of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a benediction_n for_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n &_o must_v short_o be_v fulfil_v therefore_o those_o be_v bless_v which_o read_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n and_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o secret_a objection_n for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v we_o need_v not_o to_o read_v or_o remember_v this_o prophecy_n see_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n but_o he_o add_v the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v mark_v these_o word_n for_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o revelation_n be_v of_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o here_o they_o be_v repeat_v again_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o these_o prophecy_n contain_v weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v deep_o consider_v and_o earnest_o think_v on_o and_o s._n john_n repeat_v the_o same_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o awake_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n continual_o for_o though_o they_o can_v fall_v into_o the_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o slumber_n of_o security_n may_v overtake_v they_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a matth._n 25.5_o and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a church_n confess_v that_o she_o sleep_v though_o her_o heart_n wake_v cant._n 5.2_o second_o to_o confirm_v and_o hearten_v the_o church_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o affliction_n to_o come_v for_o herein_o be_v the_o common_a say_n true_a he_o that_o be_v forewarn_v be_v fore-armed_n now_o in_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n whether_o affliction_n temptation_n death_n or_o the_o last_o judgement_n itself_o all_o will_v come_v short_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o life_n as_o to_o stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n so_o to_o move_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n the_o bad_a servant_n beat_v his_o fellow_n because_o he_o think_v his_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.48.49_o the_o old_a world_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n never_o regard_v noah_n prophecy_n and_o so_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o matth._n 24.39_o we_o shall_v lay_v these_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o always_o think_v with_o paul_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o â—and_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n these_o eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v interchangeable_a one_o while_o peace_n and_o then_o trouble_v so_o as_o it_o be_v like_a this_o peaceable_a state_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v but_o we_o must_v be_v try_v and_o the_o time_n of_o ouâ—_n trial_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v befall_v the_o church_n will_v come_v short_o we_o must_v therefore_o prepare_v for_o trouble_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o less_o grievous_a vers._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o wit_n the_o inscription_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o a_o dedication_n in_o these_o word_n john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n second_o a_o salutation_n in_o the_o next_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n observe_v first_o the_o penman_n that_o dedicate_v this_o book_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v for_o the_o first_o the_o penman_n be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o repeat_v his_o name_n to_o show_v and_o certify_v every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o true_a penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v this_o revelation_n but_o though_o he_o repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o add_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n or_o commendation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v never_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o cause_n to_o our_o own_o praise_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o god_n glory_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n maintain_v this_o paul_n practise_v who_o often_o humble_v himself_o and_o call_v himself_o the_o 15._o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n yet_o when_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n come_v into_o question_n than_o he_o set_v out_o himself_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a apostle_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o as_o we_o may_v find_v in_o both_o of_o his_o 11.5_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n second_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n concern_v they_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o write_v to_o church_n second_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o the_o first_o why_o write_v he_o to_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o church_n see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a catholic_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a &_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o the_o same_o be_v part_v into_o several_a branch_n and_o company_n one_o part_n be_v in_o one_o country_n and_o another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o wherein_o also_o every_o several_a congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n all_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v only_o one_o yet_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o take_v their_o name_n of_o the_o country_n whereto_o they_o adjoine_v be_v call_v so_o many_o particular_a sea_n as_o the_o english_a sea_n the_o spanish_a sea_n french_a italian_a scottish_a sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o particular_a church_n must_v john_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n now_o john_n choose_v rather_o to_o write_v to_o church_n than_o to_o particular_a man_n first_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n second_o because_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o call_v not_o that_o her_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n house_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o god_n enemy_n second_o because_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o three_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v therein_o second_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n among_o all_o particular_a church_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o seven_o in_o asia_n no_o doubt_n for_o special_a cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a church_n as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v plain_o show_v second_o that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o long_o before_o have_v be_v foretell_v may_v be_v more_o evident_a for_o here_o the_o jew_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o gentile_n send_v unto_o last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o other_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n whereon_o alâ—_n other_o church_n shall_v depend_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v know_v of_o they_o why_o john_n pass_v by_o it_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n which_o contain_v matter_n needful_a for_o all_o church_n to_o know_v grace_n be_v with_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ._n and_o here_o the_o same_o be_v verify_v touch_v fellowship_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o special_a instruction_n for_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v worthy_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o knowledge_n memory_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o they_o be_v want_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o faith_n which_o justify_v &_o regeneration_n for_o touch_v assurance_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o only_o from_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o teach_v he_o be_v a_o idol_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v though_o we_o see_v the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o to_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o our_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n &_o certainty_n of_o election_n second_o we_o have_v many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v say_v they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o you_o shall_v perceive_v in_o they_o no_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n of_o true_a obedience_n but_o these_o thing_n can_v stand_v together_o to_o wit_n looseness_n of_o life_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o therefore_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n they_o shall_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o purge_v their_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o he_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n have_v a_o infallible_a token_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o 〈◊〉_d union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n our_o head_n to_o become_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n &_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o second_o royalty_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o enlighten_v man_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o &_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o he_o appoint_v that_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v his_o minister_n among_o man_n he_o give_v he_o gift_n meet_v for_o his_o call_n he_o prescribe_v also_o unto_o he_o his_o office_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n will_n some_o say_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o right_a of_o ordain_v pastor_n belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o royalty_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o testify_v ratify_v &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o they_o who_o christ_n make_v and_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v the_o church_n say_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sovereignty_n over_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n with_o conscience_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n &_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n in_o his_o place_n and_o indeed_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o all_o christian_n for_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v come_v from_o he_o this_o must_v move_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o live_v we_o must_v be_v thankful_a because_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n if_o our_o death_n will_v glorify_v he_o we_o must_v be_v content_a because_o we_o be_v his_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o a_o vice_n with_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o vers._n 1.2.3_o and_o a_o praise_n or_o commendation_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o reproof_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o know_v all_o thy_o work_n they_o be_v all_o manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o mislike_v of_o they_o so_o must_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o reproof_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a wherein_o be_v set_v down_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o they_o pretend_v christian_n religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v church_n round_o about_o thou_o judge_v and_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o by_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v spiritual_a life_n not_o corporal_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v thou_o want_v true_a spiritual_a life_n by_o regeneration_n and_o be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o thy_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o diverse_a church_n in_o this_o age_n as_o first_o of_o the_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o pope_n as_o by_o their_o head_n that_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o be_v alive_a &_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o before_o god_n it_o be_v dead_a some_o say_v it_o be_v as_o a_o body_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o who_o throat_n be_v cut_v but_o yet_o the_o heart_n pant_v &_o life_n remain_v therein_o but_o we_o may_v say_v it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a life_n but_o lie_v stark_o dead_a as_o a_o carcase_n in_o the_o grave_n the_o reason_n that_o some_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n first_o they_o say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v some_o life_n ans._n first_o baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o circumcision_n in_o who_o stead_n come_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n use_v of_o the_o samaritan_n when_o they_o be_v 1.9_o no_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o church_n of_o god_n again_o baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n pull_v from_o the_o writing_n or_o set_v to_o a_o bare_a paper_n to_o no_o use_n and_o further_o outward_a baptism_n without_o inward_a baptism_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o be_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v not_o inward_a baptism_n join_v unto_o it_o neither_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v a_o quite_o overturning_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o outward_a baptism_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o their_o synagogue_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o for_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v always_o some_o among_o they_o that_o renounce_v their_o religion_n who_o god_n call_v home_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o they_o as_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o of_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o elias_n in_o ahab_n time_n 19.18_o i_o have_v reserve_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o the_o papist_n god_n have_v there_o his_o secret_a church_n who_o never_o yield_v to_o the_o pope_n government_n
gospel_n when_o he_o preach_v god_n word_n be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a witness_n sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n first_o they_o must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o before_o all_o testimony_n of_o man_n in_o the_o office_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o christ_n to_o 4.34_o teach_v his_o father_n will_n eleazar_n abraham_n elder_a servant_n show_v his_o fidelity_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o have_v do_v his_o master_n message_n gen._n 24.33_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v special_a care_n of_o that_o weighty_a message_n commit_v unto_o they_o second_o they_o must_v testify_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v matter_n of_o salvation_n as_o faith_n obedience_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n among_o man_n we_o count_v he_o a_o faithful_a witness_n which_o testify_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o his_o church_n herein_o paul_n clear_v himself_o 27._o that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n blood_n see_v he_o deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o keep_v nothing_o back_o three_o he_o must_v neither_o add_v unto_o or_o take_v away_o much_o less_o in_o any_o case_n deprave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o false_a prophet_n teach_v some_o truth_n but_o withal_o they_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o or_o detract_v from_o god_n truth_n something_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v thing_n concern_v moral_a virtue_n handle_v sound_o but_o come_v to_o justification_n and_o thereto_o they_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o man_n work_n &_o so_o they_o deal_v with_o faith_n and_o repentance_n matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o take_v away_o one_o part_n and_o add_v another_o to_o the_o scripture_n they_o hold_v the_o creed_n in_o word_n yet_o in_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o same_o as_o by_o their_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v &_o so_o show_v themselves_o false_a witness_n four_o a_o faithful_a witness_n must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o best_o beseem_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o best_a approve_v that_o be_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a and_o familiar_a kind_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v touch_v &_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v edify_v when_o the_o word_n be_v otherwise_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n or_o for_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n or_o much_o read_n though_o nothing_o be_v say_v but_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o that_o so_o dispense_v it_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a witness_n because_o he_o corrupt_v the_o word_n by_o his_o vain_a delivery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n in_o many_o minister_n who_o teach_v the_o truth_n indeed_o but_o yet_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o seek_v themselves_o and_o not_o god_n glory_n respect_v little_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o simple_a so_o themselves_o may_v be_v famous_a for_o wit_n eloquence_n and_o learning_n but_o these_o man_n make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n like_v to_o huxter_n that_o by_o starch_v blow_v and_o spice_v set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o their_o ware_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o will_v banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o our_o land_n unless_o it_o be_v reform_v second_o this_o title_n of_o christ_n that_o faithful_a witness_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o the_o damnable_a practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n for_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o his_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o 5.10_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o not_o do_v make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o a_o liar_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o horrible_a &_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n for_o when_o the_o law_n be_v apply_v who_o be_v afraid_a and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v yet_o who_o believe_v our_o report_n god_n minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o little_a child_n we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v this_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o man_n be_v not_o move_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o this_o fearful_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n this_o therefore_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o ourselves_o the_o heinousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v strive_v against_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o word_n into_o our_o heart_n tremble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o each_o part_n thereof_o may_v have_v his_o perfect_a work_n in_o we_o for_o which_o end_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o among_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o burn_a lake_n unbeliever_n be_v set_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n revel_v 21._o vers_fw-la 8._o three_o see_v christ_n jesus_n be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o man_n conscience_n in_o particular_a of_o their_o salvation_n we_o learn_v that_o every_o one_o which_o profess_v himself_o to_o repent_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o election_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o he_o particular_o and_o though_o this_o be_v against_o all_o humane_a sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v a_o faithful_a witness_n avouch_v the_o same_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o testimony_n for_o by_o unbelief_n we_o great_o dishonour_v our_o witness_n bearer_n by_o deny_v truth_n unto_o his_o record_n here_o than_o we_o see_v it_o it_o no_o presumption_n as_o the_o papist_n say_v to_o believe_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o particular_a nay_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n in_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v christ_n a_o most_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hereto_o also_o serve_v the_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o seal_v up_o unto_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n the_o minister_n give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o they_o that_o true_o repent_v be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v believe_v thou_o and_o life_n eternal_a belong_v to_o thou_o and_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o second_o office_n of_o christ_n namely_o his_o priesthood_n the_o principal_a action_n whereof_o stand_v in_o die_v in_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n and_o here_o s._n john_n allude_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o family_n among_o the_o jew_n compare_v christ_n to_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o as_o among_o they_o he_o which_o be_v first_o bear_v and_o elder_a of_o the_o family_n have_v many_o privilege_n and_o preeminence_n above_o his_o brethren_n as_o lordship_n right_a of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o double_a portion_n etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n he_o have_v his_o privilege_n yea_o even_a christ_n crucify_v he_o have_v his_o prerogative_n among_o the_o dead_a above_o all_o that_o be_v dead_a so_o paul_n expound_v this_o title_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o beginning_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n coloss._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n dead_a and_o bury_v among_o all_o the_o dead_a be_v two_o first_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o so_o to_o glory_v some_o indeed_o have_v rise_v before_o christ_n from_o natural_a death_n to_o natural_a life_n as_o lazarus_n but_o it_o be_v to_o die_v again_o and_o moses_n and_o elias_n assume_v their_o body_n in_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n but_o yet_o they_o lay_v they_o down_o again_o to_o the_o former_a misery_n of_o corruption_n for_o a_o time_n but_o christ_n jesus_n rosâ—_n from_o death_n to_o life_n eternal_a never_o to_o die_v again_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o step_n into_o his_o glory_n second_o that_o by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o raise_v up_o
do_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o bodily_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v great_a necessity_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o be_v head_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n he_o must_v know_v all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n thereof_o he_o must_v behold_v their_o several_a estate_n and_o see_v the_o malice_n and_o practice_n of_o satan_n and_o other_o enemy_n against_o they_o now_o in_o that_o christ_n our_o saviour_n have_v this_o pierce_a sight_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o have_v care_n not_o only_o of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n but_o also_o of_o the_o very_a secret_a thought_n purpose_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o pierce_a eye_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o all_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o they_o be_v well_o order_v in_o the_o court_n of_o man_n thought_n and_o inward_a motion_n bear_v no_o action_n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o christ_n jesus_n have_v a_o fiery_a eye_n that_o see_v into_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o there_o he_o hold_v a_o court_n of_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o must_v keep_v a_o godly_a watch_n over_o all_o the_o imagination_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v approve_v of_o christ_n lest_o for_o they_o we_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v second_o this_o teach_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v that_o indeed_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o profession_n for_o though_o we_o may_v deceive_v man_n which_o know_v not_o our_o heart_n yet_o we_o can_v deceive_v christ_n for_o by_o his_o fiery_a eye_n he_o see_v whatsoever_o be_v in_o us._n and_o yet_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v here_o to_o be_v reprove_v who_o term_v they_o hypocrite_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o any_o profession_n for_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ._n but_o herein_o man_n go_v beyond_o their_o call_n it_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o pierce_a eye_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v and_o look_v at_o man_n hypocrisy_n of_o heart_n second_o by_o these_o fiery_a eye_n be_v signify_v that_o christ_n be_v full_a of_o anger_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o all_o sinner_n ready_a to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o yield_v subjection_n unto_o he_o by_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n so_o be_v he_o a_o judge_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o parable_n he_o say_v those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v rule_v over_o they_o 19.27_o bring_v they_o hither_o and_o stay_v they_o before_o i_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o serve_v to_o awake_v many_o a_o one_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n this_o age_n be_v miserable_a if_o we_o regard_v the_o practice_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o god_n require_v for_o man_n live_v in_o ignorance_n without_o knowledge_n they_o go_v on_o in_o looseness_n of_o life_n without_o reformation_n which_o be_v both_o scandalous_a unto_o man_n and_o odious_a unto_o god_n not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o turn_v to_o god_n at_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n renew_v his_o way_n by_o daily_a repentance_n but_o unto_o many_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o go_v on_o in_o those_o sin_n wherein_o their_o heart_n delight_n but_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n behold_v his_o enemy_n with_o fierce_a and_o fiery_a eye_n always_o ready_a 〈◊〉_d take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o do_v noâ—_n repent_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v in_o time_n consider_v their_o estate_n for_o if_o they_o persevere_v in_o their_o evil_a way_n as_o they_o have_v begin_v the_o truth_n be_v he_o still_o behold_v they_o with_o his_o fiery_a eye_n and_o though_o in_o his_o great_a patience_n he_o spare_v they_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o at_o length_n he_o will_v put_v in_o practice_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o slay_v they_o for_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o parable_n luke_n 19_o 27._o let_v they_o remember_v what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v never_o so_o little_a psal._n â—_o 12_o vers._n 15._o and_o his_o â—eele_n like_a unto_o fine_a brass_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n and_o his_o voice_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v brass_n that_o shine_v which_o for_o substance_n be_v pure_a and_o durable_a a_o very_a choice_n and_o excellent_a kind_n of_o brass_n and_o hereunto_o christ_n foot_n be_v compare_v to_o signify_v unto_o we_o his_o invincible_a power_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o encounter_v with_o sin_n satan_n and_o death_n but_o also_o that_o he_o have_v already_o enter_v combat_n with_o they_o and_o have_v bruise_v the_o head_n of_o these_o his_o enemy_n yea_o hereby_o be_v signify_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o also_o will_v do_v the_o same_o in_o all_o his_o member_n by_o his_o invincible_a power_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o exceed_v great_a comfort_n to_o god_n church_n and_o people_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v if_o any_o man_n be_v exercise_v in_o any_o grievous_a temptation_n of_o satan_n he_o must_v not_o be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v therewith_o but_o remember_v that_o christ_n our_o saviour_n have_v the_o brazen_a foot_n wherewith_o he_o have_v bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o will_v if_o he_o seek_v unto_o he_o unfeigned_o bruise_v in_o he_o the_o serpent_n head_n so_o by_o experience_n shall_v we_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o brazen_a foot_n if_o any_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o thought_n or_o affection_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o christ_n jesus_n lay_v open_a his_o want_n before_o he_o show_v his_o sin_n and_o make_v know_v the_o strength_n thereof_o unto_o he_o and_o withal_o cry_v unto_o he_o for_o help_v and_o he_o shall_v find_v by_o joyful_a experience_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o or_o mighty_a that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o will_v vanquish_v and_o subdue_v they_o all_o again_o do_v any_o fear_n the_o terror_n of_o death_n as_o all_o man_n do_v by_o nature_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o christ_n have_v the_o foot_n of_o brass_n wherewith_o he_o do_v encounter_v with_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o not_o content_a with_o that_o go_v down_o with_o he_o into_o his_o own_o den_n and_o there_o do_v bruise_v his_o head_n and_o subdue_v his_o power_n indeed_o if_o death_n be_v to_o encounter_v with_o we_o in_o his_o full_a strength_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fear_n but_o consider_v that_o christ_n have_v bruise_v his_o head_n this_o must_v stay_v our_o heartâ—_n against_o overmuch_o dread_a and_o as_o it_o serve_v to_o minister_v comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a so_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o all_o terror_n and_o woe_n unto_o those_o that_o live_v impenitent_a for_o christ_n have_v foot_n of_o brass_n to_o bruise_v the_o head_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n unless_o they_o turn_v destruction_n will_v be_v their_o end_n let_v every_o one_o therefore_o look_v unto_o his_o soul_n that_o have_v lead_v a_o course_n in_o any_o sin_n let_v he_o forsake_v his_o old_a master_n satan_n and_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o turn_v unfeigned_o to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o by_o all_o obedience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o calling_n for_o howsoever_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n may_v stay_v for_o a_o time_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o wrath_n yet_o in_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v feel_v by_o woeful_a experience_n the_o destroy_a power_n of_o these_o his_o brazen_a foot_n burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n foot_n ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o scripture_n do_v oft_o time_n betoken_v their_o way_n so_o here_o by_o christ_n foot_n we_o may_v understand_v his_o work_n and_o way_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v say_v to_o burn_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n thereby_o be_v signify_v the_o perfection_n thereof_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n with_o the_o execution_n thereof_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o his_o work_n therein_o be_v all_o most_o holy_a &_o pure_a like_o fine_a brass_n purge_v in_o the_o furnace_n psa._n 18.30_o 7._o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v uncorrupt_a yea_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o way_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o conceive_v and_o speak_v reverent_o of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n even_o of_o those_o most_o secret_a &_o strange_a judgement_n whereof_o we_o can_v comprehend_v a_o reason_n yet_o because_o they_o proceed_v from_o
it_o be_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o devil_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v his_o profound_a craft_n and_o policy_n where_o note_n that_o when_o christ_n will_v allege_v the_o speech_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n he_o do_v it_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o count_v their_o doctrine_n deep_a learning_n but_o christ_n repeat_v their_o opinion_n call_v it_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n hence_o i_o gather_v use_n that_o christian_n can_v safe_o act_v and_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o heathen_a man_n for_o they_o be_v full_a of_o many_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o oath_n flat_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repeat_v but_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o christ_n practice_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n he_o will_v not_o repeat_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o a_o wicked_a woman_n without_o some_o note_n of_o disgrace_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o repeat_v these_o speech_n with_o disgrace_n and_o dislike_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o if_o they_o do_v that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o whole_a comedy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o bad_a speech_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n thus_o to_o reason_n from_o christ_n example_n as_o they_o speak_v these_o word_n christ_n add_v first_o to_o show_v that_o the_o word_n go_v before_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o word_n of_o jezabels_n follower_n touch_v her_o doctrine_n second_o to_o show_v the_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a mind_n of_o heretic_n in_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n thus_o have_v false_a teacher_n uphold_v their_o error_n by_o proud_a and_o swell_a word_n as_o jude_n the_o 16._o and_o 2._o pet._n 2.18_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o maintain_v but_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n of_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n from_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n teach_v the_o lowly_a his_o way_n and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a psal._n 25.14_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o false_a doctrine_n by_o swell_a word_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o preface_n before_o christ_n counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o counsel_n itself_o in_o this_o sentence_n though_o i_o lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o till_o i_o come_v this_o sentence_n be_v a_o distinction_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o than_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o that_o be_v howsoever_o i_o threaten_v my_o judgement_n unto_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n yet_o i_o will_v lay_v none_o other_o punishment_n upon_o you_o but_o my_o reproof_n only_o for_o suffer_v jezabell_n among_o you_o with_o her_o false_a doctrine_n and_o follower_n this_o branch_n of_o this_o distinction_n contain_v a_o most_o comfortable_a instruction_n namely_o that_o all_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o the_o time_n of_o common_a judgement_n under_o the_o bless_a protection_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o good_a and_o consider_v this_o mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o godly_a we_o must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o become_v follower_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o be_v we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o maintain_v the_o pure_a truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o show_v forth_o sincerity_n of_o manner_n in_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o endevor_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o cheerfulness_n hereby_o we_o shall_v get_v protection_n from_o common_a judgement_n when_o they_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o wicked_a but_o if_o we_o partake_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n we_o shall_v receive_v part_n in_o their_o plague_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v in_o these_o word_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v that_o be_v my_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v unto_o you_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n now_o i_o charge_v you_o that_o you_o hold_v that_o fast_o and_o maintain_v it_o until_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o most_o excellent_a commandment_n contain_v special_a instruction_n meeâ—_n for_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o all_o church_n before_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v commend_v this_o church_n for_o not_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o company_n but_o here_o he_o give_v they_o another_o commandment_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o all_o church_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o affect_v or_o approve_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o whatsoever_o according_a as_o paul_n bid_v the_o galatian_n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o be_v direct_v in_o sundry_a duty_n first_o use_n not_o to_o regard_v unwritten_a tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v so_o high_o magnify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v they_o second_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n which_o some_o bring_v unto_o we_o under_o colour_n of_o revelation_n from_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n three_o hereby_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o three_o great_a religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o jew_n and_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n the_o turkish_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o it_o have_v it_o beginning_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n with_o who_o doctrine_n only_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o also_o the_o jewish_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o regard_v for_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o papist_n we_o must_v renounce_v because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v but_o have_v it_o beginning_n by_o little_a and_o little_a long_a after_o their_o time_n if_o this_o commandment_n be_v safe_o keep_v which_o be_v lay_v on_o this_o church_n man_n will_v not_o be_v of_o so_o many_o religion_n but_o all_o will_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n cleave_v fast_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o it_o which_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n for_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o attain_v salvation_n last_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o those_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o therewith_o nothing_o regard_v new_a doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o glorious_a till_o i_o come_v here_o christ_n show_v how_o long_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v hold_v fast_o namely_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n whereby_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n church_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n but_o a_o most_o needful_a duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o by_o special_a commandment_n and_o withal_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o direct_v man_n soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 3.14_o to_o keep_v the_o true_a pattern_n of_o wholesome_a word_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o duty_n 3.15_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o christ_n for_o this_o cause_n give_v to_o his_o church_n both_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n â—1_n pastor_n to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o purity_n in_o manner_n and_o teacher_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n in_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n this_o therefore_o must_v admonish_v we_o that_o we_o have_v care_v not_o only_o to_o learn_v religion_n in_o our_o own_o person_n but_o also_o to_o convey_v the_o same_o to_o age_n follow_v that_o the_o purity_n thereof_o may_v be_v preserve_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n
this_o duty_n especial_o concern_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v teach_v the_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n and_o beat_v down_o false_a doctrine_n which_o poison_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n if_o in_o the_o night_n season_n a_o man_n set_v up_o a_o false_a light_n in_o the_o haven_n all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v to_o land_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o shipwreck_n so_o in_o god_n church_n if_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o pure_a religion_n be_v not_o set_v up_o and_o advance_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n the_o want_n of_o care_n in_o perform_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n send_v heresy_n and_o apostasy_n into_o his_o church_n thus_o come_v in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11_o because_o man_n love_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o i_o no_o doubt_n will_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o if_o we_o have_v not_o care_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n verse_n 26._o for_o he_o that_o overcom_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 nation_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v 28._o even_o as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n so_o will_v i_o give_v he_o the_o morning_n star_n 29._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n vers_fw-la 26_o 27_o 28._o second_o a_o commandment_n vers_fw-la 29._o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o the_o benefit_n promise_v the_o party_n to_o who_o be_v every_o one_o that_o overcom_v who_o christ_n describe_v by_o a_o property_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o keep_v his_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o description_n of_o true_a obedience_n first_o the_o form_n thereof_o consist_v in_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o do_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o of_o a_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o god_n accept_v their_o will_n and_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a obedience_n itself_o this_o we_o must_v know_v and_o hold_v for_o truth_n for_o many_o have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n and_o thereupon_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_v yet_o they_o must_v know_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o if_o they_o have_v care_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n and_o make_v conscience_n to_o obey_v that_o which_o they_o know_v than_o they_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n promise_v second_o obedience_n be_v here_o describe_v by_o the_o object_n or_o matter_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v all_o such_o work_n as_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o those_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o member_n use_n hereby_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o he_o that_o will_v obey_v god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v not_o think_v his_o own_o thought_n speak_v his_o own_o word_n nor_o do_v his_o own_o deed_n but_o he_o must_v think_v speak_v &_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n will_v have_v he_o second_o that_o no_o work_n be_v or_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o be_v ordain_v by_o he_o isaiah_n 29.13_o complain_v of_o they_o that_o will_v teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o man_n commandment_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n commandment_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o our_o obedience_n this_o rule_n overthrow_v all_o other_o religion_n beside_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o papist_n for_o almost_o all_o their_o work_n be_v of_o man_n invent_v and_o be_v never_o ordain_v by_o christ_n such_o be_v most_o point_n in_o popery_n as_o say_v of_o mass_n go_v on_o pilgrimage_n fasting_n vow_v and_o pray_v to_o saint_n etc._n etc._n three_o whereas_o he_o â—aith_v my_o work_n mean_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o all_o his_o work_n we_o learn_v that_o true_a obedience_n consist_v in_o do_v all_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v never_o part_v stake_n god_n must_v either_o have_v all_o our_o work_n or_o none_o and_o therefore_o david_n say_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v because_o 119.6_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n and_o good_a king_n josiaâ—_n be_v commâ—nded_v for_o that_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o 25_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n this_o point_n must_v be_v learn_v of_o all_o for_o many_o think_v if_o they_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n with_o 20_o herod_n all_o be_v well_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n many_o a_o man_n abhor_v covetousness_n and_o pride_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o true_a obedience_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o four_o branch_n of_o true_a obedience_n it_o be_v constant_a that_o obedience_n which_o christ_n will_v reward_v must_v not_o be_v for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o year_n but_o from_o time_n to_o time_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n and_o thus_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o obedience_n not_o by_o some_o particular_a action_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o a_o man_n life_n put_v case_n a_o man_n have_v make_v conscience_n of_o all_o his_o way_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o in_o sickness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o extremity_n thereof_o be_v distract_v and_o rave_v blaspheme_v god_n and_o so_o die_v what_o must_v we_o judge_v of_o this_o man_n sure_o we_o must_v not_o censure_v he_o by_o his_o behaviour_n in_o his_o sickness_n but_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v thâ—â—enour_n of_o his_o life_n if_o that_o have_v be_v upright_o than_o his_o obedience_n be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v reward_v ii_o point_n the_o benefit_n promise_v and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v power_n to_o rule_n verse_n 27._o 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v even_o as_o i_o receive_v of_o my_o father_n the_o second_o be_v the_o morning_n star_n verse_n 28._o where_o note_v by_o the_o way_n that_o these_o word_n even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n be_v refer_v amiss_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o morning_n star_n when_o as_o they_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o former_a word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o i_o have_v receive_v power_n over_o nation_n of_o my_o father_n so_o will_v i_o give_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v power_n to_o rule_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o iron_n etc._n etc._n now_o come_v to_o the_o benefit_n first_o here_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o nation_n christâ—_n power_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v very_o great_a and_o here_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o three_o argument_n borrow_v from_o the_o second_o psalm_n verse_n 8.9_o first_o by_o the_o largeness_n of_o it_o iâ—_n reach_v not_o to_o one_o country_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o country_n and_o to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o nation_n second_o by_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o it_o christ_n power_n be_v absolute_a in_o rule_v and_o overrule_a and_o this_o his_o sovereignty_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o make_v law_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o keep_v he_o may_v just_o condemn_v they_o and_o in_o overrule_a the_o will_n of_o all_o man_n conform_v they_o to_o his_o will_n will_v they_o will_v they_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o he_o shall_v rule_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n second_o in_o that_o he_o have_v this_o absolute_a power_n in_o himself_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v 1.18_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v three_o by_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o christ_n receive_v this_o power_n from_o his_o father_n indeed_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o his_o father_n and_o have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n his_o power_n be_v give_v he_o of_o his_o father_n mat._n 28.18_o for_o the_o better_a