needs_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a for_o in_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o amen_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a faith_n and_o credence_n thereunto_o he_o add_v another_o title_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n paul_n can_v public_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o his_o discsple_n and_o that_o he_o have_v hide_v nothing_o back_o that_o do_v necessary_o conduce_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o think_v you_o that_o christ_n in_o these_o revelation_n have_v not_o deal_v as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o truth_n himself_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o beast_n babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n together_o with_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o church_n glorious_a restore_v state_n on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v and_o evidence_v from_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v not_o christ_n promise_v it_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o come_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n that_o can_v never_o fail_v and_o to_o take_v off_o all_o suspicion_n of_o failure_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n there_o be_v a_o three_o property_n here_o add_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n this_o have_v relation_n to_o that_o description_n of_o christ_n in_o chap._n 1._o v._n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v render_v either_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o he_o be_v also_o the_o supreme_a prince_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o so_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o principality_n and_o government_n who_o do_v at_o first_o create_v they_o and_o give_v a_o be_v to_o they_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o the_o say_n of_o these_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v sure_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o appoint_a season_n see_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o the_o creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v say_v and_o speak_v they_o who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v they_o come_v first_o from_o so_o faithful_a and_o true_a a_o witness_n and_o from_o one_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o most_o able_a to_o perform_v they_o verse_n 15._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 this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n as_o she_o come_v last_o in_o place_n so_o she_o come_v last_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o all_o her_o sister_n church_n christ_n find_v nothing_o in_o she_o that_o be_v true_o commendable_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o pergamus_n though_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n yet_o there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o somewhat_o praiseworthy_a some_o undefiled_a name_n that_o be_v not_o carry_v aside_o by_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n but_o in_o laodicea_n nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o therefore_o she_o hear_v of_o nothing_o from_o christ_n but_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o of_o the_o desperateness_n of_o her_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o sincere_a faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n be_v silence_n in_o it_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o number_v as_o one_o of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o number_n be_v but_o small_a they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o denomination_n unto_o the_o whole_a for_o indeed_o a_o body_n politic_a whither_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n or_o unsound_a from_o the_o major_a part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a soul_n or_o person_n if_o grace_n be_v more_o prevalent_a in_o degree_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o sin_n and_o corruption_n it_o be_v to_o be_v term_v a_o sincere_a gracious_a soul_n but_o if_o sin_n be_v most_o prevalent_a it_o may_v be_v just_o term_v a_o sinful_a and_o unregenerate_a soul_n so_o be_v the_o case_n of_o political_a church_n if_o their_o frame_n constitution_n and_o matter_n be_v most_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a such_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n healthful_a body_n we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n though_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o the_o deadness_n thereof_o they_o may_v with_o sardis_n be_v right_o term_v dead_a one_o yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n doubtless_o under_o prelacy_n both_o english_a and_o romish_a there_o be_v and_o be_v diverse_a precious_a christian_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n when_o the_o idol_n of_o baal_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o priest_n thereof_o be_v exalt_v yet_o then_o in_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o that_o bowâ—d_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n yet_o they_o few_o faithful_a one_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n or_o those_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prelacy_n etc._n etc._n popery_n come_v far_o short_a to_o denominate_v israel_n at_o that_o time_n or_o our_o english_a or_o foreign_a nation_n under_o that_o corrupt_a frame_n or_o temper_n of_o antichristian_a prelacy_n to_o be_v praiseworthy_a church_n or_o sound_n sincere_a and_o healthful_a in_o their_o general_a matter_n frame_n or_o constitution_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n against_o laodicea_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a laodicea_n be_v of_o a_o strange_a mongrel_n composure_n and_o temper_n neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a mould_v and_o compact_v as_o a_o certain_a odd_a extraction_n of_o two_o contrary_n cold_a and_o heat_n i_o think_v before_o this_o that_o that_o maxim_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n unquestionable_a in_o medio_fw-la consistit_fw-la virtus_fw-la it_o seem_v true_a religion_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o principle_n for_o laodicea_n be_v here_o blame_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a that_o be_v in_o a_o frame_n or_o temper_v which_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a by_o hot_a be_v here_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v zealous_a fervent_a in_o spirit_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o can_v endure_v any_o corruption_n will-worship_n or_o superstition_n shall_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o true_a christian_n worship_n and_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v call_v a_o hot_a fervent_a or_o zealous_a christian_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v too_o intense_a as_o unto_o the_o degree_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v considerate_a and_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n the_o ignorant_a inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v as_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a not_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n grace_n as_o with_o moral_a habit_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o both_o the_o extreme_n stray_v from_o mediocrity_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o in_o the_o defect_n be_v fault_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o excess_n of_o liberality_n may_v run_v into_o prodigality_n and_o the_o defect_n into_o covetous_a parsimony_n or_o the_o excess_n in_o fortitude_n may_v be_v call_v temerity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n and_o the_o defect_n cowardice_n and_o pusilanimity_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o gracious_a habit_n the_o case_n be_v different_a soul_n can_v exceed_v therein_o be_v you_o holy_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v holy_a no_o less_o than_o a_o aim_n unto_o perfection_n will_v serve_v turn_n be_v zealous_a fervent_a boil_a hot_a for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v sound_a and_o considerate_a it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mediocrity_n lukewarmness_n or_o half_a friend_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n be_v equal_o a_o abomination_n in_o god_n sight_n for_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n as_o be_v coldness_n or_o deadness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o this_o strange_a commixture_n of_o temper_n in_o laodicea_n be_v explode_v by_o christ_n as_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o therefore_o add_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a hence_o note_v observe_v a_o lukewarm_a temper_n among_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
some_o of_o the_o mistake_v of_o our_o translator_n consult_v to_o this_o purpose_n luke_n 7.24_o mal._n 3.1_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v better_o render_v here_o messengers_z write_v unto_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o term_v because_o they_o be_v person_n send_v and_o commissionated_a by_o christ_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v his_o gospel_n among_o his_o church_n matth._n 28.18_o have_v clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o seven_o star_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o note_n observe_v 1._o christ_n have_v a_o especial_a eye_n of_o providence_n and_o hand_n of_o protection_n over_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a time_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n he_o take_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n clap_v they_o under_o his_o wing_n for_o safety_n noah_n who_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v righteous_a lot_n be_v preserve_v when_o sodom_n flame_v in_o fire_n ezekiel_n daniel_n mordecai_n etc._n etc._n be_v preserve_v in_o babylon_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o judah_n suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o a_o insolent_a conqueror_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o how_o luther_n be_v preserve_v when_o all_o the_o antichristian_a world_n seek_v his_o ruin_n be_v most_o admirable_a to_o consider_v i_o have_v hear_v it_o relate_v that_o that_o most_o famous_a minister_n of_o christ_n peter_n du_fw-fr molyne_n be_v preserve_v in_o paris_n be_v a_o suck_a child_n by_o his_o nurse_n under_o a_o tub_n when_o the_o bloody_a massacre_n do_v not_o spare_a man_n woman_n or_o child_n of_o the_o reform_a faith_n that_o he_o may_v afterward_o become_v a_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v they_o that_o be_v most_o engage_v for_o christ_n in_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n he_o do_v most_o engage_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o protection_n satan_n be_v their_o great_a enemy_n therefore_o christ_n be_v their_o great_a friend_n and_o bulwark_n oh_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n be_v shine_a star_n faithful_a angel_n or_o rather_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o god_n word_n and_o truth_n then_o christ_n will_v carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n of_o protection_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n unto_o he_o the_o angel_n messenger_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o these_o seven_o asian_a church_n be_v here_o represent_v by_o star_n star_n always_o in_o prophetical_a scripture_n signify_v eminency_n splendour_n light_n and_o excellency_n how_o be_v thou_o fall_v from_o heaven_n o_o lucifer_n thou_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n mean_v nabuchadnezzar_n isa_n 14.12_o and_o rev._n 18.10_o i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n which_o connote_v the_o fall_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a high_a and_o excellent_a person_n from_o hence_o note_n 2._o those_o that_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o christ_n mystery_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n than_o other_o inferior_a christian_n they_o be_v figure_v by_o star_n by_o the_o shine_a heavenly_a lamp_n they_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o lip_n shall_v especial_o preserve_v wisdom_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o star_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o their_o church_n they_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o they_o in_o soundness_n of_o life_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o too_o though_o their_o light_n be_v great_a shine_a and_o eminent_a yet_o let_v they_o consider_v they_o be_v but_o star_n their_o light_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sun_n they_o shall_v not_o advance_v it_o to_o that_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o infallible_a light_n but_o they_o shall_v eye_v the_o son_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a light_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritage_n let_v they_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o be_v star_n whereof_o some_o may_v be_v erratic_a as_o well_o as_o fix_v once_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a light_n the_o true_a morning_n star_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v receive_v light_n from_o this_o true_a son_n of_o righteousness_n he_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o father_n of_o all_o light_n 3._o another_o note_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o honourable_a call_n they_o be_v figure_v under_o the_o type_n of_o star_n celestial_a light_n they_o have_v the_o same_o title_n of_o god_n minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n they_o be_v his_o messenger_n that_o go_v on_o his_o errant_n his_o ambassador_n to_o treat_v with_o man_n about_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n hence_o arise_v another_o corrolary_n that_o all_o christ_n minister_n as_o they_o be_v star_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o glory_n in_o part_n gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o not_o differ_v in_o power_n nor_o lord_n over_o one_o another_o they_o be_v angel_n that_o be_v messengers_z ambassador_n not_o prince_n cardinal_n not_o lord_n bishop_n every_o church_n here_o have_v its_o angel_n its_o bishop_n its_o pastor_n its_o elder_a not_o many_o bishop_n not_o many_o elder_n in_o a_o classical_a form_n over_o divers_a church_n but_o every_o church_n have_v its_o angel_n its_o minister_n or_o officer_n ephesus_n have_v its_o anâ—gel_n smyrna_n its_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o ephesus_n angel_n either_o single_o o._n joint_n with_o two_o three_o or_o more_o be_v superintendent_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o be_v a_o far_a description_n of_o the_o terribleness_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o vision_n when_o he_o come_v in_o power_n and_o judgement_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n psalm_n 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o job_n 5.15_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n it_o cut_v both_o side_n but_o in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n it_o wound_v the_o penitent_a but_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n heb._n 4.12_o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o destroy_a sword_n to_o his_o adversary_n rev._n 19.15_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o heathen_a hence_o observe_v christ_n word_n be_v very_o powerful_a and_o pierce_v it_o divide_v between_o the_o bone_n and_o the_o marrow_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v telum_fw-la achilleum_fw-la achilles_n spear_n that_o can_v both_o hurt_v and_o cure_v kill_v and_o make_v alive_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o question_v whether_o this_o figure_n of_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o go_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o material_a sword_n also_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o that_o christ_n also_o be_v to_o use_v that_o sword_n which_o be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o and_o that_o be_v a_o material_a one_o for_o he_o be_v to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n rev._n 19.15_o now_o how_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n or_o rule_v they_o with_o his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n i_o see_v but_o small_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n and_o see_v too_o when_o he_o do_v this_o it_o be_v in_o fierceness_n tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o then_o some_o may_v say_v do_v christ_n judge_v and_o smite_v his_o enemy_n only_o by_o the_o material_a sword_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o he_o go_v out_o with_o the_o sword_n or_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n to_o wit_n his_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o make_v manifest_a destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n and_o worship_n 2_o thes_n 2._o then_o second_o he_o go_v out_o on_o the_o red_a horse_n of_o war_n with_o a_o material_a sword_n to_o destroy_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o they_o be_v so_o smite_v and_o destroy_v that_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v call_v to_o the_o prey_n to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o king_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o captain_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o mighty_a man_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o horse_n and_o of_o they_o that_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o flesh_n of_o all_o man_n both_o free_a and_o bond_n
by_o interpose_v a_o intervening_a necessity_n and_o clear_a obstacle_n thereunto_o and_o therein_o god_n love_v obedience_n better_o than_o sacrifice_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o first_o ministerial_a reformer_n never_o maintain_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o ministry_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n lineal_o through_o the_o loin_n of_o antichrist_n but_o only_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o all_o age_n be_v by_o the_o invisible_a church_n maintain_v and_o assert_v sometime_o with_o more_o perspicuity_n and_o visibility_n than_o other_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o officer_n and_o ministry_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o must_v needs_o also_o grant_v a_o perpetual_a and_o necessary_a visibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o consequential_o a_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o how_o a_o true_a christian_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o antichristian_a state_n in_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n as_o i_o former_o say_v i_o know_v not_o or_o how_o the_o same_o state_n can_v be_v both_o mere_o antichristian_a and_o christian_n a_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o a_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n a_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o oâ—_n idol_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a and_o justifiable_a call_n respect_v the_o essence_n thereof_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o foundation_n aright_o of_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o otherwise_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o many_o circumstantial_a point_n yet_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o may_v more_o comfortable_o be_v receive_v from_o one_o church_n then_o another_o as_o former_o be_v evince_v the_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o sound_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o sound_a spiritual_a and_o edify_v their_o ministerial_a function_n be_v the_o more_o loose_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o loose_v their_o ministerial_a call_n will_v be_v therefore_o the_o godly_a church_n and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o mission_n ministerial_a call_v and_o office_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o repair_v unto_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v then_o of_o the_o present_a ministry_n of_o england_n as_o now_o constitute_v who_o as_o presbyter_n ordain_v one_o another_o to_o their_o ministerial_a office_n who_o be_v first_o ordain_v themselves_o by_o the_o late_a bishop_n and_o so_o hold_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o as_o from_o true_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v but_o contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cloud_v my_o judgement_n in_o any_o thing_n if_o the_o english_a presbytery_n as_o the_o helvetian_a and_o genevan_n have_v do_v to_o their_o perpetual_a glory_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o antichristian_a whore_n and_o so_o public_o renounce_v all_o ministerial_a call_v as_o derive_v from_o she_o than_o i_o grant_v such_o ministry_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o though_o collate_v of_o office_n mere_o as_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n without_o the_o just_a assent_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o church_n be_v not_o so_o justifiable_a as_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o evince_v but_o if_o they_o maintain_v their_o call_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v good_a as_o by_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n they_o have_v utter_o nullify_v and_o undo_v their_o case_n and_o their_o call_n too_o in_o my_o judgement_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v for_o what_o be_v not_o good_a and_o justifiable_a in_o the_o fountain_n and_o first_o origin_n can_v be_v make_v justifiable_a by_o succession_n in_o the_o stream_n and_o branch_n a_o pollute_a fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a wholesome_a stream_n causa_fw-la causae_fw-la causa_fw-la causati_fw-la if_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a as_o most_o of_o they_o grant_v though_o both_o name_n and_o office_n be_v warrantable_a in_o a_o gospel_n regulate_v sense_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o first_o mission_n and_o call_v how_o then_o come_v their_o call_n more_o warrantable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o author_n and_o founder_n if_o bishop_n in_o their_o ministry_n be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_n how_o come_v they_o to_o supplant_v they_o and_o pull_v they_o down_o christ_n ministry_n be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o desolate_v and_o dethrone_v brethren_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a function_n but_o rather_o for_o consolidate_v and_o confirm_v therefore_o sure_o there_o be_v somewhat_o amiss_o all_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v stand_v to_o this_o day_n witness_v the_o national_a covenant_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o constitute_v in_o england_n be_v of_o the_o off_o spring_n and_o brood_n of_o babylon_n they_o always_o hold_v their_o call_n good_a as_o ministerial_a bishop_n have_v their_o personal_a call_v from_o such_o successive_o as_o first_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a or_o justifiable_a in_o the_o succession_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v as_o some_o say_v to_o salve_v it_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o church_n of_o invisible_a saint_n under_o antichrist_n because_o they_o must_v prove_v themselves_o then_o to_o succeed_v that_o very_a church_n or_o those_o very_a invisible_a saint_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o that_o those_o very_a saint_n be_v ministerial_a officer_n or_o presbyter_n or_o else_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o man_n may_v be_v saint_n but_o not_o ministerial_o saint_n send_v or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o they_o have_v the_o alone_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o in_o want_n of_o such_o true_a ministerial_a presbyter_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v either_o unavoidable_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n their_o ministerial_a office_n void_a and_o null_a or_o otherwise_o plain_o concede_fw-la that_o they_o have_v it_o derivative_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o what_o a_o sorry_a call_n that_o be_v if_o at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v call_v i_o have_v former_o evince_v and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o law_n that_o quod_fw-la initio_fw-la vitiosum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr poor_a tractu_fw-la temporis_fw-la convalescere_fw-la see_v more_o hereon_o du_n plessis_n treat_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 3624._o and_o bishop_n jewel_n defen_n apolog._n part_n 2._o page_n 131._o who_o be_v witness_n without_o exception_n manifest_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o verse_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 observe_v from_o this_o observe_v that_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n be_v great_a persecuter_n of_o the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v suffer_v much_o from_o such_o false_a teacher_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a be_v always_o against_o the_o true_a one_o and_o cause_v they_o often_o to_o be_v smite_v and_o afflict_v as_o micaiah_n be_v jeer_v by_o zedekiah_n which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n from_o i_o to_o thou_o 1_o king_n 22._o 2_o 4._o and_o that_o not_o all_o but_o be_v smite_v disgraceful_o on_o the_o check_n also_o shemaiah_n stir_v up_o the_o authority_n against_o jeremiah_n the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o will_v have_v cast_v he_o in_o the_o prison_n jer._n 29.24_o yea_o say_v ezekiel_n 22.25_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o her_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o not_o only_o like_o fox_n but_o even_o like_a lion_n raven_v the_o prey_n these_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v always_o very_o pernicious_a to_o god_n true_a church_n what_o great_a persecuter_n arrius_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o athanasius_n and_o the_o orthodox_n they_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a that_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o not_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o by_o incense_a the_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o how_o willing_o will_v pilate_n release_v christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o follower_n false_a prophet_n still_o exclaim_v and_o fastigate_v the_o magistrate_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_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
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
first_o vision_n john_n see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o they_o one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n some_o may_v conceive_v that_o this_o person_n here_o represent_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v some_o angel_n and_o not_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o a_o angel_n which_o christ_n deputize_v as_o v._o 1._o to_o give_v these_o vision_n unto_o john_n but_o to_o refel_v this_o opinion_n i_o offer_v these_o reason_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o α_n and_o ω_fw-gr in_o verse_n 8._o and_o in_o chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 18._o where_o the_o same_o person_n be_v describe_v he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o sure_a god_n will_v never_o give_v these_o title_n and_o his_o peculiar_a attribute_n unto_o creature-angel_n but_o unto_o his_o son_n who_o be_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o consimiliar_a but_o consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n and_o who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n for_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o say_v you_o be_v the_o α_n and_o ω_fw-gr the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o or_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o say_v as_o in_o verse_n 18._o you_o be_v alive_a but_o you_o be_v dead_a or_o you_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n sure_o no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n will_v take_v these_o high_a title_n and_o prerogative_n unto_o themselves_o but_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o this_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v christ_n and_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v have_v the_o observant_a reason_n take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a to_o discern_v what_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o christ_n and_o what_o by_o angel_n by_o observe_v the_o description_n of_o the_o party_n that_o give_v they_o for_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o remarkable_a vision_n christ_n give_v out_o himself_o but_o the_o less_o principal_a he_o discover_v by_o his_o minister_n the_o angel_n but_o to_o leave_v nothing_o in_o the_o dark_a some_o may_v say_v why_o may_v not_o this_o be_v the_o father_n who_o appear_v unto_o daniel_n chap._n 7._o 9_o who_o be_v there_o call_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n who_o garment_n be_v white_a as_o snow_n and_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n as_o pure_a wool_n his_o throne_n be_v like_o the_o fiery_a flame_n and_o his_o wheel_n be_v as_o burn_a fire_n the_o description_n of_o this_o person_n here_o in_o daniel_n be_v almost_o the_o same_o with_o this_o in_o the_o revelation_n compare_v the_o 11._o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o the_o learned_a do_v observe_v that_o neither_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n or_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n second_o the_o anthropomorphites_n have_v abuse_v this_o place_n to_o maintain_v their_o gross_a opinion_n of_o the_o corporiety_n and_o circumscription_n of_o the_o infinite_a deity_n and_o therefore_o the_o alwise_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o prevent_v the_o mistake_n of_o man_n about_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n describe_v this_o vision_n of_o daniel_n in_o the_o likeness_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n not_o that_o they_o be_v material_o so_o it_o be_v the_o likeness_n of_o a_o throne_n and_o like_o a_o fiery_a flame_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 13_o verse_n like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n no_o true_a substantial_a body_n nor_o material_a vision_n three_o i_o answer_v this_o must_v be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n for_o the_o reason_n immediate_o forego_v who_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a and_o he_o that_o shall_v attribute_v this_o to_o the_o father_n or_o the_o spirit_n shall_v want_v some_o hellebore_n last_o this_o must_v be_v christ_n because_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v often_o appear_v in_o vision_n like_a unto_o man_n dan._n 7.13_o i_o see_v in_o the_o night_n vision_n and_o behold_v one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ezek._n 1.26_o and_o rev._n 14.14_o i_o look_v and_o behold_v a_o white_a cloud_n and_o upon_o the_o cloud_n one_o sit_v like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n and_o not_o the_o father_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o verse_n 18._o of_o chap._n 2._o where_n one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v in_o the_o 13_o 14_o and_z 15_o verses_z here_o describe_v in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n of_o chap._n 2._o he_o command_v john_n to_o write_v to_o thyatira_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n therefore_o to_o be_v brief_a that_o person_n that_o be_v here_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o spirit_n but_o christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n quere_z but_o be_v not_o this_o appearance_n then_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n true_o man_n or_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n see_v you_o hold_v it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o manhood_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v christ_n but_o not_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n that_o nullum_fw-la simile_n est_fw-la idem_fw-la and_o here_o he_o be_v call_v like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n therefore_o not_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a son_n of_o man_n the_o heaven_n be_v to_o contain_v his_o manhood_n until_o the_o restauration_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o his_o divinity_n be_v ubiquitary_a omnipresent_v and_o omnipotent_a yet_o his_o manhood_n be_v circumscribe_v and_o terminate_v unto_o one_o place_n at_o once_o if_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o can_v be_v on_o earth_n it_o ascend_v there_o act_v 1.10_o 11._o and_o stephen_n see_v he_o there_o even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o glory_n act_n 7.56_o not_o by_o a_o visional_a representation_n but_o true_o and_o real_o as_o god_n give_v stephen_n this_o glorify_a sight_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o heaven_n so_o god_n doubtless_o fit_v and_o qualify_v his_o organical_a instrument_n of_o sight_n above_o their_o common_a pitch_n to_o reach_v a_o object_n at_o so_o high_a a_o distance_n when_o god_n will_v work_v wonderful_o he_o can_v turn_v nature_n out_o of_o its_o proper_a frame_n either_o in_o elevate_a it_o beyond_o its_o own_o power_n of_o production_n or_o to_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o own_o peculiar_a operation_n he_o can_v make_v the_o sun_n to_o stand_v still_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n he_o can_v make_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v a_o thousand_o mile_n distance_n as_o unto_o stephen_n he_o can_v bind_v up_o the_o fiery_a flame_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v or_o burn_v as_o unto_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n walk_v therein_o without_o scorch_a a_o hair_n but_o to_o return_v if_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v in_o heaven_n than_o he_o be_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n he_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v or_o consubstantiate_v into_o or_o with_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o papist_n and_o some_o lutheran_n dream_v of_o but_o second_o i_o answer_v christ_n here_o appear_v to_o john_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a before_o his_o incarnation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o deity_n and_o godhead_n be_v transfigure_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o take_v up_o the_o form_n of_o man_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o so_o manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o shape_n or_o form_n of_o man_n otherwise_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o itself_o be_v invisible_a as_o in_o dan._n 7.13_o and_o 10.5_o ezek._n 1.26_o rev._n 14.14_o before_o christ_n incarnation_n he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o show_v that_o in_o time_n he_o will_v become_v the_o true_a and_o real_a son_n of_o man_n by_o assume_v flesh_n into_o union_n with_o his_o godhead_n and_o since_o his_o ascension_n he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o one_o day_n he_o will_v in_o the_o true_a humane_a nature_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v
right_a hand_n on_o john_n first_o upon_o his_o consternation_n he_o give_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n elevate_v and_o excite_v john_n spirit_n to_o see_v divine_a mystery_n and_o second_o give_v he_o his_o spirit_n of_o strength_n power_n and_o consolation_n which_o may_v subdue_v all_o his_o carnal_a conceit_n and_o fear_n and_o so_o remove_v all_o impediment_n whatsoever_o that_o hinder_v he_o in_o that_o work_n which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o undertake_v and_o therefore_o come_v in_o with_o consolation_n and_o bid_v john_n fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o from_o this_o note_v that_o those_o that_o be_v strike_v low_a and_o humble_v by_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v rise_v by_o god_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o choice_a divine_a truth_n and_o mystery_n john_n be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o then_o hear_v a_o voice_n fear_v not_o but_o write_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o shall_v see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n when_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n be_v fall_v down_o on_o their_o face_n than_o they_o be_v lift_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o receive_v glorious_a vision_n we_o must_v let_v all_o our_o own_o go_v our_o false_a confidence_n and_o carnal_a prop_n as_o of_o our_o own_o part_n our_o grace_n our_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o the_o like_a if_o we_o will_v be_v fit_a auditor_n for_o christ_n we_o must_v fall_v down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o throne_n if_o we_o expect_v a_o answer_n from_o his_o throne_n moses_n a_o meek_a man_n yea_o the_o meek_a of_o all_o man_n he_o receive_v the_o choice_a favour_n from_o god_n hand_n for_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n and_o face_n to_o face_n deut._n 34.10_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o hence_o second_o note_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o only_o a_o most_o powerful_a but_o also_o a_o comfort_v and_o consolate_v spirit_n this_o be_v the_o comforter_n that_o take_v off_o all_o fear_n from_o john_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v convince_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o do_v inspire_v godly_a man_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a agent_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o which_o god_n do_v all_o his_o work_n christ_n here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a apparition_n unto_o john_n it_o serve_v only_o to_o strike_v he_o dead_a before_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o to_o comfort_v and_o support_v he_o so_o the_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o co-operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a sight_n and_o knowledge_n that_o make_v for_o the_o great_a condemnation_n christ_n unto_o some_o may_v be_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o a_o stumble_a stone_n while_o unto_o other_o that_o have_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o corner_n stone_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o precious_a o_o lay_v thy_o right_a hand_n o_o lord_n upon_o thy_o servant_n give_v he_o thy_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v know_v thy_o will_n and_o mind_n in_o thy_o word_n and_o serve_v thou_o without_o fear_n observe_v 3._o that_o christ_n be_v full_a of_o bowel_n of_o grace_n and_o compassion_n towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o smite_v and_o humble_v the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a thing_n unto_o poor_a frail_a worthless_a creature_n god_n follow_v it_o with_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n no_o soon_o do_v christ_n appear_v unto_o john_n in_o his_o glory_n that_o make_v he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a but_o present_o christ_n lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v his_o comfort_a word_n say_v fear_v not_o christ_n will_v not_o leave_v john_n in_o that_o spiritless_a and_o liveless_a condition_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n have_v affect_v he_o with_o but_o quick_o raise_v he_o and_o comfort_v he_o again_o with_o the_o most_o effectual_a and_o sweet_a consolation_n christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a high_a priest_n and_o that_o good_a compassionate_a samaritane_n who_o be_v so_o affect_a and_o touch_v with_o our_o wound_n and_o infirmity_n luk._n 10.33_o heb_fw-mi 4.15_o and_o that_o more_o especial_o with_o such_o hurt_n and_o wound_n that_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a at_o hand_n with_o the_o oil_n and_o wine_n the_o grace_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o blood_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o pour_v into_o our_o wound_a soul_n for_o peace_n heal_v and_o consolation_n job_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v and_o humble_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o come_v to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o do_v it_o his_o captivity_n be_v turn_v into_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v multiply_v job_n 42.5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n daniel_n after_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o humble_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o forefather_n cap._n 4._o then_o the_o lord_n send_v gabriel_n to_o comfort_v he_o and_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n great_o belove_v ver_fw-la 22._o god_n do_v not_o throw_v down_o afflict_v wound_n or_o humble_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n to_o leave_v they_o so_o but_o forthwith_o or_o within_o a_o short_a time_n reach_v out_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o observe_v 4._o another_o note_n from_o this_o comfort_a word_n of_o christ_n say_v fear_v not_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v conjunct_a with_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a comfort_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v inefficacious_a in_o its_o operation_n john_n have_v lie_v still_o as_o a_o senseless_a and_o dead_a person_n notwithstanding_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o lie_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o also_o the_o word_n be_v of_o little_a power_n if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o in_o it_o without_o this_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n that_o word_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v powerful_a and_o efficacious_a carry_v the_o spirit_n with_o it_o the_o same_o word_n go_v forth_o unto_o all_o and_o work_n from_o common_a gift_n in_o some_o so_o many_o be_v call_v but_o that_o that_o make_v it_o a_o distinguish_v powerful_a word_n be_v the_o concomitancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o few_o be_v choose_v when_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n such_o expression_n as_o that_o the_o word_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o life_n sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o the_o like_a phrase_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v such_o in_o itself_o without_o the_o spirit_n but_o conjunctive_o when_o the_o word_n be_v make_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o a_o voice_n void_a of_o virtue_n and_o operation_n and_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o medium_n of_o the_o word_n work_v not_o ordinary_o but_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o that_o true_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.8_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n tit._n 2.11_o god_n be_v light_v itself_o and_o the_o father_n of_o light_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o useless_a but_o by_o it_o he_o enlighten_v we_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o comforter_n and_o the_o sanctifier_n but_o do_v both_o comfort_n sanctify_v and_o perform_v all_o other_o his_o office_n and_o work_n in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o word_n o_o lord_n sanctify_v and_o comfort_v we_o by_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n for_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o our_o god_n unto_o salvation_n observe_v 5._o the_o last_o note_n that_o i_o shall_v raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v that_o christ_n do_v full_o furnish_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n all_o such_o as_o he_o call_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o great_a office_n of_o his_o church_n first_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o john_n intimate_v his_o designation_n installment_n and_o confirmation_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n for_o as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v
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
be_v praise_v cherish_v and_o follow_v as_o have_v the_o impress_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o they_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o suffering_n constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o their_o work_n catexochen_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o your_o grace_n and_o work_n of_o suffering_n patience_n and_o zeal_n against_o such_o worker_n false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o these_o be_v your_o good_a work_n worthy_a of_o commendation_n and_o imitation_n in_o you_o now_o in_o all_o our_o action_n observe_v there_o must_v be_v many_o circumstantial_a ingredient_n to_o denominate_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o good_a work_n according_a to_o that_o old_a rule_n a_o quo_fw-la cvi_fw-la quomodo_fw-la quando_fw-la first_o they_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o true_a fountain_n god_n spirit_n must_v be_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o author_n of_o they_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v produce_v nothing_o high_a than_o itself_o rom._n 3.9_o 10._o god_n can_v look_v upon_o none_o of_o our_o duty_n or_o work_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o complacency_n unless_o they_o have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n his_o stamp_n upon_o they_o second_o cui_fw-la you_o must_v examine_v to_o what_o end_n and_o to_o who_o to_o who_o name_n and_o glory_n they_o be_v direct_v if_o we_o sacrifice_v to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o own_o end_n and_o advantage_n our_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o vain_a a_o abomination_n and_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o dog_n head_n in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v it_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o lord_n consider_v isa_n 1._o a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n may_v lose_v its_o crown_n for_o want_v of_o a_o right_a end_n if_o we_o pray_v repent_v mourn_v for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v necessary_a duty_n yet_o if_o we_o only_o respect_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v free_v and_o deliver_v only_o from_o wrath_n to_o come_v not_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o god_n name_n thereby_o we_o may_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o duty_n if_o not_o the_o duty_n themselves_o become_v sin_n unto_o we_o for_o all_o must_v be_v do_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n three_o you_o must_v consider_v the_o quomodo_n in_o what_o manner_n work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o denominate_v they_o good_a they_o must_v not_o be_v do_v pharisaical_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n so_o they_o lose_v their_o reward_n the_o suffering_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o commendable_a grace_n in_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o shall_v affect_v they_o as_o the_o popeling_n do_v to_o attain_v to_o themselves_o the_o glory_n and_o name_n of_o martyr_n they_o have_v their_o reward_n the_o familistical_a quaker_n of_o these_o day_n do_v most_o perverse_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n high_o affect_v suffering_n and_o rush_v thereinto_o not_o consider_v the_o cui_fw-la nor_o the_o quomodo_n neither_o to_o what_o end_n they_o do_v it_o nor_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o do_v it_o indeed_o person_n may_v suffer_v just_o for_o their_o pertinacy_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o magistrate_n but_o not_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unless_o in_o his_o providence_n he_o call_v they_o to_o it_o therefore_o four_o the_o quando_fw-la be_v also_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v to_o bestow_v a_o beneficence_n on_o a_o rich_a person_n or_o one_o that_o want_v it_o not_o it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n for_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v retribution_n for_o it_o but_o to_o do_v it_o towards_o christ_n poor_a afflict_v member_n when_o their_o want_n and_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o than_o it_o be_v true_o a_o good_a work_n second_o to_o draw_v suffering_n on_o one_o self_n for_o one_o pertinaciousness_n in_o opinion_n not_o relate_v as_o necessary_n or_o fundamental_o unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o this_o can_v be_v term_v a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n but_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a and_o real_a truth_n that_o justify_v a_o soul_n in_o his_o suffering_n for_o it_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v keep_v undefiled_a thereby_o and_o so_o become_v a_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n when_o god_n call_v he_o to_o it_o in_o clear_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n see_v more_o hereon_o in_o v._o 9_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n five_o in_o the_o last_o place_n understand_v that_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o our_o work_n though_o they_o be_v all_o right_o circumstantiate_v as_o aforesaid_a yet_o strict_o and_o simple_o in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v good_a work_n for_o so_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n god_n be_v only_o good_a mark_v 10.18_o and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o production_n of_o they_o though_o the_o agency_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v manifest_o in_o they_o yet_o pass_v through_o corrupt_a conduit_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o sinful_a instrument_n they_o receive_v a_o tincture_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o defilement_n from_o the_o sinful_a agent_n that_o do_v produce_v and_o effect_v they_o and_o so_o single_o in_o themselves_o be_v sinful_a and_o imperfect_a but_o as_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o christ_n our_o work_n though_o otherwise_o weak_a sinful_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n accept_v as_o good_a holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o be_v do_v and_o present_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o that_o altar_n that_o both_o sanctify_v the_o gift_n and_o the_o giver_n in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o acceptation_n of_o our_o work_n before_o our_o person_n be_v in_o christ_n than_o he_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o our_o work_n though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o yet_o in_o christ_n and_o as_o flow_v from_o his_o divine_a efficiency_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o most_o holy_a good_a and_o perfect_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v more_o especial_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v the_o labour_n and_o patience_n they_o undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n which_o do_v manifest_o appear_v in_o their_o zeal_n against_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v from_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o burdensome_a troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o christ_n faithful_a church_n to_o have_v evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o the_o one_o do_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n the_o other_o their_o judgement_n the_o one_o be_v pernicious_a in_o their_o example_n the_o other_o in_o their_o doctrine_n the_o one_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n the_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o where_o the_o one_o be_v tolerate_v the_o other_o follow_v also_o for_o if_o evil_a worker_n be_v forbear_v in_o the_o church_n their_o judgement_n will_v be_v soon_o corrupt_v to_o endeavour_v to_o uphold_v their_o more_o corrupt_a practice_n for_o such_o as_o keep_v not_o to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o give_v they_o over_o judicial_o to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v false_a teacher_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o second_o when_o false_a teacher_n be_v tolerate_v quick_o follow_v evil_a practice_n when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a bishop_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o godly_a it_o be_v assert_v that_o the_o law_n that_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o moral_a but_o only_o humane_a and_o ecclesiastic_a what_o follow_v that_o false_a teach_n but_o most_o profane_a and_o wicked_a practice_n of_o card_v bowl_a sport_v revel_v drunkenness_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o profaneness_n upon_o that_o day_n uprightness_n in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v the_o two_o pillar_n of_o a_o church_n and_o where_o one_o fail_v the_o other_o will_v soon_o fall_v to_o ground_n after_o they_o be_v as_o inseparable_a twin_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o soon_o as_o these_o primitive_a church_n entertain_v false_a apostle_n among_o they_o we_o present_o hear_v of_o the_o obscene_a sect_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n follow_v the_o devil_n will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o corrupt_v the_o head_n only_o but_o the_o heart_n also_o and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n the_o evil_a affection_n will_v soon_o fume_v into_o the_o judgement_n and_o darken_v the_o understanding_n wherefore_o a_o use_n of_o caution_n
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
unclean_a lust_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o most_o sad_a condition_n when_o god_n do_v unchurch_n a_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n witness_v the_o habitation_n of_o these_o seven_o asian_a church_n wherein_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n in_o mahumatism_n and_o heathenism_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n holy_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n and_o all_o for_o their_o impenitency_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o loud_a cry_v abomination_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v too_o often_o recognize_v this_o verse_n to_o backslidden_a soul_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 or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v verse_n 6._o but_o this_o thou_o have_v that_o thou_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o i_o also_o hate_n christ_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o though_o she_o be_v just_o faulty_a for_o her_o defection_n in_o her_o first_o love_n yet_o she_o have_v this_o commendable_a point_n in_o she_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o she_o other_o commendable_a grace_n that_o she_o abhor_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n which_o also_o be_v most_o hateful_a and_o abominable_a unto_o christ_n himself_o now_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n as_o all_o ecclesiastic_a history_n testify_v take_v the_o denomination_n from_o nicholas_n a_o deacon_n of_o antioch_n but_o whether_o he_o be_v their_o leader_n himself_o or_o whether_o they_o false_o pretend_v he_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o their_o heresy_n be_v disputable_a indeed_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o eusebius_n lib._n 3._o do_v say_v that_o the_o nicolaitan_n have_v false_o pretend_v the_o name_n of_o nicholas_n to_o their_o heresy_n as_o m._n baxter_n assert_n in_o his_o book_n of_o infidelity_n p._n 132._o however_o we_o see_v their_o heresy_n be_v abominable_a for_o christ_n hate_v they_o and_o their_o heretical_a practice_n and_o opinion_n consist_v as_o antiquity_n testify_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n to_o hold_v and_o practice_v all_o manner_n of_o corporal_a obscenity_n and_o adultery_n lawful_a and_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a fornication_n and_o idolatry_n also_o and_o which_o they_o ground_v on_o this_o wicked_a principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o only_o in_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o take_v liberty_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o that_o these_o be_v chief_a head_n of_o their_o heresy_n be_v somewhat_o evident_a from_o verse_n 14_o &_o 15._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o nicolaitan_n be_v join_v and_o compare_v now_o we_o know_v that_o balaam_n wicked_a doctrine_n be_v to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o offend_v god_n both_o in_o corporal_a and_o spiritual_a whoredom_n in_o the_o business_n of_o baal_n peor_n that_o so_o by_o offend_v he_o they_o may_v perish_v numb_a 25._o compare_v to_o 31.16_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v this_o false_a prophet_n true_a disciple_n and_o be_v true_a branch_n of_o the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a who_o pretend_v strange_a and_o unknown_a high_a mystery_n and_o discovery_n of_o light_n which_o plain_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n never_o hear_v of_o as_o many_o of_o the_o same_o spirit_n now_o a_o day_n pretend_v unto_o on_o purpose_n to_o amuse_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o draw_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o how_o well_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n among_o we_o do_v correspond_v with_o their_o elder_a brethren_n the_o nicholaitan_n compare_v the_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o some_o of_o these_o time_n with_o that_o description_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n make_v by_o m._n baxter_n out_o of_o historical_a antiquity_n page_n 129._o of_o his_o say_a book_n of_o infidelity_n speak_v of_o the_o nicholaitan_n who_o inhuman_a filthiness_n say_v he_o be_v such_o and_o their_o devilish_a conceit_n so_o many_o and_o vile_a that_o i_o will_v forbear_v to_o mention_v they_o only_o this_o they_o make_v themselves_o like_o christ_n and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v equal_a to_o he_o and_o some_o the_o same_o with_o he_o that_o good_a and_o evil_n differ_v not_o in_o deed_n but_o in_o man_n opinion_n they_o worship_v image_n they_o live_v in_o such_o horrid_a way_n in_o lust_n and_o filthiness_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v name_v epiphanius_n himself_o unhappy_o fell_a in_o among_o they_o and_o know_v their_o way_n from_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o action_n but_o happy_o escape_v when_o they_o will_v have_v draw_v he_o to_o their_o lust_n they_o have_v multitude_n of_o amaze_a word_n and_o notion_n like_o our_o behmenist_n that_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o a_o suspicion_n of_o witchcraft_n to_o read_v they_o they_o use_v witchcraft_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o enchantment_n and_o keep_v devil_n in_o familiarity_n with_o they_o that_o by_o their_o mean_n they_o may_v increase_v their_o knowledge_n and_o power_n thus_o far_o m._n baxter_n and_o he_o profess_v afterward_o that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o nor_o two_o but_o all_o church_n history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o do_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o will_v read_v epiphanius_n himself_o who_o once_o fall_v in_o among_o they_o they_o will_v see_v much_o more_o have_v thus_o far_o describe_v the_o nicholaitan_n and_o their_o heresy_n in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v this_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o more_o pure_a sound_a and_o undefiled_a the_o church_n be_v the_o devil_n be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o raise_v heresy_n and_o schism_n in_o it_o how_o busy_a the_o devil_n be_v in_o those_o asian_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o bring_v in_o the_o foul_a heresy_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o jezabel_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v so_o to_o entice_v they_o to_o sin_n against_o their_o god_n that_o he_o may_v have_v his_o purpose_n on_o they_o but_o when_o the_o church_n become_v more_o corrupt_v tyrannical_a and_o antichristianize_v under_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n their_o heresy_n be_v less_o and_o their_o schism_n few_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a pure_a time_n for_o satan_n will_v rather_o hereticate_v and_o poison_v the_o whole_a than_o a_o part_n and_o indeed_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o design_n accomplish_v when_o he_o see_v a_o church_n rush_v onward_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o among_o such_o he_o have_v no_o need_n to_o lay_v any_o of_o his_o stratagem_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o only_o to_o let_v they_o in_o peace_n and_o security_n and_o they_o will_v hasten_v on_o fast_o enough_o unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n therefore_o hence_o unto_o i_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o we_o have_v true_a and_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sincere_o preach_v and_o teach_v among_o our_o church_n or_o else_o satan_n the_o envious_a one_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o sow_v also_o his_o tare_n of_o heresy_n and_o error_n as_o he_o do_v at_o present_a among_o we_o to_o overthrow_v if_o he_o may_v our_o hope_n and_o harvest_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o but_o a_o sad_a say_n when_o some_o minister_n affirm_v they_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o time_n though_o i_o confess_v heresy_n be_v great_a evil_n and_o to_o be_v fervent_o deprecate_v from_o all_o christ_n flock_n yet_o when_o they_o say_v they_o be_v all_o at_o peace_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o be_v another_o strong_a man_n keep_v the_o house_n beside_o christ_n for_o be_v sure_a when_o christ_n come_v to_o bruise_v satan_n head_n he_o will_v bite_v christ_n heel_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o manchild_n christ_n bear_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o faithful_a one_o but_o the_o dragon_n will_v present_o send_v forth_o flood_n of_o water_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o persecution_n if_o possible_o to_o destroy_v both_o it_o and_o they_o rev._n 12.15_o and_o this_o proceed_v from_o that_o everlasting_a enmity_n set_v between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n gen._n 3.15_o and_o will_v continue_v until_o he_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o the_o pure_a the_o church_n be_v the_o busy_a will_n satan_n be_v to_o undermine_v they_o if_o he_o may_v observe_v 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o all_o heresy_n be_v defile_v and_o abominable_a
constancy_n and_o faithful_a martyrdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o live_n to_o have_v the_o pattern_n of_o former_a worthy_a man_n before_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o read_n of_o achilles_n life_n in_o homer_n that_o make_v alexander_n ambitious_a to_o be_v his_o competitor_n in_o noble_a achievement_n again_o julius_n cesar_n take_v up_o alexander_n example_n endeavour_v to_o be_v sole_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o also_o it_o be_v on_o a_o spiritual_a account_n abraham_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o his_o approve_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o child_n and_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o so_o abraham_n abel_n enoch_n noah_n sarah_n moses_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v everliving_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n for_o imitation_n to_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v heb._n 11._o it_o much_o comfort_v we_o and_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o suffering_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o captain_n have_v perfect_v our_o salvation_n by_o suffering_n he_o have_v tread_v to_o we_o our_o first_o this_o thorny_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o he_o that_o be_v imitable_a by_o we_o not_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n but_o as_o a_o holy_a person_n and_o head_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o he_o present_v himself_o as_o a_o gracious_a example_n to_o his_o disciple_n jo._n 13.15_o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o as_o he_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o light_n itself_o and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n so_o sure_o o_o all_o pattern_n and_o example_n his_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n be_v most_o sound_a wise_a and_o perfect_a and_o bless_v be_v they_o they_o that_o follow_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n verse_n 14.15_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o laodicea_n only_o of_o the_o whole_a seven_o do_v pass_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o but_o prefix_v or_o annex_v to_o they_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v her_o commendable_a grace_n of_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o among_o the_o vile_a people_n even_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o satan_n be_v yet_o all_o in_o she_o be_v not_o well_o or_o sound_n for_o christ_n come_v on_o with_o a_o but_o against_o she_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o etc._n etc._n whence_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v obs_n 1._o that_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o person_n may_v suffer_v much_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n yet_o not_o sound_a and_o right_o in_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doubtless_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n have_v and_o enjoy_v but_o sad_a and_o afflict_a day_n when_o antipas_n christ_n faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v for_o than_o she_o deny_v not_o the_o faith_n but_o hold_v her_o profession_n with_o much_o constancy_n the_o church_n at_o thyatira_n too_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o her_o patience_n verse_n 19_o yet_o both_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o fair_a profession_n they_o have_v much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n in_o the_o root_n their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o straight_o that_o they_o have_v among_o they_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o one_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o niolaitan_n in_o the_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n and_o her_o wicked_a practice_n both_o most_o unsound_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o both_o high_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v suffer_v on_o the_o disciple_n but_o suffer_v for_o that_o profession_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o sound_v in_o all_o thing_n some_o may_v prophesy_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n and_o suffer_v and_o give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o his_o name_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n may_v tell_v they_o he_o know_v they_o not_o he_o that_o will_v attain_v a_o comfortable_a martyrdom_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n let_v he_o first_o see_v that_o his_o end_n be_v right_a first_o that_o it_o be_v true_o and_o real_o for_o christ_n second_o that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n three_o that_o it_o tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o at_o self_n this_o be_v the_o true_a suffering_n that_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o to_o proceed_v christ_n have_v a_o charge_n against_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o it_o be_v because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o stone_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o thou_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o keep_v hold_v and_o intend_v to_o keep_v and_o hold_v thou_o have_v these_o balaamite_n not_o by_o accident_n or_o chance_n but_o by_o choice_n thou_o have_v they_o because_o thou_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o will_v have_v it_o so_o thy_o habendum_fw-la and_o tenendum_fw-la go_v together_o thou_o have_v they_o and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o because_o thou_o love_v they_o therefore_o thy_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a herein_o and_o what_o have_v thou_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v when_o he_o see_v that_o god_n have_v bless_v jacob_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o israel_n he_o curse_o advise_v balack_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o midianite_n to_o make_v a_o great_a sacrifice_n to_o baal_n peor_n and_o to_o invite_v the_o israelite_n unto_o it_o now_o baal_n peor_n be_v the_o filthy_a lascivious_a idol_n priapus_n as_o godwin_n jewish_a antiquity_n testify_v who_o festival_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v celebrate_v by_o both_o sex_n in_o most_o shameless_a posture_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o hos_fw-la 9.10_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v to_o baal_n peor_n and_o discover_v themselves_o to_o their_o shame_n because_o it_o make_v they_o shameless_a and_o to_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n before_o that_o idol_n now_o the_o curse_a advice_n or_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n for_o a_o man_n doctrine_n be_v his_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n first_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o participate_v at_o their_o curse_a altar_n in_o eat_v of_o their_o idolothite_n express_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 28_o act_v 15.29_o second_o in_o mix_v with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n a_o notion_n utter_o forbid_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o in_o such_o a_o way_n so_o that_o though_o balaam_n can_v not_o curse_v israel_n according_a to_o balack_n desire_n be_v overmaster_v by_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v his_o heart_n go_v still_o after_o the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o testify_v that_o be_v his_o desire_n and_o heart_n be_v to_o take_v balack_n hire_n and_o reward_n to_o curse_n israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o overmaster_v both_o his_o tongue_n and_o heart_n and_o instead_o of_o curse_v they_o he_o be_v enforce_v to_o bless_v they_o and_o see_v he_o can_v not_o pleasure_n balack_n according_a to_o his_o expectation_n and_o desire_n as_o a_o prophet_n in_o his_o malediction_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a as_o a_o private_a machavilian_n or_o a_o achitophel_n to_o counsel_n balack_n that_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o enmity_n with_o their_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o so_o god_n that_o be_v their_o keeper_n and_o saviour_n against_o all_o enchantment_n and_o curse_n will_v
a_o church_n do_v nullify_v a_o church_n though_o very_o high_a if_o right_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o root_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n this_o give_v the_o very_o be_v to_o a_o church_n and_o so_o i_o say_v that_o many_o of_o our_o national_a church_n have_v now_o renonunce_v their_o institution_n and_o call_v from_o antichrist_n and_o be_v call_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v become_v spouse_n of_o christ_n call_v and_o faithful_a though_o mix_v with_o many_o corruption_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o pergamus_n corinth_n and_o other_o be_v yet_o for_o their_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n among_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o the_o lord_n church_n of_o christ_n holy_a and_o sanctify_a but_o still_o observe_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n the_o more_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a one_o have_v the_o great_a praise_n great_a manifestation_n of_o love_n grace_n comfort_n and_o glory_n on_o she_o than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o the_o more_o unsound_a one_o though_o they_o be_v sister_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a one_o of_o her_o mother_n though_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v daughter_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o rose_n of_o sharon_n and_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o valley_n though_o the_o rest_n be_v christ_n vineyard_n too_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o garden_n enclose_v where_o he_o take_v his_o delight_n at_o noon_n and_o thus_o much_o hereon_o shall_v suffice_v verse_n 16._o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n repent_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grow_v wise_a change_v thy_o judgement_n and_o practice_v from_o evil_a to_o good_a cast_v off_o thy_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n and_o return_v unto_o i_o in_o sincerity_n and_o holiness_n or_o else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v long_o before_o i_o come_v against_o thou_o and_o make_v war_n against_o thou_o for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v it_o and_o that_o with_o a_o most_o cut_v confound_v weapon_n the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n christ_n make_v war_n with_o his_o enemy_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n or_o word_n two_o way_n first_o he_o manage_n it_o as_o light_a to_o discover_v darkness_n by_o his_o angel_n and_o minister_n both_o for_o the_o evince_a confound_a and_o overthrow_v all_o false_a worship_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o thus_o he_o manifest_v his_o displeasure_n from_o heaven_n by_o his_o word_n against_o all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n as_o he_o do_v here_o against_o the_o balaamitish_a and_o nicolaish_n doctrine_n of_o pergamus_n and_o as_o he_o have_v do_v of_o late_a among_o we_o against_o all_o popish_a and_o superstitious_a innovation_n and_o false_a worship_n but_o second_o if_o the_o ministerial_a convince_a word_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o recall_n and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n his_o rebellious_a people_n or_o enemy_n he_o will_v proceed_v far_o by_o his_o terrible_a doctrine_n or_o word_n of_o judgement_n against_o they_o if_o pergamus_n will_v not_o repent_v upon_o the_o conviction_n of_o her_o sin_n christ_n will_v go_v out_o and_o fight_v against_o she_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n from_o among_o she_o yea_o god_n will_v call_v for_o a_o nabuchadnezzar_n a_o mahomet_n a_o ottoman_a and_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v his_o servant_n to_o execute_v the_o lord_n command_n and_o burden_n of_o judgement_n against_o his_o rebellious_a sinful_a church_n and_o thus_o christ_n sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o which_o he_o fight_v against_o his_o enemy_n chap._n 19.21_o thus_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o horse_n which_o sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v as_o honest_a bishop_n hall_n on_o the_o place_n say_v they_o be_v slay_v by_o the_o powerful_a command_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o spiritual_o or_o analogical_o but_o corporal_o and_o upon_o their_o bodily_a death_n all_o the_o fowl_n be_v fill_v with_o their_o flesh_n thus_o far_o bishop_n hall_n god_n command_v to_o take_v the_o child_n of_o babel_n and_o to_o dash_v they_o against_o the_o wall_n take_v those_o my_o enemy_n and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n that_o he_o draw_v against_o his_o unrepentant_a and_o obstinate_a wicked_a church_n first_o confusion_n of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n by_o his_o powerful_a ministerial_a word_n and_o spirit_n next_o of_o their_o person_n by_o command_a war_n or_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n on_o they_o for_o they_o be_v also_o his_o destroy_a weapon_n jer._n 47.7_o now_o this_o be_v do_v and_o command_v by_o christ_n sometime_o express_o in_o scripture_n as_o rev._n 18.6_o 7_o 8._o reward_v she_o as_o she_o have_v reward_v you_o and_o cap._n 12._o 10._o he_o that_o kill_v with_o the_o sword_n must_v be_v kill_v with_o the_o sword_n sometime_o it_o be_v do_v providential_o by_o move_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n to_o war_n the_o persian_a against_o the_o turk_n or_o the_o turk_n against_o the_o emperor_n or_o venetian_a the_o english_a against_o the_o spaniard_n and_o spaniard_n against_o the_o french_a and_o so_o in_o the_o turmoil_n thereof_o many_o corrupt_a church_n of_o christ_n perish_v utter_o as_o to_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o policy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o great_a whore_n herself_o will_v fall_v and_o perish_v rev._n 17.16_o 17._o or_o three_o god_n send_v immediate_o his_o destroy_a angel_n to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n as_o ez._n 9.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o against_o his_o idolatrous_a people_n the_o jew_n and_o as_o many_o other_o place_n testify_v to_o smite_v they_o for_o their_o abomination_n and_o their_o wickedness_n observe_v 1._o note_v from_o these_o word_n that_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a gospel_n remedy_n to_o divert_v the_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o a_o wicked_a church_n or_o people_n repent_v or_o else_o say_v the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n you_o know_v what_o will_v follow_v turn_v from_o sinful_a way_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o keep_v god_n presence_n still_o among_o we_o if_o we_o will_v have_v have_v turn_v unto_o god_n from_o our_o former_a false_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o wicked_a practice_n against_o god_n law_n and_o his_o saint_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v see_v those_o late_a desolate_v day_n among_o we_o ahab_n repentance_n though_o it_o be_v formal_a and_o outward_a yet_o it_o stop_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n judgement_n much_o in_o his_o day_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o real_a repentance_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o a_o back-slidden_a and_o corrupt_a church_n god_n real_o divert_v his_o threaten_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v mere_o a_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o legal_a as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o for_o the_o law_n say_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v the_o law_n admtis_fw-la of_o no_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o sin_n but_o satisfaction_n and_o justice_n but_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n or_o gospel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v full_o satisfy_v both_o law_n and_o justice_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n cry_v out_o in_o the_o street_n and_o to_o every_o creature_n repent_v and_o believe_v believe_v and_o repent_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n see_v more_o at_o large_a on_o the_o precedent_n 5._o vers_fw-la of_o this_o cap._n what_o repentance_n be_v but_o by_o the_o way_n take_v a_o character_n of_o true_a penitent_n first_o they_o abhor_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n make_v they_o to_o abhor_v and_o loathe_v themselves_o ezek._n 20.43_o and_o job_n 42.6_o second_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o evil_a that_o sin_n bring_v upon_o they_o as_o for_o the_o evil_n itself_o which_o be_v in_o sin_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o holy_a law_n psal_n 51.2_o three_o their_o repentance_n be_v universal_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o its_o part_n it_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n or_o corruption_n they_o leave_v but_o all_o ezek._n 20.43_o you_o shall_v loathe_v yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o sight_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o you_o have_v commit_v four_o they_o be_v afterward_o the_o more_o jealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o fearful_a to_o sin_n against_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o sin_n against_o our_o god_n who_o have_v wash_v we_o and_o
they_o be_v charity_n its_o precedency_n lie_v in_o this_o 1._o in_o that_o it_o perfume_n and_o enlivens_fw-la all_o the_o other_o grace_n faith_n itself_o be_v dead_a without_o it_o and_o to_o suppose_v a_o faith_n without_o love_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o man_n without_o a_o soul_n the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n and_o miracle_n be_v but_o barren_a and_o usless_o thing_n without_o this_o 2._o this_o have_v for_o its_o object_n both_o god_n and_o man_n we_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_v only_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n but_o our_o charity_n be_v extend_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o love_n be_v call_v rom._n 13.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a sum_n and_o hinge_n on_o which_o the_o commandment_n turn_v in_o this_o one_o word_n charity_n both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n be_v abridge_v 3._o it_o excel_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a note_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n faith_n be_v that_o give_v right_a unto_o the_o promise_n but_o love_n be_v that_o give_v life_n to_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o all_o our_o grace_n if_o we_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o will_v profit_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o john_n 3.14_o and_o ja._n 1.12_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o rom._n 8.28_o love_n be_v make_v the_o very_a discovery_n of_o effectual_a call_n and_o election_n 4._o love_n excel_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o commandment_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o be_v love_n but_o perfect_a in_o we_o it_o will_v make_v we_o perfect_a keeper_n and_o observer_n of_o the_o law_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n love_n knit_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n together_o and_o so_o perfect_v his_o body_n it_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n and_o so_o make_v the_o perfect_a of_o divine_a love_n in_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.12_o 17._o and_o here_o it_o be_v we_o be_v command_v twice_o to_o put_v on_o love_n above_o all_o thing_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o col._n 3.14_o but_o once_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n 5._o and_o last_o when_o faith_n hope_v patience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n cease_v charity_n abide_v love_n be_v not_o only_o a_o portion_n for_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o the_o other_o also_o then_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o christ_n when_o faith_n and_o hope_n cease_v therefore_o just_o do_v christ_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o give_v it_o the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o love_n bring_v forth_o another_o grace_n service_n external_a worship_n and_o obedience_n he_o who_o we_o love_v we_o obey_v we_o serve_v we_o honour_v and_o worship_n the_o service_n of_o love_n be_v most_o intense_a and_o effectual_a when_o christ_n commune_v with_o simon_n peter_n john_n 21._o and_o ask_v he_o thrice_o simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thou_o i_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o say_v peter_z christ_n answer_v feed_v my_o sheep_n the_o more_o love_n that_o peter_n manifest_v the_o more_o service_n and_o duty_n be_v put_v upon_o he_o service_n that_o we_o perform_v to_o god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n but_o formality_n or_o custom_n be_v but_o as_o scab_a or_o lame_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n which_o the_o lord_n hate_v right_o end_n in_o our_o service_n be_v first_o love_n and_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n second_o love_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n three_o love_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o these_o end_n make_v we_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a worship_n love_n go_v through_o all_o and_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o thyatira_n be_v approve_v for_o her_o faith_n make_v lively_a and_o effectual_a by_o love_n true_a faith_n be_v never_o separate_v from_o love_n they_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o but_o love_n have_v the_o precedency_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a though_o faith_n be_v first_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o give_v the_o first_o be_v unto_o a_o christian_n but_o love_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o assent_v unto_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n before_o we_o can_v love_v that_o god_n or_o his_o truth_n but_o withal_o i_o say_v there_o be_v so_o inseparable_a union_n between_o these_o two_o grace_n no_o soon_o have_v faith_n a_o be_v and_o a_o body_n but_o love_n come_v to_o animate_v it_o to_o make_v it_o sound_v lively_a and_o perfect_a observe_v hence_o note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a opinion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v a_o true_a lively_a faith_n but_o that_o that_o work_v by_o love_n many_o will_v one_o day_n say_v we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n teach_v in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n in_o thy_o name_n profess_v and_o believe_v thy_o truth_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o sound_n and_o true_a faith_n contain_v in_o it_o these_o three_o principal_a ingredient_n that_o give_v the_o very_a form_n and_o be_v to_o it_o first_o a_o sound_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v say_v paul_n rom._n 14.14_o person_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n promise_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n can_v never_o believe_v aright_o second_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n strong_o assume_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o sound_a believer_n must_v not_o be_v a_o ignorant_a soul_n so_o must_v he_o not_o be_v a_o wavering-minded_n man_n but_o must_v have_v a_o undeceivable_a certainty_n and_o truth_n in_o that_o he_o do_v believe_v three_o a_o confident_a rest_v and_o rejoice_v with_o satisfaction_n unto_o the_o soul_n sure_o look_v to_o enjoy_v that_o it_o do_v believe_v true_a faith_n have_v these_o four_o act_n and_o degree_n in_o it_o 1._o knowledge_n 2._o assent_n 3._o adherence_n and_o 4._o assurance_n a_o believer_n may_v have_v the_o three_o first_o act_n and_o want_v the_o latter_a and_o a_o sound_a beleiver_n and_o a_o justify_v person_n though_o god_n for_o cause_n to_o himself_o know_v may_v never_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o assurance_n yet_o that_o faith_n that_o only_o know_v god_n distinct_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o salvation_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o repentant_a sinner_n through_o christ_n and_o so_o take_v he_o and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o love_n and_o truth_n thereof_o doubtless_o that_o soul_n shall_v never_o be_v a_o castaway_n though_o god_n presence_n of_o assurance_n and_o joyful_a satisfaction_n be_v never_o manifest_v unto_o he_o if_o we_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o though_o god_n reserve_v his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o inward_a love_n for_o we_o unto_o another_o world_n 4._o thyatira_n have_v another_o excellent_a grace_n and_o that_o be_v patience_n or_o sufferance_n with_o patience_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v suffer_v affliction_n but_o not_o suffer_v with_o patience_n without_o murmur_v swear_v or_o blaspheme_v as_o the_o godly_a do_v the_o wicked_a may_v have_v patience_n perforce_o and_o unwilling_o when_o he_o can_v help_v it_o the_o affliction_n be_v above_o his_o reach_n to_o remedy_n but_o the_o godly_a be_v patient_a as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n because_o he_o love_v much_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v much_o with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n as_o jacob_n serve_v two_o seven_o year_n hardship_n for_o his_o belove_a rachel_n so_o a_o faithful_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v all_o affliction_n cheerful_o and_o with_o much_o patience_n all_o the_o year_n of_o his_o life_n because_o he_o love_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o so_o account_v the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n not_o to_o be_v value_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v to_o all_o those_o that_o love_n god_n 5._o thyatira_n be_v a_o grow_a fruitful_a church_n her_o latter_a work_n be_v more_o than_o her_o first_o do_v upon_o better_a ground_n and_o better_a principle_n from_o whence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o more_o grow_v christian_n do_v exceed_v those_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o soundness_n the_o neophites_n or_o young_a christian_n may_v be_v more_o zealous_a
cap._n 18._o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n joint_a companion_n in_o evil_a the_o one_o uphold_v and_o confirm_v the_o other_o the_o one_o by_o a_o unrighteous_a and_o tyrannical_a sword_n the_o other_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o miracle_n till_o at_o last_o both_o be_v catch_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o army_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n rev._n 19.20_o and_o if_o common_a tribulation_n be_v not_o enough_o for_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n christ_n will_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n wherein_o they_o shall_v roll_n themselves_o in_o grief_n cover_v themselves_o in_o grief_n and_o with_o great_a tribulation_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o wicked_a deed_n and_o practice_n christ_n have_v another_o bed_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n repentance_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n against_o divine_a judgement_n turn_v from_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n will_v turn_v god_n wrath_n from_o we_o and_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v more_o hereon_o about_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 5._o and_o 16_o of_o this_o cap._n verse_n 23._o and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n as_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v her_o child_n beget_v and_o foster_v up_o by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n so_o false_a teacher_n and_o heretic_n have_v their_o child_n also_o beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n and_o nourish_v by_o error_n and_o wickedness_n so_o this_o false_a nicolaitish_a prophetess_n have_v her_o child_n follower_n of_o her_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n we_o read_v of_o her_o adultery_n that_o do_v commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o and_o promote_v her_o doctrine_n of_o idolatry_n equal_o with_o herself_o and_o that_o christ_n will_v cast_v they_o together_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o here_o we_o find_v their_o issue_n child_n of_o the_o same_o curse_a stock_n which_o christ_n will_v aso_n show_v no_o mercy_n to_o but_o kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n that_o be_v will_v sweep_v they_o away_o in_o judgement_n not_o only_o with_o a_o violent_a and_o precipitant_a deatnh_o â—ut_fw-la will_v also_o slay_v they_o with_o a_o death_n eternal_a hence_o note_v observe_v 1._o that_o child_n that_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o their_o wicked_a parent_n be_v envolve_v under_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o themselves_o if_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o our_o father_n sin_n it_o be_v just_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o punishment_n if_o we_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o our_o faithful_a parent_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o they_o of_o our_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n the_o child_n shall_v not_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o parent_n nor_o shall_v the_o child_n be_v save_v for_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o his_o parent_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o as_o for_o the_o little_a one_o that_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a sin_n or_o faith_n their_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n that_o show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v rom._n 9_o quest._n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o little_a child_n which_o be_v innocent_a nor_o ever_o yet_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n together_o in_o judgement_n with_o their_o parent_n answ_n little_a child_n that_o have_v never_o commit_v actual_a sin_n even_o babe_n new_o bear_v or_o in_o the_o womb_n doubtless_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o many_o in_o sodom_n and_o yet_o without_o impeachment_n of_o or_o derogation_n to_o divine_a justice_n first_o god_n can_v do_v it_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o potter_n he_o that_o make_v the_o vessel_n can_v break_v it_o he_o that_o give_v life_n to_o babe_n can_v take_v it_o away_o and_o who_o can_v say_v why_o do_v thou_o this_o second_o all_o infant_n be_v defile_v with_o original_a sin_n and_o as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n so_o god_n can_v just_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a as_o the_o due_a wage_n thereof_o together_o with_o their_o parent_n three_o little_a child_n be_v part_n of_o their_o parent_n substance_n and_o family_n and_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v the_o live_a parent_n in_o his_o child_n by_o death_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o of_o his_o stock_n and_o substance_n as_o by_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n four_o though_o god_n may_v often_o sweep_v away_o in_o his_o temporal_a judgement_n many_o little_a innocent_a child_n as_o by_o the_o sword_n famine_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o not_o perish_v eternal_o for_o violent_a or_o sudden_a death_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n to_o they_o for_o many_o precious_a soul_n expire_v by_o a_o more_o terrible_a and_o violent_a death_n then_o that_o of_o the_o sword_n pestilence_n or_o famine_n five_o and_o last_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o the_o better_a support_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o faithful_a parent_n for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o their_o little_a innocent_a die_a infant_n whether_o they_o be_v take_v off_o by_o god_n either_o by_o a_o ordinary_a death_n or_o in_o a_o common_a judgement_n let_v they_o understand_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n with_o christ_n for_o all_o his_o elect_a one_o gal._n 3.16_o isa_n 53.11_o 12._o and_o though_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n die_v before_o they_o can_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n yet_o the_o choose_v once_o in_o christ_n be_v secure_a by_o virtue_n of_o god_n eternal_a love_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n be_v choose_v in_o he_o from_o all_o eternity_n ephes_n 1.14_o and_o let_v i_o with_o reverence_n speak_v it_o christ_n may_v as_o soon_o perish_v as_o one_o of_o they_o he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o the_o member_n make_v up_o one_o mystical_a church_n have_v god_n ever_o clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o sufficient_a price_n and_o ransom_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o all_o his_o ever_o belove_a choose_v one_o and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o predeterminate_a love_n as_o god_n be_v towards_o his_o elect_n and_o such_o a_o inestimable_a and_o complete_a price_n pay_v for_o they_o as_o christ_n death_n be_v how_o can_v any_o such_o possible_o perish_v without_o violation_n and_o impeachment_n both_o of_o divine_a love_n and_o divine_a justice_n this_o be_v a_o sure_a ground_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o some_o die_a infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n then_o that_o that_o some_o arminianise_a person_n of_o these_o day_n do_v make_v to_o wit_n the_o parent_n faith_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o infant_n be_v salvation_n die_v infant_n with_o those_o of_o that_o persuasion_n i_o leave_v these_o few_o follow_a consideration_n first_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o produce_v that_o grant_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o infant_n salvation_n die_v so_o but_o this_o will_v be_v do_v ad_fw-la graecas_fw-la calendas_fw-la it_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o popery_n to_o be_v true_a second_o if_o some_o die_a infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v save_v on_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n than_o all_o be_v so_o save_v that_o die_v so_o before_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o condition_n by_o their_o own_o actual_a transgression_n and_o if_o all_o of_o they_o be_v save_v die_v so_o than_o happy_a will_v faithful_a parent_n be_v to_o see_v all_o their_o child_n die_v whilst_o infant_n and_o innocent_a for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o their_o salvation_n then_o to_o see_v they_o live_v for_o some_o of_o they_o must_v become_v reprobate_a and_o wicked_a for_o few_o godly_a parent_n have_v ever_o have_v all_o godly_a child_n abraham_n have_v ishmael_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n isaac_n have_v a_o esau_n as_o well_o as_o a_o jacob_n jacob_n have_v a_o reuben_n simeon_n and_o levi._n brethren_n
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
be_v only_o in_o name_n and_o outward_a or_o whither_o inward_a and_o sincere_a they_o be_v the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o experience_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o precede_v and_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o every_o spiritual_a work_n and_o service_n whatsoever_o observe_v another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o the_o spirits_n method_n be_v first_o to_o convince_v of_o sin_n before_o it_o manifest_v its_o remedy_n against_o sin_n the_o whole_a say_v christ_n need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o the_o sensible_a sick_a and_o wound_a christ_n first_o convince_v sardis_n that_o she_o have_v only_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a before_o he_o lay_v down_o her_o remedy_n in_o the_o three_o ver_fw-la in_o bring_v she_o to_o repentance_n so_o he_o deal_v with_o pergamus_n thyatira_n and_o other_o delinquent_a church_n also_o it_o be_v a_o anti-scriptural_a method_n of_o some_o that_o preach_v up_o faith_n and_o repentance_n unto_o a_o sinful_a and_o backslidden_a people_n before_o they_o have_v first_o full_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v under_o bondage_n sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v no_o legal_a method_n as_o the_o antinomist_n do_v conjecture_v but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o gospel_n spirit_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o sensible_o convince_v of_o our_o loss_n and_o misery_n by_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n or_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o the_o primitive_a convert_n that_o we_o read_v of_o be_v first_o prick_v unto_o their_o heart_n for_o sin_n before_o they_o ask_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v act_n 2._o but_o to_o return_v to_o christ_n charge_n against_o sardis_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n a_o reputation_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o faithful_a profess_v church_n and_o live_v in_o i_o by_o faith_n but_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v not_o altogether_o dead_a for_o than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o put_v she_o afterward_o to_o strengthen_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n but_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a low_a weak_a and_o infirm_a and_o that_o faith_n and_o profession_n which_o thou_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a profession_n and_o liveless_a faith_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o though_o church_n may_v carry_v a_o fair_a outward_a profession_n and_o a_o common_a reputation_n of_o faithful_a one_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o hipocritical_a and_o no_o better_a than_o dead_a liveless_a and_o rot_a at_o the_o root_n this_o church_n at_o sardis_n have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v dead_a her_o grace_n be_v even_o at_o death_n door_n yet_o still_o will_v keep_v up_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n who_o high_a in_o profession_n and_o name_n then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v she_o not_o take_v unto_o herself_o and_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_a as_o if_o she_o have_v be_v the_o only_a church_n that_o hold_v the_o general_a faith_n deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o what_o church_n more_o dead_a and_o rot_a then_o she_o notwithstanding_o our_o nominal_a faith_n and_o common-reputed_n christianity_n among_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v dead_a to_o all_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o all_o true_a spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 9_o they_o be_v those_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n but_o they_o be_v not_o and_o christ_n tell_v they_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n &_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o dishonour_n do_v unto_o god_n when_o under_o the_o cover_n of_o profession_n we_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v our_o error_n and_o profaneness_n open_v opposition_n be_v less_o dishonourable_a unto_o god_n then_o impure_a and_o dead_a life_n under_o the_o vizor_n of_o profession_n mat._n 21.28_o 29._o that_o froward_a son_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v less_o guilty_a that_o say_v he_o will_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n than_o he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o james_n resolve_v the_o question_n in_o that_o interrogation_n of_o he_o cap._n 2._o 14_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o mean_v a_o dead_a nominal_a faith_n without_o fruit_n and_o work_n so_o will_v i_o put_v the_o question_n here_o what_o will_v the_o pretend_a faith_n and_o christianity_n of_o our_o nominal_a and_o national_a christian_n profit_n or_o advantage_v they_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o lip_n and_o yet_o fare_v enough_o from_o salvation_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n these_o formal_a outward_a grace_n be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v in_o any_o real_a comfort_n or_o hope_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o future_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o only_o have_v they_o that_o they_o bring_v in_o real_a disadvantage_n and_o loss_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o argue_v a_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o a_o refusal_n thereof_o in_o the_o love_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o second_o it_o have_v be_v always_o a_o hard_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o bring_v pretend_v and_o formal_a professor_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o open_a harlot_n publican_n and_o sinner_n witness_v the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a in_o christ_n day_n and_o the_o national_a formal_a jew_n who_o will_v boast_v of_o their_o carnal_a privilege_n and_o of_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o the_o oracle_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n among_o they_o somewhat_o like_o the_o late_a levitical_a prelatical_a tribe_n among_o we_o and_o yet_o who_o more_o blind_a and_o dead_a than_o they_o unto_o true_a spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o who_o more_o eager_a persecutor_n and_o enemy_n to_o christ_n his_o way_n and_o saint_n than_o those_o formal_a national_a jew_n who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n but_o to_o give_v you_o a_o test_n and_o taste_v to_o try_v whither_o your_o profession_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o live_a profession_n and_o faith_n or_o not_o first_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n unit_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o draw_v life_n and_o virtue_n from_o he_o i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.20_o you_o know_v there_o be_v life_n in_o a_o body_n by_o the_o notion_n and_o beat_n of_o the_o pulse_n a_o live_a faith_n will_v be_v active_a and_o discover_v itself_o in_o some_o gracious_a effect_n and_o operation_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o he_o will_v live_v in_o you_o he_o will_v not_o be_v dead_a and_o idle_a but_o be_v move_v in_o you_o to_o gracious_a duty_n and_o operation_n for_o there_o be_v none_o live_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n io._n 15.5_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n may_v not_o always_o be_v alike_o lively_a and_o active_a but_o where_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a it_o will_v be_v always_o live_v and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o its_o activity_n yet_o you_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o deadness_n and_o complain_v under_o it_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n though_o not_o a_o lively_a one_o second_o where_o this_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o will_v be_v its_o constant_a concomitant_a that_o forcible_a principle_n love_n see_v cap._n 2._o 19_o affection_n follow_v persuasion_n and_o where_o love_n be_v there_o will_v be_v service_n and_o work_v for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n for_o when_o we_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n god_n love_n in_o christ_n to_o we_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o return_n of_o love_n and_o act_n of_o service_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n true_a faith_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a but_o will_v be_v a_o work_a faith_n and_o will_v produce_v that_o labour_n of_o love_n mention_v heb._n 6.10_o 1_o thess_n 1.3_o three_o a_o live_a faith_n must_v needs_o be_v active_a be_v wrought_v by_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n help_n engage_v to_o action_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n shall_v work_v who_o shall_v resist_v his_o power_n four_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o will_v be_v high_a aim_n to_o glorify_v god_n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o disingenuous_a to_o take_v and_o receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n but_o it_o will_v study_v how_o to_o give_v and_o render_v unto_o god_n due_a praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v by_o christ_n to_o live_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o soul_n
body_n and_o spirit_n well_o then_o try_v your_o faith_n and_o profession_n whether_o it_o be_v dead_a or_o formal_a or_o active_a or_o live_a by_o these_o few_o particular_n it_o be_v not_o a_o naked_a assent_n or_o unactive_a outward_a profession_n will_v serve_v turn_n this_o be_v dead_a and_o liveless_a yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n jud._n 12._o dead_a in_o your_o first_o natural_a condition_n and_o dead_a in_o your_o hypocritical_a profession_n for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v never_o to_o be_v otherwise_o with_o you_o but_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o work_a faith_n by_o and_o through_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o glory_n paul_n whole_a life_n phil._n 1.21_o be_v as_o it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o christ_n for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n say_v he_o that_o be_v my_o life_n be_v christ_n for_o his_o use_n his_o purpose_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o short_a a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o christ_n by_o the_o continual_a supply_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o for_o christ_n and_o with_o aim_n at_o his_o glory_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a for_o dead_a formalist_n to_o carry_v a_o high_a hand_n in_o outward_a profession_n than_o the_o real_a christian_n sardis_n pretend_v high_o to_o faith_n and_o to_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v beyond_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o the_o name_n be_v only_a that_o she_o aim_v at_o for_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n she_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a and_o rot_a it_o be_v not_o very_o usual_a still_o among_o dead_a and_o carnal_a christian_n to_o boast_v of_o their_o christianity_n their_o baptism_n their_o church_n their_o external_a ordinance_n and_o the_o like_a they_o needs_o will_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o carnal_a jew_n that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o vers_n 9_o so_o unto_o these_o carnal_a formalist_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v pleasant_a to_o they_o yet_o still_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o true_a saint_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o perceive_v they_o want_v the_o true_a work_a faith_n which_o be_v only_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n all_o be_v natural_o self-lover_n they_o will_v needs_o content_v themselves_o and_o god_n too_o if_o they_o may_v with_o a_o guild_a sophisticate_a and_o dead_a faith_n and_o profession_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n than_o the_o true_a one_o which_o shall_v commend_v they_o unto_o god_n and_o denominate_v they_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o faith_n be_v too_o short_a for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v dead_a false_a and_o liveless_a as_o a_o carcase_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o justifi_v and_o christ_n accept_v that_o work_v by_o love_n 1_o thes_n 1.3_o verse_n 2._o be_v thou_o watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n esto_fw-la vigilans_fw-la as_o beza_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o shall_v rather_o take_v it_o in_o the_o active_a sense_n be_v thou_o awake_v or_o awake_v thou_o then_o be_v watchful_a for_o it_o it_o argue_v the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o activity_n to_o be_v watchful_a watch_n and_o pray_v but_o to_o awake_v it_o only_o show_v a_o dormant_a dead_a and_o sleepy_a state_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v for_o she_o bear_v the_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a therefore_o christ_n tell_v her_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rouse_v up_o thyself_o from_o thy_o sleepy_a state_n and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v reinforce_v revive_v and_o stir_v up_o those_o small_a remain_a spark_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o give_v up_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n within_o thou_o and_o though_o thou_o think_v and_o may_v have_v a_o conceit_n of_o thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v something_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o external_a profession_n and_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v yet_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o say_v christ_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n hence_o note_v observe_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a impair_n and_o consumption_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n sardis_n be_v bring_v by_o it_o even_o to_o death_n door_n her_o grace_n that_o be_v once_o eminent_a be_v come_v thereby_o to_o some_o small_a remainder_n and_o they_o too_o almost_o extinct_a and_o near_o the_o grave_n and_o though_o death_n itself_o i_o mean_v spiritual_a have_v not_o yet_o seize_v she_o yet_o she_o be_v somewhat_o near_o it_o she_o be_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n for_o she_o sleep_v and_o be_v call_v to_o awake_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o remainder_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o she_o lest_o she_o take_v her_o last_o sleep_n by_o the_o spiritual_a death_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o eternal_a death_n hereafter_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o sickness_n be_v to_o the_o body_n 1._o it_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o distemperature_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o leprosy_n under_o the_o law_n 3._o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o sickness_n cause_v grief_n to_o the_o body_n so_o sin_n cause_v horror_n and_o anguish_n unto_o the_o soul_n 4._o it_o cause_v weakness_n for_o the_o more_o sin_n the_o more_o weakness_n and_o disability_n to_o spiritual_a duty_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 5.6_o weak_a feeble_a soul_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n 5._o every_o sickness_n of_o the_o body_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n so_o every_o sin_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n eternal_o the_o only_a remedy_n that_o we_o have_v against_o this_o poison_n and_o sting_v of_o sin_n be_v to_o hasten_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n who_o be_v the_o physician_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o who_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v here_o to_o sardis_n to_o awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o sardis_n to_o awake_v herself_o recover_v herself_o and_o renew_v her_o grace_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n i_o answer_v negative_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n not_o only_o for_o a_o propitiation_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n but_o it_o be_v also_o from_o his_o influence_n and_o from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n whereby_o all_o our_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a for_o the_o life_n i_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o awake_v out_o of_o sin_n nor_o do_v our_o first_o work_n or_o renovate_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n second_o this_o duty_n to_o awake_v and_o renew_v their_o grace_n be_v set_v on_o those_o of_o sardis_n that_o have_v already_o receive_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v here_o say_v strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v therefore_o they_o have_v a_o be_v though_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v grace_n from_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o work_v from_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n have_v receive_v the_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v christ_n the_o great_a end_n and_o object_n of_o the_o promise_n cleanse_v yourselves_o go_v on_o in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o our_o gracious_a act_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o through_o his_o continue_a power_n and_o influence_n three_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o awake_v strengthen_v and_o renew_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n they_o must_v be_v always_o take_v to_o be_v as_o inseparable_a part_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o we_o can_v awake_v from_o sin_n unless_o we_o first_o look_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o renew_v or_o restore_v our_o fall_a grace_n before_o we_o first_o eye_n god_n in_o christ_n out_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o set_v home_o spiritual_a duty_n on_o person_n that_o have_v not_o first_o receive_v light_n and_o life_n from_o christ_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o work_n that_o must_v be_v offer_v and_o
be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.17_o because_o it_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n come_v as_o a_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v it_o come_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o christ_n make_v any_o discovery_n unto_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v as_o unto_o philadelphia_n as_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o as_o the_o true_a one_o as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n unto_o holiness_n so_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o he_o john_n 14.6_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shute_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n cap._n 22._o 20._o 22._o about_o the_o call_n of_o eliakim_n the_o son_n of_o hilkiah_n who_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n shall_v be_v commit_v and_o in_o vers_n 22._o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v this_o eliakim_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v his_o chief_a steward_n or_o master_n of_o his_o household_n as_o appear_v by_o 2_o king_n 18.18_o 26._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o transaction_n between_o he_o and_o senacharib_n none_o be_v suffer_v to_o go_v in_o or_o out_o to_o treat_v with_o senacharib_n but_o eliakim_n and_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o he_o be_v a_o man_n in_o great_a authority_n with_o the_o king_n and_o carry_v the_o key_n and_o sovereignty_n ever_o his_o whole_a household_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o isaiah_n to_o come_v or_o to_o be_v call_v again_o of_o god_n not_o in_o person_n but_o in_o his_o antitype_n and_o true_a counterpane_n jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a eliakim_n who_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n etc._n etc._n christ_n may_v well_o be_v typify_v by_o eliakim_n and_o to_o be_v call_v the_o spiritual_a eliakim_n promise_v in_o isa_n 22._o both_o for_o his_o name_n and_o nature_n eliakim_n signify_v as_o hierom_n the_o interpretatione_n nominum_fw-la the_o god_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o god_n that_o rise_v again_o and_o who_o be_v this_o true_a eliakim_n but_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o place_n christ_n be_v descend_v from_o this_o eliakim_n luke_n 3.30_o therefore_o right_o bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o isaiah_n to_o typify_v he_o forth_o but_o last_o and_o chief_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a eliakim_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o sovereignty_n which_o he_o bear_v over_o his_o spiritual_a house_n his_o church_n as_o eliakim_n bear_v it_o over_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o key_n be_v put_v metonymice_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o but_o why_o the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n isa_n 2d_o 22_o i_o answer_v either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v metonimical_o the_o master_n be_v put_v for_o the_o house_n or_o else_o for_o the_o more_o excellency_n of_o this_o key_n that_o christ_n bear_v before_o that_o of_o eliakim_n the_o truth_n itself_o exceed_v the_o type_n eliakim_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a minister_n as_o the_o steward_n and_o that_o in_o the_o family_n of_o david_n but_o christ_n he_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v before_o or_o by_o david_n himself_o due_a unto_o the_o high_a governor_n and_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o excel_v that_o of_o eliakim_n be_v limit_v only_o to_o the_o household_n of_o david_n but_o why_o be_v the_o key_n of_o david_n bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o represent_v christ_n sovereignty_n and_o kingdom_n over_o his_o church_n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o god_n promise_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n to_o david_n and_o therefore_o a_o fit_a type_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v love_v with_o the_o everlasting_a and_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n second_o david_n kingdom_n be_v over_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n so_o christ_n over_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n three_o david_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n over_o his_o kingdom_n he_o suffer_v no_o jebusite_n nor_o canaanite_n to_o domineer_v within_o his_o realm_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o christ_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n he_o suffer_v no_o unclean_a canaanite_n to_o rule_v and_o reign_v nor_o any_o unclean_a thing_n to_o enter_v therein_o but_o he_o will_v be_v sole_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n within_o his_o house_n as_o be_v david_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o same_o key_n that_o open_v the_o same_o key_n shut_v christ_n key_n power_n or_o authority_n do_v open_a and_o shut_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n first_o it_o open_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n that_o none_o ever_o hereafter_o shall_v shut_v it_o up_o or_o obscure_v it_o and_o again_o he_o shut_v it_o up_o to_o many_o unworthy_a and_o impenitent_a people_n which_o none_o but_o by_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a again_o to_o open_v and_o discover_v second_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o christ_n bear_v over_o his_o kingdom_n his_o holy_a temple_n and_o church_n either_o in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n isa_n 9.6_o zeah._n 6.12_o and_o herein_o no_o man_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v admit_v or_o exclude_v but_o as_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n three_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v into_o christ_n hidden_a mystical_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o invisible_a saint_n and_o to_o who_o christ_n do_v open_a to_o enter_v herein_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v and_o to_o who_o christ_n shut_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o open_a so_o absolute_a a_o lord_n be_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o what_o he_o do_v no_o man_n can_v undo_v or_o hinder_v and_o what_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v none_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v from_o the_o word_n thus_o explicate_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o sole_a absolute_a lord_n sovereign_a giver_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n relate_v unto_o his_o kingdom_n christ_n be_v a_o lord_n by_o power_n mat._n 28.18_o 2._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o purchase_n rom._n 7.20_o 3._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o conquest_n john_n 16.30_o 4._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o donation_n ps_n 2.8_o 5._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o election_n as_o from_o god_n mat._n 12.18_o isa_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o such_o a_o lord_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o all_o the_o ministration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o promote_v execute_v or_o hinder_v as_o he_o please_v the_o magistrate_n walk_v not_o in_o this_o sphere_n he_o have_v another_o kingdom_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o magistrate_n can_v here_o shut_v nor_o open_v though_o erastus_n vain_o dream_v the_o contrary_n christ_n key_n or_o the_o key_n of_o david_n only_o fit_v this_o lock_n as_o the_o spiritual_a key_n of_o david_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v in_o the_o civil_a kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v their_o civil_a key_n open_a or_o shut_v in_o the_o spiritual_a house_n of_o david_n be_v fit_v for_o another_o lock_n and_o who_o prove_v the_o contrary_a disorder_v the_o whole_a lock_n and_o bring_v always_o ruin_v instead_o of_o blessing_n upon_o the_o experiencer_n thereof_o christ_n fit_v not_o upon_o caesar_n throne_n nor_o caesar_n upon_o he_o each_o must_v remember_v and_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o station_n if_o christ_n open_v with_o his_o key_n and_o receive_v into_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o shut_v out_o if_o christ_n shut_v against_o any_o caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o open_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d caesar_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n to_o true_a saint_n and_o open_v it_o to_o the_o debauch_a world_n and_o so_o make_v a_o image_n like_a to_o that_o of_o nebuchadnezzar_n who_o foot_n be_v partly_o iron_n partly_o clay_n but_o when_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n
thunder_n and_o how_o zealous_a and_o hot_a be_v the_o papist_n this_o day_n for_o their_o scarlet_a strumpet_n and_o her_o fornication_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v love_v and_o therefore_o no_o true_a zeal_n but_o spurious_a and_o impious_a the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o a_o man_n intention_n be_v never_o good_a be_v they_o never_o so_o high_o pretend_v thereunto_o but_o when_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o good_a warrant_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o refer_v to_o right_a end_n namely_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n now_o to_o return_v to_o answer_v the_o doubt_n propose_v have_v clear_v what_o true_a zeal_n be_v with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a when_o a_o right_a object_n and_o right_a end_n be_v propose_v paul_n in_o rom._n 12.11_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v fervent_a in_o the_o spirit_n hot_a boil_a hot_a in_o spiritual_a affair_n what_o think_v you_o of_o paul_n when_o he_o oppose_v peter_n to_o his_o face_n in_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n and_o will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o his_o dissimulation_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n so_o zealous_a be_v he_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n god_n be_v so_o zealous_a of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o smite_v uzzah_n 2_o sam._n 6_o 7._o for_o put_v only_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o ark_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n to_o save_v it_o from_o fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v commend_v his_o zeal_n and_o spare_v his_o ignorance_n herein_o but_o be_v not_o according_a unto_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o suffer_v for_o it_o no_o good_a intention_n and_o meaning_n will_v make_v that_o action_n or_o duty_n good_a or_o lawful_a be_v it_o ever_o so_o specious_o religious_a and_o gracious_a that_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o best_a duty_n for_o want_n of_o this_o scantling_n be_v turn_v into_o sin_n and_o as_o god_n be_v zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n so_o he_o make_v his_o minister_n like_o himself_o heb._n 1.7_o he_o make_v his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n i_o will_v have_v all_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a moderate_a state-christians_a to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o can_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ordinary_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n through_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o of_o a_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a laodicean_n temper_v christ_n himself_o be_v think_v by_o the_o people_n to_o be_v one_o too_o hot_a that_o his_o zeal_n be_v beyond_o his_o judgement_n mark_v 3.21_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o be_v beside_o himself_o paul_n be_v also_o account_v mad_a not_o only_o by_o festus_n for_o his_o zeal_n towards_o god_n act_v 26.24_o but_o also_o by_o the_o christian_n corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 5_o 13._o so_o michael_n scoff_v at_o david_n as_o one_o of_o the_o fool_n for_o his_o zeal_n yet_o though_o they_o and_o other_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v vilify_v and_o reproach_v by_o the_o ignorant_a world_n yet_o their_o zeal_n have_v lay_v that_o corner_n stone_n and_o foundation_n of_o salvation_n that_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o what_o think_v you_o will_v the_o scarlet_a whore_n that_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n be_v dethrone_v or_o antichrist_n be_v discover_v and_o overthrow_v by_o a_o moderate_a lukewarm_a laodicean_n state_n religion_n and_o temper_v sure_o the_o first_o beginner_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v of_o another_o spirit_n than_o we_o in_o these_o day_n be_v of_o or_o else_o it_o will_v have_v make_v but_o a_o slow_a procedure_v for_o want_n of_o this_o true_a zeal_n our_o reformation_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la but_o i_o will_v still_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o zeal_n mix_v with_o the_o former_a ingredient_n and_o with_o sound_a knowledge_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o guide_n to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v it_o aright_o both_o in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v love_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o end_n of_o their_o love_n or_o else_o zeal_n not_o right_o regulate_v may_v be_v dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o offend_v and_o fail_v in_o their_o zeal_n first_o those_o that_o be_v stark_o cold_a and_o have_v no_o zeal_n at_o all_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o his_o worship_n as_o the_o profane_a worldling_n be_v second_o those_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a christian_n that_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a as_o those_o laodicean_n be_v and_o as_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a halt_v between_o god_n and_o baal_n 1_o king_n 18.21_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o who_o zeal_n be_v blind_a void_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n who_o cover_v their_o own_o carnal_a affection_n with_o the_o cloak_n of_o glorify_v of_o god_n rush_v on_o inconsiderate_o into_o many_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a action_n some_o on_o this_o pretence_n endeavour_v again_o in_o these_o our_o day_n to_o set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o his_o throne_n among_o we_o other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o want_v of_o this_o sound_a knowledge_n join_v to_o their_o zeal_n under_o pretence_n of_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n and_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n they_o endeavour_v to_o undermine_v and_o pull_v down_o all_o magistracy_n ministry_n scripture_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o christ_n church_n whatsoever_o whereof_o this_o age_n of_o we_o afford_v as_o many_o lamentable_a example_n as_o any_o former_a whatsoever_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o add_v wisdom_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n unto_o his_o zeal_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o controvert_v opinion_n of_o religion_n that_o lie_v deep_a and_o dark_a whether_o they_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o moderation_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v most_o commendable_a and_o let_v every_o one_o walk_v as_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o controvert_v point_n and_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o we_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o christ_n the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v appear_v to_o open_v all_o the_o seal_a book_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v again_o and_o so_o that_o scripture_n in_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o apply_v be_v not_o righteous_a over_o much_o that_o be_v be_v not_o over_o zealous_a hot_a or_o fervent_a for_o they_o but_o for_o plain_a obvious_a and_o perspicuous_a command_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o christ_n precept_n and_o command_n or_o antichrist_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o embrace_v our_o zeal_n and_o intention_n here_o can_v be_v too_o hot_a we_o can_v possible_o here_o 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or_o hot_a that_o be_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o rather_o thou_o be_v any_o thing_n then_o what_o thou_o be_v i_o will_v as_o rather_o thou_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n as_o of_o this_o mongrel_n uncertain_a hotchpotch_n religion_n that_o thou_o be_v of_o from_o these_o word_n note_v observe_v that_o a_o lukewarm_a religion_n be_v equal_o if_o not_o more_o displease_v unto_o god_n than_o irreligion_n or_o profaneness_n itself_o christ_n here_o prefer_v coldness_n the_o most_o remote_a degree_n in_o religion_n before_o a_o near_a lukewarmness_n christ_n wish_v laodicea_n either_o to_o be_v hot_a zealous_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o else_o cold_a that_o be_v dead_a strange_a and_o alienate_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a as_o she_o be_v it_o be_v as_o good_a and_o there_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 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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
which_o be_v often_o try_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o avoid_v not_o the_o touchstone_n or_o fire_n of_o trial_n but_o stand_v firm_a as_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o trust_v unto_o it_o and_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o do_v become_v rich_a exceed_o rich_a in_o all_o true_a spiritual_a grace_n to_o their_o eternal_a glory_n therefore_o for_o shame_v you_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v true_o such_o and_o conscientious_a of_o your_o duty_n leave_v of_o your_o beggarly_a trade_n in_o pursue_v that_o that_o be_v no_o riches_n and_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o buy_v gold_n of_o he_o try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o will_v make_v you_o rich_a to_o purpose_n and_o so_o shall_v you_o shine_v like_o star_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n within_o the_o firmament_n of_o your_o church_n i_o fear_v i_o all_o be_v not_o gold_n that_o glister_v with_o you_o o_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o seem_a fair_a condition_n when_o we_o conceit_n we_o be_v rich_a and_o lack_v nothing_o while_o indeed_o we_o be_v poor_a miserable_a blind_a and_o naked_a the_o angel_n of_o laodicea_n once_o think_v as_o well_o of_o himself_o as_o the_o angel_n of_o england_n at_o present_a but_o see_v his_o judgement_n for_o his_o hypocritical_a outside_n and_o half_a religion_n which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v by_o we_o also_o if_o we_o grow_v not_o hot_a and_o repent_v to_o wit_n that_o it_o will_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n will_v spew_v we_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o leave_v our_o place_n desolate_a unto_o we_o and_o this_o christ_n doubtless_o will_v long_o since_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o remnant_n among_o we_o that_o be_v try_v gold_n for_o who_o sake_n he_o do_v preserve_v we_o yet_o understand_v that_o christ_n know_v how_o to_o cast_v off_o and_o burn_v up_o all_o the_o chaff_n as_o he_o do_v the_o prelatical_a party_n of_o late_a in_o his_o judgement_n 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as_o god_n provide_v for_o adam_n after_o his_o fall_n garment_n of_o skin_n to_o hide_v his_o shame_n so_o christ_n have_v provide_v spiritual_o a_o white_a raiment_n for_o the_o cover_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a defect_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o member_n of_o himself_o the_o second_o adam_n now_o this_o white_a raiment_n that_o be_v here_o provide_v and_o offer_v by_o christ_n to_o laodicea_n to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n may_v be_v take_v two_o way_n as_o laodicea_n have_v a_o twofold_a nakedness_n and_o shame_n upon_o she_o so_o here_o be_v a_o garment_n proportionable_a to_o her_o want_n first_o she_o be_v naked_a in_o respect_n of_o true_a righteousness_n she_o be_v rich_a enough_o and_o righteous_a enough_o in_o she_o own_o eye_n as_o many_o of_o these_o day_n be_v yet_o here_o be_v a_o garment_n provide_v by_o christ_n for_o she_o to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n this_o be_v that_o garment_n speak_v of_o rev._n 17.13_o 14._o which_o be_v the_o long_a white_a robe_n that_o the_o undefiled_a follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n do_v walk_v in_o that_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n our_o sin_n bring_v shame_n and_o misery_n and_o nakedness_n upon_o we_o and_o defilement_n on_o our_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v christ_n blood_n that_o wash_v they_o white_a take_v off_o the_o stain_n the_o guilt_n and_o obligation_n to_o wrath_n thereon_o and_o serve_v for_o a_o white_a garment_n to_o cover_v to_o hide_v and_o keep_v quite_o out_o of_o sight_n all_o our_o bloody_a spot_n and_o stain_n as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o do_v or_o commit_v and_o so_o be_v carry_v away_o on_o the_o head_n of_o this_o scape-goat_n into_o the_o land_n of_o forgetfulness_n never_o to_o be_v remember_v more_o second_o she_o be_v naked_a too_o in_o respect_n of_o her_o outward_a garment_n church_n officer_n order_n and_o ordinance_n she_o may_v be_v rich_a enough_o in_o outward_a endowment_n as_o riches_n worldly_a wisdom_n learning_n etc._n etc._n as_o some_o of_o our_o church_n among_o we_o be_v yet_o beggarly_a poor_a and_o naked_a to_o the_o true_a call_v order_n ministration_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o christ_n here_o offer_v she_o a_o white_a raiment_n of_o his_o own_o make_n for_o a_o cover_n of_o this_o her_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n to_o wit_v a_o ministry_n of_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n square_v out_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n for_o call_v for_o mission_n for_o matter_n for_o form_n and_o not_o according_a to_o humane_a invention_n notwithstanding_o which_o she_o may_v be_v naked_a still_o open_a to_o shame_v still_o and_o miserable_a still_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o raiment_n of_o christ_n make_n be_v the_o only_a raiment_n that_o will_v reach_v all_o our_o necessity_n and_o cover_v all_o our_o nakedness_n all_o other_o garment_n will_v come_v short_a of_o this_o work_n if_o we_o shall_v maâ—e_n a_o linsey-woolsey_n garment_n partly_o of_o christ_n and_z partly_o of_o our_o own_o commixture_n it_o will_v be_v like_o that_o in_o the_o law_n that_o be_v partly_o linen_n and_o partly_o woollen_a a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n yea_o for_o all_o that_o we_o may_v be_v cold_a and_o naked_a christ_n garment_n be_v such_o a_o garment_n that_o it_o will_v reach_v we_o from_o top_n to_o toe_n that_o no_o part_n of_o our_o shame_n or_o nakedness_n shall_v appear_v sin_n bring_v shame_n and_o sin_n bring_v contempt_n and_o nakedness_n upon_o we_o and_o christ_n raiment_n be_v a_o white_a raiment_n a_o innocent_a raiment_n a_o glorious_a honourable_a raiment_n it_o will_v cover_v all_o our_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n and_o therefore_o worth_a the_o buy_n our_o own_o raiment_n be_v spot_v defile_v and_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o christ_n be_v white_a all_o over_o if_o we_o expect_v to_o appear_v perfect_o righteous_a holy_a and_o just_a before_o god_n or_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v never_o appear_v before_o he_o to_o approbation_n for_o no_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v enter_v into_o his_o presence_n than_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o clothe_v ourselves_o in_o the_o white_a raiment_n of_o this_o our_o elder_a brother_n in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o nakedness_n shame_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o our_o church_n and_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v heal_v cover_v and_o do_v away_o then_o let_v we_o make_v haste_n and_o clothe_v ourselves_o with_o this_o white_a raiment_n that_o christ_n do_v counsel_v we_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o that_o be_v let_v we_o speedy_o look_v into_o the_o holy_a vestry_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o see_v what_o garment_n christ_n have_v provide_v for_o his_o spouse_n there_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o yea_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o cant._n 4.7_o 11._o and_o the_o smell_n of_o thy_o garment_n be_v like_o the_o smell_n of_o lebanon_n when_o we_o cast_v off_o christ_n order_n in_o discipline_n church_n ordinance_n office_n and_o mission_n we_o cast_v off_o christ_n white_a raiment_n and_o present_o discover_v our_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o paul_n in_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o let_v no_o man_n despise_v thy_o youth_n and_o why_o because_o he_o have_v on_o the_o white_a raiment_n of_o christ_n true_a ministry_n and_o according_a to_o christ_n mind_n which_o garment_n be_v so_o full_a of_o majesty_n though_o timothy_n be_v but_o a_o youth_n yet_o be_v clothe_v therewith_o it_o render_v he_o not_o only_o above_o contempt_n but_o true_o gracious_a and_o honourable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o some_o in_o the_o room_n of_o this_o of_o
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
the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o be_v from_o his_o first_o undertake_n for_o fall_v man_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o great_a administrator_n and_o agent_n for_o his_o father_n and_o so_o will_v be_v until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o under_o several_a appearance_n to_o wit_n either_o in_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o second_o in_o visional_a representation_n as_o here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a or_o three_o and_o last_o in_o his_o real_a humane_a nature_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o come_v object_n but_o some_o may_v here_o unadvised_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n that_o appear_v here_o to_o john_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o his_o manhood_n in_o heaven_n why_o then_o there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n but_o this_o objection_n savour_v of_o much_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n though_o the_o deity_n i_o grant_v be_v most_o eminent_o conjunct_a with_o the_o manhood_n in_o heaven_n for_o that_o be_v the_o most_o special_a and_o magnificent_a habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o that_o infinite_a deity_n which_o be_v one_o with_o the_o humanity_n in_o heaven_n do_v from_o thence_o flow_v and_o extend_v itself_o most_o infinite_o over_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o only_o most_o glorious_a in_o heaven_n but_o all_o other_o sublunary_a place_n also_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o glorious_a presence_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n 119.8_o if_o i_o ascend_v up_o unto_o heaven_n why_o thou_o be_v there_o that_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o glory_n if_o i_o go_v down_o unto_o the_o deep_n thou_o be_v there_o also_o thy_o power_n and_o wonderful_a providential_a working_n be_v see_v there_o also_o this_o be_v make_v good_a by_o that_o old_a verse_n enter_v praesenter_fw-la deus_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o ubique_fw-la potenter_fw-la god_n be_v power_n and_o presence_n be_v most_o clear_a on_o high_a and_o here_o beneath_o and_o every_o where_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o christ_n shall_v here_o appear_v unto_o john_n in_o his_o deity_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o not_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o form_n or_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appear_v to_o john_n in_o his_o humanity_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o stephen_n he_o have_v then_o call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o take_v only_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o be_v call_v cap._n 2._o 18._o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v under_o a_o figure_n like_o to_o his_o humanity_n his_o humane_a body_n be_v in_o heaven_n since_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v there_o to_o abide_v until_o the_o latter_a day_n act_n 2.34_o 35._o from_o this_o figure_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n observe_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o glorious_a for_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o behold_v therefore_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o john_n under_o the_o form_n of_o man_n the_o more_o excellent_a glory_n be_v here_o shadow_v under_o that_o be_v less_o glorious_a if_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o divine_a nature_n and_o glory_n unto_o john_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o other_o then_o in_o some_o dark_a representation_n of_o it_o it_o will_v have_v overwhelm_v john_n and_o slay_v he_o no_o man_n can_v see_v i_o and_o live_v say_v god_n to_o moses_n exod._n 33.18_o when_o he_o desire_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n this_o representation_n unto_o john_n be_v so_o glorious_a though_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n that_o john_n profess_v in_o verse_n 17._o when_o he_o see_v it_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a if_o we_o can_v behold_v without_o prejudice_n the_o sun_n in_o its_o glory_n how_o can_v we_o behold_v the_o exceed_a glory_n of_o the_o creator_n who_o glory_n exceed_v infinite_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n as_o far_o as_o infinity_n exceed_v all_o finite_a being_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o majesty_n will_v turn_v we_o into_o nothing_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n and_o shrine_n up_o his_o majesty_n under_o the_o form_n of_o man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n between_o he_o and_o we_o oh_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n from_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n note_v that_o christ_n sit_v as_o king_n and_o supreme_a moderator_n and_o governor_n in_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v couch_v in_o these_o word_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o they_o for_o a_o king_n supreme_a captain_n or_o governor_n sit_v in_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o his_o noble_n and_o servant_n be_v environ_v about_o with_o attendant_n for_o his_o great_a majesty_n this_o person_n here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o denote_v christ_n kingly_a office_n be_v far_o describe_v by_o his_o garment_n be_v clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n betoken_v gravity_n and_o wisdom_n this_o sort_n of_o garment_n be_v wear_v of_o the_o priest_n of_o old_a and_o also_o of_o the_o roman_a senator_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n in_o christ_n time_n matth._n 12.38_o use_v also_o this_o kind_n of_o garment_n and_o christ_n here_o appear_v in_o this_o garb_n which_o do_v typical_o represent_v both_o his_o priestly_a office_n and_o his_o prophetical_a office_n also_o for_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v array_v in_o such_o long_a garment_n exod._n 28.42_o 43._o leu._n 6.10_o and_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n minister_v in_o such_o a_o garment_n 1_o sam._n 2.18_o hence_o observe_v that_o when_o christ_n make_v discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o church_n he_o desire_v to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o all_o his_o office_n when_o he_o appear_v here_o among_o these_o asian_a church_n in_o a_o kingly_a way_n and_o power_n to_o chastise_v they_o for_o their_o backslide_n yet_o he_o appear_v too_o in_o a_o sacerdotal_a garment_n under_o his_o priestly_a office_n intercede_v for_o his_o poor_a backslide_a people_n and_o withal_o exercise_v his_o prophetical_a office_n in_o admonish_v they_o to_o return_v to_o their_o first_o love_n who_o they_o have_v forsake_v christ_n will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o any_o of_o his_o office_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n which_o denote_v christ_n readiness_n in_o all_o his_o office_n for_o their_o good_a consult_v luke_n 12.35_o and_o 17.8_o when_o the_o roman_n of_o old_a do_v undertake_v any_o matter_n of_o action_n they_o do_v use_v to_o truss_v up_o their_o long_a garment_n for_o the_o better_a expedition_n in_o their_o action_n so_o christ_n here_o be_v say_v to_o be_v gird_v with_o a_o precious_a and_o golden_a girdle_n to_o manifest_v his_o readiness_n for_o his_o church_n service_n either_o as_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o chastise_v they_o as_o a_o priest_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o and_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o inform_v they_o verse_n 14._o his_o head_n and_o hair_n be_v white_a as_o white_a wool_n and_o as_o snow_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n verse_n 15._o and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n and_o his_o voice_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n this_o appearance_n or_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v far_a describe_v to_o have_v his_o head_n and_o hair_n white_a as_o wool_n and_o as_o snow_n and_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n in_o dan._n 7.9_o be_v ever_o under_o the_o same_o figure_n describe_v white_a hair_n and_o white_a head_n shows_z gravity_n age_n and_o antiquity_n worthy_a of_o all_o due_a reverence_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n magna_fw-la fuit_fw-la quadam_fw-la capitis_fw-la reverentia_fw-la cani_fw-la from_o this_o description_n note_v that_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o same_o antiquity_n with_o the_o father_n even_o one_o and_o the_o same_o coeternal_a god_n bless_v for_o ever_o for_o god_n who_o be_v call_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n in_o that_o vision_n of_o daniel_n 7.9_o manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o like_a appearance_n as_o he_o do_v here_o unto_o john_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n therefore_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n have_v the_o