by_o interpose_v a_o intervening_a necessity_n and_o clear_a obstacle_n thereunto_o and_o therein_o god_n love_v obedience_n better_o than_o sacrifice_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o first_o ministerial_a reformer_n never_o maintain_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o ministry_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n lineal_o through_o the_o loin_n of_o antichrist_n but_o only_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o all_o age_n be_v by_o the_o invisible_a church_n maintain_v and_o assert_v sometime_o with_o more_o perspicuity_n and_o visibility_n than_o other_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v a_o personal_a succession_n of_o officer_n and_o ministry_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o must_v needs_o also_o grant_v a_o perpetual_a and_o necessary_a visibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o consequential_o a_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o how_o a_o true_a christian_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o antichristian_a state_n in_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n as_o i_o former_o say_v i_o know_v not_o or_o how_o the_o same_o state_n can_v be_v both_o mere_o antichristian_a and_o christian_n a_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o a_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n a_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o oâ—_n idol_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a and_o justifiable_a call_n respect_v the_o essence_n thereof_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o foundation_n aright_o of_o godliness_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o otherwise_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o many_o circumstantial_a point_n yet_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o may_v more_o comfortable_o be_v receive_v from_o one_o church_n then_o another_o as_o former_o be_v evince_v the_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o sound_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o sound_a spiritual_a and_o edify_v their_o ministerial_a function_n be_v the_o more_o loose_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_v the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o loose_v their_o ministerial_a call_n will_v be_v therefore_o the_o godly_a church_n and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o mission_n ministerial_a call_v and_o office_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o repair_v unto_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v then_o of_o the_o present_a ministry_n of_o england_n as_o now_o constitute_v who_o as_o presbyter_n ordain_v one_o another_o to_o their_o ministerial_a office_n who_o be_v first_o ordain_v themselves_o by_o the_o late_a bishop_n and_o so_o hold_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o as_o from_o true_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v but_o contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cloud_v my_o judgement_n in_o any_o thing_n if_o the_o english_a presbytery_n as_o the_o helvetian_a and_o genevan_n have_v do_v to_o their_o perpetual_a glory_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o antichristian_a whore_n and_o so_o public_o renounce_v all_o ministerial_a call_v as_o derive_v from_o she_o than_o i_o grant_v such_o ministry_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o though_o collate_v of_o office_n mere_o as_o officer_n or_o presbyter_n without_o the_o just_a assent_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o church_n be_v not_o so_o justifiable_a as_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o evince_v but_o if_o they_o maintain_v their_o call_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v good_a as_o by_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n they_o have_v utter_o nullify_v and_o undo_v their_o case_n and_o their_o call_n too_o in_o my_o judgement_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v for_o what_o be_v not_o good_a and_o justifiable_a in_o the_o fountain_n and_o first_o origin_n can_v be_v make_v justifiable_a by_o succession_n in_o the_o stream_n and_o branch_n a_o pollute_a fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a wholesome_a stream_n causa_fw-la causae_fw-la causa_fw-la causati_fw-la if_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a as_o most_o of_o they_o grant_v though_o both_o name_n and_o office_n be_v warrantable_a in_o a_o gospel_n regulate_v sense_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o first_o mission_n and_o call_v how_o then_o come_v their_o call_n more_o warrantable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o author_n and_o founder_n if_o bishop_n in_o their_o ministry_n be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_n how_o come_v they_o to_o supplant_v they_o and_o pull_v they_o down_o christ_n ministry_n be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o desolate_v and_o dethrone_v brethren_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a function_n but_o rather_o for_o consolidate_v and_o confirm_v therefore_o sure_o there_o be_v somewhat_o amiss_o all_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v stand_v to_o this_o day_n witness_v the_o national_a covenant_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o constitute_v in_o england_n be_v of_o the_o off_o spring_n and_o brood_n of_o babylon_n they_o always_o hold_v their_o call_n good_a as_o ministerial_a bishop_n have_v their_o personal_a call_v from_o such_o successive_o as_o first_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a or_o justifiable_a in_o the_o succession_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v as_o some_o say_v to_o salve_v it_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o church_n of_o invisible_a saint_n under_o antichrist_n because_o they_o must_v prove_v themselves_o then_o to_o succeed_v that_o very_a church_n or_o those_o very_a invisible_a saint_n and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o that_o those_o very_a saint_n be_v ministerial_a officer_n or_o presbyter_n or_o else_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n for_o man_n may_v be_v saint_n but_o not_o ministerial_o saint_n send_v or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o they_o have_v the_o alone_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o in_o want_n of_o such_o true_a ministerial_a presbyter_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v either_o unavoidable_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n their_o ministerial_a office_n void_a and_o null_a or_o otherwise_o plain_o concede_fw-la that_o they_o have_v it_o derivative_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o what_o a_o sorry_a call_n that_o be_v if_o at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v call_v i_o have_v former_o evince_v and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o law_n that_o quod_fw-la initio_fw-la vitiosum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr poor_a tractu_fw-la temporis_fw-la convalescere_fw-la see_v more_o hereon_o du_n plessis_n treat_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 3624._o and_o bishop_n jewel_n defen_n apolog._n part_n 2._o page_n 131._o who_o be_v witness_n without_o exception_n manifest_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v observe_v from_o this_o observe_v that_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n be_v great_a persecuter_n of_o the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v suffer_v much_o from_o such_o false_a teacher_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a be_v always_o against_o the_o true_a one_o and_o cause_v they_o often_o to_o be_v smite_v and_o afflict_v as_o micaiah_n be_v jeer_v by_o zedekiah_n which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n from_o i_o to_o thou_o 1_o king_n 22._o 2_o 4._o and_o that_o not_o all_o but_o be_v smite_v disgraceful_o on_o the_o check_n also_o shemaiah_n stir_v up_o the_o authority_n against_o jeremiah_n the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o will_v have_v cast_v he_o in_o the_o prison_n jer._n 29.24_o yea_o say_v ezekiel_n 22.25_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o her_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o not_o only_o like_o fox_n but_o even_o like_a lion_n raven_v the_o prey_n these_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v always_o very_o pernicious_a to_o god_n true_a church_n what_o great_a persecuter_n arrius_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o athanasius_n and_o the_o orthodox_n they_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o false_a prophet_n of_o old_a that_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o not_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o by_o incense_a the_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o how_o willing_o will_v pilate_n release_v christ_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o follower_n false_a prophet_n still_o exclaim_v and_o fastigate_v the_o magistrate_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o
when_o they_o call_v themselves_o so_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a christian_n church_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n see_v more_o hereon_o cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n that_o christ_n will_v make_v those_o enemy_n of_o she_o the_o blaspheme_a jew_n to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o her_o foot_n that_o be_v will_v make_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o philadelphia_n which_o for_o her_o purity_n and_o soundness_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o who_o these_o carnal_a formal_a jew_n shall_v fall_v low_a and_o worship_n object_n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o shall_v they_o be_v make_v to_o worship_n i_o answer_v first_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o they_o have_v blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o philadelphia_n and_o the_o true_a church_n do_v honour_n and_o obey_v second_o they_o shall_v civil_o worship_v and_o reverence_n philadelphia_n and_o the_o true_a church_n for_o the_o honour_n that_o christ_n have_v put_v upon_o she_o and_o so_o will_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n indeed_o to_o come_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n worship_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o christian_n church_n and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v this_o say_v christ_n they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o always_o love_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o i_o now_o this_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n be_v never_o fulfil_v unto_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o full_a extent_n thereof_o only_o we_o read_v of_o some_o few_o of_o the_o malignant_a jew_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o other_o of_o that_o age_n but_o how_o this_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o latitude_n thereof_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o ever_o do_v those_o perverse_a jew_n that_o for_o their_o notorious_a malignity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v just_o call_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n come_v and_o worship_n or_o bow_v down_o before_o the_o foot_n of_o philadelphia_n or_o when_o do_v they_o submit_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n only_o but_o in_o some_o first_o fruit_n and_o that_o before_o this_o be_v write_v to_o philadelphia_n and_o when_o do_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n even_o to_o this_o day_n ever_o since_o become_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o some_o few_o scatter_a person_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n inconsiderable_a to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n or_o when_o do_v ever_o god_n make_v it_o it_o eminent_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o christian_n church_n be_v the_o only_o belove_a people_n and_o society_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n above_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n see_v those_o thing_n be_v never_o yet_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o fullness_n of_o this_o promise_n sure_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o universal_a call_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n into_o holy_a philadelphia_n or_o the_o christian_n church_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v to_o this_o present_a day_n a_o note_n hence_o will_v rise_v observe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o only_o make_v the_o natural_a obstinate_a jew_n but_o also_o their_o true_a counterpane_n the_o nominal_a seem_a christian_n to_o come_v and_o bow_v before_o the_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o latter_a day_n this_o be_v confirm_v from_o this_o verse_n wherein_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o worship_n before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n but_o towards_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o latter_a this_o be_v never_o as_o yet_o perform_v in_o the_o extensiveness_n of_o this_o scripture_n as_o be_v above_o manifest_v therefore_o as_o yet_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o true_a philadelphia_n the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o the_o natural_a jew_n shall_v come_v in_o submit_v and_o join_v to_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o formal_a birth_n christian_n shall_v also_o either_o come_v in_o and_o worship_n before_o this_o true_a church_n or_o else_o shall_v at_o least_o wise_a reverence_n this_o true_a holy_a church_n as_o the_o only_o belove_v of_o christ_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lamb_n will_v be_v upon_o she_o and_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o for_o her_o great_a honour_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v bring_v their_o glory_n and_o honour_n into_o it_o rev_n 21.23_o and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o god_n true_a church_n and_o people_n shall_v have_v a_o day_n too_o as_o well_o as_o their_o adversary_n have_v they_o we_o know_v how_o that_o the_o great_a and_o lofty_a one_o of_o the_o world_n have_v put_v all_o possible_a reproach_n and_o affliction_n on_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o church_n of_o the_o pure_a judgement_n but_o yet_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v and_o shall_v know_v the_o saint_n to_o be_v the_o only_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o stay_n of_o kingdom_n and_o then_o the_o great_a monarch_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o skirt_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o come_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o this_o holy_a church_n for_o their_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n quest._n and_o if_o any_o one_o ask_v when_o this_o shall_v be_v answ_n when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o and_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 11._o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v again_o for_o the_o restore_n of_o his_o kingdom_n than_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a dan._n 7.27_o then_o shall_v all_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o philadelphia_n the_o glorious_a new_a unite_a christian_n church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o true_a zion_n the_o dwell_a place_n of_o god_n glory_n whereunto_o all_o nation_n shall_v flock_v and_o worship_n before_o it_o and_o become_v one_o with_o it_o or_o otherwise_o shall_v be_v make_v bow_n unto_o the_o iron_n sceptre_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o fall_v and_o worship_n before_o his_o foot_n rev._n 19.15_o verse_n 10._o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o for_o which_o philadelphia_n be_v commend_v for_o by_o christ_n be_v for_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n this_o have_v either_o respect_n to_o christ_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n i_o have_v teach_v the_o world_n and_o with_o a_o like_a patience_n preach_v it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o else_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o cause_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o my_o gospel_n which_o enjoin_v and_o work_v patience_n either_o or_o both_o of_o these_o sense_n may_v apt_o be_v raise_v and_o entertain_v from_o these_o word_n without_o any_o prejudice_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o word_n or_o 2._o as_o respect_v the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n this_o word_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n which_o he_o teach_v patient_o the_o word_n be_v for_o many_o generation_n so_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o keep_v by_o she_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o which_o she_o have_v the_o reward_n of_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n quest_n but_o whither_o be_v philadelphia_n so_o save_v and_o keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o fall_v upon_o all_o other_o her_o sister_n church_n that_o she_o be_v so_o free_v that_o she_o be_v not_o touch_v by_o it_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o philadelphia_n go_v free_a when_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o persecution_n under_o the_o emperor_n
2.28_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o reveal_v mystery_n to_o he_o be_v all_o the_o glory_n but_o to_o you_o worthy_a sir_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v nor_o for_o you_o a_o great_a good_a to_o pray_v then_o that_o god_n who_o have_v exalt_v you_o in_o authority_n and_o power_n into_o that_o likeness_n of_o himself_o so_o he_o will_v engrave_v upon_o you_o another_o image_n or_o likeness_n of_o his_o own_o true_a wisdom_n and_o give_v you_o a_o enlighten_v wise_a solomon-like_a discern_v heart_n whereby_o you_o may_v daily_o see_v more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v have_v your_o aim_n right_a and_o your_o heart_n fix_v to_o prosecute_v those_o end_n and_o that_o in_o integrity_n which_o god_n in_o your_o present_a employment_n have_v call_v you_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o this_o present_a generation_n for_o all_o christian_a worthy_n to_o set_v their_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v if_o not_o to_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o the_o eclipse_v of_o the_o austrian_a sun_n the_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n may_v not_o be_v want_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o christian_a worthy_n in_o those_o great_a transaction_n be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o he_o that_o be_v your_o worship_n most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n hicks_n to_o the_o judicious_a christian_a reader_n reader_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o among_o most_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o in_o search_v out_o hide_a verity_n they_o be_v various_a in_o their_o project_n and_o their_o cogitation_n be_v usual_o fix_v upon_o divers_a end_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v and_o this_o be_v vanity_n some_o know_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o this_o be_v curiosity_n other_o know_v that_o they_o may_v edify_v and_o this_o be_v charity_n how_o distasteful_a the_o two_o former_a be_v to_o all_o judicious_a person_n and_o how_o desirable_a the_o latter_a be_v to_o all_o know_a christian_n i_o need_v not_o inculcate_v the_o latter_a be_v my_o choice_n i_o hope_v thy_o candour_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o my_o end_n will_v apologise_v for_o i_o in_o that_o i_o appear_v in_o public_a now_o among_o the_o crowd_n in_o print_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o as_o one_o witty_o observe_v viz._n heylin_n geogr._n in_o folio_n 865._o the_o treasury_n of_o learning_n be_v never_o so_o full_a and_o yet_o never_o more_o empty_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o vain_a frothy_a and_o unnecessary_a discourse_n it_o abound_v with_o from_o the_o scribbler_n and_o idle_a paper-blurrer_n of_o these_o day_n and_o if_o i_o have_v go_v beside_o myself_o to_o become_v one_o of_o that_o number_n by_o play_v the_o fool_n in_o print_n i_o must_v say_v as_o paul_n do_v to_o his_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 5.13_o sive_fw-la insanimus_fw-la deo_fw-la insanimus_fw-la sive_fw-la sâ—na_fw-la ment_fw-la sumus_fw-la vobis_fw-la sana_fw-la ment_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o if_o i_o have_v play_v the_o fool_n herein_o it_o be_v unto_o god_n and_o for_o your_o sake_n christian_n that_o i_o have_v do_v it_o but_o if_o thou_o ask_v i_o to_o what_o end_n i_o fall_v upon_o this_o task_n of_o interpret_n this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n see_v many_o have_v already_o attempt_v it_o whereof_o some_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n yet_o other_o with_o more_o credit_n and_o proficiency_n i_o answer_v indeed_o in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o undertake_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi to_o what_o good_a for_o what_o end_n we_o do_v effect_v they_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v all_o our_o action_n and_o add_v perfection_n to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o exitus_fw-la actu_fw-la probat_fw-la the_o excellency_n of_o our_o work_n appear_v and_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o end_n therefore_o though_o my_o labour_n herein_o may_v by_o some_o be_v account_v superfluous_a and_o myself_o to_o be_v just_o number_v among_o the_o former_a sort_n that_o have_v oleum_fw-la &_o operam_fw-la perdiderunt_fw-la that_o be_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o undertake_n yet_o i_o believe_v the_o indifferent_a and_o ingenious_a reader_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o when_o god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o myself_o opportunity_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o will_v partake_v of_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o instrument_n yet_o i_o trust_v the_o reader_n will_v find_v my_o end_n high_a and_o honourable_a enough_o and_o of_o sufficient_a excellency_n to_o bear_v up_o my_o spirit_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o his_o in_o peruse_v and_o consider_v and_o although_o to_o some_o i_o may_v seem_v herein_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o fall_v upon_o a_o theme_n full_o already_o discuss_v by_o other_o yet_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n with_o that_o say_n of_o augustine_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la plures_fw-la libros_fw-la a_o pluribus_fw-la fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it etiam_fw-la de_fw-la questionibus_fw-la iisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la res_fw-la perveniat_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la that_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o have_v book_n compose_v of_o the_o same_o work_n or_o question_n in_o a_o various_a and_o divers_a stile_n that_o knowledge_n may_v be_v convey_v to_o very_a many_o to_o some_o in_o one_o manner_n to_z other_o after_z another_z though_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o boast_n of_o my_o impartiality_n in_o interpret_n and_o apply_v those_o prophetical_a vision_n yet_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v single_a and_o unbiased_a in_o this_o undertake_n have_v first_o desire_v god_n to_o guide_v my_o understanding_n and_o pen_n aright_o to_o write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o do_v genuine_o rise_v from_o the_o substance_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n or_o what_o may_v be_v extract_v therefrom_o by_o good_a consequence_n or_o what_o do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o figure_n and_o hierogliphique_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n in_o this_o book_n interpret_v not_o according_a to_o private_a judgement_n nor_o unto_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o party_n or_o faction_n be_v free_a from_o any_o such_o pre-engagement_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o in_o all_o such_o undertake_n as_o abraham_n do_v his_o follower_n as_o great_a encumbrance_n when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o mount_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n i_o trust_v the_o candid_a reader_n shall_v find_v the_o divine_a mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n open_v and_o apply_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o for_o the_o main_a make_v evident_a by_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o each_o vision_n and_o according_a to_o that_o full_a complete_a spirit_n of_o harmony_n that_o run_v through_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n i_o confess_v i_o may_v come_v short_a of_o some_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v go_v herein_o before_o i_o to_o who_o labour_n i_o must_v just_o acknowledge_v a_o due_a tribute_n be_v assist_v thereby_o unto_o this_o work_n and_o though_o i_o can_v just_o apply_v that_o say_n of_o cicero_n to_o my_o cause_n for_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o vanity_n and_o self-exalting_a recentissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la sunt_fw-la emandata_fw-la magis_fw-la yet_o this_o i_o may_v bold_o adventure_v to_o say_v that_o thou_o shall_v find_v such_o variety_n of_o collection_n observation_n question_n and_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v not_o ordinary_a in_o any_o former_a writer_n hereupon_o that_o will_v yield_v thou_o if_o a_o ingenious_a person_n no_o small_a delight_n and_o profit_n in_o read_v ponder_a and_o treasure_v up_o the_o same_o the_o variety_n of_o flower_n make_v the_o sweet_a posy_n and_o various_a discord_v yet_o harmonize_a sound_n make_v the_o sweet_a music_n so_o variety_n of_o truth_n and_o question_n discuss_v will_v yield_v the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o though_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o many_o that_o go_v before_o i_o on_o this_o theme_n do_v excel_v in_o true_a piety_n learning_n and_o part_n yet_o save_v due_a respect_n both_o to_o the_o person_n and_o their_o part_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a if_o that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n be_v advance_v by_o their_o help_n upon_o their_o own_o shoulder_n and_o come_v near_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v see_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o mysterious_a
the_o conquer_a saint_n 181_o 182_o in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o to_o remove_v false_a teacher_n 196_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o presbytery_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n together_o 198_o how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o innocent_a infant_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o have_v never_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a 204_o how_o come_v infant_n die_v infant_n to_o be_v save_v that_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o whether_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o salvation_n 205_o etc._n etc._n whether_o we_o may_v merit_v by_o our_o work_n 208_o &_o 237._o how_o be_v the_o saint_n copartner_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o imperial_a reign_n and_o kingdom_n 212_o be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o saint_n to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o sin_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 223_o whether_o true_a saint_n may_v final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n 223_o 241._o whether_o perfection_n may_v be_v have_v in_o this_o life_n 225_o whether_o christ_n create_v war_n and_o send_v the_o sword_n into_o the_o world_n 233_o whether_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o their_o iniquity_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 241_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o any_o name_n or_o person_n out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o life_n 242_o whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n 250_o 251_o whether_o magistrate_n may_v not_o suppress_v error_n be_v well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n 851_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o make_v law_n for_o he_o to_o rule_v next_o and_o immediate_o under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n 252_o when_o shall_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v glorious_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n 261_o whether_o saint_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o yet_o suffer_v in_o it_o 262_o whether_o the_o triumphant_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v here_o on_o earth_n or_o in_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n 276_o 313_o whether_o the_o imperial_a reign_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o general_a resurrection_n or_o before_o 277_o whether_o christian_n may_v not_o be_v overhot_a and_o zealous_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o whether_o a_o moderate_a temper_n will_v not_o be_v more_o advantageous_a therein_o then_o a_o over-furious_a one_o 285_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o buy_v of_o christ_n his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o contract_n or_o not_o 295_o how_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o love_v those_o who_o he_o bitter_o chastise_v 302_o whether_o do_v christ_n always_o use_v a_o spiritual_a force_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o his_o back_o slidden_a people_n 304_o whether_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o father_n be_v all_o one_o 310_o whether_o the_o saint_n as_o saint_n may_v just_o expect_v by_o virtue_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n under_o christ_n on_o earth_n at_o this_o present_a time_n 335_o whether_o the_o saint_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n may_v oppose_v the_o supreme_a magistracy_n they_o live_v under_o 335_o 337_o whether_o heathenish_a or_o antichristian_a magistrate_n may_v be_v oppose_v 338_o 339_o whether_o the_o saint_n imperial_a reign_n be_v far_o off_o or_o near_o at_o hâ—nd_n 341_o 342_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o saint_n to_o put_v to_o a_o help_a hand_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n that_o uphold_a babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n thereof_o 346_o 347_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o praecognita_fw-la the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a chap._n i._n ver_fw-la i._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n thing_n which_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o send_v and_o signify_v it_o by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n this_o book_n have_v for_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a and_o here_o in_o the_o entrance_n i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insert_v some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o preliminary_a discourse_n and_o question_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v discuss_v before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o body_n of_o this_o book_n quest_n 1._o whether_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n 2._o whether_o john_n who_o in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n be_v name_v john_n the_o divine_a the_o author_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o some_o other_o person_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o compendious_a view_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n 1._o concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v say_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o unto_o it_o well_o know_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o move_v foundation_n stone_n or_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n receive_v reverent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o age_n to_o age_n as_o the_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o adversary_n of_o old_a take_v advantage_n by_o this_o artifice_n to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o cast_v prejudice_n on_o many_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o weaken_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o saint_n main_o cherish_v and_o support_v by_o the_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o first_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n hence_o rose_n in_o that_o it_o favour_v the_o pretend_a heresy_n of_o the_o chyliast_n or_o millenaries_n and_o their_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o father_n it_o rather_o on_o cerinthus_n the_o heretic_n than_o the_o apostle_n john_n thereby_o if_o possible_o they_o may_v not_o only_o enervate_v its_o testimony_n but_o quite_o shut_v it_o out_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v never_o do_v the_o chylia_v any_o service_n more_o upon_o this_o ground_n hyrome_n be_v the_o first_o that_o do_v most_o public_o call_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 400._o and_o that_o in_o pure_a opposition_n unto_o the_o millenaries_n the_o follower_n of_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n ireneus_fw-la lactantius_n and_o other_o of_o good_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o judgement_n second_o it_o become_v suspect_v as_o erasmus_n witness_v who_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o concern_v other_o divine_a book_n also_o be_v very_o unstable_a in_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a primitive_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o revelation_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o hierome_n himself_o also_o testify_v but_o on_o what_o slender_a ground_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o shall_v present_o consider_v and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o ancient_a greek_a christian_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o other_o of_o the_o same_o age_n and_o of_o the_o far_o able_a part_n judgement_n and_o integrity_n number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v the_o public_a stamp_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o it_o there_o be_v one_o caius_n or_o gaius_n as_o eusebius_n witness_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o history_n who_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v of_o one_o cerinthus_n a_o heretic_n who_o hold_v among_o many_o other_o error_n that_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a wherein_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v again_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n for_o the_o term_n of_o a_o complete_a millenary_a of_o year_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n take_v up_o this_o report_n from_o this_o caius_n a_o obscure_a person_n and_o as_o be_v think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o heretical_a alogi_fw-la who_o deny_v as_o epiphanius_n testify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o false_a report_n of_o this_o caius_n dionysius_n doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n but_o hierome_n take_v up_o the_o same_o slender_a ground_n from_o dionysius_n and_o do_v object_v it_o strong_o but_o i_o answer_v it_o seem_v hierome_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o slender_a testimony_n to_o the_o invalidating_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n because_o this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a fortress_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o chiliast_n yet_o however_o though_o hierome_n
end_n blaspheme_v and_o raise_v a_o most_o false_a report_n touch_v his_o resurrection_n and_o affirm_v that_o his_o disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v he_o away_o out_o of_o his_o sepulchre_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o indeed_o rise_v as_o they_o affirm_v but_o convey_v away_o close_o by_o they_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deify_v and_o this_o the_o unbelieving_a perverse_a jew_n say_v unto_o this_o day_n their_o malice_n stop_v not_o here_o against_o the_o head_n but_o also_o fall_v foul_a upon_o his_o member_n and_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n we_o see_v how_o malicious_o they_o fall_v upon_o stephen_n in_o act._n 7._o and_o how_o zealous_a saul_n himself_o be_v while_o a_o unconvert_v jew_n against_o the_o disciple_n at_o damascus_n act_v 9_o what_o uproar_n do_v the_o jew_n raise_v and_o what_o provocation_n do_v they_o use_v to_o incense_v the_o magistrate_n and_o chief_a governor_n against_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o every_o place_n and_o city_n these_o asiatic_a church_n be_v not_o free_a of_o their_o clamour_n or_o their_o invective_n against_o the_o christian_n profession_n paul_n meet_v they_o at_o antioch_n act_v 13.45_o and_o at_o iconism_n act_n 14.2.19_o who_o stone_v paul_n and_o at_o thessolonica_n act_v 17.5_o a_o uproar_n be_v rise_v by_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o he_o at_o corinth_n he_o be_v draw_v before_o gallio_n at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n by_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o jew_n act_n 18.12_o and_o at_o ephesus_n he_o find_v the_o same_o malicious_a deal_n from_o the_o jew_n act_n 19.9_o he_o find_v some_o of_o the_o same_o blasphemer_n there_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n rev._n 3.9_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n before_o the_o multitude_n yea_o the_o very_a heathen_n themselves_o be_v more_o friendly_a to_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o jew_n the_o profess_a people_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n among_o the_o athenian_n act_n 17._o the_o carriage_n of_o gallio_n festus_n felix_n and_o agrippa_n towards_o he_o pilate_n a_o roman_a perfect_a will_v wash_v his_o hand_n from_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o jew_n the_o visible_a people_n of_o god_n cry_v out_o crucify_v he_o at_o malta_n among_o the_o barbarian_n paul_n be_v almost_o deify_v act_v 28.6_o but_o when_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n they_o will_v have_v tear_v he_o to_o piece_n act_n 21._o and_o 23.12_o o_o strange_a that_o zeal_n pervert_v shall_v so_o rage_v in_o fury_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n these_o jew_n do_v not_o only_o occasional_o oppose_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o but_o of_o set_a purpose_n do_v go_v to_o every_o city_n and_o place_n where_o it_o be_v teach_v for_o to_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o they_o can_v else_o possible_o they_o can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o so_o various_a place_n and_o city_n and_o at_o so_o far_o distance_n one_o from_o the_o other_o do_v their_o part_n and_o vent_v their_o malice_n against_o it_o object_n but_o some_o may_v say_v that_o those_o that_o raise_v blasphemy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n be_v not_o proper_o jew_n by_o blood_n but_o such_o as_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v cap._n 3._o 9_o i_o answer_v indeed_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v jew_n who_o have_v many_o eminent_a privilege_n peculiar_a to_o their_o nation_n our_o apostle_n paul_n can_v boast_v that_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o rom._n 3.1_o 2._o they_o have_v much_o advantage_n every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n be_v first_o to_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o than_o next_o unto_o the_o gentile_n mat._n 10.5_o and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n that_o have_v such_o great_a and_o glorious_a privilege_n and_o yet_o so_o averse_a unto_o the_o truth_n yet_o second_o i_o say_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o jew_n of_o the_o same_o blood_n and_o progeny_n that_o oppose_v persecute_a and_o blaspheme_v paul_n and_o other_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n also_o with_o those_o find_v blaspheme_a revile_v and_o persecute_v in_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n be_v so_o like_o one_o the_o other_o in_o their_o curse_a practice_n but_o last_o i_o answer_v though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_a but_o he_o be_v a_o true_a jew_n a_o true_a israelite_n of_o god_n that_o be_v one_o inward_a it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o tal_n and_o boast_v of_o his_o carnal_a privilege_n and_o birthright_n as_o from_o abraham_n and_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o abraham_n be_v a_o jew_n but_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o true_a spiritual_a jew_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n but_o for_o those_o revile_v persecute_v jew_n they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v term_v rabshekah_n and_o barbarian_n then_o jew_n for_o their_o circumcision_n be_v become_v unto_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o truth_n uncircumcision_n and_o therefore_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v jew_n just_o as_o a_o nominal_a christian_n when_o turn_v antichristian_a and_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o christ_n who_o will_v think_v he_o worthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o though_o he_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o that_o name_n and_o title_n and_o say_v as_o the_o jew_n here_o do_v he_o be_v a_o christian_n who_o will_v not_o say_v unto_o he_o he_o be_v not_o but_o a_o liar_n and_o a_o barbarian_a or_o at_o best_o a_o antichristian_a but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o be_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o those_o jew_n against_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v as_o before_z doubtless_o their_o blasphemy_n be_v bicernis_n or_o twofold_n the_o one_o horn_n thereof_o strike_v direct_o at_o christ_n the_o other_o at_o the_o church_n and_o his_o member_n this_o appear_v by_o act_n 19.9_o when_o paul_n preach_v in_o the_o jew_n synagogue_n christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n divers_a be_v harden_v and_o believe_v not_o but_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n before_o the_o multitude_n first_o they_o will_v blaspheme_v the_o master_n and_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n and_o a_o destroyer_n of_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n which_o they_o have_v from_o nose_n and_o next_o that_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n be_v seditious_a and_o perverter_n of_o all_o magistracy_n and_o government_n and_o also_o among_o themselves_o unclean_a use_v promiscuous_a lust_n as_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v deny_v the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n so_o by_o these_o diabolical_a artifices_fw-la to_o bring_v they_o into_o contempt_n with_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o under_o the_o rod_n of_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n see_v the_o charge_n of_o tertullian_n the_o orator_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o paul_n act_v 24.5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n tend_v partly_o to_o this_o effect_n and_o the_o jew_n perceive_v the_o heresy_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n gnostic_n and_o other_o of_o like_a unclean_a practice_n to_o creep_v in_o among_o the_o church_n be_v bold_a to_o reproach_v they_o as_o all_o such_o and_o of_o the_o same_o unclean_a judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o former_a consider_v the_o word_n of_o epiphanius_n to_o this_o purpose_n out_o of_o m._n baxter_n book_n of_o infidelity_n page_n 131._o which_o sort_n of_o man_n say_v he_o satan_n seem_v to_o have_v fit_v and_o send_v for_o a_o reproach_n and_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v put_v on_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n that_o for_o their_o sake_n the_o nation_n be_v offend_v shall_v abhor_v the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v refuse_v the_o truth_n declare_v to_o they_o because_o of_o their_o savage_a wickedness_n and_o incredible_a vileness_n that_o i_o say_v their_o frequent_a villainy_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o may_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o those_o be_v such_o that_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o may_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n as_o i_o say_v from_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o behold_v the_o dishonesty_n of_o a_o few_o may_v cast_v the_o same_o reproach_n upon_o all_o etc._n etc._n these_o doubtless_o be_v the_o advantage_n that_o the_o jew_n take_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o and_o so_o to_o make_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o follower_n seem_v abominable_a while_o some_o that_o be_v
constancy_n and_o faithful_a martyrdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o live_n to_o have_v the_o pattern_n of_o former_a worthy_a man_n before_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o read_n of_o achilles_n life_n in_o homer_n that_o make_v alexander_n ambitious_a to_o be_v his_o competitor_n in_o noble_a achievement_n again_o julius_n cesar_n take_v up_o alexander_n example_n endeavour_v to_o be_v sole_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o also_o it_o be_v on_o a_o spiritual_a account_n abraham_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o his_o approve_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o child_n and_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o so_o abraham_n abel_n enoch_n noah_n sarah_n moses_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v everliving_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n for_o imitation_n to_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v heb._n 11._o it_o much_o comfort_v we_o and_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o suffering_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o captain_n have_v perfect_v our_o salvation_n by_o suffering_n he_o have_v tread_v to_o we_o our_o first_o this_o thorny_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o he_o that_o be_v imitable_a by_o we_o not_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n but_o as_o a_o holy_a person_n and_o head_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o he_o present_v himself_o as_o a_o gracious_a example_n to_o his_o disciple_n jo._n 13.15_o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o as_o he_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o light_n itself_o and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n so_o sure_o o_o all_o pattern_n and_o example_n his_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n be_v most_o sound_a wise_a and_o perfect_a and_o bless_v be_v they_o they_o that_o follow_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n verse_n 14.15_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o laodicea_n only_o of_o the_o whole_a seven_o do_v pass_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o but_o prefix_v or_o annex_v to_o they_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v her_o commendable_a grace_n of_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o among_o the_o vile_a people_n even_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o satan_n be_v yet_o all_o in_o she_o be_v not_o well_o or_o sound_n for_o christ_n come_v on_o with_o a_o but_o against_o she_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o etc._n etc._n whence_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v obs_n 1._o that_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o person_n may_v suffer_v much_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n yet_o not_o sound_a and_o right_o in_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doubtless_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n have_v and_o enjoy_v but_o sad_a and_o afflict_a day_n when_o antipas_n christ_n faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v for_o than_o she_o deny_v not_o the_o faith_n but_o hold_v her_o profession_n with_o much_o constancy_n the_o church_n at_o thyatira_n too_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o her_o patience_n verse_n 19_o yet_o both_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o fair_a profession_n they_o have_v much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n in_o the_o root_n their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o straight_o that_o they_o have_v among_o they_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o one_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o niolaitan_n in_o the_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n and_o her_o wicked_a practice_n both_o most_o unsound_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o both_o high_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v suffer_v on_o the_o disciple_n but_o suffer_v for_o that_o profession_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o sound_v in_o all_o thing_n some_o may_v prophesy_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n and_o suffer_v and_o give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o his_o name_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n may_v tell_v they_o he_o know_v they_o not_o he_o that_o will_v attain_v a_o comfortable_a martyrdom_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n let_v he_o first_o see_v that_o his_o end_n be_v right_a first_o that_o it_o be_v true_o and_o real_o for_o christ_n second_o that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n three_o that_o it_o tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o at_o self_n this_o be_v the_o true_a suffering_n that_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o to_o proceed_v christ_n have_v a_o charge_n against_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o it_o be_v because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o stone_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o thou_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o keep_v hold_v and_o intend_v to_o keep_v and_o hold_v thou_o have_v these_o balaamite_n not_o by_o accident_n or_o chance_n but_o by_o choice_n thou_o have_v they_o because_o thou_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o will_v have_v it_o so_o thy_o habendum_fw-la and_o tenendum_fw-la go_v together_o thou_o have_v they_o and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o because_o thou_o love_v they_o therefore_o thy_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a herein_o and_o what_o have_v thou_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v when_o he_o see_v that_o god_n have_v bless_v jacob_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o israel_n he_o curse_o advise_v balack_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o midianite_n to_o make_v a_o great_a sacrifice_n to_o baal_n peor_n and_o to_o invite_v the_o israelite_n unto_o it_o now_o baal_n peor_n be_v the_o filthy_a lascivious_a idol_n priapus_n as_o godwin_n jewish_a antiquity_n testify_v who_o festival_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v celebrate_v by_o both_o sex_n in_o most_o shameless_a posture_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o hos_fw-la 9.10_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v to_o baal_n peor_n and_o discover_v themselves_o to_o their_o shame_n because_o it_o make_v they_o shameless_a and_o to_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n before_o that_o idol_n now_o the_o curse_a advice_n or_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n for_o a_o man_n doctrine_n be_v his_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n first_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o participate_v at_o their_o curse_a altar_n in_o eat_v of_o their_o idolothite_n express_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 28_o act_v 15.29_o second_o in_o mix_v with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n a_o notion_n utter_o forbid_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o in_o such_o a_o way_n so_o that_o though_o balaam_n can_v not_o curse_v israel_n according_a to_o balack_n desire_n be_v overmaster_v by_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v his_o heart_n go_v still_o after_o the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o testify_v that_o be_v his_o desire_n and_o heart_n be_v to_o take_v balack_n hire_n and_o reward_n to_o curse_n israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o overmaster_v both_o his_o tongue_n and_o heart_n and_o instead_o of_o curse_v they_o he_o be_v enforce_v to_o bless_v they_o and_o see_v he_o can_v not_o pleasure_n balack_n according_a to_o his_o expectation_n and_o desire_n as_o a_o prophet_n in_o his_o malediction_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a as_o a_o private_a machavilian_n or_o a_o achitophel_n to_o counsel_n balack_n that_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o enmity_n with_o their_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o so_o god_n that_o be_v their_o keeper_n and_o saviour_n against_o all_o enchantment_n and_o curse_n will_v
mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb._n this_o be_v the_o terrible_a and_o unknown_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o christ_n himself_o which_o one_o day_n he_o will_v manifest_v when_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o o_o let_v this_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n observe_v 2._o christ_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o intense_a on_o the_o punishment_n of_o delinquent_a church_n christ_n come_v all_o in_o a_o fiery_a posture_n against_o thyatira_n and_o withal_o tell_v she_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o that_o for_o suffer_v jezabel_n within_o she_o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n etc._n etc._n christ_n when_o he_o whip_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n jo_n 2._o do_v it_o so_o zealous_o that_o for_o that_o very_a act_n it_o be_v former_o prophesy_v of_o he_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n in_o his_o carriage_n and_o ready_a to_o punish_v all_o those_o delinquent_a asian_a church_n he_o tell_v ephesus_n in_o the_o first_o place_n except_o she_o repent_v and_o recover_v she_o first_o love_n and_o do_v she_o first_o work_n he_o will_v come_v quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n to_o pergamus_n he_o say_v repent_v or_o i_o come_v quick_o against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n against_o the_o zeal-fallen_a church_n of_o laodicea_n cap._n 3._o 15_o 16._o i_o know_v thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n you_o see_v christ_n will_v not_o spare_v his_o delinquent_a church_n but_o come_v quick_o against_o they_o except_o they_o repent_v and_o this_o proceed_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n answer_n to_o this_o apparition_n of_o he_o to_o john_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o foot_n like_o burn_a brass_n cap._n 1._o 14_o 15._o verse_n 19_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o all_o those_o grace_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o true_a â—eal_a grace_n not_o only_o so_o in_o appearance_n and_o opinion_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o therefore_o christ_n before_o he_o fall_v on_o the_o charge_n against_o she_o first_o he_o give_v a_o approbation_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o her_o grace_n and_o in_o effect_n tell_v she_o it_o be_v true_a o_o church_n of_o thyatira_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v thy_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o thy_o true_a love_n towards_o i_o which_o have_v produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o thou_o the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o thy_o zealous_a service_n and_o thy_o faith_n enliven_v by_o love_n together_o with_o thy_o constant_a patience_n under_o suffering_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o thou_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o and_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v unto_o thy_o praise_n that_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o those_o gracious_a work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v though_o thy_o first_o work_n be_v do_v out_o of_o much_o zeal_n yet_o the_o latter_a be_v do_v on_o more_o certain_a and_o sober_a ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sincerer_n end_v then_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o as_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o improvement_n of_o thy_o grace_n so_o thou_o be_v more_o in_o esteem_n and_o thy_o work_n also_o then_o at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o way_n here_o observe_v we_o may_v observe_v though_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v never_o so_o blame-worthy_a yet_o christ_n will_v give_v she_o her_o due_a and_o set_v too_o his_o seal_n of_o approbation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v sound_a and_o righteous_a in_o she_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o thyatira_n to_o denominate_v she_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o christ_n have_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o she_o it_o savour_v not_o of_o the_o dovelike_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o love_n when_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o rigid_a as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v such_o society_n to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o imperfection_n in_o they_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n though_o otherwise_o abound_v in_o work_n of_o holiness_n as_o love_v to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o faith_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n zeal_n towards_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n doubtless_o with_o some_o rigid_a person_n in_o these_o day_n the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n will_v be_v unchurch_v and_o anathematise_v by_o they_o have_v they_o but_o authority_n over_o they_o though_o christ_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n upon_o they_o and_o mark_v they_o as_o golden_a candlestick_n as_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n may_v be_v rot_v and_o dead_a and_o yet_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o in_o those_o spiritual_a body_n politics_n there_o may_v be_v some_o member_n rot_v and_o dead_a at_o the_o root_n yet_o the_o body_n still_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o no_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o again_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n there_o may_v be_v a_o catholic_a disease_n seize_v upon_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o may_v render_v it_o very_o uncapable_a for_o its_o service_n and_o yet_o still_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a it_o may_v be_v catholique_o sick_a and_o infect_v with_o some_o venomous_a disease_n some_o pestifferous_a doctrine_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o a_o church_n still_o though_o a_o decrepit_a infirm_a and_o lame_a one_o but_o when_o the_o disease_n come_v to_o be_v mortal_a leprous_a or_o incurable_a it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o cry_v out_o sum_n impurus_fw-la sum_fw-la impurus_fw-la procul_fw-la hinc_fw-la procul_fw-la ite_z for_o the_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o love_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a work_n that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o in_o his_o people_n and_o do_v also_o render_v they_o as_o approve_v saint_n both_o unto_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o public_a approve_a person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o his_o member_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o before_o these_o grace_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o saint_n to_o evidence_n their_o calling_n they_o be_v but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o election_n do_v secure_v our_o eternal_a estate_n but_o before_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n come_v to_o evidence_n it_o by_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n sin_n and_o death_n have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o though_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o in_o god_n predetermination_n yet_o differ_v we_o not_o at_o all_o from_o servant_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n yea_o therein_o we_o be_v slave_n and_o captive_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n these_o gracious_a work_n be_v call_v thy_o work_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o wrought_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o yet_o god_n goodness_n do_v call_v they_o we_o because_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o pass_v through_o our_o will_n affection_n and_o understanding_n and_o here_o love_n or_o charity_n be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o love_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v before_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o thus_o much_o i_o say_v that_o all_o general_o grant_v that_o faith_n first_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o unto_o a_o proposition_n now_o unless_o love_v come_v in_o to_o ingrediate_v the_o affection_n unto_o the_o truth_n propose_v it_o will_v only_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a opinion_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o lively_a faith_n second_o i_o say_v love_n be_v here_o propose_v as_o first_o in_o order_n as_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a gospel_n grace_n 1_o cor._n 13._o throughout_o now_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a of_o
receive_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o double_a door_n open_v a_o free_a power_n give_v she_o by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ready_a and_o willing_a heart_n to_o receive_v it_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o from_o she_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n himself_o that_o have_v open_v it_o and_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o hellish_a design_n it_o can_v never_o be_v obscure_v and_o shut_v up_o more_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o vouchsafe_v and_o give_v fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n for_o a_o kindly_a entertainment_n of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o man_n wit_n conceit_n or_o eloquence_n of_o word_n will_v open_v this_o door_n either_o to_o one self_o or_o other_o christ_n must_v first_o open_v and_o give_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n or_o else_o the_o tongue_n will_v be_v as_o dumb_a as_o zachariah_n before_o john_n be_v bear_v unto_o all_o gospel_n mystery_n next_o the_o hearer_n will_v be_v as_o deaf_a unto_o the_o sound_n thereof_o as_o dumb_a unto_o the_o utterance_n of_o it_o before_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o work_v kind_o on_o their_o heart_n to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o how_o possible_o else_o can_v twelve_o plain_a tradesman_n mechanic_n fisherman_n etc._n etc._n go_v on_o with_o that_o boldness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v that_o door_n of_o utterance_n and_o entertainment_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n among_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n have_v not_o touch_v their_o tongue_n and_o unshut_a their_o mouth_n and_o tâ—â—_n heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n both_o at_o once_o the_o one_o with_o a_o power_n of_o speak_v the_o other_o with_o a_o power_n and_o willingness_n of_o hear_v receive_v and_o treasure_v up_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v what_o a_o large_a door_n have_v christ_n lay_v open_a since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o reformation_n to_o this_o present_a day_n this_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n who_o by_o weak_a and_o despicable_a thing_n and_o person_n have_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v consider_v with_o what_o weapon_n i_o have_v overcome_v their_o error_n i_o have_v never_o touch_v they_o with_o a_o finger_n but_o christ_n have_v destroy_v they_o all_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n i._n e._n the_o word_n of_o his_o gospel_n what_o do_n what_o imprisoning_n what_o fining_n what_o punishment_n what_o torture_n what_o punishment_n what_o death_n do_v the_o old_a popish_a doctor_n and_o clergy_n and_o of_o late_a the_o prelatical_a bishop_n raise_v and_o invent_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o door_n that_o christ_n have_v open_v to_o his_o faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o land_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v they_o prevail_v and_o get_v thereby_o but_o by_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o suffocate_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o true_a light_n become_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o break_v themselves_o to_o piece_n against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o become_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o such_o endeavour_n be_v again_o set_v on_o foot_n against_o christ_n faithful_a witness_n to_o shut_v that_o door_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v open_a to_o they_o let_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o time_n pass_v towards_o the_o prelatical_a person_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n be_v a_o curb_n unto_o such_o undertaker_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o reproach_n or_o act_n of_o man_n against_o they_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n for_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n for_o the_o sense_n run_v thus_o because_o though_o thy_o strength_n be_v but_o small_a and_o thy_o gift_n be_v but_o low_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o yet_o thou_o have_v well_o improve_v those_o which_o thou_o have_v and_o have_v maintain_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_a among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o put_v the_o couple_a particle_n and_o for_o the_o disjunctive_a though_o or_o yet_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n not_o in_o opposition_n of_o much_o corruption_n that_o reign_v in_o philadelphia_n as_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o name_n alive_a because_o the_o great_a part_n be_v dead_a but_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n be_v apparent_o no_o great_a strength_n comparative_o to_o what_o other_o have_v and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v she_o for_o her_o talon_n which_o she_o improve_n and_o put_v to_o profitable_a use_n according_a to_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v most_o commend_v of_o god_n and_o in_o nothing_o reprove_v by_o he_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o a_o small_a talon_n well_o improve_v be_v follow_v both_o by_o a_o benediction_n and_o a_o commendation_n from_o god_n himself_o the_o parable_n in_o match_n 25._o confirm_v this_o where_o he_o that_o increase_v his_o talon_n be_v make_v owner_n of_o more_o and_o governor_n of_o many_o city_n this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n bear_v the_o name_n from_o all_o her_o sister_n for_o her_o proficiency_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n though_o her_o strength_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o her_o profession_n and_o ability_n seem_v so_o high_a as_o the_o rest_n yet_o she_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o she_o surpass_v they_o all_o and_o have_v the_o great_a portion_n and_o blessing_n give_v she_o then_o to_o any_o other_o and_o so_o become_v the_o only_a daughter_n of_o her_o mother_n the_o peerless_a sister_n of_o the_o seven_o have_v not_o of_o late_a many_o low_a despicable_a church_n and_o person_n for_o well_o improve_n their_o small_a talent_n become_v fragrant_a garden_n and_o eminent_a workman_n in_o god_n vineyard_n while_o other_o of_o high_a profession_n part_n and_o ability_n for_o want_v of_o husband_v their_o talent_n both_o lose_v their_o talent_n and_o become_v barren_a desert_n and_o like_o unsavoury_a salt_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dunghill_n though_o my_o year_n be_v but_o few_o and_o my_o experience_n small_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o this_o improvement_n i_o have_v know_v great_a doctor_n to_o become_v wittol_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n child_n and_o babe_n by_o better_v of_o their_o talent_n though_o but_o of_o small_a and_o of_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o as_o but_o a_o mustardseed_n in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o to_o become_v sound_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o last_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o great_a tree_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v fly_v for_o shelter_n verse_n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o by_o this_o double_a remarkable_a asterisme_n or_o twice_o repeat_v note_n of_o attention_n behold_v in_o one_o verse_n christ_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o notable_a work_n in_o his_o church_n and_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o perverse_a jew_n that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v affliction_n and_o tribulation_n on_o the_o true_a professor_n thereof_o but_o to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o worship_v he_o before_o their_o foot_n to_o make_v they_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o this_o christ_n and_o this_o church_n who_o they_o have_v vilify_v blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v to_o be_v the_o only_a special_a object_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o explicate_v the_o word_n more_o full_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o
and_o some_o other_o of_o suspect_a credit_n and_o of_o obscure_a note_n as_o dorotheus_n dionysius_n eusebius_n caius_n do_v oppugn_v it_o yet_o epiphanius_n be_v so_o passionate_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v they_o among_o heretic_n that_o do_v reject_v it_o and_o justin_n martyr_n and_o ireneus_fw-la of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o of_o singular_a piety_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v this_o book_n as_o canonical_a but_o write_v commentary_n on_o it_o 2._o whatsoever_o that_o caius_n be_v that_o father_n the_o apocalypse_v on_o cerinthus_n on_o who_o report_n all_o his_o follower_n be_v mislead_v yet_o the_o relation_n itself_o hold_v not_o any_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n for_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o write_v very_o large_o of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o his_o successor_n yet_o never_o mention_n that_o he_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o chiliasme_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o caius_n concern_v he_o and_o he_o apocalypse_v be_v apocryphal_a and_o a_o mere_a figment_n on_o purpose_n devise_v by_o the_o adversary_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o d._n homes_n lib._n 3._o chap._n 3._o sect_n 3._o further_o if_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v besprinkle_v it_o with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o error_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n deny_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o affirm_v his_o generation_n to_o be_v only_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o m._n baxter_n book_n of_o infidelity_n treat_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n carpocrates_n and_o their_o follower_n page_z 129._o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a strong_o confirm_v in_o many_o place_n thereof_o as_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n thereon_o will_v manifest_v and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o cerinthus_n hold_v and_o expect_v a_o riotous_a and_o luxuriant_a millenary_a which_o be_v now_o disprove_v yet_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n thereof_o but_o of_o a_o millenary_a of_o rest_n and_o joy_n in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n then_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v on_o earth_n heretofore_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o earthly_a sensual_a reign_n and_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n saint_n may_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o spiritualised_a and_o heavenly_a one_o which_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o suspect_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o apocalypse_v second_o hierome_n the_o great_a antagonist_n of_o this_o book_n write_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n speak_v very_o sharp_o against_o this_o book_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n thereof_o as_o not_o become_v the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v only_o a_o common_a history_n of_o thing_n shadow_v under_o dark_a figure_n and_o hard_a kind_n of_o speech_n i_o answer_v rather_o it_o become_v and_o savour_v the_o excellency_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o lesser_a asia_n carry_v in_o it_o all_o along_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o very_a step_n sentence_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n be_v full_a of_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o his_o continual_a intercession_n and_o providential_a act_n of_o gubernation_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o expression_n thereof_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o that_o be_v not_o strange_a in_o prophetical_a writing_n as_o in_o daniel_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o set_v we_o on_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o overslip_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o their_o appoint_a time_n of_o discovery_n that_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o three_o dionysius_n aforesaid_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n reason_n very_o slight_o against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o cast_v up_o so_o oft_o his_o own_o name_n since_o in_o his_o gospel_n he_o never_o name_v himself_o but_o only_o point_v it_o out_o by_o some_o modest_a mark_n as_o these_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n in_o his_o vision_n and_o conference_n with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o do_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o word_n i_o john_n this_o reason_n move_v dionysius_n to_o think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v rather_o set_v out_o by_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n then_o by_o himself_o i_o answer_v this_o opposition_n be_v but_o weak_a for_o he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n or_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v mix_v of_o both_o he_o need_v not_o often_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o depend_v on_o its_o present_a verity_n and_o other_o apparent_a circumstance_n witness_v unto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o miracle_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o writer_n of_o prophecy_n for_o that_o receive_v authority_n by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o in_o every_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v we_o must_v inquire_v first_o who_o reveal_v it_o and_o then_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o to_o have_v divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o who_o will_v give_v credence_n or_o faith_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n or_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o see_v they_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n how_o oft_o do_v he_o repeat_v these_o word_n isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n and_o in_o daniel_n prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o name_n more_o than_o threescore_o time_n repeat_v yea_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o daniel_n about_o nine_o time_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o paul_n when_o his_o apostleship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o some_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o ministry_n how_o often_o shall_v you_o read_v i_o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v strange_a when_o john_n mention_n not_o his_o name_n above_o five_o time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o with_o that_o modesty_n that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n have_v wipe_v off_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v cast_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n on_o these_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v some_o testimony_n for_o that_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o will_n receive_v this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n but_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o from_o without_o or_o second_o within_o the_o say_a book_n those_o from_o without_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n except_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o contest_v among_o some_o violent_a person_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o the_o canon_n the_o counsel_n of_o laodicea_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o council_n of_o toletan_n 5._o cap._n 16._o decree_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n second_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n cyril_n epiphanius_n lactantius_n ireneus_fw-la augustine_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o this_o book_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n in_o their_o writing_n i_o shall_v
over_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o discovery_n to_o wit_n the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o security_n in_o that_o condition_n together_o with_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n its_o reign_n pollution_n and_o a_o discovery_n thereof_o and_o at_o last_o its_o utter_a ruin_n and_o abolition_n and_o the_o consequent_a thereof_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o church_n to_o glory_n judicious_a christian_n shall_v account_v this_o knowledge_n excellent_a it_o will_v much_o help_v to_o keep_v their_o spirit_n in_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n this_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o time_n of_o patience_n and_o tribulation_n not_o of_o triumph_v and_o reign_v while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v absent_a the_o spouse_n be_v under_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n not_o of_o mirth_n and_o rejoice_v the_o scarlet_a whore_n or_o harlot_n church_n sit_v yet_o as_o a_o queen_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a spouse_n sit_v mourning_n yet_o still_o expect_v the_o daystar_n to_o arise_v for_o her_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n see_v more_o concern_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o work_n observe_v 3._o the_o content_n and_o intendment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n read_v and_o hear_v will_v not_o serve_v turn_n there_o must_v be_v a_o keep_n that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v read_v to_o advantage_v the_o thing_n in_o this_o prophecy_n must_v read_v observant_o hear_v attentive_o and_o at_o last_o treasure_n up_o in_o his_o heart_n what_o he_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o so_o have_v careful_o observe_v the_o content_n of_o each_o prophecy_n with_o a_o right_a application_n thereof_o he_o become_v most_o bless_v and_o happy_a from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n observe_v 4._o that_o the_o profound_a speculation_n and_o the_o choice_a truth_n be_v hard_a come_v by_o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n quod_fw-la difficilimum_fw-la pulcherrimum_n truth_n as_o treasure_n that_o lie_v deep_a be_v sweet_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o knot_n there_o be_v in_o the_o choice_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n justification_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o inform_v we_o several_a lesson_n 1._o to_o set_v a_o reverence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v choice_a one_o not_o easy_o come_v by_o 2._o it_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o our_o swell_a conceit_n as_o if_o we_o know_v all_o mystery_n and_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v creature_n not_o omniscient_a and_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o many_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n though_o we_o know_v they_o not_o 3._o it_o quicken_v we_o to_o duty_n and_o whet_v our_o endeavour_n to_o the_o attainment_n thereof_o strive_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o strait_a gate_n choice_a truth_n as_o heaven_n must_v be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v they_o by_o force_n 4._o god_n have_v hide_v some_o excellent_a truth_n under_o the_o rock_n and_o lay_v they_o deep_a that_o the_o great_a ability_n and_o grace_n he_o give_v may_v be_v exercise_v therein_o in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v meat_n for_o babe_n and_o also_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n both_o have_v enough_o that_o neither_o may_v complain_v for_o want_n 5._o last_o it_o drive_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o david_n open_v thou_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o same_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n v._o 10._o which_o intimate_v that_o all_o aught_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o content_n of_o this_o prophecy_n because_o the_o time_n be_v then_o at_o hand_n and_o draw_v nigh_o wherein_o all_o the_o prediction_n thereof_o must_v be_v accomplish_v and_o wherein_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v forthwith_o unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o and_o so_o unto_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o order_n until_o all_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o these_o prophecy_n by_o christ_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v hence_o observe_v that_o those_o prophecy_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o run_v out_o present_o upon_o john_n time_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n since_o until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n treat_v on_o the_o particular_n verse_n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n john_n have_v discover_v the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o first_o two_o verse_n by_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o the_o instrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v send_v and_o receive_v and_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o a_o sure_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o he_o go_v on_o with_o a_o salute_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n by_o way_n of_o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n wherein_o partly_o he_o commend_v and_o encourage_v they_o partly_o he_o check_v they_o which_o will_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o discourse_n before_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o prophetical_a vision_n themselves_o from_o whence_o observe_v that_o christ_n minister_n or_o prophet_n though_o they_o have_v a_o burden_n or_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n to_o denounce_v against_o a_o people_n or_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o their_o mouth_n with_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o they_o the_o work_n of_o judgement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o abhorrency_n unto_o god_n why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v and_o heal_v you_o but_o you_o will_v not_o it_o be_v god_n method_n a_o long_a time_n to_o exercise_v his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n before_o his_o wrath_n be_v execute_v he_o will_v try_v all_o mean_n in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o mercy_n by_o providence_n by_o deliverance_n to_o win_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o he_o will_v as_o a_o good_a husbandman_n many_o year_n enclose_v dig_v dress_v and_o prune_v his_o vineyard_n in_o expectance_n of_o fruitfulness_n before_o he_o will_v hew_v they_o down_o and_o cast_v they_o in_o the_o fire_n he_o will_v abide_v long_o with_o his_o backslide_a child_n forty_o year_n long_o be_v he_o grieve_v by_o his_o gainsay_n people_n israel_n yea_o he_o will_v come_v down_o and_o see_v as_o if_o former_o he_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o sin_n hope_v of_o their_o amendment_n by_o such_o forbearance_n whether_o their_o transgression_n be_v so_o or_o not_o ezek._n 33.11_o god_n take_v a_o solemn_a oath_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a turn_v turn_v etc._n etc._n when_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v by_o unrepentant_a sinner_n enforce_v to_o withdraw_v his_o presence_n and_o execute_v his_o judgement_n o_o how_o trouble_a be_v he_o at_o it_o he_o do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v step_z by_z step_z ezek_n 10.4_o when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o glory_n from_o the_o temple_n first_o it_o move_v to_o the_o threshold_n then_o towards_o heaven_n v._o 19_o then_o to_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o mountain_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o city_n cap._n 11._o 23._o and_o so_o at_o last_o go_v whole_o from_o they_o this_o set_v a_o reproof_n upon_o such_o that_o come_v like_o boanarge_n son_n of_o thunder_n with_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n before_o they_o have_v make_v experiment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o peace_n and_o grace_n that_o of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v unto_o they_o they_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o observe_v 2._o that_o all_o christ_n faithful_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o soul_n by_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o god_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o all_o their_o hearer_n it_o be_v john_n wish_n here_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n paul_n always_o in_o every_o epistle_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v they_o rom._n 1.7_o it_o manifest_v our_o charity_n and_o our_o duty_n in_o pray_v for_o all_o
peace_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o beautiful_a be_v their_o foot_n and_o so_o may_v right_o be_v represent_v mystical_o or_o figurative_o by_o those_o lightsome_a and_o noble_a creature_n the_o star_n but_o to_o prevent_v tediousness_n in_o repetition_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o note_n on_o the_o precedent_n sixteenth_o verse_n where_o i_o have_v full_o discuss_v the_o same_o subject_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o seven_o church_n to_o wit_n in_o ephes_n smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n in_o exodus_fw-la 25._o among_o the_o adorement_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n god_n command_v mâ—ses_n to_o make_v a_o candlestick_n of_o beat_a gold_n christ_n in_o this_o verse_n take_v up_o the_o figure_n and_o type_n of_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n to_o represent_v mystical_o his_o tabernacle_n with_o man_n his_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n wherein_o his_o glorious_a presence_n do_v most_o resplendent_o appear_v for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 13._o that_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o in_o great_a lustre_n glory_n and_o splendour_n golden_a candlestick_n be_v fit_a type_n and_o emblem_n to_o represent_v christ_n church_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o choice_a metal_n they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n observe_v christ_n church_n be_v of_o that_o precious_a allay_n and_o temper_n that_o they_o excel_v all_o other_o assembly_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o eminent_a be_v but_o as_o lead_v or_o tin_n but_o those_o like_a precious_a gold_n second_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o try_a and_o refine_a metal_n that_o be_v so_o be_v christ_n church_n they_o go_v under_o seven_o fold_n refinement_n they_o have_v trial_n from_o god_n and_o man_n refinement_n by_o affliction_n refinement_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o their_o dross_n be_v do_v away_o and_o so_o become_v most_o precious_a and_o shine_a gold_n three_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a dear_a and_o high_a esteem_a metal_n among_o man_n so_o christ_n church_n be_v the_o most_o high_o respect_v by_o god_n of_o all_o creature_n the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o their_o sake_n yea_o they_o be_v the_o right_a heir_n that_o be_v that_o have_v the_o more_o especial_a right_n by_o blessing_n promise_n and_o compact_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n thereof_o whether_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v why_o all_o be_v you_o if_o christ_n be_v you_o 1_o cor._n 3.23_o four_o it_o be_v the_o most_o extensive_a and_o ductible_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v the_o large_a bowel_n of_o true_a charity_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o will_v endeavour_v the_o conversion_n and_o pray_v for_o it_o even_o of_o their_o very_a enemy_n five_o gold_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a of_o all_o metal_n christ_n church_n be_v of_o the_o great_a weight_n with_o god_n all_o other_o be_v but_o as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n in_o comparison_n of_o they_o they_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n with_o god_n that_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o stay_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o he_o go_v out_o to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n if_o two_o or_o three_o righteous_a person_n be_v in_o a_o city_n god_n will_v not_o destroy_v it_o for_o their_o sake_n six_o and_o last_o gold_n be_v most_o fair_a and_o shine_a of_o all_o metal_n so_o christ_n church_n they_o be_v most_o shine_v in_o their_o grace_n they_o be_v not_o guild_a candlestick_n but_o golden_a one_o yea_o beat_a one_o as_o that_o of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v thou_o be_v all_o fair_a say_v christ_n to_o his_o spouse_n in_o cant._n 1._o my_o love_n behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a like_o a_o lily_n among_o the_o thorn_n so_o be_v my_o love_n among_o the_o daughter_n cant._n 2.2_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o type_n and_o figure_n the_o seven_o candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o how_o they_o suit_v fit_o for_o this_o purpose_n all_o know_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o candlestick_n be_v to_o contain_v and_o hold_v their_o shine_a lamp_n or_o candle_n as_o in_o exod._n 25.37_o and_o thou_o shall_v make_v the_o seven_o lamp_n thereof_o and_o the_o lamp_n thereof_o shall_v thou_o put_v thereon_o to_o give_v light_n towards_o that_o that_o be_v before_o it_o as_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v to_o have_v seven_o lamp_n or_o light_n to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v before_o it_o so_o these_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n those_o seven_o asian_a church_n have_v their_o seven_o lamp_n or_o light_n therein_o which_o number_n denote_v perfection_n to_o enlighten_v all_o that_o be_v before_o it_o they_o have_v also_o their_o seven_o angel_n seven_o faithful_a messenger_n minister_n or_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o truth_n to_o enlighten_v every_o soul_n that_o come_v with_o a_o teachable_a heart_n before_o they_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o candlestick_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n exod._n 25.37_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o shine_a lamp_n in_o they_o that_o be_v minister_n and_o teacher_n that_o be_v both_o godly_a and_o faithful_a one_o each_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n have_v its_o angel_n its_o light_n its_o lamp_n within_o its_o candlestick_n and_o a_o church_n without_o these_o light_n these_o angel_n be_v as_o a_o candlestick_n without_o its_o lamp_n or_o light_n stand_v for_o ornament_n and_o fashion_n sake_n but_o want_v much_o of_o its_o honour_n life_n light_n and_o service_n which_o those_o lamp_n and_o light_n will_v yield_v unto_o it_o for_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n some_o apostle_n some_o evangelist_n some_o prophet_n some_o teacher_n some_o pastor_n some_o elder_n and_o all_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o complete_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n church_n thus_o organise_v with_o their_o angel_n and_o minister_n be_v most_o comely_a yea_o that_o high_a expression_n in_o cant._n 6.4_o may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o thou_o be_v beautiful_a o_o my_o love_n as_o tirza_n comely_a as_o jerusalem_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n amid_o those_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o have_v their_o angel_n or_o lamp_n shine_v within_o they_o christ_n make_v his_o glorious_a appearance_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n verse_n 13._o the_o discovery_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o presence_n both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o judgement_n be_v most_o clear_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o discern_v among_o his_o church_n that_o have_v their_o angel_n minister_n and_o teacher_n shine_v most_o bright_a in_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o midst_n among_o they_o and_o like_v to_o this_o be_v the_o advice_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v to_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n chap._n 1.7_o 8._o when_o she_o have_v lose_v or_o can_v not_o find_v her_o belove_a tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v where_o thou_o make_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n his_o answer_n be_v if_o thou_o know_v not_o thou_o fair_o among_o woman_n go_v thy_o way_n forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v thy_o kid_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n therefore_o o_o thou_o the_o belove_a of_o my_o soul_n cause_n my_o soul_n that_o by_o its_o wander_n have_v long_o miss_v thou_o to_o seek_v for_o thou_o among_o thy_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o thy_o ordinance_n and_o holy_a assembly_n in_o the_o midst_n whereof_o thou_o do_v appear_v that_o my_o soul_n which_o languish_v may_v be_v comfort_v with_o apple_n and_o stay_v with_o flagon_n with_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n from_o thyself_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o garden_n and_o feed_v thy_o flock_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n observe_v 2._o that_o christ_n church_n be_v his_o chief_a treasury_n here_o on_o earth_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n if_o soul_n desire_v to_o come_v into_o the_o true_a light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n where_o shall_v they_o rather_o repair_v then_o unto_o those_o golden_a candlestick_n who_o proper_a service_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o all_o comer_n christ_n be_v find_v walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o verse_n 1â—_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o sun_n run_v its_o course_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v light_n in_o that_o firmament_n and_o much_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n in_o this_o place_n these_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o figure_n of_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o also_o in_o zach._n 4.3_o etc._n etc._n the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n with_o seven_o lamp_n
one_o stroke_n whereas_o we_o general_o grant_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v moral_a natural_a be_v both_o divine_a spiritual_a our_o duty_n and_o perpetual_a there_o be_v no_o relaxation_n to_o the_o least_o jota_n of_o it_o second_o we_o grant_v the_o judicial_a law_n of_o moses_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o use_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o that_o law_n it_o be_v quite_o dead_a unto_o we_o and_o be_v part_n of_o that_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v nail_v unto_o christ_n cross_n and_o to_o give_v a_o restauration_n and_o resurrection_n unto_o it_o either_o in_o its_o self_n or_o in_o allusion_n draw_v from_o it_o press_v home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n be_v to_o add_v circumcision_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o bear_v and_o so_o by_o consequence_n to_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v for_o if_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o judaical_a judicial_a law_n as_o particular_o relate_v to_o that_o nation_n be_v void_a and_o non-obliging_a unto_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o all_o sound_a protestant_n confess_v and_o be_v this_o day_n make_v good_a and_o avow_a by_o their_o general_a practice_n for_o what_o sort_n of_o christian_n do_v strict_o bind_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o judicial_n of_o moses_n but_o do_v pick_v and_o choose_v as_o they_o please_v for_o as_o i_o say_v but_o now_o many_o good_a thing_n be_v in_o they_o both_o useful_a and_o imitable_a for_o christian_a commonweal_n to_o adhere_v to_o but_o to_o make_v they_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o cogent_a upon_o the_o conscience_n i_o know_v no_o sound_a church_n or_o teacher_n do_v so_o undertake_v to_o become_v its_o advocate_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o heterodox_n i_o be_o resolve_v and_o shall_v give_v it_o as_o advice_n to_o other_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o liberty_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o if_o the_o judicial_a law_n together_o with_o all_o its_o ceremonial_n as_o all_o sound_a divine_n grant_v and_o confess_v and_o practice_v according_o be_v null_n and_o void_a and_o non-constringent_a unto_o christian_n then_o how_o unequal_a and_o unjust_a it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o foundation_n or_o corner_n stone_n to_o build_v any_o gospel_n ordinance_n thereon_o for_o the_o basis_n be_v unsound_a and_o sandy_a the_o structure_n can_v hold_v but_o must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n together_o and_o all_o such_o conclusion_n as_o be_v extract_v from_o such_o unsound_a premise_n be_v rather_o exotique_a than_o concentrique_fw-la with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o legal_a type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v long_o since_o putrify_v in_o their_o grave_n and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o mary_n say_v to_o christ_n concern_v her_o brother_n lazarus_n lord_n by_o this_o it_o stink_v we_o have_v the_o anti-type_n christ_n himself_o the_o true_a substance_n of_o all_o judaical_a type_n and_o shadow_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a lord_n of_o his_o house_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o of_o common_a element_n of_o water_n bread_n and_o wine_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o institution_n have_v make_v they_o unto_o we_o spiritual_a water_n of_o regeneration_n and_o spiritual_a symbol_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v mystical_o and_o sacramental_o communicate_v to_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n and_o this_o lord_n as_o a_o faithful_a legislator_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n about_o those_o ordinance_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n together_o with_o the_o subject_n thereof_o and_o though_o some_o assert_v that_o the_o truth_n hereabout_o lie_v deep_a and_o of_o difficult_a discern_a and_o i_o believe_v it_o true_a as_o unto_o they_o and_o those_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a dust_n they_o themselves_o raise_v about_o it_o as_o the_o fox_n in_o the_o fable_n that_o go_v to_o sweep_v the_o house_n with_o his_o tail_n who_o in_o stead_n of_o cleanse_v the_o house_n make_v it_o more_o filthy_a by_o the_o dust_n he_o raise_v about_o it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o conceive_v these_o two_o great_a gospel_n ordinance_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a to_o plain_a and_o simple_a heart_a christian_n in_o all_o the_o necessary_a circumstantial_o thereof_o as_o about_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n the_o qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o ordinance_n be_v not_o institute_v alone_o for_o philosophical_a christian_n but_o be_v also_o subject_v to_o the_o cognizance_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o academic_n and_o therefore_o their_o significancy_n obvious_a unto_o all_o in_o all_o such_o particular_n that_o make_v but_o a_o reasonable_a enquiry_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v judge_v such_o as_o sophister_n and_o vain_a jangler_n as_o go_v about_o to_o darken_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o two_o great_a gospel_n light_n or_o sacrament_n by_o analogical_a argument_n levy_v from_o the_o judicial_n or_o ceremonial_n of_o moses_n to_o support_v they_o withal_o or_o to_o evidence_n their_o truth_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o any_o circumstantial_o thereof_o whereas_o they_o be_v sufficient_o support_v and_o virtuate_v by_o a_o clear_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o wit_n their_o own_o genuine_a institution_n and_o here_o right_o may_v be_v appply_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n ne_fw-fr te_fw-fr quesiveris_fw-la extra_fw-la and_o for_o he_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a cre_n that_fw-mi judeus_fw-la apella_n non_fw-la ego_fw-la but_o to_o return_v to_o m._n morice_n from_o who_o answer_n i_o have_v somewhat_o digress_v i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o present_v he_o with_o few_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o learned_a m._n baxter_n be_v myself_o very_o conscious_a to_o be_v impar_fw-la congressus_fw-la achilli_n in_o his_o book_n for_o infant_n baptism_n against_o m._n bedford_n p._n 299._o this_o argument_n of_o his_o offer_n itself_o if_o both_o in_o the_o institution_n and_o every_o example_n of_o baptism_n through_o all_o the_o bible_n the_o first_o grace_n be_v prerequisite_a as_o a_o condition_n than_o the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o institute_v for_o the_o confirm_v of_o that_o first_o grace_n but_o in_o the_o institution_n and_o every_o example_n of_o baptism_n through_o all_o the_o bible_n the_o first_o grace_n be_v prerequisite_a as_o a_o condition_n therefore_o the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o institute_v to_o confer_v it_o by_o the_o first_o grace_n it_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o still_o mean_v that_o grace_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n whether_o habitual_a or_o actual_a or_o if_o you_o will_v call_v it_o seminal_a or_o radical_a you_o may_v by_o prerequisite_a as_o a_o condition_n i_o mean_v either_o in_o the_o party_n or_o another_o for_o he_o the_o force_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o otherwise_o baptism_n shall_v be_v institute_v to_o give_v man_n that_o which_o be_v pre-required_n in_o they_o and_o so_o which_o they_o have_v already_o as_o to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o the_o antecedent_n be_v undeniable_a as_o may_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o recital_n of_o the_o particular_a text_n can_v we_o stay_v so_o long_o upon_o it_o john_n require_v a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n in_o those_o he_o baptize_v jesus_n first_o make_v they_o disciple_n and_o then_o by_o his_o apostle_n baptize_v they_o john_n 4.1_o the_o solemn_a institution_n of_o it_o as_o a_o stand_a ordinance_n to_o the_o church_n which_o tell_v we_o full_o the_o end_n be_v in_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v and_o disciple_n i_o all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o &c_n &c_n now_o for_o the_o age_a a_o disciple_n and_o a_o believer_n be_v all_o one_o mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v act_n 2.38_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o etc._n etc._n 41._o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8.12_o 13._o the_o samaritan_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n simon_n himself_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v act_v 8.36_o 37._o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptize_v and_o he_o answer_v i_o believe_v etc._n etc._n act_v 9_o paul_n believe_v upon_o ananias_n instruction_n and_o then_o be_v baptize_v act_n 10.47_o 48._o and_o 16.15.33_o and_o 18.8_o and_o 19.4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n thus_o far_o m._n baxter_n in_o this_o place_n and_o to_o see_v his_o clearness_n herein_o be_v admirable_a and_o what_o advantage_n a_o learned_a man_n have_v when_o he_o have_v truth_n on_o his_o side_n which_o argument_n be_v able_a though_o by_o he_o manage_v there_o to_o another_o end_n
to_o overturn_v all_o its_o opposite_n that_o assert_n that_o true_a real_a grace_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o pre-requisite_a as_o the_o condition_n unto_o baptism_n among_o many_o other_o argument_n of_o he_o against_o m._n blake'_v dogmatical_a faith_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o his_o four_o and_o five_o and_o eleven_o argument_n page_n 96._o of_o his_o apology_n and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o place_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o argument_n both_o from_o authority_n and_o scripture_n levy_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o comport_v with_o this_o truth_n his_o four_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n to_o justification_n but_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n therefore_o this_o abrenunciation_n have_v be_v practise_v always_o in_o baptism_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v his_o five_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v sincere_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v to_o justification_n but_o such_o be_v all_o as_o come_v to_o baptism_n therefore_o for_o the_o major_a it_o require_v no_o more_o proof_n but_o to_o explain_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n have_v enough_o prove_v that_o the_o phrase_n of_o believe_v in_o comprehend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o god_n which_o be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o sovereign_a ruler_n and_o chief_a good_a this_o none_o but_o a_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o do_v his_o eleven_o argument_n if_o baptism_n be_v solemnize_n of_o the_o mystical_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o baptise_a then_o true_a justify_v faith_n be_v of_o god_n require_v thereto_o but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a therefore_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o hold_v the_o antecedent_n to_o be_v true_a the_o consequence_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o no_o man_n but_o the_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o take_v christ_n as_o a_o husband_n and_o head_n for_o so_o to_o do_v be_v justify_v faith_n these_o three_o have_v i_o only_o choose_v of_o m._n baxter_n 26._o argument_n to_o set_v as_o a_o antithesis_fw-la unto_o m._n morice_n position_n and_o as_o a_o answer_n thereunto_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v it_o pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la a_o ill_a case_n be_v much_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o in_o this_o that_o i_o have_v set_v m._n baxter_n to_o answer_v m._n morice_n be_v but_o to_o set_v socrates_n to_o answer_v plato_n and_o i_o may_v add_v one_o word_n that_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n faith_n which_o be_v only_o dogmatical_a and_o formal_a though_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n gives_z right_a of_o admission_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v admission_n to_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n which_o so_o qualifi_v the_o person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o admit_v he_o as_o be_v one_o that_o seem_v sound_a in_o believe_v for_o judas_n be_v always_o reckon_v among_o the_o twelve_o before_o his_o traitorous_a betray_a act_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o simon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v also_o act_v 8.13_o now_o the_o church_n can_v but_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v deny_v admission_n either_o to_o simon_n or_o any_o other_o that_o desire_v it_o for_o charity_n think_v no_o evil_a and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a rule_n de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o entitul_a and_o have_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o a_o foedere_fw-la for_o that_o alone_o be_v save_a faith_n which_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n make_v the_o condition_n pre-requisite_a to_o such_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n which_o be_v before_o assert_v and_o prove_v and_o that_o that_o give_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la give_v a_o true_a title_n also_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o according_a to_o a_o charitative_a judgement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o will_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v admission_n be_v both_o true_a real_a and_o sanctify_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o desire_v it_o though_o oftentimes_o the_o sequel_n manifest_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v therein_o and_o hereby_o it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o church_n door_n be_v wide_a than_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v exceed_v the_o triumphant_a and_o be_v far_o enlarge_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o herein_o this_o shall_v suffice_v observe_v 5._o that_o false_a teacher_n be_v most_o arrogant_a and_o pretend_v high_a to_o gift_n and_o mission_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n find_v it_o so_o in_o their_o false_a teacher_n and_o corinth_n also_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o who_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n they_o will_v needs_o get_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o calling_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o on_o trial_n they_o be_v find_v liar_n they_o be_v of_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o precedency_n and_o be_v above_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o true_a apostle_n gaudent_fw-la preesse_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la prosunt_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la putant_fw-la preesse_fw-la &_o insolentius_fw-la &_o arrogantius_fw-la principes_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la locum_fw-la appertivisse_fw-la they_o be_v like_o those_o in_o jer._n 8.8_o who_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o as_o those_o in_o ezek._n 13.6_o who_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v yet_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vain_a vision_n and_o a_o lie_a divination_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o demand_v why_o shall_v those_o false_a teacher_n denominate_v themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n see_v the_o number_n be_v only_o limit_v to_o twelve_o i_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v denominate_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o century_n after_o christ_n the_o apostolical_a time_n though_o the_o twelve_o be_v dead_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n as_o church_n history_n manifest_v and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o the_o papist_n so_o far_o as_o the_o five_o century_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o hold_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n second_o i_o answer_v this_o apostolical_a office_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o peculiar_a faculty_n of_o the_o twelve_o as_o to_o debar_v all_o other_o from_o that_o denomination_n and_o though_o i_o grant_v they_o be_v christ_n apostle_n catexochen_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o other_o that_o be_v send_v for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a in_o christ_n embassy_n unto_o the_o world_n may_v appropriate_v that_o title_n unto_o themselves_o as_o paul_n very_o often_o in_o his_o epistle_n have_v just_o vindicate_v his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o may_v not_o barnabas_n with_o other_o that_o be_v send_v upon_o the_o same_o message_n with_o paul_n and_o the_o rest_n appropriate_v the_o same_o title_n and_o that_o just_o to_o themselves_o also_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o those_o be_v stand_v perpetual_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v to_o continue_v it_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n mystical_a the_o elect_a be_v gather_v and_o complete_a for_o so_o the_o word_n strong_o enforce_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o whereas_o they_o object_v that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v that_o some_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v
be_v ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o other_o of_o god_n precious_a child_n in_o babylon_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n it_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o will_v nothing_o but_o scratch_v and_o tear_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n nor_o too_o great_a a_o vex_a burden_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n and_o providence_n have_v dispose_v of_o our_o habitation_n among_o the_o ungodly_a for_o hereby_o 1._o god_n have_v the_o great_a glory_n from_o we_o 2._o we_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o he_o 3._o our_o grace_n shine_v more_o eminent_o as_o star_n in_o a_o frosty_a night_n shine_v clear_a and_o fish_n in_o the_o salt_a sea_n be_v sweet_a so_o we_o keep_v our_o savour_n the_o better_a for_o it_o and_o our_o grace_n be_v more_o enliven_v 4._o our_o conversation_n it_o suitable_a to_o god_n word_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n among_o who_o we_o live_v obs_n 3._o to_o a_o godly_a soul_n to_o have_v its_o habitation_n among_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o soul_n vex_v grief_n righteous_a lot_n be_v vex_v with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o sodomite_n 2_o pet._n 2.7_o though_o god_n have_v dispose_v this_o in_o his_o providence_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o affliction_n and_o for_o the_o present_a grievous_a woe_n be_v i_o say_v david_n that_o i_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n with_o a_o barbarous_a &_o profane_a people_n that_o be_v like_a to_o the_o posterity_n of_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n o_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v to_o moses_n and_o to_o all_o true_a israelite_n to_o dwell_v among_o the_o egyptian_n how_o do_v the_o poor_a captive_a israelite_n weep_v when_o they_o be_v in_o caldea_n by_o the_o river_n of_o chebar_v and_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v still_o for_o honest_a believe_a soul_n to_o dwell_v among_o a_o profane_a and_o wicked_a multitude_n where_o they_o can_v stir_v out_o of_o door_n or_o converse_v but_o with_o very_a few_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v god_n profane_v his_o name_n blaspheme_v his_o truth_n and_o scripture_n slight_v vilify_v deride_v and_o jest_v at_o his_o saint_n and_o faithful_a one_o either_o spiteful_o treat_v open_o persecute_v or_o at_o least_o close_o undermine_v to_o bring_v the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n upon_o they_o therefore_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a the_o society_n and_o cohabitation_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v most_o desirable_a but_o of_o the_o wicked_a most_o grievous_a and_o loathe_a obs_n 4._o god_n have_v the_o more_o special_a eye_n of_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o his_o people_n that_o have_v their_o habitation_n among_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a though_o they_o dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n and_o throne_n be_v yet_o god_n hold_v they_o as_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 1._o and_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o tribulation_n and_o where_o they_o dwell_v and_o therefore_o be_v present_a with_o suitable_a grace_n and_o strength_n from_o himself_o for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n thou_o remember_v we_o say_v david_n in_o our_o low_a estate_n where_o christ_n church_n have_v the_o great_a enemy_n god_n will_v show_v himself_o their_o great_a friend_n where_o his_o saint_n be_v most_o afflict_a and_o straighten_a there_o he_o will_v supply_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o enlargement_n in_o babylon_n of_o old_a among_o the_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o israel_n god_n send_v a_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n etc._n etc._n choice_a man_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n so_o we_o often_o see_v in_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o wicked_a place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n send_v there_o the_o great_a sound_a and_o clear_a light_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o ephesus_z smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n place_n of_o idolatry_n and_o cruelty_n and_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v have_v their_o angel_n and_o martyr_n that_o shine_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o late_a year_n have_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o switzerland_n in_o saxony_n in_o savoy_n and_o the_o barbarous_a corner_n of_o the_o pyrenean_n mountain_n and_o alps_n than_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o in_o england_n and_o scotland_n under_o the_o antichristian_a and_o persecute_v bishop_n of_o late_a the_o saint_n then_o live_v under_o they_o do_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o their_o grace_n than_o now_o they_o do_v in_o this_o their_o day_n of_o prosperity_n and_o many_o than_o be_v more_o faithful_a martyr_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n then_o now_o they_o be_v for_o the_o more_o high_a satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v against_o the_o saint_n god_n care_n over_o they_o be_v the_o more_o intense_a and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o more_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o obs_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a duty_n and_o their_o high_a glory_n to_o hold_v fast_o their_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a time_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o people_n the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n be_v approve_v for_o hold_v fast_a christ_n name_n and_o faith_n among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n do_v bear_v sway_n and_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v martyr_a and_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o same_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o carry_v a_o full_a sail_n of_o profession_n when_o the_o soft_a gale_n of_o prosperity_n blow_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o hypocritical_a heart_n to_o seem_v godly_a with_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v sober_a with_o the_o sober_a or_o to_o be_v righteous_a among_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v then_o try_v when_o his_o habitation_n be_v among_o the_o ungodly_a that_o can_v keep_v himself_o sound_a among_o their_o corruption_n upright_a and_o perfect_a among_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o untainted_a with_o their_o folly_n and_o sweet_a as_o fish_n in_o the_o brackish_a ocean_n the_o three_o faithful_a child_n will_v not_o bow_v in_o babylon_n to_o nebuchadnezzar_n image_n though_o death_n itself_o attend_v they_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n many_o will_v follow_v christ_n in_o smile_a time_n or_o when_o the_o state_n do_v countenance_n christ_n and_o godliness_n this_o be_v to_o follow_v christ_n for_o the_o loaf_n sake_n but_o when_o christ_n be_v hurry_v to_o pilat_n hall_n of_o judgement_n his_o formal_a follower_n will_v forsake_v he_o yea_o peter_n himself_o may_v deny_v he_o weak_a christian_n may_v stumble_v and_o draw_v back_o when_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n as_o peter_n fall_v so_o foul_o he_o be_v the_o only_o approve_a christian_a that_o will_v hold_v his_o profession_n fast_o before_o the_o face_n of_o nero_n and_o dioclesian_n as_o the_o virum_fw-la victoriae_fw-la which_o st._n austin_n mention_n and_o at_o the_o stake_n can_v free_o with_o stephen_n forgive_v his_o enemy_n and_o commend_v his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o god_n jo_n hus_n hierom_n of_o prague_n the_o poor_a waldenses_n and_o our_o late_a christian_n martyr_n as_o bradford_n philpot_n glover_n etc._n etc._n in_o our_o english_a marian_n day_n have_v with_o antipas_n for_o their_o constant_a witness_v unto_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n attain_v the_o everliving_a and_o honourable_a name_n of_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o most_o just_o in_o that_o they_o suffer_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v slay_v that_o be_v in_o a_o persecute_v bloody_a age_n when_o many_o godly_a person_n burn_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o wicked_a antichristian_a tyrannise_a and_o bloody_a prelate_n for_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n in_o such_o ungodly_a time_n and_o among_o such_o a_o devilish_a crew_n among_o who_o satan_n have_v his_o throne_n sway_n and_o full_a dominion_n they_o just_o shall_v ever_o live_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o reverend_a martyr_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n thus_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o lot_n in_o sodom_n never_o touch_v with_o sodom_n wickedness_n to_o keep_v himself_o pure_a and_o sincere_a and_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a generation_n to_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n this_o bring_v honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n obs_n 6._o the_o grace_n of_o well_o approve_a and_o faithful_a christian_n depart_v be_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o live_n both_o for_o encouragement_n and_o imitation_n antipas_n be_v here_o set_v as_o a_o example_n of_o
they_o be_v charity_n its_o precedency_n lie_v in_o this_o 1._o in_o that_o it_o perfume_n and_o enlivens_fw-la all_o the_o other_o grace_n faith_n itself_o be_v dead_a without_o it_o and_o to_o suppose_v a_o faith_n without_o love_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o man_n without_o a_o soul_n the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n and_o miracle_n be_v but_o barren_a and_o usless_o thing_n without_o this_o 2._o this_o have_v for_o its_o object_n both_o god_n and_o man_n we_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_v only_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n but_o our_o charity_n be_v extend_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o love_n be_v call_v rom._n 13.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a sum_n and_o hinge_n on_o which_o the_o commandment_n turn_v in_o this_o one_o word_n charity_n both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n be_v abridge_v 3._o it_o excel_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a note_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n faith_n be_v that_o give_v right_a unto_o the_o promise_n but_o love_n be_v that_o give_v life_n to_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o all_o our_o grace_n if_o we_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o will_v profit_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o john_n 3.14_o and_o ja._n 1.12_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o rom._n 8.28_o love_n be_v make_v the_o very_a discovery_n of_o effectual_a call_n and_o election_n 4._o love_n excel_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o commandment_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o be_v love_n but_o perfect_a in_o we_o it_o will_v make_v we_o perfect_a keeper_n and_o observer_n of_o the_o law_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n love_n knit_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n together_o and_o so_o perfect_v his_o body_n it_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n and_o so_o make_v the_o perfect_a of_o divine_a love_n in_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.12_o 17._o and_o here_o it_o be_v we_o be_v command_v twice_o to_o put_v on_o love_n above_o all_o thing_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o col._n 3.14_o but_o once_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n 5._o and_o last_o when_o faith_n hope_v patience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n cease_v charity_n abide_v love_n be_v not_o only_o a_o portion_n for_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o the_o other_o also_o then_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o christ_n when_o faith_n and_o hope_n cease_v therefore_o just_o do_v christ_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o give_v it_o the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o love_n bring_v forth_o another_o grace_n service_n external_a worship_n and_o obedience_n he_o who_o we_o love_v we_o obey_v we_o serve_v we_o honour_v and_o worship_n the_o service_n of_o love_n be_v most_o intense_a and_o effectual_a when_o christ_n commune_v with_o simon_n peter_n john_n 21._o and_o ask_v he_o thrice_o simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thou_o i_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o say_v peter_z christ_n answer_v feed_v my_o sheep_n the_o more_o love_n that_o peter_n manifest_v the_o more_o service_n and_o duty_n be_v put_v upon_o he_o service_n that_o we_o perform_v to_o god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n but_o formality_n or_o custom_n be_v but_o as_o scab_a or_o lame_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n which_o the_o lord_n hate_v right_o end_n in_o our_o service_n be_v first_o love_n and_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n second_o love_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n three_o love_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o these_o end_n make_v we_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a worship_n love_n go_v through_o all_o and_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o thyatira_n be_v approve_v for_o her_o faith_n make_v lively_a and_o effectual_a by_o love_n true_a faith_n be_v never_o separate_v from_o love_n they_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o but_o love_n have_v the_o precedency_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a though_o faith_n be_v first_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o give_v the_o first_o be_v unto_o a_o christian_n but_o love_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o assent_v unto_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n before_o we_o can_v love_v that_o god_n or_o his_o truth_n but_o withal_o i_o say_v there_o be_v so_o inseparable_a union_n between_o these_o two_o grace_n no_o soon_o have_v faith_n a_o be_v and_o a_o body_n but_o love_n come_v to_o animate_v it_o to_o make_v it_o sound_v lively_a and_o perfect_a observe_v hence_o note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a opinion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v a_o true_a lively_a faith_n but_o that_o that_o work_v by_o love_n many_o will_v one_o day_n say_v we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n teach_v in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n in_o thy_o name_n profess_v and_o believe_v thy_o truth_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o sound_n and_o true_a faith_n contain_v in_o it_o these_o three_o principal_a ingredient_n that_o give_v the_o very_a form_n and_o be_v to_o it_o first_o a_o sound_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v say_v paul_n rom._n 14.14_o person_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n promise_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n can_v never_o believe_v aright_o second_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n strong_o assume_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o sound_a believer_n must_v not_o be_v a_o ignorant_a soul_n so_o must_v he_o not_o be_v a_o wavering-minded_n man_n but_o must_v have_v a_o undeceivable_a certainty_n and_o truth_n in_o that_o he_o do_v believe_v three_o a_o confident_a rest_v and_o rejoice_v with_o satisfaction_n unto_o the_o soul_n sure_o look_v to_o enjoy_v that_o it_o do_v believe_v true_a faith_n have_v these_o four_o act_n and_o degree_n in_o it_o 1._o knowledge_n 2._o assent_n 3._o adherence_n and_o 4._o assurance_n a_o believer_n may_v have_v the_o three_o first_o act_n and_o want_v the_o latter_a and_o a_o sound_a beleiver_n and_o a_o justify_v person_n though_o god_n for_o cause_n to_o himself_o know_v may_v never_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o assurance_n yet_o that_o faith_n that_o only_o know_v god_n distinct_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o salvation_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o repentant_a sinner_n through_o christ_n and_o so_o take_v he_o and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o love_n and_o truth_n thereof_o doubtless_o that_o soul_n shall_v never_o be_v a_o castaway_n though_o god_n presence_n of_o assurance_n and_o joyful_a satisfaction_n be_v never_o manifest_v unto_o he_o if_o we_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o though_o god_n reserve_v his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o inward_a love_n for_o we_o unto_o another_o world_n 4._o thyatira_n have_v another_o excellent_a grace_n and_o that_o be_v patience_n or_o sufferance_n with_o patience_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v suffer_v affliction_n but_o not_o suffer_v with_o patience_n without_o murmur_v swear_v or_o blaspheme_v as_o the_o godly_a do_v the_o wicked_a may_v have_v patience_n perforce_o and_o unwilling_o when_o he_o can_v help_v it_o the_o affliction_n be_v above_o his_o reach_n to_o remedy_n but_o the_o godly_a be_v patient_a as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n because_o he_o love_v much_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v much_o with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n as_o jacob_n serve_v two_o seven_o year_n hardship_n for_o his_o belove_a rachel_n so_o a_o faithful_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v all_o affliction_n cheerful_o and_o with_o much_o patience_n all_o the_o year_n of_o his_o life_n because_o he_o love_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o so_o account_v the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n not_o to_o be_v value_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v to_o all_o those_o that_o love_n god_n 5._o thyatira_n be_v a_o grow_a fruitful_a church_n her_o latter_a work_n be_v more_o than_o her_o first_o do_v upon_o better_a ground_n and_o better_a principle_n from_o whence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o more_o grow_v christian_n do_v exceed_v those_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o soundness_n the_o neophites_n or_o young_a christian_n may_v be_v more_o zealous_a
be_v a_o she_o prophetess_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o that_o she_o be_v one_o of_o that_o sect_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o that_o she_o come_v with_o the_o same_o curse_a nicolaitish_a doctrine_n in_o the_o 14_o and_o 15._o verse_n mention_v teach_v and_o draw_v god_n people_n to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n first_o herein_o appear_v her_o impudence_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o modesty_n of_o her_o sex_n and_o apostolical_a prohibition_n yet_o she_o take_v the_o name_n of_o a_o prophetess_n upon_o herself_o and_o to_o teach_v public_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 14_o 34._o next_o observe_v her_o falsity_n and_o deceit_n she_o be_v a_o prophetess_n and_o why_o it_o be_v only_o to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v christ_n servant_n three_o observe_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o her_o seduction_n it_o be_v by_o false_a doctrine_n by_o teach_v idolatry_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o idol_n and_o fornication_n to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a for_o i_o always_o take_v these_o to_o be_v two_o great_a distinct_a sin_n and_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n idolatry_n and_o fornication_n and_o not_o only_a idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a fornication_n or_o adultery_n for_o balaam_n advice_n be_v not_o only_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o business_n of_o baal_n peor_n mumb._n 25.1_o 2._o shall_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n but_o to_o fornication_n also_o with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n so_o also_o jezabel_n ahab_n wife_n who_o provoke_v he_o to_o set_v up_o idolatry_n unto_o baal_n in_o israel_n 1_o king_n 16.31_o 32._o compare_v to_o 1_o king_n 21.25_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a adultress_n as_o by_o that_o of_o 2_o king_n 9.22_o what_o peace_n whilst_o the_o woredom_n of_o thy_o mother_n jezabel_n and_o her_o witchcraft_n be_v yet_o in_o great_a number_n and_o her_o carriage_n be_v according_o impudent_a for_o 30._o do_v convince_v her_o whoredom_n for_o she_o paint_v her_o face_n and_o tire_v her_o head_n and_o look_v out_o at_o window_n the_o posture_n rather_o of_o a_o strumpet_n then_o of_o majesty_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o and_o therefore_o balaam_n and_o jezabel_n be_v here_o fit_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o personate_v this_o lewd_a nicolaitish_a sect_n and_o their_o great_a prophetess_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n observe_v 1._o hence_o note_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a defigne_n of_o satan_n to_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o false_a she_o prophetess_n as_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n so_o there_o be_v a_o false_a prophetess_n and_o a_o very_a impudent_a one_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n in_o thyatira_n if_o god_n will_v have_v he_o or_o she_o prophet_n the_o devil_n will_v be_v god_n ape_n and_o will_v have_v the_o same_o if_o god_n to_o honour_v that_o weak_a sex_n sometime_o raise_v up_o she_o prophet_n to_o help_v his_o people_n be_v sure_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v upon_o the_o same_o work_n he_o will_v have_v his_o jezabel_n his_o maximillae_n for_o her_o service_n also_o we_o find_v in_o ezekiel_n day_n there_o be_v false_a propheteses_n who_o sow_v pillow_n to_o ahe_fw-la armhole_n 13._o 1k_n 18._o prophesy_v please_v thing_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o neh._n 6.14_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o one_o noadia_n a_o prophetess_n she_o with_o other_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v against_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n encourage_v sanballet_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discourage_v nehemiah_n and_o the_o bvilder_n of_o it_o and_o some_o such_o there_o be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o all_o age_n who_o with_o their_o false_a doctrine_n will_v deceive_v unwary_a people_n simon_n magus_n have_v his_o helena_n carpocrates_n his_o marcellina_n montanus_n have_v his_o prisca_n and_o maximillina_n and_o so_o all_o erroneous_a sect_n have_v their_o she_o prophetess_n as_o well_o as_o he_o prophet_n for_o the_o devil_n design_n thrive_v on_o both_o way_n observe_v 2._o false_a she_o prophetess_n be_v not_o only_o very_o bold_a but_o very_o subtle_a to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v god_n servant_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v liken_v to_o jezabel_n a_o bold_a setter_n up_o of_o idolatry_n and_o a_o subtle_a deceiver_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o naboth_n and_o seek_v the_o death_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n appear_v and_o it_o appear_v also_o henbe_n that_o this_o false_a nicolaitish_a prophetess_n be_v not_o only_o a_o very_a impudent_a one_o for_o she_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v but_o be_v also_o a_o very_a sly_a and_o subtle_a one_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o deceive_v christ_n servant_n i_o conjecture_v that_o her_o practice_n be_v somewhat_o like_o the_o rant_a familist_n and_o antiscripturists_a of_o our_o day_n who_o pretend_v some_o high_a notion_n and_o transcendent_a matter_n above_o the_o common_a pitch_n of_o plain_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o so_o fly_v beyond_o sobriety_n god_n suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o they_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n to_o sin_n be_v but_o of_o a_o legal_a spirit_n and_o of_o bondage_n and_o sin_n can_v at_o all_o reach_n god_n or_o offend_v his_o majesty_n and_o then_o they_o can_v free_o among_o the_o heathen_n as_o the_o nicolaitish_a christian_n do_v of_o old_a partake_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o baal_n of_o bacchus_n priapus_n venus_n or_o any_o of_o their_o heathenish_a idol_n and_o can_v free_o without_o regret_n eat_v of_o their_o idolothite_n and_o join_v and_o commix_v with_o their_o corporal_a fornication_n also_o high_a and_o untrodden_a speculation_n and_o novelty_n carry_v the_o vizor_n of_o deceit_n with_o they_o wholesome_a doctrine_n be_v old_a and_o plain_a but_o novel_a and_o erroneous_a be_v hold_v forth_o in_o most_o high_a and_o unintelligible_a motion_n which_o false_a proprophet_n and_o prophetess_n on_o purpose_n make_v use_v of_o to_o amuse_v confound_v ensnare_v and_o deceive_v the_o easy_a credulous_a and_o simple_a people_n many_o of_o these_o false_a she_o prophetess_n go_v up_o and_o down_o with_o their_o new_a light_n new_a christ_n and_o new_a gospel_n and_o all_o within_o they_o in_o these_o very_a day_n of_o we_o a_o true_a branch_n of_o the_o old_a gnostic_n and_o nicolaitan_n observe_v 3._o some_o of_o god_n own_o faithful_a servant_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o false_a teacher_n this_o jezeâ—el_n or_o false_a lady_n prophetess_n have_v seduce_v christ_n servant_n and_o have_v entice_v they_o to_o their_o filthy_a idolatry_n and_o adultery_n we_o know_v peter_n and_o barnabas_n be_v draw_v away_o by_o such_o into_o error_n gal_n 2.13_o 14_o the_o old_a lie_a prophet_n deceive_v the_o young_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o draw_v he_o into_o a_o snare_n which_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n for_o a_o lion_n devour_v he_o 1_o kin._n 13._o christ_n have_v foretell_v we_o mat._n 24._o that_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o but_o whence_o do_v they_o arise_v from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o do_v raise_v such_o a_o smoke_n with_o their_o false_a doctrine_n rev._n 9_o that_o they_o darken_v the_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n truth_n that_o the_o saint_n can_v clear_o see_v their_o way_n and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a if_o they_o stumble_v do_v not_o many_o precious_a soul_n stumble_v in_o the_o late_a day_n of_o prelacy_n and_o be_v turn_v away_o with_o their_o error_n and_o have_v not_o many_o stumble_v in_o these_o day_n of_o liberty_n and_o carry_v away_o and_o deceive_v by_o familistical_a anti-scriptural_a error_n and_o the_o like_a but_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v we_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o peter_n 2_o epist_n 3.17_o 18._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v against_o thyatira_n and_o it_o be_v because_o she_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n a_o church_n be_v not_o so_o blame_v worthy_a for_o have_v a_o jezebel_n a_o false_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n among_o they_o but_o for_o suffer_v for_o countenance_v own_v and_o free_o tolerate_v of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n whence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o toleration_n and_o indulgence_n of_o false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o will_n to_o suffer_v opinion_n in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v dissonant_n from_o his_o truth_n that_o will_v corrupt_v the_o soul_n with_o sin_n though_o i_o shall_v plead_v for_o a_o just_a
some_o one_o may_v be_v more_o eminent_a than_o other_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o must_v be_v there_o as_o they_o will_v have_v faith_n they_o will_v have_v patience_n as_o patience_n love_n zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n whatsoever_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1.15.16_o and_o this_o must_v be_v also_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o for_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v if_o sin_n be_v strong_a in_o thou_o then_o grace_n than_o you_o be_v sinner_n and_o wicked_a one_o but_o if_o grace_n prevail_v then_o be_v you_o gracious_a and_o perfect_a one_o three_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n must_v be_v after_o perfection_n they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a grace_n no_o less_o measure_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n then_o what_o they_o enjoy_v after_o the_o resurrection_n i_o will_v by_o any_o mean_n attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a say_v paul_n phil._n 3.11_o their_o aim_n be_v no_o low_o then_o unto_o the_o glorious_a and_o everlasting_a state_n and_o therefore_o do_v always_o press_v on_o unto_o perfection_n their_o desire_n be_v somewhat_o infinite_a as_o the_o glory_n they_o expect_v leave_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o heb._n 6.1_o and_o herein_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n will_v appear_v more_o perfect_a in_o that_o they_o hate_v sin_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_a until_o it_o be_v abolish_v and_o they_o free_v from_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o by_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 2._o from_o the_o pierce_a power_n thereof_o by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 3._o from_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o in_o their_o glorification_n 4._o they_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o perfection_n in_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o want_v any_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o so_o be_v they_o not_o to_o want_v it_o in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v 5._o true_a saint_n press_v forward_o to_o excel_v and_o precede_v other_o formal_a and_o outside_n christian_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o grace_n and_o perfection_n he_o that_o have_v any_o grace_n will_v always_o desire_v more_o a_o holy_a ambition_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v very_o commendable_a god_n tell_v satan_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o job_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n job_n 1.8_o a_o perfect_a and_o upright_o man_n many_o desire_n to_o be_v before_o other_o in_o honour_n riches_n and_o power_n but_o few_o desire_n to_o excel_v in_o grace_n if_o we_o be_v true_a saint_n and_o aim_n at_o perfection_n we_o will_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o be_v like_o other_o in_o grace_n but_o labour_v to_o go_v beyond_o other_o in_o all_o good_a and_o perfect_a work_n hence_o the_o quaker_n may_v see_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o hold_v a_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n though_o not_o a_o absolute_a legal_a one_o whereunto_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v as_o they_o but_o a_o evangelical_n one_o upon_o better_a ground_n and_o principle_n verse_n 3._o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v if_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n which_o thou_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o cleave_v fast_o thereunto_o and_o repent_v thy_o stray_v there_o from_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o this_o thy_o sleep_n of_o sin_n i_o shall_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n sudden_o unaware_o upon_o thou_o and_o seize_v on_o thou_o with_o unexpected_a judgement_n christ_n take_v up_o this_o metaphor_n and_o comparison_n of_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n for_o divers_a reason_n 1._o because_o a_o thief_n come_v speedy_o in_o a_o time_n when_o no_o man_n look_v for_o mat._n 24.43_o this_o set_v we_o on_o a_o diligent_a watchfulness_n if_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n do_v know_v in_o what_o watch_n the_o thief_n will_v come_v he_o will_v watch_v and_o not_o suffer_v his_o house_n to_o be_v break_v through_o or_o his_o good_n steal_v 2._o as_o a_o thief_n come_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o dead_a of_o night_n so_o christ_n come_v when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a darkness_n and_o deep_a night_n of_o error_n on_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v in_o luke_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o earth_n true_a faith_n will_v be_v such_o a_o rarity_n at_o christ_n come_n that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o very_a few_o his_o elect_a only_o this_o quicken_v our_o faith_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o thief_n come_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o overmaster_v all_o opposition_n so_o christ_n come_v in_o judgement_n be_v with_o power_n and_o to_o tread_v down_o and_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n this_o support_n and_o comfort_v the_o distress_a afflict_a saint_n he_o former_o come_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o suffer_v and_o he_o after_o come_v as_o a_o comforter_n to_o support_v all_o those_o for_o who_o he_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o he_o have_v a_o other_o come_v his_o ordinary_a particular_a temporal_a judgement_n against_o his_o enemy_n which_o he_o frequent_o and_o very_o often_o send_v forth_o against_o they_o for_o their_o transgression_n and_o so_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v here_o against_o sardis_n and_o his_o offend_a church_n and_o last_o he_o come_v in_o his_o last_o and_o ultimate_a judgement_n with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n to_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v all_o his_o antichristian_a foe_n and_o enemy_n whatsoever_o in_o rev._n 16.15_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n and_o present_o follow_v the_o great_a battle_n of_o armageddon_n and_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o babylon_n by_o the_o seven_o vial_n of_o god_n plague_n and_o judgement_n first_o from_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n observe_v observe_v that_o a_o call_n to_o mind_n of_o god_n former_a gracious_a deal_n with_o we_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a preservative_n against_o sin_n but_o a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n out_o of_o sin_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n look_v back_o unto_o the_o rock_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v hew_v and_o review_v thy_o former_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o how_o you_o be_v therein_o alien_n stranger_n and_o enemy_n unto_o god_n by_o evil_a work_n and_o how_o it_o be_v far_o better_a with_o you_o now_o in_o your_o state_n of_o faith_n than_o it_o be_v then_o in_o sin_n and_o wrath_n for_o when_o you_o have_v sin_n present_v unto_o you_o in_o its_o enticement_n and_o provocation_n it_o will_v make_v gracious_a soul_n to_o reason_n thus_o with_o themselves_o be_v i_o not_o once_o a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n in_o my_o sinful_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o shall_v i_o again_o fall_v back_o into_o it_o as_o the_o sow_n into_o the_o mire_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n will_v not_o then_o my_o latter_a estate_n be_v far_o worse_o than_o the_o first_o because_o god_n have_v be_v gracious_a unto_o my_o poor_a soul_n and_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n or_o snatch_v it_o as_o a_o brand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n shall_v i_o again_o cast_v myself_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o satan_n and_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n by_o my_o turn_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o sin_n and_o wantonness_n the_o lord_n forbid_v again_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o backslidden_a soul_n that_o be_v almost_o spiritual_o dead_a and_o have_v almost_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o common_a reputation_n of_o live_v once_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a to_o such_o poor_a soul_n for_o their_o recovery_n to_o recognize_v and_o look_v back_o on_o those_o good_a thing_n they_o former_o receive_v of_o god_n and_o hear_v concern_v he_o for_o first_o they_o hear_v that_o god_n be_v a_o gracious_a reconcile_a god_n and_o a_o merciful_a father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n ready_a to_o receive_v those_o of_o his_o choose_a one_o even_o in_o their_o blood_n and_o sin_n that_o do_v come_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v heal_v of_o their_o transgression_n and_o this_o they_o not_o only_o hear_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o receive_v it_o also_o into_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o if_o god_n be_v so_o ready_a then_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o reconciliation_n with_o himself_o while_o enemy_n unto_o
they_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n â—o_o all_o generation_n for_o ever_o but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o shall_v honour_v god_n faithful_o this_o way_n it_o be_v answer_v we_o must_v as_o those_o few_o undefiled_a name_n or_o saint_n of_o sardis_n overcome_v the_o corruption_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o time_n by_o witness_v against_o they_o and_o open_o stand_v for_o and_o profess_v the_o contrary_a truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 2.21_o if_o a_o man_n purge_v himself_o from_o these_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n sanctify_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o understanding_n christian_n mark_n and_o consider_v this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o immediate_a subsequent_a verse_n verse_n 6._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o verse_n former_o open_v therefore_o need_v no_o far_a explanation_n verse_n 7._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v this_o epistle_n inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n be_v direct_v also_o from_o christ_n under_o various_a remarkable_a description_n for_o holiness_n truth_n and_o sovereignty_n have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o he_o bear_v not_o idle_o for_o with_o it_o he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n be_v one_o of_o those_o seven_o famous_a church_n situate_a in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n now_o call_v anatolia_n who_o angel_n or_o pastor_n be_v demas_n or_o damias_n as_o ignatius_n epistle_n testify_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o church_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v description_n which_o be_v the_o fair_a among_o the_o sister_n the_o most_o comely_a orthodox_n and_o sound_v among_o all_o the_o seven_o who_o very_a name_n do_v set_v forth_o her_o gracious_a nature_n and_o quality_n philadelphia_n signify_v brotherly_a love_n or_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o do_v notable_o agree_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n be_v not_o open_o convince_v of_o any_o crime_n but_o altogether_o extol_v for_o her_o gracious_a deportment_n m._n brightman_n make_v this_o his_o darling_n and_o belove_a philadelphia_n to_o typify_v and_o represent_v his_o reform_a geneva_n french_a or_o scottish_a church_n model_n but_o upon_o further_a enquiry_n i_o doubt_v his_o counterpane_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o their_o first_o pattern_n in_o purity_n and_o soundness_n and_o he_o make_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o then_o govern_v by_o bishop_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o remissness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o counterpane_n of_o laodicea_n his_o blear-eyed_a leah_n but_o philadelphia_n the_o geneva_n helvetian_a and_o french_a reform_a church_n begin_v by_o zuinglius_fw-la and_o calvin_n to_o be_v his_o much_o adore_a darling_n and_o rachel_n and_o so_o he_o make_v sardis_n to_o represent_v the_o german_a reform_a church_n under_o luther_n and_o his_o associate_n pergamus_n to_o represent_v the_o degenerate_a church_n of_o rome_n as_o then_o in_o be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o luther_n and_o so_o upward_o he_o make_v the_o several_a state_n and_o age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o counterpane_n of_o thyatira_n smyrna_n and_o ephesus_n unto_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o by_o what_o warrant_n m._n brightman_n do_v this_o or_o why_o he_o be_v so_o luxuriant_a in_o his_o application_n i_o know_v not_o and_o i_o conceive_v under_o due_a respect_n to_o so_o learned_a a_o author_n as_o m._n brightman_n that_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o ever_o those_o seven_o asian_a church_n shall_v typify_v or_o represent_v any_o other_o church_n or_o state_n of_o church_n that_o shall_v rise_v in_o futurity_n only_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o age_n to_o come_v as_o example_n and_o pattern_n to_o understand_v and_o know_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o they_o that_o if_o we_o be_v partaker_n in_o the_o same_o grace_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o encouragement_n approbation_n and_o reward_n as_o they_o have_v but_o if_o we_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o transgression_n as_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o they_o do_v and_o that_o that_o make_v m._n brightman_n thus_o overfree_a in_o his_o application_n in_o his_o counterpane_n i_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o variety_n of_o condition_n both_o good_a and_o have_v find_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n which_o by_o a_o good_a wit_n may_v be_v stretch_v out_o to_o represent_v the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v not_o altogether_o beside_o the_o scope_n or_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v often_o inculcate_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n what_o be_v write_v unto_o they_o be_v not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o the_o cognizance_n of_o all_o other_o in_o the_o future_a also_o come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o qualification_n with_o themselves_o but_o to_o proceed_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n these_o word_n contain_v a_o description_n of_o christ_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o philadelphia_n who_o two_o first_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n holiness_n and_o truth_n christ_n make_v this_o discovery_n of_o himself_o suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v a_o eminent_a shine_a star_n both_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o holiness_n to_o the_o other_o the_o more_o delinquent_a church_n he_o discover_v himself_o in_o another_o posture_n with_o eye_n and_o foot_n like_o burn_a brass_n and_o with_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n but_o with_o the_o gracious_a he_o appear_v more_o gracious_a and_o to_o the_o true_o godly_a he_o appear_v in_o his_o own_o proper_a nature_n in_o truth_n and_o holiness_n hence_o note_v observe_v christ_n discover_v himself_o unto_o his_o people_n not_o only_o as_o the_o holy_a one_o but_o as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a they_o be_v much_o deceive_v that_o aim_n at_o holiness_n without_o the_o truth_n they_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n can_v never_o be_v true_o holy_a one_o or_o sanctify_a person_n for_o truth_n sanctify_v john_n 17.17_o let_v their_o action_n be_v never_o so_o high_o estimate_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o proceed_v from_o holy_a self-denying_a person_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v from_o a_o true_a fountain_n and_o to_o right_a end_n they_o will_v lose_v their_o reward_n and_o be_v at_o best_a but_o as_o tinkle_a cymbal_n what_o profit_n do_v it_o yield_v the_o monastical_a votary_n of_o rome_n when_o they_o devote_v themselves_o to_o so_o rigid_a austerity_n and_o pretend_v so_o high_a to_o holiness_n while_o they_o have_v banish_v truth_n from_o their_o border_n when_o neither_o their_o end_n nor_o their_o aim_n be_v right_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n to_o what_o end_n be_v the_o quaker_n austere_a carriage_n and_o outward_a holiness_n while_o they_o deny_v redemption_n or_o satisfaction_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v their_o inherent_a holiness_n or_o their_o austere_a upright_a carriage_n serve_v instead_o of_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n must_v go_v together_o to_o denominate_v a_o true_a saint_n heathen_a philosopher_n will_v quite_o outstrip_v the_o best_a of_o christian_n in_o divers_a act_n of_o virtue_n but_o when_o proceed_v from_o a_o christian_n according_a unto_o truth_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v by_o another_o name_n holy_a or_o godly_a action_n if_o you_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n only_o by_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v they_o you_o may_v entertain_v error_n instead_o of_o truth_n for_o truth_n be_v not_o always_o with_o the_o most_o seem_a holy_a man_n but_o if_o doctrine_n come_v from_o person_n hold_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o their_o soul_n doubtless_o such_o doctrine_n in_o their_o first_o origin_n
be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.17_o because_o it_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n come_v as_o a_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v it_o come_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o christ_n make_v any_o discovery_n unto_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v as_o unto_o philadelphia_n as_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o as_o the_o true_a one_o as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n unto_o holiness_n so_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o he_o john_n 14.6_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shute_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n cap._n 22._o 20._o 22._o about_o the_o call_n of_o eliakim_n the_o son_n of_o hilkiah_n who_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n shall_v be_v commit_v and_o in_o vers_n 22._o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v this_o eliakim_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v his_o chief_a steward_n or_o master_n of_o his_o household_n as_o appear_v by_o 2_o king_n 18.18_o 26._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o transaction_n between_o he_o and_o senacharib_n none_o be_v suffer_v to_o go_v in_o or_o out_o to_o treat_v with_o senacharib_n but_o eliakim_n and_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o he_o be_v a_o man_n in_o great_a authority_n with_o the_o king_n and_o carry_v the_o key_n and_o sovereignty_n ever_o his_o whole_a household_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o isaiah_n to_o come_v or_o to_o be_v call_v again_o of_o god_n not_o in_o person_n but_o in_o his_o antitype_n and_o true_a counterpane_n jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a eliakim_n who_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n etc._n etc._n christ_n may_v well_o be_v typify_v by_o eliakim_n and_o to_o be_v call_v the_o spiritual_a eliakim_n promise_v in_o isa_n 22._o both_o for_o his_o name_n and_o nature_n eliakim_n signify_v as_o hierom_n the_o interpretatione_n nominum_fw-la the_o god_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o god_n that_o rise_v again_o and_o who_o be_v this_o true_a eliakim_n but_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o place_n christ_n be_v descend_v from_o this_o eliakim_n luke_n 3.30_o therefore_o right_o bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o isaiah_n to_o typify_v he_o forth_o but_o last_o and_o chief_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a eliakim_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o sovereignty_n which_o he_o bear_v over_o his_o spiritual_a house_n his_o church_n as_o eliakim_n bear_v it_o over_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o key_n be_v put_v metonymice_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o but_o why_o the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n isa_n 2d_o 22_o i_o answer_v either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v metonimical_o the_o master_n be_v put_v for_o the_o house_n or_o else_o for_o the_o more_o excellency_n of_o this_o key_n that_o christ_n bear_v before_o that_o of_o eliakim_n the_o truth_n itself_o exceed_v the_o type_n eliakim_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a minister_n as_o the_o steward_n and_o that_o in_o the_o family_n of_o david_n but_o christ_n he_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v before_o or_o by_o david_n himself_o due_a unto_o the_o high_a governor_n and_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o excel_v that_o of_o eliakim_n be_v limit_v only_o to_o the_o household_n of_o david_n but_o why_o be_v the_o key_n of_o david_n bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o represent_v christ_n sovereignty_n and_o kingdom_n over_o his_o church_n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o god_n promise_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n to_o david_n and_o therefore_o a_o fit_a type_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v love_v with_o the_o everlasting_a and_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n second_o david_n kingdom_n be_v over_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n so_o christ_n over_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n three_o david_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n over_o his_o kingdom_n he_o suffer_v no_o jebusite_n nor_o canaanite_n to_o domineer_v within_o his_o realm_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o christ_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n he_o suffer_v no_o unclean_a canaanite_n to_o rule_v and_o reign_v nor_o any_o unclean_a thing_n to_o enter_v therein_o but_o he_o will_v be_v sole_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n within_o his_o house_n as_o be_v david_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o same_o key_n that_o open_v the_o same_o key_n shut_v christ_n key_n power_n or_o authority_n do_v open_a and_o shut_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n first_o it_o open_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n that_o none_o ever_o hereafter_o shall_v shut_v it_o up_o or_o obscure_v it_o and_o again_o he_o shut_v it_o up_o to_o many_o unworthy_a and_o impenitent_a people_n which_o none_o but_o by_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a again_o to_o open_v and_o discover_v second_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o christ_n bear_v over_o his_o kingdom_n his_o holy_a temple_n and_o church_n either_o in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n isa_n 9.6_o zeah._n 6.12_o and_o herein_o no_o man_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v admit_v or_o exclude_v but_o as_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n three_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v into_o christ_n hidden_a mystical_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o invisible_a saint_n and_o to_o who_o christ_n do_v open_a to_o enter_v herein_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v and_o to_o who_o christ_n shut_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o open_a so_o absolute_a a_o lord_n be_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o what_o he_o do_v no_o man_n can_v undo_v or_o hinder_v and_o what_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v none_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v from_o the_o word_n thus_o explicate_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o sole_a absolute_a lord_n sovereign_a giver_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n relate_v unto_o his_o kingdom_n christ_n be_v a_o lord_n by_o power_n mat._n 28.18_o 2._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o purchase_n rom._n 7.20_o 3._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o conquest_n john_n 16.30_o 4._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o donation_n ps_n 2.8_o 5._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o election_n as_o from_o god_n mat._n 12.18_o isa_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o such_o a_o lord_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o all_o the_o ministration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o promote_v execute_v or_o hinder_v as_o he_o please_v the_o magistrate_n walk_v not_o in_o this_o sphere_n he_o have_v another_o kingdom_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o magistrate_n can_v here_o shut_v nor_o open_v though_o erastus_n vain_o dream_v the_o contrary_n christ_n key_n or_o the_o key_n of_o david_n only_o fit_v this_o lock_n as_o the_o spiritual_a key_n of_o david_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v in_o the_o civil_a kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v their_o civil_a key_n open_a or_o shut_v in_o the_o spiritual_a house_n of_o david_n be_v fit_v for_o another_o lock_n and_o who_o prove_v the_o contrary_a disorder_v the_o whole_a lock_n and_o bring_v always_o ruin_v instead_o of_o blessing_n upon_o the_o experiencer_n thereof_o christ_n fit_v not_o upon_o caesar_n throne_n nor_o caesar_n upon_o he_o each_o must_v remember_v and_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o station_n if_o christ_n open_v with_o his_o key_n and_o receive_v into_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o shut_v out_o if_o christ_n shut_v against_o any_o caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o open_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d caesar_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n to_o true_a saint_n and_o open_v it_o to_o the_o debauch_a world_n and_o so_o make_v a_o image_n like_a to_o that_o of_o nebuchadnezzar_n who_o foot_n be_v partly_o iron_n partly_o clay_n but_o when_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n
the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beza_n version_n read_v they_o prebebo_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la synaga_fw-la satana_n the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n i_o give_v and_o not_o in_o the_o future_a and_o what_o be_v give_v those_o that_o call_v themselves_o jew_n i_o give_v or_o i_o yield_v be_v put_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n either_o for_o the_o more_o certain_a denotation_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o come_v in_o the_o future_a for_o so_o the_o latter_a clause_n do_v intimate_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o second_o it_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o god_n do_v at_o that_o present_a time_n make_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o his_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o taste_n and_o first_o fruit_n or_o as_o a_o pawn_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o more_o full_a general_a and_o universal_a call_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o shall_v ensue_v in_o future_a age_n which_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o this_o verse_n be_v full_a unto_o whereof_z more_o hereafter_o i_o former_o she_o wed_v on_o cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 9_o how_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v only_o so_o by_o lineage_n and_o descent_n do_v lie_v when_o they_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o to_o call_v one_o self_n a_o jew_n in_o those_o day_n when_o john_n write_v this_o revelation_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o profess_v and_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n and_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n his_o peculiar_a inheritage_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n appertain_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o all_o other_o alien_n and_o barbarian_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o child_n a_o holy_a nation_n the_o lord_n portion_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o temple_n divine_a ordinance_n worship_n and_o clear_a vision_n of_o god_n now_o when_o those_o person_n that_o boast_v themselves_o of_o those_o privilege_n yet_o persecute_v revile_v and_o blaspheme_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o they_o do_v that_o of_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 9_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a jew_n and_o make_v a_o lie_n when_o they_o call_v or_o profess_v themselves_o jew_n true_a israelite_n of_o god_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o his_o work_n and_o counsel_n they_o do_v real_o execute_v and_o perform_v they_o do_v synagere_fw-la work_v together_o plot_n study_n and_o execute_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v denominate_v his_o disciple_n of_o this_o infernal_a college_n and_o synagogue_n and_o not_o of_o christ_n church_n college_n or_o of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v and_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a jew_n true_a israelite_n of_o god_n true_a christian_n that_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o for_o their_o evil_a work_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o towards_o christ_n and_o true_a christian_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o do_v lie_v in_o their_o profession_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o true_a inward_a jew_n and_o christian_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o strange_a to_o hear_v of_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n a_o university_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o devil_n set_v up_o among_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n his_o own_o inheritance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o true_a john_n baptist_n can_v have_v call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o christ_n more_o plain_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o work_n they_o do_v do_v and_o john_n here_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o most_o deserve_o for_o their_o contumelious_a reproach_n and_o opposition_n against_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a believer_n we_o have_v a_o true_a counterpane_n of_o these_o carnal_a jew_n among_o the_o christian_n church_n in_o those_o day_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n they_o crack_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n of_o ministry_n of_o ordinance_n of_o true_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o who_o more_o enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o true_a godliness_n they_o be_v just_a like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a that_o boast_v of_o abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o that_o they_o be_v israelite_n as_o from_o jacob_n and_o yet_o be_v ready_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o follower_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o with_o their_o elder_a brethren_n the_o jew_n to_o have_v abraham_n and_o jacobs_n to_o their_o ancestor_n and_o progenitor_n but_o for_o abraham_n faith_n or_o jacob_n spirit_n in_o wrestle_v with_o god_n let_v that_o alone_a for_o they_o that_o will_v they_o think_v it_o safe_a enough_o to_o be_v of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_n nation_n or_o church_n and_o to_o have_v some_o external_a badge_n and_o privilege_n of_o child_n as_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a than_o all_o be_v well_o whilst_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o most_o substaintial_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o let_v lie_v by_o and_o contemn_v and_o what_o be_v all_o their_o arrogate_a title_n when_o truth_n be_v want_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o a_o lie_n i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o cap._n 2._o 9_o for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_o in_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o who_o heart_n be_v circumcise_v and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 2.28_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o do_v call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v 1._o the_o samaritan_n 2._o they_o of_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o both_o by_o their_o perverse_a carriage_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n do_v blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v the_o honourable_a name_n of_o a_o jew._n so_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n that_o wound_v this_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n church_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v wrong_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o honourable_a name_n of_o church_n and_o christian_n i_o mean_v the_o romish_a popish_a synagogue_n and_o many_o of_o the_o pretend_a reform_a church_n the_o first_o like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a cry_n out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o the_o church_n the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o chair_n of_o peter_n the_o infallible_a chair_n of_o peter_n we_o be_v the_o only_a spouse_n of_o christ_n no_o salvation_n without_o our_o jurisdiction_n and_o yet_o who_o great_a blasphemer_n reproacher_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n church_n and_o saint_n than_o they_o and_o see_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o keep_v it_o but_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v here_o mention_v the_o church_n or_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n not_o of_o christ_n and_o as_o long_o as_o their_o idolatry_n continue_v she_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n counterfeit_a jew_n no_o real_a spiritual_a one_o christian_n only_a in_o title_n and_o show_n not_o in_o truth_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o high_a pretension_n and_o claim_n to_o the_o contrary_a 2._o so_o many_o of_o the_o pretend_v reform_v christian_n cry_v out_o we_o be_v of_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v baptize_v we_o be_v of_o the_o lutheran_n confession_n we_o be_v of_o the_o calvinist_n and_o yet_o no_o papist_n more_a blind_a more_o ignorant_a more_o vile_a more_o profane_a or_o great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o name_n title_n and_o honour_n of_o christian_n they_o love_n they_o esteem_v they_o expect_v and_o yet_o who_o vain_a who_o more_o profane_a more_o ungodly_a or_o less_o deserve_v it_o then_o they_o they_o be_v only_o nominal_a christian_n outward_a jew_n but_o to_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a jew_n who_o more_o stranger_n to_o it_o then_o they_o let_v they_o therefore_o look_v to_o it_o notwithstanding_o their_o high_a and_o honourable_a affect_a title_n lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v declare_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o manifest_a to_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o they_o be_v only_o seem_v jew_n and_o do_v lie_v
in_o which_o their_o soul_n will_v delight_v neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o be_v to_o be_v sharer_n and_o compartner_n in_o that_o kingdom_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o weak_a christian_n shall_v be_v a_o partner_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n must_v needs_o know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o earth_n already_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o then_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o also_o for_o there_o be_v write_v thereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o the_o same_o all_o signify_v power_n strength_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o feel_v the_o effect_n thereof_o unto_o their_o pain_n if_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v rule_v and_o break_v they_o as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n as_o in_o cap._n 2._o v._n 27._o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o kingdom_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o god_n shall_v sure_o be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o all_o and_o especial_o come_v with_o thaâ—_n power_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a reign_n do_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o most_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o morning_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o miriads_o of_o his_o angel_n and_o raâ—â—â—d_a saâ—â—â—s_n that_o none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v deal_v plain_o with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v the_o saint_n to_o reign_v before_o their_o leader_n head_n and_o king_n appear_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o right_a with_o their_o master_n spirit_n who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a ready_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n not_o draw_v the_o sword_n to_o free_v or_o revenge_v himself_o or_o his_o follower_n but_o check_v peter_n for_o it_o when_o he_o attempt_v it_o on_o malchas_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o lay_v hand_n upon_o he_o christ_n well_o know_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n of_o this_o age_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o by_o sword_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o suffer_v and_o patience_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o they_o that_o go_v another_o way_n may_v build_v a_o city_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n who_o builder_n be_v god_n they_o may_v erect_v a_o city_n who_o builder_n be_v man_n and_o on_o who_o gate_n and_o wall_n be_v write_v their_o own_o name_n not_o of_o god_n or_o of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n they_o may_v build_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n a_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o beast_n may_v reign_v in_o not_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o kingdom_n of_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o they_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o trust_v thereunto_o may_v be_v just_o involve_v into_o utter_a ruin_n and_o misery_n for_o trust_v to_o the_o weak_a arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o hope_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a new_a city_n promise_v to_o the_o conquer_a suffer_a patient_a saint_n and_o not_o to_o the_o heady_a rebellious_a or_o precipitant_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o whereon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o new_a name_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v and_o inscribe_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o say_v at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o descend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o lamb_n wife_n the_o great_a city_n the_o holy_a jerusalem_n that_o come_v down_o from_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o conspicuous_a for_o light_n and_o glory_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n thereof_o and_o bring_v their_o glory_n to_o it_o and_o this_o city_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n neither_o of_o the_o moon_n to_o shine_v in_o it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o rev._n 21.23_o verse_n 13._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o these_o word_n be_v so_o often_o inculcate_v at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o peculiarly_a relate_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o all_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o also_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o it_o be_v not_o only_o write_v for_o they_o but_o for_o our_o instruction_n also_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o wise_a christian_n consider_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n ver._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o of_o christ_n monitory_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o chief_a minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v archippus_n as_o some_o say_v mention_v coloss_n 4.17_o not_o far_o from_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n it_o be_v call_v laodicea_n from_o laodice_n wife_n of_o antiochus_n who_o build_v it_o in_o honour_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o call_v it_o according_a to_o her_o name_n laodicea_n which_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v as_o much_o as_o commandress_n princess_n or_o dictatrix_n of_o the_o people_n the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o this_o church_n be_v somewhat_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o name_n she_o conceive_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n a_o princess_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o sister_n church_n for_o so_o in_o vers_n 17._o she_o vaunt_v herself_o to_o be_v rich_a to_o be_v increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n bring_v she_o to_o the_o trial_n she_o be_v find_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v often_o in_o his_o providence_n ordain_v name_n to_o person_n and_o place_n suitable_a and_o well_o comport_v with_o their_o natural_a disposition_n and_o quality_n christ_n be_v call_v jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n joshua_n have_v a_o name_n also_o from_o the_o same_o root_n he_o be_v also_o a_o temporal_a saviour_n unto_o israel_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n save_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n many_o example_n be_v find_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o john_n who_o name_n and_o nature_n both_o be_v gracious_a chrysostome_n he_o be_v a_o eloquent_a golden_a mouth_a father_n and_o he_o have_v a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o observant_a eye_n but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v 2._o for_o place_n and_o church_n rome_n be_v call_v roma_n from_o romulus_n from_o some_o old_a word_n of_o the_o like_a sound_n which_o signify_v strength_n babylon_n from_o babel_n confusion_n philadelphia_n have_v a_o belove_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o belove_a church_n laodicea_n have_v a_o vainglorious_a name_n and_o she_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a church_n much_o boast_n of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n while_o miserable_a poor_a and_o naked_a these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v here_o describe_v under_o a_o threefold_a property_n 1._o as_o the_o amen_o 2._o as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 3._o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n these_o three_o property_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o general_a description_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preliminary_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o he_o be_v call_v the_o amen_o out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o what_o christ_n promise_v and_o predict_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n must_v sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v not_o fail_v he_o add_v another_o property_n take_v out_o of_o chap._n 1._o v._n 5._o he_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n now_o what_o this_o amen_o have_v promise_v predict_v and_o say_v in_o these_o prophecy_n must_v
needs_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a for_o in_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o amen_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a faith_n and_o credence_n thereunto_o he_o add_v another_o title_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n paul_n can_v public_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o his_o discsple_n and_o that_o he_o have_v hide_v nothing_o back_o that_o do_v necessary_o conduce_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o think_v you_o that_o christ_n in_o these_o revelation_n have_v not_o deal_v as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o truth_n himself_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o beast_n babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n together_o with_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o church_n glorious_a restore_v state_n on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v and_o evidence_v from_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v not_o christ_n promise_v it_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o come_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n that_o can_v never_o fail_v and_o to_o take_v off_o all_o suspicion_n of_o failure_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n there_o be_v a_o three_o property_n here_o add_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n this_o have_v relation_n to_o that_o description_n of_o christ_n in_o chap._n 1._o v._n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v render_v either_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o he_o be_v also_o the_o supreme_a prince_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o so_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o principality_n and_o government_n who_o do_v at_o first_o create_v they_o and_o give_v a_o be_v to_o they_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o the_o say_n of_o these_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v sure_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o appoint_a season_n see_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o the_o creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v say_v and_o speak_v they_o who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v they_o come_v first_o from_o so_o faithful_a and_o true_a a_o witness_n and_o from_o one_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o most_o able_a to_o perform_v they_o verse_n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n as_o she_o come_v last_o in_o place_n so_o she_o come_v last_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o all_o her_o sister_n church_n christ_n find_v nothing_o in_o she_o that_o be_v true_o commendable_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o pergamus_n though_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n yet_o there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o somewhat_o praiseworthy_a some_o undefiled_a name_n that_o be_v not_o carry_v aside_o by_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n but_o in_o laodicea_n nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o therefore_o she_o hear_v of_o nothing_o from_o christ_n but_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o of_o the_o desperateness_n of_o her_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o sincere_a faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n be_v silence_n in_o it_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o number_v as_o one_o of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o number_n be_v but_o small_a they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o denomination_n unto_o the_o whole_a for_o indeed_o a_o body_n politic_a whither_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n or_o unsound_a from_o the_o major_a part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a soul_n or_o person_n if_o grace_n be_v more_o prevalent_a in_o degree_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o sin_n and_o corruption_n it_o be_v to_o be_v term_v a_o sincere_a gracious_a soul_n but_o if_o sin_n be_v most_o prevalent_a it_o may_v be_v just_o term_v a_o sinful_a and_o unregenerate_a soul_n so_o be_v the_o case_n of_o political_a church_n if_o their_o frame_n constitution_n and_o matter_n be_v most_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a such_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n healthful_a body_n we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n though_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o the_o deadness_n thereof_o they_o may_v with_o sardis_n be_v right_o term_v dead_a one_o yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n doubtless_o under_o prelacy_n both_o english_a and_o romish_a there_o be_v and_o be_v diverse_a precious_a christian_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n when_o the_o idol_n of_o baal_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o priest_n thereof_o be_v exalt_v yet_o then_o in_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o that_o bowâ—d_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n yet_o they_o few_o faithful_a one_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n or_o those_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prelacy_n etc._n etc._n popery_n come_v far_o short_a to_o denominate_v israel_n at_o that_o time_n or_o our_o english_a or_o foreign_a nation_n under_o that_o corrupt_a frame_n or_o temper_n of_o antichristian_a prelacy_n to_o be_v praiseworthy_a church_n or_o sound_n sincere_a and_o healthful_a in_o their_o general_a matter_n frame_n or_o constitution_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n against_o laodicea_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a laodicea_n be_v of_o a_o strange_a mongrel_n composure_n and_o temper_n neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a mould_v and_o compact_v as_o a_o certain_a odd_a extraction_n of_o two_o contrary_n cold_a and_o heat_n i_o think_v before_o this_o that_o that_o maxim_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n unquestionable_a in_o medio_fw-la consistit_fw-la virtus_fw-la it_o seem_v true_a religion_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o principle_n for_o laodicea_n be_v here_o blame_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a that_o be_v in_o a_o frame_n or_o temper_v which_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a by_o hot_a be_v here_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v zealous_a fervent_a in_o spirit_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o can_v endure_v any_o corruption_n will-worship_n or_o superstition_n shall_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o true_a christian_n worship_n and_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v call_v a_o hot_a fervent_a or_o zealous_a christian_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v too_o intense_a as_o unto_o the_o degree_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v considerate_a and_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n the_o ignorant_a inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v as_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a not_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n grace_n as_o with_o moral_a habit_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o both_o the_o extreme_n stray_v from_o mediocrity_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o in_o the_o defect_n be_v fault_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o excess_n of_o liberality_n may_v run_v into_o prodigality_n and_o the_o defect_n into_o covetous_a parsimony_n or_o the_o excess_n in_o fortitude_n may_v be_v call_v temerity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n and_o the_o defect_n cowardice_n and_o pusilanimity_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o gracious_a habit_n the_o case_n be_v different_a soul_n can_v exceed_v therein_o be_v you_o holy_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v holy_a no_o less_o than_o a_o aim_n unto_o perfection_n will_v serve_v turn_n be_v zealous_a fervent_a boil_a hot_a for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v sound_a and_o considerate_a it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mediocrity_n lukewarmness_n or_o half_a friend_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n be_v equal_o a_o abomination_n in_o god_n sight_n for_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n as_o be_v coldness_n or_o deadness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o this_o strange_a commixture_n of_o temper_n in_o laodicea_n be_v explode_v by_o christ_n as_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o therefore_o add_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a hence_o note_v observe_v a_o lukewarm_a temper_n among_o
mouth_n for_o this_o their_o sin_n have_v not_o god_n do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n with_o we_o here_o in_o england_n here_o of_o late_a for_o this_o hermaphrodical_a religion_n that_o be_v profess_v among_o we_o half_a popish_a half_o reform_v half_o rot_v half_a sound_n even_o spew_v it_o out_o root_n and_o branch_n never_o to_o be_v lick_v up_o more_o be_v it_o not_o also_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o same_o mongrel_n lukewarm_a condition_n be_v creep_v in_o upon_o we_o again_o what_o mean_v else_o the_o many_o vindication_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o of_o late_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o practice_n doctrine_n mission_n call_v hyerarchical_a superintendency_n national_a church_n and_o maintenancy_n and_o the_o like_a if_o christ_n have_v vomit_v they_o out_o as_o unholy_a thing_n he_o will_v not_o return_v again_o to_o take_v they_o up_o they_o be_v loathe_v of_o he_o for_o their_o mongrel_n temper_n and_o therefore_o spew_v out_o and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o endeavour_n to_o lick_v they_o up_o again_o they_o be_v dog_n i_o mean_v whelp_n of_o rome_n that_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o their_o vomit_n they_o be_v sow_n i_o mean_v unclean_a worldling_n that_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n that_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o antichristian_a foolery_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o if_o reformation_n according_a to_o gospel_n pattern_n be_v the_o way_n be_v zealous_a in_o it_o burn_v in_o it_o walk_v in_o it_o stout_o courageous_o as_o child_n of_o light_n but_o if_o rome_n be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n take_v her_o mark_n follow_v she_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o she_o for_o christ_n will_v not_o endure_v a_o middle_a temperature_n between_o both_o either_o be_v all_o romish_a or_o all_o reform_a there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n neither_o between_o true_a christian_n and_o antichristian_a either_o be_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o because_o thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v to_o thou_o as_o it_o do_v to_o laodicea_n christ_n will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n be_v wise_a therefore_o you_o child_n of_o light_n hold_v fast_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a have_v not_o your_o face_n or_o thought_n towards_o the_o onion_n and_o flesh_n pot_n of_o egypt_n again_o but_o let_v your_o face_n be_v to_o zion-ward_n to_o build_v up_o the_o breach_n thereof_o and_o be_v hot_a zealous_a fervent_a therein_o and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o then_o doubtless_o god_n will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o lead_v you_o into_o goshen_n into_o a_o land_n of_o peace_n and_o rest_n verse_n 17._o because_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a laodiceas_fw-la sin_n of_o lukewarmness_n have_v a_o twofold_a ground_n or_o rise_v 1._o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o her_o own_o worthiness_n 2._o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o own_o misery_n her_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o her_o own_o worth_n proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n and_o conceit_n of_o her_o great_a wealth_n and_o riches_n not_o only_o spiritual_a which_o she_o want_v and_o christ_n advise_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n but_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a she_o boast_v herself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o abound_v in_o riches_n of_o both_o sort_n but_o also_o to_o want_v nothing_o she_o have_v such_o a_o fullness_n that_o her_o contentation_n be_v complete_a many_o person_n may_v abound_v and_o be_v rich_a and_o yet_o want_v much_o of_o fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o contentation_n but_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n it_o seem_v abound_v to_o contentation_n in_o her_o own_o conceit_n which_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o riches_n for_o she_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o hence_o grow_v that_o sin_n of_o she_o lukewarmness_n and_o half_a christianity_n from_o hence_o note_n observe_v 1._o that_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o abound_a wealthy_a church_n be_v apt_a to_o become_v the_o more_o remiss_a moderate_a indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o church_n be_v poor_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v pure_a more_o zealous_a and_o eminent_a for_o truth_n and_o martyrdom_n but_o when_o the_o church_n be_v indulge_v and_o lull_v in_o the_o lap_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a she_o grow_v more_o remiss_a and_o as_o riches_n and_o preferment_n be_v heap_v on_o she_o she_o grow_v daily_o more_o lukewarm_a till_o at_o the_o last_o she_o become_v key-cold_a as_o unto_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o so_o short_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a when_o the_o great_a preferment_n of_o episcopal_a lordship_n deanery_n arch-deanries_a prebendary_n etc._n etc._n be_v on_o foot_n among_o we_o christ_n pastor_n become_v silken_a priest_n and_o where_o be_v then_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v drive_v into_o corner_n among_o some_o poor_a puritan_n brownist_n anabaptist_n so_o scornful_o call_v and_o the_o like_a but_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v but_o half_a christian_n a_o medley_n of_o moral_a civilian_o half_a romish_a half_o reform_v and_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n than_o adversity_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lukewarmness_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o do_v abound_v therein_o and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o often_o warn_v in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o lest_o when_o they_o be_v full_a and_o cloy_v with_o god_n blessing_n through_o over-fulness_n they_o shall_v forget_v the_o lord_n thou_o say_v thou_o be_v rich_a etc._n etc._n and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a etc._n etc._n the_o other_o cause_n of_o laodiceas_n sin_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o misery_n which_o she_o can_v not_o see_v and_o perceive_v by_o reason_n she_o be_v blind_v by_o her_o outward_a prosperity_n and_o riches_n from_o whence_o observe_v observe_v 2._o that_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o wretched_o miserable_a church_n be_v the_o most_o boast_a and_o high_a pretend_v to_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o grace_n do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o day_n vaunt_v that_o she_o be_v the_o only_a rich_a one_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v true_a if_o she_o only_o mean_v of_o worldly_a good_n she_o be_v most_o pompous_a and_o replete_a therein_o but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o she_o vaunt_v too_o of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n she_o call_v herself_o roma_n sancta_fw-la the_o only_a mother_n church_n the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o no_o salvation_n without_o her_o pale_n the_o only_a keeper_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o dispense_v they_o where_o she_o please_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o high_a claim_n and_o pretence_n who_o more_o true_o wretched_a miserable_a blind_a ignorant_a naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a grace_n than_o she_o laodicea_n be_v so_o vainglorious_a that_o she_o can_v boast_v of_o her_o riches_n and_o yet_o she_o be_v the_o poor_a of_o the_o seven_o of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n our_o english_a under_o episcopacy_n be_v wont_a to_o bear_v the_o bell_n for_o outward_a splendour_n and_o glory_v not_o only_o in_o her_o external_a riches_n but_o also_o of_o the_o magnificence_n of_o her_o worship_n beyond_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o among_o they_o all_o who_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o her_o sister_n rome_n then_o she_o she_o be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o return_v daughter_n to_o her_o mother_n harlot_n as_o the_o apostate_n bayly_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n of_o his_o book_n call_v end_n to_o controversy_n testify_v page_n 67._o where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o that_o the_o taper_n upon_o their_o altar_n want_v light_a and_o their_o altar_n priest_n and_o their_o ceremony_n purpose_n but_o the_o lord_n since_o have_v make_v a_o wide_a breach_n his_o name_n be_v praise_v for_o it_o and_o render_v she_o more_o irreconcilable_a to_o rome_n then_o ever_o heretofore_o and_o we_o trust_v never_o more_o to_o be_v make_v up_o between_o they_o for_o further_o describe_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o the_o high_o pretend_v church_n of_o rome_n which_o may_v be_v true_o parallel_v to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n in_o this_o particular_a of_o vain-glorying_a and_o boast_a she_o have_v here_o five_o degree_n ascribe_v to_o she_o the_o two_o first_o be_v as_o common_a