of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a benediction_n for_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n &_o must_v short_o be_v fulfil_v therefore_o those_o be_v bless_v which_o read_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n and_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o secret_a objection_n for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v we_o need_v not_o to_o read_v or_o remember_v this_o prophecy_n see_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n but_o he_o add_v the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v mark_v these_o word_n for_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o revelation_n be_v of_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o here_o they_o be_v repeat_v again_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o these_o prophecy_n contain_v weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v deep_o consider_v and_o earnest_o think_v on_o and_o s._n john_n repeat_v the_o same_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o awake_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n continual_o for_o though_o they_o can_v fall_v into_o the_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o slumber_n of_o security_n may_v overtake_v they_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a matth._n 25.5_o and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a church_n confess_v that_o she_o sleep_v though_o her_o heart_n wake_v cant._n 5.2_o second_o to_o confirm_v and_o hearten_v the_o church_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o affliction_n to_o come_v for_o herein_o be_v the_o common_a say_n true_a he_o that_o be_v forewarn_v be_v fore-armed_n now_o in_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n whether_o affliction_n temptation_n death_n or_o the_o last_o judgement_n itself_o all_o will_v come_v short_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o life_n as_o to_o stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n so_o to_o move_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n the_o bad_a servant_n beat_v his_o fellow_n because_o he_o think_v his_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.48.49_o the_o old_a world_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n never_o regard_v noah_n prophecy_n and_o so_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o matth._n 24.39_o we_o shall_v lay_v these_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o always_o think_v with_o paul_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o â—and_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n these_o eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v interchangeable_a one_o while_o peace_n and_o then_o trouble_v so_o as_o it_o be_v like_a this_o peaceable_a state_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v but_o we_o must_v be_v try_v and_o the_o time_n of_o ouâ—_n trial_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v befall_v the_o church_n will_v come_v short_o we_o must_v therefore_o prepare_v for_o trouble_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o less_o grievous_a vers._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o wit_n the_o inscription_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o a_o dedication_n in_o these_o word_n john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n second_o a_o salutation_n in_o the_o next_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n observe_v first_o the_o penman_n that_o dedicate_v this_o book_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v for_o the_o first_o the_o penman_n be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o repeat_v his_o name_n to_o show_v and_o certify_v every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o true_a penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v this_o revelation_n but_o though_o he_o repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o add_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n or_o commendation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v never_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o cause_n to_o our_o own_o praise_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o god_n glory_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n maintain_v this_o paul_n practise_v who_o often_o humble_v himself_o and_o call_v himself_o the_o 15._o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n yet_o when_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n come_v into_o question_n than_o he_o set_v out_o himself_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a apostle_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o as_o we_o may_v find_v in_o both_o of_o his_o 11.5_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n second_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n concern_v they_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o write_v to_o church_n second_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o the_o first_o why_o write_v he_o to_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o church_n see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a catholic_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a &_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o the_o same_o be_v part_v into_o several_a branch_n and_o company_n one_o part_n be_v in_o one_o country_n and_o another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o wherein_o also_o every_o several_a congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n all_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v only_o one_o yet_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o take_v their_o name_n of_o the_o country_n whereto_o they_o adjoine_v be_v call_v so_o many_o particular_a sea_n as_o the_o english_a sea_n the_o spanish_a sea_n french_a italian_a scottish_a sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o particular_a church_n must_v john_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n now_o john_n choose_v rather_o to_o write_v to_o church_n than_o to_o particular_a man_n first_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n second_o because_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o call_v not_o that_o her_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n house_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o god_n enemy_n second_o because_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o three_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v therein_o second_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n among_o all_o particular_a church_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o seven_o in_o asia_n no_o doubt_n for_o special_a cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a church_n as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v plain_o show_v second_o that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o long_o before_o have_v be_v foretell_v may_v be_v more_o evident_a for_o here_o the_o jew_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o gentile_n send_v unto_o last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o other_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n whereon_o alâ—_n other_o church_n shall_v depend_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v know_v of_o they_o why_o john_n pass_v by_o it_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n which_o contain_v matter_n needful_a for_o all_o church_n to_o know_v grace_n be_v with_o
it_o be_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o devil_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v his_o profound_a craft_n and_o policy_n where_o note_n that_o when_o christ_n will_v allege_v the_o speech_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n he_o do_v it_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o count_v their_o doctrine_n deep_a learning_n but_o christ_n repeat_v their_o opinion_n call_v it_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n hence_o i_o gather_v use_n that_o christian_n can_v safe_o act_v and_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o heathen_a man_n for_o they_o be_v full_a of_o many_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o oath_n flat_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repeat_v but_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o christ_n practice_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n he_o will_v not_o repeat_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o a_o wicked_a woman_n without_o some_o note_n of_o disgrace_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o repeat_v these_o speech_n with_o disgrace_n and_o dislike_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o if_o they_o do_v that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o whole_a comedy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o bad_a speech_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n thus_o to_o reason_n from_o christ_n example_n as_o they_o speak_v these_o word_n christ_n add_v first_o to_o show_v that_o the_o word_n go_v before_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o word_n of_o jezabels_n follower_n touch_v her_o doctrine_n second_o to_o show_v the_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a mind_n of_o heretic_n in_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n thus_o have_v false_a teacher_n uphold_v their_o error_n by_o proud_a and_o swell_a word_n as_o jude_n the_o 16._o and_o 2._o pet._n 2.18_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o maintain_v but_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n of_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n from_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n teach_v the_o lowly_a his_o way_n and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a psal._n 25.14_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o false_a doctrine_n by_o swell_a word_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o preface_n before_o christ_n counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o counsel_n itself_o in_o this_o sentence_n though_o i_o lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o till_o i_o come_v this_o sentence_n be_v a_o distinction_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o than_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o that_o be_v howsoever_o i_o threaten_v my_o judgement_n unto_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n yet_o i_o will_v lay_v none_o other_o punishment_n upon_o you_o but_o my_o reproof_n only_o for_o suffer_v jezabell_n among_o you_o with_o her_o false_a doctrine_n and_o follower_n this_o branch_n of_o this_o distinction_n contain_v a_o most_o comfortable_a instruction_n namely_o that_o all_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o the_o time_n of_o common_a judgement_n under_o the_o bless_a protection_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o good_a and_o consider_v this_o mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o godly_a we_o must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o become_v follower_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o be_v we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o maintain_v the_o pure_a truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o show_v forth_o sincerity_n of_o manner_n in_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o endevor_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o cheerfulness_n hereby_o we_o shall_v get_v protection_n from_o common_a judgement_n when_o they_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o wicked_a but_o if_o we_o partake_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n we_o shall_v receive_v part_n in_o their_o plague_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v in_o these_o word_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v that_o be_v my_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v unto_o you_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n now_o i_o charge_v you_o that_o you_o hold_v that_o fast_o and_o maintain_v it_o until_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o most_o excellent_a commandment_n contain_v special_a instruction_n meeâ—_n for_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o all_o church_n before_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v commend_v this_o church_n for_o not_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o company_n but_o here_o he_o give_v they_o another_o commandment_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o all_o church_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o affect_v or_o approve_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o whatsoever_o according_a as_o paul_n bid_v the_o galatian_n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o be_v direct_v in_o sundry_a duty_n first_o use_n not_o to_o regard_v unwritten_a tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v so_o high_o magnify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v they_o second_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n which_o some_o bring_v unto_o we_o under_o colour_n of_o revelation_n from_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n three_o hereby_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o three_o great_a religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o jew_n and_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n the_o turkish_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o it_o have_v it_o beginning_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n with_o who_o doctrine_n only_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o also_o the_o jewish_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o regard_v for_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o papist_n we_o must_v renounce_v because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v but_o have_v it_o beginning_n by_o little_a and_o little_a long_a after_o their_o time_n if_o this_o commandment_n be_v safe_o keep_v which_o be_v lay_v on_o this_o church_n man_n will_v not_o be_v of_o so_o many_o religion_n but_o all_o will_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n cleave_v fast_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o it_o which_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n for_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o attain_v salvation_n last_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o those_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o therewith_o nothing_o regard_v new_a doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o glorious_a till_o i_o come_v here_o christ_n show_v how_o long_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v hold_v fast_o namely_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n whereby_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n church_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n but_o a_o most_o needful_a duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o by_o special_a commandment_n and_o withal_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o direct_v man_n soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 3.14_o to_o keep_v the_o true_a pattern_n of_o wholesome_a word_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o duty_n 3.15_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o christ_n for_o this_o cause_n give_v to_o his_o church_n both_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n â—1_n pastor_n to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o purity_n in_o manner_n and_o teacher_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n in_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n this_o therefore_o must_v admonish_v we_o that_o we_o have_v care_v not_o only_o to_o learn_v religion_n in_o our_o own_o person_n but_o also_o to_o convey_v the_o same_o to_o age_n follow_v that_o the_o purity_n thereof_o may_v be_v preserve_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n
ver_fw-la 22.23_o iv._o every_o private_a man_n must_v profess_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o 1._o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o this_o confession_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n for_o by_o a_o blameless_a and_o holy_a conversation_n every_o christian_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2_o 15_o 16._o see_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o work_n use_n we_o must_v be_v admonish_v every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o we_o christâ—_n religion_n may_v be_v further_v for_o god_n church_n be_v not_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n only_o because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o maintain_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o pillar_n in_o his_o place_n to_o maintain_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o glory_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v more_o special_a care_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o two_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v herself_o against_o false_a teacher_n and_o have_v not_o faint_v here_o christ_n set_v down_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o church_n labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o true_a religion_n and_o thereby_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n namely_o by_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o labour_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o a_o notable_a example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v for_o we_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o for_o many_o year_n sundry_a among_o we_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o against_o all_o enemy_n though_o not_o without_o some_o trouble_n and_o danger_n now_o this_o which_o have_v be_v do_v be_v nothing_o unless_o we_o hold_v on_o our_o good_a course_n constant_o and_o labour_n unto_o death_n in_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n with_o peace_n for_o usual_o after_o long_a peace_n god_n try_v he_o by_o persecution_n neither_o know_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v of_o trial_n god_n will_v exercise_v us._n therefore_o as_o we_o now_o profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o let_v we_o continue_v constant_a therein_o and_o not_o turn_v with_o time_n or_o state_n for_o than_o we_o lose_v our_o commendation_n at_o christ_n hand_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n for_o her_o virtue_n 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 these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o decay_n in_o grace_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o here_o christ_n speak_v as_o a_o judge_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o lay_v this_o action_n unto_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n that_o be_v that_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v first_o call_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o love_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v not_o as_o though_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v it_o but_o only_o because_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o to_o wax_v cold_a in_o good_a work_n but_o some_o will_v say_v they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o their_o zeal_n and_o labour_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o their_o severity_n against_o false_a teacher_n how_o then_o have_v they_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n answ._n at_o this_o time_n when_o christ_n do_v thus_o reprove_v they_o their_o love_n be_v commendable_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n if_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o this_o church_n for_o leave_v her_o first_o love_n use_n then_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o against_o we_o at_o this_o day_n howsoever_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v high_a in_o his_o favour_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o a_o worse_a estate_n than_o this_o church_n now_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o church_n have_v leave_v off_o their_o first_o love_n and_o the_o great_a part_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o that_o many_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n be_v too_o too_o evident_a for_o such_o as_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n be_v content_a to_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o history_n of_o our_o church_n do_v show_v after_o they_o enjoy_v a_o little_a quietness_n become_v mere_a worldling_n as_o their_o life_n have_v testify_v afterward_o and_o in_o such_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o of_o ten_o or_o seven_o year_n have_v show_v fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n do_v now_o fall_v away_o and_o show_v none_o at_o all_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v see_v many_o for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o very_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n who_o soon_o after_o suffer_v pleasure_n profit_n or_o preferment_n to_o draw_v they_o quite_o away_o some_o i_o confess_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v free_a from_o this_o decay_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o grievous_a fault_n among_o we_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o these_o be_v the_o day_n whereof_o christ_n say_v 24.12.22_o love_n shall_v wax_v cold_a and_o whereof_o paul_n say_v man_n shall_v be_v 3.2_o lover_n of_o themselves_o for_o take_v the_o most_o congregation_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v yet_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o hearer_n be_v neither_o better_v for_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o obedience_n but_o remain_v still_o as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v this_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v no_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o have_v a_o formal_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o their_o mouth_n for_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v there_o most_o needs_o be_v increase_n in_o knowledge_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n again_o see_v how_o man_n general_o walk_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o therein_o behold_v a_o mere_a defect_n of_o love_n all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v be_v for_o their_o private_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n no_o regard_n be_v have_v of_o god_n glory_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n herein_o their_o own_o conscience_n shall_v be_v the_o witness_n so_o that_o general_o this_o may_v be_v say_v we_o have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o what_o a_o action_n than_o shall_v we_o think_v have_v christ_n against_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grievous_a and_o so_o our_o case_n fearful_a and_o dangerous_a if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o potentat_fw-la have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o and_o his_o case_n be_v good_a it_o will_v make_v we_o look_v about_o we_o yea_o to_o tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o to_o be_v at_o our_o wit_n end_n behold_v not_o a_o worldly_a prince_n but_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o matter_n against_o we_o just_a and_o grievoâ—â—â—_o oh_o how_o shall_v this_o move_v we_o to_o search_v ourselves_o to_o try_v our_o estate_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o his_o majesty_n we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o this_o charge_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o concern_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n show_v it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v god_n judgement_n by_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v of_o love_n again_o this_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n for_o decay_n of_o love_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o increase_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o brethren_n add_v grace_n to_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o add_v day_n unto_o day_n in_o our_o life_n that_o so_o our_o love_n may_v obound_v read_v 1._o thes._n 4.1.9_o 10_o where_o paul_n urge_v this_o duty_n at_o large_a he_o confess_v they_o do_v love_v one_o
first_o christ_n send_v and_o show_v this_o revelation_n this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o two_o special_a cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o pen_n and_o publish_v this_o book_n rash_o but_o by_o call_v and_o warrant_n from_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o must_v be_v our_o behaviour_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whatsoever_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v look_v we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o call_n and_o with_o out_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v there_o will_v be_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o care_n of_o just_a deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n second_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v to_o get_v more_o reverend_a acceptance_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o holy_a angel_n if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v write_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o withal_o send_v it_o by_o one_o of_o his_o guard_n we_o doubt_v the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o behold_v this_o book_n be_v the_o epistle_n and_o letter_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n what_o reverence_n therefore_o and_o acceptation_n ought_v this_o to_o find_v sure_o a_o thousand_o fold_n more_o with_o every_o one_o than_o the_o writing_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n whatsoever_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o christ_n employ_v about_o this_o revelation_n and_o they_o be_v two_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o saint_n john_n for_o the_o first_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n act._n 7.38_o gal._n 3.19_o and_o daniel_n receive_v the_o exposition_n of_o sundry_a dream_n and_o vision_n by_o a_o angel_n dan._n 8.19_o and_o 9.21_o and_o 10.14_o and_o the_o seven_o vision_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o book_n be_v show_v to_o john_n by_o a_o holy_a angel_n but_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n ground_n hereupon_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n because_o they_o be_v about_o we_o and_o bring_v unto_o we_o particular_a message_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o before_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o they_o we_o must_v have_v from_o god_n a_o particular_a commandment_n so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o else_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n afford_v no_o word_n of_o command_n or_o promise_v for_o any_o such_o action_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o second_o instrument_n here_o employ_v by_o christ_n be_v john_n this_o john_n be_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n and_o so_o kinsman_n unto_o christ_n a_o bless_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o three_o epistle_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o be_v that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v and_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o reverence_n to_o this_o book_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o a_o property_n call_v himself_o christ_n his_o servant_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n or_o action_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o god_n word_n vers_fw-la 2._o for_o the_o first_o note_z that_o john_n do_v not_o call_v himself_o that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v nor_o the_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v be_v ally_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n mother_n be_v sister_n to_o joseph_n christ_n suppose_v father_n and_o cousin_n german_a to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n john_n have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o â—earers_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v esteem_v more_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o he_o than_o any_o bond_n of_o outward_a alliance_n can_v possible_o make_v they_o math._n 12.50_o luk._n 11.28_o but_o he_o call_v himself_o christ_n servant_n have_v yield_v up_o himself_o to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o herein_o stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v service_n unto_o christ._n the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v never_o find_v such_o favour_n with_o god_n to_o have_v be_v christ_n mother_n if_o she_o have_v not_o withal_o become_v christ_n servant_n she_o bear_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o her_o womb_n by_o conception_n or_o else_o she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o he_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o outward_a dignity_n as_o blood_n royal_a noble_a parentage_n and_o such_o like_a will_v nothing_o further_a a_o man_n salvation_n he_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ_n must_v become_v his_o servant_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o do_v his_o will_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o paul_n say_v circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n â—_o 16_o 17._o again_o consider_v in_o what_o regard_n john_n be_v here_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n do_v but_o more_o special_o because_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v his_o particular_a call_n so_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n cap._n 1.1_o and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 9_o because_o he_o do_v service_n unto_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o show_v ourselves_o christ_n servant_n in_o our_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o office_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o profess_v service_n unto_o christ_n by_o hear_v his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n and_o keep_v his_o saboathe_n but_o unless_o therewithal_o we_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n our_o outward_a profession_n be_v flat_a hypocrisy_n this_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n buyer_n seller_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o unless_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o special_a calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n their_o public_a service_n in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n shall_v never_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a micha_n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o vers._n 2._o which_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o thâ—ngs_n that_o he_o see_v here_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v himself_o namely_o by_o this_o action_n or_o effect_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o partly_o by_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o by_o preach_v he_o bare_a witness_n and_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v diverse_a part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n add_v and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n say_v and_o do_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o he_o bare_a record_n say_v and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o here_o he_o allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o testimony_n we_o
show_v mercy_n exercise_n judgement_n keep_v court_n assize_n begin_v end_n and_o continue_v war_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n and_o so_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o direction_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v their_o guide_n as_o it_o be_v to_o david_n thy_o law_n o_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o counselor_n psal._n 119.24_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v sovereign_a king_n than_o all_o earthly_a prince_n be_v bind_v to_o plant_v and_o establish_v in_o their_o kingdom_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n else_o how_o can_v they_o show_v themselves_o his_o loyal_a subject_n many_o imagine_v that_o earthly_a prince_n may_v admit_v unto_o their_o subject_n any_o religion_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o this_o be_v against_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n in_o this_o place_n for_o wherein_o can_v earthly_a prince_n do_v homage_n unto_o christ_n if_o they_o maintain_v not_o his_o religion_n and_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v signify_v plain_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n for_o when_o they_o that_o be_v bid_v do_v not_o come_v the_o king_n send_v forth_o his_o 2d_o servant_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n for_o that_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a religion_n five_o see_v christ_n alone_o be_v prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o king_n on_o earth_n in_o their_o dominion_n be_v sovereign_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n next_o under_o christ_n he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n absolute_o and_o they_o be_v under_o he_o alone_o and_o have_v no_o other_o head_n but_o he_o whereby_o we_o see_v the_o presumption_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o sea_n of_o rome_n in_o claim_v supremacy_n above_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o high_a treason_n against_o christ_n for_o hereby_o he_o be_v rob_v of_o this_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o only_a prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n last_o see_v christ_n be_v king_n of_o all_o king_n we_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v any_o affliction_n for_o his_o truth_n let_v the_o tyrant_n of_o the_o earth_n rage_n and_o bend_v their_o force_n to_o hurt_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o king_n above_o they_o all_o for_o who_o we_o suffer_v he_o be_v their_o king_n he_o can_v stay_v and_o bridle_v they_o and_o if_o he_o please_v confound_v and_o bruise_v they_o in_o piece_n they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o he_o permit_v for_o he_o rule_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 110.2_o he_o can_v break_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n description_n be_v by_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n which_o consist_v in_o four_o work_n the_o first_o contain_v in_o these_o word_n unto_o he_o which_o love_v we_o the_o second_o in_o these_o which_o wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n the_o other_o two_o in_o the_o two_o verse_n which_o follow_v viz._n 6_o and_o 7._o for_o the_o first_o which_o love_v we_o that_o be_v john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n &_o by_o proportion_n all_o other_o church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n have_v three_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v a_o general_a love_n whereby_o he_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n approve_v the_o same_o to_o be_v good_a as_o they_o be_v his_o by_o creation_n the_o second_o be_v the_o love_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o become_v a_o redeemer_n for_o mankind_n after_o their_o fall_n and_o not_o â—or_a any_o other_o creature_n no_o not_o for_o the_o angel_n which_o fall_v as_o well_o as_o man_n who_o therefore_o remain_v without_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n the_o three_o and_o principal_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o love_v his_o elect_a and_o choose_a child_n which_o be_v that_o special_a savour_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o they_o to_o life_n everlasting_a this_o three_o degree_n have_v two_o part_n first_o it_o be_v take_v for_o his_o purpose_n to_o love_v as_o when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n rom._n 9.13_o second_o for_o the_o act_n of_o love_a which_o be_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o purpose_n by_o spiritual_a benefit_n 1._o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o singular_a love_n god_n have_v show_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n note_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o adoption_n so_o in_o this_o verse_n by_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o actual_a declaration_n of_o his_o special_a favour_n in_o accept_v they_o for_o his_o child_n and_o bestow_v many_o singular_a blessing_n upon_o they_o whereas_o s._n john_n place_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o love_v we_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o this_o special_a love_n be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o man_n redemption_n which_o exclude_v all_o foresee_v faith_n and_o work_v from_o be_v motive_n of_o man_n election_n in_o god_n eternal_a council_n and_o so_o proportional_o all_o foresee_v sin_n from_o be_v motive_n in_o god_n of_o man_n reprobation_n it_o may_v be_v object_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o man_n respect_v a_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v good_a first_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v good_a and_o then_o it_o be_v love_v and_o so_o in_o man_n redemption_n god_n first_o foresee_v their_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o choose_v they_o ans._n there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o the_o creator_n the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n follow_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o thing_n because_o he_o see_v it_o be_v good_a therefore_o he_o love_v it_o but_o god_n the_o creator_n first_o love_v the_o creature_n before_o it_o be_v good_a and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o it_o be_v good_a because_o he_o love_v it_o second_o whereas_o saint_n john_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n as_o other_o true_a church_n do_v believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n love_v they_o for_o that_o saint_n john_n take_v for_o grant_v this_o shall_v move_v all_o man_n to_o have_v this_o care_n to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n see_v he_o place_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v the_o ephesian_n root_v and_o ground_v and_o therefore_o pray_v that_o with_o all_o saint_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n depth_n and_o height_n thereof_o ephes._n 2._o vers_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o we_o do_v when_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o he_o love_v we_o in_o christ._n so_o that_o he_o which_o deny_v unto_o we_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o that_o we_o may_v have_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n we_o must_v in_o all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o our_o heart_n keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v god_n draw_v near_o to_o us._n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o say_v christ_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o then_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o dwell_v with_o he_o john_n 14.23_o mean_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v shed_v this_o love_n into_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 5._o cause_v we_o to_o increase_v in_o the_o feel_n thereof_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n towards_o he_o and_o have_v wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n here_o be_v the_o second_o benefit_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n where_o first_o of_o all_o the_o very_a phrase_n have_v wash_v we_o do_v import_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v as_o filthy_a spot_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o himself_o and_o this_o church_n of_o god_n be_v touch_v with_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o vileness_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o wash_v presuppose_v former_a filthiness_n and_o pollution_n thus_o do_v david_n most_o sensible_o feel_v his_o own_o filthiness_n and_o see_v his_o miserable_a estate_n when_o he_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o â—_o wash_v he_o thorough_o confess_v thereby_o that_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v so_o foul_o stain_v and_o
more_o though_o god_n summon_v man_n to_o repent_v by_o his_o daily_a judgement_n yet_o few_o or_o none_o by_o true_a humility_n prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n and_o to_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n security_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o people_n and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o state_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o god_n have_v be_v long_o since_o in_o come_v to_o we_o by_o his_o judgement_n and_o aâ—_n this_o day_n he_o be_v still_o come_v because_o we_o still_o decay_v in_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o more_o and_o more_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o thus_o continue_v the_o truth_n be_v he_o will_v come_v short_o unto_o we_o and_o that_o by_o most_o fearful_a judgement_n for_o this_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v a_o direction_n not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o worse_a case_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o we_o must_v prevent_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o judgement_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n every_o man_n and_o every_o family_n apart_o must_v repent_v private_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n open_o and_o public_o no_o way_n else_o we_o have_v to_o stay_v the_o lord_n come_v against_o we_o by_o his_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v a_o more_o particular_a threaten_n than_o the_o former_a and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n where_o he_o show_v with_o what_o particular_a judgement_n he_o will_v punish_v this_o church_n namely_o by_o remove_v away_o the_o candlestick_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n where_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n therefore_o here_o he_o threaten_v to_o remove_v his_o church_n from_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n to_o send_v among_o they_o ignorance_n apostasy_n and_o heresy_n in_o steed_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n this_o particular_a judgement_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o first_o word_n if_o not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o this_o will_v i_o do_v i_o will_v make_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o church_n and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o in_o this_o particular_a threaten_n three_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v one_o concern_v the_o minister_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o concern_v every_o private_a man_n touch_v the_o minister_n note_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o if_o he_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o deprive_v he_o either_o of_o his_o call_n or_o of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o for_o this_o threaten_n be_v here_o direct_v especial_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n when_o jeremie_n have_v be_v want_v in_o deliver_v the_o lordâ—_n will_v unto_o the_o people_n partly_o for_o fear_n &_o partly_o through_o impatience_n then_o the_o lord_n become_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o â—â—â—â—_o return_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o whereby_o he_o will_v give_v he_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o he_o return_v not_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n unto_o he_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o decay_v in_o love_n fail_v in_o their_o duty_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n they_o must_v speedy_o renew_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n or_o else_o god_n will_v deprive_v they_o either_o of_o their_o call_n or_o of_o the_o gift_n thereof_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o renew_n thereof_o be_v needful_a unto_o all_o christian_n but_o especial_o to_o god_n minister_n if_o they_o will_v continue_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o stand_v before_o he_o become_v his_o mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n the_o second_o point_n concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n if_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o do_v lie_v in_o any_o common_a sin_n they_o procure_v hereby_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o they_o and_o the_o abolish_n of_o true_a religion_n 9.7_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o spirit_n iâ—_n mad_a this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n but_o markâ—_n the_o cause_n all_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o iniquity_n that_o be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v god_n send_v foolish_a minister_n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n in_o our_o church_n to_o fear_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o love_n in_o many_o and_o in_o the_o most_o no_o love_v at_o all_o many_o scorn_n and_o contemn_v true_a religion_n and_o hate_v the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o may_v wonder_v at_o the_o great_a patience_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o continue_v his_o gospel_n among_o we_o for_o 2.11_o god_n give_v man_n up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o love_v not_o his_o truth_n wherefore_o be_v in_o this_o danger_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v than_o by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o by_o every_o man_n apart_o and_o every_o family_n apart_o for_o when_o god_n shall_v speak_v sudden_o against_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n to_o root_v it_o up_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o people_n repent_v of_o their_o wickedness_n the_o lord_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o think_v to_o bring_v upon_o they_o jerem._n 18_o vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o the_o three_o point_n concern_v every_o private_a man_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o any_o man_n decay_n in_o love_n or_o want_v love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o brethren_n or_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n know_v to_o himself_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o he_o to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o clock_n if_o the_o watch_n stand_v the_o wheel_n stand_v as_o the_o watch_n go_v fast_o or_o soft_o so_o go_v the_o wheel_n answerable_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o man_n if_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n do_v increase_v then_o do_v his_o knowledge_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n increase_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o if_o his_o love_n decay_n than_o other_o grace_n decay_n and_o if_o love_v be_v go_v then_o farewell_n all_o piety_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o palpable_a ignorance_n as_o be_v in_o many_o that_o have_v long_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o want_n of_o love_n heb._n 3.12_o 13._o the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v by_o what_o degree_n man_n come_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n first_o sin_n deceive_v they_o by_o draw_v they_o to_o commit_v it_o then_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v by_o custom_n of_o sin_v thence_o follow_v unbelief_n in_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o they_o make_v apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o his_o truth_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o final_a apostasy_n rather_o strive_v to_o increase_v in_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o so_o shall_v all_o his_o good_a grace_n increase_v in_o thy_o heart_n out_o of_o this_o particular_a threaten_v some_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n &_o fall_v away_o final_o from_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o become_v no_o church_n then_o may_v any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o become_v no_o member_n but_o a_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o as_o here_o we_o see_v and_o therefore_o may_v any_o one_o man_n answ._n this_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o one_o man_n that_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ._n for_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o mix_a company_n of_o true_a professor_n and_o dissembler_n like_v
himself_o from_o such_o aâ—_n teach_v otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v give_v direct_a on_o and_o consent_v not_o unto_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n be_v puff_v up_o and_o know_v nothing_o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o careful_a practice_n we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n true_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o we_o must_v maintain_v with_o zeal_n and_o if_o any_o bring_v in_o other_o doctrine_n we_o must_v reject_v it_o and_o show_v forth_o detestation_n to_o he_o that_o bring_v it_o not_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n 2._o john_n 10._o we_o must_v rather_o loose_v our_o life_n than_o suffer_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deface_v three_o that_o which_o christ_n lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o this_o church_n may_v in_o sundry_a respect_n be_v charge_v upon_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n at_o this_o day_n namely_o want_v of_o zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o severity_n against_o sinner_n for_o though_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n repel_v the_o heresy_n of_o popery_n anabaptist_n and_o family_n of_o love_n and_o suppress_v all_o doctrine_n that_o race_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v commendable_a thing_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o congregation_n be_v abundance_n of_o atheist_n who_o by_o deed_n and_o conversation_n deny_v christ_n jesus_n for_o many_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o be_v profane_a who_o both_o think_v and_o speak_v most_o base_o of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o professor_n thereof_o yea_o we_o have_v flat_a epicure_n permit_v to_o live_v in_o our_o church_n such_o as_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n who_o give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o eat_v drink_v sport_n and_o delight_n without_o all_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o call_n we_o have_v also_o among_o we_o many_o cruel_a and_o merciless_a person_n that_o in_o their_o affair_n abound_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n wrong_v usury_n and_o oppression_n 5.11_o who_o tread_v be_v upon_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o covetousness_n whereby_o also_o they_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o godâ—_n people_n and_o flay_v off_o their_o skin_n from_o they_o and_o break_v their_o bone_n and_o chap_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o for_o the_o pot_n and_o as_o flesh_n within_o the_o cauldron_n mich._n 3.6_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o because_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o civil_a authority_n be_v permit_v without_o controlment_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n even_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v themselves_o flat_a enemy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o many_o of_o these_o be_v great_o countenance_v and_o grace_v for_o wisdom_n and_o reputation_n when_o as_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n be_v count_v vile_a all_o which_o as_o it_o argue_v exceed_v want_n of_o zeal_n in_o severity_n against_o sin_n so_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o come_v against_o we_o in_o judgement_n as_o he_o do_v against_o this_o church_n the_o mean_n whereby_o this_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v reform_v do_v follow_v afterward_o iii_o point_n the_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a reproof_n whereby_o the_o lord_n will_v move_v this_o church_n to_o detest_v these_o false_a teacher_n be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o similitude_n as_o balaam_n the_o false_a prophet_n teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o this_o church_n maintain_v among_o they_o nicholaitan_o who_o teach_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n at_o idol_n feast_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o similitude_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o 14_o verse_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v three_o point_n first_o what_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o offence_n be_v second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cast_v or_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n three_o by_o what_o mean_v king_n balac_n do_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o first_o a_o stumble_a block_n be_v proper_o any_o thing_n as_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o such_o like_a that_o be_v cast_v in_o a_o man_n way_n to_o hinder_v he_o in_o his_o gate_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o trip_v or_o fall_v and_o by_o resemblance_n in_o this_o place_n a_o offence_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o so_o to_o slip_v or_o fall_v or_o to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n further_o a_o offence_n be_v twofold_a either_o give_v or_o take_v a_o offence_n give_v be_v any_o speech_n or_o deed_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v provoke_v to_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v peter_n a_o offence_n unto_o christ_n though_o he_o take_v it_o not_o mat._n 16.23_o a_o offence_n take_v be_v when_o any_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o fall_v and_o sin_n by_o that_o which_o be_v well_o do_v by_o other_o so_o be_v the_o pharisy_n offend_v at_o the_o sacred_a preach_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ._n ii_o point_n the_o cast_n or_o put_v of_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o give_v a_o offence_n be_v the_o do_v or_o say_v of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v occasion_v to_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o about_o thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a thing_n evil_a be_v such_o as_o god_n word_n forbid_v and_o they_o be_v twofold_a either_o persuasion_n or_o example_n bad_a persuasion_n be_v false_a doctrine_n and_o evil_a counsel_n bad_a example_n be_v also_o a_o give_v of_o offence_n because_o it_o do_v embolden_v evil_a man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o draw_v the_o godly_a to_o evil_n again_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n etc._n etc._n may_v offence_n be_v give_v when_o as_o they_o be_v use_v unreasonable_o not_o in_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n and_o before_o fit_a person_n and_o of_o this_o paul_n speak_v say_v if_o i_o know_v my_o eat_n do_v offend_v my_o brother_n i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v the_o offence_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o offence_n give_v in_o evil_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a act_n do_v by_o balaam_n and_o according_o receive_v and_o take_v of_o the_o israelit_n for_o he_o use_v outward_a provocation_n to_o allure_v they_o unto_o sin_n iii_o point_n the_o mean_n whereby_o king_n balac_n do_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n by_o provoke_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v this_o full_o read_v number_n 25._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o history_n be_v this_o when_o balaam_n have_v assay_v sundry_a way_n to_o curse_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o can_v not_o he_o give_v balac_n counsel_v to_o use_v mean_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o sin_n at_o his_o counsel_n balac_n send_v forth_o the_o most_o beautiful_a woman_n in_o his_o kingdom_n into_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o banquet_n with_o they_o at_o their_o idol_n feast_n that_o so_o they_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o fornication_n whereunto_o the_o israelite_n condescend_v and_o so_o sin_v against_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o use_n here_o observe_v a_o special_a property_n of_o false_a teacher_n namely_o to_o cast_v offence_n before_o man_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o salvation_n by_o this_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o this_o church_n the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n 1.1_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n because_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o true_a godliness_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n be_v call_v â—_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n because_o the_o scope_n thereof_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o all_o iniquity_n and_o abomination_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v between_o true_a doctrine_n and_o false_a even_o by_o look_v into_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n thereof_o if_o it_o aim_v at_o true_a
yea_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o man_n in_o a_o further_a respect_n namely_o as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o man_n holiness_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n for_o look_v as_o from_o adam_n be_v actual_o convey_v original_a sin_n to_o every_o one_o of_o his_o posterity_n that_o come_v by_o natural_a generation_n so_o from_o christ_n be_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n convey_v to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v 3â—_n our_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n especial_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o this_o place_n use_n whereas_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a not_o only_o in_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o here_o we_o must_v mark_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n namely_o to_o have_v care_n to_o be_v ingraff_v into_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o we_o may_v receive_v grace_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o feel_v in_o we_o his_o power_n to_o kill_v our_o corruption_n and_o daily_o to_o renew_v his_o own_o image_n in_o we_o in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o as_o true_o as_o we_o feel_v in_o we_o adam_n corruption_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o plead_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v our_o saviour_n and_o will_v free_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v christ_n convey_v holiness_n into_o we_o and_o that_o as_o sensible_o as_o we_o see_v the_o root_n convey_v sap_n into_o the_o branch_n and_o this_o holiness_n we_o must_v make_v to_o appear_v in_o our_o life_n as_o the_o branch_n by_o their_o fruit_n and_o leaf_n do_v show_v they_o receive_v sap_n from_o the_o root_n second_o here_o note_v christ_n propound_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o church_n as_o a_o notable_a pattern_n to_o be_v follow_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o must_v be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a make_v conscience_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n for_o christ_n be_v holy_a to_o make_v we_o holy_a let_v we_o therefore_o behold_v christ_n and_o see_v wherein_o he_o express_v himself_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o therein_o let_v we_o follow_v he_o so_o john_n say_v he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n purifi_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v holy_a that_o be_v use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o conform_v himself_o to_o christ_n holiness_n three_o hereby_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o common_a title_n give_v to_o the_o pope_n whereby_o he_o be_v call_v holiness_n be_v a_o blasphemous_a title_n for_o to_o be_v holy_a be_v here_o make_v a_o property_n of_o christ._n and_o yet_o more_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pope_n than_o to_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n for_o he_o be_v call_v holiness_n which_o be_v a_o title_n of_o god_n alone_o the_o second_o property_n whereby_o christ_n be_v describe_v be_v truth_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a in_o three_o regard_n first_o because_o he_o be_v without_o all_o error_n or_o ignorance_n know_v every_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v truth_n be_v in_o christ_n proper_o and_o in_o the_o creature_n only_o by_o mean_n of_o he_o second_o because_o whatsoever_o he_o will_v and_o decree_v he_o do_v it_o serious_o without_o fraud_n deceit_n change_n or_o contradiction_n as_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o scripture_n do_v show_v wherein_o every_o part_n be_v suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o another_o because_o he_o make_v good_a every_o promise_n make_v in_o his_o word_n for_o in_o he_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 2._o cor._n 1.20_o 〈◊〉_d whereas_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o first_o we_o learn_v a_o full_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o all_o false_a wicked_a spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o again_o whereas_o christ_n be_v true_a in_o all_o his_o way_n we_o ought_v without_o all_o doubt_v to_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n make_v therein_o that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n if_o christ_n can_v err_v or_o lie_v and_o man_n be_v deceive_v by_o he_o than_o they_o may_v just_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n but_o see_v he_o be_v true_a in_o all_o his_o promise_n we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n depend_v upon_o he_o for_o he_o have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o help_v and_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v they_o that_o rest_n on_o he_o three_o in_o this_o property_n he_o propound_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o be_v follow_v of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o we_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v serious_a in_o his_o decree_n and_o constant_a in_o his_o promise_n so_o must_v we_o purpose_v every_o good_a thing_n serious_o and_o also_o make_v good_a whatsoever_o good_a thing_n we_o promise_v for_o liar_n must_v be_v destroy_v psalm_n 5._o vers._n 6._o they_o that_o love_n or_o make_v lie_n must_v never_o come_v into_o heaven_n but_o â—e_n shut_v out_o thence_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o burn_a lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n revel_v 22.15_o but_o it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o good_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v inheritor_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o heaven_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n psal._n 15._o verse_n 22._o and_o lie_v be_v a_o note_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n joh._n 8.44_o second_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o kingly_a office_n which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v where_o first_o let_v we_o see_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o isaiah_n 22._o vers_fw-la 22_o whence_o these_o word_n be_v borrow_v be_v there_o say_v of_o eliachim_n the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o text_n will_v easy_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n shebna_n who_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a steward_n to_o many_o of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v treasurer_n also_o unto_o king_n hezekias_n and_o because_o he_o be_v a_o hinderer_n of_o reformation_n intend_v by_o hezekias_n the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o his_o office_n and_o further_o the_o lord_n signify_v that_o eliachim_n shall_v come_v in_o his_o room_n and_o have_v the_o same_o office_n now_o to_o express_v this_o thing_n the_o lord_n say_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n that_o be_v eliachim_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n even_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o david_n whereof_o hezekias_n be_v governor_n for_o so_o the_o house_n of_o juda_n and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n and_o the_o give_v of_o a_o key_n be_v a_o ancient_a token_n of_o place_v and_o invest_v man_n in_o chief_a rule_n and_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n quest._n but_o why_o be_v christ_n say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n for_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n but_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n john_n 18.36_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n shall_v give_v unto_o he_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n david_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n luk._n 1.32.33_o answ._n christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n two_o way_n first_o proper_o for_o when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n marie_n he_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o right_a descent_n from_o his_o father_n david_n as_o his_o genealogy_n plain_o show_v luk._n 3._o and_o also_o the_o question_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n at_o jerusalem_n say_v where_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v bear_v mat._n 2.2_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o publican_n ask_v tribute_n of_o he_o he_o plead_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o king_n son_n albeit_o to_o avoid_v offence_n he_o be_v content_a to_o yield_v of_o his_o right_n &_o to_o pay_v tribute_n thereby_o show_v that_o he_o have_v right_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n though_o he_o will_v not_o take_v it_o upon_o he_o &_o therefore_o come_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o kingdom_n be_v take_v of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n second_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n kingdom_n tipical_o for_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o
david_n himself_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_o dyscipher_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 23.5.6_o &_o hosea_n 3.5_o where_o christ_n be_v plain_o call_v david_n by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o that_o be_v his_o type_n sign_n &_o figure_n quest._n why_o be_v not_o as_o well_o the_o kingdom_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o pharaoh_n type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o david_n answ._n because_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n and_o piety_n but_o they_o be_v kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n kingdom_n because_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o be_v figure_v by_o the_o piety_n in_o david_n kingdom_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o speak_v be_v justifiable_a by_o god_n word_n so_o mat._n 2.23_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n which_o place_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v proper_o of_o samson_n 13._o who_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a figure_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v most_o notable_o represent_v he_o in_o his_o death_n wherein_o he_o kill_v more_o than_o in_o his_o life_n now_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n not_o because_o he_o observe_v their_o rite_n and_o order_n for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o he_o drink_v wine_n so_o do_v not_o the_o nazarite_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o order_n for_o in_o he_o be_v full_o accomplish_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o that_o order_n for_o he_o be_v perfect_o sever_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o pollution_n and_o so_o here_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n because_o he_o have_v the_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o david_n kingdom_n which_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v here_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n which_o can_v be_v open_v and_o shut_v by_o none_o but_o christ_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o none_o have_v power_n above_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o his_o power_n therein_o be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a so_o that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o christ_n jesus_n sit_v in_o heaven_n have_v sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v it_o have_v three_o part_n i._o to_o prescribe_v ii_o to_o judge_n iii_o to_o save_v or_o destroy_v in_o prescribe_v christ_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n as_o first_o in_o prescribe_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v and_o that_o on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n this_o power_n he_o put_v in_o execution_n when_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n he_o prescribe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o believe_v and_o none_o but_o he_o can_v make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o second_o for_o regiment_n he_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o prescribe_v how_o he_o will_v have_v his_o church_n govern_v and_o by_o who_o and_o therefore_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v to_o make_v the_o tabernacle_n 8.5_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o he_o so_o david_n give_v to_o solomon_n pattern_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n touch_v the_o build_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1._o chron._n 28.12_o three_o he_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n for_o as_o the_o ordain_v of_o a_o sabbath_n belong_v to_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o change_v thereof_o he_o that_o prescribe_v worship_n must_v prescribe_v the_o ordinary_a set_a time_n thereunto_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o opinion_n of_o man_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n may_v make_v two_o or_o more_o sabbath_n day_n in_o a_o week_n if_o they_o wil._n four_o in_o prescribe_v the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o 23_o paul_n say_v what_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o deliver_v i_o unto_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o he_o that_o give_v grace_n must_v also_o appoint_v the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v power_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o sovereign_a power_n to_o determine_v on_o his_o own_o will_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o or_o submission_n to_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o in_o determine_v christ_n have_v two_o privilege_n first_o to_o expound_v scripture_n the_o absolute_a power_n of_o expound_v the_o law_n belong_v to_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o his_o exposition_n be_v authentical_a second_o to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o hold_n that_o the_o principal_a judge_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o decyde_v controversy_n be_v the_o church_n the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v to_o save_v and_o destroy_v this_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v say_v 1.18_o to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n whereby_o be_v signify_v first_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n for_o that_o he_o procure_v at_o his_o father_n hand_n second_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o condemn_v for_o when_o man_n believe_v not_o his_o word_n he_o have_v power_n to_o hold_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o can_v cast_v they_o into_o hell_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o threefold_a power_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n this_o because_o he_o be_v sovereign_a lord_n over_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v that_o this_o key_n of_o david_n have_v more_o in_o it_o then_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o power_n to_o make_v and_o depose_v king_n that_o be_v in_o his_o church_n this_o they_o teach_v that_o they_o may_v prove_v the_o pope_n to_o have_v title_n in_o ordain_v and_o depose_n of_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o key_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o for_o though_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v above_o all_o king_n yet_o in_o that_o regard_n he_o neither_o make_v nor_o depose_v any_o king_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v plain_o 3â—_n my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n this_o cause_v he_o to_o refuse_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o earthly_a judge_n or_o prince_n to_o 14_o divide_v a_o inheritance_n between_o two_o brethren_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o 8.11_o refuse_v to_o give_v sentence_n of_o the_o adulterous_a woman_n and_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o make_v or_o depose_v earthly_a king_n so_o the_o wise_a mail_n speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o wisdom_n 8.15_o by_o i_o king_n reign_v for_o the_o further_a clear_n of_o this_o we_o must_v handle_v another_o point_n which_o be_v derive_v hence_o keyeâ—_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v a_o power_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v mention_v mat._n 16.19_o when_o christ_n say_v unto_o peter_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o ministry_n grant_v to_o god_n church_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o i_o call_v it_o a_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o service_n because_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n do_v in_o christ_n name_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n unto_o their_o lord_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o worthy_a member_n and_o officer_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n that_o this_o be_v a_o service_n i_o show_v more_o plain_o thus_o when_o adam_n fall_v in_o his_o sin_n all_o mankind_n fall_v with_o he_o and_o thereby_o be_v all_o bar_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o since_o that_o fall_n christ_n become_v man_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o man_n sin_n and_o this_o
they_o signify_v that_o this_o church_n have_v special_a care_n of_o keep_v god_n word_n in_o every_o commandment_n both_o legal_a and_o evangelical_a happy_a be_v our_o church_n if_o the_o same_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v care_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n but_o general_o we_o fail_v in_o practice_n though_o in_o outward_a profession_n we_o make_v some_o show_n thereof_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o church_n vers._n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagog_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v two_o first_o concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o certain_a jew_n vers_fw-la 9_o second_o concern_v the_o deliverance_n of_o these_o philadelphian_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n vers_fw-la 10._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o promise_n in_o all_o likelihood_n there_o be_v in_o this_o city_n of_o philadelphia_n a_o synagog_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o bear_v a_o outward_a show_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n albeit_o they_o deny_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o persecute_v his_o church_n yet_o christ_n here_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v convert_v they_o and_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n before_o this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n in_o this_o promise_n note_v three_o point_n touch_v the_o conversion_n of_o these_o jew_n the_o author_n thereof_o the_o party_n convert_v and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n for_o the_o first_o i_o say_v christ_n behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o the_o word_n be_v very_o significant_a be_v double_v and_o they_o make_v christ_n the_o whole_a and_o sole_a author_n of_o their_o conversion_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o in_o the_o conversision_n of_o a_o sinner_n god_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a work_n true_a it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n will_v his_o conversion_n in_o the_o act_n thereof_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v that_o will_n in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o of_o himself_o this_o confute_v the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o freewill_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whereby_o they_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n can_v dispose_v himself_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n be_v only_o help_v by_o god_n grace_n like_o unto_o a_o sick_a man_n who_o though_o he_o be_v weak_a yet_o be_v hold_v up_o by_o another_o can_v go_v of_o himself_o ans._n but_o saint_n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v not_o sick_a or_o weak_a with_o sin_n but_o stark_o 2.1_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o can_v no_o more_o move_v himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o conversion_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n in_o the_o grave_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o resurrection_n but_o they_o say_v by_o this_o we_o make_v a_o man_n like_o unto_o a_o block_n answ._n not_o so_o for_o though_o he_o can_v turn_v himself_o unto_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v his_o will_n and_o understanding_n free_a to_o use_v in_o civil_a and_o outward_a action_n and_o beside_o theâ—e_n be_v a_o possibility_n in_o his_o nature_n to_o be_v convert_v by_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o in_o a_o block_n again_o whereas_o christ_n say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o they_o shall_v come_v here_o be_v plain_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o some_o which_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v may_v come_v unto_o christ_n or_o not_o come_v at_o his_o pleasure_n when_o god_n have_v give_v grace_n man_n may_v receive_v it_o or_o refuse_v it_o if_o he_o will_n this_o be_v flat_a against_o this_o text_n for_o god_n will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o man_n will_n must_v be_v pliable_a to_o god_n will_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o they_o allege_v mat._n 23.37_o oh_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o will_v not_o answ._n christ_n there_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o that_o can_v be_v resist_v but_o of_o his_o signify_v will_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o by_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o circumcision_n unto_o the_o jew_n for_o so_o he_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v it_o not_o object_n 2._o act._n 7.51_o you_o stiffnecked_a jew_n you_o have_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n answ._n that_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o the_o spirit_n himself_o ii_o point_n the_o party_n convert_v namely_o they_o of_o the_o synagog_n of_o satan_n such_o as_o call_v themselves_o the_o only_a true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o slave_n of_o satan_n this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o hereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o not_o only_a sinner_n which_o commit_v small_a sin_n be_v convert_v unto_o god_n but_o even_o grievous_a and_o ancient_a sinner_n such_o as_o have_v long_o concâ—â—ued_v the_o slave_n of_o satan_n christ_n die_v not_o for_o paint_a sinner_n but_o for_o grievous_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o paul_n charge_v timothy_n and_o the_o minister_n with_o he_o 2.26_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n of_o they_o that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o devil_n own_a will_n rom._n 1.28_o paul_n speak_v of_o some_o gentile_n that_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a case_n and_o yet_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o they_o be_v after_o turn_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o such_o be_v they_o that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v repentance_n to_o be_v wait_v for_o of_o they_o this_o doctrine_n must_v not_o be_v abuse_v to_o liberty_n in_o sin_v use_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n but_o yet_o see_v christ_n will_v bring_v home_o into_o his_o kingdom_n most_o grievous_a sinner_n we_o must_v hereby_o take_v occasion_n not_o to_o be_v discourage_v either_o by_o the_o greatness_n or_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n from_o come_v unto_o christ._n for_o mark_v christ_n only_o raise_v three_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o life_n jayrus_n daughter_n that_o be_v new_a dead_a the_o widow_n son_n that_o lie_v on_o the_o herste_fw-mi and_o lazarus_n that_o lie_v stink_v in_o the_o grave_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a figure_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n he_o will_v not_o only_o call_v to_o repentance_n small_a and_o young_a sinner_n but_o even_o great_a and_o old_a sinner_n that_o lie_v rot_v and_o stink_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n as_o lazarus_n do_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o death_n he_o come_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v devour_v by_o wolf_n and_o wild_a beast_n we_o must_v all_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o his_o large_a mercy_n and_o in_o time_n lie_v hold_v upon_o it_o and_o repent_v iii_o point_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n in_o these_o word_n they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n may_v be_v fit_o expound_v by_o another_o place_n of_o scripture_n 1._o corinth_n 14.24.25_o if_o all_o pprophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o man_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o so_o as_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v disclose_v and_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n and_o worship_n god_n and_o say_v plain_o god_n be_v in_o you_o indeed_o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o i_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o come_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n &_o at_o their_o foot_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n here_o be_v set_v down_o two_o notable_a fruit_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n first_o concern_v god_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o church_n the_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n that_o respect_v god_n be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n note_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o worship_n that_o be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n with_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o adore_v the_o true_a
god_n this_o fruit_n no_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o till_o he_o be_v convert_v for_o 14.4_o the_o wicked_a and_o natural_a man_n call_v not_o upon_o god_n true_a it_o be_v they_o will_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o same_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o they_o will_v come_v outward_o and_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o element_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n from_o the_o heart_n which_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v perform_v unto_o god_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a conversion_n which_o when_o a_o man_n receive_v he_o do_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o reverence_n tremble_v at_o god_n judgement_n and_o mingle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o call_v upon_o god_n he_o feel_v his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o prayer_n do_v earnest_o desire_v the_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n have_v his_o hart_n also_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v mercy_n and_o in_o thanksgiving_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o thankfulness_n so_o as_o be_v convert_v all_o his_o worship_n unto_o god_n be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o these_o jew_n be_v note_v three_o property_n require_v in_o godâ—_n service_n first_o it_o must_v be_v willing_a and_o cheerful_a so_o do_v these_o jew_n worship_n god_n for_o they_o be_v say_v not_o only_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o thus_o do_v all_o god_n child_n worship_v he_o isay._n 56.7_o those_o who_o god_n bring_v to_o his_o mountain_n he_o make_v joyful_a in_o his_o house_n of_o prayer_n psal._n 110.3_o they_o shall_v come_v willing_o in_o the_o day_n of_o assembly_n by_o this_o property_n we_o may_v see_v a_o great_a number_n at_o this_o day_n every_o where_o come_v far_o short_a in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o most_o man_n never_o regard_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n which_o they_o frequent_a to_o avoid_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o these_o be_v miserable_a worshipper_n of_o god_n his_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a and_o willing_a the_o second_o property_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n must_v be_v express_v with_o seemly_a meet_v and_o convenient_a gesture_n the_o word_n translate_v worship_n signify_v do_v of_o reverence_n with_o bow_v of_o the_o body_n and_o knee_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o necessary_a to_o use_v convenient_a gesture_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o thereby_o the_o grace_n and_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v express_v the_o â—_o angel_n that_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n have_v two_o wing_n to_o cover_v their_o foot_n and_o two_o to_o cover_v their_o face_n thereby_o testify_v their_o reverence_n to_o god_n majesty_n in_o this_o point_n also_o many_o come_v short_a for_o as_o the_o common_a complaint_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o many_o be_v to_o lie_v snort_v and_o sleep_v under_o man_n elbow_n at_o sermon_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n to_o sit_v unreverent_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o god_n be_v lord_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v with_o both_o the_o three_o property_n all_o that_o will_v true_o worship_v god_n must_v first_o be_v humble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n bring_v down_o and_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n so_o these_o jew_n do_v prostrate_v their_o body_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o congregation_n when_o they_o come_v to_o worship_v god._n the_o â—â—_o jailor_n that_o imprison_v paul_n and_o silas_n overnight_o and_o put_v their_o foot_n in_o the_o stock_n will_v then_o have_v very_o little_o regard_v paul_n doctrine_n be_v so_o cruel_a and_o rigorous_a to_o their_o person_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o have_v kill_v himself_o with_o his_o sword_n suppose_v the_o prisoner_n have_v be_v go_v because_o he_o see_v the_o door_n open_v he_o be_v glad_a and_o joyful_a to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o paul_n who_o call_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v himself_o no_o harm_n for_o they_o be_v all_o there_o then_o be_v humble_v by_o that_o strange_a and_o wonder_a work_n of_o god_n he_o come_v in_o unto_o they_o humble_v himself_o and_o fall_v down_o before_o they_o crave_v they_o to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o must_v do_v to_o be_v save_v in_o like_a manner_n so_o long_o as_o man_n have_v not_o their_o proud_a heart_n beat_v down_o they_o will_v never_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n will_v we_o therefore_o know_v why_o the_o most_o part_n worship_n god_n formal_o sure_o it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v humble_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n majesty_n and_o a_o terror_n of_o hell_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v hope_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o worship_n god_n sincere_o till_o our_o heart_n be_v thus_o break_v within_o we_o and_o we_o touch_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n and_o woman_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o bare_a mumble_v over_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o creed_n and_o ten_o commandment_n never_o seek_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n cheerful_o and_o willing_o both_o with_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o do_v worship_n unto_o god_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o true_a conversion_n concern_v man_n and_o that_o be_v a_o reverence_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n note_v in_o these_o word_n before_o thy_o foot_n these_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v do_v not_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o congregation_n but_o submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v footstool_n unto_o they_o this_o reverence_n show_v itself_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n thereof_o namely_o a_o base_a opinion_n which_o every_o true_a convert_a person_n have_v of_o himself_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v in_o paul_n cause_v he_o to_o call_v himself_o the_o 1.15_o chief_n of_o all_o sinner_n and_o the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o this_o be_v true_a grace_n and_o a_o note_n of_o true_a repentance_n when_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n can_v true_o abase_v themselves_o beneath_o all_o god_n people_n so_o as_o if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o vile_a person_n in_o the_o church_n the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n shall_v answer_v i_o myself_o the_o proud_a and_o pharesaicall_a heart_n be_v far_o from_o true_a conversion_n but_o the_o humble_a hart_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a submiss_a behaviour_n of_o these_o jew_n for_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o shall_v these_o jew_n come_v to_o join_v themselves_o with_o god_n people_n and_o be_v content_a to_o make_v themselves_o footstool_n unto_o they_o the_o answer_n be_v because_o christ_n will_v make_v they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v love_v his_o church_n here_o mark_v and_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a reverence_n god_n love_n and_o favour_n sundry_a person_n both_o in_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n have_v reverence_n due_a unto_o they_o as_o master_n from_o their_o servant_n parent_n from_o their_o child_n and_o all_o superior_n from_o their_o inferior_n now_o if_o these_o man_n will_v attain_v to_o true_a reverence_n indeed_o first_o they_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o child_n and_o so_o shall_v they_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o true_a reverence_n for_o when_o man_n set_v their_o heart_n to_o fear_n god_n then_o will_v god_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o reverence_v they_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o of_o those_o that_o be_v great_a in_o birth_n and_o wealth_n they_o must_v not_o stand_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o look_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o true_a reverence_n namely_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o and_o get_v that_o god_n will_v get_v they_o reverence_n even_o of_o wicked_a man_n the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o high_a place_n as_o magistrate_n master_n etc._n etc._n want_v due_a reverence_n be_v for_o that_o they_o care_v not_o for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o ground_n thereof_o vers._n 10._o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n therefore_o will_v i_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o will_v
that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o god_n of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o any_o other_o but_o by_o christ_n god_n hear_v not_o god_n help_v not_o god_n save_v not_o but_o by_o christ_n nay_o god_n be_v no_o god_n unto_o we_o out_o of_o christ._n for_o first_o he_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o christ_n and_o then_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o unto_o us._n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n we_o must_v call_v on_o he_o through_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v give_v he_o thanks_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o only_o be_v we_o hear_v if_o we_o will_v know_v god_n it_o must_v be_v by_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v the_o very_a engraven_a image_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o be_v manife_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o idol_n in_o the_o brain_n last_o if_o we_o will_v receive_v any_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n as_o meat_n drink_n and_o clothing_n for_o if_o we_o receive_v they_o from_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n we_o be_v but_o usurper_n of_o they_o and_o the_o use_n thereof_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n four_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o do_v all_o desire_n and_o look_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n after_o this_o life_n therefore_o here_o we_o must_v live_v as_o citizen_n of_o god_n kingdom_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n commandment_n abandon_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o after_o this_o life_n we_o may_v assure_o persuade_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o kingdom_n five_o it_o be_v say_v this_o city_n of_o god_n be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v more_o careful_o to_o seek_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o behold_v god_n endless_a mercy_n herein_o our_o sin_n shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v open_v they_o and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o make_v heaven_n come_v down_o unto_o man_n god_n therefore_o will_v not_o see_v we_o damn_v he_o have_v make_v open_a away_o even_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o escape_n hell_n god_n have_v bring_v down_o heaven_n among_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o with_o the_o people_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n violent_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n and_o strive_v to_o take_v it_o by_o force_n matt._n 11.12_o last_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o new_a name_n on_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v he_o partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o digniâ—ie_v wherewith_o i_o myself_o be_o glorify_v since_o my_o death_n and_o resurrection_n mark_v this_o all_o that_o after_o this_o life_n must_v have_v christ_n new_a name_n must_v in_o this_o life_n become_v new_a creature_n so_o paul_n say_v 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o again_o 6.15_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n will_v we_o then_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v here_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n herein_o stand_v true_a religion_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o not_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n and_o profession_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v of_o 4.23.24_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a with_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mâ—â—ds_n put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n but_o if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o old_a man_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o christ_n glory_n for_o this_o new_a name_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o old_a man_n and_o it_o can_v agree_v together_o vers._n 13._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o conclusion_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n vers._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v amen_o that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n that_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n here_o follow_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n whereto_o be_v prefix_v a_o commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v authorise_v to_o pen_v the_o same_o in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v which_o have_v be_v handle_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v this_o 14._o verse_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n christ_n who_o be_v here_o describe_v by_o two_o argument_n i._o he_o be_v call_v amen_o which_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n ii_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o amen_o be_v a_o hebrew_n aduerbe_n of_o asseveration_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o very_o true_o or_o certain_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n &_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o full_a exposition_n of_o the_o same_o amen_n be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v amen_o to_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o a_o true_a witness_n which_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v expound_v and_o reason_n render_v why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v unto_o which_o title_n be_v here_o add_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n according_a as_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o without_o error_n deceit_n or_o falsehood_n for_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o must_v first_o search_v out_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v amen_o that_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n which_o by_o the_o content_n of_o the_o epistle_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v to_o be_v these_o first_o to_o set_v forth_o himself_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n a_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o fidelity_n in_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o duty_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a christ_n therefore_o by_o his_o own_o example_n will_v teach_v he_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o instruct_v the_o church_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o how_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v have_v be_v show_v before_o chap._n 1.5_o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o member_n do_v christ_n propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o first_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n make_v good_a all_o his_o lawful_a word_n promise_n oath_n league_n compact_n and_o bargain_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o his_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v truth_n be_v another_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n without_o fraud_n lie_v or_o deceit_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o good_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o we_o therefore_o must_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n this_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n without_o any_o fame_a or_o falsehood_n so_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o show_v ourselves_o faithful_a in_o all_o lawful_a promise_n and_o true_a in_o all_o our_o speech_n that_o so_o by_o these_o virtue_n we_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o christ_n through_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n second_o