his_o church_n for_o the_o service_n thereof_o god_n first_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n when_o john_n be_v but_o upon_o enter_v upon_o his_o prophetical_a office_n god_n ravish_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o fill_v he_o therewith_o to_o fit_v he_o for_o this_o office_n when_o man_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o for_o the_o low_a service_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o like_a yet_o they_o must_v be_v man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o much_o more_o than_o for_o the_o high_a place_n as_o prophet_n pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o work_n act_v 11.24_o and_o 13.2_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o those_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o in_o some_o fullness_n of_o it_o those_o place_n be_v not_o for_o such_o as_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n covetousness_n pride_n the_o world_n contention_n ignorance_n and_o antichristian_a lord_v such_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v well_o say_v of_o such_o that_o they_o run_v for_o profit_n here_o and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o lord_n send_v they_o not_o jer._n 14.14_o and_o 23.21_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o be_v call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n because_o god_n have_v give_v they_o some_o common_a acquire_v gift_n and_o part_n yet_o want_v all_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o meekness_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o this_o world_n humility_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n ready_a to_o forgive_v sound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o that_o want_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o fit_a for_o those_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v satisfy_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o let_v this_o be_v as_o a_o memento_n to_o all_o such_o that_o climb_v over_o the_o wall_n into_o those_o holy_a function_n and_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o a_o call_n from_o man_n when_o they_o be_v never_o call_v of_o god_n i_o say_v let_v all_o such_o fear_n and_o tremble_v lest_o god_n spew_v they_o all_o our_o together_o with_o their_o flock_n that_o will_v have_v it_o so_o in_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o john_n be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a whether_o this_o day_n be_v here_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o those_o vision_n make_v unto_o john_n upon_o this_o day_n or_o because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o assemble_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o perform_v their_o service_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o same_o day_n with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o our_o christian_n sabbath_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o contend_v but_o rather_o be_o incline_v unto_o the_o latter_a for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n on_o that_o day_n wherein_o he_o be_v manifest_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n over_o hell_n and_o satan_n purchase_v it_o that_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n second_o because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n with_o all_o christian_n public_a service_n be_v transfer_v to_o that_o day_n and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o according_a to_o the_o scottish_a dialect_n the_o kirk_n day_n the_o church_n day_n because_o they_o hold_v their_o assembly_n and_o perform_v their_o public_a service_n upon_o that_o day_n hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o the_o great_a and_o public_a assembling_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o god_n high_a discovery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n receive_v here_o on_o this_o day_n his_o high_a irradiation_n of_o spirit_n and_o prophecy_n this_o be_v god_n great_a market_n day_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o mutual_a exchange_n or_o barter_v of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a commodity_n the_o saint_n come_v with_o the_o return_n of_o their_o improvement_n of_o mercy_n in_o praise_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n god_n give_v out_o in_o return_n far_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o his_o way_n and_o truth_n therefore_o sure_a most_o happy_a most_o know_a and_o most_o gracious_a be_v those_o saint_n that_o be_v most_o find_v in_o this_o way_n o_o this_o shall_v make_v all_o of_o we_o that_o be_v not_o in_o this_o way_n to_o wail_v for_o it_o as_o david_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o exile_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o special_a habitation_n of_o god_n glory_n psal_n 96.6_o and_o to_o breath_n after_o it_o even_o as_o the_o hart_n bray_v after_o the_o fountain_n stream_n for_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n assembling_n wherein_o the_o angel_n come_v down_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n christ_n in_o spirit_n to_o stir_v upon_o the_o water_n of_o bethesda_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o his_o people_n when_o john_n be_v in_o this_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o he_o hear_v behind_o he_o a_o mighty_a voice_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n loud_a and_o terrible_a the_o trumpet_n be_v a_o warlike_a instrument_n who_o sound_n be_v to_o prepare_v unto_o battle_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o adversary_n god_n public_a admonition_n be_v so_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o not_o only_o prepare_v his_o own_o unto_o repentance_n but_o be_v also_o of_o terrible_a signification_n unto_o all_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n but_o here_o come_v in_o a_o question_n fit_a to_o be_v discuss_v john_n have_v here_o his_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n ecstasy_n and_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n the_o quere_z will_v be_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a for_o satan_n be_v god_n ape_n and_o have_v his_o rapture_n possession_n strange_a apparition_n sound_n and_o voice_n also_o for_o answer_v first_o know_v that_o god_n vision_n be_v give_v either_o in_o the_o sleep_n as_o unto_o jacob_n when_o he_o see_v a_o ladder_n reach_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v in_o gen._n 28._o but_o such_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v divine_a dream_n or_o second_o when_o the_o person_n be_v awake_a as_o here_o when_o john_n be_v at_o patmos_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n doubtless_o either_o in_o god_n service_n or_o holy_a contemplation_n he_o receive_v those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n and_o those_o ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o great_a alteration_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v they_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o this_o posture_n and_o frame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n quasi_fw-la extra_fw-la se_fw-la raptus_fw-la be_v in_o that_o posture_n not_o master_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o power_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o act_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o both_o sort_n of_o rapture_n whether_o from_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n now_o to_o discern_v what_o spirit_n move_v in_o such_o rapture_n or_o vision_n observe_v first_o whether_o the_o person_n passive_a or_o that_o be_v under_o such_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n be_v always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o to_o be_v preserve_v against_o the_o evil_a one_o in_o their_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n second_o observe_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o vision_n in_o such_o rapture_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o sinful_a practice_n or_o not_o for_o sure_o satan_n will_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o his_o kingdom_n can_v not_o stand_v though_o i_o have_v read_v a_o story_n in_o some_o old_a popish_a mass-monger_n that_o the_o devil_n once_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o priest_n preach_v a_o very_a catholic_a sermon_n but_o be_v discover_v by_o some_o saint_n in_o presence_n it_o seem_v one_o of_o a_o excellent_a endowment_n in_o discern_a spirit_n ask_v he_o how_o dare_v satan_n to_o appear_v in_o that_o presence_n with_o so_o sound_a holy_a
in_o part_n to_o come_v write_v without_o that_o be_v plain_a for_o discovery_n open_a to_o the_o view_n all_o which_o import_v that_o john_n be_v to_o write_v of_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a and_o as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o also_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o a_o book_n write_v within_o seal_v and_o secret_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o futurity_n 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o god_n true_a prophet_n and_o faithful_a minister_n will_v commend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o church_n as_o vision_n from_o god_n than_o what_o they_o have_v real_o see_v and_o have_v be_v discover_v from_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v vision_n from_o god_n like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jer._n 14_o while_o their_o mouth_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_v vanity_n john_n write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n nor_o discover_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v be_v then_o present_a or_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after_o time_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v and_o be_v bold_a to_o preach_v and_o to_o commend_v unto_o you_o christ_n minister_n shall_v press_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o be_v assure_v be_v experience_v truth_n i_o doubt_v i_o every_o opinion_n concern_v outward_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o the_o like_a will_v not_o at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v vision_n of_o god_n which_o some_o do_v now_o a_o day_n so_o hot_o contend_v for_o it_o may_v be_v one_o day_n say_v unto_o such_o hotspur_n boanerges_n son_n of_o thunder_n who_o require_v such_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n while_o you_o let_v the_o great_a work_n as_o of_o love_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n lie_v prostrate_a at_o your_o foot_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v you_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n to_o make_v thing_n plain_a unto_o john_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o his_o book_n interpret_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n present_v unto_o his_o sight_n in_o the_o precedent_n 12_o and_o 16_o verse_n and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o candlestick_n because_o indeed_o unto_o john_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n what_o those_o figure_n of_o star_n and_o candlestick_n do_v mystical_o mean_a or_o represent_v and_o unto_o john_n it_o will_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n if_o christ_n himself_o have_v not_o here_o interpret_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v make_v clear_a obvious_a and_o manifest_a by_o a_o diligent_a observation_n and_o a_o right_a applicationof_o the_o mystical_a character_n and_o figure_n of_o each_o vision_n christ_n himself_o in_o this_o verse_n have_v make_v the_o first_o entrance_n and_o essay_n on_o this_o account_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n do_v mystical_o represent_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n the_o church_n themselves_o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n christ_n be_v more_o large_a in_o interpret_n the_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o connote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o wise_a observant_a christian_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n thereinto_o the_o spirit_n say_v often_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v the_o number_n here_o be_v the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n cap._n 17._o v._n 9_o so_o that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n a_o intelligent_a understand_a ear_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a heart_n to_o consider_v that_o be_v fit_a and_o capable_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v aright_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n therefore_o difficult_a to_o all_o but_o unto_o the_o spiritualised_a eye_n and_o unto_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o such_o to_o undertake_v this_o essay_n see_v it_o have_v please_v christ_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o fruit_n himself_o in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v as_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o whole_a and_o since_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v mean_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n by_o the_o woman_n array_v in_o scarlet_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v the_o great_a city_n that_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o signify_v a_o government_n empire_n or_o kingdom_n on_o seven_o mountain_n where_o the_o great_a harlot_n reign_v under_o ten_o king_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a rash_a or_o presumptuous_a to_o interpret_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystical_a figure_n and_o hyeroglyphick_n character_n of_o this_o book_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a and_o genuine_a tendency_n and_o as_o they_o be_v open_v and_o apply_v in_o other_o prophetical_a writing_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n who_o wisdom_n it_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o represent_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o downial_n of_o the_o great_a empire_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n by_o such_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a figure_n and_o representation_n unto_o god_n servant_n his_o prophet_n and_o conceive_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a carriage_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o intendment_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v but_o unto_o few_o such_o as_o have_v spirit_n suitable_a and_o will_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o great_a event_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n be_v make_v vulgar_a and_o know_v unto_o all_o it_o will_v raise_v innumerable_a combustion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o those_o power_n that_o they_o live_v under_o for_o who_o sake_n these_o great_a concussion_n and_o subversion_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n and_o their_o interest_n may_v be_v exalt_v at_o the_o last_o 2._o note_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o make_v know_v and_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o divine_a mystery_n unto_o his_o servant_n christ_n discover_v unto_o john_n those_o mystery_n of_o star_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v this_o spirit_n that_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 16.15_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n because_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v beforehand_o hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n manifest_a unto_o poor_a soul_n and_o so_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v too_o high_a a_o work_n for_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o his_o natural_a capacity_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o not_o carnal_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n star_n in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v signify_v person_n of_o eminency_n and_o honour_n and_o in_o heraldry_n it_o be_v account_v the_o most_o noble_a sort_n of_o blazon_v peculiar_a alone_o to_o the_o armoury_n of_o prince_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o rather_o messenger_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v because_o they_o come_v with_o the_o best_a message_n and_o news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o
they_o in_o this_o particular_a witness_v the_o jesuitish_a sect_n with_o their_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n voluminous_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n counsel_n father_n tradition_n super-numerary_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o common_a trade_n with_o all_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine-monger_n to_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a with_o their_o intricate_a scriptural_a gloss_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o better_o swallow_v down_o the_o hook_n or_o poison_v undiscovered_a within_o the_o artificial_o compose_a bait_n and_o pill_n and_o as_o the_o fish_n sepia_n darken_v the_o water_n with_o its_o inky_a humour_n to_o avoid_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o fisher_n so_o do_v these_o serpentine_a fry_n so_o cloud_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o polemical_a discourse_n that_o unaware_o they_o have_v bring_v many_o heretical_a syncretisme_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o reason_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o high_a pretence_n to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n both_o be_v undermine_v by_o they_o and_o have_v endeavour_v the_o overthrow_n thereof_o by_o their_o strange_a conclusion_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n now_o understand_v that_o i_o hold_v not_o that_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o external_o or_o accidental_n of_o religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v the_o holder_n thereof_o a_o heretic_n or_o false_a teacher_n for_o than_o which_o of_o the_o father_n will_v go_v clear_a nor_o but_o few_o if_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n but_o that_o true_o and_o real_o denominate_v a_o heretic_n or_o false_a teacher_n be_v the_o hold_v and_o maintain_v such_o error_n as_o direct_o strike_v at_o and_o will_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n now_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n article_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v for_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a john_n 17_o 3._o and_o that_o doctrine_n that_o strike_v at_o this_o either_o direct_o or_o consequential_o be_v heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o just_o be_v they_o call_v false_a apostle_n that_o go_v about_o to_o add_v circumcision_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o act_n 15._o this_o be_v to_o nullify_v christ_n sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v the_o galathian_o that_o hereby_o they_o harken_v to_o a_o new_a gospel_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o plain_a and_o easy_a discernment_n for_o a_o competent_a spiritualised_a christian_a to_o make_v discovery_n of_o a_o false_a apostle_n prophet_n false_a teacher_n or_o heretic_n by_o the_o doctrine_n he_o bring_v for_o first_o if_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v of_o satan_n and_o from_o hell_n next_o if_o it_o strike_v direct_o or_o consequential_o at_o the_o subversion_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o of_o his_o office_n be_v sure_a that_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o name_n way_n or_o practice_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o none_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o son_n all_o other_o way_n be_v not_o only_o break_v reed_n but_o dangerous_a this_o only_a in_o the_o son_n be_v eternal_a life_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o their_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n and_o this_o will_v the_o better_o be_v evince_v by_o first_o consider_v its_o contrary_a the_o right_a call_n of_o true_a and_o faithful_a teacher_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o call_n be_v either_o first_o from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o church_n god_n call_n be_v by_o give_v ability_n gift_n and_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n and_o office_n that_o he_o ordain_v he_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o when_o god_n send_v moses_n he_o furnish_v he_o for_o the_o great_a work_n he_o appoint_v he_o to_o moses_n plead_v his_o unaptness_n and_o slowness_n of_o speech_n but_o god_n say_v go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o teach_v thou_o etc._n etc._n exod._n 4.12_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a god_n come_v with_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o sufficiency_n thereof_o before_o they_o be_v send_v upon_o their_o errand_n god_n call_v apostle_n of_o fisher_n and_o make_v they_o fisher_n of_o man_n and_o so_o spirit_n they_o and_o enable_v they_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o face_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o tell_v they_o go_v preach_v and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a assistance_n by_o his_o grace_n strength_n comfort_n direction_n spirit_n those_o that_o christ_n call_v and_o send_v he_o give_v they_o a_o full_a supply_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n necessary_a to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a service_n second_o god_n call_n give_v affection_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o work_n he_o move_v strong_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o send_v on_o his_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o will_v on_o as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o hesitate_v or_o secure_v his_o carnal_a interest_n yet_o second_o this_o call_n must_v proceed_v orderly_o unto_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o since_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o call_n be_v cease_v the_o mediate_a call_n must_v concur_v to_o set_v the_o seal_n and_o authority_n upon_o the_o first_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n the_o call_v of_o ability_n part_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o office_n do_v not_o real_o and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la invest_v he_o in_o that_o office_n it_o maybe_o say_v that_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi he_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o but_o not_o a_o right_a of_o possession_n for_o christ_n have_v delegated_a that_o power_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o set_v their_o public_a signature_n upon_o all_o officer_n for_o his_o service_n for_o who_o god_n qualify_v with_o a_o call_n of_o ability_n he_o be_v only_o judge_v and_o deem_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o real_o a_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v ordain_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o call_v only_o he_o may_v perform_v many_o good_a duty_n and_o service_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o able_a and_o faithful_a disciple_n or_o member_n but_o by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la and_o authoritative_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v their_o call_n to_o public_a office_n as_o apostle_n teacher_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n only_o as_o from_o god_n and_o contemn_v the_o other_o from_o the_o church_n sure_o i_o be_o of_o judgement_n as_o unto_o their_o mission_n they_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o be_v neither_o call_v of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o if_o their_o call_n of_o ability_n be_v from_o god_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o than_o it_o will_v manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o a_o submit_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o his_o word_n therefore_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a officer_n and_o shine_a star_n within_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o that_o boast_v of_o their_o calling_n from_o the_o church_n and_o want_v the_o first_o call_v of_o god_n of_o ability_n they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n to_o be_v cast_v unto_o the_o dung_n useless_a to_o any_o service_n they_o will_v not_o serve_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v a_o pin_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o be_v false_a apostle_n to_o the_o purpose_n fit_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o all_o faithful_a christian_n assembly_n shall_v have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o such_o who_o can_v only_o manifest_v their_o call_n from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n in_o competent_a gift_n and_o part_n fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n they_o can_v work_v at_o all_o to_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n for_o they_o want_v supply_n to_o that_o end_n we_o know_v a_o artificer_n can_v do_v little_a work_n without_o his_o tool_n or_o instrument_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o spiritual_a building_n if_o god_n have_v
murder_n rather_o than_o cure_v and_o save_v alive_a object_n but_o you_o will_v object_v how_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n vindicate_v if_o he_o smite_v both_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a together_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a among_o they_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o godly_a in_o a_o church_n do_v connive_v free_o tolerate_v or_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o be_v come_v partaker_n with_o they_o also_o therein_o so_o also_o just_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o misery_n the_o church_n and_o faithful_a in_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v just_o visit_v by_o god_n for_o suffer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n and_o jezabel_n among_o they_o and_o righteous_o wrap_v up_o in_o one_o common_a calamity_n with_o the_o balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n but_o second_o if_o the_o faithful_a in_o a_o church_n do_v protest_v declare_v against_o and_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v and_o by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o purge_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o erroneous_a person_n and_o doctrine_n among_o they_o they_o have_v do_v their_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o deliver_v their_o soul_n from_o guilt_n though_o the_o common_a calamity_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o the_o wicked_a may_v reach_v these_o too_o without_o any_o derogation_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o it_o touch_v not_o they_o as_o a_o judgement_n but_o as_o trial_n and_o for_o other_o good_a end_n of_o god_n jeremiah_n daniel_n ezekiel_n and_o other_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n suffer_v very_o much_o in_o the_o caldean_a captivity_n yet_o not_o as_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n but_o for_o other_o especial_a end_n of_o god_n but_o very_o often_o god_n do_v and_o will_v save_v his_o faithful_a one_o as_o wheat_n among_o the_o chaff_n by_o a_o temporal_a salvation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n and_o destruction_n of_o wicked_a one_o round_o about_o god_n will_v call_v out_o righteous_a lot_n from_o sodom_n and_o will_v provide_v noah_n a_o ark_n when_o he_o come_v with_o flame_n of_o fire_n or_o flood_n of_o desolate_v water_n on_o the_o wicked_a world_n do_v not_o god_n persevere_v providence_n and_o special_a mark_n of_o grace_n appear_v in_o this_o nation_n in_o preserve_v and_o keep_v many_o precious_a grain_n of_o wheat_n among_o all_o our_o chaff_n in_o this_o late_a day_n of_o our_o winow_v and_o tribulation_n and_o many_o whereof_o as_o it_o be_v be_v take_v by_o the_o hand_n by_o god_n as_o righteous_a lot_n and_o noah_n and_o ark_v provide_v for_o they_o by_o god_n to_o pass_v from_o sodom_n and_o the_o wicked_a world_n over_o the_o flood_n into_o a_o land_n of_o rest_n the_o mountain_n of_o ararat_n i_o mean_v the_o wilderness_n of_o america_n and_o so_o indeed_o the_o faithful_a witness_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o dragon_n be_v pour_v out_o of_o flood_n of_o persecution_n after_o they_o flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o be_v there_o preserve_v for_o some_o time_n until_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n be_v over_o therefore_o when_o you_o see_v your_o faithful_a lot_n noah_n &c._n &c._n fly_v from_o you_o or_o call_v by_o god_n to_o place_n of_o security_n look_v then_o for_o desolate_v time_n isa_n 26.20_o 21._o when_o our_o halcyon_n bird_n as_o swallow_n etc._n etc._n fly_v from_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o approach_a winter_n so_o when_o good_a and_o godly_a man_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o their_o place_n or_o drive_v into_o corner_n then_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o true_a prognostic_n judgement_n and_o indignation_n be_v nigh_o at_o hand_n observe_v 5._o when_o god_n be_v wrath_n with_o a_o people_n he_o turn_v his_o sweet_a mercy_n into_o the_o most_o terrible_a judgement_n the_o word_n of_o god_n mouth_n which_o be_v the_o staff_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n he_o can_v turn_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o trumpet_n and_o as_o the_o roar_n of_o many_o water_n for_o terribleness_n when_o we_o keep_v close_o unto_o christ_n than_o all_o thing_n be_v we_o friend_n servants_z riches_n child_n and_o our_o table_n be_v mercy_n to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o be_v become_v enemy_n to_o christ_n by_o evil_a work_n than_o friend_n servants_z riches_n child_n our_o table_n and_o all_o be_v become_v snare_n unto_o we_o when_o the_o king_n frown_v on_o we_o all_o his_o courtier_n and_o noble_n will_v do_v it_o also_o whilst_o god_n be_v our_o friend_n all_o the_o whole_a creation_n will_v serve_v we_o free_o but_o if_o he_o frown_v all_o will_v conspire_v and_o rebel_v against_o we_o his_o angel_n who_o he_o former_o command_v for_o our_o safety_n to_o pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o we_o will_v then_o be_v command_v to_o come_v with_o slaughter_n weapon_n against_o we_o when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o make_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o prov._n 16.7_o babylon_n can_v never_o have_v hurt_v zion_n till_o zion_n have_v offend_v when_o pergamus_n thyatira_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o offend_a asian_a church_n forsaked_a god_n instead_o of_o the_o powerful_a sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n or_o word_n of_o grace_n in_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n and_o mortify_v their_o corruption_n or_o speak_v comfortable_o to_o they_o he_o send_v forth_o another_o word_n a_o word_n of_o judgement_n and_o indignation_n command_v their_o adversary_n to_o go_v forth_o with_o their_o destroy_a weapon_n either_o of_o war_n pestilence_n or_o famine_n to_o sweep_v they_o off_o from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n that_o their_o place_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o find_v o_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v god_n our_o friend_n verse_n 17._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o have_v a_o understand_a heart_n among_o you_o let_v he_o consider_v those_o premonition_n which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o inculcate_v lest_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v for_o your_o sin_n overtake_v you_o and_o therefore_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o hide_a manna_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v although_o i_o will_v come_v against_o the_o wicked_a one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o fight_n against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n yet_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v that_o oppose_v and_o escape_v the_o temptation_n of_o those_o pernicious_a doctrine_n among_o they_o and_o keep_v themselves_o undefiled_a therein_o to_o they_o will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o hide_a manna_n here_o some_o difficulty_n or_o interpretation_n offer_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o hide_a manna_n many_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v christ_n which_o be_v that_o invisible_a food_n receive_v by_o faith_n according_a to_o john_n 6.32_o 33_o 34._o which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o there_o typify_v forth_o by_o manna_n but_o save_v due_a reverence_n to_o the_o learned_a that_o go_v that_o way_n i_o can_v join_v with_o they_o single_o in_o that_o interpretation_n for_o first_o it_o be_v here_o call_v hide_a manna_n or_o strange_a manna_n not_o as_o yet_o undiscovered_a now_o christ_n be_v the_o know_v and_o manifest_a spiritual_a food_n and_o manna_n unto_o all_o believer_n and_o so_o that_o of_o john_n 6.3_o be_v bring_v thereby_o to_o verify_v it_o and_o allude_v thereunto_o second_o every_o believer_n have_v christ_n already_o as_o his_o spiritual_a food_n and_o manna_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o surplusage_n and_o tautology_n to_o promise_v that_o as_o a_o crown_n and_o reward_n to_o the_o conquer_a faithful_a one_o which_o they_o enjoy_v already_o even_o from_o their_o first_o day_n or_o in_o their_o low_a state_n of_o faith_n therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o christ_n spiritual_o eat_v by_o faith_n manna_n be_v the_o food_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o god_n give_v to_o his_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n exod._n 16.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o antiquity_n and_o jewish_a rabbi_n testify_v in_o the_o eat_n thereof_o be_v represent_v all_o sort_n of_o meat_n to_o the_o taste_n that_o the_o appetite_n or_o curiosity_n can_v wish_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o fit_a type_n for_o to_o represent_v christ_n by_o who_o be_v the_o true_a bread_n of_o life_n that_o can_v fill_v and_o answer_v all_o our_o necessity_n and_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v eat_v thereof_o shall_v never_o hunger_n more_o but_o this_o be_v a_o hide_a manna_n a_o strange_a secret_a bread_n of_o life_n not_o yet_o
neck_n unto_o this_o gracious_a yoke_n and_o our_o back_n unto_o this_o burden_n therefore_o it_o will_v cost_v much_o sweat_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o christian_n under_o christ_n yoke_n and_o burden_n must_v not_o think_v to_o live_v at_o ease_n or_o at_o liberty_n and_o stray_v whither_o their_o fancy_n call_v they_o they_o be_v under_o a_o burden_n a_o yoke_n they_o must_v attend_v and_o keep_v their_o work_n if_o they_o be_v fruitful_a proficient_o in_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a burden_n and_o a_o easy_a yoke_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o yoke_n and_o a_o burden_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o some_o write_v that_o christ_n be_v repute_v joseph_n the_o carpenter_n son_n before_o he_o fall_v to_o the_o more_o public_a work_n of_o his_o ministry_n he_o follow_v his_o father_n in_o law_n trade_n of_o make_v yoke_n for_o ox_n to_o which_o that_o expression_n of_o he_o in_o mat._n 11._o do_v allude_v but_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o not_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o make_v spiritual_a yoke_n to_o lay_v on_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o disciple_n he_o lay_v command_n on_o they_o both_o natural_o moral_a and_o positive_o moral_a to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o we_o and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v all_o command_v to_o hold_v fast_o this_o burden_n this_o yoke_n of_o christ_n his_o faithful_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n until_o he_o come_v hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v this_o must_v signify_v christ_n second_n and_o general_a and_o not_o of_o his_o first_o or_o of_o his_o special_a come_n in_o spirit_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o christ_n near_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o his_o incarnation_n and_o he_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n some_o score_n year_n before_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o such_o as_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n this_o will_v handsome_o follow_v as_o a_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n that_o when_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n they_o must_v then_o let_v go_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n for_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v and_o no_o long_o but_o at_o his_o second_o and_o last_o appearance_n he_o have_v another_o glorious_a administration_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o which_o yet_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o after_o he_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n he_o command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o former_a burden_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n already_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n until_o his_o second_o come_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v christ_n burden_n or_o doctrine_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o the_o saint_n for_o that_o first_o age_n or_o generation_n only_o wherein_o it_o be_v public_a as_o some_o vain_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v unto_o all_o generation_n until_o to_o he_o that_o do_v hold_v fast_o and_o overcome_v power_n be_v give_v he_o over_o the_o nation_n to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o power_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o saint_n for_o they_o be_v still_o as_o lily_n among_o thorn_n in_o a_o afflict_a and_o wilderness_n estate_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n until_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o give_v they_o their_o release_n and_o freedom_n feom_o all_o sorrow_n and_o anti-christian_n servitude_n and_o therefore_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n consult_v ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o verse_n 26._o and_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n verse_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v to_o shiver_n even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n here_o be_v a_o vincenti_fw-la dabitur_fw-la a_o crown_n and_o a_o reward_n set_v forth_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o escape_v those_o assault_n and_o doctrine_n of_o satan_n teach_v by_o that_o false_a prophetess_n and_o nicolaitish_a jezebel_n and_o withal_o keep_v close_o unto_o godly_a way_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v call_v my_o work_n christ_n work_n because_o of_o his_o efficiency_n therein_o and_o approbation_n thereunto_o and_o that_o that_o will_v give_v a_o interest_n unto_o this_o crown_n it_o be_v not_o follow_v of_o christ_n work_n a_o little_a season_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o way_n side_n and_o spring_v up_o but_o short_o dye_v for_o want_n of_o radical_a moisture_n but_o a_o constant_a persevere_v keep_v unto_o christ_n work_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o will_v do_v the_o work_n observe_v 1._o note_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o in_o our_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n to_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o wicked_a person_n and_o false_a teacher_n but_o we_o must_v close_v with_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n and_o do_v good_a work_n also_o our_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n must_v not_o be_v a_o negative_a religion_n or_o righteousness_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o positive_a one_o also_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o renounce_v popery_n and_o all_o false_a way_n and_o doctrine_n but_o we_o must_v also_o set_v up_o that_o religion_n doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v pure_a holy_a and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v in_o grace_n to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a commendation_n to_o those_o of_o thyatira_n to_o overcome_v and_o escape_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n or_o worse_a what_o praiseworthy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o overcome_v the_o assault_n of_o rome_n and_o their_o depth_n of_o satan_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o as_o pernicious_a doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o what_o gain_n will_v it_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o popery_n and_o embrace_v familisme_n anti-scripturisme_a arminianism_n sarcinianisme_n and_o what_o not_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o in_o all_o our_o repentance_n we_o be_v will_v not_o only_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_a way_n but_o to_o turn_v into_o the_o good_a else_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o halt_n and_o maim_a work_n and_o a_o lame_a repentance_n and_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o title_n of_o any_o of_o christ_n work_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o observe_v unto_o the_o end_n our_o christian_n life_n be_v a_o race_n and_o he_o that_o leave_v off_o in_o the_o mid_a way_n have_v no_o hope_n to_o attain_v the_o prize_n hence_o note_v observe_v 2._o the_o crown_n be_v give_v to_o the_o persevere_v christian_n see_v more_o on_o ver_fw-la 7._o of_o this_o cap._n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n etc._n etc._n these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o of_o psal_n 2.8_o 9_o only_a the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o this_o they_o word_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v a_o prophecy_n and_o a_o promise_n relate_v unto_o christ_n ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n ver_fw-la 9_o thou_o shall_v break_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n thou_o shall_v dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n and_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n and_o again_o in_o rev._n 19.15_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o smite_v the_o nation_n with_o the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n object_n but_o that_o power_n and_o that_o work_n be_v there_o attribute_v to_o christ_n alone_o how_o be_v it_o therefore_o here_o attribute_v to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n i_o answer_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o also_o if_o christ_n the_o head_n shall_v rule_v the_o nation_n so_o his_o member_n shall_v rule_v together_o with_o he_o and_o under_o he_o he_o as_o the_o head_n they_o as_o his_o subordinate_a limb_n and_o assistant_n christ_n and_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n mistycal_a and_o therefore_o they_o both_o must_v reign_v together_o unless_o you_o conceive_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o which_o
affection_n or_o accident_n of_o her_o disease_n in_o respect_n of_o herself_o or_o of_o other_o she_o be_v in_o a_o pitiful_a lamentable_a and_o miserable_a state_n and_o condition_n the_o three_o latter_a declare_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o her_o disease_n she_o be_v poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a you_o know_v to_o be_v poor_a be_v to_o be_v beggarly_a so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a signify_v a_o beggar_n she_o be_v not_o poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o in_o she_o own_o eye_n which_o be_v a_o bless_a poverty_n mat._n 5.3_o but_o she_o be_v a_o poor_a beggarly_a miserable_a one_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o beggarly_a which_o be_v hateful_a odious_a she_o be_v a_o true_a beggar_n beg_v she_o will_v and_o never_o leave_v beg_v of_o the_o king_n prince_n nobles_z and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n till_o she_o have_v get_v the_o choice_a fat_a thing_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o become_v her_o patrimony_n she_o be_v a_o stout_a sturdy_a beggar_n if_o you_o will_v not_o give_v she_o will_v take_v beggar_n lie_v in_o the_o cross_a lane_n and_o highway_n to_o beg_v of_o all_o they_o meet_v so_o beggar_n of_o this_o rampant_a church_n lie_v close_o to_o all_o great_a assembly_n to_o diet_n parliament_n counsel-table_n great_a man_n house_n to_o beg_v the_o advowsons_n and_o to_o catch_v the_o scrap_n of_o preferment_n that_o fall_v in_o their_o way_n i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v none_o of_o this_o beggarly_a poverty_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n christ_n true_a minister_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o noble_a temper_n and_o spirit_n then_o to_o serve_v at_o table_n for_o lucre_n sake_n their_o master_n will_v provide_v for_o they_o in_o a_o more_o honourable_a way_n if_o they_o can_v but_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o their_o sustentation_n and_o livelihood_n it_o be_v a_o wise_a observation_n of_o m._n brightman_n concern_v our_o english_a clergy_n in_o his_o day_n under_o episcopacy_n that_o the_o angel_n of_o england_n in_o plain_a term_n grow_v wealthy_a by_o beg_v and_o as_o he_o further_o say_v neither_o be_v he_o in_o very_a truth_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v call_v aught_o save_o my_o lord_n beggar_n in_o the_o next_o place_n blindness_n be_v add_v to_o her_o beggarliness_n to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o grievous_a a_o blind_a beggar_n be_v the_o most_o deplore_a and_o miserable_a of_o all_o beggar_n for_o be_v necessitate_v to_o seek_v and_o beg_v for_o his_o live_n abroad_o yet_o want_v of_o sight_n will_v not_o let_v he_o seek_v so_o blindness_n of_o mind_n want_v of_o true_a spiritual_a understanding_n where_o true_a riches_n lie_v be_v a_o great_a addition_n of_o misery_n to_o a_o poor_a beggarly_a church_n that_o make_v she_o to_o seek_v amiss_o and_o to_o call_v that_o riches_n which_o be_v not_o true_o riches_n from_o this_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n it_o proceed_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o that_o follow_v her_o step_n do_v beg_v and_o seek_v greedy_o after_o riches_n honour_n and_o preferment_n that_o be_v mere_o transitory_a and_o vain_a and_o leave_v alone_o the_o true_a riches_n the_o treasure_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o never_o perish_v yea_o they_o be_v so_o blind_a and_o obstinate_o blind_a that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o strike_v at_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o blindness_n and_o to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n unto_o everlasting_a treasure_n in_o the_o last_o place_n there_o be_v add_v nakedness_n as_o a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o church_n when_o one_o be_v strip_v of_o his_o garment_n and_o render_v naked_a his_o shame_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n according_a to_o that_o of_o nahum_n 3.5_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o she_o be_v a_o poor_a blind_a beggar_n but_o she_o be_v a_o naked_a blind_a beggar_n the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o all_o sort_n we_o have_v see_v the_o poverty_n the_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o christ_n have_v also_o discover_v her_o nakedness_n unto_o we_o we_o know_v her_o shame_n and_o wherein_o her_o secret_a abomination_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o she_o now_o to_o boast_v of_o her_o spiritual_a pomp_n and_o trumpery_n while_o christ_n have_v discover_v her_o skirt_n and_o show_v we_o that_o she_o be_v a_o beggarly_a one_o void_a of_o all_o true_a spiritual_a riches_n that_o she_o be_v a_o blind_a one_o ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n of_o true_a happiness_n that_o she_o be_v naked_a that_o be_v for_o want_v of_o spiritual_a garment_n about_o she_o she_o be_v leave_v open_a and_o bare_a to_o all_o shame_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v against_o she_o for_o her_o deformity_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o spiritual_a discern_a eye_n o_o that_o god_n will_v make_v the_o reform_a church_n among_o we_o to_o discern_v between_o true_a riches_n and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o only_o in_o pretence_n that_o he_o will_v put_v a_o noble_a spirit_n into_o they_o than_o that_o of_o laodicea_n a_o beggarly_a poor_a one_o wait_v for_o the_o crumb_n of_o preferment_n at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o shall_v he_o provide_v for_o the_o raven_n and_o the_o lion_n whelp_n their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n and_o will_v he_o forget_v the_o member_n of_o his_o own_o body_n god_n forbid_v oh_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o father_n anoint_v our_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o our_o blindness_n may_v be_v do_v away_o and_o discover_v our_o nakedness_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v seek_v unto_o thou_o for_o a_o cover_n for_o gold_n that_o be_v try_v and_o for_o a_o raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v that_o our_o nakedness_n may_v not_o appear_v before_o thou_o to_o our_o utter_a shame_n and_o confusion_n amen_n verse_n 18._o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v elothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o thy_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v you_o have_v hitherto_o hear_v of_o laodiceas_n sin_n want_v and_o misery_n here_o follow_v her_o remedy_n proportionable_a to_o her_o disease_n here_o be_v gold_n not_o outward_a glitter_a or_o pretend_a gold_n but_o try_v gold_n offer_v to_o help_v she_o of_o her_o poverty_n here_o be_v white_a raiment_n a_o glorious_a raiment_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n offer_v to_o cover_v her_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n and_o here_o be_v eyesalve_n offer_v even_o true_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n from_o above_o that_o she_o may_v see_v the_o way_n unto_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o open_v the_o word_n a_o little_a more_o full_o i_o counsel_v thou_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o counsel_n and_o advise_v and_o who_o will_v not_o follow_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o counsel_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o unto_o we_o also_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o vainglorious_a yet_o beggarly_a condition_n as_o she_o be_v in_o for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o write_v only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o we_o for_o observe_v what_o the_o spirit_n often_o say_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o the_o matter_n of_o christ_n counsel_n be_v as_o well_o unto_o we_o as_o unto_o laodicea_n and_o that_o threefold_a as_o the_o disease_n be_v threefold_a 1._o to_o buy_v gold_n try_a gold_n which_o be_v set_v against_o poverty_n 2._o white_a garment_n which_o be_v for_o a_o cover_n of_o her_o nakedness_n 3._o eyesalve_n which_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o her_o blindness_n first_o by_o the_o way_n from_o the_o party_n counsel_v to_o buy_v he_o be_v the_o same_o from_o who_o it_o be_v buy_v i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v gold_n of_o i_o note_v observe_v that_o all_o true_a spiritual_a riches_n and_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o christ_n alone_o christ_n send_v we_o not_o to_o our_o own_o work_n or_o to_o his_o bless_a mother_n or_o to_o any_o other_o saint_n depart_v with_o so_o many_o ave_fw-la maria_n so_o many_o pater_fw-la noster_n or_o so_o many_o vow_n and_o pilgrimage_n to_o buy_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o come_v buy_v they_o of_o i_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o great_a dispenser_n of_o his_o father_n treasure_n all_o power_n be_v give_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o son_n and_o it_o be_v most_o just_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o
light_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n if_o he_o be_v spiritual_o judicious_a and_o learned_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v diligent_o true_a berean-like_a whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o so_o shall_v he_o deliver_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o his_o brother_n also_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n to_o all_o which_o as_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o say_v amen_n who_o be_o kerris_n in_o cornwall_n nou._n 1._o 1658._o thou_o in_o all_o christian_a service_n william_n hicks_n the_o preface_n god_n speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n in_o old_a time_n to_o our_o father_n after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n but_o now_o in_o these_o late_a day_n he_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o ambassador_n the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n move_v on_o his_o endeavour_n in_o search_v meditate_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o old_a and_o new_a not_o only_o find_v out_o that_o treasure_n where_o out_o flow_v both_o new_a and_o old_a thing_n that_o will_v make_v his_o soul_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o also_o he_o shall_v find_v a_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n that_o will_v replenish_v his_o soul_n while_o here_o beneath_o in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n for_o what_o will_v add_v great_a hope_n or_o be_v a_o sure_a prop_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o affliction_n and_o mourning_n then_o to_o fore_o see_v know_v and_o be_v assure_v next_o to_o its_o interest_n in_o christ_n of_o the_o day_n of_o its_o deliverance_n this_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a portion_n and_o lot_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o interest_v in_o christ_n jesus_n through_o their_o several_a generation_n for_o the_o servant_n must_v not_o look_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o master_n christ_n enter_v into_o his_o glory_n by_o suffering_n temptation_n sorrow_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n his_o member_n must_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o while_o here_o militant_a though_o not_o to_o the_o same_o measure_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n for_o herein_o they_o be_v not_o make_v mighty_a to_o bear_v his_o suffering_n be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n that_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n may_v be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o thereby_o may_v become_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n our_o suffering_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o to_o fullfil_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o ourselves_o in_o our_o journey_v towards_o our_o celestial_a canaan_n and_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o particular_a member_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n thereof_o yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o gracious_a god_n to_o manifest_v his_o fatherly_a oversight_n and_o faithful_a providence_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o without_o intermission_n dispense_v towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n have_v often_o for_o a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o warning_n to_o the_o wicked_a not_o only_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o oppressor_n and_o set_v they_o above_o they_o but_o so_o prefix_v the_o time_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o deliverance_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o in_o observe_v the_o event_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o alwise_a hand_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o the_o one_o for_o good_a to_o the_o other_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o for_o ever_o god_n have_v his_o access_n and_o his_o recess_n his_o come_n in_o and_o his_o withdrawing_n towards_o his_o church_n some_o be_v conditional_a as_o if_o we_o keep_v with_o god_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o we_o but_o if_o we_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v we_o some_o again_o be_v absolute_a and_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n as_o that_o i_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o etc._n etc._n yet_o however_o god_n purpose_n of_o do_v good_a to_o his_o church_n be_v so_o steadfast_a and_o unalterable_a that_o though_o many_o of_o they_o run_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o precedent_a condition_n or_o qualification_n in_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o will_v in_o faithfulness_n perform_v his_o promise_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n either_o by_o make_v they_o a_o fit_a people_n for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n by_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o they_o and_o so_o will_v make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n or_o otherwise_o rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n shall_v fall_v to_o ground_v unaccomplish_v will_v do_v it_o absolute_o of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o before_o the_o flood_n god_n give_v 120._o year_n respite_n to_o the_o old_a world_n before_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o gen._n 6.3_o when_o this_o time_n be_v expire_v his_o spirit_n will_v contend_v with_o they_o no_o long_o but_o god_n come_v with_o the_o flood_n and_o destroy_v all_o live_n except_o noah_n and_o what_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ark._n 2._o god_n declare_v to_o abraham_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stanger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o in_o egypt_n and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o for_o 400._o year_n but_o withal_o that_o nation_n who_o they_o shall_v serve_v he_o will_v judge_v and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o etc._n etc._n which_o promise_n god_n do_v fulfil_v most_o faithful_o unto_o they_o in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_a term_n he_o bring_v out_o his_o people_n with_o a_o mighty_a and_o strong_a arm_n in_o drown_v the_o host_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n 3._o to_o that_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n god_n set_v a_o period_n of_o 70._o year_n jerem._n 29.10_o when_o that_o time_n be_v accomplish_v god_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v 4._o to_o daniel_n god_n show_v that_o 70._o week_n viz._n week_n of_o year_n be_v 490._o year_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o which_o time_n the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o at_o length_n the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v dan._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n and_o how_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v full_o accomplish_v be_v most_o evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n deal_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n 5._o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n set_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o long_o she_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o persecution_n and_o when_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o it_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 7.25_o and_o the_o 12.7_o they_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o four_o beast_n hand_n until_o a_o time_n time_n and_o the_o divide_n of_o time_n which_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n do_v answer_v that_o of_o rev._n 12.14_o the_o woman_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n which_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n 1260._o day_n or_o year_n which_o term_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n can_v exceed_v for_o he_o that_o have_v set_v a_o bind_v and_o period_n to_o all_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n in_o this_o world_n have_v say_v it_o hither_o thou_o shall_v go_v &_o no_o far_o and_o that_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 12.7_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a it_o be_v then_o clear_o evince_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o appoint_a time_n visit_v his_o church_n with_o sure_a mercy_n and_o have_v prefix_v in_o all_o age_n the_o time_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o persecution_n and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o visitation_n he_o will_v come_v with_o a_o certain_a deliverance_n to_o his_o people_n and_o ruin_n to_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a joy_n &_o comfort_n to_o his_o
much_o every_o way_n both_o to_o every_o particular_a soul_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n first_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o but_o the_o detect_n and_o make_v manifest_a of_o the_o antichristian_a whore_n or_o state_n and_o the_o pollution_n thereof_o and_o so_o give_v a_o warning_n to_o all_o god_n people_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o and_o not_o to_o partake_v of_o her_o iniquity_n lest_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o her_o plague_n be_v it_o not_o a_o blessing_n to_o keep_v their_o soul_n undefiled_a from_o antichrist_n pollutious_a and_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o judgement_n due_a thereunto_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a blessing_n for_o lot_n to_o be_v fore_o tell_v and_o deliver_v out_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n so_o be_v it_o not_o a_o singular_a blessing_n and_o mercy_n unto_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v deliver_v and_o free_v from_o the_o divine_a wrath_n that_o be_v go_v out_o against_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a babylon_n 2._o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a privilege_n and_o blessing_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o know_v the_o catastrophe_n and_o result_n of_o all_o their_o trouble_n and_o to_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n for_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o oppression_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n triumph_v over_o they_o to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n be_v not_o this_o able_a to_o beat_v up_o their_o spirit_n in_o all_o their_o fiery_a trial_n to_o see_v that_o their_o deliverance_n draw_v nigh_o be_v it_o not_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n in_o the_o day_n of_o mourning_n to_o be_v keep_v faithful_a witness_n unto_o our_o god_n and_o though_o satan_n and_o his_o deputized_a antichrist_n have_v power_n over_o we_o to_o overcome_v and_o afflict_v we_o yet_o we_o be_v these_o that_o be_v seal_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o lamb_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o a_o blessing_n to_o know_v that_o antichrist_n reign_n be_v but_o 42._o month_n a_o certain_a definite_a time_n which_o be_v now_o draw_v to_o its_o period_n be_v it_o not_o a_o blessing_n to_o know_v that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o witness_n mourn_v in_o sackcloth_n the_o tread_v down_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v but_o for_o 1260._o day_n which_o term_n be_v also_o near_o expire_a be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a blessing_n after_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n their_o head_n with_o myriad_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v will_v appear_v to_o the_o final_a destroy_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o give_v they_o peace_n and_o rest_n cause_v they_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n last_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o communion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o glorify_a saint_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n when_o mortality_n shall_v put_v on_o immortality_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v and_o know_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v see_v and_o know_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v no_o long_o in_o a_o glass_n through_o weak_a and_o dark_a ordinance_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n when_o all_o our_o ordinance_n will_v be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n when_o sorrow_n sin_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o victory_n when_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o lamb_n wife_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n wherein_o dwell_v true_a righteousness_n and_o shall_v all_o those_o thing_n be_v discover_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n with_o a_o promise_n thereof_o and_o of_o blessedness_n to_o all_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o yet_o will_v any_o be_v so_o stupid_a to_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o dry_a useless_a book_n that_o treat_v of_o christianity_n from_o its_o very_a rise_n to_o the_o consummation_n thereof_o full_o fraught_v with_o abundance_n of_o useful_a observation_n to_o steer_v our_o foot_n aright_o in_o our_o militant_a course_n here_o until_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v to_o the_o full_a stature_n of_o christ_n and_o whereas_o some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a book_n to_o interpret_v and_o that_o many_o able_a expositor_n have_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o study_n about_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o sluggard_n indeed_o be_v difficult_a the_o pith_n marrow_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o a_o coursary_n read_v thereof_o it_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n and_o this_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o 3._o vers_fw-la of_o chap._n 1._o wherein_o be_v observable_a that_o blessedness_n be_v entail_v to_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a read_n or_o hear_v that_o will_v entitle_v to_o this_o blessedness_n but_o it_o must_v be_v keep_v treasure_v up_o ponder_v and_o digest_v before_o it_o will_v produce_v the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o blessedness_n indeed_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o depth_n for_o elephant_n to_o swim_v in_o as_o well_o as_o shallows_o for_o lamb_n to_o wade_v through_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v dispense_v various_a gift_n and_o ability_n in_o his_o saint_n so_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o his_o word_n several_a measure_n of_o truth_n suitable_a thereunto_o none_o may_v complain_v for_o want_v to_o exercise_v their_o spirit_n in_o the_o weak_a may_v see_v so_o much_o as_o shall_v make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o the_o high_a capacity_n can_v attain_v no_o more_o and_o when_o it_o have_v do_v all_o yet_o it_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o omniscient_a but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o will_v be_v still_o mystery_n unto_o it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v wherein_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o prosper_v parvuli_fw-la magni_fw-la fortes_fw-la infirmi_fw-la habent_fw-la in_o scripture_n unde_fw-la alantur_fw-la &_o satientur_fw-la no_o age_n so_o young_a which_o scripture_n do_v not_o fit_a there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a wit_n 2._o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o all_o such_o that_o be_v not_o verse_v in_o the_o old_a and_o modern_a roman_a history_n not_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v the_o figure_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o prophecy_n to_o their_o several_a time_n and_o period_n neither_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o time_n of_o the_o revolution_n and_o change_n but_o confound_v several_a thing_n speak_v of_o diverse_a state_n one_o with_o another_o not_o observe_v where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o secular_a or_o civil_a state_n and_o whereof_o the_o ecclesiastic_a conceive_v that_o the_o revelation_n be_v as_o a_o continue_a history_n or_o relation_n of_o event_n succeed_v one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o order_n and_o cause_n as_o the_o vision_n be_v reveil_v in_o and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a observation_n herein_o many_o interpreter_n have_v stumble_v and_o so_o confound_v pervert_v and_o disturb_v the_o whole_a method_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o make_v several_a epact_n and_o period_n of_o time_n so_o place_v thing_n which_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n and_o the_o beast_n before_o it_o whereas_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v so_o relate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o though_o write_v in_o order_n one_o after_o another_o that_o many_o thereof_o do_v concur_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n so_o that_o he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o describe_v they_o in_o order_n of_o time_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o book_n in_o order_n of_o place_n without_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o methd_v oharmony_n and_o connexion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n fall_v under_o the_o same_o syncronisme_n or_o concurrency_n of_o time_n indeed_o to_o such_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n must_v needs_o remain_v full_a of_o difficulty_n mystery_n and_o obscurity_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o revelation_n together_o with_o themselves_o be_v render_v in-extricable_a and_o confound_v whereas_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o well_o verse_v historian_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o the_o description_n of_o
shall_v be_v for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n 13.14_o have_v show_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o the_o saint_n for_o 42._o month_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o witness_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n to_o be_v 1260._o day_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v he_o see_v that_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o saint_n mourning_n be_v in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n limit_v and_o prefix_v and_o that_o which_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v testify_v with_o a_o great_a oath_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o several_a period_n and_o appoint_a season_n again_o against_o the_o definite_a demonstration_n of_o the_o last_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n two_o scripture_n offer_v themselves_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o mark_n 13.32_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o his_o second_o come_v but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n the_o other_o be_v that_o of_o the_o act._n 1.7_o wherein_o christ_n answer_v his_o disciple_n question_v will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n so_o the_o objection_n lie_v thus_o if_o no_o man_n no_o not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n know_v the_o last_o day_n but_o that_o time_n and_o season_n be_v leave_v alone_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o father_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o of_o the_o last_o day_n itself_o and_o end_n of_o all_o make_v out_o unto_o john_n in_o this_o revelation_n by_o christ_n himself_o i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o nature_n distinct_a and_o unconfounded_a to_o make_v up_o one_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o the_o property_n of_o each_o nature_n do_v remain_v entire_a unto_o each_o he_o be_v true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v no_o derogation_n at_o all_o unto_o he_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v not_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o so_o of_o the_o last_o day_n but_o to_o affirm_v it_o as_o he_o be_v god_n be_v one_o in_o counsel_n nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v it_o for_o shall_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o handiwork_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o injunction_n or_o command_n of_o his_o father_n on_o he_o while_o he_o converse_v here_o on_o earth_n to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n be_v that_o scripture_n mark_n 10.40_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n to_o sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n or_o his_o left_a be_v not_o he_o to_o give_v yet_o in_o revel_n 3.21_o he_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o he_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n this_o scripture_n give_v a_o fair_a light_n to_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o former_a for_o while_o he_o be_v here_o beneath_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o father_n to_o discover_v time_n and_o season_n nor_o to_o give_v throne_n power_n and_o kingdom_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o saint_n until_o after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o father_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o give_v into_o his_o hand_n by_o right_a of_o purchase_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v clear_o intimate_v in_o the_o revel_n 5.9_o etc._n etc._n when_o none_o be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n than_o the_o 24._o elder_n before_o the_o throne_n sing_v a_o new_a song_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_v thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o thy_o blood_n of_o every_o kindred_n tongue_n people_n and_o nation_n the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n be_v as_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o his_o second_o come_v neither_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o suffer_v nor_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o father_n for_o christ_n unto_o that_o day_n 3._o that_o place_n of_o the_o act_n 1.7_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o disciple_n to_o know_v then_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o meet_a time_n which_o god_n think_v good_a at_o that_o time_n not_o to_o make_v know_v to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n he_o do_v not_o answer_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o de_fw-la tempore_fw-la tempestivo_fw-la of_o the_o opportune_a and_o fit_a time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n do_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o will_v not_o reveal_v unto_o his_o people_n 4._o i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o essay_n i_o do_v consider_v the_o time_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o period_n of_o antichrist_n and_o other_o the_o great_a event_n syncronize_a with_o the_o same_o in_o a_o indefinite_a and_o more_o general_a way_n not_o in_o a_o exact_a definite_a precise_a day_n and_o hour_n here_o i_o only_o consider_v the_o year_n in_o a_o more_o general_a way_n which_o now_o the_o father_n have_v not_o reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o other_o book_n of_o god_n last_o account_v it_o as_o labour_v lose_v to_o answer_v the_o vain_a interpretation_n and_o gloss_n of_o the_o allegorise_a and_o chemical_a scripturist_n to_o wit_v the_o familistical_a notionist_n who_o can_v extract_v quidlibet_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la and_o so_o make_v the_o revelation_n indeed_o a_o mystery_n and_o book_n seal_v to_o the_o wise_a christian_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o meddle_v with_o they_o when_o as_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o mystical_a â—_z of_o their_o own_o confuse_a brain_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n for_o indeed_o if_o this_o book_n be_v not_o open_v according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n with_o their_o peculiar_a character_n right_o apply_v to_o their_o several_a time_n and_o season_n we_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o tolerable_a sense_n or_o exposition_n to_o set_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v well_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o do_v clear_o discover_v and_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o 17._o chap._n the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o be_v a_o government_n or_o empire_n that_o shall_v arise_v under_o ten_o king_n and_o that_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a and_o the_o woman_n sit_v upon_o many_o water_n to_o be_v that_o great_a city_n situate_v upon_o seven_o hill_n and_o which_o do_v reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v holpen_v we_o with_o this_o key_n to_o unshut_a in_o part_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o fall_v on_o the_o same_o method_n in_o open_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o figure_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v we_o some_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o itself_o as_o sure_a footstep_n to_o tread_v in_o from_o which_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v as_o from_o a_o watchtower_n take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o so_o a_o scanding_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n otherwise_o in_o itself_o inaccessible_a and_o that_o thy_o servant_n o_o christ_n who_o
another_o two_o horn_a beast_n joint_o rage_v and_o reign_v with_o the_o former_a at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n which_o do_v as_o much_o mischief_n to_o she_o as_o that_o secular_a beast_n itself_o do_v be_v the_o ecclesiastic_a and_o pseudo-prophetical_a beast_n or_o antichrist_n itself_o who_o be_v the_o former_a beast_n great_a chaplain_n prophet_n and_o vicar_n general_a who_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n have_v two_o horn_n like_o a_o lamb_n yet_o exercise_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o set_v up_o again_o other_o under_o specious_a title_n the_o late_a abolish_v heathenish_a idolatry_n and_o tyrannous_a persecute_v government_n like_o that_o of_o the_o dragon_n and_o so_o heal_v the_o wound_n give_v to_o the_o first_o beast_n this_o beast_n token_n quality_n and_o character_n be_v herein_o describe_v that_o they_o that_o have_v wisdom_n may_v know_v and_o shun_v they_o 7._o in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n be_v observable_a how_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o this_o antichristian_a beast_n the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n by_o their_o continual_a publish_n of_o the_o sincere_a gospel_n of_o christ_n they_o bring_v ruin_n and_o desolation_n upon_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a babylon_n the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o seat_n set_v forth_o under_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o three_o angel_n but_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o 15_o and_o 16_o chapter_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o vial_n and_o the_o effusion_n thereof_o be_v the_o particular_a gradual_a and_o final_a ruin_n of_o the_o anti-christian_n beast_n with_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n more_o full_o set_v forth_o and_o manifest_v at_o the_o pour_v out_o whereof_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v free_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o anti-christs_a oppression_n and_o idolatrous_a pollution_n she_o sing_v her_o triumphant_a song_n the_o song_n of_o moses_n 8._o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n that_o those_o precedent_n prophetical_a vision_n and_o discovery_n may_v not_o seem_v improbable_a the_o spirit_n itself_o give_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n of_o babylon_n sit_v upon_o a_o scarlet_a colour_a beast_n of_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n the_o beast_n be_v the_o roman_a empire_n divide_v under_o ten_o king_n or_o kingdom_n the_o woman_n harlot_n be_v the_o great_a city_n to_o wit_n rome_n itself_o which_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o can_v deny_v as_o in_o the_o preface_n hereof_o be_v more_o full_o manifest_v which_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o mother_n city_n of_o all_o spiritual_a fornication_n by_o this_o taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v interpretation_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o vision_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o explain_v historical_o and_o that_o every_o mystery_n open_v other_o to_o the_o discovery_n even_o of_o the_o whole_a 9_o in_o the_o 18_o and_o 19_o chapter_n be_v but_o a_o more_o solemn_a reiterate_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o the_o antichristian_a state_n with_o the_o horror_n anguish_n and_o utter_a desolation_n that_o shall_v befall_v it_o and_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v enemy_n whereupon_o the_o church_n be_v now_o free_v from_o all_o danger_n give_v praise_n power_n and_o glory_n unto_o god_n and_o in_o chap._n 20._o enjoy_v that_o happy_a sabbath_n of_o rest_n that_o glorious_a reign_n on_o earth_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n that_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n begin_v with_o the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o determine_v with_o the_o last_o and_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o all_o the_o dead_a when_o all_o christ_n enemy_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o cast_v into_o hell_n to_o be_v torment_v for_o evermore_o and_o the_o saint_n translate_v into_o the_o glorify_a estate_n that_o heavenly_a city_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 10._o in_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n you_o may_v observe_v the_o glorious_a description_n of_o this_o new_a glorify_a church-state_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n set_v forth_o by_o most_o excellent_a metaphor_n and_o figure_n wherein_o all_o spiritual_a delicacy_n in_o a_o far_o high_a pitch_n than_o the_o church_n ever_o yet_o enjoy_v on_o earth_n set_v forth_o unto_o we_o by_o such_o resemblance_n &_o figure_n as_o be_v now_o most_o glorious_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o fit_a to_o express_v such_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n whereupon_o follow_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o property_n of_o that_o glory_n but_o never_o of_o the_o glory_n itself_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a pprophecy_n with_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o verity_n and_o truth_n thereof_o until_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_v and_o premise_v and_o have_v lay_v down_o a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o come_v by_o god_n assistance_n and_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o sobriety_n and_o with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n to_o open_v in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o book_n itself_o remove_v not_o the_o stone_n well_o lay_v the_o revelation_n reveal_v chap._n i._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3._o ver._n 1._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n ver._n 2._o who_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v ver._n 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n have_v former_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n premise_v some_o thing_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o here_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o as_o the_o mediator_n of_o his_o church_n receive_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o a_o unspeakable_a manner_n and_o make_v it_o know_v by_o his_o servant_n john_n for_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o church_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n from_o this_o word_n or_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o revelation_n you_o may_v observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o book_n of_o truth_n and_o prophecy_n not_o hide_v and_o seal_v but_o make_v know_v and_o reveal_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o revelation_n of_o thing_n and_o passage_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v verse_n 3_o and_o how_o with_o reason_n can_v a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o keep_v we_o have_v further_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o it_o cap._n 10._o five_o 8._o that_o the_o little_a book_n be_v a_o open_a book_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o great_a revolution_n of_o the_o church_n until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o and_o in_o chap._n 22._o v._n 10._o there_o be_v a_o positive_a command_v not_o to_o seal_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n observe_v 2._o from_o the_o author_n of_o the_o revelation_n jesus_n christ_n observe_v that_o all_o good_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o counsel_n determine_v to_o bestow_v and_o give_v unto_o his_o church_n he_o do_v give_v and_o bestow_v they_o in_o by_z and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o he_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a and_o be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v he_o that_o bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n in_o the_o beginning_n upon_o our_o parent_n first_o transgression_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o he_o be_v the_o same_o spiritual_a rock_n and_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a as_o he_o be_v now_o unto_o we_o and_o none_o ever_o do_v or_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o father_n or_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o son_n who_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o lighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n be_v you_o than_o all_o be_v you_o whether_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v for_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o last_o
he_o be_v the_o high_a steward_n and_o great_a dispenser_n in_o god_n kingdom_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n observe_v 3._o that_o that_o prophesy_v which_o come_v from_o so_o sure_a a_o author_n as_o jesus_n christ_n must_v infallible_o be_v true_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o be_v and_o always_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n sometime_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n sometime_o by_o himself_o in_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ezek._n 1._o v._o 26._o and_o all_o know_v that_o their_o prophecy_n stand_v sure_a and_o be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o respective_a season_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o steadfastness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n see_v what_o christ_n himself_o testify_v in_o rev._n 3.7_o &_o 14._o and_o in_o ch_z ult_n v._o 6._o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n therefore_o of_o most_o sure_a performance_n in_o god_n appoint_a season_n from_o the_o word_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n servant_n be_v very_o privy_a to_o god_n counsel_n and_o know_v much_o of_o his_o design_n this_o christ_n have_v verify_v first_o from_o that_o ground_n of_o union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n for_o be_v once_o become_v his_o member_n or_o servant_n than_o they_o in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o that_o 1_o john_n 2.20_o they_o have_v a_o unction_n from_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n so_o that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v the_o father_n also_o for_o they_o both_o be_v one_o in_o will_n counsel_n power_n and_o essence_n john_n 17.21_o 22._o and_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o 2._o they_o know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o combustion_n change_n and_o revolution_n of_o this_o world_n many_o think_v that_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n ill_a fortune_n or_o for_o want_n of_o foresight_n in_o management_n of_o state_n affair_n but_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n know_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o those_o revolution_n and_o state-shaking_n and_o that_o there_o can_v no_o evil_n befall_v unto_o the_o city_n but_o that_o there_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o it_o direct_v and_o overrule_a it_o unto_o its_o end_n so_o that_o they_o do_v foresee_v that_o this_o change_n and_o that_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n will_v come_v too_o and_o can_v right_o conclude_v that_o all_o tend_v as_o in_o a_o chain_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v about_o god_n great_a end_n in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n throne_n and_o the_o pull_v down_o his_o enemy_n observe_v 2._o god_n reserve_v the_o more_o full_a revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n exaltation_n in_o glory_n christ_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o glorious_a as_o christ_n in_o heaven_n he_o have_v not_o so_o full_a commission_n to_o send_v out_o so_o much_o of_o his_o spirit_n while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n john_n 7.39_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o communicate_v unto_o christ_n manhood_n while_o here_o on_o earth_n the_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o his_o manhood_n while_o here_o on_o earth_n may_v be_v ignorant_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o father_n reveal_v it_o to_o he_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v reveal_v it_o to_o his_o church_n as_o the_o due_a reward_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n chap._n 5._o 9_o thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o open_v the_o seal_n thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v etc._n etc._n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v see_v vers_fw-la 3._o on_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n from_o these_o word_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n reveal_v these_o prophecy_n not_o immediate_o from_o himself_o but_o mediate_o and_o by_o instrument_n first_o god_n give_v this_o revelation_n to_o christ_n christ_n give_v discovery_n partly_o himself_o and_o partly_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o same_o three_o the_o angel_n instruct_v john_n four_o john_n direct_v the_o same_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o five_o from_o the_o seven_o church_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o information_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o finiteness_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o compatible_a therefore_o god_n use_v instrument_n suitable_a to_o our_o capacity_n for_o discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n observe_v 2._o from_o the_o messenger_n or_o angel_n by_o who_o partly_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v send_v observe_v that_o christ_n employ_v angel_n in_o great_a service_n for_o his_o church_n angel_n be_v the_o first_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o christ_n birth_n a_o angel_n tell_v the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n shall_v return_v in_o that_o manner_n they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n act_v 1.11_o angel_n tell_v abraham_n and_o lot_n what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o sodom_n christ_n tell_v john_n rev._n 22.16_o that_o he_o send_v his_o angel_n to_o testify_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n the_o angel_n be_v make_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o service_n be_v more_o manifest_a in_o these_o particular_n 1._o they_o inform_v we_o of_o god_n will_n and_o god_n of_o our_o way_n they_o ascend_v and_o descend_v zac._n 1.11_o gen._n 18.19_o 2._o they_o oppose_v the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n rev._n 12.7_o dan._n 10.20_o numb_a 21.22_o 3._o they_o execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o enemy_n exo._n 12.23_o gen._n 19.11.13_o etc._n etc._n isa_n 37_o 36._o rev._n 16._o throughout_o 4._o they_o defend_v the_o godly_a both_o against_o wicked_a man_n wicked_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a practice_n rev_n 7.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 34.7_o and_o 91.11_o gen._n 32.1_o 2._o 2_o king_n 6.14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n 5._o next_o after_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a in_o their_o distress_n luke_n 1.30_o act_n 10.4_o and_o 27.24_o dan._n 6.10_o 11_o 12._o luke_n 22.43_o 6._o they_o be_v god_n reaper_n and_o gatherer_n of_o god_n elect_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24.31_o from_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v send_v and_o reveal_v by_o the_o angel_n under_o this_o relation_n of_o his_o servant_n john_n what_o this_o john_n be_v be_v make_v full_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o preliminary_n discourse_n unto_o the_o title_n it_o be_v john_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n our_o lord_n kinsman_n the_o belove_a disciple_n a_o great_a pillar_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v here_o describe_v under_o the_o title_n and_o relation_n of_o servant_n not_o only_o so_o by_o right_a of_o creation_n but_o of_o redemption_n special_a right_n covenant_n and_o service_n from_o which_o observe_v that_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o service_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n than_o any_o outward_a relation_n to_o he_o better_o be_v christ_n bondman_n than_o his_o kinsman_n inward_a privilege_n be_v more_o honourable_a than_o carnal_a mary_n be_v happy_a in_o carry_v christ_n in_o her_o heart_n then_o in_o her_o womb_n john_n glory_v more_o to_o be_v christ_n servant_n than_o his_o cousin_n mat._n 12.47_o 48_o etc._n etc._n christ_n profess_v that_o they_o be_v his_o kindred_n who_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o he_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n in_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v as_o sure_a of_o his_o love_n and_o acceptation_n as_o any_o of_o his_o near_a friend_n or_o kinsman_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v man_n great_a honour_n to_o be_v christ_n servant_n it_o be_v a_o curse_n upon_o cain_n gen._n 9_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o servant_n but_o to_o be_v christ_n servant_n be_v not_o only_o free_a but_o noble_a john_n though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a pillar_n a_o prophetical_a apostle_n the_o darling_n disciple_n yet_o christ_n call_v he_o but_o his_o servant_n paul_n
over_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o discovery_n to_o wit_n the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o security_n in_o that_o condition_n together_o with_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n its_o reign_n pollution_n and_o a_o discovery_n thereof_o and_o at_o last_o its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o abolition_n and_o the_o consequent_a thereof_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o church_n to_o glory_n judicious_a christian_n shall_v account_v this_o knowledge_n excellent_a it_o will_v much_o help_v to_o keep_v their_o spirit_n in_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n this_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o time_n of_o patience_n and_o tribulation_n not_o of_o triumph_v and_o reign_v while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v absent_a the_o spouse_n be_v under_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n not_o of_o mirth_n and_o rejoice_v the_o scarlet_a whore_n or_o harlot_n church_n sit_v yet_o as_o a_o queen_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a spouse_n sit_v mourning_n yet_o still_o expect_v the_o daystar_n to_o arise_v for_o her_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n see_v more_o concern_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o work_n observe_v 3._o the_o content_n and_o intendment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n read_v and_o hear_v will_v not_o serve_v turn_n there_o must_v be_v a_o keep_n that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v read_v to_o advantage_v the_o thing_n in_o this_o prophecy_n must_v read_v observant_o hear_v attentive_o and_o at_o last_o treasure_n up_o in_o his_o heart_n what_o he_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o so_o have_v careful_o observe_v the_o content_n of_o each_o prophecy_n with_o a_o right_a application_n thereof_o he_o become_v most_o bless_v and_o happy_a from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n observe_v 4._o that_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o the_o choice_a truth_n be_v hard_a come_v by_o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n quod_fw-la difficilimum_fw-la pulcherrimum_n truth_n as_o treasure_n that_o lie_v deep_a be_v sweet_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o knot_n there_o be_v in_o the_o choice_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n justification_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o inform_v we_o several_a lesson_n 1._o to_o set_v a_o reverence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v choice_a one_o not_o easy_o come_v by_o 2._o it_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o our_o swell_a conceit_n as_o if_o we_o know_v all_o mystery_n and_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v creature_n not_o omniscient_a and_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o many_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n though_o we_o know_v they_o not_o 3._o it_o quicken_v we_o to_o duty_n and_o whet_v our_o endeavour_n to_o the_o attainment_n thereof_o strive_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o strait_a gate_n choice_a truth_n as_o heaven_n must_v be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v they_o by_o force_n 4._o god_n have_v hide_v some_o excellent_a truth_n under_o the_o rock_n and_o lay_v they_o deep_a that_o the_o great_a ability_n and_o grace_n he_o give_v may_v be_v exercise_v therein_o in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v meat_n for_o babe_n and_o also_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n both_o have_v enough_o that_o neither_o may_v complain_v for_o want_n 5._o last_o it_o drive_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o david_n open_v thou_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o same_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n v._o 10._o which_o intimate_v that_o all_o aught_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o content_n of_o this_o prophecy_n because_o the_o time_n be_v then_o at_o hand_n and_o draw_v nigh_o wherein_o all_o the_o prediction_n thereof_o must_v be_v accomplish_v and_o wherein_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v forthwith_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o order_n until_o all_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o these_o prophecy_n by_o christ_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v hence_o observe_v that_o those_o prophecy_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o run_v out_o present_o upon_o john_n time_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n since_o until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n treat_v on_o the_o particular_n verse_n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n john_n have_v discover_v the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o first_o two_o verse_n by_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o the_o instrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v send_v and_o receive_v and_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o a_o sure_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o he_o go_v on_o with_o a_o salute_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n by_o way_n of_o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n wherein_o partly_o he_o commend_v and_o encourage_v they_o partly_o he_o check_v they_o which_o will_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o discourse_n before_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n themselves_o from_o whence_o observe_v that_o christ_n minister_n or_o prophet_n though_o they_o have_v a_o burden_n or_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n to_o denounce_v against_o a_o people_n or_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o their_o mouth_n with_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o they_o the_o work_n of_o judgement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o abhorrency_n unto_o god_n why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v and_o heal_v you_o but_o you_o will_v not_o it_o be_v god_n method_n a_o long_a time_n to_o exercise_v his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n before_o his_o wrath_n be_v execute_v he_o will_v try_v all_o mean_n in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o mercy_n by_o providence_n by_o deliverance_n to_o win_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o he_o will_v as_o a_o good_a husbandman_n many_o year_n enclose_v dig_v dress_v and_o prune_v his_o vineyard_n in_o expectance_n of_o fruitfulness_n before_o he_o will_v hew_v they_o down_o and_o cast_v they_o in_o the_o fire_n he_o will_v abide_v long_o with_o his_o backslide_a child_n forty_o year_n long_o be_v he_o grieve_v by_o his_o gainsay_n people_n israel_n yea_o he_o will_v come_v down_o and_o see_v as_o if_o former_o he_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o sin_n hope_v of_o their_o amendment_n by_o such_o forbearance_n whether_o their_o transgression_n be_v so_o or_o not_o ezek._n 33.11_o god_n take_v a_o solemn_a oath_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a turn_v turn_v etc._n etc._n when_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v by_o unrepentant_a sinner_n enforce_v to_o withdraw_v his_o presence_n and_o execute_v his_o judgement_n o_o how_o trouble_a be_v he_o at_o it_o he_o do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v step_z by_z step_z ezek_n 10.4_o when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o glory_n from_o the_o temple_n first_o it_o move_v to_o the_o threshold_n then_o towards_o heaven_n v._o 19_o then_o to_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o mountain_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o city_n cap._n 11._o 23._o and_o so_o at_o last_o go_v whole_o from_o they_o this_o set_v a_o reproof_n upon_o such_o that_o come_v like_o boanarge_n son_n of_o thunder_n with_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n before_o they_o have_v make_v experiment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o peace_n and_o grace_n that_o of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v unto_o they_o they_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o observe_v 2._o that_o all_o christ_n faithful_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o soul_n by_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o god_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o all_o their_o hearer_n it_o be_v john_n wish_n here_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n paul_n always_o in_o every_o epistle_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v they_o rom._n 1.7_o it_o manifest_v our_o charity_n and_o our_o duty_n in_o pray_v for_o all_o
disciple_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o imprison_v revile_v and_o suffer_v many_o persecution_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v from_o that_o promise_n in_o gen._n 3._o that_o god_n will_v set_v enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o this_o enmity_n have_v abide_v ever_o since_o and_o will_v ever_o abide_v between_o those_o two_o mystical_a seed_n until_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n christ_n and_o his_o member_n shall_v become_v absolute_a conqueror_n in_o the_o bind_n up_o the_o old_a serpent_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o enmity_n and_o mischief_n this_o inform_v god_n people_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o when_o the_o world_n and_o their_o enemy_n do_v rage_n against_o they_o here_o a_o question_n may_v come_v in_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v brief_o that_o truth_n be_v either_o about_o fundamental_o or_o circumstantial_o fundamental_o be_v such_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o we_o can_v ordinary_o be_v save_v and_o they_o be_v conversant_a either_o about_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o saint_n and_o christian_n or_o second_o about_o the_o well-being_n in_o preserve_v and_o build_v up_o this_o christian_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v call_v principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n heb._n 6.1_o you_o know_v no_o one_o can_v proceed_v to_o be_v a_o artist_n in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n or_o come_v to_o any_o perfection_n therein_o without_o some_o certain_a rule_n and_o principle_n to_o proceed_v by_o so_o none_o can_v become_v a_o true_a christian_a or_o artist_n in_o that_o heavenly_a science_n of_o christianity_n without_o some_o first_o lay_v principle_n and_o among_o those_o fundamental_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_n i_o believe_v as_o some_o have_v be_v too_o large_a in_o the_o description_n of_o their_o fundamental_o so_o some_o have_v be_v too_o narrow_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v not_o precise_o determine_v by_o any_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v gather_v up_o here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o parcel_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a to_o define_v their_o certain_a number_n only_o i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o that_o creed_n which_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a set_v a_o qualify_a sense_n on_o that_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n to_o be_v the_o exact_a square_n and_o rule_v of_o principle_n that_o relate_v unto_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v this_o day_n extant_a and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n now_o second_o other_o fundamental_o be_v about_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o baptism_n lord_n supper_n prayer_n thanks-givings_a all_o church_n order_n and_o fellowship_n preach_v exhort_v reprove_v oversee_n and_o the_o like_a and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n we_o be_v rather_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o they_o then_o to_o defile_v our_o soul_n or_o conscience_n under_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o they_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o bear_v they_o a_o testimony_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o every_o opinion_n that_o arise_v about_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o manner_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n which_o be_v but_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o set_v bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n therein_o it_o savour_v rather_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n heat_n and_o passion_n then_o of_o find_a judgement_n and_o christian_n wisdom_n this_o be_v to_o make_v hard_a knot_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o christ_n call_v his_o yoke_n easy_a this_o be_v to_o make_v it_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a the_o substantial_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o the_o blind_a may_v walk_v therein_o and_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v through_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v mystery_n high_a question_n and_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n these_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o gift_n not_o of_o our_o faith_n no_o further_o then_o as_o part_v of_o the_o reveal_v mind_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n though_o we_o understand_v they_o not_o which_o be_v reserve_v until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o when_o all_o our_o ignorances_n and_n imperfection_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o this_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o some_o hot_a spirit_n of_o these_o time_n that_o rather_o than_o lose_v or_o part_n with_o their_o wild_a opinion_n or_o let_v they_o lie_v unvented_a will_v break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n charity_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o utter_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o otherwise_o their_o gift_n and_o part_n may_v stand_v in_o stead_n for_o i_o doubt_v all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o our_o time_n be_v too_o far_o baptize_v into_o this_o error_n and_o satan_n have_v too_o great_a a_o stroke_n in_o it_o to_o divide_v the_o heart_n of_o christian_n about_o circumstantial_o when_o as_o they_o hold_v one_o and_o the_o same_o fundamental_o joint_o together_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n remedy_n this_o great_a evil_n and_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n verse_n 10._o i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o in_o beza_n translation_n be_v render_v correptus_fw-la in_o spiritu_fw-la i_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n a_o ecstasy_n wherein_o john_n receive_v this_o vision_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o their_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n they_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o themselves_o and_o out_o of_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o this_o be_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v mighty_o in_o their_o spirit_n observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v set_v a_o violence_n on_o those_o person_n he_o employ_v about_o the_o high_a mystery_n and_o discovery_n of_o his_o choice_a truth_n paul_n that_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o have_v his_o rapture_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v exekiel_n when_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o high_a vision_n he_o oft_o report_v of_o the_o spirit_n enter_v into_o he_o and_o take_v he_o up_o cap._n 3.12_o and_o 2.2_o john_n for_o his_o better_a accomplishment_n to_o receive_v those_o divine_a vision_n he_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v first_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o take_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a view_n of_o those_o divine_a discovery_n which_o be_v about_o to_o be_v show_v unto_o he_o when_o we_o will_v show_v one_o thing_n distinct_o we_o use_v to_o place_v he_o up_o on_o high_a for_o the_o better_a sight_n second_o that_o he_o may_v have_v satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o those_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n see_v he_o have_v so_o extraordinary_a taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o may_v well_o conclude_v he_o be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v to_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o church_n last_o that_o his_o thought_n and_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v sequester_v from_o thing_n below_o and_o his_o contemplation_n raise_v high_a on_o thing_n divine_a as_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v another_o note_n from_o hence_o be_v as_o a_o corrollary_n to_o the_o former_a that_o when_o christ_n set_v up_o any_o eminent_a officer_n or_o light_n in_o
and_o catholic_a instruction_n in_o his_o mouth_n the_o devil_n or_o the_o devilish_a preacher_n answer_v he_o that_o whilst_o he_o preach_v good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n unto_o his_o auditor_n and_o they_o be_v not_o follower_n of_o it_o he_o have_v his_o end_n even_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o condemnation_n for_o their_o neglect_n inproficiency_n and_o contempt_n of_o such_o good_a doctrine_n sure_o how_o this_o odd_a design_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o devil_n be_v head_n i_o know_v not_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o truth_n abide_v not_o in_o he_o nor_o will_v confess_v it_o no_o further_o than_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o overmastering_a divine_a power_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o god_n never_o send_v the_o evil_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o messenger_n to_o provoke_v to_o break_v off_o from_o sin_n to_o live_v to_o god_n holiness_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n his_o very_a nature_n be_v contrary_a to_o such_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o great_a hinderer_n not_o the_o promoter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v another_o mark_n to_o discern_v of_o what_o spirit_n vision_n be_v of_o three_o another_o distinguish_a mark_n be_v that_o in_o respect_n those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o terribleness_n in_o the_o strange_a apparition_n therein_o they_o leave_v a_o high_a and_o strange_a impression_n of_o spirit_n upon_o the_o party_n under_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n leave_v always_o behind_o they_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v away_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o glory_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o worthlesness_n isaiah_n the_o prophet_n when_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o have_v discovery_n of_o his_o glory_n he_o can_v call_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o job_n also_o confess_v cap._n 42._o 5_o 6._o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n do_v always_o humble_a in_o that_o it_o bring_v to_o sight_n our_o own_o worthlesness_n even_o in_o our_o best_a attainment_n in_o respect_n of_o it_o which_o cause_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n now_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n bring_v contrary_a fruit_n and_o effect_n as_o pride_n vainglory_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v difference_v in_o their_o operation_n four_o vision_n ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n though_o often_o they_o may_v much_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v their_o spirit_n that_o be_v under_o they_o as_o in_o dan._n 7.15_o and_o 8.27_o and_o take_v away_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o present_a and_o their_o strength_n and_o comeliness_n and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v faint_v dead_a dumb_a and_o breathless_a as_o in_o daniel_n cap._n 10._o 8._o 15._o 17._o verse_n and_o as_o john_n in_o verse_n 17._o at_o the_o vision_n of_o christ_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o zachariah_n paul_n etc._n etc._n yet_o after_o they_o be_v pass_v they_o have_v no_o impair_n in_o the_o part_n either_o of_o their_o body_n or_o soul_n but_o rather_o a_o great_a glory_n put_v upon_o they_o as_o moses_n who_o face_n do_v shine_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o vision_n of_o god_n paul_n grow_v a_o most_o eminent_a light_n and_o the_o high_a of_o all_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o convert_n vision_n act_v 9_o john_n here_o receive_v great_a and_o high_a revelation_n from_o christ_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n god_n be_v no_o hard_a master_n none_o be_v ever_o loser_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n in_o this_o sort_n for_o unto_o such_o he_o common_o add_v great_a addition_n of_o part_n grace_n and_o glory_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n rapture_n or_o possession_n many_o have_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o due_a temperature_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o become_v altogether_o besot_v and_o wittol_n but_o have_v also_o their_o body_n impair_v by_o the_o hard_a service_n of_o their_o master_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v report_v and_o common_o by_o experience_n see_v of_o witch_n and_o such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o be_v true_o bewitch_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o as_o servant_n to_o his_o will_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o impair_v and_o hurt_v by_o his_o possession_n and_o daily_a disturb_v of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o apollyon_n or_o destroyer_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v break_v in_o their_o reason_n they_o conceive_v in_o their_o rapture_n that_o they_o be_v transform_v into_o strange_a shape_n of_o cat_n dog_n hare_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o instant_a to_o be_v transport_v and_o carry_v into_o far_a place_n distant_a and_o in_o and_o out_o to_o house_n though_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v thing_n in_o themselves_o above_o the_o efficiency_n of_o any_o creature_n and_o contradictory_n to_o nature_n and_o all_o its_o work_n and_o unless_o person_n of_o such_o belief_n make_v two_o omnipotents_a it_o can_v never_o stand_v indeed_o the_o true_a ground_n hereof_o and_o of_o all_o their_o confession_n in_o this_o kind_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o devil_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o frequent_a ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n have_v so_o befool_v they_o in_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o do_v very_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v real_o do_v and_o act_v which_o the_o devil_n do_v represent_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n and_o so_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n believe_v and_o often_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v of_o truth_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v impossibility_n in_o nature_n without_o a_o miracle_n and_o have_v never_o a_o be_v further_o than_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o their_o confuse_a and_o disturb_a brain_n this_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n five_o and_o last_o if_o all_o these_o former_a distinguish_a mark_n fail_v for_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v very_o far_o in_o comply_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o herein_o he_o can_v deceive_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o vision_n or_o revelation_n in_o the_o event_n thereof_o this_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o try_v he_o whether_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o event_n discover_v vision_n and_o distinguish_v prophet_n jer._n 28.9_o the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o and_o this_o be_v according_a to_o that_o of_o deut._n 18.21_o 22._o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o a_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o look_v to_o the_o event_n if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v of_o god_n if_o not_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o jerusalem_n hananiah_n and_o other_o false_a prophet_n the_o contrary_a jer._n 28.2_o 3_o 4._o ahab_n fear_v not_o to_o go_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n while_o zedekiah_n the_o false_a prophet_n tell_v he_o go_v and_o prosper_v 1_o king_n 22._o but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o micaiah_n prove_v true_a to_o ahab_n in_o his_o destruction_n than_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v confound_v and_o zedekiah_n run_v into_o a_o inner_a chamber_n to_o hide_v himself_o 2_o king_n 22.25_o object_n but_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n yes_o but_o not_o with_o that_o clearness_n as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v he_o leave_v no_o hesitation_n or_o doubt_v on_o which_o side_n the_o overthrow_n will_v be_v the_o beast_n together_o with_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n must_v be_v take_v and_o destroy_v the_o saint_n must_v remain_v the_o conqueror_n satan_n in_o his_o prediction_n be_v but_o as_o a_o good_a guesser_n or_o conjecturer_n at_o best_a to_o keep_v his_o credit_n good_a with_o his_o complice_n he_o give_v out_o his_o prediction_n in_o riddle_n or_o aenigma_n as_o of_o old_a in_o the_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n aio_fw-la te_fw-la aeacides_n romanos_fw-la vincere_fw-la posse_fw-la or_o that_o of_o croesus_n croesus_n halyn_n penetrans_fw-la magnam_fw-la pervertet_fw-la opum_fw-la vim_o both_o which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o diverse_a sense_n which_o the_o constructor_n take_v in_o advantage_n as_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o prove_v to_o both_o fatal_a in_o not_o
apply_v they_o the_o right_a way_n again_o if_o satan_n foretell_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o gather_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o long_a experience_a converse_v in_o they_o and_o this_o at_o best_a can_v be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o therefore_o keep_v himself_o to_o those_o dark_a way_n of_o delivery_n last_o to_o ascribe_v to_o satan_n truth_n in_o foretell_v of_o event_n it_o will_v rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o one_o of_o his_o great_a prerogative_n which_o he_o alone_o by_o his_o spirit_n have_v often_o manifest_v to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n for_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n object_n but_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o 1_o sam._n 28.19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fulfil_v i_o answer_v first_o among_o expositor_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n they_o that_o hold_v it_o be_v samuel_n himself_o who_o be_v at_o rest_n have_v but_o small_a store_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o god_n will_v not_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o exhort_v the_o live_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n second_o it_o be_v improbable_a that_o god_n will_v send_v samuel_n who_o will_v not_o let_v he_o to_o answer_v saul_n in_o his_o life_n time_n because_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o will_v now_o send_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o advise_v he_o and_o then_o too_o when_o he_o be_v advise_v with_o wizard_n and_o witch_n which_o be_v utter_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o his_o law_n but_o the_o current_n of_o most_o expositor_n hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o the_o appearance_n or_o likeness_n of_o samuel_n but_o herein_o submit_v to_o the_o judicious_a and_o more_o discern_a judgement_n i_o here_o lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n to_o the_o contrary_a if_o this_o be_v satan_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o samuel_n it_o be_v strange_a he_o will_v leave_v such_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n to_o all_o posterity_n to_o the_o destruction_n and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n as_o this_o be_v saul_n have_v depart_v from_o god_n and_o disobey_v his_o voice_n therefore_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o and_o give_v his_o kingdom_n unto_o another_o even_o unto_o david_n ver_fw-la 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o at_o last_o for_o this_o his_o disobedience_n will_v destroy_v he_o and_o his_o family_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n now_o this_o be_v against_o that_o former_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o kingdom_n divide_v can_v stand_v be_v satan_n divide_v against_o himself_o collate_n unto_o this_o the_o reason_n a_o little_a before_o mention_v and_o judge_v whether_o ever_o that_o spirit_n of_o lie_n and_o enmity_n to_o mankind_n will_v leave_v such_o a_o good_a and_o fruitful_a lesson_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n upon_o record_n to_o his_o prejudice_n for_o ever_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o be_o hardly_o induce_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v satan_n in_o samuel_n apparition_n but_o rather_o a_o cozen_a confederate_a of_o the_o pythonist_n of_o endor_n set_v up_o by_o she_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n describe_v by_o she_o or_o set_v up_o in_o the_o shape_n and_o garment_n of_o the_o old_a and_o famous_a prophet_n samuel_n who_o be_v but_o late_o dead_a and_o therefore_o his_o posture_n garment_n and_o also_o his_o prophecy_n of_o rend_v the_o kingdom_n from_o saul_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o david_n be_v very_o well_o know_v unto_o all_o israel_n and_o therefore_o this_o witch_n of_o endor_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a way_n distant_a from_o the_o court_n of_o saul_n where_o samuel_n be_v often_o conversant_a in_o his_o life_n time_n as_o appear_v from_o vers_fw-la 7_o and_o 8._o campare_v with_o 25_o and_o also_o it_o appear_v unto_o i_o that_o saul_n here_o in_o the_o whole_a transaction_n do_v not_o see_v the_o counterfeit_a samuel_n by_o that_o his_o question_n in_o vers_fw-la 14._o what_o form_n be_v he_o of_o and_o she_o say_v a_o old_a man_n come_v up_o and_o he_o be_v cover_v with_o a_o mantle_n and_o saul_n perceive_v by_o this_o description_n of_o she_o that_o it_o be_v samuel_n he_o bow_v himself_o and_o so_o proceed_v to_o his_o business_n with_o this_o samuel_n or_o counterfeit_a which_o may_v lie_v hide_v behind_o some_o shrine_n hang_v or_o grate_n where_o the_o whole_a cozenage_n be_v transact_v and_o how_o easy_o saul_n be_v to_o be_v catch_v and_o deceive_v in_o this_o kind_n appear_v from_o his_o distraction_n consternation_n and_o fear_v he_o be_v in_o be_v serround_v of_o his_o enemy_n forsake_v of_o god_n and_o seek_v unto_o witch_n in_o this_o time_n of_o trouble_n this_o wise_a woman_n or_o witch_n of_o endor_n with_o her_o confederate_a know_v well_o enough_o that_o this_o be_v saul_n be_v high_a by_o the_o head_n then_o all_o israel_n though_o disguise_v and_o by_o his_o attendant_n and_o servant_n with_o he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o whole_a art_n of_o cozenage_n though_o she_o counterfeit_v the_o contrary_a verse_n 12._o this_o appear_v from_o her_o neighbourhood_n with_o the_o court_n he_o come_v to_o she_o and_o after_o all_o these_o cozen_a transaction_n return_v the_o same_o night_n again_o verse_n 25._o whereas_o this_o counterfeit_n be_v here_o often_o call_v samuel_n and_o saul_n take_v he_o indeed_o to_o be_v samuel_n yet_o this_o make_v it_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a samuel_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o samuel_n shape_n so_o that_o under_o correction_n of_o better_a judgement_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n this_o be_v not_o satan_n in_o samuel_n likeness_n that_o leave_v this_o useful_a lesson_n and_o prediction_n for_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a but_o rather_o proceed_v from_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n of_o endor_n and_o her_o well-informed_n confederate_a who_o well_o know_v of_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n that_o god_n will_v take_v off_o the_o kingdom_n from_o saul_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o his_o servant_n david_n because_o saul_n have_v disobey_v god_n voice_n in_o the_o business_n of_o agag_n and_o this_o she_o can_v foresee_v be_v the_o time_n in_o that_o the_o philistine_n the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n be_v come_v up_o against_o he_o and_o he_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v for_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o and_o have_v deny_v to_o answer_v he_o either_o by_o prophet_n urim_n or_o thummim_v i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o the_o long_a herein_o to_o stave_v the_o devil_n off_o that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o god_n prerogative_n in_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o samuel_n likeness_n yet_o i_o answer_v the_o devil_n may_v well_o gather_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n from_o that_o of_o samuel_n pprophecy_n against_o he_o when_o in_o his_o life_n time_n at_o gilgal_n he_o come_v and_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n will_v rend_v his_o kingdom_n from_o he_o for_o not_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o his_o servant_n david_n 1_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o therefore_o the_o devil_n here_o may_v well_o predict_v the_o same_o unto_o saul_n come_v to_o he_o to_o know_v the_o event_n and_o success_n of_o his_o undertake_n against_o the_o philistine_n but_o in_o the_o time_n and_o some_o other_o circumstance_n of_o this_o prediction_n whether_o it_o proceed_v from_o satan_n or_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a failure_n therein_o to_o show_v that_o god_n spirit_n alone_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o the_o sure_a foretell_v of_o all_o event_n in_o the_o full_a truth_n thereof_o for_o this_o pretend_a samuel_n tell_v saul_n that_o to_o morrow_n he_o and_o his_o son_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n but_o observe_v if_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n how_o this_o father_n of_o lie_n keep_v on_o his_o old_a trade_n of_o lie_v for_o indeed_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n be_v not_o overthrow_v nor_o slay_v by_o the_o philistine_n on_o the_o morrow_n but_o some_o day_n after_o as_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o several_a transaction_n do_v by_o david_n in_o the_o 29_o and_o 30_o chapter_n against_o the_o amalekite_n after_o he_o be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o army_n of_o the_o philistine_n before_o they_o fall_v upon_o saul_n and_o his_o army_n to_o their_o
peace_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o beautiful_a be_v their_o foot_n and_o so_o may_v right_o be_v represent_v mystical_o or_o figurative_o by_o those_o lightsome_a and_o noble_a creature_n the_o star_n but_o to_o prevent_v tediousness_n in_o repetition_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o note_n on_o the_o precedent_n sixteenth_o verse_n where_o i_o have_v full_o discuss_v the_o same_o subject_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o seven_o church_n to_o wit_n in_o ephes_n smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n in_o exodus_fw-la 25._o among_o the_o adorement_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n god_n command_v mâ—ses_n to_o make_v a_o candlestick_n of_o beat_a gold_n christ_n in_o this_o verse_n take_v up_o the_o figure_n and_o type_n of_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n to_o represent_v mystical_o his_o tabernacle_n with_o man_n his_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n wherein_o his_o glorious_a presence_n do_v most_o resplendent_o appear_v for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 13._o that_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o in_o great_a lustre_n glory_n and_o splendour_n golden_a candlestick_n be_v fit_a type_n and_o emblem_n to_o represent_v christ_n church_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o choice_a metal_n they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n observe_v christ_n church_n be_v of_o that_o precious_a allay_n and_o temper_n that_o they_o excel_v all_o other_o assembly_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o eminent_a be_v but_o as_o lead_v or_o tin_n but_o those_o like_a precious_a gold_n second_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o try_a and_o refine_a metal_n that_o be_v so_o be_v christ_n church_n they_o go_v under_o seven_o fold_n refinement_n they_o have_v trial_n from_o god_n and_o man_n refinement_n by_o affliction_n refinement_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o their_o dross_n be_v do_v away_o and_o so_o become_v most_o precious_a and_o shine_a gold_n three_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a dear_a and_o high_a esteem_a metal_n among_o man_n so_o christ_n church_n be_v the_o most_o high_o respect_v by_o god_n of_o all_o creature_n the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o their_o sake_n yea_o they_o be_v the_o right_a heir_n that_o be_v that_o have_v the_o more_o especial_a right_n by_o blessing_n promise_n and_o compact_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n thereof_o whether_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v why_o all_o be_v you_o if_o christ_n be_v you_o 1_o cor._n 3.23_o four_o it_o be_v the_o most_o extensive_a and_o ductible_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v the_o large_a bowel_n of_o true_a charity_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o will_v endeavour_v the_o conversion_n and_o pray_v for_o it_o even_o of_o their_o very_a enemy_n five_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a of_o all_o metal_n christ_n church_n be_v of_o the_o great_a weight_n with_o god_n all_o other_o be_v but_o as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n in_o comparison_n of_o they_o they_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n with_o god_n that_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o stay_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o he_o go_v out_o to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n if_o two_o or_o three_o righteous_a person_n be_v in_o a_o city_n god_n will_v not_o destroy_v it_o for_o their_o sake_n six_o and_o last_o gold_n be_v most_o fair_a and_o shine_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o christ_n church_n they_o be_v most_o shine_v in_o their_o grace_n they_o be_v not_o guild_a candlestick_n but_o golden_a one_o yea_o beat_a one_o as_o that_o of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v thou_o be_v all_o fair_a say_v christ_n to_o his_o spouse_n in_o cant._n 1._o my_o love_n behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a like_o a_o lily_n among_o the_o thorn_n so_o be_v my_o love_n among_o the_o daughter_n cant._n 2.2_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o type_n and_o figure_n the_o seven_o candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o how_o they_o suit_v fit_o for_o this_o purpose_n all_o know_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o candlestick_n be_v to_o contain_v and_o hold_v their_o shine_a lamp_n or_o candle_n as_o in_o exod._n 25.37_o and_o thou_o shall_v make_v the_o seven_o lamp_n thereof_o and_o the_o lamp_n thereof_o shall_v thou_o put_v thereon_o to_o give_v light_n towards_o that_o that_o be_v before_o it_o as_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v to_o have_v seven_o lamp_n or_o light_n to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v before_o it_o so_o these_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n those_o seven_o asian_a church_n have_v their_o seven_o lamp_n or_o light_n therein_o which_o number_n denote_v perfection_n to_o enlighten_v all_o that_o be_v before_o it_o they_o have_v also_o their_o seven_o angel_n seven_o faithful_a messenger_n minister_n or_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o truth_n to_o enlighten_v every_o soul_n that_o come_v with_o a_o teachable_a heart_n before_o they_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o candlestick_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n exod._n 25.37_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o shine_a lamp_n in_o they_o that_o be_v minister_n and_o teacher_n that_o be_v both_o godly_a and_o faithful_a one_o each_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n have_v its_o angel_n its_o light_n its_o lamp_n within_o its_o candlestick_n and_o a_o church_n without_o these_o light_n these_o angel_n be_v as_o a_o candlestick_n without_o its_o lamp_n or_o light_n stand_v for_o ornament_n and_o fashion_n sake_n but_o want_v much_o of_o its_o honour_n life_n light_n and_o service_n which_o those_o lamp_n and_o light_n will_v yield_v unto_o it_o for_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n some_o apostle_n some_o evangelist_n some_o prophet_n some_o teacher_n some_o pastor_n some_o elder_n and_o all_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o complete_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n church_n thus_o organise_v with_o their_o angel_n and_o minister_n be_v most_o comely_a yea_o that_o high_a expression_n in_o cant._n 6.4_o may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o thou_o be_v beautiful_a o_o my_o love_n as_o tirza_n comely_a as_o jerusalem_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n amid_o those_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o have_v their_o angel_n or_o lamp_n shine_v within_o they_o christ_n make_v his_o glorious_a appearance_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n verse_n 13._o the_o discovery_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o presence_n both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o judgement_n be_v most_o clear_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o discern_v among_o his_o church_n that_o have_v their_o angel_n minister_n and_o teacher_n shine_v most_o bright_a in_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o midst_n among_o they_o and_o like_v to_o this_o be_v the_o advice_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v to_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n chap._n 1.7_o 8._o when_o she_o have_v lose_v or_o can_v not_o find_v her_o belove_a tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v where_o thou_o make_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n his_o answer_n be_v if_o thou_o know_v not_o thou_o fair_o among_o woman_n go_v thy_o way_n forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v thy_o kid_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n therefore_o o_o thou_o the_o belove_a of_o my_o soul_n cause_n my_o soul_n that_o by_o its_o wander_n have_v long_o miss_v thou_o to_o seek_v for_o thou_o among_o thy_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o thy_o ordinance_n and_o holy_a assembly_n in_o the_o midst_n whereof_o thou_o do_v appear_v that_o my_o soul_n which_o languish_v may_v be_v comfort_v with_o apple_n and_o stay_v with_o flagon_n with_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n from_o thyself_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o garden_n and_o feed_v thy_o flock_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n observe_v 2._o that_o christ_n church_n be_v his_o chief_a treasury_n here_o on_o earth_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n if_o soul_n desire_v to_o come_v into_o the_o true_a light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n where_o shall_v they_o rather_o repair_v then_o unto_o those_o golden_a candlestick_n who_o proper_a service_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o all_o comer_n christ_n be_v find_v walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o verse_n 1â—_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o sun_n run_v its_o course_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v light_n in_o that_o firmament_n and_o much_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n in_o this_o place_n these_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o figure_n of_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o also_o in_o zach._n 4.3_o etc._n etc._n the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n with_o seven_o lamp_n
they_o to_o their_o master_n who_o after_o he_o have_v proceed_v on_o his_o white_a horse_n with_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o not_o turn_v by_o repentance_n he_o can_v go_v forth_o on_o his_o red_a horse_n of_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n his_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o from_o among_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o desolate_a the_o first_o that_o i_o read_v of_o that_o extend_v the_o wing_n of_o his_o authority_n beyond_o his_o own_o just_a limit_n and_o boundary_n be_v victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n who_o hot_o contend_v with_o ireneus_fw-la and_o other_o of_o the_o african_a church_n to_o have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o they_o and_o to_o impose_v his_o dictate_v on_o they_o and_o that_o very_o pertinacious_o about_o a_o frivolous_a controversy_n the_o observation_n of_o easter_n herein_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v begin_v to_o work_v which_o in_o few_o after_o succeed_a age_n come_v to_o its_o full_a stature_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a history_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a do_v testify_v that_o this_o prelacy_n and_o affect_v of_o supremacy_n over_o other_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o one_o single_a church_n person_n or_o many_o combine_a one_o have_v not_o only_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v and_o have_v be_v always_o the_o very_a first_o bear_v of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n three_o another_o reason_n be_v that_o christ_n write_v particular_o to_o each_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o equal_a care_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o his_o church_n while_o they_o continue_v he_o though_o under_o foul_a prevarication_n and_o backslide_n christ_n have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v faithful_a to_o his_o name_n though_o otherwise_o in_o themselves_o very_o faulty_a and_o he_o be_v find_v to_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o providential_o care_v for_o they_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o word_n if_o so_o be_v he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n last_o these_o message_n be_v direct_v to_o each_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o christ_n especial_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o that_o they_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reform_v their_o enormity_n within_o and_o among_o themselves_o that_o the_o church_n error_n and_o infirmity_n may_v not_o be_v tell_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v abroad_o to_o their_o reproach_n among_o their_o enemy_n whilst_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o backslider_n christ_n come_v with_o a_o rod_n and_o stroke_n of_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a heart_a father_n to_o cure_v they_o not_o to_o shame_v and_o reproach_v they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n direct_v john_n to_o write_v his_o message_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o angel_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o by_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v intend_v the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n be_v as_o superintendent_n or_o archbishop_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o whether_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolitan_a over_o the_o other_o six_o sister_n church_n i_o answer_v first_o to_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v no_o colour_n at_o all_o for_o that_o opinion_n for_o the_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o former_a page_n specify_v and_o to_o add_v a_o word_n because_o christ_n command_v each_o angel_n to_o reform_v their_o abuse_n within_o themselves_o he_o send_v not_o the_o angel_n of_o one_o church_n to_o reform_v another_o that_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o it_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v not_o send_v to_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n unto_o ephesus_n nor_o unto_o the_o rest_n but_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n a_o prophet_n john_n a_o man_n of_o god_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o all_o to_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o deposit_v in_o all_o his_o gospel_n church_n and_o to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a for_o their_o deal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o backslide_n indeed_o any_o one_o that_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o call_v as_o john_n have_v may_v exercise_v that_o unlimited_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o know_v not_o any_o in_o these_o day_n or_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o do_v pretend_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o great_a and_o rampant_a roman_a man_n of_o sin_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a pretender_n to_o that_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o yet_o who_o more_o fallible_a than_o himself_o in_o his_o judicial_a sentence_n doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v what_o he_o pretend_v that_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n just_o may_v he_o assume_v authority_n in_o censure_v direct_a and_o govern_v all_o other_o church_n but_o before_o that_o do_v appear_v let_v himself_o and_o other_o that_o assume_v the_o like_a authority_n with_o himself_o hide_v their_o face_n in_o shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o ever_o second_o to_o the_o first_o question_n i_o answer_v that_o those_o i_o confess_v of_o the_o episcopal_a interest_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o superscription_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n do_v intend_v and_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o be_v supreme_a overseer_n director_n and_o mediator_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n within_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o this_o have_v be_v write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v say_v the_o episcopal_v to_o the_o archbishop_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a prelate_n and_o bishop_n over_o all_o other_o the_o prelate_n and_o bishop_n in_o england_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o london_n salisbury_n exeter_z etc._n etc._n that_o be_v say_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n salisbury_n or_o exeter_z etc._n etc._n who_o be_v the_o chief_a bishop_n pastor_n and_o overseer_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n within_o his_o own_o jurisdiction_n and_o diocese_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v according_a to_o the_o latin_a dialect_n bishop_n and_o pastor_n or_o according_a to_o our_o own_o proper_a idiom_n overseer_n and_o feeder_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v synonimas_fw-la and_o be_v but_o as_o several_a denomination_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o divers_a act_n therein_o for_o the_o faculty_n of_o over-seeing_a guidance_n and_o direction_n he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n for_o that_o of_o teach_v instruct_v and_o spiritual_o feed_v his_o flock_n in_o all_o kind_n he_o be_v call_v a_o pastor_n and_o very_o often_o too_o in_o scripture_n for_o his_o rootedness_n and_o soundness_n in_o faith_n life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v call_v a_o elder_a so_o that_o these_o be_v but_o several_a name_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n and_o often_o apply_v in_o scripture_n reciprocal_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n sometime_o he_o be_v call_v the_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n sometime_o the_o bishop_n sometime_o the_o pastor_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o such_o as_o guide_v well_o their_o flock_n and_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n among_o the_o saint_n but_o lest_o herewith_o they_o shall_v be_v elevate_v above_o their_o proper_a station_n they_o ought_v to_o eye_n another_o title_n too_o which_o be_v give_v they_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v minister_n that_o be_v servants_z that_o attend_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n they_o receive_v christ_n message_n and_o commend_v they_o unto_o his_o church_n and_o come_v again_o with_o return_n of_o the_o church_n improvement_n in_o obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n unto_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v here_o entitle_v by_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n messenger_n ambassadors_z or_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o these_o humble_a title_n of_o servitor_n and_o messenger_n will_v suit_v and_o agree_v to_o the_o lording_n stomach_n of_o metropolitan_o and_o lord_n bishop_n or_o chief_a pastor_n over_o many_o
church_n of_o christ_n in_o ephesus_n yet_o i_o presume_v on_o good_a ground_n that_o most_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o ephesus_n cry_v up_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o though_o there_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n in_o rome_n corinth_n smyrna_n pergamus_n and_o other_o place_n mention_v in_o scripture_n yet_o we_o know_v by_o good_a history_n that_o the_o national_a worship_n and_o religion_n be_v ethnic_a unto_o jupiter_n mars_n sol_n venus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o indeed_o i_o confess_v a_o church_n may_v be_v call_v the_o national_a church_n as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n of_o england_n of_o france_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o member_n or_o person_n of_o that_o nation_n but_o herein_o we_o have_v no_o difference_n the_o controversy_n be_v not_o about_o word_n but_o thing_n real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o as_o when_o they_o affirm_v every_o individual_a and_o singular_a parochial_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v particular_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n constitute_v of_o its_o singular_a part_n if_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n be_v the_o church_n what_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o profane_a therein_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v of_o england_n scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n to_o be_v the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o those_o expression_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o far_o at_o present_a have_v do_v with_o the_o inscription_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v know_v from_o who_o this_o subsequent_a message_n come_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o hold_v and_o keep_v in_o his_o fatherly_a hand_n of_o protection_n his_o faithful_a minister_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o his_o church_n for_o glory_n peruse_v the_o sixteenth_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o who_o walk_v that_o be_v be_v in_o active_a posture_n ready_a to_o observe_v all_o the_o do_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o all_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n consult_v more_o at_o large_a with_o v._o 13._o &_o 20._o of_o c._n 1._o from_o christ_n posture_n of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n note_n that_o christ_n be_v very_a intent_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o providential_a observation_n and_o that_o for_o their_o good_a over_o all_o his_o faithful_a church_n this_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n view_v the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v proficient_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o canticle_n cap_n 6._o 11._o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o garden_n of_o nut_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o valley_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o the_o vine_n flourish_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v christ_n be_v now_o view_v his_o church_n grace_n take_v delight_n therein_o and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n that_o the_o crown_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o also_o take_v a_o special_a notice_n of_o their_o backslide_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o deceitfulness_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v loathe_v they_o and_o return_v unto_o their_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n at_o his_o departure_n leave_v as_o his_o last_o comfort_v legacy_n with_o his_o afflict_a church_n matth._n 28.20_o that_o though_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n yet_o in_o his_o providential_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n teach_v direct_a counsel_v support_v and_o comfort_v they_o he_o will_v be_v ever_o with_o they_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o forbear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v see_v thy_o work_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o our_o knowledge_n be_v mix_v and_o join_v with_o much_o imperfection_n and_o at_o best_a be_v but_o a_o mix_a act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o so_o to_o know_v a_o thing_n by_o a_o human_a capacity_n be_v to_o understand_v it_o and_o the_o nature_n thereof_o in_o the_o high_a notion_n that_o its_o capable_a of_o comprehension_n and_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n in_o the_o understanding_n the_o affection_n or_o will_n be_v misplace_v and_o so_o become_v erroneous_a and_o sinful_a for_o a_o mind_n not_o well_o inform_v or_o a_o ignorant_a soul_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v a_o good_a or_o a_o godly_a one_o for_o without_o this_o light_n the_o judgement_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v often_o lead_v astray_o to_o that_o which_o be_v only_o good_a in_o appearance_n and_o to_o contemn_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o here_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n in_o this_o person_n christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o therefore_o all_o our_o work_n be_v patent_n and_o open_a before_o he_o his_o judgement_n or_o affection_n can_v be_v mislead_v to_o approve_v of_o thing_n and_o work_n that_o shall_v not_o or_o disapprove_v of_o work_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v approve_v he_o be_v god_n and_o can_v be_v deceive_v on_o any_o false_a pretence_n he_o see_v our_o work_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n we_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n by_o medium_n mixt_o weak_o and_o imperfect_o he_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n simple_o absolute_o and_o most_o perfect_o the_o eye_n itself_o can_v want_v sight_n nor_o the_o sun_n want_v light_n neither_o can_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o present_a temporal_a world_n or_o his_o church_n this_o spiritual_a world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o he_o or_o their_o handy_a work_n christ_n see_v and_o know_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n full_o what_o be_v approvable_a and_o what_o be_v disapprovable_a in_o they_o hence_o note_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a censurer_n of_o his_o church_n work_n he_o forbid_v to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n he_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o travel_n patience_n and_o sufferance_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o so_o place_v his_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o complacency_n thereon_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v evil_a in_o they_o he_o can_v bear_v without_o a_o reproof_n as_o it_o be_v defection_n or_o failure_n in_o its_o first_o love_n and_o ardent_a affection_n which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n bear_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o vers_n 4._o christ_n also_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n but_o in_o another_o tone_n not_o of_o approbation_n but_o of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n he_o say_v to_o sardis_n cap._n 3._o 1._o 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 and_o in_o verse_n 15._o he_o fall_v upon_o laodicea_n and_o tell_v they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n will_v not_o palliate_v or_o lie_v cushion_n under_o great_a one_o elbow_n and_o prophesy_v smooth_a thing_n unto_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o whilst_o they_o be_v most_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n and_o heart_n have_v not_o god_n a_o controversy_n of_o old_a with_o his_o israel_n for_o this_o
lay_v home_o close_o on_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o her_o prophetic_a delusion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v alone_o in_o the_o angel_n power_n of_o thyatira_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o balaamitish_a prophet_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v especial_o lay_v the_o burden_n and_o reproof_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o superintendent_o of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v clear_o notify_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v whole_o lay_v home_o upon_o the_o church_n v._o 17._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 though_o i_o grant_v the_o eldership_n or_o officer_n may_v be_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o again_o the_o church_n mouth_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n agitate_v in_o his_o name_n and_o be_v to_o precede_v in_o many_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o charge_n for_o admission_n and_o entertainment_n of_o heterodoxy_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sole_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o hence_o this_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o those_o that_o be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o evil_n have_v a_o indubitable_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o either_o not_o to_o admit_v it_o or_o be_v admit_v to_o try_v it_o and_o cut_v it_o off_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o end_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o corruption_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a but_o this_o shall_v suffice_v herein_o see_v more_o hereon_o v._o 20._o follow_v object_n but_o be_v not_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o raise_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n so_o high_a as_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v negative_o for_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n receive_v no_o diminution_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o subordinate_a minister_n of_o state_n to_o receive_v that_o honour_n due_a unto_o their_o place_n neither_o so_o do_v the_o word_n lose_v at_o all_o of_o its_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o church_n have_v its_o due_a honour_n put_v upon_o it_o also_o indeed_o the_o word_n be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la the_o standard_n the_o rule_n and_o light_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o its_o self_n infallible_a must_v needs_o be_v above_o the_o authority_n and_o of_o a_o sure_a testimony_n then_o that_o which_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o fallibility_n and_o imperfection_n as_o the_o choice_a and_o pure_a church_n ever_o be_v as_o those_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o law_n of_o mere_a humane_a institution_n be_v repute_v of_o so_o high_a authority_n that_o it_o bind_v the_o legislator_n themselves_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v above_o those_o that_o make_v it_o but_o much_o more_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o law_n and_o his_o reveal_v mind_n come_v from_o so_o infinite_a and_o unerrable_a a_o legislator_n as_o god_n be_v so_o far_o transcend_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o judicature_n on_o earth_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o infinite_a do_v a_o finite_a creature_n therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v know_v have_v such_o a_o perfection_n in_o it_o that_o whosoever_o be_v conversant_a therein_o it_o be_v able_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o work_n the_o word_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o dial_n if_o the_o dial_n be_v set_v right_o to_o the_o sun_n it_o will_v give_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o day_n so_o if_o the_o church_n give_v a_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o square_a and_o scantling_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n but_o otherwise_o to_o make_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr and_o to_o conclude_v unto_o the_o church_n dictate_v be_v a_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o dial_n which_o will_v prove_v aethiopiam_fw-la lware_v and_o most_o irrational_a so_o that_o church_n that_o keep_v herself_o within_o her_o own_o sphere_n and_o try_v and_o examine_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v heterodox_n and_o unsound_a by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a light_n and_o infallible_a cynosure_n doubtless_o that_o church_n will_v be_v lead_v and_o preserve_v in_o all_o truth_n but_o if_o any_o one_o so_o far_o exalt_v its_o self_n as_o to_o conclude_v for_o truth_n its_o own_o dictate_v dissentaneous_a unto_o the_o word_n but_o suit_v with_o self-interest_n and_o design_n the_o first_o may_v be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n both_o precious_a and_o famous_a for_o its_o faith_n integrity_n and_o justice_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o latter_a will_n soon_o degenerate_a into_o a_o harlot-church_n if_o not_o soon_o become_v apostate_n to_o the_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n wherein_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o walk_v in_o as_o his_o garden_n enclose_v to_o view_v their_o pleasant_a fruit_n but_o the_o other_o christ_n will_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o rot_a tree_n that_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n observe_v 4._o another_o observation_n be_v that_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n and_o church_n there_o be_v find_v great_a corruption_n both_o in_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v find_v both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d evil_a one_o and_o false_a one_o such_o as_o pretend_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v find_v liar_n and_o deceiver_n among_o the_o twelve_o there_o be_v a_o judas_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o the_o world_n and_o church_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o boundary_n in_o eight_o person_n only_o yet_o one_o be_v a_o cham_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o cain_n when_o it_o be_v of_o a_o lesser_a number_n and_o but_o four_o in_o the_o world_n but_o here_o obiter_fw-la and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n decretive_a will_n and_o his_o preceptive_a will._n his_o voluntas_fw-la bene_fw-la placiti_fw-la and_o voluntas_fw-la signi_fw-la as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o or_o his_o will_n of_o purpose_n and_o his_o will_n of_o good_a pleasure_n not_o that_o there_o be_v two_o will_n in_o god_n but_o several_a and_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n as_o by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o love_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o hate_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o purpose_v one_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o command_v another_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o two_o contradictory_n will_n but_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n diversa_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la contraria_fw-la now_o though_o god_n may_v in_o his_o providential_a wisdom_n ordain_v false_a teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n for_o divers_a end_n know_v unto_o god_n and_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o hence_o argue_v either_o for_o admission_n of_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o their_o toleration_n therein_o after_o a_o discovery_n for_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o admit_v not_o such_o be_v know_v into_o the_o consortship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v admit_v upon_o discovery_n we_o tolerate_v they_o not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o tolerate_v quiet_o within_o the_o church_n then_o doubtless_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v not_o receive_v that_o encomium_fw-la and_o well_o do_v for_o their_o zeal_n against_o they_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o worthy_a reproof_n for_o the_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o one_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n and_o obey_v christ_n preceptive_a will_n and_o have_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o the_o other_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o just_a check_n lay_v upon_o she_o so_o that_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v state_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la non_fw-la de_fw-la facto_fw-la i_o confess_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la there_o may_v be_v evil_a person_n false_a teacher_n in_o the_o best_a church_n and_o pure_a time_n but_o de_fw-la
officer_n now_o at_o present_a authorize_v in_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o such_o officer_n then_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o officer_n want_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v right_o dispense_v but_o the_o major_a be_v former_o clear_v the_o consequence_n i_o believe_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o look_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o office_n therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a and_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o primitive_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o positive_a institution_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v moral_a positive_a law_n and_o still_o constringent_a and_o perpetual_a unless_o you_o can_v show_v their_o repeal_v see_v cawdry_n on_o the_o sabbath_n part_v 1._o cap._n 2._o hereon_o and_o therefore_o bind_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n confer_v hereunto_o that_o of_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o all_o which_o indeed_o the_o church_n do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o maintain_v though_o they_o have_v lay_v by_o the_o name_n thereof_o so_o necessary_a do_v they_o find_v the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a office_n though_o the_o office_n themselves_o nominal_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o door_n when_o we_o send_v preacher_n to_o our_o american_n plantation_n for_o the_o discipling_n the_o poor_a indian_n be_v they_o not_o tantamount_n as_o apostle_n when_o eusebius_n the_o centurist_n and_o late_a church_n historiographer_n do_v historify_v the_o act_n and_o occurrence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n evangelist_n when_o person_n do_v interpret_v and_o enucleate_v dark_a or_o prophetical_a scripture_n do_v they_o not_o look_v like_o prophet_n when_o by_o the_o faith_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a corruption_n be_v vanquish_v the_o will_n be_v reform_v health_n restore_v and_o satanical_a dispossession_n accomplish_v do_v they_o not_o carry_v the_o face_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o entertain_v the_o office_n and_o gift_n themselves_o nominal_o as_o well_o as_o operative_o and_o virtual_o though_o with_o some_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o by_o a_o crescent_a as_o unto_o young_a brother_n acknowledge_v always_o and_o that_o just_o a_o pre-eminence_n of_o gift_n and_o spirit_n in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o near_a unto_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o verity_n but_o far_o thereby_o from_o conclude_v that_o their_o office_n be_v bury_v with_o the_o first_o founder_n together_o with_o their_o most_o excellent_a gift_n in_o one_o arm_n but_o still_o keep_v alive_a and_o preserve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o station_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o none_o may_v judge_v i_o rash_a or_o presumptory_a in_o this_o opinion_n i_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o add_v adhuc_fw-la sub_fw-la judice_fw-la lie_fw-la est_fw-la try_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v every_o one_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a to_o walk_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n that_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o question_n may_v be_v seasonable_o set_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v or_o try_v false_a apostle_n from_o true_a christ_n minister_n from_o antichrist_n or_o the_o pseudo-prophet_n from_o the_o orthodox_n see_v the_o false_a one_o can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o rev._n 2.2_o this_o question_n indeed_o be_v worthy_a the_o discussion_n useful_a both_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o public_a authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o strange_a to_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o god_n to_o have_v false_a prophet_n and_o false_a apostle_n in_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 18.19_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o of_o the_o grove_n four_o hundred_o but_o the_o true_a one_o hide_v by_o obadiah_n be_v but_o one_o hundred_o ezekiel_n jeremiah_n meet_v they_o too_o in_o babylon_n jer._n 28_o 29_o chap._n and_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n be_v much_o trouble_v and_o vex_v with_o false_a apostle_n false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n also_o witness_v 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o gal._n 5.12_o matth._n 24.11_o and_o those_o church_n of_o ephesus_n pergamus_n sardis_n etc._n etc._n have_v their_o share_n also_o in_o this_o trouble_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o god_n often_o suffer_v with_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o in_o and_o upon_o his_o church_n to_o make_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o precious_a to_o try_v the_o godly_a and_o discover_v hypocrite_n and_o to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o can_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o preserve_v his_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o contagion_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v to_o try_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o all_o their_o malignant_a influence_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n now_o a_o false_a apostle_n or_o prophet_n may_v be_v discover_v two_o way_n first_o either_o from_o his_o false_a doctrine_n or_o pprophecy_n or_o second_o from_o his_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n the_o ancient_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v call_v seer_n from_o the_o clear_a divine_a revelation_n and_o irradiation_n they_o have_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 17.13_o and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n next_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a call_n to_o exercise_v that_o gift_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n they_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o have_v see_v nothing_o as_o in_o ezek._n 12.2_o 3._o that_o be_v they_o be_v prophet_n because_o they_o will_v be_v prophet_n it_o be_v their_o own_o motion_n that_o make_v they_o prophesy_v they_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v their_o own_o will_n the_o high_a original_n of_o their_o call_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v their_o own_o what_o their_o fancy_n lust_n private_a interest_n affection_n and_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v unto_o they_o so_o their_o prophecy_n come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n as_o that_o of_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o therefore_o however_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v by_o man_n be_v worthless_a in_o god_n account_n because_o it_o only_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o from_o god_n spirit_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n now_o i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o press_v for_o enthusiastic_a prophecy_n but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o close_o with_o man_n base_a interest_n and_o motion_n but_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o therefore_o what_o come_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o private_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n various_o brand_v under_o the_o title_n of_o lie_n dream_n vain_a divination_n perverse_a thing_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mark_v 7.7_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2.6_o another_o jesus_n another_o spirit_n another_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 11_o 4._o therefore_o paul_n dare_v not_o preach_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o what_o he_o have_v from_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o therefore_o we_o may_v plain_o judge_v a_o false_a prophet_n or_o apostle_n when_o he_o come_v with_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n and_o own_o spirit_n and_o own_o design_n be_v opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o spirit_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n within_o the_o gospel_n object_n but_o will_v not_o some_o say_v that_o all_o heretic_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v with_o verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v high_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v concordant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o in_o vain_a to_o broach_v and_o attest_v they_o and_o who_o more_o high_a than_o
and_o good_a work_n as_o former_o she_o do_v as_o the_o true_a effect_n and_o issue_n of_o that_o love_n or_o else_o etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o contemplation_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a gospel_n motive_n unto_o true_a repentance_n the_o commemoration_n of_o god_n former_a gracious_a deal_n unto_o a_o backslidden_a soul_n will_v operate_v very_o strong_o if_o not_o judicial_o harden_v to_o recall_v he_o unto_o his_o god_n the_o stray_a prodigal_a experience_v this_o truth_n in_o himself_o luke_n 15.17_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o consider_v how_o that_o many_o hire_a servant_n in_o his_o father_n house_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o yet_o he_o starve_v for_o hunger_n it_o make_v he_o to_o reflect_v upon_o that_o full_a and_o gracious_a condition_n when_o he_o be_v as_o a_o obedient_a son_n with_o his_o father_n which_o move_v he_o to_o set_v on_o the_o resolution_n to_o be_v a_o truant_n no_o long_o but_o to_o arise_v and_o go_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o say_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v break_v the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o recall_v the_o heart_n unto_o its_o first_o love_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o former_a gracious_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o it_o will_v effect_v it_o it_o will_v reason_v thus_o with_o itself_o be_v it_o not_o better_o with_o i_o when_o i_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n then_o now_o it_o be_v since_o i_o have_v break_v with_o he_o be_v not_o my_o soul_n more_o at_o peace_n within_o itself_o when_o i_o be_v more_o zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o keep_v his_o command_n than_o now_o when_o i_o be_o more_o remiss_a and_o cold_a in_o my_o affection_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o christian_n duty_n be_v not_o then_o my_o food_n more_o spiritual_a and_o my_o delight_n more_o heavenly_a then_o now_o when_o i_o be_o clog_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o bewitch_a lust_n thereof_o have_v i_o not_o then_o a_o free_a access_n to_o god_n and_o of_o a_o free_a spirit_n in_o my_o approach_n cry_v abba_n father_n than_o now_o have_v stray_v from_o he_o instead_o thereof_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o of_o fear_n in_o short_a when_o i_o keep_v close_o with_o god_n do_v not_o a_o face_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v appear_v in_o all_o my_o performance_n and_o relation_n but_o now_o have_v depart_v from_o he_o all_o be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o bitterness_n against_o i_o sure_o those_o consideration_n of_o grace_n former_o receive_v will_v work_v more_o upon_o a_o ingenious_a spirit_n than_o any_o thunder_a legal_a threat_n whatsoever_o yet_o i_o add_v if_o these_o will_v not_o do_v christ_n have_v another_o course_n and_o method_n and_o can_v come_v judicial_o and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o such_o obstinate_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o true_a gospel_n repentance_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o change_v the_o mind_n but_o of_o practice_n and_o conversation_n also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rescipicite_fw-la to_o wax_v wise_a or_o repent_v do_v not_o only_o consist_v to_o grow_v wise_a in_o the_o judgement_n but_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o practical_a affection_n also_o if_o the_o will_v be_v not_o right_a as_o to_o its_o object_n as_o well_o as_o the_o judgement_n it_o will_v not_o denominate_v a_o true_a repentant_a the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v right_a as_o to_o her_o faith_n for_o which_o she_o suffer_v in_o patience_n yet_o her_o practice_n and_o affection_n be_v not_o straight_o for_o which_o she_o have_v the_o check_n and_o command_v to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n work_n of_o love_n work_v of_o charity_n work_v of_o piety_n which_o former_o she_o have_v be_v zealous_a in_o in_o true_a repentance_n there_o be_v a_o terminus_n a_o quo_fw-la and_o terminus_n ad_fw-la quem_fw-la turn_v you_o turn_v you_o every_o one_o from_o the_o abomination_n of_o his_o way_n there_o be_v the_o terminus_fw-la a_o quo_fw-la but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o a_o negative_a righteousness_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n but_o there_o must_v be_v terminus_n ad_fw-la quem_fw-la a_o positive_a righteousness_n also_o there_o must_v be_v a_o do_v of_o the_o first_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o love_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o all_o but_o more_o especial_o towards_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v the_o adequate_a ingredient_n of_o true_a and_o gospel_n repentance_n it_o be_v a_o gross_a deceit_n in_o many_o that_o think_v that_o they_o have_v believe_v sufficient_o and_o they_o have_v repent_v sufficient_o when_o they_o have_v alter_v their_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o their_o weathercock_n opinion_n from_o one_o external_a form_n unto_o another_o as_o when_o a_o episcopal_a man_n be_v become_v for_o a_o presbytery_n o_o most_o kind_a and_o benign_a sunshine_n quoth_v he_o but_o when_o a_o presbyterian_a turn_n independent_a in_o judgement_n he_o present_o cry_v out_o that_o heaven_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o never_o consider_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v consist_v in_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n but_o in_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n which_o if_o right_o regulate_v something_o of_o each_o may_v be_v right_o admit_v to_o make_v a_o just_a composure_n in_o the_o next_o place_n some_o think_v their_o repentance_n very_o sound_a when_o they_o have_v change_v one_o error_n for_o another_o when_o of_o a_o arminian_n or_o pelagian_a be_v become_v antinomist_n right_o so_o term_v deny_v and_o oppose_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o duty_n oblige_v unto_o christian_n when_o of_o a_o arrian_n or_o antitrinitarian_n be_v become_v tridheite_n or_o worshipper_n of_o three_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o corrupt_a be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v his_o own_o opinion_n a_o idol_n and_o all_o that_o look_v not_o that_o way_n nor_o bring_v any_o flower_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o yet_o otherwise_o apparent_o gracious_a shall_v neither_o have_v the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n or_o a_o repentant_a soul_n among_o they_o therefore_o with_o all_o such_o i_o will_v leave_v this_o scripture_n as_o a_o signet_n upon_o their_o finger_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n observe_v 3._o another_o note_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n christ_n that_o give_v this_o memento_n be_v that_o christ_n command_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v very_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a to_o bring_v we_o unto_o repentance_n shall_v christ_n be_v our_o anamnestes_n or_o remembrancer_n and_o set_v our_o fault_n before_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n and_o shall_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v melt_v for_o it_o shall_v he_o call_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o in_o his_o everliving_a word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o intend_v or_o hearken_v to_o that_o heavenly_a vision_n he_o give_v but_o one_o glance_n on_o peter_n reflect_v on_o his_o unkindness_n and_o denial_n which_o cause_v peter_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o weep_v bitter_o and_o shall_v he_o not_o only_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o daily_a providential_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n which_o lead_v unto_o repentance_n but_o give_v we_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o yet_o not_o return_v by_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o most_o obdurate_a heart_n and_o of_o stiff-necked_a sinner_n but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o want_v will_n to_o it_o and_o if_o christ_n give_v will_n as_o well_o as_o command_n we_o shall_v ready_o follow_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o where_o christ_n lay_v his_o command_n on_o his_o choose_a one_o he_o also_o give_v there_o the_o first_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v to_o obey_v that_o command_n and_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n may_v be_v oppose_v and_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v quench_v and_o be_v so_o often_o by_o our_o own_o defect_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abundancy_n of_o corruption_n so_o that_o the_o want_n of_o will_n to_o good_a thing_n proceed_v from_o our_o own_o base_a and_o corrupt_a will_n not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n from_o christ_n who_o command_v we_o to_o they_o but_o take_v notice_n though_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v by_o the_o elect_a themselves_o be_v oppose_v darken_a and_o quench_v partial_o but_o not_o total_o and_o final_o but_o at_o last_o will_v get_v the_o victory_n in_o bring_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o god_n unto_o perfection_n second_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o person_n in_o a_o â—nregenerate_a state_n to_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o will_n for_o before_o christ_n move_v thereon_o by_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v right_o will_v any_o good_a thing_n or_o work_n but_o the_o first_o grace_n be_v give_v
christ_n hate_v it_o and_o his_o church_n hate_v it_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o have_v some_o poisonous_a and_o pestilential_a quality_n in_o it_o sometime_o it_o amount_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defile_v both_o judgement_n and_o practice_v joint_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o this_o it_o most_o frequent_o do_v unless_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n will_v seem_v better_o with_o satan_n design_n for_o if_o the_o theoretique_n part_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o sound_a the_o practic_a can_v hardly_o be_v straight_o where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v darken_v our_o foot_n will_v soon_o stumble_v and_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o some_o make_v the_o will_v to_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o practic_a part_n of_o the_o judgement_n so_o near_o they_o be_v relate_v into_o oneness_n that_o the_o contagion_n of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o defilement_n of_o the_o other_o yet_o second_o satan_n be_v so_o serpentine_a and_o crafty_a that_o often_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o will_n and_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o set_v on_o a_o strict_a garb_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n then_o ordinary_a even_o unto_o a_o erenetique_a monastical_a conversation_n deny_v the_o lawful_a comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o society_n that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o great_a impression_n to_o deceive_v thereby_o as_o he_o do_v in_o some_o of_o the_o crafty_a deceive_a heretic_n of_o these_o day_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o but_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o crown_n to_o abominate_a and_o hate_v all_o such_o deed_n and_o mystery_n of_o satan_n even_o as_o they_o be_v abominate_v and_o hate_v by_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 7._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o taste_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n the_o ear_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n or_o organ_n by_o which_o we_o hear_v and_o the_o spirit_n set_v it_o here_o metonimical_o for_o hear_v itself_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o right_a understanding_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o rom._n 10.17_o as_o come_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o a_o sagacious_a and_o diligent_a prepend_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n stir_v up_o and_o warm_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o such_o a_o ear_n be_v here_o call_v as_o competent_o fit_a for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o prophecy_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v chief_o require_v a_o spiritualised_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n and_o a_o well_o order_v judgement_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n holy_a and_o good_a affection_n without_o sound_a knowledge_n will_v not_o reach_v it_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v understanding_n that_o must_v count_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 13.18_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a some_o one_o be_v excellent_a for_o a_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n another_o for_o prophecy_n another_o for_o exhortation_n another_o for_o a_o psalm_n another_o for_o gubernation_n and_o discipline_n another_o be_v excellent_a about_o justification_n another_o about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n other_o again_o be_v for_o unlock_v prophetical_a deep_n and_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n so_o every_o one_o have_v their_o variety_n of_o gift_n and_o excellency_n that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v complete_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o co-assistance_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o book_n be_v dark_a and_o difficult_a to_o the_o supine_n and_o lazy_a christian_n it_o be_v only_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v neither_o angel_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n personal_o consider_v for_o in_o the_o next_o immediate_a verse_n the_o same_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a now_o this_o must_v be_v christ_n who_o appear_v unto_o john_n not_o in_o his_o humanity_n but_o spiritual_o in_o his_o deity_n under_o the_o figure_n and_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n review_n v._n 13._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n to_o denote_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o only_o in_o property_n and_o quality_n with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o in_o essence_n also_o he_o have_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o precedent_a chapter_n v._o 4_o 8_o &_o 17._o who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o in_o vers_fw-la 18._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n all_o make_v up_o this_o harmonious_a conclusion_n and_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o everlasting_a father_n son_n and_o spirit_n our_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o observe_v another_o note_n from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o every_o wise_a and_o judicious_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_a intent_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o all_o his_o providential_a deal_n and_o discovery_n towards_o his_o church_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n what_o god_n speak_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v not_o of_o a_o private_a interpretation_n but_o of_o a_o public_a concernment_n unto_o all_o other_o if_o god_n have_v deal_v in_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n with_o those_o asiatic_a church_n and_o for_o their_o abound_a iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o have_v anathematise_v and_o utter_o unchurch_v they_o all_o think_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v free_a if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o transgression_n with_o they_o there_o be_v other_o church_n too_o as_o well_o as_o these_o once_o famous_a for_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n now_o become_v the_o den_n of_o dragon_n and_o habitation_n of_o all_o unclean_a spirit_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o divine_a judgement_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n how_o behoveful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o be_v sure_a if_o we_o run_v the_o same_o course_n of_o sin_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n of_o indignation_n with_o they_o also_o if_o we_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o repent_v not_o for_o god_n be_v the_o same_o immutable_a be_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o a_o hater_n of_o all_o iniquity_n today_o and_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v hold_v out_o against_o the_o spiritual_a assault_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n will_v i_o give_v say_v christ_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v the_o triumphant_a christian_a conqueror_n describe_v together_o with_o his_o crown_n and_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v the_o conqueror_n the_o reward_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v wherein_o shall_v a_o christian_n combatant_n overcome_v to_o denominate_v he_o a_o true_a conqueror_n and_o to_o overcome_v indeed_o i_o answer_v as_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o armoury_n from_o himself_o which_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n so_o we_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o he_o to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_n warfare_n here_o beneath_o we_o have_v not_o only_o to_o fight_v with_o our_o corruption_n within_o but_o we_o must_v meet_v with_o divers_a assault_n of_o satan_n also_o from_o without_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n to_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o if_o we_o comply_v not_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v his_o buffet_n from_o without_o in_o revile_n reproach_n affliction_n etc._n etc._n and_o often_o as_o paul_n do_v fight_v with_o unreasonable_a and_o bestial_a man_n as_o he_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n so_o that_o he_o that_o overcome_v to_o
unwholesome_a stenche_n and_o savour_n so_o god_n emit_v his_o comfortable_a beam_n of_o providence_n towards_o we_o spread_v our_o table_n with_o good_a thing_n and_o our_o own_o base_a lust_n make_v they_o a_o snare_n unto_o we_o present_v we_o with_o object_n of_o beauty_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o our_o base_a heart_n and_o lust_n make_v they_o occasion_n to_o sin_n god_n give_v we_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n to_o cherish_v we_o and_o we_o turn_v they_o to_o drunkenness_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n dispose_v riches_n and_o honour_n on_o we_o for_o good_a end_n and_o we_o employ_v they_o on_o our_o lust_n usurpation_n and_o grind_v the_o poor_a all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a phisical_o consider_v and_o we_o tacit_o reflect_v on_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o sin_n when_o we_o lie_v the_o blame_n of_o our_o sin_n on_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o woman_n wine_n riches_n honour_n be_v excellent_a creature_n of_o god_n and_o for_o singular_a use_n and_o comfort_n unto_o man_n but_o the_o occasion_n that_o be_v take_v thereby_o to_o sin_n rise_v not_o from_o any_o innate_a quality_n in_o those_o object_n for_o they_o all_o be_v good_a but_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n consider_v that_o of_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n the_o world_n be_v the_o object_n lust_n be_v the_o cause_n the_o reason_n that_o man_n be_v covetous_a effeminate_a voluptuous_a drunkard_n sensual_a etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o riches_n gold_n wine_n woman_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o man_n most_o corrupt_a and_o naughty_a affection_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n which_o do_v as_o the_o spider_n or_o toad_n by_o their_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n turn_v the_o extraction_n of_o the_o sweet_a flower_n into_o poison_n object_n but_o again_o do_v not_o many_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n as_o gen._n 22.1_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n god_n tempt_v or_o move_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n 2_o sam._n 24.1_o god_n stir_v up_o pull_v king_n of_o assiria_n to_o carry_v away_o the_o jew_n captive_a 1_o chron._n 5.26_o and_o also_o psal_n 105.25_o he_o turn_v their_o heart_n to_o hate_v his_o people_n and_o to_o deal_v subtle_o with_o his_o servant_n thus_o also_o 1_o kin._n 22.22_o thou_o shall_v be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n go_v forth_o and_o do_v so_o and_o thou_o shall_v prevail_v it_o be_v also_o say_v rom._n 1.26_o 28._o that_o god_n deliver_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o to_o send_v strong_a delusion_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v say_v of_o joseph_n gen_n 45.5_o 8._o speak_v to_o his_o brethren_n be_v not_o grieve_v nor_o offend_v it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o it_o be_v not_o you_o but_o god_n or_o that_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o city_n but_o god_n be_v in_o it_o amos_n 3_o and_o many_o other_o place_n say_v that_o god_n deliver_v christ_n to_o be_v bruise_v and_o afflict_v by_o his_o unbelieve_a enemy_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a act_n therefore_o from_o those_o and_o the_o like_a place_n it_o may_v full_o be_v object_v that_o god_n tempt_v to_o evil_a and_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v between_o temptation_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o simple_o sinful_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o god_n may_v just_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n by_o call_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n isaac_n for_o he_o be_v the_o god_n and_o maker_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o injustice_n or_o sin_n can_v call_v for_o the_o life_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n god_n can_v lay_v affliction_n on_o job_n and_o who_o can_v question_v his_o righteousness_n for_o it_o god_n can_v chastise_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n with_o ten_o day_n of_o tribulation_n and_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o charge_n trial_n and_o temptation_n on_o this_o account_n be_v not_o simple_o evil_a neither_o be_v they_o absolute_o to_o be_v deprecate_v but_o with_o a_o submission_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o affliction_n at_o present_a seem_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a yet_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o be_v eternal_a life_n if_o our_o judgement_n be_v right_o enlighten_v we_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o the_o afflict_a hand_n of_o god_n or_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o cross_n a_o bitter_a thing_n consider_v the_o happy_a effect_n and_o consequent_n thereof_o even_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o god_n come_v with_o sharp_a correction_n and_o trial_n on_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v strong_a corruption_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o great_a trial_n our_o hope_n be_v the_o great_a and_o more_o sublime_a and_o indeed_o a_o faithful_a christian_n be_v of_o that_o heroic_a spirit_n that_o he_o can_v look_v upon_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a world_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o contempt_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o joy_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o so_o with_o moses_n can_v esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n better_a than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n and_o so_o often_o on_o this_o score_n god_n try_v his_o child_n and_o this_o be_v for_o their_o better_n not_o for_o their_o worse_a but_o second_o i_o answer_v when_o you_o read_v that_o god_n move_v or_o tempt_v to_o that_o act_n that_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v either_o permissive_o or_o judicial_o most_o common_o understand_v as_o when_o god_n move_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n it_o be_v on_o god_n part_n both_o permissive_o and_o judicial_o for_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o israel_n and_o he_o move_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n 2_o sam._n 24.1_o god_n suffer_v it_o and_o that_o judicial_o but_o satan_n do_v it_o malicious_o and_o destructive_o god_n suffer_v satan_n tempt_v god_n judicial_o permit_v it_o satan_n execute_v it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o chron._n 21.1_o satan_n stand_v up_o and_o provoke_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n so_o it_o be_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o pull_v of_o assyria_n to_o carry_v away_o a_o rebellious_a people_n the_o jew_n into_o captivity_n 1_o chron._n 5.26_o god_n only_o permit_v the_o lie_a spirit_n to_o go_v forth_o to_o deceive_v zedekiah_n 1_o king_n 22._o and_o so_o permit_v the_o egyptian_n to_o deal_v deceitful_o with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n psal_n 105.25_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v rise_v in_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n deliver_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n to_o harden_v the_o heart_n to_o blinden_v or_o send_v strong_a delusion_n god_n do_v it_o most_o just_o and_o judicial_o to_o punish_v evil_a with_o evil_n administer_v occasion_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o obstinate_a may_v be_v heighten_v and_o aggravate_v that_o their_o judgement_n may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o in_o the_o case_n of_o joseph_n that_o be_v wicked_o handle_v by_o his_o brethren_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n send_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_n do_v in_o the_o city_n but_o god_n be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o yea_o if_o it_o be_v rebellion_n itself_o as_o 1_o king_n 12.15_o first_o god_n preordains_a it_o intend_v and_o appoint_v it_o shall_v be_v next_o he_o permit_v it_o and_o that_o not_o by_o a_o idle_a permission_n but_o by_o a_o efficacious_a permission_n then_o he_o dispose_v the_o event_n thereof_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n according_a to_o his_o preordained_n purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o last_o god_n be_v say_v to_o deliver_v christ_n to_o bruise_v and_o afflict_v he_o that_o be_v god_n preordains_a he_o to_o that_o end_n and_o hinder_v it_o not_o but_o permit_v it_o by_o a_o providential_a assistance_n and_o co-operation_n by_o which_o every_o physical_a action_n of_o the_o creature_n come_v to_o pass_v for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v object_n but_o than_o it_o seem_v you_o make_v god_n to_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n or_o efficiency_n in_o and_o about_o sin_n i_o answer_v there_o will_v be_v no_o sin_n if_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o commandment_n if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n neither_o be_v it_o beside_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o against_o his_o will_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o he_o be_v not_o god_n omniscient_a or_o omnipotent_a neither_o can_v we_o without_o a_o continue_a concurrence_n and_o supportation_n of_o providence_n produce_v any_o action_n or_o work_n of_o we_o wherein_o there_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v a_o agency_n and_o concurrence_n in_o the_o action_n
cleanse_v we_o and_o sanctify_v we_o how_o shall_v we_o defile_v ourselves_o again_o by_o sin_n lest_o our_o state_n become_v seven_o fold_n worse_o than_o the_o first_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o a_o gracious_a repentant_a spirit_n observe_v god_n be_v so_o gracious_a that_o he_o always_o premonish_v before_o he_o strike_v in_o judgement_n his_o rebellious_a and_o sinful_a people_n he_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n before_o he_o will_v go_v forth_o to_o fight_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n against_o they_o he_o will_v not_o come_v in_o wrath_n upon_o they_o unwarn_v if_o god_n have_v decree_v a_o general_a destruction_n or_o desolation_n to_o any_o church_n he_o will_v make_v it_o know_v unto_o his_o prophet_n they_o shall_v declare_v it_o to_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o so_o often_o here_o in_o these_o two_o chapter_n christ_n say_v 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 let_v he_o that_o be_v wise_a among_o you_o consider_v well_o of_o those_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o you_o and_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o by_o your_o prophet_n john_n and_o to_o what_o end_n do_v god_n this_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n elect_v and_o precious_a one_o among_o they_o may_v be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v secure_v from_o eternal_a ruin_n if_o not_o from_o temporal_a three_o that_o the_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a may_v acknowledge_v their_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o justify_v god_n righteous_a proceed_n against_o they_o yea_o often_o god_n will_v premonish_v a_o long_a time_n and_o bear_v long_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n before_o he_o will_v execute_v the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o they_o isa_n 42.12_o jer._n 3.5_o god_n can_v in_o a_o moment_n crush_v they_o all_o with_o his_o breath_n yet_o wait_v long_o for_o their_o repentance_n 390._o year_n 1_o pet._n 3.20_o about_a 100_o year_n in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n whilst_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o prepare_v god_n long-suffering_a wait_v for_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o noah_n unto_o they_o how_o long_o do_v god_n premonish_v we_o since_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n by_o his_o faithful_a prophet_n and_o minister_n to_o purge_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o leaven_n of_o antichristianism_n from_o among_o we_o before_o he_o will_v go_v out_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o be_v not_o his_o long-suffering_a exercise_v towards_o we_o from_o henry_n 8._o and_o edward_n 6._o day_n unto_o these_o present_a time_n a_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_a still_o look_v and_o expect_v that_o we_o will_v pull_v down_o the_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n that_o jeroboam_n build_v and_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n in_o the_o confine_n of_o our_o holy_a land_n and_o this_o be_v the_o lord_n long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n send_v we_o prophet_n after_o prophet_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n to_o preadmonish_v we_o not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o and_o the_o many_o day_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n god_n do_v give_v unto_o we_o invite_v we_o as_o by_o gracious_a opportunity_n to_o ammendment_n we_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o and_o add_v more_o abomination_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n then_o be_v at_o first_o until_o at_o last_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o fight_v against_o we_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n of_o war_n pestilence_n and_o famine_n as_o we_o have_v late_o have_v sad_a experience_n of_o observe_v 3._o that_o though_o god_n in_o mercy_n to_o his_o people_n give_v they_o often_o a_o long_a time_n of_o preadmonishment_n unto_o repentance_n yet_o if_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a he_o will_v come_v quick_o against_o they_o that_o time_n that_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o long_a and_o far_o distant_a as_o 100_o 500_o or_o 1000_o year_n be_v but_o as_o a_o day_n with_o god_n yea_o but_o a_o little_a space_n and_o at_o present_a with_o he_o for_o he_o be_v eternity_n itself_o without_o measure_n or_o number_n though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o age_n after_o that_o christ_n come_v in_o judgement_n against_o those_o asian_a church_n for_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o come_v quick_o against_o they_o in_o a_o time_n near_o than_o they_o think_v of_o it_o be_v a_o quick_a and_o short_a time_n unto_o sinner_n when_o judgement_n reach_v they_o unexpected_o though_o it_o be_v many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o that_o proud_a city_n and_o scarlet_a whore_n begin_v her_o reign_n as_o queen_n and_o the_o time_n of_o her_o reign_n be_v for_o 1260_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v rev._n 18.2_o babylon_n be_v fall_v babylon_n be_v fall_v and_o be_v become_v the_o habitation_n of_o devil_n that_o be_v god_n see_v it_o as_o already_o do_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o all_o thing_n future_a be_v as_o present_v with_o he_o and_o though_o it_o be_v above_o 1600_o year_n since_o christ_n ascend_v yet_o he_o say_v rev._n 21.20_o sure_o i_o come_v quick_o amen_n the_o people_n of_o the_o old_a world_n and_o of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n think_v the_o day_n of_o god_n vengeance_n afar_o off_o till_o they_o be_v all_o sweep_v away_o with_o the_o desolate_v judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v think_v in_o k._n charles_n his_o time_n when_o revel_v quaff_a dance_v and_o all_o vanity_n be_v in_o their_o throne_n that_o god_n shall_v come_v and_o write_v a_o sentence_n of_o desolation_n and_o misery_n on_o himself_o and_o kingdom_n as_o on_o belshazzar_n dan._n 5.4.5_o 25_o mene_n mene_n tekel_n upharsin_n the_o day_n be_v thy_o kingdom_n take_v from_o thou_o and_o give_v to_o darius_n the_o median_a ver_fw-la 30_o 31._o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o transgression_n with_o our_o predecessor_n let_v we_o not_o be_v secure_a but_o fear_v and_o tremble_v leave_v the_o same_o judgement_n overtake_v we_o also_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o say_v the_o wiseman_n prov._n 28.14_o let_v god_n judgement_n come_v soon_o or_o late_a they_o will_v come_v quick_a enough_o upon_o secure_a unrepentant_a sinner_n it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o prevent_v the_o fire_n when_o the_o house_n be_v in_o flame_n o_o let_v that_o proverb_n in_o ezek._n 12.22_o be_v no_o long_o use_v in_o israel_n say_v the_o day_n be_v prolong_v and_o every_o vision_n fail_v observe_v 4._o that_o god_n people_n and_o church_n fare_v the_o worse_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o wicked_a among_o they_o all_o of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v not_o balaamite_n or_o nicolaitan_n but_o that_o they_o have_v they_o among_o they_o that_o hold_v their_o abominable_a doctrine_n yet_o however_o for_o free_a toleration_n of_o they_o christ_n will_v come_v against_o they_o all_o not_o only_o against_o the_o wicked_a to_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n but_o also_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o quick_o thou_o whole_a church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o suffer_v these_o abomination_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n have_v the_o same_o check_n for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n among_o they_o and_o at_o last_o together_o with_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v both_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o same_o desolate_v judgement_n and_o misery_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o these_o abomination_n among_o they_o liberty_n to_o sin_n be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a faithful_a one_o may_v plead_v for_o liberty_n for_o different_a thing_n and_o judgement_n in_o themselves_o not_o simple_o moral_o evil_a or_o against_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n but_o for_o for_o spiritual_a or_o carnal_a adultery_n such_o must_v needs_o be_v either_o the_o advocate_n of_o antichrist_n or_o the_o devil_n that_o plead_v for_o their_o sufferance_n and_o toleration_n as_o there_o be_v various_a disease_n in_o body_n so_o they_o have_v their_o various_a medicine_n if_o the_o distemperature_n grow_v high_a and_o inflame_v it_o may_v endanger_v the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n mystical_a body_n his_o church_n if_o the_o distemper_a gangrene_n grow_v high_a and_o spread_a and_o ulcerate_v it_o may_v endanger_v the_o whole_a vital_n of_o that_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o natural_a physic_n bloodletting_n evacuating_n heal_a corrode_a and_o cauterize_n medicine_n so_o in_o our_o spiritual_a physic_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o medicine_n suitable_a to_o all_o the_o distemperature_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o use_v lenitive_n or_o heal_a medicine_n when_o the_o disease_n call_v for_o corrode_a or_o cauterize_n plaster_n be_v but_o merciless_a physician_n and_o will_v kill_v and_o
mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb._n this_o be_v the_o terrible_a and_o unknown_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o christ_n himself_o which_o one_o day_n he_o will_v manifest_v when_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o o_o let_v this_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n observe_v 2._o christ_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o intense_a on_o the_o punishment_n of_o delinquent_a church_n christ_n come_v all_o in_o a_o fiery_a posture_n against_o thyatira_n and_o withal_o tell_v she_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o that_o for_o suffer_v jezabel_n within_o she_o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n etc._n etc._n christ_n when_o he_o whip_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n jo_n 2._o do_v it_o so_o zealous_o that_o for_o that_o very_a act_n it_o be_v former_o prophesy_v of_o he_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n in_o his_o carriage_n and_o ready_a to_o punish_v all_o those_o delinquent_a asian_a church_n he_o tell_v ephesus_n in_o the_o first_o place_n except_o she_o repent_v and_o recover_v she_o first_o love_n and_o do_v she_o first_o work_n he_o will_v come_v quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n to_o pergamus_n he_o say_v repent_v or_o i_o come_v quick_o against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n against_o the_o zeal-fallen_a church_n of_o laodicea_n cap._n 3._o 15_o 16._o i_o know_v thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n you_o see_v christ_n will_v not_o spare_v his_o delinquent_a church_n but_o come_v quick_o against_o they_o except_o they_o repent_v and_o this_o proceed_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n answer_n to_o this_o apparition_n of_o he_o to_o john_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o foot_n like_o burn_a brass_n cap._n 1._o 14_o 15._o verse_n 19_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o all_o those_o grace_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o true_a â—eal_a grace_n not_o only_o so_o in_o appearance_n and_o opinion_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o therefore_o christ_n before_o he_o fall_v on_o the_o charge_n against_o she_o first_o he_o give_v a_o approbation_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o her_o grace_n and_o in_o effect_n tell_v she_o it_o be_v true_a o_o church_n of_o thyatira_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v thy_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o thy_o true_a love_n towards_o i_o which_o have_v produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o thou_o the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o thy_o zealous_a service_n and_o thy_o faith_n enliven_v by_o love_n together_o with_o thy_o constant_a patience_n under_o suffering_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o thou_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o and_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v unto_o thy_o praise_n that_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o those_o gracious_a work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v though_o thy_o first_o work_n be_v do_v out_o of_o much_o zeal_n yet_o the_o latter_a be_v do_v on_o more_o certain_a and_o sober_a ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sincerer_n end_v then_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o as_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o improvement_n of_o thy_o grace_n so_o thou_o be_v more_o in_o esteem_n and_o thy_o work_n also_o then_o at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o way_n here_o observe_v we_o may_v observe_v though_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v never_o so_o blame-worthy_a yet_o christ_n will_v give_v she_o her_o due_a and_o set_v too_o his_o seal_n of_o approbation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v sound_a and_o righteous_a in_o she_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o thyatira_n to_o denominate_v she_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o christ_n have_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o she_o it_o savour_v not_o of_o the_o dovelike_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o love_n when_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o rigid_a as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v such_o society_n to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o imperfection_n in_o they_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n though_o otherwise_o abound_v in_o work_n of_o holiness_n as_o love_v to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o faith_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n zeal_n towards_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n doubtless_o with_o some_o rigid_a person_n in_o these_o day_n the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n will_v be_v unchurch_v and_o anathematise_v by_o they_o have_v they_o but_o authority_n over_o they_o though_o christ_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n upon_o they_o and_o mark_v they_o as_o golden_a candlestick_n as_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n may_v be_v rot_v and_o dead_a and_o yet_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o in_o those_o spiritual_a body_n politics_n there_o may_v be_v some_o member_n rot_v and_o dead_a at_o the_o root_n yet_o the_o body_n still_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o no_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o again_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n there_o may_v be_v a_o catholic_a disease_n seize_v upon_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o may_v render_v it_o very_o uncapable_a for_o its_o service_n and_o yet_o still_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a it_o may_v be_v catholique_o sick_a and_o infect_v with_o some_o venomous_a disease_n some_o pestifferous_a doctrine_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o a_o church_n still_o though_o a_o decrepit_a infirm_a and_o lame_a one_o but_o when_o the_o disease_n come_v to_o be_v mortal_a leprous_a or_o incurable_a it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o cry_v out_o sum_n impurus_fw-la sum_fw-la impurus_fw-la procul_fw-la hinc_fw-la procul_fw-la ite_z for_o the_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o love_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a work_n that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o in_o his_o people_n and_o do_v also_o render_v they_o as_o approve_v saint_n both_o unto_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o public_a approve_a person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o his_o member_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o before_o these_o grace_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o saint_n to_o evidence_n their_o calling_n they_o be_v but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o election_n do_v secure_v our_o eternal_a estate_n but_o before_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n come_v to_o evidence_n it_o by_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n sin_n and_o death_n have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o though_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o in_o god_n predetermination_n yet_o differ_v we_o not_o at_o all_o from_o servant_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n yea_o therein_o we_o be_v slave_n and_o captive_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n these_o gracious_a work_n be_v call_v thy_o work_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o wrought_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o yet_o god_n goodness_n do_v call_v they_o we_o because_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o pass_v through_o our_o will_n affection_n and_o understanding_n and_o here_o love_n or_o charity_n be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o love_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v before_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o thus_o much_o i_o say_v that_o all_o general_o grant_v that_o faith_n first_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o unto_o a_o proposition_n now_o unless_o love_v come_v in_o to_o ingrediate_v the_o affection_n unto_o the_o truth_n propose_v it_o will_v only_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a opinion_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o lively_a faith_n second_o i_o say_v love_n be_v here_o propose_v as_o first_o in_o order_n as_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a gospel_n grace_n 1_o cor._n 13._o throughout_o now_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a of_o
life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o be_v variety_n of_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o great_a and_o excellent_a glory_n of_o the_o other_o world_n christ_n do_v former_o promise_v the_o participation_n of_o himself_o in_o that_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n under_o the_o type_n of_o hide_a manna_n tree_n of_o life_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n as_o the_o morning_n star_n christ_n be_v the_o bright_a morning_n star_n first_o because_o he_o than_o bring_v comfort_n with_o he_o to_o his_o afflict_a church_n second_o he_o bring_v light_a with_o he_o to_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n that_o now_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n rom._n 11.25_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o this_o morning_n star_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o sun_n that_o rise_v in_o malachy_n 4.2_o with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v christ_n personal_a appearance_n again_o as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o faithful_a one_o and_o for_o the_o heal_n enlighten_v and_o conversion_n of_o his_o ancient_a church_n and_o people_n the_o jew_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o christ_n will_v appear_v again_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o afflict_a gentile_a church_n and_o to_o the_o enlighten_v and_o conversion_n of_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o and_o general_a judgement_n because_o then_o be_v a_o day_n of_o total_a destruction_n not_o a_o appearance_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o unbelief_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o the_o saint_n receive_v their_o utmost_a glory_n not_o strive_v roll_a and_o overpowering_a the_o nation_n christ_n then_o deliver_v up_o all_o power_n unto_o the_o father_n 1_o cor._n 15.24_o therefore_o that_o be_v no_o day_n to_o give_v power_n into_o their_o hand_n over_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ultimate_a judgement_n gog_n and_o magog_n and_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n be_v catch_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o cap._n 19_o 20._o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o day_n of_o rule_v over_o they_o for_o that_o day_n than_o will_v be_v past_a and_o over_o to_o conclude_v the_o saint_n temporal_a reign_n begin_v with_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o morning_n star_n and_o end_n with_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a but_o their_o heavenly_a glory_n shall_v never_o end_v and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 29._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n let_v the_o wise_a intelligent_a christian_n consider_v and_o ponder_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o each_o of_o these_o church_n and_o from_o the_o often_o repetition_n of_o the_o spirit_n memento_n in_o these_o word_n take_v this_o conclusion_n that_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n can_v be_v too_o often_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o memory_n of_o his_o people_n chap._n iii_o verse_n 1._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n write_v these_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a christ_n proceed_v with_o his_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n at_o sardis_n superscribe_v unto_o the_o angel_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o reason_n before_o specify_v chap._n 2._o v._n 1._o write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o can_v join_v unto_o their_o interpretation_n that_o make_v the_o seven_o spirit_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n to_o be_v all_o one_o to_o wit_n christ_n seven_o angel_n of_o his_o church_n which_o he_o carry_v in_o his_o hand_n cap._n 1._o 20._o so_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o tautology_n whilst_o a_o more_o convenient_a sense_n may_v be_v find_v applicable_a to_o it_o to_o wit_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sevenfold_a grace_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o number_n seven_o in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v intimate_v perfection_n as_o cap._n 1._o 5._o and_o 4._o 5._o and_o this_o sevenfold_a spirit_n of_o perfection_n be_v christ_n own_o spirit_n and_o be_v send_v by_o he_o and_o at_o his_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o christ_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sevenfold_a operate_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o disposal_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o gracious_a ministry_n be_v the_o special_a inseparable_a gift_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n they_o be_v inseparable_a companion_n where_o the_o one_o do_v go_v the_o other_o be_v present_a also_o if_o christ_n come_v with_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o come_v with_o the_o seven_o spirit_n in_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o that_o people_n also_o a_o true_a ministry_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o separate_v though_o i_o shall_v not_o tie_v up_o god_n to_o those_o mean_n only_o yet_o ordinary_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v christ_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o ministerial_a adminstration_n of_o his_o star_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o charioteer_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o spirit_n be_v vehiculum_fw-la or_o chariot_n but_o the_o minister_n thereof_o be_v those_o that_o carry_v and_o support_v this_o chariot_n on_o the_o shoulder_n never_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o chariot_n will_v come_v or_o rest_n in_o our_o temple_n unless_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o star_n those_o beautiful_a one_o that_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n god_n have_v so_o link_v together_o in_o his_o alwise_a decree_n and_o predetermination_n the_o concatenation_n of_o subordinate_a cause_n or_o medium_n unto_o salvation_n that_o ordinary_o one_o can_v be_v effect_v without_o the_o other_o and_o so_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n one_o will_v not_o do_v this_o work_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o other_o but_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o they_o joint_o together_o either_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n or_o church_n he_o make_v they_o of_o a_o wilderness_n and_o a_o land_n of_o darkness_n a_o goshen_n and_o a_o land_n of_o light_n and_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n to_o who_o christ_n so_o come_v with_o his_o seven_o spirit_n and_o his_o seven_o star_n with_o his_o gracious_a spirit_n and_o spiritual_a ministry_n and_o for_o such_o who_o lot_n be_v fall_v in_o such_o a_o land_n i_o say_v their_o lot_n be_v fall_v in_o a_o goodly_a heritage_n but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o christ_n here_o appear_v under_o this_o representation_n of_o one_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o answer_v christ_n be_v upon_o discovery_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a defection_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o thererefore_o he_o need_v to_o appear_v not_o only_o under_o a_o search_a pierce_a and_o spiritual_a administration_n as_o one_o that_o can_v search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n cap._n 2._o 23._o and_o as_o one_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sevenfold_a search_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o know_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o man_n but_o also_o under_o a_o lightsome_a administration_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n for_o a_o further_a discovery_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o hypocritical_a practice_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n hide_a hypocrisy_n and_o inward_a rottenness_n be_v search_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o true_a light_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n angel_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n he_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o his_o charge_n against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o christ_n spiritual_a ministry_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n can_v try_v the_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n of_o man_n the_o spiritual_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o and_o if_o a_o private_a spiritual_a member_n may_v judge_v judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la then_o sure_o much_o more_o the_o public_a ambassador_n and_o authorise_a minister_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v try_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n whither_o our_o work_n &_o profession_n
unto_o its_o operation_n and_o office_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v they_o very_o immorigerous_a unto_o the_o sweet_a and_o easy_a yoke_n of_o christ_n that_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o pastor_n a_o angel_n a_o minister_n over_o they_o to_o precede_v in_o all_o official_a duty_n unto_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v unto_o such_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v commit_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v to_o submit_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v many_o thing_n unto_o the_o member_n in_o common_a with_o their_o officer_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v officer_n or_o pastor_n in_o common_a with_o they_o for_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o can_v never_o brook_v a_o lawless_a community_n or_o level_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o to_o be_v ruler_n and_o teacher_n and_o none_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o rule_v so_o neither_o will_v it_o comport_v with_o truth_n according_a to_o my_o judgement_n to_o admit_v of_o pastor_n over_o pastor_n or_o one_o presbytery_n over_o another_o no_o far_o than_o prudence_n will_v lead_v unto_o but_o not_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o equity_n it_o be_v evident_a these_o seven_o asian_a church_n and_o all_o the_o other_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a one_o be_v pastoral_n episcopal_n independent_a one_o i_o think_v it_o no_o paradox_n to_o assert_v that_o a_o episcopal_a church_n may_v be_v independent_a for_o i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_a indeed_o whilst_o the_o prelatical_a episcopal_a church_n have_v lose_v its_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la by_o exalt_v itself_o beyond_o christ_n bound_n and_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o it_o observe_v 2._o that_o the_o pure_a undefiled_a saint_n of_o christ_n be_v person_n of_o high_a esteem_n and_o account_v with_o god_n they_o be_v man_n of_o name_n and_o quality_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o man_n of_o most_o excellent_a and_o eminent_a spirit_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o sardis_n beside_o they_o be_v but_o such_o that_o have_v the_o name_n that_o they_o be_v live_v but_o be_v dead_a those_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o value_n with_o these_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v those_o for_o who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v yea_o god_n reprove_v king_n for_o their_o sake_n say_v touch_v not_o my_o anoint_v psal_n 105.15_o they_o be_v god_n jewel_n his_o precious_a one_o which_o he_o make_v up_o in_o safety_n and_o security_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o combustion_n beside_o they_o be_v in_o a_o land_n of_o goshen_n of_o light_n peace_n and_o comfort_n mal._n 3.17_o and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o have_v the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o every_o thing_n do_v love_n and_o high_o esteem_v its_o like_a for_o likeness_n be_v the_o root_n of_o love_n much_o more_o god_n who_o be_v love_v itself_o will_v high_o esteem_v and_o love_v his_o saint_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n even_o in_o sardis_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n hence_o note_v observe_v 3._o that_o in_o the_o most_o corrupt_a church_n state_n christ_n may_v have_v some_o choose_v and_o precious_a saint_n sardis_n have_v but_o the_o name_n that_o show_v as_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o yet_o in_o this_o nominal_a dead_a formal_a church_n god_n have_v a_o few_o name_n there_o that_o be_v precious_a to_o he_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v never_o total_o fail_v upon_o the_o earth_n nor_o never_o shall_v though_o the_o visibility_n thereof_o may_v fail_v yet_o the_o invisible_a church_n will_v never_o fail_v when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n grow_v great_a and_o the_o earth_n fill_v with_o violence_n before_o the_o flood_n gen._n 6.11_o 12._o yet_o then_o be_v noah_n undefiled_a and_o a_o faithful_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n yea_o he_o be_v just_a and_o perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o corrupt_a church_n state_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n when_o jezebel_n cut_v off_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o set_v up_o idolatry_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o righteous_a so_o vex_v and_o waste_v that_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n think_v none_o but_o himself_o leave_v in_o israel_n even_o than_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 1_o king_n 1.18_o in_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o a_o exceed_a bad_a and_o corrupt_a church_n state_n and_o in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v never_o more_o corrupt_a than_o when_o he_o come_v yet_o there_o be_v then_o a_o joseph_n a_o mary_n a_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n a_o simeon_n and_o anna_n and_o some_o few_o other_o that_o true_o fear_a god_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o deep_a night_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v some_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n the_o waldenses_n the_o abigenses_n pauperes_fw-la lugdunenses_n etc._n etc._n of_o who_o some_o of_o the_o popish_a writer_n themselves_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o carriage_n and_o believe_v aright_o concern_v god_n only_o they_o blaspheme_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o there_o be_v a_o huc_fw-la a_o jerome_n of_o prague_n a_o wickliff_n berengarius_fw-la peter_n de_fw-fr bruis_n luther_n oecolompadius_fw-la melancthon_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o time_n and_o state_n bad_a enough_o so_o here_o in_o england_n when_o the_o church_n be_v exceed_v corrupt_a under_o the_o prelacy_n yet_o then_o appear_v here_o a_o cartwright_n hooker_n ames_n parker_n bolton_n robinson_n reynolds_n aynsworth_n baynes_n and_o many_o other_o precious_a saint_n and_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n observe_v 4._o god_n accept_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n at_o 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n they_o be_v those_o that_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a with_o christ_n and_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n with_o he_o quest_n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v do_v not_o this_o assert_v a_o merit_n in_o work_n or_o that_o purity_n in_o the_o life_n do_v exact_a from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n some_o answerable_a compensation_n to_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o and_o assert_v that_o holiness_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n be_v the_o descriptive_a quality_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v see_v god_n they_o and_o they_o only_o of_o adult_a person_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n to_o that_o high_a privilege_n second_o i_o grant_v too_o that_o the_o eternal_a life_n of_o happiness_n be_v set_v forth_o and_o give_v as_o a_o prize_n as_o a_o reward_n as_o a_o crown_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n so_o in_o this_o and_o the_o last_o chapter_n it_o be_v often_o promise_v unto_o such_o holy_a one_o under_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o reward_n three_o but_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o least_o proportion_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n or_o merit_v the_o least_o in_o strict_a justice_n from_o god_n towards_o eternal_a life_n 1._o because_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o give_v it_o to_o who_o he_o please_v joh_n 17.2_o 1_o joh._n 5.11_o 2._o because_o divine_a justice_n require_v exact_a obedience_n which_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o one_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o best_a saint_n be_v so_o imperfect_a in_o their_o obedience_n that_o they_o come_v far_o short_a in_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o strict_a justice_n 3._o because_o our_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o alone_a work_n of_o god_n own_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o improper_o say_v to_o merit_v at_o his_o own_o hand_n a_o child_n may_v merit_v from_o his_o father_n in_o justice_n by_o his_o filial_a obedience_n the_o parent_n be_v under_o a_o natural_a law_n of_o compensation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n towards_o he_o but_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v tie_v up_o unto_o no_o such_o law_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o give_v life_n to_o who_o he_o please_v 4._o and_o therefore_o last_o because_o man_n have_v forfeit_v his_o first_o covenant_n of_o merit_n and_o life_n by_o righteousness_n in_o adam_n and_o
to_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o member_n thereof_o and_o be_v so_o just_o repute_v by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a nothing_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o denominate_v they_o saint_n call_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n now_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v out_o name_n name_n be_v put_v for_o person_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o only_o signify_v that_o god_n will_v manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v it_o know_v both_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o never_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o the_o state_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n nor_o never_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n under_o this_o negative_a promise_n unto_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v contain_v a_o strong_a affirmation_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o contrary_a blessing_n christ_n will_v not_o only_o not_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v confirm_v and_o continue_v his_o undoubted_a right_n and_o title_n unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o he_o will_v also_o manifest_o declare_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o other_o his_o lawful_a title_n and_o interest_n according_a as_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o thereunto_o in_o his_o book_n of_o life_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o so_o the_o subsequent_a word_n do_v intimate_v i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n often_o in_o scripture_n thing_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v only_o manifest_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o that_o say_n res_fw-la tum_fw-la demum_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la fieri_fw-la cum_fw-la incipiantur_fw-la manifestari_fw-la reg._n petrum_fw-la as_o to_o instance_n by_o heb._n 1.5_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o scripture_n not_o intend_v that_o the_o son_n be_v not_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n before_o that_o day_n when_o that_o word_n be_v utter_v but_o that_o on_o that_o day_n he_o be_v more_o eminent_o declare_v and_o manifest_v to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n then_o former_o so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n will_v blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o only_o import_v that_o god_n will_v discover_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o their_o name_n be_v never_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n nor_o have_v any_o right_a or_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o election_n or_o salvation_n far_o than_o in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n from_o the_o word_n note_v observe_v that_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o god_n choose_a one_o be_v seal_v and_o secure_v by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o god_n decree_n of_o life_n and_o he_o will_v not_o blot_v they_o out_o for_o be_v once_o enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n election_n and_o among_o the_o catalogue_n of_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n invisible_a they_o can_v never_o be_v raze_v out_o for_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n continue_v sure_a rom._n 9.11_o and_o have_v a_o twofold_a seal_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o first_o god_n knowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o second_o his_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n which_o seal_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v blot_v out_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o enroll_v or_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n it_o must_v be_v their_o sin_n and_o pollution_n that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n choose_a one_o can_v move_v the_o lord_n to_o raze_v we_o out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n for_o than_o the_o foresight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n will_v much_o more_o have_v hinder_v he_o from_o choose_v and_o enrol_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n see_v every_o one_o know_v that_o a_o less_o cause_n will_v hinder_v the_o choice_n of_o any_o then_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o person_n once_o choose_v nay_o rather_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v we_o therefore_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o will_v preserve_v we_o though_o not_o altogether_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o from_o final_o lie_v dormant_a and_o impenitent_a therein_o and_o as_o he_o have_v free_o choose_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o worthiness_n so_o also_o he_o will_v free_o execute_v this_o decree_n by_o give_v we_o all_o the_o good_a mean_n conduce_v to_o that_o end_n object_n but_o some_o may_v say_v though_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v secure_a and_o their_o name_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o this_o book_n yet_o this_o do_v intimate_v that_o other_o who_o name_n be_v write_v therein_o for_o their_o sinful_a pollution_n and_o iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o may_v be_v blot_v out_o according_a to_o that_o of_o exod._n 32.33_o whosoever_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o say_v god_n he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n and_o as_o david_n pray_v psal_n 69.28_o let_v they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a answ_n first_o this_o threaten_a be_v not_o against_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n who_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o those_o that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o and_o be_v only_a seem_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n member_n in_o show_n and_o not_o in_o truth_n branch_n in_o the_o vine_n by_o profession_n but_o not_o in_o practice_n and_o life_n of_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n but_o not_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n estimation_n second_o whereas_o god_n say_v he_o will_v blot_v such_o out_o of_o his_o book_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v thereby_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v they_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o his_o election_n unto_o life_n wherein_o they_o be_v never_o write_v or_o that_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v but_o that_o he_o will_v raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o life_n the_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o decree_n to_o wit_n the_o book_n and_o roll_n â—f_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_o declare_v that_o they_o who_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v write_v in_o both_o book_n or_o both_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o that_o of_o god_n decree_n which_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o invisible_a member_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o of_o that_o other_o book_n or_o roll_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n ever_o enroll_v in_o either_o far_o than_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o appearance_n only_o and_o last_o whereas_o david_n pray_v that_o the_o obstinate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a be_v no_o more_o but_o as_o if_o david_n have_v say_v do_v not_o o_o lord_n write_v they_o down_o or_o reckon_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o thy_o faithful_a one_o or_o if_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o thy_o church_n and_o people_n and_o to_o be_v account_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n and_o external_a walk_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o discover_v such_o and_o display_v they_o that_o it_o may_v manifest_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o live_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v account_v among_o the_o righteous_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o child_n that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o regard_n that_o god_n decree_n of_o election_n be_v unsearchable_a to_o man_n those_o be_v say_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n who_o be_v outward_o call_v and_o add_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v themselves_o member_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o outward_a but_o not_o the_o infallible_a sign_n of_o god_n election_n because_o they_o be_v common_a both_o to_o hypocrite_n and_o sound_a believer_n and_o so_o likewise_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blot_v person_n out_o of_o this_o book_n who_o sin_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v and_o so_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o
they_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n â—o_o all_o generation_n for_o ever_o but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o shall_v honour_v god_n faithful_o this_o way_n it_o be_v answer_v we_o must_v as_o those_o few_o undefiled_a name_n or_o saint_n of_o sardis_n overcome_v the_o corruption_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o time_n by_o witness_v against_o they_o and_o open_o stand_v for_o and_o profess_v the_o contrary_a truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 2.21_o if_o a_o man_n purge_v himself_o from_o these_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n sanctify_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o understanding_n christian_n mark_n and_o consider_v this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o immediate_a subsequent_a verse_n verse_n 6._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o verse_n former_o open_v therefore_o need_v no_o far_a explanation_n verse_n 7._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v this_o epistle_n inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n be_v direct_v also_o from_o christ_n under_o various_a remarkable_a description_n for_o holiness_n truth_n and_o sovereignty_n have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o he_o bear_v not_o idle_o for_o with_o it_o he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n be_v one_o of_o those_o seven_o famous_a church_n situate_a in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n now_o call_v anatolia_n who_o angel_n or_o pastor_n be_v demas_n or_o damias_n as_o ignatius_n epistle_n testify_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o church_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v description_n which_o be_v the_o fair_a among_o the_o sister_n the_o most_o comely_a orthodox_n and_o sound_v among_o all_o the_o seven_o who_o very_a name_n do_v set_v forth_o her_o gracious_a nature_n and_o quality_n philadelphia_n signify_v brotherly_a love_n or_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o do_v notable_o agree_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n be_v not_o open_o convince_v of_o any_o crime_n but_o altogether_o extol_v for_o her_o gracious_a deportment_n m._n brightman_n make_v this_o his_o darling_n and_o belove_a philadelphia_n to_o typify_v and_o represent_v his_o reform_a geneva_n french_a or_o scottish_a church_n model_n but_o upon_o further_a enquiry_n i_o doubt_v his_o counterpane_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o their_o first_o pattern_n in_o purity_n and_o soundness_n and_o he_o make_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o then_o govern_v by_o bishop_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o remissness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o counterpane_n of_o laodicea_n his_o blear-eyed_a leah_n but_o philadelphia_n the_o geneva_n helvetian_a and_o french_a reform_a church_n begin_v by_o zuinglius_fw-la and_o calvin_n to_o be_v his_o much_o adore_a darling_n and_o rachel_n and_o so_o he_o make_v sardis_n to_o represent_v the_o german_a reform_a church_n under_o luther_n and_o his_o associate_n pergamus_n to_o represent_v the_o degenerate_a church_n of_o rome_n as_o then_o in_o be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o luther_n and_o so_o upward_o he_o make_v the_o several_a state_n and_o age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o counterpane_n of_o thyatira_n smyrna_n and_o ephesus_n unto_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o by_o what_o warrant_n m._n brightman_n do_v this_o or_o why_o he_o be_v so_o luxuriant_a in_o his_o application_n i_o know_v not_o and_o i_o conceive_v under_o due_a respect_n to_o so_o learned_a a_o author_n as_o m._n brightman_n that_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o ever_o those_o seven_o asian_a church_n shall_v typify_v or_o represent_v any_o other_o church_n or_o state_n of_o church_n that_o shall_v rise_v in_o futurity_n only_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o age_n to_o come_v as_o example_n and_o pattern_n to_o understand_v and_o know_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o they_o that_o if_o we_o be_v partaker_n in_o the_o same_o grace_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o encouragement_n approbation_n and_o reward_n as_o they_o have_v but_o if_o we_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o transgression_n as_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o they_o do_v and_o that_o that_o make_v m._n brightman_n thus_o overfree_a in_o his_o application_n in_o his_o counterpane_n i_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o variety_n of_o condition_n both_o good_a and_o have_v find_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n which_o by_o a_o good_a wit_n may_v be_v stretch_v out_o to_o represent_v the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v not_o altogether_o beside_o the_o scope_n or_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v often_o inculcate_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n what_o be_v write_v unto_o they_o be_v not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o the_o cognizance_n of_o all_o other_o in_o the_o future_a also_o come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o qualification_n with_o themselves_o but_o to_o proceed_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n these_o word_n contain_v a_o description_n of_o christ_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o philadelphia_n who_o two_o first_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n holiness_n and_o truth_n christ_n make_v this_o discovery_n of_o himself_o suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v a_o eminent_a shine_a star_n both_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o holiness_n to_o the_o other_o the_o more_o delinquent_a church_n he_o discover_v himself_o in_o another_o posture_n with_o eye_n and_o foot_n like_o burn_a brass_n and_o with_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n but_o with_o the_o gracious_a he_o appear_v more_o gracious_a and_o to_o the_o true_o godly_a he_o appear_v in_o his_o own_o proper_a nature_n in_o truth_n and_o holiness_n hence_o note_v observe_v christ_n discover_v himself_o unto_o his_o people_n not_o only_o as_o the_o holy_a one_o but_o as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a they_o be_v much_o deceive_v that_o aim_n at_o holiness_n without_o the_o truth_n they_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n can_v never_o be_v true_o holy_a one_o or_o sanctify_a person_n for_o truth_n sanctify_v john_n 17.17_o let_v their_o action_n be_v never_o so_o high_o estimate_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o proceed_v from_o holy_a self-denying_a person_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v from_o a_o true_a fountain_n and_o to_o right_a end_n they_o will_v lose_v their_o reward_n and_o be_v at_o best_a but_o as_o tinkle_a cymbal_n what_o profit_n do_v it_o yield_v the_o monastical_a votary_n of_o rome_n when_o they_o devote_v themselves_o to_o so_o rigid_a austerity_n and_o pretend_v so_o high_a to_o holiness_n while_o they_o have_v banish_v truth_n from_o their_o border_n when_o neither_o their_o end_n nor_o their_o aim_n be_v right_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n to_o what_o end_n be_v the_o quaker_n austere_a carriage_n and_o outward_a holiness_n while_o they_o deny_v redemption_n or_o satisfaction_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v their_o inherent_a holiness_n or_o their_o austere_a upright_a carriage_n serve_v instead_o of_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n must_v go_v together_o to_o denominate_v a_o true_a saint_n heathen_a philosopher_n will_v quite_o outstrip_v the_o best_a of_o christian_n in_o divers_a act_n of_o virtue_n but_o when_o proceed_v from_o a_o christian_n according_a unto_o truth_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v by_o another_o name_n holy_a or_o godly_a action_n if_o you_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n only_o by_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v they_o you_o may_v entertain_v error_n instead_o of_o truth_n for_o truth_n be_v not_o always_o with_o the_o most_o seem_a holy_a man_n but_o if_o doctrine_n come_v from_o person_n hold_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o their_o soul_n doubtless_o such_o doctrine_n in_o their_o first_o origin_n
than_o what_o magistrate_n as_o such_o can_v take_v cognizance_n of_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o mat._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o by_o those_o law_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a time_n be_v error_n depress_v and_o punish_v and_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o appeal_n unto_o cesar_n for_o this_o work_n object_n but_o some_o erastianize_a or_o rather_o sycophantize_v doctor_n of_o these_o day_n that_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o gratify_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o boon_n more_o than_o be_v just_o due_a unto_o he_o come_v and_o object_n be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n subordinate_a as_o unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o make_v law_n for_o he_o and_o to_o rule_v next_o and_o immediate_a under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n answ_n indeed_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o some_o weight_n when_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n henry_n 8._o be_v make_v supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whilst_o the_o sound_n thereof_o be_v continue_v down_o to_o his_o successor_n even_o till_o ten_o year_n since_o in_o the_o constant_a public_a prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n on_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n next_o and_o immediate_a under_o christ_n then_o i_o say_v this_o objection_n be_v somewhat_o but_o now_o it_o be_v judge_v to_o savour_n of_o too_o much_o levity_n and_o ostentation_n second_o but_o to_o answer_v more_o full_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o magistrate_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n and_o gubernation_n by_o which_o as_o god_n he_o rule_v the_o whole_a universe_n but_o also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o redemption_n and_o his_o mediatorship_n so_o by_o he_o king_n reign_v and_o decree_v justice_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o die_v there_o have_v be_v no_o king_n or_o subject_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v a_o common_a temporal_a salvation_n attain_v for_o all_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n all_o have_v so_o die_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o die_v many_o have_v benefit_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n this_o way_n in_o a_o temporal_a salvation_n which_o shall_v never_o taste_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n saving_o or_o eternal_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n of_o all_o but_o especial_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o i_o say_v all_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o mediatorship_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o purchase_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o he_o hold_v their_o kingdom_n and_o principality_n as_o in_o chief_a from_o he_o for_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o in_o heaven_n over_o the_o saint_n militant_a and_o triumphant_a and_o in_o earth_n over_o all_o power_n and_o principality_n thereof_o so_o that_o christ_n have_v at_o present_a a_o twofold_a kingdom_n and_o people_n to_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o one_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o nation_n thereof_o which_o now_o he_o govern_v and_o rule_v only_o providential_o by_o place_v king_n and_o prince_n over_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o reign_v next_o and_o immediate_a under_o he_o by_o law_n which_o the_o legislator_n conceive_v most_o conduce_v to_o the_o well-being_n of_o their_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o herein_o christ_n concurrence_n be_v no_o more_o but_o in_o common_a providence_n and_o preservation_n which_o he_o exercise_v equal_o towards_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o redemption_n but_o he_o have_v another_o kingdom_n and_o people_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a purchase_n of_o his_o death_n christ_n have_v another_o eye_n a_o more_o distinguish_a respect_n to_o those_o then_o to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o more_o especial_o he_o provide_v for_o they_o to_o reign_v and_o rule_v over_o they_o with_o special_a and_o peculiar_a law_n suit_v to_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n not_o that_o christ_n exempt_v they_o from_o the_o wholesome_a temporal_a law_n of_o magistrate_n but_o that_o he_o suit_v they_o law_n and_o ordinance_n fit_a for_o his_o own_o body_n whereof_o he_o himself_o be_v head_n influendo_fw-la &_o infundendo_fw-la and_o for_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o oeconomy_n christ_n have_v his_o law_n his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o subordinate_a officer_n which_o be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o body_n till_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.12_o and_o among_o the_o whole_a catalogue_n of_o christ_n officer_n we_o can_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o king_n prince_z or_o parliament_n that_o be_v ordain_v to_o such_o a_o work_n and_o therefore_o sure_o their_o work_n be_v another_o work_n then_o to_o make_v law_n for_o so_o spiritual_a a_o people_n as_o christ_n church_n be_v they_o be_v to_o hear_v no_o other_o voice_n but_o their_o master_n nor_o to_o derogate_v so_o far_o from_o their_o spiritual_a head_n lord_n and_o sovereign_a as_o to_o suffer_v any_o to_o reign_v and_o rule_v over_o they_o in_o this_o spiritual_a oeconomy_n but_o he_o alone_o who_o have_v his_o law_n his_o ordinance_n his_o officer_n to_o which_o they_o must_v obey_v and_o he_o substitute_n none_o next_z and_o immediate_a under_o he_o in_o this_o his_o dispensatory_a kingdom_n of_o grace_n but_o his_o vicar_n general_a the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v virtuate_v all_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o therefore_o such_o power_n of_o the_o world_n as_o go_v about_o as_o subordinate_a to_o christ_n to_o make_v and_o impose_v law_n on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v as_o soon_o attempt_v to_o give_v law_n and_o ordinance_n to_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n for_o though_o they_o be_v creature_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o too_o high_a for_o their_o law_n to_o reach_v so_o be_v the_o other_o star_n god_n church_n for_o they_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o bear_v from_o above_o neither_o be_v they_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o how_o vain_a and_o absurd_a it_o be_v for_o the_o magistracy_n of_o this_o world_n to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n for_o they_o that_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o live_v in_o another_o world_n they_o live_v in_o heaven_n and_o by_o heavenly_a law_n they_o be_v govern_v their_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n edict_n they_o only_o hear_v and_o follow_v they_o live_v in_o a_o spiritual_a bless_a state_n and_o nothing_o but_o spiritual_a law_n will_v they_o hearken_v to_o their_o lot_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o utopia_n and_o none_o but_o utopian_a law_n shall_v be_v their_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o fall_v as_o man_n let_v the_o law_n of_o man_n take_v hold_v upon_o they_o though_o man_n can_v make_v law_n suitable_a to_o the_o saint_n condition_n yet_o it_o the_o saint_n transgress_v the_o wholesome_a ordinance_n of_o man_n they_o shall_v just_o suffer_v as_o man_n and_o not_o as_o saint_n for_o in_o thing_n honest_a and_o indifferent_a the_o canon_n be_v universal_a let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n whether_o saint_n or_o other_o therefore_o give_v god_n his_o due_a and_o cesar_n he_o verse_n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n christ_n come_v to_o a_o narration_n of_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o first_o toll_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o she_o behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v behold_v i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o my_o gospel_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o same_o to_o other_o and_o none_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o bereave_v or_o hide_v the_o same_o from_o thou_o any_o more_o for_o a_o open_a door_n be_v either_o put_v for_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n col._n 4.13_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v have_v the_o colossian_n to_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o he_o that_o god_n will_v open_v a_o door_n of_o speech_n unto_o he_o or_o second_o for_o a_o readiness_n of_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o paul_n in_o 1._o cor._n 16.9_o a_o great_a and_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v unto_o i_o and_o 2_o cor._n 2.12_o and_o this_o door_n be_v open_v when_o man_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o be_v lydia_n ready_a to_o
receive_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o double_a door_n open_v a_o free_a power_n give_v she_o by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ready_a and_o willing_a heart_n to_o receive_v it_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o from_o she_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n himself_o that_o have_v open_v it_o and_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o hellish_a design_n it_o can_v never_o be_v obscure_v and_o shut_v up_o more_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o vouchsafe_v and_o give_v fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n for_o a_o kindly_a entertainment_n of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o man_n wit_n conceit_n or_o eloquence_n of_o word_n will_v open_v this_o door_n either_o to_o one self_o or_o other_o christ_n must_v first_o open_v and_o give_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n or_o else_o the_o tongue_n will_v be_v as_o dumb_a as_o zachariah_n before_o john_n be_v bear_v unto_o all_o gospel_n mystery_n next_o the_o hearer_n will_v be_v as_o deaf_a unto_o the_o sound_n thereof_o as_o dumb_a unto_o the_o utterance_n of_o it_o before_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o work_v kind_o on_o their_o heart_n to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o how_o possible_o else_o can_v twelve_o plain_a tradesman_n mechanic_n fisherman_n etc._n etc._n go_v on_o with_o that_o boldness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v that_o door_n of_o utterance_n and_o entertainment_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n among_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n have_v not_o touch_v their_o tongue_n and_o unshut_a their_o mouth_n and_o tâ—â—_n heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n both_o at_o once_o the_o one_o with_o a_o power_n of_o speak_v the_o other_o with_o a_o power_n and_o willingness_n of_o hear_v receive_v and_o treasure_v up_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v what_o a_o large_a door_n have_v christ_n lay_v open_a since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o reformation_n to_o this_o present_a day_n this_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n who_o by_o weak_a and_o despicable_a thing_n and_o person_n have_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v consider_v with_o what_o weapon_n i_o have_v overcome_v their_o error_n i_o have_v never_o touch_v they_o with_o a_o finger_n but_o christ_n have_v destroy_v they_o all_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n i._n e._n the_o word_n of_o his_o gospel_n what_o do_n what_o imprisoning_n what_o fining_n what_o punishment_n what_o torture_n what_o punishment_n what_o death_n do_v the_o old_a popish_a doctor_n and_o clergy_n and_o of_o late_a the_o prelatical_a bishop_n raise_v and_o invent_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o door_n that_o christ_n have_v open_v to_o his_o faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o land_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v they_o prevail_v and_o get_v thereby_o but_o by_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o suffocate_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o true_a light_n become_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o break_v themselves_o to_o piece_n against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o become_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o such_o endeavour_n be_v again_o set_v on_o foot_n against_o christ_n faithful_a witness_n to_o shut_v that_o door_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v open_a to_o they_o let_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o time_n pass_v towards_o the_o prelatical_a person_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n be_v a_o curb_n unto_o such_o undertaker_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o reproach_n or_o act_n of_o man_n against_o they_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n for_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n for_o the_o sense_n run_v thus_o because_o though_o thy_o strength_n be_v but_o small_a and_o thy_o gift_n be_v but_o low_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o yet_o thou_o have_v well_o improve_v those_o which_o thou_o have_v and_o have_v maintain_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_a among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o put_v the_o couple_a particle_n and_o for_o the_o disjunctive_a though_o or_o yet_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n not_o in_o opposition_n of_o much_o corruption_n that_o reign_v in_o philadelphia_n as_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o name_n alive_a because_o the_o great_a part_n be_v dead_a but_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n be_v apparent_o no_o great_a strength_n comparative_o to_o what_o other_o have_v and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v she_o for_o her_o talon_n which_o she_o improve_n and_o put_v to_o profitable_a use_n according_a to_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v most_o commend_v of_o god_n and_o in_o nothing_o reprove_v by_o he_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o a_o small_a talon_n well_o improve_v be_v follow_v both_o by_o a_o benediction_n and_o a_o commendation_n from_o god_n himself_o the_o parable_n in_o match_n 25._o confirm_v this_o where_o he_o that_o increase_v his_o talon_n be_v make_v owner_n of_o more_o and_o governor_n of_o many_o city_n this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n bear_v the_o name_n from_o all_o her_o sister_n for_o her_o proficiency_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n though_o her_o strength_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o her_o profession_n and_o ability_n seem_v so_o high_a as_o the_o rest_n yet_o she_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o she_o surpass_v they_o all_o and_o have_v the_o great_a portion_n and_o blessing_n give_v she_o then_o to_o any_o other_o and_o so_o become_v the_o only_a daughter_n of_o her_o mother_n the_o peerless_a sister_n of_o the_o seven_o have_v not_o of_o late_a many_o low_a despicable_a church_n and_o person_n for_o well_o improve_n their_o small_a talent_n become_v fragrant_a garden_n and_o eminent_a workman_n in_o god_n vineyard_n while_o other_o of_o high_a profession_n part_n and_o ability_n for_o want_v of_o husband_v their_o talent_n both_o lose_v their_o talent_n and_o become_v barren_a desert_n and_o like_o unsavoury_a salt_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dunghill_n though_o my_o year_n be_v but_o few_o and_o my_o experience_n small_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o this_o improvement_n i_o have_v know_v great_a doctor_n to_o become_v wittol_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n child_n and_o babe_n by_o better_v of_o their_o talent_n though_o but_o of_o small_a and_o of_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o as_o but_o a_o mustardseed_n in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o to_o become_v sound_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o last_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o great_a tree_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v fly_v for_o shelter_n verse_n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o by_o this_o double_a remarkable_a asterisme_n or_o twice_o repeat_v note_n of_o attention_n behold_v in_o one_o verse_n christ_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o notable_a work_n in_o his_o church_n and_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o perverse_a jew_n that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v affliction_n and_o tribulation_n on_o the_o true_a professor_n thereof_o but_o to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o worship_v he_o before_o their_o foot_n to_o make_v they_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o this_o christ_n and_o this_o church_n who_o they_o have_v vilify_v blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v to_o be_v the_o only_a special_a object_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o explicate_v the_o word_n more_o full_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o
the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beza_n version_n read_v they_o prebebo_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la synaga_fw-la satana_n the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n i_o give_v and_o not_o in_o the_o future_a and_o what_o be_v give_v those_o that_o call_v themselves_o jew_n i_o give_v or_o i_o yield_v be_v put_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n either_o for_o the_o more_o certain_a denotation_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o come_v in_o the_o future_a for_o so_o the_o latter_a clause_n do_v intimate_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o second_o it_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o god_n do_v at_o that_o present_a time_n make_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o his_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o taste_n and_o first_o fruit_n or_o as_o a_o pawn_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o more_o full_a general_a and_o universal_a call_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o shall_v ensue_v in_o future_a age_n which_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o this_o verse_n be_v full_a unto_o whereof_z more_o hereafter_o i_o former_o she_o wed_v on_o cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 9_o how_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v only_o so_o by_o lineage_n and_o descent_n do_v lie_v when_o they_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o to_o call_v one_o self_n a_o jew_n in_o those_o day_n when_o john_n write_v this_o revelation_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o profess_v and_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n and_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n his_o peculiar_a inheritage_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n appertain_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o all_o other_o alien_n and_o barbarian_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o child_n a_o holy_a nation_n the_o lord_n portion_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o temple_n divine_a ordinance_n worship_n and_o clear_a vision_n of_o god_n now_o when_o those_o person_n that_o boast_v themselves_o of_o those_o privilege_n yet_o persecute_v revile_v and_o blaspheme_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o they_o do_v that_o of_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 9_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a jew_n and_o make_v a_o lie_n when_o they_o call_v or_o profess_v themselves_o jew_n true_a israelite_n of_o god_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o his_o work_n and_o counsel_n they_o do_v real_o execute_v and_o perform_v they_o do_v synagere_fw-la work_v together_o plot_n study_n and_o execute_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v denominate_v his_o disciple_n of_o this_o infernal_a college_n and_o synagogue_n and_o not_o of_o christ_n church_n college_n or_o of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v and_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a jew_n true_a israelite_n of_o god_n true_a christian_n that_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o for_o their_o evil_a work_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o towards_o christ_n and_o true_a christian_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o do_v lie_v in_o their_o profession_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o true_a inward_a jew_n and_o christian_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o strange_a to_o hear_v of_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n a_o university_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o devil_n set_v up_o among_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n his_o own_o inheritance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o true_a john_n baptist_n can_v have_v call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o christ_n more_o plain_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o work_n they_o do_v do_v and_o john_n here_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o most_o deserve_o for_o their_o contumelious_a reproach_n and_o opposition_n against_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a believer_n we_o have_v a_o true_a counterpane_n of_o these_o carnal_a jew_n among_o the_o christian_n church_n in_o those_o day_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n they_o crack_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n of_o ministry_n of_o ordinance_n of_o true_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o who_o more_o enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o true_a godliness_n they_o be_v just_a like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a that_o boast_v of_o abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o that_o they_o be_v israelite_n as_o from_o jacob_n and_o yet_o be_v ready_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o follower_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o with_o their_o elder_a brethren_n the_o jew_n to_o have_v abraham_n and_o jacobs_n to_o their_o ancestor_n and_o progenitor_n but_o for_o abraham_n faith_n or_o jacob_n spirit_n in_o wrestle_v with_o god_n let_v that_o alone_a for_o they_o that_o will_v they_o think_v it_o safe_a enough_o to_o be_v of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_n nation_n or_o church_n and_o to_o have_v some_o external_a badge_n and_o privilege_n of_o child_n as_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a than_o all_o be_v well_o whilst_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o most_o substaintial_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o let_v lie_v by_o and_o contemn_v and_o what_o be_v all_o their_o arrogate_a title_n when_o truth_n be_v want_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o a_o lie_n i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o cap._n 2._o 9_o for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_o in_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o who_o heart_n be_v circumcise_v and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 2.28_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o do_v call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v 1._o the_o samaritan_n 2._o they_o of_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o both_o by_o their_o perverse_a carriage_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n do_v blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v the_o honourable_a name_n of_o a_o jew._n so_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n that_o wound_v this_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n church_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v wrong_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o honourable_a name_n of_o church_n and_o christian_n i_o mean_v the_o romish_a popish_a synagogue_n and_o many_o of_o the_o pretend_a reform_a church_n the_o first_o like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a cry_n out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o the_o church_n the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o chair_n of_o peter_n the_o infallible_a chair_n of_o peter_n we_o be_v the_o only_a spouse_n of_o christ_n no_o salvation_n without_o our_o jurisdiction_n and_o yet_o who_o great_a blasphemer_n reproacher_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n church_n and_o saint_n than_o they_o and_o see_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o keep_v it_o but_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v here_o mention_v the_o church_n or_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n not_o of_o christ_n and_o as_o long_o as_o their_o idolatry_n continue_v she_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n counterfeit_a jew_n no_o real_a spiritual_a one_o christian_n only_a in_o title_n and_o show_n not_o in_o truth_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o high_a pretension_n and_o claim_n to_o the_o contrary_a 2._o so_o many_o of_o the_o pretend_v reform_v christian_n cry_v out_o we_o be_v of_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v baptize_v we_o be_v of_o the_o lutheran_n confession_n we_o be_v of_o the_o calvinist_n and_o yet_o no_o papist_n more_a blind_a more_o ignorant_a more_o vile_a more_o profane_a or_o great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o name_n title_n and_o honour_n of_o christian_n they_o love_n they_o esteem_v they_o expect_v and_o yet_o who_o vain_a who_o more_o profane_a more_o ungodly_a or_o less_o deserve_v it_o then_o they_o they_o be_v only_o nominal_a christian_n outward_a jew_n but_o to_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a jew_n who_o more_o stranger_n to_o it_o then_o they_o let_v they_o therefore_o look_v to_o it_o notwithstanding_o their_o high_a and_o honourable_a affect_a title_n lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v declare_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o manifest_a to_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o they_o be_v only_o seem_v jew_n and_o do_v lie_v
in_o which_o their_o soul_n will_v delight_v neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o compartner_n in_o that_o kingdom_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o weak_a christian_n shall_v be_v a_o partner_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n must_v needs_o know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o earth_n already_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o then_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o also_o for_o there_o be_v write_v thereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o the_o same_o all_o signify_v power_n strength_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o feel_v the_o effect_n thereof_o unto_o their_o pain_n if_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v rule_v and_o break_v they_o as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n as_o in_o cap._n 2._o v._n 27._o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o kingdom_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o god_n shall_v sure_o be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o all_o and_o especial_o come_v with_o thaâ—_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n do_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o most_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o morning_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o miriads_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o raâ—â—â—d_a saâ—â—â—s_n that_o none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v deal_v plain_o with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v the_o saint_n to_o reign_v before_o their_o leader_n head_n and_o king_n appear_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o right_a with_o their_o master_n spirit_n who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a ready_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n not_o draw_v the_o sword_n to_o free_v or_o revenge_v himself_o or_o his_o follower_n but_o check_v peter_n for_o it_o when_o he_o attempt_v it_o on_o malchas_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o lay_v hand_n upon_o he_o christ_n well_o know_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n of_o this_o age_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o sword_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o suffer_v and_o patience_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o they_o that_o go_v another_o way_n may_v build_v a_o city_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n who_o builder_n be_v god_n they_o may_v erect_v a_o city_n who_o builder_n be_v man_n and_o on_o who_o gate_n and_o wall_n be_v write_v their_o own_o name_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n they_o may_v build_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n a_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o beast_n may_v reign_v in_o not_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o kingdom_n of_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o they_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o trust_v thereunto_o may_v be_v just_o involve_v into_o utter_a ruin_n and_o misery_n for_o trust_v to_o the_o weak_a arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o hope_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a new_a city_n promise_v to_o the_o conquer_a suffer_a patient_a saint_n and_o not_o to_o the_o heady_a rebellious_a or_o precipitant_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o whereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v and_o inscribe_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o say_v at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o descend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o lamb_n wife_n the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o conspicuous_a for_o light_n and_o glory_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n thereof_o and_o bring_v their_o glory_n to_o it_o and_o this_o city_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n neither_o of_o the_o moon_n to_o shine_v in_o it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o rev._n 21.23_o verse_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o word_n be_v so_o often_o inculcate_v at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o peculiarly_a relate_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o all_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o also_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o it_o be_v not_o only_o write_v for_o they_o but_o for_o our_o instruction_n also_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o wise_a christian_n consider_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n ver._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o of_o christ_n monitory_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v archippus_n as_o some_o say_v mention_v coloss_n 4.17_o not_o far_o from_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n it_o be_v call_v laodicea_n from_o laodice_n wife_n of_o antiochus_n who_o build_v it_o in_o honour_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o call_v it_o according_a to_o her_o name_n laodicea_n which_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v as_o much_o as_o commandress_n princess_n or_o dictatrix_n of_o the_o people_n the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o this_o church_n be_v somewhat_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o name_n she_o conceive_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n a_o princess_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o in_o vers_n 17._o she_o vaunt_v herself_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o be_v increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n bring_v she_o to_o the_o trial_n she_o be_v find_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v often_o in_o his_o providence_n ordain_v name_n to_o person_n and_o place_n suitable_a and_o well_o comport_v with_o their_o natural_a disposition_n and_o quality_n christ_n be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n joshua_n have_v a_o name_n also_o from_o the_o same_o root_n he_o be_v also_o a_o temporal_a saviour_n unto_o israel_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n save_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n many_o example_n be_v find_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o john_n who_o name_n and_o nature_n both_o be_v gracious_a chrysostome_n he_o be_v a_o eloquent_a golden_a mouth_a father_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v 2._o for_o place_n and_o church_n rome_n be_v call_v roma_n from_o romulus_n from_o some_o old_a word_n of_o the_o like_a sound_n which_o signify_v strength_n babylon_n from_o babel_n confusion_n philadelphia_n have_v a_o belove_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o belove_a church_n laodicea_n have_v a_o vainglorious_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a church_n much_o boast_n of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n while_o miserable_a poor_a and_o naked_a these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v here_o describe_v under_o a_o threefold_a property_n 1._o as_o the_o amen_o 2._o as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 3._o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n these_o three_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o general_a description_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preliminary_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o amen_o out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o what_o christ_n promise_v and_o predict_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n must_v sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v not_o fail_v he_o add_v another_o property_n take_v out_o of_o chap._n 1._o v._n 5._o he_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n now_o what_o this_o amen_o have_v promise_v predict_v and_o say_v in_o these_o prophecy_n must_v
deny_v the_o instrumentality_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v sure_a that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o zion_n such_o will_v erect_v a_o babel_n and_o be_v ignorant_a where_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v they_o will_v like_o idle_a shepherd_n either_o starve_v the_o sheep_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o at_o least_o poison_v they_o with_o unwholesome_a herbage_n and_o these_o i_o account_v as_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n by_o and_o to_o find_v they_o liar_n object_n but_o a_o objection_n may_v here_o arise_v from_o he_o that_o have_v the_o first_o call_v of_o ability_n from_o god_n that_o if_o i_o count_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o denominate_v he_o orthodox_n in_o his_o call_n to_o have_v the_o additional_a call_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o then_o say_v he_o to_o what_o church_n shall_v i_o repair_v to_o receive_v this_o call_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v pretender_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o alone_o ordain_v authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o other_o this_o be_v indeed_o locus_fw-la lubricus_fw-la a_o slippery_a question_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o deal_v with_o it_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o contrary_n mind_v by_o ventilate_v my_o judgement_n herein_o but_o i_o profess_v ingenious_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o party_n self_n interest_n nor_o by-affection_n that_o do_v lead_v i_o first_o to_o this_o undertake_n but_o only_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n move_v my_o heart_n with_o much_o singleness_n of_o spirit_n be_v clear_o unbiased_a and_o not_o so_o overmuch_o engage_v to_o any_o of_o the_o new_a party_n of_o these_o time_n but_o that_o i_o can_v reserve_v my_o judgement_n free_a to_o close_v with_o truth_n wheresoever_o i_o can_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o to_o prosecute_v my_o first_o intendment_n in_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scantle_v of_o my_o judgement_n not_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o cloud_n but_o in_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n though_o for_o my_o reward_n i_o may_v have_v his_o hire_n that_o trace_v truth_n so_o near_o at_o the_o heel_n that_o have_v his_o tooth_n dash_v out_o for_o his_o pain_n but_o if_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n herein_o yet_o be_v repute_v a_o fool_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n and_o if_o i_o suffer_v loss_n herein_o yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v consolate_v magnis_fw-la tamen_fw-la excidit_fw-la ausis_fw-la first_o then_o to_o the_o business_n understand_v that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o avoid_v all_o criticise_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v abundant_o be_v make_v good_a both_o by_o good_a authority_n and_o scripture_n now_o this_o church_n be_v either_o more_o improper_o first_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n or_o second_o more_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o invisible_a church_n comprehend_v only_o the_o elect_a and_o see_v their_o number_n to_o we_o be_v unknown_a therefore_o they_o be_v denominate_v invisible_a but_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o visible_a universal_a catholic_a church_n or_o second_o for_o a_o visible_a particular_a political_a church_n now_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o this_o last_o notion_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o invisible_a church_n as_o invisible_a have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o visible_a and_o outward_a ordinance_n neither_o second_o the_o visible_a universal_a church_n can_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o their_o representative_n convene_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o officer_n for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o conveniency_n or_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reasonableness_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o various_a and_o far_o distant_a corner_n and_o land_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o represent_v officer_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o catholic_a assembly_n for_o the_o dispose_n and_o confer_v of_o all_o mediate_a call_v and_o office_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o wise_a order_n and_o gubernation_n in_o and_o over_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n that_o every_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a body_n i_o mean_v every_o particular_a christian_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o every_o particular_a be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n a_o full_a power_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o her_o officer_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o office_n since_o the_o first_o apostle_n that_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a gift_v as_o to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_a authority_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o they_o may_v be_v account_v to_o have_v jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la fit_a to_o be_v officer_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o yet_o actual_a they_o have_v not_o before_o their_o particular_a call_v do_v invest_v they_o into_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n do_v to_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o catholic_a universal_a faith_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o church_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o result_v and_o conclusion_n of_o combine_a church_n provincial_a or_o national_a may_v be_v only_o admit_v as_o prudential_o bind_v and_o oblige_v as_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o canon_n but_o not_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o though_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a truth_n itself_o so_o that_o such_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v not_o sole_o virtute_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la convocation_n be_v sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la veritatis_fw-la propositae_fw-la which_o if_o the_o same_o conclusion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o particular_a christian_n political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n therein_o but_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o command_v and_o institute_n they_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o prudential_a ecclesiastic_a edict_n and_o ecclesiastic_a divine_a institution_n the_o one_o be_v humane_a and_o bind_v only_o prudential_o the_o other_o be_v divine_a and_o oblige_v conscientious_o these_o consideration_n be_v clear_v i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n to_o what_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v a_o candidate_n apply_v himself_o for_o a_o mediate_a authoritative_a call_n and_o mission_n to_o receive_v it_o right_o and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o answer_v and_o take_v leave_v here_o first_o to_o distinguish_v and_o take_v notice_n between_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o call_n there_o may_v be_v particular_a church_n which_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o to_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o true_a one_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n yet_o mix_v with_o much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n and_o as_o a_o leprous_a person_n be_v a_o man_n yet_o a_o sorry_a one_o so_o a_o church_n hold_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n thereof_o yet_o entertain_v much_o corruption_n and_o error_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o christian_n church_n but_o a_o sad_a one_o so_o the_o ministerial_a call_n do_v answer_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o offspring_n constitution_n do_v follow_v the_o parent_n temperature_n strong_a issue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v of_o sickly_a parent_n fort_n creantur_fw-la fortibus_fw-la &_o as_o seneca_n so_o in_o politic_a body_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v and_o healthy_a in_o the_o faith_n their_o off_o spring_n be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a also_o then_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n will_v be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o virtual_a if_o ootherwise_o be_v with_o they_o they_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o vigour_n life_n and_o virtue_n and_o