they_o be_v charity_n its_o precedency_n lie_v in_o this_o 1._o in_o that_o it_o perfume_n and_o enlivens_fw-la all_o the_o other_o grace_n faith_n itself_o be_v dead_a without_o it_o and_o to_o suppose_v a_o faith_n without_o love_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o man_n without_o a_o soul_n the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n and_o miracle_n be_v but_o barren_a and_o usless_o thing_n without_o this_o 2._o this_o have_v for_o its_o object_n both_o god_n and_o man_n we_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_v only_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n but_o our_o charity_n be_v extend_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o love_n be_v call_v rom._n 13.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a sum_n and_o hinge_n on_o which_o the_o commandment_n turn_v in_o this_o one_o word_n charity_n both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n be_v abridge_v 3._o it_o excel_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a note_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n faith_n be_v that_o give_v right_a unto_o the_o promise_n but_o love_n be_v that_o give_v life_n to_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o all_o our_o grace_n if_o we_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o will_v profit_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o john_n 3.14_o and_o ja._n 1.12_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o rom._n 8.28_o love_n be_v make_v the_o very_a discovery_n of_o effectual_a call_n and_o election_n 4._o love_n excel_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o commandment_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o be_v love_n but_o perfect_a in_o we_o it_o will_v make_v we_o perfect_a keeper_n and_o observer_n of_o the_o law_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n love_n knit_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n together_o and_o so_o perfect_v his_o body_n it_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n and_o so_o make_v the_o perfect_a of_o divine_a love_n in_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.12_o 17._o and_o here_o it_o be_v we_o be_v command_v twice_o to_o put_v on_o love_n above_o all_o thing_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o col._n 3.14_o but_o once_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n 5._o and_o last_o when_o faith_n hope_v patience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n cease_v charity_n abide_v love_n be_v not_o only_o a_o portion_n for_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o the_o other_o also_o then_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o christ_n when_o faith_n and_o hope_n cease_v therefore_o just_o do_v christ_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o give_v it_o the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o love_n bring_v forth_o another_o grace_n service_n external_a worship_n and_o obedience_n he_o who_o we_o love_v we_o obey_v we_o serve_v we_o honour_v and_o worship_n the_o service_n of_o love_n be_v most_o intense_a and_o effectual_a when_o christ_n commune_v with_o simon_n peter_n john_n 21._o and_o ask_v he_o thrice_o simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thou_o i_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o say_v peter_z christ_n answer_v feed_v my_o sheep_n the_o more_o love_n that_o peter_n manifest_v the_o more_o service_n and_o duty_n be_v put_v upon_o he_o service_n that_o we_o perform_v to_o god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n but_o formality_n or_o custom_n be_v but_o as_o scab_a or_o lame_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n which_o the_o lord_n hate_v right_o end_n in_o our_o service_n be_v first_o love_n and_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n second_o love_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n three_o love_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o these_o end_n make_v we_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a worship_n love_n go_v through_o all_o and_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o thyatira_n be_v approve_v for_o her_o faith_n make_v lively_a and_o effectual_a by_o love_n true_a faith_n be_v never_o separate_v from_o love_n they_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o but_o love_n have_v the_o precedency_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a though_o faith_n be_v first_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o give_v the_o first_o be_v unto_o a_o christian_n but_o love_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o assent_v unto_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n before_o we_o can_v love_v that_o god_n or_o his_o truth_n but_o withal_o i_o say_v there_o be_v so_o inseparable_a union_n between_o these_o two_o grace_n no_o soon_o have_v faith_n a_o be_v and_o a_o body_n but_o love_n come_v to_o animate_v it_o to_o make_v it_o sound_v lively_a and_o perfect_a observe_v hence_o note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a opinion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v a_o true_a 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man_n but_o must_v have_v a_o undeceivable_a certainty_n and_o truth_n in_o that_o he_o do_v believe_v three_o a_o confident_a rest_v and_o rejoice_v with_o satisfaction_n unto_o the_o soul_n sure_o look_v to_o enjoy_v that_o it_o do_v believe_v true_a faith_n have_v these_o four_o act_n and_o degree_n in_o it_o 1._o knowledge_n 2._o assent_n 3._o adherence_n and_o 4._o assurance_n a_o believer_n may_v have_v the_o three_o first_o act_n and_o want_v the_o latter_a and_o a_o sound_a beleiver_n and_o a_o justify_v person_n though_o god_n for_o cause_n to_o himself_o know_v may_v never_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o assurance_n yet_o that_o faith_n that_o only_o know_v god_n distinct_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o salvation_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o repentant_a sinner_n through_o christ_n and_o so_o take_v he_o and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o love_n and_o truth_n thereof_o doubtless_o that_o soul_n shall_v never_o be_v a_o castaway_n though_o god_n presence_n of_o assurance_n and_o 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faithful_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v all_o affliction_n cheerful_o and_o with_o much_o patience_n all_o the_o year_n of_o his_o life_n because_o he_o love_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o so_o account_v the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n not_o to_o be_v value_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v to_o all_o those_o that_o love_n god_n 5._o thyatira_n be_v a_o grow_a fruitful_a church_n her_o latter_a work_n be_v more_o than_o her_o first_o do_v upon_o better_a ground_n and_o better_a principle_n from_o whence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o more_o grow_v christian_n do_v exceed_v those_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o soundness_n the_o neophites_n or_o young_a christian_n may_v be_v more_o zealous_a
christian_n and_o church_n do_v much_o abate_v and_o fail_v in_o their_o first_o zeal_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n in_o a_o short_a progress_n of_o time_n after_o their_o conversion_n or_o from_o their_o first_o entertainment_n of_o the_o truth_n paul_n do_v much_o complain_v of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n in_o this_o particular_a at_o their_o first_o entertainment_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o affection_n and_o zeal_n that_o they_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o do_v paul_n service_n who_o be_v their_o great_a apostle_n yet_o short_o after_o he_o complain_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v entertain_v another_o gospel_n and_o exclaim_n o_o foolish_a galathian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o it_o seem_v ephesus_n be_v much_o faulty_a herein_o and_o so_o be_v divers_z other_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o urgent_a and_o press_v in_o their_o preach_n to_o maintain_v love_n alive_a and_o of_o the_o three_o eminent_a gospel_n grace_n faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n charity_n have_v the_o precedency_n first_o in_o regard_n it_o have_v a_o more_o extensive_a object_n then_o the_o other_o two_o faith_n and_o hope_n respect_v only_a god_n and_o eternal_a glory_n as_o their_o object_n charity_n have_v not_o only_a god_n for_o its_o object_n but_o the_o saint_n also_o second_o it_o have_v the_o precedency_n in_o that_o love_n abide_v in_o glory_n when_o faith_n and_o hope_n cease_v three_o it_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n unto_o other_o grace_n faith_n itself_o be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a carcase_n unless_o it_o be_v enliven_v by_o love_n to_o know_v and_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n and_o its_o truth_n be_v a_o excellent_a gift_n and_o quality_n yet_o if_o we_o do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o we_o may_v know_v so_o much_o as_o may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o unproficiency_n but_o not_o save_v we_o for_o want_v of_o love_n indeed_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o this_o be_v still_o a_o paradox_n that_o the_o love_n of_o christian_n be_v wax_v cold_a for_o it_o be_v once_o a_o hard_a say_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o to_o want_v love_n i_o have_v read_v that_o some_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n after_o christ_n be_v so_o famous_a among_o their_o heathen_a adversary_n for_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o die_v one_o for_o another_o whereof_o their_o very_a enemy_n take_v notice_n with_o approbation_n when_o they_o will_v commend_v the_o love_n of_o any_o they_o will_v say_v proverbial_o that_o it_o be_v like_o the_o love_n of_o christian_n but_o now_o o_o christian_n quantum_fw-la mut_n fast_o be_v ab_fw-la illo_fw-la it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o you_o at_o your_o first_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n than_o it_o be_v now_o then_o every_o one_o love_v one_o the_o other_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n at_o the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o light_n in_o england_n from_o under_o antichristian_a cloud_n and_o darkness_n every_o one_o have_v his_o breast_n on_o fire_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n presbyterian_a independent_a and_o anabaptist_n be_v then_o all_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o puritan_n and_o nonconformist_n zealous_a for_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o advancement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o you_o have_v now_o leave_v your_o first_o love_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o be_v god_n and_o truth_n grow_v less_o lovely_a than_o at_o first_o or_o be_v you_o mistake_v then_o in_o the_o right_a object_n of_o your_o love_n i_o rather_o fear_v of_o the_o both_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v you_o when_o you_o seek_v to_o advance_v every_o one_o his_o particular_a interest_n by_o rear_v one_o the_o other_o most_o uncharitable_o as_o bear_v not_o as_o christian_n who_o be_v meek_a full_a of_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n easy_o to_o be_v entreat_v etc._n etc._n have_v you_o not_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o spirit_n one_o scripture_n one_o common_a hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o look_v upon_o one_o the_o other_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v on_o the_o samaritan_n and_o that_o for_o some_o small_a difference_n in_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n it_o will_v better_v besuit_n christian_n to_o be_v like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n that_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o pour_v oil_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o wound_n of_o their_o afflict_a brethren_n not_o vinegar_n and_o gall_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o those_o that_o pierce_v christ_n not_o of_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n tantane_n ira_fw-la fratrum_fw-la sed_fw-la praestat_fw-la mote_n componere_fw-la fluctus_fw-la in_o the_o next_o place_n all_o sort_n of_o christian_n have_v sad_o experience_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o position_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o first_o love_n where_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a to_o his_o geneva_n model_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o very_a elixir_n of_o all_o church_n discipline_n be_v he_o not_o even_o fire_n and_o sword_n against_o episcopacy_n that_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n as_o a_o bar_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o form_n and_o now_o episcopacy_n be_v down_o and_o the_o aspect_n of_o authority_n benign_a towards_o they_o yet_o how_o remiss_a and_o cold_a be_v they_o in_o set_v up_o their_o elder_n i_o believe_v they_o fear_v the_o jure_fw-la divine_a of_o it_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o move_v a_o foot_n far_o without_o a_o sovereign_a hand_n for_o to_o support_v it_o but_o all_o this_o show_v they_o have_v much_o abate_v in_o their_o first_o love_n next_o what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o ardent_a affection_n and_o frequent_v private_a and_o public_a exercise_n and_o assembling_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v they_o not_o the_o only_a man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o first_o appearance_n that_o 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anabaptist_n so_o call_v slake_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o will_v compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n how_o strict_a they_o be_v to_o discipline_n and_o order_n that_o they_o may_v just_o be_v call_v above_o all_o other_o the_o disciplinarian_o yet_o now_o how_o remiss_a they_o be_v unto_o it_o all_o know_v by_o a_o too_o large_a toleration_n of_o error_n among_o they_o and_o how_o flat_a their_o zeal_n be_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o truth_n all_o see_v yea_o strange_a how_o they_o be_v change_v from_o their_o first_o principle_n who_o at_o first_o love_v one_o the_o other_o as_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n yet_o now_o who_o more_o worldly_a or_o haughty_a than_o they_o therefore_o see_v you_o have_v all_o come_v short_a of_o your_o duty_n and_o make_v a_o defection_n from_o your_o first_o love_n take_v the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v the_o spirit_n set_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o memento_n home_n on_o the_o affection_n and_o zeal-fallen_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o to_o re-mind_n she_o of_o her_o first_o state_n and_o condition_n when_o she_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o zeal_n and_o love_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n than_o now_o she_o have_v that_o that_o consideration_n may_v so_o work_v upon_o she_o as_o to_o make_v a_o renovation_n in_o her_o affection_n and_o to_o be-think_a herself_o of_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o measure_n of_o zeal_n and_o love_n which_o once_o she_o have_v and_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n
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
and_o catholic_a instruction_n in_o his_o mouth_n the_o devil_n or_o the_o devilish_a preacher_n answer_v he_o that_o whilst_o he_o preach_v good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n unto_o his_o auditor_n and_o they_o be_v not_o follower_n of_o it_o he_o have_v his_o end_n even_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o condemnation_n for_o their_o neglect_n inproficiency_n and_o contempt_n of_o such_o good_a doctrine_n sure_o how_o this_o odd_a design_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o devil_n be_v head_n i_o know_v not_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o truth_n abide_v not_o in_o he_o nor_o will_v confess_v it_o no_o further_o than_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o overmastering_a divine_a power_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o god_n never_o send_v the_o evil_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o messenger_n to_o provoke_v to_o break_v off_o from_o sin_n to_o live_v to_o god_n holiness_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n his_o very_a nature_n be_v contrary_a to_o such_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o great_a hinderer_n not_o the_o promoter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v another_o mark_n to_o discern_v of_o what_o spirit_n vision_n be_v of_o three_o another_o distinguish_a mark_n be_v that_o in_o respect_n those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o terribleness_n in_o the_o strange_a apparition_n therein_o they_o leave_v a_o high_a and_o strange_a impression_n of_o spirit_n upon_o the_o party_n under_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n leave_v always_o behind_o they_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v away_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o glory_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o worthlesness_n isaiah_n the_o prophet_n when_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o have_v discovery_n of_o his_o glory_n he_o can_v call_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o job_n also_o confess_v cap._n 42._o 5_o 6._o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n do_v always_o humble_a in_o that_o it_o bring_v to_o sight_n our_o own_o worthlesness_n even_o in_o our_o best_a attainment_n in_o respect_n of_o it_o which_o cause_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n now_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n bring_v contrary_a fruit_n and_o effect_n as_o pride_n vainglory_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v difference_v in_o their_o operation_n four_o vision_n ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n though_o often_o they_o may_v much_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v their_o spirit_n that_o be_v under_o they_o as_o in_o dan._n 7.15_o and_o 8.27_o and_o take_v away_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o present_a and_o their_o strength_n and_o comeliness_n and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v faint_v dead_a dumb_a and_o breathless_a as_o in_o daniel_n cap._n 10._o 8._o 15._o 17._o verse_n and_o as_o john_n in_o verse_n 17._o at_o the_o vision_n of_o christ_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o zachariah_n paul_n etc._n etc._n yet_o after_o they_o be_v pass_v they_o have_v no_o impair_n in_o the_o part_n either_o of_o their_o body_n or_o soul_n but_o rather_o a_o great_a glory_n put_v upon_o they_o as_o moses_n who_o face_n do_v shine_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o vision_n of_o god_n paul_n grow_v a_o most_o eminent_a light_n and_o the_o high_a of_o all_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o convert_n vision_n act_v 9_o john_n here_o receive_v great_a and_o high_a revelation_n from_o christ_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n god_n be_v no_o hard_a master_n none_o be_v ever_o loser_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n in_o this_o sort_n for_o unto_o such_o he_o common_o add_v great_a addition_n of_o part_n grace_n and_o glory_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n rapture_n or_o possession_n many_o have_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o due_a temperature_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o become_v altogether_o besot_v and_o wittol_n but_o have_v also_o their_o body_n impair_v by_o the_o hard_a service_n of_o their_o master_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v report_v and_o common_o by_o experience_n see_v of_o witch_n and_o such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o be_v true_o bewitch_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o as_o servant_n to_o his_o will_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o impair_v and_o hurt_v by_o his_o possession_n and_o daily_a disturb_v of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o apollyon_n or_o destroyer_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v break_v in_o their_o reason_n they_o conceive_v in_o their_o rapture_n that_o they_o be_v transform_v into_o strange_a shape_n of_o cat_n dog_n hare_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o instant_a to_o be_v transport_v and_o carry_v into_o far_a place_n distant_a and_o in_o and_o out_o to_o house_n though_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v thing_n in_o themselves_o above_o the_o efficiency_n of_o any_o creature_n and_o contradictory_n to_o nature_n and_o all_o its_o work_n and_o unless_o person_n of_o such_o belief_n make_v two_o omnipotents_a it_o can_v never_o stand_v indeed_o the_o true_a ground_n hereof_o and_o of_o all_o their_o confession_n in_o this_o kind_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o devil_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o frequent_a ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n have_v so_o befool_v they_o in_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o do_v very_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v real_o do_v and_o act_v which_o the_o devil_n do_v represent_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n and_o so_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n believe_v and_o often_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v of_o truth_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v impossibility_n in_o nature_n without_o a_o miracle_n and_o have_v never_o a_o be_v further_o than_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o their_o confuse_a and_o disturb_a brain_n this_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n five_o and_o last_o if_o all_o these_o former_a distinguish_a mark_n fail_v for_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v very_o far_o in_o comply_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o herein_o he_o can_v deceive_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o vision_n or_o revelation_n in_o the_o event_n thereof_o this_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o try_v he_o whether_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o event_n discover_v vision_n and_o distinguish_v prophet_n jer._n 28.9_o the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o and_o this_o be_v according_a to_o that_o of_o deut._n 18.21_o 22._o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o a_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o look_v to_o the_o event_n if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v of_o god_n if_o not_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o jerusalem_n hananiah_n and_o other_o false_a prophet_n the_o contrary_a jer._n 28.2_o 3_o 4._o ahab_n fear_v not_o to_o go_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n while_o zedekiah_n the_o false_a prophet_n tell_v he_o go_v and_o prosper_v 1_o king_n 22._o but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o micaiah_n prove_v true_a to_o ahab_n in_o his_o destruction_n than_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v confound_v and_o zedekiah_n run_v into_o a_o inner_a chamber_n to_o hide_v himself_o 2_o king_n 22.25_o object_n but_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n yes_o but_o not_o with_o that_o clearness_n as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v he_o leave_v no_o hesitation_n or_o doubt_v on_o which_o side_n the_o overthrow_n will_v be_v the_o beast_n together_o with_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n must_v be_v take_v and_o destroy_v the_o saint_n must_v remain_v the_o conqueror_n satan_n in_o his_o prediction_n be_v but_o as_o a_o good_a guesser_n or_o conjecturer_n at_o best_a to_o keep_v his_o credit_n good_a with_o his_o complice_n he_o give_v out_o his_o prediction_n in_o riddle_n or_o aenigma_n as_o of_o old_a in_o the_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n aio_fw-la te_fw-la aeacides_n romanos_fw-la vincere_fw-la posse_fw-la or_o that_o of_o croesus_n croesus_n halyn_n penetrans_fw-la magnam_fw-la pervertet_fw-la opum_fw-la vim_o both_o which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o diverse_a sense_n which_o the_o constructor_n take_v in_o advantage_n as_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o prove_v to_o both_o fatal_a in_o not_o
one_o stroke_n whereas_o we_o general_o grant_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v moral_a natural_a be_v both_o divine_a spiritual_a our_o duty_n and_o perpetual_a there_o be_v no_o relaxation_n to_o the_o least_o jota_n of_o it_o second_o we_o grant_v the_o judicial_a law_n of_o moses_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o use_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o that_o law_n it_o be_v quite_o dead_a unto_o we_o and_o be_v part_n of_o that_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v nail_v unto_o christ_n cross_n and_o to_o give_v a_o restauration_n and_o resurrection_n unto_o it_o either_o in_o its_o self_n or_o in_o allusion_n draw_v from_o it_o press_v home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n be_v to_o add_v circumcision_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o bear_v and_o so_o by_o consequence_n to_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v for_o if_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o judaical_a judicial_a law_n as_o particular_o relate_v to_o that_o nation_n be_v void_a and_o non-obliging_a unto_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o all_o sound_a protestant_n confess_v and_o be_v this_o day_n make_v good_a and_o avow_a by_o their_o general_a practice_n for_o what_o sort_n of_o christian_n do_v strict_o bind_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o judicial_n of_o moses_n but_o do_v pick_v and_o choose_v as_o they_o please_v for_o as_o i_o say_v but_o now_o many_o good_a thing_n be_v in_o they_o both_o useful_a and_o imitable_a for_o christian_a commonweal_n to_o adhere_v to_o but_o to_o make_v they_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o cogent_a upon_o the_o conscience_n i_o know_v no_o sound_a church_n or_o teacher_n do_v so_o undertake_v to_o become_v its_o advocate_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o heterodox_n i_o be_o resolve_v and_o shall_v give_v it_o as_o advice_n to_o other_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o liberty_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o if_o the_o judicial_a law_n together_o with_o all_o its_o ceremonial_n as_o all_o sound_a divine_n grant_v and_o confess_v and_o practice_v according_o be_v null_n and_o void_a and_o non-constringent_a unto_o christian_n then_o how_o unequal_a and_o unjust_a it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o foundation_n or_o corner_n stone_n to_o build_v any_o gospel_n ordinance_n thereon_o for_o the_o basis_n be_v unsound_a and_o sandy_a the_o structure_n can_v hold_v but_o must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n together_o and_o all_o such_o conclusion_n as_o be_v extract_v from_o such_o unsound_a premise_n be_v rather_o exotique_a than_o concentrique_fw-la with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o legal_a type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v long_o since_o putrify_v in_o their_o grave_n and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o mary_n say_v to_o christ_n concern_v her_o brother_n lazarus_n lord_n by_o this_o it_o stink_v we_o have_v the_o anti-type_n christ_n himself_o the_o true_a substance_n of_o all_o judaical_a type_n and_o shadow_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a lord_n of_o his_o house_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o of_o common_a element_n of_o water_n bread_n and_o wine_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o institution_n have_v make_v they_o unto_o we_o spiritual_a water_n of_o regeneration_n and_o spiritual_a symbol_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v mystical_o and_o sacramental_o communicate_v to_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n and_o this_o lord_n as_o a_o faithful_a legislator_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n about_o those_o ordinance_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n together_o with_o the_o subject_n thereof_o and_o though_o some_o assert_v that_o the_o truth_n hereabout_o lie_v deep_a and_o of_o difficult_a discern_a and_o i_o believe_v it_o true_a as_o unto_o they_o and_o those_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a dust_n they_o themselves_o raise_v about_o it_o as_o the_o fox_n in_o the_o fable_n that_o go_v to_o sweep_v the_o house_n with_o his_o tail_n who_o in_o stead_n of_o cleanse_v the_o house_n make_v it_o more_o filthy_a by_o the_o dust_n he_o raise_v about_o it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o conceive_v these_o two_o great_a gospel_n ordinance_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a to_o plain_a and_o simple_a heart_a christian_n in_o all_o the_o necessary_a circumstantial_o thereof_o as_o about_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n the_o qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o ordinance_n be_v not_o institute_v alone_o for_o philosophical_a christian_n but_o be_v also_o subject_v to_o the_o cognizance_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o academic_n and_o therefore_o their_o significancy_n obvious_a unto_o all_o in_o all_o such_o particular_n that_o make_v but_o a_o reasonable_a enquiry_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v judge_v such_o as_o sophister_n and_o vain_a jangler_n as_o go_v about_o to_o darken_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o two_o great_a gospel_n light_n or_o sacrament_n by_o analogical_a argument_n levy_v from_o the_o judicial_n or_o ceremonial_n of_o moses_n to_o support_v they_o withal_o or_o to_o evidence_n their_o truth_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o any_o circumstantial_o thereof_o whereas_o they_o be_v sufficient_o support_v and_o virtuate_v by_o a_o clear_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o wit_n their_o own_o genuine_a institution_n and_o here_o right_o may_v be_v appply_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n ne_fw-fr te_fw-fr quesiveris_fw-la extra_fw-la and_o for_o he_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a cre_n that_fw-mi judeus_fw-la apella_n non_fw-la ego_fw-la but_o to_o return_v to_o m._n morice_n from_o who_o answer_n i_o have_v somewhat_o digress_v i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o present_v he_o with_o few_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o learned_a m._n baxter_n be_v myself_o very_o conscious_a to_o be_v impar_fw-la congressus_fw-la achilli_n in_o his_o book_n for_o infant_n baptism_n against_o m._n bedford_n p._n 299._o this_o argument_n of_o his_o offer_n itself_o if_o both_o in_o the_o institution_n and_o every_o example_n of_o baptism_n through_o all_o the_o bible_n the_o first_o grace_n be_v prerequisite_a as_o a_o condition_n than_o the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o institute_v for_o the_o confirm_v of_o that_o first_o grace_n but_o in_o the_o institution_n and_o every_o example_n of_o baptism_n through_o all_o the_o bible_n the_o first_o grace_n be_v prerequisite_a as_o a_o condition_n therefore_o the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o institute_v to_o confer_v it_o by_o the_o first_o grace_n it_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o still_o mean_v that_o grace_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n whether_o habitual_a or_o actual_a or_o if_o you_o will_v call_v it_o seminal_a or_o radical_a you_o may_v by_o prerequisite_a as_o a_o condition_n i_o mean_v either_o in_o the_o party_n or_o another_o for_o he_o the_o force_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o otherwise_o baptism_n shall_v be_v institute_v to_o give_v man_n that_o which_o be_v pre-required_n in_o they_o and_o so_o which_o they_o have_v already_o as_o to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o the_o antecedent_n be_v undeniable_a as_o may_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o recital_n of_o the_o particular_a text_n can_v we_o stay_v so_o long_o upon_o it_o john_n require_v a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n in_o those_o he_o baptize_v jesus_n first_o make_v they_o disciple_n and_o then_o by_o his_o apostle_n baptize_v they_o john_n 4.1_o the_o solemn_a institution_n of_o it_o as_o a_o stand_a ordinance_n to_o the_o church_n which_o tell_v we_o full_o the_o end_n be_v in_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v and_o disciple_n i_o all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o &c_n &c_n now_o for_o the_o age_a a_o disciple_n and_o a_o believer_n be_v all_o one_o mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v act_n 2.38_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o etc._n etc._n 41._o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8.12_o 13._o the_o samaritan_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n simon_n himself_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v act_v 8.36_o 37._o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptize_v and_o he_o answer_v i_o believe_v etc._n etc._n act_v 9_o paul_n believe_v upon_o ananias_n instruction_n and_o then_o be_v baptize_v act_n 10.47_o 48._o and_o 16.15.33_o and_o 18.8_o and_o 19.4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n thus_o far_o m._n baxter_n in_o this_o place_n and_o to_o see_v his_o clearness_n herein_o be_v admirable_a and_o what_o advantage_n a_o learned_a man_n have_v when_o he_o have_v truth_n on_o his_o side_n which_o argument_n be_v able_a though_o by_o he_o manage_v there_o to_o another_o end_n
sacrifice_v the_o saint_n which_o they_o term_v heretic_n or_o schismatics_n and_o troubler_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o union_n but_o when_o you_o meet_v such_o a_o fiery_a persecute_v spirit_n in_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o christ_n judge_v of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v by_o these_o scripture_n gal._n 5.20_o col._n 3.12_o 13._o so_o great_a have_v be_v the_o malice_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n ever_o against_o the_o true_a saint_n that_o they_o have_v never_o rest_v till_o they_o have_v get_v their_o blood_n shed_v it_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o false_a prelate_n and_o priest_n that_o first_o fill_v all_o europe_n with_o blood_n it_o be_v the_o same_o curse_a progeny_n that_o bring_v so_o many_o precious_a soul_n to_o the_o stake_n and_o faggot_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n otherwise_o of_o herself_o as_o history_n testify_v of_o nature_n good_a enough_o quere_z but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v query_v for_o what_o thing_n ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v under_o the_o burden_n thereof_o i_o have_v partly_o former_o answer_v this_o question_n in_o the_o nine_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v one_o word_n more_o for_o the_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n and_o keep_v the_o conscience_n undefiled_a herein_o first_o know_v that_o every_o soul_n be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n whether_o moral_a natural_a or_o positive_a and_o to_o undergo_v all_o suffering_n whatsoever_o rather_o then_o to_o dishonour_n god_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o former_a or_o neglect_v his_o worship_n by_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o latter_a we_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v under_o persecutor_n to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n undefiled_a in_o not_o commit_v gross_a sin_n as_o idolatry_n etc._n etc._n but_o also_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v all_o our_o positive_a christian_n duty_n though_o we_o suffer_v for_o it_o as_o we_o find_v that_o daniel_n give_v a_o testimony_n in_o this_o case_n though_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o persecution_n to_o extremity_n and_o will_v not_o forbear_v his_o three_o time_n a_o day_n solemn_a prayer_n and_o that_o upon_o his_o knee_n in_o his_o chamber_n and_o his_o window_n open_a towards_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o know_v his_o enemy_n may_v by_o that_o mean_n surprise_v and_o accuse_v he_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n yet_o do_v he_o hold_v himself_o bind_v daily_o to_o the_o law_n of_o outward_a worship_n though_o the_o look_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o a_o ceremony_n ordain_v by_o god_n upon_o solomon_n prayer_n 1_o king_n 8.9_o also_o the_o macchabean_a worthy_n do_v not_o think_v that_o persecution_n do_v or_o can_v discharge_v they_o from_o the_o strict_a observe_v even_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o not_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n but_o for_o it_o endure_v all_o extremity_n of_o torment_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v and_o for_o it_o be_v just_o rank_v among_o the_o worthy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o faith_n heb._n 11._o so_o jealous_a be_v god_n not_o only_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o moral_a law_n but_o even_o of_o those_o ceremonial_a and_o ritual_a law_n that_o after_o he_o have_v discover_v his_o will_n about_o they_o and_o command_v they_o they_o forthwith_o become_v moral_o positive_a law_n and_o obligent_fw-la until_o their_o repeal_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n be_v manifest_v and_o clear_v therefore_o by_o this_o judge_n what_o a_o lax_n and_o loose_a religion_n do_v hobbs_n his_o leviathan_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o religion_n that_o the_o chief_a or_o sovereign_a magistrate_n shall_v dictate_v to_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o christian_n duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o any_o article_n but_o for_o that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n so_o subject_v almost_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o moral_n and_o positives_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o as_o to_o this_o let_v we_o like_o true_a christian_n pray_v libera_n domine_fw-la nos_fw-la a_fw-la malo_fw-la verse_n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n we_o have_v hear_v the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o how_o she_o have_v a_o just_a and_o honourable_a approbation_n for_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o tang_n in_o the_o end_n which_o show_v some_o defection_n in_o she_o and_o after_o all_o her_o commendation_n there_o be_v a_o nevertheless_o follow_v close_o in_o the_o heel_n thereof_o with_o somewhat_o to_o be_v say_v against_o she_o just_o as_o it_o be_v often_o say_v of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n that_o they_o walk_v and_o do_v upright_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o david_n the_o king_n but_o withal_o there_o be_v add_v a_o but_o but_o they_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n that_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n hence_o by_o the_o way_n note_v observe_v that_o the_o pure_a church_n and_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v not_o altogether_o exempt_v from_o stain_n but_o have_v their_o spot_n and_o blemish_n as_o well_o as_o resplendent_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o spouse_n condition_n in_o cant._n 1.5_o where_o she_o describe_v herself_o and_o say_v i_o be_o black_a but_o comely_a o_o you_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n as_o the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n let_v we_o out_o survey_v the_o first_o church_n and_o christian_n to_o elucidate_n and_o confirm_v this_o truth_n and_o see_v they_o stand_v near_o the_o light_n even_o the_o sun_n of_o truth_n and_o his_o twelve_o illustrious_a radiate_a sign_n his_o apostle_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v the_o sound_a and_o the_o pure_a yet_o see_v whether_o we_o read_v not_o of_o their_o maculae_fw-la or_o spot_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o shine_a grace_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o famous_a church_n yet_o she_o have_v her_o fail_n contaminate_v the_o holy_a feast_n and_o their_o agapee_n with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o beside_o the_o foul_a error_n of_o false_a apostle_n as_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v not_o much_o inferior_a in_o her_o wantonnize_a after_o liveless_a ceremonial_a fancy_n and_o press_v they_o as_o necessary_a with_o christ_n unto_o salvation_n and_o when_o paul_n oppose_v they_o herein_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o once_o be_v ready_a to_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o do_v he_o good_a yet_o now_o for_o cross_v their_o capricious_a whimsy_n be_v become_v their_o great_a adversary_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n have_v their_o several_a encomium_n for_o their_o grace_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n chargeable_a on_o they_o for_o wax_a cold_a in_o their_o first_o love_n for_o admit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n nicolaitan_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o descend_v from_o body_n collective_a to_o individual_a person_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o lot_n befall_v unto_o all_o consider_v noah_n job_n david_n peter_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o rake_v up_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v upon_o record_n to_o encourage_v to_o sin_n but_o to_o be_v precedent_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o as_o example_n for_o encouragement_n unto_o repentant_a sinner_n because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n some_o difficulty_n seem_v in_o these_o word_n whether_o by_o first_o love_n be_v intend_v christ_n who_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v leave_v or_o that_o first_o ardent_a affection_n and_o zeal_n which_o she_o bear_v to_o christ_n at_o her_o first_o conversion_n the_o latter_a interpretation_n to_o i_o be_v clear_a because_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v not_o withdraw_v herself_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n for_o it_o be_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o truth_n that_o she_o have_v suffer_v much_o both_o from_o wicked_a person_n and_o wicked_a teacher_n therefore_o as_o long_o as_o her_o faith_n be_v sound_a she_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v christ_n as_o her_o first_o love_n and_o take_v a_o new_a love_n or_o new_a object_n of_o her_o faith_n but_o that_o for_o which_o she_o be_v charge_v as_o faulty_a be_v that_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n that_o be_v her_o first_o zeal_n and_o fervent_a affection_n which_o she_o bear_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o ordinance_n at_o her_o first_o conversion_n and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o next_o verse_n where_o she_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o do_v she_o first_o work_n from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o many_o true_a and_o faithful_a
proper_o the_o first_o paradise_n may_v serve_v to_o typify_v or_o represent_v the_o second_o paradise_n or_o new_a church-state_n or_o heaven_n which_o christ_n will_v restore_v unto_o his_o faithful_a one_o before_o the_o ultimate_a day_n and_o end_n of_o all_o see_v more_o on_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n verse_n 8._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a verse_n 9_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o tribulation_n and_o poverty_n but_o thou_o be_v rich_a and_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n christ_n have_v finish_v his_o charge_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n go_v on_o on_o the_o same_o account_n with_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o command_v the_o angel_n or_o chief_a pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o say_a church_n who_o as_o ireneus_fw-la testify_v be_v policarpus_fw-la scholar_n unto_o s._n john_n to_o write_v those_o thing_n for_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o person_n that_o give_v out_o these_o discovery_n and_o charge_n to_o the_o church_n be_v here_o plain_o manifest_v to_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a as_o in_o v._o 18._o of_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n more_o full_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o discovery_n be_v whole_o of_o encouragement_n and_o approbation_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o tribulation_n and_o poverty_n but_o thou_o be_v rich_a that_o be_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n thou_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o trouble_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n that_o thou_o endure_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o opprobrious_a scandalous_a and_o revile_v speech_n which_o those_o cast_n out_o against_o thou_o which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o and_o i_o know_v thy_o poverty_n and_o scantiness_n in_o worldly_a riches_n but_o i_o add_v withal_o thou_o be_v rich_a in_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v account_v poor_a in_o this_o world_n yet_o thou_o have_v treasure_n abide_v for_o thou_o in_o heaven_n and_o withal_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o also_o know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o revile_v speech_n that_o those_o which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o so_o perhaps_o be_v so_o by_o blood_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o true_a jew_n true_a spiritual_a israelite_n but_o rather_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o malicious_a practice_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v the_o very_a devil_n be_v disciple_n and_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n here_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n or_o several_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o knowledge_n and_o far_o different_a the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o approbation_n love_n and_o complacency_n the_o other_o of_o hatred_n and_o abhorrency_n christ_n know_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n of_o her_o tribulation_n persecution_n and_o poverty_n and_o love_v she_o and_o honour_n she_o for_o it_o christ_n also_o know_v the_o work_n of_o her_o adversary_n of_o blasphemy_n reproach_n and_o enticement_n to_o evil_a against_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o godliness_n and_o not_o only_o hate_v they_o for_o it_o but_o set_v a_o character_n of_o ignominy_n upon_o their_o head_n for_o ever_o for_o what_o may_v be_v more_o reproachful_a or_o stigmatise_v then_o for_o those_o that_o think_v themselves_o somewhat_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o call_v themselves_o jew_n the_o keeper_n of_o the_o oracle_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n yet_o indeed_o to_o be_v just_o number_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v church_n for_o the_o word_n synagogue_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v so_o much_o as_o convention_n meet_v or_o church_n which_o be_v common_o use_v now_o in_o the_o worse_a sense_n which_o be_v appropriate_v first_o chief_o to_o the_o jewish_a pharisaical_a and_o priestly_a meeting_n and_o call_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n but_o christian_n have_v renounce_v the_o name_n and_o thing_n have_v appropriate_v to_o their_o meeting_n or_o convention_n a_o more_o significant_a name_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n ecclesia_fw-la and_o leave_v the_o synagogue_n to_o unbelieve_a jew_n antichrist_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o nourish_v their_o disciple_n in_o from_o christ_n take_v knowledge_n with_o approbation_n of_o the_o work_n and_o tribulation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n see_v the_o note_n on_o v._o 2._o of_o this_o chapter_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v but_o from_o this_o verse_n explain_v one_o note_n shall_v be_v observe_v that_o a_o poor_a afflict_a and_o persecute_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o dear_a precious_a and_o rich_a in_o his_o eye_n than_o all_o other_o the_o potent_a rich_a and_o mighty_a society_n in_o the_o world_n christ_n look_v upon_o the_o latter_a but_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o common_a providence_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o shower_n fall_v on_o the_o field_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o unrighteous_a alike_o herein_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o love_n or_o mercy_n god_n equal_o dispense_v those_o common_a gift_n equal_o alike_o unto_o all_o neither_o be_v any_o one_o to_o be_v account_v godly_a or_o ungodly_a elect_a or_o reprobate_a from_o the_o abound_a or_o want_v thereof_o for_o some_o godly_a have_v abound_v and_o other_o have_v want_v herein_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v distinguish_v mercy_n their_o affliction_n and_o tear_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o a_o bottle_n of_o remembrance_n for_o a_o reward_n and_o crown_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n his_o jewel_n member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v dear_a unto_o he_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n for_o they_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v if_o there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o elect_a member_n on_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v soon_o see_v its_o night_n and_o period_n and_o forthwith_o relapse_n to_o its_o primitive_a and_o everlasting_a chaos_n or_o at_o least_o pass_v away_o and_o perish_v that_o its_o place_n be_v no_o more_o find_v christ_n be_v still_o walk_v among_o those_o golden_a candlestick_n view_v their_o order_n and_o take_v his_o delight_n in_o those_o garden_n and_o bed_n of_o spice_n and_o so_o get_v up_o early_o into_o these_o vineyard_n to_o see_v if_o the_o vine_n flourish_n whether_o the_o tender_a grape_n appear_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v forth_o cant._n 7.12_o his_o delight_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o take_v much_o pleasure_n not_o only_o in_o see_v and_o smell_v the_o savoury_a exercise_n and_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o more_o grow_v christian_n but_o also_o take_v much_o complacency_n in_o view_v the_o growth_n production_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o young_a christian_n and_o lead_v they_o gentle_o by_o the_o hand_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n until_o at_o last_o they_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o wine-cellar_n of_o his_o love_n where_o he_o bid_v they_o to_o take_v their_o fill_n of_o love_n but_o by_o the_o way_n comfort_v they_o with_o apple_n and_o stay_v they_o with_o flagon_n till_o at_o last_o he_o bring_v they_o home_o unto_o himself_o purify_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o purgatory_n of_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n as_o gold_n seven_o time_n try_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o chymister_n the_o genuine_a use_n of_o this_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o danger_n of_o persecution_n of_o christ_n member_n or_o church_n to_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v his_o member_n and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v do_v to_o one_o of_o they_o it_o be_v do_v unto_o himself_o and_o better_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o the_o neck_n of_o such_o offender_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n then_o to_o offend_v one_o of_o his_o little_a one_o the_o reason_n that_o christ_n church_n though_o afflict_a scorn_a or_o persecute_v be_v so_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o be_v first_o because_o they_o be_v his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v most_o natural_a to_o love_v one_o self_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o himself_o can_v love_v another_o and_o we_o be_v bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n second_o because_o of_o their_o grace_n and_o unction_n we_o have_v receive_v all_o of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o same_o anoint_v with_o himself_o though_o in_o a_o
wheresoever_o idolatry_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o church_n looseness_n and_o lasciviousness_n present_o follow_v error_n be_v fruitful_a and_o one_o bring_v forth_o another_o assoon_o as_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n maintain_v the_o eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o be_v the_o service_n of_o devil_n present_o they_o join_v hand_n with_o the_o obscene_a sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n when_o the_o israelite_n join_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o baal_n peor_n numb_a 25._o they_o become_v shameless_a and_o present_o fall_v on_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n in_o ezek._n 8.14_o we_o shall_v read_v that_o there_o be_v jewish_a woman_n weep_v for_o tammuz_o that_o be_v as_o some_o read_v it_o adonis_n or_o a_o idol_n or_o image_n of_o adonis_n who_o be_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o venus_n and_o slay_v by_o a_o boar_n in_o who_o memory_n there_o be_v celebrate_v yearly_a solemnity_n in_o which_o be_v the_o weep_n of_o woman_n or_o as_o junius_n have_v it_o it_o be_v osiris_n a_o idol_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o phoenician_n in_o who_o rite_n they_o forget_v all_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n to_o the_o idol_n so_o corrupt_a be_v false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n that_o it_o and_o filthiness_n do_v usual_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o in_o most_o partâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—he_n jurisdiction_n of_o rome_n but_o especial_o italy_n and_o spain_n â—ein_o the_o great_a and_o most_o notorious_a idolatry_n be_v commit_v and_o countenance_v there_o be_v the_o great_a obscenity_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n yea_o and_o that_o common_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o be_v unnatural_a and_o sodomitish_a and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v name_v among_o christian_n so_o it_o be_v so_o here_o once_o within_o our_o memory_n with_o we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v taste_v the_o same_o grape_n of_o rome_n lust_n be_v soon_o promote_v both_o in_o court_n and_o country_n quest_n but_o if_o you_o here_o demand_v wherein_o lie_v the_o mischievousness_n and_o grievousness_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n i_o answer_v 1._o all_o idolater_n they_o forsake_v the_o true_a god_n 2._o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o form_n of_o creep_a thing_n 3._o they_o thrust_v out_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o their_o holy_a place_n and_o at_o last_o god_n himself_o 4._o they_o slight_a god_n and_o his_o help_n in_o extremity_n and_o call_v to_o their_o idol_n that_o see_v not_o hear_v not_o nor_o understand_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v to_o s._n anthony_n s._n francis_n etc._n etc._n 5._o they_o become_v prodigal_a towards_o their_o idol_n as_o the_o adulterer_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o for_o his_o harlot_n so_o they_o nothing_o too_o much_o for_o their_o idolatrize_a worship_n witness_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n 6._o they_o become_v unclean_a and_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n god_n hate_v 7._o they_o become_v fool_n infatuate_v and_o deliver_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n whilst_o they_o disclaim_v the_o great_a infinite_a glorious_a holy_a and_o alwise_a god_n and_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o adore_v batts_n ox_n mole_n owl_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o little_a piece_n of_o dead_a wood_n metal_n and_o the_o like_a carve_v and_o frame_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n and_o this_o be_v the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o idolater_n who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o strange_a delusion_n and_o believe_v a_o lie_n observe_v 7._o the_o last_o note_n from_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o difficult_a undertake_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v off_o or_o wean_v either_o new_a plant_v church_n or_o new_o reform_v one_o from_o their_o old_a false_a worship_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o the_o new_a plant_v church_n as_o of_o pergamus_n corinth_n and_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_n think_v that_o they_o may_v still_o participate_v of_o their_o former_a sacrifice_n of_o devil_n and_o their_o idolathite_n and_o of_o christ_n table_n also_o but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v very_o bitter_a against_o such_o in_o 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o and_o the_o spirit_n here_o also_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o and_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o the_o pergamitish_a church_n for_o entertainment_n of_o such_o doctrine_n what_o ado_n have_v paul_n also_o to_o take_v off_o the_o believe_a jew_n from_o their_o circumcision_n and_o moysaicall_a rite_n they_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o pedagogy_n of_o moses_n join_v to_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o so_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v no_o less_o than_o a_o full_a council_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v this_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n act_n 15._o and_o what_o a_o difficult_a business_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o reformation_n to_o reform_v up_o full_o all_o the_o world_n know_v what_o uproar_n commotion_n and_o civil_a war_n there_o be_v in_o k._n edward_n the_o sixth_n day_n when_o the_o mass-book_n be_v but_o turn_v into_o english_a as_o some_o of_o k._n edward_n counsellor_n advise_v our_o cornish_a rebel_n who_o be_v then_o in_o arm_n for_o their_o old_a mumpsimus_n and_o popish_a worship_n and_o sure_o luther_n nor_o zuinglius_fw-la nor_o calvin_n can_v go_v on_o with_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o germany_n france_n or_o other_o place_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o unpreparedness_n and_o unsuitable_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o who_o they_o begin_v the_o reformation_n be_v so_o long_a time_n settle_v and_o fix_v upon_o their_o old_a lees_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n for_o they_o to_o go_v far_o through_o with_o it_o than_o be_v fit_a and_o competent_a for_o that_o generation_n who_o always_o reserve_v some_o relic_n remain_v and_o smack_v of_o popery_n though_o the_o main_a work_n be_v beat_v down_o and_o therefore_o some_o heady_a people_n of_o those_o time_n that_o will_v not_o condescend_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o have_v providential_a carriage_n towards_o the_o weak_a and_o dark_a sort_n of_o people_n will_v reform_v thing_n even_o to_o the_o height_n and_o full_a pitch_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n but_o the_o people_n of_o they_o age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o it_o cause_v much_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o through_o intemperate_a zeal_n much_o hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o the_o begin_v reformation_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n but_o since_o in_o many_o place_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o reform_a this_o reformation_n have_v make_v a_o further_a progress_n by_o some_o step_n yet_o still_o among_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a not_o only_o in_o this_o nation_n but_o elsewhere_o there_o be_v some_o remain_v of_o the_o old_a false_a worship_n and_o practice_n and_o a_o lust_a after_o they_o so_o strong_a a_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o our_o predecessor_n practice_n be_v they_o never_o so_o corrupt_a yet_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o that_o reformation_n we_o enjoy_v and_o liberty_n to_o profess_v and_o practice_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o most_o undefiled_a and_o pure_a pattern_n that_o we_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o desire_v more_o on_o our_o own_o part_n or_o what_o great_a blessing_n can_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o be_v protect_v secure_v and_o countenance_v in_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n will_v not_o reform_v in_o such_o a_o day_n when_o public_a edict_n be_v go_v forth_o from_o cyrus_n to_o set_v israel_n free_a i_o wonder_v when_o they_o will_v fall_v upon_o it_o do_v they_o expect_v the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v and_o compel_v all_o unto_o the_o work_n alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o generation_n that_o all_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n in_o a_o whole_a nation_n or_o kingdom_n no_o never_o will_v there_o be_v such_o a_o golden_a age_n until_o christ_n himself_o shall_v come_v with_o the_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o purge_v his_o garner_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o be_v not_o the_o church_n a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n if_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v the_o church_n where_o be_v the_o thorn_n be_v they_o the_o other_o neighbour_n nation_n about_o alas_o they_o be_v lily_n too_o church_n on_o that_o account_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v they_o the_o gentle_a nation_n as_o turk_n persian_n antichristian_o and_o popish_a nation_n as_o italian_n spanish_a french_a &_o c_o alas_o they_o be_v no_o thorn_n to_o you_o the_o reform_a nation_n be_v in_o equal_a balance_n
mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb._n this_o be_v the_o terrible_a and_o unknown_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o christ_n himself_o which_o one_o day_n he_o will_v manifest_v when_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o o_o let_v this_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n observe_v 2._o christ_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o intense_a on_o the_o punishment_n of_o delinquent_a church_n christ_n come_v all_o in_o a_o fiery_a posture_n against_o thyatira_n and_o withal_o tell_v she_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o that_o for_o suffer_v jezabel_n within_o she_o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n etc._n etc._n christ_n when_o he_o whip_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n jo_n 2._o do_v it_o so_o zealous_o that_o for_o that_o very_a act_n it_o be_v former_o prophesy_v of_o he_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n in_o his_o carriage_n and_o ready_a to_o punish_v all_o those_o delinquent_a asian_a church_n he_o tell_v ephesus_n in_o the_o first_o place_n except_o she_o repent_v and_o recover_v she_o first_o love_n and_o do_v she_o first_o work_n he_o will_v come_v quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n to_o pergamus_n he_o say_v repent_v or_o i_o come_v quick_o against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n against_o the_o zeal-fallen_a church_n of_o laodicea_n cap._n 3._o 15_o 16._o i_o know_v thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n you_o see_v christ_n will_v not_o spare_v his_o delinquent_a church_n but_o come_v quick_o against_o they_o except_o they_o repent_v and_o this_o proceed_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n answer_n to_o this_o apparition_n of_o he_o to_o john_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o foot_n like_o burn_a brass_n cap._n 1._o 14_o 15._o verse_n 19_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o all_o those_o grace_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o true_a â—eal_a grace_n not_o only_o so_o in_o appearance_n and_o opinion_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o therefore_o christ_n before_o he_o fall_v on_o the_o charge_n against_o she_o first_o he_o give_v a_o approbation_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o her_o grace_n and_o in_o effect_n tell_v she_o it_o be_v true_a o_o church_n of_o thyatira_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v thy_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o thy_o true_a love_n towards_o i_o which_o have_v produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o thou_o the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o thy_o zealous_a service_n and_o thy_o faith_n enliven_v by_o love_n together_o with_o thy_o constant_a patience_n under_o suffering_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o thou_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o and_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v unto_o thy_o praise_n that_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o those_o gracious_a work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v though_o thy_o first_o work_n be_v do_v out_o of_o much_o zeal_n yet_o the_o latter_a be_v do_v on_o more_o certain_a and_o sober_a ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sincerer_n end_v then_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o as_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o improvement_n of_o thy_o grace_n so_o thou_o be_v more_o in_o esteem_n and_o thy_o work_n also_o then_o at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o way_n here_o observe_v we_o may_v observe_v though_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v never_o so_o blame-worthy_a yet_o christ_n will_v give_v she_o her_o due_a and_o set_v too_o his_o seal_n of_o approbation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v sound_a and_o righteous_a in_o she_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o thyatira_n to_o denominate_v she_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o christ_n have_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o she_o it_o savour_v not_o of_o the_o dovelike_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o love_n when_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o rigid_a as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v such_o society_n to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o imperfection_n in_o they_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n though_o otherwise_o abound_v in_o work_n of_o holiness_n as_o love_v to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o faith_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n zeal_n towards_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n doubtless_o with_o some_o rigid_a person_n in_o these_o day_n the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n will_v be_v unchurch_v and_o anathematise_v by_o they_o have_v they_o but_o authority_n over_o they_o though_o christ_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n upon_o they_o and_o mark_v they_o as_o golden_a candlestick_n as_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n may_v be_v rot_v and_o dead_a and_o yet_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o in_o those_o spiritual_a body_n politics_n there_o may_v be_v some_o member_n rot_v and_o dead_a at_o the_o root_n yet_o the_o body_n still_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o no_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o again_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n there_o may_v be_v a_o catholic_a disease_n seize_v upon_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o may_v render_v it_o very_o uncapable_a for_o its_o service_n and_o yet_o still_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a it_o may_v be_v catholique_o sick_a and_o infect_v with_o some_o venomous_a disease_n some_o pestifferous_a doctrine_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o a_o church_n still_o though_o a_o decrepit_a infirm_a and_o lame_a one_o but_o when_o the_o disease_n come_v to_o be_v mortal_a leprous_a or_o incurable_a it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o cry_v out_o sum_n impurus_fw-la sum_fw-la impurus_fw-la procul_fw-la hinc_fw-la procul_fw-la ite_z for_o the_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o love_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a work_n that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o in_o his_o people_n and_o do_v also_o render_v they_o as_o approve_v saint_n both_o unto_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o public_a approve_a person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o his_o member_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o before_o these_o grace_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o saint_n to_o evidence_n their_o calling_n they_o be_v but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o election_n do_v secure_v our_o eternal_a estate_n but_o before_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n come_v to_o evidence_n it_o by_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n sin_n and_o death_n have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o though_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o in_o god_n predetermination_n yet_o differ_v we_o not_o at_o all_o from_o servant_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n yea_o therein_o we_o be_v slave_n and_o captive_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n these_o gracious_a work_n be_v call_v thy_o work_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o wrought_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o yet_o god_n goodness_n do_v call_v they_o we_o because_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o pass_v through_o our_o will_n affection_n and_o understanding_n and_o here_o love_n or_o charity_n be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o love_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v before_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o thus_o much_o i_o say_v that_o all_o general_o grant_v that_o faith_n first_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o unto_o a_o proposition_n now_o unless_o love_v come_v in_o to_o ingrediate_v the_o affection_n unto_o the_o truth_n propose_v it_o will_v only_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a opinion_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o lively_a faith_n second_o i_o say_v love_n be_v here_o propose_v as_o first_o in_o order_n as_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a gospel_n grace_n 1_o cor._n 13._o throughout_o now_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a of_o
than_o the_o approve_a presbyter_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o latter_a zeal_n be_v better_a â—egulated_v and_o more_o sober_a than_o the_o former_a when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n say_v paul_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o child_n i_o do_v as_o a_o child_n i_o understand_v as_o a_o child_n but_o when_o i_o become_v a_o man_n i_o put_v away_o childish_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o our_o first_o birth_n we_o be_v very_o childish_a and_o zealous_a of_o small_a thing_n external_a circumstance_n in_o worship_n we_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o great_a thing_n and_o if_o a_o paint_a window_n a_o cross_n a_o suâ—pless_a a_o cope_n etc._n etc._n stand_v in_o our_o way_n we_o present_o stumble_v at_o they_o and_o think_v it_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n we_o can_v perform_v to_o god_n either_o to_o burn_v they_o or_o break_v they_o to_o piece_n as_o antichristian_a trumpery_n again_o if_o we_o come_v a_o little_a high_o than_o we_o spend_v most_o or_o all_o our_o strength_n about_o the_o defence_n of_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o whether_o presbytery_n independency_n or_o the_o way_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n so_o call_v be_v the_o right_a way_n this_o humour_n too_o be_v most_o prevalent_a in_o the_o neophites_n but_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n be_v for_o the_o elder_n and_o strong_a sort_n the_o one_o think_v to_o catch_v heaven_n by_o tything_n mint_n and_o anniss_n by_o be_v very_o intense_a about_o the_o small_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o other_o â—ot_n leave_v the_o first_o undo_v fall_v upon_o the_o kernel_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v fit_a meat_n for_o strong_a man_n the_o grow_a christian_n grace_n excel_v the_o young_a as_o his_o love_n be_v more_o sound_n he_o love_v not_o for_o interest_n or_o opinion_n sake_n as_o many_o young_a one_o do_v but_o he_o love_v the_o brethren_n on_o this_o ground_n as_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a truth_n with_o himself_o second_o his_o service_n be_v more_o cordial_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v often_o meet_v god_n presence_n in_o his_o ordinance_n than_o the_o young_a christian_n have_v and_o therefore_o needs_o must_v his_o desire_n and_o affection_n excel_v unto_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n see_v he_o have_v ofâ—ner_o meet_v god_n therein_o as_o in_o a_o special_a habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n three_o a_o old_a christian_n faith_n be_v sound_a than_o the_o young_a he_o believe_v not_o because_o he_o have_v hear_v only_o with_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o believe_v because_o he_o have_v see_v taste_v and_o experience_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o other_o it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o have_v not_o attain_v too_o four_o his_o patience_n be_v more_o try_v more_o refine_v than_o the_o young_a five_o and_o last_o in_o effect_n all_o his_o grace_n be_v sound_a and_o better_o circumstantiate_v then_o those_o of_o the_o young_a christian_n for_o end_n for_o ground_n for_o manner_n for_o time_n and_o in_o all_o other_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o strive_v that_o our_o last_o work_n may_v be_v more_o than_o our_o first_o otherwise_o shame_n unto_o we_o as_o unprofitable_a servant_n verse_n 20._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n yet_o nevertheless_o o_o thou_o church_n of_o thyatira_n though_o i_o do_v approve_v and_o encourage_v thy_o gracious_a work_n of_o love_n faith_n service_n and_o patience_n and_o commend_v thou_o for_o thy_o proficiency_n in_o they_o yet_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n certain_a offence_n to_o lay_v in_o charge_n against_o thou_o hence_o note_v observe_v if_o our_o sin_n be_v few_o and_o great_a though_o our_o grace_n be_v many_o and_o eminent_a yet_o god_n will_v come_v against_o we_o for_o they_o few_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v as_o dead_a fly_n in_o precious_a ointment_n it_o will_v defile_v the_o whole_a box_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o inhabit_v quiet_o and_o at_o peace_n in_o one_o mansion_n with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n if_o ephraim_n will_v have_v idol_n god_n will_v let_v he_o alone_o and_o if_o israel_n will_v uphold_v wickedness_n though_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v abound_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o holy_a service_n yet_o that_o shall_v not_o privilege_v they_o from_o a_o babylonish_n captivity_n if_o his_o own_o select_a people_n will_v turn_v wild_a olive_n and_o cruciâ—â—e_v the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o his_o christ_n he_o can_v cut_v they_o off_o and_o make_v they_o a_o desolate_a and_o disperse_a people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n thyatira_n have_v many_o excellent_a grace_n and_o so_o have_v ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n the_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n jezabel_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n god_n come_v against_o they_o in_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o desolate_a if_o we_o conceive_v our_o grace_n of_o faith_n love_n service_n etc._n etc._n will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n though_o we_o admit_v antichristian_a doctrine_n of_o idolatry_n false_a and_o evil_a worship_n among_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v doubtless_o many_o of_o our_o former_a bishop_n be_v very_o godly_a man_n as_o jewel_n downham_n Ê‹sher_n hall_n davenant_n etc._n etc._n yet_o their_o real_a grace_n and_o holiness_n can_v not_o stop_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o go_v forth_o in_o wrath_n against_o the_o antichristian_a practice_n and_o false_a worship_n tolerate_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o engâ—_n 〈…〉_o only_o can_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o they_o themselves_o 〈◊〉_d main_a and_o the_o whole_a function_n shall_v smart_v for_o it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n indignation_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o pious_a man_n yet_o for_o their_o tolerate_n and_o connive_v at_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o themselves_o shall_v suffer_v in_o the_o common_a judgement_n but_o their_o pious_a and_o gracious_a soul_n shall_v be_v save_v so_o as_o by_o fire_n not_o that_o of_o purgatory_n first_o kindle_v in_o the_o pope_n kitchen_n but_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n sanctify_v unto_o they_o by_o that_o fire_n of_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v away_o our_o dross_n to_o wit_n god_n spirit_n and_o word_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v to_o it_o how_o we_o admit_v offence_n among_o we_o though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o they_o may_v draw_v god_n into_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o though_o they_o may_v not_o at_o present_a unchurch_n we_o yet_o if_o hold_v unrepented_a of_o they_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o come_v against_o we_o quick_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n o_o let_v no_o man_n plead_v for_o toleration_n of_o sin_n false_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o first_o church_n so_o as_o they_o sin_v first_o in_o these_o particular_n so_o they_o be_v make_v the_o first_o example_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sad_a say_n of_o some_o that_o their_o present_a church_n be_v as_o sound_v straight_o and_o holy_a as_o the_o primitive_a one_o they_o have_v their_o drunkard_n incestuous_a follower_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o nicolaitan_n and_o jezabel_n and_o we_o say_v they_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n have_v not_o worse_o alas_o they_o be_v now_o make_v unto_o we_o example_n of_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n for_o those_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o very_a habitation_n give_v unto_o the_o curse_a mahometan_n and_o their_o off_o spring_n turn_v barbarian_n and_o heathen_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o transgression_n with_o they_o o_o may_v we_o not_o fear_v the_o same_o desolate_v judgement_n let_v we_o not_o contemn_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n but_o speedy_o repent_v and_o do_v our_o first_o work_n so_o far_o shall_v we_o be_v from_o boast_v on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v unto_o we_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n but_o to_o proceed_v the_o charge_n against_o thyatira_n be_v that_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n who_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o deceive_v my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n this_o woman_n jezebel_n here_o mention_v doubtless_o
be_v only_o in_o name_n and_o outward_a or_o whither_o inward_a and_o sincere_a they_o be_v the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o experience_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o precede_v and_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o every_o spiritual_a work_n and_o service_n whatsoever_o observe_v another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o the_o spirits_n method_n be_v first_o to_o convince_v of_o sin_n before_o it_o manifest_v its_o remedy_n against_o sin_n the_o whole_a say_v christ_n need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o the_o sensible_a sick_a and_o wound_a christ_n first_o convince_v sardis_n that_o she_o have_v only_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a before_o he_o lay_v down_o her_o remedy_n in_o the_o three_o ver_fw-la in_o bring_v she_o to_o repentance_n so_o he_o deal_v with_o pergamus_n thyatira_n and_o other_o delinquent_a church_n also_o it_o be_v a_o anti-scriptural_a method_n of_o some_o that_o preach_v up_o faith_n and_o repentance_n unto_o a_o sinful_a and_o backslidden_a people_n before_o they_o have_v first_o full_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v under_o bondage_n sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v no_o legal_a method_n as_o the_o antinomist_n do_v conjecture_v but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o gospel_n spirit_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o sensible_o convince_v of_o our_o loss_n and_o misery_n by_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n or_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o the_o primitive_a convert_n that_o we_o read_v of_o be_v first_o prick_v unto_o their_o heart_n for_o sin_n before_o they_o ask_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v act_n 2._o but_o to_o return_v to_o christ_n charge_n against_o sardis_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n a_o reputation_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o faithful_a profess_v church_n and_o live_v in_o i_o by_o faith_n but_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v not_o altogether_o dead_a for_o than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o put_v she_o afterward_o to_o strengthen_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n but_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a low_a weak_a and_o infirm_a and_o that_o faith_n and_o profession_n which_o thou_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a profession_n and_o liveless_a faith_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o though_o church_n may_v carry_v a_o fair_a outward_a profession_n and_o a_o common_a reputation_n of_o faithful_a one_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o hipocritical_a and_o no_o better_a than_o dead_a liveless_a and_o rot_a at_o the_o root_n this_o church_n at_o sardis_n have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v dead_a her_o grace_n be_v even_o at_o death_n door_n yet_o still_o will_v keep_v up_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n who_o high_a in_o profession_n and_o name_n then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v she_o not_o take_v unto_o herself_o and_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_a as_o if_o she_o have_v be_v the_o only_a church_n that_o hold_v the_o general_a faith_n deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o what_o church_n more_o dead_a and_o rot_a then_o she_o notwithstanding_o our_o nominal_a faith_n and_o common-reputed_n christianity_n among_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v dead_a to_o all_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o all_o true_a spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 9_o they_o be_v those_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n but_o they_o be_v not_o and_o christ_n tell_v they_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n &_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o dishonour_n do_v unto_o god_n when_o under_o the_o cover_n of_o profession_n we_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v our_o error_n and_o profaneness_n open_v opposition_n be_v less_o dishonourable_a unto_o god_n then_o impure_a and_o dead_a life_n under_o the_o vizor_n of_o profession_n mat._n 21.28_o 29._o that_o froward_a son_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v less_o guilty_a that_o say_v he_o will_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n than_o he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o james_n resolve_v the_o question_n in_o that_o interrogation_n of_o he_o cap._n 2._o 14_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o mean_v a_o dead_a nominal_a faith_n without_o fruit_n and_o work_n so_o will_v i_o put_v the_o question_n here_o what_o will_v the_o pretend_a faith_n and_o christianity_n of_o our_o nominal_a and_o national_a christian_n profit_n or_o advantage_v they_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o lip_n and_o yet_o fare_v enough_o from_o salvation_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n these_o formal_a outward_a grace_n be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v in_o any_o real_a comfort_n or_o hope_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o future_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o only_o have_v they_o that_o they_o bring_v in_o real_a disadvantage_n and_o loss_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o argue_v a_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o a_o refusal_n thereof_o in_o the_o love_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o second_o it_o have_v be_v always_o a_o hard_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o bring_v pretend_v and_o formal_a professor_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o open_a harlot_n publican_n and_o sinner_n witness_v the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a in_o christ_n day_n and_o the_o national_a formal_a jew_n who_o will_v boast_v of_o their_o carnal_a privilege_n and_o of_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o the_o oracle_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n among_o they_o somewhat_o like_o the_o late_a levitical_a prelatical_a tribe_n among_o we_o and_o yet_o who_o more_o blind_a and_o dead_a than_o they_o unto_o true_a spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o who_o more_o eager_a persecutor_n and_o enemy_n to_o christ_n his_o way_n and_o saint_n than_o those_o formal_a national_a jew_n who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n but_o to_o give_v you_o a_o test_n and_o taste_v to_o try_v whither_o your_o profession_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o live_a profession_n and_o faith_n or_o not_o first_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n unit_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o draw_v life_n and_o virtue_n from_o he_o i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.20_o you_o know_v there_o be_v life_n in_o a_o body_n by_o the_o notion_n and_o beat_n of_o the_o pulse_n a_o live_a faith_n will_v be_v active_a and_o discover_v itself_o in_o some_o gracious_a effect_n and_o operation_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o he_o will_v live_v in_o you_o he_o will_v not_o be_v dead_a and_o idle_a but_o be_v move_v in_o you_o to_o gracious_a duty_n and_o operation_n for_o there_o be_v none_o live_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n io._n 15.5_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n may_v not_o always_o be_v alike_o lively_a and_o active_a but_o where_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a it_o will_v be_v always_o live_v and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o its_o activity_n yet_o you_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o deadness_n and_o complain_v under_o it_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n though_o not_o a_o lively_a one_o second_o where_o this_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o will_v be_v its_o constant_a concomitant_a that_o forcible_a principle_n love_n see_v cap._n 2._o 19_o affection_n follow_v persuasion_n and_o where_o love_n be_v there_o will_v be_v service_n and_o work_v for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n for_o when_o we_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n god_n love_n in_o christ_n to_o we_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o return_n of_o love_n and_o act_n of_o service_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n true_a faith_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a but_o will_v be_v a_o work_a faith_n and_o will_v produce_v that_o labour_n of_o love_n mention_v heb._n 6.10_o 1_o thess_n 1.3_o three_o a_o live_a faith_n must_v needs_o be_v active_a be_v wrought_v by_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n help_n engage_v to_o action_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n shall_v work_v who_o shall_v resist_v his_o power_n four_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o will_v be_v high_a aim_n to_o glorify_v god_n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o disingenuous_a to_o take_v and_o receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n but_o it_o will_v study_v how_o to_o give_v and_o render_v unto_o god_n due_a praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v by_o christ_n to_o live_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o soul_n
the_o more_o glory_n it_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o hereafter_o every_o vessel_n shall_v have_v his_o fullness_n in_o glory_n but_o every_o one_o according_a to_o its_o capacity_n as_o there_o be_v a_o glory_n in_o the_o star_n moon_n and_o sun_n and_o one_o differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n yet_o every_o one_o have_v their_o fullness_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n oâ—_n glory_n when_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n every_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o work_n eternal_a happiness_n but_o some_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n all_o shall_v be_v shine_a star_n but_o some_o of_o a_o great_a magnitude_n than_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n it_o be_v not_o a_o legal_a perfection_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v in_o sardis_n he_o do_v never_o seek_v for_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o they_o that_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a see_v they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o this_o intimate_v that_o the_o faithful_a christian_n and_o their_o work_n may_v be_v perfect_a before_o god_n although_o they_o be_v not_o find_v perfect_a in_o sardis_n yet_o may_v be_v find_v perfect_a in_o other_o that_o be_v more_o sound_a and_o godly_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o understand_v that_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n perfection_n be_v take_v for_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n as_o gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o &_o be_v thou_o perfect_a that_o be_v upright_o &_o sincere_a as_o job_n 1.1_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a he_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n honest_a at_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o work_n of_o sardis_n be_v not_o perfect_a before_o god_n they_o be_v not_o honest_a sincere_a and_o upright_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o be_v hypocritical_a in_o name_n show_v and_o appearance_n only_o not_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n second_o perfection_n may_v be_v take_v 1._o as_o respect_v our_o justification_n or_o 2._o our_o sanctification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v a_o complete_a perfection_n for_o the_o saint_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n leave_v which_o be_v not_o wash_v away_o by_o his_o blood_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v perfect_a by_o one_o offering_n christ_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.14_o then_o second_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o part_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o aim_v thereof_o 4._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n have_v a_o perfect_a beginning_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o its_o part_n because_o it_o begin_v in_o every_o part_n they_o be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o though_o every_o part_n be_v not_o throughout_o sanctify_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o medium_n by_o which_o they_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o every_o part_n throughout_o in_o understanding_n will_n affection_n desire_n memory_n thought_n and_o heart_n second_o they_o have_v every_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o only_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o as_o when_o faith_n love_n patience_n humility_n etc._n etc._n overcome_v infidelity_n hatred_n impatience_n pride_n and_o other_o their_o opposite_a vice_n and_o evil_n so_o when_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v in_o all_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v a_o perfect_a work_n in_o beginning_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o perfect_a work_n have_v prevail_v against_o its_o contrary_n three_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o he_o that_o aim_v and_o strive_v for_o perfection_n god_n accept_v as_o perfect_a though_o mix_v with_o much_o imperfection_n christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n neither_o four_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o duration_n apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o truth_n will_v loose_v the_o honour_n of_o perfection_n and_o make_v their_o crown_n to_o wither_v when_o a_o righteous_a or_o perfect_a man_n turn_v to_o iniquity_n all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v ezek._n 18.24_o five_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o the_o saint_n be_v perfect_a soul_n compare_v they_o unto_o the_o guild_a out_o side_n formal_a christian_n and_o they_o be_v gold_n and_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o and_o so_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a before_o he_o as_o those_o of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v first_o observe_v 1._o the_o great_a cause_n that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a before_o god_n be_v for_o want_v of_o honest_a sincerity_n in_o they_o sardis_n be_v blame_v for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n she_o carry_v a_o fair_a name_n that_o she_o live_v in_o her_o pretend_a grace_n but_o she_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v no_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o they_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o avoid_v all_o outward_a evil_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v double-heartedness_n in_o his_o spirit_n all_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n as_o abominable_a sincerity_n be_v that_o that_o give_v perfection_n to_o every_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o every_o grace_n as_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o must_v believe_v sincere_o when_o we_o love_v we_o must_v love_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o when_o we_o sorrow_n or_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v do_v sincere_o that_o be_v true_o full_o without_o any_o mixture_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o a_o double_a mind_a man_n god_n do_v hate_v sincere_a quasi_fw-la sine_fw-la cera_fw-la without_o wax_n without_o composition_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o bear_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n full_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v within_o to_o make_v they_o complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o this_o ingredient_n grace_n of_o sincerity_n all_o our_o duty_n be_v but_o as_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cimbal_n but_o add_v sincerity_n unto_o the_o least_o and_o most_o imperfect_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v become_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n most_o perfect_a god_n accept_v a_o lamb_n from_o abel_n offer_v in_o sincerity_n rather_o than_o cloud_n of_o incense_n and_o thousand_o of_o sacrifice_n from_o a_o wicked_a and_o profain_a cain_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o widow_n mite_n or_o some_o goat_n hair_n come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v sincere_a god_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rich_a present_a and_o call_v the_o presenter_n thereof_o perfect_a truth_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n be_v our_o perfection_n here_o but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v have_v perfection_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o let_v we_o so_o walk_v before_o god_n as_o become_v perfect_a one_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o saint_n duty_n that_o they_o aim_v and_o press_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o their_o grace_n work_n and_o duty_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v worthy_o blame_v for_o want_n of_o this_o perfection_n her_o work_n be_v not_o full_a and_o entire_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v and_o therefore_o blame-worthy_a and_o imperfect_a first_o they_o be_v to_o press_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o evidence_v by_o love_n and_o work_n and_o so_o make_v their_o election_n and_o justification_n sure_a unto_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o manifest_v it_o unto_o other_o also_o second_o to_o seek_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o part_n of_o christianity_n in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v perfect_a entire_a want_v nothing_o ja._n 1.4_o as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o to_o wit_n charity_n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o there_o must_v not_o one_o necessary_a grace_n be_v want_v in_o true_a saint_n though_o
some_o one_o may_v be_v more_o eminent_a than_o other_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o must_v be_v there_o as_o they_o will_v have_v faith_n they_o will_v have_v patience_n as_o patience_n love_n zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n whatsoever_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1.15.16_o and_o this_o must_v be_v also_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o for_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v if_o sin_n be_v strong_a in_o thou_o then_o grace_n than_o you_o be_v sinner_n and_o wicked_a one_o but_o if_o grace_n prevail_v then_o be_v you_o gracious_a and_o perfect_a one_o three_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n must_v be_v after_o perfection_n they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a grace_n no_o less_o measure_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n then_o what_o they_o enjoy_v after_o the_o resurrection_n i_o will_v by_o any_o mean_n attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a say_v paul_n phil._n 3.11_o their_o aim_n be_v no_o low_o then_o unto_o the_o glorious_a and_o everlasting_a state_n and_o therefore_o do_v always_o press_v on_o unto_o perfection_n their_o desire_n be_v somewhat_o infinite_a as_o the_o glory_n they_o expect_v leave_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o heb._n 6.1_o and_o herein_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n will_v appear_v more_o perfect_a in_o that_o they_o hate_v sin_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_a until_o it_o be_v abolish_v and_o they_o free_v from_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o by_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 2._o from_o the_o pierce_a power_n thereof_o by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 3._o from_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o in_o their_o glorification_n 4._o they_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o perfection_n in_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o want_v any_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o so_o be_v they_o not_o to_o want_v it_o in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v 5._o true_a saint_n press_v forward_o to_o excel_v and_o precede_v other_o formal_a and_o outside_n christian_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o grace_n and_o perfection_n he_o that_o have_v any_o grace_n will_v always_o desire_v more_o a_o holy_a ambition_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v very_o commendable_a god_n tell_v satan_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o job_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n job_n 1.8_o a_o perfect_a and_o upright_o man_n many_o desire_n to_o be_v before_o other_o in_o honour_n riches_n and_o power_n but_o few_o desire_n to_o excel_v in_o grace_n if_o we_o be_v true_a saint_n and_o aim_n at_o perfection_n we_o will_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o be_v like_o other_o in_o grace_n but_o labour_v to_o go_v beyond_o other_o in_o all_o good_a and_o perfect_a work_n hence_o the_o quaker_n may_v see_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o hold_v a_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n though_o not_o a_o absolute_a legal_a one_o whereunto_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v as_o they_o but_o a_o evangelical_n one_o upon_o better_a ground_n and_o principle_n verse_n 3._o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v if_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n which_o thou_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o cleave_v fast_o thereunto_o and_o repent_v thy_o stray_v there_o from_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o this_o thy_o sleep_n of_o sin_n i_o shall_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n sudden_o unaware_o upon_o thou_o and_o seize_v on_o thou_o with_o unexpected_a judgement_n christ_n take_v up_o this_o metaphor_n and_o comparison_n of_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n for_o divers_a reason_n 1._o because_o a_o thief_n come_v speedy_o in_o a_o time_n when_o no_o man_n look_v for_o mat._n 24.43_o this_o set_v we_o on_o a_o diligent_a watchfulness_n if_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n do_v know_v in_o what_o watch_n the_o thief_n will_v come_v he_o will_v watch_v and_o not_o suffer_v his_o house_n to_o be_v break_v through_o or_o his_o good_n steal_v 2._o as_o a_o thief_n come_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o dead_a of_o night_n so_o christ_n come_v when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a darkness_n and_o deep_a night_n of_o error_n on_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v in_o luke_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o earth_n true_a faith_n will_v be_v such_o a_o rarity_n at_o christ_n come_n that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o very_a few_o his_o elect_a only_o this_o quicken_v our_o faith_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o thief_n come_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o overmaster_v all_o opposition_n so_o christ_n come_v in_o judgement_n be_v with_o power_n and_o to_o tread_v down_o and_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n this_o support_n and_o comfort_v the_o distress_a afflict_a saint_n he_o former_o come_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o suffer_v and_o he_o after_o come_v as_o a_o comforter_n to_o support_v all_o those_o for_o who_o he_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o he_o have_v a_o other_o come_v his_o ordinary_a particular_a temporal_a judgement_n against_o his_o enemy_n which_o he_o frequent_o and_o very_o often_o send_v forth_o against_o they_o for_o their_o transgression_n and_o so_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v here_o against_o sardis_n and_o his_o offend_a church_n and_o last_o he_o come_v in_o his_o last_o and_o ultimate_a judgement_n with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n to_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v all_o his_o antichristian_a foe_n and_o enemy_n whatsoever_o in_o rev._n 16.15_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n and_o present_o follow_v the_o great_a battle_n of_o armageddon_n and_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o babylon_n by_o the_o seven_o vial_n of_o god_n plague_n and_o judgement_n first_o from_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n observe_v observe_v that_o a_o call_n to_o mind_n of_o god_n former_a gracious_a deal_n with_o we_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a preservative_n against_o sin_n but_o a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n out_o of_o sin_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n look_v back_o unto_o the_o rock_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v hew_v and_o review_v thy_o former_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o how_o you_o be_v therein_o alien_n stranger_n and_o enemy_n unto_o god_n by_o evil_a work_n and_o how_o it_o be_v far_o better_a with_o you_o now_o in_o your_o state_n of_o faith_n than_o it_o be_v then_o in_o sin_n and_o wrath_n for_o when_o you_o have_v sin_n present_v unto_o you_o in_o its_o enticement_n and_o provocation_n it_o will_v make_v gracious_a soul_n to_o reason_n thus_o with_o themselves_o be_v i_o not_o once_o a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n in_o my_o sinful_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o shall_v i_o again_o fall_v back_o into_o it_o as_o the_o sow_n into_o the_o mire_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n will_v not_o then_o my_o latter_a estate_n be_v far_o worse_o than_o the_o first_o because_o god_n have_v be_v gracious_a unto_o my_o poor_a soul_n and_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n or_o snatch_v it_o as_o a_o brand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n shall_v i_o again_o cast_v myself_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o satan_n and_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n by_o my_o turn_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o sin_n and_o wantonness_n the_o lord_n forbid_v again_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o backslidden_a soul_n that_o be_v almost_o spiritual_o dead_a and_o have_v almost_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o common_a reputation_n of_o live_v once_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a to_o such_o poor_a soul_n for_o their_o recovery_n to_o recognize_v and_o look_v back_o on_o those_o good_a thing_n they_o former_o receive_v of_o god_n and_o hear_v concern_v he_o for_o first_o they_o hear_v that_o god_n be_v a_o gracious_a reconcile_a god_n and_o a_o merciful_a father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n ready_a to_o receive_v those_o of_o his_o choose_a one_o even_o in_o their_o blood_n and_o sin_n that_o do_v come_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v heal_v of_o their_o transgression_n and_o this_o they_o not_o only_o hear_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o receive_v it_o also_o into_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o if_o god_n be_v so_o ready_a then_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o reconciliation_n with_o himself_o while_o enemy_n unto_o
needs_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a for_o in_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o amen_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a faith_n and_o credence_n thereunto_o he_o add_v another_o title_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n paul_n can_v public_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o his_o discsple_n and_o that_o he_o have_v hide_v nothing_o back_o that_o do_v necessary_o conduce_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o think_v you_o that_o christ_n in_o these_o revelation_n have_v not_o deal_v as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o truth_n himself_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o beast_n babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n together_o with_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o church_n glorious_a restore_v state_n on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v and_o evidence_v from_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v not_o christ_n promise_v it_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o come_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n that_o can_v never_o fail_v and_o to_o take_v off_o all_o suspicion_n of_o failure_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n there_o be_v a_o three_o property_n here_o add_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n this_o have_v relation_n to_o that_o description_n of_o christ_n in_o chap._n 1._o v._n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v render_v either_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o he_o be_v also_o the_o supreme_a prince_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o so_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o principality_n and_o government_n who_o do_v at_o first_o create_v they_o and_o give_v a_o be_v to_o they_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o the_o say_n of_o these_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v sure_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o appoint_a season_n see_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o the_o creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v say_v and_o speak_v they_o who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v they_o come_v first_o from_o so_o faithful_a and_o true_a a_o witness_n and_o from_o one_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o most_o able_a to_o perform_v they_o verse_n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n as_o she_o come_v last_o in_o place_n so_o she_o come_v last_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o all_o her_o sister_n church_n christ_n find_v nothing_o in_o she_o that_o be_v true_o commendable_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o pergamus_n though_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n yet_o there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o somewhat_o praiseworthy_a some_o undefiled_a name_n that_o be_v not_o carry_v aside_o by_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n but_o in_o laodicea_n nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o therefore_o she_o hear_v of_o nothing_o from_o christ_n but_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o of_o the_o desperateness_n of_o her_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o sincere_a faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n be_v silence_n in_o it_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o number_v as_o one_o of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o number_n be_v but_o small_a they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o denomination_n unto_o the_o whole_a for_o indeed_o a_o body_n politic_a whither_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n or_o unsound_a from_o the_o major_a part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a soul_n or_o person_n if_o grace_n be_v more_o prevalent_a in_o degree_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o sin_n and_o corruption_n it_o be_v to_o be_v term_v a_o sincere_a gracious_a soul_n but_o if_o sin_n be_v most_o prevalent_a it_o may_v be_v just_o term_v a_o sinful_a and_o unregenerate_a soul_n so_o be_v the_o case_n of_o political_a church_n if_o their_o frame_n constitution_n and_o matter_n be_v most_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a such_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n healthful_a body_n we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n though_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o the_o deadness_n thereof_o they_o may_v with_o sardis_n be_v right_o term_v dead_a one_o yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n doubtless_o under_o prelacy_n both_o english_a and_o romish_a there_o be_v and_o be_v diverse_a precious_a christian_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n when_o the_o idol_n of_o baal_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o priest_n thereof_o be_v exalt_v yet_o then_o in_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o that_o bowâ—d_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n yet_o they_o few_o faithful_a one_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n or_o those_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prelacy_n etc._n etc._n popery_n come_v far_o short_a to_o denominate_v israel_n at_o that_o time_n or_o our_o english_a or_o foreign_a nation_n under_o that_o corrupt_a frame_n or_o temper_n of_o antichristian_a prelacy_n to_o be_v praiseworthy_a church_n or_o sound_n sincere_a and_o healthful_a in_o their_o general_a matter_n frame_n or_o constitution_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n against_o laodicea_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a laodicea_n be_v of_o a_o strange_a mongrel_n composure_n and_o temper_n neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a mould_v and_o compact_v as_o a_o certain_a odd_a extraction_n of_o two_o contrary_n cold_a and_o heat_n i_o think_v before_o this_o that_o that_o maxim_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n unquestionable_a in_o medio_fw-la consistit_fw-la virtus_fw-la it_o seem_v true_a religion_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o principle_n for_o laodicea_n be_v here_o blame_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a that_o be_v in_o a_o frame_n or_o temper_v which_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a by_o hot_a be_v here_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v zealous_a fervent_a in_o spirit_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o can_v endure_v any_o corruption_n will-worship_n or_o superstition_n shall_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o true_a christian_n worship_n and_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v call_v a_o hot_a fervent_a or_o zealous_a christian_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v too_o intense_a as_o unto_o the_o degree_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v considerate_a and_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n the_o ignorant_a inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v as_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a not_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n grace_n as_o with_o moral_a habit_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o both_o the_o extreme_n stray_v from_o mediocrity_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o in_o the_o defect_n be_v fault_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o excess_n of_o liberality_n may_v run_v into_o prodigality_n and_o the_o defect_n into_o covetous_a parsimony_n or_o the_o excess_n in_o fortitude_n may_v be_v call_v temerity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n and_o the_o defect_n cowardice_n and_o pusilanimity_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o gracious_a habit_n the_o case_n be_v different_a soul_n can_v exceed_v therein_o be_v you_o holy_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v holy_a no_o less_o than_o a_o aim_n unto_o perfection_n will_v serve_v turn_n be_v zealous_a fervent_a boil_a hot_a for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v sound_a and_o considerate_a it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mediocrity_n lukewarmness_n or_o half_a friend_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n be_v equal_o a_o abomination_n in_o god_n sight_n for_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n as_o be_v coldness_n or_o deadness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o this_o strange_a commixture_n of_o temper_n in_o laodicea_n be_v explode_v by_o christ_n as_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o therefore_o add_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a hence_o note_v observe_v a_o lukewarm_a temper_n among_o