unto_o they_o but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o fury_n they_o shall_v be_v safe_a and_o hold_v on_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v oft_o foil_v and_o overthrow_v in_o the_o way_n 2._o the_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n be_v a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a preseruative_n against_o antichrist_n apostasy_n it_o be_v that_o that_o make_v the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n the_o main_a cause_n that_o make_v antichrist_n and_o all_o his_o wicked_a limb_n such_o enemy_n thereunto_o there_o be_v none_o that_o come_v once_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n to_o seduce_v and_o man_n carelessness_n herein_o to_o make_v their_o election_n sure_a be_v a_o great_a cause_n that_o many_o become_v such_o apostate_n let_v we_o therefore_o labour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o and_o then_o though_o antichrist_n 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consideration_n of_o this_o also_o serve_v notable_o to_o strengthen_v this_o church_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o apostasy_n for_o this_o election_n of_o god_n be_v not_o sudden_a or_o since_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n decree_v of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v execute_v while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n before_o they_o have_v any_o personal_a be_v so_o that_o the_o love_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o his_o elect_a and_o choose_a one_o be_v not_o a_o sudden_a and_o a_o rash_a love_n like_o fire_n in_o straw_n and_o dry_a thorn_n that_o make_v upon_o the_o sudden_a a_o great_a crackle_n and_o blaze_v but_o be_v as_o soon_o almost_o out_o as_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a love_n a_o old_a affection_n yea_o a_o love_n and_o affection_n as_o old_a as_o himself_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v and_o he_o ever_o have_v be_v he_o love_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v satan_n or_o antichrist_n so_o far_o to_o prevail_v against_o they_o that_o be_v so_o ancient_o belove_v of_o he_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n in_o they_o or_o we_o now_o to_o make_v the_o lord_n to_o cease_v to_o love_v we_o but_o what_o have_v be_v present_a before_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o set_v his_o love_n on_o we_o and_o will_v as_o well_o have_v move_v he_o then_o to_o refuse_v we_o as_o now_o to_o reject_v us._n note_v withal_o by_o the_o way_n 1._o that_o this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o special_a sign_n of_o one_o elect_v from_o eternity_n that_o antichrist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o to_o withdraw_v he_o from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n 2._o that_o so_o long_o as_o antichrist_n prevail_v against_o any_o so_o long_o little_a hope_n thereof_o can_v be_v have_v the_o three_o degree_n follow_v which_o consist_v in_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o the_o attain_n 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apostle_n to_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o church_n her_o mass_n her_o dirge_n her_o trental_n her_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a her_o pilgrimage_n procession_n adoration_n of_o image_n angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v her_o vow_n of_o virginity_n and_o poverty_n her_o service_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o do_v her_o principal_a worship_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o these_o have_v any_o colour_n or_o shadow_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n or_o in_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o this_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o catholic_a apostasy_n need_v no_o proof_n see_v themselves_o glory_n and_o boast_v of_o the_o catholicness_n of_o their_o religion_n especial_o before_o luther_n and_o how_o general_o and_o universal_o their_o worship_n and_o faith_n aforesaid_a have_v be_v receive_v and_o profess_v neither_o have_v there_o 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he_o of_o no_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n come_v not_o in_o all_o at_o one_o time_n but_o by_o degree_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n decrease_v it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v see_v in_o history_n when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o gross_a and_o main_a point_n of_o the_o popish_a religion_n come_v in_o 5._o it_o prevail_v against_o who_o most_o sure_o such_o as_o evident_o show_v that_o they_o bear_v no_o love_n to_o the_o word_n but_o be_v despiser_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o such_o in_o our_o experience_n be_v they_o that_o use_v to_o be_v seduce_v man_n that_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v any_o colour_n to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n save_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o cross_v their_o corruption_n 6._o the_o whole_a world_n know_v with_o what_o efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o satan_n it_o have_v be_v uphold_v how_o busy_a satan_n be_v how_o oft_o he_o appear_v in_o goblin_n fairy_n walk_v spirit_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o support_v of_o it_o 7._o it_o can_v endure_v the_o brightness_n of_o god_n word_n but_o melt_v before_o it_o as_o snow_n before_o the_o sun_n hitherto_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o antichristian_a apostasy_n that_o here_o be_v prophesy_v of_o because_o all_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n thereof_o do_v most_o lively_o agree_v thereunto_o more_o than_o to_o any_o religion_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o apostasy_n and_o that_o great_a antichrist_n here_o prophesy_v of_o which_o appear_v partly_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o apostasy_n of_o that_o church_n &_o shall_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o those_o note_n whereby_o in_o this_o prophecy_n he_o be_v describe_v the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o antichrist_n be_v a_o man_n of_o sinne._n i._n not_o only_o a_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o as_o satan_n be_v a_o notable_a instrument_n of_o satan_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n this_o agree_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o sea_n in_o a_o manner_n since_o they_o become_v universal_a bishop_n it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o monstrous_a villain_n most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o historian_n you_o shall_v not_o read_v of_o any_o sect_n or_o order_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o among_o who_o so_o many_o &_o such_o monster_n have_v be_v find_v as_o among_o they_o murderer_n poisoner_n of_o their_o predecessor_n simoniac_n negromancer_n sodomite_n adulterer_n atheist_n church-robber_n etc._n etc._n yea_o such_o lewd_a person_n ordinary_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v that_o the_o time_n be_v in_o those_o part_n where_o the_o pope_n most_o abide_v that_o when_o they_o will_v note_v a_o man_n for_o a_o notorious_a extraordinary_a villain_n or_o knave_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o knave_n or_o villain_n enough_o to_o be_v pope_n non_fw-fr est_fw-fr opus_fw-la instare_fw-la again_o they_o be_v not_o only_o such_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o the_o grand_a patron_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o and_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o lewdness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v their_o trade_n to_o devise_v how_o they_o may_v either_o by_o law_n force_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o protect_v such_o as_o be_v wicked_a he_o be_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o ignorance_n use_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n he_o have_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v the_o right_a way_n to_o serve_v he_o he_o forbid_v marriage_n to_o all_o his_o clergy_n which_o be_v innumerable_a the_o hundred_o part_n whereof_o be_v idle_a belly_n not_o force_v to_o any_o pain_n but_o live_v like_o epicure_n and_o swine_n put_v up_o to_o feed_v by_o mean_n whereof_o innumerable_a adultery_n fornication_n rape_n sodomitry_n murder_n of_o infant_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n be_v commit_v he_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v stew_n as_o it_o be_v college_n and_o society_n of_o whore_n whereunto_o man_n may_v free_o without_o punishment_n repair_v and_o count_v it_o better_o for_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o keep_v a_o whore_n or_o to_o defile_v a_o other_o man_n wife_n then_o to_o have_v a_o wife_n of_o their_o own_o he_o count_v some_o sin_n small_a and_o venial_a not_o deserve_v hell_n fire_n and_o no_o sin_n so_o gross_a but_o that_o for_o money_n he_o can_v pardon_v it_o and_o he_o can_v dispense_v with_o incest_n divorce_n at_o his_o pleasure_n discharge_n man_n of_o their_o oath_n and_o absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n etc._n etc._n by_o mean_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v the_o procurer_n and_o author_n of_o infinite_a treason_n rebellion_n assassinate_n poison_n bloodshed_n of_o many_o thousand_o murder_n of_o prince_n and_o potentate_n and_o other_o the_o like_a villainy_n in_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n the_o second_o note_n follow_v he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o perdition_n wherein_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v such_o a_o other_o as_o judas_n be_v and_o sure_o judas_n may_v well_o be_v a_o emblem_n to_o represent_v the_o nature_n disposition_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o most_o part_n judas_n be_v a_o covetous_a wretch_n and_o grudge_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v go_v beside_o his_o bag_n so_o be_v the_o pope_n judas_n seek_v all_o mean_n to_o betray_v christ_n so_o do_v the_o pope_n in_o his_o member_n judas_n though_o christ_n convince_v his_o conscience_n of_o the_o vileness_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o denounce_v such_o a_o woe_n against_o he_o as_o may_v just_o have_v terrify_v he_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o hold_v on_o his_o wicked_a purpose_n so_o do_v the_o pope_n judas_n in_o word_n and_o ceremonial_a compliment_n most_o honour_a christ_n when_o he_o betray_v he_o so_o do_v the_o pope_n judas_n come_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n so_o have_v the_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o judas_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o of_o his_o own_o perdition_n so_o be_v the_o pope_n none_o live_v more_o like_a man_n ordain_v to_o destruction_n than_o they_o 3._o the_o antichrist_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o oppose_v himself_o against_o and_o lift_v himself_o up_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n the_o scripture_n give_v this_o title_n not_o to_o god_n himself_o only_o but_o to_o angel_n also_o psal_n
there_o what_o need_v we_o care_v they_o must_v pull_v out_o the_o lord_n own_o bowel_n that_o pull_v we_o out_o thence_o the_o apostle_n amplifi_v this_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v my_o brethren_n you_o be_v so_o belove_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o syluanus_n and_o timothy_n think_v we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o you_o in_o that_o regard_n wonderful_a great_a must_v that_o love_n of_o god_n need_v be_v towards_o this_o church_n that_o bind_v the_o apostle_n and_o these_o evangelist_n in_o so_o great_a a_o bond_n of_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o though_o he_o may_v say_v you_o ought_v but_o we_o ought_v whereby_o he_o show_v that_o god_n love_n towards_o this_o church_n do_v bind_v these_o worthy_a minister_n in_o a_o everlasting_a bond_n unto_o god_n so_o that_o the_o more_o love_n and_o grace_n god_n show_v unto_o a_o people_n the_o more_o 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a_o superscription_n wherein_o be_v express_v 1._o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v the_o principal_a author_n be_v paul_n by_o who_o spirit_n alone_o stir_v up_o and_o direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v indict_v silvanus_n and_o timothy_n consent_v thereunto_o who_o name_n paul_n use_v together_o with_o his_o own_o for_o the_o further_o establish_v and_o confirm_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o here_o he_o write_v of_o and_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o affection_n with_o he_o in_o these_o three_o person_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o be_v declare_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o these_o be_v though_o so_o much_o be_v not_o in_o this_o text_n specify_v the_o one_o a_o apostle_n the_o other_o evangelist_n their_o authority_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o by_o mouth_n or_o pen_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a they_o have_v especial_o 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lord_n 2._o in_o that_o paul_n for_o the_o further_a credit_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o here_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o be_v move_v to_o write_v use_v also_o the_o name_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n which_o in_o gift_n office_n and_o authority_n be_v inferior_a unto_o he_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o especial_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n add_v much_o authority_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v yea_o the_o consent_n of_o inferior_n in_o gift_n grace_n and_o calling_n add_v authority_n to_o that_o which_o superior_n do_v hold_v and_o profess_v though_o silvanus_n and_o timothy_n authority_n be_v lesser_a than_o paul_n yet_o concur_v with_o paul_n it_o make_v his_o the_o great_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o more_o authority_n then_o that_o a_o man_n do_v desire_v to_o have_v in_o god_n church_n the_o more_o must_v he_o labour_v after_o the_o 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do_v not_o in_o good_a time_n deliver_v they_o and_o those_o he_o most_o destroy_v that_o he_o most_o make_v of_o the_o three_o argument_n whereby_o he_o describe_v he_o be_v his_o pride_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o that_o oppose_v himself_o and_o lift_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v such_o shall_v be_v the_o intolerable_a arrogancy_n of_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v not_o endure_v that_o any_o power_n or_o potentate_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n shall_v be_v above_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a adversary_n to_o all_o those_o that_o prefer_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n before_o his_o worship_n and_o that_o will_v not_o adore_v his_o ordinance_n before_o &_o above_o god_n or_o any_o leave_v unto_o man_n by_o god_n for_o he_o can_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n lift_v up_o himself_o above_o god_n and_o be_v a_o adversary_n unto_o he_o but_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o his_o own_o law_n above_o god_n and_o trample_a god_n under_o his_o foot_n that_o his_o own_o may_v be_v observe_v not_o endure_v any_o law_n that_o shall_v cross_v the_o law_n of_o his_o own_o wicked_a will_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o be_v repute_v high_a than_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n upon_o earth_n except_o he_o may_v be_v worship_v also_o even_o above_o god_n himself_o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o oppose_v himself_o against_o god_n the_o apostle_n add_v 1._o that_o the_o principal_a place_n of_o his_o residency_n where_o he_o will_v erect_v his_o throne_n and_o consistory_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o god_n dwell_v most_o and_o rule_v and_o govern_v most_o there_o will_v antichrist_n be_v most_o busy_a for_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 1.2_o with_o 3.16_o where_o speak_v to_o all_o wheresoever_o that_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n &_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o see_v also_o 1._o pet._n 2.5_o so_o that_o the_o place_n of_o antichrist_n tyrannous_a dominion_n shall_v be_v the_o christian_a world_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n where_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v call_v upon_o in_o the_o catholic_a and_o universal_a church_n upon_o earth_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v for_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o turkey_n barbary_n &c_n &c_n but_o among_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n 2._o he_o add_v that_o he_o shall_v carry_v himself_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n not_o as_o a_o servant_n subject_n or_o minister_n of_o god_n but_o as_o god_n that_o be_v look_v what_o god_n use_v to_o do_v that_o will_v he_o do_v he_o will_v be_v head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o supreme_a and_o uncontrollable_a governor_n he_o will_v prescribe_v law_n and_o canon_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n prescribe_v a_o word_n of_o his_o own_o sacrament_n of_o his_o own_o a_o church_n ministry_n of_o his_o own_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n to_o his_o will_n as_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n to_o bless_v who_o he_o like_v and_o to_o curse_v who_o he_o list_v etc._n etc._n what_o a_o arrogant_a person_n be_v this_o how_o have_v the_o people_n of_o god_n need_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o a_o monster_n what_o block_n and_o sot_n be_v they_o that_o can_v discover_v he_o and_o know_v he_o let_v we_o therefore_o belove_a that_o live_v in_o god_n church_n take_v heed_n to_o ourselves_o look_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o that_o we_o do_v not_o serve_v antichrist_n rather_o than_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o mingle_v not_o both_o together_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o live_v in_o god_n church_n in_o his_o time_n and_o to_o keep_v whole_o free_a from_o he_o who_o if_o he_o can_v whole_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n will_v be_v attempt_v yet_o to_o do_v it_o in_o part_n vers._n 5._o remember_v you_o not_o that_o while_o i_o be_v yet_o with_o you_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o further_a confirm_v of_o they_o in_o this_o truth_n before_o he_o proceed_v any_o further_a in_o the_o description_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v not_o without_o a_o secret_a reproof_n of_o their_o forgetfulness_n he_o call_v to_o their_o mind_n some_o other_o point_n which_o together_o with_o these_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n concern_v antichrist_n whence_o brief_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o how_o profitable_a the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v especial_o at_o some_o time_n if_o man_n can_v then_o remember_v it_o if_o this_o people_n have_v but_o remember_v thus_o much_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v poison_v with_o the_o error_n before_o mention_v but_o they_o have_v a_o present_a preseruative_n and_o counterpoison_n against_o it_o 2._o note_v we_o how_o forgetful_a the_o best_a child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v of_o those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o most_o concern_v they_o and_o which_o one_o will_v think_v they_o can_v not_o have_v forget_v if_o they_o will_v 3._o mark_v what_o advantage_n satan_n make_v of_o our_o forgetfulness_n do_v he_o see_v that_o care_n in_o we_o to_o remember_v the_o word_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o broach_v &_o spread_v his_o error_n as_o he_o be_v so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v much_o teach_n yet_o there_o be_v so_o little_a remembrance_n of_o that_o that_o be_v teach_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n may_v broach_v any_o error_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o able_a through_o our_o mere_a forgetfulness_n to_o oppose_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n against_o they_o 4._o all_o christian_n especial_o minister_n may_v learn_v hence_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o call_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o hearer_n what_o they_o have_v former_o teach_v especial_o when_o particular_a occasion_n serve_v to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o when_o the_o forgetfulness_n thereof_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o they_o vers._n 6._o and_o now_o you_o know_v what_o withholdeth_a that_o he_o may_v be_v reveal_v in_o his_o due_a time_n 7._o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v only_o he_o that_o withholdeth_a shall_v let_v till_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n 8._o and_o then_o shall_v that_o wicked_a one_o be_v reveal_v who_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o shall_v abolish_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a point_n then_o that_o over_o &_o beside_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o a_o special_a let_v and_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v the_o present_a reveal_n of_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n what_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o apostle_n here_o conceal_v so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o tell_v it_o they_o then_o as_o a_o secret_a fit_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o know_v but_o not_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v publish_v only_o it_o seem_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o person_n that_o hinder_v and_o the_o most_o general_a receive_a opinion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n this_o have_v the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v and_o this_o do_v most_o both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n too_o grant_v and_o the_o event_n do_v agree_v thereunto_o yea_o it_o seem_v that_o by_o their_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n they_o hinder_v the_o same_o for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n be_v under_o persecution_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v draw_v against_o it_o this_o proud_a man_n of_o sin_n lurk_v in_o the_o church_n and_o beginning_n to_o advance_v himself_o yet_o can_v not_o rise_v to_o his_o greatness_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n conceal_v the_o impediment_n lest_o this_o may_v the_o more_o encourage_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o potentate_n to_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a suspicion_n of_o this_o that_o christian_n will_v be_v the_o overthrow_n of_o that_o empire_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o many_o bloody_a persecution_n 2._o he_o admonish_v they_o that_o the_o foresay_a apostasy_n be_v even_o then_o in_o work_v which_o here_o he_o describe_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o be_v a_o art_n of_o sin_v by_o secret_a cunning_a and_o artificial_a conveyance_n whereby_o he_o mean_v that_o
unto_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o this_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o sanctify_a spirit_n go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o light_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o eye_n of_o faith_n do_v direct_v and_o what_o need_v they_o fear_v to_o be_v seduce_v or_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o have_v such_o a_o spirit_n to_o move_v they_o such_o a_o eye_n and_o light_n and_o rule_v to_o direct_v they_o vers._n 14._o whereunto_o he_o have_v call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n to_o obtain_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o the_o inward_a mean_n be_v wrought_v be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o he_o call_v their_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o declare_v that_o whatsoever_o they_o minister_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o that_o be_v minister_n shall_v tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o minister_v that_o only_a to_o god_n people_n that_o we_o may_v avow_v to_o be_v gospel_n by_o this_o ministry_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o call_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o sanctification_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n the_o gospel_n then_o yea_o our_o gospel_n i_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n practise_v and_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v god_n own_o consecrate_a instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n work_v sanctification_n &_o faith_n thus_o do_v the_o lord_n honour_v his_o ministry_n so_o that_o they_o which_o be_v the_o despiser_n thereof_o never_o have_v any_o true_a faith_n or_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o antichrist_n and_o sure_o who_o be_v they_o that_o he_o prevail_v against_o in_o our_o kingdom_n be_v they_o not_o manifest_a despiser_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o unto_o sanctification_n and_o faith_n they_o can_v but_o honour_v it_o as_o the_o bless_a instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o show_v further_a wherein_o the_o end_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n consist_v in_o call_v of_o they_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ._n i._n of_o that_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n by_o christ_n which_o christ_n our_o head_n himself_o in_o heaven_n now_o enjoy_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o debase_v the_o glory_n of_o antichrist_n to_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o glory_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n to_o take_v seizin_n and_o possession_n of_o in_o our_o behalf_n and_o sure_o one_o main_a cause_n why_o a_o many_o be_v so_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o glitter_a show_n of_o antichrist_n pompous_a estate_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o mind_n set_v nor_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o soul_n fix_v on_o that_o wonderful_a and_o unutterable_a and_o inconceivable_a glory_n that_o for_o all_o christ_n faithful_a follower_n be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v vile_a in_o their_o eye_n if_o they_o so_o do_v vers._n 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o and_o keep_v the_o instruction_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o our_o epistle_n the_o use_n and_o application_n follow_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v see_v you_o have_v so_o great_a matter_n of_o comfort_n brethren_n stand_v fast_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o 3._o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n that_o he_o exhort_v they_o unto_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o duty_n 3._o the_o mean_n of_o perform_v of_o the_o duty_n the_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o stand_v fast_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n borrow_v from_o soldier_n who_o in_o brunt_n of_o battle_n gather_v their_o strength_n together_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overthrow_v so_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o strength_n they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v stand_v against_o the_o brunt_n and_o storm_n of_o antichrist_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o the_o belove_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v powerful_o and_o strong_o assault_v by_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o apostasy_n aforesaid_a if_o they_o look_v not_o unto_o themselves_o 2._o that_o they_o must_v therefore_o gather_v all_o their_o force_n and_o strength_n together_o to_o stand_v strong_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o no_o tempest_n and_o storm_n may_v remove_v they_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o word_n therefore_o i._n see_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v elect_v you_o &c_n &c_n therefore_o stand_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n then_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o of_o our_o election_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o security_n but_o it_o have_v this_o nature_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v find_v to_o stir_v up_o man_n so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o more_o that_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n the_o more_o he_o will_v strive_v to_o keep_v the_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o make_v he_o wax_v secure_a but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o resolute_a against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o his_o body_n be_v in_o that_o case_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v slay_v in_o battle_n howsoever_o he_o may_v be_v wound_v maim_a and_o hurt_v will_v that_o make_v he_o to_o yield_v himself_o to_o his_o enemy_n or_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o wound_n and_o hurt_v he_o will_v it_o not_o rather_o make_v he_o fight_v so_o much_o the_o more_o courageous_o 3._o the_o mean_n follow_v of_o perform_v this_o duty_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o other_o may_v stand_v fast_o the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o hold_v fast_o or_o lay_v a_o sure_a hand_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v upon_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n these_o tradition_n be_v all_o such_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v teach_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n whether_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n for_o unto_o they_o who_o the_o apostle_n with_o their_o own_o mouth_n preach_v their_o word_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o their_o write_n but_o with_o we_o to_o who_o they_o never_o speak_v their_o write_n only_o be_v authentical_a and_o not_o their_o word_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o speak_v more_o than_o they_o write_v 1._o the_o dutil_a then_o be_v this_o to_o lay_v hold_n with_o both_o hand_n on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o part_n or_o parcel_n thereof_o to_o be_v wring_v forth_o of_o our_o hand_n 2._o this_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o antichrist_n have_v so_o much_o prevail_v for_o that_o man_n have_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v suffer_v now_o one_o ordinance_n and_o then_o a_o other_o to_o be_v wring_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n vers._n 16._o now_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o our_o god_n even_o the_o father_n which_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n 17._o comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o word_n and_o good_a work_n the_o second_o mean_n of_o stand_v fast_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v twofold_a 1._o consolation_n of_o the_o heart_n except_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n send_v a_o comfortable_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o daunt_v and_o terrify_v one_o shall_v hardly_o hold_v fast_o whereas_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n comfort_v the_o heart_n so_o long_o we_o shall_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o faith_n 2._o god_n must_v also_o establish_v we_o and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o word_n and_o good_a work_n that_o we_o may_v so_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n that_o we_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n for_o if_o antichrist_n can_v trip_v we_o in_o either_o he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o dangerous_a blow_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o prayer_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o god_n the_o father_n stir_v he_o thereunto_o by_o mention_n of_o that_o free_a favour_n of_o he_o towards_o they_o whereby_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v love_v they_o and_o give_v they_o everlasting_a consolation_n by_o put_v they_o in_o good_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o grace_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o future_a