may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v hâ—m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n fâ—om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o manâ—r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n fâ—r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n â—o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o purpose_n of_o s._n john_n who_o do_v therefore_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v that_o shall_v hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n with_o conscience_n to_o keep_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o do_v it_o with_o delight_n second_o we_o be_v hereby_o admonish_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n that_o place_n before_o name_v be_v most_o excellent_a search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o iâ—_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n â—_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n iâ—_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o taâ—es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
gospel_n when_o he_o preach_v god_n word_n be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a witness_n sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n first_o they_o must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o before_o all_o testimony_n of_o man_n in_o the_o office_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o christ_n to_o 4.34_o teach_v his_o father_n will_n eleazar_n abraham_n elder_a servant_n show_v his_o fidelity_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o have_v do_v his_o master_n message_n gen._n 24.33_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v special_a care_n of_o that_o weighty_a message_n commit_v unto_o they_o second_o they_o must_v testify_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v matter_n of_o salvation_n as_o faith_n obedience_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n among_o man_n we_o count_v he_o a_o faithful_a witness_n which_o testify_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o his_o church_n herein_o paul_n clear_v himself_o 27._o that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n blood_n see_v he_o deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o keep_v nothing_o back_o three_o he_o must_v neither_o add_v unto_o or_o take_v away_o much_o less_o in_o any_o case_n deprave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o false_a prophet_n teach_v some_o truth_n but_o withal_o they_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o or_o detract_v from_o god_n truth_n something_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v thing_n concern_v moral_a virtue_n handle_v sound_o but_o come_v to_o justification_n and_o thereto_o they_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o man_n work_n &_o so_o they_o deal_v with_o faith_n and_o repentance_n matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o take_v away_o one_o part_n and_o add_v another_o to_o the_o scripture_n they_o hold_v the_o creed_n in_o word_n yet_o in_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o same_o as_o by_o their_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v &_o so_o show_v themselves_o false_a witness_n four_o a_o faithful_a witness_n must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o best_o beseem_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o best_a approve_v that_o be_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a and_o familiar_a kind_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v touch_v &_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v edify_v when_o the_o word_n be_v otherwise_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n or_o for_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n or_o much_o read_n though_o nothing_o be_v say_v but_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o that_o so_o dispense_v it_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a witness_n because_o he_o corrupt_v the_o word_n by_o his_o vain_a delivery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n in_o many_o minister_n who_o teach_v the_o truth_n indeed_o but_o yet_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o seek_v themselves_o and_o not_o god_n glory_n respect_v little_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o simple_a so_o themselves_o may_v be_v famous_a for_o wit_n eloquence_n and_o learning_n but_o these_o man_n make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n like_v to_o huxter_n that_o by_o starch_v blow_v and_o spice_v set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o their_o ware_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o will_v banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o our_o land_n unless_o it_o be_v reform_v second_o this_o title_n of_o christ_n that_o faithful_a witness_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o the_o damnable_a practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n for_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o his_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o 5.10_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o not_o do_v make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o a_o liar_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o horrible_a &_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n for_o when_o the_o law_n be_v apply_v who_o be_v afraid_a and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v yet_o who_o believe_v our_o report_n god_n minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o little_a child_n we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v this_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o man_n be_v not_o move_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o this_o fearful_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n this_o therefore_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o ourselves_o the_o heinousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v strive_v against_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o word_n into_o our_o heart_n tremble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o each_o part_n thereof_o may_v have_v his_o perfect_a work_n in_o we_o for_o which_o end_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o among_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o burn_a lake_n unbeliever_n be_v set_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n revel_v 21._o vers_fw-la 8._o three_o see_v christ_n jesus_n be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o man_n conscience_n in_o particular_a of_o their_o salvation_n we_o learn_v that_o every_o one_o which_o profess_v himself_o to_o repent_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o election_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o he_o particular_o and_o though_o this_o be_v against_o all_o humane_a sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v a_o faithful_a witness_n avouch_v the_o same_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o testimony_n for_o by_o unbelief_n we_o great_o dishonour_v our_o witness_n bearer_n by_o deny_v truth_n unto_o his_o record_n here_o than_o we_o see_v it_o it_o no_o presumption_n as_o the_o papist_n say_v to_o believe_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o particular_a nay_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n in_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v christ_n a_o most_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hereto_o also_o serve_v the_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o seal_v up_o unto_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n the_o minister_n give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o they_o that_o true_o repent_v be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v believe_v thou_o and_o life_n eternal_a belong_v to_o thou_o and_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o second_o office_n of_o christ_n namely_o his_o priesthood_n the_o principal_a action_n whereof_o stand_v in_o die_v in_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n and_o here_o s._n john_n allude_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o family_n among_o the_o jew_n compare_v christ_n to_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o as_o among_o they_o he_o which_o be_v first_o bear_v and_o elder_a of_o the_o family_n have_v many_o privilege_n and_o preeminence_n above_o his_o brethren_n as_o lordship_n right_a of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o double_a portion_n etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n he_o have_v his_o privilege_n yea_o even_a christ_n crucify_v he_o have_v his_o prerogative_n among_o the_o dead_a above_o all_o that_o be_v dead_a so_o paul_n expound_v this_o title_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o beginning_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n coloss._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n dead_a and_o bury_v among_o all_o the_o dead_a be_v two_o first_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o so_o to_o glory_v some_o indeed_o have_v rise_v before_o christ_n from_o natural_a death_n to_o natural_a life_n as_o lazarus_n but_o it_o be_v to_o die_v again_o and_o moses_n and_o elias_n assume_v their_o body_n in_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n but_o yet_o they_o lay_v they_o down_o again_o to_o the_o former_a misery_n of_o corruption_n for_o a_o time_n but_o christ_n jesus_n rosâ—_n from_o death_n to_o life_n eternal_a never_o to_o die_v again_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o step_n into_o his_o glory_n second_o that_o by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o raise_v up_o
jew_n though_o their_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n be_v both_o heretic_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o live_v among_o they_o and_o behold_v their_o wicked_a conversation_n we_o must_v not_o approve_v of_o their_o ungodliness_n but_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o same_o as_o righteous_a lot_n be_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o sodom_n 2._o pet._n 2.7_o further_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o evil_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n we_o must_v not_o for_o their_o company_n refuse_v to_o communicate_v for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n live_v among_o the_o jew_n communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sacrament_n and_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v notorious_a both_o for_o wicked_a life_n and_o false_a doctrine_n the_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o another_o man_n evil_a conscience_n do_v not_o defile_v our_o good_a conscience_n but_o we_o may_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o that_o action_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a be_v defile_v now_o though_o we_o may_v thus_o converse_v with_o evil_a man_n yet_o these_o two_o caveat_n must_v be_v observe_v i._o to_o have_v no_o private_a company_n with_o know_v and_o open_a evil_a person_n this_o paul_n express_o forbid_v say_v i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o 1â—_n that_o you_o company_n not_o together_o that_o be_v in_o private_a and_o familiar_a manner_n ii_o we_o must_v not_o show_v special_a familiaritâ—â—_n to_o evil_a person_n god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o hand_n job._n 8.20_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v if_o any_o man_n come_v unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n 2._o john_n 9_o which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o special_a familiarity_n for_o thereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o perform_v outward_a duty_n to_o the_o person_n but_o also_o give_v countenance_n to_o their_o sin_n which_o in_o any_o case_n we_o must_v not_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o to_o converse_v with_o evil_a man_n hereby_o all_o those_o be_v just_o blame_v which_o fit_a themselves_o for_o the_o humour_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o company_n use_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v if_o any_o be_v know_v to_o be_v open_o wicked_a either_o for_o life_n or_o opinion_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v private_a company_n with_o they_o or_o afford_v they_o our_o special_a familiarity_n but_o by_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o they_o case_v we_o of_o such_o burden_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v commend_v this_o church_n for_o her_o severity_n against_o the_o wicked_a in_o that_o she_o can_v not_o endure_v they_o do_v prove_v the_o same_o to_o be_v true_a by_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o verse_n the_o second_o in_o the_o six_o verse_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o sharp_a and_o round_o deal_n of_o this_o church_n against_o evil_a man_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o her_o discovery_n of_o false_a apostle_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n second_o her_o oppose_a herself_o against_o they_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o discovery_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n note_v two_o special_a point_n first_o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o particular_a church_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v this_o appear_v by_o sundry_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n 1._o cor._n 2.15_o the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o be_v be_v which_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n holy_a spirit_n discern_v all_o thing_n and_o paul_n 11.29_o assume_v that_o the_o faithful_a corinthian_n do_v discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v see_v and_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o that_o sacrament_n and_o other_o common_a bread_n &_o wine_n which_o none_o that_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v do_v again_o he_o bid_v they_o 13.5_o prove_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o they_o do_v know_v their_o own_o estate_n whether_o they_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n or_o under_o grace_n and_o s._n john_n bid_v the_o church_n to_o 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v those_o doctrine_n which_o man_n pretend_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v and_o in_o this_o place_n this_o church_n discover_v of_o false_a apostle_n declare_v plain_o that_o she_o have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v who_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v his_o church_n and_o who_o not_o and_o hence_o the_o godly_a learned_a in_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a heb._n 5.14_o and_o in_o this_o regard_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o company_n of_o man_n for_o unless_o man_n be_v of_o god_n church_n they_o want_v this_o gift_n of_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o differ_v as_o true_a apostle_n and_o false_a good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o which_o be_v not_o use_n for_o the_o church_n can_v discern_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a apostle_n or_o not_o and_o by_o the_o same_o gift_n it_o may_v discern_v the_o state_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n whence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o it_o please_v some_o to_o call_v it_o into_o question_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v and_o they_o avouch_v that_o it_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n no_o true_a preach_n or_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n with_o we_o be_v illusion_n of_o satan_n and_o our_o church_n his_o synagogue_n but_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o germany_n france_n scotland_n and_o italy_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v not_o now_o they_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o we_o and_o reverence_v our_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o who_o testimony_n we_o must_v rather_o cleave_v than_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o so_o resolve_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gift_n to_o discern_v scripture_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o scripture_n the_o papist_n say_v the_o church_n indeed_o have_v this_o gift_n but_o it_o be_v by_o counsel_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a forgery_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o can_v discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n can_v no_o doubt_n by_o the_o same_o gift_n discern_v of_o the_o bookeâ—_n of_o god_n and_o that_o without_o counsel_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o at_o this_o time_n when_o john_n write_v it_o be_v a_o more_o famous_a church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o go_v not_o thither_o for_o counsel_n ii_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discern_a of_o false_a apostle_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o judicial_a action_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n here_o note_v first_o in_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o in_o condemnation_n afterward_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v examine_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o their_o condemn_a or_o sentence_n give_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n for_o the_o first_o examination_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o be_v here_o use_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o false_a apostle_n que._n how_o may_v any_o church_n try_v a_o false_a teacher_n answ._n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o large_a discourse_n but_o the_o head_n of_o true_a examination_n be_v these_o first_o that_o church_n or_o that_o man_n that_o will_v right_o examine_v a_o false_a teacher_n must_v prepare_v himself_o thereunto_o after_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v look_v that_o he_o have_v a_o meek_a spirit_n and_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n
this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n to_o bless_v â—_o themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v yet_o still_o to_o say_v and_o think_v god_n will_v bless_v they_o take_v a_o heretickâ—_n who_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o his_o error_n and_o he_o will_v say_v he_o teach_v that_o which_o in_o conscience_n he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n for_o which_o he_o will_v shed_v his_o blood_n and_o whereto_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n yield_v so_o take_v a_o profess_a witch_n man_n or_o woman_n they_o will_v say_v all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o good_a angel_n and_o by_o some_o special_a gift_n give_v unto_o they_o above_o other_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n from_o whence_o indeed_o come_v all_o they_o can_v do_v and_o so_o the_o carnal_a protestant_n of_o our_o time_n they_o look_v for_o god_n blessing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n after_o death_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n in_o sin_n &_o profaneness_n thus_o they_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o make_v christ_n a_o packhorse_n for_o their_o iniquity_n but_o in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o jew_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o lay_v down_o all_o presumptuous_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o goodness_n and_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o god_n favour_n without_o his_o true_a grace_n and_o rather_o look_v unto_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o that_o god_n may_v lift_v we_o up_o ii_o point_n christ_n judgement_n of_o they_o be_v this_o they_o be_v not_o jew_n but_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o seem_v to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o jewish_a manner_n but_o do_v indeed_o worship_v the_o devil_n herein_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v i._n how_o this_o can_v be_v true_a of_o any_o company_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n answ._n election_n be_v twofold_a special_a and_o general_a god_n special_a election_n be_v when_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsâ—ll_v he_o choose_v a_o man_n to_o life_n eternal_a and_o â—his_n befall_v not_o all_o the_o jew_n but_o some_o only_o god_n general_a election_n be_v â—hen_o he_o â—ouchsafeth_v any_o people_n to_o become_v his_o visible_a church_n to_o have_v and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o outward_a signeâ—_n and_o 〈…〉_z his_o covenant_n &_o thus_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n elect_v and_o therefore_o be_v circumcise_v and_o receive_v the_o passover_o from_o this_o general_a election_n a_o church_n and_o people_n may_v fall_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v 9_o and_o so_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n be_v indeed_o never_o within_o the_o particular_a call_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v fall_v away_o for_o god_n election_n remain_v sâ—â—e_z 2._o tim._n 2.19_o his_o calling_n be_v without_o repentance_n rom._n 11._o â—9_n ii_o point_n at_o what_o time_n do_v the_o jew_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n not_o at_o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n though_o that_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n for_o though_o some_o therein_o sin_v of_o malice_n yet_o many_o do_v it_o of_o ignorance_n this_o peter_n confess_v acts._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o sermon_n after_o christ_n ascension_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o 〈…〉_z that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o act_n â—_o â—â—_o but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o long_a time_n preach_v christ_n unto_o they_o &_o convince_v their_o conscience_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o remain_v obstinate_a reject_v and_o persecute_v both_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n then_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o gâ—â—â—ils_n â—_o whereby_o we_o see_v when_o a_o church_n of_o god_n become_v no_o church_n namely_o not_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o hold_v a_o heresy_n for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n hold_v justification_n by_o work_n yet_o thereupon_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o when_o they_o embrace_v a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v convict_v of_o it_o not_o by_o private_a man_n but_o by_o apostolical_a authority_n or_o by_o public_a judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o papist_n of_o the_o libertine_n and_o anabaptist_n family_n of_o love_n and_o such_o like_a namely_o that_o they_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n for_o they_o hold_v heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n which_o the_o church_n long_o ago_o condemn_v by_o apostolical_a and_o judicial_a authority_n again_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n many_o there_o be_v that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o church_n among_o we_o because_o some_o private_a man_n have_v reprove_v the_o same_o for_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o reform_v but_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a and_o foolish_a reason_n for_o first_o the_o error_n must_v be_v against_o the_o foundation_n and_o yet_o that_o make_v not_o a_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v obstinate_o maintain_v after_o sufficient_a reproof_n and_o judicial_a conviction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v affirm_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o remain_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n iii_o point_n how_o become_v the_o jew_n a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n answ._n through_o their_o unbelief_n as_o be_v plain_o prove_v roman_a 11.20_o object_n but_o they_o hold_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o defend_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o which_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o they_o answ._n indeed_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o raze_v out_o and_o deny_v and_o so_o though_o they_o hold_v the_o letter_n yet_o worship_v god_n out_o of_o christ_n they_o worship_v a_o idol_n and_o not_o that_o god_n which_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n for_o out_o of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o hold_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereupon_o some_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o indeed_o they_o hold_v they_o not_o the_o christ_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v but_o a_o feign_a christ_n for_o they_o take_v from_o he_o both_o his_o nature_n especial_o his_o humanity_n and_o his_o office_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o separat_fw-la from_o they_o this_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v once_o a_o most_o famous_a people_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n must_v be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n continual_o for_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v reject_v they_o stand_v high_a in_o god_n favour_n but_o now_o for_o their_o unbelief_n they_o be_v cast_v off_o from_o god_n and_o be_v become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o must_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o to_o fear_n ro._n 11.20_o for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n they_o that_o be_v his_o first_o choose_v people_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v we_o that_o be_v but_o wild_a olive_n graff_v into_o the_o true_a vine_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o unbelief_n and_o labour_n for_o true_a faith_n which_o we_o must_v testify_v by_o obedience_n in_o our_o life_n &_o conversation_n verse_n 10._o fear_v none_o of_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v behold_v it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v cast_v 〈◊〉_d of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v trieâ—_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o thâ—_n proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n that_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n which_o i_o call_v counsel_n because_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v such_o kind_n of_o instruction_n
by_o the_o name_n of_o counsel_n first_o â—ere_z note_z that_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n and_o give_v her_o counsel_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o rebuke_n she_o for_o her_o fault_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o god_n church_n and_o so_o the_o member_n thereof_o may_v live_v without_o sin_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n but_o they_o be_v deceive_v christ_n therefore_o abstain_v from_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n not_o for_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n against_o they_o but_o for_o these_o two_o cause_n especial_o first_o because_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n do_v true_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v not_o decay_v in_o grace_n as_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v and_o therefore_o have_v the_o pardon_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o be_v in_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n second_o this_o church_n do_v endeavour_n to_o obey_v christ_n and_o to_o testify_v her_o faith_n and_o love_n thereby_o now_o god_n accept_v the_o desire_n and_o will_n of_o obedience_n in_o his_o child_n as_o obedience_n itself_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o reprove_v they_o for_o any_o fault_n that_o be_v among_o they_o see_v this_o church_n be_v in_o affliction_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o accept_v that_o christ_n reprove_v nothing_o in_o she_o we_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v profitable_a for_o god_n church_n and_o people_n sometime_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n for_o thereby_o be_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n preserve_v as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o many_o grievous_a sin_n prevent_v which_o otherwise_o god_n child_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o counsel_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o precept_n a_o pprophecy_n and_o a_o precept_n again_o the_o first_o precept_n be_v in_o these_o word_n fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v this_o precept_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v against_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o phil._n 2.12_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o rom._n 11.20_o â—e_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o fear_n i._o natural_a fear_n ii_o fear_n proceed_v from_o grace_n iii_o a_o distrustful_a fearful_a proceed_n from_o unbelief_n i._o the_o natural_a fear_n be_v a_o decline_a and_o eschew_v of_o death_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v thereto_o this_o fear_n be_v in_o all_o man_n in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o thing_n desire_v to_o preserve_v itself_o this_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o in_o his_o agony_n fear_v death_n as_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n asunder_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o only_o a_o infirmity_n without_o sin_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o fear_n be_v that_o which_o come_v from_o grace_n mal._n 1.6_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o â—onor_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n this_o fear_n be_v a_o reverend_a awe_n towards_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtue_n and_o no_o sin_n the_o three_o be_v distrustful_a fear_n when_o man_n for_o affliction_n forsake_v religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n stand_v more_o in_o fear_n of_o man_n than_o of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o fear_n which_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n forbid_v be_v a_o sin_n that_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n unto_o perdition_n in_o this_o commandment_n christ_n do_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o give_v they_o and_o we_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sin_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v conceive_v and_o the_o seed_n whereof_o remain_v still_o in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n namely_o distrustful_a unbelief_n whereby_o man_n fear_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n which_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o man_n consider_v not_o of_o god_n as_o he_o extend_v his_o providence_n over_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mighty_a judge_n take_v revenge_n upon_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n second_o here_o christ_n describe_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n people_n may_v arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o peril_n and_o trouble_n whatsoever_o to_o wit_n christian_a fortitude_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o true_a faith_n enable_v a_o man_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o with_o courage_n to_o undergo_v all_o danger_n whatsoever_o that_o he_o may_v in_o life_n and_o death_n maintain_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o virtue_n god_n prescribe_v to_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o call_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o this_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v speak_v unto_o their_o people_n as_o christ_n speak_v unto_o this_o church_n fear_v not_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o they_o deal_v faithful_o they_o must_v change_v their_o note_n and_o say_v with_o joell_n 1â—.15_n wail_v and_o howl_v you_o priest_n and_o people_n lie_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n because_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n vengeance_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v lamentable_a to_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o people_n of_o who_o we_o may_v general_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n â—_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n and_o where_o knowledge_n be_v there_o be_v little_a conscience_n to_o live_v thereafter_o consider_v also_o how_o the_o most_o be_v carnal_a mind_v dead_a in_o sin_n they_o savour_v not_o thâ—_n thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v whole_o possess_v with_o earthly_a desire_n &_o delight_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n affect_v they_o not_o yea_o in_o all_o place_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o as_o natural_a sleep_n wrap_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n so_o a_o spiritual_a slumber_n benumb_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n for_o though_o god_n preach_v daily_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o judgement_n yet_o like_o the_o old_a world_n we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o evil_a day_n we_o never_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o if_o herunto_o we_o join_v the_o common_a cry_a sin_n of_o this_o land_n as_o swear_v curse_a oppression_n sabbath_n break_v drunkenness_n whoredom_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n yea_o atheism_n itself_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o how_o can_v we_o say_v with_o christ_n fear_v not_o yea_o rather_o we_o must_v call_v man_n to_o repentance_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n for_o god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n neither_o will_v he_o always_o be_v chide_v nor_o wink_v at_o our_o iniquity_n he_o have_v whet_v his_o sword_n and_o bend_v his_o bow_n and_o unless_o we_o repent_v the_o day_n of_o havoc_n will_v come_v short_o wherein_o he_o will_v take_v vengeance_n upon_o all_o our_o iniquity_n and_o although_o this_o be_v the_o common_a state_n of_o our_o land_n yet_o christ_n have_v his_o remnant_n among_o we_o who_o mourn_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n and_o do_v endeavour_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o these_o it_o may_v be_v say_v fear_v not_o but_o take_v to_o yourselves_o christian_n courage_n &_o arm_v yourselves_o therewith_o lay_v aside_o all_o distrustful_a fear_n and_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o heart_n strive_v to_o keep_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o so_o shall_v christ_n appear_v to_o your_o joy_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v ashamed_a 66.5_o and_o to_o move_v god_n child_n to_o this_o christian_n fortitude_n first_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v distrustful_o fearful_a when_o they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n revel_v 21.8_o they_o must_v have_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n among_o the_o damn_a second_o let_v they_o observe_v the_o lord_n presence_n and_o his_o gracious_a promise_n of_o protection_n in_o distress_n 14.7_o he_o will_v cause_v his_o angel_n to_o pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o that_o no_o peril_n shall_v hurt_v they_o 2._o king_n 6._o when_o a_o mighty_a army_n come_v against_o elisha_n his_o servant_n be_v fore_o afraid_a but_o mark_v how_o he_o comfort_v he_o 16._o fear_v not_o say_v he_o for_o they_o that_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n child_n three_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o honourable_a estate_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v exceed_o when_o they_o have_v be_v beat_v 5.41_o that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v any_o
hate_v namely_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v join_v together_o in_o these_o nicolaitan_o adultery_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o idolatry_n the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n spiritual_a adultery_n be_v punish_v with_o bodily_a adultery_n this_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o old_a jew_n when_o they_o fall_v a_o whore_v after_o strange_a god_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o unclean_a lust_n and_o it_o be_v palpable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n do_v abound_v in_o all_o uncleanness_n for_o they_o tolerate_v stew_n for_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n and_o sodomic_a be_v common_a among_o they_o again_o sundry_a man_n may_v here_o be_v well_o admonish_v who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o schism_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o best_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v sect_n and_o heresy_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o here_o in_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o there_o be_v sect_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n this_o offence_n shall_v not_o move_v any_o to_o dislike_v the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o cause_v they_o more_o firm_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o also_o do_v hate_n this_o christ_n add_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o virtue_n for_o which_o he_o commend_v they_o in_o hate_v evil_a work_n for_o what_o can_v more_o provoke_v they_o to_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n therein_o than_o to_o know_v they_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o here_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a and_o like_v affect_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v man_n we_o must_v love_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n love_v and_o hate_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n hate_v rejoice_v wherein_o christ_n rejoice_v and_o mourn_v for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o christ_n mourn_v and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n for_o out_o of_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n and_o there_o must_v be_v consent_n and_o conformity_n between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n quest._n if_o christ_n hate_v these_o wicked_a man_n why_o do_v he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v and_o not_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o trouble_v his_o church_n answ._n because_o hereby_o he_o will_v manifest_v his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o wicked_a for_o he_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o good_a not_o only_o out_o of_o good_a but_o out_o of_o evil_a verse_n 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o excite_v this_o church_n to_o the_o more_o careful_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o prescribe_v this_o conclusion_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o commandment_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n let_v he_o that_o have_v aspare_a he_o arâ—_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o commandment_n note_v three_o point_n i._n who_o be_v command_v these_o which_o have_v ear_n ii_o the_o duty_n command_v they_o must_v hear_v iii_o what_o they_o must_v hear_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n i._n point_n the_o party_n command_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n who_o these_o be_v christ_n do_v more_o full_o expound_v matth._n 13.9_o when_o he_o say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v where_o he_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n that_o some_o be_v deaf_a hearer_n some_o hear_v hearer_n the_o deaf_a hearer_n be_v those_o that_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n their_o outward_a ear_n only_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o it_o neither_o do_v they_o care_v to_o learn_v to_o believe_v or_o obey_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o the_o hear_v hearer_n be_v all_o such_o as_o beside_o their_o bodily_a ear_n have_v ear_n pierce_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n outward_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o make_v pliable_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n unto_o it_o this_o hear_a ear_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o david_n when_o he_o say_v 6._o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v but_o my_o â—ares_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o prepare_v and_o then_o i_o say_v loâ—_n i_o come_v hereof_o isaiah_n say_v thou_o 50.5_o open_v my_o ear_n and_o i_o be_v noâ—_n rebellious_a and_o this_o hear_a ear_n 〈…〉_z give_v she_o when_o god_n 16.14_o open_v her_o heart_n whereby_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v by_o paul_n by_o this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n which_o christ_n make_v use_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n grace_n unto_o salvation_n be_v not_o universal_a that_o be_v god_n give_v not_o unto_o all_o man_n such_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v themselves_o they_o may_v believe_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v for_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o ever_o since_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n these_o two_o kind_a of_o hearer_n whereof_o the_o deaf_a hearer_n do_v not_o receive_v nor_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unto_o salvation_n neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n give_v grace_n sufficient_a unto_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o by_o their_o malice_n and_o sin_n do_v not_o abolish_v the_o same_o for_o though_o he_o admit_v all_o sort_n into_o his_o church_n yet_o not_o all_o but_o some_o only_o have_v ear_n pierce_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v christ_n 13._o why_o he_o speak_v in_o parable_n he_o answer_v thus_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 11_o and_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o give_v show_v plain_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o hear_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o and_o in_o some_o make_v void_a by_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n but_o to_o some_o it_o be_v give_v and_o they_o have_v hear_v ear_n and_o to_o some_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o their_o ear_n be_v deaf_a second_o see_v this_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o hear_n hearer_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n bring_v with_o we_o not_o only_o the_o bodily_a ear_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o our_o salvation_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n unless_o the_o inward_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o word_n and_o fit_v to_o receive_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o thus_o do_v good_a king_n iâ—sias_n hear_v the_o law_n read_v the_o text_n say_v 34·27_n his_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d within_o he_o and_o thus_o do_v david_n hear_v when_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n 27.8_o seek_v â—ee_n my_o face_n his_o heart_n answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n and_o as_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o get_v spiritual_a ear_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o deaf_a ear_n which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n come_v &_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o learn_v believe_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v isay._n 6.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o their_o heart_n fat_a that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v nor_o believe_v lest_o they_o shall_v turn_v and_o be_v save_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o we_o must_v look_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o many_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v deaf_a hearer_n which_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o after_o long_o teach_v they_o neither_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n nor_o in_o faith_n nor_o in_o obedience_n but_o remain_v the_o same_o for_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n
in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o renew_v of_o their_o repentance_n all_o which_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n fearful_a and_o careful_a than_o secure_a for_o with_o the_o mean_n be_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n both_o attein_v and_o preserve_v so_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o offence_n but_o a_o true_a doctrine_n that_o beat_v out_o the_o plain_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n second_o christ_n his_o detestation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n must_v admonish_v we_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o our_o behaviour_n every_o way_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o any_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v balaams_n scholar_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o special_a observation_n we_o must_v look_v to_o our_o communication_n that_o it_o be_v void_a of_o rail_v &_o bad_a speech_n and_o to_o our_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a in_o every_o thing_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o to_o hinder_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n woe_n 7._o be_v to_o they_o say_v christ_n that_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o huge_a millstone_n such_o as_o a_o ass_n can_v but_o turn_v about_o as_o the_o word_n import_v be_v tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o a_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n give_v his_o brother_n a_o offence_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o plunge_v his_o brother_n soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v fly_v offence_n as_o hell_n itself_o yea_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v help_v our_o brethren_n forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o remove_v from_o they_o all_o stumble_a block_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v our_o church_n will_v abound_v with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v want_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o we_o have_v so_o small_a increase_n after_o long_a labour_n in_o preach_v for_o example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n do_v quench_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n three_o hereby_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o have_v special_a care_n against_o offence_n give_v by_o evil_a counsel_n or_o bad_a example_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o other_o then_o be_v it_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o us._n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v many_o offence_n give_v but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o take_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o christ_n bid_v we_o â—_o if_o thy_o foot_n offend_v thou_o or_o thy_o haâ—d_a cut_v it_o off_o or_o thy_o eye_n pluck_v it_o out_o teach_v we_o to_o forgo_v the_o dear_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o if_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o mark_v the_o israelit_n example_n in_o the_o wilderness_n while_o they_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o observe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n all_o balaams_n curse_n be_v turn_v into_o blessing_n but_o when_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n &_o fornication_n with_o the_o moabitish_a woman_n then_o be_v god_n wrath_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o his_o plague_n seize_v upon_o they_o even_o so_o if_o our_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o enjoy_v and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o become_v a_o penitent_a and_o obedient_a people_n unto_o god_n then_o may_v balaam_n curse_v and_o all_o our_o enemy_n spit_v their_o venom_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a but_o if_o we_o let_v go_v true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o fall_v to_o sin_n than_o we_o must_v look_v for_o â—ods_n heavy_a judgement_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o his_o wrath_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n four_o when_o balaams_n curse_v will_v not_o prevail_v than_o do_v fair_a woman_n and_o banquet_v draw_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v take_v from_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o soon_o prevail_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_o a_o besiege_a city_n when_o a_o huge_a army_n can_v sack_v it_o than_o silver_n and_o gold_n will_v open_v the_o gate_n hereof_o even_o so_o when_o adversity_n can_v make_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v religion_n &_o good_a conscience_n then_o by_o prosperity_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v the_o devil_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v ease_n pleasure_n and_o outward_a blessing_n at_o will_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a case_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n than_o other_o unless_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o special_a grace_n to_o watch_v against_o these_o please_a temptation_n this_o make_v godly_a job_n 1.5_o to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n every_o day_n when_o they_o feast_v each_o other_o at_o their_o house_n lest_o any_o one_o than_o shall_v have_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n because_o he_o know_v the_o devil_n by_o pleasure_n will_v soon_o wind_v himself_o into_o their_o heart_n last_o note_v the_o order_n of_o these_o sin_n first_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o sit_v at_o idol_n feast_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v adultery_n where_o we_o see_v that_o these_o two_o sin_n go_v together_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o be_v idolatry_n and_o bodily_a adultery_n one_o be_v the_o plague_n &_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o that_o people_n which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n will_v god_n give_v up_o to_o bodily_a adultery_n as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o these_o israeliâ—s_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o turk_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o maintain_n fornication_n in_o tollerate_v stew_n and_o further_o it_o much_o by_o their_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n wherewith_o they_o bind_v the_o conscience_n though_o the_o party_n want_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n verse_n 15._o even_o so_o have_v thou_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o which_o thing_n i_o haâ—e_v here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o comparison_n where_o christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o the_o nicolaitan_o be_v second_o how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o what_o they_o be_v be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n even_o so_o which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o resemblance_n or_o comparison_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n go_v before_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v the_o nicolaitan_o be_v a_o seâ—t_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n that_o maintain_v two_o damnable_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n i._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n sit_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n iâ—_n that_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o commit_v it_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o hold_v such_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v hereby_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v a_o like_n of_o their_o wicked_a opinion_n let_v we_o examine_v their_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v ground_v for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o will_v plead_v thus_o i._o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n liberty_n thing_n indifferent_a may_v â—e_v lawful_o use_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v ans._n meat_n and_o drink_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n if_o they_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o market_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o paul_n teach_v at_o large_a 1._o cor._n 10.25.29_o but_o if_o these_o meat_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o the_o nicolaitan_o hold_v this_o to_o be_v lawful_a ii_o reason_n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o and_o therefore_o we_o sin_v not_o in_o eat_v meat_n offer_v unto_o they_o ans._n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o nature_n subsist_v nothing_o
they_o signify_v that_o this_o church_n have_v special_a care_n of_o keep_v god_n word_n in_o every_o commandment_n both_o legal_a and_o evangelical_a happy_a be_v our_o church_n if_o the_o same_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v care_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n but_o general_o we_o fail_v in_o practice_n though_o in_o outward_a profession_n we_o make_v some_o show_n thereof_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o church_n vers._n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagog_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 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 shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v two_o first_o concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o certain_a jew_n vers_fw-la 9_o second_o concern_v the_o deliverance_n of_o these_o philadelphian_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n vers_fw-la 10._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o promise_n in_o all_o likelihood_n there_o be_v in_o this_o city_n of_o philadelphia_n a_o synagog_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o bear_v a_o outward_a show_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n albeit_o they_o deny_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o persecute_v his_o church_n yet_o christ_n here_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v convert_v they_o and_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n before_o this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n in_o this_o promise_n note_v three_o point_n touch_v the_o conversion_n of_o these_o jew_n the_o author_n thereof_o the_o party_n convert_v and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n for_o the_o first_o i_o say_v christ_n behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o the_o word_n be_v very_o significant_a be_v double_v and_o they_o make_v christ_n the_o whole_a and_o sole_a author_n of_o their_o conversion_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o in_o the_o conversision_n of_o a_o sinner_n god_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a work_n true_a it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n will_v his_o conversion_n in_o the_o act_n thereof_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v that_o will_n in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o of_o himself_o this_o confute_v the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o freewill_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whereby_o they_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n can_v dispose_v himself_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n be_v only_o help_v by_o god_n grace_n like_o unto_o a_o sick_a man_n who_o though_o he_o be_v weak_a yet_o be_v hold_v up_o by_o another_o can_v go_v of_o himself_o ans._n but_o saint_n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v not_o sick_a or_o weak_a with_o sin_n but_o stark_o 2.1_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o can_v no_o more_o move_v himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o conversion_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n in_o the_o grave_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o resurrection_n but_o they_o say_v by_o this_o we_o make_v a_o man_n like_o unto_o a_o block_n answ._n not_o so_o for_o though_o he_o can_v turn_v himself_o unto_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v his_o will_n and_o understanding_n free_a to_o use_v in_o civil_a and_o outward_a action_n and_o beside_o theâ—e_n be_v a_o possibility_n in_o his_o nature_n to_o be_v convert_v by_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o in_o a_o block_n again_o whereas_o christ_n say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o they_o shall_v come_v here_o be_v plain_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o some_o which_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v may_v come_v unto_o christ_n or_o not_o come_v at_o his_o pleasure_n when_o god_n have_v give_v grace_n man_n may_v receive_v it_o or_o refuse_v it_o if_o he_o will_n this_o be_v flat_a against_o this_o text_n for_o god_n will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o man_n will_n must_v be_v pliable_a to_o god_n will_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o they_o allege_v mat._n 23.37_o oh_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o will_v not_o answ._n christ_n there_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o that_o can_v be_v resist_v but_o of_o his_o signify_v will_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o by_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o circumcision_n unto_o the_o jew_n for_o so_o he_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v it_o not_o object_n 2._o act._n 7.51_o you_o stiffnecked_a jew_n you_o have_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n answ._n that_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o the_o spirit_n himself_o ii_o point_n the_o party_n convert_v namely_o they_o of_o the_o synagog_n of_o satan_n such_o as_o call_v themselves_o the_o only_a true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o slave_n of_o satan_n this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o hereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o not_o only_a sinner_n which_o commit_v small_a sin_n be_v convert_v unto_o god_n but_o even_o grievous_a and_o ancient_a sinner_n such_o as_o have_v long_o concâ—â—ued_v the_o slave_n of_o satan_n christ_n die_v not_o for_o paint_a sinner_n but_o for_o grievous_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o paul_n charge_v timothy_n and_o the_o minister_n with_o he_o 2.26_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n of_o they_o that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o devil_n own_a will_n rom._n 1.28_o paul_n speak_v of_o some_o gentile_n that_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a case_n and_o yet_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o they_o be_v after_o turn_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o such_o be_v they_o that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v repentance_n to_o be_v wait_v for_o of_o they_o this_o doctrine_n must_v not_o be_v abuse_v to_o liberty_n in_o sin_v use_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n but_o yet_o see_v christ_n will_v bring_v home_o into_o his_o kingdom_n most_o grievous_a sinner_n we_o must_v hereby_o take_v occasion_n not_o to_o be_v discourage_v either_o by_o the_o greatness_n or_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n from_o come_v unto_o christ._n for_o mark_v christ_n only_o raise_v three_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o life_n jayrus_n daughter_n that_o be_v new_a dead_a the_o widow_n son_n that_o lie_v on_o the_o herste_fw-mi and_o lazarus_n that_o lie_v stink_v in_o the_o grave_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a figure_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n he_o will_v not_o only_o call_v to_o repentance_n small_a and_o young_a sinner_n but_o even_o great_a and_o old_a sinner_n that_o lie_v rot_v and_o stink_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n as_o lazarus_n do_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o death_n he_o come_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v devour_v by_o wolf_n and_o wild_a beast_n we_o must_v all_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o his_o large_a mercy_n and_o in_o time_n lie_v hold_v upon_o it_o and_o repent_v iii_o point_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n in_o these_o word_n they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n may_v be_v fit_o expound_v by_o another_o place_n of_o scripture_n 1._o corinth_n 14.24.25_o if_o all_o pprophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o man_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o so_o as_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v disclose_v and_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n and_o worship_n god_n and_o say_v plain_o god_n be_v in_o you_o indeed_o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o i_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o come_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n &_o at_o their_o foot_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n here_o be_v set_v down_o two_o notable_a fruit_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n first_o concern_v god_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o church_n the_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n that_o respect_v god_n be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n note_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o worship_n that_o be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n with_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o adore_v the_o true_a