apostle_n to_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o church_n her_o mass_n her_o dirge_n her_o trental_n her_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a her_o pilgrimage_n procession_n adoration_n of_o image_n angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v her_o vow_n of_o virginity_n and_o poverty_n her_o service_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o do_v her_o principal_a worship_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o these_o have_v any_o colour_n or_o shadow_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n or_o in_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o this_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o catholic_a apostasy_n need_v no_o proof_n see_v themselves_o glory_n and_o boast_v of_o the_o catholicness_n of_o their_o religion_n especial_o before_o luther_n and_o how_o general_o and_o universal_o their_o worship_n and_o faith_n aforesaid_a have_v be_v receive_v and_o profess_v neither_o have_v there_o 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and_o power_n of_o satan_n it_o have_v be_v uphold_v how_o busy_a satan_n be_v how_o oft_o he_o appear_v in_o goblin_n fairy_n walk_v spirit_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o support_v of_o it_o 7._o it_o can_v endure_v the_o brightness_n of_o god_n word_n but_o melt_v before_o it_o as_o snow_n before_o the_o sun_n hitherto_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o antichristian_a apostasy_n that_o here_o be_v prophesy_v of_o because_o all_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n thereof_o do_v most_o lively_o agree_v thereunto_o more_o than_o to_o any_o religion_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o apostasy_n and_o that_o great_a antichrist_n here_o prophesy_v of_o which_o appear_v partly_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o apostasy_n of_o that_o church_n &_o shall_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o those_o note_n whereby_o in_o this_o prophecy_n he_o be_v describe_v the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o antichrist_n be_v a_o man_n of_o sinne._n i._n not_o only_o a_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o as_o satan_n be_v a_o notable_a instrument_n of_o satan_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n this_o agree_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o sea_n in_o a_o manner_n since_o they_o become_v universal_a bishop_n it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o monstrous_a villain_n most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o historian_n you_o shall_v not_o read_v of_o any_o sect_n or_o order_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o among_o who_o so_o many_o &_o such_o monster_n have_v be_v find_v as_o among_o they_o murderer_n poisoner_n of_o their_o predecessor_n simoniac_n negromancer_n sodomite_n adulterer_n atheist_n church-robber_n etc._n etc._n yea_o such_o lewd_a 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clergy_n which_o be_v innumerable_a the_o hundred_o part_n whereof_o be_v idle_a belly_n not_o force_v to_o any_o pain_n but_o live_v like_o epicure_n and_o swine_n put_v up_o to_o feed_v by_o mean_n whereof_o innumerable_a adultery_n fornication_n rape_n sodomitry_n murder_n of_o infant_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n be_v commit_v he_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v stew_n as_o it_o be_v college_n and_o society_n of_o whore_n whereunto_o man_n may_v free_o without_o punishment_n repair_v and_o count_v it_o better_o for_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o keep_v a_o whore_n or_o to_o defile_v a_o other_o man_n wife_n then_o to_o have_v a_o wife_n of_o their_o own_o he_o count_v some_o sin_n small_a and_o venial_a not_o deserve_v hell_n fire_n and_o no_o sin_n so_o gross_a but_o that_o for_o money_n he_o can_v pardon_v it_o and_o he_o can_v dispense_v with_o incest_n divorce_n at_o his_o pleasure_n discharge_n man_n of_o their_o oath_n and_o absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n etc._n etc._n by_o mean_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v the_o procurer_n and_o author_n of_o infinite_a treason_n rebellion_n assassinate_n poison_n bloodshed_n of_o many_o thousand_o murder_n of_o prince_n and_o potentate_n and_o other_o the_o like_a villainy_n in_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n the_o second_o note_n follow_v he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o perdition_n wherein_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v such_o a_o other_o as_o judas_n be_v and_o sure_o judas_n may_v well_o be_v a_o emblem_n to_o represent_v the_o nature_n disposition_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o most_o part_n judas_n be_v a_o covetous_a wretch_n and_o grudge_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v go_v beside_o his_o bag_n so_o be_v the_o pope_n judas_n seek_v all_o mean_n to_o betray_v christ_n so_o do_v the_o pope_n in_o his_o member_n judas_n though_o christ_n convince_v his_o conscience_n of_o the_o vileness_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o denounce_v such_o a_o woe_n against_o he_o as_o may_v just_o have_v terrify_v he_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o hold_v on_o his_o wicked_a purpose_n so_o do_v the_o pope_n judas_n in_o word_n and_o ceremonial_a compliment_n most_o honour_a christ_n when_o he_o betray_v he_o so_o do_v the_o pope_n judas_n come_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n so_o have_v the_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o judas_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o of_o his_o own_o perdition_n so_o be_v the_o pope_n none_o live_v more_o like_a man_n ordain_v to_o destruction_n than_o they_o 3._o the_o antichrist_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o oppose_v himself_o against_o and_o lift_v himself_o up_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n the_o scripture_n give_v this_o title_n not_o to_o god_n himself_o only_o but_o to_o angel_n also_o psal_n
contemn_v and_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o inferior_n unto_o they_o be_v thy_o authority_n among_o christian_n as_o great_a as_o paul_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o less_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o consent_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n to_o show_v for_o that_o which_o thou_o hold_v teach_v and_o profess_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v and_o send_v be_v thessalonian_n i_o certain_a people_n dwell_v in_o or_o about_o that_o famous_a city_n of_o thessalonica_n in_o macedonia_n build_v by_o philip_n the_o father_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o so_o name_v in_o memory_n of_o a_o great_a victory_n get_v over_o thessalia_n a_o country_n of_o greece_n border_v upon_o macedonia_n this_o epistle_n be_v not_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o country_n there_o but_o to_o the_o church_n i._o to_o so_o many_o of_o they_o whether_o citizen_n or_o other_o as_o be_v 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government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o gospel_n preach_v which_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n he_o describe_v the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o by_o this_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n wherein_o the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o near_a union_n &_o conjunction_n between_o god_n and_o every_o true_a church_n if_o they_o be_v in_o deed_n and_o truth_n that_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o near_a and_o straight_a band_n knit_v unto_o god_n himself_o yea_o ingraff_v into_o he_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o one_o person_n to_o be_v so_o knit_v unto_o another_o as_o the_o church_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v knit_v unto_o god_n they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n and_o other_o where_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o they_o be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n be_v in_o they_o which_o note_v the_o near_a and_o most_o inseparable_a and_o bless_a union_n that_o may_v be_v the_o apostle_n amplify_v this_o union_n by_o describe_v that_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o which_o this_o church_n be_v to_o be_v he_o and_o their_o father_n his_o and_o their_o lord_n and_o jesus_n so_o that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v a_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n be_v a_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o so_o jesus_n signify_v unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o this_o union_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n but_o horror_n in_o the_o same_o god_n therefore_o be_v their_o father_n and_o christ_n their_o saviour_n and_o lord_n those_o that_o be_v thus_o ingraff_v into_o they_o may_v presume_v to_o receive_v from_o this_o father_n be_v almighty_a any_o good_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v need_v and_o to_o be_v secure_v and_o free_v from_o any_o evil_n that_o may_v hurt_v they_o it_o be_v a_o nature_n ingraff_v into_o father_n by_o this_o heavenly_a father_n to_o do_v their_o child_n all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v and_o such_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o have_v be_v content_a with_o a_o great_a price_n even_o with_o their_o own_o servitude_n yea_o death_n to_o redeem_v their_o servant_n from_o their_o cruel_a enemy_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v hurt_v if_o it_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o inhibit_v it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n their_o jesus_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v in_o the_o near_a bond_n even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n knit_v unto_o god_n &_o christ_n they_o may_v build_v upon_o it_o that_o this_o christ_n their_o saviour_n in_o who_o they_o be_v will_v save_v they_o from_o whatsoever_o may_v hurt_v they_o that_o this_o god_n their_o father_n will_v show_v the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a disposition_n of_o a_o father_n towards_o they_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o lively_a feel_n of_o if_o in_o our_o holy_a communion_n and_o society_n with_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o god_n as_o dutiful_a child_n &_o unto_o christ_n jesus_n as_o faithful_a servant_n till_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o use_v we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o if_o we_o desire_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o be_v in_o god_n our_o father_n and_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o become_v not_o in_o outward_a profession_n only_o and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n delight_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o this_o prerogative_n be_v here_o attribute_v unto_o such_o never_o think_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o long_o at_o least_o as_o thou_o be_v not_o in_o will_n and_o affection_n join_v unto_o the_o same_o 2._o let_v we_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o true_a member_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n until_o we_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o this_o that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n and_o so_o in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o father_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o let_v we_o never_o rest_v and_o be_v at_o quiet_a until_o we_o have_v a_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a sense_n indeed_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o our_o father_n and_o our_o saviour_n by_o some_o infallible_a fruit_n and_o sign_n thereof_o for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o god_n as_o in_o their_o father_n and_o in_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o saviour_n but_o they_o shall_v if_o they_o stir_v up_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o they_o feel_v in_o some_o degree_n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o father_n and_o of_o a_o saviour_n transfuse_v into_o their_o soul_n 3._o let_v every_o church_n esteem_v this_o union_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o prerogative_n that_o may_v be_v if_o it_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o set_v forth_o itself_o withal_o yet_o let_v we_o esteem_v this_o to_o be_v fullness_n of_o honour_n unto_o it_o the_o fruit_n that_o spring_v from_o this_o union_n the_o grace_n that_o be_v communicate_v in_o this_o conjunction_n shall_v abundant_o content_v and_o satisfy_v every_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o she_o have_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n to_o boast_v of_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n verse_n 2._o grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o
full_a of_o spirit_n and_o life_n his_o discourse_n not_o extravagant_a but_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o point_n and_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o seem_v neither_o unworthy_a to_o see_v further_a light_n nor_o unable_a well_o to_o endure_v the_o light_n i_o be_v not_o unwilling_a notwithstanding_o my_o own_o occasion_n and_o distraction_n otherwise_o out_o of_o my_o love_n to_o the_o decease_a and_o desire_v of_o advance_v the_o common_a good_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n about_o the_o transcribe_v and_o perfect_v some_o of_o they_o and_o so_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o press_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n perceive_v these_o his_o meditation_n on_o that_o second_o to_o the_o thessalonian_n to_o be_v both_o pithy_a and_o compendious_a handle_v a_o entire_a parcel_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o our_o language_n few_o have_v former_o deal_v with_o as_o also_o that_o himself_o have_v begin_v to_o write_v they_o out_o more_o fair_o and_o large_o then_o ordinary_a as_o intend_v some_o such_o thing_n i_o think_v good_a to_o break_v the_o ice_n with_o they_o and_o so_o begin_v at_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o he_o have_v leave_v transcribe_v out_o of_o other_o his_o own_o note_n contain_v a_o continue_a commentary_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n some_o defect_n only_o supply_v have_v i_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a work_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v such_o good_a acceptance_n as_o my_o desire_n be_v it_o shall_v and_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v deserve_v i_o may_v receive_v thereby_o encouragement_n to_o take_v further_a pain_n about_o the_o finish_n and_o fit_v for_o public_a view_n some_o other_o of_o his_o labour_n that_o as_o yet_o remain_v with_o i_o for_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o poor_a wife_n and_o four_o fatherless_a orphan_n have_v he_o himself_o while_o he_o live_v put_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o the_o two_o latter_a chapter_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o first_o the_o whole_a work_n have_v be_v more_o consummate_a and_o exact_a then_o now_o it_o be_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v though_o not_o altogether_o so_o artificial_o compact_v and_o put_v together_o and_o so_o want_v some_o of_o its_o grace_n that_o way_n it_o be_v for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o it_o in_o all_o likelihood_n no_o other_o than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v have_v he_o procee_v to_o perfect_v it_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v his_o second_o transcript_n with_o his_o first_o draught_n in_o that_o that_o he_o have_v finish_v that_o bless_a spirit_n accompany_v the_o publish_n of_o it_o by_o who_o immediate_a inspiration_n the_o epistle_n itself_o be_v at_o first_o indict_v and_o by_o who_o gracious_a assistance_n these_o meditation_n on_o it_o be_v former_o conceive_v and_o deliver_v and_o through_o his_o blessing_n it_o may_v prove_v beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o not_o a_o few_o in_o the_o read_n of_o it_o as_o in_o hear_v it_o have_v be_v the_o like_a to_o many_o already_o to_o he_o commend_v it_o and_o thou_o i_o rest_v thou_o in_o christ_n t._n g._n a_o exposition_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o first_o chapter_n verse_n 1._o paul_n and_o silvanus_n and_o timotheus_n the_o principal_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v epistle_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v this_o church_n in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o plant_v and_o therein_o to_o arm_v it_o against_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n arise_v either_o from_o wicked_a persecutor_n or_o corrupt_v and_o antichristian_a seducer_n the_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v many_o knit_v together_o in_o that_o frame_n and_o method_n by_o the_o inditer_n thereof_o that_o be_v most_o common_a in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n among_o not_o only_o divine_a but_o humane_a writer_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o epistle_n the_o first_o part_n be_v a_o superscription_n wherein_o be_v express_v 1._o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v the_o principal_a author_n be_v paul_n by_o who_o spirit_n alone_o stir_v up_o and_o direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v indict_v silvanus_n and_o timothy_n consent_v thereunto_o who_o name_n paul_n use_v together_o with_o his_o own_o for_o the_o further_o establish_v and_o confirm_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o here_o he_o write_v of_o and_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o affection_n with_o he_o in_o these_o three_o person_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o be_v declare_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o these_o be_v though_o so_o much_o be_v not_o in_o this_o text_n specify_v the_o one_o a_o apostle_n the_o other_o evangelist_n their_o authority_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o by_o mouth_n or_o pen_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a they_o have_v especial_o paul_n a_o spirit_n that_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o a_o epistle_n write_v from_o they_o and_o under_o their_o name_n unto_o any_o church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v send_v from_o heaven_n write_v with_o christ_n own_o hand_n and_o subscribe_v by_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o though_o they_o have_v conceal_v their_o name_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v that_o yet_o the_o very_a matter_n thereof_o will_v have_v own_v that_o spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v indict_v yet_o the_o prefix_v of_o their_o name_n do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v weight_n and_o moment_n unto_o the_o same_o we_o see_v then_o first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o paul_n and_o silvanus_n &c_n &c_n of_o themselves_o but_o weak_a and_o frail_a man_n add_v authority_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o which_o without_o their_o name_n will_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n be_v for_o their_o name_n sake_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v authority_n to_o they_o they_o give_v authority_n &_o weight_n to_o it_o this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o not_o of_o these_o worthy_n only_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n communicate_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o sincere_o profess_v it_o do_v not_o only_o honour_v their_o name_n 1.10_o but_o their_o name_n also_o honour_v it_o miserable_a professor_n be_v they_o who_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n profess_v the_o gospel_n that_o neither_o they_o be_v a_o credit_n to_o it_o nor_o it_o a_o credit_n to_o they_o much_o more_o they_o and_o how_o many_o be_v they_o who_o name_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o discredit_n to_o it_o and_o it_o to_o they_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n 2._o in_o that_o paul_n for_o the_o further_a credit_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o here_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o be_v move_v to_o write_v use_v also_o the_o name_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n which_o in_o gift_n office_n and_o authority_n be_v inferior_a unto_o he_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o especial_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n add_v much_o authority_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v yea_o the_o consent_n of_o inferior_n in_o gift_n grace_n and_o calling_n add_v authority_n to_o that_o which_o superior_n do_v hold_v and_o profess_v though_o silvanus_n and_o timothy_n authority_n be_v lesser_a than_o paul_n yet_o concur_v with_o paul_n it_o make_v his_o the_o great_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o more_o authority_n then_o that_o a_o man_n do_v desire_v to_o have_v in_o god_n church_n the_o more_o must_v he_o labour_v after_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o brethren_n yea_o of_o they_o that_o in_o gift_n and_o authority_n be_v his_o inferior_n vain_a be_v the_o conceit_n of_o they_o that_o look_v to_o amplify_v their_o authority_n in_o god_n church_n by_o their_o singularity_n god_n may_v indeed_o reveal_v that_o truth_n to_o one_o which_o he_o conceal_v from_o another_o neither_o be_v any_o such_o truth_n to_o be_v smother_v or_o betray_v for_o want_n of_o this_o consent_n yet_o this_o knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o this_o or_o that_o divine_a truth_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v singular_a be_v and_o will_v be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o so_o much_o the_o less_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o paul_n then_o flourish_v most_o when_o silvanus_n and_o timothy_n join_v in_o consent_n with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o lead_v by_o paul_n spirit_n that_o
then_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o antichristian_a religion_n be_v secret_o lay_v so_o that_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n or_o the_o antichristian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o rise_v on_o a_o sudden_a but_o as_o a_o edifice_n be_v long_o before_o in_o square_n and_o work_v and_o at_o length_n be_v rear_v and_o join_v so_o the_o religion_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v therefore_o a_o ancient_a religion_n at_o least_o the_o main_a ground_n whereupon_o it_o be_v build_v shall_v be_v a_o long_a time_n prepare_v and_o privy_o contrive_v before_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v open_o and_o eminent_o erect_v in_o his_o due_a proportion_n and_o full_a perfection_n 3._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o that_o which_o hinder_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v hinder_v until_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v remove_v shall_v that_o wicked_a one_o be_v discover_v which_o show_v that_o antichrist_n reveal_v and_o this_o let_v and_o impediment_n can_v not_o stand_v together_o but_o the_o one_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o other_o can_v show_v himself_o in_o his_o colour_n here_o then_o the_o apostle_n give_v they_o a_o watchword_n concern_v the_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o antichrist_n to_o wit_n when_o this_o let_v be_v remove_v and_o not_o before_o then_o so_o that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v discover_v and_o then_o must_v be_v discover_v when_o he_o be_v at_o his_o great_a height_n note_v by_o the_o way_n the_o title_n give_v this_o man_n of_o sin_n here_o he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lawless_a person_n so_o that_o antichrist_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v be_v lawless_a subject_a and_o liable_a to_o no_o law_n but_o will_v overtop_v and_o over-rule_v all_o law_n at_o his_o pleasure_n 4._o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o end_n of_o antichrist_n after_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o he_o shall_v be_v consume_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n mouth_n as_o antichrist_n shall_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n set_v himself_o against_o christ_n so_o will_v christ_n set_v himself_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n against_o he_o and_o then_o most_o when_o he_o be_v great_a neither_o will_v christ_n at_o once_o utter_o confound_v he_o but_o first_o he_o will_v by_o little_a and_o little_o consume_v he_o so_o that_o as_o at_o the_o first_o he_o grow_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o his_o greatness_n so_o he_o shall_v by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v consume_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v consume_v antichrist_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n see_v psal._n 33.6_o and_o esai_n 11.4_o it_o be_v not_o sword_n and_o spear_n that_o shall_v so_o much_o prevail_v against_o antichrist_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n antichrist_n glory_n shall_v more_o and_o more_o vanish_v the_o more_o that_o it_o prevail_v this_o point_n may_v give_v we_o great_a light_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o open_a and_o secret_a friend_n thereof_o 2._o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v at_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o not_o before_o so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v the_o vile_a and_o most_o detestable_a monster_n that_o ever_o be_v yet_o he_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o the_o word_n or_o sword_n be_v utter_o destroy_v until_o the_o latter_a day_n so_o that_o till_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n he_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n seduce_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o idolatry_n even_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o and_o all_o his_o limb_n by_o who_o mean_n his_o kingdom_n have_v here_o be_v advance_v be_v cast_v into_o that_o burn_a lake_n apoc._n 20.10_o so_o that_o antichrist_n now_o be_v and_o have_v his_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o shall_v have_v though_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o ruinate_a until_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n these_o be_v the_o point_n which_o he_o call_v to_o their_o memory_n which_o former_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o and_o be_v fain_o to_o teach_v they_o over_o again_o and_o to_o apply_v they_o as_o a_o special_a counterpoison_n against_o that_o false_a error_n that_o before_o be_v mention_v concern_v the_o nearness_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v vers._n 9_o who_o come_v be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n &_o sign_n &_o lie_v wonder_n 10._o and_o in_o all_o deceiveablenes_n of_o unrighteousness_n among_o they_o that_o perish_v the_o apostle_n here_o return_v again_o to_o the_o description_n of_o antichrist_n from_o which_o he_o have_v digress_v show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v raise_v himself_o to_o his_o height_n and_o have_v so_o do_v shall_v uphold_v from_o time_n to_o time_n this_o his_o apostatical_a kingdom_n the_o mean_n be_v general_n or_o special_a the_o general_a that_o he_o will_v come_v with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v satan_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v mount_v up_o into_o his_o chair_n of_o estate_n will_v work_v mighty_o and_o powerful_o in_o and_o by_o he_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o help_n and_o furtherance_n that_o satan_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n even_o as_o if_o he_o and_o all_o his_o champion_n be_v inspire_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v beelzebub_n as_o a_o familiar_a with_o they_o to_o advise_v and_o execute_v what_o they_o will_v no_o juggler_n or_o conjurer_n no_o witch_n and_o wizard_n not_o the_o soothsayer_n of_o egypt_n shall_v come_v with_o that_o efficacy_n of_o satan_n that_o he_o shall_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_a powerful_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v effectual_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n col._n 1.29_o 1_o cor._n 14.25_o so_o shall_v the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n be_v as_o effectual_a to_o these_o end_n and_o purpose_n in_o the_o minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o antichrist_n more_o particular_o he_o show_v 1._o wherein_n this_o efficacy_n of_o satan_n shall_v consist_v and_o 2._o upon_o who_o it_o shall_v take_v hold_n for_o the_o former_a the_o efficacy_n of_o satan_n in_o he_o shall_v show_v itself_o in_o procure_v he_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v and_o in_o confirm_v the_o same_o with_o lie_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n and_o by_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o impious_a fraud_n and_o collusion_n that_o may_v be_v devise_v which_o show_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v not_o deceive_v of_o ignorance_n but_o of_o set_a purpose_n and_o shall_v propound_v to_o himself_o by_o all_o device_n that_o may_v be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n it_o shall_v be_v his_o glory_n and_o joy_n to_o seduce_v man_n and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o the_o more_o establish_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o greatness_n upon_o earth_n 2._o the_o person_n who_o satan_n by_o antichrist_n shall_v seduce_v be_v such_o as_o shall_v perish_v as_o be_v reprobate_n jud._n 4._o apoc._n 13.8_o &_o 9.4_o these_o be_v the_o true_a member_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n in_o who_o he_o shall_v work_v most_o effectual_o so_o that_o the_o more_o wicked_a a_o man_n be_v and_o the_o more_o hate_a of_o god_n the_o more_o subject_a shall_v he_o be_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o antichrist_n and_o the_o more_o that_o we_o see_v man_n delude_v and_o deceive_v by_o he_o the_o more_o be_v we_o to_o fear_v their_o eternal_a perdition_n object_n what_o shall_v antichrist_n then_o deceive_v none_o but_o those_o that_o shall_v perish_v sol_fw-mi yes_o even_o god_n own_o people_n shall_v be_v in_o babylon_n which_o be_v antichrist_n kingdom_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n apoc._n 18.4_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v most_o effectual_o delude_v that_o shall_v perish_v they_o shall_v of_o all_o other_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v most_o abuse_v by_o he_o so_o that_o the_o vital_a member_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o peculiar_a limb_n of_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v a_o damn_a crew_n of_o reprobate_n person_n ordain_v to_o perdition_n because_o they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v here_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o shall_v perish_v shall_v thus_o be_v deceive_v because_o they_o show_v no_o love_n nor_o like_v nor_o will_v give_v any_o entertainment_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o despise_v the_o mean_n
unto_o they_o but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o fury_n they_o shall_v be_v safe_a and_o hold_v on_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v oft_o foil_v and_o overthrow_v in_o the_o way_n 2._o the_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n be_v a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a preseruative_n against_o antichrist_n apostasy_n it_o be_v that_o that_o make_v the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n the_o main_a cause_n that_o make_v antichrist_n and_o all_o his_o wicked_a limb_n such_o enemy_n thereunto_o there_o be_v none_o that_o come_v once_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n to_o seduce_v and_o man_n carelessness_n herein_o to_o make_v their_o election_n sure_a be_v a_o great_a cause_n that_o many_o become_v such_o apostate_n let_v we_o therefore_o labour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o and_o then_o though_o antichrist_n shall_v bring_v with_o he_o bishopric_n archbishoprics_a cardinalship_n popedome_n with_o he_o to_o allure_v we_o from_o christ_n &_o prison_n rack_n gibbet_n and_o fire_n to_o terrify_v and_o affright_v we_o yet_o shall_v he_o never_o be_v able_a to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o he_o the_o second_o degree_n be_v that_o god_n have_v do_v this_o from_o the_o beginning_n this_o may_v be_v take_v either_o for_o from_o all_o eternity_n or_o for_o from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n in_o the_o one_o sense_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o decree_n itself_o of_o election_n which_o be_v eternal_a in_o the_o other_o for_o the_o first_o act_n in_o the_o execution_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n it_o be_v needle_n to_o contend_v whether_o sense_n be_v true_a or_o more_o fit_v this_o place_n see_v either_o sufficient_o argue_v the_o unremovable_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o the_o one_o can_v be_v understand_v without_o the_o other_o now_o the_o 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that_o he_o will_v suffer_v satan_n or_o antichrist_n so_o far_o to_o prevail_v against_o they_o that_o be_v so_o ancient_o belove_v of_o he_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n in_o they_o or_o we_o now_o to_o make_v the_o lord_n to_o cease_v to_o love_v we_o but_o what_o have_v be_v present_a before_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o set_v his_o love_n on_o we_o and_o will_v as_o well_o have_v move_v he_o then_o to_o refuse_v we_o as_o now_o to_o reject_v us._n note_v withal_o by_o the_o way_n 1._o that_o this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o special_a sign_n of_o one_o elect_v from_o eternity_n that_o antichrist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o to_o withdraw_v he_o from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n 2._o that_o so_o long_o as_o antichrist_n prevail_v against_o any_o so_o long_o little_a hope_n thereof_o can_v be_v have_v the_o three_o degree_n follow_v which_o consist_v in_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o the_o attain_n 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move_v about_o all_o the_o motion_n that_o be_v in_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o where_o god_n own_o spirit_n turn_v the_o wheel_n one_o way_n it_o pass_v the_o strength_n of_o all_o the_o spirit_n in_o hell_n to_o turn_v it_o a_o other_o way_n so_o that_o whosoever_o feel_v these_o motion_n in_o he_o for_o they_o be_v not_o dead_a and_o senseless_a motion_n may_v thereby_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o god_n elect_v and_o one_o that_o though_o antichrist_n shall_v mingle_v heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o yet_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o to_o his_o ruin_n and_o confusion_n note_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n man_n can_v merit_v thereby_o for_o what_o can_v man_n merit_v with_o god_n by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o for_o which_o therefore_o he_o stand_v bind_v and_o indebt_v unto_o god_n the_o second_o inward_a mean_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o truth_n whether_o 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unto_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o this_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o sanctify_a spirit_n go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o light_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o eye_n of_o faith_n do_v direct_v and_o what_o need_v they_o fear_v to_o be_v seduce_v or_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o have_v such_o a_o spirit_n to_o move_v they_o such_o a_o eye_n and_o light_n and_o rule_v to_o direct_v they_o vers._n 14._o whereunto_o he_o have_v call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n to_o obtain_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o the_o inward_a mean_n be_v wrought_v be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o he_o call_v their_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o declare_v that_o whatsoever_o they_o minister_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o that_o be_v minister_n shall_v tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o minister_v that_o only_a to_o 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instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o show_v further_a wherein_o the_o end_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n consist_v in_o call_v of_o they_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ._n i._n of_o that_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n by_o christ_n which_o christ_n our_o head_n himself_o in_o heaven_n now_o enjoy_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o debase_v the_o glory_n of_o antichrist_n to_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o glory_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n to_o take_v seizin_n and_o possession_n of_o in_o our_o behalf_n and_o sure_o one_o main_a cause_n why_o a_o many_o be_v so_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o glitter_a show_n of_o antichrist_n pompous_a estate_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o mind_n set_v nor_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o soul_n fix_v on_o that_o wonderful_a and_o unutterable_a and_o inconceivable_a glory_n that_o for_o all_o christ_n faithful_a follower_n be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v vile_a in_o their_o eye_n if_o they_o so_o do_v vers._n 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o and_o keep_v the_o instruction_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o our_o epistle_n the_o use_n and_o application_n follow_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v see_v you_o have_v so_o great_a matter_n of_o comfort_n brethren_n stand_v fast_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o 3._o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n that_o he_o exhort_v they_o unto_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o duty_n 3._o the_o mean_n of_o perform_v of_o the_o duty_n the_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o stand_v fast_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n borrow_v from_o soldier_n who_o in_o brunt_n of_o battle_n gather_v their_o strength_n together_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overthrow_v so_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o strength_n they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v stand_v against_o the_o brunt_n and_o storm_n of_o antichrist_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o the_o belove_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v powerful_o and_o strong_o assault_v by_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o apostasy_n aforesaid_a if_o they_o look_v not_o unto_o themselves_o 2._o that_o they_o must_v therefore_o gather_v all_o their_o force_n and_o strength_n together_o to_o stand_v strong_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o no_o tempest_n and_o storm_n may_v remove_v they_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o word_n therefore_o i._n see_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v elect_v you_o &c_n &c_n therefore_o stand_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n then_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o of_o our_o election_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o security_n but_o it_o have_v this_o nature_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v find_v to_o stir_v up_o man_n so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o more_o that_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n the_o more_o he_o will_v strive_v to_o keep_v the_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o make_v he_o wax_v secure_a but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o resolute_a against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o his_o body_n be_v in_o that_o case_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v slay_v in_o battle_n howsoever_o he_o may_v be_v wound_v maim_a and_o hurt_v will_v that_o make_v he_o to_o yield_v himself_o to_o his_o enemy_n or_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o wound_n and_o hurt_v he_o will_v it_o not_o rather_o make_v he_o fight_v so_o much_o the_o more_o courageous_o 3._o the_o mean_n follow_v of_o perform_v this_o duty_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o other_o may_v stand_v fast_o the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o hold_v fast_o or_o lay_v a_o sure_a hand_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v upon_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n these_o tradition_n be_v all_o such_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v teach_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n whether_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n for_o unto_o they_o who_o the_o apostle_n with_o their_o own_o mouth_n preach_v their_o word_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o their_o write_n but_o with_o we_o to_o who_o they_o never_o speak_v their_o write_n only_o be_v authentical_a and_o not_o their_o word_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o speak_v more_o than_o they_o write_v 1._o the_o dutil_a then_o be_v this_o to_o lay_v hold_n with_o both_o hand_n on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o part_n or_o parcel_n thereof_o to_o be_v wring_v forth_o of_o our_o hand_n 2._o this_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o antichrist_n have_v so_o much_o prevail_v for_o that_o man_n have_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v suffer_v now_o one_o ordinance_n and_o then_o a_o other_o to_o be_v wring_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n vers._n 16._o now_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o our_o god_n even_o the_o father_n which_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n 17._o comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o word_n and_o good_a work_n the_o second_o mean_n of_o stand_v fast_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v twofold_a 1._o consolation_n of_o the_o heart_n except_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n send_v a_o comfortable_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o daunt_v and_o terrify_v one_o shall_v hardly_o hold_v fast_o whereas_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n comfort_v the_o heart_n so_o long_o we_o shall_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o faith_n 2._o god_n must_v also_o establish_v we_o and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o word_n and_o good_a work_n that_o we_o may_v so_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n that_o we_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n for_o if_o antichrist_n can_v trip_v we_o in_o either_o he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o dangerous_a blow_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o prayer_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o god_n the_o father_n stir_v he_o thereunto_o by_o mention_n of_o that_o free_a favour_n of_o he_o towards_o they_o whereby_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v love_v they_o and_o give_v they_o everlasting_a consolation_n by_o put_v they_o in_o good_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o grace_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o future_a