subsist_v these_o word_n prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n allege_v they_o be_v to_o certify_v he_o that_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o to_o show_v he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o bring_v his_o own_o testimony_n namely_o i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v unto_o thou_o be_v from_o god_n even_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 1._o which_o be_o god_n equal_a to_o my_o father_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o christ_n note_v a_o singular_a care_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n but_o withal_o to_o certify_v his_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o here_o he_o tell_v john_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n to_o certify_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o he_o reveal_v not_o only_o his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o act._n 10._o peter_n have_v a_o vision_n and_o withal_o the_o lord_n assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o vision_n and_o when_o christ_n preach_v his_o father_n will_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n which_o be_v as_o sâ—ales_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o 2._o that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v his_o will_n but_o withal_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o will_n this_o first_o confute_v the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a till_o we_o hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v uncertain_a to_o we_o though_o certain_a in_o itself_o to_o be_v certain_a to_o us._n but_o we_o must_v here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o his_o child_n but_o withal_o use_v mean_n to_o certify_v man_n heart_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sure_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o even_o to_o man_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o speak_v word_n of_o the_o same_o â—_o this_o confute_v all_o carnal_a man_n there_o be_v many_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v as_o they_o think_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n see_v man_n opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o diverse_a that_o one_o can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o we_o differ_v in_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o diverse_a opinion_n yet_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n they_o differ_v not_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v differ_v in_o opinion_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o religion_n but_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v stand_v sure_a and_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o lord_n can_v make_v man_n out_o of_o it_o to_o learn_v his_o will_n and_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o religion_n now_o follow_v the_o commandment_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n etc._n etc._n this_o have_v two_o part_n first_o s._n john_n must_v write_v the_o thing_n he_o receive_v second_o he_o must_v send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n now_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o book_n and_o he_o must_v set_v down_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o god_n to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n because_o he_o be_v now_o in_o banishment_n and_o can_v not_o come_v to_o they_o and_o be_v present_a with_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o therefore_o he_o must_v write_v these_o in_o a_o book_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v holpen_v by_o they_o second_o he_o must_v not_o only_o write_v they_o in_o a_o book_n but_o send_v they_o to_o these_o seven_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o cruel_a time_n of_o their_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v these_o book_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o truth_n first_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o word_n second_o because_o she_o keep_v the_o same_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o also_o give_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o so_o then_o that_o these_o church_n may_v keep_v publish_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o must_v send_v they_o write_v to_o they_o hence_o we_o learn_v use_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v a_o excellent_a help_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o send_v this_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n this_o confute_v first_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o write_a word_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a &_o inky_a letter_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n to_o be_v turn_v any_o way_n second_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o look_v for_o revelation_n contemn_v the_o write_a word_n but_o see_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n we_o may_v learn_v 2._o that_o the_o read_n of_o this_o book_n as_o of_o other_o scripture_n be_v god_n ordinance_n whether_o it_o be_v public_a or_o private_a and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o use_v as_o god_n ordinance_n with_o reverence_n and_o good_a conscience_n indeed_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o begin_v faith_n and_o to_o work_v repentance_n but_o the_o read_n of_o they_o public_o and_o private_o have_v his_o proper_a use_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n yea_o to_o increase_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o us._n write_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o that_o a_o man_n in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n may_v be_v the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n s._n john_n a_o famous_a apostle_n and_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o banishment_n and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n from_o all_o company_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o give_v to_o none_o but_o they_o which_o be_v his_o servant_n then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v and_o continue_v in_o banishment_n yet_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n we_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o he_o be_v sure_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o john_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o these_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o most_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n in_o which_o be_v plant_v seven_o most_o excellent_a church_n of_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n here_o be_v name_v one_o by_o one_o then_o i_o turn_v back_o 12._o here_o be_v his_o preparation_n or_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n when_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o i_o be_v loud_a and_o great_a i_o turn_v to_o see_v he_o which_o deliver_v it_o to_o i_o in_o the_o preparation_n we_o must_v consider_v first_o the_o mean_n to_o move_v john_n to_o attention_n namely_o a_o voice_n second_o the_o end_n to_o make_v he_o attentive_a and_o to_o enjoin_v he_o his_o duty_n namely_o to_o write_v and_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o preparation_n which_o be_v that_o he_o turn_v back_o when_o he_o hear_v this_o loud_a and_o great_a voice_n to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v which_o give_v the_o voice_n by_o this_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n we_o may_v learn_v our_o duty_n for_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o man_n which_o give_v the_o voice_n so_o must_v we_o deal_v with_o god_n s._n john_n hear_v a_o voice_n and_o then_o he_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v so_o must_v we_o do_v with_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n ready_a to_o turn_v from_o god_n and_o run_v from_o he_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v by_o our_o sin_n now_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o we_o be_v run_v on_o in_o another_o way_n we_o must_v turn_v to_o he_o turn_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o way_n confess_v our_o sin_n to_o he_o that_o so_o
any_o open_o wicked_a in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v any_o private_a company_n with_o he_o show_v he_o no_o special_a familiarity_n but_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o as_o burden_n to_o us._n and_o have_v examine_v they_o this_o sharp_a deal_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v 2_o part_n the_o first_o be_v examination_n the_o second_o condemnation_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n the_o first_o part_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n the_o second_o the_o oppose_a of_o herself_o against_o they_o be_v discover_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n teach_v two_o point_n first_o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o it_o special_a grace_n and_o wisdom_n a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o discern_v 1._o cor._n 2._o 15._o 1._o cor._n 11._o spiritual_a man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v of_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o blood_n between_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a bread_n and_o wine_n 2._o cor._n 13._o prove_v yourselves_o show_v that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v power_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v faith_n or_o not_o 1._o joh._n 5._o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o she_o have_v power_n to_o discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n and_o by_o this_o gift_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n no_o society_n save_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v this_o gift_n to_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o error_n true_a apostle_n and_o false_a apostle_n second_o we_o gather_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v whether_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o some_o man_n it_o please_v to_o call_v this_o to_o question_n nay_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church_n in_o england_n but_o call_v it_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o ministry_n in_o it_o no_o word_n no_o sacrament_n now_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o we_o in_o england_n and_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n in_o scotland_n &_o other_o evangelicall_a and_o reform_a church_n judge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v so_o though_o they_o deny_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rather_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o or_o many_o particular_a true_a church_n then_o of_o any_o one_o private_a or_o of_o many_o man_n yea_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o false_a apostle_n it_o have_v also_o power_n to_o judge_v of_o scripture_n to_o judge_v which_o book_n be_v canonical_a which_o be_v not_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v be_v false_a that_o the_o church_n indeed_o can_v judge_v but_o as_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o their_o church_n this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v this_o power_n long_o before_o rome_n be_v in_o such_o name_n nay_o it_o be_v in_o this_o time_n of_o john_n of_o far_o great_a name_n than_o rome_n and_o more_o famous_a and_o excellent_a the_o second_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discovery_n of_o false_a apostle_n consist_v in_o what_o this_o judicial_a action_n stand_v which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n it_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o condemnation_n of_o they_o after_o examination_n for_o the_o first_o he_o say_v and_o have_v examine_v for_o the_o second_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n to_o come_v to_o this_o examination_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v a_o gift_n of_o examination_n question_n and_o do_v examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o their_o doctrine_n but_o how_o may_v a_o particular_a church_n examine_v a_o false_a apostle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n answer_n to_o do_v this_o the_o man_n or_o church_n which_o will_v do_v it_o must_v first_o prepare_v themselves_o and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o examine_v and_o in_o this_o preparation_n must_v have_v a_o humble_a heart_n and_o lowly_a spirit_n for_o god_n reveal_v not_o his_o will_n to_o proud_a man_n such_o as_o have_v high_a mind_n in_o their_o conceit_n and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o he_o must_v clean_o renounce_v his_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o his_o own_o reason_n if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n after_o this_o preparation_n he_o must_v make_v prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o spirit_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v the_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v open_v his_o eye_n by_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o judge_v of_o truth_n &_o falsehood_n luk._n 11._o jam._n 1._o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o must_v labour_v thorough_o to_o know_v and_o well_o to_o conceive_v of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n he_o must_v seek_v to_o understand_v they_o their_o ground_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n to_o propound_v a_o man_n error_n and_o not_o in_o that_o meaning_n he_o propound_v it_o or_o give_v it_o they_o must_v further_o prove_v and_o try_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o do_v this_o he_o must_v come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o the_o matter_n not_o a_o dumb_a letter_n as_o the_o papist_n hold_v but_o the_o true_a judge_n in_o all_o matter_n and_o most_o sufficient_a esa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o joh._n 5._o search_v the_o scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n must_v be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o matter_n he_o must_v give_v sentence_n and_o no_o angel_n saint_n or_o man_n now_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o write_a word_n therefore_o they_o must_v search_v whether_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o can_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v collect_v out_o of_o they_o they_o must_v after_o all_o this_o look_n to_o their_o life_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o false_a apostle_n shall_v lead_v a_o good_a life_n we_o must_v look_v on_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o for_o though_o he_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o his_o life_n be_v well_o sift_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o mat._n 7._o christ_n bid_v we_o try_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n a_o bad_a tree_n can_v bring_v good_a fruit_n but_o if_o a_o man_n try_v and_o taste_v they_o though_o they_o appear_v beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v but_o hypocritical_a and_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v descry_v by_o this_o one_o mark_n by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o they_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n they_o have_v live_v answerable_a they_o can_v but_o live_v according_o there_o be_v never_o any_o which_o be_v a_o famous_a heretic_n in_o the_o church_n but_o his_o life_n be_v stain_v with_o monstrous_a sin_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o discovery_n be_v condemnation_n or_o sentence_n against_o they_o for_o after_o she_o have_v examine_v they_o &_o find_v they_o not_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v she_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n note_v she_o call_v they_o liar_n use_v sharp_a speech_n and_o yet_o sin_v not_o see_v christ_n commend_v she_o so_o minister_n to_o show_v their_o hatred_n against_o vice_n may_v use_v sharp_a speech_n not_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_v but_o only_o to_o show_v our_o hatred_n and_o mislike_v of_o sin_n so_o john_n baptist_n call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n paul_n the_o galatian_n fool_n in_o that_o she_o call_v they_o liar_n doctrine_n it_o show_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o speak_v false_o and_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v untrue_a second_o that_o they_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n to_o hurt_v and_o deceive_v the_o church_n for_o these_o three_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o liar_n again_o here_o we_o see_v that_o which_o paul_n act._n 20._o foretell_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o be_v fulfil_v that_o among_o the_o ephesian_n shall_v arise_v liar_n on_o they_o which_o profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o again_o if_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v yet_o alive_a dare_v so_o take_v on_o they_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n and_o be_v none_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n dare_v six_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o take_v this_o upon_o he_o and_o say_v he_o be_v peter_n successor_n to_o take_v on_o he_o apostolical_a power_n
yea_o though_o they_o preach_v it_o oftentimes_o but_o they_o must_v look_v that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o ease_v but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o hearer_n hear_v the_o minister_n repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n ought_v not_o curious_o to_o reprehend_v he_o for_o than_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reprehend_v christ_n himself_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v here_o then_o be_v a_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v this_o hear_n be_v the_o good_a learning_n that_o bring_v true_a faith_n salvation_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o it_o but_o to_o who_o be_v this_o commandment_n give_v to_o hear_v hearer_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n but_o with_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n hence_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v to_o all_o man_n grace_v to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o their_o salvation_n second_o that_o we_o must_v so_o hear_v that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o change_v but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n teach_v to_o the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v attentive_o he_o use_v a_o double_a reason_n one_o draw_v from_o the_o speaker_n another_o from_o the_o auditor_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o before_o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v 14._o etc._n etc._n as_o before_o all_o the_o other_o epistle_n so_o before_o this_o last_o epistle_n there_o be_v a_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n to_o write_v it_o and_o the_o epistle_n have_v three_o part_n as_o the_o former_a have_v first_o a_o preface_n second_o the_o matter_n three_o a_o conclusion_n first_o of_o the_o preface_n wherein_o christ_n be_v describe_v in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v pen_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o his_o name_n and_o title_n amen_o a_o faithful_a witness_n second_o by_o his_o privilege_n and_o property_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o crature_n amen_n be_v a_o adverb_n of_o affirmation_n or_o asseveration_n signify_v true_o very_o &_o certain_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v be_v render_v in_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v which_o be_v a_o commentary_n and_o full_a exposition_n of_o this_o the_o faithful_a witness_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v call_v amen_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o there_o i_o expound_v it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v repeat_v the_o head_n only_o of_o that_o exposition_n he_o be_v call_v a_o witness_n between_o god_n the_o father_n and_o we_o because_o he_o do_v not_o only_o reveal_v the_o father_n will_n to_o we_o but_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n inward_a and_o outward_a but_o of_o all_o testimony_n that_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o for_o these_o three_o respect_n he_o be_v thus_o term_v first_o because_o he_o do_v reveal_v it_o and_o seal_v it_o and_o ratify_v it_o by_o inward_a and_o outward_a testimony_n second_o because_o he_o will_v accomplish_v his_o father_n wil._n 2._o cor._n 1._o 20._o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a witness_n three_o he_o be_v call_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o which_o he_o reveal_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o he_o say_v as_o the_o thing_n be_v without_o error_n or_o falsehood_n nay_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n now_o the_o use_n and_o the_o end_n why_o here_o christ_n be_v so_o call_v if_o we_o do_v but_o read_v the_o epistle_n and_o mark_v the_o content_n we_o may_v guess_v probable_o at_o the_o end_n which_o be_v that_o he_o may_v show_v himself_o a_o example_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o ministry_n therefore_o christ_n instruct_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n teach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o see_v chap._n 1._o 5._o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o to_o all_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o all_o christian_n he_o propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n he_o will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n even_o as_o he_o be_v this_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n word_n become_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v whereby_o we_o make_v good_a all_o our_o word_n oath_n and_o promise_n truth_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n without_o lie_v deceit_n or_o fraud_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o i_o say_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o and_o other_o good_a and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n set_a we_o this_o example_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n so_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o show_v ourselves_o true_a in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o speech_n and_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o our_o promise_n these_o be_v excellent_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christian_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v know_v by_o these_o to_o be_v like_o christ._n the_o second_o end_n of_o this_o title_n be_v to_o induce_v this_o church_n to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n effectual_o for_o it_o be_v faulty_a in_o this_o point_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o this_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n how_o shall_v they_o do_v this_o thus_o consider_v in_o the_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o commandment_n promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o apply_v they_o particular_o every_o man_n to_o himself_o the_o commandment_n to_o know_v sin_n the_o threaten_n to_o humble_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v god_n grace_n see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o luke_n 15._o in_o the_o prodigal_a son_n i_o have_v sin_v and_o be_o not_o worthy_a etc._n etc._n so_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n humble_v themselves_o no_o man_n can_v true_o be_v humble_v till_o he_o make_v this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n which_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v now_o the_o gospel_n also_o must_v be_v thus_o apply_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a but_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o further_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o proof_n see_v phil._n 3._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o sum_n be_v this_o he_o esteem_v all_o thing_n loss_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n now_o mark_v the_o fifteen_o verse_n let_v so_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o apply_v christ_n to_o our_o own_o person_n thus_o be_v we_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o apply_v the_o gospel_n to_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o so_o he_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v 1._o john_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n and_o reason_n why_o christ_n call_v himself_o so_o that_o man_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o word_n in_o general_a but_o apply_v it_o in_o particular_a to_o themselves_o the_o not_o do_v of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o negligence_n in_o religion_n of_o so_o many_o lukewarm_a christian_n and_o professor_n therefore_o let_v we_o all_o learn_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v the_o word_n no_o nor_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n to_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v true_o humble_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n therefore_o justify_v faith_n be_v that_o which_o apply_v in_o particular_a now_o the_o second_o title_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n col._n 1._o 16._o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o creation_n he_o be_v so_o call_v yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a cause_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v here_o namely_o because_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o ephes._n 1._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v
be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n aristotle_n can_v say_v ethni_n that_o parent_n be_v not_o bless_v unless_o they_o be_v after_o their_o death_n bless_v in_o their_o child_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o a_o father_n blessedness_n to_o see_v his_o child_n like_v to_o flourish_v when_o he_o be_v go_v nay_o of_o all_o monument_n that_o parent_n can_v leave_v behind_o they_o there_o be_v none_o as_o one_o say_v like_o to_o a_o virtuous_a son_n but_o all_o parent_n be_v not_o so_o bless_v 4._o adam_n two_o son_n can_v not_o agree_v in_o one_o field_n 9_o abraham_n in_o one_o house_n rarum_fw-la isaak_v in_o one_o womb_n 1._o david_n in_o one_o palace_n nor_o those_o 13._o two_o brethren_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o inheritance_n and_o though_o concord_n among_o brethren_n especial_o such_o as_o must_v divide_v the_o inheritance_n be_v very_o rare_a yet_o do_v you_o even_o in_o this_o most_o comfortable_o agree_v you_o be_v not_o as_o simeon_n and_o levi_n romulus_n and_o remus_n eteocles_n and_o polynices_n atreus_n and_o thyestes_n aeta_n and_o perseus_n but_o as_o castor_n and_o pollux_n david_n &_o jonathan_n joseph_n and_o benjamin_n and_o as_o a_o true_a friend_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d one_o soul_n in_o two_o body_n it_o seem_v that_o as_o agrippa_z the_o brother_n of_o augustus_n be_v behold_v to_o sallust_n for_o that_o one_o sentence_n small_a thing_n increase_v by_o concord_n but_o perish_v through_o discord_n so_o you_o have_v all_o learned_a the_o same_o lesson_n as_o be_v persuade_v that_o as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o body_n be_v once_o dismember_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v join_v again_o so_o if_o natural_a brethren_n be_v once_o unnatural_o disjoin_v no_o glue_n will_v conjoin_v they_o fast_o again_o it_o be_v infinite_a to_o show_v example_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o hatred_n etc._n and_o other_o have_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o pain_n now_o that_o good_a god_n who_o have_v bring_v you_o from_o one_o root_n place_v you_o in_o one_o country_n advance_v you_o to_o like_a credit_n and_o give_v you_o one_o heart_n give_v you_o also_o one_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o right_o worshipful_a i_o be_o bold_a to_o speak_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o world_n know_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o lord_n know_v i_o desire_v not_o to_o flatter_v go_v on_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o continue_v in_o love_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o labour_n to_o honour_v he_o who_o thus_o honour_v you_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o 〈…〉_z show_n of_o this_o world_n but_o think_v religion_n the_o best_a nobility_n and_o that_o as_o 〈…〉_z prudentius_n say_v generosa_fw-la christi_fw-la secta_fw-la nobilitat_fw-la viros_fw-la cui_fw-la quisquis_fw-la seruit_fw-la ille_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la nobilis_fw-la he_o noble_a be_v that_o come_v of_o christ_n his_o race_n who_o serve_v this_o lord_n he_o sure_o be_v not_o base_a and_o this_o make_v theodosius_n more_o to_o thank_v god_n eccles._n that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a then_o a_o king_n consider_v that_o he_o must_v lose_v the_o one_o he_o can_v not_o lose_v the_o other_o now_o as_o to_o one_o of_o you_o i_o be_o bind_v in_o particular_a montagu_n and_o by_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n the_o despise_a ministry_n be_v not_o a_o little_a grace_v so_o for_o he_o i_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o 20._o abraham_n to_o our_o abimelech_n a_o 12._o nathan_n to_o our_o david_n a_o 11._o jehoida_o to_o our_o joash_n 38._o a_o ebedmelech_n to_o jeremiah_n a_o 1._o elisha_n to_o the_o widow_n of_o this_o prophet_n decease_v a_o light_n in_o the_o court_n a_o trumpet_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o 2._o ahashuerosh_n may_v long_o hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n unto_o he_o that_o by_o his_o mean_n dicat_fw-la great_a man_n may_v not_o want_v such_o as_o will_v tell_v they_o the_o truth_n no_o son_n earthly_a alexander_n account_v a_o son_n of_o jupiter_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v more_o respect_v than_o a_o good_a 42._o pastor_n and_o that_o he_o may_v ever_o remember_v that_o say_n of_o wise_a solomon_n 11_o he_o that_o love_v pureness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o lip_n the_o king_n shall_v be_v his_o friend_n his_o cyrus_n will_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o verbis_fw-la bissinis_fw-la in_o silken_a word_n to_o his_o alexander_n he_o need_v not_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o sweet_a word_n or_o no_o word_n for_o if_o one_o antiochus_n may_v be_v surname_v holy_a &_o another_o good_a prince_n call_v the_o good_a king_n much_o more_o may_v he_o who_o religious_a knowledge_n surpass_v all_o the_o prince_n that_o have_v be_v of_o this_o nation_n and_o who_o humility_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o son_n to_o remember_v regium_fw-la that_o he_o disser_v not_o in_o stuff_n but_o in_o use_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n i_o be_o the_o bold_a for_o that_o one_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o you_o all_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n no_o man_n know_v love_v converse_v with_o and_o respect_v this_o author_n more_o than_o he_o he_o resort_v to_o he_o in_o his_o health_n visit_v he_o in_o sickness_n and_o preach_v a_o learned_a sermon_n for_o he_o at_o his_o death_n concern_v this_o author_n as_o he_o say_v of_o carthage_n i_o have_v rather_o be_v silent_a then_o say_v little_a and_o his_o worthy_a labour_n do_v speak_v enough_o for_o he_o by_o name_n that_o his_o theologicum_fw-la posthume_n dedicate_v to_o his_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o college_n a_o excellent_a divine_a in_o a_o word_n therefore_o whatsoever_o this_o man_n do_v he_o desire_v to_o profit_v other_o by_o it_o he_o think_v as_o it_o be_v write_v 7._o of_o bernard_n in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o man_n but_o depute_v to_o the_o service_n of_o other_o he_o be_v never_o idle_a but_o as_o marcellam_fw-la hierome_n report_v of_o ambrose_n and_o bernard_n of_o himself_o he_o do_v either_o read_v or_o meditate_v or_o pray_v or_o confer_v or_o counsel_n or_o comfort_n or_o write_v or_o preach_v and_o thus_o as_o the_o consume_v emblem_n be_v of_o a_o faithful_a teacher_n he_o like_o a_o wax_n candle_n in_o give_v light_n to_o other_o in_o a_o short_a time_n extinguish_v himself_o yet_o in_o this_o short_a time_n of_o he_o what_o art_n be_v he_o not_o a_o master_n of_o what_o virtue_n be_v he_o not_o endue_v with_o he_o be_v a_o complete_a divine_a and_o have_v this_o blessing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o no_o man_n write_n be_v read_v of_o all_o sort_n and_o in_o all_o country_n with_o great_a grace_n and_o profit_n then_o he_o he_o be_v peaceable_a in_o the_o church_n patient_a of_o wrong_n and_o free_a from_o ambition_n for_o as_o jerome_n say_v of_o nepotian_n aurum_fw-la calcans_fw-la schedulas_fw-la consectabatur_fw-la he_o regard_v not_o his_o purse_n but_o follow_v his_o book_n and_o as_o bernard_n say_v he_o live_v in_o 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this_o salutation_n grace_n be_v oppose_v to_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n then_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v his_o good_a will_n and_o favour_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o we_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n s._n john_n begin_v with_o grace_n first_o and_o not_o with_o peace_n because_o grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o peace_n and_o all_o blessing_n &_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o have_v prosperity_n and_o grace_n from_o god_n grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o blessing_n as_o of_o our_o election_n vocation_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n nay_o it_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o begin_v with_o it_o and_o peace_n peace_n be_v take_v first_o for_o welfare_n and_o good_a success_n in_o thing_n 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excuse_n and_o clear_v he_o as_o when_o our_o conscience_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n phil._n 4._o 7._o this_o peace_n pass_v all_o understanding_n the_o four_o be_v peace_n with_o the_o church_n so_o act._n 4._o 32._o those_o which_o believe_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o heart_n have_v peace_n with_o each_o other_o so_o esa._n 11._o 6._o the_o wild_a beast_n and_o the_o lion_n the_o lamb_n and_o the_o cockatrice_n and_o the_o young_a child_n shall_v lie_v together_o five_o this_o peace_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v with_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o joseph_n have_v peace_n in_o pharaoh_n house_n so_o daniel_n have_v peace_n with_o the_o king_n eunuch_n for_o though_o he_o be_v free_a when_o the_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o revolt_v but_o be_v favour_v they_o save_v he_o the_o six_o be_v peace_n with_o all_o god_n creature_n beast_n bird_n all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n ose._n 2._o 18._o the_o lord_n will_v make_v a_o covenant_n between_o we_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n psal._n 91._o 13._o the_o child_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o serpent_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v he_o for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o god_n favour_n what_o creature_n dare_v to_o hurt_v he_o nay_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o serve_v he_o grace_n and_o peace_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v first_o you_o must_v be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n you_o must_v have_v unity_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o and_o in_o christ_n and_o then_o this_o peace_n welfare_n prosperity_n in_o all_o good_a thing_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a yea_o then_o concord_n and_o unity_n with_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n will_v follow_v whereas_o the_o apostle_n wish_v they_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o place_n use_v he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o this_o god_n favour_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o above_o all_o thing_n yea_o in_o the_o first_o place_n psal._n 4._o 6._o many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a but_o david_n he_o seek_v this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n lord_n lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o i_o let_v i_o be_v in_o thy_o favour_n 57_o and_o often_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v his_o portion_n inheritance_n and_o his_o lot_n show_v to_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o must_v we_o seek_v first_o to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n make_v that_o our_o chief_a care_n seek_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n but_o we_o little_o
to_o lay_v their_o sin_n before_o their_o eye_n without_o flatter_v or_o favour_v themselves_o not_o after_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o but_o to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o in_o all_o their_o life_n look_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v for_o which_o christ_n will_v come_v against_o they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o many_o man_n be_v in_o the_o church_n perish_v never_o consider_v their_o former_a life_n how_o they_o have_v live_v and_o for_o what_o sin_n christ_n will_v come_v against_o they_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v death_n by_o christ_n heavy_a and_o strait_a sentence_n and_o come_v to_o life_n we_o must_v thus_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o reckon_n and_o simple_o lay_v all_o our_o sin_n in_o word_n think_v and_o deed_n before_o our_o eye_n to_o think_v what_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o to_o condemn_v ourselves_o then_o we_o shall_v prevent_v that_o judgement_n of_o christ_n he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o enter_v into_o sentence_n with_o we_o if_o we_o have_v put_v all_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o book_n and_o reckon_v already_o for_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v want_v the_o minister_n may_v speak_v and_o preach_v to_o little_a purpose_n because_o thou_o have_v bear_v with_o they_o that_o be_v entertain_v they_o which_o be_v wicked_a here_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o more_o particular_a namely_o want_v of_o zeal_n they_o suffer_v man_n which_o maintain_v damnable_a doctrine_n and_o heretical_a opinion_n to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o dwell_v among_o they_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n so_o we_o see_v though_o they_o hold_v religion_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o cold_o not_o show_v their_o fervent_a zeal_n against_o such_o as_o maintain_v damnable_a doctrine_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o church_n may_v use_v zeal_n in_o excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o those_o which_o maintain_v damnable_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n they_o may_v after_o due_a admonition_n excommunicate_v they_o and_o cut_v they_o off_o as_o pernicious_a member_n 1._o tim._n 2._o alexander_n and_o hymineus_n be_v excommunicate_v &_o the_o church_n may_v follow_v paul_n example_n to_o cut_v off_o such_o as_o hold_v heresy_n in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o see_v christ_n be_v offend_v for_o this_o their_o forbear_n of_o those_o wicked_a man_n we_o see_v we_o must_v not_o entertain_v such_o as_o hold_v such_o error_n and_o damnable_a doctrine_n but_o have_v indignation_n against_o they_o hate_v their_o opinion_n and_o detest_v they_o the_o church_n must_v be_v courageous_a to_o defend_v truth_n in_o religion_n to_o stand_v against_o wicked_a heretic_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o remain_v obstinate_a vers._n 14._o thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o entertain_v certain_a wicked_a man_n and_o evil_a person_n which_o maintain_v and_o teach_v balaams_n doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o as_o christ_n reprove_v they_o here_o so_o he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v to_o we_o in_o this_o church_n that_o he_o have_v something_o against_o we_o for_o want_v of_o zeal_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n for_o though_o our_o church_n do_v not_o hold_v and_o maintain_v but_o repel_v the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o family_n of_o love_n yet_o christ_n may_v true_o say_v he_o have_v something_o against_o we_o for_o want_v of_o zeal_n against_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a man_n for_o in_o our_o church_n they_o abound_v there_o be_v abundance_n of_o atheist_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o which_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n &_o all_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o atheist_n though_o not_o in_o word_n yet_o in_o life_n deny_v god_n and_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o god_n can_v distinguish_v between_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o heresy_n and_o damnable_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n they_o think_v not_o reverent_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n among_o we_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o epicure_n who_o give_v themselves_o to_o all_o licentiousness_n to_o eat_v drink_n and_o sport_n themselves_o these_o love_v not_o the_o word_n but_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n they_o will_v hear_v sometime_o once_o a_o year_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o be_v all_o there_o be_v also_o unmerciful_a and_o cruel_a man_n oppressor_n man_n which_o in_o their_o private_a calling_n use_v all_o injustice_n deceit_n fraud_n wrong_v oppression_n with_o usury_n and_o such_o horrible_a sin_n these_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n we_o count_v they_o as_o politic_a and_o great_a man_n now_o the_o suffering_n of_o these_o man_n among_o we_o show_v that_o in_o our_o church_n be_v great_a want_n of_o zeal_n fervency_n and_o severity_n for_o which_o christ_n will_v come_v against_o we_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n the_o reason_n follow_v and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o rebuke_n which_o be_v to_o move_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n to_o detest_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o false_a prophet_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o balaam_n that_o he_o give_v wicked_a counsel_n to_o balaak_n to_o cast_v a_o block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o make_v they_o eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n it_o stand_v in_o a_o comparison_n or_o similitude_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n balaam_n cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o israelite_n to_o move_v they_o to_o eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n so_o there_o be_v some_o among_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o labour_n to_o move_v man_n to_o the_o same_o sin_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o similitude_n be_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n as_o balaam_n teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o give_v ill_a counsel_n to_o balaak_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o what_o his_o false_a counsel_n be_v and_o what_o a_o offence_n be_v second_o the_o cast_n of_o offence_n before_o the_o israelite_n three_o the_o mean_n how_o a_o offence_n proper_o be_v any_o thing_n word_n or_o deed_n which_o be_v cast_v in_o a_o man_n way_n to_o make_v he_o stumble_v or_o fall_v or_o go_v out_o of_o his_o way_n as_o a_o stone_n or_o piece_n of_o wood_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o stumble_a block_n proper_o here_o it_o be_v take_v by_o comparison_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o hinder_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n which_o hinder_v or_o stop_v he_o make_v he_o fall_v or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n offence_n be_v double_a either_o give_v or_o take_v offence_n give_v be_v any_o word_n or_o deed_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v procure_v to_o sin_n offence_n take_v be_v when_o a_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v offend_v by_o that_o which_o be_v do_v well_o of_o another_o so_o when_o christ_n do_v well_o and_o preach_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n the_o pharisee_n be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o do_v well_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o well_o do_v now_o one_o give_v a_o offence_n when_o he_o make_v one_o offend_v and_o cause_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v to_o sin_n so_o peter_n tell_v christ_n that_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o he_o christ_n bid_v he_o come_v behind_o he_o satan_n where_o peter_n give_v a_o offence_n to_o christ_n though_o christ_n do_v not_o sin_n for_o christ_n take_v not_o the_o occasion_n which_o peter_n yet_o offer_v as_o for_o the_o give_v of_o offence_n it_o be_v to_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n by_o any_o thing_n the_o mean_n be_v thing_n either_o simple_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a by_o thing_n in_o themselves_o evil_a as_o those_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n those_o thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o be_v either_o ill_a persuasion_n or_o ill_a example_n for_o by_o these_o offence_n be_v often_o give_v for_o evil_a persuasion_n and_o example_n draw_v the_o better_a sort_n often_o to_o sin_n and_o be_v very_o dangerous_a mean_n to_o make_v man_n offend_v again_o offence_n be_v give_v by_o thing_n indifferent_a not_o evil_a in_o themselves_o but_o when_o man_n use_v they_o unreasonable_o and_o unfit_o out_o of_o time_n
be_v excellent_a man_n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n hence_o arise_v two_o question_n first_o why_o some_o man_n be_v rather_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n then_o other_o some_o second_o whether_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v seduce_v for_o the_o first_o some_o say_v god_n will_v have_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n his_o servant_n &_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o make_v they_o so_o he_o call_v they_o redeem_v they_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o be_v his_o child_n reconcile_v they_o to_o himself_o so_o that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v now_o some_o will_v not_o for_o all_o this_o receive_v god_n grace_n but_o contemn_v his_o mercy_n though_o he_o call_v they_o redeem_v they_o and_o give_v they_o grace_n but_o this_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n to_o make_v god_n will_v in_o subjection_n &_o man_n will_n to_o rule_v to_o disgrace_n god_n and_o set_a man_n aloft_o to_o make_v god_n will_v to_o be_v order_v by_o man_n will_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n not_o all_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n in_o elect_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o for_o he_o elect_v not_o all_o to_o grace_n and_o glory_n but_o some_o only_a and_o these_o be_v his_o servant_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n act._n 13._o 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o life_n that_o be_v elect_v and_o redeem_v of_o god_n free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o believe_v the_o second_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v be_v seduce_v answ._n servant_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v only_o in_o appearance_n some_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n those_o be_v only_o in_o appearance_n which_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o outward_a seal_n but_o not_o the_o inward_a fruit_n and_o these_o be_v in_o our_o church_n the_o great_a part_n these_o may_v fall_v away_o final_o and_o whole_o as_o do_v the_o galatian_n and_o many_o other_o but_o those_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o may_v fall_v in_o part_n yet_o they_o can_v fall_v whole_o or_o final_o mat._n 16._o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v strive_v &_o show_v their_o strength_n against_o that_o rock_n of_o faith_n but_o shall_v not_o prevail_v so_o we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v let_v we_o never_o be_v whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n now_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n for_o it_o and_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o constant_a purpose_n to_o live_v in_o any_o on_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o preserve_v it_o in_o life_n and_o death_n ergo_fw-la a_o true_a believer_n can_v fall_v whole_o or_o final_o to_o come_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o discern_v they_o it_o be_v by_o commit_v fornication_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n she_o make_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o sin_n by_o these_o two_o sin_n and_o mean_n which_o show_v she_o be_v a_o maintainer_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n of_o who_o i_o speak_v before_o and_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v 21._o christ_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n before_o for_o suffer_v she_o here_o he_o reprove_v she_o for_o her_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o she_o will_v not_o repent_v of_o her_o sin_n time_n to_o repent_v that_o be_v though_o her_o sin_n deserve_v present_a death_n yet_o god_n suffer_v she_o to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n a_o space_n of_o time_n to_o see_v if_o she_o will_v repent_v now_o in_o her_o example_n he_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o use_v time_n while_o we_o live_v in_o the_o world_n namely_o see_v it_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o so_o to_o come_v to_o salvation_n we_o must_v use_v it_o so_o &_o repent_v while_o we_o have_v time_n for_o that_o cause_n he_o let_v some_o live_v twenty_o or_o forty_o year_n for_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n before_o we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n or_o after_o we_o go_v out_o therefore_o while_o we_o live_v in_o it_o we_o must_v repent_v then_o we_o must_v think_v of_o it_o earnest_o that_o we_o use_v it_o to_o repent_v in_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n receive_v to_o mercy_n and_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o damnable_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o day_n when_o man_n live_v in_o eat_v drink_v sport_v card_v &_o dice_v in_o spend_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n in_o get_v riches_n never_o think_v of_o the_o true_a end_n why_o they_o live_v which_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o come_v to_o salvation_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n he_o give_v they_o to_o repent_v other_o way_n the_o lord_n may_v cut_v they_o off_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v yet_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v to_o see_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v then_o if_o they_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n they_o increase_v their_o damnation_n and_o do_v as_o a_o man_n shall_v every_o day_n carry_v a_o faggot_n for_o ten_o year_n to_o one_o heap_n and_o be_v burn_v himself_o with_o they_o at_o the_o end_n i_o give_v she_o namely_o christ_n give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v no_o creature_n no_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v dispose_v of_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n but_o only_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n alone_o when_o one_o must_v repent_v or_o not_o then_o see_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n it_o be_v best_o for_o we_o to_o repent_v without_o delay_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n the_o young_a man_n take_v his_o swinge_n because_o he_o be_v young_a as_o though_o he_o can_v repent_v in_o old_a age_n or_o when_o he_o list_v but_o he_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n for_o he_o alone_o can_v dispose_v of_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n then_o take_v the_o present_a who_o know_v when_o the_o lord_n will_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o then_o his_o estate_n be_v miserable_a we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v repent_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o defer_v see_v he_o may_v die_v quiet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sickness_n yet_o may_v die_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n but_o to_o who_o give_v christ_n this_o time_n to_o she_o that_o be_v jesabel_n a_o wicked_a woman_n here_o we_o see_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o offer_v mercy_n to_o jesabel_n a_o lewd_a wicked_a fornicator_n &_o idolater_n a_o blasphemous_a wretch_n father_v her_o sin_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o she_o have_v mercy_n offer_v so_o the_o lord_n deal_v not_o in_o justice_n to_o cut_v man_n off_o but_o give_v grievous_a sinner_n time_n to_o repent_v so_o do_v he_o to_o manaess_n a_o wizard_n and_o idolater_n who_o humble_v himself_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n solomon_n a_o idolater_n yet_o repent_v be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n ergo_fw-la a_o holy_a man_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 20._o isaiah_n 1_o the_o jew_n a_o sinful_a people_n as_o ill_o as_o they_o which_o be_v in_o hell_n the_o sodomite_n and_o gomorrhean_n they_o have_v mercy_n offer_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o red_a as_o crimson_a yet_o god_n will_v wash_v they_o as_o white_a as_o snow_n we_o may_v not_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o sin_n but_o they_o which_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n must_v not_o despair_v if_o they_o can_v repent_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n of_o her_o fornication_n she_o have_v sundry_a sin_n especial_o idolatry_n which_o can_v want_v company_n for_o no_o sin_n go_v alone_o christ_n call_v she_o to_o repent_v for_o that_o one_o sin_n of_o fornication_n because_o that_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a sin_n the_o head_n sin_n of_o that_o woman_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o repent_v we_o must_v begin_v with_o our_o great_a sin_n which_o most_o clog_v our_o conscience_n and_o by_o which_o we_o offend_v most_o again_o he_o which_o can_v repent_v true_o of_o one_o great_a sin_n he_o repent_v of_o all_o if_o he_o hate_v the_o great_a he_o will_v hate_v the_o lesser_a then_o we_o in_o repentance_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o repent_v in_o particular_a for_o it_o for_o confuse_a repentance_n be_v not_o true_a as_o to_o say_v i_o be_o a_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n but_o repentance_n in_o particular_a for_o particular_a sin_n begin_v at_o the_o head_n sin_n which_o most_o trouble_v we_o that_o be_v true_a repentance_n see_v christ_n say_v he_o give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v free_a will_n namely_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o repent_v for_o else_o this_o admonition_n be_v in_o vain_a but_o it_o follow_v not_o for_o god_n give_v
here_o he_o command_v she_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n hence_o we_o see_v christ_n will_v have_v this_o church_n to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o maintain_v that_o and_o not_o to_o regard_v any_o other_o but_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n do_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n he_o shall_v be_v accurse_v galat_n 1._o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o main_a religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n use_v namely_o of_o the_o turk_n jew_n and_o papist_n the_o papist_n magnify_v their_o religion_n stand_v on_o unwritten_a tradition_n but_o they_o can_v prove_v they_o be_v apostolical_a ergo_fw-la we_o must_v not_o regard_v they_o no_o nor_o doctrine_n which_o man_n say_v they_o have_v by_o revelation_n for_o we_o must_v only_o regard_v apostolical_a doctrine_n as_o for_o the_o turk_n religion_n it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o creep_v in_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o and_o for_o the_o jew_n all_o their_o religion_n be_v against_o the_o gospel_n then_o good_a man_n in_o diverse_a country_n shall_v not_o be_v of_o diverse_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n neither_o shall_v man_n because_o of_o dissent_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o religion_n for_o christ_n enjoin_v this_o church_n to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o many_o dissent_v from_o it_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o end_n here_o not_o how_o long_o not_o one_o or_o two_o day_n but_o to_o the_o end_n and_o we_o must_v look_v to_o this_o see_v christ_n so_o straight_o command_v it_o because_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o mark_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o save_v man_n soul_n to_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o end_n and_o for_o this_o 2._o tim._n 2._o paul_n bid_v he_o teach_v that_o he_o learn_v that_o other_o may_v instruct_v they_o which_o follow_v and_o so_o convey_v it_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o for_o this_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n eph._n 4._o give_v the_o church_n pastor_n first_o such_o as_o by_o their_o teach_n maintain_v purity_n in_o manner_n and_o teacher_n which_o maintain_v it_o in_o doctrine_n then_o this_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o continue_v purity_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o mark_n be_v set_v wrong_n in_o the_o haven_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n so_o if_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n be_v corrupt_a which_o be_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o heaven_n than_o we_o shall_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o hell_n then_o the_o minister_n must_v not_o only_o teach_v true_o but_o labour_v to_o beat_v down_o false_a doctrine_n which_o poison_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o man_n labour_v not_o to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a doctrine_n the_o lord_n 2._o thess._n 2._o give_v they_o up_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o fantasy_n of_o man_n to_o he_o which_o overcome_v etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o last_o part_n to_o wit_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o party_n to_o who_o second_o the_o benefit_n promise_v the_o party_n to_o who_o to_o he_o which_o overcome_v who_o here_o christ_n describe_v to_o be_v he_o which_o keep_v his_o work_n by_o his_o practice_n of_o obedience_n he_o which_o keep_v or_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o obedience_n namely_o the_o observe_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o keep_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o constant_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v this_o privilege_n that_o their_o will_n and_o endeavour_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o the_o deed_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v many_o which_o have_v little_a knowledge_n these_o must_v not_o be_v cast_v down_o but_o if_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n their_o obedience_n be_v true_a obedience_n and_o acceptable_a to_o christ._n my_o work_n here_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o obedience_n namely_o christ_n work_n that_o be_v such_o work_n as_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o in_o his_o member_n christ_n call_v these_o work_n his_o work_n 1._o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v our_o word_n or_o work_n but_o only_o christ_n work_n command_v and_o ordain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o cause_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o we_o do_v when_o we_o conform_v our_o work_n and_o will_n to_o his_o word_n and_o will_n we_o see_v no_o work_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 2._o which_o be_v not_o order_v by_o christ_n word_n though_o we_o think_v high_o of_o it_o isaiah_n 6._o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o man_n commandment_n this_o condemn_v the_o turk_n papist_n and_o jew_n religion_n which_o be_v not_o work_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o sinful_a man_n stand_v in_o pray_v to_o saint_n fast_v vow_v mass_n etc._n etc._n my_o work_n not_o one_o or_o two_o work_n but_o all_o my_o work_n the_o creature_n must_v obey_v christ_n not_o in_o some_o but_o absolute_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o pattstake_v but_o will_v have_v all_o or_o none_o david_n psal._n 119._o conform_a himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n so_o hezekiah_n he_o turn_v to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n unto_o the_o end_n use_v here_o we_o see_v christ_n will_v have_v our_o obedience_n to_o be_v constant_a etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o obedience_n by_o one_o or_o two_o action_n but_o by_o the_o course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n if_o his_o life_n have_v be_v good_a with_o conscience_n of_o sin_n than_o his_o obedience_n be_v good_a for_o say_v a_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o sickness_n rage_n and_o rave_v at_o his_o death_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v live_v well_o and_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o he_o by_o that_o fit_a now_o the_o benefit_n promise_v be_v two_o first_o power_n to_o rule_n second_o the_o morning_n star_n i_o will_v give_v he_o power_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n these_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n not_o follow_v but_o before_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o they_o two_o question_n be_v necessary_a first_o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mediator_n second_o how_o far_o he_o convey_v power_n to_o his_o servant_n for_o the_o first_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v great_a and_o describe_v by_o three_o argument_n first_o to_o rule_v over_o nation_n here_o be_v the_o largeness_n of_o it_o for_o christ_n have_v power_n over_o all_o man_n all_o country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n second_o it_o be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a rule_v and_o overrule_a all_o creature_n overrule_v of_o none_o this_o sovereignty_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o give_v law_n that_o bind_v the_o conscience_n so_o that_o if_o man_n keep_v they_o not_o he_o have_v power_n to_o condemn_v they_o nay_o he_o rule_v man_n will_n and_o affection_n he_o can_v make_v they_o obey_v he_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o heart_n secon_o in_o that_o he_o have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o reu._n 3._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n psal._n 2._o he_o can_v break_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o a_o potter_n vessel_n three_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o father_n as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a to_o his_o father_n yet_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n he_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o thus_o be_v his_o power_n general_a sovereign_a and_o absolute_a to_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n how_o far_o this_o power_n be_v we_o and_o impart_v to_o us._n answ._n the_o general_a sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o give_v to_o we_o or_o to_o any_o creature_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v incommunicable_a to_o any_o creature_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n then_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n not_o to_o show_v that_o his_o absolute_a &_o sovereign_a power_n be_v give_v to_o we_o but_o because_o his_o creature_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o the_o full_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a come_v from_o it_o they_o have_v fruit_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o partake_v
second_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o manhood_n because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v pour_v forth_o into_o his_o manhood_n the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o gift_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n and_o this_o perfection_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o number_n second_o in_o degree_n or_o measure_n first_o in_o number_n thus_o among_o god_n servant_n some_o have_v these_o grace_n some_o those_o none_o have_v all_o but_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o grace_n which_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n have_v &_o more_o too_o second_o in_o degree_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o in_o measure_n than_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n also_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n this_o be_v speak_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o sardis_n which_o be_v a_o dead_a people_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v able_a to_o quicken_v they_o and_o to_o put_v life_n and_o spirit_n into_o they_o that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n use_v or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o other_o place_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o participation_n with_o christ_n before_o there_o can_v be_v any_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o serve_v for_o our_o instruction_n because_o among_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v many_o great_a learned_a man_n which_o have_v excellent_a gift_n of_o nature_n wit_n memory_n and_o understanding_n and_o though_o they_o have_v withal_o a_o reform_a and_o civil_a life_n yet_o they_o want_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o worthy_a man_n have_v the_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n want_v the_o special_a the_o cause_n be_v this_o their_o christ_n be_v a_o false_a christ_n yea_o a_o idol_n christ_n they_o profess_v the_o want_n of_o save_v faith_n and_o all_o be_v because_o they_o want_v christ._n therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o you_o see_v the_o great_a learn_v there_o mock_v and_o scoff_n at_o this_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n again_o many_o among_o we_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o you_o shall_v see_v no_o grace_n neither_o of_o knowledge_n nor_o faith_n fear_n nor_o care_n to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n or_o a_o good_a conscience_n no_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ._n how_o can_v these_o stand_v together_o though_o they_o say_v they_o have_v christ_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o they_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n and_o by_o that_o they_o may_v know_v they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n to_o conclude_v then_o we_o must_v all_o be_v admonish_v to_o labour_v that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n true_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n no_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o life_n eternal_a will_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o till_o we_o have_v christ_n himself_o therefore_o first_o labour_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v true_o join_v and_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v have_v all_o grace_n distil_v and_o flow_v into_o our_o heart_n by_o christ._n now_o the_o second_o royaltieis_n he_o have_v seven_o star_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n christ_n be_v say_v here_o to_o have_v they_o because_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o they_o he_o be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n over_o all_o for_o he_o set_v they_o apart_o and_o give_v they_o whatsoever_o gift_n they_o have_v he_o appoint_v they_o their_o office_n duty_n and_o calling_n so_o as_o he_o have_v rule_n over_o they_o he_o appoint_v ordain_v make_v and_o preserve_v they_o as_o he_o have_v in_o he_o the_o fullness_n of_o spirit_n so_o be_v he_o a_o lord_n over_o his_o minister_n he_o have_v power_n to_o save_v if_o they_o obey_v or_o to_o destroy_v if_o they_o rebel_v ob._n the_o church_n make_v minister_n ans._n the_o right_a of_o make_v minister_n and_o ordain_v they_o be_v christ_n royalty_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o the_o church_n do_v but_o testify_v and_o declare_v who_o they_o be_v that_o christ_n make_v minister_n and_o approve_v they_o therefore_o he_o say_v here_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v he_o now_o the_o end_n of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v secure_a and_o negligent_a to_o make_v he_o know_v himself_o and_o his_o place_n that_o he_o may_v begin_v to_o have_v sound_a conscience_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o this_o point_n be_v a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o make_v they_o look_v to_o their_o duty_n their_o gift_n be_v not_o their_o own_o nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v their_o lord_n this_o very_a consideration_n can_v but_o be_v effectual_a to_o stir_v up_o all_o pastor_n to_o regard_v their_o duty_n for_o see_v they_o be_v christ_n they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o own_o will_n we_o must_v renounce_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o bethink_v ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o body_n be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o christ_n let_v this_o consideration_n draw_v we_o on_o to_o do_v think_v and_o speak_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n will_v if_o he_o will_v have_v you_o live_v be_v content_a because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o your_o life_n if_o to_o die_v be_v content_a because_o you_o be_v he_o and_o not_o your_o own_o so_o much_o for_o the_o preface_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o a_o reproof_n second_o a_o promise_n the_o reproof_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v a_o reproof_n and_o withal_o a_o remedy_n in_o the_o next_o word_n i_o know_v here_o note_v the_o vice_n and_o withal_o the_o reproof_n the_o vice_n be_v hypocrisy_n for_o she_o pretend_v religion_n in_o outward_a show_n but_o want_v it_o indeed_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o be_v the_o church_n about_o thou_o judge_v thou_o to_o live_v that_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v anew_o believe_v in_o christ_n &_o to_o have_v his_o spirit_n to_o guide_v thou_o but_o thou_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o want_v newness_n of_o life_n and_o regeneration_n the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o many_o great_a church_n by_o name_n the_o romish_a church_n which_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o live_v yet_o in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v dead_a it_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n yet_o some_o say_v it_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o disease_v full_a of_o sore_n and_o sickness_n and_o though_o the_o throat_n be_v cut_v yet_o it_o breathe_v and_o pant_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v stark_o dead_a and_o cold_a it_o have_v no_o spiritual_a life_n at_o all_o but_o some_o allege_v the_o contrary_a say_v it_o have_v the_o sacrament_n in_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o sacrament_n there_o be_v a_o church_n but_o they_o have_v baptism_n therefore_o a_o church_n ans._n baptism_n be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o the_o samaritan_n have_v circumcision_n which_o be_v before_o baptism_n yet_o they_o be_v no_o people_n nor_o church_n of_o god_n os._n 1._o 9_o that_o there_o may_v be_v baptism_n &_o yet_o no_o church_n it_o appear_v because_o there_o may_v be_v baptism_n without_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v baptism_n without_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n so_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a baptism_n but_o deny_v the_o inward_a baptism_n which_o be_v justification_n by_o christ_n and_o sanctification_n by_o his_o spirit_n again_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n not_o to_o that_o church_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o to_o the_o hide_a church_n in_o popery_n for_o the_o lord_n ever_o have_v his_o church_n among_o they_o he_o keep_v among_o they_o even_o 7._o thousand_o which_o never_o worship_v their_o idol_n now_o then_o that_o sacrament_n be_v reserve_v in_o that_o church_n not_o for_o the_o papist_n but_o for_o god_n child_n among_o they_o by_o this_o we_o see_v god_n own_o providence_n to_o call_v they_o by_o those_o mean_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n
root_n from_o whence_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o all_o righteousness_n see_v christ_n be_v holy_a use_v both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o we_o yea_o the_o root_n of_o all_o holiness_n we_o must_v note_v this_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v and_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n as_o a_o branch_n into_o a_o tree_n and_o be_v once_o in_o he_o to_o become_v new_a creature_n to_o labour_v to_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n kill_v in_o we_o the_o old_a man_n our_o natural_a corruption_n and_o also_o renew_v in_o we_o the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o feel_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n as_o sensible_o in_o we_o as_o we_o feel_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o show_v this_o virtue_n we_o receive_v of_o christ_n even_o as_o a_o branch_n show_v the_o sap_n it_o receive_v from_o the_o root_n by_o the_o leaf_n and_o fruit_n 2_o see_v christ_n be_v thus_o holy_a he_o propound_v to_o we_o a_o pattern_n to_o follow_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o to_o mark_v what_o he_o do_v and_o to_o imitate_v it_o 1._o joh._n 3._o 4._o we_o must_v purge_v ourselves_o of_o sin_n and_o be_v pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a for_o he_o which_o be_v not_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a shall_v have_v no_o benefit_n or_o fellowship_n by_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n three_o we_o see_v that_o title_n give_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v blasphemous_a to_o call_v he_o holiness_n as_o it_o be_v common_a in_o all_o their_o speech_n to_o he_o now_o he_o in_o that_o take_v to_o he_o the_o title_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n honour_n communicable_a to_o none_o else_o nay_o he_o take_v more_o on_o he_o then_o christ_n here_o do_v for_o christ_n be_v call_v but_o holy_a he_o be_v call_v holiness_n itself_o the_o second_o title_n of_o christ_n be_v truth_n christ_n be_v call_v true_a in_o three_o respect_n first_o because_o without_o error_n and_o ignorance_n he_o know_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o do_v not_o creature_n but_o by_o virtue_n from_o he_o second_o because_o what_o he_o will_v and_o decree_v he_o will_v and_o decree_v serious_o without_o fraud_n deceit_n or_o any_o contradiction_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n wherein_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o itself_o but_o all_o without_o change_n and_o alteration_n three_o because_o he_o make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n in_o his_o word_n he_o accomplish_v and_o perform_v they_o all_o he_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o and_o amen_o see_v christ_n be_v true_a 1._o nay_o truth_n itself_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o christ_n and_o all_o false_a spirit_n for_o they_o be_v spirit_n of_o error_n the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n nay_o his_o nature_n be_v to_o lie_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o but_o christ_n be_v true_a nay_o truth_n itself_o every_o way_n true_a in_o his_o knowledge_n in_o his_o will_n and_o in_o his_o promise_n he_o be_v true_a see_v christ_n be_v absolute_o true_a 2._o we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o believe_v his_o promise_n in_o his_o word_n without_o doubt_v for_o see_v christ_n be_v true_a nay_o truth_n itself_o what_o need_v we_o call_v his_o promise_n into_o question_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a prop_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o he_o which_o promise_v be_v true_a &_o therefore_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n so_o in_o persecution_n in_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n trust_v in_o christ_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o help_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v because_o he_o be_v most_o true_a of_o his_o promise_n see_v he_o be_v so_o true_a 3._o he_o propound_v himself_o to_o be_v follow_v of_o us._n christ_n he_o know_v thing_n true_o he_o will_v and_o decree_v thing_n serious_o so_o shall_v we_o promise_v and_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a our_o lawful_a promise_n psal._n 55._o the_o lord_n hate_v the_o deceitful_a person_n reu._n 20._o without_o that_o be_v in_o hell_n be_v all_o deceitful_a and_o lie_a person_n psal._n 15._o it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o to_o speak_v truth_n from_o his_o heart_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o lie_n 3_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 first_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o david_n isaiah_n 22._o 22._o speak_v of_o eliakim_n say_v i_o will_v put_v the_o key_n of_o david_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n for_o ezra_n have_v be_v hezechiahs_n steward_n a_o ancient_a steward_n in_o many_o kingdom_n but_o in_o his_o day_n he_o begin_v to_o be_v negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n therefore_o he_o decree_v to_o cast_v he_o out_o and_o to_o place_n eliakim_n in_o his_o stead_n 2._o king_n 18._o 18._o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o will_v put_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n on_o his_o shoulder_n for_o by_o david_n house_n be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o david_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o place_n and_o invest_v he_o into_o his_o office_n and_o give_v he_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o david_n christ_n here_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n great_a and_o large_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o chief_a governor_n in_o a_o kingdom_n it_o will_v be_v say_v david_n key_n be_v temporal_a christ_n kingdom_n spiritual_a ans._n first_o christ_n have_v david_n key_n proper_o for_o when_o christ_n be_v bear_v the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n so_o that_o christ_n then_o be_v the_o next_o to_o it_o and_o have_v true_a right_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n luk._n 3._o and_o christ_n challenge_v his_o right_n say_v mat._n 17._o 26._o that_o the_o king_n son_n be_v free_a and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o to_o pay_v tribute_n 2_o christ_n have_v david_n key_n typical_o and_o figurative_o for_o david_n temporal_a kingdom_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a kingdom_n so_o david_n be_v a_o figure_n and_o type_n of_o christ_n therefore_o he_o be_v often_o call_v christ_n and_o ezec._n 3_o christ_n be_v call_v david_n now_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v david_n kingdom_n and_o not_o nero_n or_o any_o other_o because_o their_o kingdom_n be_v kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o misery_n and_o curse_a kingdom_n but_o david_n kingdom_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n a_o bless_a kingdom_n have_v those_o man_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n then_o where_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v david_n key_n it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o with_o david_n but_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o david_n key_n christ_n mat._n 2._o be_v call_v a_o nazarite_n not_o that_o he_o use_v their_o rite_n and_o custom_n for_o he_o drink_v wine_n they_o do_v not_o but_o because_o he_o be_v that_o signify_v by_o a_o nazarite_n namely_o by_o samson_n jud._n 13._o for_o as_o he_o slay_v more_o by_o his_o death_n then_o by_o his_o life_n so_o christ_n he_o save_v more_o by_o death_n then_o by_o his_o life_n yet_o christ_n be_v a_o nazarite_n that_o be_v sever_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o pollution_n and_o so_o christ_n have_v david_n key_n that_o be_v the_o spiritual_a key_n signify_v by_o his_o temporal_a key_n which_o key_n signify_v authority_n power_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o open_v and_o none_o shut_v in_o these_o word_n christ_n have_v relation_n to_o a_o house_n where_o when_o one_o open_v the_o door_n he_o open_v the_o house_n and_o so_o christ_n he_o open_v and_o he_o shut_v which_o show_v his_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o he_o have_v it_o absolute_o no_o creature_n be_v above_o he_o but_o he_o can_v shut_v or_o open_v at_o his_o pleasure_n now_o this_o key_n be_v the_o power_n of_o christ._n in_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v a_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o church_n by_o which_o he_o can_v save_v or_o destroy_v now_o this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n have_v three_o part_n first_o to_o prescribe_v second_o to_o judge_v three_o to_o save_v and_o destory_n first_o to_o prescribe_v he_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n without_o constraint_n of_o any_o creature_n to_o command_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v or_o not_o so_o he_o
in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n mark_v there_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o workmanship_n of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n isaiah_n 53._o 10._o say_v when_o christ_n shall_v give_v himself_o a_o free_a will_n offer_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n how_o thus_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v a_o new_a they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o root_n and_o so_o much_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n declare_v now_o he_o be_v such_o a_o beginning_n two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v a_o new_a christ_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o his_o conversion_n therefore_o isaiah_n 9_o 6._o he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o eternity_n because_o he_o do_v regenerate_v man_n to_o life_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o isaiah_n 8._o 18._o he_o say_v loe_o here_o i_o be_o and_o the_o child_n that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o second_o as_o he_o be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o ephes._n 5._o the_o church_n be_v flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o adam_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v and_o as_o eve_n have_v her_o beginning_n from_o adam_n side_n so_o the_o church_n and_o every_o christian_a have_v their_o be_v and_o begin_n from_o christ_n from_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o all_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v new_a creature_n and_o regenerate_a not_o as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n now_o the_o end_n why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v be_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o vice_n in_o that_o and_o other_o church_n man_n have_v more_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o seem_v to_o be_v christian_n then_o to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o man_n set_v more_o by_o a_o show_n than_o truth_n shadow_n than_o substance_n therefore_o he_o show_v that_o their_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o be_v true_a christian_n indeed_o &_o not_o to_o seem_v so_o only_o this_o church_n be_v not_o regenerate_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v they_o of_o it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o same_o be_v our_o fault_n our_o care_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o for_o the_o show_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o have_v care_n of_o this_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v good_a thing_n in_o their_o kind_n but_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n except_o thou_o become_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n thou_o have_v no_o good_a by_o they_o 2_o he_o say_v this_o to_o meet_v with_o another_o vice_n that_o be_v spiritual_a pride_n he_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o excellency_n in_o outward_a thing_n all_o earthly_a excellency_n be_v nothing_o without_o this_o whereby_o a_o man_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o stand_v upon_o our_o pantofle_n for_o our_o birth_n or_o gentry_n but_o whosoever_o will_v rejoice_v must_v rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v christ_n for_o the_o author_n of_o his_o regeneration_n further_o this_o teach_v we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o christ_n love_v and_o preserve_v his_o church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o woman_n have_v not_o her_o beginning_n apart_o from_o man_n but_o of_o and_o from_o he_o that_o he_o may_v love_v she_o the_o better_a and_o have_v care_n of_o her_o preservation_n so_o this_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v a_o care_n of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v honour_v he_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o adam_n be_v but_o the_o matter_n only_o and_o not_o the_o author_n of_o hevah_n but_o christ_n be_v both_o to_o the_o church_n to_o show_v his_o love_n to_o be_v endless_a the_o root_n never_o hurt_v the_o branch_n nay_o it_o strengthen_v itself_o to_o defend_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v the_o branch_n it_o have_v no_o affection_n inclination_n or_o disposition_n to_o hurt_v but_o to_o help_v thus_o much_o of_o these_o word_n to_o note_v the_o bond_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n yea_o his_o love_n and_o our_o duty_n hence_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v in_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o will_n in_o his_o regeneration_n and_o that_o he_o can_v dispose_v himself_o in_o his_o justification_n for_o a_o creature_n can_v work_v nor_o help_v to_o create_v himself_o but_o every_o regenerate_a person_n be_v a_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v here_o make_v the_o creation_n of_o a_o man_n the_o creature_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o such_o say_n in_o the_o bible_n this_o one_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v that_o opinion_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o preface_n now_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n or_o content_n and_o substance_n verse_n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o hot_a etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o dispraise_n or_o reproof_n second_o counsel_n the_o dispraise_n be_v for_o two_o fault_n the_o first_o lukewarmnesse_n the_o second_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n then_o first_o i_o will_v make_v the_o word_n plain_a second_o declare_v the_o use_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o be_v all_o thy_o way_n and_o work_n be_v manifest_a to_o i_o and_o i_o utter_o dislike_v they_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a their_o fault_n the_o more_o he_o borrow_v a_o comparison_n from_o water_n whereof_o there_o be_v these_o three_o sort_n hot_a cold_a and_o warm_a cold_a and_o hot_a water_n may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o stomach_n with_o less_o hurt_n and_o annoyance_n but_o the_o water_n that_o be_v lukewarm_a trouble_v the_o stomach_n and_o cease_v not_o till_o it_o be_v cast_v up_o again_o now_o with_o these_o three_o kind_n of_o water_n he_o compare_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o cold_a man_n understand_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n as_o jew_n and_o gentile_n turk_n and_o saracen_n gadaren_n and_o galilean_n by_o hot_a understand_v man_n zealous_a in_o religion_n by_o lukewarm_a indifferent_a so_o the_o meaning_n be_v thou_o be_v neither_o a_o open_a enemy_n of_o religion_n nor_o yet_o true_o religious_a or_o a_o true_a friend_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n christ_n here_o make_v a_o wish_n but_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o estate_n he_o wish_v they_o be_v either_o of_o those_o rather_o than_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o this_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v that_o christ_n shall_v wish_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o people_n no_o people_n of_o god_n by_o lukewarmenesse_n he_o understand_v a_o people_n profess_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o great_o regard_v and_o reverence_v it_o this_o people_n be_v a_o lukewarm_a people_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v a_o mixture_n of_o both_o neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a want_v the_o heat_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v heat_v and_o inflame_v vers._n 16._o because_o thou_o be_v neither_o etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v receive_v such_o water_n will_v cast_v it_o up_o and_o can_v keep_v it_o in_o so_o christ_n be_v grieve_v with_o their_o sin_n will_v cast_v they_o off_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o in_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v first_o christ_n set_v down_o their_o fault_n and_o aggravate_v it_o second_o he_o compare_v three_o kind_n of_o man_n together_o the_o hot_a man_n have_v the_o best_a place_n and_o the_o cold_a man_n the_o second_o and_o the_o lukewarm_a man_n the_o last_o and_o low_a so_o you_o see_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o god_n grace_n be_v better_a than_o he_o that_o profess_v religion_n and_o live_v not_o thereafter_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o ordinary_a gospeller_n which_o content_v himself_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o so_o good_a before_o god_n as_o the_o turk_n and_o jew._n the_o threaten_n follow_v i_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n now_o have_v find_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o may_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o and_o even_o plain_a laodicean_n which_o that_o you_o may_v see_v i_o will_v show_v diverse_a kind_n of_o such_o lukewarm_a gospeler_n and_o christian_n 1_o
hot_a nor_o cold_a a_o man_n be_v better_o be_v a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n than_o a_o lukewarm_a christian_a for_o they_o be_v better_a than_o such_o and_o such_o professor_n be_v worse_o than_o they_o and_o amend_v this_o be_v add_v because_o zeal_n without_o repentance_n be_v but_o counterfeit_a zeal_n as_o jehues_n be_v but_o of_o what_o vice_n must_v they_o repent_v even_o of_o lukewarmenesse_n they_o be_v not_o bid_v repent_v because_o of_o any_o gross_a sin_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v but_o for_o slackness_n in_o perform_v good_a duty_n here_o be_v a_o good_a lesson_n for_o our_o common_a people_n which_o say_v because_o they_o be_v no_o gross_a sinner_n as_o adulterer_n thief_n murderer_n but_o mean_v well_o hurt_v no_o man_n and_o live_v peaceable_o their_o case_n be_v good_a they_o despise_v preach_v and_o never_o think_v how_o the_o want_n of_o practise_v good_a duty_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v for_o but_o they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v summon_v to_o repent_v for_o want_v of_o good_a duty_n though_o they_o do_v no_o evil_n this_o be_v the_o devil_n enchantment_n he_o rock_v they_o asleep_a with_o it_o you_o may_v have_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v condemn_v and_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o common_a opinion_n and_o spread_v over_o every_o where_o but_o know_v it_o thou_o may_v live_v and_o die_v with_o thy_o good_a meaning_n and_o peaceable_a live_n and_o yet_o be_v damn_v if_o thou_o repent_v not_o vers._n 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n etc._n etc._n lest_o any_o shall_v despair_v because_o he_o have_v reprove_v they_o so_o sharp_o and_o menace_v they_o so_o severe_o he_o add_v these_o word_n which_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o church_n against_o doubt_v by_o show_v sign_n of_o his_o love_n now_o before_o he_o set_v down_o the_o special_a token_n of_o his_o love_n he_o say_v behold_v in_o which_o very_a note_n of_o attention_n we_o have_v a_o necessary_a instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o doubt_v we_o must_v acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o token_n of_o god_n love_n lay_v they_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o remember_v they_o we_o have_v of_o this_o a_o example_n in_o david_n psal._n 23._o in_o all_o the_o verse_n save_o the_o last_o he_o rehearse_v god_n goodness_n and_o his_o particular_a blessing_n whereupon_o he_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n therefore_o without_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v live_v long_o to_o praise_v god_n and_o all_o this_o come_v from_o the_o particular_a observation_n of_o god_n goodness_n therefore_o if_o you_o will_v not_o stand_v in_o doubt_n of_o god_n mercy_n observe_v his_o deal_n and_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n as_o plentiful_a token_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o be_v lay_v together_o work_n in_o we_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o full_a of_o despair_n and_o doubt_v but_o if_o he_o lie_v these_o thing_n together_o and_o observe_v diligent_o all_o the_o token_n of_o god_n favour_n he_o shall_v find_v store_n of_o comfort_n therefore_o look_v back_o to_o your_o life_n what_o token_n of_o god_n love_v you_o have_v receive_v and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n that_o will_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o desperation_n i_o stand_v christ_n express_v his_o mind_n by_o borrow_a speech_n for_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o compare_v every_o man_n to_o a_o house_n or_o householder_n and_o our_o heart_n to_o door_n by_o which_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v and_o himself_o to_o a_o guest_n or_o stranger_n which_o come_v to_o the_o house_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v let_v in_o and_o entertain_v yet_o not_o so_o much_o to_o look_v for_o kindness_n to_o be_v show_v he_o as_o to_o show_v favour_n to_o us._n by_o this_o similitude_n christ_n purpose_v to_o show_v this_o church_n what_o his_o mind_n be_v towards_o it_o and_o he_o express_v it_o by_o two_o sign_n here_o set_v down_o first_o a_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o hearty_o seek_v and_o look_v for_o i_o stand_v and_o knock_v second_o his_o promise_n after_o their_o conversion_n if_o any_o etc._n etc._n he_o will_v have_v fellowship_n even_o mutual_a fellowship_n with_o they_o now_o of_o the_o word_n in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v the_o scope_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v thus_o first_o thus_o general_o propound_v i_o here_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o church_n if_o we_o regard_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o have_v not_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n as_o yet_o nor_o christ_n with_o they_o because_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v into_o their_o house_n but_o stand_v at_o their_o door_n which_o be_v shut_v this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o the_o cause_n be_v evident_a the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v many_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o for_o they_o know_v the_o gospel_n and_o like_v it_o and_o profess_v it_o and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o one_o great_a sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_n which_o close_v up_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v many_o good_a thing_n yet_o this_o one_o sin_n keep_v out_o christ._n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o one_o sin_n in_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o many_o good_a grace_n keep_v out_o christ_n and_o bar_v he_o from_o all_o fellowship_n and_o society_n with_o he_o judas_n have_v many_o notable_a thing_n in_o he_o he_o forsake_v all_o and_o preach_v christ_n and_o yet_o covetousness_n keep_v out_o christ._n herod_n have_v so_o too_o but_o incest_n keep_v the_o door_n shut_v against_o christ._n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n to_o cut_v a_o man_n off_o from_o all_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o may_v have_v many_o excellent_a thing_n among_o we_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n which_o have_v but_o one_o sin_n and_o nourish_v it_o it_o be_v a_o bar_n to_o keep_v out_o christ_n from_o enter_v if_o thou_o be_v give_v either_o to_o covetousness_n drunkenness_n fornication_n adultery_n theft_n blasphemy_n or_o lie_v etc._n etc._n that_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o will_v keep_v out_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v fain_o to_o stand_v and_o stay_v at_o the_o door_n and_o so_o must_v abide_v as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n continue_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n therefore_o so_o many_o as_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n must_v have_v care_n to_o cut_v off_o all_o sin_n for_o though_o thou_o have_v knowledge_n wit_n memory_n understanding_n and_o utterance_n yet_o if_o thou_o have_v but_o one_o sin_n it_o take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o all_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v of_o all_o felicity_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o original_n it_o be_v not_o i_o stand_v but_o i_o have_v stand_v so_o jer._n 7._o 13._o i_o have_v rise_v up_o early_o and_o esa._n 65._o 2._o i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o arm_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o here_o i_o have_v rise_v up_o early_o and_o stand_v here_o long_o all_o the_o day_n till_o night_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n of_o sup_v import_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v till_o supper_n time_n this_o show_v christ_n exceed_v patience_n in_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o this_o people_n he_o may_v in_o justice_n have_v condemn_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v cast_v they_o to_o hell_n and_o yet_o he_o stand_v still_o all_o the_o day_n wait_v for_o their_o conversion_n till_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o complain_v now_o this_o place_n serve_v to_o show_v and_o set_v forth_o and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o god_n patience_n in_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n &_o amendment_n of_o a_o sinner_n now_o that_o which_o christ_n say_v to_o they_o may_v he_o just_o say_v to_o we_o he_o have_v rise_v up_o early_o and_o spend_v a_o long_a day_n in_o wait_v at_o our_o door_n above_o six_o and_o thirty_o year_n therefore_o he_o may_v well_o upbraid_v us._n let_v we_o then_o learn_v to_o know_v the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n 19_o for_o that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o a_o people_n visitation_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o christ_n stand_v knock_v therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o labour_v to_o know_v this_o and_o regard_v it_o if_o we_o can_v resolve_v ourselves_o of_o this_o than_o we_o practise_v the_o duty_n which_o christ_n prescribe_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o but_o shall_v let_v pass_v all_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o must_v look_v for_o the_o like_a end_n as_o jerusalem_n have_v so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v first_o
other_o interpretation_n only_o i_o will_v here_o note_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o figure_n type_n and_o colour_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n may_v so_o convenient_o be_v apply_v to_o rome_n as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v proper_o appoint_v to_o describe_v she_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o it_o be_v great_a prejudice_n against_o rome_n although_o no_o plain_a proof_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o when_o so_o plain_a argument_n be_v bring_v forth_o that_o without_o too_o much_o impudency_n can_v be_v avoid_v and_o all_o other_o figure_n and_o dark_a speech_n agree_v according_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a conjunction_n that_o rome_n be_v none_o other_o but_o this_o babylon_n but_o to_o begin_v with_o these_o plain_a place_n as_o i_o have_v promise_v the_o first_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o this_o revelation_n the_o place_n before_o allege_v where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o god_n in_o all_o time_n yea_o in_o the_o great_a persecution_n will_v maintain_v his_o church_n and_o reserve_v at_o the_o least_o two_o witness_n which_o shall_v testify_v of_o his_o truth_n in_o spite_n of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o adherent_n which_o although_o the_o monstrous_a beast_n that_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n shall_v murder_v and_o slay_v yet_o god_n shall_v restore_v they_o to_o life_n again_o continual_o stir_v up_o a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o his_o name_n and_o doctrine_n in_o that_o chapter_n i_o say_v be_v contain_v that_o when_o the_o beast_n have_v murder_v they_o he_o shall_v envy_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o burial_n and_o so_o their_o body_n shall_v lie_v in_o the_o street_n or_o market_n place_n of_o that_o great_a city_n which_o be_v spiritual_o call_v sodoma_n and_o aegyptus_n where_o our_o lord_n be_v crucify_v declare_v thereby_o that_o as_o rome_n have_v slay_v and_o crucify_v the_o head_n so_o shall_v rome_n persecute_v the_o member_n and_o in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o their_o lord_n be_v murder_v the_o servant_n shall_v be_v persecute_v but_o here_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o i_o be_v impudent_a to_o affirm_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o rome_n who_o all_o the_o world_n know_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o you_o must_v call_v to_o remembrance_n that_o at_o the_o first_o i_o give_v warning_n that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v rome_n for_o the_o topographie_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v so_o much_o ground_n only_o as_o be_v compass_v within_o the_o wall_n of_o that_o city_n but_o for_o the_o regiment_n governance_n and_o prerogative_n that_o be_v claim_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o city_n or_o monarchy_n whereof_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v easy_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o rome_n for_o by_o who_o be_v he_o condemn_v be_v it_o not_o by_o pilate_n the_o deputy_n or_o lieutenant_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n for_o what_o cause_n or_o crime_n be_v he_o adjudge_v to_o die_v be_v it_o not_o 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