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
humane_a action_n do_v right_o distinguish_v of_o all_o the_o revolution_n and_o change_n both_o of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a state_n and_o though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v do_v and_o act_v together_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a person_n yet_o can_v be_v declare_v together_o but_o several_o one_o after_o another_o so_o these_o prophecy_n though_o reveal_v and_o set_v down_o in_o order_n of_o place_n one_o precede_a the_o other_o yet_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o interpret_v they_o that_o observe_v not_o the_o peculiar_a character_n and_o hide_a mystery_n of_o number_n syncronise_v and_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a key_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o make_v all_o the_o passage_n and_o revolution_n therein_o though_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n they_o seem_v abstruse_a and_o disturb_a yet_o by_o collate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o they_o become_v plain_a and_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o in_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n will_v manifest_v itself_o and_o these_o have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o some_o former_a interpreter_n have_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o study_n and_o exposition_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o they_o have_v apply_v diverse_a passage_n in_o this_o book_n to_o their_o own_o time_n when_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o sometime_o interpret_v as_o they_o be_v in_o order_n set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v one_o another_o whereas_o they_o shall_v be_v interpret_v as_o they_o be_v relata_fw-la and_o â—orrelata_fw-la and_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o period_n though_o disperse_v here_o and_o there_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o so_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v keep_v some_o and_o entire_a for_o we_o see_v that_o the_o order_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o every_o aptness_n of_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o interpreter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a by_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o several_a and_o particuliar_a character_n for_o explanation_n thereof_o affix_v thereunto_o now_o because_o some_o expositor_n have_v herein_o go_v astray_o must_v there_o no_o far_o inquiry_n be_v make_v into_o this_o book_n this_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o cast_v of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o in_o which_o of_o they_o have_v not_o some_o expositor_n do_v amiss_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n but_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n unto_o the_o latter_a day_n that_o many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v dan._n 12.4_o do_v not_o art_n grow_v in_o time_n to_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o perfection_n and_o be_v it_o any_o disparagement_n to_o those_o that_o go_v before_o we_o that_o we_o see_v far_o than_o they_o do_v apigmy_n upon_o a_o giants_n shoulder_n may_v see_v far_o than_o the_o himself_o so_o we_o be_v help_v by_o the_o instruction_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o predecessor_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n it_o be_v no_o great_a advance_n of_o our_o ability_n if_o we_o soar_v a_o little_a high_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o this_o my_o essay_n be_v perfect_a and_o so_o exact_a as_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v thereunto_o for_o herein_o i_o shall_v balk_v our_o proper_a attribute_n humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la since_o other_o that_o come_v after_o we_o will_v see_v far_o than_o we_o of_o this_o present_a age_n come_v near_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n of_o all_o only_o i_o leave_v this_o consideration_n and_o proposal_n with_o the_o judicious_a and_o pious_a christian_a that_o if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o a_o more_o commodious_a method_n of_o interpretation_n upon_o better_a reason_n and_o ground_n than_o i_o have_v for_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n suit_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o preserve_v the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a prophecy_n entire_a and_o discover_v the_o several_a passage_n and_o revolution_n therein_o how_o they_o do_v relate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o in_o their_o several_a proper_a character_n and_o syncronisme_n with_o more_o prospicuity_n and_o fit_a application_n of_o history_n answer_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v most_o willing_o become_v a_o learner_n at_o his_o foot_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o of_o the_o poet._n horat._n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la novisti_fw-la rectius_fw-la istis_fw-la candidus_n imperti_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la his_fw-la vtere_fw-la mecum_fw-la object_n again_o other_o will_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o curiosity_n and_o impertinency_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o of_o the_o apocaliptique_a day_n and_o period_n to_o the_o several_a time_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v too_o precise_a and_o peremptory_a 1._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o assert_v no_o more_o in_o this_o interpretation_n the_o text_n be_v not_o at_o all_o force_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o literal_a or_o figurative_o refer_v to_o the_o time_n and_o state_n then_o in_o be_v and_o that_o interpretation_n make_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a by_o such_o necessary_a and_o sure_a argument_n character_n and_o notable_a token_n as_o will_v make_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o every_o notable_a mystery_n obvious_a to_o every_o discern_a eye_n and_o herein_o i_o walk_v not_o alone_o have_v m._n brightman_n napeir_n piscator_fw-la alsteed_n and_o learned_a m._n mede_n with_o some_o other_o in_o their_o several_a tractate_v upon_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v my_o leader_n herein_o 2._o those_o figure_n and_o representation_n which_o make_v this_o interpretation_n dubious_a difficult_a oâ—_n mysterious_a be_v clear_v out_o of_o the_o other_o place_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v right_o apply_v to_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a state_n as_o the_o text_n and_o time_n do_v require_v shall_v wipe_v of_o the_o brand_n of_o impertinency_n and_o curiosity_n what_o god_n have_v sanctify_v no_o man_n shall_v call_v unholy_a what_o god_n have_v reveal_v no_o man_n shall_v judge_v himself_o too_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a to_o search_v into_o unrevealed_a thing_n pertain_v unto_o god_n but_o reveal_v thing_n be_v for_o the_o use_n and_o good_a of_o man_n 3._o i_o answer_v to_o the_o perciseness_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apocaliptique_a period_n though_o i_o will_v not_o herein_o be_v too_o peremptory_a well_o know_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o history_n &_o chronology_n there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o imperfection_n therein_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o scaligerde_n emendatione_fw-la temporum_fw-la and_o other_o account_n also_o treat_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n yet_o all_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o the_o time_n and_o period_n be_v fix_v in_o the_o predeterminate_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v high_a than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n unalterable_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o though_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v difference_n and_o imperfection_n in_o most_o account_n of_o time_n yet_o by_o a_o regular_a judgement_n draw_v from_o the_o visible_a token_n character_n image_n and_o representation_n of_o each_o time_n which_o be_v either_o concomitant_n contemporary_n or_o immediate_a antecedent_n or_o consequent_n of_o each_o great_a revolution_n and_o change_n we_o may_v judge_v their_o period_n either_o to_o be_v pass_v draw_v nigh_o at_o hand_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v in_o set_v down_o remarkable_a forerun_v as_o sign_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o his_o least_o come_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o matth._n and_o the_o 13._o of_o mark._n but_o i_o will_v desire_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o i_o set_v down_o the_o exact_a epact_n and_o period_n of_o time_n it_o may_v vary_v as_o unto_o we_o in_o preciseness_n of_o account_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o chronology_n but_o long_a time_n it_o can_v miss_v every_o notable_a revolution_n and_o season_n have_v their_o own_o proper_a character_n and_o token_n to_o point_v they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o finger_n which_o will_v notable_o help_v we_o peremptory_o to_o conclude_v in_o the_o foresay_a limit_a sense_n this_o time_n be_v the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n birth_n and_o rise_n this_o of_o his_o reign_n this_o of_o his_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n consider_v to_o this_o end_n that_o of_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n chap._n 12.7_o who_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o leave_v hand_n unto_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o
and_o some_o other_o of_o suspect_a credit_n and_o of_o obscure_a note_n as_o dorotheus_n dionysius_n eusebius_n caius_n do_v oppugn_v it_o yet_o epiphanius_n be_v so_o passionate_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v they_o among_o heretic_n that_o do_v reject_v it_o and_o justin_n martyr_n and_o ireneus_fw-la of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o of_o singular_a piety_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v this_o book_n as_o canonical_a but_o write_v commentary_n on_o it_o 2._o whatsoever_o that_o caius_n be_v that_o father_n the_o apocalypse_v on_o cerinthus_n on_o who_o report_n all_o his_o follower_n be_v mislead_v yet_o the_o relation_n itself_o hold_v not_o any_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n for_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o write_v very_o large_o of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o his_o successor_n yet_o never_o mention_n that_o he_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o chiliasme_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o caius_n concern_v he_o and_o he_o apocalypse_v be_v apocryphal_a and_o a_o mere_a figment_n on_o purpose_n devise_v by_o the_o adversary_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o d._n homes_n lib._n 3._o chap._n 3._o sect_n 3._o further_o if_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v besprinkle_v it_o with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o error_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n deny_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o affirm_v his_o generation_n to_o be_v only_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o m._n baxter_n book_n of_o infidelity_n treat_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n carpocrates_n and_o their_o follower_n page_z 129._o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a strong_o confirm_v in_o many_o place_n thereof_o as_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n thereon_o will_v manifest_v and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o cerinthus_n hold_v and_o expect_v a_o riotous_a and_o luxuriant_a millenary_a which_o be_v now_o disprove_v yet_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n thereof_o but_o of_o a_o millenary_a of_o rest_n and_o joy_n in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n then_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v on_o earth_n heretofore_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o earthly_a sensual_a reign_n and_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n saint_n may_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o spiritualised_a and_o heavenly_a one_o which_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o suspect_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o apocalypse_v second_o hierome_n the_o great_a antagonist_n of_o this_o book_n write_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n speak_v very_o sharp_o against_o this_o book_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n thereof_o as_o not_o become_v the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v only_o a_o common_a history_n of_o thing_n shadow_v under_o dark_a figure_n and_o hard_a kind_n of_o speech_n i_o answer_v rather_o it_o become_v and_o savour_v the_o excellency_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o lesser_a asia_n carry_v in_o it_o all_o along_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o very_a step_n sentence_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n be_v full_a of_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o his_o continual_a intercession_n and_o providential_a act_n of_o gubernation_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o expression_n thereof_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o that_o be_v not_o strange_a in_o prophetical_a writing_n as_o in_o daniel_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o set_v we_o on_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o overslip_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o their_o appoint_a time_n of_o discovery_n that_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o three_o dionysius_n aforesaid_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n reason_n very_o slight_o against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o cast_v up_o so_o oft_o his_o own_o name_n since_o in_o his_o gospel_n he_o never_o name_v himself_o but_o only_o point_v it_o out_o by_o some_o modest_a mark_n as_o these_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n in_o his_o vision_n and_o conference_n with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o do_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o word_n i_o john_n this_o reason_n move_v dionysius_n to_o think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v rather_o set_v out_o by_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n then_o by_o himself_o i_o answer_v this_o opposition_n be_v but_o weak_a for_o he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n or_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v mix_v of_o both_o he_o need_v not_o often_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o depend_v on_o its_o present_a verity_n and_o other_o apparent_a circumstance_n witness_v unto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o miracle_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o writer_n of_o prophecy_n for_o that_o receive_v authority_n by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o in_o every_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v we_o must_v inquire_v first_o who_o reveal_v it_o and_o then_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o to_o have_v divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o who_o will_v give_v credence_n or_o faith_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n or_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o see_v they_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n how_o oft_o do_v he_o repeat_v these_o word_n isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n and_o in_o daniel_n prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o name_n more_o than_o threescore_o time_n repeat_v yea_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o daniel_n about_o nine_o time_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o paul_n when_o his_o apostleship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o some_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o ministry_n how_o often_o shall_v you_o read_v i_o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v strange_a when_o john_n mention_n not_o his_o name_n above_o five_o time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o with_o that_o modesty_n that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n have_v wipe_v off_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v cast_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n on_o these_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v some_o testimony_n for_o that_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o will_n receive_v this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n but_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o from_o without_o or_o second_o within_o the_o say_a book_n those_o from_o without_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n except_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o contest_v among_o some_o violent_a person_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o the_o canon_n the_o counsel_n of_o laodicea_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o council_n of_o toletan_n 5._o cap._n 16._o decree_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n second_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n cyril_n epiphanius_n lactantius_n ireneus_fw-la augustine_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o this_o book_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n in_o their_o writing_n i_o shall_v
disciple_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o imprison_v revile_v and_o suffer_v many_o persecution_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v from_o that_o promise_n in_o gen._n 3._o that_o god_n will_v set_v enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o this_o enmity_n have_v abide_v ever_o since_o and_o will_v ever_o abide_v between_o those_o two_o mystical_a seed_n until_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n christ_n and_o his_o member_n shall_v become_v absolute_a conqueror_n in_o the_o bind_n up_o the_o old_a serpent_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o enmity_n and_o mischief_n this_o inform_v god_n people_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o when_o the_o world_n and_o their_o enemy_n do_v rage_n against_o they_o here_o a_o question_n may_v come_v in_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v brief_o that_o truth_n be_v either_o about_o fundamental_o or_o circumstantial_o fundamental_o be_v such_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o we_o can_v ordinary_o be_v save_v and_o they_o be_v conversant_a either_o about_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o saint_n and_o christian_n or_o second_o about_o the_o well-being_n in_o preserve_v and_o build_v up_o this_o christian_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v call_v principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n heb._n 6.1_o you_o know_v no_o one_o can_v proceed_v to_o be_v a_o artist_n in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n or_o come_v to_o any_o perfection_n therein_o without_o some_o certain_a rule_n and_o principle_n to_o proceed_v by_o so_o none_o can_v become_v a_o true_a christian_a or_o artist_n in_o that_o heavenly_a science_n of_o christianity_n without_o some_o first_o lay_v principle_n and_o among_o those_o fundamental_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_n i_o believe_v as_o some_o have_v be_v too_o large_a in_o the_o description_n of_o their_o fundamental_o so_o some_o have_v be_v too_o narrow_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v not_o precise_o determine_v by_o any_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v gather_v up_o here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o parcel_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a to_o define_v their_o certain_a number_n only_o i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o that_o creed_n which_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a set_v a_o qualify_a sense_n on_o that_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n to_o be_v the_o exact_a square_n and_o rule_v of_o principle_n that_o relate_v unto_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v this_o day_n extant_a and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n now_o second_o other_o fundamental_o be_v about_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o baptism_n lord_n supper_n prayer_n thanks-givings_a all_o church_n order_n and_o fellowship_n preach_v exhort_v reprove_v oversee_n and_o the_o like_a and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n we_o be_v rather_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o they_o then_o to_o defile_v our_o soul_n or_o conscience_n under_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o they_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o bear_v they_o a_o testimony_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o every_o opinion_n that_o arise_v about_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o manner_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n which_o be_v but_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o set_v bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n therein_o it_o savour_v rather_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n heat_n and_o passion_n then_o of_o find_a judgement_n and_o christian_n wisdom_n this_o be_v to_o make_v hard_a knot_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o christ_n call_v his_o yoke_n easy_a this_o be_v to_o make_v it_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a the_o substantial_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o the_o blind_a may_v walk_v therein_o and_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v through_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v mystery_n high_a question_n and_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n these_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o gift_n not_o of_o our_o faith_n no_o further_o then_o as_o part_v of_o the_o reveal_v mind_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n though_o we_o understand_v they_o not_o which_o be_v reserve_v until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o when_o all_o our_o ignorances_n and_n imperfection_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o this_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o some_o hot_a spirit_n of_o these_o time_n that_o rather_o than_o lose_v or_o part_n with_o their_o wild_a opinion_n or_o let_v they_o lie_v unvented_a will_v break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n charity_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o utter_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o otherwise_o their_o gift_n and_o part_n may_v stand_v in_o stead_n for_o i_o doubt_v all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o our_o time_n be_v too_o far_o baptize_v into_o this_o error_n and_o satan_n have_v too_o great_a a_o stroke_n in_o it_o to_o divide_v the_o heart_n of_o christian_n about_o circumstantial_o when_o as_o they_o hold_v one_o and_o the_o same_o fundamental_o joint_o together_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n remedy_n this_o great_a evil_n and_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n verse_n 10._o i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o in_o beza_n translation_n be_v render_v correptus_fw-la in_o spiritu_fw-la i_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n a_o ecstasy_n wherein_o john_n receive_v this_o vision_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o their_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n they_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o themselves_o and_o out_o of_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o this_o be_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v mighty_o in_o their_o spirit_n observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v set_v a_o violence_n on_o those_o person_n he_o employ_v about_o the_o high_a mystery_n and_o discovery_n of_o his_o choice_a truth_n paul_n that_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o have_v his_o rapture_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v exekiel_n when_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o high_a vision_n he_o oft_o report_v of_o the_o spirit_n enter_v into_o he_o and_o take_v he_o up_o cap._n 3.12_o and_o 2.2_o john_n for_o his_o better_a accomplishment_n to_o receive_v those_o divine_a vision_n he_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v first_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o take_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a view_n of_o those_o divine_a discovery_n which_o be_v about_o to_o be_v show_v unto_o he_o when_o we_o will_v show_v one_o thing_n distinct_o we_o use_v to_o place_v he_o up_o on_o high_a for_o the_o better_a sight_n second_o that_o he_o may_v have_v satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o those_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n see_v he_o have_v so_o extraordinary_a taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o may_v well_o conclude_v he_o be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v to_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o church_n last_o that_o his_o thought_n and_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v sequester_v from_o thing_n below_o and_o his_o contemplation_n raise_v high_a on_o thing_n divine_a as_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v another_o note_n from_o hence_o be_v as_o a_o corrollary_n to_o the_o former_a that_o when_o christ_n set_v up_o any_o eminent_a officer_n or_o light_n in_o
apply_v they_o the_o right_a way_n again_o if_o satan_n foretell_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o gather_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o long_a experience_a converse_v in_o they_o and_o this_o at_o best_a can_v be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o therefore_o keep_v himself_o to_o those_o dark_a way_n of_o delivery_n last_o to_o ascribe_v to_o satan_n truth_n in_o foretell_v of_o event_n it_o will_v rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o one_o of_o his_o great_a prerogative_n which_o he_o alone_o by_o his_o spirit_n have_v often_o manifest_v to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n for_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n object_n but_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o 1_o sam._n 28.19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fulfil_v i_o answer_v first_o among_o expositor_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n they_o that_o hold_v it_o be_v samuel_n himself_o who_o be_v at_o rest_n have_v but_o small_a store_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o god_n will_v not_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o exhort_v the_o live_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n second_o it_o be_v improbable_a that_o god_n will_v send_v samuel_n who_o will_v not_o let_v he_o to_o answer_v saul_n in_o his_o life_n time_n because_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o will_v now_o send_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o advise_v he_o and_o then_o too_o when_o he_o be_v advise_v with_o wizard_n and_o witch_n which_o be_v utter_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o his_o law_n but_o the_o current_n of_o most_o expositor_n hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o the_o appearance_n or_o likeness_n of_o samuel_n but_o herein_o submit_v to_o the_o judicious_a and_o more_o discern_a judgement_n i_o here_o lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n to_o the_o contrary_a if_o this_o be_v satan_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o samuel_n it_o be_v strange_a he_o will_v leave_v such_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n to_o all_o posterity_n to_o the_o destruction_n and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n as_o this_o be_v saul_n have_v depart_v from_o god_n and_o disobey_v his_o voice_n therefore_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o and_o give_v his_o kingdom_n unto_o another_o even_o unto_o david_n ver_fw-la 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o at_o last_o for_o this_o his_o disobedience_n will_v destroy_v he_o and_o his_o family_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n now_o this_o be_v against_o that_o former_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o kingdom_n divide_v can_v stand_v be_v satan_n divide_v against_o himself_o collate_n unto_o this_o the_o reason_n a_o little_a before_o mention_v and_o judge_v whether_o ever_o that_o spirit_n of_o lie_n and_o enmity_n to_o mankind_n will_v leave_v such_o a_o good_a and_o fruitful_a lesson_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n upon_o record_n to_o his_o prejudice_n for_o ever_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o be_o hardly_o induce_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v satan_n in_o samuel_n apparition_n but_o rather_o a_o cozen_a confederate_a of_o the_o pythonist_n of_o endor_n set_v up_o by_o she_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n describe_v by_o she_o or_o set_v up_o in_o the_o shape_n and_o garment_n of_o the_o old_a and_o famous_a prophet_n samuel_n who_o be_v but_o late_o dead_a and_o therefore_o his_o posture_n garment_n and_o also_o his_o prophecy_n of_o rend_v the_o kingdom_n from_o saul_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o david_n be_v very_o well_o know_v unto_o all_o israel_n and_o therefore_o this_o witch_n of_o endor_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a way_n distant_a from_o the_o court_n of_o saul_n where_o samuel_n be_v often_o conversant_a in_o his_o life_n time_n as_o appear_v from_o vers_fw-la 7_o and_o 8._o campare_v with_o 25_o and_o also_o it_o appear_v unto_o i_o that_o saul_n here_o in_o the_o whole_a transaction_n do_v not_o see_v the_o counterfeit_a samuel_n by_o that_o his_o question_n in_o vers_fw-la 14._o what_o form_n be_v he_o of_o and_o she_o say_v a_o old_a man_n come_v up_o and_o he_o be_v cover_v with_o a_o mantle_n and_o saul_n perceive_v by_o this_o description_n of_o she_o that_o it_o be_v samuel_n he_o bow_v himself_o and_o so_o proceed_v to_o his_o business_n with_o this_o samuel_n or_o counterfeit_a which_o may_v lie_v hide_v behind_o some_o shrine_n hang_v or_o grate_n where_o the_o whole_a cozenage_n be_v transact_v and_o how_o easy_o saul_n be_v to_o be_v catch_v and_o deceive_v in_o this_o kind_n appear_v from_o his_o distraction_n consternation_n and_o fear_v he_o be_v in_o be_v serround_v of_o his_o enemy_n forsake_v of_o god_n and_o seek_v unto_o witch_n in_o this_o time_n of_o trouble_n this_o wise_a woman_n or_o witch_n of_o endor_n with_o her_o confederate_a know_v well_o enough_o that_o this_o be_v saul_n be_v high_a by_o the_o head_n then_o all_o israel_n though_o disguise_v and_o by_o his_o attendant_n and_o servant_n with_o he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o whole_a art_n of_o cozenage_n though_o she_o counterfeit_v the_o contrary_a verse_n 12._o this_o appear_v from_o her_o neighbourhood_n with_o the_o court_n he_o come_v to_o she_o and_o after_o all_o these_o cozen_a transaction_n return_v the_o same_o night_n again_o verse_n 25._o whereas_o this_o counterfeit_n be_v here_o often_o call_v samuel_n and_o saul_n take_v he_o indeed_o to_o be_v samuel_n yet_o this_o make_v it_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a samuel_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o samuel_n shape_n so_o that_o under_o correction_n of_o better_a judgement_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n this_o be_v not_o satan_n in_o samuel_n likeness_n that_o leave_v this_o useful_a lesson_n and_o prediction_n for_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a but_o rather_o proceed_v from_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n of_o endor_n and_o her_o well-informed_n confederate_a who_o well_o know_v of_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n that_o god_n will_v take_v off_o the_o kingdom_n from_o saul_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o his_o servant_n david_n because_o saul_n have_v disobey_v god_n voice_n in_o the_o business_n of_o agag_n and_o this_o she_o can_v foresee_v be_v the_o time_n in_o that_o the_o philistine_n the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n be_v come_v up_o against_o he_o and_o he_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v for_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o and_o have_v deny_v to_o answer_v he_o either_o by_o prophet_n urim_n or_o thummim_v i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o the_o long_a herein_o to_o stave_v the_o devil_n off_o that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o god_n prerogative_n in_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o samuel_n likeness_n yet_o i_o answer_v the_o devil_n may_v well_o gather_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n from_o that_o of_o samuel_n pprophecy_n against_o he_o when_o in_o his_o life_n time_n at_o gilgal_n he_o come_v and_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n will_v rend_v his_o kingdom_n from_o he_o for_o not_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o his_o servant_n david_n 1_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o therefore_o the_o devil_n here_o may_v well_o predict_v the_o same_o unto_o saul_n come_v to_o he_o to_o know_v the_o event_n and_o success_n of_o his_o undertake_n against_o the_o philistine_n but_o in_o the_o time_n and_o some_o other_o circumstance_n of_o this_o prediction_n whether_o it_o proceed_v from_o satan_n or_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a failure_n therein_o to_o show_v that_o god_n spirit_n alone_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o the_o sure_a foretell_v of_o all_o event_n in_o the_o full_a truth_n thereof_o for_o this_o pretend_a samuel_n tell_v saul_n that_o to_o morrow_n he_o and_o his_o son_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n but_o observe_v if_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n how_o this_o father_n of_o lie_n keep_v on_o his_o old_a trade_n of_o lie_v for_o indeed_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n be_v not_o overthrow_v nor_o slay_v by_o the_o philistine_n on_o the_o morrow_n but_o some_o day_n after_o as_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o several_a transaction_n do_v by_o david_n in_o the_o 29_o and_o 30_o chapter_n against_o the_o amalekite_n after_o he_o be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o army_n of_o the_o philistine_n before_o they_o fall_v upon_o saul_n and_o his_o army_n to_o their_o
in_o part_n to_o come_v write_v without_o that_o be_v plain_a for_o discovery_n open_a to_o the_o view_n all_o which_o import_v that_o john_n be_v to_o write_v of_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a and_o as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o also_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o a_o book_n write_v within_o seal_v and_o secret_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o futurity_n 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o god_n true_a prophet_n and_o faithful_a minister_n will_v commend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o church_n as_o vision_n from_o god_n than_o what_o they_o have_v real_o see_v and_o have_v be_v discover_v from_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o pretend_v vision_n from_o god_n like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jer._n 14_o while_o their_o mouth_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_v vanity_n john_n write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n nor_o discover_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o see_v be_v then_o present_a or_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after_o time_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v and_o be_v bold_a to_o preach_v and_o to_o commend_v unto_o you_o christ_n minister_n shall_v press_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o be_v assure_v be_v experience_v truth_n i_o doubt_v i_o every_o opinion_n concern_v outward_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o the_o like_a will_v not_o at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v vision_n of_o god_n which_o some_o do_v now_o a_o day_n so_o hot_o contend_v for_o it_o may_v be_v one_o day_n say_v unto_o such_o hotspur_n boanerges_n son_n of_o thunder_n who_o require_v such_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n while_o you_o let_v the_o great_a work_n as_o of_o love_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n lie_v prostrate_a at_o your_o foot_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v you_o verse_n 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n christ_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n to_o make_v thing_n plain_a unto_o john_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o his_o book_n interpret_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n present_v unto_o his_o sight_n in_o the_o precedent_n 12_o and_o 16_o verse_n and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o seven_o star_n and_o candlestick_n because_o indeed_o unto_o john_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n what_o those_o figure_n of_o star_n and_o candlestick_n do_v mystical_o mean_a or_o represent_v and_o unto_o john_n it_o will_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n if_o christ_n himself_o have_v not_o here_o interpret_v hence_o note_v that_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v make_v clear_a obvious_a and_o manifest_a by_o a_o diligent_a observation_n and_o a_o right_a applicationof_o the_o mystical_a character_n and_o figure_n of_o each_o vision_n christ_n himself_o in_o this_o verse_n have_v make_v the_o first_o entrance_n and_o essay_n on_o this_o account_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n do_v mystical_o represent_v the_o seven_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n the_o church_n themselves_o in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n christ_n be_v more_o large_a in_o interpret_n the_o mystery_n of_o babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o connote_v unto_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o wise_a observant_a christian_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o revelation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n thereinto_o the_o spirit_n say_v often_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n 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 and_o in_o chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 18._o here_o be_v wisdom_n let_v he_o that_o have_v wit_n count_v the_o number_n here_o be_v the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n cap._n 17._o v._n 9_o so_o that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n a_o intelligent_a understand_a ear_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a heart_n to_o consider_v that_o be_v fit_a and_o capable_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v aright_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n therefore_o difficult_a to_o all_o but_o unto_o the_o spiritualised_a eye_n and_o unto_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v account_v presumption_n in_o such_o to_o undertake_v this_o essay_n see_v it_o have_v please_v christ_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o fruit_n himself_o in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v as_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o whole_a and_o since_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v mean_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n by_o the_o woman_n array_v in_o scarlet_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v the_o great_a city_n that_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o signify_v a_o government_n empire_n or_o kingdom_n on_o seven_o mountain_n where_o the_o great_a harlot_n reign_v under_o ten_o king_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a rash_a or_o presumptuous_a to_o interpret_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystical_a figure_n and_o hyeroglyphick_n character_n of_o this_o book_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a and_o genuine_a tendency_n and_o as_o they_o be_v open_v and_o apply_v in_o other_o prophetical_a writing_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n who_o wisdom_n it_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o represent_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o downial_n of_o the_o great_a empire_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n by_o such_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a figure_n and_o representation_n unto_o god_n servant_n his_o prophet_n and_o conceive_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a carriage_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o intendment_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v but_o unto_o few_o such_o as_o have_v spirit_n suitable_a and_o will_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o great_a event_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n be_v make_v vulgar_a and_o know_v unto_o all_o it_o will_v raise_v innumerable_a combustion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o those_o power_n that_o they_o live_v under_o for_o who_o sake_n these_o great_a concussion_n and_o subversion_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n and_o their_o interest_n may_v be_v exalt_v at_o the_o last_o 2._o note_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o make_v know_v and_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o divine_a mystery_n unto_o his_o servant_n christ_n discover_v unto_o john_n those_o mystery_n of_o star_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v this_o spirit_n that_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o as_o christ_n say_v john_n 16.15_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n because_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v beforehand_o hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n manifest_a unto_o poor_a soul_n and_o so_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v too_o high_a a_o work_n for_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o his_o natural_a capacity_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o not_o carnal_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n christ_n interpret_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n star_n in_o all_o prophetical_a writing_n do_v signify_v person_n of_o eminency_n and_o honour_n and_o in_o heraldry_n it_o be_v account_v the_o most_o noble_a sort_n of_o blazon_v peculiar_a alone_o to_o the_o armoury_n of_o prince_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n or_o rather_o messenger_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v because_o they_o come_v with_o the_o best_a message_n and_o news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o
to_o overturn_v all_o its_o opposite_n that_o assert_n that_o true_a real_a grace_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o pre-requisite_a as_o the_o condition_n unto_o baptism_n among_o many_o other_o argument_n of_o he_o against_o m._n blake'_v dogmatical_a faith_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o his_o four_o and_o five_o and_o eleven_o argument_n page_n 96._o of_o his_o apology_n and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o place_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o argument_n both_o from_o authority_n and_o scripture_n levy_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o comport_v with_o this_o truth_n his_o four_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n to_o justification_n but_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n therefore_o this_o abrenunciation_n have_v be_v practise_v always_o in_o baptism_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o antiquity_n testify_v his_o five_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v sincere_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v to_o justification_n but_o such_o be_v all_o as_o come_v to_o baptism_n therefore_o for_o the_o major_a it_o require_v no_o more_o proof_n but_o to_o explain_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n have_v enough_o prove_v that_o the_o phrase_n of_o believe_v in_o comprehend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o god_n which_o be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o sovereign_a ruler_n and_o chief_a good_a this_o none_o but_o a_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o do_v his_o eleven_o argument_n if_o baptism_n be_v solemnize_n of_o the_o mystical_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o baptise_a then_o true_a justify_v faith_n be_v of_o god_n require_v thereto_o but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a therefore_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o hold_v the_o antecedent_n to_o be_v true_a the_o consequence_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o no_o man_n but_o the_o sound_a believer_n can_v true_o take_v christ_n as_o a_o husband_n and_o head_n for_o so_o to_o do_v be_v justify_v faith_n these_o three_o have_v i_o only_o choose_v of_o m._n baxter_n 26._o argument_n to_o set_v as_o a_o antithesis_fw-la unto_o m._n morice_n position_n and_o as_o a_o answer_n thereunto_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v it_o pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la a_o ill_a case_n be_v much_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o in_o this_o that_o i_o have_v set_v m._n baxter_n to_o answer_v m._n morice_n be_v but_o to_o set_v socrates_n to_o answer_v plato_n and_o i_o may_v add_v one_o word_n that_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n faith_n which_o be_v only_o dogmatical_a and_o formal_a though_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n gives_z right_a of_o admission_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v admission_n to_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n which_o so_o qualifi_v the_o person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o admit_v he_o as_o be_v one_o that_o seem_v sound_a in_o believe_v for_o judas_n be_v always_o reckon_v among_o the_o twelve_o before_o his_o traitorous_a betray_a act_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o simon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v also_o act_v 8.13_o now_o the_o church_n can_v but_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v deny_v admission_n either_o to_o simon_n or_o any_o other_o that_o desire_v it_o for_o charity_n think_v no_o evil_a and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a rule_n de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o entitul_a and_o have_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o a_o foedere_fw-la for_o that_o alone_o be_v save_a faith_n which_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n make_v the_o condition_n pre-requisite_a to_o such_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n which_o be_v before_o assert_v and_o prove_v and_o that_o that_o give_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la give_v a_o true_a title_n also_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o according_a to_o a_o charitative_a judgement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o will_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v admission_n be_v both_o true_a real_a and_o sanctify_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o desire_v it_o though_o oftentimes_o the_o sequel_n manifest_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v therein_o and_o hereby_o it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o church_n door_n be_v wide_a than_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v exceed_v the_o triumphant_a and_o be_v far_o enlarge_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o herein_o this_o shall_v suffice_v observe_v 5._o that_o false_a teacher_n be_v most_o arrogant_a and_o pretend_v high_a to_o gift_n and_o mission_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n find_v it_o so_o in_o their_o false_a teacher_n and_o corinth_n also_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o who_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n they_o will_v needs_o get_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o calling_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o on_o trial_n they_o be_v find_v liar_n they_o be_v of_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o precedency_n and_o be_v above_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o true_a apostle_n gaudent_fw-la preesse_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la prosunt_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la putant_fw-la preesse_fw-la &_o insolentius_fw-la &_o arrogantius_fw-la principes_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la locum_fw-la appertivisse_fw-la they_o be_v like_o those_o in_o jer._n 8.8_o who_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o as_o those_o in_o ezek._n 13.6_o who_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v yet_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vain_a vision_n and_o a_o lie_a divination_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o demand_v why_o shall_v those_o false_a teacher_n denominate_v themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n see_v the_o number_n be_v only_o limit_v to_o twelve_o i_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v denominate_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o century_n after_o christ_n the_o apostolical_a time_n though_o the_o twelve_o be_v dead_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n as_o church_n history_n manifest_v and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o the_o papist_n so_o far_o as_o the_o five_o century_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o hold_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n second_o i_o answer_v this_o apostolical_a office_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o peculiar_a faculty_n of_o the_o twelve_o as_o to_o debar_v all_o other_o from_o that_o denomination_n and_o though_o i_o grant_v they_o be_v christ_n apostle_n catexochen_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o other_o that_o be_v send_v for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a in_o christ_n embassy_n unto_o the_o world_n may_v appropriate_v that_o title_n unto_o themselves_o as_o paul_n very_o often_o in_o his_o epistle_n have_v just_o vindicate_v his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o may_v not_o barnabas_n with_o other_o that_o be_v send_v upon_o the_o same_o message_n with_o paul_n and_o the_o rest_n appropriate_v the_o same_o title_n and_o that_o just_o to_o themselves_o also_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o those_o be_v stand_v perpetual_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v to_o continue_v it_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n mystical_a the_o elect_a be_v gather_v and_o complete_a for_o so_o the_o word_n strong_o enforce_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o whereas_o they_o object_v that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v that_o some_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v
only_o temporary_a and_o for_o that_o age_n and_o season_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o promulgate_v and_o plant_v and_o for_o this_o purpose_n do_v urge_v that_o other_o text_n of_o paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o god_n have_v ordain_v some_o in_o his_o church_n as_o first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n then_o they_o that_o do_v miracle_n after_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o hence_o do_v argue_v that_o because_o some_o officer_n that_o be_v here_o number_v up_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o for_o that_o first_o age_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n heal_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o function_n be_v cease_v also_o with_o they_o which_o be_v as_o they_o say_v for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o for_o its_o growth_n and_o continuance_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o distinguish_v between_o time_n and_o person_n and_o grant_v that_o officer_n since_o christ_n time_n have_v not_o that_o measure_n of_o unction_n and_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n as_o the_o first_o apostle_n have_v yet_o withal_o assert_v that_o for_o all_o what_o the_o contrary_a mind_a say_v be_v but_o petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la for_o they_o only_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v but_o temporary_a for_o the_o first_o age_n but_o prove_v it_o not_o and_o though_o they_o rank_v it_o up_o among_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a gift_n and_o office_n that_o be_v inter_v yet_o to_o persuade_v the_o ingenious_a they_o shall_v inform_v where_o in_o the_o temple_n i_o mean_v god_n word_n be_v their_o grave_n to_o be_v find_v they_o may_v from_o this_o last_o scripture_n as_o just_o argue_v that_o the_o gift_n and_o function_n of_o teacher_n prophet_n help_n and_o government_n be_v also_o cease_v in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a miracle_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v in_o and_o among_o which_o catalogue_n they_o be_v also_o rank_v second_o this_o tenent_n of_o the_o opponent_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n and_o i_o presume_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n of_o late_a in_o hatch_n and_o cherish_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o seeker_n and_o antiscripturists_a for_o when_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o repute_a orthodox_n that_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a office_n as_o apostle_n gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o antichrist_n they_o forthwith_o rejoin_v and_o object_n why_o if_o some_o gift_n be_v evacuate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o virtue_n in_o they_o as_o you_o confess_v why_o not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o catalogue_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o some_o be_v cease_v they_o pertinacious_o affirm_v that_o all_o other_o office_n and_o ordinance_n be_v null_n and_o defunct_a also_o be_v only_o for_o that_o age_n and_o ministration_n and_o to_o that_o end_n do_v interpret_v that_o promise_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a support_n and_o presence_n with_o his_o church_n in_o the_o last_o of_o mattheâ—_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n or_o all_o generation_n yet_o they_o for_o their_o own_o interest_n render_v to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n and_o so_o consequential_o deny_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o how_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o church_n without_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v without_o officer_n according_a to_o that_o of_o rom._n 10._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v this_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o assert_v that_o relaxation_n of_o some_o office_n and_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o evidence_v where_o their_o grave_n lie_v or_o their_o repeal_v three_o i_o answer_v that_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n be_v strong_o convince_a for_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o those_o office_n that_o be_v there_o recount_v which_o christ_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o some_o be_v for_o the_o church_n then_o in_o be_v of_o that_o present_a age_n and_o the_o rest_n for_o futurity_n to_o continue_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v evince_v and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n cuibono_n to_o what_o end_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o will_v antiquery_a be_v the_o saint_n all_o perfect_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n at_o a_o end_n be_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o sufficient_o edify_v and_o confirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o to_o a_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v none_o will_v affirm_v it_o unless_o the_o perfectist_n and_o quaker_n but_o here_o again_o they_o will_v say_v we_o grant_v ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o work_n until_o we_o all_o come_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n but_o extraordinary_a officer_n as_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n be_v cease_v i_o answer_v again_o this_o be_v assert_v and_o not_o prove_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n second_o i_o affirm_v that_o those_o which_o be_v call_v the_o stand_v ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o their_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o unction_n though_o differ_v in_o measure_n with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o sometime_o apostle_n pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v take_v as_o synonima_n though_o real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o gift_n and_o office_n as_o to_o instance_n james_n the_o first_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v also_o a_o pillar_n and_o a_o apostle_n john_n the_o great_a and_o belove_a apostle_n be_v in_o his_o epistle_n call_v the_o elder_a and_o in_o that_o great_a synodical_a assembly_n act_v 15._o the_o elder_n be_v in_o joint_a commission_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v man_n of_o a_o extraorindary_a spirit_n also_o as_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o first_o unction_n as_o stephen_n ananias_n barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o go_v abroad_o upon_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preach_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o where_o act_n 8._o object_n but_o here_o some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o level_v all_o officer_n and_o to_o make_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v not_o at_o all_o for_o though_o i_o grant_v some_o purity_n in_o their_o gift_n be_v both_o extraordinary_a in_o their_o first_o unction_n yet_o the_o first_o twelve_o in_o some_o act_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1.22_o when_o the_o eleven_o choose_v mathias_n into_o judas_n bishopric_n peter_n urge_v that_o one_o must_v be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o they_o of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o they_o can_v attest_v as_o truth_n as_o eye_n witness_n be_v with_o jesus_n all_o the_o time_n he_o go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o and_o herein_o they_o surpass_v all_o other_o that_o come_v after_o second_o they_o excel_v all_o other_o officer_n in_o that_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o christ_n to_o convert_v disciple_n and_o baptize_v all_o nation_n into_o the_o faith_n but_o all_o other_o officer_n have_v it_o derivative_o from_o they_o three_o they_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o gift_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o adjoin_v to_o their_o ministry_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v very_o inconsequent_a that_o the_o whole_a apostolic_a office_n be_v quite_o cease_v to_o the_o church_n because_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n be_v cease_v which_o
be_v ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o other_o of_o god_n precious_a child_n in_o babylon_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n it_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o will_v nothing_o but_o scratch_v and_o tear_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n nor_o too_o great_a a_o vex_a burden_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n and_o providence_n have_v dispose_v of_o our_o habitation_n among_o the_o ungodly_a for_o hereby_o 1._o god_n have_v the_o great_a glory_n from_o we_o 2._o we_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o he_o 3._o our_o grace_n shine_v more_o eminent_o as_o star_n in_o a_o frosty_a night_n shine_v clear_a and_o fish_n in_o the_o salt_a sea_n be_v sweet_a so_o we_o keep_v our_o savour_n the_o better_a for_o it_o and_o our_o grace_n be_v more_o enliven_v 4._o our_o conversation_n it_o suitable_a to_o god_n word_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n among_o who_o we_o live_v obs_n 3._o to_o a_o godly_a soul_n to_o have_v its_o habitation_n among_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o soul_n vex_v grief_n righteous_a lot_n be_v vex_v with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o sodomite_n 2_o pet._n 2.7_o though_o god_n have_v dispose_v this_o in_o his_o providence_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o affliction_n and_o for_o the_o present_a grievous_a woe_n be_v i_o say_v david_n that_o i_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n with_o a_o barbarous_a &_o profane_a people_n that_o be_v like_a to_o the_o posterity_n of_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n o_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v to_o moses_n and_o to_o all_o true_a israelite_n to_o dwell_v among_o the_o egyptian_n how_o do_v the_o poor_a captive_a israelite_n weep_v when_o they_o be_v in_o caldea_n by_o the_o river_n of_o chebar_v and_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v still_o for_o honest_a believe_a soul_n to_o dwell_v among_o a_o profane_a and_o wicked_a multitude_n where_o they_o can_v stir_v out_o of_o door_n or_o converse_v but_o with_o very_a few_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v god_n profane_v his_o name_n blaspheme_v his_o truth_n and_o scripture_n slight_v vilify_v deride_v and_o jest_v at_o his_o saint_n and_o faithful_a one_o either_o spiteful_o treat_v open_o persecute_v or_o at_o least_o close_o undermine_v to_o bring_v the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n upon_o they_o therefore_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a the_o society_n and_o cohabitation_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v most_o desirable_a but_o of_o the_o wicked_a most_o grievous_a and_o loathe_a obs_n 4._o god_n have_v the_o more_o special_a eye_n of_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o his_o people_n that_o have_v their_o habitation_n among_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a though_o they_o dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n and_o throne_n be_v yet_o god_n hold_v they_o as_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 1._o and_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o tribulation_n and_o where_o they_o dwell_v and_o therefore_o be_v present_a with_o suitable_a grace_n and_o strength_n from_o himself_o for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n thou_o remember_v we_o say_v david_n in_o our_o low_a estate_n where_o christ_n church_n have_v the_o great_a enemy_n god_n will_v show_v himself_o their_o great_a friend_n where_o his_o saint_n be_v most_o afflict_a and_o straighten_a there_o he_o will_v supply_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o enlargement_n in_o babylon_n of_o old_a among_o the_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o israel_n god_n send_v a_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n etc._n etc._n choice_a man_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n so_o we_o often_o see_v in_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o wicked_a place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n send_v there_o the_o great_a sound_a and_o clear_a light_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o ephesus_z smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n place_n of_o idolatry_n and_o cruelty_n and_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v have_v their_o angel_n and_o martyr_n that_o shine_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o late_a year_n have_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o switzerland_n in_o saxony_n in_o savoy_n and_o the_o barbarous_a corner_n of_o the_o pyrenean_n mountain_n and_o alps_n than_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o in_o england_n and_o scotland_n under_o the_o antichristian_a and_o persecute_v bishop_n of_o late_a the_o saint_n then_o live_v under_o they_o do_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o their_o grace_n than_o now_o they_o do_v in_o this_o their_o day_n of_o prosperity_n and_o many_o than_o be_v more_o faithful_a martyr_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n then_o now_o they_o be_v for_o the_o more_o high_a satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v against_o the_o saint_n god_n care_n over_o they_o be_v the_o more_o intense_a and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o more_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o obs_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a duty_n and_o their_o high_a glory_n to_o hold_v fast_o their_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a time_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o people_n the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n be_v approve_v for_o hold_v fast_a christ_n name_n and_o faith_n among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n do_v bear_v sway_n and_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v martyr_a and_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o same_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o carry_v a_o full_a sail_n of_o profession_n when_o the_o soft_a gale_n of_o prosperity_n blow_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o hypocritical_a heart_n to_o seem_v godly_a with_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v sober_a with_o the_o sober_a or_o to_o be_v righteous_a among_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v then_o try_v when_o his_o habitation_n be_v among_o the_o ungodly_a that_o can_v keep_v himself_o sound_a among_o their_o corruption_n upright_a and_o perfect_a among_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o untainted_a with_o their_o folly_n and_o sweet_a as_o fish_n in_o the_o brackish_a ocean_n the_o three_o faithful_a child_n will_v not_o bow_v in_o babylon_n to_o nebuchadnezzar_n image_n though_o death_n itself_o attend_v they_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n many_o will_v follow_v christ_n in_o smile_a time_n or_o when_o the_o state_n do_v countenance_n christ_n and_o godliness_n this_o be_v to_o follow_v christ_n for_o the_o loaf_n sake_n but_o when_o christ_n be_v hurry_v to_o pilat_n hall_n of_o judgement_n his_o formal_a follower_n will_v forsake_v he_o yea_o peter_n himself_o may_v deny_v he_o weak_a christian_n may_v stumble_v and_o draw_v back_o when_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n as_o peter_n fall_v so_o foul_o he_o be_v the_o only_o approve_a christian_a that_o will_v hold_v his_o profession_n fast_o before_o the_o face_n of_o nero_n and_o dioclesian_n as_o the_o virum_fw-la victoriae_fw-la which_o st._n austin_n mention_n and_o at_o the_o stake_n can_v free_o with_o stephen_n forgive_v his_o enemy_n and_o commend_v his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o god_n jo_n hus_n hierom_n of_o prague_n the_o poor_a waldenses_n and_o our_o late_a christian_n martyr_n as_o bradford_n philpot_n glover_n etc._n etc._n in_o our_o english_a marian_n day_n have_v with_o antipas_n for_o their_o constant_a witness_v unto_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n attain_v the_o everliving_a and_o honourable_a name_n of_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o most_o just_o in_o that_o they_o suffer_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v slay_v that_o be_v in_o a_o persecute_v bloody_a age_n when_o many_o godly_a person_n burn_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o wicked_a antichristian_a tyrannise_a and_o bloody_a prelate_n for_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n in_o such_o ungodly_a time_n and_o among_o such_o a_o devilish_a crew_n among_o who_o satan_n have_v his_o throne_n sway_n and_o full_a dominion_n they_o just_o shall_v ever_o live_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o reverend_a martyr_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n thus_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o lot_n in_o sodom_n never_o touch_v with_o sodom_n wickedness_n to_o keep_v himself_o pure_a and_o sincere_a and_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a generation_n to_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n this_o bring_v honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n obs_n 6._o the_o grace_n of_o well_o approve_a and_o faithful_a christian_n depart_v be_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o live_n both_o for_o encouragement_n and_o imitation_n antipas_n be_v here_o set_v as_o a_o example_n of_o
constancy_n and_o faithful_a martyrdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o live_n to_o have_v the_o pattern_n of_o former_a worthy_a man_n before_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o read_n of_o achilles_n life_n in_o homer_n that_o make_v alexander_n ambitious_a to_o be_v his_o competitor_n in_o noble_a achievement_n again_o julius_n cesar_n take_v up_o alexander_n example_n endeavour_v to_o be_v sole_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o also_o it_o be_v on_o a_o spiritual_a account_n abraham_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o his_o approve_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o child_n and_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o so_o abraham_n abel_n enoch_n noah_n sarah_n moses_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v everliving_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n for_o imitation_n to_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v heb._n 11._o it_o much_o comfort_v we_o and_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o suffering_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o captain_n have_v perfect_v our_o salvation_n by_o suffering_n he_o have_v tread_v to_o we_o our_o first_o this_o thorny_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o he_o that_o be_v imitable_a by_o we_o not_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n but_o as_o a_o holy_a person_n and_o head_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o he_o present_v himself_o as_o a_o gracious_a example_n to_o his_o disciple_n jo._n 13.15_o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o as_o he_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o light_n itself_o and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n so_o sure_o o_o all_o pattern_n and_o example_n his_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n be_v most_o sound_a wise_a and_o perfect_a and_o bless_v be_v they_o they_o that_o follow_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n verse_n 14.15_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o laodicea_n only_o of_o the_o whole_a seven_o do_v pass_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o but_o prefix_v or_o annex_v to_o they_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v her_o commendable_a grace_n of_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o among_o the_o vile_a people_n even_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o satan_n be_v yet_o all_o in_o she_o be_v not_o well_o or_o sound_n for_o christ_n come_v on_o with_o a_o but_o against_o she_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o etc._n etc._n whence_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v obs_n 1._o that_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o person_n may_v suffer_v much_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n yet_o not_o sound_a and_o right_o in_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doubtless_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n have_v and_o enjoy_v but_o sad_a and_o afflict_a day_n when_o antipas_n christ_n faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v for_o than_o she_o deny_v not_o the_o faith_n but_o hold_v her_o profession_n with_o much_o constancy_n the_o church_n at_o thyatira_n too_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o her_o patience_n verse_n 19_o yet_o both_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o fair_a profession_n they_o have_v much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n in_o the_o root_n their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o straight_o that_o they_o have_v among_o they_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o one_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o niolaitan_n in_o the_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n and_o her_o wicked_a practice_n both_o most_o unsound_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o both_o high_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v suffer_v on_o the_o disciple_n but_o suffer_v for_o that_o profession_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o sound_v in_o all_o thing_n some_o may_v prophesy_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n and_o suffer_v and_o give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o his_o name_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n may_v tell_v they_o he_o know_v they_o not_o he_o that_o will_v attain_v a_o comfortable_a martyrdom_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n let_v he_o first_o see_v that_o his_o end_n be_v right_a first_o that_o it_o be_v true_o and_o real_o for_o christ_n second_o that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n three_o that_o it_o tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o at_o self_n this_o be_v the_o true_a suffering_n that_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o to_o proceed_v christ_n have_v a_o charge_n against_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o it_o be_v because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o stone_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o thou_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o keep_v hold_v and_o intend_v to_o keep_v and_o hold_v thou_o have_v these_o balaamite_n not_o by_o accident_n or_o chance_n but_o by_o choice_n thou_o have_v they_o because_o thou_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o will_v have_v it_o so_o thy_o habendum_fw-la and_o tenendum_fw-la go_v together_o thou_o have_v they_o and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o because_o thou_o love_v they_o therefore_o thy_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a herein_o and_o what_o have_v thou_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v when_o he_o see_v that_o god_n have_v bless_v jacob_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o israel_n he_o curse_o advise_v balack_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o midianite_n to_o make_v a_o great_a sacrifice_n to_o baal_n peor_n and_o to_o invite_v the_o israelite_n unto_o it_o now_o baal_n peor_n be_v the_o filthy_a lascivious_a idol_n priapus_n as_o godwin_n jewish_a antiquity_n testify_v who_o festival_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v celebrate_v by_o both_o sex_n in_o most_o shameless_a posture_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o hos_fw-la 9.10_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v to_o baal_n peor_n and_o discover_v themselves_o to_o their_o shame_n because_o it_o make_v they_o shameless_a and_o to_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n before_o that_o idol_n now_o the_o curse_a advice_n or_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n for_o a_o man_n doctrine_n be_v his_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n first_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o participate_v at_o their_o curse_a altar_n in_o eat_v of_o their_o idolothite_n express_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 28_o act_v 15.29_o second_o in_o mix_v with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n a_o notion_n utter_o forbid_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o in_o such_o a_o way_n so_o that_o though_o balaam_n can_v not_o curse_v israel_n according_a to_o balack_n desire_n be_v overmaster_v by_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v his_o heart_n go_v still_o after_o the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o testify_v that_o be_v his_o desire_n and_o heart_n be_v to_o take_v balack_n hire_n and_o reward_n to_o curse_n israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o overmaster_v both_o his_o tongue_n and_o heart_n and_o instead_o of_o curse_v they_o he_o be_v enforce_v to_o bless_v they_o and_o see_v he_o can_v not_o pleasure_n balack_n according_a to_o his_o expectation_n and_o desire_n as_o a_o prophet_n in_o his_o malediction_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a as_o a_o private_a machavilian_n or_o a_o achitophel_n to_o counsel_n balack_n that_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o enmity_n with_o their_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o so_o god_n that_o be_v their_o keeper_n and_o saviour_n against_o all_o enchantment_n and_o curse_n will_v
remissness_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o the_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o their_o sincere_a profession_n acquire_v from_o the_o church_n and_o all_o person_n round_o about_o they_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o those_o church_n that_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n with_o most_o constancy_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n become_v the_o most_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a of_o a_o crown_n of_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o but_o philadelphia_n be_v worthy_a that_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n enemy_n unto_o the_o truth_n shall_v come_v and_o bow_n and_o worship_n before_o she_o she_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n therefore_o none_o shall_v take_v away_o her_o crown_n her_o honour_n shall_v still_o remain_v among_o the_o church_n as_o long_o as_o any_o church_n shall_v endure_v if_o we_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o faithful_a philadelphia_n and_o hold_v fast_o and_o go_v on_o manful_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n god_n will_v make_v the_o formal_a jew_n of_o our_o time_n the_o high_a pretend_v catholic_a churchman_n to_o bow_v and_o worship_n before_o our_o foot_n be_v not_o our_o name_n i_o mean_v the_o name_n of_o england_n grow_v honourable_a among_o the_o nation_n their_o friend_n abroad_o and_o terrible_a unto_o their_o enemy_n and_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v but_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n that_o hold_v fast_o and_o maintain_v with_o courage_n and_o constancy_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n among_o we_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o trial_n when_o the_o prelatical_a fire_n of_o persecution_n be_v on_o foot_n if_o we_o hold_v fast_o to_o christ_n and_o persist_v in_o his_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o our_o crown_n but_o if_o we_o flag_n in_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o our_o crown_n will_v be_v the_o less_o and_o our_o honour_n will_v soon_o flag_n also_o when_o israel_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n and_o reform_v up_o unto_o his_o holy_a pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n god_n make_v they_o famous_a among_o the_o nation_n and_o a_o burdensome_a stone_n to_o all_o that_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o when_o they_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o their_o evil_n and_o abominable_a course_n god_n give_v they_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o captivity_n and_o since_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o iniquity_n they_o have_v quite_o lose_v their_o crown_n and_o become_v a_o disperse_a people_n and_o a_o reproach_n among_o all_o nation_n where_o they_o live_v and_o this_o be_v according_a to_o that_o good_a advice_n give_v by_o godly_a david_n as_o his_o last_o legacy_n to_o his_o wise_a son_n solomon_n in_o 1_o chron._n 28.9_o which_o be_v applicable_a to_o every_o faithful_a soul_n and_o thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o verse_n 12._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o my_o new_a name_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o overcome_v the_o nominative_a case_n be_v put_v absolute_o by_o a_o defect_n of_o a_o preposition_n to_o of_o or_o for_o which_o be_v a_o hebraisme_n the_o word_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v read_v as_o for_o he_o that_o overcome_v i_o will_v make_v a_o pillar_n etc._n etc._n agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v those_o place_n rom._n 8.3_o for_o what_o be_v impossible_a to_o the_o law_n by_o a_o hebraism_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v as_o for_o or_o touch_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o law_n and_o psalm_n 18.30_o jehovah_n his_o way_n be_v perfect_a which_o we_o read_v the_o way_n of_o god_n or_o as_o for_o god_n his_o way_n be_v perfect_a the_o same_o read_n be_v in_o rev._n cap._n 2._o 26._o the_o reward_n of_o he_o that_o overcome_v be_v double_a 1._o i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o 2._o christ_n set_v upon_o he_o a_o threefold_a name_n the_o name_n of_o his_o god_n the_o name_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o his_o own_o new_a name_n this_o allusion_n of_o a_o pillar_n be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n from_o those_o two_o brazen_a pillar_n in_o solomon_n temple_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o true_a temple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o nothing_o be_v make_v or_o place_v therein_o in_o vain_a though_o they_o seem_v small_a but_o do_v typify_v and_o signify_v somewhat_o to_o we_o solomon_n call_v his_o two_o pillar_n which_o he_o erect_v by_o two_o remarkable_a name_n 1_o king_n 7.21_o the_o right_a pillar_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jâ—hin_n and_o the_o leave_v by_o the_o name_n of_o boaz_n the_o one_o signify_v he_o will_v establish_v and_o the_o other_o in_o it_o there_o be_v strength_n so_o in_o the_o antitype_n those_o overcome_a saint_n that_o christ_n make_v pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o god_n have_v these_o two_o quality_n or_o property_n put_v upon_o they_o establishment_n and_o perpetuity_n both_o in_o their_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o grace_n and_o also_o in_o their_o new_a church_n state_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o those_o new_a pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n may_v fail_v as_o those_o of_o solomon_n do_v when_o they_o be_v break_v and_o the_o brass_n thereof_o carry_v away_o by_o nabuchadnezzar_n into_o babel_n jer._n 52.17_o there_o be_v another_o additional_a property_n put_v upon_o they_o then_o that_o of_o perpetuity_n and_o strength_n even_o of_o eternity_n in_o those_o word_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o after_o the_o conquer_a saint_n be_v take_v into_o this_o holy_a temple_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o possession_n of_o it_o no_o nabuchadnezzar_n shall_v ever_o come_v and_o break_v they_o in_o piece_n or_o carry_v they_o by_o force_n into_o captivity_n the_o nebuchadnezar_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o hitherto_o under_o several_a form_n of_o beast_n and_o government_n carry_v away_o and_o break_v to_o piece_n the_o weak_a and_o infirm_a pillar_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n fot_o indeed_o they_o be_v give_v into_o their_o hand_n by_o god_n to_o be_v overcome_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n by_o they_o rev._n 11._o but_o have_v at_o last_o overcom_v by_o suffering_n and_o patience_n christ_n will_v raise_v they_o up_o again_o to_o become_v pillar_n in_o his_o new_a temple_n that_o shall_v never_o go_v out_o any_o more_o and_o will_v make_v they_o other_o gate_n person_n then_o ever_o former_o they_o be_v for_o he_o will_v write_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o his_o god_n and_o what_o be_v that_o jehovah_n shaddai_n the_o lord_n the_o mighty_a god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o his_o own_o new_a name_n phil._n 2.9_o all_o intimate_v their_o glorious_a state_n and_o dignity_n that_o christ_n will_v put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o in_o that_o new_a church-state_n which_o be_v promise_v they_o before_o the_o ultimate_a day_n of_o judgement_n which_o shall_v never_o perish_v nor_o any_o more_o be_v take_v from_o they_o but_o on_o this_o more_o hereafter_o from_o the_o word_n i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n note_v observe_v the_o overcome_v saint_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v most_o honourable_a in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o new_a temple_n of_o god_n the_o new_a church_n state_n that_o christ_n will_v restore_v on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o all_o prophesy_v of_o rev._n 21.1_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v make_v pillar_n and_o pillar_n in_o the_o church_n be_v honourable_a james_n and_o john_n be_v call_v pillar_n great_a eminent_a apostle_n and_o those_o be_v place_v in_o the_o porch_n of_o solomon_n temple_n for_o the_o great_a ornament_n and_o glory_n thereof_o they_o sit_v on_o throne_n judge_v the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o their_o god_n and_o what_o more_o honourable_a than_o those_o high_a calling_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n of_o