though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o call_v himself_o and_o glory_n in_o the_o privilege_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phil._n 3.5_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n race_n and_o lineage_n and_o one_o mighty_a in_o the_o law_n bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o how_o often_o do_v paul_n inculcate_v in_o his_o epistle_n paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 1.1_o phil._n 1.1_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 1.1_o etc._n etc._n david_n a_o king_n shall_v rather_o glory_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o god_n and_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o his_o house_n then_o to_o live_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n observe_v 3._o if_o the_o high_a in_o repute_n and_o office_n in_o christ_n church_n be_v but_o servant_n than_o not_o lord_n the_o grave_a apostle_n paul_n james_n john_n be_v but_o servant_n and_o will_v be_v account_v but_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o not_o as_o lord_n and_o master_n over_o the_o church_n faith_n 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o great_a dictator_n and_o imposer_n of_o tie_v and_o rule_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n matth._n 23.13_o the_o great_a apostle_n bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_a deserve_v but_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o servant_n minister_n or_o steward_n in_o the_o church_n not_o of_o a_o lord_n and_o master_n their_o work_n be_v a_o work_n of_o service_n to_o persuade_v entreat_v convince_v by_o reason_n not_o to_o impose_v dictate_v and_o compel_v in_o short_a they_o can_v impose_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v do_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o that_o neither_o in_o their_o own_o name_n or_o for_o their_o own_o end_n for_o they_o be_v servant_n not_o at_o their_o own_o dispose_n but_o at_o the_o call_n beck_n and_o direction_n of_o another_o even_o of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n there_o be_v also_o somewhat_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o that_o when_o christ_n precise_o set_v down_o and_o take_v notice_n by_o name_n to_o who_o he_o give_v this_o prophecy_n his_o servant_n john_n whence_o note_n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophecy_n depend_v much_o for_o credit_n on_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o relator_n john_n be_v christ_n belove_a disciple_n most_o high_o illuminate_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n of_o god_n john_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o last_o that_o have_v prophetical_a vision_n to_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o anathema_n go_v forth_o against_o all_o person_n that_o shall_v add_v or_o diminish_v from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o 18_o and_o 19_o verse_n of_o chap._n 22._o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o discovery_n of_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n than_o what_o be_v in_o this_o present_a book_n to_o be_v expect_v until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o verse_n the_o better_a to_o gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o unto_o the_o subordinate_a instrument_n and_o author_n thereof_o describe_v his_o excellency_n office_n gift_n and_o quality_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 2._o who_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v you_o have_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o witness_v a_o record_n or_o bear_v a_o sure_a testimony_n and_o that_o of_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o of_o jesus_n christ_n three_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v wherein_o two_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o view_n whether_o this_o record_n be_v to_o be_v take_v single_o as_o john_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o bare_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o word_n as_o one_o with_o god_n and_o that_o word_n be_v god_n john_n 1.1_o and_o this_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o bare_a record_n of_o all_o the_o act_n and_o miracle_n which_o he_o see_v this_o divine_a person_n do_v and_o perform_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n here_o beneath_o or_o second_o whether_o this_o record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n which_o jesus_n christ_n do_v testify_v unto_o and_o be_v make_v apparent_a by_o vision_n unto_o john_n indeed_o i_o shall_v willing_o admit_v of_o both_o sense_n and_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o verse_n aim_v at_o both_o for_o add_v the_o better_a authority_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o though_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n be_v not_o write_v when_o this_o revelation_n be_v give_v yet_o by_o his_o constant_a preach_n he_o may_v well_o be_v see_v to_o bear_v record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o see_v 1._o from_o the_o first_o sense_n note_v that_o they_o that_o be_v the_o faithful_a publisher_n or_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n get_v best_a credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o all_o other_o their_o relation_n 2._o another_o note_n be_v that_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v vision_n or_o prophecy_n from_o god_n that_o bear_v the_o faithful_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n john_n be_v now_o a_o prisoner_n and_o under_o banishment_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n when_o he_o receive_v those_o revelation_n paul_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n have_v even_o here_o a_o irradiation_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n when_o he_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o three_o heaven_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a ezekiel_n daniel_n jeremiah_n etc._n etc._n receive_v those_o vision_n of_o god_n high_a and_o excellent_a one_o because_o they_o be_v faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o publisher_n of_o it_o unto_o other_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v most_o conversant_a with_o god_n and_o exercise_v in_o his_o word_n be_v fit_a instrument_n to_o receive_v and_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o omne_fw-la simile_n gaudet_fw-la simili_fw-la every_o like_a desire_n communication_n with_o its_o like_a verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n you_o have_v again_o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n make_v to_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n verse_n 7â—_n from_o which_o promise_n here_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o book_n and_o in_o the_o end_n thereof_o reiterated_a and_o make_v good_a to_o such_o as_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n you_o may_v observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v not_o altogether_o inaccessible_a but_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o diligent_o inquire_v thereinto_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n if_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o feasible_a how_o vain_a will_v it_o be_v to_o promise_v blessedness_n to_o the_o diligent_a observer_n thereof_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o supposition_n beside_o the_o say_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o keep_v and_o therefore_o most_o absurd_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o hide_a as_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scope_n and_o substantial_a part_n thereof_o from_o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n note_v observe_v 2._o that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n contain_v most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a thing_n to_o be_v understand_v keep_v and_o observe_v how_o singular_a useful_a it_o be_v to_o foresee_v the_o come_n either_o of_o the_o day_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_v or_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n and_o affliction_n that_o our_o spirit_n may_v be_v bear_v up_o and_o our_o heart_n comfort_v under_o all_o condition_n in_o the_o certain_a hope_n and_o expectance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o murmur_v in_o the_o other_o but_o acquiesce_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o patience_n until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v past_a and_o
disciple_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o imprison_v revile_v and_o suffer_v many_o persecution_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v from_o that_o promise_n in_o gen._n 3._o that_o god_n will_v set_v enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o this_o enmity_n have_v abide_v ever_o since_o and_o will_v ever_o abide_v between_o those_o two_o mystical_a seed_n until_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n christ_n and_o his_o member_n shall_v become_v absolute_a conqueror_n in_o the_o bind_n up_o the_o old_a serpent_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o enmity_n and_o mischief_n this_o inform_v god_n people_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o when_o the_o world_n and_o their_o enemy_n do_v rage_n against_o they_o here_o a_o question_n may_v come_v in_o whether_o christian_n when_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v brief_o that_o truth_n be_v either_o about_o fundamental_o or_o circumstantial_o fundamental_o be_v such_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o we_o can_v ordinary_o be_v save_v and_o they_o be_v conversant_a either_o about_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o saint_n and_o christian_n or_o second_o about_o the_o well-being_n in_o preserve_v and_o build_v up_o this_o christian_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v call_v principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n heb._n 6.1_o you_o know_v no_o one_o can_v proceed_v to_o be_v a_o artist_n in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n or_o come_v to_o any_o perfection_n therein_o without_o some_o certain_a rule_n and_o principle_n to_o proceed_v by_o so_o none_o can_v become_v a_o true_a christian_a or_o artist_n in_o that_o heavenly_a science_n of_o christianity_n without_o some_o first_o lay_v principle_n and_o among_o those_o fundamental_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_n i_o believe_v as_o some_o have_v be_v too_o large_a in_o the_o description_n of_o their_o fundamental_o so_o some_o have_v be_v too_o narrow_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v not_o precise_o determine_v by_o any_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v gather_v up_o here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o parcel_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a to_o define_v their_o certain_a number_n only_o i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o that_o creed_n which_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a set_v a_o qualify_a sense_n on_o that_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n to_o be_v the_o exact_a square_n and_o rule_v of_o principle_n that_o relate_v unto_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v this_o day_n extant_a and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n now_o second_o other_o fundamental_o be_v about_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o baptism_n lord_n supper_n prayer_n thanks-givings_a all_o church_n order_n and_o fellowship_n preach_v exhort_v reprove_v oversee_n and_o the_o like_a and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n we_o be_v rather_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o they_o then_o to_o defile_v our_o soul_n or_o conscience_n under_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o they_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o bear_v they_o a_o testimony_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o every_o opinion_n that_o arise_v about_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o manner_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n which_o be_v but_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o set_v bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n therein_o it_o savour_v rather_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n heat_n and_o passion_n then_o of_o find_a judgement_n and_o christian_n wisdom_n this_o be_v to_o make_v hard_a knot_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o christ_n call_v his_o yoke_n easy_a this_o be_v to_o make_v it_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a the_o substantial_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o the_o blind_a may_v walk_v therein_o and_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v through_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v mystery_n high_a question_n and_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n these_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o gift_n not_o of_o our_o faith_n no_o further_o then_o as_o part_v of_o the_o reveal_v mind_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n though_o we_o understand_v they_o not_o which_o be_v reserve_v until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o when_o all_o our_o ignorances_n and_n imperfection_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o this_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o some_o hot_a spirit_n of_o these_o time_n that_o rather_o than_o lose_v or_o part_n with_o their_o wild_a opinion_n or_o let_v they_o lie_v unvented_a will_v break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n charity_n and_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o utter_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o otherwise_o their_o gift_n and_o part_n may_v stand_v in_o stead_n for_o i_o doubt_v all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o our_o time_n be_v too_o far_o baptize_v into_o this_o error_n and_o satan_n have_v too_o great_a a_o stroke_n in_o it_o to_o divide_v the_o heart_n of_o christian_n about_o circumstantial_o when_o as_o they_o hold_v one_o and_o the_o same_o fundamental_o joint_o together_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o his_o church_n remedy_n this_o great_a evil_n and_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n verse_n 10._o i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o in_o beza_n translation_n be_v render_v correptus_fw-la in_o spiritu_fw-la i_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n a_o ecstasy_n wherein_o john_n receive_v this_o vision_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o their_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n they_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o themselves_o and_o out_o of_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o this_o be_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v mighty_o in_o their_o spirit_n observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v set_v a_o violence_n on_o those_o person_n he_o employ_v about_o the_o high_a mystery_n and_o discovery_n of_o his_o choice_a truth_n paul_n that_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o have_v his_o rapture_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v exekiel_n when_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o high_a vision_n he_o oft_o report_v of_o the_o spirit_n enter_v into_o he_o and_o take_v he_o up_o cap._n 3.12_o and_o 2.2_o john_n for_o his_o better_a accomplishment_n to_o receive_v those_o divine_a vision_n he_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v first_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o take_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a view_n of_o those_o divine_a discovery_n which_o be_v about_o to_o be_v show_v unto_o he_o when_o we_o will_v show_v one_o thing_n distinct_o we_o use_v to_o place_v he_o up_o on_o high_a for_o the_o better_a sight_n second_o that_o he_o may_v have_v satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o those_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n see_v he_o have_v so_o extraordinary_a taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o may_v well_o conclude_v he_o be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v to_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o church_n last_o that_o his_o thought_n and_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v sequester_v from_o thing_n below_o and_o his_o contemplation_n raise_v high_a on_o thing_n divine_a as_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v another_o note_n from_o hence_o be_v as_o a_o corrollary_n to_o the_o former_a that_o when_o christ_n set_v up_o any_o eminent_a officer_n or_o light_n in_o
and_o some_o other_o of_o suspect_a credit_n and_o of_o obscure_a note_n as_o dorotheus_n dionysius_n eusebius_n caius_n do_v oppugn_v it_o yet_o epiphanius_n be_v so_o passionate_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v they_o among_o heretic_n that_o do_v reject_v it_o and_o justin_n martyr_n and_o ireneus_fw-la of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o of_o singular_a piety_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v this_o book_n as_o canonical_a but_o write_v commentary_n on_o it_o 2._o whatsoever_o that_o caius_n be_v that_o father_n the_o apocalypse_v on_o cerinthus_n on_o who_o report_n all_o his_o follower_n be_v mislead_v yet_o the_o relation_n itself_o hold_v not_o any_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n for_o ireneus_fw-la tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o write_v very_o large_o of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o his_o successor_n yet_o never_o mention_n that_o he_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o chiliasme_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o caius_n concern_v he_o and_o he_o apocalypse_v be_v apocryphal_a and_o a_o mere_a figment_n on_o purpose_n devise_v by_o the_o adversary_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n see_v more_o at_o large_a hereof_o in_o d._n homes_n lib._n 3._o chap._n 3._o sect_n 3._o further_o if_o cerinthus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v besprinkle_v it_o with_o some_o other_o of_o his_o error_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n deny_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o affirm_v his_o generation_n to_o be_v only_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o m._n baxter_n book_n of_o infidelity_n treat_v of_o the_o heresy_n of_o cerinthus_n carpocrates_n and_o their_o follower_n page_z 129._o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a strong_o confirm_v in_o many_o place_n thereof_o as_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n thereon_o will_v manifest_v and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o cerinthus_n hold_v and_o expect_v a_o riotous_a and_o luxuriant_a millenary_a which_o be_v now_o disprove_v yet_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n thereof_o but_o of_o a_o millenary_a of_o rest_n and_o joy_n in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a key_n then_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v on_o earth_n heretofore_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o earthly_a sensual_a reign_n and_o to_o reign_v on_o earth_n saint_n may_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o spiritualised_a and_o heavenly_a one_o which_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o suspect_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o apocalypse_v second_o hierome_n the_o great_a antagonist_n of_o this_o book_n write_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n speak_v very_o sharp_o against_o this_o book_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n thereof_o as_o not_o become_v the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v only_o a_o common_a history_n of_o thing_n shadow_v under_o dark_a figure_n and_o hard_a kind_n of_o speech_n i_o answer_v rather_o it_o become_v and_o savour_v the_o excellency_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o then_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o lesser_a asia_n carry_v in_o it_o all_o along_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o very_a step_n sentence_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n be_v full_a of_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o his_o continual_a intercession_n and_o providential_a act_n of_o gubernation_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o expression_n thereof_o be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o that_o be_v not_o strange_a in_o prophetical_a writing_n as_o in_o daniel_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o set_v we_o on_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o overslip_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o their_o appoint_a time_n of_o discovery_n that_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o three_o dionysius_n aforesaid_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n reason_n very_o slight_o against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o cast_v up_o so_o oft_o his_o own_o name_n since_o in_o his_o gospel_n he_o never_o name_v himself_o but_o only_o point_v it_o out_o by_o some_o modest_a mark_n as_o these_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n in_o his_o vision_n and_o conference_n with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o do_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o word_n i_o john_n this_o reason_n move_v dionysius_n to_o think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v rather_o set_v out_o by_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n then_o by_o himself_o i_o answer_v this_o opposition_n be_v but_o weak_a for_o he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n or_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v mix_v of_o both_o he_o need_v not_o often_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o depend_v on_o its_o present_a verity_n and_o other_o apparent_a circumstance_n witness_v unto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o miracle_n and_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o writer_n of_o prophecy_n for_o that_o receive_v authority_n by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o in_o every_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v we_o must_v inquire_v first_o who_o reveal_v it_o and_o then_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o to_o have_v divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o for_o otherwise_o who_o will_v give_v credence_n or_o faith_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n or_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o see_v they_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n at_o least_o a_o hundred_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n how_o oft_o do_v he_o repeat_v these_o word_n isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n and_o in_o daniel_n prophecy_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o name_n more_o than_o threescore_o time_n repeat_v yea_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o daniel_n about_o nine_o time_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o paul_n when_o his_o apostleship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o some_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o ministry_n how_o often_o shall_v you_o read_v i_o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v strange_a when_o john_n mention_n not_o his_o name_n above_o five_o time_n in_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o with_o that_o modesty_n that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n have_v wipe_v off_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v cast_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n on_o these_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v some_o testimony_n for_o that_o end_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o will_n receive_v this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n but_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o from_o without_o or_o second_o within_o the_o say_a book_n those_o from_o without_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n except_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o contest_v among_o some_o violent_a person_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o the_o canon_n the_o counsel_n of_o laodicea_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o council_n of_o toletan_n 5._o cap._n 16._o decree_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n second_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n cyril_n epiphanius_n lactantius_n ireneus_fw-la augustine_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o this_o book_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o they_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n in_o their_o writing_n i_o shall_v
receive_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o double_a door_n open_v a_o free_a power_n give_v she_o by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ready_a and_o willing_a heart_n to_o receive_v it_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v away_o from_o she_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n himself_o that_o have_v open_v it_o and_o maugre_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o hellish_a design_n it_o can_v never_o be_v obscure_v and_o shut_v up_o more_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_a that_o vouchsafe_v and_o give_v fair_a opportunity_n and_o access_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n for_o a_o kindly_a entertainment_n of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o man_n wit_n conceit_n or_o eloquence_n of_o word_n will_v open_v this_o door_n either_o to_o one self_o or_o other_o christ_n must_v first_o open_v and_o give_v a_o door_n of_o utterance_n or_o else_o the_o tongue_n will_v be_v as_o dumb_a as_o zachariah_n before_o john_n be_v bear_v unto_o all_o gospel_n mystery_n next_o the_o hearer_n will_v be_v as_o deaf_a unto_o the_o sound_n thereof_o as_o dumb_a unto_o the_o utterance_n of_o it_o before_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o work_v kind_o on_o their_o heart_n to_o a_o fruitful_a reception_n thereof_o how_o possible_o else_o can_v twelve_o plain_a tradesman_n mechanic_n fisherman_n etc._n etc._n go_v on_o with_o that_o boldness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v that_o door_n of_o utterance_n and_o entertainment_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n among_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o david_n have_v not_o touch_v their_o tongue_n and_o unshut_a their_o mouth_n and_o tâ—â—_n heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n both_o at_o once_o the_o one_o with_o a_o power_n of_o speak_v the_o other_o with_o a_o power_n and_o willingness_n of_o hear_v receive_v and_o treasure_v up_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v what_o a_o large_a door_n have_v christ_n lay_v open_a since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o reformation_n to_o this_o present_a day_n this_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n who_o by_o weak_a and_o despicable_a thing_n and_o person_n have_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a of_o the_o antichristian_a world_n as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v consider_v with_o what_o weapon_n i_o have_v overcome_v their_o error_n i_o have_v never_o touch_v they_o with_o a_o finger_n but_o christ_n have_v destroy_v they_o all_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n i._n e._n the_o word_n of_o his_o gospel_n what_o do_n what_o imprisoning_n what_o fining_n what_o punishment_n what_o torture_n what_o punishment_n what_o death_n do_v the_o old_a popish_a doctor_n and_o clergy_n and_o of_o late_a the_o prelatical_a bishop_n raise_v and_o invent_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o door_n that_o christ_n have_v open_v to_o his_o faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o land_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v they_o prevail_v and_o get_v thereby_o but_o by_o dash_v themselves_o against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o suffocate_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o true_a light_n become_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o break_v themselves_o to_o piece_n against_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o become_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o such_o endeavour_n be_v again_o set_v on_o foot_n against_o christ_n faithful_a witness_n to_o shut_v that_o door_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v open_a to_o they_o let_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o time_n pass_v towards_o the_o prelatical_a person_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n be_v a_o curb_n unto_o such_o undertaker_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a one_o that_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o reproach_n or_o act_n of_o man_n against_o they_o for_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n for_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n for_o the_o sense_n run_v thus_o because_o though_o thy_o strength_n be_v but_o small_a and_o thy_o gift_n be_v but_o low_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o yet_o thou_o have_v well_o improve_v those_o which_o thou_o have_v and_o have_v maintain_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_a among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o put_v the_o couple_a particle_n and_o for_o the_o disjunctive_a though_o or_o yet_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n not_o in_o opposition_n of_o much_o corruption_n that_o reign_v in_o philadelphia_n as_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o name_n alive_a because_o the_o great_a part_n be_v dead_a but_o this_o be_v call_v little_a strength_n be_v apparent_o no_o great_a strength_n comparative_o to_o what_o other_o have_v and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v she_o for_o her_o talon_n which_o she_o improve_n and_o put_v to_o profitable_a use_n according_a to_o the_o parable_n matth._n 25._o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n this_o be_v most_o commend_v of_o god_n and_o in_o nothing_o reprove_v by_o he_o hence_o note_v observe_v that_o a_o small_a talon_n well_o improve_v be_v follow_v both_o by_o a_o benediction_n and_o a_o commendation_n from_o god_n himself_o the_o parable_n in_o match_n 25._o confirm_v this_o where_o he_o that_o increase_v his_o talon_n be_v make_v owner_n of_o more_o and_o governor_n of_o many_o city_n this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n bear_v the_o name_n from_o all_o her_o sister_n for_o her_o proficiency_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n though_o her_o strength_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o her_o profession_n and_o ability_n seem_v so_o high_a as_o the_o rest_n yet_o she_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o she_o surpass_v they_o all_o and_o have_v the_o great_a portion_n and_o blessing_n give_v she_o then_o to_o any_o other_o and_o so_o become_v the_o only_a daughter_n of_o her_o mother_n the_o peerless_a sister_n of_o the_o seven_o have_v not_o of_o late_a many_o low_a despicable_a church_n and_o person_n for_o well_o improve_n their_o small_a talent_n become_v fragrant_a garden_n and_o eminent_a workman_n in_o god_n vineyard_n while_o other_o of_o high_a profession_n part_n and_o ability_n for_o want_v of_o husband_v their_o talent_n both_o lose_v their_o talent_n and_o become_v barren_a desert_n and_o like_o unsavoury_a salt_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dunghill_n though_o my_o year_n be_v but_o few_o and_o my_o experience_n small_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o this_o improvement_n i_o have_v know_v great_a doctor_n to_o become_v wittol_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n child_n and_o babe_n by_o better_v of_o their_o talent_n though_o but_o of_o small_a and_o of_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o as_o but_o a_o mustardseed_n in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o to_o become_v sound_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o last_o to_o grow_v up_o as_o great_a tree_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v fly_v for_o shelter_n verse_n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o by_o this_o double_a remarkable_a asterisme_n or_o twice_o repeat_v note_n of_o attention_n behold_v in_o one_o verse_n christ_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o notable_a work_n in_o his_o church_n and_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o perverse_a jew_n that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v affliction_n and_o tribulation_n on_o the_o true_a professor_n thereof_o but_o to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o worship_v he_o before_o their_o foot_n to_o make_v they_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o this_o christ_n and_o this_o church_n who_o they_o have_v vilify_v blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v to_o be_v the_o only_a special_a object_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o explicate_v the_o word_n more_o full_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o
the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a copy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beza_n version_n read_v they_o prebebo_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la synaga_fw-la satana_n the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n i_o give_v and_o not_o in_o the_o future_a and_o what_o be_v give_v those_o that_o call_v themselves_o jew_n i_o give_v or_o i_o yield_v be_v put_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n either_o for_o the_o more_o certain_a denotation_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o come_v in_o the_o future_a for_o so_o the_o latter_a clause_n do_v intimate_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o second_o it_o denote_v unto_o we_o that_o god_n do_v at_o that_o present_a time_n make_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o his_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o taste_n and_o first_o fruit_n or_o as_o a_o pawn_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o more_o full_a general_a and_o universal_a call_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o shall_v ensue_v in_o future_a age_n which_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o this_o verse_n be_v full_a unto_o whereof_z more_o hereafter_o i_o former_o she_o wed_v on_o cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 9_o how_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v only_o so_o by_o lineage_n and_o descent_n do_v lie_v when_o they_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o to_o call_v one_o self_n a_o jew_n in_o those_o day_n when_o john_n write_v this_o revelation_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o profess_v and_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n and_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n his_o peculiar_a inheritage_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n appertain_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o all_o other_o alien_n and_o barbarian_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o child_n a_o holy_a nation_n the_o lord_n portion_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o temple_n divine_a ordinance_n worship_n and_o clear_a vision_n of_o god_n now_o when_o those_o person_n that_o boast_v themselves_o of_o those_o privilege_n yet_o persecute_v revile_v and_o blaspheme_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o they_o do_v that_o of_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 9_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a jew_n and_o make_v a_o lie_n when_o they_o call_v or_o profess_v themselves_o jew_n true_a israelite_n of_o god_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o his_o work_n and_o counsel_n they_o do_v real_o execute_v and_o perform_v they_o do_v synagere_fw-la work_v together_o plot_n study_n and_o execute_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v denominate_v his_o disciple_n of_o this_o infernal_a college_n and_o synagogue_n and_o not_o of_o christ_n church_n college_n or_o of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v and_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a jew_n true_a israelite_n of_o god_n true_a christian_n that_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o for_o their_o evil_a work_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o towards_o christ_n and_o true_a christian_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o do_v lie_v in_o their_o profession_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o true_a inward_a jew_n and_o christian_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o strange_a to_o hear_v of_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n a_o university_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o devil_n set_v up_o among_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n his_o own_o inheritance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o true_a john_n baptist_n can_v have_v call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o christ_n more_o plain_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o work_n they_o do_v do_v and_o john_n here_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o most_o deserve_o for_o their_o contumelious_a reproach_n and_o opposition_n against_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a believer_n we_o have_v a_o true_a counterpane_n of_o these_o carnal_a jew_n among_o the_o christian_n church_n in_o those_o day_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n they_o crack_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n of_o ministry_n of_o ordinance_n of_o true_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o who_o more_o enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o true_a godliness_n they_o be_v just_a like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a that_o boast_v of_o abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o that_o they_o be_v israelite_n as_o from_o jacob_n and_o yet_o be_v ready_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o follower_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o with_o their_o elder_a brethren_n the_o jew_n to_o have_v abraham_n and_o jacobs_n to_o their_o ancestor_n and_o progenitor_n but_o for_o abraham_n faith_n or_o jacob_n spirit_n in_o wrestle_v with_o god_n let_v that_o alone_a for_o they_o that_o will_v they_o think_v it_o safe_a enough_o to_o be_v of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_n nation_n or_o church_n and_o to_o have_v some_o external_a badge_n and_o privilege_n of_o child_n as_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a than_o all_o be_v well_o whilst_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o most_o substaintial_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o let_v lie_v by_o and_o contemn_v and_o what_o be_v all_o their_o arrogate_a title_n when_o truth_n be_v want_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o a_o lie_n i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o cap._n 2._o 9_o for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_o in_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o who_o heart_n be_v circumcise_v and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 2.28_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o do_v call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v 1._o the_o samaritan_n 2._o they_o of_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o both_o by_o their_o perverse_a carriage_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n do_v blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v the_o honourable_a name_n of_o a_o jew._n so_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n that_o wound_v this_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n church_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v wrong_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o honourable_a name_n of_o church_n and_o christian_n i_o mean_v the_o romish_a popish_a synagogue_n and_o many_o of_o the_o pretend_a reform_a church_n the_o first_o like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a cry_n out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o the_o church_n the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o chair_n of_o peter_n the_o infallible_a chair_n of_o peter_n we_o be_v the_o only_a spouse_n of_o christ_n no_o salvation_n without_o our_o jurisdiction_n and_o yet_o who_o great_a blasphemer_n reproacher_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n church_n and_o saint_n than_o they_o and_o see_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o keep_v it_o but_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v here_o mention_v the_o church_n or_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n not_o of_o christ_n and_o as_o long_o as_o their_o idolatry_n continue_v she_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o babel_n not_o a_o bethel_n counterfeit_a jew_n no_o real_a spiritual_a one_o christian_n only_a in_o title_n and_o show_n not_o in_o truth_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o high_a pretension_n and_o claim_n to_o the_o contrary_a 2._o so_o many_o of_o the_o pretend_v reform_v christian_n cry_v out_o we_o be_v of_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v baptize_v we_o be_v of_o the_o lutheran_n confession_n we_o be_v of_o the_o calvinist_n and_o yet_o no_o papist_n more_a blind_a more_o ignorant_a more_o vile_a more_o profane_a or_o great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o name_n title_n and_o honour_n of_o christian_n they_o love_n they_o esteem_v they_o expect_v and_o yet_o who_o vain_a who_o more_o profane_a more_o ungodly_a or_o less_o deserve_v it_o then_o they_o they_o be_v only_o nominal_a christian_n outward_a jew_n but_o to_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a jew_n who_o more_o stranger_n to_o it_o then_o they_o let_v they_o therefore_o look_v to_o it_o notwithstanding_o their_o high_a and_o honourable_a affect_a title_n lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v declare_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o manifest_a to_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o they_o be_v only_o seem_v jew_n and_o do_v lie_v
mouth_n for_o this_o their_o sin_n have_v not_o god_n do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n with_o we_o here_o in_o england_n here_o of_o late_a for_o this_o hermaphrodical_a religion_n that_o be_v profess_v among_o we_o half_a popish_a half_o reform_v half_o rot_v half_a sound_n even_o spew_v it_o out_o root_n and_o branch_n never_o to_o be_v lick_v up_o more_o be_v it_o not_o also_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o same_o mongrel_n lukewarm_a condition_n be_v creep_v in_o upon_o we_o again_o what_o mean_v else_o the_o many_o vindication_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o of_o late_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o practice_n doctrine_n mission_n call_v hyerarchical_a superintendency_n national_a church_n and_o maintenancy_n and_o the_o like_a if_o christ_n have_v vomit_v they_o out_o as_o unholy_a thing_n he_o will_v not_o return_v again_o to_o take_v they_o up_o they_o be_v loathe_v of_o he_o for_o their_o mongrel_n temper_n and_o therefore_o spew_v out_o and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o endeavour_n to_o lick_v they_o up_o again_o they_o be_v dog_n i_o mean_v whelp_n of_o rome_n that_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o their_o vomit_n they_o be_v sow_n i_o mean_v unclean_a worldling_n that_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n that_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o antichristian_a foolery_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o if_o reformation_n according_a to_o gospel_n pattern_n be_v the_o way_n be_v zealous_a in_o it_o burn_v in_o it_o walk_v in_o it_o stout_o courageous_o as_o child_n of_o light_n but_o if_o rome_n be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n take_v her_o mark_n follow_v she_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o she_o for_o christ_n will_v not_o endure_v a_o middle_a temperature_n between_o both_o either_o be_v all_o romish_a or_o all_o reform_a there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n neither_o between_o true_a christian_n and_o antichristian_a either_o be_v the_o one_o or_o the_o 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lukewarmness_n have_v a_o twofold_a ground_n or_o rise_v 1._o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o her_o own_o worthiness_n 2._o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o own_o misery_n her_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o her_o own_o worth_n proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n and_o conceit_n of_o her_o great_a wealth_n and_o riches_n not_o only_o spiritual_a which_o she_o want_v and_o christ_n advise_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n but_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a she_o boast_v herself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o abound_v in_o riches_n of_o both_o sort_n but_o also_o to_o want_v nothing_o she_o have_v such_o a_o fullness_n that_o her_o contentation_n be_v complete_a many_o person_n may_v abound_v and_o be_v rich_a and_o yet_o want_v much_o of_o fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o contentation_n but_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n it_o seem_v abound_v to_o contentation_n in_o her_o own_o conceit_n which_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o riches_n 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etc._n etc._n be_v on_o foot_n among_o we_o christ_n pastor_n become_v silken_a priest_n and_o where_o be_v then_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v drive_v into_o corner_n among_o some_o poor_a puritan_n brownist_n anabaptist_n so_o scornful_o call_v and_o the_o like_a but_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v but_o half_a christian_n a_o medley_n of_o moral_a civilian_o half_a romish_a half_o reform_v and_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n than_o adversity_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lukewarmness_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o do_v abound_v therein_o and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o often_o warn_v in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o lest_o when_o they_o be_v full_a and_o cloy_v with_o god_n blessing_n through_o over-fulness_n they_o shall_v forget_v the_o lord_n thou_o say_v thou_o be_v rich_a etc._n etc._n and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a etc._n etc._n the_o other_o cause_n of_o laodiceas_n sin_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o misery_n which_o she_o can_v not_o see_v and_o perceive_v by_o reason_n she_o be_v blind_v by_o her_o outward_a prosperity_n and_o riches_n from_o whence_o observe_v observe_v 2._o that_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o wretched_o miserable_a church_n be_v the_o most_o boast_a and_o high_a pretend_v to_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o grace_n do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o day_n vaunt_v that_o she_o be_v the_o only_a rich_a one_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v true_a if_o she_o only_o mean_v of_o worldly_a good_n she_o be_v most_o pompous_a and_o replete_a therein_o but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o she_o vaunt_v too_o of_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n she_o call_v herself_o roma_n sancta_fw-la the_o only_a mother_n church_n the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o no_o salvation_n without_o her_o pale_n the_o only_a keeper_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o dispense_v they_o where_o she_o please_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o high_a claim_n and_o pretence_n who_o more_o true_o wretched_a miserable_a blind_a ignorant_a naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a grace_n than_o she_o laodicea_n be_v so_o vainglorious_a that_o she_o can_v boast_v of_o her_o riches_n and_o yet_o she_o be_v the_o poor_a of_o the_o seven_o of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n our_o english_a under_o episcopacy_n be_v wont_a to_o bear_v the_o bell_n for_o outward_a splendour_n and_o glory_v not_o only_o in_o her_o external_a riches_n but_o also_o of_o the_o magnificence_n of_o her_o worship_n beyond_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o among_o they_o all_o who_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o her_o sister_n rome_n then_o she_o she_o be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o return_v daughter_n to_o her_o mother_n harlot_n as_o the_o apostate_n bayly_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n of_o his_o book_n call_v end_n to_o controversy_n testify_v page_n 67._o where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o that_o the_o taper_n upon_o their_o altar_n want_v light_a and_o their_o altar_n priest_n and_o their_o ceremony_n purpose_n but_o the_o lord_n since_o have_v make_v a_o wide_a breach_n his_o name_n be_v praise_v for_o it_o and_o render_v she_o more_o irreconcilable_a to_o rome_n then_o ever_o heretofore_o and_o we_o trust_v never_o more_o to_o be_v make_v up_o between_o they_o for_o further_o describe_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o the_o high_o pretend_v church_n of_o rome_n which_o may_v be_v true_o parallel_v to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n in_o this_o particular_a of_o vain-glorying_a and_o boast_a she_o have_v here_o five_o degree_n ascribe_v to_o she_o the_o two_o first_o be_v as_o common_a