hence_o arise_v to_o christ_n church_n that_o if_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o well-being_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o peaceable_o among_o they_o either_o evil_a doer_n or_o false_a teacher_n both_o equal_o tend_v if_o tolerate_v to_o their_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o travel_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o deal_v with_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o corrupt_a part_n be_v become_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o sound_a part_n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o witness_v the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o church_n in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o among_o the_o nation_n desire_v reformation_n from_o antichristian_a error_n and_o idolatry_n what_o a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n it_o be_v and_o sometime_o of_o much_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o divers_a precious_a and_o sound_a christian_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o reprove_v the_o false_a teacher_n and_o evil_a worker_n the_o great_a hinderer_n at_o present_a of_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n not_o consider_v that_o their_o lust_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o if_o christ_n witness_n speak_v against_o they_o in_o faithfulness_n they_o be_v present_o brand_v as_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o faction_n and_o often_o suffer_v for_o it_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v their_o portion_n herein_o of_o travel_n and_o patience_n for_o their_o integrity_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n against_o these_o teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n in_o that_o primitive_a age_n so_o near_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o under_o the_o fall_n away_o and_o antichrist_n dominion_n christ_n faithful_a witness_n have_v a_o share_n therein_o also_o but_o to_o proceed_v and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n it_o seem_v ephesus_n have_v pseudo-apostle_n or_o false_a apostle_n as_o well_o as_o corinth_n and_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o under_o that_o pretence_n come_v with_o deceitful_a and_o soul-destroying_a doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v join_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o woman_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o call_v spiritual_a marriage_n which_o the_o sect_n of_o nicolaitan_n hold_v these_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n of_o the_o primitive_a day_n now_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n send_v by_o he_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o send_v to_o his_o service_n for_o the_o publish_n the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o be_v universal_a officer_n and_o can_v act_v in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o for_o other_o to_o argue_v from_o their_o practice_n that_o be_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v act_v as_o they_o do_v be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la now_o the_o false_a apostle_n will_v it_o seem_v needs_o arrogate_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o themselves_o in_o impose_v their_o dictate_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v so_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n as_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v they_o and_o so_o find_v they_o false_a one_o and_o liar_n hence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o commendable_a practice_n and_o duty_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a inquisition_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v very_o famous_a for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o a_o euge_fw-la give_v they_o by_o christ_n for_o this_o action_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o or_o any_o other_o church_n find_v out_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o falsity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n unless_o they_o have_v try_v and_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n paul_n account_v the_o berean_o more_o noble_a than_o other_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o stupid_a kind_n of_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o man_n without_o enquiry_n either_o into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o the_o integrity_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n thereof_o for_o as_o some_o truth_n lie_v deep_a and_o every_o common_a person_n or_o member_n can_v fathom_v it_o yet_o every_o one_o though_o never_o so_o weak_a that_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o sight_n in_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o truth_n yet_o can_v in_o part_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o may_v get_v much_o satisfaction_n unto_o themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o first_o for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o quick-sighted_a christian_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a next_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_n to_o try_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o commend_v unto_o he_o in_o thing_n disputable_a and_o not_o of_o easy_a discernment_n query_n but_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v who_o shall_v try_v judge_n and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n false_a teacher_n and_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o every_o private_a or_o particular_a christian_n may_v do_v it_o judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o of_o private_a discern_v but_o second_o to_o try_v they_o judicio_fw-la authoritativo_fw-la by_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n and_o juridical_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o whole_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v rise_v up_o and_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o plenary_a judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o judge_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n when_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o collective_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n officer_n and_o member_n though_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n i_o shall_v grant_v the_o precedency_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o body_n collective_a be_v above_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o officer_n be_v ordain_v more_o principal_o for_o the_o body_n but_o not_o the_o body_n for_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o head_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o body_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o all_o joint_n together_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a harmony_n and_o a_o organical_a body_n officer_n and_o member_n in_o a_o church_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a christian_n or_o microcosm_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v juridical_o administer_v and_o who_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o try_v censure_v and_o judge_v all_o false_a teacher_n and_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v rise_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o juridical_a power_n be_v sole_o in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n will_v not_o collective_o deserve_v that_o eulogy_n and_o approbation_n for_o their_o zeal_n against_o false_a apostle_n but_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chief_a officer_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o here_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v praise_v and_o approve_v for_o their_o non-toleration_n of_o evil_a person_n and_o for_o their_o try_v of_o and_o sift_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n therefore_o it_o argue_v very_o strong_o that_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n and_o try_v be_v not_o single_o in_o the_o officer_n but_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n joint_o as_o make_v up_o one_o organical_a body_n politic_a which_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n rise_v in_o his_o church_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n according_a to_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n a_o far_a instance_n you_o have_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n in_o verse_n 20._o follow_a where_o the_o reproof_n be_v
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
prophecy_n than_o they_o that_o go_v before_o we_o and_o no_o discredit_n to_o they_o be_v they_o ever_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o and_o no_o mean_a one_o that_o be_v go_v before_o on_o this_o theme_n be_v not_o without_o their_o maculae_fw-la and_o defect_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v of_o too_o private_a and_o narrow_a a_o spirit_n in_o their_o interpret_n and_o apply_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n unto_o their_o own_o time_n interest_n and_o design_n as_o if_o the_o action_n and_o revolution_n of_o every_o petty_a city_n and_o commonweal_n yea_o the_o end_n design_n and_o period_n of_o every_o person_n that_o divine_a providence_n exalt_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n somewhat_o beyond_o the_o common_a boundary_n of_o the_o ordinary_a lord_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v comprise_v predict_v foretold_v and_o prophesy_v of_o in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n make_v strange_a and_o wild_a application_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o where_o this_o conceit_n work_v strong_o it_o will_v work_v mad_o too_o when_o once_o it_o be_v elevate_v to_o that_o height_n and_o get_v a_o power_n than_o there_o must_v be_v no_o oppose_v of_o those_o end_n and_o design_n that_o such_o opinionist_n pretend_v as_o just_a collection_n from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o have_v only_o a_o be_v as_o wild_a chimera_n in_o their_o own_o deceive_a imagination_n this_o be_v that_o rock_n whereon_o some_o have_v former_o make_v shipwreck_n and_o perish_v thereon_o and_o other_o now_o adays_o be_v sail_v with_o a_o full_a gale_n towards_o the_o same_o charybdis_n and_o if_o god_n in_o mercy_n prevent_v not_o will_v thereon_o split_v and_o perish_v also_o but_o to_o return_v here_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o answer_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi or_o to_o what_o end_v i_o undertake_v this_o exercitation_n on_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n this_o last_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o dangerous_a rock_n be_v not_o the_o least_o end_n that_o i_o set_v before_o i_o in_o this_o undertake_n which_o end_v for_o better_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v here_o more_o particular_o set_v down_o in_o order_n 1._o my_o first_o be_v next_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o truth_n for_o the_o keep_v the_o saint_n foot_n straight_o in_o not_o stumble_v by_o a_o false_a interpret_n and_o apply_v of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o in_o vain_o endeavour_v the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o pull_n down_o all_o authority_n that_o oppose_v such_o pretender_n to_o their_o own_o utter_a ruin_n and_o undo_n without_o repentance_n 2._o that_o christ_n true_a saint_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v under_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n own_o true_a and_o real_a kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o come_v not_o this_o of_o weakness_n which_o be_v partly_o spiritual_a partly_o carnal_a but_o that_o of_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n when_o all_o his_o enemy_n shall_v be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o break_a and_o rule_v by_o his_o rod_n of_o iron_n which_o will_v be_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o appearance_n and_o come_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o not_o before_o 3._o in_o profit_v myself_o and_o other_o myself_o in_o write_v other_o in_o read_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o augustine_n prodest_fw-la scribendo_fw-la &_o scribendo_fw-la prodest_fw-la we_o have_v all_o as_o aquinas_n testify_v long_v desire_n conjungi_fw-la cum_fw-la svo_fw-la principio_fw-la to_o be_v conjoin_v with_o our_o principle_n 4._o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n have_v spend_v many_o precious_a hour_n and_o day_n in_o folly_n and_o be_v example_n unto_o other_o in_o evil_n do_v so_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n we_o shall_v redeem_v the_o time_n and_o god_n call_v in_o this_o day_n of_o light_n both_o from_o myself_o and_o all_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v pattern_n unto_o other_o in_o well_o do_v if_o that_o possible_o we_o may_v redeem_v the_o lose_a time_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o folly_n last_o that_o god_n may_v have_v his_o end_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o be_v bear_v not_o alone_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o generation_n to_o serve_v god_n therein_o faithful_o in_o all_o the_o relation_n that_o he_o call_v we_o to_o god_n have_v not_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o spend_v away_o all_o our_o precious_a day_n in_o sport_n pastime_n and_o folly_n or_o about_o the_o more_o profitable_a affair_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o too_o too_o many_o be_v but_o to_o sacrifice_v some_o competent_a part_n thereof_o unto_o the_o service_n of_o our_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o our_o friend_n neighbour_n relation_n and_o posterity_n may_v take_v encouragement_n and_o example_n by_o we_o to_o live_v more_o unto_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o their_o creator_n have_v thus_o lay_v down_o my_o end_n in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v this_o more_o to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o this_o exercitation_n be_v send_v forth_o as_o my_o first-born_a in_o this_o kind_n in_o public_a unto_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v intend_v also_o on_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n if_o god_n do_v continue_v but_o his_o wont_a mercy_n and_o encouragement_n thereunto_o this_o first_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o doctrinal_a and_o therefore_o i_o have_v herein_o follow_v a_o method_n with_o observation_n and_o note_n which_o the_o second_o will_v not_o so_o commodious_o admit_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o each_o prophecy_n and_o how_o the_o mystery_n figure_n and_o character_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v understand_v and_o apply_v to_o their_o proper_a time_n period_n state_n interest_n and_o revolution_n represent_v by_o they_o but_o this_o first_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o treat_v of_o divers_a question_n that_o be_v under_o dispute_n now_o in_o these_o day_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o let_v this_o see_v the_o light_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o try_v how_o it_o will_v taste_v upon_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o godly_a ingenious_a for_o if_o it_o savour_v well_o with_o they_o it_o will_v suffice_v and_o be_v a_o far_a encouragement_n unto_o the_o second_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v not_o please_v all_o in_o this_o write_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o writer_n with_o who_o all_o have_v be_v satisfy_v for_o according_a to_o the_o poet_n ad_fw-la capio_fw-la lectoris_fw-la habent_fw-la sva_fw-la fata_fw-la libelli_fw-la book_n do_v either_o hit_v or_o miss_v as_o the_o reader_n judgement_n be_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o in_o my_o thought_n to_o endeavour_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o so_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n or_o at_o least_o so_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o servility_n in_o the_o world_n to_o captivate_v one_o reason_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o overween_a folly_n it_o be_v also_o far_o beneath_o my_o design_n to_o accommodate_v my_o write_n to_o the_o popular_a applause_n and_o as_o the_o tragedian_n say_v populo_fw-la ut_fw-la placerent_fw-la who_o common_o weigh_v not_o the_o matter_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o scriptural_a reason_n but_o by_o their_o own_o irregular_a fancy_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o be_o far_o from_o their_o humour_n who_o nil_fw-la rectum_fw-la reputant_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la placuit_fw-la sibi_fw-la ducunt_fw-la next_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o ingenious_a reader_n that_o if_o any_o of_o my_o conclusion_n recede_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o can_v willing_o wish_v all_o such_o a_o abortion_n in_o the_o very_a birth_n but_o if_o any_o thereof_o seem_v only_o to_o discede_fw-la from_o the_o common_a receive_v opinion_n let_v the_o ingenious_a consider_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o want_v a_o protector_n or_o a_o sufficient_a defence_n and_o apologie_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o add_v in_o this_o way_n of_o apologize_v unto_o the_o reader_n but_o if_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n unto_o the_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v i_o wish_v he_o a_o far_a increase_n of_o divine_a light_n if_o he_o be_v malevolent_a thereunto_o all_o the_o harm_n i_o wish_v he_o be_v a_o better_a spirit_n and_o a_o more_o enlighten_v judgement_n if_o he_o be_v supine_n and_o negligent_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o add_v diligence_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o right_a enquiry_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a i_o wish_v he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o true_a
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
and_o catholic_a instruction_n in_o his_o mouth_n the_o devil_n or_o the_o devilish_a preacher_n answer_v he_o that_o whilst_o he_o preach_v good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n unto_o his_o auditor_n and_o they_o be_v not_o follower_n of_o it_o he_o have_v his_o end_n even_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o condemnation_n for_o their_o neglect_n inproficiency_n and_o contempt_n of_o such_o good_a doctrine_n sure_o how_o this_o odd_a design_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o devil_n be_v head_n i_o know_v not_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o truth_n abide_v not_o in_o he_o nor_o will_v confess_v it_o no_o further_o than_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o overmastering_a divine_a power_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o god_n never_o send_v the_o evil_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o messenger_n to_o provoke_v to_o break_v off_o from_o sin_n to_o live_v to_o god_n holiness_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n his_o very_a nature_n be_v contrary_a to_o such_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o great_a hinderer_n not_o the_o promoter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v another_o mark_n to_o discern_v of_o what_o spirit_n vision_n be_v of_o three_o another_o distinguish_a mark_n be_v that_o in_o respect_n those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o terribleness_n in_o the_o strange_a apparition_n therein_o they_o leave_v a_o high_a and_o strange_a impression_n of_o spirit_n upon_o the_o party_n under_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n leave_v always_o behind_o they_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v away_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o glory_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o worthlesness_n isaiah_n the_o prophet_n when_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o have_v discovery_n of_o his_o glory_n he_o can_v call_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o job_n also_o confess_v cap._n 42._o 5_o 6._o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n do_v always_o humble_a in_o that_o it_o bring_v to_o sight_n our_o own_o worthlesness_n even_o in_o our_o best_a attainment_n in_o respect_n of_o it_o which_o cause_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n now_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n bring_v contrary_a fruit_n and_o effect_n as_o pride_n vainglory_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v difference_v in_o their_o operation_n four_o vision_n ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n though_o often_o they_o may_v much_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v their_o spirit_n that_o be_v under_o they_o as_o in_o dan._n 7.15_o and_o 8.27_o and_o take_v away_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o present_a and_o their_o strength_n and_o comeliness_n and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v faint_v dead_a dumb_a and_o breathless_a as_o in_o daniel_n cap._n 10._o 8._o 15._o 17._o verse_n and_o as_o john_n in_o verse_n 17._o at_o the_o vision_n of_o christ_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o zachariah_n paul_n etc._n etc._n yet_o after_o they_o be_v pass_v they_o have_v no_o impair_n in_o the_o part_n either_o of_o their_o body_n or_o soul_n but_o rather_o a_o great_a glory_n put_v upon_o they_o as_o moses_n who_o face_n do_v shine_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o vision_n of_o god_n paul_n grow_v a_o most_o eminent_a light_n and_o the_o high_a of_o all_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o convert_n vision_n act_v 9_o john_n here_o receive_v great_a and_o high_a revelation_n from_o christ_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n god_n be_v no_o hard_a master_n none_o be_v ever_o loser_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n in_o this_o sort_n for_o unto_o such_o he_o common_o add_v great_a addition_n of_o part_n grace_n and_o glory_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n rapture_n or_o possession_n many_o have_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o due_a temperature_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o become_v altogether_o besot_v and_o wittol_n but_o have_v also_o their_o body_n impair_v by_o the_o hard_a service_n of_o their_o master_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v report_v and_o common_o by_o experience_n see_v of_o witch_n and_o such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o be_v true_o bewitch_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o as_o servant_n to_o his_o will_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o impair_v and_o hurt_v by_o his_o possession_n and_o daily_a disturb_v of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o apollyon_n or_o destroyer_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v break_v in_o their_o reason_n they_o conceive_v in_o their_o rapture_n that_o they_o be_v transform_v into_o strange_a shape_n of_o cat_n dog_n hare_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o instant_a to_o be_v transport_v and_o carry_v into_o far_a place_n distant_a and_o in_o and_o out_o to_o house_n though_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v thing_n in_o themselves_o above_o the_o efficiency_n of_o any_o creature_n and_o contradictory_n to_o nature_n and_o all_o its_o work_n and_o unless_o person_n of_o such_o belief_n make_v two_o omnipotents_a it_o can_v never_o stand_v indeed_o the_o true_a ground_n hereof_o and_o of_o all_o their_o confession_n in_o this_o kind_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o devil_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o frequent_a ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n have_v so_o befool_v they_o in_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o do_v very_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v real_o do_v and_o act_v which_o the_o devil_n do_v represent_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n and_o so_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n believe_v and_o often_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v of_o truth_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v impossibility_n in_o nature_n without_o a_o miracle_n and_o have_v never_o a_o be_v further_o than_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o their_o confuse_a and_o disturb_a brain_n this_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n five_o and_o last_o if_o all_o these_o former_a distinguish_a mark_n fail_v for_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v very_o far_o in_o comply_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o herein_o he_o can_v deceive_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o vision_n or_o revelation_n in_o the_o event_n thereof_o this_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o try_v he_o whether_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o event_n discover_v vision_n and_o distinguish_v prophet_n jer._n 28.9_o the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o and_o this_o be_v according_a to_o that_o of_o deut._n 18.21_o 22._o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o a_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o look_v to_o the_o event_n if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v of_o god_n if_o not_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o jerusalem_n hananiah_n and_o other_o false_a prophet_n the_o contrary_a jer._n 28.2_o 3_o 4._o ahab_n fear_v not_o to_o go_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n while_o zedekiah_n the_o false_a prophet_n tell_v he_o go_v and_o prosper_v 1_o king_n 22._o but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o micaiah_n prove_v true_a to_o ahab_n in_o his_o destruction_n than_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v confound_v and_o zedekiah_n run_v into_o a_o inner_a chamber_n to_o hide_v himself_o 2_o king_n 22.25_o object_n but_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n yes_o but_o not_o with_o that_o clearness_n as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v he_o leave_v no_o hesitation_n or_o doubt_v on_o which_o side_n the_o overthrow_n will_v be_v the_o beast_n together_o with_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n must_v be_v take_v and_o destroy_v the_o saint_n must_v remain_v the_o conqueror_n satan_n in_o his_o prediction_n be_v but_o as_o a_o good_a guesser_n or_o conjecturer_n at_o best_a to_o keep_v his_o credit_n good_a with_o his_o complice_n he_o give_v out_o his_o prediction_n in_o riddle_n or_o aenigma_n as_o of_o old_a in_o the_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n aio_fw-la te_fw-la aeacides_n romanos_fw-la vincere_fw-la posse_fw-la or_o that_o of_o croesus_n croesus_n halyn_n penetrans_fw-la magnam_fw-la pervertet_fw-la opum_fw-la vim_o both_o which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o diverse_a sense_n which_o the_o constructor_n take_v in_o advantage_n as_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o prove_v to_o both_o fatal_a in_o not_o
some_o of_o the_o mistake_v of_o our_o translator_n consult_v to_o this_o purpose_n luke_n 7.24_o mal._n 3.1_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v better_o render_v here_o messengers_z write_v unto_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o term_v because_o they_o be_v person_n send_v and_o commissionated_a by_o christ_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v his_o gospel_n among_o his_o church_n matth._n 28.18_o have_v clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o seven_o star_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o note_n observe_v 1._o christ_n have_v a_o especial_a eye_n of_o providence_n and_o hand_n of_o protection_n over_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a time_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n he_o take_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n clap_v they_o under_o his_o wing_n for_o safety_n noah_n who_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v righteous_a lot_n be_v preserve_v when_o sodom_n flame_v in_o fire_n ezekiel_n daniel_n mordecai_n etc._n etc._n be_v preserve_v in_o babylon_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o judah_n suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o a_o insolent_a conqueror_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o how_o luther_n be_v preserve_v when_o all_o the_o antichristian_a world_n seek_v his_o ruin_n be_v most_o admirable_a to_o consider_v i_o have_v hear_v it_o relate_v that_o that_o most_o famous_a minister_n of_o christ_n peter_n du_fw-fr molyne_n be_v preserve_v in_o paris_n be_v a_o suck_a child_n by_o his_o nurse_n under_o a_o tub_n when_o the_o bloody_a massacre_n do_v not_o spare_a man_n woman_n or_o child_n of_o the_o reform_a faith_n that_o he_o may_v afterward_o become_v a_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v they_o that_o be_v most_o engage_v for_o christ_n in_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n he_o do_v most_o engage_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o protection_n satan_n be_v their_o great_a enemy_n therefore_o christ_n be_v their_o great_a friend_n and_o bulwark_n oh_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n be_v shine_a star_n faithful_a angel_n or_o rather_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o god_n word_n and_o truth_n then_o christ_n will_v carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n of_o protection_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n unto_o he_o the_o angel_n messenger_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o these_o seven_o asian_a church_n be_v here_o represent_v by_o star_n star_n always_o in_o prophetical_a scripture_n signify_v eminency_n splendour_n light_n and_o excellency_n how_o be_v thou_o fall_v from_o heaven_n o_o lucifer_n thou_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n mean_v nabuchadnezzar_n isa_n 14.12_o and_o rev._n 18.10_o i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n which_o connote_v the_o fall_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a high_a and_o excellent_a person_n from_o hence_o note_n 2._o those_o that_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o christ_n mystery_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n than_o other_o inferior_a christian_n they_o be_v figure_v by_o star_n by_o the_o shine_a heavenly_a lamp_n they_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o lip_n shall_v especial_o preserve_v wisdom_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o star_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o their_o church_n they_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o they_o in_o soundness_n of_o life_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o too_o though_o their_o light_n be_v great_a shine_a and_o eminent_a yet_o let_v they_o consider_v they_o be_v but_o star_n their_o light_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sun_n they_o shall_v not_o advance_v it_o to_o that_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o infallible_a light_n but_o they_o shall_v eye_v the_o son_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a light_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritage_n let_v they_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o be_v star_n whereof_o some_o may_v be_v erratic_a as_o well_o as_o fix_v once_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a light_n the_o true_a morning_n star_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v receive_v light_n from_o this_o true_a son_n of_o righteousness_n he_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o father_n of_o all_o light_n 3._o another_o note_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o honourable_a call_n they_o be_v figure_v under_o the_o type_n of_o star_n celestial_a light_n they_o have_v the_o same_o title_n of_o god_n minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n they_o be_v his_o messenger_n that_o go_v on_o his_o errant_n his_o ambassador_n to_o treat_v with_o man_n about_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n hence_o arise_v another_o corrolary_n that_o all_o christ_n minister_n as_o they_o be_v star_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o glory_n in_o part_n gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o not_o differ_v in_o power_n nor_o lord_n over_o one_o another_o they_o be_v angel_n that_o be_v messengers_z ambassador_n not_o prince_n cardinal_n not_o lord_n bishop_n every_o church_n here_o have_v its_o angel_n its_o bishop_n its_o pastor_n its_o elder_a not_o many_o bishop_n not_o many_o elder_n in_o a_o classical_a form_n over_o divers_a church_n but_o every_o church_n have_v its_o angel_n its_o minister_n or_o officer_n ephesus_n have_v its_o anâ—gel_n smyrna_n its_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o ephesus_n angel_n either_o single_o o._n joint_n with_o two_o three_o or_o more_o be_v superintendent_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o be_v a_o far_a description_n of_o the_o terribleness_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o vision_n when_o he_o come_v in_o power_n and_o judgement_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n psalm_n 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o job_n 5.15_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n it_o cut_v both_o side_n but_o in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n it_o wound_v the_o penitent_a but_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n heb._n 4.12_o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o destroy_a sword_n to_o his_o adversary_n rev._n 19.15_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o heathen_a hence_o observe_v christ_n word_n be_v very_o powerful_a and_o pierce_v it_o divide_v between_o the_o bone_n and_o the_o marrow_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v telum_fw-la achilleum_fw-la achilles_n spear_n that_o can_v both_o hurt_v and_o cure_v kill_v and_o make_v alive_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o question_v whether_o this_o figure_n of_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o go_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o material_a sword_n also_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o that_o christ_n also_o be_v to_o use_v that_o sword_n which_o be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o and_o that_o be_v a_o material_a one_o for_o he_o be_v to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n rev._n 19.15_o now_o how_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n or_o rule_v they_o with_o his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n i_o see_v but_o small_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n and_o see_v too_o when_o he_o do_v this_o it_o be_v in_o fierceness_n tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o then_o some_o may_v say_v do_v christ_n judge_v and_o smite_v his_o enemy_n only_o by_o the_o material_a sword_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o he_o go_v out_o with_o the_o sword_n or_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n to_o wit_n his_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o make_v manifest_a destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n and_o worship_n 2_o thes_n 2._o then_o second_o he_o go_v out_o on_o the_o red_a horse_n of_o war_n with_o a_o material_a sword_n to_o destroy_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o they_o be_v so_o smite_v and_o destroy_v that_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v call_v to_o the_o prey_n to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o king_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o captain_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o mighty_a man_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o horse_n and_o of_o they_o that_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o flesh_n of_o all_o man_n both_o free_a and_o bond_n
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ability_n part_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o office_n do_v not_o real_o and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la invest_v he_o in_o that_o office_n it_o maybe_o say_v that_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi he_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o but_o not_o a_o right_a of_o possession_n for_o christ_n have_v delegated_a that_o power_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o set_v their_o public_a signature_n upon_o all_o officer_n for_o his_o service_n for_o who_o god_n qualify_v with_o a_o call_n of_o ability_n he_o be_v only_o judge_v and_o deem_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o real_o a_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v ordain_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o call_v only_o he_o may_v perform_v many_o good_a duty_n and_o service_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o able_a and_o faithful_a disciple_n or_o member_n but_o by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la 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to_o be_v cast_v unto_o the_o dung_n useless_a to_o any_o service_n they_o will_v not_o serve_v so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v a_o pin_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o be_v false_a apostle_n to_o the_o purpose_n fit_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o all_o faithful_a christian_n assembly_n shall_v have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o such_o who_o can_v only_o manifest_v their_o call_n from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n in_o competent_a gift_n and_o part_n fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n they_o can_v work_v at_o all_o to_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n for_o they_o want_v supply_n to_o that_o end_n we_o know_v a_o artificer_n can_v do_v little_a work_n without_o his_o tool_n or_o instrument_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v employ_v about_o spiritual_a building_n if_o god_n have_v
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
inferior_a measure_n the_o same_o oil_n that_o be_v pour_v on_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n so_o the_o same_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v pour_v on_o christ_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n pour_v on_o all_o his_o inferior_a member_n and_o therefore_o most_o dear_a and_o belove_v to_o he_o omne_fw-la simile_n gaudet_fw-la simili_fw-la three_o by_o reason_n of_o union_n christ_n and_o his_o member_n beiâ—_n one_o by_o a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a union_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v most_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o four_o and_o last_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o christ_n saint_n and_o church_n be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o be_v in_o that_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a life_n for_o they_o for_o great_a love_n than_o this_o be_v never_o show_v in_o that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o even_o while_o we_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o enemy_n by_o evil_a work_n observe_v 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o though_o the_o world_n look_v upon_o the_o faithful_a distress_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o break_a poor_a and_o forsake_a people_n both_o in_o outward_a estate_n and_o intellectual_n also_o yet_o god_n set_v another_o rate_n upon_o they_o and_o account_v they_o rich_a wise_a mighty_a comely_a beautiful_a and_o as_o the_o most_o accomplish_a people_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o this_o a_o strange_a paradox_n to_o the_o infatuate_v worldling_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strange_a as_o true_a christ_n here_o call_v his_o poor_a afflict_a smyrna_n rich_a for_o she_o be_v rich_a indeed_o with_o spiritual_a grace_n that_o their_o persecute_v adversary_n be_v ignorant_a of_o she_o be_v rich_a in_o immortible_a treasure_n lay_v up_o for_o her_o service_n in_o heaven_n above_o where_o moth_n can_v not_o corrupt_v or_o thiâ—â—â—reak_v through_o and_o steal_v which_o her_o blaspheme_a enemy_n never_o dream_v of_o what_o wise_a worldling_n do_v think_v a_o poor_a afflict_a christian_n wise_n he_o look_v upon_o he_o so_o far_o beneath_o himself_o that_o from_o his_o machiavilian_a plot_n and_o counsel_n he_o tell_v the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a christian_n soul_n procul_fw-la hinc_fw-la proculate_v prophani_fw-la yet_o god_n tell_v they_o plain_o that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n be_v take_v in_o their_o own_o snare_n whilst_o true_a wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 1.27_o 28_o 29._o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n think_v themselves_o a_o wise_a politic_a and_o high_o contrive_v statist_n when_o they_o have_v bring_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o subjection_n but_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n know_v no_o such_o wisdom_n but_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v of_o god_n the_o eternal_a word_n and_o christ_n who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v to_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n the_o great_a potentate_n of_o the_o world_n think_v with_o their_o alexandrian_a army_n as_o a_o torrent_n to_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o alas_o they_o be_v deceive_v there_o be_v other_o more_o mighty_a than_o they_o the_o poor_a afflict_a church_n of_o christ_n can_v do_v more_o with_o their_o prayer_n and_o use_v their_o interest_n with_o god_n than_o all_o the_o army_n in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v pray_v for_o legion_n of_o angel_n and_o they_o be_v ready_a at_o their_o command_n witness_v the_o host_n of_o sennacherib_n destroy_v by_o a_o angel_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n 2_o chron._n 32.20_o how_o many_o heathen_a army_n do_v we_o read_v of_o in_o history_n be_v defeat_v by_o the_o faithful_a prayer_n of_o the_o godly_a or_o at_o least_o their_o force_n divert_v another_o way_n a_o poor_a despise_a chris_n david_n with_o a_o sling_n and_o pebble_n can_v do_v more_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n than_o goliath_n with_o his_o spear_n oh_o how_o happy_a and_o fortunate_a be_v the_o captain_n and_o army_n of_o this_o our_o nation_n while_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n continue_v fervent_a for_o they_o the_o bow_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o mighty_a have_v then_o no_o power_n to_o destroy_v for_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o a_o defence_n unto_o they_o in_o all_o their_o warlike_a undertake_n oh_o therefore_o you_o sovereign_a governor_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o offend_v these_o little_a one_o of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v not_o avert_v their_o prayer_n from_o you_o make_v good_a your_o interest_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o be_v one_o with_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o prayer_n then_o never_o fear_v the_o boisterous_a storm_n or_o wave_n that_o be_v emit_v from_o the_o pillar_n of_o hercules_n to_o our_o albion_a shore_n which_o will_v prove_v but_o as_o the_o daily_a surge_n that_o wash_v our_o rock_n and_o cliff_n and_o so_o dash_v themselves_o into_o froth_n and_o vanish_v next_o the_o gaudy_a gallant_n of_o the_o time_n think_v himself_o the_o most_o fair_a and_o comely_a of_o all_o god_n creature_n and_o look_n upon_o a_o sober_a and_o prudent_a christian_n as_o a_o despicable_a creature_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o gay_a worship_n while_o god_n himself_o set_v another_o character_n upon_o both_o the_o one_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o white_a garment_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o be_v all_o fair_a with_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n while_o the_o other_o be_v only_o cover_v and_o â—â—â—hed_v with_o the_o excremental_a extravagancy_n and_o menstruosity_n of_o small_a earthy_a brutish_a and_o despicable_a creature_n and_o at_o best_a do_v serve_v but_o in_o the_o room_n of_o fig_n leave_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o honourable_a badge_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o glory_n in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o everliving_a ensign_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o see_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n do_v exceed_v even_o solomon_n in_o his_o bravery_n little_a reason_n to_o glory_n in_o those_o rag_n of_o we_o next_o the_o glutton_n that_o make_v his_o belly_n his_o god_n and_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n conceive_v he_o have_v a_o heaven_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o the_o poor_a afflict_a christian_n come_v far_a short_a of_o his_o happiness_n in_o that_o he_o have_v not_o that_o fullness_n every_o day_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o viand_n and_o festival_n that_o he_o enjoy_v but_o alas_o this_o wretched_a dives_n never_o consider_v that_o a_o poor_a christian_n have_v other_o food_n to_o eat_v then_o he_o ever_o know_v of_o he_o have_v spiritual_a manna_n bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o wine_n of_o paradise_n that_o he_o be_v quite_o ignorant_a of_o that_o he_o that_o eat_v thereof_o shall_v never_o hunger_n or_o thirst_n more_o last_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n look_v upon_o the_o distress_a disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o fool_n wittol_n and_o maâ—_n man_n and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v so_o indeed_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o judicious_a christian_n know_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v foolishness_n and_o madness_n to_o purpose_n for_o who_o but_o fool_n and_o madman_n will_v perverse_o run_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o destruction_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n do_v prompt_v unto_o whilst_o christ_n faithful_a one_o though_o suppress_v and_o break_v by_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n yet_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o shine_v as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o their_o church_n and_o grace_n observe_v 3._o that_o the_o sharp_a persecution_n come_v from_o such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a pretender_n to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n the_o jew_n be_v such_o that_o boast_v much_o of_o their_o diuâ—â—â—cles_n and_o privilege_n from_o abraham_n luke_n 3.8_o yet_o â—ere_z the_o most_o inveterate_a and_o bitter_a adversary_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n of_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n witness_v their_o reproachful_a blasphemy_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o against_o christ_n himself_o but_o against_o his_o member_n also_o they_o reproach_v he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o devil_n and_o that_o by_o beelzobub_n he_o do_v his_o miracle_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n yea_o their_o malice_n be_v not_o only_o to_o he_o live_v but_o reach_v he_o after_o his_o crucifiction_n and_o resurrection_n that_o if_o possible_o they_o can_v destroy_v or_o weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o withal_o hinder_v the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o that_o
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