city_n be_v church_n though_o not_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o member_n of_o it_o note_n first_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n see_v it_o be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o john_n to_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v meet_v it_o shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o church_n second_o it_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o church_n see_v the_o 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 not_o that_o their_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o because_o they_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o treasury_n from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o they_o be_v pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n because_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n 3._o because_o they_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n in_o and_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v fit_a this_o book_n shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o it_o second_o he_o write_v it_o not_o to_o all_o church_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v show_v second_o he_o say_v not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o asia_n to_o show_v they_o that_o which_o be_v long_o before_o foretell_v be_v now_o fulfil_v namely_o that_o the_o gentile_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v shall_v be_v call_v which_o now_o be_v verify_v see_v the_o gentile_n dwell_v in_o asia_n see_v john_n write_v and_o dedicate_v this_o book_n to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n many_o year_n after_o christ_n use_v &_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o papist_n be_v deceive_v who_o will_v have_v their_o church_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o all_o other_o church_n must_v rely_v on_o they_o but_o if_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v the_o mother_n and_o most_o famous_a no_o doubt_n john_n will_v have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o she_o but_o he_o do_v dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n show_v they_o be_v then_o more_o famous_a than_o rome_n 2_o now_o follow_v the_o salutation_n salutation_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n salutation_n be_v of_o two_o fort_n civil_a or_o religious_a civil_a as_o that_o which_o man_n use_v ordinary_o with_o one_o another_o 2._o religious_a which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o a_o religious_a salutation_n and_o see_v the_o apostle_n use_v it_o common_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n may_v be_v call_v a_o apostolical_a salutation_n they_o use_v this_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o do_v because_o their_o ministry_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o they_o make_v their_o salutation_n answerable_a to_o their_o ministry_n for_o their_o apostleship_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n &_o peace_n and_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o phrase_n in_o manner_n of_o blessing_n for_o when_o their_o ministry_n stand_v in_o two_o action_n in_o preach_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n under_o the_o second_o action_n of_o pray_v be_v contain_v this_o to_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o so_o do_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o levite_n 24._o as_o also_o christ_n he_o use_v this_o so_o minister_n to_o show_v their_o duty_n more_o full_o 21._o after_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n they_o bless_v the_o people_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o most_o excellent_a word_n and_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n grace_n signify_v two_o thing_n first_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a will_n second_o his_o grace_n here_o it_o signify_v his_o favour_n because_o in_o this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v oppose_v to_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n then_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v his_o good_a will_n and_o favour_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o we_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n s._n john_n begin_v with_o grace_n first_o and_o not_o with_o peace_n because_o grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o peace_n and_o all_o blessing_n &_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o have_v prosperity_n and_o grace_n from_o god_n grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o blessing_n as_o of_o our_o election_n vocation_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n nay_o it_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o begin_v with_o it_o and_o peace_n peace_n be_v take_v first_o for_o welfare_n and_o good_a success_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o god_n blessing_n exod._n 18._o 7._o moses_n ask_v jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n of_o his_o peace_n that_o be_v of_o his_o welfare_n and_o so_o it_o be_v partly_o take_v in_o this_o place_n second_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o unity_n and_o bless_a concord_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v especial_o take_v here_o and_o be_v thus_o take_v it_o have_v six_o part_n first_o when_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n which_o be_v when_o we_o stand_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n jesus_n second_o when_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n angel_n in_o that_o they_o guard_v we_o and_o carry_v we_o as_o a_o nurse_n do_v her_o child_n in_o her_o arm_n that_o we_o hurt_v not_o our_o foot_n at_o any_o stone_n and_o when_o they_o rejoice_v at_o our_o good_a estate_n psal._n 91._o 11._o the_o three_o be_v peace_n with_o a_o man_n self_n when_o his_o conscience_n will_v not_o accuse_v he_o but_o excuse_n and_o clear_v he_o as_o when_o our_o conscience_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n phil._n 4._o 7._o this_o peace_n pass_v all_o understanding_n the_o four_o be_v peace_n with_o the_o church_n so_o act._n 4._o 32._o those_o which_o believe_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o heart_n have_v peace_n with_o each_o other_o so_o esa._n 11._o 6._o the_o wild_a beast_n and_o the_o lion_n the_o lamb_n and_o the_o cockatrice_n and_o the_o young_a child_n shall_v lie_v together_o five_o this_o peace_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v with_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o joseph_n have_v peace_n in_o pharaoh_n house_n so_o daniel_n have_v peace_n with_o the_o king_n eunuch_n for_o though_o he_o be_v free_a when_o the_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o revolt_v but_o be_v favour_v they_o save_v he_o the_o six_o be_v peace_n with_o all_o god_n creature_n beast_n bird_n all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n ose._n 2._o 18._o the_o lord_n will_v make_v a_o covenant_n between_o we_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n psal._n 91._o 13._o the_o child_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o serpent_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v he_o for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o god_n favour_n what_o creature_n dare_v to_o hurt_v he_o nay_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o serve_v he_o grace_n and_o peace_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v first_o you_o must_v be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n you_o must_v have_v unity_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o and_o in_o christ_n and_o then_o this_o peace_n welfare_n prosperity_n in_o all_o good_a thing_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a yea_o then_o concord_n and_o unity_n with_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n will_v follow_v whereas_o the_o apostle_n wish_v they_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o place_n use_v he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o this_o god_n favour_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o above_o all_o thing_n yea_o in_o the_o first_o place_n psal._n 4._o 6._o many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a but_o david_n he_o seek_v this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n lord_n lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o i_o let_v i_o be_v in_o thy_o favour_n 57_o and_o often_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v his_o portion_n inheritance_n and_o his_o lot_n show_v to_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o must_v we_o seek_v first_o to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n make_v that_o our_o chief_a care_n seek_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n but_o we_o little_o
of_o he_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o it_o for_o no_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v it_o no_o natural_a man_n can_v discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o which_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o can_v second_o a_o man_n must_v have_v christ_n his_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o in_o they_o he_o set_v down_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o christ_n testimony_n be_v set_v down_o of_o the_o scripture_n question_n why_o do_v not_o all_o man_n know_v it_o unless_o a_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a faculty_n of_o see_v answer_n he_o can_v discern_v the_o sun_n though_o it_o shine_v so_o unless_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o scripture_n he_o can_v judge_v of_o they_o but_o if_o any_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v then_o if_o he_o read_v and_o mark_v the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o writing_n the_o stile_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o shall_v see_v then_o in_o every_o line_n a_o testimony_n of_o they_o give_v by_o christ._n how_o can_v a_o man_n know_v the_o true_a religion_n point_n see_v the_o turk_n papist_n question_n jew_n &_o protestant_n have_v their_o religion_n and_o die_v in_o they_o i_o answer_v answer_n for_o to_o know_v which_o be_v true_a of_o these_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o faithful_a witness_n christ_n and_o what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a religion_n that_o we_o must_v hold_v for_o true_a religion_n now_o christ_n he_o give_v testimony_n of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n show_v and_o testifi_n which_o be_v true_a religion_n not_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n turk_n or_o papist_n but_o of_o the_o christian._n sundry_a man_n hold_v diverse_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n point_n as_o the_o jew_n question_n turk_n papist_n &_o christian_a which_o be_v the_o true_a opinion_n how_o be_v it_o know_v answer_n answ._n still_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o these_o controversy_n now_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o mark_v they_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o judgement_n which_o of_o these_o be_v true_a but_o if_o there_o be_v diverse_a opinion_n of_o scripture_n what_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n yea_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v still_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o scripture_n &_o if_o we_o note_v the_o circumstance_n the_o manner_n of_o writing_n if_o we_o confer_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n we_o shall_v easy_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n for_o the_o lord_n set_v out_o in_o they_o his_o judgement_n plain_o and_o full_o the_o second_o certificate_n be_v particular_a belong_v to_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o certify_v man_n in_o particular_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o to_z peter_n john_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o that_o everlasting_a life_n belong_v to_o any_o child_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o be_v do_v especial_o by_o the_o word_n not_o read_v but_o preach_v be_v join_v with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o testify_v with_o our_o spirit_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n to_o certify_v man_n in_o particular_a that_o everlasting_a life_n belong_v to_o i_o or_o to_o any_o particular_a man_n than_o their_o doctrine_n be_v damnable_a who_o deny_v this_o see_v it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o christ._n and_o in_o this_o he_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v witness_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v only_o outward_o to_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o can_v speak_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o conscience_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o they_o certify_v any_o man_n particular_o though_o their_o ministry_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o a_o faithful_a witness_n first_o because_o he_o testify_v not_o his_o own_o will_n but_o he_o which_o send_v he_o namely_o his_o father_n second_o he_o testify_v all_o his_o father_n will_n neither_o add_v nor_o detract_n from_o it_o three_o because_o he_o teach_v it_o as_o he_o receive_v it_o sincere_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o which_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o alter_v change_a or_o deprave_v his_o father_n will_n that_o faithful_a witness_n the_o lord_n have_v sundry_a faithful_a witness_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n the_o church_n nay_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n psal._n 89._o vers_fw-la 37._o but_o christ_n alone_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n whereby_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o witness_n for_o he_o be_v above_o all_o other_o his_o witness_n be_v authentical_a sufficient_a of_o itself_o &_o needs_o no_o confirmation_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v not_o authentical_a and_o certain_a but_o as_o they_o consent_v with_o christ_n witness_n second_o he_o be_v that_o witness_n because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o that_o house_n whereof_o he_o give_v witness_n namely_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v but_o servant_n three_o christ_n his_o witness_n be_v inward_a it_o assure_v and_o speak_v to_o the_o conscience_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v outward_a only_a it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n it_o never_o bind_v and_o assure_v the_o conscience_n so_o that_o for_o that_o prerogative_n he_o be_v above_o all_o witness_n and_o here_o call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n 1._o whereas_o christ_n the_o doctor_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o be_v call_v a_o faithful_a witness_n we_o learn_v that_o all_o minister_n must_v be_v faithful_a witness_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o preach_v out_o of_o god_n word_n he_o be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n speak_v that_o which_o christ_n shall_v speak_v therefore_o he_o must_v be_v like_o christ_n a_o faithful_a witness_n 2._o now_o that_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a witness_n 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 so_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v to_o christ_n to_o teach_v his_o father_n will_n so_o abraham_n his_o 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._o 33._o so_o the_o minister_n must_v have_v care_n first_o to_o teach_v the_o will_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n 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 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 they_o be_v faithful_a minister_n which_o testify_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n neither_o add_v nor_o detract_n so_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 3._o he_o must_v neither_o add_v nor_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 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 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 it_o will_v appear_v 4._o the_o true_a witness_n must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o manner_n he_o receive_v it_o namely_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n in_o a_o plain_a easy_a manner_n in_o a_o familiar_a kind_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o hearer_n may_v be_v move_v when_o we_o seek_v to_o obscure_v the_o word_n we_o do_v corrupt_v the_o same_o and_o as_o trade_n man_n and_o huxter_n we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o declare_v the_o word_n in_o a_o plain_a easy_a familiar_a speech_n but_o as_o they_o set_v out_o their_o ware_n with_o sterch_v blow_a spice_v etc._n etc._n so_o we_o set_v a_o gloze_n on_o the_o word_n and_o make_v merchandise_n of_o it_o 2._o cor._n 2._o
any_o open_o wicked_a in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v any_o private_a company_n with_o he_o show_v he_o no_o special_a familiarity_n but_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o as_o burden_n to_o us._n and_o have_v examine_v they_o this_o sharp_a deal_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v 2_o part_n the_o first_o be_v examination_n the_o second_o condemnation_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n the_o first_o part_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n the_o second_o the_o oppose_a of_o herself_o against_o they_o be_v discover_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n teach_v two_o point_n first_o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o it_o special_a grace_n and_o wisdom_n a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o discern_v 1._o cor._n 2._o 15._o 1._o cor._n 11._o spiritual_a man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v of_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o blood_n between_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a bread_n and_o wine_n 2._o cor._n 13._o prove_v yourselves_o show_v that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v power_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v faith_n or_o not_o 1._o joh._n 5._o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o she_o have_v power_n to_o discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n and_o by_o this_o gift_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n no_o society_n save_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v this_o gift_n to_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o error_n true_a apostle_n and_o false_a apostle_n second_o we_o gather_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v whether_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o some_o man_n it_o please_v to_o call_v this_o to_o question_n nay_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church_n in_o england_n but_o call_v it_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o ministry_n in_o it_o no_o word_n no_o sacrament_n now_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o we_o in_o england_n and_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n in_o scotland_n &_o other_o evangelicall_a and_o reform_a church_n judge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v so_o though_o they_o deny_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rather_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o or_o many_o particular_a true_a church_n then_o of_o any_o one_o private_a or_o of_o many_o man_n yea_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o false_a apostle_n it_o have_v also_o power_n to_o judge_v of_o scripture_n to_o judge_v which_o book_n be_v canonical_a which_o be_v not_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v be_v false_a that_o the_o church_n indeed_o can_v judge_v but_o as_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o their_o church_n this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v this_o power_n long_o before_o rome_n be_v in_o such_o name_n nay_o it_o be_v in_o this_o time_n of_o john_n of_o far_o great_a name_n than_o rome_n and_o more_o famous_a and_o excellent_a the_o second_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discovery_n of_o false_a apostle_n consist_v in_o what_o this_o judicial_a action_n stand_v which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n it_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o condemnation_n of_o they_o after_o examination_n for_o the_o first_o he_o say_v and_o have_v examine_v for_o the_o second_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n to_o come_v to_o this_o examination_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v a_o gift_n of_o examination_n question_n and_o do_v examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o their_o doctrine_n but_o how_o may_v a_o particular_a church_n examine_v a_o false_a apostle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n answer_n to_o do_v this_o the_o man_n or_o church_n which_o will_v do_v it_o must_v first_o prepare_v themselves_o and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o examine_v and_o in_o this_o preparation_n must_v have_v a_o humble_a heart_n and_o lowly_a spirit_n for_o god_n reveal_v not_o his_o will_n to_o proud_a man_n such_o as_o have_v high_a mind_n in_o their_o conceit_n and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o he_o must_v clean_o renounce_v his_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o his_o own_o reason_n if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n after_o this_o preparation_n he_o must_v make_v prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o spirit_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v the_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v open_v his_o eye_n by_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o judge_v of_o truth_n &_o falsehood_n luk._n 11._o jam._n 1._o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o must_v labour_v thorough_o to_o know_v and_o well_o to_o conceive_v of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n he_o must_v seek_v to_o understand_v they_o their_o ground_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n to_o propound_v a_o man_n error_n and_o not_o in_o that_o meaning_n he_o propound_v it_o or_o give_v it_o they_o must_v further_o prove_v and_o try_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o do_v this_o he_o must_v come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o the_o matter_n not_o a_o dumb_a letter_n as_o the_o papist_n hold_v but_o the_o true_a judge_n in_o all_o matter_n and_o most_o sufficient_a esa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o joh._n 5._o search_v the_o scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n must_v be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o matter_n he_o must_v give_v sentence_n and_o no_o angel_n saint_n or_o man_n now_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o write_a word_n therefore_o they_o must_v search_v whether_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o can_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v collect_v out_o of_o they_o they_o must_v after_o all_o this_o look_n to_o their_o life_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o false_a apostle_n shall_v lead_v a_o good_a life_n we_o must_v look_v on_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o for_o though_o he_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o his_o life_n be_v well_o sift_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o mat._n 7._o christ_n bid_v we_o try_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n a_o bad_a tree_n can_v bring_v good_a fruit_n but_o if_o a_o man_n try_v and_o taste_v they_o though_o they_o appear_v beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v but_o hypocritical_a and_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v descry_v by_o this_o one_o mark_n by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o they_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n they_o have_v live_v answerable_a they_o can_v but_o live_v according_o there_o be_v never_o any_o which_o be_v a_o famous_a heretic_n in_o the_o church_n but_o his_o life_n be_v stain_v with_o monstrous_a sin_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o discovery_n be_v condemnation_n or_o sentence_n against_o they_o for_o after_o she_o have_v examine_v they_o &_o find_v they_o not_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v she_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n note_v she_o call_v they_o liar_n use_v sharp_a speech_n and_o yet_o sin_v not_o see_v christ_n commend_v she_o so_o minister_n to_o show_v their_o hatred_n against_o vice_n may_v use_v sharp_a speech_n not_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_v but_o only_o to_o show_v our_o hatred_n and_o mislike_v of_o sin_n so_o john_n baptist_n call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n paul_n the_o galatian_n fool_n in_o that_o she_o call_v they_o liar_n doctrine_n it_o show_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o speak_v false_o and_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v untrue_a second_o that_o they_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n to_o hurt_v and_o deceive_v the_o church_n for_o these_o three_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o liar_n again_o here_o we_o see_v that_o which_o paul_n act._n 20._o foretell_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o be_v fulfil_v that_o among_o the_o ephesian_n shall_v arise_v liar_n on_o they_o which_o profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o again_o if_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v yet_o alive_a dare_v so_o take_v on_o they_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n and_o be_v none_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n dare_v six_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o take_v this_o upon_o he_o and_o say_v he_o be_v peter_n successor_n to_o take_v on_o he_o apostolical_a power_n
here_o he_o command_v she_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n hence_o we_o see_v christ_n will_v have_v this_o church_n to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o maintain_v that_o and_o not_o to_o regard_v any_o other_o but_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n do_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n he_o shall_v be_v accurse_v galat_n 1._o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o main_a religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n use_v namely_o of_o the_o turk_n jew_n and_o papist_n the_o papist_n magnify_v their_o religion_n stand_v on_o unwritten_a tradition_n but_o they_o can_v prove_v they_o be_v apostolical_a ergo_fw-la we_o must_v not_o regard_v they_o no_o nor_o doctrine_n which_o man_n say_v they_o have_v by_o revelation_n for_o we_o must_v only_o regard_v apostolical_a doctrine_n as_o for_o the_o turk_n religion_n it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o creep_v in_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o and_o for_o the_o jew_n all_o their_o religion_n be_v against_o the_o gospel_n then_o good_a man_n in_o diverse_a country_n shall_v not_o be_v of_o diverse_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n neither_o shall_v man_n because_o of_o dissent_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o religion_n for_o christ_n enjoin_v this_o church_n to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o many_o dissent_v from_o it_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o end_n here_o not_o how_o long_o not_o one_o or_o two_o day_n but_o to_o the_o end_n and_o we_o must_v look_v to_o this_o see_v christ_n so_o straight_o command_v it_o because_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o mark_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o save_v man_n soul_n to_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o end_n and_o for_o this_o 2._o tim._n 2._o paul_n bid_v he_o teach_v that_o he_o learn_v that_o other_o may_v instruct_v they_o which_o follow_v and_o so_o convey_v it_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o for_o this_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n eph._n 4._o give_v the_o church_n pastor_n first_o such_o as_o by_o their_o teach_n maintain_v purity_n in_o manner_n and_o teacher_n which_o maintain_v it_o in_o doctrine_n then_o this_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o continue_v purity_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o mark_n be_v set_v wrong_n in_o the_o haven_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n so_o if_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n be_v corrupt_a which_o be_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o heaven_n than_o we_o shall_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o hell_n then_o the_o minister_n must_v not_o only_o teach_v true_o but_o labour_v to_o beat_v down_o false_a doctrine_n which_o poison_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o man_n labour_v not_o to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a doctrine_n the_o lord_n 2._o thess._n 2._o give_v they_o up_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o fantasy_n of_o man_n to_o he_o which_o overcome_v etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o last_o part_n to_o wit_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o party_n to_o who_o second_o the_o benefit_n promise_v the_o party_n to_o who_o to_o he_o which_o overcome_v who_o here_o christ_n describe_v to_o be_v he_o which_o keep_v his_o work_n by_o his_o practice_n of_o obedience_n he_o which_o keep_v or_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o obedience_n namely_o the_o observe_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o keep_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o constant_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v this_o privilege_n that_o their_o will_n and_o endeavour_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o the_o deed_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v many_o which_o have_v little_a knowledge_n these_o must_v not_o be_v cast_v down_o but_o if_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n their_o obedience_n be_v true_a obedience_n and_o acceptable_a to_o christ._n my_o work_n here_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o obedience_n namely_o christ_n work_n that_o be_v such_o work_n as_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o in_o his_o member_n christ_n call_v these_o work_n his_o work_n 1._o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v our_o word_n or_o work_n but_o only_o christ_n work_n command_v and_o ordain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o cause_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o we_o do_v when_o we_o conform_v our_o work_n and_o will_n to_o his_o word_n and_o will_n we_o see_v no_o work_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 2._o which_o be_v not_o order_v by_o christ_n word_n though_o we_o think_v high_o of_o it_o isaiah_n 6._o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o man_n commandment_n this_o condemn_v the_o turk_n papist_n and_o jew_n religion_n which_o be_v not_o work_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o sinful_a man_n stand_v in_o pray_v to_o saint_n fast_v vow_v mass_n etc._n etc._n my_o work_n not_o one_o or_o two_o work_n but_o all_o my_o work_n the_o creature_n must_v obey_v christ_n not_o in_o some_o but_o absolute_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o pattstake_v but_o will_v have_v all_o or_o none_o david_n psal._n 119._o conform_a himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n so_o hezekiah_n he_o turn_v to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n unto_o the_o end_n use_v here_o we_o see_v christ_n will_v have_v our_o obedience_n to_o be_v constant_a etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o obedience_n by_o one_o or_o two_o action_n but_o by_o the_o course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n if_o his_o life_n have_v be_v good_a with_o conscience_n of_o sin_n than_o his_o obedience_n be_v good_a for_o say_v a_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o sickness_n rage_n and_o rave_v at_o his_o death_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v live_v well_o and_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o he_o by_o that_o fit_a now_o the_o benefit_n promise_v be_v two_o first_o power_n to_o rule_n second_o the_o morning_n star_n i_o will_v give_v he_o power_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n these_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n not_o follow_v but_o before_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o they_o two_o question_n be_v necessary_a first_o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mediator_n second_o how_o far_o he_o convey_v power_n to_o his_o servant_n for_o the_o first_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v great_a and_o describe_v by_o three_o argument_n first_o to_o rule_v over_o nation_n here_o be_v the_o largeness_n of_o it_o for_o christ_n have_v power_n over_o all_o man_n all_o country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n second_o it_o be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a rule_v and_o overrule_a all_o creature_n overrule_v of_o none_o this_o sovereignty_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o give_v law_n that_o bind_v the_o conscience_n so_o that_o if_o man_n keep_v they_o not_o he_o have_v power_n to_o condemn_v they_o nay_o he_o rule_v man_n will_n and_o affection_n he_o can_v make_v they_o obey_v he_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o heart_n secon_o in_o that_o he_o have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o reu._n 3._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n psal._n 2._o he_o can_v break_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n three_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o father_n as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a to_o his_o father_n yet_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n he_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o thus_o be_v his_o power_n general_a sovereign_a and_o absolute_a to_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n how_o far_o this_o power_n be_v we_o and_o impart_v to_o us._n answ._n the_o general_a sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o give_v to_o we_o or_o to_o any_o creature_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v incommunicable_a to_o any_o creature_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n then_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n not_o to_o show_v that_o his_o absolute_a &_o sovereign_a power_n be_v give_v to_o we_o but_o because_o his_o creature_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o the_o full_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a come_v from_o it_o they_o have_v fruit_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o partake_v
in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n mark_v there_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o workmanship_n of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n isaiah_n 53._o 10._o say_v when_o christ_n shall_v give_v himself_o a_o free_a will_n offer_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n how_o thus_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v a_o new_a they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o root_n and_o so_o much_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n declare_v now_o he_o be_v such_o a_o beginning_n two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v a_o new_a christ_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o his_o conversion_n therefore_o isaiah_n 9_o 6._o he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o eternity_n because_o he_o do_v regenerate_v man_n to_o life_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o isaiah_n 8._o 18._o he_o say_v loe_o here_o i_o be_o and_o the_o child_n that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o second_o as_o he_o be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o ephes._n 5._o the_o church_n be_v flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o adam_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v and_o as_o eve_n have_v her_o beginning_n from_o adam_n side_n so_o the_o church_n and_o every_o christian_a have_v their_o be_v and_o begin_n from_o christ_n from_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o all_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v new_a creature_n and_o regenerate_a not_o as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n now_o the_o end_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v be_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o vice_n in_o that_o and_o other_o church_n man_n have_v more_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o seem_v to_o be_v christian_n then_o to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o man_n set_v more_o by_o a_o show_n than_o truth_n shadow_n than_o substance_n therefore_o he_o show_v that_o their_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o be_v true_a christian_n indeed_o &_o not_o to_o seem_v so_o only_o this_o church_n be_v not_o regenerate_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v they_o of_o it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o same_o be_v our_o fault_n our_o care_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o for_o the_o show_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o have_v care_n of_o this_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v good_a thing_n in_o their_o kind_n but_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n except_o thou_o become_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n thou_o have_v no_o good_a by_o they_o 2_o he_o say_v this_o to_o meet_v with_o another_o vice_n that_o be_v spiritual_a pride_n he_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o excellency_n in_o outward_a thing_n all_o earthly_a excellency_n be_v nothing_o without_o this_o whereby_o a_o man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o stand_v upon_o our_o pantofle_n for_o our_o birth_n or_o gentry_n but_o whosoever_o will_v rejoice_v must_v rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v christ_n for_o the_o author_n of_o his_o regeneration_n further_o this_o teach_v we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o christ_n love_v and_o preserve_v his_o church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o woman_n have_v not_o her_o beginning_n apart_o from_o man_n but_o of_o and_o from_o he_o that_o he_o may_v love_v she_o the_o better_a and_o have_v care_n of_o her_o preservation_n so_o this_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v a_o care_n of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v honour_v he_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o adam_n be_v but_o the_o matter_n only_o and_o not_o the_o author_n of_o hevah_n but_o christ_n be_v both_o to_o the_o church_n to_o show_v his_o love_n to_o be_v endless_a the_o root_n never_o hurt_v the_o branch_n nay_o it_o strengthen_v itself_o to_o defend_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v the_o branch_n it_o have_v no_o affection_n inclination_n or_o disposition_n to_o hurt_v but_o to_o help_v thus_o much_o of_o these_o word_n to_o note_v the_o bond_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n yea_o his_o love_n and_o our_o duty_n hence_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v in_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o will_n in_o his_o regeneration_n and_o that_o he_o can_v dispose_v himself_o in_o his_o justification_n for_o a_o creature_n can_v work_v nor_o help_v to_o create_v himself_o but_o every_o regenerate_a person_n be_v a_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v here_o make_v the_o creation_n of_o a_o man_n the_o creature_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o such_o say_n in_o the_o bible_n this_o one_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v that_o opinion_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n now_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n or_o content_n and_o substance_n verse_n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o hot_a etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o dispraise_n or_o reproof_n second_o counsel_n the_o dispraise_n be_v for_o two_o fault_n the_o first_o lukewarmnesse_n the_o second_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n then_o first_o i_o will_v make_v the_o word_n plain_a second_o declare_v the_o use_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o be_v all_o thy_o way_n and_o work_n be_v manifest_a to_o i_o and_o i_o utter_o dislike_v they_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a their_o fault_n the_o more_o he_o borrow_v a_o comparison_n from_o water_n whereof_o there_o be_v these_o three_o sort_n hot_a cold_a and_o warm_a cold_a and_o hot_a water_n may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o stomach_n with_o less_o hurt_n and_o annoyance_n but_o the_o water_n that_o be_v lukewarm_a trouble_v the_o stomach_n and_o cease_v not_o till_o it_o be_v cast_v up_o again_o now_o with_o these_o three_o kind_n of_o water_n he_o compare_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o cold_a man_n understand_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n as_o jew_n and_o gentile_n turk_n and_o saracen_n gadaren_n and_o galilean_n by_o hot_a understand_v man_n zealous_a in_o religion_n by_o lukewarm_a indifferent_a so_o the_o meaning_n be_v thou_o be_v neither_o a_o open_a enemy_n of_o religion_n nor_o yet_o true_o religious_a or_o a_o true_a friend_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n christ_n here_o make_v a_o wish_n but_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o estate_n he_o wish_v they_o be_v either_o of_o those_o rather_o than_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o this_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v that_o christ_n shall_v wish_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o people_n no_o people_n of_o god_n by_o lukewarmenesse_n he_o understand_v a_o people_n profess_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o great_o regard_v and_o reverence_v it_o this_o people_n be_v a_o lukewarm_a people_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v a_o mixture_n of_o both_o neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a want_v the_o heat_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v heat_v and_o inflame_v vers._n 16._o because_o thou_o be_v neither_o etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v receive_v such_o water_n will_v cast_v it_o up_o and_o can_v keep_v it_o in_o so_o christ_n be_v grieve_v with_o their_o sin_n will_v cast_v they_o off_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o in_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v first_o christ_n set_v down_o their_o fault_n and_o aggravate_v it_o second_o he_o compare_v three_o kind_n of_o man_n together_o the_o hot_a man_n have_v the_o best_a place_n and_o the_o cold_a man_n the_o second_o and_o the_o lukewarm_a man_n the_o last_o and_o low_a so_o you_o see_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o god_n grace_n be_v better_a than_o he_o that_o profess_v religion_n and_o live_v not_o thereafter_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o ordinary_a gospeller_n which_o content_v himself_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o so_o good_a before_o god_n as_o the_o turk_n and_o jew._n the_o threaten_n follow_v i_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n now_o have_v find_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o may_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o and_o even_o plain_a laodicean_n which_o that_o you_o may_v see_v i_o will_v show_v diverse_a kind_n of_o such_o lukewarm_a gospeler_n and_o christian_n 1_o
servant_n in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n for_o s._n john_n be_v his_o servant_n not_o only_o in_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o general_o but_o in_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o particular_a call_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o paul_n 9_o he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o general_o but_o in_o the_o special_a call_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o preach_v the_o same_o this_o example_n of_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v our_o direction_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o general_a call_n of_o christian_n but_o serve_v christ_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o profess_v christ_n in_o public_a assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n we_o must_v serve_v he_o at_o home_n as_o the_o magistrate_n not_o only_o in_o his_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o in_o his_o particular_a call_n as_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n the_o minister_n as_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n as_o he_o be_v a_o master_n and_o so_o all_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a calling_n must_v obey_v christ._n and_o if_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n come_v to_o the_o assembly_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n yet_o in_o his_o family_n fail_v and_o perform_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o master_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n he_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n though_o man_n accept_v so_o of_o he_o because_o he_o must_v be_v obedient_a to_o christ_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a call_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o john_n be_v describe_v namely_o the_o effect_n that_o he_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o john_n bear_v this_o record_n partly_o by_o preach_v partly_o by_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v two_o part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n add_v of_o thing_n do_v and_o say_v by_o christ._n and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v call_v his_o testimony_n into_o question_n he_o say_v he_o testify_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_n he_o see_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a the_o end_n why_o he_o allege_v these_o word_n be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o these_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v use_v that_o to_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o a_o false_a if_o they_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v true_a deut._n 13._o if_o they_o work_v wonder_n and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o true_a god_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o must_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v of_o his_o authority_n he_o allege_v luk._n 10._o 1._o johns_n testimony_n and_o confirm_v johns_n testimony_n to_o be_v true_a ask_v they_o this_o question_n the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n show_v that_o john_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n see_v his_o baptism_n that_o be_v his_o doctrine_n be_v from_o heaven_n hereby_o we_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o false_a allege_a by_o the_o papist_n be_v no_o true_a difference_n for_o they_o say_v if_o one_o can_v work_v miracle_n he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n whereas_o deut._n 13._o false_a prophet_n may_v do_v that_o but_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o he_o which_o bring_v this_o though_o he_o can_v not_o work_v a_o miracle_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n now_o follow_v the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v which_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o propound_v and_o deliver_v of_o it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o delivery_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n second_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n now_o in_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o convey_v his_o scripture_n to_o man_n we_o see_v his_o perpetual_a care_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n also_o we_o see_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n as_o also_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o book_n see_v they_o be_v deliver_v to_o man_n by_o god_n and_o by_o he_o he_o deliver_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n this_o show_v the_o blasphemy_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n a_o dumb_a judge_n they_o hold_v that_o general_a counsel_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o word_n that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n it_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n to_o they_o which_o otherwise_o they_o say_v of_o themselves_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a and_o dumb_a word_n but_o we_o see_v they_o be_v far_o above_o all_o these_o for_o they_o be_v most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a and_o also_o most_o excellent_a see_v they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o he_o convey_v to_o a_o angel_n who_o deliver_v they_o to_o john_n and_o he_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o church_n these_o degree_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o show_v they_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a bless_a be_v they_o which_o hear_v etc._n etc._n 3._o here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n of_o this_o description_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v by_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o be_v hear_v or_o read_v and_o join_v with_o mark_v and_o attention_n it_o bring_v happiness_n bless_a that_o be_v blessedness_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a belong_v to_o they_o which_o hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n and_o mark_v it_o keep_v it_o in_o memory_n remember_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n partly_o present_a partly_o to_o come_v bless_a be_v he_o which_o read_v here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o of_o this_o book_n particular_o for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o life_n everlasting_a joh._n 20._o last_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o so_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n 1._o joh._n 1._o â—_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n itself_o joh._n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v thence_o erroneous_a and_o miss_v of_o the_o end_n of_o happiness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v light_a by_o by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n and_o have_v all_o their_o truth_n from_o it_o see_v the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n 1_o as_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n we_o see_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o bar_v they_o of_o
this_o book_n to_o make_v they_o read_v and_o take_v delight_n in_o it_o now_o all_o of_o we_o will_v say_v god_n love_v i_o and_o have_v pardon_v my_o sin_n in_o christ_n then_o we_o shall_v show_v our_o love_n again_o to_o he_o in_o take_v delight_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n set_v down_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o god_n have_v love_v we_o we_o must_v then_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o in_o sign_n of_o love_n again_o ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o do_v he_o obedience_n rom._n 12._o in_o regard_n of_o recompense_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n shed_v out_o and_o show_v unto_o us._n and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n and_o his_o father_n even_o his_o father_n in_o these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o action_n work_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n he_o have_v make_v every_o true_a member_n of_o it_o a_o king_n and_o a_o priest_n better_a to_o understand_v these_o word_n we_o must_v consider_v in_o they_o four_o point_n first_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n king_n and_o priest_n second_o when_o they_o be_v make_v namely_o have_v make_v speak_v in_o the_o time_n past_a note_v that_o true_a believer_n be_v king_n and_o priest_n three_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o be_v not_o create_v such_o neither_o bear_v to_o be_v such_o but_o he_o have_v make_v we_o such_o four_o to_o who_o to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n first_o our_o dignity_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n have_v two_o head_n first_o king_n second_o priest_n they_o be_v call_v king_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o most_o believer_n on_o earth_n be_v base_a but_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o lord_n he_o give_v they_o this_o title_n and_o interest_n to_o be_v king_n to_o have_v right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o christ._n so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n 31._o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v interest_n and_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n of_o all_o these_o enemy_n sin_n satan_n the_o world_n death_n hell_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n second_o because_o in_o and_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o have_v interest_n into_o it_o and_o right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o happiness_n for_o they_o receive_v of_o christ_n grace_n for_o grace_n glory_n for_o glory_n felicity_n and_o happiness_n for_o glory_n happiness_n and_o felicity_n three_o because_o they_o be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o creature_n except_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 3._o 21._o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o to_o they_o all_o thing_n be_v they_o they_o god_n and_o we_o have_v interest_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o christ._n ob._n but_o if_o christ_n be_v king_n and_o all_o his_o member_n how_o do_v they_o differ_v answ._n in_o two_o point_n first_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n therefore_o a_o king_n by_o nature_n and_o so_o his_o inheritance_n belong_v to_o he_o by_o nature_n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o our_o right_n to_o that_o kingdom_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o adoption_n second_o christ_n he_o be_v king_n over_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o over_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v absolute_a king_n over_o all_o and_o have_v his_o regiment_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o can_v by_o his_o word_n bind_v they_o but_o his_o member_n they_o be_v not_o universal_a king_n for_o they_o have_v not_o superiority_n above_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v they_o absolute_a king_n as_o he_o be_v neither_o by_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o they_o participate_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o dignity_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v priest_n in_o that_o we_o be_v consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o christ_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n here_o in_o this_o life_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v eternal_o to_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o christ_n he_o be_v priest_n so_o be_v we_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v difference_n first_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o external_a and_o real_a priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o offer_v up_o a_o true_a real_a and_o external_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o we_o we_o be_v not_o real_a and_o external_a priest_n but_o spiritual_a offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o christ_n have_v this_o privilege_n to_o offer_v up_o a_o real_a corporal_a and_o substantial_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o do_v not_o so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n give_v a_o alm_n he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o a_o corporal_a sacrifice_n but_o spiritual_a every_o way_n again_o note_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a priest_n and_o offer_v up_o a_o perfect_a sacrifice_n but_o we_o be_v imperfect_a do_v offer_v up_o a_o imperfect_a sacrifice_n taint_v and_o blemish_v with_o sin_n but_o accept_v as_o perfect_v for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n second_o we_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o in_o the_o entrance_n into_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n there_o be_v degree_n as_o first_o to_o give_v one_o title_n to_o it_o second_o to_o give_v he_o possession_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o to_o give_v one_o title_n only_o so_o god_n child_n they_o have_v the_o right_n give_v they_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n and_o as_o in_o the_o give_n of_o possession_n of_o a_o kingdom_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o possession_n second_o the_o full_a enjoy_n and_o perfect_a possession_n so_o we_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n 27._o which_o stand_v in_o righteousness_n joy_n and_o peace_n and_o they_o which_o have_v these_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n begin_v in_o they_o the_o second_o part_n and_o degree_n be_v after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o full_a fruition_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o in_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v begin_v here_o and_o accomplish_v there_o and_o as_o we_o be_v king_n in_o this_o world_n so_o we_o must_v be_v priest_n too_o in_o offer_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o dedicate_a and_o consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n have_v make_v us._n true_a believer_n be_v king_n and_o priest_n not_o by_o nature_n neither_o bear_v such_o nor_o by_o creation_n or_o birth_n or_o blood_n be_v they_o such_o or_o by_o any_o other_o privilege_n they_o have_v from_o man_n how_o then_o as_o earthly_a king_n and_o priest_n be_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o be_v spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o new_a the_o king_n be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v by_o a_o solemn_a call_n so_o the_o priest_n by_o a_o solemn_a election_n so_o be_v the_o king_n and_o priest_n which_o be_v spiritual_a by_o a_o divine_a call_n in_o which_o calling_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o christ_n give_v his_o member_n right_a to_o his_o own_o kingdom_n to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n yet_o not_o so_o that_o they_o can_v execute_v the_o regiment_n sustain_v by_o christ_n and_o do_v the_o office_n of_o a_o king_n and_o priest_n as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n but_o because_o they_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o part_n and_o they_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o both_o redound_v to_o they_o whole_o and_o this_o right_n they_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o promise_v that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n will_v give_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n jesus_n his_o son_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n as_o he_o give_v they_o this_o to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o his_o servant_n as_o member_n and_o he_o impart_v it_o to_o they_o in_o some_o sort_n second_o in_o the_o appoint_v of_o king_n
subsist_v these_o word_n prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v they_o be_v to_o certify_v he_o that_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o to_o show_v he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o bring_v his_o own_o testimony_n namely_o i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v unto_o thou_o be_v from_o god_n even_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 1._o which_o be_o god_n equal_a to_o my_o father_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o christ_n note_v a_o singular_a care_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n but_o withal_o to_o certify_v his_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o here_o he_o tell_v john_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n to_o certify_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o he_o reveal_v not_o only_o his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o act._n 10._o peter_n have_v a_o vision_n and_o withal_o the_o lord_n assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o vision_n and_o when_o christ_n preach_v his_o father_n will_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n which_o be_v as_o sâ—ales_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o 2._o that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o will_n this_o first_o confute_v the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a till_o we_o hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v uncertain_a to_o we_o though_o certain_a in_o itself_o to_o be_v certain_a to_o us._n but_o we_o must_v here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o child_n but_o withal_o use_v mean_n to_o certify_v man_n heart_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sure_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o even_o to_o man_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o speak_v word_n of_o the_o same_o â—_o this_o confute_v all_o carnal_a man_n there_o be_v many_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v as_o they_o think_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n see_v man_n opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o diverse_a that_o one_o can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o we_o differ_v in_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o diverse_a opinion_n yet_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n they_o differ_v not_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v differ_v in_o opinion_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o religion_n but_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v stand_v sure_a and_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o lord_n can_v make_v man_n out_o of_o it_o to_o learn_v his_o will_n and_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o religion_n now_o follow_v the_o commandment_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n etc._n etc._n this_o have_v two_o part_n first_o s._n john_n must_v write_v the_o thing_n he_o receive_v second_o he_o must_v send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n now_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o book_n and_o he_o must_v set_v down_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o god_n to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n because_o he_o be_v now_o in_o banishment_n and_o can_v not_o come_v to_o they_o and_o be_v present_a with_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o therefore_o he_o must_v write_v these_o in_o a_o book_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v holpen_v by_o they_o second_o he_o must_v not_o only_o write_v they_o in_o a_o book_n but_o send_v they_o to_o these_o seven_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o cruel_a time_n of_o their_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v these_o book_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o truth_n first_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o word_n second_o because_o she_o keep_v the_o same_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o also_o give_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o then_o that_o these_o church_n may_v keep_v publish_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o must_v send_v they_o write_v to_o they_o hence_o we_o learn_v use_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v a_o excellent_a help_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o send_v this_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n this_o confute_v first_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o write_a word_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a &_o inky_a letter_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n to_o be_v turn_v any_o way_n second_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o look_v for_o revelation_n contemn_v the_o write_a word_n but_o see_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n we_o may_v learn_v 2._o that_o the_o read_n of_o this_o book_n as_o of_o other_o scripture_n be_v god_n ordinance_n whether_o it_o be_v public_a or_o private_a and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o use_v as_o god_n ordinance_n with_o reverence_n and_o good_a conscience_n indeed_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o begin_v faith_n and_o to_o work_v repentance_n but_o the_o read_n of_o they_o public_o and_o private_o have_v his_o proper_a use_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n yea_o to_o increase_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o us._n write_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o that_o a_o man_n in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n may_v be_v the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n s._n john_n a_o famous_a apostle_n and_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o banishment_n and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n from_o all_o company_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o give_v to_o none_o but_o they_o which_o be_v his_o servant_n then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v and_o continue_v in_o banishment_n yet_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n we_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o he_o be_v sure_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o john_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o these_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o most_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n in_o which_o be_v plant_v seven_o most_o excellent_a church_n of_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n here_o be_v name_v one_o by_o one_o then_o i_o turn_v back_o 12._o here_o be_v his_o preparation_n or_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n when_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o i_o be_v loud_a and_o great_a i_o turn_v to_o see_v he_o which_o deliver_v it_o to_o i_o in_o the_o preparation_n we_o must_v consider_v first_o the_o mean_n to_o move_v john_n to_o attention_n namely_o a_o voice_n second_o the_o end_n to_o make_v he_o attentive_a and_o to_o enjoin_v he_o his_o duty_n namely_o to_o write_v and_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o preparation_n which_o be_v that_o he_o turn_v back_o when_o he_o hear_v this_o loud_a and_o great_a voice_n to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v which_o give_v the_o voice_n by_o this_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n we_o may_v learn_v our_o duty_n for_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o man_n which_o give_v the_o voice_n so_o must_v we_o deal_v with_o god_n s._n john_n hear_v a_o voice_n and_o then_o he_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v so_o must_v we_o do_v with_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n ready_a to_o turn_v from_o god_n and_o run_v from_o he_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v by_o our_o sin_n now_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o we_o be_v run_v on_o in_o another_o way_n we_o must_v turn_v to_o he_o turn_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o way_n confess_v our_o sin_n to_o he_o that_o so_o
man_n from_o evil_a action_n and_o affection_n to_o renew_a affection_n and_o renew_a action_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o the_o common_a description_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o good_a in_o that_o they_o say_v it_o stand_v in_o contrition_n which_o be_v sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o may_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o repentance_n godly_a sorrow_n indeed_o cause_v repentance_n but_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o cor._n 7._o 9_o 10._o or_o else_o that_o be_v if_o you_o will_v not_o practice_v that_o remedy_n to_o wit_n renew_v your_o former_a love_n and_o repentance_n i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_n i_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o short_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o a_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n he_o come_v when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n to_o they_o by_o show_v mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n come_v to_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o peter_n say_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n 19_o second_o he_o come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n so_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n i_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o father_n sin_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o their_o child_n and_o will_v punish_v they_o so_o here_o if_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o he_o will_v come_v to_o she_o to_o testify_v his_o presence_n in_o judgement_n not_o mercy_n out_o of_o this_o first_o general_n threaten_v 1._o we_o may_v learn_v this_o one_o thing_n when_o any_o people_n or_o church_n live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n or_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n he_o than_o prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o they_o in_o judgement_n amos_n 4._o 12._o he_o will_v punish_v they_o because_o they_o return_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o lay_v in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o meet_v he_o this_o we_o must_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o our_o church_n and_o people_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v our_o sin_n we_o have_v decay_v in_o our_o first_o love_n since_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n first_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n and_o beside_o these_o sin_n we_o lie_v in_o many_o fearful_a sin_n atheism_n now_o abound_v in_o judgement_n and_o in_o practice_n contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o what_o man_n be_v it_o that_o prepare_v to_o meet_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o he_o may_v just_o say_v we_o do_v decay_n in_o love_n that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o for_o these_o sin_n in_o judgement_n in_o plague_n and_o punishment_n and_o so_o be_v he_o come_v at_o this_o day_n it_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o sin_n he_o will_v sure_o come_v thus_o then_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v be_v long_o come_v to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o repent_v if_o we_o will_v not_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v come_v and_o that_o short_o and_o remove_v his_o gospel_n he_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n to_o destroy_v us._n the_o second_o threaten_v be_v more_o particular_a i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n here_o he_o show_v in_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o namely_o to_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o candlestick_n then_o when_o he_o say_v he_o will_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n he_o mean_v his_o word_n and_o gospel_n take_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n from_o she_o and_o so_o make_v she_o become_v of_o a_o church_n no_o church_n and_o have_v remove_v the_o gospel_n will_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o send_v ignorance_n and_o blindness_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o continue_v still_o in_o thy_o sin_n in_o this_o second_o threaten_v note_n three_o thing_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n second_o the_o church_n and_o people_n three_o every_o private_a man_n first_o concern_v the_o minister_n if_o he_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o religion_n if_o he_o continue_v and_o lie_v in_o his_o sin_n or_o any_o one_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o office_n and_o calling_n and_o of_o his_o gift_n for_o this_o be_v especial_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n jer._n 15._o end_n the_o prophet_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n partly_o by_o fear_n partly_o by_o want_n of_o patience_n then_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v a_o prophet_n to_o jeremy_n tell_v he_o that_o unless_o he_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o repent_v the_o lord_n will_v make_v he_o no_o prophet_n so_o that_o in_o he_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o minister_n that_o if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n to_o remain_v they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n decay_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o religion_n for_o then_o their_o calling_n and_o gift_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n so_o especial_o for_o minister_n they_o must_v especial_o renew_v it_o see_v that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o continue_v their_o calling_n and_o gift_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v concern_v a_o church_n or_o people_n if_o any_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o his_o word_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n they_o then_o procure_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n to_o take_v from_o they_o his_o word_n the_o gospel_n and_o true_a religion_n ose._n 9_o 7._o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o man_n of_o spirit_n be_v mad_a a_o heavy_a judgement_n whereof_o come_v this_o he_o say_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a and_o become_v mad_a if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o fear_n that_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o for_o in_o most_o man_n there_o be_v great_a decay_n in_o love_n see_v religion_n be_v hate_v and_o contemn_v of_o most_o man_n therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o fear_v and_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o must_v needs_o remove_v his_o word_n take_v his_o gospel_n away_o if_o we_o meet_v he_o not_o with_o repentance_n for_o he_o in_o justice_n give_v man_n to_o believe_v lie_n when_o as_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o truth_n and_o gospel_n be_v so_o long_o among_o they_o our_o duty_n then_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n by_o hearty_a and_o true_a repentance_n the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n every_o private_a christian_a now_o a_o day_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n lie_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o etc._n etc._n now_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o particular_a gift_n for_o as_o a_o man_n love_n decay_v his_o knowledge_n decay_v and_o so_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o love_n to_o it_o wax_v cold_a in_o a_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v all_o the_o wheel_n stand_v if_o it_o go_v soft_o or_o swift_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o wheel_n go_v according_o so_o if_o our_o love_n be_v increase_v our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o if_o our_o love_n decay_v our_o knowledge_n our_o understanding_n in_o religion_n decay_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o ancient_a folk_n because_o they_o lose_v their_o love_n heb._n 4._o 12._o first_o we_o be_v deceive_v by_o sin_n second_o our_o heart_n be_v harden_v three_o we_o call_v into_o question_n religion_n 4._o we_o set_v ourselves_o against_o religion_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o it_o so_o that_o decay_n in_o grace_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o apostasy_n then_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n we_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n not_o live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n neither_o decay_n in_o love_n knowledge_n or_o affection_n to_o religion_n some_o gather_v hence_o that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v final_o and_o whole_o for_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v much_o more_o one_o man_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o a_o whole_a church_n for_o a_o church_n stand_v of_o a_o mix_a company_n good_a and_o bad_a sheep_n and_o goat_n corn_n and_o chaff_n wheat_n and_o tare_n now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o wicked_a may_v
root_n from_o whence_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o all_o righteousness_n see_v christ_n be_v holy_a use_v both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o we_o yea_o the_o root_n of_o all_o holiness_n we_o must_v note_v this_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v and_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n as_o a_o branch_n into_o a_o tree_n and_o be_v once_o in_o he_o to_o become_v new_a creature_n to_o labour_v to_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n kill_v in_o we_o the_o old_a man_n our_o natural_a corruption_n and_o also_o renew_v in_o we_o the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o feel_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n as_o sensible_o in_o we_o as_o we_o feel_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o show_v this_o virtue_n we_o receive_v of_o christ_n even_o as_o a_o branch_n show_v the_o sap_n it_o receive_v from_o the_o root_n by_o the_o leaf_n and_o fruit_n 2_o see_v christ_n be_v thus_o holy_a he_o propound_v to_o we_o a_o pattern_n to_o follow_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o to_o mark_v what_o he_o do_v and_o to_o imitate_v it_o 1._o joh._n 3._o 4._o we_o must_v purge_v ourselves_o of_o sin_n and_o be_v pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a for_o he_o which_o be_v not_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a shall_v have_v no_o benefit_n or_o fellowship_n by_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n three_o we_o see_v that_o title_n give_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v blasphemous_a to_o call_v he_o holiness_n as_o it_o be_v common_a in_o all_o their_o speech_n to_o he_o now_o he_o in_o that_o take_v to_o he_o the_o title_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n honour_n communicable_a to_o none_o else_o nay_o he_o take_v more_o on_o he_o then_o christ_n here_o do_v for_o christ_n be_v call_v but_o holy_a he_o be_v call_v holiness_n itself_o the_o second_o title_n of_o christ_n be_v truth_n christ_n be_v call_v true_a in_o three_o respect_n first_o because_o without_o error_n and_o ignorance_n he_o know_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o do_v not_o creature_n but_o by_o virtue_n from_o he_o second_o because_o what_o he_o will_v and_o decree_v he_o will_v and_o decree_v serious_o without_o fraud_n deceit_n or_o any_o contradiction_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n wherein_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o itself_o but_o all_o without_o change_n and_o alteration_n three_o because_o he_o make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n in_o his_o word_n he_o accomplish_v and_o perform_v they_o all_o he_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o and_o amen_o see_v christ_n be_v true_a 1._o nay_o truth_n itself_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o christ_n and_o all_o false_a spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spirit_n of_o error_n the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n nay_o his_o nature_n be_v to_o lie_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o but_o christ_n be_v true_a nay_o truth_n itself_o every_o way_n true_a in_o his_o knowledge_n in_o his_o will_n and_o in_o his_o promise_n he_o be_v true_a see_v christ_n be_v absolute_o true_a 2._o we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o believe_v his_o promise_n in_o his_o word_n without_o doubt_v for_o see_v christ_n be_v true_a nay_o truth_n itself_o what_o need_v we_o call_v his_o promise_n into_o question_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a prop_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o he_o which_o promise_v be_v true_a &_o therefore_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n so_o in_o persecution_n in_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n trust_v in_o christ_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o help_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v because_o he_o be_v most_o true_a of_o his_o promise_n see_v he_o be_v so_o true_a 3._o he_o propound_v himself_o to_o be_v follow_v of_o us._n christ_n he_o know_v thing_n true_o he_o will_v and_o decree_v thing_n serious_o so_o shall_v we_o promise_v and_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a our_o lawful_a promise_n psal._n 55._o the_o lord_n hate_v the_o deceitful_a person_n reu._n 20._o without_o that_o be_v in_o hell_n be_v all_o deceitful_a and_o lie_a person_n psal._n 15._o it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o to_o speak_v truth_n from_o his_o heart_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o lie_n 3_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o kingly_a office_n which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n first_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o david_n isaiah_n 22._o 22._o speak_v of_o eliakim_n say_v i_o will_v put_v the_o key_n of_o david_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n for_o ezra_n have_v be_v hezechiahs_n steward_n a_o ancient_a steward_n in_o many_o kingdom_n but_o in_o his_o day_n he_o begin_v to_o be_v negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n therefore_o he_o decree_v to_o cast_v he_o out_o and_o to_o place_n eliakim_n in_o his_o stead_n 2._o king_n 18._o 18._o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o will_v put_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n on_o his_o shoulder_n for_o by_o david_n house_n be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o david_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o place_n and_o invest_v he_o into_o his_o office_n and_o give_v he_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o david_n christ_n here_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n great_a and_o large_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o chief_a governor_n in_o a_o kingdom_n it_o will_v be_v say_v david_n key_n be_v temporal_a christ_n kingdom_n spiritual_a ans._n first_o christ_n have_v david_n key_n proper_o for_o when_o christ_n be_v bear_v the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n so_o that_o christ_n then_o be_v the_o next_o to_o it_o and_o have_v true_a right_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n luk._n 3._o and_o christ_n challenge_v his_o right_n say_v mat._n 17._o 26._o that_o the_o king_n son_n be_v free_a and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o to_o pay_v tribute_n 2_o christ_n have_v david_n key_n typical_o and_o figurative_o for_o david_n temporal_a kingdom_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a kingdom_n so_o david_n be_v a_o figure_n and_o type_n of_o christ_n therefore_o he_o be_v often_o call_v christ_n and_o ezec._n 3_o christ_n be_v call_v david_n now_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v david_n kingdom_n and_o not_o nero_n or_o any_o other_o because_o their_o kingdom_n be_v kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o misery_n and_o curse_a kingdom_n but_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n a_o bless_a kingdom_n have_v those_o man_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n then_o where_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v david_n key_n it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o with_o david_n but_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o david_n key_n christ_n mat._n 2._o be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n not_o that_o he_o use_v their_o rite_n and_o custom_n for_o he_o drink_v wine_n they_o do_v not_o but_o because_o he_o be_v that_o signify_v by_o a_o nazarite_n namely_o by_o samson_n jud._n 13._o for_o as_o he_o slay_v more_o by_o his_o death_n then_o by_o his_o life_n so_o christ_n he_o save_v more_o by_o death_n then_o by_o his_o life_n yet_o christ_n be_v a_o nazarite_n that_o be_v sever_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o pollution_n and_o so_o christ_n have_v david_n key_n that_o be_v the_o spiritual_a key_n signify_v by_o his_o temporal_a key_n which_o key_n signify_v authority_n power_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o open_v and_o none_o shut_v in_o these_o word_n christ_n have_v relation_n to_o a_o house_n where_o when_o one_o open_v the_o door_n he_o open_v the_o house_n and_o so_o christ_n he_o open_v and_o he_o shut_v which_o show_v his_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o he_o have_v it_o absolute_o no_o creature_n be_v above_o he_o but_o he_o can_v shut_v or_o open_v at_o his_o pleasure_n now_o this_o key_n be_v the_o power_n of_o christ._n in_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v a_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o church_n by_o which_o he_o can_v save_v or_o destroy_v now_o this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n have_v three_o part_n first_o to_o prescribe_v second_o to_o judge_v three_o to_o save_v and_o destory_n first_o to_o prescribe_v he_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n without_o constraint_n of_o any_o creature_n to_o command_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v or_o not_o so_o he_o
yea_o though_o they_o preach_v it_o oftentimes_o but_o they_o must_v look_v that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o ease_v but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o hearer_n hear_v the_o minister_n repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o curious_o to_o reprehend_v he_o for_o than_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reprehend_v christ_n himself_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v here_o then_o be_v a_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v this_o hear_n be_v the_o good_a learning_n that_o bring_v true_a faith_n salvation_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o it_o but_o to_o who_o be_v this_o commandment_n give_v to_o hear_v hearer_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n but_o with_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n hence_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v to_o all_o man_n grace_v to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o their_o salvation_n second_o that_o we_o must_v so_o hear_v that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o change_v but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n teach_v to_o the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v attentive_o he_o use_v a_o double_a reason_n one_o draw_v from_o the_o speaker_n another_o from_o the_o auditor_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o before_o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v 14._o etc._n etc._n as_o before_o all_o the_o other_o epistle_n so_o before_o this_o last_o epistle_n there_o be_v a_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n to_o write_v it_o and_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o the_o former_a have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o the_o matter_n three_o a_o conclusion_n first_o of_o the_o preface_n wherein_o christ_n be_v describe_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v pen_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o his_o name_n and_o title_n amen_o a_o faithful_a witness_n second_o by_o his_o privilege_n and_o property_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o crature_n amen_n be_v a_o adverb_n of_o affirmation_n or_o asseveration_n signify_v true_o very_o &_o certain_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v be_v render_v in_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v which_o be_v a_o commentary_n and_o full_a exposition_n of_o this_o the_o faithful_a witness_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v call_v amen_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o there_o i_o expound_v it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v repeat_v the_o head_n only_o of_o that_o exposition_n he_o be_v call_v a_o witness_n between_o god_n the_o father_n and_o we_o because_o he_o do_v not_o only_o reveal_v the_o father_n will_n to_o we_o but_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n inward_a and_o outward_a but_o of_o all_o testimony_n that_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o for_o these_o three_o respect_n he_o be_v thus_o term_v first_o because_o he_o do_v reveal_v it_o and_o seal_v it_o and_o ratify_v it_o by_o inward_a and_o outward_a testimony_n second_o because_o he_o will_v accomplish_v his_o father_n wil._n 2._o cor._n 1._o 20._o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a witness_n three_o he_o be_v call_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o which_o he_o reveal_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o he_o say_v as_o the_o thing_n be_v without_o error_n or_o falsehood_n nay_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n now_o the_o use_n and_o the_o end_n why_o here_o christ_n be_v so_o call_v if_o we_o do_v but_o read_v the_o epistle_n and_o mark_v the_o content_n we_o may_v guess_v probable_o at_o the_o end_n which_o be_v that_o he_o may_v show_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o ministry_n therefore_o christ_n instruct_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n teach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o to_o all_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o all_o christian_n he_o propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n he_o will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n even_o as_o he_o be_v this_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n word_n become_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v whereby_o we_o make_v good_a all_o our_o word_n oath_n and_o promise_n truth_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n without_o lie_v deceit_n or_o fraud_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o i_o say_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o and_o other_o good_a and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n set_a we_o this_o example_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n so_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o show_v ourselves_o true_a in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o speech_n and_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o our_o promise_n these_o be_v excellent_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christian_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v know_v by_o these_o to_o be_v like_o christ._n the_o second_o end_n of_o this_o title_n be_v to_o induce_v this_o church_n to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n effectual_o for_o it_o be_v faulty_a in_o this_o point_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o this_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n how_o shall_v they_o do_v this_o thus_o consider_v in_o the_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o commandment_n promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o apply_v they_o particular_o every_o man_n to_o himself_o the_o commandment_n to_o know_v sin_n the_o threaten_n to_o humble_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v god_n grace_n see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o luke_n 15._o in_o the_o prodigal_a son_n i_o have_v sin_v and_o be_o not_o worthy_a etc._n etc._n so_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n humble_v themselves_o no_o man_n can_v true_o be_v humble_v till_o he_o make_v this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n which_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v now_o the_o gospel_n also_o must_v be_v thus_o apply_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a but_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o further_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o proof_n see_v phil._n 3._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o sum_n be_v this_o he_o esteem_v all_o thing_n loss_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n now_o mark_v the_o fifteen_o verse_n let_v so_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o apply_v christ_n to_o our_o own_o person_n thus_o be_v we_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o apply_v the_o gospel_n to_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o so_o he_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v 1._o john_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n and_o reason_n why_o christ_n call_v himself_o so_o that_o man_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o word_n in_o general_a but_o apply_v it_o in_o particular_a to_o themselves_o the_o not_o do_v of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o negligence_n in_o religion_n of_o so_o many_o lukewarm_a christian_n and_o professor_n therefore_o let_v we_o all_o learn_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v the_o word_n no_o nor_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n to_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v true_o humble_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n therefore_o justify_v faith_n be_v that_o which_o apply_v in_o particular_a now_o the_o second_o title_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n col._n 1._o 16._o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o creation_n he_o be_v so_o call_v yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a cause_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v here_o namely_o because_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o ephes._n 1._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v