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
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
mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb._n this_o be_v the_o terrible_a and_o unknown_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o christ_n himself_o which_o one_o day_n he_o will_v manifest_v when_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o o_o let_v this_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n observe_v 2._o christ_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o intense_a on_o the_o punishment_n of_o delinquent_a church_n christ_n come_v all_o in_o a_o fiery_a posture_n against_o thyatira_n and_o withal_o tell_v she_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o that_o for_o suffer_v jezabel_n within_o she_o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n etc._n etc._n christ_n when_o he_o whip_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n jo_n 2._o do_v it_o so_o zealous_o that_o for_o that_o very_a act_n it_o be_v former_o prophesy_v of_o he_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n in_o his_o carriage_n and_o ready_a to_o punish_v all_o those_o delinquent_a asian_a church_n he_o tell_v ephesus_n in_o the_o first_o place_n except_o she_o repent_v and_o recover_v she_o first_o love_n and_o do_v she_o first_o work_n he_o will_v come_v quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n to_o pergamus_n he_o say_v repent_v or_o i_o come_v quick_o against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n how_o zealous_a be_v christ_n against_o the_o zeal-fallen_a church_n of_o laodicea_n cap._n 3._o 15_o 16._o i_o know_v thou_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n you_o see_v christ_n will_v not_o spare_v his_o delinquent_a church_n but_o come_v quick_o against_o they_o except_o they_o repent_v and_o this_o proceed_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n answer_n to_o this_o apparition_n of_o he_o to_o john_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o foot_n like_o burn_a brass_n cap._n 1._o 14_o 15._o verse_n 19_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o all_o those_o grace_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o true_a â—eal_a grace_n not_o only_o so_o in_o appearance_n and_o opinion_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o therefore_o christ_n before_o he_o fall_v on_o the_o charge_n against_o she_o first_o he_o give_v a_o approbation_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o her_o grace_n and_o in_o effect_n tell_v she_o it_o be_v true_a o_o church_n of_o thyatira_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v thy_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o thy_o true_a love_n towards_o i_o which_o have_v produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o thou_o the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o thy_o zealous_a service_n and_o thy_o faith_n enliven_v by_o love_n together_o with_o thy_o constant_a patience_n under_o suffering_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o thou_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o and_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v unto_o thy_o praise_n that_o there_o be_v a_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o those_o gracious_a work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v though_o thy_o first_o work_n be_v do_v out_o of_o much_o zeal_n yet_o the_o latter_a be_v do_v on_o more_o certain_a and_o sober_a ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sincerer_n end_v then_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o as_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o improvement_n of_o thy_o grace_n so_o thou_o be_v more_o in_o esteem_n and_o thy_o work_n also_o then_o at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o way_n here_o observe_v we_o may_v observe_v though_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v never_o so_o blame-worthy_a yet_o christ_n will_v give_v she_o her_o due_a and_o set_v too_o his_o seal_n of_o approbation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v sound_a and_o righteous_a in_o she_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o thyatira_n to_o denominate_v she_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o christ_n have_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o she_o it_o savour_v not_o of_o the_o dovelike_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o love_n when_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o rigid_a as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v such_o society_n to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o imperfection_n in_o they_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n though_o otherwise_o abound_v in_o work_n of_o holiness_n as_o love_v to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o faith_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n zeal_n towards_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n doubtless_o with_o some_o rigid_a person_n in_o these_o day_n the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n will_v be_v unchurch_v and_o anathematise_v by_o they_o have_v they_o but_o authority_n over_o they_o though_o christ_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n upon_o they_o and_o mark_v they_o as_o golden_a candlestick_n as_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n may_v be_v rot_v and_o dead_a and_o yet_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o in_o those_o spiritual_a body_n politics_n there_o may_v be_v some_o member_n rot_v and_o dead_a at_o the_o root_n yet_o the_o body_n still_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o no_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o again_o in_o a_o natural_a body_n there_o may_v be_v a_o catholic_a disease_n seize_v upon_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o may_v render_v it_o very_o uncapable_a for_o its_o service_n and_o yet_o still_o a_o lively_a body_n so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a it_o may_v be_v catholique_o sick_a and_o infect_v with_o some_o venomous_a disease_n some_o pestifferous_a doctrine_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o a_o church_n still_o though_o a_o decrepit_a infirm_a and_o lame_a one_o but_o when_o the_o disease_n come_v to_o be_v mortal_a leprous_a or_o incurable_a it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o cry_v out_o sum_n impurus_fw-la sum_fw-la impurus_fw-la procul_fw-la hinc_fw-la procul_fw-la ite_z for_o the_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o love_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a work_n that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o in_o his_o people_n and_o do_v also_o render_v they_o as_o approve_v saint_n both_o unto_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o public_a approve_a person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o his_o member_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o before_o these_o grace_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o saint_n to_o evidence_n their_o calling_n they_o be_v but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o election_n do_v secure_v our_o eternal_a estate_n but_o before_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n come_v to_o evidence_n it_o by_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n sin_n and_o death_n have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o though_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o in_o god_n predetermination_n yet_o differ_v we_o not_o at_o all_o from_o servant_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n yea_o therein_o we_o be_v slave_n and_o captive_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n these_o gracious_a work_n be_v call_v thy_o work_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o wrought_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o yet_o god_n goodness_n do_v call_v they_o we_o because_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o pass_v through_o our_o will_n affection_n and_o understanding_n and_o here_o love_n or_o charity_n be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n among_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o love_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v before_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o thus_o much_o i_o say_v that_o all_o general_o grant_v that_o faith_n first_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o unto_o a_o proposition_n now_o unless_o love_v come_v in_o to_o ingrediate_v the_o affection_n unto_o the_o truth_n propose_v it_o will_v only_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a opinion_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o lively_a faith_n second_o i_o say_v love_n be_v here_o propose_v as_o first_o in_o order_n as_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a gospel_n grace_n 1_o cor._n 13._o throughout_o now_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a of_o
be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.17_o because_o it_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n come_v as_o a_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v it_o come_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o christ_n make_v any_o discovery_n unto_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v as_o unto_o philadelphia_n as_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o as_o the_o true_a one_o as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n unto_o holiness_n so_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o in_o by_z and_o through_o he_o john_n 14.6_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shute_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n cap._n 22._o 20._o 22._o about_o the_o call_n of_o eliakim_n the_o son_n of_o hilkiah_n who_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n shall_v be_v commit_v and_o in_o vers_n 22._o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n say_v the_o lord_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v this_o eliakim_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v his_o chief_a steward_n or_o master_n of_o his_o household_n as_o appear_v by_o 2_o king_n 18.18_o 26._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o transaction_n between_o he_o and_o senacharib_n none_o be_v suffer_v to_o go_v in_o or_o out_o to_o treat_v with_o senacharib_n but_o eliakim_n and_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o he_o be_v a_o man_n in_o great_a authority_n with_o the_o king_n and_o carry_v the_o key_n and_o sovereignty_n ever_o his_o whole_a household_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o isaiah_n to_o come_v or_o to_o be_v call_v again_o of_o god_n not_o in_o person_n but_o in_o his_o antitype_n and_o true_a counterpane_n jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a eliakim_n who_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n etc._n etc._n christ_n may_v well_o be_v typify_v by_o eliakim_n and_o to_o be_v call_v the_o spiritual_a eliakim_n promise_v in_o isa_n 22._o both_o for_o his_o name_n and_o nature_n eliakim_n signify_v as_o hierom_n the_o interpretatione_n nominum_fw-la the_o god_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o god_n that_o rise_v again_o and_o who_o be_v this_o true_a eliakim_n but_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o place_n christ_n be_v descend_v from_o this_o eliakim_n luke_n 3.30_o therefore_o right_o bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o isaiah_n to_o typify_v he_o forth_o but_o last_o and_o chief_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a eliakim_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o sovereignty_n which_o he_o bear_v over_o his_o spiritual_a house_n his_o church_n as_o eliakim_n bear_v it_o over_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o key_n be_v put_v metonymice_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o but_o why_o the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n isa_n 2d_o 22_o i_o answer_v either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v metonimical_o the_o master_n be_v put_v for_o the_o house_n or_o else_o for_o the_o more_o excellency_n of_o this_o key_n that_o christ_n bear_v before_o that_o of_o eliakim_n the_o truth_n itself_o exceed_v the_o type_n eliakim_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a minister_n as_o the_o steward_n and_o that_o in_o the_o family_n of_o david_n but_o christ_n he_o bear_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o be_v that_o be_v bear_v before_o or_o by_o david_n himself_o due_a unto_o the_o high_a governor_n and_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o excel_v that_o of_o eliakim_n be_v limit_v only_o to_o the_o household_n of_o david_n but_o why_o be_v the_o key_n of_o david_n bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o represent_v christ_n sovereignty_n and_o kingdom_n over_o his_o church_n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o god_n promise_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n to_o david_n and_o therefore_o a_o fit_a type_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v love_v with_o the_o everlasting_a and_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n second_o david_n kingdom_n be_v over_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n so_o christ_n over_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n three_o david_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n over_o his_o kingdom_n he_o suffer_v no_o jebusite_n nor_o canaanite_n to_o domineer_v within_o his_o realm_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o christ_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n he_o suffer_v no_o unclean_a canaanite_n to_o rule_v and_o reign_v nor_o any_o unclean_a thing_n to_o enter_v therein_o but_o he_o will_v be_v sole_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n within_o his_o house_n as_o be_v david_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o same_o key_n that_o open_v the_o same_o key_n shut_v christ_n key_n power_n or_o authority_n do_v open_a and_o shut_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n first_o it_o open_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n that_o none_o ever_o hereafter_o shall_v shut_v it_o up_o or_o obscure_v it_o and_o again_o he_o shut_v it_o up_o to_o many_o unworthy_a and_o impenitent_a people_n which_o none_o but_o by_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a again_o to_o open_v and_o discover_v second_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o christ_n bear_v over_o his_o kingdom_n his_o holy_a temple_n and_o church_n either_o in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n isa_n 9.6_o zeah._n 6.12_o and_o herein_o no_o man_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v admit_v or_o exclude_v but_o as_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n three_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v into_o christ_n hidden_a mystical_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o invisible_a saint_n and_o to_o who_o christ_n do_v open_a to_o enter_v herein_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v and_o to_o who_o christ_n shut_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o open_a so_o absolute_a a_o lord_n be_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o what_o he_o do_v no_o man_n can_v undo_v or_o hinder_v and_o what_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v none_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v from_o the_o word_n thus_o explicate_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o sole_a absolute_a lord_n sovereign_a giver_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n relate_v unto_o his_o kingdom_n christ_n be_v a_o lord_n by_o power_n mat._n 28.18_o 2._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o purchase_n rom._n 7.20_o 3._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o conquest_n john_n 16.30_o 4._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o donation_n ps_n 2.8_o 5._o he_o be_v a_o lord_n by_o election_n as_o from_o god_n mat._n 12.18_o isa_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o such_o a_o lord_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o all_o the_o ministration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o promote_v execute_v or_o hinder_v as_o he_o please_v the_o magistrate_n walk_v not_o in_o this_o sphere_n he_o have_v another_o kingdom_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o magistrate_n can_v here_o shut_v nor_o open_v though_o erastus_n vain_o dream_v the_o contrary_n christ_n key_n or_o the_o key_n of_o david_n only_o fit_v this_o lock_n as_o the_o spiritual_a key_n of_o david_n can_v open_v or_o shut_v in_o the_o civil_a kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v their_o civil_a key_n open_a or_o shut_v in_o the_o spiritual_a house_n of_o david_n be_v fit_v for_o another_o lock_n and_o who_o prove_v the_o contrary_a disorder_v the_o whole_a lock_n and_o bring_v always_o ruin_v instead_o of_o blessing_n upon_o the_o experiencer_n thereof_o christ_n fit_v not_o upon_o caesar_n throne_n nor_o caesar_n upon_o he_o each_o must_v remember_v and_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o station_n if_o christ_n open_v with_o his_o key_n and_o receive_v into_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o shut_v out_o if_o christ_n shut_v against_o any_o caesar_n have_v no_o key_n to_o open_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d caesar_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n to_o true_a saint_n and_o open_v it_o to_o the_o debauch_a world_n and_o so_o make_v a_o image_n like_a to_o that_o of_o nebuchadnezzar_n who_o foot_n be_v partly_o iron_n partly_o clay_n but_o when_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n
needs_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a for_o in_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o amen_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a faith_n and_o credence_n thereunto_o he_o add_v another_o title_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n paul_n can_v public_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o his_o discsple_n and_o that_o he_o have_v hide_v nothing_o back_o that_o do_v necessary_o conduce_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o think_v you_o that_o christ_n in_o these_o revelation_n have_v not_o deal_v as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o truth_n himself_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o beast_n babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n together_o with_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o church_n glorious_a restore_v state_n on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v and_o evidence_v from_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v not_o christ_n promise_v it_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o come_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n that_o can_v never_o fail_v and_o to_o take_v off_o all_o suspicion_n of_o failure_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n there_o be_v a_o three_o property_n here_o add_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n this_o have_v relation_n to_o that_o description_n of_o christ_n in_o chap._n 1._o v._n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v render_v either_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o he_o be_v also_o the_o supreme_a prince_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o so_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o principality_n and_o government_n who_o do_v at_o first_o create_v they_o and_o give_v a_o be_v to_o they_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o the_o say_n of_o these_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v sure_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o appoint_a season_n see_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o the_o creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v say_v and_o speak_v they_o who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v they_o come_v first_o from_o so_o faithful_a and_o true_a a_o witness_n and_o from_o one_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o most_o able_a to_o perform_v they_o verse_n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n as_o she_o come_v last_o in_o place_n so_o she_o come_v last_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o all_o her_o sister_n church_n christ_n find_v nothing_o in_o she_o that_o be_v true_o commendable_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o pergamus_n though_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n yet_o there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o somewhat_o praiseworthy_a some_o undefiled_a name_n that_o be_v not_o carry_v aside_o by_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n but_o in_o laodicea_n nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o therefore_o she_o hear_v of_o nothing_o from_o christ_n but_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o of_o the_o desperateness_n of_o her_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o sincere_a faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n be_v silence_n in_o it_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o number_v as_o one_o of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o number_n be_v but_o small_a they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o denomination_n unto_o the_o whole_a for_o indeed_o a_o body_n politic_a whither_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n or_o unsound_a from_o the_o major_a part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a soul_n or_o person_n if_o grace_n be_v more_o prevalent_a in_o degree_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o sin_n and_o corruption_n it_o be_v to_o be_v term_v a_o sincere_a gracious_a soul_n but_o if_o sin_n be_v most_o prevalent_a it_o may_v be_v just_o term_v a_o sinful_a and_o unregenerate_a soul_n so_o be_v the_o case_n of_o political_a church_n if_o their_o frame_n constitution_n and_o matter_n be_v most_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a such_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n healthful_a body_n we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n though_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o the_o deadness_n thereof_o they_o may_v with_o sardis_n be_v right_o term_v dead_a one_o yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n doubtless_o under_o prelacy_n both_o english_a and_o romish_a there_o be_v and_o be_v diverse_a precious_a christian_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n when_o the_o idol_n of_o baal_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o priest_n thereof_o be_v exalt_v yet_o then_o in_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o that_o bowâ—d_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n yet_o they_o few_o faithful_a one_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n or_o those_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prelacy_n etc._n etc._n popery_n come_v far_o short_a to_o denominate_v israel_n at_o that_o time_n or_o our_o english_a or_o foreign_a nation_n under_o that_o corrupt_a frame_n or_o temper_n of_o antichristian_a prelacy_n to_o be_v praiseworthy_a church_n or_o sound_n sincere_a and_o healthful_a in_o their_o general_a matter_n frame_n or_o constitution_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n against_o laodicea_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a laodicea_n be_v of_o a_o strange_a mongrel_n composure_n and_o temper_n neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a mould_v and_o compact_v as_o a_o certain_a odd_a extraction_n of_o two_o contrary_n cold_a and_o heat_n i_o think_v before_o this_o that_o that_o maxim_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n unquestionable_a in_o medio_fw-la consistit_fw-la virtus_fw-la it_o seem_v true_a religion_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o principle_n for_o laodicea_n be_v here_o blame_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a that_o be_v in_o a_o frame_n or_o temper_v which_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a by_o hot_a be_v here_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v zealous_a fervent_a in_o spirit_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o can_v endure_v any_o corruption_n will-worship_n or_o superstition_n shall_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o true_a christian_n worship_n and_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v call_v a_o hot_a fervent_a or_o zealous_a christian_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v too_o intense_a as_o unto_o the_o degree_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v considerate_a and_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n the_o ignorant_a inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v as_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a not_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n grace_n as_o with_o moral_a habit_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o both_o the_o extreme_n stray_v from_o mediocrity_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o in_o the_o defect_n be_v fault_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o excess_n of_o liberality_n may_v run_v into_o prodigality_n and_o the_o defect_n into_o covetous_a parsimony_n or_o the_o excess_n in_o fortitude_n may_v be_v call_v temerity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n and_o the_o defect_n cowardice_n and_o pusilanimity_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o gracious_a habit_n the_o case_n be_v different_a soul_n can_v exceed_v therein_o be_v you_o holy_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v holy_a no_o less_o than_o a_o aim_n unto_o perfection_n will_v serve_v turn_n be_v zealous_a fervent_a boil_a hot_a for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v sound_a and_o considerate_a it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mediocrity_n lukewarmness_n or_o half_a friend_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n be_v equal_o a_o abomination_n in_o god_n sight_n for_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n as_o be_v coldness_n or_o deadness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o this_o strange_a commixture_n of_o temper_n in_o laodicea_n be_v explode_v by_o christ_n as_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o therefore_o add_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a hence_o note_v observe_v a_o lukewarm_a temper_n among_o
people_n to_o be_v forewarn_v of_o this_o time_n &_o fore_o see_v it_o though_o long_a before_o it_o come_v to_o bear_v up_o their_o spirit_n in_o there_o great_a affliction_n and_o distress_n abraham_n see_v christ_n day_n and_o bless_a god_n though_o see_v it_o afar_o of_o by_o faith_n this_o god_n have_v more_o especial_o do_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o discovery_n unto_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o hierogliphique_a figure_n of_o all_o the_o empire_n state_n and_o kingdom_n both_o ethnic_a and_o antichristian_a with_o their_o several_a usurpation_n and_o oppression_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v happen_v from_o john_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o issue_n thereof_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o other_o before_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o but_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o will_v be_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o hide_a mystery_n and_o seal_v and_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v espouse_v their_o study_n to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o book_n have_v come_v of_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o over_o bold_a undertake_n 1._o i_o answer_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n be_v indeed_o full_a of_o mystery_n which_o will_v so_o remain_v until_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o do_v discover_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v they_o manifest_v but_o when_o we_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o event_n do_v see_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o effect_n of_o each_o prophecy_n and_o what_o by_o this_o and_o that_o thing_n have_v be_v mean_v it_o be_v now_o no_o long_o a_o mystery_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v now_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n rev._n 17.6_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v clear_a up_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o be_v the_o city_n with_o seven_o head_n reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o few_o or_o none_o do_v hesitate_n but_o do_v acknowledge_v yea_o even_o the_o learn_v of_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o as_o bellar._n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr pontif._n rom._n chap._n 2._o blasius_n viegas_n in_o chap._n 17.18_o apoc._n 5._o sect._n 3_o ribera_n in_o apoc._n châ—p_n 14._o page_n 144._o etc._n etc._n that_o by_o this_o great_a city_n here_o be_v mean_v rome_n likewise_o all_o interpreter_n of_o the_o reformation_n do_v harmonious_o accord_v that_o by_o the_o beast_n of_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n rev._n 13_o 1._o must_v be_v mean_v the_o romish_a empire_n divide_v into_o ten_o kingdom_n and_o the_o beast_n with_o two_o horn_n like_o a_o lamb_n rev._n 13.11_o yet_o speak_v like_o a_o dragon_n to_o be_v the_o popish_a antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o if_o event_n have_v plain_o evidence_v these_o without_o contradiction_n so_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v as_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v why_o then_o shall_v if_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v unlock_v and_o make_v obvious_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a since_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o in_o the_o 17._o chapter_n have_v lay_v the_o first_o ground_n work_n from_o whence_o as_o from_o a_o sure_a foundation_n we_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a revelation_n by_o collate_v history_n time_n and_o passage_n one_o with_o another_o and_o lay_v they_o to_o their_o several_a character_n and_o period_n which_o the_o spirit_n have_v affix_v to_o every_o remarkable_a revolution_n passage_n and_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n as_o a_o sure_a token_n and_o touchstone_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o make_v they_o manifest_v so_o that_o now_o the_o revelation_n be_v no_o long_o a_o mystery_n but_o a_o book_n of_o history_n of_o memorable_a act_n and_o passage_n wherein_o be_v fore_o tell_v the_o several_a change_n that_o shall_v befall_v to_o the_o secular_a state_n or_o roman_a empire_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o empire_n until_o it_o shall_v as_o that_o stone_n prophesy_v of_o in_o dan._n 2._o smite_v the_o image_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o become_v itself_o a_o great_a mountain_n and_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o all_o mountain_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o history_n and_o change_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n with_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v discover_v clear_o how_o far_o the_o accomplishment_n reach_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v ere_o long_o so_o that_o the_o thing_n represent_v in_o this_o book_n be_v no_o more_o mystery_n and_o hide_a thing_n but_o as_o clear_v and_o accomplish_a act_n unto_o we_o 2._o the_o very_a title_n and_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o first_o chapter_n first_o verse_n of_o this_o book_n deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o hide_a mystery_n no_o far_o then_o before_o the_o event_n do_v discover_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apocalypse_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n which_o short_o must_v be_v do_v which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o book_n shut_v and_o seal_v for_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n vers_fw-la 8._o the_o lamb_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o seal_a book_n and_o so_o discovery_n be_v make_v unto_o john_n and_o by_o he_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o little_a book_n mention_v in_o chap._n 10._o which_o more_o especial_o contain_v the_o fate_n or_o destiny_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o open_a book_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 22.10_o plain_o prohibit_v to_o seal_v the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n therefore_o this_o hence_o clear_o follow_v to_o set_v a_o check_n upon_o our_o supine_n and_o overly_o look_v on_o this_o book_n we_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o seal_v and_o hide_a though_o the_o son_n of_o god_n testify_v the_o contrary_a then_o to_o bestow_v our_o industry_n with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o truth_n be_v like_o treasure_n get_v by_o the_o forest_n labour_v be_v most_o sweet_a and_o precious_a but_o with_o all_o such_o slowbelly_n that_o think_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n i_o leave_v with_o they_o these_o consideration_n be_v it_o the_o book_n or_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v as_o i_o hereafter_o shall_v clear_o evince_v then_o study_v it_o some_o good_a will_v come_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o it_o no_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n or_o write_v in_o vain_a it_o will_v stand_v in_o great_a stead_n yea_o in_o the_o alpha_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o omega_n thereof_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o blessing_n store_v up_o for_o they_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o learn_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 chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 3._o and_o chap._n 22._o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o shall_v there_o a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o these_o that_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v most_o faithful_a to_o perform_v yea_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_a fire_n revel_v 2.18_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a chap_n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n chap._n 3.14_o and_o so_o close_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 6._o that_o these_o say_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v first_o pass_v away_o before_o one_o jota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unaccomplish_v i_o say_v shall_v there_o a_o blessing_n be_v promise_v upon_o so_o faithful_a ground_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o look_v after_o it_o i_o shall_v judge_v blessedness_n worth_a the_o look_n after_o see_v that_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v most_o ready_a willing_a and_o able_a to_o perform_v but_o if_o it_o demand_v what_o be_v the_o advantage_n what_o be_v this_o blessing_n that_o may_v accrue_v in_o read_v hear_v and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o answer_v
humane_a action_n do_v right_o distinguish_v of_o all_o the_o revolution_n and_o change_n both_o of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a state_n and_o though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v do_v and_o act_v together_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a person_n yet_o can_v be_v declare_v together_o but_o several_o one_o after_o another_o so_o these_o prophecy_n though_o reveal_v and_o set_v down_o in_o order_n of_o place_n one_o precede_a the_o other_o yet_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o interpret_v they_o that_o observe_v not_o the_o peculiar_a character_n and_o hide_a mystery_n of_o number_n syncronise_v and_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a key_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o make_v all_o the_o passage_n and_o revolution_n therein_o though_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n they_o seem_v abstruse_a and_o disturb_a yet_o by_o collate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o they_o become_v plain_a and_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o in_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n will_v manifest_v itself_o and_o these_o have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o some_o former_a interpreter_n have_v come_v off_o with_o loss_n in_o their_o study_n and_o exposition_n of_o this_o book_n when_o as_o they_o have_v apply_v diverse_a passage_n in_o this_o book_n to_o their_o own_o time_n when_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o sometime_o interpret_v as_o they_o be_v in_o order_n set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v one_o another_o whereas_o they_o shall_v be_v interpret_v as_o they_o be_v relata_fw-la and_o â—orrelata_fw-la and_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o period_n though_o disperse_v here_o and_o there_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o so_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v keep_v some_o and_o entire_a for_o we_o see_v that_o the_o order_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o every_o aptness_n of_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o interpreter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a by_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o several_a and_o particuliar_a character_n for_o explanation_n thereof_o affix_v thereunto_o now_o because_o some_o expositor_n have_v herein_o go_v astray_o must_v there_o no_o far_o inquiry_n be_v make_v into_o this_o book_n this_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o cast_v of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o in_o which_o of_o they_o have_v not_o some_o expositor_n do_v amiss_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n but_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n unto_o the_o latter_a day_n that_o many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v dan._n 12.4_o do_v not_o art_n grow_v in_o time_n to_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o perfection_n and_o be_v it_o any_o disparagement_n to_o those_o that_o go_v before_o we_o that_o we_o see_v far_o than_o they_o do_v apigmy_n upon_o a_o giants_n shoulder_n may_v see_v far_o than_o the_o himself_o so_o we_o be_v help_v by_o the_o instruction_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o predecessor_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n it_o be_v no_o great_a advance_n of_o our_o ability_n if_o we_o soar_v a_o little_a high_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o this_o my_o essay_n be_v perfect_a and_o so_o exact_a as_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v thereunto_o for_o herein_o i_o shall_v balk_v our_o proper_a attribute_n humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la since_o other_o that_o come_v after_o we_o will_v see_v far_o than_o we_o of_o this_o present_a age_n come_v near_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o event_n of_o all_o only_o i_o leave_v this_o consideration_n and_o proposal_n with_o the_o judicious_a and_o pious_a christian_a that_o if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o a_o more_o commodious_a method_n of_o interpretation_n upon_o better_a reason_n and_o ground_n than_o i_o have_v for_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n suit_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o preserve_v the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a prophecy_n entire_a and_o discover_v the_o several_a passage_n and_o revolution_n therein_o how_o they_o do_v relate_v one_o to_o the_o other_o in_o their_o several_a proper_a character_n and_o syncronisme_n with_o more_o prospicuity_n and_o fit_a application_n of_o history_n answer_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v most_o willing_o become_v a_o learner_n at_o his_o foot_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o of_o the_o poet._n horat._n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la novisti_fw-la rectius_fw-la istis_fw-la candidus_n imperti_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la his_fw-la vtere_fw-la mecum_fw-la object_n again_o other_o will_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o curiosity_n and_o impertinency_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o prophetical_a representation_n and_o of_o the_o apocaliptique_a day_n and_o period_n to_o the_o several_a time_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v too_o precise_a and_o peremptory_a 1._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o assert_v no_o more_o in_o this_o interpretation_n the_o text_n be_v not_o at_o all_o force_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o literal_a or_o figurative_o refer_v to_o the_o time_n and_o state_n then_o in_o be_v and_o that_o interpretation_n make_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a by_o such_o necessary_a and_o sure_a argument_n character_n and_o notable_a token_n as_o will_v make_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o every_o notable_a mystery_n obvious_a to_o every_o discern_a eye_n and_o herein_o i_o walk_v not_o alone_o have_v m._n brightman_n napeir_n piscator_fw-la alsteed_n and_o learned_a m._n mede_n with_o some_o other_o in_o their_o several_a tractate_v upon_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v my_o leader_n herein_o 2._o those_o figure_n and_o representation_n which_o make_v this_o interpretation_n dubious_a difficult_a oâ—_n mysterious_a be_v clear_v out_o of_o the_o other_o place_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v right_o apply_v to_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a state_n as_o the_o text_n and_o time_n do_v require_v shall_v wipe_v of_o the_o brand_n of_o impertinency_n and_o curiosity_n what_o god_n have_v sanctify_v no_o man_n shall_v call_v unholy_a what_o god_n have_v reveal_v no_o man_n shall_v judge_v himself_o too_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a to_o search_v into_o unrevealed_a thing_n pertain_v unto_o god_n but_o reveal_v thing_n be_v for_o the_o use_n and_o good_a of_o man_n 3._o i_o answer_v to_o the_o perciseness_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apocaliptique_a period_n though_o i_o will_v not_o herein_o be_v too_o peremptory_a well_o know_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o history_n &_o chronology_n there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o imperfection_n therein_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o scaligerde_n emendatione_fw-la temporum_fw-la and_o other_o account_n also_o treat_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n yet_o all_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o the_o time_n and_o period_n be_v fix_v in_o the_o predeterminate_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v high_a than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n unalterable_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o though_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v difference_n and_o imperfection_n in_o most_o account_n of_o time_n yet_o by_o a_o regular_a judgement_n draw_v from_o the_o visible_a token_n character_n image_n and_o representation_n of_o each_o time_n which_o be_v either_o concomitant_n contemporary_n or_o immediate_a antecedent_n or_o consequent_n of_o each_o great_a revolution_n and_o change_n we_o may_v judge_v their_o period_n either_o to_o be_v pass_v draw_v nigh_o at_o hand_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v in_o set_v down_o remarkable_a forerun_v as_o sign_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o his_o least_o come_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o matth._n and_o the_o 13._o of_o mark._n but_o i_o will_v desire_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o i_o set_v down_o the_o exact_a epact_n and_o period_n of_o time_n it_o may_v vary_v as_o unto_o we_o in_o preciseness_n of_o account_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o chronology_n but_o long_a time_n it_o can_v miss_v every_o notable_a revolution_n and_o season_n have_v their_o own_o proper_a character_n and_o token_n to_o point_v they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o finger_n which_o will_v notable_o help_v we_o peremptory_o to_o conclude_v in_o the_o foresay_a limit_a sense_n this_o time_n be_v the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n birth_n and_o rise_n this_o of_o his_o reign_n this_o of_o his_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n consider_v to_o this_o end_n that_o of_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n chap._n 12.7_o who_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o leave_v hand_n unto_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o
add_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1651._o who_o do_v number_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n very_o radiant_a and_o pregnant_a within_o the_o say_a book_n to_o prove_v it_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n first_o in_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o so_o high_o illuminate_v a_o person_n as_o john_n the_o apostle_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v evince_v and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o seven_o famous_a asian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o last_o public_a legacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o special_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v god_n will_v never_o suffer_v such_o a_o palpable_a deceit_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o long_o without_o control_n and_o under_o his_o own_o name_n so_o often_o reiterated_a in_o those_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n direction_n approbation_n and_o providential_a preservation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o this_o book_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o do_v full_o harmonise_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o indubitable_a receive_v book_n of_o god_n that_o treat_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n three_o and_o last_o see_v those_o thing_n be_v evident_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v predict_v and_o foretell_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o dethron_n of_o the_o dragon_n the_o rise_n continuance_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o whore_n ride_v upon_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n with_o divers_a other_o event_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o former_a some_o whereof_z be_v long_o since_o evident_o accomplish_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o determine_a time_n and_o period_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o prophecy_n come_v from_o god_n when_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v consult_v deut._n 18.21_o 22_o verse_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o question_n about_o the_o title_n of_o this_o book_n have_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o whether_o this_o john_n the_o divine_a be_v john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o some_o other_o person_n first_o they_o that_o oppose_v the_o first_o do_v offer_n as_o their_o reason_n the_o unlikelyness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n that_o there_o be_v between_o this_o book_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o john_n and_o his_o epistle_n which_o two_o latter_a agree_v in_o style_n and_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o this_o of_o the_o revelation_n be_v very_a dissonant_n from_o they_o both_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n in_o the_o first_o two_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n though_o he_o write_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o substantial_a truth_n contain_v therein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strict_a tie_v up_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o and_o the_o epistle_n but_o be_v leave_v at_o large_a by_o the_o spirit_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o expression_n which_o he_o write_v according_a to_o his_o own_o genius_n and_o temper_n be_v high_a and_o sublimate_n but_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o must_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v and_o be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o beside_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o prophecy_n keep_v somewhat_o the_o like_a and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o expression_n character_n and_o method_n as_o it_o do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n daniel_n isaiah_n and_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v joint_o run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o style_n in_o this_o of_o the_o apocalypse_v and_o other_o of_o john_n writing_n second_o they_o that_o oppose_v give_v as_o another_o reason_n but_o unadvised_o that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a copy_n the_o revelation_n be_v entitle_v not_o unto_o john_n evangelist_n or_o john_n the_o apostle_n but_o unto_o john_n the_o divine_a this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n for_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o john_n be_v by_o excellency_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n call_v by_o this_o name_n of_o the_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o write_v and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o heretic_n that_o oppose_v it_o in_o his_o time_n as_o the_o ebonite_n simon_n magus_n carpocrates_n cerinthus_n and_o their_o follower_n yet_o withal_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o this_o word_n the_o divine_a in_o our_o language_n be_v too_o narrow_a a_o word_n or_o expression_n for_o this_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v of_o more_o copious_a and_o extensive_a signification_n which_o make_v much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o evangelist_n that_o write_v this_o book_n for_o the_o foresay_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n and_o maintainer_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v this_o denomination_n either_o from_o his_o work_n and_o so_o be_v entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a or_o last_o he_o acquire_v that_o peculiar_a title_n to_o himself_o from_o the_o high_a divine_a inspiration_n and_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n he_o have_v from_o god_n beyond_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o those_o his_o vision_n and_o so_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o eminent_o conversant_a with_o god_n he_o may_v just_o acquire_v unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o john_n the_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o former_a be_v the_o more_o genuine_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o title_n in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o the_o affirmative_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v that_o this_o john_n who_o be_v the_o subordinate_a author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v be_v john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n consider_v what_o be_v write_v cap._n 1._o 9_o when_o john_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n under_o banishment_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o he_o receive_v his_o revelation_n which_o do_v agree_v with_o all_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a father_n who_o all_o testify_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v there_o banish_v and_o second_o as_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n as_o aretas_n witness_v basil_n gregory_n cyril_n epiphanius_n ireneus_fw-la hippolyta_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n counsel_n plain_o avouch_v this_o of_o the_o revelation_n to_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n this_o john_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n the_o brother_n of_o james_n major_n or_o the_o great_a and_o the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o three_o great_a witness_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o most_o retire_a and_o eminent_a action_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n who_o after_o christ_n have_v accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v ascend_v he_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o as_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n testify_v have_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n receive_v power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o province_n fall_v in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n where_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o preach_v convert_v and_o found_v those_o several_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n philadelphia_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n but_o also_o it_o seem_v
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
his_o church_n for_o the_o service_n thereof_o god_n first_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n when_o john_n be_v but_o upon_o enter_v upon_o his_o prophetical_a office_n god_n ravish_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o fill_v he_o therewith_o to_o fit_v he_o for_o this_o office_n when_o man_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o for_o the_o low_a service_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o like_a yet_o they_o must_v be_v man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o much_o more_o than_o for_o the_o high_a place_n as_o prophet_n pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o work_n act_v 11.24_o and_o 13.2_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o those_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o in_o some_o fullness_n of_o it_o those_o place_n be_v not_o for_o such_o as_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n covetousness_n pride_n the_o world_n contention_n ignorance_n and_o antichristian_a lord_v such_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v well_o say_v of_o such_o that_o they_o run_v for_o profit_n here_o and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o lord_n send_v they_o not_o jer._n 14.14_o and_o 23.21_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o be_v call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n because_o god_n have_v give_v they_o some_o common_a acquire_v gift_n and_o part_n yet_o want_v all_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o meekness_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o this_o world_n humility_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n ready_a to_o forgive_v sound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o that_o want_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o fit_a for_o those_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v satisfy_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o let_v this_o be_v as_o a_o memento_n to_o all_o such_o that_o climb_v over_o the_o wall_n into_o those_o holy_a function_n and_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o a_o call_n from_o man_n when_o they_o be_v never_o call_v of_o god_n i_o say_v let_v all_o such_o fear_n and_o tremble_v lest_o god_n spew_v they_o all_o our_o together_o with_o their_o flock_n that_o will_v have_v it_o so_o in_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o john_n be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a whether_o this_o day_n be_v here_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o those_o vision_n make_v unto_o john_n upon_o this_o day_n or_o because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o assemble_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o perform_v their_o service_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o same_o day_n with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o our_o christian_n sabbath_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o contend_v but_o rather_o be_o incline_v unto_o the_o latter_a for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n on_o that_o day_n wherein_o he_o be_v manifest_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n over_o hell_n and_o satan_n purchase_v it_o that_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n second_o because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n with_o all_o christian_n public_a service_n be_v transfer_v to_o that_o day_n and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o according_a to_o the_o scottish_a dialect_n the_o kirk_n day_n the_o church_n day_n because_o they_o hold_v their_o assembly_n and_o perform_v their_o public_a service_n upon_o that_o day_n hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o the_o great_a and_o public_a assembling_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o god_n high_a discovery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n receive_v here_o on_o this_o day_n his_o high_a irradiation_n of_o spirit_n and_o prophecy_n this_o be_v god_n great_a market_n day_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o mutual_a exchange_n or_o barter_v of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a commodity_n the_o saint_n come_v with_o the_o return_n of_o their_o improvement_n of_o mercy_n in_o praise_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n god_n give_v out_o in_o return_n far_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o his_o way_n and_o truth_n therefore_o sure_a most_o happy_a most_o know_a and_o most_o gracious_a be_v those_o saint_n that_o be_v most_o find_v in_o this_o way_n o_o this_o shall_v make_v all_o of_o we_o that_o be_v not_o in_o this_o way_n to_o wail_v for_o it_o as_o david_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o exile_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o special_a habitation_n of_o god_n glory_n psal_n 96.6_o and_o to_o breath_n after_o it_o even_o as_o the_o hart_n bray_v after_o the_o fountain_n stream_n for_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n assembling_n wherein_o the_o angel_n come_v down_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n christ_n in_o spirit_n to_o stir_v upon_o the_o water_n of_o bethesda_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o his_o people_n when_o john_n be_v in_o this_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o he_o hear_v behind_o he_o a_o mighty_a voice_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n loud_a and_o terrible_a the_o trumpet_n be_v a_o warlike_a instrument_n who_o sound_n be_v to_o prepare_v unto_o battle_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o adversary_n god_n public_a admonition_n be_v so_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o not_o only_o prepare_v his_o own_o unto_o repentance_n but_o be_v also_o of_o terrible_a signification_n unto_o all_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n but_o here_o come_v in_o a_o question_n fit_a to_o be_v discuss_v john_n have_v here_o his_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n ecstasy_n and_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n the_o quere_z will_v be_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a for_o satan_n be_v god_n ape_n and_o have_v his_o rapture_n possession_n strange_a apparition_n sound_n and_o voice_n also_o for_o answer_v first_o know_v that_o god_n vision_n be_v give_v either_o in_o the_o sleep_n as_o unto_o jacob_n when_o he_o see_v a_o ladder_n reach_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v in_o gen._n 28._o but_o such_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v divine_a dream_n or_o second_o when_o the_o person_n be_v awake_a as_o here_o when_o john_n be_v at_o patmos_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n doubtless_o either_o in_o god_n service_n or_o holy_a contemplation_n he_o receive_v those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n and_o those_o ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o great_a alteration_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v they_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o this_o posture_n and_o frame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n quasi_fw-la extra_fw-la se_fw-la raptus_fw-la be_v in_o that_o posture_n not_o master_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o power_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o act_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o both_o sort_n of_o rapture_n whether_o from_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n now_o to_o discern_v what_o spirit_n move_v in_o such_o rapture_n or_o vision_n observe_v first_o whether_o the_o person_n passive_a or_o that_o be_v under_o such_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n be_v always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o to_o be_v preserve_v against_o the_o evil_a one_o in_o their_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n second_o observe_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o vision_n in_o such_o rapture_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o sinful_a practice_n or_o not_o for_o sure_o satan_n will_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o his_o kingdom_n can_v not_o stand_v though_o i_o have_v read_v a_o story_n in_o some_o old_a popish_a mass-monger_n that_o the_o devil_n once_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o priest_n preach_v a_o very_a catholic_a sermon_n but_o be_v discover_v by_o some_o saint_n in_o presence_n it_o seem_v one_o of_o a_o excellent_a endowment_n in_o discern_a spirit_n ask_v he_o how_o dare_v satan_n to_o appear_v in_o that_o presence_n with_o so_o sound_a holy_a
apply_v they_o the_o right_a way_n again_o if_o satan_n foretell_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o gather_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o long_a experience_a converse_v in_o they_o and_o this_o at_o best_a can_v be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o therefore_o keep_v himself_o to_o those_o dark_a way_n of_o delivery_n last_o to_o ascribe_v to_o satan_n truth_n in_o foretell_v of_o event_n it_o will_v rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o one_o of_o his_o great_a prerogative_n which_o he_o alone_o by_o his_o spirit_n have_v often_o manifest_v to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n for_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n object_n but_o do_v not_o satan_n tell_v saul_n in_o that_o apparition_n of_o samuel_n in_o 1_o sam._n 28.19_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v with_o all_o his_o host_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o son_n on_o the_o morrow_n shall_v be_v all_o with_o samuel_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v not_o that_o prediction_n true_o fulfil_v i_o answer_v first_o among_o expositor_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n they_o that_o hold_v it_o be_v samuel_n himself_o who_o be_v at_o rest_n have_v but_o small_a store_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o god_n will_v not_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o exhort_v the_o live_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n second_o it_o be_v improbable_a that_o god_n will_v send_v samuel_n who_o will_v not_o let_v he_o to_o answer_v saul_n in_o his_o life_n time_n because_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o will_v now_o send_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o advise_v he_o and_o then_o too_o when_o he_o be_v advise_v with_o wizard_n and_o witch_n which_o be_v utter_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o his_o law_n but_o the_o current_n of_o most_o expositor_n hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o the_o appearance_n or_o likeness_n of_o samuel_n but_o herein_o submit_v to_o the_o judicious_a and_o more_o discern_a judgement_n i_o here_o lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n to_o the_o contrary_a if_o this_o be_v satan_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o samuel_n it_o be_v strange_a he_o will_v leave_v such_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n to_o all_o posterity_n to_o the_o destruction_n and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n as_o this_o be_v saul_n have_v depart_v from_o god_n and_o disobey_v his_o voice_n therefore_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o and_o give_v his_o kingdom_n unto_o another_o even_o unto_o david_n ver_fw-la 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o at_o last_o for_o this_o his_o disobedience_n will_v destroy_v he_o and_o his_o family_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n now_o this_o be_v against_o that_o former_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o kingdom_n divide_v can_v stand_v be_v satan_n divide_v against_o himself_o collate_n unto_o this_o the_o reason_n a_o little_a before_o mention_v and_o judge_v whether_o ever_o that_o spirit_n of_o lie_n and_o enmity_n to_o mankind_n will_v leave_v such_o a_o good_a and_o fruitful_a lesson_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n upon_o record_n to_o his_o prejudice_n for_o ever_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o be_o hardly_o induce_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v satan_n in_o samuel_n apparition_n but_o rather_o a_o cozen_a confederate_a of_o the_o pythonist_n of_o endor_n set_v up_o by_o she_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n describe_v by_o she_o or_o set_v up_o in_o the_o shape_n and_o garment_n of_o the_o old_a and_o famous_a prophet_n samuel_n who_o be_v but_o late_o dead_a and_o therefore_o his_o posture_n garment_n and_o also_o his_o prophecy_n of_o rend_v the_o kingdom_n from_o saul_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o david_n be_v very_o well_o know_v unto_o all_o israel_n and_o therefore_o this_o witch_n of_o endor_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a way_n distant_a from_o the_o court_n of_o saul_n where_o samuel_n be_v often_o conversant_a in_o his_o life_n time_n as_o appear_v from_o vers_fw-la 7_o and_o 8._o campare_v with_o 25_o and_o also_o it_o appear_v unto_o i_o that_o saul_n here_o in_o the_o whole_a transaction_n do_v not_o see_v the_o counterfeit_a samuel_n by_o that_o his_o question_n in_o vers_fw-la 14._o what_o form_n be_v he_o of_o and_o she_o say_v a_o old_a man_n come_v up_o and_o he_o be_v cover_v with_o a_o mantle_n and_o saul_n perceive_v by_o this_o description_n of_o she_o that_o it_o be_v samuel_n he_o bow_v himself_o and_o so_o proceed_v to_o his_o business_n with_o this_o samuel_n or_o counterfeit_a which_o may_v lie_v hide_v behind_o some_o shrine_n hang_v or_o grate_n where_o the_o whole_a cozenage_n be_v transact_v and_o how_o easy_o saul_n be_v to_o be_v catch_v and_o deceive_v in_o this_o kind_n appear_v from_o his_o distraction_n consternation_n and_o fear_v he_o be_v in_o be_v serround_v of_o his_o enemy_n forsake_v of_o god_n and_o seek_v unto_o witch_n in_o this_o time_n of_o trouble_n this_o wise_a woman_n or_o witch_n of_o endor_n with_o her_o confederate_a know_v well_o enough_o that_o this_o be_v saul_n be_v high_a by_o the_o head_n then_o all_o israel_n though_o disguise_v and_o by_o his_o attendant_n and_o servant_n with_o he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o whole_a art_n of_o cozenage_n though_o she_o counterfeit_v the_o contrary_a verse_n 12._o this_o appear_v from_o her_o neighbourhood_n with_o the_o court_n he_o come_v to_o she_o and_o after_o all_o these_o cozen_a transaction_n return_v the_o same_o night_n again_o verse_n 25._o whereas_o this_o counterfeit_n be_v here_o often_o call_v samuel_n and_o saul_n take_v he_o indeed_o to_o be_v samuel_n yet_o this_o make_v it_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a samuel_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o samuel_n shape_n so_o that_o under_o correction_n of_o better_a judgement_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n this_o be_v not_o satan_n in_o samuel_n likeness_n that_o leave_v this_o useful_a lesson_n and_o prediction_n for_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a but_o rather_o proceed_v from_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n of_o endor_n and_o her_o well-informed_n confederate_a who_o well_o know_v of_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n that_o god_n will_v take_v off_o the_o kingdom_n from_o saul_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o his_o servant_n david_n because_o saul_n have_v disobey_v god_n voice_n in_o the_o business_n of_o agag_n and_o this_o she_o can_v foresee_v be_v the_o time_n in_o that_o the_o philistine_n the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n be_v come_v up_o against_o he_o and_o he_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v for_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o and_o have_v deny_v to_o answer_v he_o either_o by_o prophet_n urim_n or_o thummim_v i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o the_o long_a herein_o to_o stave_v the_o devil_n off_o that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o god_n prerogative_n in_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n in_o samuel_n likeness_n yet_o i_o answer_v the_o devil_n may_v well_o gather_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n from_o that_o of_o samuel_n pprophecy_n against_o he_o when_o in_o his_o life_n time_n at_o gilgal_n he_o come_v and_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n will_v rend_v his_o kingdom_n from_o he_o for_o not_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o his_o servant_n david_n 1_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o therefore_o the_o devil_n here_o may_v well_o predict_v the_o same_o unto_o saul_n come_v to_o he_o to_o know_v the_o event_n and_o success_n of_o his_o undertake_n against_o the_o philistine_n but_o in_o the_o time_n and_o some_o other_o circumstance_n of_o this_o prediction_n whether_o it_o proceed_v from_o satan_n or_o the_o cozen_a pythonist_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a failure_n therein_o to_o show_v that_o god_n spirit_n alone_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o the_o sure_a foretell_v of_o all_o event_n in_o the_o full_a truth_n thereof_o for_o this_o pretend_a samuel_n tell_v saul_n that_o to_o morrow_n he_o and_o his_o son_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n but_o observe_v if_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n how_o this_o father_n of_o lie_n keep_v on_o his_o old_a trade_n of_o lie_v for_o indeed_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n be_v not_o overthrow_v nor_o slay_v by_o the_o philistine_n on_o the_o morrow_n but_o some_o day_n after_o as_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o several_a transaction_n do_v by_o david_n in_o the_o 29_o and_o 30_o chapter_n against_o the_o amalekite_n after_o he_o be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o army_n of_o the_o philistine_n before_o they_o fall_v upon_o saul_n and_o his_o army_n to_o their_o
utter_a overthrow_n chap._n 31._o v._n 3._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v also_o somewhat_o against_o reason_n that_o saul_n shall_v be_v all_o the_o precedent_a night_n at_o endor_n and_o on_o his_o way_n come_v and_o go_v and_o that_o under_o great_a dejection_n trouble_n and_o consternation_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o hard_a fate_n foretell_v he_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o shall_v the_o immediate_a morrow_n join_v battle_n with_o the_o philistine_n be_v in_o my_o apprehension_n a_o very_a unlikely_a conceit_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v and_o conclude_v with_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n o_o teach_v we_o o_o lord_n to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n that_o both_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n may_v have_v their_o due_n verse_n 11._o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o what_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardis_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n after_o john_n be_v set_v by_o a_o spiritual_a rapture_n in_o a_o fit_a frame_n and_o posture_n to_o receive_v those_o divine_a and_o excellent_a revelation_n he_o in_o this_o verse_n make_v a_o entrance_n into_o his_o first_o vision_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o great_a and_o mighty_a voice_n that_o he_o hear_v as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v christ_n as_o be_v manifest_v in_o verse_n 8._o compare_v to_o the_o 9_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o last_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v the_o giver_n out_o and_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n unto_o john_n and_o give_v he_o this_o vision_n concern_v the_o seven_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o admonitory_a epistle_n unto_o they_o and_o what_o he_o see_v and_o shall_v be_v represent_v unto_o he_o in_o those_o vision_n he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o down_o and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n which_o then_o be_v in_o asia_n minor_fw-la at_o ephesus_n smyrna_n &_o e._n hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v deal_v very_o faithful_o with_o their_o church_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o prophecy_n they_o must_v come_v with_o real_a vision_n of_o god_n not_o feign_v once_o paul_n do_v profess_v unto_o those_o he_o write_v that_o he_o keep_v nothing_o back_o for_o their_o good_a but_o discover_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v god_n motion_n and_o direction_n when_o he_o move_v they_o must_v move_v when_o he_o stand_v still_o so_o must_v they_o if_o god_n command_v they_o to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o peace_n and_o consolation_n they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o god_n proceed_v in_o anger_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o a_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n the_o minister_n ought_v not_o like_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o jeremiah_n preach_v peace_n peace_n and_o sew_v pillow_n under_o their_o elbow_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o security_n and_o so_o make_v they_o ripe_a for_o destruction_n neither_o be_v they_o only_o in_o a_o perfunctory_a way_n to_o preach_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o church_n but_o they_o must_v follow_v john_n example_n here_o whatsoever_o vision_n or_o burden_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v for_o the_o more_o certainty_n and_o better_a observation_n thereof_o write_v it_o down_o and_o send_v it_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o their_o church_n keep_v this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n keep_v in_o commit_v their_o doctrine_n unto_o writing_n a_o sure_a way_n of_o preserve_v it_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o verse_n 12._o and_o i_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n verse_n 13._o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n and_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n john_n have_v hear_v this_o great_a and_o terrible_a voice_n he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o either_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v metonimocal_o where_o see_v be_v put_v for_o understanding_n that_o be_v he_o turn_v right_o and_o distinct_o to_o understand_v the_o voice_n he_o hear_v or_o else_o to_o be_v take_v per_fw-la synecdochen_n part_n for_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o be_v the_o person_n that_o utter_v the_o voice_n from_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o god_n faithful_a one_o be_v very_a intent_n to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will._n they_o be_v not_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v their_o master_n will_n dark_o and_o in_o part_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o know_v it_o full_o that_o they_o may_v full_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fruitless_a hear_n to_o hear_v the_o voice_n only_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o be_v intent_n upon_o the_o intendment_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o life_n unto_o all_o that_o believe_v yet_o without_o this_o be_v but_o as_o a_o mere_a voice_n and_o a_o dead_a letter_n those_o with_o paul_n act_v 9_o when_o he_o be_v strike_v down_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o damascus_n hear_v the_o voice_n but_o see_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v unto_o he_o so_o many_o in_o our_o day_n do_v hear_v the_o same_o voice_n of_o god_n that_o strike_v through_o other_o soul_n unto_o conversion_n while_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o the_o voice_n either_o to_o their_o comfort_n or_o conversion_n no_o soon_o be_v john_n turn_v to_o comprehend_v more_o distinct_o this_o voice_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o but_o present_o he_o have_v a_o vision_n present_v he_o of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o they_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v interpreter_n but_o by_o the_o way_n this_o note_n arise_v observe_v that_o god_n reserve_v his_o choice_a discovery_n for_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o inquire_a soul_n john_n when_o he_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n and_o be_v turn_v he_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n etc._n etc._n when_o soul_n turn_v to_o god_n and_o inquire_v careful_o after_o his_o will_n god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o treasurer_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o intendment_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o revolution_n and_o providential_a percussion_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o statist_n of_o the_o world_n will_v know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n their_o best_a counsellor_n will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o diligent_a observer_n not_o of_o star_n fly_v of_o bird_n the_o bowel_n of_o beast_n and_o such_o ethnic_a foppery_n but_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n observe_v 2._o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v most_o certain_a john_n say_v not_o he_o hear_v only_o a_o voice_n but_o he_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o sight_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a most_o evidential_a of_o all_o the_o sense_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o and_o indeed_o this_o whole_a book_n be_v a_o book_n of_o vision_n present_v unto_o john_n and_o which_o he_o see_v in_o patmos_n now_o in_o all_o vision_n there_o be_v some_o representation_n make_v either_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n external_o or_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n internal_o second_o in_o every_o vision_n there_o be_v something_o that_o be_v future_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v pprophecy_n or_o prediction_n isa_n 1.1_o three_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v have_v a_o strong_a irradiation_n of_o spirit_n and_o mighty_a light_n overpower_v he_o to_o make_v he_o obedient_a unto_o that_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o so_o be_v put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v in_o great_a evidence_n when_o the_o party_n be_v awake_a dream_n be_v but_o obscure_a vision_n when_o man_n be_v asleep_a and_o therefore_o vision_n be_v the_o more_o evident_a and_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o
some_o of_o the_o mistake_v of_o our_o translator_n consult_v to_o this_o purpose_n luke_n 7.24_o mal._n 3.1_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v better_o render_v here_o messengers_z write_v unto_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o term_v because_o they_o be_v person_n send_v and_o commissionated_a by_o christ_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v his_o gospel_n among_o his_o church_n matth._n 28.18_o have_v clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o seven_o star_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o note_n observe_v 1._o christ_n have_v a_o especial_a eye_n of_o providence_n and_o hand_n of_o protection_n over_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a time_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n he_o take_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n clap_v they_o under_o his_o wing_n for_o safety_n noah_n who_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v righteous_a lot_n be_v preserve_v when_o sodom_n flame_v in_o fire_n ezekiel_n daniel_n mordecai_n etc._n etc._n be_v preserve_v in_o babylon_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o judah_n suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o a_o insolent_a conqueror_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o how_o luther_n be_v preserve_v when_o all_o the_o antichristian_a world_n seek_v his_o ruin_n be_v most_o admirable_a to_o consider_v i_o have_v hear_v it_o relate_v that_o that_o most_o famous_a minister_n of_o christ_n peter_n du_fw-fr molyne_n be_v preserve_v in_o paris_n be_v a_o suck_a child_n by_o his_o nurse_n under_o a_o tub_n when_o the_o bloody_a massacre_n do_v not_o spare_a man_n woman_n or_o child_n of_o the_o reform_a faith_n that_o he_o may_v afterward_o become_v a_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v they_o that_o be_v most_o engage_v for_o christ_n in_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n he_o do_v most_o engage_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o protection_n satan_n be_v their_o great_a enemy_n therefore_o christ_n be_v their_o great_a friend_n and_o bulwark_n oh_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n be_v shine_a star_n faithful_a angel_n or_o rather_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o god_n word_n and_o truth_n then_o christ_n will_v carry_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n of_o protection_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n unto_o he_o the_o angel_n messenger_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o these_o seven_o asian_a church_n be_v here_o represent_v by_o star_n star_n always_o in_o prophetical_a scripture_n signify_v eminency_n splendour_n light_n and_o excellency_n how_o be_v thou_o fall_v from_o heaven_n o_o lucifer_n thou_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n mean_v nabuchadnezzar_n isa_n 14.12_o and_o rev._n 18.10_o i_o see_v a_o star_n fall_v from_o heaven_n which_o connote_v the_o fall_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a high_a and_o excellent_a person_n from_o hence_o note_n 2._o those_o that_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o christ_n mystery_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n than_o other_o inferior_a christian_n they_o be_v figure_v by_o star_n by_o the_o shine_a heavenly_a lamp_n they_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o lip_n shall_v especial_o preserve_v wisdom_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o star_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o their_o church_n they_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o they_o in_o soundness_n of_o life_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o too_o though_o their_o light_n be_v great_a shine_a and_o eminent_a yet_o let_v they_o consider_v they_o be_v but_o star_n their_o light_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sun_n they_o shall_v not_o advance_v it_o to_o that_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o infallible_a light_n but_o they_o shall_v eye_v the_o son_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a light_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritage_n let_v they_o remember_v too_o that_o they_o be_v star_n whereof_o some_o may_v be_v erratic_a as_o well_o as_o fix_v once_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a light_n the_o true_a morning_n star_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v receive_v light_n from_o this_o true_a son_n of_o righteousness_n he_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o father_n of_o all_o light_n 3._o another_o note_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o honourable_a call_n they_o be_v figure_v under_o the_o type_n of_o star_n celestial_a light_n they_o have_v the_o same_o title_n of_o god_n minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n they_o be_v his_o messenger_n that_o go_v on_o his_o errant_n his_o ambassador_n to_o treat_v with_o man_n about_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n hence_o arise_v another_o corrolary_n that_o all_o christ_n minister_n as_o they_o be_v star_n though_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o glory_n in_o part_n gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o not_o differ_v in_o power_n nor_o lord_n over_o one_o another_o they_o be_v angel_n that_o be_v messengers_z ambassador_n not_o prince_n cardinal_n not_o lord_n bishop_n every_o church_n here_o have_v its_o angel_n its_o bishop_n its_o pastor_n its_o elder_a not_o many_o bishop_n not_o many_o elder_n in_o a_o classical_a form_n over_o divers_a church_n but_o every_o church_n have_v its_o angel_n its_o minister_n or_o officer_n ephesus_n have_v its_o anâ—gel_n smyrna_n its_o angel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o ephesus_n angel_n either_o single_o o._n joint_n with_o two_o three_o or_o more_o be_v superintendent_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o be_v a_o far_a description_n of_o the_o terribleness_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o vision_n when_o he_o come_v in_o power_n and_o judgement_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n psalm_n 56.5_o prov._n 5.4_o job_n 5.15_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n it_o cut_v both_o side_n but_o in_o a_o diverse_a mode_n it_o wound_v the_o penitent_a but_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n heb._n 4.12_o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o destroy_a sword_n to_o his_o adversary_n rev._n 19.15_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o with_o it_o he_o shall_v smite_v the_o heathen_a hence_o observe_v christ_n word_n be_v very_o powerful_a and_o pierce_v it_o divide_v between_o the_o bone_n and_o the_o marrow_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v telum_fw-la achilleum_fw-la achilles_n spear_n that_o can_v both_o hurt_v and_o cure_v kill_v and_o make_v alive_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o question_v whether_o this_o figure_n of_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o go_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o material_a sword_n also_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o that_o christ_n also_o be_v to_o use_v that_o sword_n which_o be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o and_o that_o be_v a_o material_a one_o for_o he_o be_v to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n rev._n 19.15_o now_o how_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o smite_v the_o heathen_a with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n or_o rule_v they_o with_o his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n i_o see_v but_o small_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n and_o see_v too_o when_o he_o do_v this_o it_o be_v in_o fierceness_n tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o then_o some_o may_v say_v do_v christ_n judge_v and_o smite_v his_o enemy_n only_o by_o the_o material_a sword_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o he_o go_v out_o with_o the_o sword_n or_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n to_o wit_n his_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o make_v manifest_a destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n and_o worship_n 2_o thes_n 2._o then_o second_o he_o go_v out_o on_o the_o red_a horse_n of_o war_n with_o a_o material_a sword_n to_o destroy_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o they_o be_v so_o smite_v and_o destroy_v that_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v call_v to_o the_o prey_n to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o king_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o captain_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o mighty_a man_n and_o the_o flesh_n of_o horse_n and_o of_o they_o that_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o flesh_n of_o all_o man_n both_o free_a and_o bond_n
right_a hand_n on_o john_n first_o upon_o his_o consternation_n he_o give_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n elevate_v and_o excite_v john_n spirit_n to_o see_v divine_a mystery_n and_o second_o give_v he_o his_o spirit_n of_o strength_n power_n and_o consolation_n which_o may_v subdue_v all_o his_o carnal_a conceit_n and_o fear_n and_o so_o remove_v all_o impediment_n whatsoever_o that_o hinder_v he_o in_o that_o work_n which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o undertake_v and_o therefore_o come_v in_o with_o consolation_n and_o bid_v john_n fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o from_o this_o note_v that_o those_o that_o be_v strike_v low_a and_o humble_v by_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v rise_v by_o god_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o choice_a divine_a truth_n and_o mystery_n john_n be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o then_o hear_v a_o voice_n fear_v not_o but_o write_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o shall_v see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n when_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n be_v fall_v down_o on_o their_o face_n than_o they_o be_v lift_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o receive_v glorious_a vision_n we_o must_v let_v all_o our_o own_o go_v our_o false_a confidence_n and_o carnal_a prop_n as_o of_o our_o own_o part_n our_o grace_n our_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o the_o like_a if_o we_o will_v be_v fit_a auditor_n for_o christ_n we_o must_v fall_v down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o throne_n if_o we_o expect_v a_o answer_n from_o his_o throne_n moses_n a_o meek_a man_n yea_o the_o meek_a of_o all_o man_n he_o receive_v the_o choice_a favour_n from_o god_n hand_n for_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n and_o face_n to_o face_n deut._n 34.10_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o hence_o second_o note_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o only_o a_o most_o powerful_a but_o also_o a_o comfort_v and_o consolate_v spirit_n this_o be_v the_o comforter_n that_o take_v off_o all_o fear_n from_o john_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v convince_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o do_v inspire_v godly_a man_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a agent_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o which_o god_n do_v all_o his_o work_n christ_n here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a apparition_n unto_o john_n it_o serve_v only_o to_o strike_v he_o dead_a before_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o to_o comfort_v and_o support_v he_o so_o the_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o co-operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a sight_n and_o knowledge_n that_o make_v for_o the_o great_a condemnation_n christ_n unto_o some_o may_v be_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o a_o stumble_a stone_n while_o unto_o other_o that_o have_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o corner_n stone_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o precious_a o_o lay_v thy_o right_a hand_n o_o lord_n upon_o thy_o servant_n give_v he_o thy_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v know_v thy_o will_n and_o mind_n in_o thy_o word_n and_o serve_v thou_o without_o fear_n observe_v 3._o that_o christ_n be_v full_a of_o bowel_n of_o grace_n and_o compassion_n towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o smite_v and_o humble_v the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a thing_n unto_o poor_a frail_a worthless_a creature_n god_n follow_v it_o with_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n no_o soon_o do_v christ_n appear_v unto_o john_n in_o his_o glory_n that_o make_v he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a but_o present_o christ_n lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v his_o comfort_a word_n say_v fear_v not_o christ_n will_v not_o leave_v john_n in_o that_o spiritless_a and_o liveless_a condition_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n have_v affect_v he_o with_o but_o quick_o raise_v he_o and_o comfort_v he_o again_o with_o the_o most_o effectual_a and_o sweet_a consolation_n christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a high_a priest_n and_o that_o good_a compassionate_a samaritane_n who_o be_v so_o affect_a and_o touch_v with_o our_o wound_n and_o infirmity_n luk._n 10.33_o heb_fw-mi 4.15_o and_o that_o more_o especial_o with_o such_o hurt_n and_o wound_n that_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a at_o hand_n with_o the_o oil_n and_o wine_n the_o grace_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o blood_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o pour_v into_o our_o wound_a soul_n for_o peace_n heal_v and_o consolation_n job_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v and_o humble_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o come_v to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o do_v it_o his_o captivity_n be_v turn_v into_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v multiply_v job_n 42.5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n daniel_n after_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o humble_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o forefather_n cap._n 4._o then_o the_o lord_n send_v gabriel_n to_o comfort_v he_o and_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n great_o belove_v ver_fw-la 22._o god_n do_v not_o throw_v down_o afflict_v wound_n or_o humble_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n to_o leave_v they_o so_o but_o forthwith_o or_o within_o a_o short_a time_n reach_v out_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o observe_v 4._o another_o note_n from_o this_o comfort_a word_n of_o christ_n say_v fear_v not_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v conjunct_a with_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a comfort_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v inefficacious_a in_o its_o operation_n john_n have_v lie_v still_o as_o a_o senseless_a and_o dead_a person_n notwithstanding_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o lie_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o also_o the_o word_n be_v of_o little_a power_n if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o in_o it_o without_o this_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n that_o word_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v powerful_a and_o efficacious_a carry_v the_o spirit_n with_o it_o the_o same_o word_n go_v forth_o unto_o all_o and_o work_n from_o common_a gift_n in_o some_o so_o many_o be_v call_v but_o that_o that_o make_v it_o a_o distinguish_v powerful_a word_n be_v the_o concomitancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o few_o be_v choose_v when_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n such_o expression_n as_o that_o the_o word_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o life_n sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o the_o like_a phrase_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v such_o in_o itself_o without_o the_o spirit_n but_o conjunctive_o when_o the_o word_n be_v make_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o a_o voice_n void_a of_o virtue_n and_o operation_n and_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o medium_n of_o the_o word_n work_v not_o ordinary_o but_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o that_o true_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.8_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n tit._n 2.11_o god_n be_v light_v itself_o and_o the_o father_n of_o light_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o useless_a but_o by_o it_o he_o enlighten_v we_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o comforter_n and_o the_o sanctifier_n but_o do_v both_o comfort_n sanctify_v and_o perform_v all_o other_o his_o office_n and_o work_n in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o word_n o_o lord_n sanctify_v and_o comfort_v we_o by_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n for_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o our_o god_n unto_o salvation_n observe_v 5._o the_o last_o note_n that_o i_o shall_v raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v that_o christ_n do_v full_o furnish_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n all_o such_o as_o he_o call_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o great_a office_n of_o his_o church_n first_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o john_n intimate_v his_o designation_n installment_n and_o confirmation_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n for_o as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v
lay_v home_o close_o on_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o her_o prophetic_a delusion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v alone_o in_o the_o angel_n power_n of_o thyatira_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o balaamitish_a prophet_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v especial_o lay_v the_o burden_n and_o reproof_n upon_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o superintendent_o of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v clear_o notify_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v whole_o lay_v home_o upon_o the_o church_n v._o 17._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o i_o grant_v the_o eldership_n or_o officer_n may_v be_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o again_o the_o church_n mouth_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n agitate_v in_o his_o name_n and_o be_v to_o precede_v in_o many_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o charge_n for_o admission_n and_o entertainment_n of_o heterodoxy_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sole_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o hence_o this_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o those_o that_o be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o evil_n have_v a_o indubitable_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o either_o not_o to_o admit_v it_o or_o be_v admit_v to_o try_v it_o and_o cut_v it_o off_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o end_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v just_o charge_v for_o the_o admission_n and_o permission_n of_o corruption_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evident_a but_o this_o shall_v suffice_v herein_o see_v more_o hereon_o v._o 20._o follow_v object_n but_o be_v not_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o raise_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n so_o high_a as_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v negative_o for_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n receive_v no_o diminution_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o subordinate_a minister_n of_o state_n to_o receive_v that_o honour_n due_a unto_o their_o place_n neither_o so_o do_v the_o word_n lose_v at_o all_o of_o its_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o church_n have_v its_o due_a honour_n put_v upon_o it_o also_o indeed_o the_o word_n be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la the_o standard_n the_o rule_n and_o light_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o in_o its_o self_n infallible_a must_v needs_o be_v above_o the_o authority_n and_o of_o a_o sure_a testimony_n then_o that_o which_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o fallibility_n and_o imperfection_n as_o the_o choice_a and_o pure_a church_n ever_o be_v as_o those_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o law_n of_o mere_a humane_a institution_n be_v repute_v of_o so_o high_a authority_n that_o it_o bind_v the_o legislator_n themselves_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v above_o those_o that_o make_v it_o but_o much_o more_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o law_n and_o his_o reveal_v mind_n come_v from_o so_o infinite_a and_o unerrable_a a_o legislator_n as_o god_n be_v so_o far_o transcend_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o judicature_n on_o earth_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o infinite_a do_v a_o finite_a creature_n therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v know_v have_v such_o a_o perfection_n in_o it_o that_o whosoever_o be_v conversant_a therein_o it_o be_v able_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o work_n the_o word_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o dial_n if_o the_o dial_n be_v set_v right_o to_o the_o sun_n it_o will_v give_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o day_n so_o if_o the_o church_n give_v a_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o square_a and_o scantling_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n but_o otherwise_o to_o make_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr and_o to_o conclude_v unto_o the_o church_n dictate_v be_v a_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n unto_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o dial_n which_o will_v prove_v aethiopiam_fw-la lware_v and_o most_o irrational_a so_o that_o church_n that_o keep_v herself_o within_o her_o own_o sphere_n and_o try_v and_o examine_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v heterodox_n and_o unsound_a by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a light_n and_o infallible_a cynosure_n doubtless_o that_o church_n will_v be_v lead_v and_o preserve_v in_o all_o truth_n but_o if_o any_o one_o so_o far_o exalt_v its_o self_n as_o to_o conclude_v for_o truth_n its_o own_o dictate_v dissentaneous_a unto_o the_o word_n but_o suit_v with_o self-interest_n and_o design_n the_o first_o may_v be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n both_o precious_a and_o famous_a for_o its_o faith_n integrity_n and_o justice_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o latter_a will_n soon_o degenerate_a into_o a_o harlot-church_n if_o not_o soon_o become_v apostate_n to_o the_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v christ_n high_a judicature_n on_o earth_n wherein_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o walk_v in_o as_o his_o garden_n enclose_v to_o view_v their_o pleasant_a fruit_n but_o the_o other_o christ_n will_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o rot_a tree_n that_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n observe_v 4._o another_o observation_n be_v that_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n and_o church_n there_o be_v find_v great_a corruption_n both_o in_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v find_v both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d evil_a one_o and_o false_a one_o such_o as_o pretend_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v find_v liar_n and_o deceiver_n among_o the_o twelve_o there_o be_v a_o judas_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o the_o world_n and_o church_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o boundary_n in_o eight_o person_n only_o yet_o one_o be_v a_o cham_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o cain_n when_o it_o be_v of_o a_o lesser_a number_n and_o but_o four_o in_o the_o world_n but_o here_o obiter_fw-la and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n decretive_a will_n and_o his_o preceptive_a will._n his_o voluntas_fw-la bene_fw-la placiti_fw-la and_o voluntas_fw-la signi_fw-la as_o the_o school_n call_v it_o or_o his_o will_n of_o purpose_n and_o his_o will_n of_o good_a pleasure_n not_o that_o there_o be_v two_o will_n in_o god_n but_o several_a and_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n as_o by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o love_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o hate_v by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o purpose_v one_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o will_v we_o command_v another_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o two_o contradictory_n will_n but_o divers_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n diversa_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la contraria_fw-la now_o though_o god_n may_v in_o his_o providential_a wisdom_n ordain_v false_a teacher_n and_o wicked_a person_n to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n for_o divers_a end_n know_v unto_o god_n and_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o hence_o argue_v either_o for_o admission_n of_o wicked_a person_n or_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o their_o toleration_n therein_o after_o a_o discovery_n for_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o admit_v not_o such_o be_v know_v into_o the_o consortship_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v admit_v upon_o discovery_n we_o tolerate_v they_o not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o tolerate_v quiet_o within_o the_o church_n then_o doubtless_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v not_o receive_v that_o encomium_fw-la and_o well_o do_v for_o their_o zeal_n against_o they_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o worthy_a reproof_n for_o the_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n among_o they_o therefore_o the_o one_o church_n do_v her_o duty_n and_o obey_v christ_n preceptive_a will_n and_o have_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o the_o other_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o just_a check_n lay_v upon_o she_o so_o that_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v state_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la non_fw-la de_fw-la facto_fw-la i_o confess_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la there_o may_v be_v evil_a person_n false_a teacher_n in_o the_o best_a church_n and_o pure_a time_n but_o de_fw-la
deny_v the_o instrumentality_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v sure_a that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o zion_n such_o will_v erect_v a_o babel_n and_o be_v ignorant_a where_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v they_o will_v like_o idle_a shepherd_n either_o starve_v the_o sheep_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o at_o least_o poison_v they_o with_o unwholesome_a herbage_n and_o these_o i_o account_v as_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n by_o and_o to_o find_v they_o liar_n object_n but_o a_o objection_n may_v here_o arise_v from_o he_o that_o have_v the_o first_o call_v of_o ability_n from_o god_n that_o if_o i_o count_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o denominate_v he_o orthodox_n in_o his_o call_n to_o have_v the_o additional_a call_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o then_o say_v he_o to_o what_o church_n shall_v i_o repair_v to_o receive_v this_o call_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v pretender_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o alone_o ordain_v authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o other_o this_o be_v indeed_o locus_fw-la lubricus_fw-la a_o slippery_a question_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o deal_v with_o it_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o contrary_n mind_v by_o ventilate_v my_o judgement_n herein_o but_o i_o profess_v ingenious_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o party_n self_n interest_n nor_o by-affection_n that_o do_v lead_v i_o first_o to_o this_o undertake_n but_o only_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n move_v my_o heart_n with_o much_o singleness_n of_o spirit_n be_v clear_o unbiased_a and_o not_o so_o overmuch_o engage_v to_o any_o of_o the_o new_a party_n of_o these_o time_n but_o that_o i_o can_v reserve_v my_o judgement_n free_a to_o close_v with_o truth_n wheresoever_o i_o can_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o to_o prosecute_v my_o first_o intendment_n in_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scantle_v of_o my_o judgement_n not_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o cloud_n but_o in_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n though_o for_o my_o reward_n i_o may_v have_v his_o hire_n that_o trace_v truth_n so_o near_o at_o the_o heel_n that_o have_v his_o tooth_n dash_v out_o for_o his_o pain_n but_o if_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n herein_o yet_o be_v repute_v a_o fool_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n and_o if_o i_o suffer_v loss_n herein_o yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v consolate_v magnis_fw-la tamen_fw-la excidit_fw-la ausis_fw-la first_o then_o to_o the_o business_n understand_v that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o avoid_v all_o criticise_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v abundant_o be_v make_v good_a both_o by_o good_a authority_n and_o scripture_n now_o this_o church_n be_v either_o more_o improper_o first_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n or_o second_o more_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o invisible_a church_n comprehend_v only_o the_o elect_a and_o see_v their_o number_n to_o we_o be_v unknown_a therefore_o they_o be_v denominate_v invisible_a but_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o visible_a universal_a catholic_a church_n or_o second_o for_o a_o visible_a particular_a political_a church_n now_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o this_o last_o notion_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o invisible_a church_n as_o invisible_a have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o visible_a and_o outward_a ordinance_n neither_o second_o the_o visible_a universal_a church_n can_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o their_o representative_n convene_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o officer_n for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o conveniency_n or_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reasonableness_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o various_a and_o far_o distant_a corner_n and_o land_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o represent_v officer_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o catholic_a assembly_n for_o the_o dispose_n and_o confer_v of_o all_o mediate_a call_v and_o office_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o wise_a order_n and_o gubernation_n in_o and_o over_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n that_o every_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a body_n i_o mean_v every_o particular_a christian_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o every_o particular_a be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n a_o full_a power_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o her_o officer_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o office_n since_o the_o first_o apostle_n that_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a gift_v as_o to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_a authority_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o they_o may_v be_v account_v to_o have_v jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la fit_a to_o be_v officer_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o yet_o actual_a they_o have_v not_o before_o their_o particular_a call_v do_v invest_v they_o into_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n do_v to_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o catholic_a universal_a faith_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o church_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o result_v and_o conclusion_n of_o combine_a church_n provincial_a or_o national_a may_v be_v only_o admit_v as_o prudential_o bind_v and_o oblige_v as_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o canon_n but_o not_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o though_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a truth_n itself_o so_o that_o such_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v not_o sole_o virtute_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la convocation_n be_v sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la veritatis_fw-la propositae_fw-la which_o if_o the_o same_o conclusion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o particular_a christian_n political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n therein_o but_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o command_v and_o institute_n they_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o prudential_a ecclesiastic_a edict_n and_o ecclesiastic_a divine_a institution_n the_o one_o be_v humane_a and_o bind_v only_o prudential_o the_o other_o be_v divine_a and_o oblige_v conscientious_o these_o consideration_n be_v clear_v i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n to_o what_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v a_o candidate_n apply_v himself_o for_o a_o mediate_a authoritative_a call_n and_o mission_n to_o receive_v it_o right_o and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o answer_v and_o take_v leave_v here_o first_o to_o distinguish_v and_o take_v notice_n between_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o call_n there_o may_v be_v particular_a church_n which_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o to_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o true_a one_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n yet_o mix_v with_o much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n and_o as_o a_o leprous_a person_n be_v a_o man_n yet_o a_o sorry_a one_o so_o a_o church_n hold_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n thereof_o yet_o entertain_v much_o corruption_n and_o error_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o christian_n church_n but_o a_o sad_a one_o so_o the_o ministerial_a call_n do_v answer_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o offspring_n constitution_n do_v follow_v the_o parent_n temperature_n strong_a issue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v of_o sickly_a parent_n fort_n creantur_fw-la fortibus_fw-la &_o as_o seneca_n so_o in_o politic_a body_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v and_o healthy_a in_o the_o faith_n their_o off_o spring_n be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a also_o then_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n will_v be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o virtual_a if_o ootherwise_o be_v with_o they_o they_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o vigour_n life_n and_o virtue_n and_o
christ_n hate_v it_o and_o his_o church_n hate_v it_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o have_v some_o poisonous_a and_o pestilential_a quality_n in_o it_o sometime_o it_o amount_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defile_v both_o judgement_n and_o practice_v joint_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o this_o it_o most_o frequent_o do_v unless_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n will_v seem_v better_o with_o satan_n design_n for_o if_o the_o theoretique_n part_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o sound_a the_o practic_a can_v hardly_o be_v straight_o where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v darken_v our_o foot_n will_v soon_o stumble_v and_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o some_o make_v the_o will_v to_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o practic_a part_n of_o the_o judgement_n so_o near_o they_o be_v relate_v into_o oneness_n that_o the_o contagion_n of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o defilement_n of_o the_o other_o yet_o second_o satan_n be_v so_o serpentine_a and_o crafty_a that_o often_o he_o can_v restrain_v the_o will_n and_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o set_v on_o a_o strict_a garb_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n then_o ordinary_a even_o unto_o a_o erenetique_a monastical_a conversation_n deny_v the_o lawful_a comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o society_n that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o great_a impression_n to_o deceive_v thereby_o as_o he_o do_v in_o some_o of_o the_o crafty_a deceive_a heretic_n of_o these_o day_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christ_n faithful_a one_o but_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o crown_n to_o abominate_a and_o hate_v all_o such_o deed_n and_o mystery_n of_o satan_n even_o as_o they_o be_v abominate_v and_o hate_v by_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 7._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o taste_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n the_o ear_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n or_o organ_n by_o which_o we_o hear_v and_o the_o spirit_n set_v it_o here_o metonimical_o for_o hear_v itself_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o right_a understanding_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o rom._n 10.17_o as_o come_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o a_o sagacious_a and_o diligent_a prepend_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n stir_v up_o and_o warm_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o hear_n or_o such_o a_o ear_n be_v here_o call_v as_o competent_o fit_a for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o prophecy_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v chief_o require_v a_o spiritualised_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n and_o a_o well_o order_v judgement_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n holy_a and_o good_a affection_n without_o sound_a knowledge_n will_v not_o reach_v it_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v understanding_n that_o must_v count_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 13.18_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a some_o one_o be_v excellent_a for_o a_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n another_o for_o prophecy_n another_o for_o exhortation_n another_o for_o a_o psalm_n another_o for_o gubernation_n and_o discipline_n another_o be_v excellent_a about_o justification_n another_o about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n other_o again_o be_v for_o unlock_v prophetical_a deep_n and_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n so_o every_o one_o have_v their_o variety_n of_o gift_n and_o excellency_n that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v complete_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o co-assistance_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o book_n be_v dark_a and_o difficult_a to_o the_o supine_n and_o lazy_a christian_n it_o be_v only_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v neither_o angel_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n personal_o consider_v for_o in_o the_o next_o immediate_a verse_n the_o same_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a now_o this_o must_v be_v christ_n who_o appear_v unto_o john_n not_o in_o his_o humanity_n but_o spiritual_o in_o his_o deity_n under_o the_o figure_n and_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n review_n v._n 13._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n to_o denote_v observe_v that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o only_o in_o property_n and_o quality_n with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o in_o essence_n also_o he_o have_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o precedent_a chapter_n v._o 4_o 8_o &_o 17._o who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o in_o vers_fw-la 18._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n all_o make_v up_o this_o harmonious_a conclusion_n and_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o everlasting_a father_n son_n and_o spirit_n our_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o observe_v another_o note_n from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o every_o wise_a and_o judicious_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_a intent_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o all_o his_o providential_a deal_n and_o discovery_n towards_o his_o church_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n what_o god_n speak_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v not_o of_o a_o private_a interpretation_n but_o of_o a_o public_a concernment_n unto_o all_o other_o if_o god_n have_v deal_v in_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n with_o those_o asiatic_a church_n and_o for_o their_o abound_a iniquity_n unrepented_a of_o have_v anathematise_v and_o utter_o unchurch_v they_o all_o think_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v free_a if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o transgression_n with_o they_o there_o be_v other_o church_n too_o as_o well_o as_o these_o once_o famous_a for_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n now_o become_v the_o den_n of_o dragon_n and_o habitation_n of_o all_o unclean_a spirit_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o divine_a judgement_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n how_o behoveful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o be_v sure_a if_o we_o run_v the_o same_o course_n of_o sin_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n of_o indignation_n with_o they_o also_o if_o we_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o repent_v not_o for_o god_n be_v the_o same_o immutable_a be_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o a_o hater_n of_o all_o iniquity_n today_o and_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v hold_v out_o against_o the_o spiritual_a assault_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n will_v i_o give_v say_v christ_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v the_o triumphant_a christian_a conqueror_n describe_v together_o with_o his_o crown_n and_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v the_o conqueror_n the_o reward_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v wherein_o shall_v a_o christian_n combatant_n overcome_v to_o denominate_v he_o a_o true_a conqueror_n and_o to_o overcome_v indeed_o i_o answer_v as_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o armoury_n from_o himself_o which_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n so_o we_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o he_o to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_n warfare_n here_o beneath_o we_o have_v not_o only_o to_o fight_v with_o our_o corruption_n within_o but_o we_o must_v meet_v with_o divers_a assault_n of_o satan_n also_o from_o without_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n to_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o if_o we_o comply_v not_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v his_o buffet_n from_o without_o in_o revile_n reproach_n affliction_n etc._n etc._n and_o often_o as_o paul_n do_v fight_v with_o unreasonable_a and_o bestial_a man_n as_o he_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n so_o that_o he_o that_o overcome_v to_o
way_n be_v never_o like_a to_o win_v the_o prize_n heaven_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o faithfulness_n though_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o work_n but_o according_a to_o the_o work_n it_o be_v free_o give_v as_o wicked_a work_n shall_v not_o pass_v unpunished_a neither_o shall_v good_a work_n or_o our_o faithfulness_n towards_o christ_n pass_v unrewarded_a every_o one_o shall_v receive_v according_a as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o he_o that_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o persevere_fw-la therein_o under_o all_o affliction_n and_o that_o even_o to_o death_n he_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n conqueror_n and_o for_o he_o be_v lay_v up_o the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n the_o true_a militant_a christian_n must_v not_o look_v for_o the_o crown_n if_o he_o turn_v back_o to_o the_o enemy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o admirable_a herein_o be_v that_o the_o method_n of_o obtain_v this_o crown_n be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o obtain_v worldly_a crown_n they_o be_v get_v by_o overmastering_a and_o survive_a the_o enemy_n but_o the_o christian_n crown_n be_v get_v by_o suffering_n and_o die_v the_o christian_n cross_n and_o the_o crown_n kiss_v each_o other_o and_o to_o set_v you_o right_n that_o seek_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o this_o crown_n first_o understand_v what_o this_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n into_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n that_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v life_n but_o that_o bless_a state_n which_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v enjoy_v after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v life_n give_v most_o eminent_o which_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a blessing_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a gift_n of_o the_o bless_a saint_n in_o the_o resurrection_n and_o so_o part_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o first_o that_o that_o bless_a state_n of_o life_n which_o the_o saint_n shall_v then_o enjoy_v will_v be_v a_o most_o honourable_a state_n and_o so_o it_o be_v often_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o kingdom_n in_o scripture_n luk._n 22.29.12.32_o rev._n 3.21_o second_o that_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a estate_n three_o that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n get_v by_o conquest_n and_o as_o a_o prize_n set_v unto_o a_o race_n 1_o cor._n 9.24_o four_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a estate_n and_o a_o live_a crown_n and_o that_o that_o will_v continue_v to_o all_o eternity_n second_o in_o the_o next_o place_n understand_v how_o this_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v right_o to_o be_v obtain_v every_o suffering_n will_v not_o do_v it_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v good_a that_o make_v a_o martyr_n it_o must_v be_v for_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o faithfulness_n second_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v upright_o for_o christ_n therein_o it_o be_v not_o vainglory_n or_o worldly_a applause_n or_o obstinacy_n in_o private_a opinion_n that_o will_v weigh_v the_o least_o to_o make_v a_o martyr_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o can_v appeal_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 44.21_o and_o say_v the_o lord_n know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n yea_o for_o thy_o sake_n be_v we_o slay_v all_o the_o day_n long_o last_o this_o suffering_n must_v be_v out_o of_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n or_o else_o all_o in_o vain_a as_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 13.3_o if_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o love_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o there_o may_v many_o die_v for_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o christ_n obstinacy_n of_o mind_n and_o formal_a profession_n may_v do_v much_o in_o that_o particular_a but_o a_o true_a zeal_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n make_v the_o holocost_n a_o sweet_a smell_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n its_o reward_n observe_v the_o last_o observation_n from_o these_o word_n be_v suffering_n and_o affliction_n be_v but_o the_o open_n the_o door_n to_o a_o christian_n happiness_n the_o most_o happy_a estate_n of_o the_o worldling_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o the_o most_o suffer_a state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v a_o crown_n when_o the_o christian_n suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n he_o abound_v then_o in_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yea_o when_o he_o suffer_v death_n itself_o it_o be_v gain_v unto_o he_o for_o he_o have_v only_o leave_v thereby_o a_o world_n of_o trouble_n sin_n and_o vanity_n for_o a_o crown_n or_o life_n and_o glory_n for_o if_o our_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a therefore_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n verse_n 11._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n the_o spirit_n do_v often_o inculcate_v in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o chapter_n this_o charge_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o judicious_a and_o enlighten_v christian_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o spiritual_a appearance_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o avoid_v repetition_n see_v more_o on_o this_o on_o verse_n 7._o of_o this_o chapter_n but_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v that_o abide_v constant_a and_o faithful_a unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n under_o all_o temptation_n and_o tribulation_n and_o so_o a_o faithful_a christian_n overcome_v it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n that_o be_v the_o second_o death_n mention_v in_o 21_o chap._n rev._n ver_fw-la 8._o and_o 20.14_o in_o that_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o shall_v not_o touch_v he_o negative_n in_o scripture_n strong_o evince_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o contrary_a as_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v sure_o live_v thou_o shall_v taste_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v thy_o portion_n it_o be_v here_o call_v the_o second_o death_n in_o respect_n the_o first_o death_n be_v but_o a_o partial_a punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o the_o second_o death_n be_v that_o when_o the_o first_o death_n and_o hell_n shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n cap._n 20._o 13_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o first_o life_n and_o a_o second_o life_n that_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o first_o life_n be_v that_o that_o we_o now_o at_o present_a enjoy_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o life_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a the_o life_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o heaven_n enjoy_v be_v but_o a_o partial_a life_n and_o incomplete_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o at_o the_o resurrection_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a under_o the_o first_o death_n either_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a be_v but_o partial_a so_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v but_o partial_a and_o incomplete_a now_o in_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o that_o will_v be_v reveal_v at_o the_o resurrection_n abraham_n now_o do_v not_o know_v we_o and_o jacob_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o neither_o do_v the_o faint_v depart_v know_v our_o want_n nor_o be_v touch_v with_o our_o infirmity_n their_o condition_n be_v happy_a but_o what_o it_o be_v we_o know_v not_o but_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o see_v as_o we_o be_v see_v and_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v so_o often_o promise_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n so_o then_o there_o be_v a_o first_o death_n and_o a_o second_o death_n the_o first_o death_n be_v but_o a_o partial_a punishment_n for_o the_o wicked_a but_o the_o second_o death_n be_v the_o complete_a execution_n of_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o observe_v the_o observation_n from_o the_o word_n be_v that_o the_o constant_a faithful_a and_o persevere_v christian_n be_v secure_v from_o all_o danger_n of_o death_n whatsoever_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n and_o death_n itself_o do_v he_o no_o hurt_n that_o try_v he_o refine_v he_o and_o render_v he_o glorious_a into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o creator_n hell_n
or_o habitation_n be_v his_o throne_n or_o his_o castle_n as_o the_o law_n term_n have_v it_o therein_o he_o exercise_v his_o command_n free_o either_o by_o his_o paternal_a or_o magisterial_a authority_n and_o he_o have_v better_a title_n to_o this_o sovereignty_n it_o be_v natural_a &_o moral_a than_o any_o sovereign_n have_v to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o there_o be_v therein_o its_o subject_n who_o obey_v more_o free_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o more_o divine_a oeconomy_n than_o any_o prince_n subject_n whatsoever_o three_o a_o man_n most_o private_a design_n and_o transaction_n be_v agitate_a therein_o four_o a_o man_n therein_o live_v go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o no_o place_n be_v it_o ever_o so_o pleasant_a be_v so_o complacent_fw-la to_o a_o man_n as_o the_o place_n of_o his_o own_o habitation_n be_v it_o never_o so_o homely_a and_o therefore_o a_o man_n will_v not_o spare_v to_o spend_v all_o his_o strength_n wit_n or_o wealth_n to_o defend_v his_o house_n &_o place_n of_o habitation_n against_o all_o pretender_n of_o right_a thereunto_o therefore_o these_o metaphor_n of_o a_o throne_n seat_n house_n or_o habitation_n be_v fit_o take_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v unto_o we_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v his_o strong_a hold_n and_o habitation_n for_o in_o they_o he_o command_v and_o act_n free_o be_v as_o a_o father_n lord_n and_o master_n to_o we_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n for_o his_o servant_n and_o child_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o they_o obey_v free_o and_o without_o any_o regret_n as_o dutiful_a child_n and_o servant_n to_o such_o a_o father_n and_o master_n even_o the_o prince_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o air_n even_o the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o there_o he_o make_v his_o habitation_n there_o he_o live_v and_o transact_v the_o high_a design_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n there_o he_o take_v his_o delight_n to_o dwell_v and_o take_v that_o pleasure_n in_o this_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n that_o before_o he_o will_v forego_v it_o or_o lose_v a_o inch_n of_o his_o possession_n the_o strong_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n must_v first_o come_v even_o christ_n in_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o after_o much_o struggle_a &_o contend_v between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v his_o title_n clear_a and_o evident_a by_o faith_n and_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o he_o will_v be_v dispossess_v of_o his_o ancient_a freehold_n tenor_n yea_o his_o love_n or_o rather_o pernicious_a desire_n to_o his_o old_a habitation_n be_v such_o that_o after_o he_o be_v dispossess_v thereof_o by_o christ_n that_o if_o he_o can_v get_v or_o make_v a_o reentry_n into_o his_o lose_a possession_n by_o his_o diabolical_a stratagem_n and_o temptation_n he_o come_v in_o with_o seven_o fold_n worse_a spirit_n than_o the_o first_o to_o make_v good_a his_o right_n and_o reentry_n if_o he_o may_v and_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o house_n be_v far_o more_o miserable_a then_o at_o the_o first_o o_o therefore_o watch_n and_o be_v prepare_v with_o the_o armoury_n of_o christ_n to_o oppose_v the_o assault_n of_o satan_n you_o believe_v and_o enlighten_v soul_n and_o though_o he_o sometime_o may_v foil_n you_o yet_o let_v he_o not_o overturn_v you_o though_o he_o may_v endeavour_v to_o come_v into_o your_o soul_n yet_o let_v he_o not_o have_v quiet_a possession_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v with_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v against_o we_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o and_o through_o christ_n we_o shall_v have_v victory_n note_v hence_o observe_v that_o satan_n rule_v as_o absolute_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n over_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o disobedient_a they_o be_v his_o house_n the_o place_n of_o his_o dwell_n his_o throne_n his_o kingdom_n his_o seat_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o describe_v their_o malignity_n and_o satan_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o they_o be_v call_v satan_n himself_o v._o 10._o the_o better_a to_o manifest_v satan_n seat_n throne_n and_o habitation_n in_o and_o over_o the_o ungodly_a consider_v the_o contrary_a the_o seat_n throne_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n though_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a nature_n be_v illocal_a infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a as_o unto_o any_o place_n or_o form_n yet_o metaphorical_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o in_o any_o special_a manner_n do_v manifest_v his_o glory_n power_n grace_n and_o goodness_n so_o god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v depart_z and_o return_v in_o scripture_n when_o he_o special_o manifest_v himself_o in_o grace_n mercy_n and_o answer_n to_o his_o people_n or_o unto_o any_o particular_a believe_a soul_n and_o when_o god_n withdraw_v that_o appearance_n of_o mercy_n grace_n and_o glory_n nor_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n but_o go_v out_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o than_o he_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v to_o be_v go_v and_o return_v into_o his_o place_n hos_fw-la 5.15_o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v three_o special_a place_n of_o habitation_n seat_n or_o throne_n in_o scripture_n 1._o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o his_o dwell_a place_n isa_n 66.1_o 1_o king_n 8.30_o 2._o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o dwell_v place_n isa_n 57.15_o 1_o jo._n 3.24_o 3._o the_o church_n or_o christ_n zion_n be_v the_o habitation_n and_o tabernacle_n of_o his_o glory_n psal_n 132.13_o the_o church_n be_v the_o place_n where_o god_n communicate_v himself_o and_o give_v his_o answer_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o often_o in_o scripture_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o special_a habitation_n of_o god_n satan_n have_v also_o three_o special_a place_n of_o habitation_n and_o dominion_n in_o scripture_n 1._o in_o hell_n over_o the_o damn_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n 2._o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o habitation_n of_o satan_n ephes_n 2.2_o 3._o his_o throne_n be_v among_o the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o be_v his_o synagogue_n v._o 9_o where_o his_o doctrine_n be_v transact_v and_o maintain_v and_o they_o be_v his_o seat_n and_o throne_n from_o whence_o all_o his_o wicked_a and_o pernicious_a edict_n do_v proceed_v against_o god_n and_o godliness_n psal_n 2.2_o 3._o therefore_o in_o this_o verse_n the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o dwell_v in_o a_o place_n where_o satan_n bear_v rule_v in_o all_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o hatred_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n without_o controlment_n and_o yet_o to_o thy_o praise_n and_o comfort_n be_v it_o that_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n that_o be_v that_o thou_o do_v constant_o profess_v my_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v to_o deny_v my_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n not_o in_o those_o very_a hot_a and_o persecute_v day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v in_o that_o city_n of_o you_o by_o those_o tyrannical_a person_n there_o in_o who_o satan_n dwell_v and_o prevail_v there_o be_v no_o far_a difficulty_n in_o those_o word_n only_o understand_v that_o antipas_n as_o aretus_n testify_v and_o some_o other_o of_o antiquity_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n to_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o other_o say_v he_o be_v only_o a_o assistant_n to_o the_o church_n however_o this_o bless_a st._n antipas_n policarpus_fw-la and_o some_o other_o be_v the_o first_o martyr_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v note_v obs_n 2._o that_o the_o godly_a by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v dispose_v and_o mingle_v among_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n by_o the_o wiseman_n in_o the_o canticle_n where_o the_o synagogue_n and_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v god_n have_v plant_v those_o asiatic_a church_n righteous_a job_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o brother_n to_o dragon_n and_o a_o companion_n to_o owl_n chap._n 30.29_o and_o holy_a david_n soul_n be_v vex_v by_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n psal_n 120.5_o honest_a heart_a joseph_n have_v his_o habitation_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a egyptian_n and_o there_o
be_v ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o other_o of_o god_n precious_a child_n in_o babylon_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n it_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o will_v nothing_o but_o scratch_v and_o tear_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n nor_o too_o great_a a_o vex_a burden_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n and_o providence_n have_v dispose_v of_o our_o habitation_n among_o the_o ungodly_a for_o hereby_o 1._o god_n have_v the_o great_a glory_n from_o we_o 2._o we_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o he_o 3._o our_o grace_n shine_v more_o eminent_o as_o star_n in_o a_o frosty_a night_n shine_v clear_a and_o fish_n in_o the_o salt_a sea_n be_v sweet_a so_o we_o keep_v our_o savour_n the_o better_a for_o it_o and_o our_o grace_n be_v more_o enliven_v 4._o our_o conversation_n it_o suitable_a to_o god_n word_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n among_o who_o we_o live_v obs_n 3._o to_o a_o godly_a soul_n to_o have_v its_o habitation_n among_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o soul_n vex_v grief_n righteous_a lot_n be_v vex_v with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o sodomite_n 2_o pet._n 2.7_o though_o god_n have_v dispose_v this_o in_o his_o providence_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o affliction_n and_o for_o the_o present_a grievous_a woe_n be_v i_o say_v david_n that_o i_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n with_o a_o barbarous_a &_o profane_a people_n that_o be_v like_a to_o the_o posterity_n of_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n o_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v to_o moses_n and_o to_o all_o true_a israelite_n to_o dwell_v among_o the_o egyptian_n how_o do_v the_o poor_a captive_a israelite_n weep_v when_o they_o be_v in_o caldea_n by_o the_o river_n of_o chebar_v and_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v still_o for_o honest_a believe_a soul_n to_o dwell_v among_o a_o profane_a and_o wicked_a multitude_n where_o they_o can_v stir_v out_o of_o door_n or_o converse_v but_o with_o very_a few_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v god_n profane_v his_o name_n blaspheme_v his_o truth_n and_o scripture_n slight_v vilify_v deride_v and_o jest_v at_o his_o saint_n and_o faithful_a one_o either_o spiteful_o treat_v open_o persecute_v or_o at_o least_o close_o undermine_v to_o bring_v the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n upon_o they_o therefore_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a the_o society_n and_o cohabitation_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v most_o desirable_a but_o of_o the_o wicked_a most_o grievous_a and_o loathe_a obs_n 4._o god_n have_v the_o more_o special_a eye_n of_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o his_o people_n that_o have_v their_o habitation_n among_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a though_o they_o dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n and_o throne_n be_v yet_o god_n hold_v they_o as_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 1._o and_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o tribulation_n and_o where_o they_o dwell_v and_o therefore_o be_v present_a with_o suitable_a grace_n and_o strength_n from_o himself_o for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n thou_o remember_v we_o say_v david_n in_o our_o low_a estate_n where_o christ_n church_n have_v the_o great_a enemy_n god_n will_v show_v himself_o their_o great_a friend_n where_o his_o saint_n be_v most_o afflict_a and_o straighten_a there_o he_o will_v supply_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o enlargement_n in_o babylon_n of_o old_a among_o the_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o israel_n god_n send_v a_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n etc._n etc._n choice_a man_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n so_o we_o often_o see_v in_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o wicked_a place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n send_v there_o the_o great_a sound_a and_o clear_a light_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o ephesus_z smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n place_n of_o idolatry_n and_o cruelty_n and_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v have_v their_o angel_n and_o martyr_n that_o shine_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o late_a year_n have_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o switzerland_n in_o saxony_n in_o savoy_n and_o the_o barbarous_a corner_n of_o the_o pyrenean_n mountain_n and_o alps_n than_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o in_o england_n and_o scotland_n under_o the_o antichristian_a and_o persecute_v bishop_n of_o late_a the_o saint_n then_o live_v under_o they_o do_v shine_v more_o eminent_a in_o their_o grace_n than_o now_o they_o do_v in_o this_o their_o day_n of_o prosperity_n and_o many_o than_o be_v more_o faithful_a martyr_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n then_o now_o they_o be_v for_o the_o more_o high_a satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v against_o the_o saint_n god_n care_n over_o they_o be_v the_o more_o intense_a and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o more_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o obs_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a duty_n and_o their_o high_a glory_n to_o hold_v fast_o their_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a time_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o people_n the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n be_v approve_v for_o hold_v fast_a christ_n name_n and_o faith_n among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n do_v bear_v sway_n and_o in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v martyr_a and_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o same_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o carry_v a_o full_a sail_n of_o profession_n when_o the_o soft_a gale_n of_o prosperity_n blow_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o hypocritical_a heart_n to_o seem_v godly_a with_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v sober_a with_o the_o sober_a or_o to_o be_v righteous_a among_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v then_o try_v when_o his_o habitation_n be_v among_o the_o ungodly_a that_o can_v keep_v himself_o sound_a among_o their_o corruption_n upright_a and_o perfect_a among_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o untainted_a with_o their_o folly_n and_o sweet_a as_o fish_n in_o the_o brackish_a ocean_n the_o three_o faithful_a child_n will_v not_o bow_v in_o babylon_n to_o nebuchadnezzar_n image_n though_o death_n itself_o attend_v they_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n many_o will_v follow_v christ_n in_o smile_a time_n or_o when_o the_o state_n do_v countenance_n christ_n and_o godliness_n this_o be_v to_o follow_v christ_n for_o the_o loaf_n sake_n but_o when_o christ_n be_v hurry_v to_o pilat_n hall_n of_o judgement_n his_o formal_a follower_n will_v forsake_v he_o yea_o peter_n himself_o may_v deny_v he_o weak_a christian_n may_v stumble_v and_o draw_v back_o when_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n as_o peter_n fall_v so_o foul_o he_o be_v the_o only_o approve_a christian_a that_o will_v hold_v his_o profession_n fast_o before_o the_o face_n of_o nero_n and_o dioclesian_n as_o the_o virum_fw-la victoriae_fw-la which_o st._n austin_n mention_n and_o at_o the_o stake_n can_v free_o with_o stephen_n forgive_v his_o enemy_n and_o commend_v his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o god_n jo_n hus_n hierom_n of_o prague_n the_o poor_a waldenses_n and_o our_o late_a christian_n martyr_n as_o bradford_n philpot_n glover_n etc._n etc._n in_o our_o english_a marian_n day_n have_v with_o antipas_n for_o their_o constant_a witness_v unto_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n attain_v the_o everliving_a and_o honourable_a name_n of_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o most_o just_o in_o that_o they_o suffer_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o antipas_n be_v slay_v that_o be_v in_o a_o persecute_v bloody_a age_n when_o many_o godly_a person_n burn_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o among_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o wicked_a antichristian_a tyrannise_a and_o bloody_a prelate_n for_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n in_o such_o ungodly_a time_n and_o among_o such_o a_o devilish_a crew_n among_o who_o satan_n have_v his_o throne_n sway_n and_o full_a dominion_n they_o just_o shall_v ever_o live_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o reverend_a martyr_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n thus_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o lot_n in_o sodom_n never_o touch_v with_o sodom_n wickedness_n to_o keep_v himself_o pure_a and_o sincere_a and_o undefiled_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a generation_n to_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n this_o bring_v honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n obs_n 6._o the_o grace_n of_o well_o approve_a and_o faithful_a christian_n depart_v be_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o live_n both_o for_o encouragement_n and_o imitation_n antipas_n be_v here_o set_v as_o a_o example_n of_o
constancy_n and_o faithful_a martyrdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o live_n to_o have_v the_o pattern_n of_o former_a worthy_a man_n before_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o read_n of_o achilles_n life_n in_o homer_n that_o make_v alexander_n ambitious_a to_o be_v his_o competitor_n in_o noble_a achievement_n again_o julius_n cesar_n take_v up_o alexander_n example_n endeavour_v to_o be_v sole_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o also_o it_o be_v on_o a_o spiritual_a account_n abraham_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o his_o approve_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o child_n and_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o so_o abraham_n abel_n enoch_n noah_n sarah_n moses_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v everliving_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n for_o imitation_n to_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v heb._n 11._o it_o much_o comfort_v we_o and_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o suffering_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o captain_n have_v perfect_v our_o salvation_n by_o suffering_n he_o have_v tread_v to_o we_o our_o first_o this_o thorny_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o he_o that_o be_v imitable_a by_o we_o not_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n but_o as_o a_o holy_a person_n and_o head_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o he_o present_v himself_o as_o a_o gracious_a example_n to_o his_o disciple_n jo._n 13.15_o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o as_o he_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o light_n itself_o and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n so_o sure_o o_o all_o pattern_n and_o example_n his_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n be_v most_o sound_a wise_a and_o perfect_a and_o bless_v be_v they_o they_o that_o follow_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n verse_n 14.15_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o laodicea_n only_o of_o the_o whole_a seven_o do_v pass_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o but_o prefix_v or_o annex_v to_o they_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v her_o commendable_a grace_n of_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o among_o the_o vile_a people_n even_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o satan_n be_v yet_o all_o in_o she_o be_v not_o well_o or_o sound_n for_o christ_n come_v on_o with_o a_o but_o against_o she_o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o etc._n etc._n whence_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v obs_n 1._o that_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o person_n may_v suffer_v much_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n yet_o not_o sound_a and_o right_o in_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doubtless_o the_o church_n at_o pergamus_n have_v and_o enjoy_v but_o sad_a and_o afflict_a day_n when_o antipas_n christ_n faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v for_o than_o she_o deny_v not_o the_o faith_n but_o hold_v her_o profession_n with_o much_o constancy_n the_o church_n at_o thyatira_n too_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o her_o patience_n verse_n 19_o yet_o both_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o fair_a profession_n they_o have_v much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n in_o the_o root_n their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o straight_o that_o they_o have_v among_o they_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o one_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o niolaitan_n in_o the_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n and_o her_o wicked_a practice_n both_o most_o unsound_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o both_o high_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v suffer_v on_o the_o disciple_n but_o suffer_v for_o that_o profession_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o sound_v in_o all_o thing_n some_o may_v prophesy_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n and_o suffer_v and_o give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o his_o name_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n may_v tell_v they_o he_o know_v they_o not_o he_o that_o will_v attain_v a_o comfortable_a martyrdom_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n let_v he_o first_o see_v that_o his_o end_n be_v right_a first_o that_o it_o be_v true_o and_o real_o for_o christ_n second_o that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n three_o that_o it_o tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o at_o self_n this_o be_v the_o true_a suffering_n that_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o to_o proceed_v christ_n have_v a_o charge_n against_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o it_o be_v because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o stone_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o thou_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o keep_v hold_v and_o intend_v to_o keep_v and_o hold_v thou_o have_v these_o balaamite_n not_o by_o accident_n or_o chance_n but_o by_o choice_n thou_o have_v they_o because_o thou_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o will_v have_v it_o so_o thy_o habendum_fw-la and_o tenendum_fw-la go_v together_o thou_o have_v they_o and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o because_o thou_o love_v they_o therefore_o thy_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a herein_o and_o what_o have_v thou_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v when_o he_o see_v that_o god_n have_v bless_v jacob_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o israel_n he_o curse_o advise_v balack_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o midianite_n to_o make_v a_o great_a sacrifice_n to_o baal_n peor_n and_o to_o invite_v the_o israelite_n unto_o it_o now_o baal_n peor_n be_v the_o filthy_a lascivious_a idol_n priapus_n as_o godwin_n jewish_a antiquity_n testify_v who_o festival_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v celebrate_v by_o both_o sex_n in_o most_o shameless_a posture_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o hos_fw-la 9.10_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v to_o baal_n peor_n and_o discover_v themselves_o to_o their_o shame_n because_o it_o make_v they_o shameless_a and_o to_o discover_v their_o nakedness_n before_o that_o idol_n now_o the_o curse_a advice_n or_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n for_o a_o man_n doctrine_n be_v his_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n first_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o participate_v at_o their_o curse_a altar_n in_o eat_v of_o their_o idolothite_n express_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 28_o act_v 15.29_o second_o in_o mix_v with_o the_o midianitish_a woman_n a_o notion_n utter_o forbid_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o in_o such_o a_o way_n so_o that_o though_o balaam_n can_v not_o curse_v israel_n according_a to_o balack_n desire_n be_v overmaster_v by_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v his_o heart_n go_v still_o after_o the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o testify_v that_o be_v his_o desire_n and_o heart_n be_v to_o take_v balack_n hire_n and_o reward_n to_o curse_n israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o overmaster_v both_o his_o tongue_n and_o heart_n and_o instead_o of_o curse_v they_o he_o be_v enforce_v to_o bless_v they_o and_o see_v he_o can_v not_o pleasure_n balack_n according_a to_o his_o expectation_n and_o desire_n as_o a_o prophet_n in_o his_o malediction_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a as_o a_o private_a machavilian_n or_o a_o achitophel_n to_o counsel_n balack_n that_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o enmity_n with_o their_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n and_o so_o god_n that_o be_v their_o keeper_n and_o saviour_n against_o all_o enchantment_n and_o curse_n will_v
liberty_n for_o tender_a conscience_n in_o point_n disputable_a and_o therein_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o their_o judgement_n by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o external_a conformity_n for_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o uniformity_n but_o not_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v hypocrite_n not_o saint_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o open_v my_o mouth_n for_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v blasphemous_a idolatrous_a against_o god_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v such_o bear_v their_o censure_n and_o punishment_n not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o gospel_n warrant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n also_o he_o be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o bear_v the_o sword_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o will_v always_o forelay_v this_o caution_n that_o none_o who_o life_n be_v sober_a and_o godly_a and_o desire_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o in_o this_o present_a world_n for_o difference_n in_o judgement_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v hereby_o but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a space_n shall_v we_o suffer_v a_o jezebel_n and_o impudent_a immodest_a or_o idolatrous_a false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o bear_v with_o it_o a_o hour_n for_o that_o which_o god_n have_v real_o declare_v himself_o against_o from_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v adversary_n to_o it_o also_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o and_o be_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o tolerate_v false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n appear_v clear_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o authority_n say_v the_o lord_n send_v they_o and_o speak_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n never_o appear_v to_o they_o second_o they_o cross_v god_n in_o his_o design_n god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o false_a teacher_n set_v up_o some_o ungodly_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o soul_n three_o they_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o their_o lie_n and_o vanity_n four_o they_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n servant_n they_o deceive_v they_o and_o entice_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o their_o abomination_n five_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o such_o assembly_n as_o do_v embrace_v they_o or_o own_v they_o and_o final_o undo_v poor_a soul_n for_o ever_o without_o repentance_n quest_n if_o a_o free_a toleration_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_n in_o a_o church_n the_o question_n will_v be_v in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o lawful_o and_o juridical_o to_o remove_v they_o answ_n doubtless_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v the_o check_n and_o against_o who_o alone_a christ_n lay_v the_o charge_n for_o tolerate_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o remove_v the_o evil_a from_o among_o they_o for_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v lay_v the_o charge_n of_o this_o sin_n against_o thyatira_n for_o tolerate_v jezebel_n be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o church_n power_n there_o within_o themselves_o to_o remedy_n remove_v and_o eject_v that_o false_a prophetess_n christ_n never_o blame_v any_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v suffer_v in_o another_o not_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thyatira_n nor_o thyatira_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o sardis_n or_o laodicea_n but_o every_o one_o be_v charge_v particular_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o more_o pure_a church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o philadelphia_n empower_v command_v or_o authorise_v either_o joint_n in_o a_o combination_n as_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_o as_o a_o prelatical_a superintendent_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o remove_v or_o reform_v the_o evil_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o every_o one_o be_v commend_v apart_o for_o their_o respective_a grace_n and_o every_o one_o by_o itself_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v apart_o from_o their_o sinful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o some_o age_n after_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o a_o lording_n episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o once_o but_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v then_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o all_o alike_o and_o of_o one_o extent_n within_o their_o own_o boundary_n and_o that_o superiority_n in_o church_n come_v in_o with_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o which_o be_v foment_v and_z nourish_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o bishop_n till_o at_o last_o it_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a we_o know_v all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a in_o power_n and_o privilege_n under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n that_o be_v christ_n gal._n 1.18_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la equal_v can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o equal_n unless_o by_o usurpation_n or_o tyranny_n or_o otherwise_o by_o compact_n if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n as_o when_o among_o ourselves_o and_o equal_n we_o choose_v our_o parliament_n man_n to_o be_v our_o legislator_n and_o ruler_n but_o if_o so_o church_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n get_v a_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sister_n church_n call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v either_o classical_a provincial_a or_o national_a sure_o at_o best_a it_o be_v but_o of_o a_o prudential_a and_o civil_a institution_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o divine_a stamp_n be_v more_o than_o it_o will_v bear_v peruse_v cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o last_o past_o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n m._n perkins_n on_o that_o vers_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n god_n give_v a_o full_a juridical_a power_n either_o to_o admit_v or_o keep_v out_o examine_v or_o cast_v out_o suspend_v or_o do_v any_o other_o juridical_a act_n or_o act_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n write_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o respective_a church_n as_o distinct_a church_n without_o dependency_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n king_n and_o sovereign_n actâ—_n 15.22_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o rom._n 1.6_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2_o 24._o ephes_n 5.24_o they_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n under_o one_o head_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o one_o husband_n sister_n of_o one_o mother_n cant._n 8.8_o none_o of_o they_o be_v servant_n or_o slave_n to_o the_o other_o not_o hagar_n but_o sarahs_n free_a and_o equal_a all_o of_o they_o be_v spouse_n of_o christ_n of_o equal_a privilege_n and_o authority_n all_o of_o they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n shine_v church_n among_o who_o christ_n equal_o walk_v rev._n 1.12_o all_o have_v equal_a and_o like_a power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v admit_v and_o reject_v receive_v or_o deny_v and_o for_o one_o church_n to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o prelatical_a humour_n which_o do_v very_o little_o comport_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n mat_n 16.16_o act_n 9.26.14.23_o rev._n 2.2_o act._n 1.15_o 6_o 2_o 3._o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.5_o 6._o quest_n 2._o but_o another_o question_n may_v hence_o arise_v whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n chief_a officer_n pastor_n or_o minister_n can_v alone_o remove_v this_o jezebel_n legal_o and_o judicial_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n which_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o he_o or_o whither_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o eldership_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n elder_n and_o brethren_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n be_v put_v for_o the_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o key_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o and_o this_o authority_n be_v either_o first_o supreme_a and_o monarchical_a and_o this_o reside_v only_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o
neck_n unto_o this_o gracious_a yoke_n and_o our_o back_n unto_o this_o burden_n therefore_o it_o will_v cost_v much_o sweat_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o christian_n under_o christ_n yoke_n and_o burden_n must_v not_o think_v to_o live_v at_o ease_n or_o at_o liberty_n and_o stray_v whither_o their_o fancy_n call_v they_o they_o be_v under_o a_o burden_n a_o yoke_n they_o must_v attend_v and_o keep_v their_o work_n if_o they_o be_v fruitful_a proficient_o in_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a burden_n and_o a_o easy_a yoke_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o yoke_n and_o a_o burden_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o some_o write_v that_o christ_n be_v repute_v joseph_n the_o carpenter_n son_n before_o he_o fall_v to_o the_o more_o public_a work_n of_o his_o ministry_n he_o follow_v his_o father_n in_o law_n trade_n of_o make_v yoke_n for_o ox_n to_o which_o that_o expression_n of_o he_o in_o mat._n 11._o do_v allude_v but_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o not_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o make_v spiritual_a yoke_n to_o lay_v on_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o disciple_n he_o lay_v command_n on_o they_o both_o natural_o moral_a and_o positive_o moral_a to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o we_o and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v all_o command_v to_o hold_v fast_o this_o burden_n this_o yoke_n of_o christ_n his_o faithful_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n until_o he_o come_v hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v this_o must_v signify_v christ_n second_n and_o general_a and_o not_o of_o his_o first_o or_o of_o his_o special_a come_n in_o spirit_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o christ_n near_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o his_o incarnation_n and_o he_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n some_o score_n year_n before_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o such_o as_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n this_o will_v handsome_o follow_v as_o a_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n that_o when_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n they_o must_v then_o let_v go_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n for_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v and_o no_o long_o but_o at_o his_o second_o and_o last_o appearance_n he_o have_v another_o glorious_a administration_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o which_o yet_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o after_o he_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n he_o command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o former_a burden_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n already_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n until_o his_o second_o come_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v christ_n burden_n or_o doctrine_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o the_o saint_n for_o that_o first_o age_n or_o generation_n only_o wherein_o it_o be_v public_a as_o some_o vain_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v unto_o all_o generation_n until_o to_o he_o that_o do_v hold_v fast_o and_o overcome_v power_n be_v give_v he_o over_o the_o nation_n to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o power_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o saint_n for_o they_o be_v still_o as_o lily_n among_o thorn_n in_o a_o afflict_a and_o wilderness_n estate_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n until_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o give_v they_o their_o release_n and_o freedom_n feom_o all_o sorrow_n and_o anti-christian_n servitude_n and_o therefore_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n consult_v ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o verse_n 26._o and_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n verse_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n as_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o potter_n shall_v they_o be_v break_v to_o shiver_n even_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o father_n here_o be_v a_o vincenti_fw-la dabitur_fw-la a_o crown_n and_o a_o reward_n set_v forth_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o escape_v those_o assault_n and_o doctrine_n of_o satan_n teach_v by_o that_o false_a prophetess_n and_o nicolaitish_a jezebel_n and_o withal_o keep_v close_o unto_o godly_a way_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v call_v my_o work_n christ_n work_n because_o of_o his_o efficiency_n therein_o and_o approbation_n thereunto_o and_o that_o that_o will_v give_v a_o interest_n unto_o this_o crown_n it_o be_v not_o follow_v of_o christ_n work_n a_o little_a season_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o way_n side_n and_o spring_v up_o but_o short_o dye_v for_o want_n of_o radical_a moisture_n but_o a_o constant_a persevere_v keep_v unto_o christ_n work_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o will_v do_v the_o work_n observe_v 1._o note_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o in_o our_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n to_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o wicked_a person_n and_o false_a teacher_n but_o we_o must_v close_v with_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n and_o do_v good_a work_n also_o our_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n must_v not_o be_v a_o negative_a religion_n or_o righteousness_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o positive_a one_o also_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o renounce_v popery_n and_o all_o false_a way_n and_o doctrine_n but_o we_o must_v also_o set_v up_o that_o religion_n doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v pure_a holy_a and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v in_o grace_n to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a commendation_n to_o those_o of_o thyatira_n to_o overcome_v and_o escape_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n or_o worse_a what_o praiseworthy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o overcome_v the_o assault_n of_o rome_n and_o their_o depth_n of_o satan_n and_o yet_o set_v up_o as_o pernicious_a doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o what_o gain_n will_v it_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o popery_n and_o embrace_v familisme_n anti-scripturisme_a arminianism_n sarcinianisme_n and_o what_o not_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o in_o all_o our_o repentance_n we_o be_v will_v not_o only_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_a way_n but_o to_o turn_v into_o the_o good_a else_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o halt_n and_o maim_a work_n and_o a_o lame_a repentance_n and_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o title_n of_o any_o of_o christ_n work_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o observe_v unto_o the_o end_n our_o christian_n life_n be_v a_o race_n and_o he_o that_o leave_v off_o in_o the_o mid_a way_n have_v no_o hope_n to_o attain_v the_o prize_n hence_o note_v observe_v 2._o the_o crown_n be_v give_v to_o the_o persevere_v christian_n see_v more_o on_o ver_fw-la 7._o of_o this_o cap._n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o he_o shall_v rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n etc._n etc._n these_o word_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o of_o psal_n 2.8_o 9_o only_a the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o this_o they_o word_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v a_o prophecy_n and_o a_o promise_n relate_v unto_o christ_n ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n ver_fw-la 9_o thou_o shall_v break_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n thou_o shall_v dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n and_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n and_o again_o in_o rev._n 19.15_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o smite_v the_o nation_n with_o the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n object_n but_o that_o power_n and_o that_o work_n be_v there_o attribute_v to_o christ_n alone_o how_o be_v it_o therefore_o here_o attribute_v to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n i_o answer_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o also_o if_o christ_n the_o head_n shall_v rule_v the_o nation_n so_o his_o member_n shall_v rule_v together_o with_o he_o and_o under_o he_o he_o as_o the_o head_n they_o as_o his_o subordinate_a limb_n and_o assistant_n christ_n and_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n mistycal_a and_o therefore_o they_o both_o must_v reign_v together_o unless_o you_o conceive_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o which_o
the_o more_o glory_n it_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o hereafter_o every_o vessel_n shall_v have_v his_o fullness_n in_o glory_n but_o every_o one_o according_a to_o its_o capacity_n as_o there_o be_v a_o glory_n in_o the_o star_n moon_n and_o sun_n and_o one_o differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n yet_o every_o one_o have_v their_o fullness_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n oâ—_n glory_n when_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n every_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o work_n eternal_a happiness_n but_o some_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n all_o shall_v be_v shine_a star_n but_o some_o of_o a_o great_a magnitude_n than_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n it_o be_v not_o a_o legal_a perfection_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v in_o sardis_n he_o do_v never_o seek_v for_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o they_o that_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a see_v they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o this_o intimate_v that_o the_o faithful_a christian_n and_o their_o work_n may_v be_v perfect_a before_o god_n although_o they_o be_v not_o find_v perfect_a in_o sardis_n yet_o may_v be_v find_v perfect_a in_o other_o that_o be_v more_o sound_a and_o godly_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o understand_v that_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n perfection_n be_v take_v for_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n as_o gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o &_o be_v thou_o perfect_a that_o be_v upright_o &_o sincere_a as_o job_n 1.1_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a he_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n honest_a at_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o work_n of_o sardis_n be_v not_o perfect_a before_o god_n they_o be_v not_o honest_a sincere_a and_o upright_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o be_v hypocritical_a in_o name_n show_v and_o appearance_n only_o not_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n second_o perfection_n may_v be_v take_v 1._o as_o respect_v our_o justification_n or_o 2._o our_o sanctification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v a_o complete_a perfection_n for_o the_o saint_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n leave_v which_o be_v not_o wash_v away_o by_o his_o blood_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v perfect_a by_o one_o offering_n christ_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.14_o then_o second_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o part_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o aim_v thereof_o 4._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n have_v a_o perfect_a beginning_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o its_o part_n because_o it_o begin_v in_o every_o part_n they_o be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o though_o every_o part_n be_v not_o throughout_o sanctify_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o medium_n by_o which_o they_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o every_o part_n throughout_o in_o understanding_n will_n affection_n desire_n memory_n thought_n and_o heart_n second_o they_o have_v every_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o only_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o as_o when_o faith_n love_n patience_n humility_n etc._n etc._n overcome_v infidelity_n hatred_n impatience_n pride_n and_o other_o their_o opposite_a vice_n and_o evil_n so_o when_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v in_o all_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v a_o perfect_a work_n in_o beginning_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o perfect_a work_n have_v prevail_v against_o its_o contrary_n three_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o he_o that_o aim_v and_o strive_v for_o perfection_n god_n accept_v as_o perfect_a though_o mix_v with_o much_o imperfection_n christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n neither_o four_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o duration_n apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o truth_n will_v loose_v the_o honour_n of_o perfection_n and_o make_v their_o crown_n to_o wither_v when_o a_o righteous_a or_o perfect_a man_n turn_v to_o iniquity_n all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v ezek._n 18.24_o five_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o the_o saint_n be_v perfect_a soul_n compare_v they_o unto_o the_o guild_a out_o side_n formal_a christian_n and_o they_o be_v gold_n and_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o and_o so_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a before_o he_o as_o those_o of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v first_o observe_v 1._o the_o great_a cause_n that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a before_o god_n be_v for_o want_v of_o honest_a sincerity_n in_o they_o sardis_n be_v blame_v for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n she_o carry_v a_o fair_a name_n that_o she_o live_v in_o her_o pretend_a grace_n but_o she_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v no_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o they_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o avoid_v all_o outward_a evil_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v double-heartedness_n in_o his_o spirit_n all_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n as_o abominable_a sincerity_n be_v that_o that_o give_v perfection_n to_o every_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o every_o grace_n as_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o must_v believe_v sincere_o when_o we_o love_v we_o must_v love_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o when_o we_o sorrow_n or_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v do_v sincere_o that_o be_v true_o full_o without_o any_o mixture_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o a_o double_a mind_a man_n god_n do_v hate_v sincere_a quasi_fw-la sine_fw-la cera_fw-la without_o wax_n without_o composition_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o bear_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n full_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v within_o to_o make_v they_o complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o this_o ingredient_n grace_n of_o sincerity_n all_o our_o duty_n be_v but_o as_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cimbal_n but_o add_v sincerity_n unto_o the_o least_o and_o most_o imperfect_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v become_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n most_o perfect_a god_n accept_v a_o lamb_n from_o abel_n offer_v in_o sincerity_n rather_o than_o cloud_n of_o incense_n and_o thousand_o of_o sacrifice_n from_o a_o wicked_a and_o profain_a cain_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o widow_n mite_n or_o some_o goat_n hair_n come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v sincere_a god_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rich_a present_a and_o call_v the_o presenter_n thereof_o perfect_a truth_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n be_v our_o perfection_n here_o but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v have_v perfection_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o let_v we_o so_o walk_v before_o god_n as_o become_v perfect_a one_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o saint_n duty_n that_o they_o aim_v and_o press_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o their_o grace_n work_n and_o duty_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v worthy_o blame_v for_o want_n of_o this_o perfection_n her_o work_n be_v not_o full_a and_o entire_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v and_o therefore_o blame-worthy_a and_o imperfect_a first_o they_o be_v to_o press_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o evidence_v by_o love_n and_o work_n and_o so_o make_v their_o election_n and_o justification_n sure_a unto_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o manifest_v it_o unto_o other_o also_o second_o to_o seek_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o part_n of_o christianity_n in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v perfect_a entire_a want_v nothing_o ja._n 1.4_o as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o to_o wit_n charity_n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o there_o must_v not_o one_o necessary_a grace_n be_v want_v in_o true_a saint_n though_o
some_o one_o may_v be_v more_o eminent_a than_o other_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o must_v be_v there_o as_o they_o will_v have_v faith_n they_o will_v have_v patience_n as_o patience_n love_n zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n whatsoever_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1.15.16_o and_o this_o must_v be_v also_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o for_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v if_o sin_n be_v strong_a in_o thou_o then_o grace_n than_o you_o be_v sinner_n and_o wicked_a one_o but_o if_o grace_n prevail_v then_o be_v you_o gracious_a and_o perfect_a one_o three_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n must_v be_v after_o perfection_n they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a grace_n no_o less_o measure_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n then_o what_o they_o enjoy_v after_o the_o resurrection_n i_o will_v by_o any_o mean_n attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a say_v paul_n phil._n 3.11_o their_o aim_n be_v no_o low_o then_o unto_o the_o glorious_a and_o everlasting_a state_n and_o therefore_o do_v always_o press_v on_o unto_o perfection_n their_o desire_n be_v somewhat_o infinite_a as_o the_o glory_n they_o expect_v leave_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o heb._n 6.1_o and_o herein_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n will_v appear_v more_o perfect_a in_o that_o they_o hate_v sin_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_a until_o it_o be_v abolish_v and_o they_o free_v from_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o by_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 2._o from_o the_o pierce_a power_n thereof_o by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 3._o from_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o in_o their_o glorification_n 4._o they_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o perfection_n in_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o want_v any_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o so_o be_v they_o not_o to_o want_v it_o in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v 5._o true_a saint_n press_v forward_o to_o excel_v and_o precede_v other_o formal_a and_o outside_n christian_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o grace_n and_o perfection_n he_o that_o have_v any_o grace_n will_v always_o desire_v more_o a_o holy_a ambition_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v very_o commendable_a god_n tell_v satan_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o job_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n job_n 1.8_o a_o perfect_a and_o upright_o man_n many_o desire_n to_o be_v before_o other_o in_o honour_n riches_n and_o power_n but_o few_o desire_n to_o excel_v in_o grace_n if_o we_o be_v true_a saint_n and_o aim_n at_o perfection_n we_o will_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o be_v like_o other_o in_o grace_n but_o labour_v to_o go_v beyond_o other_o in_o all_o good_a and_o perfect_a work_n hence_o the_o quaker_n may_v see_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o hold_v a_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n though_o not_o a_o absolute_a legal_a one_o whereunto_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v as_o they_o but_o a_o evangelical_n one_o upon_o better_a ground_n and_o principle_n verse_n 3._o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v if_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n which_o thou_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o cleave_v fast_o thereunto_o and_o repent_v thy_o stray_v there_o from_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o this_o thy_o sleep_n of_o sin_n i_o shall_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n sudden_o unaware_o upon_o thou_o and_o seize_v on_o thou_o with_o unexpected_a judgement_n christ_n take_v up_o this_o metaphor_n and_o comparison_n of_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n for_o divers_a reason_n 1._o because_o a_o thief_n come_v speedy_o in_o a_o time_n when_o no_o man_n look_v for_o mat._n 24.43_o this_o set_v we_o on_o a_o diligent_a watchfulness_n if_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n do_v know_v in_o what_o watch_n the_o thief_n will_v come_v he_o will_v watch_v and_o not_o suffer_v his_o house_n to_o be_v break_v through_o or_o his_o good_n steal_v 2._o as_o a_o thief_n come_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o dead_a of_o night_n so_o christ_n come_v when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a darkness_n and_o deep_a night_n of_o error_n on_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v in_o luke_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o earth_n true_a faith_n will_v be_v such_o a_o rarity_n at_o christ_n come_n that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o very_a few_o his_o elect_a only_o this_o quicken_v our_o faith_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o thief_n come_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o overmaster_v all_o opposition_n so_o christ_n come_v in_o judgement_n be_v with_o power_n and_o to_o tread_v down_o and_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n this_o support_n and_o comfort_v the_o distress_a afflict_a saint_n he_o former_o come_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o suffer_v and_o he_o after_o come_v as_o a_o comforter_n to_o support_v all_o those_o for_o who_o he_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o he_o have_v a_o other_o come_v his_o ordinary_a particular_a temporal_a judgement_n against_o his_o enemy_n which_o he_o frequent_o and_o very_o often_o send_v forth_o against_o they_o for_o their_o transgression_n and_o so_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v here_o against_o sardis_n and_o his_o offend_a church_n and_o last_o he_o come_v in_o his_o last_o and_o ultimate_a judgement_n with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n to_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v all_o his_o antichristian_a foe_n and_o enemy_n whatsoever_o in_o rev._n 16.15_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n and_o present_o follow_v the_o great_a battle_n of_o armageddon_n and_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o babylon_n by_o the_o seven_o vial_n of_o god_n plague_n and_o judgement_n first_o from_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n observe_v observe_v that_o a_o call_n to_o mind_n of_o god_n former_a gracious_a deal_n with_o we_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a preservative_n against_o sin_n but_o a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n out_o of_o sin_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n look_v back_o unto_o the_o rock_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v hew_v and_o review_v thy_o former_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o how_o you_o be_v therein_o alien_n stranger_n and_o enemy_n unto_o god_n by_o evil_a work_n and_o how_o it_o be_v far_o better_a with_o you_o now_o in_o your_o state_n of_o faith_n than_o it_o be_v then_o in_o sin_n and_o wrath_n for_o when_o you_o have_v sin_n present_v unto_o you_o in_o its_o enticement_n and_o provocation_n it_o will_v make_v gracious_a soul_n to_o reason_n thus_o with_o themselves_o be_v i_o not_o once_o a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n in_o my_o sinful_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o shall_v i_o again_o fall_v back_o into_o it_o as_o the_o sow_n into_o the_o mire_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n will_v not_o then_o my_o latter_a estate_n be_v far_o worse_o than_o the_o first_o because_o god_n have_v be_v gracious_a unto_o my_o poor_a soul_n and_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n or_o snatch_v it_o as_o a_o brand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n shall_v i_o again_o cast_v myself_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o satan_n and_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n by_o my_o turn_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o sin_n and_o wantonness_n the_o lord_n forbid_v again_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o backslidden_a soul_n that_o be_v almost_o spiritual_o dead_a and_o have_v almost_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o common_a reputation_n of_o live_v once_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a to_o such_o poor_a soul_n for_o their_o recovery_n to_o recognize_v and_o look_v back_o on_o those_o good_a thing_n they_o former_o receive_v of_o god_n and_o hear_v concern_v he_o for_o first_o they_o hear_v that_o god_n be_v a_o gracious_a reconcile_a god_n and_o a_o merciful_a father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n ready_a to_o receive_v those_o of_o his_o choose_a one_o even_o in_o their_o blood_n and_o sin_n that_o do_v come_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v heal_v of_o their_o transgression_n and_o this_o they_o not_o only_o hear_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o receive_v it_o also_o into_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o if_o god_n be_v so_o ready_a then_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o reconciliation_n with_o himself_o while_o enemy_n unto_o
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
thunder_n and_o how_o zealous_a and_o hot_a be_v the_o papist_n this_o day_n for_o their_o scarlet_a strumpet_n and_o her_o fornication_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v love_v and_o therefore_o no_o true_a zeal_n but_o spurious_a and_o impious_a the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o a_o man_n intention_n be_v never_o good_a be_v they_o never_o so_o high_o pretend_v thereunto_o but_o when_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o good_a warrant_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o refer_v to_o right_a end_n namely_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n now_o to_o return_v to_o answer_v the_o doubt_n propose_v have_v clear_v what_o true_a zeal_n be_v with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a when_o a_o right_a object_n and_o right_a end_n be_v propose_v paul_n in_o rom._n 12.11_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v fervent_a in_o the_o spirit_n hot_a boil_a hot_a in_o spiritual_a affair_n what_o think_v you_o of_o paul_n when_o he_o oppose_v peter_n to_o his_o face_n in_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n and_o will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o his_o dissimulation_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n so_o zealous_a be_v he_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n god_n be_v so_o zealous_a of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o smite_v uzzah_n 2_o sam._n 6_o 7._o for_o put_v only_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o ark_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n to_o save_v it_o from_o fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v commend_v his_o zeal_n and_o spare_v his_o ignorance_n herein_o but_o be_v not_o according_a unto_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o suffer_v for_o it_o no_o good_a intention_n and_o meaning_n will_v make_v that_o action_n or_o duty_n good_a or_o lawful_a be_v it_o ever_o so_o specious_o religious_a and_o gracious_a that_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o best_a duty_n for_o want_n of_o this_o scantling_n be_v turn_v into_o sin_n and_o as_o god_n be_v zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n so_o he_o make_v his_o minister_n like_o himself_o heb._n 1.7_o he_o make_v his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n i_o will_v have_v all_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a moderate_a state-christians_a to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o can_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ordinary_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n through_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o of_o a_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a laodicean_n temper_v christ_n himself_o be_v think_v by_o the_o people_n to_o be_v one_o too_o hot_a that_o his_o zeal_n be_v beyond_o his_o judgement_n mark_v 3.21_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o be_v beside_o himself_o paul_n be_v also_o account_v mad_a not_o only_o by_o festus_n for_o his_o zeal_n towards_o god_n act_v 26.24_o but_o also_o by_o the_o christian_n corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 5_o 13._o so_o michael_n scoff_v at_o david_n as_o one_o of_o the_o fool_n for_o his_o zeal_n yet_o though_o they_o and_o other_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v vilify_v and_o reproach_v by_o the_o ignorant_a world_n yet_o their_o zeal_n have_v lay_v that_o corner_n stone_n and_o foundation_n of_o salvation_n that_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o what_o think_v you_o will_v the_o scarlet_a whore_n that_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n be_v dethrone_v or_o antichrist_n be_v discover_v and_o overthrow_v by_o a_o moderate_a lukewarm_a laodicean_n state_n religion_n and_o temper_v sure_o the_o first_o beginner_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v of_o another_o spirit_n than_o we_o in_o these_o day_n be_v of_o or_o else_o it_o will_v have_v make_v but_o a_o slow_a procedure_v for_o want_n of_o this_o true_a zeal_n our_o reformation_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la but_o i_o will_v still_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o zeal_n mix_v with_o the_o former_a ingredient_n and_o with_o sound_a knowledge_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o guide_n to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v it_o aright_o both_o in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v love_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o end_n of_o their_o love_n or_o else_o zeal_n not_o right_o regulate_v may_v be_v dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o offend_v and_o fail_v in_o their_o zeal_n first_o those_o that_o be_v stark_o cold_a and_o have_v no_o zeal_n at_o all_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o his_o worship_n as_o the_o profane_a worldling_n be_v second_o those_o indifferent_a lukewarm_a christian_n that_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a as_o those_o laodicean_n be_v and_o as_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a halt_v between_o god_n and_o baal_n 1_o king_n 18.21_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o who_o zeal_n be_v blind_a void_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n who_o cover_v their_o own_o carnal_a affection_n with_o the_o cloak_n of_o glorify_v of_o god_n rush_v on_o inconsiderate_o into_o many_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a action_n some_o on_o this_o pretence_n endeavour_v again_o in_o these_o our_o day_n to_o set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o his_o throne_n among_o we_o other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o want_v of_o this_o sound_a knowledge_n join_v to_o their_o zeal_n under_o pretence_n of_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n and_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n they_o endeavour_v to_o undermine_v and_o pull_v down_o all_o magistracy_n ministry_n scripture_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o christ_n church_n whatsoever_o whereof_o this_o age_n of_o we_o afford_v as_o many_o lamentable_a example_n as_o any_o former_a whatsoever_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o add_v wisdom_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n unto_o his_o zeal_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o controvert_v opinion_n of_o religion_n that_o lie_v deep_a and_o dark_a whether_o they_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o moderation_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v most_o commendable_a and_o let_v every_o one_o walk_v as_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o for_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o controvert_v point_n and_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o we_o until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o christ_n the_o great_a key-bearer_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v appear_v to_o open_v all_o the_o seal_a book_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v shut_v again_o and_o so_o that_o scripture_n in_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o apply_v be_v not_o righteous_a over_o much_o that_o be_v be_v not_o over_o zealous_a hot_a or_o fervent_a for_o they_o but_o for_o plain_a obvious_a and_o perspicuous_a command_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o christ_n precept_n and_o command_n or_o antichrist_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o embrace_v our_o zeal_n and_o intention_n here_o can_v be_v too_o hot_a we_o can_v possible_o here_o admit_v of_o a_o syncratism_n or_o a_o mean_a as_o worldly_a wise_a cassander_n will_v endeavour_v between_o papist_n and_o protestant_n either_o god_n must_v be_v god_n or_o baal_n must_v be_v god_n either_o christ_n must_v have_v the_o throne_n or_o else_o antichrist_n must_v reign_v they_o can_v possible_o inhabit_v in_o one_o temple_n god_n and_o dagon_n will_v not_o correspond_v no_o degree_n of_o zeal_n herein_o will_v suffice_v but_o what_o be_v the_o high_a and_o aim_v at_o perfection_n the_o defect_n whereof_o either_o that_o of_o coldness_n which_o be_v more_o remote_a or_o that_o of_o lukewarmness_n which_o be_v near_o be_v equal_o faulty_a in_o this_o particular_a either_o let_v we_o be_v altogether_o romish_n or_o altogether_o reform_v either_o full_o zealous_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n or_o else_o cold_a thereunto_o for_o no_o mean_a will_v serve_v turn_n therefore_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v to_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a that_o be_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o rather_o thou_o be_v any_o thing_n then_o what_o thou_o be_v i_o will_v as_o rather_o thou_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n as_o of_o this_o mongrel_n uncertain_a hotchpotch_n religion_n that_o thou_o be_v of_o from_o these_o word_n note_v observe_v that_o a_o lukewarm_a religion_n be_v equal_o if_o not_o more_o displease_v unto_o god_n than_o irreligion_n or_o profaneness_n itself_o christ_n here_o prefer_v coldness_n the_o most_o remote_a degree_n in_o religion_n before_o a_o near_a lukewarmness_n christ_n wish_v laodicea_n either_o to_o be_v hot_a zealous_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o else_o cold_a that_o be_v dead_a strange_a and_o alienate_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a as_o she_o be_v it_o be_v as_o good_a and_o there_o
be_v under_o it_o and_o have_v pluck_v up_o the_o rot_a prop_n the_o build_n thereon_o must_v needs_o fall_v to_o ground_n and_o come_v to_o nought_o come_v tollitur_fw-la causa_fw-la tollitur_fw-la effectus_fw-la and_o instead_o of_o this_o break_a reed_n let_v the_o faithful_a soul_n comfort_n and_o support_v itself_o in_o patience_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o christ_n true_a and_o real_a kingdom_n wherewith_o john_n be_v affect_v and_o support_v rev._n 1.9_o which_o shall_v come_v in_o glory_n and_o great_a power_n and_o none_o shall_v say_v as_o now_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o there_o be_v christ_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v most_o evident_a and_o perspicuous_o glorious_a lo_o he_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o and_o they_o that_o pierce_v he_o and_o every_o one_o shall_v mourn_v because_o of_o he_o v._o 7._o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o advance_v by_o any_o capricious_a whimsy_n of_o we_o but_o be_v bring_v to_o light_n in_o power_n and_o great_a majesty_n where_o christ_n come_v with_o his_o army_n and_o miriads_o of_o angel_n and_o raise_v saint_n rev._n 19.14_o &_o 20.4_o to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o himself_o when_o antichrist_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n be_v destroy_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n then_o shall_v they_o fly_v unto_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o mountain_n and_o call_v to_o they_o to_o fall_v upon_o they_o to_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o then_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o haleluia_o amen_o and_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o let_v the_o faithful_a one_o of_o christ_n hearken_v to_o the_o often_o repeat_v admonition_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n verse_n 22._o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n he_o that_o be_v a_o understanding_n christian_n among_o you_o let_v he_o consider_v what_o grace_n the_o spirit_n have_v set_v forth_o to_o their_o imitation_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o various_a encouragement_n and_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o what_o sin_n and_o fault_n he_o have_v reprove_v and_o menace_v with_o dreadful_a judgement_n in_o each_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o asian_a church_n that_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o that_o so_o his_o portion_n may_v fall_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n what_o be_v write_v to_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o example_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o their_o condition_n we_o shall_v receive_v our_o reward_n according_o for_o every_o one_o shall_v receive_v according_a to_o his_o work_n o_o lord_n christ_n that_o have_v move_v the_o heart_n of_o thy_o servant_n to_o make_v these_o thing_n know_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o man_n let_v he_o be_v a_o learner_n himself_o at_o the_o footstool_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o bless_v be_v thy_o holy_a name_n that_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o with_o thy_o poor_a servant_n o_o let_v his_o own_o word_n be_v imprint_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n keep_v he_o humble_a lord_n that_o he_o be_v not_o lift_v up_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n lest_o while_o he_o come_v a_o teacher_n unto_o other_o he_o himself_o become_v a_o castaway_n o_o lord_n christ_n give_v thy_o servant_n power_n from_o thyself_o to_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n that_o he_o may_v sit_v with_o thou_o in_o thy_o throne_n even_o as_o thou_o have_v overcome_v and_o be_v set_v down_o in_o thy_o father_n throne_n pardon_v o_o christ_n not_o only_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o undertake_n but_o the_o many_o sin_n and_o error_n of_o all_o his_o life_n o_o cover_v he_o and_o they_o with_o thy_o white_a raiment_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a before_o thou_o and_o at_o thy_o appearance_n his_o nakedness_n shall_v not_o appear_v remember_v o_o lord_n thy_o church_n and_o people_n among_o we_o for_o good_a o_o let_v they_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o thy_o name_n may_v be_v glorious_o exalt_v within_o our_o day_n that_o thy_o truth_n may_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o all_o be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v sweet_a smell_a garden_n holy_a assembly_n within_o our_o land_n where_o the_o lord_n may_v take_v delight_n to_o dwell_v in_o hear_v o_o lord_n thy_o poor_a servant_n for_o thy_o wont_a mercy_n sake_n in_o and_o through_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o own_o love_n to_o who_o with_o thyself_o and_o holy_a spirit_n one_o eternal_a everliving_a lord_n god_n be_v all_o glory_n dominion_n praise_n and_o power_n for_o ever_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_o δοξὰ_n μονῷ_n τῷ_n θεῷ_n finis_fw-la