_o great_a pain_n and_o labour_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v full_a of_o ease_n and_o his_o calling_n a_o matter_n of_o nothing_o such_o as_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o hand_n but_o here_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n be_v other_o way_n who_o use_v not_o thus_o to_o approve_v a_o light_n or_o idle_a work_n second_o this_o commendation_n of_o diligence_n in_o the_o minister_n must_v admonish_v all_o christian_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o christ_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o learn_v and_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o here_o a_o common_a fault_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v many_o will_v hear_v but_o where_o be_v their_o labour_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n &_o in_o grace_n that_o be_v want_v which_o iâ—_n the_o cause_n of_o such_o fruitless_a hear_n as_o be_v common_a in_o the_o world_n for_o earthly_a thing_n man_n refuse_v no_o pain_n but_o god_n heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o regard_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v bestow_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n about_o base_a and_o transitory_a thing_n and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o main_a good_a which_o concern_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o three_o the_o minister_n diligence_n in_o teach_v must_v provoke_v conscience_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o hearer_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n without_o this_o he_o spend_v his_o strength_n in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o with_o the_o apostle_n they_o must_v endeavour_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n act._n 24.16_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o christ_n here_o commend_v be_v patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o do_v usual_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n for_o herein_o he_o go_v before_o sundry_a worthy_a prophet_n jeremie_n be_v marvelous_a impatient_a for_o the_o mock_n of_o the_o people_n 15._o and_o though_o jonas_n have_v be_v school_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n yet_o when_o all_o thing_n go_v not_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o niniveh_n he_o become_v exceed_v discontent_a herein_o must_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n become_v follower_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n use_n while_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n they_o must_v possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n their_o meek_a and_o mild_a spirit_n yea_o every_o christian_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n must_v learn_v to_o practice_v this_o duty_n luk._n 8.16_o the_o good_a ground_n receive_v the_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o how_o with_o patience_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n for_o whosoever_o will_v live_v godly_a must_v suffer_v affliction_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o ii_o again_o here_o observe_v how_o christ_n join_v labour_n and_o patience_n together_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o let_v we_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v set_v on_o the_o labour_n of_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n the_o labour_n of_o man_n calling_n be_v practise_v without_o all_o trouble_n or_o pain_n but_o since_o man_n fall_n the_o best_a calling_n have_v their_o cross_n and_o vexation_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o man_n transgression_n socond_o to_o show_v we_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n against_o the_o good_a progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2.18_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n
hate_v namely_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v join_v together_o in_o these_o nicolaitan_o adultery_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o idolatry_n the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n spiritual_a adultery_n be_v punish_v with_o bodily_a adultery_n this_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o old_a jew_n when_o they_o fall_v a_o whore_v after_o strange_a god_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o unclean_a lust_n and_o it_o be_v palpable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n do_v abound_v in_o all_o uncleanness_n for_o they_o tolerate_v stew_n for_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n and_o sodomic_a be_v common_a among_o they_o again_o sundry_a man_n may_v here_o be_v well_o admonish_v who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o schism_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o best_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v sect_n and_o heresy_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o here_o in_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o there_o be_v sect_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n this_o offence_n shall_v not_o move_v any_o to_o dislike_v the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o cause_v they_o more_o firm_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o also_o do_v hate_n this_o christ_n add_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o virtue_n for_o which_o he_o commend_v they_o in_o hate_v evil_a work_n for_o what_o can_v more_o provoke_v they_o to_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n therein_o than_o to_o know_v they_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o here_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a and_o like_v affect_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v man_n we_o must_v love_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n love_v and_o hate_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n hate_v rejoice_v wherein_o christ_n rejoice_v and_o mourn_v for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o christ_n mourn_v and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n for_o out_o of_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n and_o there_o must_v be_v consent_n and_o conformity_n between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n quest._n if_o christ_n hate_v these_o wicked_a man_n why_o do_v he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v and_o not_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o trouble_v his_o church_n answ._n because_o hereby_o he_o will_v manifest_v his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o wicked_a for_o he_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o good_a not_o only_o out_o of_o good_a but_o out_o of_o evil_a verse_n 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o excite_v this_o church_n to_o the_o more_o careful_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o prescribe_v this_o conclusion_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o commandment_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n let_v he_o that_o have_v aspare_a he_o arâ—_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o commandment_n note_v three_o point_n i._n who_o be_v command_v these_o which_o have_v ear_n ii_o the_o duty_n command_v they_o must_v hear_v iii_o what_o they_o must_v hear_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n i._n point_n the_o party_n command_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n who_o these_o be_v christ_n do_v more_o full_o expound_v matth._n 13.9_o when_o he_o say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v where_o he_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n that_o some_o be_v deaf_a hearer_n some_o hear_v hearer_n the_o deaf_a hearer_n be_v those_o that_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n their_o outward_a ear_n only_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o it_o neither_o do_v they_o care_v to_o learn_v to_o believe_v or_o obey_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o the_o hear_v hearer_n be_v all_o such_o as_o beside_o their_o bodily_a ear_n have_v ear_n pierce_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n outward_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o make_v pliable_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n unto_o it_o this_o hear_a ear_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o david_n when_o he_o say_v 6._o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v but_o my_o â—ares_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o prepare_v and_o then_o i_o say_v loâ—_n i_o come_v hereof_o isaiah_n say_v thou_o 50.5_o open_v my_o ear_n and_o i_o be_v noâ—_n rebellious_a and_o this_o hear_a ear_n 〈…〉_z give_v she_o when_o god_n 16.14_o open_v her_o heart_n whereby_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v by_o paul_n by_o this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n which_o christ_n make_v use_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n grace_n unto_o salvation_n be_v not_o universal_a that_o be_v god_n give_v not_o unto_o all_o man_n such_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v themselves_o they_o may_v believe_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v for_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o ever_o since_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n these_o two_o kind_a of_o hearer_n whereof_o the_o deaf_a hearer_n do_v not_o receive_v nor_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unto_o salvation_n neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n give_v grace_n sufficient_a unto_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o by_o their_o malice_n and_o sin_n do_v not_o abolish_v the_o same_o for_o though_o he_o admit_v all_o sort_n into_o his_o church_n yet_o not_o all_o but_o some_o only_o have_v ear_n pierce_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v christ_n 13._o why_o he_o speak_v in_o parable_n he_o answer_v thus_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 11_o and_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o give_v show_v plain_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o hear_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o and_o in_o some_o make_v void_a by_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n but_o to_o some_o it_o be_v give_v and_o they_o have_v hear_v ear_n and_o to_o some_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o their_o ear_n be_v deaf_a second_o see_v this_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o hear_n hearer_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n bring_v with_o we_o not_o only_o the_o bodily_a ear_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o our_o salvation_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n unless_o the_o inward_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o word_n and_o fit_v to_o receive_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o thus_o do_v good_a king_n iâ—sias_n hear_v the_o law_n read_v the_o text_n say_v 34·27_n his_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d within_o he_o and_o thus_o do_v david_n hear_v when_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n 27.8_o seek_v â—ee_n my_o face_n his_o heart_n answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n and_o as_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o get_v spiritual_a ear_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o deaf_a ear_n which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n come_v &_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o learn_v believe_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v isay._n 6.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o their_o heart_n fat_a that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v nor_o believe_v lest_o they_o shall_v turn_v and_o be_v save_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o we_o must_v look_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o many_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v deaf_a hearer_n which_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o after_o long_o teach_v they_o neither_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n nor_o in_o faith_n nor_o in_o obedience_n but_o remain_v the_o same_o for_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n
every_o man_n conscience_n will_v move_v unto_o he_o namely_o how_o may_v i_o escape_v the_o second_o death_n that_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n answ._n thou_o must_v in_o this_o life_n true_o turn_v unto_o god_n from_o all_o thy_o evil_a way_n renounce_v thyself_o and_o put_v all_o thy_o affiance_n in_o christ_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o evermore_o labour_v to_o keep_v true_a religion_n faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o death_n in_o all_o estate_n this_o do_v and_o though_o thou_o taste_v of_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o second_o death_n shall_v never_o touch_v thou_o three_o hereby_o christ_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o two_o death_n the_o second_o be_v the_o worse_a the_o bodily_a death_n be_v terrible_a unto_o nature_n but_o the_o second_o be_v the_o proper_a death_n indeed_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o soul_n and_o body_n eternal_o and_o yet_o behold_v the_o madness_n of_o man_n who_o fear_v great_o the_o first_o death_n and_o regard_v nothing_o the_o burn_a lake_n like_v unto_o little_a child_n that_o fear_v their_o own_o shadow_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o fire_n and_o water_n that_o will_v burn_v and_o drown_v they_o this_o be_v man_n miserable_a estate_n through_o the_o blindness_n of_o his_o mind_n &_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n verse_n 12._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n write_v this_o say_v he_o that_o have_v that_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n here_o be_v the_o three_o particular_a commandment_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o john_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n show_v there_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o angel_n and_o why_o this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v give_v unto_o john_n this_o three_o epistle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o former_a have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n in_o this_o verse_n the_o proposition_n of_o the_o epistle_n verse_n 13_o and_o so_o forward_o unto_o the_o 17_o and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o 17_o verse_n i._o part_n the_o preface_n show_v in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v namely_o in_o christ_n name_n the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o have_v show_v before_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n christ_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o action_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n verse_n 16._o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v that_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_a priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o king_n thereof_o to_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o same_o the_o sword_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n or_o in_o his_o mouth_n as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v that_o two_o edge_a sword_n yea_o that_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n thereby_o be_v signify_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o operation_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v hebr._n the_o 4.12_o christ_n 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but_o as_o a_o sword_n in_o a_o sheath_n and_o will_v nothing_o help_v us._n three_o hereby_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o destroy_v all_o their_o enemy_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n why_o he_o so_o describe_v himself_o in_o this_o place_n how_o christ_n wound_v his_o enemy_n herewith_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o the_o sixteen_o verse_n with_o the_o use_v thereof_o verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n throne_n be_v and_o thou_o keep_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o thâ—se_a day_n when_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n the_o proposition_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o a_o reproof_n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o the_o commendation_n be_v twofold_a first_o general_a in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n then_o special_a in_o the_o word_n follow_v i_o know_v where_o thou_o dwell_v etc._n etc._n of_o the_o general_a commendation_n we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a epistle_n verse_n 2._o and_o 9_o this_o yet_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o christ_n herewith_o begin_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n intend_v no_o doubt_n hereby_o to_o settle_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o presence_n deep_o in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o holy_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o here_o christ_n give_v a_o precedent_n for_o his_o minister_n namely_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o must_v teach_v their_o people_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v christ_n be_v with_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v he_o see_v they_o this_o will_v cause_v they_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o their_o way_n and_o 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a_o godly_a and_o learned_a exposition_n or_o commentary_n upon_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n preach_v in_o cambridge_n by_o that_o reverend_a and_o judicious_a divine_a master_n william_n perkins_n ann._n dom._n 1595._o first_o publish_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n church_n by_o robert_n hill_n bachelor_n of_o divinity_n the_o second_o edition_n revise_v and_o enlarge_v after_o a_o more_o perfect_a copy_n at_o the_o request_n of_o m._n perkins_n executor_n by_o thomas_n pierson_n preacher_n of_o god_n word_n hereunto_o be_v prefix_v a_o analysis_n of_o the_o vision_n in_o these_o three_o chapter_n and_o a_o twofold_a table_n add_v one_o of_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o other_o of_o special_a point_n to_o be_v observe_v prov_n 13.9_o and_o prov_n 4.18_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a rejoice_v by_o increase_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n but_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v put_v out_o london_n 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bind_v again_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n among_o which_o these_o two_o must_v be_v account_v for_o indeed_o every_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v convey_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o every_o true_a believer_n second_o in_o this_o divine_a call_n christ_n endue_v all_o his_o member_n with_o gift_n and_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n be_v anoint_v so_o be_v all_o his_o member_n so_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o christ_n say_v he_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n psal._n 45._o vers_fw-la 7._o therefore_o his_o fellow_n that_o be_v believer_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o same_o oil_n though_o in_o less_o measure_n and_o saint_n john_n say_v you_o have_v receive_v the_o anoint_v 1._o john_n 2.27_o yea_o god_n himself_o charge_v wicked_a man_n not_o to_o touch_v his_o anointed_n psal._n 105.15_o mean_v not_o only_a patriarch_n king_n and_o prophet_n but_o all_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v then_o anoint_v when_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n wherewith_o christ_n in_o his_o manhood_n be_v fill_v above_o measure_n the_o four_o point_n to_o who_o have_v he_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n answ._n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n this_o be_v add_v for_o special_a cause_n to_o prevent_v that_o carnal_a liberty_n which_o man_n nature_n may_v claim_v from_o this_o spiritual_a royalty_n for_o man_n may_v say_v if_o all_o believer_n be_v king_n then_o may_v they_o live_v as_o they_o list_v but_o these_o word_n unto_o god_n do_v show_v that_o the_o right_n of_o their_o kingdom_n with_o the_o office_n of_o their_o priesthood_n must_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n last_o he_o add_v even_o his_o father_n by_o way_n of_o exposition_n to_o show_v more_o particular_o to_o which_o of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v first_o of_o all_o make_v king_n and_o priest_n for_o the_o title_n god_n must_v not_o here_o be_v take_v absolute_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o with_o restraint_n to_o the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n unto_o who_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o they_o both_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v here_o name_v above_o the_o rest_n not_o as_o be_v above_o they_o in_o degree_n or_o honour_n for_o so_o they_o be_v equal_a but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v convey_v from_o he_o to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o they_o both_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o follow_v sundry_a use_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o dignity_n of_o believer_n and_o first_o their_o kingly_a dignity_n afford_v matter_n both_o of_o instruction_n and_o consolation_n instruct._n i._o whereas_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v make_v true_a king_n in_o this_o life_n hereby_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n be_v teach_v to_o carry_v himself_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o namely_o to_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n even_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o call_v every_o christian_a have_v title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n what_o affinity_n then_o can_v we_o have_v with_o those_o that_o be_v both_o enemy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o that_o make_v we_o king_n
cause_n of_o his_o banishment_n to_o wit_n for_o testify_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o marie_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o life_n this_o testimony_n s_o john_n put_v down_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v which_o be_v most_o hate_a of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v whereof_o god_n minister_n be_v persecute_v and_o banish_v to_o wit_n the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n especial_o for_o the_o law_n be_v in_o part_n natural_a but_o the_o gospel_n be_v supernatural_a and_o to_o man_n reason_n absurd_a for_o the_o preach_v whereof_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v persecute_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n 3._o now_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o glad_a tiding_n wherein_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o promise_a seed_n be_v come_v who_o have_v indeed_o bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n hereupon_o the_o devil_n malign_v the_o gospel_n above_o all_o part_n of_o god_n word_n and_o according_o have_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o suppress_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o partly_o by_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n damnable_a heresy_n which_o do_v destroy_v the_o gospel_n by_o deprave_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o outward_a violence_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v now_o see_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n do_v thus_o hate_v the_o gospel_n and_o labour_n to_o extinguish_v it_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n must_v labour_v to_o know_v and_o to_o believe_v to_o love_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o vers._n 10._o and_o i_o be_v ravish_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 it_o have_v be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o this_o ten_o verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o and_o four_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n the_o three_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o give_v this_o revelation_n to_o john_n namely_o in_o a_o trance_n the_o four_o be_v the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v give_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n touch_v the_o manner_n it_o be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v i_o be_v by_o the_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v into_o a_o trance_n that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o expound_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o phrase_n with_o the_o like_a in_o the_o whole_a pprophecy_n of_o ezechiell_n who_o use_v to_o say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o express_v and_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o therein_o receive_v some_o vision_n by_o the_o spirit_n to_o understand_v this_o the_o better_a consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o a_o trance_n be_v second_o the_o end_n of_o it_o first_o a_o trance_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n or_o action_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o trance_n come_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o star_n nor_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n body_n or_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n as_o some_o have_v fond_o think_v but_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o it_o be_v not_o every_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n above_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v also_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a wherein_o the_o whole_a man_n both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v alter_v which_o saint_n john_n here_o express_v say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o two_o action_n one_o upon_o the_o body_n the_o other_o upon_o the_o mind_n first_o in_o procure_v a_o trance_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v the_o body_n of_o man_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n whereby_o all_o the_o sense_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a be_v benumb_v so_o genes_n 15.12_o when_o god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n he_o cast_v he_o into_o a_o heaume_a sleep_n that_o be_v into_o a_o trance_n wherein_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v benumb_v only_o his_o mind_n be_v wake_v the_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o draw_v it_o from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o all_o the_o sense_n to_o have_v a_o near_a fellowship_n with_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v enlighten_v it_o with_o divine_a light_n that_o it_o may_v understand_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o other_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o in_o that_o of_o 1â—_n peâ—er_n when_o he_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o trance_n be_v namely_o 〈◊〉_d a_o extraordinary_a powerful_a workâ—_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o whole_a man_n caâ—ting_v the_o body_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n and_o make_v the_o mind_n fit_a to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o lord_n ii_o point_n the_o end_n of_o trance_n god_n for_o two_o cause_n reveal_v his_o will_n in_o trance_n unto_o his_o servant_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n first_o that_o 〈◊〉_d may_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o invent_v of_o themselves_o but_o give_v of_o god_n john_n herein_o have_v no_o use_n of_o his_o bodily_a sense_n he_o neither_o hear_v see_v nor_o feel_v but_o they_o be_v asleep_a and_o therefore_o the_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o whole_o he_o second_o and_o chief_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v may_v take_v the_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o understanding_n for_o the_o mind_n be_v free_v from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o not_o hinder_v by_o any_o fantasy_n of_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o quiet_a do_v then_o most_o lively_a and_o sensible_o apprehend_v and_o retain_v the_o impression_n of_o thing_n reveal_v here_o than_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n of_o god_n that_o his_o servant_n may_v thorough_o understand_v certain_o believe_v and_o constant_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o thing_n he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o like_a care_n he_o show_v in_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o all_o his_o former_a prophet_n he_o will_v not_o have_v their_o mind_n trouble_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o hinder_v of_o the_o sense_n inward_a or_o outward_a but_o whole_o take_v up_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n of_o this_o for_o if_o they_o must_v faithful_o teach_v god_n will_v to_o other_o to_o make_v they_o know_v and_o understand_v to_o believe_v &_o remember_v the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v sound_o believe_v and_o firm_o keep_v in_o memory_n whatsoever_o god_n reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o end_n with_o his_o holy_a prophet_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o this_o day_n ought_v to_o employ_v themselves_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o may_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o withal_o believe_v it_o sound_o and_o remember_v it_o careful_o we_o must_v not_o now_o look_v for_o trance_n and_o vision_n as_o they_o have_v but_o we_o must_v use_v continual_a study_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o knowledge_n this_o duty_n concern_v all_o student_n in_o divinity_n and_o all_o other_o which_o desire_v a_o good_a understanding_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o furtherance_n herein_o they_o must_v have_v principal_a care_n to_o search_v into_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n thorough_o thereby_o shall_v they_o best_o conceive_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o great_a facility_n keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n for_o one_o say_v true_o that_o every_o good_a minister_n shall_v be_v a_o good_a text_n man_n whereby_o be_v descry_v a_o common_a fault_n of_o many_o student_n who_o rather_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o ancient_a write_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o spend_v their_o best_a time_n in_o the_o base_a write_n of_o wicked_a &_o heretical_a monk_n and_o friar_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o many_o of_o the_o father_n be_v worthy_a member_n of_o god_n church_n but_o if_o the_o fountain_n be_v leave_v the_o
but_o the_o deadly_a wound_n of_o christ_n enemy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d much_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o wicked_a the_o second_o work_n of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v in_o god_n elect_v in_o they_o it_o have_v sundry_a work_n all_o which_o â—end_n to_o their_o subjection_n first_o it_o wound_v to_o the_o quick_a the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n this_o be_v one_o special_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v call_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n because_o it_o enter_v deep_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n and_o give_v their_o corruption_n such_o a_o deadly_a blow_n as_o it_o shall_v never_o recover_v again_o it_o kill_v not_o the_o person_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o wicked_a but_o quicken_a the_o soul_n it_o wound_v his_o corruption_n paul_n minister_v the_o gospel_n 16_o that_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v acceptable_a where_o resemble_v god_n church_n to_o a_o sacrifice_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v slay_v though_o not_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o sinful_a motion_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o rebellious_a action_n by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v his_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o root_n of_o corruption_n be_v stock_v up_o second_o after_o conversion_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n serve_v to_o cut_v off_o and_o pare_v away_o the_o remnant_n of_o unbelief_n doubt_v impiety_n anger_n and_o other_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o elect_a 15._o every_o branch_n say_v christ_n that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o i_o my_o father_n the_o husbandman_n grune_v to_o make_v it_o bring_v foâ—rth_o more_o fruit_n three_o it_o serve_v to_o keep_v god_n child_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o in_o this_o vision_n christ_n stand_v in_o his_o church_n hold_v up_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o he_o bear_v in_o his_o mouth_n for_o this_o end_n that_o though_o his_o enemy_n will_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o yet_o his_o own_o child_n may_v hereby_o be_v keep_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o at_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n tremble_v and_o fear_n before_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o rebellious_a subject_n if_o there_o be_v brawl_v in_o humane_a society_n let_v the_o magistrate_n but_o show_v himself_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o straightway_o every_o one_o be_v quiet_a if_o any_o resist_n he_o be_v take_v for_o a_o rebel_n now_o shall_v this_o be_v effect_v in_o civil_a policy_n and_o not_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n spiritual_a government_n unless_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o rebel_v against_o christ_n let_v we_o cease_v from_o sin_n and_o tremble_v before_o he_o see_v he_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n four_o this_o sword_n serve_v notable_o for_o our_o defence_n and_o victory_n in_o all_o temptation_n ephes_n 6._o â—â—_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v one_o piece_n of_o the_o complete_a armour_n of_o a_o christian._n herewith_o do_v christ_n vanquish_v satan_n matth._n 4_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o elect_a hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o we_o must_v with_o all_o reverence_n hear_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o man_n will_v hear_v it_o while_o it_o be_v teach_v general_o but_o if_o it_o once_o touch_v their_o particular_a fault_n than_o they_o can_v brook_v it_o but_o we_o must_v suffer_v it_o to_o ransack_v our_o heart_n and_o be_v glad_a thereof_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o corruption_n be_v wound_v and_o sin_n slay_v in_o we_o our_o soul_n be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o any_o man_n be_v disease_v with_o a_o fistula_n or_o any_o other_o dangerous_a sore_n he_o will_v willing_o suffer_v the_o surgeon_n to_o search_v and_o pierce_v into_o the_o fame_n shall_v we_o do_v this_o for_o our_o bodily_a health_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o rip_v up_o our_o sin_n that_o they_o be_v wound_v and_o subdue_v we_o may_v be_v heal_v and_o so_o our_o soul_n live_v for_o ever_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n till_o we_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o we_o can_v never_o die_v unto_o sin_n till_o the_o same_o be_v wound_v in_o we_o by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n away_o therefore_o with_o all_o niceness_n in_o dislike_a the_o word_n when_o it_o cross_v our_o humour_n and_o if_o we_o love_v eternal_a life_n let_v we_o then_o embrace_v it_o most_o willing_o saint_n john_n say_v fâ—â—ther_o of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o it_o come_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n other_o king_n carry_v their_o sword_n and_o sceptre_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o christ_n bear_v he_o in_o his_o mouth_n to_o teach_v we_o this_o special_a point_n that_o we_o must_v receive_v no_o doctrine_n from_o any_o man_n which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o thâ—_n mouth_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o son_n &_o christ_n deliver_v it_o unto_o his_o prophetâ—_n and_o apostles_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n in_o their_o write_n they_o therefore_o must_v deliver_v nothing_o unto_o god_n people_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v from_o christ_n if_o they_o deliver_v aught_o else_o they_o hold_v noâ—_n forth_o christ_n sword_n neither_o can_v it_o have_v that_o powerful_a effect_n either_o in_o the_o godly_a or_o in_o the_o wicked_a and_o his_o face_n 〈…〉_z the_o sun_n shine_v iâ—_n his_o brightness_n here_o be_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o this_o description_n of_o christ_n his_o face_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n and_o that_o in_o his_o strength_n because_o christ_n be_v unto_o his_o churchy_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o look_v what_o duty_n the_o sun_n perform_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o same_o duty_n christ_n perform_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n as_o their_o resemblance_n will_v evident_o declare_v first_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o world_n dispel_v night_n and_o darkness_n and_o make_v the_o day_n by_o bring_v light_n so_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n malach._n 4.2_o send_v down_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n into_o his_o church_n whereby_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v take_v away_o 2._o corinth_n 4.6_o and_o hereby_o every_o one_o of_o what_o sort_n or_o place_n soever_o be_v teach_v first_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o great_a shame_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o be_v ignorant_a herâ—in_n when_o the_o day_n come_v we_o set_v open_a our_o window_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o our_o comfort_n behold_v christ_n jesus_n be_v ever_o a_o shine_a light_n in_o his_o church_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o open_v our_o heart_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o descend_v from_o he_o may_v enter_v into_o we_o and_o give_v we_o light_n second_o we_o must_v hereby_o learn_v in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n among_o man_n to_o walk_v by_o this_o light_n we_o be_v here_o but_o pilgrim_n travel_v towards_o heaven_n and_o the_o way_n of_o this_o miserable_a word_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n yet_o christ_n jesus_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v the_o right_a way_n thither_o without_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o wander_a his_o word_n be_v the_o light_n and_o himself_o the_o day_n star_n we_o therefore_o must_v attend_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o our_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o our_o lawful_a calling_n take_v direction_n from_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v from_o his_o face_n second_o the_o sun_n serve_v most_o excellent_o to_o comfort_n and_o revive_v cold_a and_o dead_a starve_a body_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n teach_v so_o christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n convey_v spiritual_a life_n and_o heat_n â—nto_o the_o dead_a and_o freeze_a heart_n of_o man_n he_o be_v of_o power_n to_o comfort_v they_o that_o mourn_v to_o give_v life_n to_o the_o break_a heart_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a isay._n 57.15_o and_o for_o this_o most_o excellent_a work_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o must_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o life_n and_o joy_n which_o come_v
first_o he_o give_v he_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o presence_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o to_o assure_v he_o of_o protection_n from_o all_o danger_n of_o death_n then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o wrod_n bid_v he_o not_o to_o fear_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n be_v a_o soverigne_a remedy_n against_o all_o fear_n when_o moses_n fear_v the_o great_a calling_n he_o be_v send_v about_o to_o take_v away_o that_o fear_n the_o lord_n say_v 3.12_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o hence_o david_n say_v 40_o he_o will_v not_o fear_v though_o he_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n because_o god_n be_v his_o stay_n and_o comfort_n wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o of_o god_n presence_n but_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o special_a protection_n and_o so_o in_o all_o danger_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n we_o shall_v have_v stay_n and_o comfort_n for_o our_o soul_n the_o lord_n have_v use_v these_o two_o mean_n to_o confirm_v john_n both_o a_o sign_n &_o his_o word_n do_v yet_o further_o condescend_v unto_o johns_n weakness_n and_o establish_v his_o own_o word_n by_o two_o reason_n the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o because_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v before_o he_o the_o last_o because_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v after_o he_o these_o two_o title_n be_v give_v unto_o christ_n to_o express_v his_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n as_o before_o we_o have_v hear_v verse_n 8._o now_o here_o they_o be_v again_o set_v down_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o power_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o protect_v his_o servant_n from_o all_o danger_n and_o from_o death_n and_o will_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o all_o his_o promise_n unto_o eternal_a life_n verse_n 18._o and_o be_o he_o that_o live_v but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o reason_n to_o confirm_v john_n and_o it_o may_v thus_o be_v frame_v by_o way_n of_o a_o distinction_n although_o i_o be_v dead_a yet_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n yea_o i_o have_v power_n over_o death_n and_o hell_n this_o distinction_n contain_v three_o part_n first_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v second_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o live_v for_o evermore_o three_o though_o i_o be_v once_o dead_a yet_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n of_o these_o in_o order_n i._o part_n and_o be_o he_o that_o live_v though_o i_o be_v dead_a here_o life_n be_v ascribe_v to_o christ_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n for_o christ_n live_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n different_a from_o the_o life_n of_o other_o creature_n for_o first_o he_o have_v sufficient_a life_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o second_o he_o give_v life_n to_o other_o for_o the_o first_o that_o we_o may_v better_o conceive_v it_o we_o must_v know_v that_o life_n be_v twofold_a uncreated_a and_o create_v uncreated_a life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o god_n whereby_o god_n live_v this_o life_n be_v eternal_a and_o infinite_a in_o itself_o &_o from_o itself_o now_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o live_v this_o uncreated_a life_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o godhead_n again_o create_v be_v twofold_a the_o first_o be_v natural_a preserve_v by_o mean_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o second_o be_v spiritual_a both_o begin_v and_o continue_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v more_o perfect_a than_o the_o natural_a now_o christ_n live_v not_o the_o natural_a life_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n live_v the_o uncreated_a life_n &_o as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o live_v the_o spiritual_a life_n his_o body_n and_o soul_n have_v all_o their_o subsist_v and_o sustentation_n in_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v in_o himself_o most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a life_n and_o so_o live_v of_o himself_o second_o christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o live_v because_o he_o give_v life_n unto_o man_n &_o that_o two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o he_o give_v life_n to_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o in_o he_o every_o thing_n live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v act._n 17.28_o second_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n and_o man_n and_o so_o he_o give_v spiritual_a life_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o people_n hence_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o john_n 14.19_o for_o look_v as_o christ_n die_v not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o die_v eternal_o so_o he_o live_v now_o in_o heaven_n the_o spiritual_a life_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v that_o spiritual_a life_n in_o and_o by_o he_o eternal_o and_o therefore_o our_o life_n be_v say_v to_o be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o do_v eat_v the_o body_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n real_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o he_o for_o as_o we_o receive_v grace_n from_o his_o grace_n so_o we_o receive_v life_n from_o his_o life_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o seek_v for_o this_o spiritual_a life_n at_o christ_n hand_n use_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o paul_n i_o live_v not_o now_o but_o christ_n liâ—eth_v in_o i_o gal._n â—_o 21_o and_o that_o our_o life_n 〈◊〉_d â—id_v in_o christ_n as_o in_o a_o head_n and_o root_n for_o he_o live_v in_o heaven_n that_o we_o may_v live_v by_o he_o our_o care_n must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o for_o our_o temporal_a life_n which_o be_v but_o a_o vapour_n and_o like_o a_o fleet_a shadow_n as_o for_o this_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v eternal_a but_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v though_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n man_n whole_a care_n be_v for_o temporal_a life_n few_o think_v on_o this_o how_o to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o this_o spiritual_a life_n by_o christ_n though_o he_o have_v say_v i_o live_v that_o you_o may_v live_v in_o i_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o common_a practice_n they_o will_v go_v ten_o twenty_o yea_o a_o hundred_o mile_n to_o provide_v mean_n for_o their_o bodily_a preservation_n and_o yet_o will_v scarce_o go_v one_o or_o two_o mile_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n for_o ever_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v the_o hardness_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v for_o their_o sin_n nor_o feel_v the_o smart_n &_o weight_n thereof_o this_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o in_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n for_o when_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o well_o of_o jacob_n talk_v with_o she_o 4._o and_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n of_o who_o water_n whosoever_o drink_v shall_v never_o thirst_v she_o do_v nothing_o but_o cavil_n with_o he_o but_o when_o he_o lay_v to_o her_o heart_n her_o principal_a sin_n than_o she_o leave_v off_o cavil_v and_o in_o reverence_n and_o some_o beginning_n of_o faith_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n even_o so_o let_v the_o minister_n say_v unto_o his_o people_n he_o can_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o water_n of_o life_n they_o will_v nothing_o regard_v but_o cavil_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o their_o sin_n be_v touch_v and_o their_o soul_n humble_v by_o the_o sight_n thereof_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o heart_n fit_a to_o receive_v spiritual_a life_n by_o christ_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o fear_v god_n wrath_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o same_o hereby_o we_o shall_v be_v wean_v from_o the_o dangerous_a love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v ravish_v with_o desire_n of_o christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o if_o once_o we_o can_v feel_v a_o parch_a heat_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n than_o will_v we_o thirst_v &_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v drink_v our_o fill_n and_o dine_v ourselves_o in_o his_o save_a merit_n this_o natural_a life_n be_v but_o vanish_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o this_o spiritual_a
life_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v eternal_a this_o will_v comfort_v we_o in_o all_o distress_n and_o take_v from_o we_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o danger_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n though_o i_o be_v dead_a yet_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o evermore_o amen_n this_o part_n be_v utter_v and_o propound_v by_o two_o note_n to_o be_v observe_v first_o by_o a_o note_n of_o certainty_n amen_n second_o by_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v the_o note_n of_o certainty_n amen_o serve_v to_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n which_o christ_n affirm_v of_o himself_o say_v i_o live_v for_o evermore_o the_o note_n of_o attention_n which_o be_v prefix_v behold_v serve_v to_o stir_v up_o johns_n mind_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o which_o christ_n say_v i_o live_v for_o evermore_o and_o because_o it_o please_v christ_n to_o propound_v this_o point_n in_o this_o manner_n let_v we_o a_o little_a stand_v thereon_o and_o herein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o nature_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o second_o for_o what_o end_n he_o live_v for_o ever_o for_o the_o first_o no_o doubt_n as_o christ_n as_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n he_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o both_o his_o nature_n godhead_n and_o manhood_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o godhead_n he_o be_v coeternal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n live_v of_o himself_o that_o uncreated_a and_o essential_a life_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o godhead_n be_v eternal_a without_o beginning_n or_o end_v second_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o as_o he_o be_v man_n for_o after_o his_o death_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n where_o in_o full_a glory_n he_o enjoy_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o the_o godhead_n for_o in_o he_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a his_o manhood_n be_v whole_o and_o immediate_o sustain_v by_o his_o godhead_n ii_o point_n the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n live_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o give_v eternal_a life_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v this_o be_v 11_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n even_o the_o father_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o that_o his_o son_n and_o here_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v of_o we_o as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n as_o the_o root_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n for_o as_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n live_v not_o for_o itself_o but_o for_o the_o body_n and_o for_o all_o the_o branch_n even_o so_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o he_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o that_o he_o may_v convey_v the_o same_o to_o all_o his_o member_n yea_o we_o must_v consider_v christ_n as_o the_o common_a treasury_n &_o storehouse_n of_o all_o true_a felicity_n wherein_o life_n eternal_a be_v lay_v up_o for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o say_v 55._o his_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o whosoever_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n shall_v live_v for_o ever_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o manhood_n have_v quicken_a virtue_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o of_o itself_o or_o by_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o manhood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o from_o the_o godhead_n it_o receive_v this_o quicken_a power_n to_o give_v eternal_a life_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o here_o the_o mean_n must_v be_v consider_v by_o which_o christ_n give_v life_n unto_o his_o church_n namely_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o mystical_a union_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n which_o union_n be_v thus_o cause_v god_n the_o father_n give_v christ_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o that_o real_o and_o true_o according_a to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o this_o gift_n be_v this_o whole_a christ_n god_n &_o man_n be_v give_v to_o every_o believer_n even_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o yet_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o give_v with_o the_o manhood_n but_o only_o the_o virtue_n &_o operation_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o manhood_n by_o which_o the_o manhood_n be_v make_v able_a to_o merit_v for_o the_o believer_n but_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v both_o for_o substance_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o benefit_n that_o be_v convey_v to_o man_n by_o it_o as_o justification_n and_o redemption_n as_o true_o as_o land_n and_o good_n be_v give_v of_o man_n to_o man_n and_o when_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o any_o he_o do_v withal_o give_v unto_o the_o same_o party_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o christ_n have_v part_n in_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o spirit_n creat_v in_o his_o heart_n the_o instrument_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o christ_n give_v of_o the_o father_n be_v receive_v and_o apprehend_v both_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o efficacy_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o christ_n be_v not_o receive_v in_o imagination_n as_o man_n receive_v thing_n by_o conceit_n in_o the_o brain_n but_o as_o he_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n namely_o in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n real_o and_o true_o though_o spiritual_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o work_v this_o faith_n do_v knit_v the_o believer_n unto_o christ_n real_o though_o mystical_o make_v he_o one_o with_o christ_n so_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o believer_n a_o member_n and_o thus_o be_v this_o mystical_a conjunction_n wrought_v from_o whence_o proceed_v this_o eternal_a life_n the_o benefit_n that_o come_v from_o this_o mystical_a conjunction_n be_v these_o i._o hereby_o a_o believer_n begin_v in_o this_o world_n to_o live_v eternal_a life_n for_o by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n christ_n make_v that_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o unite_a unto_o he_o to_o begin_v to_o die_v unto_o all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v unto_o he_o spiritual_o as_o himself_o live_v ii_o hence_o come_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n for_o this_o conjunction_n be_v once_o begin_v remain_v eternal_a and_o be_v never_o whole_o break_v off_o no_o not_o from_o the_o body_n while_o it_o be_v consume_v to_o dust_n and_o ash_n look_v as_o in_o the_o winter_n season_n the_o sap_n return_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o then_o all_o the_o branch_n seem_v as_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o when_o spring_n time_n come_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o sap_n ascend_v and_o make_v they_o fresh_a and_o green_a again_o even_o so_o the_o body_n of_o god_n child_n have_v their_o winter_n season_n while_o they_o lie_v dead_a and_o rot_a but_o yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v life_n be_v convey_v from_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v raise_v to_o life_n iii_o hence_o come_v eternal_a life_n to_o every_o believer_n that_o be_v glory_n and_o bliss_n in_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o be_v once_o begin_v as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v never_o dissolve_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n convey_v eternal_a life_n unto_o his_o member_n use_n the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n do_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o two_o main_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n namely_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o life_n everlasting_a for_o both_o these_o be_v effect_v to_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o give_v life_n to_o us._n and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a joy_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o job_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o misery_n stay_v himself_o on_o this_o that_o he_o know_v his_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o behold_v he_o with_o those_o same_o eye_n wherewith_o he_o see_v other_o creature_n job._n 19.25_o 26._o 2._o again_o if_o christ_n live_v in_o heaven_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o eternal_a life_n then_o must_v we_o learn_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n with_o christ_n for_o where_o our_o life_n be_v there_o shall_v our_o conversation_n be_v now_o that_o our_o conversation_n may_v be_v with_o he_o we_o must_v often_o serious_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o of_o this_o
more_o though_o god_n summon_v man_n to_o repent_v by_o his_o daily_a judgement_n yet_o few_o or_o none_o by_o true_a humility_n prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n and_o to_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n security_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o people_n and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o state_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o god_n have_v be_v long_o since_o in_o come_v to_o we_o by_o his_o judgement_n and_o aâ—_n this_o day_n he_o be_v still_o come_v because_o we_o still_o decay_v in_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o more_o and_o more_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o thus_o continue_v the_o truth_n be_v he_o will_v come_v short_o unto_o we_o and_o that_o by_o most_o fearful_a judgement_n for_o this_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v a_o direction_n not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o worse_a case_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o we_o must_v prevent_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o judgement_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n every_o man_n and_o every_o family_n apart_o must_v repent_v private_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n open_o and_o public_o no_o way_n else_o we_o have_v to_o stay_v the_o lord_n come_v against_o we_o by_o his_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v a_o more_o particular_a threaten_n than_o the_o former_a and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n where_o he_o show_v with_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v punish_v this_o church_n namely_o by_o remove_v away_o the_o candlestick_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n therefore_o here_o he_o threaten_v to_o remove_v his_o church_n from_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n to_o send_v among_o they_o ignorance_n apostasy_n and_o heresy_n in_o steed_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n this_o particular_a judgement_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o this_o will_v i_o do_v i_o will_v make_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o church_n and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o in_o this_o particular_a threaten_n three_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v one_o concern_v the_o minister_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o concern_v every_o private_a man_n touch_v the_o minister_n note_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o if_o he_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o either_o of_o his_o call_n or_o of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o for_o this_o threaten_n be_v here_o direct_v especial_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n when_o jeremie_n have_v be_v want_v in_o deliver_v the_o lordâ—_n will_v unto_o the_o people_n partly_o for_o fear_n &_o partly_o through_o impatience_n then_o the_o lord_n become_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o â—â—â—â—_o return_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o whereby_o he_o will_v give_v he_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o he_o return_v not_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o decay_v in_o love_n fail_v in_o their_o duty_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n they_o must_v speedy_o renew_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n or_o else_o god_n will_v deprive_v they_o either_o of_o their_o call_n or_o of_o the_o gift_n thereof_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o renew_n thereof_o be_v needful_a unto_o all_o christian_n but_o especial_o to_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o will_v continue_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o stand_v before_o he_o become_v his_o mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n the_o second_o point_n concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n if_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o do_v lie_v in_o any_o common_a sin_n they_o procure_v hereby_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o they_o and_o the_o abolish_n of_o true_a religion_n 9.7_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o spirit_n iâ—_n mad_a this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n but_o markâ—_n the_o cause_n all_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o iniquity_n that_o be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v god_n send_v foolish_a minister_n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n in_o our_o church_n to_o fear_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o love_n in_o many_o and_o in_o the_o most_o no_o love_v at_o all_o many_o scorn_n and_o contemn_v true_a religion_n and_o hate_v the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o may_v wonder_v at_o the_o great_a patience_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o continue_v his_o gospel_n among_o we_o for_o 2.11_o god_n give_v man_n up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o love_v not_o his_o truth_n wherefore_o be_v in_o this_o danger_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v than_o by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o by_o every_o man_n apart_o and_o every_o family_n apart_o for_o when_o god_n shall_v speak_v sudden_o against_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n to_o root_v it_o up_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o people_n repent_v of_o their_o wickedness_n the_o lord_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o think_v to_o bring_v upon_o they_o jerem._n 18_o vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o any_o man_n decay_n in_o love_n or_o want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o he_o to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v the_o wheel_n stand_v as_o the_o watch_n go_v fast_o or_o soft_o so_o go_v the_o wheel_n answerable_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o man_n if_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n do_v increase_v then_o do_v his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n increase_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o if_o his_o love_n decay_n than_o other_o grace_n decay_n and_o if_o love_v be_v go_v then_o farewell_n all_o piety_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o palpable_a ignorance_n as_o be_v in_o many_o that_o have_v long_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o want_n of_o love_n heb._n 3.12_o 13._o the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v by_o what_o degree_n man_n come_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n first_o sin_n deceive_v they_o by_o draw_v they_o to_o commit_v it_o then_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v by_o custom_n of_o sin_v thence_o follow_v unbelief_n in_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o they_o make_v apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o his_o truth_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o final_a apostasy_n rather_o strive_v to_o increase_v in_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o so_o shall_v all_o his_o good_a grace_n increase_v in_o thy_o heart_n out_o of_o this_o particular_a threaten_v some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n &_o fall_v away_o final_o from_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o become_v no_o church_n then_o may_v any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o become_v no_o member_n but_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o as_o here_o we_o see_v and_o therefore_o may_v any_o one_o man_n answ._n this_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o one_o man_n that_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ._n for_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o mix_a company_n of_o true_a professor_n and_o dissembler_n like_v
the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n affirm_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o all_o and_o every_o man_n whatsoever_o unless_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o be_v a_o device_n of_o man_n brain_n for_o life_n eternal_a be_v not_o promise_v to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n come_v of_o adam_n but_o to_o a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v universal_a indeed_o to_o all_o that_o overcome_v but_o that_o be_v a_o property_n which_o restrain_v they_o whole_o to_o true_a believer_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v say_v true_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o have_v overcome_v all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o do_v continual_o stand_v conqueror_n over_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o endless_a joy_n &_o comfort_n which_o will_v cheer_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a distress_n but_o to_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o sin_n be_v or_o will_v be_v a_o hell_n to_o the_o conscience_n what_o avail_n the_o treasure_n &_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n to_o any_o man_n while_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o vassal_n to_o sin_n and_o sathan_n for_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o estate_n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o labour_v to_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o this_o victory_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o the_o sure_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n life_n everlasting_a note_v by_o this_o gift_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o two_o circumstance_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o second_o by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o cause_n be_v christ_n jesus_n i_o will_v give_v to_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n where_o he_o make_v a_o opposition_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o adam_n sin_v and_o thereby_o cast_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o posterity_n out_o of_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n but_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n come_v and_o suffer_v for_o sin_n and_o thereby_o open_v the_o way_n to_o a_o better_a paradise_n than_o the_o first_o adam_n lose_v and_o to_o all_o that_o overcome_v he_o give_v liberty_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n proper_o be_v a_o tree_n place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o earthy_a paradise_n and_o it_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n and_o sacrament_n unto_o adam_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n second_o because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v prove_v virtue_n and_o power_n whereby_o it_o will_v have_v preserve_v he_o from_o death_n and_o old_a age_n for_o ever_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o innocence_n this_o earthly_a tree_n of_o life_n be_v a_o figure_n and_o sign_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n who_o live_v a_o eternal_a spiritual_a life_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o that_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o for_o this_o end_n that_o hâ—e_v may_v convey_v quicken_a spiritual_a life_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o term_v himself_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n further_o he_o say_v he_o will_v give_v hereof_o to_o eat_v to_o eat_v sometime_o signify_v to_o believe_v john_n 6.50_o but_o it_o can_v hear_v be_v so_o take_v for_o faith_n end_v with_o this_o life_n and_o have_v no_o use_n afterward_o therefore_o to_o eat_v in_o this_o place_n signify_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n where_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o he_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o make_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o promise_n note_v two_o point_n i._o in_o what_o thing_n eternal_a life_n consist_v namely_o in_o immediate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n second_o that_o life_n eternal_a stand_v not_o in_o outward_a mean_n as_o meat_n drink_n clothing_n physic_n recreation_n sleep_n and_o such_o like_a but_o in_o a_o immediate_a partake_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o unto_o we_o immediate_o then_o do_v we_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o thereby_o shall_v live_v eternal_o ii_o circum_v the_o place_n where_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o heaven_n a_o place_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v manifest_v himself_o in_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o elect_a hereof_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o theâ—fe_n on_o the_o cross_n say_v this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luk._n 23.43_o and_o hither_o be_v paul_n wrap_v in_o vision_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v thing_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v 12._o and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o three_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o heaven_n under_o it_o for_o the_o place_n wherein_o we_o breath_n be_v the_o first_o heaven_n the_o starry_a firmament_n be_v the_o second_o heaven_n and_o this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o which_o be_v therefore_o call_v paradise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o endless_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o add_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o it_o and_o adam_n earthly_a paradise_n but_o also_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a place_n so_o rabel_n say_v i_o have_v wrestle_v with_o my_o sister_n 8._o the_o wrestle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v strong_a wrestle_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n the_o mountain_n of_o god_n do_v signify_v high_a and_o mighty_a mountain_n and_o that_o this_o paradise_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a place_n appear_v at_o large_a revel_v 22._o for_o therein_o must_v come_v none_o unclean_a thing_n but_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v there_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v there_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o become_v all_o thing_n unto_o theâ—_n immediate_o so_o that_o this_o must_v needs_o beâ—â—_n place_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o place_n in_o this_o heavenly_a paradise_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heartâ—_n upon_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o this_o world_n which_o pass_v away_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o in_o the_o end_n be_v but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n when_o we_o have_v all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v but_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v endless_a and_o unspeakable_a let_v we_o therefore_o deny_v ourselves_o depend_v upon_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o epistle_n verse_n 8._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o smirnian_o write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v to_o the_o twelve_o iâ—_n lay_v down_o the_o second_o letter_n or_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o another_o church_n of_o asia_n call_v smyrna_n before_o the_o epistle_n christ_n give_v a_o second_o particular_a commandment_n unto_o john_n touch_v the_o writing_n hereof_o unto_o this_o church_n in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o smirnian_o write_v which_o be_v prefix_v to_o this_o epistle_n that_o this_o church_n and_o all_o other_o church_n of_o god_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v sufficient_a warrant_n and_o call_n for_o the_o write_n hereof_o which_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o church_n need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o receive_v the_o same_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v warrant_n and_o call_n for_o every_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v in_o god_n church_n use_n for_o the_o
notable_a mean_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v faith_n and_o true_a religion_n 1._o pet._n 3.1_o iii_o that_o god_n may_v show_v on_o the_o godly_a token_n of_o his_o special_a love_n and_o favour_n which_o he_o do_v when_o he_o send_v judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o spare_v his_o child_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v a_o common_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n he_o cause_v those_o that_o mourn_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o people_n 9.4_o to_o be_v mark_v in_o the_o forehead_n that_o they_o may_v bespared_a so_o that_o if_o any_o godly_a person_n dwell_v among_o such_o as_o hate_v religion_n and_o be_v profane_a he_o must_v content_v himself_o know_v it_o be_v god_n will_v his_o church_n shall_v be_v vex_v and_o trouble_v by_o the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a six_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n people_n may_v lawful_o dwell_v among_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n always_o remember_v that_o they_o communicate_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n for_o so_o lâ—t_v dwell_v in_o sodom_n and_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n 1._o cor._n 7.2_o this_o question_n be_v answer_v a_o master_n be_v a_o heathen_a man_n and_o his_o servant_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n whereupon_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o serve_v his_o master_n but_o paul_n tell_v he_o he_o must_v do_v external_a service_n still_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o keep_v good_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o constrain_v to_o renounce_v true_a religion_n last_o hence_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o answer_v a_o question_n much_o urge_v against_o we_o by_o the_o papist_n to_o wit_n where_o our_o church_n be_v fourscore_o year_n ago_o when_o luther_n first_o begin_v to_o preach_v they_o intend_v hereby_o to_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v but_o of_o fourscore_o year_n continuance_n and_o so_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v new_a we_o answer_v by_o the_o like_a where_o be_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n when_o the_o devil_n throne_n be_v in_o that_o city_n sure_o it_o be_v there_o where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n and_o so_o when_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v spread_v popery_n over_o all_o europe_n at_o that_o very_o same_o time_n be_v god_n church_n in_o europe_n where_o popery_n be_v profess_v mingle_v with_o the_o papist_n which_o to_o be_v true_a appear_v by_o this_o that_o in_o all_o age_n there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o open_o have_v oppugn_v popery_n more_o or_o less_o partly_o by_o writing_n and_o partly_o by_o speak_v as_o the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n do_v testify_v &_o make_v manifest_a so_o that_o though_o iniquity_n have_v the_o upper_a hand_n yet_o our_o church_n have_v his_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n and_o thou_o keep_v my_o name_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o throne_n yet_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n so_o as_o neither_o force_n nor_o fraud_n of_o the_o adversary_n can_v take_v my_o name_n from_o thou_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v by_o christ_n name_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o paul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 9.15_o a_o choose_a vessel_n to_o carry_v christ_n name_n among_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v to_o publish_v among_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v particular_o commend_v for_o her_o constancy_n in_o hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o teach_v or_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o all_o gainsayer_n and_o not_o be_v turn_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n but_o in_o life_n and_o death_n keep_v sure_o the_o truth_n that_o neither_o fraud_n nor_o forcâ—_n of_o any_o adversary_n power_n draw_v it_o from_o we_o or_o we_o from_o it_o mat._n 13._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 〈◊〉_d compare_v to_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o the_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n sud_v be_v go_v and_o sell_v all_o he_o have_v to_o buy_v the_o field_n the_o scope_n of_o that_o parable_n be_v this_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o any_o of_o our_o field_n &_o by_o search_v find_v a_o gold_n i_o he_o will_v not_o make_v it_o know_v to_o any_o but_o cover_v it_o close_o and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o buy_v that_o field_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v enrich_v himself_o even_o so_o have_v find_v this_o that_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v the_o way_n to_o life_n everlasting_a though_o we_o must_v not_o conceal_v the_o same_o from_o other_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v like_o this_o man_n herein_o that_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o we_o have_v that_o so_o we_o may_v make_v the_o gospel_n we_o 1._o tim._n 3.9_o deacon_n must_v have_v this_o property_n to_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o sure_a treasure_n house_n which_o can_v be_v rob_v by_o any_o adversary_n power_n and_o faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n be_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v there_o safe_o lay_v up_o such_o a_o store-house_n must_v we_o get_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o faith_n any_o thing_n else_o we_o may_v lose_v but_o if_o we_o part_v with_o true_a religion_n salvation_n be_v go_v and_o all_o be_v lose_v and_o therefore_o in_o life_n and_o death_n we_o must_v keep_v fast_o the_o faith_n further_o christ_n amplifi_v the_o praise_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o two_o argument_n first_o that_o they_o hold_v christ_n name_n without_o denial_n second_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n for_o the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a commendation_n for_o many_o will_v hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o after_o deny_v the_o same_o by_o apostasy_n but_o this_o church_n hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n without_o any_o revolt_n at_o all_o their_o practice_n must_v we_o follow_v and_o so_o hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n that_o therein_o we_o never_o make_v revolt_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v once_o deny_v religion_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v give_v we_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n that_o wâ—e_n may_v profess_v it_o again_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o we_o perish_v eternal_o consider_v esauâ—_n example_n who_o sell_v his_o birth_n right_a for_o a_o mess_n of_o red_a broth_n and_o after_o lose_v the_o blessing_n which_o when_o he_o will_v have_v recover_v he_o be_v reject_v 12.17_o and_o find_v no_o place_n to_o repentance_n though_o be_v seek_v it_o with_o tear_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o fearful_a danger_n of_o not_o repent_v after_o revoult_v we_o must_v still_o hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n without_o denial_n here_o in_o this_o place_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o one_o with_o christ_n name_n that_o be_v with_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v call_v christ_n faith_n first_o because_o christ_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n thereof_o second_o because_o christ_n reveal_v the_o same_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n for_o god_n reveal_v his_o gospel_n unto_o man_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n three_o because_o christ_n be_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o indeed_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o second_o argument_n of_o their_o praise_n for_o conscience_n be_v take_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n they_o hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o bloody_a persecution_n even_o in_o those_o day_n say_v christ_n when_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v who_o this_o antipas_n be_v be_v not_o know_v neither_o certain_o record_v in_o any_o history_n it_o be_v think_v he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o oppose_a himself_o against_o idolatry_n and_o gentilism_n in_o this_o city_n of_o pergamus_n in_o this_o argument_n note_v two_o point_n i._o that_o christ_n commend_v antipas_n call_v he_o his_o faithful_a martyr_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o in_o god_n church_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o honour_v saint_n and_o martyr_n for_o that_o which_o christ_n do_v his_o church_n may_v do_v this_o their_o honour_n must_v stand_v
be_v not_o call_v the_o morning_n star_n because_o he_o shine_v to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o all_o time_n as_o the_o morning_n star_n do_v but_o because_o he_o shine_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v further_a say_v i_o will_v give_v he_o it_o where_o be_v promise_v fellowship_n and_o participation_n with_o christ_n aâ—_n he_o be_v this_o daystar_n and_o herein_o be_v two_o benefit_n comprise_v first_o perfect_a illumination_n whereby_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v whole_o take_v away_o after_o this_o life_n when_o as_o man_n shall_v know_v god_n full_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o a_o creature_n can_v know_v the_o creator_n second_o the_o light_n of_o perfect_a glory_n for_o by_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o shine_v as_o the_o star_n as_o daniel_n 3_o speak_v yea_o we_o shall_v become_v 1.12_o saint_n in_o light_n â—s_v the_o apostle_n say_v whereas_o christ_n compare_v himself_o to_o the_o morning_n star_n first_o use_n we_o see_v the_o gross_a error_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o live_v in_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o ignorance_n walk_v in_o their_o wicked_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n without_o care_n of_o keep_v faith_n or_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v part_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o light_n and_o glory_n but_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o blind_a ignorance_n and_o in_o sin_n be_v mere_a darkness_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o bright_a morning_n star_n for_o what_o fellowship_n can_v be_v between_o light_n and_o darkness_n this_o bright_a morning_n star_n serve_v only_o for_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o light_n thereof_o and_o walk_v by_o it_o but_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o sin_n have_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o second_o see_v christ_n be_v this_o morning_n star_n we_o must_v have_v care_n to_o learn_v peter_n instruction_n namely_o labour_v that_o this_o bright_a star_n may_v rise_v and_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o we_o shall_v feel_v when_o we_o use_v those_o mean_n whereby_o the_o beam_n of_o this_o star_n may_v shine_v upon_o we_o not_o only_o for_o the_o enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n but_o also_o for_o the_o heat_n and_o reviue_n of_o our_o freeze_a and_o dead_a heart_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n quicken_v by_o it_o warm_a beam_n some_o thing_n that_o lie_v dead_a all_o winter_n so_o christ_n jesus_n this_o morning_n star_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o revive_v our_o dead_a and_o freeze_a heart_n and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o feel_v these_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o we_o can_v say_v that_o this_o morning_n star_n be_v rise_v unto_o we_o or_o have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n three_o whereas_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o morning_n when_o darkness_n be_v past_a we_o be_v hereby_o teach_v to_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o godliness_n righteousness_n sobriety_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o upright_o and_o godly_a conversation_n for_o the_o night_n be_v past_a and_o the_o day_n be_v come_v wherein_o we_o may_v see_v to_o walk_v upright_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o the_o unprofitable_a work_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o rom._n 13.12_o and_o know_v this_o that_o those_o who_o in_o this_o light_n do_v not_o walk_v according_o but_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v one_o day_n have_v their_o fill_n he_o that_o love_v the_o dark_a 2â—.30_n for_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o talon_n must_v be_v cast_v for_o his_o reward_n into_o utter_a darkness_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v 29._o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n here_o be_v christ_n commandment_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n but_o hereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o motive_n to_o proceed_v prou._n 15.32_o he_o that_o refuse_v instruction_n despise_v his_o own_o soul_n luk._n 9.62_o no_o man_n that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v apt_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.9_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v for_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o 1._o cor._n 12.31_o desire_v you_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o i_o will_v show_v you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n the_o three_o chapter_n verse_n 1._o and_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o sardis_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a these_o word_n contain_v the_o five_o particular_a commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o john_n wherein_o he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o write_v &_o send_v a_o special_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o sardis_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o six_o first_o verse_n &_o it_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n &_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o this_o preface_n first_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o procure_v authority_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n name_n who_o sovereignty_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o royalty_n that_o be_v by_o two_o prerogative_n or_o privilege_n belong_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o first_o be_v the_o have_v of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o second_o his_o have_v of_o the_o seven_o star_n for_o the_o first_o royalty_n in_o the_o first_o chap._n vers_fw-la 4._o i_o show_v that_o by_o seven_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o who_o proceed_v all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o any_o man_n enjoy_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v a_o royalty_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o david_n peter_n and_o paul_n have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n answ._n it_o be_v true_a but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o way_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n &_o of_o his_o manhood_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o father_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o proceed_v christ_n be_v say_v to_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o to_o overcome_v death_n by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o to_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n second_o as_o christ_n be_v man_n he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n pour_v into_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o gift_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 45.7_o anoint_a with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n and_o to_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o that_o two_o way_n both_o for_o number_n and_o degree_n for_o number_v with_o man_n some_o have_v some_o grace_n and_o some_o man_n other_o but_o christ_n he_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o all_o man_n and_o all_o angel_n nay_o more_o grace_n in_o number_n then_o all_o man_n and_o all_o angel_n have_v and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o number_n perfect_a so_o they_o be_v perfect_a in_o degree_n for_o in_o measure_n they_o exceed_v the_o grace_n of_o all_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o son_n 3.14_o without_o measure_n &_o thus_o much_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o first_o royalty_n of_o christ._n now_o the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o lively_a head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o plenty_n of_o all_o store_n of_o grace_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o enrich_v his_o church_n and_o to_o revive_v the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o such_o indeed_o be_v the_o special_a state_n of_o this_o church_n first_o hence_o we_o learn_v use_n no_o man_n can_v have_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n
of_o god_n so_o that_o here_o these_o few_o have_v a_o promise_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o want_n and_o to_o live_v with_o christ_n in_o all_o glory_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n this_o benefit_n have_v be_v in_o effect_n further_o urge_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n here_o only_o i_o will_v note_v one_o doctrine_n namely_o that_o they_o which_o live_v in_o the_o world_n among_o the_o wicked_a and_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o their_o sin_n shall_v not_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o punishment_n for_o the_o body_n of_o this_o church_n must_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v amongst_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n but_o the_o godly_a must_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a in_o glory_n 19_o lot_z be_v free_v from_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o sodomite_n because_o he_o partake_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o among_o the_o israelite_n 9.6_o those_o that_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v mark_v in_o the_o forehead_n that_o when_o judgement_n come_v upon_o the_o wicked_a they_o may_v be_v spare_v this_o point_n must_v be_v remember_v for_o by_o reason_n of_o long_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n among_o we_o many_o sin_n abound_v as_o ignorance_n atheism_n contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n with_o innumerable_a sin_n of_o the_o second_o table_n all_o which_o call_v for_o judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v be_v punish_v partly_o in_o this_o life_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v unless_o our_o people_n do_v repent_v those_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o come_v must_v now_o beware_v that_o they_o communicate_v not_o with_o the_o common_a sin_n that_o dâ—e_v abound_v and_o see_v that_o they_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n have_v their_o righteous_a and_o zealous_a heart_n grieve_v for_o the_o abomination_n among_o which_o they_o live_v after_o the_o promise_n be_v adjoin_v the_o reason_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v worthy_a hence_o the_o church_n of_o room_n do_v conclude_v that_o a_o man_n by_o his_o work_n may_v merit_v heaven_n because_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n a_o most_o blasphemous_a conclusion_n and_o a_o manifest_a abuse_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n god_n child_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a life_n everlasting_a but_o not_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n worthiness_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o their_o person_n when_o as_o they_o stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o when_o god_n will_v save_v any_o man_n he_o give_v christ_n unto_o that_o man_n true_o and_o real_o so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v christ_n be_v i_o and_o with_o christ_n god_n give_v his_o spirit_n which_o work_v in_o his_o heart_n true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o he_o do_v receive_v christ_n and_o so_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n belong_v unto_o that_o man_n reallye_o and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o he_o be_v worthy_a life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o be_v the_o worthiness_n which_o christ_n mean_v in_o this_o place_n and_o not_o any_o worthiness_n of_o their_o work_n so_o that_o this_o do_v help_v they_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v and_o justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n merit_n vers._n 5._o he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n vers._n 6._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o promise_n and_o a_o commandment_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o the_o commandment_n in_o the_o six_o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v 2.7_o before_o second_o the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n glory_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v express_v three_o way_n first_o thus_o he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n so_o much_o be_v signify_v by_o white_a â—ayment_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v hence_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n conclude_v that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v good_a work_n respect_v a_o reward_n use_n answer_n in_o some_o sort_n it_o be_v true_a for_o so_o it_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n hebr._n 11.26_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n but_o yet_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n must_v not_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o our_o good_a work_n for_o chief_o we_o must_v thereby_o intend_v to_o testify_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o with_o that_o we_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o everlasting_a life_n the_o second_o thing_n promise_v and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o two_o question_n must_v be_v scan_v first_o what_o this_o book_n of_o life_n be_v second_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o first_o this_o book_n of_o life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n predestination_n or_o eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n whereby_o he_o have_v choose_v some_o man_n unto_o salvation_n upon_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o this_o be_v call_v a_o book_n because_o it_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o book_n for_o as_o the_o general_n in_o a_o camp_n have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o soldier_n that_o fight_v under_o he_o in_o a_o book_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n of_o a_o town_n have_v the_o name_n of_o every_o free_a man_n and_o denison_n inâ—owled_v so_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o the_o second_o question_n a_o man_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n two_o way_n either_o true_o before_o god_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n only_o those_o who_o name_n be_v true_o before_o god_n write_v in_o this_o book_n can_v be_v blot_v out_o for_o god_n counsel_n touch_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o every_o man_n be_v unchangeable_a this_o the_o golden_a chain_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o who_o he_o have_v predestinate_a 8.30_o they_o he_o have_v call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o he_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v other_o there_o be_v that_o have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o this_o book_n only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o be_v all_o man_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o so_o charity_n bind_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o these_o may_v have_v their_o name_n blot_v out_o in_o this_o sense_n do_v the_o scripture_n often_o speak_v as_o when_o the_o prophet_n wish_v 69.28_o that_o god_n will_v blot_v his_o enemy_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n meaning_n judas_n principal_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a his_o name_n be_v never_o write_v therein_o this_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o they_o who_o do_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n have_v their_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o hence_o i_o gather_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a for_o the_o name_n of_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v be_v as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o be_v once_o write_v in_o they_o remain_v there_o for_o ever_o some_o do_v teach_v that_o all_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o will_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n of_o man_n for_o what_o shall_v thâ—â—e_v need_n any_o book_n of_o life_n if_o that_o be_v so_o second_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o this_o number_n can_v neither_o increase_v nor_o be_v diminish_v let_v man_n do_v whaâ—_n they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o us._n 1._o joh._n 2.19_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o have_v i_o keep_v and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v joh._n 17.12_o whereas_o a_o man_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n to_o wit_n use_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o be_v blot_v out_o hereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o look_v
be_v plain_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n and_o may_v also_o be_v show_v by_o manifold_a example_n of_o such_o man_n in_o all_o age_n but_o to_o come_v to_o our_o time_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n marie_n when_o religion_n be_v in_o banish_v this_o our_o famous_a school_n of_o the_o prophet_n cambridge_n have_v many_o learned_a man_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o stand_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o as_o a_o poor_a secular_a priest_n not_o three_o mile_n off_o who_o be_v far_o behind_o they_o in_o gift_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o have_v the_o truth_n reveal_v unto_o he_o do_v stand_v out_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o even_o to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o at_o this_o day_n many_o man_n of_o small_a gift_n in_o the_o ministry_n do_v more_o further_a the_o gospel_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o true_a obedience_n than_o those_o that_o be_v enrich_v with_o far_o great_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o tongue_n and_o art_n so_o as_o though_o they_o be_v many_o hundred_o degree_n short_a in_o regard_n of_o school-learning_n yet_o they_o go_v as_o far_o before_o they_o in_o benefit_v god_n church_n if_o this_o be_v so_o will_n some_o say_v than_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o man_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o so_o much_o in_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n ans._n not_o so_o for_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v god_n minister_n ought_v to_o have_v knowledge_n of_o school-learning_n both_o in_o art_n and_o tongue_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o oft_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o god_n providence_n that_o the_o great_a clerk_n for_o learning_n be_v less_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n than_o man_n of_o small_a gift_n this_o god_n do_v to_o humble_v the_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v not_o proud_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o magnify_v the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o weak_a instrument_n further_o these_o word_n must_v also_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o they_o bear_v this_o sense_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n that_o be_v i_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o a_o special_a privilege_n even_o liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o liberty_n to_o life_n everlasting_a be_v a_o special_a priuâ—ledge_n belong_v not_o to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ._n this_o point_n have_v sundry_a use_n i._o to_o confute_v this_o erroneous_a opinion_n that_o christ_n do_v effectual_o redeem_v all_o and_o every_o man_n which_o be_v â—â—at_a against_o god_n word_n and_o this_o text_n for_o those_o that_o be_v effectual_o redeem_v have_v liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o all_o man_n have_v not_o that_o liberty_n for_o than_o it_o be_v no_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n alone_o to_o have_v heaven_n open_v unto_o they_o ii_o see_v this_o be_v a_o privilege_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o his_o church_n to_o have_v heaven_n gate_n open_v unto_o they_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o liberty_n while_o the_o door_n be_v open_a and_o in_o time_n to_o strive_v to_o enter_v therein_o for_o as_o christ_n tell_v nathaniel_n the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v by_o faith_n see_v heaven_n open_a 5â—_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o neglect_v this_o opportunity_n but_o it_o be_v our_o common_a shame_n that_o we_o be_v slack_a in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o suffer_v ourselves_o so_o to_o be_v clog_v with_o heap_n of_o sin_n and_o worldly_a lust_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o walk_v in_o that_o straight_a way_n nor_o enter_v into_o that_o door_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n for_o sin_n be_v â—n_o heavy_a burden_n like_o a_o great_a pack_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o so_o strait_a a_o door_n we_o must_v therefore_o cast_v off_o all_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v so_o enter_v in_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o here_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o former_a benefit_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o again_o confute_v another_o opinion_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o every_o man_n but_o yet_o some_o be_v not_o save_v because_o they_o will_v not_o they_o shut_v heaven_n door_n against_o themselves_o but_o this_o opinion_n can_v stand_v for_o none_o can_v shut_v heaven_n door_n against_o they_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v it_o open_v effectual_o neither_o sin_n satan_n nor_o the_o world_n no_o not_o man_n himself_o nor_o all_o their_o power_n together_o for_o herein_o be_v the_o will_n of_o man_n rule_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o look_v who_o god_n will_v have_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n they_o do_v he_o incline_v to_o will_v their_o own_o salvation_n and_o also_o make_v unwilling_a ever_o to_o shut_v this_o door_n against_o themselves_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v thou_o be_v endue_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o faith_n hope_n and_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o word_n and_o not_o deny_v my_o name_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v do_v work_n please_v unto_o god_n &_o by_o the_o same_o grace_n come_v to_o life_n â—uerlasting_a christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 17.20_o if_o your_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n by_o it_o shall_v you_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v mountain_n now_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n be_v say_v of_o all_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o justify_v faith_n if_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o small_a a_o measure_n thereof_o yet_o thereby_o he_o shall_v do_v work_n acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o as_o paul_n teach_v god_n child_n receive_v not_o the_o ten_o but_o 23_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v only_o a_o pledge_n of_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v full_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o this_o cause_n be_v rahab_n commend_v for_o her_o faith_n 31_o although_o it_o be_v but_o small_a and_o weak_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o we_o read_v the_o whole_a history_n joshâ—_n 2_o for_o god_n accept_v of_o man_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o save_v a_o man_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n before_o god_n this_o serve_v notable_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o that_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n use_n such_o be_v most_o dismay_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o want_n &_o corruption_n but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o god_n approve_v of_o their_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v care_n to_o increase_v in_o grace_n and_o do_v strive_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v ii_o hereby_o every_o one_o must_v be_v encorage_v to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v true_a religion_n many_o be_v dismay_v herein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o obedience_n which_o they_o think_v god_n require_v and_o therefore_o they_o leave_v of_o all_o obedience_n but_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o for_o god_n approve_v of_o a_o man_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o by_o the_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o this_o must_v make_v we_o slack_v and_o negligent_a in_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n that_o so_o we_o may_v also_o increase_v in_o true_a obedience_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n here_o he_o set_v down_o two_o work_n for_o the_o which_o he_o commend_v this_o church_n first_o their_o faithful_a keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ._n second_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o behaviour_n of_o this_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o a_o look_a glass_n for_o we_o to_o square_v our_o conversation_n by_o for_o these_o work_n thou_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n though_o the_o word_n be_v few_o yet_o they_o continue_v much_o in_o