in_o which_o their_o soul_n will_v delight_v neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o compartner_n in_o that_o kingdom_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o weak_a christian_n shall_v be_v a_o partner_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n must_v needs_o know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o earth_n already_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o then_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o also_o for_o there_o be_v write_v thereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o the_o same_o all_o signify_v power_n strength_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o feel_v the_o effect_n thereof_o unto_o their_o pain_n if_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v rule_v and_o break_v they_o as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n as_o in_o cap._n 2._o v._n 27._o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o kingdom_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o god_n shall_v sure_o be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o all_o and_o especial_o come_v with_o thaâ—_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n do_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o most_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o morning_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o miriads_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o raâ—â—â—d_a saâ—â—â—s_n that_o none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v deal_v plain_o with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v the_o saint_n to_o reign_v before_o their_o leader_n head_n and_o king_n appear_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o right_a with_o their_o master_n spirit_n who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a ready_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n not_o draw_v the_o sword_n to_o free_v or_o revenge_v himself_o or_o his_o follower_n but_o check_v peter_n for_o it_o when_o he_o attempt_v it_o on_o malchas_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o lay_v hand_n upon_o he_o christ_n well_o know_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n of_o this_o age_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o sword_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o suffer_v and_o patience_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o they_o that_o go_v another_o way_n may_v build_v a_o city_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n who_o builder_n be_v god_n they_o may_v erect_v a_o city_n who_o builder_n be_v man_n and_o on_o who_o gate_n and_o wall_n be_v write_v their_o own_o name_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n they_o may_v build_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n a_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o beast_n may_v reign_v in_o not_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o kingdom_n of_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o they_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o trust_v thereunto_o may_v be_v just_o involve_v into_o utter_a ruin_n and_o misery_n for_o trust_v to_o the_o weak_a arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o hope_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a new_a city_n promise_v to_o the_o conquer_a suffer_a patient_a saint_n and_o not_o to_o the_o heady_a rebellious_a or_o precipitant_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o whereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v and_o inscribe_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o say_v at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o descend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o lamb_n wife_n the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o conspicuous_a for_o light_n and_o glory_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n thereof_o and_o bring_v their_o glory_n to_o it_o and_o this_o city_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n neither_o of_o the_o moon_n to_o shine_v in_o it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o rev._n 21.23_o verse_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o word_n be_v so_o often_o inculcate_v at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o peculiarly_a relate_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o all_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o also_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o it_o be_v not_o only_o write_v for_o they_o but_o for_o our_o instruction_n also_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o wise_a christian_n consider_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n ver._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o of_o christ_n monitory_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v archippus_n as_o some_o say_v mention_v coloss_n 4.17_o not_o far_o from_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n it_o be_v call_v laodicea_n from_o laodice_n wife_n of_o antiochus_n who_o build_v it_o in_o honour_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o call_v it_o according_a to_o her_o name_n laodicea_n which_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v as_o much_o as_o commandress_n princess_n or_o dictatrix_n of_o the_o people_n the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o this_o church_n be_v somewhat_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o name_n she_o conceive_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n a_o princess_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o in_o vers_n 17._o she_o vaunt_v herself_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o be_v increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n bring_v she_o to_o the_o trial_n she_o be_v find_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v often_o in_o his_o providence_n ordain_v name_n to_o person_n and_o place_n suitable_a and_o well_o comport_v with_o their_o natural_a disposition_n and_o quality_n christ_n be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n joshua_n have_v a_o name_n also_o from_o the_o same_o root_n he_o be_v also_o a_o temporal_a saviour_n unto_o israel_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n save_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n many_o example_n be_v find_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o john_n who_o name_n and_o nature_n both_o be_v gracious_a chrysostome_n he_o be_v a_o eloquent_a golden_a mouth_a father_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v 2._o for_o place_n and_o church_n rome_n be_v call_v roma_n from_o romulus_n from_o some_o old_a word_n of_o the_o like_a sound_n which_o signify_v strength_n babylon_n from_o babel_n confusion_n philadelphia_n have_v a_o belove_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o belove_a church_n laodicea_n have_v a_o vainglorious_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a church_n much_o boast_n of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n while_o miserable_a poor_a and_o naked_a these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v here_o describe_v under_o a_o threefold_a property_n 1._o as_o the_o amen_o 2._o as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 3._o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n these_o three_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o general_a description_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preliminary_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o amen_o out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o what_o christ_n promise_v and_o predict_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n must_v sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v not_o fail_v he_o add_v another_o property_n take_v out_o of_o chap._n 1._o v._n 5._o he_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n now_o what_o this_o amen_o have_v promise_v predict_v and_o say_v in_o these_o prophecy_n must_v
light_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n if_o he_o be_v spiritual_o judicious_a and_o learned_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v diligent_o true_a berean-like_a whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o so_o shall_v he_o deliver_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o his_o brother_n also_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n to_o all_o which_o as_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o say_v amen_n who_o be_o kerris_n in_o cornwall_n nou._n 1._o 1658._o thou_o in_o all_o christian_a service_n william_n hicks_n the_o preface_n god_n speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n in_o old_a time_n to_o our_o father_n after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n but_o now_o in_o these_o late_a day_n he_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o ambassador_n the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n move_v on_o his_o endeavour_n in_o search_v meditate_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o old_a and_o new_a not_o only_o find_v out_o that_o treasure_n where_o out_o flow_v both_o new_a and_o old_a thing_n that_o will_v make_v his_o soul_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o also_o he_o shall_v find_v a_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n that_o will_v replenish_v his_o soul_n while_o here_o beneath_o in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n for_o what_o will_v add_v great_a hope_n or_o be_v a_o sure_a prop_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o affliction_n and_o mourning_n then_o to_o fore_o see_v know_v and_o be_v assure_v next_o to_o its_o interest_n in_o christ_n of_o the_o day_n of_o its_o deliverance_n this_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a portion_n and_o lot_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o interest_v in_o christ_n jesus_n through_o their_o several_a generation_n for_o the_o servant_n must_v not_o look_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o master_n christ_n enter_v into_o his_o glory_n by_o suffering_n temptation_n sorrow_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n his_o member_n must_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o while_o here_o militant_a though_o not_o to_o the_o same_o measure_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n for_o herein_o they_o be_v not_o make_v mighty_a to_o bear_v his_o suffering_n be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n that_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n may_v be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o thereby_o may_v become_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n our_o suffering_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o to_o fullfil_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o ourselves_o in_o our_o journey_v towards_o our_o celestial_a canaan_n and_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o particular_a member_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n thereof_o yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o gracious_a god_n to_o manifest_v his_o fatherly_a oversight_n and_o faithful_a providence_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o without_o intermission_n dispense_v towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n have_v often_o for_o a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o warning_n to_o the_o wicked_a not_o only_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o oppressor_n and_o set_v they_o above_o they_o but_o so_o prefix_v the_o time_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o deliverance_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o in_o observe_v the_o event_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o alwise_a hand_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o the_o one_o for_o good_a to_o the_o other_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o for_o ever_o god_n have_v his_o access_n and_o his_o recess_n his_o come_n in_o and_o his_o withdrawing_n towards_o his_o church_n some_o be_v conditional_a as_o if_o we_o keep_v with_o god_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o we_o but_o if_o we_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v we_o some_o again_o be_v absolute_a and_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n as_o that_o i_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o etc._n etc._n yet_o however_o god_n purpose_n of_o do_v good_a to_o his_o church_n be_v so_o steadfast_a and_o unalterable_a that_o though_o many_o of_o they_o run_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o precedent_a condition_n or_o qualification_n in_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o will_v in_o faithfulness_n perform_v his_o promise_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n either_o by_o make_v they_o a_o fit_a people_n for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n by_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o they_o and_o so_o will_v make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n or_o otherwise_o rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n shall_v fall_v to_o ground_v unaccomplish_v will_v do_v it_o absolute_o of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o before_o the_o flood_n god_n give_v 120._o year_n respite_n to_o the_o old_a world_n before_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o gen._n 6.3_o when_o this_o time_n be_v expire_v his_o spirit_n will_v contend_v with_o they_o no_o long_o but_o god_n come_v with_o the_o flood_n and_o destroy_v all_o live_n except_o noah_n and_o what_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ark._n 2._o god_n declare_v to_o abraham_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stanger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o in_o egypt_n and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o for_o 400._o year_n but_o withal_o that_o nation_n who_o they_o shall_v serve_v he_o will_v judge_v and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o etc._n etc._n which_o promise_n god_n do_v fulfil_v most_o faithful_o unto_o they_o in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_a term_n he_o bring_v out_o his_o people_n with_o a_o mighty_a and_o strong_a arm_n in_o drown_v the_o host_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n 3._o to_o that_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n god_n set_v a_o period_n of_o 70._o year_n jerem._n 29.10_o when_o that_o time_n be_v accomplish_v god_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v 4._o to_o daniel_n god_n show_v that_o 70._o week_n viz._n week_n of_o year_n be_v 490._o year_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o which_o time_n the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o at_o length_n the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v dan._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n and_o how_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v full_o accomplish_v be_v most_o evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n deal_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n 5._o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n set_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o long_o she_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o persecution_n and_o when_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o it_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 7.25_o and_o the_o 12.7_o they_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o four_o beast_n hand_n until_o a_o time_n time_n and_o the_o divide_n of_o time_n which_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n do_v answer_v that_o of_o rev._n 12.14_o the_o woman_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n which_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n 1260._o day_n or_o year_n which_o term_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n can_v exceed_v for_o he_o that_o have_v set_v a_o bind_v and_o period_n to_o all_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n in_o this_o world_n have_v say_v it_o hither_o thou_o shall_v go_v &_o no_o far_o and_o that_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 12.7_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a it_o be_v then_o clear_o evince_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o appoint_a time_n visit_v his_o church_n with_o sure_a mercy_n and_o have_v prefix_v in_o all_o age_n the_o time_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o persecution_n and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o visitation_n he_o will_v come_v with_o a_o certain_a deliverance_n to_o his_o people_n and_o ruin_n to_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a joy_n &_o comfort_n to_o his_o
add_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1651._o who_o do_v number_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n very_o radiant_a and_o pregnant_a within_o the_o say_a book_n to_o prove_v it_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n first_o in_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o so_o high_o illuminate_v a_o person_n as_o john_n the_o apostle_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v evince_v and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o last_o public_a legacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o special_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v god_n will_v never_o suffer_v such_o a_o palpable_a deceit_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o long_o without_o control_n and_o under_o his_o own_o name_n so_o often_o reiterated_a in_o those_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n direction_n approbation_n and_o providential_a preservation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o this_o book_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o do_v full_o harmonise_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o indubitable_a receive_v book_n of_o god_n that_o treat_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n three_o and_o last_o see_v those_o thing_n be_v evident_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v predict_v and_o foretell_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o dethron_n of_o the_o dragon_n the_o rise_n continuance_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o whore_n ride_v upon_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n with_o divers_a other_o event_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o former_a some_o whereof_z be_v long_o since_o evident_o accomplish_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o determine_a time_n and_o period_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o prophecy_n come_v from_o god_n when_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v consult_v deut._n 18.21_o 22_o verse_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n about_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n have_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o whether_o this_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n first_o they_o that_o oppose_v the_o first_o do_v offer_n as_o their_o reason_n the_o unlikelyness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n that_o there_o be_v between_o this_o book_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n and_o his_o epistle_n which_o two_o latter_a agree_v in_o style_n and_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n be_v very_a dissonant_n from_o they_o both_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n in_o the_o first_o two_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n though_o he_o write_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o substantial_a truth_n contain_v therein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a tie_v up_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o the_o epistle_n but_o be_v leave_v at_o large_a by_o the_o spirit_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o expression_n which_o he_o write_v according_a to_o his_o own_o genius_n and_o temper_n be_v high_a and_o sublimate_n but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o must_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v and_o be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o beside_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o prophecy_n keep_v somewhat_o the_o like_a and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o expression_n character_n and_o method_n as_o it_o do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n daniel_n isaiah_n and_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v joint_o run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n in_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v and_o other_o of_o john_n writing_n second_o they_o that_o oppose_v give_v as_o another_o reason_n but_o unadvised_o that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n the_o revelation_n be_v entitle_v not_o unto_o john_n evangelist_n or_o john_n the_o apostle_n but_o unto_o john_n the_o divine_a this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n for_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o john_n be_v by_o excellency_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n call_v by_o this_o name_n of_o the_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o write_v and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o heretic_n that_o oppose_v it_o in_o his_o time_n as_o the_o ebonite_n simon_n magus_n carpocrates_n cerinthus_n and_o their_o follower_n yet_o withal_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o this_o word_n the_o divine_a in_o our_o language_n be_v too_o narrow_a a_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o this_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v of_o more_o copious_a and_o extensive_a signification_n which_o make_v much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o evangelist_n that_o write_v this_o book_n for_o the_o foresay_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n and_o maintainer_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v this_o denomination_n either_o from_o his_o work_n and_o so_o be_v entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a or_o last_o he_o acquire_v that_o peculiar_a title_n to_o himself_o from_o the_o high_a divine_a inspiration_n and_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n he_o have_v from_o god_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o those_o his_o vision_n and_o so_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o eminent_o conversant_a with_o god_n he_o may_v just_o acquire_v unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o john_n the_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o former_a be_v the_o more_o genuine_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o title_n in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v that_o this_o john_n who_o be_v the_o subordinate_a author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o be_v write_v cap._n 1._o 9_o when_o john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n under_o banishment_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n which_o do_v agree_v with_o all_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a father_n who_o all_o testify_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v there_o banish_v and_o second_o as_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n as_o aretas_n witness_v basil_n gregory_n cyril_n epiphanius_n ireneus_fw-la hippolyta_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n counsel_n plain_o avouch_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n this_o john_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n major_n or_o the_o great_a and_o the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o three_o great_a witness_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o most_o retire_a and_o eminent_a action_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n who_o after_o christ_n have_v accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v ascend_v he_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o as_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n testify_v have_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n receive_v power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o province_n fall_v in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n where_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o preach_v convert_v and_o found_v those_o several_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n philadelphia_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n but_o also_o it_o seem_v
under_o tribulation_n the_o condition_n itself_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n too_o as_o a_o faithful_a hold_v out_o under_o persecution_n be_v the_o cause_n causa_fw-la dispositiva_fw-la the_o kingdom_n or_o reign_v be_v as_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n therefore_o not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o the_o interpretation_n or_o sense_n of_o this_o verse_n run_v thus_o i_o john_n your_o brother_n and_o sharer_n or_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n with_o you_o for_o the_o hope_n in_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o second_o come_v and_o for_o which_o i_o and_o you_o and_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o wait_v for_o in_o patience_n and_o long_a desiring_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n from_o whence_o this_o note_n arise_v observe_v that_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o ought_v to_o wait_v with_o patience_n under_o all_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n for_o the_o day_n of_o their_o release_n by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o kingdom_n this_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o patience_n and_o suffering_n not_o of_o reign_v and_o triumph_v some_o of_o christ_n disciple_n will_v needs_o have_v the_o kingdom_n present_o in_o that_o their_o question_n be_v this_o the_o time_n that_o thou_o will_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o christ_n answer_v it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n you_o be_v to_o occupy_v employ_v your_o talent_n till_o i_o come_v of_o the_o soul_n behead_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n how_o long_a lord_n be_v their_o continual_a cry_n their_o work_n be_v with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o deliverance_n they_o set_v not_o the_o world_n on_o fire_n by_o war_n and_o bloodshed_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o member_n they_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o saint_n or_o at_o least_o shall_v be_v of_o meek_a placid_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n easy_o to_o be_v entreat_v when_o they_o be_v revile_v not_o to_o revile_v when_o they_o be_v strike_v not_o to_o strike_v again_o yea_o to_o pray_v even_o for_o their_o very_a enemy_n and_o to_o such_o person_n in_o god_n appoint_a time_n he_o will_v fulfil_v that_o promise_n the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n this_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o the_o turbulent_a one_o of_o this_o age_n the_o soundness_n of_o who_o spirit_n i_o question_v be_v opposite_a to_o the_o former_a character_n of_o christ_n spirit_n who_o conceive_v they_o go_v about_o to_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n when_o they_o raise_v commotion_n rebellion_n and_o bloodshed_n in_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n thereof_o when_o as_o indeed_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o work_n against_o antichrist_n be_v rather_o hinder_v then_o further_v hereby_o for_o hereby_o they_o weaken_v and_o divert_v the_o hand_n of_o sovereign_n from_o that_o work_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v for_o antichrist_n be_v to_o fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o prince_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n from_o who_o it_o have_v its_o first_o rise_n rev._n 17.16_o and_o therefore_o all_o shall_v rather_o add_v to_o their_o help_a hand_n in_o assist_v those_o christian_a magistrate_n they_o live_v under_o rather_o than_o disturb_v or_o oppose_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v let_v they_o be_v here_o companion_n with_o john_n wait_v for_o his_o come_n in_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o stand_v still_o and_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n hence_o rise_v that_o the_o contempletion_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a prop_n and_o stay_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o under_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n john_n here_o comfort_v himself_o and_o the_o church_n with_o those_o thought_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o often_o inculcate_n this_o contemplation_n on_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v try_v and_o come_v under_o tribulation_n christ_n will_v give_v they_o as_o the_o guerdon_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n this_o kingdom_n describe_v under_o several_a name_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n v._o 10._o manna_n which_o be_v hide_v and_o white_a stone_n v._o 17._o the_o tree_n of_o life_n v._o 7._o power_n over_o nation_n v._o 26._o and_o to_o rule_v with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n v._o 27._o and_o last_o christ_n himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o morning_n star_n v._o 28._o and_o indeed_o what_o can_v more_o support_v the_o spirit_n of_o afflict_a saint_n then_o to_o know_v there_o be_v a_o crown_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o and_o dominion_n that_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o after_o the_o progress_n of_o a_o short_a afflict_a life_n here_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n account_v the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o rom._n 8.18_o be_v in_o the_o isle_n call_v patmos_n whether_o john_n flee_v there_o voluntary_o to_o avoid_v persecution_n or_o banish_v there_o as_o most_o ancient_a writer_n affirm_v i_o shall_v not_o contend_v but_o sure_o he_o be_v in_o this_o island_n call_v patmos_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a persecution_n in_o domitian_n day_n about_o anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 97._o this_o island_n be_v one_o of_o the_o cyclades_n in_o the_o aegean_a sea_n now_o call_v archipelago_n situate_v between_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o greece_n now_o under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o grand_a signior_n and_o in_o the_o way_n go_v up_o from_o the_o mediterranean_a unto_o the_o hellespont_n and_o constantinople_n this_o island_n be_v famous_a for_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o for_o this_o entertainment_n of_o our_o apostle_n john_n in_o his_o exile_n be_v one_o of_o those_o barbarous_a island_n into_o which_o the_o roman_n do_v use_v to_o send_v their_o malefactor_n and_o exile_n and_o here_o in_o this_o island_n among_o the_o barbarian_n john_n receive_v these_o vision_n and_o revelation_n wherein_o observe_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v not_o tie_v himself_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o holiness_n of_o place_n the_o rabbin_n have_v a_o rule_n among_o they_o and_o they_o hold_v it_o for_o truth_n that_o god_n never_o speak_v unto_o the_o prophet_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a land_n but_o this_o be_v contradict_v in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n who_o receive_v their_o vision_n at_o babylon_n by_o the_o river_n chebar_v in_o chaldea_n ezek._n 1.1_o 2._o god_n do_v here_o pass_v by_o the_o holy_a land_n the_o holy_a temple_n the_o holy_a city_n and_o give_v those_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o chaldea_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n in_o babylon_n while_o john_n converse_v about_o jerusalem_n and_o those_o holy_a place_n john_n have_v not_o any_o vision_n but_o when_o in_o patmos_n among_o barbarian_n he_o have_v these_o high_a and_o glorious_a revelation_n god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o place_n in_o a_o dungeon_n in_o prison_n as_o unto_o paul_n and_o other_o in_o a_o babylon_n as_o unto_o ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o the_o three_o child_n god_n pour_v down_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o unto_o a_o height_n of_o prophecy_n observe_v 2._o that_o god_n often_o in_o the_o most_o obscure_a and_o barbarous_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v raise_v up_o glorious_a instrument_n for_o his_o service_n it_o be_v once_o a_o question_n can_v any_o good_a come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v say_v can_v any_o good_a come_v out_o of_o egypt_n of_o rome_n of_o babylon_n of_o patmos_n the_o answer_n be_v come_v and_o see_v so_o i_o say_v come_v and_o see_v a_o glorious_a prophet_n in_o patmos_n a_o moses_n in_o egypt_n a_o church_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o house_n of_o nero_n in_o babylon_n a_o ezekiel_n a_o daniel_n in_o caldea_n god_n can_v raise_v up_o instrument_n most_o serviceable_a unto_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o idolatrous_a place_n and_o this_o be_v from_o that_o unlimited_a spirit_n of_o god_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v see_v more_o hereon_o in_o chap._n 2._o v._n 13._o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_n show_v the_o cause_n of_o john_n exile_n because_o he_o profess_v faithful_o the_o word_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n hence_o observe_v that_o the_o saint_n faithful_a profession_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n move_v the_o rage_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o enemy_n against_o they_o john_n here_o become_v a_o fugitive_n and_o exile_n in_o patmos_n for_o this_o faithful_a testimony_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o christ_n foretell_v of_o before_o his_o passion_n that_o his_o
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
both_o small_a and_o great_a rev._n 19.18_o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v by_o the_o sword_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n v._o 21._o and_o how_o this_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n i_o know_v not_o otherwise_o then_o by_o move_v and_o work_v powerful_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o instrument_n as_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o employ_v to_o take_v the_o material_a sword_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o effect_v this_o work_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n collate_n to_o this_o the_o note_n on_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n 14_o &_o 15._o and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o strength_n this_o show_v far_o the_o resplendency_n of_o this_o vision_n his_o face_n be_v liken_v to_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o glory_n there_o be_v much_o and_o great_a glory_n in_o this_o vision_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o glory_n if_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o ten_o thousand_o sun_n unite_v in_o one_o yet_o will_v be_v short_a of_o the_o essential_a glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v neither_o expressible_a nor_o comprehensible_a by_o any_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o here_o be_v present_v by_o thing_n beneath_o its_o excellency_n that_o according_a to_o man_n weakness_n we_o may_v perceive_v a_o little_a of_o his_o glory_n for_o no_o man_n yet_o ever_o can_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o live_v hence_o note_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n be_v a_o glorious_a administration_n christ_n face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o call_v his_o delinquent_n and_o offend_a church_n to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o backslide_n in_o chap._n 10._o v._n 1._o &_o 3._o his_o face_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o sun_n in_o that_o appearance_n also_o but_o then_o present_o follow_v thunder_n and_o voice_n as_o when_o a_o lion_n roar_v to_o denote_v unto_o we_o when_o christ_n be_v go_v forth_o with_o terrible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n his_o carriage_n and_o appearance_n therein_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o exod._n 15.6_o upon_o the_o destruction_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n thy_o right_a hand_n o_o god_n be_v become_v glorious_a in_o power_n thy_o right_a hand_n have_v dash_v in_o piece_n the_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o excellency_n thou_o have_v overthrow_v they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o the_o act_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n do_v shine_v so_o clear_o in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o dazzle_v man_n eye_n and_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v before_o god_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n not_o any_o magistrate_n commonweal_n or_o nation_n be_v more_o honourable_a shine_a and_o dreadful_a to_o their_o enemy_n than_o such_o as_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n against_o offender_n never_o be_v solomon_n more_o glorious_a in_o all_o his_o reign_n then_o when_o he_o execute_v justice_n between_o the_o two_o harlot_n and_o call_v for_o the_o sword_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n how_o honourable_a be_v phineas_n and_o what_o a_o high_a reward_n he_o get_v for_o execute_v justice_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o old_a say_n fiat_n justitia_fw-la &_o ruat_fw-la coelum_fw-la if_o our_o chief_a magistrate_n keep_v close_o to_o justice_n in_o our_o land_n and_o common-weal_n our_o nation_n will_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n none_o of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o will_v be_v able_a to_o look_v we_o in_o the_o face_n for_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v upon_o we_o verse_n 17._o and_o when_o i_o see_v he_o i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o verse_n 18._o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n when_o john_n have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o this_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o of_o that_o great_a and_o dreadful_a majesty_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o appear_v in_o it_o strike_v he_o as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n hence_o note_v that_o the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_o and_o humble_v sight_n when_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v a_o sight_n of_o this_o glory_n he_o can_v cry_v out_o i_o be_o a_o man_n undo_v and_o of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o see_v this_o glory_n it_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o his_o own_o worthlesness_n and_o to_o a_o abhorrency_n in_o his_o own_o eye_n there_o be_v no_o great_a or_o more_o efficacious_a way_n to_o take_v off_o our_o heart_n from_o the_o creature_n then_o to_o behold_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o poor_a self_n all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o goodliness_n thereof_o be_v as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n isa_n 40.5_o 6._o and_o why_o because_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v it_o together_o and_o when_o job_n have_v a_o sight_n of_o this_o glory_n he_o cry_v out_o job_n 42.5_o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n observe_v 2_o that_o revelation_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v dreadful_o glorious_a they_o strike_v john_n as_o dead_a there_o do_v but_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o inferior_a glory_n unto_o gideon_n and_o manoah_n and_o make_v those_o worthy_n quake_v judg._n 16._o &_o 13._o apparition_n of_o glory_n work_v strong_o upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o quick_o overwhelm_v they_o and_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o resplendent_a how_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bear_v who_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6.16_o paul_n can_v not_o behold_v that_o glorious_a light_n that_o shine_v about_o he_o act_v 9_o but_o be_v strike_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o blind_v with_o it_o in_o the_o earth_n heaven_n and_o world_n we_o may_v behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o part_n and_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n but_o his_o essential_a glory_n as_o it_o be_v himself_o wherein_o he_o make_v his_o habitation_n be_v that_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v to_o or_o comprehend_v and_o live_v and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v but_o leave_v out_o to_o appear_v but_o in_o some_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n of_o man_n fire_n or_o the_o like_a it_o work_v such_o terrible_a effect_n upon_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o abraham_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n when_o he_o have_v this_o glory_n appear_v to_o he_o gen._n 17.3_o the_o three_o disciple_n when_o they_o have_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o this_o glory_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n in_o the_o mount_n they_o fall_v upon_o their_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n now_o the_o reason_n that_o the_o appearance_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v so_o dreadful_a be_v first_o because_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v partly_o in_o those_o vision_n and_o the_o lustre_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v too_o high_a and_o burdensome_a for_o mortal_a eye_n second_o that_o it_o may_v breed_v a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o we_o of_o and_o unto_o the_o divine_a majesty_n when_o israel_n see_v the_o lightning_n and_o hear_v the_o thunder_n in_o the_o mount_n all_o the_o people_n in_o the_o camp_n tremble_v exod._n 19.16_o three_o it_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o soul_n for_o entertainment_n of_o what_o god_n have_v to_o speak_v unto_o it_o our_o soul_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o temper_n by_o reason_n of_o lust_n care_n fear_n and_o the_o world_n to_o have_v converse_n with_o god_n this_o prepare_v they_o for_o this_o divine_a communion_n quest_n here_o a_o question_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o the_o bless_a heavenly_a spirit_n angel_n or_o bless_a soul_n or_o glorify_a person_n after_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v or_o do_v see_v the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v mortal_a eye_n can_v see_v this_o glory_n yet_o those_o bless_a glorify_a creature_n may_v i_o answer_v that_o i_o be_o sway_v for_o the_o negative_a my_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n essential_a glory_n be_v himself_o and_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o that_o glory_v inaccessible_a and_o no_o far_o and_o in_o no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v see_v and_o comprehend_v by_o any_o create_v be_v then_o himself_o think_v good_a to_o propound_v it_o in_o and_o this_o have_v
in_o part_n to_o come_v write_v without_o that_o be_v plain_a for_o discovery_n open_a to_o the_o view_n all_o which_o import_v that_o john_n be_v to_o write_v of_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a and_o as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o also_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o a_o book_n write_v within_o seal_v and_o secret_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o futurity_n 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o god_n true_a prophet_n and_o faithful_a minister_n will_v commend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o church_n as_o vision_n from_o god_n than_o what_o they_o have_v real_o see_v and_o have_v be_v discover_v from_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v vision_n from_o god_n like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jer._n 14_o while_o their_o mouth_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_v vanity_n john_n write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n nor_o discover_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v be_v then_o present_a or_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after_o time_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v and_o be_v bold_a to_o preach_v and_o to_o commend_v unto_o you_o christ_n minister_n shall_v press_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o be_v assure_v be_v experience_v truth_n i_o doubt_v i_o every_o opinion_n concern_v outward_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o the_o like_a will_v not_o at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v vision_n of_o god_n which_o some_o do_v now_o a_o day_n so_o hot_o contend_v for_o it_o may_v be_v one_o day_n say_v unto_o such_o hotspur_n boanerges_n son_n of_o thunder_n who_o require_v such_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n while_o you_o let_v the_o great_a work_n as_o of_o love_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n lie_v prostrate_a at_o your_o foot_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v you_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n to_o make_v thing_n plain_a unto_o john_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o his_o book_n interpret_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n present_v unto_o his_o sight_n in_o the_o precedent_n 12_o and_o 16_o verse_n and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o candlestick_n because_o indeed_o unto_o john_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n what_o those_o figure_n of_o star_n and_o candlestick_n do_v mystical_o mean_a or_o represent_v and_o unto_o john_n it_o will_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n if_o christ_n himself_o have_v not_o here_o interpret_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v make_v clear_a obvious_a and_o manifest_a by_o a_o diligent_a observation_n and_o a_o right_a applicationof_o the_o mystical_a character_n and_o figure_n of_o each_o vision_n christ_n himself_o in_o this_o verse_n have_v make_v the_o first_o entrance_n and_o essay_n on_o this_o account_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n do_v mystical_o represent_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n the_o church_n themselves_o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n christ_n be_v more_o large_a in_o interpret_n the_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o connote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o wise_a observant_a christian_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n thereinto_o the_o spirit_n say_v often_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v the_o number_n here_o be_v the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n cap._n 17._o v._n 9_o so_o that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n a_o intelligent_a understand_a ear_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a heart_n to_o consider_v that_o be_v fit_a and_o capable_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v aright_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n therefore_o difficult_a to_o all_o but_o unto_o the_o spiritualised_a eye_n and_o unto_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o such_o to_o undertake_v this_o essay_n see_v it_o have_v please_v christ_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o fruit_n himself_o in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v as_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o whole_a and_o since_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v mean_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n by_o the_o woman_n array_v in_o scarlet_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v the_o great_a city_n that_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o signify_v a_o government_n empire_n or_o kingdom_n on_o seven_o mountain_n where_o the_o great_a harlot_n reign_v under_o ten_o king_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a rash_a or_o presumptuous_a to_o interpret_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystical_a figure_n and_o hyeroglyphick_n character_n of_o this_o book_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a and_o genuine_a tendency_n and_o as_o they_o be_v open_v and_o apply_v in_o other_o prophetical_a writing_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n who_o wisdom_n it_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o represent_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o downial_n of_o the_o great_a empire_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n by_o such_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a figure_n and_o representation_n unto_o god_n servant_n his_o prophet_n and_o conceive_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a carriage_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o intendment_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v but_o unto_o few_o such_o as_o have_v spirit_n suitable_a and_o will_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o great_a event_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n be_v make_v vulgar_a and_o know_v unto_o all_o it_o will_v raise_v innumerable_a combustion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o those_o power_n that_o they_o live_v under_o for_o who_o sake_n these_o great_a concussion_n and_o subversion_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n and_o their_o interest_n may_v be_v exalt_v at_o the_o last_o 2._o note_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o make_v know_v and_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o divine_a mystery_n unto_o his_o servant_n christ_n discover_v unto_o john_n those_o mystery_n of_o star_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v this_o spirit_n that_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 16.15_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n because_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v beforehand_o hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n manifest_a unto_o poor_a soul_n and_o so_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v too_o high_a a_o work_n for_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o his_o natural_a capacity_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o not_o carnal_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n star_n in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v signify_v person_n of_o eminency_n and_o honour_n and_o in_o heraldry_n it_o be_v account_v the_o most_o noble_a sort_n of_o blazon_v peculiar_a alone_o to_o the_o armoury_n of_o prince_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o rather_o messenger_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v because_o they_o come_v with_o the_o best_a message_n and_o news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o
peace_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o beautiful_a be_v their_o foot_n and_o so_o may_v right_o be_v represent_v mystical_o or_o figurative_o by_o those_o lightsome_a and_o noble_a creature_n the_o star_n but_o to_o prevent_v tediousness_n in_o repetition_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o note_n on_o the_o precedent_n sixteenth_o verse_n where_o i_o have_v full_o discuss_v the_o same_o subject_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o seven_o church_n to_o wit_n in_o ephes_n smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n in_o exodus_fw-la 25._o among_o the_o adorement_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n god_n command_v mâ—ses_n to_o make_v a_o candlestick_n of_o beat_a gold_n christ_n in_o this_o verse_n take_v up_o the_o figure_n and_o type_n of_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n to_o represent_v mystical_o his_o tabernacle_n with_o man_n his_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n wherein_o his_o glorious_a presence_n do_v most_o resplendent_o appear_v for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 13._o that_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o in_o great_a lustre_n glory_n and_o splendour_n golden_a candlestick_n be_v fit_a type_n and_o emblem_n to_o represent_v christ_n church_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o choice_a metal_n they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n observe_v christ_n church_n be_v of_o that_o precious_a allay_n and_o temper_n that_o they_o excel_v all_o other_o assembly_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o eminent_a be_v but_o as_o lead_v or_o tin_n but_o those_o like_a precious_a gold_n second_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o try_a and_o refine_a metal_n that_o be_v so_o be_v christ_n church_n they_o go_v under_o seven_o fold_n refinement_n they_o have_v trial_n from_o god_n and_o man_n refinement_n by_o affliction_n refinement_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o their_o dross_n be_v do_v away_o and_o so_o become_v most_o precious_a and_o shine_a gold_n three_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a dear_a and_o high_a esteem_a metal_n among_o man_n so_o christ_n church_n be_v the_o most_o high_o respect_v by_o god_n of_o all_o creature_n the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o their_o sake_n yea_o they_o be_v the_o right_a heir_n that_o be_v that_o have_v the_o more_o especial_a right_n by_o blessing_n promise_n and_o compact_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n thereof_o whether_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v why_o all_o be_v you_o if_o christ_n be_v you_o 1_o cor._n 3.23_o four_o it_o be_v the_o most_o extensive_a and_o ductible_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v the_o large_a bowel_n of_o true_a charity_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o will_v endeavour_v the_o conversion_n and_o pray_v for_o it_o even_o of_o their_o very_a enemy_n five_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a of_o all_o metal_n christ_n church_n be_v of_o the_o great_a weight_n with_o god_n all_o other_o be_v but_o as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n in_o comparison_n of_o they_o they_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n with_o god_n that_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o stay_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o he_o go_v out_o to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n if_o two_o or_o three_o righteous_a person_n be_v in_o a_o city_n god_n will_v not_o destroy_v it_o for_o their_o sake_n six_o and_o last_o gold_n be_v most_o fair_a and_o shine_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o christ_n church_n they_o be_v most_o shine_v in_o their_o grace_n they_o be_v not_o guild_a candlestick_n but_o golden_a one_o yea_o beat_a one_o as_o that_o of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v thou_o be_v all_o fair_a say_v christ_n to_o his_o spouse_n in_o cant._n 1._o my_o love_n behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a like_o a_o lily_n among_o the_o thorn_n so_o be_v my_o love_n among_o the_o daughter_n cant._n 2.2_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o type_n and_o figure_n the_o seven_o candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o how_o they_o suit_v fit_o for_o this_o purpose_n all_o know_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o candlestick_n be_v to_o contain_v and_o hold_v their_o shine_a lamp_n or_o candle_n as_o in_o exod._n 25.37_o and_o thou_o shall_v make_v the_o seven_o lamp_n thereof_o and_o the_o lamp_n thereof_o shall_v thou_o put_v thereon_o to_o give_v light_n towards_o that_o that_o be_v before_o it_o as_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v to_o have_v seven_o lamp_n or_o light_n to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v before_o it_o so_o these_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n those_o seven_o asian_a church_n have_v their_o seven_o lamp_n or_o light_n therein_o which_o number_n denote_v perfection_n to_o enlighten_v all_o that_o be_v before_o it_o they_o have_v also_o their_o seven_o angel_n seven_o faithful_a messenger_n minister_n or_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o truth_n to_o enlighten_v every_o soul_n that_o come_v with_o a_o teachable_a heart_n before_o they_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o candlestick_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n exod._n 25.37_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o shine_a lamp_n in_o they_o that_o be_v minister_n and_o teacher_n that_o be_v both_o godly_a and_o faithful_a one_o each_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n have_v its_o angel_n its_o light_n its_o lamp_n within_o its_o candlestick_n and_o a_o church_n without_o these_o light_n these_o angel_n be_v as_o a_o candlestick_n without_o its_o lamp_n or_o light_n stand_v for_o ornament_n and_o fashion_n sake_n but_o want_v much_o of_o its_o honour_n life_n light_n and_o service_n which_o those_o lamp_n and_o light_n will_v yield_v unto_o it_o for_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n some_o apostle_n some_o evangelist_n some_o prophet_n some_o teacher_n some_o pastor_n some_o elder_n and_o all_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o complete_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n church_n thus_o organise_v with_o their_o angel_n and_o minister_n be_v most_o comely_a yea_o that_o high_a expression_n in_o cant._n 6.4_o may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o thou_o be_v beautiful_a o_o my_o love_n as_o tirza_n comely_a as_o jerusalem_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n amid_o those_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o have_v their_o angel_n or_o lamp_n shine_v within_o they_o christ_n make_v his_o glorious_a appearance_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n verse_n 13._o the_o discovery_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o presence_n both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o judgement_n be_v most_o clear_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o discern_v among_o his_o church_n that_o have_v their_o angel_n minister_n and_o teacher_n shine_v most_o bright_a in_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o midst_n among_o they_o and_o like_v to_o this_o be_v the_o advice_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v to_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n chap._n 1.7_o 8._o when_o she_o have_v lose_v or_o can_v not_o find_v her_o belove_a tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v where_o thou_o make_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n his_o answer_n be_v if_o thou_o know_v not_o thou_o fair_o among_o woman_n go_v thy_o way_n forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v thy_o kid_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n therefore_o o_o thou_o the_o belove_a of_o my_o soul_n cause_n my_o soul_n that_o by_o its_o wander_n have_v long_o miss_v thou_o to_o seek_v for_o thou_o among_o thy_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o thy_o ordinance_n and_o holy_a assembly_n in_o the_o midst_n whereof_o thou_o do_v appear_v that_o my_o soul_n which_o languish_v may_v be_v comfort_v with_o apple_n and_o stay_v with_o flagon_n with_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n from_o thyself_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o garden_n and_o feed_v thy_o flock_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n observe_v 2._o that_o christ_n church_n be_v his_o chief_a treasury_n here_o on_o earth_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n if_o soul_n desire_v to_o come_v into_o the_o true_a light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n where_o shall_v they_o rather_o repair_v then_o unto_o those_o golden_a candlestick_n who_o proper_a service_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o all_o comer_n christ_n be_v find_v walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o verse_n 1â—_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o sun_n run_v its_o course_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v light_n in_o that_o firmament_n and_o much_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n in_o this_o place_n these_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o figure_n of_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o also_o in_o zach._n 4.3_o etc._n etc._n the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n with_o seven_o lamp_n
hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a christian_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o reprove_v the_o false_a teacher_n and_o evil_a worker_n the_o great_a hinderer_n at_o present_a of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n not_o consider_v that_o their_o lust_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o if_o christ_n witness_n speak_v against_o they_o in_o faithfulness_n they_o be_v present_o brand_v as_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o faction_n and_o often_o suffer_v for_o it_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v their_o portion_n herein_o of_o travel_n and_o patience_n for_o their_o integrity_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n against_o these_o teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n in_o that_o primitive_a age_n so_o near_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o under_o the_o fall_n away_o and_o antichrist_n dominion_n christ_n faithful_a witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
only_o temporary_a and_o for_o that_o age_n and_o season_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o promulgate_v and_o plant_v and_o for_o this_o purpose_n do_v urge_v that_o other_o text_n of_o paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o god_n have_v ordain_v some_o in_o his_o church_n as_o first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n then_o they_o that_o do_v miracle_n after_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o hence_o do_v argue_v that_o because_o some_o officer_n that_o be_v here_o number_v up_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o for_o that_o first_o age_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n heal_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o function_n be_v cease_v also_o with_o they_o which_o be_v as_o they_o say_v for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o for_o its_o growth_n and_o continuance_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o distinguish_v between_o time_n and_o person_n and_o grant_v that_o officer_n since_o christ_n time_n have_v not_o that_o measure_n of_o unction_n and_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n as_o the_o first_o apostle_n have_v yet_o withal_o assert_v that_o for_o all_o what_o the_o contrary_a mind_a say_v be_v but_o petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la for_o they_o only_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v but_o temporary_a for_o the_o first_o age_n but_o prove_v it_o not_o and_o though_o they_o rank_v it_o up_o among_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a gift_n and_o office_n that_o be_v inter_v yet_o to_o persuade_v the_o ingenious_a they_o shall_v inform_v where_o in_o the_o temple_n i_o mean_v god_n word_n be_v their_o grave_n to_o be_v find_v they_o may_v from_o this_o last_o scripture_n as_o just_o argue_v that_o the_o gift_n and_o function_n of_o teacher_n prophet_n help_n and_o government_n be_v also_o cease_v in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a miracle_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v in_o and_o among_o which_o catalogue_n they_o be_v also_o rank_v second_o this_o tenent_n of_o the_o opponent_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n and_o i_o presume_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n of_o late_a in_o hatch_n and_o cherish_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o seeker_n and_o antiscripturists_a for_o when_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o repute_a orthodox_n that_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a office_n as_o apostle_n gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n they_o forthwith_o rejoin_v and_o object_n why_o if_o some_o gift_n be_v evacuate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o virtue_n in_o they_o as_o you_o confess_v why_o not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o catalogue_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o some_o be_v cease_v they_o pertinacious_o affirm_v that_o all_o other_o office_n and_o ordinance_n be_v null_n and_o defunct_a also_o be_v only_o for_o that_o age_n and_o ministration_n and_o to_o that_o end_n do_v interpret_v that_o promise_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a support_n and_o presence_n with_o his_o church_n in_o the_o last_o of_o mattheâ—_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n or_o all_o generation_n yet_o they_o for_o their_o own_o interest_n render_v to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n and_o so_o consequential_o deny_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o church_n without_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v without_o officer_n according_a to_o that_o of_o rom._n 10._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v this_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o assert_v that_o relaxation_n of_o some_o office_n and_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o evidence_v where_o their_o grave_n lie_v or_o their_o repeal_v three_o i_o answer_v that_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n be_v strong_o convince_a for_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o those_o office_n that_o be_v there_o recount_v which_o christ_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o some_o be_v for_o the_o church_n then_o in_o be_v of_o that_o present_a age_n and_o the_o rest_n for_o futurity_n to_o continue_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v evince_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n cuibono_n to_o what_o end_n for_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 in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o will_v antiquery_a be_v the_o saint_n all_o perfect_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n at_o a_o end_n be_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o sufficient_o edify_v and_o confirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o to_o a_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v none_o will_v affirm_v it_o unless_o the_o perfectist_n and_o quaker_n but_o here_o again_o they_o will_v say_v we_o grant_v ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o work_n until_o we_o all_o come_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n but_o extraordinary_a officer_n as_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v i_o answer_v again_o this_o be_v assert_v and_o not_o prove_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o affirm_v that_o those_o which_o be_v call_v the_o stand_v ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o their_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o unction_n though_o differ_v in_o measure_n with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o sometime_o apostle_n pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v take_v as_o synonima_n though_o real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o gift_n and_o office_n as_o to_o instance_n james_n the_o first_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v also_o a_o pillar_n and_o a_o apostle_n john_n the_o great_a and_o belove_a apostle_n be_v in_o his_o epistle_n call_v the_o elder_a and_o in_o that_o great_a synodical_a assembly_n act_v 15._o the_o elder_n be_v in_o joint_a commission_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v man_n of_o a_o extraorindary_a spirit_n also_o as_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o first_o unction_n as_o stephen_n ananias_n barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o go_v abroad_o upon_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preach_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o where_o act_n 8._o object_n but_o here_o some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o level_v all_o officer_n and_o to_o make_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v not_o at_o all_o for_o though_o i_o grant_v some_o purity_n in_o their_o gift_n be_v both_o extraordinary_a in_o their_o first_o unction_n yet_o the_o first_o twelve_o in_o some_o act_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1.22_o when_o the_o eleven_o choose_v mathias_n into_o judas_n bishopric_n peter_n urge_v that_o one_o must_v be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o they_o of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o they_o can_v attest_v as_o truth_n as_o eye_n witness_n be_v with_o jesus_n all_o the_o time_n he_o go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o and_o herein_o they_o surpass_v all_o other_o that_o come_v after_o second_o they_o excel_v all_o other_o officer_n in_o that_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o christ_n to_o convert_v disciple_n and_o baptize_v all_o nation_n into_o the_o faith_n but_o all_o other_o officer_n have_v it_o derivative_o from_o they_o three_o they_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o gift_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o adjoin_v to_o their_o ministry_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v very_o inconsequent_a that_o the_o whole_a apostolic_a office_n be_v quite_o cease_v to_o the_o church_n because_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n be_v cease_v which_o
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
they_o in_o this_o particular_a witness_v the_o jesuitish_a sect_n with_o their_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n voluminous_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n counsel_n father_n tradition_n super-numerary_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o common_a trade_n with_o all_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine-monger_n to_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a with_o their_o intricate_a scriptural_a gloss_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o better_o swallow_v down_o the_o hook_n or_o poison_v undiscovered_a within_o the_o artificial_o compose_a bait_n and_o pill_n and_o as_o the_o fish_n sepia_n darken_v the_o water_n with_o its_o inky_a humour_n to_o avoid_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o fisher_n so_o do_v these_o serpentine_a fry_n so_o cloud_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o polemical_a discourse_n that_o unaware_o they_o have_v bring_v many_o heretical_a syncretisme_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o reason_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o high_a pretence_n to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n both_o be_v undermine_v by_o they_o and_o have_v endeavour_v the_o overthrow_n thereof_o by_o their_o strange_a conclusion_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n now_o understand_v that_o i_o hold_v not_o that_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o external_o or_o accidental_n of_o religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v the_o holder_n thereof_o a_o heretic_n or_o false_a teacher_n for_o than_o which_o of_o the_o father_n will_v go_v clear_a nor_o but_o few_o if_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n but_o that_o true_o and_o real_o denominate_v a_o heretic_n or_o false_a teacher_n be_v the_o hold_v and_o maintain_v such_o error_n as_o direct_o strike_v at_o and_o will_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n now_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n article_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v for_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a john_n 17_o 3._o and_o that_o doctrine_n that_o strike_v at_o this_o either_o direct_o or_o consequential_o be_v heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o just_o be_v they_o call_v false_a apostle_n that_o go_v about_o to_o add_v circumcision_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o act_n 15._o this_o be_v to_o nullify_v christ_n sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v the_o galathian_o that_o hereby_o they_o harken_v to_o a_o new_a gospel_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o plain_a and_o easy_a discernment_n for_o a_o competent_a spiritualised_a christian_a to_o make_v discovery_n of_o a_o false_a apostle_n prophet_n false_a teacher_n or_o heretic_n by_o the_o doctrine_n he_o bring_v for_o first_o if_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v of_o satan_n and_o from_o hell_n next_o if_o it_o strike_v direct_o or_o consequential_o at_o the_o subversion_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o of_o his_o office_n be_v sure_a that_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o name_n way_n or_o practice_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o none_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o son_n all_o other_o way_n be_v not_o only_o break_v reed_n but_o dangerous_a this_o only_a in_o the_o son_n be_v eternal_a life_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o their_o false_a call_n or_o mission_n and_o this_o will_v the_o better_o be_v evince_v by_o first_o consider_v its_o contrary_a the_o right_a call_n of_o true_a and_o faithful_a teacher_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o call_n be_v either_o first_o from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o church_n god_n call_n be_v by_o give_v ability_n gift_n and_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n and_o office_n that_o he_o ordain_v he_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o when_o god_n send_v moses_n he_o furnish_v he_o for_o the_o great_a work_n he_o appoint_v he_o to_o moses_n plead_v his_o unaptness_n and_o slowness_n of_o speech_n but_o god_n say_v go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o teach_v thou_o etc._n etc._n exod._n 4.12_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a god_n come_v with_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o sufficiency_n thereof_o before_o they_o be_v send_v upon_o their_o errand_n god_n call_v apostle_n of_o fisher_n and_o make_v they_o fisher_n of_o man_n and_o so_o spirit_n they_o and_o enable_v they_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o face_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o tell_v they_o go_v preach_v and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a assistance_n by_o his_o grace_n strength_n comfort_n direction_n spirit_n those_o that_o christ_n call_v and_o send_v he_o give_v they_o a_o full_a supply_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n necessary_a to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a service_n second_o god_n call_n give_v affection_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o work_n he_o move_v strong_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o send_v on_o his_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o will_v on_o as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o hesitate_v or_o secure_v his_o carnal_a interest_n yet_o second_o this_o call_n must_v proceed_v orderly_o unto_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o since_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o call_n be_v cease_v the_o mediate_a call_n must_v concur_v to_o set_v the_o seal_n and_o authority_n upon_o the_o first_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n the_o call_v of_o ability_n part_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o office_n do_v not_o real_o and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la invest_v he_o in_o that_o office_n it_o maybe_o say_v that_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi he_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o but_o not_o a_o right_a of_o possession_n for_o christ_n have_v delegated_a that_o power_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o set_v their_o public_a signature_n upon_o all_o officer_n for_o his_o service_n for_o who_o god_n qualify_v with_o a_o call_n of_o ability_n he_o be_v only_o judge_v and_o deem_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o real_o a_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v ordain_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o call_v only_o he_o may_v perform_v many_o good_a duty_n and_o service_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o able_a and_o faithful_a disciple_n or_o member_n but_o by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la 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to_o be_v cast_v unto_o the_o dung_n useless_a to_o any_o service_n they_o will_v not_o serve_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v a_o pin_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o be_v false_a apostle_n to_o the_o purpose_n fit_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o all_o faithful_a christian_n assembly_n shall_v have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o such_o who_o can_v only_o manifest_v their_o call_n from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n in_o competent_a gift_n and_o part_n fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n they_o can_v work_v at_o all_o to_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n for_o they_o want_v supply_n to_o that_o end_n we_o know_v a_o artificer_n can_v do_v little_a work_n without_o his_o tool_n or_o instrument_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o spiritual_a building_n if_o god_n have_v
christian_n and_o church_n do_v much_o abate_v and_o fail_v in_o their_o first_o zeal_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n in_o a_o short_a progress_n of_o time_n after_o their_o conversion_n or_o from_o their_o first_o entertainment_n of_o the_o truth_n paul_n do_v much_o complain_v of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n in_o this_o particular_a at_o their_o first_o entertainment_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o affection_n and_o zeal_n that_o they_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o do_v paul_n service_n who_o be_v their_o great_a apostle_n yet_o short_o after_o he_o complain_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v entertain_v another_o gospel_n and_o exclaim_n o_o foolish_a galathian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o it_o seem_v ephesus_n be_v much_o faulty_a herein_o and_o so_o be_v divers_z other_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o urgent_a and_o press_v in_o their_o preach_n to_o maintain_v love_n alive_a and_o of_o the_o three_o eminent_a gospel_n grace_n faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n charity_n have_v the_o precedency_n first_o in_o regard_n it_o have_v a_o more_o extensive_a object_n then_o the_o other_o two_o faith_n and_o hope_n respect_v only_a god_n and_o eternal_a glory_n as_o their_o object_n charity_n have_v not_o only_a god_n for_o its_o object_n but_o the_o saint_n also_o second_o it_o have_v the_o precedency_n in_o that_o love_n abide_v in_o glory_n when_o faith_n and_o hope_n cease_v three_o it_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n unto_o other_o grace_n faith_n itself_o be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a carcase_n unless_o it_o be_v enliven_v by_o love_n to_o know_v and_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n and_o its_o truth_n be_v a_o excellent_a gift_n and_o quality_n yet_o if_o we_o do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o we_o may_v know_v so_o much_o as_o may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o unproficiency_n but_o 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break_v out_o of_o light_n in_o england_n from_o under_o antichristian_a cloud_n and_o darkness_n every_o one_o have_v his_o breast_n on_o fire_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n presbyterian_a independent_a and_o anabaptist_n be_v then_o all_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o puritan_n and_o nonconformist_n zealous_a for_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o advancement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o you_o have_v now_o leave_v your_o first_o love_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o be_v god_n and_o truth_n grow_v less_o lovely_a than_o at_o first_o or_o be_v you_o mistake_v then_o in_o the_o right_a object_n of_o your_o love_n i_o rather_o fear_v of_o the_o both_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v you_o when_o you_o seek_v to_o advance_v every_o one_o his_o particular_a interest_n by_o rear_v one_o the_o other_o most_o uncharitable_o as_o bear_v not_o as_o christian_n who_o be_v meek_a full_a of_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n easy_o to_o be_v entreat_v etc._n etc._n have_v you_o not_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o spirit_n one_o scripture_n one_o common_a hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o look_v upon_o one_o the_o other_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v on_o the_o samaritan_n and_o that_o for_o some_o small_a difference_n in_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n it_o will_v better_v besuit_n christian_n to_o be_v like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n that_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o pour_v oil_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o wound_n of_o their_o afflict_a brethren_n not_o vinegar_n and_o gall_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o those_o that_o pierce_v christ_n not_o of_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n tantane_n ira_fw-la fratrum_fw-la sed_fw-la praestat_fw-la mote_n componere_fw-la fluctus_fw-la in_o the_o next_o place_n all_o sort_n of_o christian_n have_v sad_o experience_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o position_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o first_o love_n where_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a to_o his_o geneva_n model_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o very_a elixir_n of_o all_o church_n discipline_n be_v he_o not_o even_o fire_n and_o sword_n against_o episcopacy_n that_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n as_o a_o bar_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o form_n and_o now_o episcopacy_n be_v down_o and_o the_o aspect_n of_o authority_n benign_a towards_o they_o yet_o how_o remiss_a and_o cold_a be_v they_o in_o set_v up_o their_o elder_n i_o believe_v they_o fear_v the_o jure_fw-la divine_a of_o it_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o move_v a_o foot_n far_o without_o a_o sovereign_a hand_n for_o to_o support_v it_o but_o all_o this_o show_v they_o have_v much_o abate_v in_o their_o first_o love_n next_o what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o ardent_a affection_n and_o frequent_v private_a and_o public_a exercise_n and_o assembling_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v they_o not_o the_o only_a man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o first_o appearance_n that_o carry_v the_o face_n and_o judgement_n of_o saint_n yet_o now_o how_o remiss_a and_o cold_a they_o be_v grow_v all_o see_v how_o formal_a or_o rather_o carnal_a be_v some_o of_o they_o become_v that_o be_v once_o as_o fire_n in_o the_o hearth_n and_o in_o the_o sheaf_n ready_a to_o warm_v and_o inflame_v all_o that_o come_v by_o by_o their_o ardent_a affection_n and_o duty_n yea_o be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v otherwise_o but_o with_o hew_a stone_n for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n evidential_o visible_a saint_n for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o content_a and_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v in_o a_o parochial_a congregation_n of_o a_o mix_a multitude_n the_o ten_o whereof_o if_o so_o much_o be_v good_a wheat_n among_o the_o pile_n of_o chaff_n that_o answer_v that_o part_n which_o they_o have_v for_o their_o maintenance_n they_o may_v account_v themselves_o most_o happy_a â—_o and_o last_o how_o be_v the_o great_a zeal_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n so_o call_v slake_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o will_v compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n how_o strict_a they_o be_v to_o discipline_n and_o order_n that_o they_o may_v just_o be_v call_v above_o all_o other_o the_o disciplinarian_o yet_o now_o how_o remiss_a they_o be_v unto_o it_o all_o know_v by_o a_o too_o large_a toleration_n of_o error_n among_o they_o and_o how_o flat_a their_o zeal_n be_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o truth_n all_o see_v yea_o strange_a how_o they_o be_v change_v from_o their_o first_o principle_n who_o at_o first_o love_v one_o the_o other_o as_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n yet_o now_o who_o more_o worldly_a or_o haughty_a than_o they_o therefore_o see_v you_o have_v all_o come_v short_a of_o your_o duty_n and_o make_v a_o defection_n from_o your_o first_o love_n take_v the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o 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 unto_o thou_o quick_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 the_o spirit_n set_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o memento_n home_n on_o the_o affection_n and_o zeal-fallen_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o to_o re-mind_n she_o of_o her_o first_o state_n and_o condition_n when_o she_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o zeal_n and_o love_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n than_o now_o she_o have_v that_o that_o consideration_n may_v so_o work_v upon_o she_o as_o to_o make_v a_o renovation_n in_o her_o affection_n and_o to_o be-think_a herself_o of_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o measure_n of_o zeal_n and_o love_n which_o once_o she_o have_v and_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n
and_o good_a work_n as_o former_o she_o do_v as_o the_o true_a effect_n and_o issue_n of_o that_o love_n or_o else_o etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o contemplation_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a gospel_n motive_n unto_o true_a repentance_n the_o commemoration_n of_o god_n former_a gracious_a deal_n unto_o a_o backslidden_a soul_n will_v operate_v very_o strong_o if_o not_o judicial_o harden_v to_o recall_v he_o unto_o his_o god_n the_o stray_a prodigal_a experience_v this_o truth_n in_o himself_o luke_n 15.17_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o consider_v how_o that_o many_o hire_a servant_n in_o his_o father_n house_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o yet_o he_o starve_v for_o hunger_n it_o make_v he_o to_o reflect_v upon_o that_o full_a and_o gracious_a condition_n when_o he_o be_v as_o a_o obedient_a son_n with_o his_o father_n which_o move_v he_o to_o set_v on_o the_o resolution_n to_o be_v a_o truant_n no_o long_o but_o to_o arise_v and_o go_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o say_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v break_v the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o recall_v the_o heart_n unto_o its_o first_o love_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o former_a gracious_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o it_o will_v effect_v it_o it_o will_v reason_v thus_o with_o itself_o be_v it_o not_o better_o with_o i_o when_o i_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n then_o now_o it_o be_v since_o i_o have_v break_v with_o he_o be_v not_o my_o soul_n more_o at_o peace_n within_o itself_o when_o i_o be_v more_o zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o keep_v his_o command_n than_o now_o when_o i_o be_o more_o remiss_a and_o cold_a in_o my_o affection_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o christian_n duty_n be_v not_o then_o my_o food_n more_o spiritual_a and_o my_o delight_n more_o heavenly_a then_o now_o when_o i_o be_o clog_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o bewitch_a lust_n thereof_o have_v i_o not_o then_o a_o free_a access_n to_o god_n and_o of_o a_o free_a spirit_n in_o my_o approach_n cry_v abba_n father_n than_o now_o have_v stray_v from_o he_o instead_o thereof_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o of_o fear_n in_o short_a when_o i_o keep_v close_o with_o god_n do_v not_o a_o face_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v appear_v in_o all_o my_o performance_n and_o relation_n but_o now_o have_v depart_v from_o he_o all_o be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o bitterness_n against_o i_o sure_o those_o consideration_n of_o grace_n former_o receive_v will_v work_v more_o upon_o a_o ingenious_a spirit_n than_o any_o thunder_a legal_a threat_n whatsoever_o yet_o i_o add_v if_o these_o will_v not_o do_v christ_n have_v another_o course_n and_o method_n and_o can_v come_v judicial_o and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o such_o obstinate_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o true_a gospel_n repentance_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o change_v the_o mind_n but_o of_o practice_n and_o conversation_n also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rescipicite_fw-la to_o wax_v wise_a or_o repent_v do_v not_o only_o consist_v to_o grow_v wise_a in_o the_o judgement_n but_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o practical_a affection_n also_o if_o the_o will_v be_v not_o right_a as_o to_o its_o object_n as_o well_o as_o the_o judgement_n it_o will_v not_o denominate_v a_o true_a repentant_a the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v right_a as_o to_o her_o faith_n for_o which_o she_o suffer_v in_o patience_n yet_o her_o practice_n and_o affection_n be_v not_o straight_o for_o which_o she_o have_v the_o check_n and_o command_v to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n work_n of_o love_n work_v of_o charity_n work_v of_o piety_n which_o former_o she_o have_v be_v zealous_a in_o in_o true_a repentance_n there_o be_v a_o terminus_n a_o quo_fw-la and_o terminus_n ad_fw-la quem_fw-la turn_v you_o turn_v you_o every_o one_o from_o the_o abomination_n of_o his_o way_n there_o be_v the_o terminus_fw-la a_o quo_fw-la but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o a_o negative_a righteousness_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n but_o there_o must_v be_v terminus_n ad_fw-la quem_fw-la a_o positive_a righteousness_n also_o there_o must_v be_v a_o do_v of_o the_o first_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o love_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o all_o but_o more_o especial_o towards_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v the_o adequate_a ingredient_n of_o true_a and_o gospel_n repentance_n it_o be_v a_o gross_a deceit_n in_o many_o that_o think_v that_o they_o have_v believe_v sufficient_o and_o they_o have_v repent_v sufficient_o when_o they_o have_v alter_v their_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o their_o weathercock_n opinion_n from_o one_o external_a form_n unto_o another_o as_o when_o a_o episcopal_a man_n be_v become_v for_o a_o presbytery_n o_o most_o kind_a and_o benign_a sunshine_n quoth_v he_o but_o when_o a_o presbyterian_a turn_n independent_a in_o judgement_n he_o present_o cry_v out_o that_o heaven_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o never_o consider_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v consist_v in_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n but_o in_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_n which_o if_o right_o regulate_v something_o of_o each_o may_v be_v right_o admit_v to_o make_v a_o just_a composure_n in_o the_o next_o place_n some_o think_v their_o repentance_n very_o sound_a when_o they_o have_v change_v one_o error_n for_o another_o when_o of_o a_o arminian_n or_o pelagian_a be_v become_v antinomist_n right_o so_o term_v deny_v and_o oppose_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o duty_n oblige_v unto_o christian_n when_o of_o a_o arrian_n or_o antitrinitarian_n be_v become_v tridheite_n or_o worshipper_n of_o three_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o corrupt_a be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v his_o own_o opinion_n a_o idol_n and_o all_o that_o look_v not_o that_o way_n nor_o bring_v any_o flower_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o yet_o otherwise_o apparent_o gracious_a shall_v neither_o have_v the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n or_o a_o repentant_a soul_n among_o they_o therefore_o with_o all_o such_o i_o will_v leave_v this_o scripture_n as_o a_o signet_n upon_o their_o finger_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n observe_v 3._o another_o note_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n christ_n that_o give_v this_o memento_n be_v that_o christ_n command_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v very_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a to_o bring_v we_o unto_o repentance_n shall_v christ_n be_v our_o anamnestes_n or_o remembrancer_n and_o set_v our_o fault_n before_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n and_o shall_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v melt_v for_o it_o shall_v he_o call_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o in_o his_o everliving_a word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o intend_v or_o hearken_v to_o that_o heavenly_a vision_n he_o give_v but_o one_o glance_n on_o peter_n reflect_v on_o his_o unkindness_n and_o denial_n which_o cause_v peter_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o weep_v bitter_o and_o shall_v he_o not_o only_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o daily_a providential_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n which_o lead_v unto_o repentance_n but_o give_v we_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o yet_o not_o return_v by_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o most_o obdurate_a heart_n and_o of_o stiff-necked_a sinner_n but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o want_v will_n to_o it_o and_o if_o christ_n give_v will_n as_o well_o as_o command_n we_o shall_v ready_o follow_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o where_o christ_n lay_v his_o command_n on_o his_o choose_a one_o he_o also_o give_v there_o the_o first_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v to_o obey_v that_o command_n and_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n may_v be_v oppose_v and_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v quench_v and_o be_v so_o often_o by_o our_o own_o defect_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abundancy_n of_o corruption_n so_o that_o the_o want_n of_o will_n to_o good_a thing_n proceed_v from_o our_o own_o base_a and_o corrupt_a will_n not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n from_o christ_n who_o command_v we_o to_o they_o but_o take_v notice_n though_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v by_o the_o elect_a themselves_o be_v oppose_v darken_a and_o quench_v partial_o but_o not_o total_o and_o final_o but_o at_o last_o will_v get_v the_o victory_n in_o bring_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o god_n unto_o perfection_n second_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o person_n in_o a_o â—nregenerate_a state_n to_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o will_n for_o before_o christ_n move_v thereon_o by_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v right_o will_v any_o good_a thing_n or_o work_n but_o the_o first_o grace_n be_v give_v
in_o iniquity_n as_o well_o as_o benjamin_n son_n of_o love_n and_o comfort_n three_o if_o all_o infant_n of_o believer_n die_v infant_n be_v save_v on_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n how_o come_v some_o afterward_o to_o forfeit_v their_o condition_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unstable_a and_o leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n that_o be_v vain_a and_o frail_a that_o will_v soon_o forfeit_v they_o all_o if_o a_o thousand_o salvation_n be_v on_o they_o i_o always_o think_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a and_o meritorious_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o our_o salvation_n and_o faith_n to_o be_v our_o principal_a evidence_a condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o the_o way_n unto_o life_n heb._n 11.1_o and_o at_o most_o i_o take_v it_o but_o as_o the_o first_o precedent_n condition_n to_o other_o grace_n for_o god_n give_v one_o grace_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o the_o well_o improvement_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n he_o that_o increase_v his_o talon_n god_n multiply_v his_o talent_n to_o he_o god_n give_v first_o faith_n unto_o his_o people_n before_o he_o give_v they_o the_o other_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o wit_n of_o adoption_n justification_n or_o sanctification_n faith_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o precedaneous_a grace_n unto_o all_o other_o though_o they_o be_v conjunct_a and_o inseparable_a to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a we_o receive_v say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 3.14_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o faith_n faith_n be_v make_v the_o thoroughfare_n conduit_n and_o pipe_n whereby_o god_n convay_v all_o his_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o promise_n into_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v man_n receptive_a instrument_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v reveal_v instrument_n the_o spirit_n take_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o reveal_v they_o to_o the_o faithful_a soul_n by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n receive_v and_o apprehend_v they_o by_o the_o same_o instrument_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o a_o bless_a instrument_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n 4._o be_v all_o believer_n infant_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvable_a whilst_o infant_n and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o when_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n have_v not_o christ_n say_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a io._n 13.1_o and_o be_v it_o not_o impossible_a that_o any_o one_o of_o his_o choose_a one_o shall_v be_v lose_v mat._n 24._o or_o be_v his_o covenant_n break_v jer._n 31.32_o or_o be_v christ_n death_n and_o intercession_n unavailable_a io._n 17.15_o 20_o 21._o or_o be_v god_n wisdom_n deceive_v or_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n make_v frustrate_a or_o overcome_v by_o the_o intervention_n of_o man_n sin_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a but_o impossible_a five_o if_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n unto_o their_o die_a infant_n than_o infant_n be_v save_v one_o way_n and_o grow_v person_n in_o another_o way_n infant_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o to_o wit_n their_o parent_n and_o grow_v person_n by_o their_o own_o faith_n &_o how_o absurd_a this_o be_v let_v the_o judicious_a consider_v god_n save_v none_o for_o faith_n but_o save_v some_o by_o faith_n faith_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a or_o meritorious_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o alone_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n christ_n crucify_v faith_n be_v not_o the_o condition_n but_o in_o a_o improper_a sense_n as_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v but_o i_o shall_v rather_o let_v the_o word_n condition_n lie_v by_o we_o unhallowed_a for_o this_o end_n in_o regard_n many_o have_v stumble_v at_o it_o by_o make_v it_o a_o idol_n rampant_a but_o i_o shall_v rather_o call_v faith_n the_o fruit_n effect_n or_o some_o special_a branch_n or_o blessing_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v so_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n heb._n 8.10_o and_o what_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n or_o law_n of_o god_n that_o will_v be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n if_o any_o take_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o of_o salvation_n only_o as_o a_o qualification_n a_o medium_n or_o way_n without_o which_o grow_v intelligent_a person_n can_v be_v justify_v or_o save_v with_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v or_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o precedaneous_a condition_n unto_o other_o subsequent_a grace_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o quarrel_n with_o that_o neither_o for_o i_o think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n grace_n that_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o elect_a saint_n of_o god_n which_o produce_v cherish_v and_o sanctifi_v all_o other_o subsequent_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o to_o make_v faith_n which_o be_v our_o own_o act_n though_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n to_o wit_n by_o perform_v whereof_o we_o may_v legal_o and_o just_o claim_v it_o as_o our_o due_n as_o wage_n and_o debt_n the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n life_n and_o salvation_n on_o the_o performance_n thereof_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o somewhat_o of_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v have_v that_o whereof_o to_o beast_n of_o and_o glory_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o derogate_v from_o all_o sufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o precious_a death_n which_o be_v the_o alone_a legal_a condition_n perform_v for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o behalf_n and_o whereby_o we_o do_v legal_o and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n claim_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n adoption_n and_o sanctification_n life_n salvation_n and_o glorification_n and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v unto_o we_o until_o the_o spirit_n come_v to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o faith_n heb._n 11.1_o six_o and_o last_o if_o faith_n therefore_o will_v not_o serve_v turn_n but_o be_v too_o short_a and_o weak_a a_o condition_n proper_o and_o legal_o understand_v for_o the_o believe_a parent_n own_o salvation_n then_o sure_o it_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o infant_n therefore_o vain_a to_o trust_v or_o bind_v upon_o it_o for_o such_o a_o work_n for_o it_o be_v alone_o the_o garment_n of_o our_o elder_a brother_n the_o white_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o reach_v and_o cover_v not_o only_o the_o faithful_a parent_n but_o their_o child_n also_o if_o so_o be_v god_n have_v choose_v they_o in_o christ_n by_o his_o eternal_a love_n of_o election_n but_o for_o such_o infant_n as_o god_n have_v in_o his_o eternal_a preterition_n pass_v by_o as_o the_o potter_n have_v power_n over_o his_o clay_n to_o make_v thereof_o either_o vessel_n of_o honour_n or_o dishonour_n who_o shall_v say_v unto_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o i_o say_v therefore_o to_o assert_v the_o parent_n faith_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o infant_n salvation_n be_v a_o groundless_a reasonless_a assertion_n not_o comport_v with_o the_o lest_o savour_v of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o creed_n of_o all_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n christians_n see_v more_o on_o ver_fw-la 5._o of_o this_o cap._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 etc._n etc._n by_o my_o righteous_a judgement_n on_o those_o child_n of_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n all_o the_o church_n round_o about_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o be_o he_o say_v christ_n that_o try_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o so_o as_o a_o god_n omniscient_a and_o a_o all-seeing_a judge_n can_v execute_v righteous_a judgement_n on_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n hence_o note_v observe_v 1._o that_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n most_o perfect_o and_o therefore_o can_v judge_v of_o we_o most_o perfect_o man_n know_v his_o own_o heart_n but_o in_o part_n but_o god_n more_o perfect_o than_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 4.4_o he_o that_o create_v the_o heart_n must_v know_v it_o and_o he_o that_o himself_o be_v infinite_a must_v comprehend_v that_o full_o which_o be_v finite_a the_o devil_n know_v not_o our_o heart_n and_o thought_n till_o we_o do_v some_o way_n manifest_v they_o by_o word_n gesture_n sign_n or_o action_n but_o god_n know_v our_o thought_n without_o those_o mean_n psal_n 39.1_o 2._o the_o devil_n may_v guess_v at_o man_n thought_n by_o their_o natural_a complexion_n but_o god_n perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n without_o any_o
neck_n unto_o this_o gracious_a yoke_n and_o our_o back_n unto_o this_o burden_n therefore_o it_o will_v cost_v much_o sweat_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o christian_n under_o christ_n yoke_n and_o burden_n must_v not_o think_v to_o live_v at_o ease_n or_o at_o liberty_n and_o stray_v whither_o their_o fancy_n call_v they_o they_o be_v under_o a_o burden_n a_o yoke_n they_o must_v attend_v and_o keep_v their_o work_n if_o they_o be_v fruitful_a proficient_o in_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a burden_n and_o a_o easy_a yoke_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o yoke_n and_o a_o burden_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o some_o write_v that_o christ_n be_v repute_v joseph_n the_o carpenter_n son_n before_o he_o fall_v to_o the_o more_o public_a work_n of_o his_o ministry_n he_o follow_v his_o father_n in_o law_n trade_n of_o make_v yoke_n for_o ox_n to_o which_o that_o expression_n of_o he_o in_o mat._n 11._o do_v allude_v but_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o not_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o make_v spiritual_a yoke_n to_o lay_v on_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o disciple_n he_o lay_v command_n on_o they_o both_o natural_o moral_a and_o positive_o moral_a to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o we_o and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v all_o command_v to_o hold_v fast_o this_o burden_n this_o yoke_n of_o christ_n his_o faithful_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n until_o he_o come_v hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v this_o must_v signify_v christ_n second_n and_o general_a and_o not_o of_o his_o first_o or_o of_o his_o special_a come_n in_o spirit_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o christ_n near_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o his_o incarnation_n and_o he_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n some_o score_n year_n before_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o such_o as_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n this_o will_v handsome_o follow_v as_o a_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n that_o when_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n they_o must_v then_o let_v go_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n for_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v and_o no_o long_o but_o at_o his_o second_o and_o last_o appearance_n he_o have_v another_o glorious_a administration_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o which_o yet_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o after_o he_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n he_o command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o former_a burden_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n already_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n until_o his_o second_o come_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v christ_n burden_n or_o doctrine_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o the_o saint_n for_o that_o first_o age_n or_o generation_n only_o wherein_o it_o be_v public_a as_o some_o vain_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v unto_o all_o generation_n until_o to_o he_o that_o do_v hold_v fast_o and_o overcome_v power_n be_v give_v he_o over_o the_o nation_n to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o power_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o saint_n for_o they_o be_v still_o as_o lily_n among_o thorn_n in_o a_o afflict_a and_o wilderness_n estate_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n until_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o give_v they_o their_o release_n and_o freedom_n feom_o all_o sorrow_n and_o anti-christian_n servitude_n and_o therefore_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n consult_v ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o verse_n 26._o and_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n verse_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v to_o shiver_n even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n here_o be_v a_o vincenti_fw-la dabitur_fw-la a_o crown_n and_o a_o reward_n set_v forth_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o escape_v those_o assault_n and_o doctrine_n of_o satan_n teach_v by_o that_o false_a prophetess_n and_o nicolaitish_a jezebel_n and_o withal_o keep_v close_o unto_o godly_a way_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v call_v my_o work_n christ_n work_n because_o of_o his_o efficiency_n therein_o and_o approbation_n thereunto_o and_o that_o that_o will_v give_v a_o interest_n unto_o this_o crown_n it_o be_v not_o follow_v of_o christ_n work_n a_o little_a season_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o way_n side_n and_o spring_v up_o but_o short_o dye_v for_o want_n of_o radical_a moisture_n but_o a_o constant_a persevere_v keep_v unto_o christ_n work_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o will_v do_v the_o work_n observe_v 1._o note_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o in_o our_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n to_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o wicked_a person_n and_o false_a teacher_n but_o we_o must_v close_v with_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n and_o do_v good_a work_n also_o our_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n must_v not_o be_v a_o negative_a religion_n or_o righteousness_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o positive_a one_o also_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o renounce_v popery_n and_o all_o false_a way_n and_o doctrine_n but_o we_o must_v also_o set_v up_o that_o religion_n doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v pure_a holy_a and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v in_o grace_n to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a commendation_n to_o those_o of_o thyatira_n to_o overcome_v and_o escape_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n or_o worse_a what_o praiseworthy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o overcome_v the_o assault_n of_o rome_n and_o their_o depth_n of_o satan_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o as_o pernicious_a doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o what_o gain_n will_v it_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o popery_n and_o embrace_v familisme_n anti-scripturisme_a arminianism_n sarcinianisme_n and_o what_o not_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o in_o all_o our_o repentance_n we_o be_v will_v not_o only_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_a way_n but_o to_o turn_v into_o the_o good_a else_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o halt_n and_o maim_a work_n and_o a_o lame_a repentance_n and_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o title_n of_o any_o of_o christ_n work_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o observe_v unto_o the_o end_n our_o christian_n life_n be_v a_o race_n and_o he_o that_o leave_v off_o in_o the_o mid_a way_n have_v no_o hope_n to_o attain_v the_o prize_n hence_o note_v observe_v 2._o the_o crown_n be_v give_v to_o the_o persevere_v christian_n see_v more_o on_o ver_fw-la 7._o of_o this_o cap._n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n etc._n etc._n these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o of_o psal_n 2.8_o 9_o only_a the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o this_o they_o word_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v a_o prophecy_n and_o a_o promise_n relate_v unto_o christ_n ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n ver_fw-la 9_o thou_o shall_v break_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n thou_o shall_v dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n and_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n and_o again_o in_o rev._n 19.15_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o smite_v the_o nation_n with_o the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n object_n but_o that_o power_n and_o that_o work_n be_v there_o attribute_v to_o christ_n alone_o how_o be_v it_o therefore_o here_o attribute_v to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n i_o answer_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o also_o if_o christ_n the_o head_n shall_v rule_v the_o nation_n so_o his_o member_n shall_v rule_v together_o with_o he_o and_o under_o he_o he_o as_o the_o head_n they_o as_o his_o subordinate_a limb_n and_o assistant_n christ_n and_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n mistycal_a and_o therefore_o they_o both_o must_v reign_v together_o unless_o you_o conceive_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o which_o
unto_o its_o operation_n and_o office_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v they_o very_o immorigerous_a unto_o the_o sweet_a and_o easy_a yoke_n of_o christ_n that_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o pastor_n a_o angel_n a_o minister_n over_o they_o to_o precede_v in_o all_o official_a duty_n unto_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v unto_o such_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v commit_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v to_o submit_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v many_o thing_n unto_o the_o member_n in_o common_a with_o their_o officer_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v officer_n or_o pastor_n in_o common_a with_o they_o for_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o can_v never_o brook_v a_o lawless_a community_n or_o level_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o to_o be_v ruler_n and_o teacher_n and_o none_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o rule_v so_o neither_o will_v it_o comport_v with_o truth_n according_a to_o my_o judgement_n to_o admit_v of_o pastor_n over_o pastor_n or_o one_o presbytery_n over_o another_o no_o far_o than_o prudence_n will_v lead_v unto_o but_o not_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o equity_n it_o be_v evident_a these_o seven_o asian_a church_n and_o all_o the_o other_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a one_o be_v pastoral_n episcopal_n independent_a one_o i_o think_v it_o no_o paradox_n to_o assert_v that_o a_o episcopal_a church_n may_v be_v independent_a for_o i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_a indeed_o whilst_o the_o prelatical_a episcopal_a church_n have_v lose_v its_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la by_o exalt_v itself_o beyond_o christ_n bound_n and_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o it_o observe_v 2._o that_o the_o pure_a undefiled_a saint_n of_o christ_n be_v person_n of_o high_a esteem_n and_o account_v with_o god_n they_o be_v man_n of_o name_n and_o quality_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o man_n of_o most_o excellent_a and_o eminent_a spirit_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o sardis_n beside_o they_o be_v but_o such_o that_o have_v the_o name_n that_o they_o be_v live_v but_o be_v dead_a those_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o value_n with_o these_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v those_o for_o who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v yea_o god_n reprove_v king_n for_o their_o sake_n say_v touch_v not_o my_o anoint_v psal_n 105.15_o they_o be_v god_n jewel_n his_o precious_a one_o which_o he_o make_v up_o in_o safety_n and_o security_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o combustion_n beside_o they_o be_v in_o a_o land_n of_o goshen_n of_o light_n peace_n and_o comfort_n mal._n 3.17_o and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o have_v the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o every_o thing_n do_v love_n and_o high_o esteem_v its_o like_a for_o likeness_n be_v the_o root_n of_o love_n much_o more_o god_n who_o be_v love_v itself_o will_v high_o esteem_v and_o love_v his_o saint_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n even_o in_o sardis_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n hence_o note_v observe_v 3._o that_o in_o the_o most_o corrupt_a church_n state_n christ_n may_v have_v some_o choose_v and_o precious_a saint_n sardis_n have_v but_o the_o name_n that_o show_v as_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o yet_o in_o this_o nominal_a dead_a formal_a church_n god_n have_v a_o few_o name_n there_o that_o be_v precious_a to_o he_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v never_o total_o fail_v upon_o the_o earth_n nor_o never_o shall_v though_o the_o visibility_n thereof_o may_v fail_v yet_o the_o invisible_a church_n will_v never_o fail_v when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n grow_v great_a and_o the_o earth_n fill_v with_o violence_n before_o the_o flood_n gen._n 6.11_o 12._o yet_o then_o be_v noah_n undefiled_a and_o a_o faithful_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n yea_o he_o be_v just_a and_o perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o corrupt_a church_n state_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n when_o jezebel_n cut_v off_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o set_v up_o idolatry_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o righteous_a so_o vex_v and_o waste_v that_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n think_v none_o but_o himself_o leave_v in_o israel_n even_o than_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 1_o king_n 1.18_o in_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o a_o exceed_a bad_a and_o corrupt_a church_n state_n and_o in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v never_o more_o corrupt_a than_o when_o he_o come_v yet_o there_o be_v then_o a_o joseph_n a_o mary_n a_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n a_o simeon_n and_o anna_n and_o some_o few_o other_o that_o true_o fear_a god_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o deep_a night_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v some_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n the_o waldenses_n the_o abigenses_n pauperes_fw-la lugdunenses_n etc._n etc._n of_o who_o some_o of_o the_o popish_a writer_n themselves_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o carriage_n and_o believe_v aright_o concern_v god_n only_o they_o blaspheme_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o there_o be_v a_o huc_fw-la a_o jerome_n of_o prague_n a_o wickliff_n berengarius_fw-la peter_n de_fw-fr bruis_n luther_n oecolompadius_fw-la melancthon_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o time_n and_o state_n bad_a enough_o so_o here_o in_o england_n when_o the_o church_n be_v exceed_v corrupt_a under_o the_o prelacy_n yet_o then_o appear_v here_o a_o cartwright_n hooker_n ames_n parker_n bolton_n robinson_n reynolds_n aynsworth_n baynes_n and_o many_o other_o precious_a saint_n and_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n observe_v 4._o god_n accept_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n at_o 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n they_o be_v those_o that_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a with_o christ_n and_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n with_o he_o quest_n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v do_v not_o this_o assert_v a_o merit_n in_o work_n or_o that_o purity_n in_o the_o life_n do_v exact_a from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n some_o answerable_a compensation_n to_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o and_o assert_v that_o holiness_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n be_v the_o descriptive_a quality_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v see_v god_n they_o and_o they_o only_o of_o adult_a person_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n to_o that_o high_a privilege_n second_o i_o grant_v too_o that_o the_o eternal_a life_n of_o happiness_n be_v set_v forth_o and_o give_v as_o a_o prize_n as_o a_o reward_n as_o a_o crown_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n so_o in_o this_o and_o the_o last_o chapter_n it_o be_v often_o promise_v unto_o such_o holy_a one_o under_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o reward_n three_o but_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o least_o proportion_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n or_o merit_v the_o least_o in_o strict_a justice_n from_o god_n towards_o eternal_a life_n 1._o because_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o give_v it_o to_o who_o he_o please_v joh_n 17.2_o 1_o joh._n 5.11_o 2._o because_o divine_a justice_n require_v exact_a obedience_n which_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o one_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o best_a saint_n be_v so_o imperfect_a in_o their_o obedience_n that_o they_o come_v far_o short_a in_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o strict_a justice_n 3._o because_o our_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o alone_a work_n of_o god_n own_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o improper_o say_v to_o merit_v at_o his_o own_o hand_n a_o child_n may_v merit_v from_o his_o father_n in_o justice_n by_o his_o filial_a obedience_n the_o parent_n be_v under_o a_o natural_a law_n of_o compensation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n towards_o he_o but_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v tie_v up_o unto_o no_o such_o law_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o give_v life_n to_o who_o he_o please_v 4._o and_o therefore_o last_o because_o man_n have_v forfeit_v his_o first_o covenant_n of_o merit_n and_o life_n by_o righteousness_n in_o adam_n and_o
receive_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o double_a door_n open_v a_o free_a power_n give_v she_o by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ready_a and_o willing_a heart_n to_o receive_v it_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o from_o she_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n himself_o that_o have_v open_v it_o and_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o hellish_a design_n it_o can_v never_o be_v obscure_v and_o shut_v up_o more_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o vouchsafe_v and_o give_v fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n for_o a_o kindly_a entertainment_n of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o man_n wit_n conceit_n or_o eloquence_n of_o word_n will_v open_v this_o door_n either_o to_o one self_o or_o other_o christ_n must_v first_o open_v and_o give_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n or_o else_o the_o tongue_n will_v be_v as_o dumb_a as_o zachariah_n before_o john_n be_v bear_v unto_o all_o gospel_n mystery_n next_o the_o hearer_n will_v be_v as_o deaf_a unto_o the_o sound_n thereof_o as_o dumb_a unto_o the_o utterance_n of_o it_o before_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o work_v kind_o on_o their_o heart_n to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o how_o possible_o else_o can_v twelve_o plain_a tradesman_n mechanic_n fisherman_n etc._n etc._n go_v on_o with_o that_o boldness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v that_o door_n of_o utterance_n and_o entertainment_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n among_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n have_v not_o touch_v their_o tongue_n and_o unshut_a their_o mouth_n and_o tâ—â—_n heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n both_o at_o once_o the_o one_o with_o a_o power_n of_o speak_v the_o other_o with_o a_o power_n and_o willingness_n of_o hear_v receive_v and_o treasure_v up_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v what_o a_o large_a door_n have_v christ_n lay_v open_a since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o reformation_n to_o this_o present_a day_n this_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n who_o by_o weak_a and_o despicable_a thing_n and_o person_n have_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v consider_v with_o what_o weapon_n i_o have_v overcome_v their_o error_n i_o have_v never_o touch_v they_o with_o a_o finger_n but_o christ_n have_v destroy_v they_o all_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n i._n e._n the_o word_n of_o his_o gospel_n what_o do_n what_o imprisoning_n what_o fining_n what_o punishment_n what_o torture_n what_o punishment_n what_o death_n do_v the_o old_a popish_a doctor_n and_o clergy_n and_o of_o late_a the_o prelatical_a bishop_n raise_v and_o invent_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o door_n that_o christ_n have_v open_v to_o his_o faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o land_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v they_o prevail_v and_o get_v thereby_o but_o by_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o suffocate_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o true_a light_n become_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o break_v themselves_o to_o piece_n against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o become_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o such_o endeavour_n be_v again_o set_v on_o foot_n against_o christ_n faithful_a witness_n to_o shut_v that_o door_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v open_a to_o they_o let_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o time_n pass_v towards_o the_o prelatical_a person_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n be_v a_o curb_n unto_o such_o undertaker_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o reproach_n or_o act_n of_o man_n against_o they_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n for_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n for_o the_o sense_n run_v thus_o because_o though_o thy_o strength_n be_v but_o small_a and_o thy_o gift_n be_v but_o low_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o yet_o thou_o have_v well_o improve_v those_o which_o thou_o have_v and_o have_v maintain_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_a among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o put_v the_o couple_a particle_n and_o for_o the_o disjunctive_a though_o or_o yet_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n not_o in_o opposition_n of_o much_o corruption_n that_o reign_v in_o philadelphia_n as_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o name_n alive_a because_o the_o great_a part_n be_v dead_a but_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n be_v apparent_o no_o great_a strength_n comparative_o to_o what_o other_o have_v and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v she_o for_o her_o talon_n which_o she_o improve_n and_o put_v to_o profitable_a use_n according_a to_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v most_o commend_v of_o god_n and_o in_o nothing_o reprove_v by_o he_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o a_o small_a talon_n well_o improve_v be_v follow_v both_o by_o a_o benediction_n and_o a_o commendation_n from_o god_n himself_o the_o parable_n in_o match_n 25._o confirm_v this_o where_o he_o that_o increase_v his_o talon_n be_v make_v owner_n of_o more_o and_o governor_n of_o many_o city_n this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n bear_v the_o name_n from_o all_o her_o sister_n for_o her_o proficiency_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n though_o her_o strength_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o her_o profession_n and_o ability_n seem_v so_o high_a as_o the_o rest_n yet_o she_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o she_o surpass_v they_o all_o and_o have_v the_o great_a portion_n and_o blessing_n give_v she_o then_o to_o any_o other_o and_o so_o become_v the_o only_a daughter_n of_o her_o mother_n the_o peerless_a sister_n of_o the_o seven_o have_v not_o of_o late_a many_o low_a despicable_a church_n and_o person_n for_o well_o improve_n their_o small_a talent_n become_v fragrant_a garden_n and_o eminent_a workman_n in_o god_n vineyard_n while_o other_o of_o high_a profession_n part_n and_o ability_n for_o want_v of_o husband_v their_o talent_n both_o lose_v their_o talent_n and_o become_v barren_a desert_n and_o like_o unsavoury_a salt_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dunghill_n though_o my_o year_n be_v but_o few_o and_o my_o experience_n small_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o this_o improvement_n i_o have_v know_v great_a doctor_n to_o become_v wittol_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n child_n and_o babe_n by_o better_v of_o their_o talent_n though_o but_o of_o small_a and_o of_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o as_o but_o a_o mustardseed_n in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o to_o become_v sound_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o last_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o great_a tree_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v fly_v for_o shelter_n verse_n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o by_o this_o double_a remarkable_a asterisme_n or_o twice_o repeat_v note_n of_o attention_n behold_v in_o one_o verse_n christ_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o notable_a work_n in_o his_o church_n and_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o perverse_a jew_n that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v affliction_n and_o tribulation_n on_o the_o true_a professor_n thereof_o but_o to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o worship_v he_o before_o their_o foot_n to_o make_v they_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o this_o christ_n and_o this_o church_n who_o they_o have_v vilify_v blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v to_o be_v the_o only_a special_a object_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o explicate_v the_o word_n more_o full_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o
be_v under_o it_o and_o have_v pluck_v up_o the_o rot_a prop_n the_o build_n thereon_o must_v needs_o fall_v to_o ground_n and_o come_v to_o nought_o come_v tollitur_fw-la causa_fw-la tollitur_fw-la effectus_fw-la and_o instead_o of_o this_o break_a reed_n let_v the_o faithful_a soul_n comfort_n and_o support_v itself_o in_o patience_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o christ_n true_a and_o real_a kingdom_n wherewith_o john_n be_v affect_v and_o support_v rev._n 1.9_o which_o shall_v come_v in_o glory_n and_o great_a power_n and_o none_o shall_v say_v as_o now_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o there_o be_v christ_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v most_o evident_a and_o perspicuous_o glorious_a lo_o he_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o that_o pierce_v he_o and_o every_o one_o shall_v mourn_v because_o of_o he_o v._o 7._o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o advance_v by_o any_o capricious_a whimsy_n of_o we_o but_o be_v bring_v to_o light_n in_o power_n and_o great_a majesty_n where_o christ_n come_v with_o his_o army_n and_o miriads_o of_o angel_n and_o raise_v saint_n rev._n 19.14_o &_o 20.4_o to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o when_o antichrist_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n be_v destroy_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n then_o shall_v they_o fly_v unto_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o mountain_n and_o call_v to_o they_o to_o fall_v upon_o they_o to_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o then_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o haleluia_o amen_o and_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o let_v the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n hearken_v to_o the_o often_o repeat_v admonition_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n verse_n 22._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 he_o that_o be_v a_o understanding_n christian_n among_o you_o let_v he_o consider_v what_o grace_n the_o spirit_n have_v set_v forth_o to_o their_o imitation_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o various_a encouragement_n and_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o what_o sin_n and_o fault_n he_o have_v reprove_v and_o menace_v with_o dreadful_a judgement_n in_o each_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o asian_a church_n that_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o that_o so_o his_o portion_n may_v fall_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o example_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o their_o condition_n we_o shall_v receive_v our_o reward_n according_o for_o every_o one_o shall_v receive_v according_a to_o his_o work_n o_o lord_n christ_n that_o have_v move_v the_o heart_n of_o thy_o servant_n to_o make_v these_o thing_n know_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o man_n let_v he_o be_v a_o learner_n himself_o at_o the_o footstool_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o bless_v be_v thy_o holy_a name_n that_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o with_o thy_o poor_a servant_n o_o let_v his_o own_o word_n be_v imprint_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n keep_v he_o humble_a lord_n that_o he_o be_v not_o lift_v up_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n lest_o while_o he_o come_v a_o teacher_n unto_o other_o he_o himself_o become_v a_o castaway_n o_o lord_n christ_n give_v thy_o servant_n power_n from_o thyself_o to_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n that_o he_o may_v sit_v with_o thou_o in_o thy_o throne_n even_o as_o thou_o have_v overcome_v and_o be_v set_v down_o in_o thy_o father_n throne_n pardon_v o_o christ_n not_o only_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o undertake_n but_o the_o many_o sin_n and_o error_n of_o all_o his_o life_n o_o cover_v he_o and_o they_o with_o thy_o white_a raiment_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a before_o thou_o and_o at_o thy_o appearance_n his_o nakedness_n shall_v not_o appear_v remember_v o_o lord_n thy_o church_n and_o people_n among_o we_o for_o good_a o_o let_v they_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o thy_o name_n may_v be_v glorious_o exalt_v within_o our_o day_n that_o thy_o truth_n may_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o all_o be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v sweet_a smell_a garden_n holy_a assembly_n within_o our_o land_n where_o the_o lord_n may_v take_v delight_n to_o dwell_v in_o hear_v o_o lord_n thy_o poor_a servant_n for_o thy_o wont_a mercy_n sake_n in_o and_o through_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o own_o love_n to_o who_o with_o thyself_o and_o holy_a spirit_n one_o eternal_a everliving_a lord_n god_n be_v all_o glory_n dominion_n praise_n and_o power_n for_o ever_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_o δοξὰ_n μονῷ_n τῷ_n θεῷ_n finis_fw-la