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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09443 A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and judicious diuine, maister William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of Diuinitie; Lectures upon the three first chapters of the Revelation Perkins, William, 1558-1602. 1606 (1606) STC 19732; ESTC S114701 362,972 238

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the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o he_o die_v for_o o●r_a sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n rom._n 4.25_o iii_o point_n whether_o may_v the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n change_v this_o sabbath_n day_n to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o to_o tewsday_n wednesday_n etc._n etc._n ans._n the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o power_n for_o time_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o dispose_n thereof_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n act._n 1.6_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o father_n have_v keep_v time_n and_o season_n in_o hi●_n own_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v they_o now_o if_o that_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v then_o be_v this_o also_o sound_a and_o good_a if_o god_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o time_n in_o his_o 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son_n so_o christ_n the_o messiah_n have_v 10.1_o twelve_o disciple_n but_o as_o joseph_n be_v belove_v above_o 37.3_o all_o those_o son_n so_o john_n be_v belove_v above_o 21._o all_o the_o disciple_n joseph_n be_v apparel_v better_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o john_n be_v inspire_v far_o better_a than_o the_o rest_n 41.38_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o joseph_n egypt_n have_v want_v her_o food_n temporal_a and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o john_n the_o church_n have_v want_v her_o food_n eternal_a 41.25_o the_o future_a state_n of_o egypt_n be_v reveal_v to_o joseph_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v reveal_v to_o john_n the_o one_o be_v 37.4_o exile_v because_o his_o father_n love_v he_o and_o the_o other_o exile_v because_o his_o master_n love_v he_o the_o place_n of_o his_o exile_n be_v into_o the_o 1.9_o island_n of_o pathmos_n be_v before_o by_o trajan_n put_v into_o a_o vessel_n of_o temperum_fw-la scald_a oil_n but_o that_o god_n who_o show_v his_o vision_n to_o 22.12_o abraham_n in_o the_o mount_n 28._o to_o jacob_n in_o the_o field_n 40._o to_o joseph_n in_o the_o stock_n 3._o to_o moses_n in_o midian_a 38.14_o to_o jeremie_n in_o the_o prison_n 2._o to_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n 10._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o tanner_n even_o he_o show_v his_o vision_n to_o john_n in_o his_o exile_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o person_n he_o can_v advance_v who_o he_o list_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o place_n he_o can_v reveal_v where_o he_o list_v for_o person_n he_o can_v prefer_v 4._o abel_n before_o cain_n 1._o jacob_n before_o esau_n 16._o david_n before_o eliab_n 1._o mathias_n before_o judas_n he_o can_v make_v 10_o moses_n a_o courtier_n 1.1_o job_n a_o potentate_n 7._o samuel_n a_o judge_n 2.1_o david_n a_o king_n 1.1_o solomon_n a_o sovereign_n 19.19_o elysha_n a_o ploughman_n 1.1_o amos_n a_o neat_a hear_v 1.1_o jeremie_n a_o priest_n 6_o daniel_n a_o prince_n 1.1_o isaiah_n of_o the_o blood_n royal_a 9_o 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seer_n 1.13_o remembrancer_n 58.1_o trumpet_n 3.1_o watchmen_z 3._o husbandman_n 12.14_o steward_n 9.4_o maiden_n 47._o fisher_n 23.24_o leader_n 5.1_o elder_n 9.50_o salt_n 12.2_o star_n 11.10_o angel_n and_o 14.2_o shepherd_n prophet_n to_o teach_v seer_n to_o foretell_v remembrancer_n to_o put_v in_o mind_n trumpet_n to_o sound_n watchmen_z to_o admonish_v husbandman_n to_o plough_v up_o steward_n to_o distribute_v maiden_n to_o keep_v pure_a the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n fisher_n to_o catch_v man_n leaders_z to_o go_v before_o elder_n to_o govern_v salt_n to_o season_n star_n to_o give_v light_n angel_n to_o declare_v and_o shepherd_n to_o feed_v to_o feed_v i_o say_v sound_o by_o doctrine_n liberal_o by_o charity_n and_o religious_o by_o life_n by_o doctrine_n for_o sacerdos_n sine_fw-la doctrina_fw-la est_fw-la navis_fw-la sine_fw-la velis_fw-la a_o priest_n without_o knowledge_n be_v a_o ship_n without_o sail_n by_o liberality_n for_o pauper_fw-la nihil_fw-la habet_fw-la homo_fw-la adeò_fw-la divinum_fw-la quam_fw-la benefacere_fw-la man_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o like_a god_n than_o in_o do_v good_a by_o life_n for_o cvius_fw-la vita_fw-la despicitur_fw-la eius_fw-la oratio_fw-la contemnitur_fw-la his_o word_n be_v not_o esteem_v who_o life_n be_v not_o approve_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v of_o origen_n quale_n habuit_fw-la verbum_fw-la talem_fw-la habuit_fw-la vitam_fw-la as_o his_o word_n be_v so_o be_v his_o work_n they_o must_v not_o be_v barren_a like_o mount_n 1.21_o gilboah_n but_o 1.24_o wean_v as_o samuel_n be_v before_o they_o be_v offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v be_v pure_a water_n if_o they_o will_v cleanse_v other_o and_o more_o than_o whetstone_n if_o they_o will_v sharpen_v other_o they_o must_v be_v in_o 19_o
church_n for_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n now_o come_v to_o the_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n these_o three_o first_o chapter_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o preface_n and_o a_o vision_n the_o preface_n be_v a_o entrance_n to_o the_o vision_n contain_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o nine_o the_o vision_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o three_o chapter_n the_o preface_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n second_o the_o inscription_n thereof_o the_o title_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n the_o inscription_n from_o the_o four_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n the_o title_n in_o these_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n a_o revelation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o manifestation_n or_o discovery_n of_o thing_n secret_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n revelation_n from_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v show_v three_o way_n first_o by_o dream_n second_o by_o vision_n three_o by_o create_a voice_n of_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num._n 12.6_o 8._o now_o this_o be_v not_o by_o dream_n nor_o by_o vision_n or_o voice_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mix_a revelation_n receive_v partly_o by_o vision_n and_o partly_o by_o voice_n utter_v in_o the_o vision_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o author_n second_o the_o end_n three_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v four_o the_o matter_n five_o the_o instrument_n six_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o seven_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o revelation_n first_o the_o author_n be_v jesus_n christ_n it_o come_v from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v call_v his_o revelation_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o not_o to_o exclude_v the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o show_v the_o special_a office_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n which_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o publish_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o his_o church_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v the_o 3.1_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ●_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ●4_n wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n &_o the_o 1._o word_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v difference_n between_o this_o and_o all_o satanical_a revelation_n for_o as_o god_n have_v his_o true_a revelation_n so_o satan_n who_o herein_o may_v be_v call_v god_n ape_n have_v his_o counterfeit_a vision_n and_o deliver_v they_o in_o show_n like_o to_o god_n but_o they_o differ_v much_o first_o the_o devil_n revelation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ambiguous_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o speech_n and_o phrase_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o way_n to_o take_v they_o but_o the_o revelation_n which_o come_v from_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o truth_n who_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n deliver_v second_o the_o devil_n show_v his_o vision_n to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o be_v his_o instrument_n but_o the_o lord_n choose_v the_o godly_a which_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o to_o they_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o devil_n revelation_n evermore_o tend_v to_o set_v up_o and_o uphold_v heresy_n wickedness_n apostasy_n and_o idolatry_n deut._n 13.1_o 2._o but_o these_o that_o come_v from_o god_n serve_v to_o erect_v and_o maintain_v truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n even_o pure_a apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o his_o special_a kingly_a office_n in_o heaven_n for_o be_v ascend_v and_o exalt_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n might_n and_o domination_n and_o there_o do_v direct_v rule_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n upon_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n for_o all_o these_o vision_n serve_v to_o direct_v his_o church_n in_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n whereas_o christ_n jesus_n be_v author_n of_o this_o revelation_n use_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n give_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n we_o may_v observe_v his_o constant_a care_n over_o his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n before_o his_o incarnation_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n such_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o still_o some_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v such_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o now_o behold_v the_o continuance_n or_o rather_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o his_o care_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o beside_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o former_a prophecy_n and_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a will_n by_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v unto_o eternal_a life_n loe_o here_o be_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o this_o worthy_a prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o great_a good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o show_v how_o this_o become_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n namely_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o where_o the_o title_n god_n in_o any_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v oppose_v to_o christ_n there_o it_o import_v the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o sundry_a time_n in_o scripture_n the_o father_n alone_o be_v term_v god_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o the_o other_o person_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o the_o son_n receive_v the_o godhead_n by_o communication_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n receive_v it_o from_o they_o both_o but_o the_o father_n have_v his_o godhead_n of_o himself_o and_o receive_v it_o not_o by_o communication_n from_o any_o other_o here_o some_o will_v say_v this_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o christ_n see_v he_o be_v god_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n of_o himself_o answ._n we_o must_v conceive_v of_o christ_n two_o way_n first_o as_o god_n second_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o father_n give_v he_o nothing_o for_o so_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o the_o same_o with_o the_o father_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v except_v personal_a property_n and_o be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o father_n neither_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o give_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n do_v but_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v mediator_n he_o be_v not_o god_n simple_o but_o god_n incarnate_a or_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n as_o himself_o confess_v all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o matth._n 28.18_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n philip._n 2.9_o he_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v peter_n act._n 2.33_o and_o god_n make_v he_o both_o lord_n and_o christ_n ver_fw-la 36._o and_o so_o god_n give_v he_o this_o revelation_n in_o this_o place_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o make_v christ_n inferior_a to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o receiver_n be_v usual_o inferior_a to_o the_o giver_n answer_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n incarnate_a and_o make_v man_n he_o be_v inferior_a and_o receive_v of_o he_o so_o much_o himself_o confess_v my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o john_n 10.29_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n paul_n call_v god_n the_o father_n the_o head_n of_o christ._n 1._o cor._n 11.6_o and_o as_o christ_n now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n be_v mediator_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o his_o father_n and_o receive_v his_o kingdom_n from_o his_o father_n which_o he_o
must_v give_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 1._o cor._n 15.24_o and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n give_v his_o revelation_n to_o his_o son_n first_o therefore_o christ_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o this_o revelation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v his_o own_o right_n and_o royalty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v now_o govern_v whereof_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n again_o this_o revelation_n be_v reveal_v unto_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n before_o it_o be_v ever_o know_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o manhood_n with_o the_o godhead_n in_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v christ_n his_o right_n and_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o own_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n for_o as_o the_o law_n in_o any_o kingdom_n belong_v to_o the_o prince_n thereof_o and_o be_v call_v his_o law_n alone_o and_o no_o man_n else_o so_o this_o book_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o christ_n govern_v his_o church_n be_v his_o royalty_n alone_o for_o god_n give_v it_o he_o and_o he_o have_v by_o his_o angel_n send_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o book_n must_v be_v understand_v proportional_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n christ_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o royalty_n and_o possession_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v follow_v necessary_o first_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v authority_n above_o this_o book_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n indeed_o monarch_n and_o prince_n have_v great_a authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o their_o dominion_n over_o all_o person_n and_o over_o all_o cause_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o church_n they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v homage_n unto_o christ_n there_o he_o have_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v his_o law_n whereto_o every_o one_o must_v subject_v himself_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v his_o royal_a ordinance_n over_o which_o none_o may_v dare_v to_o claim_v rule_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o shall_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o prerogative_n as_o they_o be_v to_o christ_n but_o god_n give_v they_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o he_o dispose_v thereof_o as_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o the_o pope_n in_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o word_n and_o to_o mangle_v the_o sacrament_n do_v herein_o step_n into_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n by_o seek_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o princely_a royalty_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o second_o that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o expound_v scripture_n belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o and_o to_o none_o other_o with_o he_o true_a it_o be_v that_o man_n have_v a_o ministry_n commit_v unto_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v expound_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o man_n have_v no_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o popish_a practice_n in_o give_v to_o the_o church_n absolute_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o without_o scripture_n be_v flat_a robbery_n against_o christ_n for_o therein_o they_o give_v unto_o man_n that_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ._n three_o herein_o we_o observe_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n for_o all_o of_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o like_a can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o write_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v they_o never_o so_o excellent_a herein_o the_o scripture_n surpass_v they_o all_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v more_o reverent_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n than_o of_o all_o the_o write_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n here_o then_o behold_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o more_o delight_v to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n than_o the_o glorious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n whereas_o the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o every_o way_n perfect_a proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n unto_o his_o belove_a son_n who_o have_v faithful_o disperse_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o show_v to_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v viz._n the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v arg._n ii_o the_o end_n of_o this_o revelation_n be_v to_o show_v that_o be_v to_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v exceed_o in_o debar_v lie_v people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a to_o god_n servant_n thing_n to_o come_v and_o who_o be_v god_n servant_n be_v the_o clergy_n only_o and_o not_o lay_v people_n also_o god_n forbid_v the_o lie_v man_n be_v christ_n his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o he_o shall_v learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v this_o book_n like_o one_o of_o his_o servant_n and_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a must_v be_v learn_v of_o the_o lie_v man_n then_o much_o more_o must_v he_o search_v into_o all_o other_o book_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o history_n of_o gospel_n epistle_n etc._n etc._n arg._n iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v viz._n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n this_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n indefinite_o but_o for_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v such_o alone_a as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o new_a obedience_n so_o he_o teach_v elsewhere_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n to_o give_v they_o understanding_n psalm_n 25.14_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o and_o god_n will_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v unto_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n because_o he_o know_v abraham_n will_v do_v his_o will_n and_o teach_v his_o family_n after_o he_o genes_n 18._o vers_fw-la 17.19_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o outward_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o labour_v principal_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n and_o to_o show_v the_o same_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v hereby_o shall_v we_o receive_v instruction_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o our_o understand_n shall_v more_o easy_o conceive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o they_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v know_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7.17_o here_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o most_o hearer_n after_o long_o teach_v profit_n little_a but_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v even_o their_o own_o impiety_n they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n second_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v true_a god_n for_o here_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n every_o true_a believer_n be_v his_o servant_n and_o he_o his_o lord_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v his_o angel_n as_o after_o we_o shall_v see_v which_o prerogative_n none_o can_v have_v but_o he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o very_o god_n three_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v those_o confute_v which_o hold_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v save_v and_o call_v all_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o if_o he_o call_v all_o effectual_o than_o he_o will_v offer_v the_o mean_n to_o all_o to_o wit_n his_o holy_a word_n that_o so_o they_o may_v
be_v call_v to_o the_o state_n of_o g●ace_n this_o he_o do_v not_o for_o as_o we_o see_v this_o book_n be_v give_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o this_o book_n be_v true_a of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o lord_n show_v his_o word_n say_v david_n not_o to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o jacob_n that_o be_v his_o people_n with_o who_o he_o make_v a_o covenant_n psal._n 147.19_o 20._o the_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o matter_n thereof_o viz._n thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v that_o be_v thing_n to_o come_v whereby_o in_o general_a we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n of_o this_o book_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o thing_n present_a or_o past_a this_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o come_v they_o must_v be_v do_v second_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o short_o or_o quick_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v so_o speak_v the_o holy_a ghost_n elsewhere_o of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o come_v of_o offence_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v mat._n 18.7_o of_o heresy_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 11.19_o and_o of_o affliction_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o and_o they_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o timo●h_o 3.12_o from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v concern_v god_n church_n and_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n will_v not_o agree_v unto_o it_o for_o some_o will_v say_v if_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o then_o in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n man_n have_v no_o free_a will_n for_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n can_v stand_v together_o answ._n they_o may_v indeed_o constraint_n and_o man_n free_a will_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o man_n will_n and_o unchangeable_a necessity_n may_v well_o accord_v as_o i_o show_v thus_o in_o god_n there_o be_v most_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o will_n yet_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n of_o necessity_n as_o he_o will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a necessary_o for_o he_o can_v possible_o will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o yet_o he_o will_v the_o same_o most_o free_o so_o christ_n die_v necessary_o he_o can_v not_o but_o die_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o die_v most_o free_o for_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n of_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o he_o john_n 10.18_o it_o will_v be_v say_v again_o if_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o necessity_n than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o mean_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o for_o god_n will_v must_v be_v do_v do_v we_o what_o we_o will_n answ._n this_o be_v man_n corrupt_a reason_n these_o man_n must_v consider_v that_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v what_o thing_n must_v come_v to_o pass_v so_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v effect_v and_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o well_o the_o mean_n as_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v by_o this_o necessity_n rather_o be_v induce_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n than_o any_o way_n move_v to_o neglect_v the_o same_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v a_o double_a necessity_n one_o be_v absolute_a another_o in_o part_n i_o call_v that_o absolute_a necessity_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o possible_o as_o that_o god_n live_v and_o can_v die_v be_v omnipotent_a infinite_a etc._n etc._n necessity_n in_o part_n be_v when_o any_o thing_n do_v be_v necessary_a only_a because_o it_o depend_v on_o necessary_a cause_n as_o fire_n to_o burn_v be_v necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o nature_n by_o creation_n yet_o this_o necessity_n be_v not_o absolute_a for_o fire_n will_v not_o burn_v if_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o change_v that_o order_n set_v in_o nature_n as_o he_o do_v when_o the_o three_o child_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o hot_a fiery_a oven_n dan._n 3.27_o now_o whereas_o we_o say_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v necessary_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o necessity_n in_o part_n and_o not_o of_o absolute_a for_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v changeable_a and_o contingent_a and_o necessary_a only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n decree_n appoint_v they_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o regard_n whereof_o all_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v take_v away_o freedom_n from_o man_n will_n it_o only_o incline_v the_o same_o to_o one_o part_n &_o so_o dispose_v that_o man_n shall_v free_o will_v that_o to_o be_v which_o god_n eternal_o have_v decree_v the_o second_o thing_n whereby_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v shortly_n must_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o howsoever_o some_o thing_n foretell_v be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o which_o space_n of_o time_n may_v seem_v very_o long_o yet_o in_o two_o respect_n it_o be_v but_o short_a first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n to_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n 2._o pet._n 3.8_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n to_o who_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n seem_v but_o a_o short_a time_n when_o once_o they_o be_v expire_v though_o before_o they_o seem_v long_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v set_v down_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o terrify_v all_o carnal_a and_o careless_a man_n for_o this_o book_n foretell_v judgement_n plague_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n which_o m●st_v short_o come_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a our_o careful_a consideration_n in_o this_o secure_a age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o man_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v after_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n say_v spare_v thyself_o this_o shall_v not_o come_v unto_o thou_o but_o shall_v the_o lion_n roar_v and_o the_o beast_n not_o tremble_v yet_o the_o lord_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n but_o man_n will_v not_o repent_v well_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o whether_o we_o be_v young_a or_o old_a high_a or_o low_o that_o god_n judgement_n be_v short_o to_o come_v and_o let_v this_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o raise_v we_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o security_n that_o which_o peter_n say_v of_o false_a teacher_n be_v also_o true_a of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n unless_o they_o prevent_v the_o same_o by_o speedy_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n their_o judgement_n long_o ago_o be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o 2._o pet._n 2.3_o second_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n serve_v great_o to_o comfort_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o all_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v under_o any_o adversity_n or_o distress_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o in_o body_n or_o mind_n or_o both_o indeed_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o impatience_n and_o distrust_n by_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v here_o set_v down_o concern_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o foretell_v deliverance_n for_o god_n church_n and_o for_o every_o member_n thereof_o namely_o that_o they_o must_v short_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o a_o very_a little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o come_v for_o their_o deliverance_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v hebr._n 10._o vers_fw-la 37._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o revelation_n now_o follow_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o lord_n do_v convey_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o these_o word_n which_o he_o send_v and_o show_v by_o his_o angel_n unto_o his_o servant_n john_n where_o two_o point_n must_v be_v observe_v first_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o employment_n second_o the_o person_n employ_v therein_o as_o his_o instrument_n for_o the_o
first_o christ_n send_v and_o show_v this_o revelation_n this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o two_o special_a cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o pen_n and_o publish_v this_o book_n rash_o but_o by_o call_v and_o warrant_n from_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o must_v be_v our_o behaviour_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whatsoever_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v look_v we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o call_n and_o with_o out_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v there_o will_v be_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o care_n of_o just_a deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n second_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v to_o get_v more_o reverend_a acceptance_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o holy_a angel_n if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v write_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o withal_o send_v it_o by_o one_o of_o his_o guard_n we_o doubt_v the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o behold_v this_o book_n be_v the_o epistle_n and_o letter_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n what_o reverence_n therefore_o and_o acceptation_n ought_v this_o to_o find_v sure_o a_o thousand_o fold_n more_o with_o every_o one_o than_o the_o writing_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n whatsoever_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o christ_n employ_v about_o this_o revelation_n and_o they_o be_v two_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o saint_n john_n for_o the_o first_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n act._n 7.38_o gal._n 3.19_o and_o daniel_n receive_v the_o exposition_n of_o sundry_a dream_n and_o vision_n by_o a_o angel_n dan._n 8.19_o and_o 9.21_o and_o 10.14_o and_o the_o seven_o vision_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o book_n be_v show_v to_o john_n by_o a_o holy_a angel_n but_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n ground_n hereupon_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n because_o they_o be_v about_o we_o and_o bring_v unto_o we_o particular_a message_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o before_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o they_o we_o must_v have_v from_o god_n a_o particular_a commandment_n so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o else_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n afford_v no_o word_n of_o command_n or_o promise_v for_o any_o such_o action_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o second_o instrument_n here_o employ_v by_o christ_n be_v john_n this_o john_n be_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n and_o so_o kinsman_n unto_o christ_n a_o bless_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o three_o epistle_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o be_v that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v and_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o reverence_n to_o this_o book_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o a_o property_n call_v himself_o christ_n his_o servant_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n or_o action_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o god_n word_n vers_fw-la 2._o for_o the_o first_o note_z that_o john_n do_v not_o call_v himself_o that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v nor_o the_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v be_v ally_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n mother_n be_v sister_n to_o joseph_n christ_n suppose_v father_n and_o cousin_n german_a to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n john_n have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o ●earers_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v esteem_v more_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o he_o than_o any_o bond_n of_o outward_a alliance_n can_v possible_o make_v they_o math._n 12.50_o luk._n 11.28_o but_o he_o call_v himself_o christ_n servant_n have_v yield_v up_o himself_o to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o herein_o stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v service_n unto_o christ._n the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v never_o find_v such_o favour_n with_o god_n to_o have_v be_v christ_n mother_n if_o she_o have_v not_o withal_o become_v christ_n servant_n she_o bear_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o her_o womb_n by_o conception_n or_o else_o she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o he_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o outward_a dignity_n as_o blood_n royal_a noble_a parentage_n and_o such_o like_a will_v nothing_o further_a a_o man_n salvation_n he_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ_n must_v become_v his_o servant_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o do_v his_o will_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o paul_n say_v circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n ●_o 16_o 17._o again_o consider_v in_o what_o regard_n john_n be_v here_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n do_v but_o more_o special_o because_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v his_o particular_a call_n so_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n cap._n 1.1_o and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 9_o because_o he_o do_v service_n unto_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o show_v ourselves_o christ_n servant_n in_o our_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o office_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o profess_v service_n unto_o christ_n by_o hear_v his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n and_o keep_v his_o saboathe_n but_o unless_o therewithal_o we_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n our_o outward_a profession_n be_v flat_a hypocrisy_n this_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n buyer_n seller_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o unless_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o special_a calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n their_o public_a service_n in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n shall_v never_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a micha_n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o vers._n 2._o which_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o th●ngs_n that_o he_o see_v here_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v himself_o namely_o by_o this_o action_n or_o effect_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o partly_o by_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o by_o preach_v he_o bare_a witness_n and_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v diverse_a part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n add_v and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n say_v and_o do_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o he_o bare_a record_n say_v and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o here_o he_o allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o testimony_n we_o
may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v h●m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n f●om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o man●r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n f●r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_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 here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n ●o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o purpose_n of_o s._n john_n who_o do_v therefore_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v that_o shall_v hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n with_o conscience_n to_o keep_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o do_v it_o with_o delight_n second_o we_o be_v hereby_o admonish_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n that_o place_n before_o name_v be_v most_o excellent_a search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o i●_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n ●_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n i●_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o ta●es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
write_v which_o word_n import_v that_o by_o diligent_a observation_n we_o shall_v lay_v they_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v a_o weighty_a duty_n and_o serious_o commend_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n bind_v up_o the_o testimony_n seal_v up_o the_o law_n among_o my_o disciple_n isay._n 8.16_o and_o marie_n be_v therefore_o commend_v because_o she_o keep_v in_o her_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o jesus_n luke_n 2.19_o ●1_n it_o be_v david_n practice_n i_o have_v ●id_v thy_o say_n in_o my_o heart_n psal._n 119._o ●●_o and_o hereto_o tend_v christ_n encouragement_n pronounce_v they_o rather_o bless_v which_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o keep_v it_o than_o those_o which_o bare_a christ_n and_o give_v he_o suck_v luk._n 1●_n 27.28_o and_o james_n call_v it_o the_o ingraff_v word_n james_n 1.21_o because_o it_o shall_v abide_v in_o our_o heart_n like_o a_o syence_n in_o a_o stock_n and_o never_o be_v remove_v but_o there_o grow_v and_o fructify_v unto_o life_n eternal_a now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a profit_v after_o much_o hear_n and_o read_v i_o will_v therefore_o show_v how_o by_o god_n grace_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n first_o a_o man_n must_v learn_v the_o ground_n or_o element_n of_o religion_n common_o call_v the_o catechism_n for_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o knowledge_n without_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o comfort_n nor_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o hebrew_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v not_o well_o learned_a the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o word_n hebr._n 5.11.12_o this_o all_o ignorant_a person_n shall_v well_o observe_v special_o the_o age_a that_o they_o may_v find_v in_o themselves_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o dulness_n even_o want_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o catechism_n they_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o it_o now_o they_o be_v old_a but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o must_v lay_v in_o themselves_o this_o good_a beginning_n and_o learn_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n second_o we_o must_v not_o rush_v upon_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n but_o before_o we_o either_o come_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v with_o reverence_n prepare_v ourselves_o thereto_o most_o man_n at_o this_o day_n use_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v before_o they_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o god_n ordain_v both_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o true_a happiness_n they_o differ_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o visible_a and_o the_o scripture_n the_o audible_a word_n of_o god_n at_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n the_o people_n that_o must_v ●eare_z it_o be_v sanctify_v three_o day_n before_o exod._n 19_o and_o when_o they_o do_v offer_v sacrifice_n or_o eat_v the_o passeover_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n must_v be_v sanctify_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n must_v we_o perform_v before_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o preparation_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v put_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n all_o by_o thought_n all_o delight_n and_o care_n of_o worldly_a affair_n and_o set_v our_o heart_n as_o ezra_n do_v to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n ezra_n 7.10_o second_o we_o must_v make_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v his_o will_n soften_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v our_o ear_n attentive_a as_o l●diaes_n be_v and_o also_o give_v we_o grace_n to_o embrace_v his_o word_n and_o keep_v it_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n without_o who_o inward_a teach_n we_o can_v never_o learn_v unto_o salvation_n three_o when_o we_o be_v about_o the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o god_n word_n the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v thus_o dispose_v i._o it_o must_v be_v a_o humble_a heart_n for_o the_o lord_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a jam._n 4.6_o they_o that_o be_v meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n psal._n 25.9_o a_o proud_a heart_n be_v so_o stuff_v with_o self_n love_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lodge_v in_o but_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v lowly_a in_o itself_o through_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o heart_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o grace_n will_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n isaiah_n 57.15_o ii_o it_o must_v be_v a_o honest_a heart_n such_o as_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o purpose_n to_o live_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o but_o though_o it_o feel_v corruption_n in_o itself_o be_v resolve_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o that_o continual_o such_o a_o heart_n have_v the_o good_a hearer_n resemble_v by_o the_o good_a ground_n luke_n 8.15_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v a_o wicked_a heart_n which_o resolve_v to_o cherish_v though_o it_o be_v but_o any_o one_o sin_n whatsoever_o iii_o it_o must_v be_v a_o believe_a heart_n the_o old_a jew_n hear_v the_o word_n but_o it_o profit_v they_o not_o because_o they_o mingle_v it_o not_o with_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d their_o heart_n hebrew_n 4.2_o where_o he_o compare_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o vessel_n in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v both_o the_o word_n and_o faith_n these_o two_o must_v be_v mingle_v together_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n therefore_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o resolve_v our_o heart_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o incredulity_n whereby_o man_n except_v against_o the_o word_n as_o not_o pertain_v unto_o they_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o forgetfulness_n the_o old_a world_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o flood_n because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v matth._n 24.39_o iv._o it_o must_v be_v a_o hear_n heart_n such_o as_o be_v pliable_a to_o the_o word_n sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n say_v david_n thou_o will_v not_o but_o my_o ear_n have_v thou_o prepare_v psal._n 40.6_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v beside_o those_o bodily_a care_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o by_o creation_n thou_o have_v bore_v new_a care_n in_o my_o heart_n so_o as_o i_o can_v by_o thy_o grace_n attend_v and_o listen_v to_o thy_o word_n and_o when_o god_n say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n this_o hear_v heart_n will_v answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n psal._n 27._o vers_fw-la 8.9_o four_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n we_o must_v become_v doer_n of_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o vocation_n we_o see_v every_o man_n more_o skilful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o trade_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o daily_a exercise_n therein_o even_o so_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o god_n word_n will_v make_v we_o expert_a in_o it_o and_o cause_v we_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o perfect_a memory_n and_o these_o be_v the_o right_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n and_o reader_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o this_o benediction_n pronounce_v upon_o they_o that_o hear_v read_v &_o keep_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n serve_v to_o induce_v every_o child_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o special_o these_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o therefore_o do_v god_n reveal_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v remember_v when_o the_o angel_n have_v tell_v daniel_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o his_o time_n to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n he_o bid_v he_o shut_v up_o the_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o book_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o time_n dan._n 12.4_o meaning_n that_o he_o for_o his_o own_o comfort_n shall_v hide_v they_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o you_o see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n let_v he_o that_o read_v consider_v it_o matth._n 24.15_o behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o mean_v thing_n to_o come_v verse_n 25._o show_v that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o child_n to_o mark_v and_o remember_v those_o weighty_a thing_n that_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o state_n
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a benediction_n for_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v at_o hand_n &_o must_v short_o be_v fulfil_v therefore_o those_o be_v bless_v which_o read_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n and_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o secret_a objection_n for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v we_o need_v not_o to_o read_v or_o remember_v this_o prophecy_n see_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n but_o he_o add_v the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v mark_v these_o word_n for_o substance_n be_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o revelation_n be_v of_o thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v and_o here_o they_o be_v repeat_v again_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o these_o prophecy_n contain_v weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v deep_o consider_v and_o earnest_o think_v on_o and_o s._n john_n repeat_v the_o same_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o awake_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n continual_o for_o though_o they_o can_v fall_v into_o the_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n yet_o the_o slumber_n of_o security_n may_v overtake_v they_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a matth._n 25.5_o and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a church_n confess_v that_o she_o sleep_v though_o her_o heart_n wake_v cant._n 5.2_o second_o to_o confirm_v and_o hearten_v the_o church_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o affliction_n to_o come_v for_o herein_o be_v the_o common_a say_n true_a he_o that_o be_v forewarn_v be_v fore-armed_n now_o in_o these_o word_n the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v befall_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n whether_o affliction_n temptation_n death_n or_o the_o last_o judgement_n itself_o all_o will_v come_v short_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o life_n as_o to_o stay_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n so_o to_o move_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o evil_n the_o bad_a servant_n beat_v his_o fellow_n because_o he_o think_v his_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n matth._n 24.48.49_o the_o old_a world_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n never_o regard_v noah_n prophecy_n and_o so_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o matth._n 24.39_o we_o shall_v lay_v these_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o always_o think_v with_o paul_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o ●and_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n these_o eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v interchangeable_a one_o while_o peace_n and_o then_o trouble_v so_o as_o it_o be_v like_a this_o peaceable_a state_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v but_o we_o must_v be_v try_v and_o the_o time_n of_o ou●_n trial_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v befall_v the_o church_n will_v come_v short_o we_o must_v therefore_o prepare_v for_o trouble_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o less_o grievous_a vers._n 4._o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o wit_n the_o inscription_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o a_o dedication_n in_o these_o word_n john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n second_o a_o salutation_n in_o the_o next_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n in_o the_o dedication_n observe_v first_o the_o penman_n that_o dedicate_v this_o book_n second_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v for_o the_o first_o the_o penman_n be_v john_n who_o here_o again_o repeat_v his_o name_n to_o show_v and_o certify_v every_o reader_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o true_a penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v this_o revelation_n but_o though_o he_o repeat_v his_o name_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o add_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n or_o commendation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v never_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o cause_n to_o our_o own_o praise_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o god_n glory_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n maintain_v this_o paul_n practise_v who_o often_o humble_v himself_o and_o call_v himself_o the_o 15._o least_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n yet_o when_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o apostleship_n come_v into_o question_n than_o he_o set_v out_o himself_o show_v he_o be_v a_o true_a apostle_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o above_o those_o which_o do_v false_o call_v themselves_o so_o as_o we_o may_v find_v in_o both_o of_o his_o 11.5_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n second_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n concern_v they_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o write_v to_o church_n second_o to_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n for_o the_o first_o why_o write_v he_o to_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o church_n see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a catholic_a church_n ans._n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a &_o so_o it_o be_v but_o one_o second_o as_o the_o same_o be_v part_v into_o several_a branch_n and_o company_n one_o part_n be_v in_o one_o country_n and_o another_o part_n in_o some_o other_o wherein_o also_o every_o several_a congregation_n profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o church_n all_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v only_o one_o yet_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o take_v their_o name_n of_o the_o country_n whereto_o they_o adjoine_v be_v call_v so_o many_o particular_a sea_n as_o the_o english_a sea_n the_o spanish_a sea_n french_a italian_a scottish_a sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o particular_a church_n must_v john_n be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n now_o john_n choose_v rather_o to_o write_v to_o church_n than_o to_o particular_a man_n first_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v a_o prophetical_a history_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n second_o because_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o call_v not_o that_o her_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o word_n but_o first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n house_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n against_o the_o rage_n of_o god_n enemy_n second_o because_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o three_o because_o it_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinary_a ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v therein_o second_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n among_o all_o particular_a church_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o seven_o in_o asia_n no_o doubt_n for_o special_a cause_n first_o because_o they_o be_v then_o most_o famous_a church_n as_o the_o chapter_n follow_v and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v plain_o show_v second_o that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o long_o before_o have_v be_v foretell_v may_v be_v more_o evident_a for_o here_o the_o jew_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o gentile_n send_v unto_o last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o other_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n whereon_o al●_n other_o church_n shall_v depend_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v know_v of_o they_o why_o john_n pass_v by_o it_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o book_n which_o contain_v matter_n needful_a for_o all_o church_n to_o know_v grace_n be_v with_o
be_v the_o very_a first_o of_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o before_o he_o he_o have_v ●_o be_v when_o all_o creature_n be_v not_o then_o be_v he_o the_o same_o that_o he_o be_v now_o and_o for_o this_o say_v saint_n john_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 1._o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o have_v his_o be_v and_o subsist_v when_o all_o other_o creature_n want_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o be_v this_o prove_v the_o eternity_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v his_o be_v before_o any_o creature_n he_o be_v a_o substance_n and_o essence_n beget_v of_o the_o father_n before_o all_o world_n not_o create_v as_o other_o creature_n be_v or_o make_v of_o any_o other_o second_o he_o be_v call_v the_o beginning_n because_o he_o give_v a_o beginning_n to_o all_o creature_n for_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v create_v and_o have_v a_o be_v be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o have_v their_o be_v from_o he_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n be_v from_o he_o and_o for_o he_o colos._n 1.16_o and_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o go_v about_o any_o business_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n we_o must_v begin_v it_o with_o invocation_n on_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n he_o give_v the_o beginning_n and_o proceed_v to_o all_o thing_n and_o without_o his_o help_n we_o can_v have_v in_o any_o thing_n good_a success_n second_o the_o same_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o after_o he_o be_v nothing_o in_o subsist_v and_o be_v for_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o whereas_o some_o creature_n be_v eternal_a it_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o he_o and_o from_o he_o which_o be_v the_o end_n but_o though_o they_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o nothing_o yet_o christ_n will_v remain_v the_o same_o he_o be_v for_o ever_o namely_o the_o eternal_a son_n and_o word_n of_o the_o father_n this_o than_o shall_v make_v we_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n for_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o change_v and_o unless_o we_o have_v our_o stableness_n from_o he_o we_o can_v but_o come_v to_o a_o end_n second_o he_o be_v the_o end_n because_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v make_v to_o serve_v he_o for_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v coloss._n 1.16_o that_o be_v to_o serve_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o praise_n the_o second_o thing_n here_o say_v of_o christ_n be_v this_o which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v these_o word_n be_v expound_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n where_o the_o very_a same_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o father_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o presence_n a_o perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n or_o be_v subsist_v in_o by_z and_o from_o himself_o and_o such_o a_o substance_n he_o be_v in_o time_n past_a from_o all_o eternity_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v continue_v in_o time_n to_o come_v for_o evermore_o hence_o we_o learn_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o substance_n and_o nature_n with_o he_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o only_a substance_n or_o essence_n which_o have_v be_v in_o and_o by_o itself_o and_o from_o itself_o alone_o neither_o can_v we_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v two_o or_o more_o but_o only_o one_o as_o there_o can_v be_v two_o eternal_o or_o two_o infinits_z two_o omnipotents_a and_o absolute_a lord_n which_o have_v nothing_o one_o of_o another_o now_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v a_o substance_n of_o himself_o in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o alone_o and_o here_o the_o selfsame_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o the_o second_o person_n the_o son_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v of_o the_o very_a same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n yet_o they_o have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o substance_n one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o godhead_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n of_o himself_o because_o as_o the_o ●●ther_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o son_n i●_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n so_o that_o as_o the_o father_n be_v god_n of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o so_o the_o son_n be_v god_n of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o indeed_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n the_o second_o person_n so_o he_o be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o have_v his_o be_v from_o he_o by_o eternal_a generation_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n and_o coequal_a with_o he_o and_o have_v his_o essence_n of_o and_o in_o himself_o alone_o and_o 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of_o the_o preface_n of_o this_o book_n contain_v the_o title_n and_o inscription_n thereof_o now_o from_o this_o nine_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v contain_v one_o of_o those_o seven_o vision_n which_o be_v show_v unto_o john_n and_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n in_o this_o first_o vision_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v first_o the_o circumstance_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o verse_n the_o part_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n be_v four_o first_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v namely_o john_n the_o second_o the_o place_n where_o at_o pa●mos_n the_o three_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v propound_v it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o be_v 〈…〉_z the_o spirit_n the_o four_o the_o time_n when_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o first_o john_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o vision_n befall_v who_o do_v therefore_o name_n himself_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o the_o devil_n have_v he_o 1._o but_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v god_n give_v his_o vision_n not_o to_o all_o man_n but_o unto_o those_o which_o be_v most_o ●it_a for_o they_o such_o as_o be_v most_o holy_a man_n for_o life_n endue_v with_o exceed_a gift_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v wisdom_n constancy_n zeal_n piety_n and_o religion_n so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o deliver_v not_o they_o to_o all_o 〈…〉_z his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n man_n of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o exceed_a holiness_n &_o piety_n indeed_o the_o lord_n reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n by_o wicked_a man_n as_o by_o balaam_n and_o caypha●_n but_o they_o never_o know_v what_o those_o thing_n mean_v which_o be_v show_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v a_o 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far_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o esteem_v better_o of_o our_o brethren_n than_o of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v ourselves_o inferior_a to_o they_o second_o by_o this_o title_n we_o see_v he_o have_v his_o heart_n full_a of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n he_o love_v they_o as_o brethren_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n even_o our_o enemy_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o we_o but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n with_o we_o to_o these_o especial_o shall_v we_o show_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n so_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o christian_n roman_n he_o affection_a to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n rom._n 12.10_o and_o great_a reason_n for_o believer_n be_v link_v each_o to_o other_o with_o the_o near_a bond_n they_o have_v the_o same_o father_n which_o be_v god_n the_o same_o redeemer_n the_o same_o faith_n hope_n baptism_n and_o the_o same_o benefit_n by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o death_n and_o obedience_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o practise_v there_o be_v that_o call_v themselves_o brethren_n who_o as_o isaiah_n say_v hate_v they_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n 66.5_o and_o mock_v they_o even_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n whereby_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v if_o any_o seem_v to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o they_o be_v revile_v and_o hate_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o among_o all_o true_a christian_n shall_v be_v brotherly_a love_n the_o second_o title_n companion_n or_o copartner_n in_o three_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o patience_n of_o christ._n he_o call_v himself_o copartner_n with_o 〈◊〉_d in_o tribulation_n for_o two_o causus_fw-la first_o because_o at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v this_o vision_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n under_o that_o cruel_a tyrant_n dom●●ian_n about_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ●_n who_o banish_v he_o into_o 〈◊〉_d where_o he_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o therefore_o call_v himself_o a_o partner_n with_o they_o in_o affliction_n by_o which_o he_o show_v what_o be_v that_o state_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n namely_o to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o must_v not_o be_v companion_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n but_o copartner_n in_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n teach_v those_o which_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n these_o lesson_n first_o to_o deny_v themselves_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o because_o of_o this_o estate_n the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v call_v the_o militant_a church_n be_v in_o continual_a fight_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o this_o land_n have_v have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n for_o many_o year_n without_o persecution_n which_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o special_a blessing_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o for_o this_o end_n that_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o see_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v under_o affliction_n we_o be_v all_o in_o duty_n bind_v to_o wait_v continual_o when_o god_n will_v call_v we_o out_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n no_o man_n can_v define_v the_o time_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o trial_n but_o yet_o that_o it_o will_v come_v we_o must_v resolve_v because_o of_o the_o usual_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n send_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n whereby_o no_o doubt_n many_o sheaf_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o lord_n barn_n now_o after_o this_o long_o gather_v there_o will_v come_v a_o day_n of_o ●●●●ing_n the_o lord_n will_v take_v into_o his_o hand_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o affliction_n and_o put_v it_o into_o his_o corn_n and_o thereby_o try_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n it_o stand_v we_o therefore_o in_o hand_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o in_o this_o time_n of_o peac●_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v good_a corn_n in_o the_o lord_n sieve_n and_o not_o chaff_n which_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o unquenchable_a fire_n second_o he_o call_v himself_o their_o copartner_n in_o affliction_n because_o his_o pitiful_a heart_n be_v move_v with_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o all_o his_o fellow_n member_n when_o he_o remember_v their_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n under_o the_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n shall_v
be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o towards_o the_o poor_a afflict_a servant_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o be_v our_o fellow_n member_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v and_o show_v our_o compassion_n in_o pity_v they_o if_o the_o foot_n be_v prick_v the_o head_n stoop_v the_o eye_n behold_v and_o look_v on_o it_o the_o finger_n pull_v it_o out_o the_o hand_n apply_v the_o plaster_n the_o other_o foot_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v for_o help_v the_o tongue_n to_o ask_v for_o counsel_n &_o all_o the_o member_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n in_o pity_n and_o fellow-feeling_n so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v affliction_n be_v prick_v with_o persecution_n for_o christ_n cause_n then_o shall_v we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o help_n we_o can_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o show_v our_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v this_o copartner_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o observe_v that_o he_o place_v fellowship_n in_o affliction_n before_o companion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o through_o affliction_n &_o cross_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v that_o way_n which_o be_v beat_v and_o tread_v by_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 14.12_o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o this_o ●7_n momentary_a affliction_n cause_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a weight_n of_o glory_n not_o by_o deserve_v it_o but_o by_o show_v the_o plain_a way_n thither_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o think_v it_o hard_o when_o trial_n do_v befall_v we_o but_o rather_o to_o count_v it_o a_o good_a thing_n yea_o exceed_a great_a gladness_n when_o any_o affliction_n do_v befall_v we_o for_o christ_n sake_n for_o hereby_o we_o be_v bring_v like_o wander_a sheep_n into_o that_o beat_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n 1.2_o nay_o we_o must_v rather_o marvel_v when_o we_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v no_o affliction_n then_o we_o may_v 12.8_o fear_v we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n see_v the_o lord_n afflict_v every_o child_n which_o be_v he_o three_o he_o be_v copartner_n in_o patience_n which_o he_o add_v because_o it_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o persevere_v in_o affliction_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n affliction_n be_v the_o beat_a way_n heaven_n be_v our_o joyful_a end_n patience_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o go_v on_o till_o we_o come_v thither_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n &_o comfort_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15.4_o where_o true_a hope_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n be_v obtain_v by_o patience_n which_o make_v a_o believer_n to_o go_v on_o in_o suffer_v till_o he_o come_v to_o life_n eternal_a there_o be_v much_o fruit_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n 1●_n but_o not_o bring_v forth_o without_o patience_n &_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v save_v by_o hope_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n without_o patience_n ja._n 5._o for_o thereby_o he_o must_v possess_v his_o s●ule_n now_o because_o man_n will_v say_v patience_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n and_o so_o be_v discourage_v from_o seek_v for_o it_o therefore_o to_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o their_o desire_n he_o add_v it_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v so_o call_v either_o because_o he_o command_v it_o or_o because_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o chief_o because_o he_o himself_o suffer_v in_o his_o member_n and_o as_o their_o misery_n and_o suffering_n be_v he_o so_o be_v their_o patience_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o singular_a motive_n to_o induce_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n for_o they_o have_v christ_n their_o fellow_n sufferer_n he_o take_v part_n with_o they_o and_o put_v under_o his_o shoulder_n who_o will_v not_o then_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v with_o patience_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o branch_n of_o his_o fellowship_n several_o now_o consider_v they_o joint_o and_o they_o contain_v a_o notable_a description_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v a_o special_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n stand_v in_o three_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o patience_n and_o mark_v well_o that_o this_o communion_n begin_v in_o tribulation_n therein_o we_o must_v be_v partner_n and_o that_o with_o patience_n before_o we_o come_v to_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o man_n therefore_o that_o have_v affliction_n lay_v on_o he_o must_v bear_v they_o patient_o and_o when_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o the_o cross_n he_o must_v in_o tender_a compassion_n be_v touch_v with_o their_o misery_n and_o when_o he_o do_v true_o feel_v in_o his_o heart_n this_o christian_a patience_n and_o compassion_n then_o may_v he_o assure_v himself_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o this_o communion_n and_o shall_v undoubted_o with_o all_o saint_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o patience_n and_o compassion_n be_v want_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o in_o vain_a of_o this_o communion_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o strive_v against_o impatience_n and_o against_o the_o deadness_n and_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o murmur_v against_o god_n in_o our_o own_o affliction_n nor_o ye●_n want_v compassion_n towards_o our_o brethren_n that_o any_o where_fw-mi suffer_v affliction_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n call_v patmos_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o second_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o place_n where_o this_o vision_n 〈◊〉_d give_v to_o john_n this_o patmos_n be_v one_o of_o those_o island_n which_o the_o geographer●_n call_v sporades_n lie_v in_o the_o west_n part_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o less_o near_o to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o john_n write_v and_o by_o the_o sea_n common_o call_v the_o eg●●n_a sea_n this_o island_n be_v a_o small_a base_a and_o poor_a island_n little_a or_o never_o a_o whit_n inhabit_v saint_n john_n have_v his_o vision_n not_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o antioch_n or_o rome_n but_o in_o patmos_n a_o base_a poor_a and_o little_o inhabit_v island_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o one_o place_n above_o another_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o he_o do_v as_o well_o manifest_v himself_o to_o john_n by_o this_o vision_n in_o patmos_n as_o to_o other_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o holy_a city_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v difference_n of_o place_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o presence_n as_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o presence_n and_o tie_v his_o worship_n especial_o to_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o daniel_n show_v by_o his_o gesture_n in_o prayer_n 6._o for_o be_v in_o captivity_n when_o he_o pray_v in_o his_o chamber_n he_o open_v the_o window_n which_o be_v towards_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o turn_v his_o face_n thitherward_o but_o now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o difference_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o paul_n will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o 2.8_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n unto_o god_n and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v think_v the_o like_a i._o then_o away_o with_o popish_a pilgrimage_n to_o church_n and_o chapel_n of_o saint_n use_n or_o to_o their_o relic_n this_o be_v mere_a superstition_n for_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o a_o man_n that_o will_v worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o one_o place_n as_o well_o as_o another_o ii_o also_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o correct_v a_o false_a conceit_n which_o many_o have_v of_o our_o church_n and_o chapel_n for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o dwell_a house_n they_o think_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n there_o to_o humble_v themselves_o to_o kneel_v down_o and_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o if_o they_o come_v into_o a_o church_n or_o chapel_n never_o so_o often_o upon_o ordinary_a affair_n they_o fall_v down_o to_o prayer_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o think_v these_o place_n be_v more_o holy_a and_o god_n more_o present_a there_o and_o they_o shall_v soon_o be_v hear_v in_o they_o than_o in_o
golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o i_o hear_v this_o sudden_a and_o mighty_a voice_n i_o turn_v myself_o to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o utter_v the_o same_o in_o this_o behaviour_n of_o john_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o word_n as_o john_n dispose_v himself_o towards_o christ_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o vision_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o voice_n speak_v john_n hearken_v and_o because_o the_o sound_n thereof_o come_v behind_o he_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o utter_v it_o even_o so_o must_v we_o do_v we_o be_v by_o nature_n stranger_n with_o god_n slow_a to_o hear_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o ready_a to_o turn_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n when_o we_o hear_v therefore_o when_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n we_o must_v hearken_v and_o though_o we_o be_v go_v another_o way_n yet_o we_o must_v turn_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o his_o voice_n that_o we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o saint_n john_n have_v not_o see_v this_o marvelous_a vision_n unless_o he_o have_v turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v he_o that_o speak_v no_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n unless_o we_o turn_v our_o heart_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o that_o betimes_o while_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n viz._n the_o entrance_n thereunto_o the_o second_o part_n it_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o vision_n contain_v a_o most_o worthy_a representation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o a_o description_n of_o christ_n continue_v from_o this_o twelve_o verse_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n wherein_o john_n show_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o christ_n partly_o by_o hear_v and_o partly_o by_o see_v and_o first_o he_o begin_v his_o description_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o see_v he_o represent_v in_o vision_n and_o so_o describe_v he_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o place_n where_o he_o see_v he_o second_o by_o his_o form_n and_o figure_n wherein_o he_o appear_v i._o for_o the_o place_n john_n see_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n these_o seven_o candlestick_n here_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o candlestick_n as_o christ_n expound_v himself_o vers_fw-la 20._o now_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v candlestick_n for_o that_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o they_o for_o as_o the_o candlestick_n serve_v to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n that_o be_v set_v therein_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n they_o bear_v up_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o whole_a world_n partly_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v first_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o call_v candlestick_n than_o candle_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o or_o from_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v god_n instrument_n to_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a true_a lamp_n and_o candle_n that_o give_v light_a to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n second_o hence_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n must_v learn_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v a_o shine_a and_o burn_a candle_n indeed_o this_o principal_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n john_n 5._o vers_fw-la 35._o but_o yet_o it_o must_v also_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o member_n thereof_o as_o saint_n paul_n command_v 16._o shine_v say_v he_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o naughty_a and_o crooked_a nation_n hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n quest._n how_o shall_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n become_v a_o burn_a light_n answ._n first_o he_o must_v have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o then_o as_o a_o candlestick_n hold_v out_o and_o send_v forth_o the_o bea●es_n thereof_o to_o other_o partly_o by_o teach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n and_o partly_o by_o example_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n thus_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o it_o be_v god_n commandment_n shine_v as_o light_n say_v s._n paul_n in_o the_o world_n philip_n 2.15_o and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n ephes._n 5.8_o second_o consider_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o which_o be_v wonderful_a great_a for_o by_o godly_a instruction_n in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o answerable_a obedience_n in_o our_o life_n we_o win_v many_o to_o the_o lord_n show_v forth_o such_o light_n whereby_o other_o may_v walk_v in_o this_o dark_a world_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a light_n in_o the_o winter_n season_n man_n think_v they_o do_v other_o great_a pleasure_n if_o in_o the_o night_n they_o hang_v forth_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v passenger_n a_o little_a way_n in_o a_o earthly_a walk_n what_o a_o bless_a thing_n then_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v guide_v a_o sinful_a wicked_a wretch_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n live_v in_o god_n church_n like_o candle_n put_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n hence_o come_v great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o other_o with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o they_o lead_v other_o that_o depend_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n especial_o they_o who_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o conscience_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o good_a example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n for_o as_o in_o a_o haven_n town_n if_o any_o man_n in_o the_o night_n time_n do_v remove_v the_o sea-mark_a which_o guide_v the_o ship_n in_o the_o right_a channel_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v cast_v away_o all_o the_o ship_n that_o be_v come_v near_o the_o shore_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o run_v on_o rock_n and_o sand_n even_o so_o they_o that_o shall_v give_v light_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o false_a light_n to_o such_o as_o depend_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v sail_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n hereby_o they_o lead_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a haven_n and_o instead_o of_o heaven_n bring_v their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n which_o must_v terrify_v we_o from_o ignorance_n and_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v we_o labour_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o this_o world_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o godly_a conversation_n three_o reason_n consider_v the_o fearful_a judgment_n of_o god_n against_o such_o as_o live_v in_o his_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o yet_o give_v no_o light_n they_o do_v incur_v the_o fearful_a wrath_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o temple_n the_o keep_n of_o the_o lamp_n and_o light_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n and_o other_o instrument_n to_o trim_v the_o same_o which_o notable_o figure_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n who_o look_v to_o every_o light_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v to_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o shine_v as_o a_o lamp_n and_o when_o they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o dark_a he_o have_v his_o snuffer_n to_o trim_v they_o and_o make_v they_o give_v a_o better_a light_n both_o by_o godly_a life_n and_o good_a instruction_n but_o when_o he_o have_v snuff_v they_o again_o and_o again_o if_o still_o they_o burn_v dark_a and_o dim_a and_o give_v either_o no_o light_n or_o else_o a_o false_a light_n
yet_o so_o long_o as_o christ_n be_v present_a their_o commission_n must_v cease_v and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a pride_n and_o great_a for_o any_o to_o presume_v to_o be_v head_n of_o all_o church_n in_o christ_n presence_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o sit_v vicegerent_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o prince_n second_o see_v christ_n be_v always_o present_a with_o his_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o before_o god_n as_o enoch_n do_v genes_n 5.22_o which_o duty_n stand_v in_o these_o point_n first_o whatsoever_o we_o say_v or_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v do_v it_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ._n second_o we_o must_v continual_o depend_v upon_o christ_n providence_n who_o be_v ever_o present_a with_o his_o church_n provide_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n thereof_o three_o we_o must_v do_v all_o our_o action_n as_o look_v for_o approbation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o end_n we_o must_v take_v direction_n for_o the_o same_o out_o of_o his_o word_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v most_o excellent_a for_o by_o walk_v with_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o many_o good_a duty_n as_o namely_o live_v unblamable_o in_o this_o wicked_a world_n make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o approve_v ourselves_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o hart_n and_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o place_n where_o john_n see_v christ._n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v christ_n be_v his_o figure_n or_o form_n in_o these_o word_n one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n some_o think_v that_o these_o word_n be_v a_o description_n of_o some_o angel_n not_o of_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n not_o the_o son_n of_o man_n himself_o but_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o he_o which_o be_v here_o describe_v be_v before_o call_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a which_o can_v agree_v to_o any_o but_o to_o christ._n now_o the_o word_n may_v more_o significant_o be_v translate_v thus_o one_o like_a to_o a_o son_n of_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v translate_v that_o son_n of_o man_n than_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o resemblance_n for_o so_o he_o be_v call_v act._n 7.56_o but_o here_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v like_a to_o a_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o here_o call_v a_o man_n but_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n because_o he_o appear_v unto_o john_n not_o in_o his_o true_a manhood_n which_o be_v then_o in_o heaven_n but_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o manhood_n and_o note_v this_o that_o as_o christ_n here_o appear_v to_o john_n in_o this_o vision_n so_o do_v he_o always_o appear_v after_o his_o ascension_n steven_n indeed_o see_v his_o true_a manhood_n act._n 7._o but_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o paul_n hear_v his_o voice_n when_o he_o be_v convert_v acts._n 9.5_o and_o see_v the_o lord_n 1._o cor._n 9.1_o but_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o chrst_n appear_v unto_o he_o in_o his_o true_a manhood_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o all_o these_o vision_n john_n see_v not_o his_o true_a manhood_n but_o a_o resemblance_n thereof_o now_o christ_n appear_v thus_o for_o special_a consideration_n for_o man_n be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o his_o bodily_a presence_n this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o disciple_n therefore_o christ_n will_v hereby_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o seek_v for_o his_o bodily_a presence_n but_o rather_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o seek_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o say_v to_o marie_n after_o his_o resurrection_n touch_v i_o not_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20.17_o this_o paul_n have_v learn_v though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n say_v he_o after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o 2._o cor._n 5.15_o now_o if_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n never_o appear_v in_o his_o true_a manhood_n i●_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v needless_a for_o if_o god_n church_n have_v spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a again_o whereas_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o shape_n and_o form_n of_o man_n after_o his_o ascension_n the_o papist_n gather_v that_o we_o may_v make_v image_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o answerable_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o form_n wherein_o they_o appear_v as_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o 2._o dove_n and_o 9_o of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o old_a man_n ans._n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v or_o to_o have_v a_o image_n of_o christ_n manhood_n so_o that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o religious_a use_n though_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o any_o now_o have_v a_o true_a picture_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o be_v to_o represent_v whole_a christ_n god_n and_o man_n or_o be_v use_v to_o remember_v christ_n thereby_o or_o to_o worship_n christ_n therein_o it_o be_v a_o idol_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o old_a man_n or_o of_o a_o dove_n they_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n when_o it_o be_v paint_v or_o picture_v but_o then_o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o these_o form_n be_v no_o image_n of_o the_o father_n son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_a representation_n of_o such_o visible_a appearance_n as_o sometime_o be_v sign_n and_o pledge_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o person_n but_o now_o to_o abstract_n those_o form_n apart_o from_o the_o history_n and_o to_o make_v they_o image_n of_o any_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v flat_a against_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o do_v general_o forbid_v all_o image_n of_o god_n not_o except_v those_o very_a shape_n in_o which_o himself_o take_v liberty_n to_o testify_v his_o presence_n for_o some_o time_n and_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o god_n commandment_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o seek_v shift_n &_o excuse_n for_o a_o thing_n forbid_v deo_fw-la special_o consider_v we_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o god_n beyond_o our_o commission_n from_o god_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o his_o foot_n here_o christ_n be_v further_o describe_v by_o his_o attire_n the_o first_o part_n whereof_o be_v a_o long_a garment_n reach_v to_o his_o foot_n the_o cause_n why_o he_o so_o appear_v may_v be_v these_o first_o to_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o continue_v do_v the_o office_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n for_o his_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o present_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o one_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o make_v intercession_n to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o they_o for_o the_o long_a garment_n be_v one_o of_o those_o wherewith_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v clothe_v in_o his_o ministration_n under_o the_o law_n second_o to_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o long_a garment_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o among_o the_o heathen_a have_v be_v always_o a_o note_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v call_v isa._n 9.6_o three_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o breast_n the_o 2.3_o treasure_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o 11.2_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n for_o this_o long_a robe_n always_o pertain_v to_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v describe_v isaiah_n 11.2_o now_o in_o this_o example_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o duty_n touch_v our_o attire_n namely_o that_o the_o outward_a garment_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o to_o our_o wisdom_n knowledge_n fear_v of_o god_n name_n to_o our_o sobriety_n modesty_n temperance_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n whatsoever_o we_o must_v not_o only_o in_o speech_n and_o action_n as_o in_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v burn_a light_n but_o even_o by_o the_o gesture_n and_o attire_n of_o our_o body_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n show_v forth_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o heart_n but_o miserable_a be_v these_o time_n wherein_o man_n attire_n be_v suitable_a not_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o the_o common_a corruption_n of_o the_o time_n for_o such_o it_o be_v
be_v a_o inducement_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o gift_n fit_a for_o this_o call_n to_o affect_v the_o same_o last_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o call_n and_o holy_a in_o his_o conversation_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n he_o be_v place_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n now_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v long_o bear_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n any_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a or_o profane_v nay_o he_o will_v take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n and_o there_o grind_v they_o to_o powder_n for_o as_o they_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o by_o their_o place_n so_o shall_v their_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a unless_o they_o be_v faithful_a this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n levit._n 10.1_o and_o hoph●●●_n and_o phineas_n 1._o sam._n 3.13_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n ought_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o their_o way_n for_o by_o their_o call_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ._n now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a and_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n he_o will_v sure_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o unfaithful_a minister_n put_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n of_o brass_n &_o confound_v they_o for_o ever_o they_o must_v therefore_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o become_v not_o hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o his_o will_n so_o shall_v christ_n protect_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o save_v they_o eternal_o and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n this_o sword_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_v and_o propound_v in_o the_o write_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n heb._n 4.12_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lively_a mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o it_o be_v thereto_o compare_v because_o as_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n enter_v sharp_o into_o the_o flesh_n and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o bone_n even_o to_o the_o very_a marrow_n so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n enter_v sharp_o and_o pierce_v deep_o into_o the_o very_a marrow_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n to_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o twofold_a operation_n one_o upon_o the_o wicked_a another_o in_o the_o elect_a it_o wound_v the_o wicked_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n with_o a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n isay._n 11.4_o christ_n shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o lip_n that_o be_v with_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n herewith_o shall_v he_o consume_v antichrist_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o visit_v leviathan_n and_o slay_v the_o dragon_n that_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n isay._n 27._o vers_fw-la 1._o here_o consider_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v kill_v a_o impenitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a death_n first_o in_o this_o life_n where_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n receive_v his_o deadly_a wound_n the_o second_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n when_o the_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o the_o soul_n go_v to_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a the_o three_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o go_v to_o hell_n eternal_o now_o a_o sinner_n receive_v in_o this_o life_n his_o deadly_a wound_n after_o this_o manner_n christ_n in_o the_o give_v thereof_o have_v a_o threefold_a work_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o two_o edge_a sword_n first_o hereby_o he_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o sin_n as_o hypocrisy_n pride_n and_o rebellion_n of_o heart_n with_o all_o other_o his_o horrible_a and_o damnable_a transgression_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n 1._o cor._n 14.24.25_o when_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v reprove_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o word_n judge_v he_o and_o thereby_o lie_v open_a unto_o he_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n second_o christ_n hereby_o reve●leth_v unto_o he_o his_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n due_a unto_o he_o in_o which_o regard_n the_o law_n be_v call_v 3.6_o a_o kill_a letter_n show_v no_o mercy_n but_o only_o thunder_v out_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o transgressor_n three_o hereby_o christ_n awake_v his_o guilty_a conscience_n sharpen_v the_o sting_n thereof_o and_o terrify_v he_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n thus_o wicked_a felix_n tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n preach_v 24.25_o of_o temperance_n righteousness_n and_o the_o ●udgement_n to_o come_v so_o when_o king_n 4.6_o belshazzer_n see_v the_o palm_n of_o the_o hand_n writing_n thing_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o ●all_n his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o his_o joint_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n stand_v one_o against_o another_o and_o all_o these_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o wicked_a without_o apprehension_n of_o mercy_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o recover_v one_o that_o ●s_v 〈◊〉_d wound_v but_o while_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d this_o estate_n he_o have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o without_o unfamed_a repentance_n be_v already_o in_o th●_n first_o step_n towards_o eternal_a death_n for_o these_o horror_n o●_n conscience_n sever_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v no_o grace_n but_o the_o flash_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a woe_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o christ_n by_o this_o sword_n wound_v his_o enemy_n hence_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v sundry_a duty_n first_o how_o to_o earn_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o will_v rage_v and_o storm_n against_o it_o and_o the_o preacher_n thereof_o because_o it_o touch_v they_o we_o must_v not_o despise_v or_o malign_v they_o but_o rather_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n towards_o they_o for_o this_o their_o behaviour_n be_v a_o token_n they_o be_v wound_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o these_o their_o raging_n be_v nothing_o but_o struggle_n before_o death_n eternal_a unless_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n recover_v they_o of_o this_o deadly_a wound_n ii_o hereby_o we_o be_v let_v to_o see_v and_o know_v the_o lamentable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a number_n in_o those_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v for_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n that_o in_o those_o place●_n few_o come_v to_o true_a knowledge_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o most_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a now_o this_o their_o condition_n be_v most_o fearful_a a_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o man_n have_v long_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o thereby_o better_v for_o knowledge_n in_o mind_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n they_o be_v thereby_o wound_v unto_o death_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n have_v always_o his_o work_n it_o either_o cure_v unto_o life_n by_o work_a repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o salvation_n or_o wound_v unto_o death_n they_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o we_o must_v therefore_o lament_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n as_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o dead_a man_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v how_o soever_o they_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n by_o their_o ●●ill_a honesty_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o a_o field_n and_o there_o behold_v many_o thousand_o slaughter_a and_o 〈◊〉_d ou●_n blo●d_v some_o in_o the_o ●ead_a some_o in_o the_o side_n etc._n etc._n this_o sight_n will_v make_v his_o heart_n to_o bleed_v well_o this_o 〈…〉_z god_n be_v church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o see_v with_o bodily_a eye_n the_o most_o man_n be_v wound_v with_o this_o sword_n of_o god_n word_n and_o lie_v 〈◊〉_d wallow_v in_o the_o blo●d_n of_o their_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d they_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n in_o security_n and_o want_n of_o repentance_n iii_o this_o m●st_v admonish_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v earnest_o to_o have_v further_a thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o than_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n o●_n horror_n of_o conscience_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o sound_a reformation_n of_o life_n for_o without_o this_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o
reverence_n as_o from_o the_o lord_n last_o in_o this_o exceed_a fear_n of_o john_n who_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o very_a godly_a and_o righteous_a man_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v will_v be_v astonish_v even_o to_o death_n with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n and_o if_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o holy_a can_v stand_v before_o god_n presence_n much_o less_o can_v the_o most_o righteous_a work_n of_o any_o man_n endure_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o judgement_n if_o his_o person_n can_v abide_v his_o presence_n his_o work_n will_v never_o bear_v his_o judgement_n for_o the_o person_n must_v first_o be_v approve_v before_o the_o work_n be_v accept_v therefore_o damnable_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o teach_v that_o such_o as_o in_o themselves_o be_v sinful_a man_n must_v stand_v before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n bring_v with_o they_o work_v of_o grace_n as_o mean_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o part_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o desperation_n for_o how_o can_v our_o work_n be_v perfect_o holy_a see_v our_o person_n be_v but_o sanctify_v here_o in_o part_n and_o who_o can_v think_v that_o the_o infinite_a justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o man_n ii_o point_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o fear_n in_o his_o body_n he_o fall_v down_o as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n this_o be_v no_o small_a fear_n but_o exceed_v great_a astonish_v his_o sense_n and_o lay_v he_o down_o as_o dead_a physician_n say_v and_o that_o true_o the_o mind_n follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n but_o hence_o we_o may_v as_o true_o say_v that_o the_o body_n follow_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v work_v upon_o the_o body_n like_v unto_o strong_a disease_n johns_n fear_n cast_v his_o body_n into_o a_o sound_n and_o so_o horror_n of_o conscience_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v cold_a will_v make_v the_o body_n hot_a and_o the_o entrails_n to_o roll_n in_o the_o body_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o anger_n 1._o reg._n 21.4_o when_o ahab_n can_v not_o obtain_v nabals_n vineyard_n he_o lay_v he_o down_o on_o his_o bed_n in_o displeasure_n and_o be_v almost_o dead_a even_o so_o will_v other_o affection_n work_v upon_o the_o body_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v disease_v must_v not_o always_o be_v cure_v by_o bare_a physic_n but_o sometime_o by_o cure_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o order_n of_o the_o affection_n for_o when_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o body_n arise_v from_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o mind_n then_o till_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o compose_v and_o settle_v physic_n will_v little_o avail_v iii_o point_n the_o kind_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v insinuate_v in_o these_o word_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o be_v a_o religious_a reverend_a fear_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o christ_n for_o this_o kind_n of_o prostrate_v the_o body_n betoken_v humility_n and_o argue_v a_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o the_o thing_n fear_v hence_o we_o be_v teach_v when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v prostrate_v ourselves_o as_o john_n do_v and_o look_v that_o we_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o religious_a fear_n of_o his_o majesty_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o christ_n be_v now_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v now_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n as_o john_n do_v i_o answer_v though_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n yet_o have_v he_o his_o foot_n upon_o earth_n at_o which_o we_o must_v fall_v down_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o mercy-seat_n be_v the_o pledge_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v god_n footstool_n psal._n 99.5_o before_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o fall_v down_o well_o though_o the_o mercy-seat_n be_v now_o take_v away_o yet_o some_o thing_n be_v instead_o thereof_o for_o wheresoever_o god_n people_n assemble_v themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n there_o be_v his_o footstool_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n we_o must_v cast_v down_o ourselves_o before_o christ_n jesus_n and_o do_v all_o duty_n unto_o he_o with_o all_o fear_n awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o majesty_n this_o fear_n of_o john_n though_o it_o be_v holy_a yet_o be_v it_o taint_v with_o some_o sin_n and_o corruption_n for_o it_o be_v a_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n which_o make_v he_o thus_o astonish_v and_o affright_v whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a affection_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o perfect_o holy_a but_o mix_v with_o imperfection_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sanctification_n which_o be_v always_o in_o part_n in_o this_o life_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n have_v in_o he_o a_o filial_a fear_n of_o god_n alone_o but_o some_o servile_a fear_n whereby_o we_o fear_v god_n for_o his_o judgement_n be_v mix_v therewith_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o johns_n fear_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o confirmation_n now_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o confirmation_n in_o these_o word_n then_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v fear_v not_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o i_o be_o alive_a but_o i_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o i_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n here_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n use_v these_o mean_n for_o johns_n confirmation_n second_o the_o mean_n themselves_o the_o time_n be_v note_v in_o this_o word_n then_o that_o be_v after_o his_o presence_n have_v strike_v a_o fear_n in_o my_o heart_n which_o make_v i_o as_o dead_a then_o the_o lord_n use_v mean_n to_o comfort_v i_o the_o mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o confirmation_n be_v then_o use_v when_o the_o party_n be_v humble_v and_o thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o all_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o salvation_n first_o he_o bruise_v their_o stony_a heart_n and_o wound_v their_o sinful_a soul_n before_o he_o pour_v in_o the_o oil_n of_o grace_n first_o a_o man_n must_v be_v a_o lose_a sheep_n and_o then_o christ_n find_v he_o and_o lay_v he_o on_o his_o shoulder_n and_o bring_v he_o home_o and_o indeed_o they_o that_o will_v feel_v sound_a comfort_n by_o christ_n must_v first_o be_v humble_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n reap_v so_o little_a comfort_n either_o by_o the_o word_n or_o sacrament_n be_v the_o want_n of_o true_a humiliation_n before_o they_o come_v whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v fit_v for_o grace_n and_o consolation_n ii_o point_n the_o mean_v use_v by_o christ_n to_o confirm_v john_n and_o they_o be_v two_o first_o a_o sensible_a sign_n he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o second_o comfortable_a word_n fear_v not_o here_o first_o observe_v in_o general_a christ_n gracious_a deal_n with_o john_n he_o use_v not_o one_o mean_n apart_o but_o in_o great_a mercy_n that_o he_o may_v thorough_o confirm_v john_n he_o give_v he_o both_o a_o sign_n and_o word_n and_o so_o he_o have_v always_o deal_v with_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o call_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o deliverer_n of_o his_o people_n first_o he_o give_v he_o his_o word_n say_v i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o a_o sign_n say_v upon_o this_o mountain_n shall_v you_o serve_v god_n ex●d_n 3.12_o so_o when_o he_o will_v confirm_v the_o heart_n of_o 7._o ahaz_n against_o his_o enemy_n he_o first_o give_v he_o a_o promise_n of_o deliverance_n verse_n 7._o then_o bid_v he_o ask_v a_o sign_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n christ_n in_o the_o publish_n of_o his_o gospel_n add_v sign_n and_o miracle_n unto_o his_o word_n that_o the_o truth_n thereof_o may_v be_v full_o confirm_v and_o so_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n beside_o his_o merciful_a promise_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o fidelity_n he_o give_v we_o further_o sign_n and_o seal_n to_o support_v our_o weakness_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o even_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o teach_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v a_o special_a care_n over_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o he_o do_v so_o condescend_v and_o abase_v himself_o unto_o their_o weakness_n add_v unto_o his_o word_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o by_o both_o he_o may_v more_o evident_o give_v that_o assurance_n which_o by_o one_o alone_a our_o weakness_n will_v not_o so_o well_o conceive_v again_o in_o this_o mean_n of_o confirmation_n note_v the_o order_n which_o christ_n use_v
seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o to_o send_v unto_o they_o seven_o letter_n or_o epistle_n the_o first_o of_o which_o commandment_n be_v express_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o first_o verse_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v then_o after_o follow_v the_o epistle_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o etc._n etc._n continue_v to_o the_o eight_o verse_n first_o for_o the_o commandment_n the_o party_n to_o who_o john_n must_v write_v be_v the_o angel_n which_o word_n may_v be_v expound_v two_o way_n either_o to_o signify_v the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o it_o be_v common_o take_v of_o the_o most_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v token_n the_o company_n of_o the_o minister_n teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o therein_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o appear_v act._n 20.28_o where_o paul_n call_v together_o the_o bishop_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v and_o give_v they_o charge_n over_o their_o particular_a flock_n now_o in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o one_o person_n take_v collective_o oftentimes_o signify_v the_o whole_a multitude_n as_o exod._n 4.22_o israel_n be_v my_o son_n even_o my_o first_o bear_v where_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o one_o man_n and_o so_o though_o antichrist_n be_v not_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o a_o state_n and_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o pope_n yet_o be_v that_o whole_a estate_n note_v by_o the_o special_a name_n of_o one_o man●_n as_o that_o 2._o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o word_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v and_o whether_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o one_o man_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o elder_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a in_o this_o particular_a commandment_n note_v two_o point_n first_o that_o christ_n his_o intent_n be_v to_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o appear_z chap._n 1.11_o where_o john_n be_v command_v to_o write_v in_o a_o boohe_o and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n as_o also_o by_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n where_o it_o be_v say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n ●_o and_o yet_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o particular_o to_o the_o angel_n or_o pastor_n thereof_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o intimate_v unto_o this_o minister_n his_o duty_n which_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o teach_v the_o content_n of_o this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o in_o become_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o they_o all_o of_o do_v the_o thing_n therein_o require_v second_o because_o either_o much_o good_a or_o much_o evil_n come_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o minister_n thereof_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n if_o he_o be_v faithful_a he_o bring_v great_a good_a to_o the_o church_n if_o unfaithful_a exceed_v great_a hurt_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o example_n in_o all_o age_n now_o christ_n write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o much_o good_a unto_o they_o all_o by_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n require_v in_o this_o epistle_n ii_o point_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n christ_n write_v first_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n not_o for_o that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o rest_n for_o they_o be_v all_o candlestick_n and_o all_o of_o gold_n but_o because_o ephesus_n be_v the_o mother_n city_n far_o exceed_v the_o rest_n in_o riches_n and_o estimation_n whereby_o christ_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o will_n be_v that_o those_o people_n town_n and_o city_n which_o excel_v other_o in_o estimation_n and_o wealth_n shall_v also_o go_v before_o they_o in_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o answerable_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o particular_a person_n they_o which_o excel_v other_o for_o outward_a reputation_n and_o temporal_a blessing_n aught_o to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o godliness_n and_o religion_n those_o which_o shall_v fail_v herein_o and_o suffer_v other_o that_o be_v far_o their_o inferior_n for_o outward_a thing_n to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n shall_v find_v it_o true_a to_o their_o shame_n before_o man_n but_o especial_o at_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o commandment_n now_o follow_v the_o example_n itself_o which_o contain_v three_o part_n as_o all_o ordinary_a epistle_n do_v a_o pereface_n a_o proposition_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o proposition_n and_o conclusion_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v the_o preface_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n verse_n 16._o and_o 13._o where_o also_o it_o be_v handle_v the_o intent_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v to_o draw_v this_o church_n to_o a_o reverend_a adoration_n of_o his_o person_n and_o to_o cause_v in_o they_o a_o great_a care_n to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v his_o admonition_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o twofold_a action_n which_o he_o avouch_v of_o himself_o to_o wit_n his_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o walk_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n by_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v signify_v his_o power_n in_o protect_v and_o govern_v his_o minister_n and_o by_o the_o second_o be_v note_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n guide_v and_o bless_v his_o minister_n with_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o be_v he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o protect_v and_o govern_v that_o be_o present_a also_o to_o bless_v and_o direct_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n then_o my_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v in_o this_o preface_n note_v two_o special_a point_n first_o that_o christ_n here_o again_o repeat_v that_o which_o be_v before_o deliver_v touch_v his_o presence_n in_o his_o church_n and_o his_o mighty_a power_n and_o providence_n over_o the_o same_o in_o protect_v guide_a and_o blessing_n both_o minister_v and_o people_n by_o which_o reputation_n he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o specall_a weight_n and_o moment_n of_o this_o point_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n and_o indeed_o till_o we_o be_v persuade_v thereof_o we_o shall_v never_o learn_v religion_n sound_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v this_o to_o take_v the_o true_a god_n for_o our_o god_n and_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o redeemer_n and_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o swim_a notion_n hereof_o in_o the_o brain_n but_o in_o the_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o never_o have_v till_o we_o be_v resolve_v both_o of_o christ_n presence_n with_o we_o and_o of_o his_o providence_n over_o we_o for_o our_o blessing_n and_o defence_n ii_o point_n in_o this_o preface_n also_o note_n that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o christ_n presence_n and_o special_a providence_n in_o his_o church_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o draw_v we_o on_o to_o all_o good_a duty_n for_o thereby_o christ_n will_v persuade_v both_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o ephesus_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v this_o his_o epistle_n and_o no_o doubt_n he_o that_o be_v indeed_o persuade_v hereof_o can_v but_o be_v move_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n as_o do_v enoch_n abraham_n and_o all_o the_o godly_a patriarch_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o preface_n verse_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o forbear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n the_o proposition_n contain_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n this_o proposition_n have_v two_o point_n first_o a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n second_o a_o rebuke_n and_o reprehension_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o commen●ation_n be_v first_o general_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n then_o more_o particular_a for_o special_a duty_n &_o action_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o thy_o labour_n and_o patience_n etc._n etc._n
he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n do_v hinder_v he_o he_o seek_v the_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o minister_n not_o only_o by_o stir_v up_o persecution_n but_o by_o keepinh_v his_o people_n from_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o every_o minister_n have_v need_v to_o take_v pain_n with_o patience_n in_o his_o call_n and_o as_o christ_n join_v together_o labour_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o shall_v every_o christian_n after_o this_o direction_n join_v patience_n with_o his_o pain_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n for_o look_v what_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o place_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o every_o child_n of_o god_n in_o he_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a call_n and_o therein_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n then_o consider_v the_o cross_n do_v accompany_v godly_a diligence_n they_o must_v labour_v to_o join_v patience_n with_o their_o diligence_n for_o their_o continuance_n in_o welldoing_a even_o under_o the_o cross_n and_o for_o attain_v of_o this_o patience_n they_o must_v set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o protection_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v dismay_v by_o any_o affliction_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v thus_o walk_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a place_n painful_o and_o with_o patience_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o commendation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a reward_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o their_o reward_n but_o on_o contrary_a if_o we_o walk_v in_o our_o calling_n negligent_o or_o else_o forsake_v they_o because_o of_o affliction_n or_o be_v impatient_a in_o our_o labour_n we_o shall_v loose_v our_o reward_n and_o undergo_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o outward_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v us._n the_o three_o special_a work_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n be_v severity_n show_v against_o wicked_a man_n in_o these_o word_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o evil_a man_n he_o mean_v such_o as_o live_v offensive_o and_o maintain_v manifest_a error_n and_o heresy_n these_o she_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o judge_v they_o as_o burden_n and_o therefore_o seek_v to_o disburden_v herself_o of_o they_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v purge_v of_o evil_a man_n use_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v put_v in_o practice_v this_o work_n so_o soon_o as_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n 4.14_o god_n cast_v he_o out_o from_o his_o face_n as_o appear_z by_o his_o own_o complaint_n to_o wit_n from_o that_o particular_a place_n where_o adam_n and_o his_o family_n worship_v god_n when_o false_a prophet_n and_o idolater_n do_v arise_v among_o the_o israelit_n the_o lord_n command_v 8._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v kill_v and_o take_v from_o among_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o jeremie_n 15.19_o if_o thou_o turn_v and_o repent_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a thou_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o my_o word_n 1._o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o paul_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n the_o church_n purge_v of_o that_o old_a leaven_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n put_v from_o among_o they_o verse_n 13._o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o testimony_n some_o reason_n may_v be_v add_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o separation_n first_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v be_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v but_o evil_a man_n defile_v god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n second_o lest_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o the_o infection_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o leaven_n sour_v the_o whole_a lump_n so_o will_v evil_a man_n defile_v the_o whole_a church_n three_o they_o be_v burden_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o every_o burden_n this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v a_o common_a fault_n in_o the_o most_o congregation_n among_o we_o wherein_o all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o unto_o the_o lord_n table_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o restraint_n as_o though_o every_o man_n be_v a_o good_a &_o sound_a christian_n whereas_o experience_n show_v that_o many_o be_v ignorant_a many_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o sabbath_n breaker_n drunkard_n and_o blasphemer_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v bar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n sever_v from_o the_o church_n as_o burden_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n a_o power_n judicial_a to_o suspend_v evil_a man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v commend_v this_o minister_n with_o his_o church_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n the_o reason_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o no_o force_n i._o say_v they_o the_o parable_n matth._n 13.30_o allow_v the_o grow_v together_o of_o tare_n and_o wheat_n till_o harvest_n and_o therefore_o evil_a man_n must_v be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o separation_n answ._n in_o that_o parable_n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a purge_n of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a purge_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o the_o field_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o m●n_z but_o angel_n that_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n again_o they_o allege_v luk_n 14.23_o compel_v they_o in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o come_v into_o the_o supper_n here_o say_v they_o all_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o but_o none_o must_v be_v exclude_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o compel_a man_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n but_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereto_o man_n must_v be_v cause_v to_o subject_v themselves_o which_o hinder_v nothing_o why_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n ordain_v only_o for_o such_o as_o repent_v and_o believe_v qu._n see_v this_o separation_n must_v be_v make_v how_o far_o forth_o may_v we_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o be_v open_o evil_a &_o offensive_a either_o for_o life_n or_o doctrine_n ans._n evil_a man_n must_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o commonwealth_n of_o some_o city_n or_o incorporation_n second_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n by_o toleration_n in_o the_o first_o regard_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o they_o i._o for_o outward_a deal_n and_o civil_a affair_n as_o bargain_v buy_v and_o sell_v etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o may_v maintain_v outward_a civil_a peace_n with_o they_o so_o paul_n command_v the_o roman_n 12.18_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n iii_o in_o this_o civil_a converse_v with_o the_o wicked_a we_o must_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o outward_a courtesy_n and_o love_n unto_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o do_v not_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n command_v we_o to_o be_v 3.2_o soft_a and_o courteous_a show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o man_n even_o to_o evil_a man_n as_o the_o reason_n follow_v show_v 3._o for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o time_n past_o unwise_a disobedient_a deceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o be_v we_o evil_a second_o consider_v they_o as_o dweller_n in_o the_o church_n and_o member_n by_o permission_n and_o so_o we_o may_v live_v with_o they_o in_o it_o for_o we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v permit_v therein_o christ_n live_v among_o the_o
of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v with_o full_a consent_n and_o with_o all_o his_o hart_n sin_n do_v not_o reign_v in_o he_o for_o the_o regenerate_a man_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o sin_v not_o as_o he_o be_v spirit_n that_o be_v regenerate_v but_o as_o he_o be_v flesh_n and_o sinful_a his_o will_n sin_v not_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a but_o as_o it_o be_v carnal_a the_o papist_n say_v indeed_o he_o sin_v not_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o this_o shift_n be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o this_o place_n plain_o prove_v even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v whole_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o grace_n they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a place_n and_o indeed_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o it_o viii_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n may_v final_o fall_v from_o grace_n then_o may_v he_o be_v whole_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n for_o grace_n be_v never_o whole_o lose_v till_o a_o man_n be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o christ._n but_o it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v quite_o cut_v off_o for_o than_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n must_v be_v often_o join_v to_o christ_n namely_o so_o often_o as_o he_o fall_v by_o sin_n if_o he_o will_v be_v save_v whereupon_o this_o will_v also_o follow_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n must_v be_v often_o baptize_v for_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o incision_n the_o mean_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ._n but_o rebaptisation_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v the_o church_n of_o god_n deny_v it_o upon_o this_o ground_n because_o a_o man_n be_v only_o once_o bear_v of_o god_n ix_o reason_n christ_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thus_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v suffer_v not_o satan_n and_o sin_n whole_o to_o prevail_v against_o we_o and_o final_o to_o vanquish_v us._n this_o petition_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a and_o according_a to_o god_n will_v and_o therefore_o hereunto_o as_o to_o every_o lawful_a petition_n belong_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o god_n command_n to_o make_v it_o second_o his_o promise_n to_o assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v whereby_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v in_o god_n word_n a_o promise_n assure_v every_o child_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o whole_o be_v conquer_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o grace_n for_o if_o he_o may_v than_o be_v he_o whole_o overcome_v in_o temptation_n the_o contrary_a argument_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n place_n of_o scripture_n example_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o first_o exod._n 32_o 32._o when_o the_o israelit_n have_v sin_v that_o great_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n moses_n pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o if_o not_o say_v he_o blot_v i_o out_o of_o thy_o book_n hence_o they_o gather_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o god_n book_n of_o life_n and_o so_o final_o perish_v answ._n that_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o condition_n if_o be_v be_v possible_a as_o in_o the_o like_a prayer_n it_o be_v express_v by_o christ_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o this_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v add_v for_o else_o we_o must_v say_v that_o moses_n pray_v for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v be_v impossible_a namely_o that_o one_o private_a man_n shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o though_o in_o temporal_a punishment_n such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o in_o eternal_a it_o be_v impossible_a again_o moses_n in_o this_o prayer_n do_v principal_o show_v his_o exceed_a affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o brethren_n both_o which_o he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o life_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v lord_n pardon_v they_o and_o rather_o than_o thy_o name_n shall_v loose_v glory_n blot_v i_o out_o of_o thy_o book_n the_o like_a affection_n be_v in_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v 9.3_o he_o can_v wish_v himself_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o christ_n for_o the_o love_n of_o his_o brethren_n the_o jew_n they_o further_o urge_v the_o lord_n answer_v to_o moses_n vers_fw-la 33._o whosoever_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o i_o will_v put_v he_o out_o of_o my_o book_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n therein_o answer_v to_o moses_n prayer_n so_o must_v it_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o like_a exception_n ii_o object_n ezek._n 18.24_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v but_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n here_o say_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o grace_n answ._n righteousness_n be_v twofold_a of_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o of_o the_o person_n so_o paul_n distinguish_v when_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v sound_v 3.9_o not_o in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n but_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o action_n be_v when_o a_o man_n for_o outward_a action_n keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o person_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n be_v accept_v righteous_a before_o god_n and_o answerable_a hereunto_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o righteous_a man_n one_o that_o be_v outward_o righteous_a before_o man_n though_o not_o indeed_o the_o other_o that_o be_v true_o righteous_a before_o god_n now_o of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o must_v that_o place_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o lord_n there_o plead_v with_o such_o as_o do_v esteem_v and_o avow_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a say_v their_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n that_o be_v have_v sin_v and_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o father_n offence_n though_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v according_a to_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o call_v they_o righteous_a and_o of_o such_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v turn_v from_o their_o righteousness_n iii_o object_n luk._n 8.13_o some_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n go_v away_o answ._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o faith_n historical_a temporary_a and_o save_v faith_n in_o historical_a faith_n be_v knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o assent_n unto_o it_o in_o temporary_a faith_n be_v three_o thing_n knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n assent_n and_o approbation_n also_o with_o some_o joy_n in_o save_v faith_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n knowledge_n assent_n approbation_n and_o apprehension_n that_o be_v a_o applying_z of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o man_n self_n whence_o proceed_v some_o joy_n and_o answerable_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o believer_n i._o such_o as_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o love_n thereof_o ii_o such_o as_o know_v it_o assent_n unto_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o also_o for_o a_o time_n the_o three_o be_v such_o as_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o now_o the_o two_o first_o kind_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v leave_v and_o the_o two_o first_o kind_n of_o believer_n may_v fall_v away_o whereof_o saint_n luke_n speak_v but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o save_v faith_n may_v be_v lose_v for_o he_o that_o be_v endue_v therewith_o can_v never_o fall_v away_o but_o faith_n say_v they_o be_v only_o one_o ephes._n 4.5_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n one_o god_n one_o hope_n and_o one_o baptism_n answ._n by_o one_o faith_n be_v there_o mean_v one_o religion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n as_o elsewhere_o be_v usual_a by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n 1._o tim._n 1.19_o their_o second_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v example_n which_o be_v chief_o two_o one_o of_o adam_n the_o other_o of_o david_n for_o adam_n they_o say_v he_o be_v create_v righteous_a and_o yet_o he_o fall_v whole_o from_o grace_n and_o therefore_o any_o believer_n now_o may_v much_o more_o fall_v away_o who_o have_v far_o less_o grace_n than_o he_o have_v answ._n this_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a for_o though_o adam_n have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n than_o we_o now_o have_v yet_o our_o grace_n have_v a_o great_a privilege_n than_o his_o
the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n affirm_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o all_o and_o every_o man_n whatsoever_o unless_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o be_v a_o device_n of_o man_n brain_n for_o life_n eternal_a be_v not_o promise_v to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n come_v of_o adam_n but_o to_o a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v universal_a indeed_o to_o all_o that_o overcome_v but_o that_o be_v a_o property_n which_o restrain_v they_o whole_o to_o true_a believer_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v say_v true_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o have_v overcome_v all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o do_v continual_o stand_v conqueror_n over_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o endless_a joy_n &_o comfort_n which_o will_v cheer_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a distress_n but_o to_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o sin_n be_v or_o will_v be_v a_o hell_n to_o the_o conscience_n what_o avail_n the_o treasure_n &_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n to_o any_o man_n while_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o vassal_n to_o sin_n and_o sathan_n for_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o estate_n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o labour_v to_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o this_o victory_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o the_o sure_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n life_n everlasting_a note_v by_o this_o gift_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o two_o circumstance_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o second_o by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o 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it_o as_o may_v be_v prove_v virtue_n and_o power_n whereby_o it_o will_v have_v preserve_v he_o from_o death_n and_o old_a age_n for_o ever_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o innocence_n this_o earthly_a tree_n of_o life_n be_v a_o figure_n and_o sign_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n who_o live_v a_o eternal_a spiritual_a life_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o that_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o for_o this_o end_n that_o h●e_v may_v convey_v quicken_a spiritual_a life_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o term_v himself_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n further_o he_o say_v he_o will_v give_v hereof_o to_o eat_v to_o eat_v sometime_o signify_v to_o believe_v john_n 6.50_o but_o it_o can_v hear_v be_v so_o take_v for_o faith_n end_v with_o this_o life_n and_o have_v no_o use_n afterward_o therefore_o to_o eat_v in_o this_o place_n signify_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n where_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o he_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o make_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o promise_n note_v two_o point_n i._o in_o what_o thing_n eternal_a life_n consist_v namely_o in_o immediate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n second_o that_o life_n eternal_a stand_v not_o in_o outward_a mean_n as_o meat_n drink_n clothing_n physic_n recreation_n sleep_n and_o such_o like_a but_o in_o a_o immediate_a partake_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o unto_o we_o immediate_o then_o do_v we_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o thereby_o shall_v live_v eternal_o ii_o circum_v the_o place_n where_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o heaven_n a_o place_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v manifest_v himself_o in_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o elect_a hereof_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o the●fe_n on_o the_o cross_n say_v this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luk._n 23.43_o and_o hither_o be_v paul_n wrap_v in_o vision_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v thing_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v 12._o and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o three_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o heaven_n under_o it_o for_o the_o place_n wherein_o we_o breath_n be_v the_o first_o heaven_n the_o starry_a firmament_n be_v the_o second_o heaven_n and_o this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o which_o be_v therefore_o call_v paradise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o endless_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o add_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o it_o and_o adam_n earthly_a paradise_n but_o also_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a place_n so_o rabel_n say_v i_o have_v wrestle_v with_o my_o sister_n 8._o the_o wrestle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v strong_a wrestle_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n the_o mountain_n of_o god_n do_v signify_v high_a and_o mighty_a mountain_n and_o that_o this_o paradise_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a place_n appear_v at_o large_a revel_v 22._o for_o therein_o must_v come_v none_o unclean_a thing_n but_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v there_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v there_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o become_v all_o thing_n unto_o the●_n immediate_o so_o that_o this_o must_v needs_o be●●_n place_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o place_n in_o this_o heavenly_a paradise_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart●_n upon_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o this_o world_n which_o pass_v away_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o in_o the_o end_n be_v but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n when_o we_o have_v all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v but_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v endless_a and_o unspeakable_a let_v we_o therefore_o deny_v ourselves_o depend_v upon_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o epistle_n verse_n 8._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o smirnian_o write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v to_o the_o twelve_o i●_n lay_v down_o the_o second_o letter_n or_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o another_o church_n of_o asia_n call_v smyrna_n before_o the_o epistle_n christ_n give_v a_o second_o particular_a commandment_n unto_o john_n touch_v the_o writing_n hereof_o unto_o this_o church_n in_o these_o 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sin_n in_o they_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o and_o bless_v god_n name_n for_o ever_o that_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o do_v master_n satan_n power_n &_o malice_n and_o so_o dispose_v of_o all_o action_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n this_o must_v also_o teach_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o to_o put_v all_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n his_o providence_n make_v that_o our_o comfort_n our_o stay_n and_o protection_n in_o all_o distress_n again_o whereas_o the_o end_n of_o affliction_n in_o god_n church_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v many_o thing_n first_o to_o labour_v to_o have_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o form_n and_o show_v thereof_o in_o a_o naked_a profession_n only_o for_o we_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o affliction_n to_o see_v what_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n show_v will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n nor_o stand_v we_o in_o ste●d_n trial_n and_o affliction_n will_v consume_v they_o as_o the_o fire_n do_v dross_n and_o stubble_n second_o to_o be_v joyful_a and_o glad_a when_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o call_v we_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n because_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v know_v good_a grace_n in_o our_o heart_n james_n 1.2_o brethren_n count_v it_o exceed_v great_a joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o diverse_a affliction_n know_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n bring_v forth_o patience_n v._o argument_n the_o time_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o affliction_n be_v for_o ten_o day_n by_o which_o some_o understand_v a_o long_a time_n according_a unto_o that_o which_o jacob_n say_v to_o laban_n 41._o thou_o have_v change_v my_o wage_n ten_o time_n that_o be_v often_o and_o so_o the_o israelit_n be_v say_v to_o sin_n 14.22_o ten_o time_n against_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v many_o time_n but_o this_o exposition_n will_v not_o so_o fit_o stand_v in_o this_o place_n for_o christ_n intend_v to_o comfort_v this_o church_n but_o what_o comfort_n can_v this_o be_v to_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o in_o affliction_n other_o expound_v ten_o day_n to_o be_v ten_o year_n and_o so_o the_o word_n day_n be_v sometime_o use_v to_o betoken_v year_n for_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v year_n of_o day_n as_o well_o as_o year_n of_o week_n but_o though_o this_o exposition_n may_v well_o stand_v with_o the_o word_n yet_o none_o can_v show_v by_o true_a record_n that_o this_o church_n be_v afflict_v only_o f●●tenne_v year_n and_o no_o long_o therefore_o a_o three_o exposition_n be_v this_o that_o by_o ten_o day_n be_v mean_v some_o short_a space_n of_o time_n and_o i_o so_o understand_v this_o place_n because_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o all_o circumstance_n for_o here_o christ_n intend_v to_o comfort_v this_o church_n which_o be_v most_o fit_o do_v by_o foretell_v a_o short_a time_n of_o their_o affliction_n use_n in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n be_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n decree_v of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v change_v lengthen_a or_o shorten_v particular_a proof_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n so_o god_n foretell_v abraham_n that_o the_o affliction_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v 430_o year_n which_o time_n they_o be_v afflict_v especial_o in_o egypt_n but_o at_o the_o same_o night_n when_o those_o year_n be_v expire_v they_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o their_o affliction_n cease_v exod._n 12.46_o and_o the_o 70_o year_n captivity_n be_v well_o know_v unto_o daniel_n to_o be_v determine_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o he_o arm_v himself_o with_o patience_n during_o that_o time_n and_o pray_v not_o for_o deliverance_n until_o it_o shall_v be_v expire_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o must_v move_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n when_o god_n shall_v send_v affliction_n because_o we_o can_v deliver_v ourselves_o before_o the_o time_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o affliction_n be_v set_v down_o by_o god_n and_o can_v be_v change_v by_o us._n second_o here_o christ_n show_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o his_o church_n be_v but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o therefore_o paul_n 4.17_o call_v they_o moment_n any_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n and_o never_o have_v end_n which_o be_v a_o singular_a ground_n of_o comfort_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o any_o distress_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o part_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n yet_o in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o further_a thing_n intend_v for_o every_o word_n contain_v a_o reason_n to_o comfort_v this_o church_n as_o first_o from_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o persecution_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o fear_v for_o if_o he_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n their_o case_n be_v good_a he_o be_v god_n enemy_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n be_v on_o their_o side_n who_o then_o can_v be_v against_o they_o to_o do_v they_o hurt_v second_o not_o all_o your_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o some_o say_v christ_n must_v be_v afflict_v three_o satan_n can_v kill_v you_o but_o only_o cast_v you_o into_o prison_n four_o his_o imprisonment_n shall_v not_o tend_v to_o your_o damnation_n but_o make_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o grace_n and_o last_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n in_o all_o which_o you_o may_v see_v the_o power_n of_o god_n providence_n overrule_a your_o enemy_n and_o turn_v his_o rage_n unto_o your_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o take_v comfort_n and_o courage_n unto_o your_o soul_n lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n and_o all_o dread_a and_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o end_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o counsel_n be_v a_o most_o bless_a precept_n contain_v most_o heavenly_a advice_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n god_n servant_n be_v call_v faithful_a in_o regard_n of_o their_o fidelity_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v in_o two_o respect_n i._n every_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v wherein_o god_n for_o his_o part_n promise_v christ_n with_o life_n everlasting_a and_o the_o party_n baptize_v promise_v unto_o god_n again_o that_o he_o will_v deny_v himself_o and_o cast_v himself_o whole_o upon_o god_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o promise_n ●s_v call_v the_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o pet._n 3.21_o and_o when_o a_o man_n keep_v this_o promise_n make_v to_o god_n then_o be_v he_o faithful_a and_o when_o he_o break_v it_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a ii_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o child_n many_o good_a gift_n and_o grace_n as_o knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n and_o care_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v and_o therefore_o paul_n bid_v timothy_n ●0_n keep_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o of_o trust_n now_o a_o man_n be_v faithful_a unto_o god_n when_o he_o make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o still_o preserve_v the_o same_o use_v they_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o brethren_n like_a as_o we_o be_v count_v faithful_a with_o man_n when_o we_o keep_v that_o thing_n safe_a which_o be_v commit_v unto_o we_o of_o trust_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o christ_n be_v this_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o promise_n unto_o i_o in_o baptism_n to_o renounce_v sin_n and_o satan_n and_o to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o death_n therefore_o perform_v this_o thy_o promise_n and_o for_o those_o gift_n which_o i_o have_v commit_v of_o trust_n unto_o thou_o see_v thou_o keep_v they_o well_o and_o use_v they_o to_o my_o glory_n in_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o brethren_n against_o this_o precept_n three_o sort_n of_o man_n offend_v and_o be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n i._n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v do_v yet_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o security_n never_o seek_v to_o know_v god_n or_o to_o understand_v his_o will_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o for_o their_o own_o vow_n in_o baptism_n though_o none_o will_v brag_v more_o of_o fidelity_n unto_o god_n than_o these_o man_n do_v ii_o those_o that_o have_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o god_n will_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o live_v according_o
every_o man_n conscience_n will_v move_v unto_o he_o namely_o how_o may_v i_o escape_v the_o second_o death_n that_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n answ._n thou_o must_v in_o this_o life_n true_o turn_v unto_o god_n from_o all_o thy_o evil_a way_n renounce_v thyself_o and_o put_v all_o thy_o affiance_n in_o christ_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o evermore_o labour_v to_o keep_v true_a religion_n faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o death_n in_o all_o estate_n this_o do_v and_o though_o thou_o taste_v of_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o second_o death_n shall_v never_o touch_v thou_o three_o hereby_o christ_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o two_o death_n the_o second_o be_v the_o worse_a the_o bodily_a death_n be_v terrible_a unto_o nature_n but_o the_o second_o be_v the_o proper_a death_n indeed_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o soul_n and_o body_n eternal_o and_o yet_o behold_v the_o madness_n of_o man_n who_o fear_v great_o the_o first_o death_n and_o regard_v nothing_o the_o burn_a lake_n like_v unto_o little_a child_n that_o fear_v their_o own_o shadow_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o fire_n and_o water_n that_o will_v burn_v and_o drown_v they_o this_o be_v man_n miserable_a estate_n through_o the_o blindness_n of_o his_o mind_n &_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n verse_n 12._o and_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o pergamus_n write_v this_o say_v he_o that_o have_v that_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n here_o be_v the_o three_o particular_a commandment_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o john_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n show_v there_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o angel_n and_o why_o this_o particular_a commandment_n be_v give_v unto_o john_n this_o three_o epistle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o former_a have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n in_o this_o verse_n the_o proposition_n of_o the_o epistle_n verse_n 13_o and_o so_o forward_o unto_o the_o 17_o and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o 17_o verse_n i._o part_n the_o preface_n show_v in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v namely_o in_o christ_n name_n the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o have_v show_v before_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n christ_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o action_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n verse_n 16._o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v that_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_a priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o king_n thereof_o to_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o same_o the_o sword_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n or_o in_o his_o mouth_n as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v that_o two_o edge_a sword_n yea_o that_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n thereby_o be_v signify_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o operation_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v hebr._n the_o 4.12_o christ_n be_v thus_o describe_v to_o comfort_v this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o hereby_o three_o thing_n be_v signify_v first_o his_o wonderful_a power_n in_o slay_v original_a sin_n and_o corruption_n by_o his_o word_n in_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o sin_n after_o it_o be_v once_o wound_v second_o that_o he_o will_v strengthen_v and_o preserve_v his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o true_a member_n thereof_o by_o the_o same_o word_n against_o all_o their_o enemy_n this_o it_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n both_o law_n and_o gospel_n must_v both_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v then_o whensoever_o any_o temptation_n come_v faith_n make_v the_o same_o word_n powerful_a in_o we_o to_o repel_v the_o temptation_n and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o affliction_n for_o it_o be_v that_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o wound_v all_o our_o enemy_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o sword_n in_o a_o sheath_n and_o will_v nothing_o help_v us._n three_o hereby_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o destroy_v all_o their_o enemy_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n why_o he_o so_o describe_v himself_o in_o this_o place_n how_o christ_n wound_v his_o enemy_n herewith_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o the_o sixteen_o verse_n with_o the_o use_v thereof_o verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n throne_n be_v and_o thou_o keep_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o th●se_a day_n when_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n the_o proposition_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o a_o reproof_n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o the_o commendation_n be_v twofold_a first_o general_a in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n then_o special_a in_o the_o word_n follow_v i_o know_v where_o thou_o dwell_v etc._n etc._n of_o the_o general_a commendation_n we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a epistle_n verse_n 2._o and_o 9_o this_o yet_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o christ_n herewith_o begin_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n intend_v no_o doubt_n hereby_o to_o settle_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o presence_n deep_o in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o holy_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o here_o christ_n give_v a_o precedent_n for_o his_o minister_n namely_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o must_v teach_v their_o people_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v christ_n be_v with_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v he_o see_v they_o this_o will_v cause_v they_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o their_o way_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v ever_o have_v sound_a knowledge_n or_o good_a conscience_n till_o he_o be_v persuade_v hereof_o abraham_n know_v well_o that_o in_o abimelekes_fw-mi court_n they_o will_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o murder_n because_o they_o 20.11_o want_v this_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v give_v all_o diligence_n hereunto_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a lesson_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v learn_v it_o but_o if_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n god_n blessing_n will_v be_v upon_o our_o endeavour_n and_o then_o shall_v we_o have_v knowledge_n upon_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n upon_o grace_n with_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o particular_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o her_o constancy_n in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o in_o a_o place_n where_o satan_n throne_n be_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o thou_o keep_v my_o name_n that_o be_v thou_o hold_v still_o my_o true_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n the_o throne_n of_o satan_n be_v any_o place_n where_o superstition_n idolatry_n or_o profaneness_n be_v maintain_v without_o controlment_n and_o from_o whence_o wickedness_n be_v convey_v to_o other_o place_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o have_v his_o throne_n among_o man_n pergamus_n be_v a_o great_a city_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o maintain_v idolatry_n and_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o also_o iniquity_n be_v derive_v to_o other_o town_n and_o place_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o devil_n throne_n herein_o we_o may_v observe_v sundry_a point_n of_o great_a importance_n first_o the_o exceed_a policy_n of_o satan_n he_o have_v his_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o establish_n thereof_o he_o must_v have_v his_o throne_n where_o wickedness_n and_o idolatry_n be_v maintain_v without_o controlment_n and_o whence_o sin_n be_v derive_v to_o other_o place_n in_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v thus_o and_o will_v continue_v so_o to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o old_a world_n he_o have_v his_o throne_n among_o cain_n posterity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n the_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n where_o the_o people_n sacrifice_v to_o their_o idol_n be_v the_o devil_n throne_n the_o oracle_n of_o the_o gentile_n where_o the_o devil_n give_v answer_v unto_o man_n be_v his_o chief_a throne_n in_o the_o day_n of_o popery_n every_o church_n and_o chapel_n be_v throne_n of_o satan_n wherein_o be_v erect_v image_n &_o holy_a rood_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n whither_o the_o people_n come_v to_o worship_n from_o
in_o two_o thing_n in_o due_a deserve_a praise_n &_o commendation_n &_o in_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o good_a virtue_n &_o godly_a life_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n commend_v antipas_n unto_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v his_o good_a conversation_n but_o as_o for_o popish_a honour_n of_o invocation_n &_o adoration_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n again_o in_o call_v he_o faithful_a martyr_n he_o commend_v more_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n than_o the_o death_n to_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n not_o the_o death_n for_o a_o heretic_n may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o damnable_a opinion_n therefore_o antipas_n be_v a_o martyr_n not_o because_o he_o be_v slay_v but_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n ii_o point_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n christ_n show_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o antipas_n his_o death_n namely_o such_o among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n rule_v for_o he_o be_v slay_v say_v christ_n among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o word_n he_o repent_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o persecutor_n let_v they_o carry_v what_o face_n they_o will_v be_v in_o truth_n such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v where_o he_o have_v his_o hold_n and_o keep_v possession_n quest._n why_o do_v satan_n more_o dwell_v there_o than_o in_o other_o place_n answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o place_n be_v gentile_n who_o contemn_v and_o mock_v the_o gospel_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n whereby_o they_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o satan_n and_o by_o proportion_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o contemner_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o wicked_a way_n be_v indeed_o the_o stable_n and_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o many_o family_n as_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v mock_v god_n name_n blaspheme_v injustice_n and_o impiety_n practise_v so_o many_o hold_v of_o satan_n there_o be_v where_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o such_o they_o continue_v till_o they_o reform_v themselves_o of_o their_o impiety_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n of_o family_n especial_o shall_v love_v the_o gospel_n and_o see_v that_o in_o their_o family_n religion_n be_v teach_v embrace_v and_o obey_v that_o so_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v no_o hold_n in_o their_o family_n que._n whether_o may_v not_o antipas_n be_v pastor_n of_o this_o church_n have_v flee_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o persecution_n one_o that_o be_v direct_o intend_v against_o the_o pastor_n principal_o the_o other_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o in_o the_o persecution_n direct_v against_o the_o pastor_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v whether_o god_n give_v he_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o fly_v or_o not_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n he_o may_v fly_v and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assist_v he_o and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o his_o preservation_n but_o if_o god_n deny_v he_o mean_n to_o escape_v than_o he_o must_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o name_n and_o so_o he_o may_v not_o fly_v and_o such_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o antipas_n in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o the_o persecution_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o than_o the_o pastor_n may_v not_o fly_v but_o take_v part_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o stay_v and_o comfort_v his_o brethren_n verse_n 14._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 maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n here_o follow_v the_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o be_v first_o general_o propound_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o second_o in_o particular_a for_o want_v of_o zeal_n in_o suffer_v among_o they_o such_o as_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balam_n three_o he_o set_v down_o a_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n thereof_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 14_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o the_o general_a reproof_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v out_o against_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n vers_n 4._o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o special_a duty_n namely_o that_o every_o man_n must_v serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o sin_n he_o have_v in_o he_o which_o christ_n may_v have_v to_o lay_v unto_o his_o charge_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n do_v christ_n rehearse_v it_o unto_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v call_v ourselves_o to_o reckon_n and_o examine_v ourselves_o not_o by_o our_o own_o wit_n but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o search_v out_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o see_v how_o many_o thing_n christ_n may_v have_v against_o we_o that_o so_o make_v a_o beforehand_a reckon_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v clear_v by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v this_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o conscionable_a obedience_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v perish_v eternal_o for_o a_o day_n of_o account_n will_v come_v wherein_o we_o shall_v never_o escape_v unless_o by_o a_o beforehand_a reckon_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o prevent_v the_o same_o lamentable_a and_o fearful_a be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o never_o call_v themselves_o to_o this_o account_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o remorse_n hos_fw-la 7.2_o hereof_o jeremie_n complain_v 8.6_o that_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o denounce_v fearful_a judgement_n against_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o old_a world_n 24._o man_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o this_o security_n bring_v man_n soul_n to_o hell_n before_o they_o wot_v where_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o david_n cry_v out_o psal._n 50._o vers_fw-la 22._o oh_o consider_v this_o mean_v the_o account_n that_o god_n will_v take_v with_o they_o lest_o god_n tear_v they_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o the_o end_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o account_n make_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o many_o a_o one_o for_o how_o shall_v man_n embrace_v with_o comfort_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n till_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o their_o enmity_n with_o god_n and_o desert_n of_o condemnation_n ii_o point_n because_o thou_o have_v they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o particular_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o that_o they_o entertain_v and_o suffer_v heretical_a minister_n to_o live_v among_o they_o which_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n this_o show_v that_o though_o they_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o cold_o and_o without_o that_o fervent_a zeal_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v against_o such_o heretic_n use_n here_o first_o christ_n teach_v this_o church_n to_o show_v forth_o zeal_n in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o such_o heretic_n as_o by_o damnable_a doctrine_n do_v trouble_v they_o this_o place_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n when_o man_n hold_v heretical_a opinion_n the_o church_n after_o two_o or_o three_o admonition_n be_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o so_o do_v paul_n to_o hymaeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1._o tim._n 1.20_o second_o christ_n reprove_v this_o church_n for_o entertain_v such_o heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o member_n of_o god_n church_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a dislike_n of_o all_o person_n that_o hold_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o truth_n but_o maintain_v error_n against_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n to_o 5._o separat_fw-la
prophet_n give_v comfort_n to_o who_o comfort_n belong_v and_o threaten_a judgement_n to_o who_o judgement_n be_v due_a and_o make_v difference_n of_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o be_v threaten_v for_o the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n must_v not_o be_v threaten_v against_o all_o person_n but_o against_o the_o impenitent_a and_o because_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o judgement_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a therefore_o temporal_a judgement_n must_v be_v threaten_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v &_o eternal_a judgement_n denounce_v against_o those_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v observe_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n according_a to_o christ_n example_n in_o this_o place_n and_o else_o where_o so_o likewise_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v propound_v to_o every_o person_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o difference_n but_o with_o restraint_n to_o some_o only_a as_o god_n prophet_n have_v do_v it_o be_v often_o a_o great_a offence_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v propound_v to_o all_o and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n denounce_v against_o all_o without_o limitation_n or_o restraint_n the_o condition_n therefore_o of_o repentance_n &_o impenitency_n of_o faith_n and_o unbelief_n and_o also_o the_o degree_n of_o they_o all_o must_v careful_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n fight_n must_v be_v consider_v for_o first_o he_o intend_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v then_o to_o cause_v the_o same_o word_n to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o deep_a condemnation_n this_o must_v be_v deep_o weigh_v of_o we_o all_o who_o have_v have_v by_o god_n mercy_n for_o many_o year_n the_o plentiful_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o god_n have_v continual_o rebuke_v &_o check_v the_o sin_n that_o be_v among_o we_o as_o ignorance_n blasphemy_n and_o filthiness_n cruelty_n and_o all_o iniquity_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o lord_n yet_o continue_v to_o do_v unto_o us._n we_o therefore_o must_v think_v that_o all_o this_o while_n the_o lord_n be_v fight_v against_o we_o when_o ignorance_n be_v reprove_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ignorant_a person_n must_v think_v the_o lord_n be_v fight_v against_o he_o and_o so_o all_o atheist_n blasphemer_n adulterer_n oppresser_n and_o cruel_a person_n when_o their_o sin_n be_v reprove_v they_o must_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n stand_v face_n to_o face_n against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n seek_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o these_o iniquity_n as_o he_o do_v to_o balaam_n in_o his_o way_n and_o when_o any_o man_n sin_n be_v thus_o touch_v he_o must_v not_o rebel_v but_o humble_v himself_o as_o balaam_n fall_v before_o the_o angel_n consider_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o wage_v battle_n against_o he_o when_o we_o hear_v that_o foreign_a nation_n shake_v their_o sword_n against_o we_o how_o be_v we_o move_v both_o high_a and_o low_a shall_v we_o fear_v the_o sword_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o tremble_v when_o we_o hear_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n be_v shake_v against_o we_o those_o therefore_o who_o heart_n be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o sin_n must_v humble_v themselves_o by_o true_a and_o speedy_a repentance_n there_o be_v no_o withstand_v of_o the_o lord_n if_o his_o sword_n do_v not_o cure_v we_o it_o will_v cut_v we_o in_o piece_n if_o his_o word_n do_v not_o convert_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n it_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o cast_v our_o soul_n deep_a into_o hell_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o balaam_n when_o he_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o give_v bad_a counsel_n he_o be_v slay_v among_o the_o midianite_n few_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n from_o whence_o come_v such_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o either_o death_n or_o life_n come_v by_o the_o stroke_n of_o this_o sword_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v repent_v five_o note_v the_o title_n give_v to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sword_n of_o christ_n mouth_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v once_o deliver_v by_o himself_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n but_o because_o it_o do_v daily_o proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v true_o call_v be_v the_o very_a mouth_n of_o christ_n from_o which_o god_n people_n receive_v his_o word_n 19_o if_o thou_o shall_v return_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o jeremie_n and_o shall_v separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a then_o shall_v thou_o stand_v before_o i_o and_o be_v according_a to_o my_o word_n 2._o cor._n 5.19_o we_o be_v the_o embassador_n of_o christ_n beseech_v you_o in_o his_o steed_n which_o be_v a_o high_a and_o wonderful_a honour_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o sundry_a duty_n first_o all_o student_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o preparation_n to_o high_a calling_n must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o conceive_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o affect_v the_o same_o above_o other_o calling_n for_o though_o the_o blind_a world_n count_v it_o a_o base_a call_n yet_o christ_n we_o see_v make_v the_o minister_n his_o own_o mouth_n which_o honour_n be_v not_o give_v either_o to_o the_o lawyer_n or_o to_o the_o physician_n second_o hereby_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v teach_v to_o deliver_v nothing_o in_o his_o public_a ministry_n but_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o christ_n shall_v enable_v he_o and_o that_o also_o in_o so_o pure_a a_o manner_n as_o in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o think_v christ_n will_v speak_v if_o he_o be_v there_o present_a like_v unto_o faithful_a ambassador_n who_o speak_v only_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o prince_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o their_o lord_n and_o prince_n do_v best_a approve_v if_o this_o be_v well_o weigh_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v such_o preach_n as_o be_v common_o use_v consist_v of_o a_o mixture_n of_o testimony_n partly_o divine_a and_o partly_o humane_a consider_v that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o three_o the_o people_n also_o be_v hence_o teach_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o hear_v a_o sinful_a man_n like_o unto_o themselves_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o must_v not_o despise_v god_n ordinance_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o man_n but_o receive_v the_o same_o as_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o consent_v with_o holy_a scripture_n in_o this_o behalf_n paul_n bless_v god_n for_o the_o thessalonian_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o he_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o thess._n 2._o vers_fw-la 13._o six_o where_o christ_n say_v i_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o it_o be_v worldly_a than_o a_o civil_a sword_n wield_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n shall_v belong_v unto_o he_o but_o he_o have_v no_o such_o sword_n he_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o people_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n his_o holy_a word_n whereby_o appear_v that_o the_o primacy_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n be_v from_o hell_n not_o from_o heaven_n for_o the_o pope_n say_v he_o be_v christ_n vicar_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v arm_v with_o both_o sword_n when_o as_o christ_n deal_v not_o with_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o only_o use_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n verse_n 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 to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o manna_n which_o be_v hide_v and_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o contain_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o commandment_n in_o these_o word_n 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 the_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v etc._n etc._n the_o commandment_n serve_v to_o stir_v up_o god_n church_n to_o attention_n in_o mark_v that_o which_o
charity_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o godly_a professor_n be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n but_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o have_v receive_v this_o new_a name_n and_o new_a estate_n he_o know_v it_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o certain_o and_o infallible_o second_o if_o no_o man_n know_v this_o name_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o then_o can_v none_o beside_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n know_v from_o within_o the_o man_n his_o particular_a faith_n and_o adoption_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o charge_v the_o evil_a and_o hard_a censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n upon_o any_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n in_o so_o do_v we_o overshoot_v ourselves_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o god_n not_o to_o man_n save_v only_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o for_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o good_a within_o the_o man_n proper_o but_o by_o effect_n quest._n how_o far_o forth_o may_v a_o man_n judge_v of_o another_o man_n election_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o judgement_n judgement_n of_o certainty_n and_o judgement_n of_o charity_n judgement_n of_o certainty_n be_v when_o a_o man_n can_v set_v down_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v peremptory_a judgement_n belong_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o some_o man_n only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o estate_n of_o some_o man_n to_o david_n and_o to_o some_o prophet_n whereupon_o david_n sometime_o pray_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o give_v ordinary_o no_o not_o to_o god_n minister_n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o judge_v the_o best_a of_o another_o and_o herein_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o touch_v the_o unregenerate_a charity_n bind_v we_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o such_o as_o yet_o live_v profane_o but_o to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v in_o good_a time_n call_v they_o and_o touch_v the_o regenerate_a who_o have_v give_v good_a testimony_n of_o their_o vocation_n charity_n bind_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v without_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o may_v do_v without_o repugnance_n to_o this_o place_n for_o though_o we_o can_v from_o within_o the_o man_n know_v his_o estate_n yet_o by_o the_o fruit_n we_o may_v which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o judgement_n that_o charity_n can_v exercise_v three_o here_o we_o see_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v deceive_v who_o make_v visibilitie_n the_o mark_n of_o god_n church_n for_o god_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n which_o believe_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n election_n and_o adoption_n and_o man_n faith_n which_o none_o other_o can_v see_v but_o the_o party_n that_o have_v they_o the_o sign_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v but_o proper_o the_o church_n can_v be_v see_v it_o come_v to_o be_v visible_a by_o the_o fruit_n of_o election_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a work_n of_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n we_o therefore_o hold_v far_o better_o that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o that_o we_o see_v the_o church_n last_o if_o other_o know_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n child_n than_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o if_o the_o wicked_a miscall_v they_o 1._o john_n 3.2_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o god_n child_n therefore_o must_v not_o be_v daunt_v at_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o pray_v with_o christ_n father_n forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v luk._n 23.34_o verse_n 18._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v to_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n here_o follow_v the_o four_o particular_a commandment_n of_o christ_n unto_o john_n as_o also_o the_o four_o particular_a epistle_n the_o commandment_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v at_o thyatira_n write_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o commandment_n i_o have_v speak_v before_o only_o remember_v the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o certify_v this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o john_n have_v a_o calling_n and_o commandment_n from_o god_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o they_o and_o further_o to_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o his_o calling_n to_o write_v this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o epistle_n itself_o contain_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n a_o proposition_n and_o a_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n all_o which_o thing_n almost_o have_v be_v handle_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o former_a 1●.15_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v borrow_v in_o the_o preface_n first_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n in_o christ_n name_n the_o cause_n thereof_o we_o have_v show_v before_o then_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o three_o argument_n first_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o to_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n three_o to_o have_v foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n for_o the_o first_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o here_o he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o by_o god_n we_o must_v not_o absolute_o understand_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v oppose_v either_o to_o the_o son_n or_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v usual_o call_v god_n not_o that_o he_o be_v god_n more_o than_o the_o son_n or_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n and_o because_o he_o be_v that_o person_n from_o who_o the_o godhead_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o here_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n which_o mystery_n we_o can_v full_o understand_v for_o the_o word_n have_v not_o reveal_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o out_o of_o the_o word_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o better_a conceive_v thereof_o remember_v these_o two_o rule_n i._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o godhead_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n for_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o beget_v neither_o be_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n beget_v ii_o rule_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n not_o by_o creation_n as_o the_o angel_n and_o adam_n be_v nor_o by_o adoption_n as_o every_o believer_n be_v but_o by_o nature_n in_o that_o he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n for_o the_o father_n communicate_v from_o himself_o the_o whole_a godhead_n that_o be_v in_o himself_o unto_o his_o son_n christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n use_n to_o stir_v up_o reverence_n attention_n and_o care_n in_o this_o church_n in_o mark_v and_o obey_v the_o thing_n that_o follow_v in_o this_o particular_a epistle_n and_o in_o their_o example_n christ_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v or_o read_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o reverence_n because_o he_o that_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o pilate_n be_v about_o to_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o hear_v it_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o he_o tremble_v and_o be_v the_o more_o afraid_a joh._n 19_o verse_n 8._o shall_v a_o ●illie_a heathen_a man_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n tremble_v towards_o he_o when_o he_o hear_v his_o name_n and_o yet_o we_o that_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v nothing_o move_v with_o reverence_n towards_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n at_o his_o presence_n the_o hill_n melt_v and_o at_o his_o voice_n the_o rock_n cleave_v in_o sunder_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o heart_n shall_v not_o melt_v and_o cleave_v asunder_o with_o a_o reverend_a fear_n when_o he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v worse_a than_o these_o senseless_a creature_n second_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v eye_n like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n which_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v literal_o the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n vers_fw-la 14._o where_o christ_n be_v describe_v not_o as_o he_o be_v in_o truth_n but_o
as_o he_o appear_v to_o john_n in_o vision_n we_o have_v show_v before_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o fiery_a eye_n namely_o christ_n infinite_a wisdom_n in_o himself_o and_o vigilant_a zeal_n over_o his_o church_n the_o end_n wherefore_o he_o so_o describe_v himself_o to_o this_o church_n be_v to_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o can_v see_v and_o discern_v their_o very_a secret_a sin_n for_o sundry_a among_o they_o be_v give_v to_o private_a offence_n as_o to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a remedy_n against_o secret_a sin_n use_n shame_n and_o fear_n of_o punishment_n will_v restrain_v some_o man_n from_o open_a sin_n but_o yet_o the_o same_o man_n when_o they_o be_v in_o secret_a do_v without_o fear_n commit_v privy_a sin_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n but_o these_o man_n must_v remember_v that_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o man_n they_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v fiery_a eye_n wherewith_o he_o see_v their_o most_o secret_a sin_n which_o they_o hide_v from_o the_o world_n for_o though_o we_o may_v make_v fair_a weather_n with_o man_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o blear_v the_o eye_n of_o christ._n if_o fornicator_n wanton_n usurer_n and_o blasphemer_n will_v remember_v this_o by_o god_n grace_n it_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n at_o least_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o their_o secret_a sin_n if_o not_o to_o move_v they_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n three_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n whereby_o be_v signify_v as_o have_v be_v show_v his_o infinite_a power_n and_o strength_n whereby_o he_o do_v subdue_v sin_n satan_n and_o all_o his_o enemy_n first_o unto_o himself_o and_o then_o unto_o his_o member_n and_o christ_n be_v thus_o describe_v unto_o this_o church_n to_o terrify_v certain_a wicked_a man_n among_o they_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o fornication_n idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n as_o also_o to_o affright_v this_o whole_a church_n who_o by_o their_o wicked_a company_n be_v almost_o draw_v away_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n here_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a remedy_n against_o looseness_n of_o life_n namely_o use_n to_o consider_v that_o christ_n who_o we_o call_v our_o saviour_n walk_v continual_o in_o his_o church_n with_o foot_n of_o brass_n to_o tread_v satan_n and_o all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o such_o be_v all_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o regiment_n of_o his_o word_n luk._n 19.27_o if_o the_o blasphemer_n can_v consider_v this_o it_o will_v stop_v his_o mouth_n and_o when_o the_o adulterer_n the_o thief_n or_o any_o sinner_n go_v about_o his_o wicked_a device_n this_o by_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o make_v he_o break_v off_o his_o wicked_a purpose_n when_o benhadad_n hear_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n will_v come_v against_o he_o in_o battle_n ●1_n he_o send_v his_o man_n with_o rope_n about_o their_o neck_n to_o crave_v peace_n and_o in_o they_o humble_v himself_o shall_v man_n be_v thus_o afraid_a at_o the_o fury_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o tremble_v and_o fear_v at_o the_o fury_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v these_o foot_n of_o brass_n to_o trample_v in_o piece_n all_o his_o enemy_n the_o want_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v one_o main_a cause_n why_o sin_n do_v abound_v verse_n 19_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o love_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o deed_n which_o be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o than_o at_o the_o first_o here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n the_o proposition_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n &_o matter_n thereof_o and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n a_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o a_o rebuke_n thereof_o the_o commendation_n in_o the_o 19_o verse_n the_o rebuke_n or_o dispraise_v in_o the_o 20_o verse_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v almost_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o commendation_n be_v twofold_a general_a in_o these_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o have_v be_v handle_v before_o vers_fw-la 2._o the_o particular_a commendation_n stand_v in_o five_o notable_a work_n to_o wit_n love_n service_n faith_n patience_n and_o increase_v in_o godliness_n for_o the_o first_o by_o love_n we_o must_v understand_v love_n to_o man_n for_o afterward_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o patience_n but_o love_n and_o service_n be_v duty_n of_o man_n to_o man_n touch_v love_n note_v three_o point_n what_o this_o love_n be_v what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o this_o love_n and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v first_o love_n to_o man_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v well_o affect_v to_o his_o neighbour_n for_o god_n sake_n that_o love_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v plain_a galat._n 5._o verse_n 22._o where_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n next_o i_o add_v that_o hereby_o a_o man_n be_v well_o affect_v to_o his_o neighbour_n to_o be_v well_o affect_v to_o another_o be_v to_o rejoice_v at_o his_o good_a and_o to_o desire_v and_o seek_v the_o same_o and_o withal_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o his_o misery_n and_o to_o ●eare_z the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o relieve_v and_o help_v he_o to_o our_o uttermost_a by_o neighbour_n we_o must_v not_o understand_v only_o those_o that_o be_v near_o unto_o we_o in_o habitation_n but_o even_o all_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o we_o even_o any_o of_o mankind_n he_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n that_o be_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o so_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o thou_o do_v be_v he_o friend_n or_o foe_n near_o or_o strange_a unto_o thou_o and_o to_o he_o must_v thou_o be_v well_o affect_v last_o i_o say_v for_o god_n sake_n for_o god_n be_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v love_v for_o himself_o and_o man_n in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n because_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v his_o image_n the_o love_n we_o bear_v to_o man_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o our_o love_n unto_o god_n for_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v of_o he_o that_o he_o that_o love_v god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o 1._o john_n 4.21_o ii_o point_n the_o property_n of_o this_o love_n be_v to_o be_v fervent_a and_o that_o for_o two_o cause_n first_o if_o need_v require_v every_o man_n be_v bind_v within_o his_o calling_n to_o testify_v his_o love_n 3.16_o by_o give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o neighbour_n though_o he_o be_v our_o enemy_n or_o a_o stranger_n which_o we_o shall_v never_o do_v unless_o our_o love_n be_v fervent_a second_o there_o be_v much_o ingratitude_n hatred_n emulation_n and_o many_o injury_n in_o the_o world_n now_o the_o person_n from_o who_o these_o come_v must_v be_v love_v the_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o party_n must_v not_o quench_v our_o love_n but_o it_o must_v burn_v when_o the_o water_n of_o man_n injury_n and_o malice_n will_v quench_v the_o same_o iii_o point_n the_o practice_n of_o our_o love_n must_v be_v square_v by_o this_o rule_n the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o as_o we_o wish_v our_o own_o good_a hearty_o so_o we_o must_v wish_v our_o neighbour_n good_a this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o do_v as_o a_o man_n will_v be_v do_v unto_o and_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o example_n a_o man_n of_o some_o trade_n be_v to_o make_v a_o bargain_n and_o if_o he_o will_v lie_v or_o use_v false_a weight_n and_o measure_n he_o may_v advantage_v himself_o this_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n will_v suggest_v unto_o he_o while_o he_o be_v about_o the_o bargain_n he_o therefore_o must_v call_v to_o mind_v this_o rule_n of_o love_n and_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n whether_o he_o will_v have_v another_o man_n to_o deceive_v he_o by_o lie_v by_o false_a weight_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o thing_n must_v man_n do_v when_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o oppression_n or_o cruelty_n let_v they_o think_v whether_o they_o will_v have_v other_o to_o wrong_n or_o oppress_v they_o and_o so_o show_v forth_o love_n by_o this_o rule_n do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o church_n may_v have_v the_o deserve_a praise_n of_o this_o virtue_n of_o love_n but_o christ_n foretell_v of_o these_o our_o day_n that_o love_n shall_v wax_v cold_a matth._n 24.12_o and_o 3.2_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o and_o so_o it_o be_v for_o every_o man_n now_o be_v for_o himself_o no_o man_n
this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n who_o work_n be_v better_a at_o the_o last_o than_o at_o the_o first_o a_o fearful_a case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n will_v and_o a_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o decay_v in_o love_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v prevent_v god_n judgement_n we_o must_v have_v care_n to_o get_v knowledge_n and_o to_o increase_v therein_o and_o with_o knowledge_n to_o join_v obedience_n in_o all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n some_o plead_v for_o themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n want_v of_o memory_n and_o capacity_n but_o these_o must_v learn_v to_o show_v forth_o better_a affection_n and_o more_o sincere_a obedience_n the_o young_a sort_n also_o must_v employ_v their_o wit_n and_o strength_n to_o get_v knowledge_n and_o with_o knowledge_n join_v obedience_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v in_o grace_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o day_n yea_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o good_a beginning_n must_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o more_o for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v more_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n but_o from_o he_o that_o hide_v his_o gift_n or_o abuse_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v luk._n 8.18_o vers._n 20._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o that_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jesabell_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v &_o deceive_v my_o servant_n to_o make_v they_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n here_o be_v christ_n reproof_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o it_o be_v twofold_a first_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o 20._o verse_n second_o of_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o church_n vers_fw-la 21._o in_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n note_v two_o thing_n the_o reproof_n itself_o and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o the_o reproof_n itself_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n notwithstanding_o i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o that_o be_v though_o i_o have_v praise_v thou_o for_o many_o worthy_a work_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o i_o do_v not_o approve_v this_o reproof_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a epistle_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o reproof_n follow_v in_o these_o word_n that_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jesabell_n who_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n this_o reason_n of_o her_o reproof_n contain_v sundry_a point_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n i._o from_o the_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o large_a power_n that_o god_n give_v to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v beside_o the_o power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n &_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n a_o further_a power_n to_o appoint_v who_o shall_v preach_v among_o they_o &_o who_o shall_v not_o preach_v and_o also_o a_o power_n to_o repress_v evil_a man_n and_o evil_a woman_n &_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n the_o like_a power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n they_o have_v power_n to_o discern_v false_a prophet_n &_o apostle_n and_o to_o restrain_v the_o same_o the_o like_a power_n do_v god_n give_v to_o all_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_a cause_n there_o be_v hereof_o for_o without_o this_o authority_n no_o church_n can_v long_o stand_v &_o be_v a_o church_n ii_o here_o note_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o church_n to_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o it_o must_v have_v severity_n and_o sharp_a government_n whereby_o wicked_a people_n may_v be_v restrain_v this_o church_n be_v therefore_o discommend_v for_o that_o she_o use_v not_o that_o severe_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v give_v she_o in_o suppress_v of_o sin_n and_o in_o our_o congregation_n the_o like_a fault_n be_v to_o be_v find_v where_o much_o preach_n be_v yet_o sin_n abound_v as_o adultery_n blasphemy_n usury_n and_o cruelty_n and_o the_o cause_n be_v for_o that_o this_o severe_a execution_n of_o government_n in_o restrain_v sin_n be_v not_o so_o strait_o put_v in_o practice_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v again_o in_o this_o reason_n of_o his_o reprofe_n christ_n do_v charge_v they_o with_o two_o fault_n first_o for_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o teach_v second_o for_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o seduce_v his_o people_n for_o the_o first_o the_o word_n translate_v teach_v be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n common_o put_v for_o public_a teach_n in_o the_o ministry_n their_o fault_n then_o be_v this_o that_o they_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o teach_v open_o and_o it_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o tim._n 2.12_o i_o permit_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v and_o 1._o cor._n 14.34_o 35_o woman_n ought_v to_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n and_o learn_v of_o they_o at_o home_n object_n but_o deborah_n be_v a_o prophetess_n jud._n 4.4_o and_o hulda_n prophesy_v 2._o kin._n 22.4_o for_o josiah_n send_v to_o she_o for_o counsel_n 2._o chro._n 34._o and_o therefore_o woman_n may_v prophesy_v an._n these_o woman_n have_v extraordinary_a gift_n &_o call_n &_o therefore_o upon_o their_o example_n we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n ii_o ob._n but_o it_o may_v seem_v paul_n allow_v it_o when_o he_o say_v a_o woman_n pray_v or_o prophesy_v uncover_v dishonour_v her_o head_n 1._o co._n 11.5_o answ._n hereto_o some_o do_v answer_v thus_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n some_o woman_n be_v extraordinary_o endue_v with_o that_o gift_n and_o do_v indeed_o prophesy_v other_o judge_v it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o say_v in_o the_o 14._o cha_n the_o apostle_n reprove_v it_o command_v woman_n to_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n three_o a_o woman_n may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v when_o she_o give_v her_o assent_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n by_o say_v amen_n and_o she_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v when_o she_o sing_v psalm_n or_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n 1._o chron._n 25.1_o asaph_z and_o his_o company_n prophesy_v with_o harp_n and_o vial_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v translate_v they_o sing_v prophecy_n and_o play_v thereunto_o upon_o their_o instrument_n from_o the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n against_o this_o church_n use_n we_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o god_n word_n for_o a_o woman_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o so_o a_o part_n thereof_o and_o must_v go_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o may_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o preach_v no_o not_o in_o time_n and_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o man_n be_v want_v and_o although_o they_o may_v not_o teach_v public_o yet_o they_o may_v teach_v at_o home_n and_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o husband_n it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o teach_v her_o child_n proverb_n 31_o lemuel_n that_o be_v solomon_n be_v teach_v many_o worthy_a thing_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o timothy_n be_v bring_v up_o of_o a_o child_n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o his_o grandmother_n lois_fw-fr and_o his_o mother_n eunice_n 2._o tim._n 1.5_o hence_o some_o will_v gather_v that_o as_o a_o woman_n may_v not_o teach_v public_o so_o she_o may_v not_o public_o govern_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o this_o consequence_n be_v not_o good_a for_o public_a teach_n be_v flat_o forbid_v to_o a_o woman_n so_o be_v not_o public_a civil_a regiment_n there_o be_v special_a reason_n why_o she_o may_v not_o public_o teach_v for_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o as_o christ_n be_v a_o man_n so_o they_o that_o stand_v in_o his_o room_n and_o stead_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n shall_v also_o be_v man_n but_o the_o regiment_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v a_o civil_a thing_n and_o so_o may_v lawful_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o woman_n when_o she_o come_v unto_o it_o by_o lawful_a succession_n to_o her_o father_n who_o whole_a patrimony_n in_o the_o want_n of_o son_n she_o may_v right_o enjoy_v object_n but_o the_o woman_n must_v b●e_v in_o subjection_n unto_o the_o man_n 1._o cor._n 14._o ●4_n answ._n so_o she_o may_v and_o yet_o have_v sovereignty_n in_o the_o kingdom_n object_n but_o the_o man_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o woman_n 1._o cor._n 11.3_o answ._n that_o be_v the_o man_n in_o that_o he_o i●_n a_o man_n be_v a_o person_n more_o excellent_a than_o the_o woman_n as_o she_o be_v a_o woman_n yet_o the_o person_n that_o in_o
regard_n of_o sex_n be_v inferior_a may_v have_v more_o excellent_a gift_n and_o so_o likewise_o may_v exercise_v authority_n and_o rule_n and_o we_o find_v by_o good_a experience_n that_o the_o government_n of_o a_o woman_n be_v a_o ha●pie_a government_n no_o record_n of_o time_n can_v show_v a_o more_o happy_a regiment_n for_o blessing_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a under_o any_o man_n than_o we_o have_v long_o enjoy_v under_o our_o noble_a queen_n the_o second_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n be_v that_o they_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o seduce_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o thereby_o to_o seduce_v god_n people_n that_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n christ_n reproof_n show_v evident_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o use_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o every_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o teach_v and_o hold_v what_o doctrine_n he_o will_v but_o all_o such_o man_n or_o woman_n as_o ●each_v erroneous_a doctrine_n by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v it_o be_v a_o grievous_a fault_n in_o any_o church_n not_o to_o restrain_v the_o author_n and_o maintainer_n of_o sect_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o of_o opinion_n which_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a gift_n in_o any_o church_n when_o they_o restrain_v the_o author_n and_o favourer_n of_o sect_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n our_o church_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v and_o approve_a and_o the_o commonwealth_n likewise_o for_o make_v law_n to_o restrain_v both_o popish_a recusant_n and_o some_o protestant_n who_o depart_v from_o this_o our_o church_n as_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n but_o a_o member_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o babylon_n now_o that_o christ_n may_v aggravate_v these_o their_o offence_n he_o do_v describe_v both_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o teach_n he_o describe_v the_o woman_n first_o by_o her_o property_n in_o this_o name_n i●zabell_n that_o be_v one_o like_o jezabell_n second_o by_o her_o action_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n her_o teach_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n touch_v her_o property_n christ_n call_v her_o jezabell_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o for_o that_o she_o be_v like_a to_o jezabell_n and_o in_o her_o person_n revive_v the_o manner_n and_o opinion_n of_o jezabell_n for_o as_o jezabell_n bring_v among_o the_o israelite_n the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o idol_n baal_n so_o this_o woman_n labour_v to_o bring_v into_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n again_o jezabell_n be_v give_v to_o fornication_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v of_o she_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o jehu_n 2._o king_n 9.22_o and_o so_o be_v this_o woman_n give_v to_o fornication_n three_o jezabell_n be_v a_o woman_n of_o authority_n and_o by_o her_o place_n and_o dignity_n do_v countenance_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n and_o her_o wicked_a sin_n so_o it_o be_v like_a that_o this_o woman_n be_v of_o some_o place_n and_o authority_n and_o do_v thereby_o countenance_v her_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o damnable_a sin_n in_o this_o reason_n of_o her_o name_n use_n note_v first_o a_o notable_a practice_n of_o satan_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v this_o in_o succeed_a age_n he_o labour_v to_o revive_v the_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o wicked_a vice_n of_o ungodly_a person_n of_o former_a time_n this_o we_o see_v plain_a in_o this_o place_n for_o long_o after_o ●●zabel●_n death_n the_o wife_n of_o ahab_n a_o wicked_a woman_n ●uen_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n he_o raise_v up_o ●nother_n woman_n like_o jezabell_n both_o for_o wicked_a life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o like_a practice_n he_o use_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o such_o as_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o counsel_n of_o machiavelli_n be_v reviue_v the_o craft_n of_o achitophel_n in_o the_o papist_n be_v reviue_v the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o wicked_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o recusant_n protestant_n be_v reviue_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o the_o sect_n call_v audiani_n the_o family_n of_o love_n revive_v the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o valentinian_o and_o the_o montanist_n and_o many_o other_o damnable_a error_n now_o this_o the_o devil_n do_v because_o he_o know_v by_o experience_n the_o great_a hurt_n that_o these_o opinion_n and_o sin_n have_v former_o do_v unto_o god_n church_n second_o christ_n call_v this_o woman_n jezabell_n that_o he_o may_v provoke_v this_o church_n to_o a_o great_a detestation_n of_o she_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o damnable_a way_n and_o that_o she_o may_v be_v in_o as_o great_a disgrace_n with_o they_o as_o be_v jezabell_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v better_o eschew_v her_o wicked_a seducement_n and_o herein_o we_o have_v a_o good_a direction_n for_o our_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n namely_o that_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o example_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o wicked_a woman_n we_o must_v thereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o be_v unlike_o they_o and_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o like_o they_o any_o way_n either_o in_o wicked_a opinion_n or_o in_o practice_n we_o must_v thereupon_o grow_v to_o a_o dislike_n with_o ourselves_o again_o find_v the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n or_o good_a woman_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o thereto_o and_o become_v like_o they_o and_o in_o this_o regard_n approve_v ourselves_o when_o we_o see_v ourselves_o conformable_a unto_o the_o godly_a in_o any_o virtue_n and_o grace_n the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o christ_n describe_v this_o woman_n be_v her_o action_n she_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n that_o be_v she_o challenge_v herself_o to_o be_v one_o that_o do_v teach_v god_n will_n by_o the_o instinct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o herein_o she_o become_v a_o notable_a patron_n of_o the_o damnable_a sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o for_o she_o hold_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o fornication_n and_o of_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n hereof_o she_o say_v she_o be_v a_o prophetess_n one_o that_o speak_v nothing_o but_o as_o she_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o heretic_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o maintain_v their_o damnable_a device_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o induction_n of_o particular_a heretic_n in_o former_a age_n first_o use_n hence_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o labour_n to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_a whereby_o we_o may_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o many_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a teacher_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o herein_o they_o bewray_v their_o profaneness_n they_o ought_v the_o rather_o to_o labour_v for_o this_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o to_o know_v what_o be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o be_v not_o second_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o when_o we_o be_v unjust_o slander_v disgrace_v or_o injure_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o fret_v and_o fume_n but_o by_o patience_n to_o content_v ourselves_o for_o we_o see_v that_o wicked_a man_n to_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o manner_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o abuse_v god_n himself_o and_o make_v his_o bless_a spirit_n the_o author_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o error_n and_o sin_n we_o by_o our_o sin_n deserve_v disgrace_n and_o reproach_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v patient_a be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n as_o luke_n 23.40_o 41._o and_o rather_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o pet._n 4_o vers_fw-la 13._o again_o here_o observe_v how_o she_o prove_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o prophetess_n namely_o by_o her_o own_o testimony_n only_o she_o call_v herself_o so_o where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o note_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o wi●_n their_o own_o bare_a word_n and_o testimony_n a_o true_a prophet_n or_o prophetess_n have_v sundry_a testimony_n beside_o their_o own_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o call_n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v diverse_a language_n without_o study_n and_o of_o work_a miracle_n they_o have_v also_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n join_v with_o integrity_n of_o life_n &_o last_o many_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o zeal_n courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o christ_n have_v describe_v this_o woman_n for_o her_o further_a disgrace_n as_o also_o to_o aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o this_o church_n in_o suffer_v
sign_n or_o rule_v whereto_o he_o will_v conform_v and_o square_v the_o last_o judgement_n second_o whereas_o every_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v that_o be_v save_v or_o condemn_v according_a to_o his_o work_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o not_o as_o cause_n thereof_o either_o efficient_a or_o help_v any_o way_n but_o only_o as_o a_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o come_v unto_o salvation_n for_o faith_n be_v necessary_a and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o token_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v necessary_a three_o here_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o be_v careful_a to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n not_o to_o win_v heaven_n by_o they_o but_o to_o get_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o ourselves_o and_o these_o good_a work_n be_v the_o do_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n unto_o our_o brethren_n even_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o the_o do_v of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o a_o man_n calling_n for_o if_o these_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o love_n unto_o our_o brethren_n though_o the_o call_n be_v never_o so_o base_a they_o be_v good_a work_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o condemnation_n and_o so_o many_o wicked_a work_n as_o we_o commit_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o brand_n do_v we_o set_v upon_o ourselves_o of_o our_o just_a and_o deserve_a condemnation_n unless_o we_o repent_v last_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o torment_n in_o hell_n for_o judgement_n and_o reward_n go_v according_a to_o man_n work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o testify_v their_o faith_n by_o great_a and_o many_o good_a work_n shall_v have_v great_a reward_n they_o that_o testify_v their_o faith_n by_o lesser_a and_o few_o work_n shall_v have_v lesser_a reward_n and_o so_o for_o sin_n the_o more_o heinous_a they_o be_v the_o deep_a condemnation_n they_o do_v procure_v vers._n 24._o and_o to_o you_o i_o say_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatira_n as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o learning_n neither_o have_v know_v the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o none_o other_o burden_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v here_o christ_n come_v to_o a_o second_o part_n of_o his_o counsel_n which_o concern_v the_o angel_n and_o the_o better_a part_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o first_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o preface_n of_o this_o counsel_n wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v two_o point_n first_o who_o speak_v second_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v for_o the_o first_o he_o that_o speak_v be_v christ._n i_o say_v hereby_o christ_n challenge_v unto_o himself_o the_o absolute_a and_o all_o sufficient_a authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o that_o he_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o name_n whereby_o he_o put_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o himself_o and_o all_o other_o his_o minister_n either_o prophet_n apostle_n or_o ordinary_a teacher_n for_o they_o must_v not_o propound_v any_o thing_n unto_o god_n people_n in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n but_o christ_n teach_v in_o his_o own_o name_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n that_o i●_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o christ_n himself_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o name_n to_o strike_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o better_a part_n thereof_o with_o reverence_n and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o counsel_n follow_v consider_v it_o come_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o point_n the_o party_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v 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it_o be_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o devil_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v his_o profound_a craft_n and_o policy_n where_o note_n that_o when_o christ_n will_v allege_v the_o speech_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n he_o do_v it_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o count_v their_o doctrine_n deep_a learning_n but_o christ_n repeat_v their_o opinion_n call_v it_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n hence_o i_o gather_v use_n that_o christian_n can_v safe_o act_v and_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o heathen_a man_n for_o they_o be_v full_a of_o many_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o oath_n flat_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repeat_v but_o with_o disgrace_n unto_o they_o for_o christ_n practice_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n he_o will_v not_o repeat_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o a_o wicked_a woman_n without_o some_o note_n of_o disgrace_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o repeat_v these_o speech_n with_o disgrace_n and_o dislike_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o if_o they_o do_v that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o whole_a comedy_n be_v full_a of_o such_o bad_a speech_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n thus_o to_o reason_n from_o christ_n example_n as_o they_o speak_v these_o word_n christ_n add_v first_o to_o show_v that_o the_o word_n go_v before_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o word_n of_o jezabels_n follower_n touch_v her_o doctrine_n second_o to_o show_v the_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a mind_n of_o heretic_n in_o maintain_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n thus_o have_v false_a teacher_n uphold_v their_o error_n by_o proud_a and_o swell_a word_n as_o jude_n the_o 16._o and_o 2._o pet._n 2.18_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o maintain_v but_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n of_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n from_o a_o humble_a heart_n for_o god_n teach_v the_o lowly_a his_o way_n and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o 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namely_o that_o all_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o the_o time_n of_o common_a judgement_n under_o the_o bless_a protection_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o good_a and_o consider_v this_o mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o godly_a we_o must_v hereby_o learn_v to_o become_v follower_n of_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o be_v we_o must_v endeavour_n to_o maintain_v the_o pure_a truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o show_v forth_o sincerity_n of_o manner_n in_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o endevor_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o cheerfulness_n hereby_o we_o shall_v get_v protection_n from_o common_a judgement_n when_o they_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o wicked_a but_o if_o we_o partake_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n we_o shall_v receive_v part_n in_o their_o plague_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v in_o these_o word_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v that_o be_v my_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v unto_o you_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n now_o i_o charge_v you_o that_o you_o hold_v that_o fast_o and_o maintain_v it_o until_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o most_o excellent_a commandment_n contain_v special_a instruction_n mee●_n for_o this_o church_n of_o thyatira_n and_o all_o church_n before_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v commend_v this_o church_n for_o not_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o company_n but_o here_o he_o give_v they_o another_o commandment_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o and_o in_o they_o all_o church_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o affect_v or_o approve_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o whatsoever_o according_a as_o paul_n bid_v the_o galatian_n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o be_v direct_v in_o sundry_a duty_n first_o use_n not_o to_o regard_v unwritten_a tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v so_o high_o magnify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v they_o second_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n which_o some_o bring_v unto_o we_o under_o colour_n of_o revelation_n from_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n three_o hereby_o we_o learn_v what_o to_o think_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o three_o great_a religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o jew_n and_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n the_o turkish_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o it_o have_v it_o beginning_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n with_o who_o doctrine_n only_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o also_o the_o jewish_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o regard_v for_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o papist_n we_o must_v renounce_v because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v but_o have_v it_o beginning_n by_o little_a and_o little_a long_a after_o their_o time_n if_o this_o commandment_n be_v safe_o keep_v which_o be_v lay_v on_o this_o church_n man_n will_v not_o be_v of_o so_o many_o religion_n but_o all_o will_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n cleave_v fast_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o it_o which_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n for_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o attain_v salvation_n last_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o those_o which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o content_v themselves_o therewith_o nothing_o regard_v new_a doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o glorious_a till_o i_o come_v here_o christ_n show_v how_o long_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v hold_v fast_o namely_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n whereby_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n church_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n but_o a_o most_o needful_a duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o by_o special_a commandment_n and_o withal_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o direct_v man_n soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 3.14_o to_o keep_v the_o true_a pattern_n of_o wholesome_a word_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o duty_n 3.15_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o christ_n for_o this_o cause_n give_v to_o his_o church_n both_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n ●1_n pastor_n to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o purity_n in_o manner_n and_o teacher_n to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n in_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n this_o therefore_o must_v admonish_v we_o that_o we_o have_v care_v not_o only_o to_o learn_v religion_n in_o our_o own_o person_n but_o also_o to_o convey_v the_o same_o to_o age_n follow_v that_o the_o purity_n thereof_o may_v be_v preserve_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n
scripture_n speak_v of_o god_n usual_o before_o the_o old_a world_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v say_v the_o ●_o lord_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o he_o have_v look_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o behold_v that_o it_o be_v corrupt_a speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n to_o signify_v that_o search_n which_o he_o make_v into_o man_n action_n and_o so_o he_o be_v say_v to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n at_o the_o build_n of_o babel_n gen._n 11._o and_o before_o he_o destroy_v sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n 2d_o he_o come_v down_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o that_o cry_n which_o be_v come_v up_o to_o he_o and_o so_o before_o the_o lord_n punish_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o israelit_n 12_o he_o make_v a_o search_n into_o their_o wai●●_n and_o the_o second_o commandment_n be_v this_o god_n will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n that_o be_v he_o will_v make_v a_o search_n whether_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n be_v among_o the_o child_n and_o if_o they_o be_v he_o will_v punish_v they_o see_v christ_n make_v this_o search_n into_o all_o man_n action_n use_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v care_n to_o conform_v our_o self_n to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o do_v of_o all_o good_a duty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o we_o know_v a_o magistrate_n will_v come_v to_o make_v search_n in_o our_o house_n we_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o set_v all_o thing_n in_o order_n against_o he_o come_v shall_v we_o be_v thus_o circumspect_a to_o prepare_v for_o the_o come_n of_o a_o earthly_a man_n &_o shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o search_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o everliving_a god_n from_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a work_n be_v perfect_a two_o way_n by_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o law_n when_o in_o our_o work_n we_o do_v all_o that_o the_o law_n require_v and_o thus_o be_v no_o man_n work_n perfect_a in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o gospel_n our_o work_n be_v perfect_a when_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o believe_a hart_n that_o have_v a_o care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n &_o these_o work_n be_v perfect_a not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o christ._n here_o by_o perfect_a work_n christ_n mean_v not_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n but_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v search_v into_o your_o way_n you_o do_v many_o work_n in_o show_n but_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o sincere_a faith_n nor_o from_o a_o heart_n that_o have_v care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o a_o full_a purpose_n not_o to_o sin_v against_o he_o you_o have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o you_o want_v the_o power_n thereof_o here_o observe_v that_o christ_n condemn_v this_o church_n not_o because_o their_o work_n be_v not_o outwardlye_o conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o because_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o believe_a hart_n that_o have_v a_o full_a purpose_n to_o forsake_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o therefore_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o all_o hypocrisy_n by_o the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n use_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v of_o david_n mind_n and_o pray_v with_o he_o ●0_n that_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v upright_o in_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o hezekias_n 38.3_o behold_v lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o with_o a_o upright_o mind_n for_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a token_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o infallible_a badge_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n before_o god_n some_o may_v say_v christ_n here_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n answer_v by_o god_n in_o this_o place_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o god_n simple_o but_o god_n the_o father_n for_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o himself_o not_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n &_o man_n in_o which_o respect_n even_o as_o he_o be_v now_o glorify_v he_o be_v inferior_a unto_o his_o father_n where_o note_n that_o christ_n be_v now_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n carry_v himself_o as_o mediator_n whence_o we_o gather_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o without_o presumption_n pray_v unto_o christ_n without_o the_o mean_n or_o intercession_n of_o saint_n or_o angel_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n deny_v this_o and_o say_v because_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o full_a glory_n in_o heaven_n therefore_o we_o must_v use_v unto_o he_o the_o mediation_n of_o saint_n but_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n mark_v our_o work_n in_o particular_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v without_o presumption_n come_v unto_o he_o by_o prayer_n vers._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 will_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 when_o christ_n have_v reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o prescribe_v they_o a_o remedy_n with_o a_o reason_n thereof_o he_o do_v as_o a_o good_a physician_n &_o pastor_n show_v they_o the_o way_n how_o they_o may_v practice_v that_o remedy_n for_o they_o may_v say_v we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v and_o to_o renew_v our_o decay_a grace_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o christ_n answer_v by_o do_v three_o thing_n i._o by_o remember_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v receive_v by_o hear_v ii_o by_o hold_v fast_o iii_o by_o repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o remember_v therefore_o that_o be_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o thou_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o my_o apostle_n this_o remembrance_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o move_v a_o man_n to_o subjection_n to_o god_n will_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o practice_v all_o good_a grace_n when_o david_n see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a his_o fect_n have_v almos●_n step_n but_o his_o remedy_n against_o that_o temptation_n be_v his_o 73.17_o go_v to_o god_n sanctuary_n and_o there_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o end_n of_o those_o man_n again_o ●●_o i_o have_v remember_v thy_o name_n oh_o lord_n in_o the_o night_n and_o have_v keep_v thy_o law_n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n when_o he_o forget_v his_o word_n but_o when_o he_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n thereof_o by_o the_o look_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o crow_n of_o a_o cock_n he_o then_o repent_v and_o weep_v bitter_o luk._n 22.61.62_o sin_n commit_v by_o man_n of_o ignorance_n be_v many_o and_o grievous_a and_o therefore_o all_o sin_n be_v call_v ignorances_n heb._n 9_o 7._o but_o if_o man_n will_v by_o faith_n keep_v in_o mind_n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o sin_v here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o sin_n namely_o use_n wheresoever_o we_o be_v or_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v we_o must_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o those_o will_v be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o our_o step_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n the_o devil_n labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o forget_v the_o word_n for_o than_o he_o know_v he_o can_v easy_o draw_v we_o into_o any_o sin_n quest._n how_o shall_v we_o keep_v in_o mind_n the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n answ._n that_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o attain_v unto_o it_o we_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n affect_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n for_o a_o man_n can_v never_o keep_v in_o mind_n that_o whereof_o he_o have_v no_o like_n second_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n give_v it_o root_a in_o our_o heart_n colos._n 2.7_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a remember_v of_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v be_v for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o again_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v remember_v be_v how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v that_o be_v look_v what_o doctrine_n thou_o have_v receive_v by_o hear_v and_o that_o remember_v where_o we_o see_v christ_n join_v receive_v and_o hear_v together_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o ●●aching_v and_o receive_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o hear_v be_v the_o prescribe_v general_a mean_n whereby_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n counsel_n and_o purpose_n touch_v the_o salvation_n
of_o mankind_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o mean_v appoint_v hereunto_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o show_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a who_o teach_v that_o god_n call_v all_o ●he_n world_n effectual_o unto_o salvation_n use_n for_o how_o can_v th●y_o be_v call_v that_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n but_o all_o in_o all_o age_n never_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n albeit_o 〈◊〉_d the_o come_n of_o christ_n their_o sound_n have_v go_v forth_o into_o all_o nation_n second_o this_o show_v the_o fondness_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v grace_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n unto_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v save_v if_o he_o will_v for_o the_o mean_n to_o receive_v grace_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n which_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n never_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o duty_n prescribe_v be_v the_o hold_v fast_o of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o hold_v fast_o here_o signify_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n second_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n of_o these_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o cap._n 2.25_o the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o repent_v where_o by_o repentance_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o same_o for_o their_o hardness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o they_o do_v slack_o and_o cold_o practice_v the_o good_a duty_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v use_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v renew_v the_o same_o continual_o &_o that_o not_o for_o gross_a sin_n only_o but_o even_o for_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o for_o our_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o for_o our_o hypocrisy_n and_o decay_v in_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o this_o church_n be_v very_o dead_a and_o dull_a of_o heart_n therefore_o christ_n add_v a_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d 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 here_o mark_v christ_n order_n and_o deal_n have_v prescribe_v a_o remedy_n for_o their_o fault_n he_o give_v they_o a_o direction_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o after_o add_v a_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n to_o drive_v they_o thereunto_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o watch_v against_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o that_o end_n remember_v my_o word_n hold_v fast_o the_o same_o and_o repent_v then_o look_v as_o a_o thief_n come_v upon_o a_o man_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o spoil_n his_o good_n and_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o his_o child_n so_o will_v i_o come_v on_o thou_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o power_n upon_o thou_o my_o wrath_n whereby_o i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d cut_v the_o throat_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o mean_n to_o escape_v my_o punishment_n here_o christ_n threaten_v sudden_a and_o speedy_a destruction_n but_o yet_o with_o condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o repentance_n now_o because_o we_o be_v like_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a peace_n which_o we_o enjoy_v we_o may_v also_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o threaten_n at_o this_o day_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o dead_a heart_n we_o must_v watch_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o against_o death_n and_o for_o this_o end_n must_v have_v in_o memory_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o repent_v continual_o of_o all_o want_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o then_o be_v the_o vengeance_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o without_o measure_n and_o that_o sudden_o when_o we_o can_v prevent_v they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o will_v move_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o watchfulness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o awake_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o sin_n than_o nothing_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v unavoidable_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n have_v some_o thousand_o year_n allot_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n there_o be_v some_o cause_n why_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o they_o but_o see_v this_o punishment_n be_v eternal_a and_o when_o many_o thousand_o year_n be_v expire_v they_o be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n of_o their_o woe_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v therefore_o it_o must_v stir_v up_o all_o dead_a and_o drowsy_a heart_n unto_o repentance_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o shake_v off_o security_n ignorance_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o every_o sin_n vers._n 4._o notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardie_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o th●y_n shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a here_o begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n do_v thus_o depend_v upon_o those_o which_o go_v before_o whereas_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o have_v only_o a_o name_n to_o live_v some_o man_n may_v a●ke_v how_o it_o can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o this_o christ_n answer_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o though_o the_o great_a part_n in_o this_o church_n be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n yet_o some_o few_o there_o be_v among_o they_o that_o be_v alive_a in_o christ_n and_o do_v testify_v the_o the_o same_o by_o true_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n in_o this_o coherence_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o instruction_n i._o that_o a_o particular_a congregation_n on_o earth_n be_v make_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o call_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n elect_v therein_o who_o do_v true_o believe_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a true_o beleve_v in_o christ_n &_o particular_a congregation_n be_v member_n of_o it_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o rest_n that_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n but_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n like_v unto_o superfluous_a humour_n which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o no_o part_n thereof_o this_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o teach_v that_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v reject_v in_o god_n decree_n may_v yet_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o this_o coherence_n christ_n intimate_v unto_o we_o a_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o church_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o this_o church_n be_v man_n call_v profess_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o yet_o of_o they_o some_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o other_o be_v alive_a in_o christ._n touch_v this_o distinction_n of_o man_n we_o must_v search_v the_o cause_n thereof_o it_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o power_n or_o will_v in_o man_n but_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v for_o when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelite_n have_v give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n there_o be_v yet_o 11.4_o seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o live_v like_a to_o the_o other_o israelite_n surely_n nothing_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o themselves_o but_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o have_v preserve_v and_o keep_v they_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o erroneous_a and_o false_a the_o divinity_n of_o some_o protestant_n be_v use_n which_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n be_v renew_v by_o grace_n say_v that_o god_n give_v to_o everye_o man_n save_v grace_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o yet_o because_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v still_o remain_v sinful_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o obey_v
satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v proper_o that_o key_n whereby_o heaven_n be_v open_v be_v opposite_a to_o man_n sin_n whereby_o it_o be_v shut_v and_o god_n church_n and_o minister_n can_v proper_o open_v heaven_n by_o any_o power_n they_o have_v but_o only_o reveal_v unto_o man_n what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o they_o and_o withal_o apply_v unto_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o in_o this_o regard_n they_o be_v say_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o minister_n &_o servant_n next_o i_o add_v that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o company_n of_o of_o true_a believer_n call_v to_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o none_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o 1●_n whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n three_o i_o add_v the_o end_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_a and_o to_o shut_v heaven_n how_o the_o church_n do_v this_o christ_n that_o give_v this_o power_n know_v best_a and_o he_o have_v set_v it_o down_o john_n 20.23_o whosoever_n sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o whosoever_n sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v the_o church_n therefore_o open_v heaven_n when_o it_o pardon_v man_n sin_n and_o it_o shut_v the_o same_o when_o it_o lawful_o retain_v their_o sin_n and_o hold_v they_o unpardoned_a beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o open_v and_o shut_v of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n quest._n can_v the_o church_n pardon_v sin_n or_o retain_v the_o same_o answ._n yes_o for_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o give_v sentence_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o another_o to_o pronounce_v the_o same_o sentence_n give_v to_o give_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n no_o saint_n nor_o angel_n have_v that_o privilege_n but_o yet_o the_o church_n pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o pardon_n give_v by_o christ._n if_o we_o shall_v say_v the_o the_o church_n shall_v pardon_v sin_n we_o shall_v rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n for_o that_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o his_o godhead_n thus_o we_o se●_n what_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o power_n be_v when_o the_o church_n do_v use_v the_o same_o for_o the_o open_n and_o shut_v of_o heaven_n first_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n alone_o as_o a_o servant_n second_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n not_o after_o man_n affection_n or_o invention_n three_o for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n &_o to_o continue_v they_o therein_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o to_o the_o church_n thus_o use_v this_o power_n christ_n have_v promise_v that_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o lose_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 18.18_o further_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n have_v two_o part_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n the_o key_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v down_o &_o establish_v by_o christ_n mat._n 16.19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n because_o it_o open_v &_o shut_v heaven_n this_o it_o do_v two_o way_n first_o by_o teach_v and_o explayn_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n whereby_o man_n must_v come_v to_o heaven_n &_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n lu._n 11.52_o second_o by_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n for_o when_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n &_o life_n everlasting_a be_v apply_v to_o believer_n that_o repent_v than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v open_v &_o when_o as_o in_o the_o same_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v denounce_v against_o impenitent_a sinner_n then_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shut_v yet_o touch_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n this_o distinction_n must_v be_v remember_v that_o otherwhiles_o the_o church_n be_v certain_a of_o the_o faith_n &_o repentance_n of_o some_o man_n or_o some_o congregation_n and_o then_o they_o may_v pronounce_v remission_n of_o sin_n absolute_o but_o otherwhiles_o they_o be_v uncerten_a of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o of_o their_o impenitency_n &_o then_o they_o must_v according_o remit_v or_o retain_v man_n sin_n that_o be_v conditional_o pronounce_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o that_o repent_v &_o denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o repent_v not_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o word_n to_o be_v public_o handle_v in_o god_n church_n at_o this_o day_n because_o our_o congregation_n be_v mix_v company_n consist_v of_o some_o that_o repent_v &_o believe_v and_o of_o other_o that_o do_v not_o true_o repent_v nor_o believe_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v spiritual_a jurisdiction_n i_o call_v it_o spiritual_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o that_o outward_a jurisdiction_n whereby_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v govern_v that_o this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n be_v a_o key_n may_v appear_v mat._n 18.16.17.18_o if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o say_v christ_n admonish_v he_o private_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o yet_o take_v with_o thou_o two_o or_o three_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n &_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o as_o a_o publican_n then_o follow_v the_o promise_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o soever_o you_o lose_v shall_v be_v loose_v in_o haaven_n this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n be_v a_o power_n whereby_o the_o church_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o obstinate_a offender_n in_o the_o church_n and_o put_v the_o same_o in_o execution_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n excommunication_n and_o absolution_n excommunication_n be_v a_o action_n of_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n name_n exclude_v a_o obstinate_a offender_n that_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o all_o the_o privildedge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o paul_n 5.5_o command_v the_o incestuous_a man_n to_o be_v commit_v to_o satan_n that_o be_v not_o only_o put_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n make_v subject_a unto_o satan_n to_o be_v outward_o afflict_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v if_o 18.18_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n that_o be_v as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o may_v some_o say_v can_v the_o church_n thrust_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n answ._n it_o be_v christ_n only_o that_o receive_v man_n in_o thither_o and_o it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o must_v thrust_v they_o out_o the_o church_n do_v not_o proper_o either_o receive_v man_n in_o or_o put_v they_o out_o but_o only_o pronounce_v and_o declare_v what_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o behalf_n as_o if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o common_a drunkard_n the_o church_n find_v in_o god_n word_n that_o 6.10_o no_o drunkard_n can_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n may_v pronounce_v the_o same_o against_o he_o and_o so_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n object_n the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v but_o he_o can_v never_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ans._n the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n may_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o part_n be_v exclude_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o part_n as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v freedom_n in_o a_o incorporation_n may_v lie_v in_o prison_n for_o some_o trespass_n and_o so_o want_v the_o use_n of_o his_o freedom_n though_o he_o be_v a_o freeman_n so_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o commit_v sin_n may_v want_v the_o use_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o he_o have_v in_o god_n kingdom_n and_o for_o a_o time_n while_o he_o live_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n yet_o whole_o and_o for_o ever_o he_o can_v but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o repent_v he_o shall_v be_v receive_v certain_o again_o for_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v bar_v either_o from_o heaven_n or_o the_o church_n any_o long_a than_o he_o
they_o signify_v that_o this_o church_n have_v special_a care_n of_o keep_v god_n word_n in_o every_o commandment_n both_o legal_a and_o evangelical_a happy_a be_v our_o church_n if_o the_o same_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v care_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n but_o general_o we_o fail_v in_o practice_n though_o in_o outward_a profession_n we_o make_v some_o show_n thereof_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o church_n vers._n 9_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagog_n of_o satan_n which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v two_o first_o concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o certain_a jew_n vers_fw-la 9_o second_o concern_v the_o deliverance_n of_o these_o philadelphian_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n vers_fw-la 10._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o promise_n in_o all_o likelihood_n there_o be_v in_o this_o city_n of_o philadelphia_n a_o synagog_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o bear_v a_o outward_a show_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n albeit_o they_o deny_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o persecute_v his_o church_n yet_o christ_n here_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v convert_v they_o and_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n before_o this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n in_o this_o promise_n note_v three_o point_n touch_v the_o conversion_n of_o these_o jew_n the_o author_n thereof_o the_o party_n convert_v and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n for_o the_o first_o i_o say_v christ_n behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o the_o word_n be_v very_o significant_a be_v double_v and_o they_o make_v christ_n the_o whole_a and_o sole_a author_n of_o their_o conversion_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o in_o the_o conversision_n of_o a_o sinner_n god_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a work_n true_a it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n will_v his_o conversion_n in_o the_o act_n thereof_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v that_o will_n in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o of_o himself_o this_o confute_v the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o freewill_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whereby_o they_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n can_v dispose_v himself_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n be_v only_o help_v by_o god_n grace_n like_o unto_o a_o sick_a man_n who_o though_o he_o be_v weak_a yet_o be_v hold_v up_o by_o another_o can_v go_v of_o himself_o ans._n but_o saint_n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v not_o sick_a or_o weak_a with_o sin_n but_o stark_o 2.1_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o can_v no_o more_o move_v himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o conversion_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n in_o the_o grave_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o resurrection_n but_o they_o say_v by_o this_o we_o make_v a_o man_n like_o unto_o a_o block_n answ._n not_o so_o for_o though_o he_o can_v turn_v himself_o unto_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v his_o will_n and_o understanding_n free_a to_o use_v in_o civil_a and_o outward_a action_n and_o beside_o the●e_n be_v a_o possibility_n in_o his_o nature_n to_o be_v convert_v by_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o in_o a_o block_n again_o whereas_o christ_n say_v i_o will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o they_o shall_v come_v here_o be_v plain_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o some_o which_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v may_v come_v unto_o christ_n or_o not_o come_v at_o his_o pleasure_n when_o god_n have_v give_v grace_n man_n may_v receive_v it_o or_o refuse_v it_o if_o he_o will_n this_o be_v flat_a against_o this_o text_n for_o god_n will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o man_n will_n must_v be_v pliable_a to_o god_n will_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o they_o allege_v mat._n 23.37_o oh_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o will_v not_o answ._n christ_n there_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o that_o can_v be_v resist_v but_o of_o his_o signify_v will_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o by_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o circumcision_n unto_o the_o jew_n for_o so_o he_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v it_o not_o object_n 2._o act._n 7.51_o you_o stiffnecked_a jew_n you_o have_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n answ._n that_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o the_o spirit_n himself_o ii_o point_n the_o party_n convert_v namely_o they_o of_o the_o synagog_n of_o satan_n such_o as_o call_v themselves_o the_o only_a true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o slave_n of_o satan_n this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o hereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o not_o only_a sinner_n which_o commit_v small_a sin_n be_v convert_v unto_o god_n but_o even_o grievous_a and_o ancient_a sinner_n such_o as_o have_v long_o conc●●ued_v the_o slave_n of_o satan_n christ_n die_v not_o for_o paint_a sinner_n but_o for_o grievous_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o paul_n charge_v timothy_n and_o the_o minister_n with_o he_o 2.26_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n of_o they_o that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o devil_n own_a will_n rom._n 1.28_o paul_n speak_v of_o some_o gentile_n that_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a case_n and_o yet_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o they_o be_v after_o turn_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o such_o be_v they_o that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v repentance_n to_o be_v wait_v for_o of_o they_o this_o doctrine_n must_v not_o be_v abuse_v to_o liberty_n in_o sin_v use_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n but_o yet_o see_v christ_n will_v bring_v home_o into_o his_o kingdom_n most_o grievous_a sinner_n we_o must_v hereby_o take_v occasion_n not_o to_o be_v discourage_v either_o by_o the_o greatness_n or_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n from_o come_v unto_o christ._n for_o mark_v christ_n only_o raise_v three_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o life_n jayrus_n daughter_n that_o be_v new_a dead_a the_o widow_n son_n that_o lie_v on_o the_o herste_fw-mi and_o lazarus_n that_o lie_v stink_v in_o the_o grave_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a figure_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n he_o will_v not_o only_o call_v to_o repentance_n small_a and_o young_a sinner_n but_o even_o great_a and_o old_a sinner_n that_o lie_v rot_v and_o stink_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n as_o lazarus_n do_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o death_n he_o come_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v devour_v by_o wolf_n and_o wild_a beast_n we_o must_v all_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o his_o large_a mercy_n and_o in_o time_n lie_v hold_v upon_o it_o and_o repent_v iii_o point_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n in_o these_o word_n they_o shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n may_v be_v fit_o expound_v by_o another_o place_n of_o scripture_n 1._o corinth_n 14.24.25_o if_o all_o pprophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o man_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o so_o as_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v disclose_v and_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n and_o worship_n god_n and_o say_v plain_o god_n be_v in_o you_o indeed_o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o i_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o come_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n &_o at_o their_o foot_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n here_o be_v set_v down_o two_o notable_a fruit_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n first_o concern_v god_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o church_n the_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n that_o respect_v god_n be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n note_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v make_v they_o come_v and_o worship_n that_o be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n with_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o adore_v the_o true_a
god_n this_o fruit_n no_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o till_o he_o be_v convert_v for_o 14.4_o the_o wicked_a and_o natural_a man_n call_v not_o upon_o god_n true_a it_o be_v they_o will_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o same_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o they_o will_v come_v outward_o and_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o element_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n from_o the_o heart_n which_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v perform_v unto_o god_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a conversion_n which_o when_o a_o man_n receive_v he_o do_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o reverence_n tremble_v at_o god_n judgement_n and_o mingle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o call_v upon_o god_n he_o feel_v his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o prayer_n do_v earnest_o desire_v the_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n have_v his_o hart_n also_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v mercy_n and_o in_o thanksgiving_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o thankfulness_n so_o as_o be_v convert_v all_o his_o worship_n unto_o god_n be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o these_o jew_n be_v note_v three_o property_n require_v in_o god●_n service_n first_o it_o must_v be_v willing_a and_o cheerful_a so_o do_v these_o jew_n worship_n god_n for_o they_o be_v say_v not_o only_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o thus_o do_v all_o god_n child_n worship_v he_o isay._n 56.7_o those_o who_o god_n bring_v to_o his_o mountain_n he_o make_v joyful_a in_o his_o house_n of_o prayer_n psal._n 110.3_o they_o shall_v come_v willing_o in_o the_o day_n of_o assembly_n by_o this_o property_n we_o may_v see_v a_o great_a number_n at_o this_o day_n every_o where_o come_v far_o short_a in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o most_o man_n never_o regard_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n which_o they_o frequent_a to_o avoid_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o these_o be_v miserable_a worshipper_n of_o god_n his_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a and_o willing_a the_o second_o property_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n must_v be_v express_v with_o seemly_a meet_v and_o convenient_a gesture_n the_o word_n translate_v worship_n signify_v do_v of_o reverence_n with_o bow_v of_o the_o body_n and_o knee_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o necessary_a to_o use_v convenient_a gesture_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o thereby_o the_o grace_n and_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v express_v the_o ●_o angel_n that_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n have_v two_o wing_n to_o cover_v their_o foot_n and_o two_o to_o cover_v their_o face_n thereby_o testify_v their_o reverence_n to_o god_n majesty_n in_o this_o point_n also_o many_o come_v short_a for_o as_o the_o common_a complaint_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o many_o be_v to_o lie_v snort_v and_o sleep_v under_o man_n elbow_n at_o sermon_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n to_o sit_v unreverent_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o god_n be_v lord_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v with_o both_o the_o three_o property_n all_o that_o will_v true_o worship_v god_n must_v first_o be_v humble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n bring_v down_o and_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n glorious_a majesty_n so_o these_o jew_n do_v prostrate_v their_o body_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o congregation_n when_o they_o come_v to_o worship_v god._n the_o ●●_o jailor_n that_o imprison_v paul_n and_o silas_n overnight_o and_o put_v their_o foot_n in_o the_o stock_n will_v then_o have_v very_o little_o regard_v paul_n doctrine_n be_v so_o cruel_a and_o rigorous_a to_o their_o person_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o have_v kill_v himself_o with_o his_o sword_n suppose_v the_o prisoner_n have_v be_v go_v because_o he_o see_v the_o door_n open_v he_o be_v glad_a and_o joyful_a to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o paul_n who_o call_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v himself_o no_o harm_n for_o they_o be_v all_o there_o then_o be_v humble_v by_o that_o strange_a and_o wonder_a work_n of_o god_n he_o come_v in_o unto_o they_o humble_v himself_o and_o fall_v down_o before_o they_o crave_v they_o to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o must_v do_v to_o be_v save_v in_o like_a manner_n so_o long_o as_o man_n have_v not_o their_o proud_a heart_n beat_v down_o they_o will_v never_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n will_v we_o therefore_o know_v why_o the_o most_o part_n worship_n god_n formal_o sure_o it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v humble_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n majesty_n and_o a_o terror_n of_o hell_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v hope_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o worship_n god_n sincere_o till_o our_o heart_n be_v thus_o break_v within_o we_o and_o we_o touch_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n and_o woman_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o bare_a mumble_v over_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o creed_n and_o ten_o commandment_n never_o seek_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n cheerful_o and_o willing_o both_o with_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o do_v worship_n unto_o god_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o true_a conversion_n concern_v man_n and_o that_o be_v a_o reverence_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n note_v in_o these_o word_n before_o thy_o foot_n these_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v do_v not_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o congregation_n but_o submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v footstool_n unto_o they_o this_o reverence_n show_v itself_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n thereof_o namely_o a_o base_a opinion_n which_o every_o true_a convert_a person_n have_v of_o himself_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v in_o paul_n cause_v he_o to_o call_v himself_o the_o 1.15_o chief_n of_o all_o sinner_n and_o the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o this_o be_v true_a grace_n and_o a_o note_n of_o true_a repentance_n when_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n can_v true_o abase_v themselves_o beneath_o all_o god_n people_n so_o as_o if_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o vile_a person_n in_o the_o church_n the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n shall_v answer_v i_o myself_o the_o proud_a and_o pharesaicall_a heart_n be_v far_o from_o true_a conversion_n but_o the_o humble_a hart_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a submiss_a behaviour_n of_o these_o jew_n for_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o shall_v these_o jew_n come_v to_o join_v themselves_o with_o god_n people_n and_o be_v content_a to_o make_v themselves_o footstool_n unto_o they_o the_o answer_n be_v because_o christ_n will_v make_v they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v love_v his_o church_n here_o mark_v and_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a reverence_n god_n love_n and_o favour_n sundry_a person_n both_o in_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n have_v reverence_n due_a unto_o they_o as_o master_n from_o their_o servant_n parent_n from_o their_o child_n and_o all_o superior_n from_o their_o inferior_n now_o if_o these_o man_n will_v attain_v to_o true_a reverence_n indeed_o first_o they_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o child_n and_o so_o shall_v they_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o true_a reverence_n for_o when_o man_n set_v their_o heart_n to_o fear_n god_n then_o will_v god_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o reverence_v they_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o of_o those_o that_o be_v great_a in_o birth_n and_o wealth_n they_o must_v not_o stand_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o look_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o true_a reverence_n namely_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o and_o get_v that_o god_n will_v get_v they_o reverence_n even_o of_o wicked_a man_n the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o high_a place_n as_o magistrate_n master_n etc._n etc._n want_v due_a reverence_n be_v for_o that_o they_o care_v not_o for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o ground_n thereof_o vers._n 10._o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n therefore_o will_v i_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o will_v
come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o promise_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o church_n concern_v their_o preservation_n in_o time_n of_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n for_o this_o epistle_n unto_o this_o church_n as_o also_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o john_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n after_o who_o succeed_v tra●anus_n who_o when_o he_o be_v seat_v in_o his_o empire_n raise_v up_o grievous_a persecution_n against_o god_n church_n in_o all_o place_n of_o his_o dominion_n wherein_o he_o put_v to_o death_n innumerable_a thousand_o of_o christian_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o year_n of_o this_o persecution_n our_o saviour_n christ_n foretell_v this_o church_n call_v it_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o withal_o he_o promise_v to_o preserve_v this_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o bloody_a persecution_n add_v a_o reason_n thereof_o because_o they_o have_v constant_o and_o sincere_o profess_v his_o gospel_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o preservation_n note_v sundry_a point_n i._o the_o occasion_n thereof_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n ii_o the_o thing_n promise_v deliverance_n under_o traianus_n iii_o a_o prediction_n of_o this_o persecution_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n to_o try_v they_o i._o point_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n some_o expound_v to_o be_v christ_n commandment_n of_o patience_n but_o that_o exposition_n be_v too_o straight_o here_o it_o signify_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n first_o because_o it_o teach_v patience_n second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o patience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n know_v salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o also_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o belong_v to_o he_o that_o will_v make_v he_o patient_a in_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n three_o because_o it_o can_v be_v profess_v and_o hold_v unto_o death_n without_o patience_n but_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o good_a ground_n it_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n so_o must_v every_o one_o do_v that_o profess_v this_o gospel_n in_o this_o occasion_n of_o god_n promise_v observe_v that_o god_n grace_n well_o use_v be_v reward_v with_o increase_n those_o which_o have_v receive_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n at_o the_o first_o by_o become_v faithful_a therein_o have_v receive_v increase_n which_o serve_v to_o move_v we_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o talent_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v for_o hereby_o we_o shall_v receive_v increase_n when_o as_o those_o which_o have_v receive_v good_a gift_n from_o god_n as_o knowledge_n and_o such_o like_a because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o use_n thereof_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o same_o wherefore_o whosoever_o have_v begin_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o repent_v let_v the_o same_o party_n proceed_v to_o use_v those_o gift_n still_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v double_v and_o treble_a and_o great_o increase_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o again_o note_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o patience_n this_o show_v how_o good_a and_o meet_v it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o to_o learn_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n for_o every_o one_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n will_v wish_v for_o strength_n and_o patience_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o these_o day_n of_o peace_n will_v last_v again_o each_o man_n in_o his_o call_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o cross_n and_o misery_n for_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o our_o face_n must_v we_o eat_v our_o bread_n and_o who_o be_v free_a from_o pain_n and_o disease_n yea_o who_o can_v escape_v death_n itself_o now_o in_o all_o these_o and_o in_o all_o other_o trouble_n we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o time_n of_o health_n and_o ease_n let_v we_o hide_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o grace_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o patience_n which_o will_v make_v we_o content_v in_o all_o distress_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v why_o most_o man_n be_v so_o impatient_a in_o affliction_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v so_o little_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n second_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n hereby_o all_o person_n that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o gospel_n must_v learn_v to_o put_v on_o patience_n keep_v a_o moderation_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n will_n and_o affection_n for_o when_o we_o be_v impatien●_n any_o way_n we_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o salvation_n three_o this_o word_n of_o patience_n be_v call_v christ_n the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n because_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v add_v to_o beat_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o this_o church_n for_o when_o god_n do_v praise_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n their_o heart_n may_v have_v be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n but_o to_o prevent_v this_o evil_n in_o this_o church_n who_o he_o now_o praise_v he_o call_v it_o his_o patience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v this_o good_a thing_n be_v of_o themselves_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n must_v check_v the_o proud_a thought_n that_o rise_v in_o our_o heart_n namely_o to_o remember_v that_o no_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v be_v our_o own_o but_o christ_n what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v why_o then_o shall_v thou_o boast_v 1._o corinth_n 4.7_o ii_o point_n the_o thing_n promise_v be_v preservation_n and_o deliverance_n in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n under_o traianu●_n in_o which_o for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o year_n innumerable_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n here_o first_o observe_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v certain_a set_v hour_n and_o time_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o church_n as_o well_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o hypocrisy_n thus_o he_o lead_v the_o israelite_n 1.2_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o and_o he_o send_v 13.3_o false_a prophet_n among_o they_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o no._n and_o as_o god_n thus_o deal_v with_o his_o church_n so_o he_o bathe_v appoint_v particular_a time_n and_o hour_n wherein_o he_o will_v try_v particular_a person_n 2_o god_n bid_v abraham_n kill_v his_o son_n and_o that_o be_v his_o trial_n and_o 32.31_o hezekias_n be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v see_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o for_o every_o christian_a god_n have_v a_o set_a time_n of_o trial_n wherein_o he_o will_v either_o make_v manifest_a his_o grace_n or_o disclose_v their_o hypocrisy_n this_o point_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v for_o herein_o the_o lord_n deal_v like_o the_o worthy_a founder_n of_o great_a school_n use_n who_o have_v appoint_v certain_a set_v time_n of_o pose_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o scholar_n to_o see_v what_o every_a one_o proceed_v be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v according_o reward_v and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o one_o to_o have_v be_v long_o in_o a_o good_a school_n and_o to_o have_v make_v no_o proceed_n in_o learning_n so_o it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o that_o have_v live_v long_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o profit_v in_o grace_n this_o therefore_o must_v teach_v we_o these_o duty_n first_o to_o try_v our_o self_n and_o that_o staight_o concern_v our_o progress_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n himself_o will_v try_v we_o who_o eye_n we_o can_v never_o blind_v though_o we_o may_v deceive_v man_n he_o will_v lay_v open_a our_o heart_n and_o make_v know_v what_o be_v in_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n or_o false_a hypocrisy_n let_v we_o not_o cover_v ourselves_o with_o fig_n leave_v for_o god_n will_v strip_v we_o naked_a but_o rather_o let_v we_o search_v our_o self_n touch_v our_o sin_n and_o god_n grace_n and_o never_o rest_v content_v till_o we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o good_a gift_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v abide_v his_o trial_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v admonish_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o will_n
that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o god_n of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o any_o other_o but_o by_o christ_n god_n hear_v not_o god_n help_v not_o god_n save_v not_o but_o by_o christ_n nay_o god_n be_v no_o god_n unto_o we_o out_o of_o christ._n for_o first_o he_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o christ_n and_o then_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o unto_o us._n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n we_o must_v call_v on_o he_o through_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v give_v he_o thanks_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o only_o be_v we_o hear_v if_o we_o will_v know_v god_n it_o must_v be_v by_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v the_o very_a engraven_a image_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o be_v manife_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o idol_n in_o the_o brain_n last_o if_o we_o will_v receive_v any_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n as_o meat_n drink_n and_o clothing_n for_o if_o we_o receive_v they_o from_o god_n out_o of_o christ_n we_o be_v but_o usurper_n of_o they_o and_o the_o use_n thereof_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n four_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o do_v all_o desire_n and_o look_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n after_o this_o life_n therefore_o here_o we_o must_v live_v as_o citizen_n of_o god_n kingdom_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n commandment_n abandon_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o after_o this_o life_n we_o may_v assure_o persuade_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o kingdom_n five_o it_o be_v say_v this_o city_n of_o god_n be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v more_o careful_o to_o seek_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o behold_v god_n endless_a mercy_n herein_o our_o sin_n shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v open_v they_o and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o make_v heaven_n come_v down_o unto_o man_n god_n therefore_o will_v not_o see_v we_o damn_v he_o have_v make_v open_a away_o even_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o escape_n hell_n god_n have_v bring_v down_o heaven_n among_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o with_o the_o people_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n violent_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n and_o strive_v to_o take_v it_o by_o force_n matt._n 11.12_o last_o he_o say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o new_a name_n on_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v he_o partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o digni●ie_v wherewith_o i_o myself_o be_o glorify_v since_o my_o death_n and_o resurrection_n mark_v this_o all_o that_o after_o this_o life_n must_v have_v christ_n new_a name_n must_v in_o this_o life_n become_v new_a creature_n so_o paul_n say_v 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o again_o 6.15_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n will_v we_o then_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v here_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n herein_o stand_v true_a religion_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o not_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n and_o profession_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v of_o 4.23.24_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a with_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o m●●ds_n put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n but_o if_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o old_a man_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o christ_n glory_n for_o this_o new_a name_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o old_a man_n and_o it_o can_v agree_v together_o vers._n 13._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o conclusion_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n vers._n 14._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v amen_o that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n that_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n here_o follow_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n whereto_o be_v prefix_v a_o commandment_n unto_o john_n whereby_o he_o be_v authorise_v to_o pen_v the_o same_o in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n write_v which_o have_v be_v handle_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n be_v this_o 14._o verse_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o wit_n christ_n who_o be_v here_o describe_v by_o two_o argument_n i._o he_o be_v call_v amen_o which_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n ii_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o amen_o be_v a_o hebrew_n aduerbe_n of_o asseveration_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o very_o true_o or_o certain_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n &_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o full_a exposition_n of_o the_o same_o amen_n be_v that_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v amen_o to_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o a_o true_a witness_n which_o title_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v expound_v and_o reason_n render_v why_o he_o be_v so_o call_v unto_o which_o title_n be_v here_o add_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n according_a as_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o without_o error_n deceit_n or_o falsehood_n for_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n be_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o must_v first_o search_v out_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v amen_o that_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n which_o by_o the_o content_n of_o the_o epistle_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v to_o be_v these_o first_o to_o set_v forth_o himself_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n a_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o fidelity_n in_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o duty_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v slack_a and_o negligent_a christ_n therefore_o by_o his_o own_o example_n will_v teach_v he_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o instruct_v the_o church_n of_o god_n true_o and_o faithful_o how_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v have_v be_v show_v before_o chap._n 1.5_o and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o member_n do_v christ_n propound_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o two_o most_o worthy_a virtue_n faith_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o first_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n make_v good_a all_o his_o lawful_a word_n promise_n oath_n league_n compact_n and_o bargain_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o his_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o a_o obligation_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v truth_n be_v another_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n without_o fraud_n lie_v or_o deceit_n speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o his_o own_o good_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o we_o therefore_o must_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n this_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n without_o any_o fame_a or_o falsehood_n so_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o show_v ourselves_o faithful_a in_o all_o lawful_a promise_n and_o true_a in_o all_o our_o speech_n that_o so_o by_o these_o virtue_n we_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o christ_n through_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n second_o
christ_n be_v here_o call_v amen_o to_o induce_v this_o church_n of_o laodicia_n to_o apply_v effectual_o unto_o herself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o threaten_n or_o promise_n this_o church_n have_v be_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o come_v for_o want_v of_o apply_v god_n word_n unto_o the_o self_n the_o right_a manner_n of_o apply_v god_n word_n be_v this_o in_o god_n word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o law_n there_o be_v commandment_n and_o threaten_n now_o a_o man_n must_v apply_v to_o his_o own_o person_n and_o life_n god_n commandment_n particular_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v come_v to_o know_v his_o particular_a sin_n then_o he_o must_v also_o apply_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n unto_o himself_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v through_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o so_o make_v fit_a &_o capable_a of_o god_n grace_n thus_o the_o prodigal_a son_n apply_v the_o law_n unto_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v 15.21_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n so_o do_v 9_o daniel_n and_o 9_o ezrah_n by_o apply_v the_o law_n unto_o themselves_o humble_v themselves_o and_o their_o people_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o humble_v any_o man_n &_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o receve_v grace_n for_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ._n gal_n 3.24_o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o special_a application_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o dulness_n of_o the_o laodician_n and_o be_v also_o of_o our_o slackness_n in_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n second_o the_o gospel_n also_o must_v be_v apply_v not_o only_o by_o belee_v it_o to_o be_v true_a as_o the_o papist_n teach_v but_o also_o by_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o particular_o the_o promise_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n accord_v as_o paul_n say_v 10._o i_o desire_v to_o win_v christ_n &_o to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n vers._n 15_o let_v we_o say_v he_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v teach_v every_o one_o this_o special_a duty_n of_o particular_a application_n for_o as_o saint_n john_n say_v he_o that_o by_o faith_n do_v not_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n particular_o to_o himself_o 5.10_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o application_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o negligence_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o so_o many_o lukewarm_a gospeler_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o know_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o unto_o other_o unless_o we_o can_v thus_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o this_o then_o serve_v to_o prove_v that_o justify_n faith_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o special_a faith_n which_o do_v apply_v particular_o unto_o a_o man_n those_o promise_n which_o be_v propound_v concern_v righteousness_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n the_o second_o argument_n and_o title_n whereby_o christ_n be_v describe_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o god_n creature_n that_o be_v create_v so_o it_o be_v say_v 1.16_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o though_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o christ_n be_v here_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o a_o further_a respect_n namely_o because_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o regeneration_n so_o it_o be_v say_v 2.10_o we_o be_v the_o workema●ship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n unto_o good_a work_n so_o that_o every_o regenerate_a person_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n 53.10_o when_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n etc._n etc._n because_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n and_o seed_n of_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o how_o be_v christ_n will_n some_o say_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n answ._n two_o way_n i._o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n for_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o eternity_n isaiah_n 9.6_o and_o again_o he_o say_v behold_v 8.18_o i_o and_o the_o child_n who_o thou_o hest_n give_v i_o second_o because_o he_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o root_n out_o of_o which_o a_o new_a creature_n do_v spring_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v call_v 5.30_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n allude_v unto_o adam_n and_o eve_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o church_n for_o as_o eve_n be_v take_v out_o of_o adam_n side_n so_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o spring_v of_o the_o blood_n that_o issue_v out_o of_o christ_n side_n which_o be_v of_o infinite_a merit_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o be_v god_n the_o end_n why_o christ_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v call_v the_o beginning_n of_o god_n creature_n as_o we_o see_v by_o the_o content_n thereof_o be_v to_o meet_v with_o this_o common_a vice_n of_o this_o church_n that_o they_o have_v more_o care_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a then_o to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o now_o ch●ist_n will_v by_o this_o his_o title_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o their_o chief_a ca●e_n must_v be_v to_o become_v new_a creature_n indeed_o and_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o our_o day_n our_o care_n be_v less_o for_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o for_o the_o name_n thereof_o we_o more_o respect_v show_v than_o substance_n and_o shadow_n than_o truth_n itself_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v for_o if_o we_o will_v be_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v become_v new_a creature_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o without_o this_o new_a creation_n they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n second_o hereby_o he_o will_v meet_v with_o this_o special_a pride_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o do_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o to_o want_v nothing_o but_o christ_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o dignity_n in_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o this_o whereby_o in_o christ_n they_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n we_o therefore_o must_v learn_v by_o they_o not_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o outward_a privilege_n of_o nobility_n wealth_n strength_n or_o such_o like_a as_o many_o do_v but_o he_o that_o will_v rejoice_v must_v rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n further_o by_o call_v himself_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n christ_n will_v teach_v they_o and_o we_o that_o he_o do_v love_v his_o church_n and_o preserve_v the_o same_o eve_n be_v create_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n not_o a_o part_n from_o adam_n but_o of_o his_o rib_n for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v love_v and_o protect_v she_o &_o that_o she_o may_v reverence_v and_o serve_v he_o even_o so_o every_o new_a creature_n spring_v out_o of_o christ_n heart_n blood_n which_o god_n have_v so_o wrought_v that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o magnify_v and_o honour_v he_o adam_n be_v not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o matter_n only_o whereof_o eve_n be_v make_v but_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o author_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o regeneration_n wherein_o appear_v his_o exceed_a love_n unto_o us._n and_o look_n as_o the_o root_n spend_v itself_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o branch_n so_o do_v ghrist_n spend_v his_o own_o blood_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o church_n four_o whereas_o he_o be_v call_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o regeneration_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a which_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n hat●_n use_v of_o his_o natural_a freewill_n and_o can_v dispose_v himself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o regeneration_n but_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n can_v dispose_v himself_o in_o his_o creation_n now_o every_o man_n that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v the_o new_a creature_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o power_n to_o dispose_v himself_o in_o his_o new_a creation_n vers._n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a
yet_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o read_v the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o constant_a course_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v three_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n be_v break_v for_o though_o most_o man_n at_o set_a time_n will_v come_v into_o the_o congregation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o that_o private_a sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o congregation_n be_v dissolve_v which_o god_n word_n require_v but_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o to_o outward_a delight_n to_o omit_v those_o that_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n in_o any_o sort_n now_o these_o person_n must_v needs_o want_v both_o knowledge_n obedience_n and_o all_o sound_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v employ_v themselves_o in_o god_n word_n and_o by_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o infect_v our_o congregation_n now_o where_o this_o negligence_n be_v though_o coldness_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v zeal_n and_o so_o luke-warmnesse_n must_v needs_o abound_v ii_o sign_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o religion_n of_o most_o man_n be_v this_o in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_n they_o show_v religion_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n where_o be_v religion_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o in_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a calling_n who_o show_v his_o religion_n for_o when_o as_o man_n shall_v practice_v their_o calling_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o true_a godliness_n they_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n little_a conscience_n be_v make_v of_o lie_v and_o oppression_n that_o love_n and_o plain_a deal_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v want_v which_o prove_v they_o plain_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n iii_o sign_n there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a for_o though_o all_o general_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o many_o when_o they_o see_v some_o make_v conscience_n to_o become_v answerable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o receive_v do_v take_v up_o in_o their_o mouth_n this_o slander_n of_o precizenesse_n against_o they_o mock_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o in_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n themselves_o profess_v shall_v be_v do_v these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o profess_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v zealous_a by_o reproach_v zeal_n in_o other_o therefore_o they_o do_v more_o than_o these_o laodicean_n do_v even_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a for_o he_o that_o reproach_v another_o for_o zeal_n in_o religion_n brand_v himself_o with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o who_o know_v not_o how_o many_o of_o this_o ●ort_n be_v every_o where_o i_o dare_v with_o good_a conscience_n say_v our_o congregation_n general_o consist_v of_o such_o now_o mark_v what_o follow_v hereupon_o first_o that_o our_o common_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n than_o heathen_a man_n jew_n and_o turk_n that_o know_v not_o christ._n this_o christ_n teach_v in_o prefer_v cold_a person_n before_o the_o lukewarm_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v rather_o thou_o were_v a_o pagan_a than_o a_o professor_n without_o zeal_n and_o 2.21_o saint_n peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v of_o such_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v further_a matter_n in_o we_o than_o knowledge_n and_o bare_a profession_n our_o case_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o turk_n religion_n know_v will_v not_o make_v thou_o better_o than_o they_o but_o it_o be_v zeal_n and_o obedience_n that_o must_v prefer_v thou_o before_o they_o second_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o estate_n i_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n out_o of_o the_o stomach_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n here_o threaten_v which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o may_v know_v where_o lukewarmenesse_a take_v place_n there_o this_o punishment_n will_v follow_v we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o old_a world_n do_v &_o think_v all_o be_v well_o never_o regard_v till_o the_o judgement_n come_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o true_a society_n with_o christ_n god_n can_v do_v this_o sundry_a way_n either_o by_o bereave_v we_o of_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v we_o as_o the_o heathen_a or_o by_o send_v the_o enemy_n among_o we_o to_o destroy_v and_o root_v we_o out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o even_o in_o our_o neighbor-countreys_n and_o town_n he_o set_v spectacle_n before_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v see_v how_o he_o can_v spew_v we_o ou●_n &_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a vers._n 17._o for_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o make_v rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a &_o blind_a and_o naked_a here_o be_v the_o second_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o former_a as_o a_o reason_n thereof_o before_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o deadness_n in_o religion_n and_o here_o he_o paint_v out_o the_o cause_n thereof_o namely_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o hart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o think_v thus_o within_o thyself_o i_o be_o rich_a for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n by_o their_o speech_n because_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v as_o evident_a to_o christ_n as_o any_o man_n speech_n can_v be_v to_o another_o use_n in_o that_o christ_n do_v express_v man_n secret_a thought_n and_o propound_v the_o same_o in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o set_v down_o the_o thought_n of_o country_n of_o church_n &_o of_o particular_a man_n even_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o this_o can_v no_o man_n do_v in_o any_o book_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v a_o argument_n against_o atheist_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o they_o reveal_v man_n secret_a thought_n now_o follow_v the_o thought_n itself_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o people_n of_o this_o church_n i_o be_o rich_a that_o be_v i_o have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o this_o effect_n he_o express_v their_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o overween_a their_o estate_n before_o god_n this_o be_v a_o common_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o have_v be_v christ_n say_v 5.32_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o righteous_a mean_v such_o as_o think_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o the_o 10._o proud_a pharisie_n in_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o heart_n think_v himself_o far_o better_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n or_o other_o man_n and_o paul_n ●_o bring_v in_o the_o corinthian_n think_v proud_o of_o themselves_o say_v we_o be_v full_a and_o make_v rich_a etc._n etc._n this_o sin_n take_v place_n in_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o temporal_a work_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o other_o to_o come_v to_o ourselves_o this_o same_o proud_a thought_n have_v place_n among_o us._n first_o we_o think_v we_o be_v rich_a in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n both_o young_a and_o old_a scorn_n to_o be_v catechize_v because_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a some_o stick_v not_o to_o profess_v this_o pride_n by_o brag_v thus_o that_o they_o know_v as_o much_o for_o substance_n as_o any_o man_n can_v teach_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o nature_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n second_o man_n plead_v that_o they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a say_v so_o as_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_v
christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n knock_v both_o by_o threaten_n by_o promise_n and_o good_a counsel_n therefore_o we_o must_v all_o of_o we_o listen_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n &_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o same_o but_o alas_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v far_o otherwise_o man_n be_v churlish_a nabal_n unto_o christ_n who_o though_o he_o come_v friendly_a yet_o they_o repel_v he_o make_v no_o account_n of_o such_o against_o nay_o we_o be_v bethlemites_n which_o have_v no_o room_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o inn_n of_o our_o heart_n if_o christ_n will_v needs_o lodge_v with_o we_o he_o must_v lie_v among_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o filthy_a stable_n nay_o many_o send_v he_o out_o of_o their_o gate_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o crucify_v he_o with_o their_o sin_n but_o let_v we_o abandon_v this_o grievous_a sin_n for_o it_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o plunge_v our_o soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n quest._n how_o must_v a_o man_n open_v his_o hart_n to_o receive_v christ_n answ._n by_o do_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o must_v labour_v to_o see_v his_o own_o vileness_n that_o he_o be_v unworthy_a to_o receive_v so_o bless_v a_o guest_n than_o he_o must_v humble_v himself_o and_o acknowledge_v this_o his_o unworthiness_n even_o as_o the_o ruler_n do_v when_o he_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n mat._n 8.8_o this_o humiliation_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o grace_n this_o do_v he_o must_v by_o true_a faith_n lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n that_o be_v believe_v that_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n be_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o christ_n dwell_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o faith_n so_o by_o faith_n he_o must_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o heart_n here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o this_o be_v to_o receive_v christ_n than_o all_o be_v well_o but_o take_v heed_n thou_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o with_o a_o vain_a imagination_n of_o thy_o own_o brain_n in_o stead_n of_o faith_n look_v therefore_o that_o thy_o faith_n be_v true_a &_o sound_a if_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n it_o will_v work_v by_o love_n even_o a_o true_a love_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n joh._n 14.23_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n mutual_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ._n this_o be_v the_o principal_a token_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v indeed_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o all_o true_a happiness_n joy_n and_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v to_o move_v they_o to_o open_v unto_o christ._n this_o society_n be_v here_o propound_v in_o two_o part_n first_o the_o sinner_n be_v convert_v make_v a_o feast_n unto_o christ_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o second_o christ_n make_v a_o feast_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v sup_v with_o i_o and_o in_o these_o two_o consist_v the_o sum_n of_o salomon_n song_n of_o song_n where_o christ_n entertain_v the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n again_o feast_v christ._n for_o the_o first_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o can_v a_o poor_a sinner_n make_v a_o feast_n for_o christ_n answ._n cantic_a 4.16_o the_o church_n or_o every_o christian_n soul_n call_v christ_n unto_o a_o feast_n in_o his_o garden_n to_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a thing_n this_o feast_n consist_v of_o these_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o true_a repentance_n psal._n 51_o 17_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n be_v a_o dainty_a di●●_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n second_o of_o a_o hart_n believe_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n to_o god_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o three_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n must_v 1_o give_v up_o himself_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n a_o holy_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n by_o serve_v god_n faithful_o not_o only_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o in_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n these_o be_v the_o delightful_a dish_n wherewith_o christ_n be_v feed_v the_o second_o feast_n be_v make_v by_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v sup_v with_o i_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v only_o but_o to_o entertain_v and_o the_o feast_n which_o he_o make_v be_v his_o own_o body_n and_o blood_n 6.55_o for_o his_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o his_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o the_o vessel_n whereon_o these_o meat_n be_v carry_v be_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o that_o be_v his_o welcome_a guest_n be_v true_a penitent_a sinner_n which_o have_v hunger_a and_o thirst_a heart_n after_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n luk._n 1.58_o and_o from_o this_o feast_n arise_v these_o blessing_n 14.17_o righteousness_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n see_v this_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v here_o promise_v to_o those_o that_o open_a &_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n first_o use_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o renounce_v all_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o not_o to_o addict_v ourselves_o to_o drink_v and_o quaff_v or_o sumptuous_a fare_n for_o here_o be_v a_o better_a feast_n set_v before_o we_o whereupon_o we_o must_v set_v our_o heart_n turn_v our_o eye_n from_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n we_o know_v by_o experience_n how_o friend_n entertain_v each_o other_o but_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v how_o to_o entertain_v christ_n and_o to_o feast_v he_o with_o his_o own_o grace_n that_o he_o may_v sup_v with_o we_o and_o we_o with_o he_o and_o so_o have_v true_a fellowship_n with_o he_o again_o by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v a_o notable_a abuse_n of_o many_o that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o here_o we_o see_v be_v require_v a_o interchange_n of_o feast_v between_o christ_n and_o a_o christian_a but_o many_o there_o be_v that_o will_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o feast_v with_o christ_n that_o will_v never_o feast_v christ_n again_o and_o yet_o we_o ougt_v to_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o feast_v he_o as_o to_o feast_v with_o he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o sup_v often_o with_o christ_n and_o yet_o like_o ungrateful_a nabal_n never_o to_o have_v one_o good_a dish_n of_o grace_n and_o holy_a obedience_n to_o set_v before_o he_o wherewith_o indeed_o we_o shall_v feast_v he_o daily_o other_o will_v seem_v to_o give_v he_o good_a entertainment_n for_o that_o day_n whereon_o they_o feast_v with_o christ_n but_o soon_o after_o they_o give_v he_o gall_n to_o eat_v and_o vinegar_n to_o drink_v by_o their_o daily_a sin_n vers._n 21._o to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o make_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o overcome_v and_o sit_v with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n vers._n 22._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 here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n a_o promise_n vers_fw-la 21_o and_o a_o commandment_n vers_fw-la 22._o in_o the_o promise_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v hereof_o we_o have_v speak_v second_o the_o thing_n promise_v that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o glory_n i_o will_v make_v to_o sit_v etc._n etc._n whereby_o be_v not_o mean_v equality_n of_o glory_n and_o honour_n for_o that_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o creature_n to_o receive_v but_o a_o participation_n only_o of_o some_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o shall_v suffice_v for_o his_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v think_v no_o great_a matter_n therefore_o it_o be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o comparison_n as_o i_o overcome_v and_o sit_v with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o will_v advance_v they_o that_o overcome_v their_o spiritual_a enemy_n into_o the_o participation_n of_o my_o glory_n even_o as_o my_o father_n when_o i_o have_v overcome_v advance_v i_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o glory_n now_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v inferior_a to_o his_o father_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v not_o advance_v to_o equal_a glory_n with_o his_o father_n though_o he_o sit_v with_o he_o so_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v inferior_a unto_o he_o may_v sit_v with_o he_o in_o his_o throne_n though_o their_o glory_n be_v unequal_a these_o thing_n for_o substance_n have_v be_v handle_v chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 26.28_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o
write_v that_o he_o put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o matter_n and_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o come_v from_o christ._n nay_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n this_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o give_v the_o disciple_n understanding_n 24._o as_o they_o go_v unto_o emaus_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n be_v to_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o father_n will_n this_o certificate_n be_v two_o fold_n general_a or_o particular_a general_a when_o he_o certify_v man_n in_o conscience_n that_o the_o word_n write_v or_o speak_v by_o man_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o nature_n nor_o learning_n can_v do_v this_o but_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n and_o for_o this_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 16.13_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v god_n will_v unto_o they_o and_o assure_v their_o heart_n that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a unto_o this_o assurance_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v the_o outward_a mean_n which_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o a_o inward_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a to_o wit_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o this_o doctrine_n three_o point_n be_v resolve_v first_o use_n this_o demand_n of_o the_o papist_n how_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n read_v and_o teach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n we_o must_v here_o have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v enlighten_v and_o make_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v it_o of_o himself_o second_o we_o must_v have_v christ_n his_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o in_o they_o he_o set_v down_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o christ_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n why_o do_v not_o al●_n man_n know_v this_o testimony_n and_o receive_v it_o i_o answer_v the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n before_o a_o man_n face_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o cause_v he_o to_o see_v unless_o he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o gift_n and_o sense_n of_o see_v even_o so_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v in_o god_n word_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n that_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v have_v in_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o testimony_n to_o his_o conscience_n and_o then_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o mark_v the_o manner_n and_o style_n the_o majesty_n and_o power_n thereof_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v in_o every_o sentence_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n assure_v his_o conscience_n that_o the_o same_o be_v undoubted_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o second_o doubt_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n know_v the_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o turk_n papist_n jew_n and_o protestant_n have_v their_o several_a religion_n and_o die_v in_o they_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o look_v whereto_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n that_o we_o must_v hold_v for_o true_a religion_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o testimony_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o in_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o not_o the_o religion_n of_o jew_n turk_n or_o papist_n a_o three_o doubt_n to_o be_v resolve_v by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v how_o to_o know_v the_o particular_a truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o sundry_a man_n profess_v the_o same_o religion_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n answ._n still_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o this_o faithful_a witness_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o mark_v they_o we_o shall_v see_v his_o judgement_n quest._n but_o if_o there_o be_v diverse_a opinion_n about_o scripture_n itself_o and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o several_a sense_n unto_o it_o who_o must_v then_o be_v judge_n answ._n in_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n yea_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v still_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n alone_o for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o diverse_a exposition_n of_o one_o place_n yet_o by_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o confer_v it_o with_o other_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n expound_v himself_o the_o particular_a certificate_n of_o christ_n belong_v also_o to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o assure_v man_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n therein_o contain_v as_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a which_o in_o the_o word_n be_v general_o expound_v do_v belong_v unto_o they_o particular_o as_o to_o peter_n to_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o assurance_n as_o the_o former_a be_v principal_o wrought_v by_o the_o word_n not_o bare_o read_v but_o preach_v for_o therein_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o general_a promise_n be_v particular_o apply_v this_o paul_n import_v say_v you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o testify_v with_o our_o spirit_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n use_n and_o of_o all_o other_o which_o hold_v that_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o faith_n be_v wicked_a and_o damnable_a for_o hereby_o they_o cut_v off_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n prophetical_a office_n wherein_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o do_v consist_v that_o be_v to_o assure_v a_o man_n particular_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o this_o he_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v witness_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v only_o outward_o to_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o can_v speak_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o conscience_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o they_o certify_v any_o man_n particular_o though_o their_o ministry_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n second_o observe_v christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o so_o he_o be_v for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o he_o testify_v not_o his_o own_o will_n but_o he_o which_o send_v he_o namely_o his_o father_n john_n 8.26_o second_o he_o testify_v all_o his_o father_n will_n neither_o add_v thereto_o nor_o detract_n from_o it_o john_n 17.4_o three_o because_o he_o teach_v his_o father_n will_v sincere_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o alter_v change_a or_o deprave_v any_o part_n thereof_o as_o my_o father_n teach_v i_o so_o i_o speak_v these_o thing_n john_n 8.28_o three_o christ_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o other_o witness_n the_o lord_n have_v sundry_a faithful_a witness_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n the_o church_n nay_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n psalm_n 89.37_o but_o christ_n alone_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o because_o his_o witness_n be_v 8.14_o authentical_a sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o authentical_a and_o certain_a but_o as_o it_o consent_v with_o christ_n witness_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n second_o he_o be_v that_o witness_n because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o that_o house_n whereto_o he_o give_v witness_n namely_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v but_o servant_n there_o hebr._fw-la 5.5_o 6._o three_o christ_n his_o witness_n be_v inward_a it_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o there_o give_v undoubted_a assurance_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v outward_a only_a it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n it_o never_o bind_v and_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o itself_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o he_o be_v call_v here_o that_o faithful_a witness_n use_n first_o whereas_o christ_n the_o doctor_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v that_o faithful_a witness_n we_o learn_v that_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v faithful_a witness_n for_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o
gospel_n when_o he_o preach_v god_n word_n be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a witness_n sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n first_o they_o must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o before_o all_o testimony_n of_o man_n in_o the_o office_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o christ_n to_o 4.34_o teach_v his_o father_n will_n eleazar_n abraham_n elder_a servant_n show_v his_o fidelity_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o have_v do_v his_o master_n message_n gen._n 24.33_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v special_a care_n of_o that_o weighty_a message_n commit_v unto_o they_o second_o they_o must_v testify_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v matter_n of_o salvation_n as_o faith_n obedience_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n among_o man_n we_o count_v he_o a_o faithful_a witness_n which_o testify_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o his_o church_n herein_o paul_n clear_v himself_o 27._o that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n blood_n see_v he_o deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o keep_v nothing_o back_o three_o he_o must_v neither_o add_v unto_o or_o take_v away_o much_o less_o in_o any_o case_n deprave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o false_a prophet_n teach_v some_o truth_n but_o withal_o they_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o or_o detract_v from_o god_n truth_n something_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v thing_n concern_v moral_a virtue_n handle_v sound_o but_o come_v to_o justification_n and_o thereto_o they_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o man_n work_n &_o so_o they_o deal_v with_o faith_n and_o repentance_n matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o take_v away_o one_o part_n and_o add_v another_o to_o the_o scripture_n they_o hold_v the_o creed_n in_o word_n yet_o in_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o same_o as_o by_o their_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v &_o so_o show_v themselves_o false_a witness_n four_o a_o faithful_a witness_n must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o best_o beseem_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o best_a approve_v that_o be_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a and_o familiar_a kind_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v touch_v &_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v edify_v when_o the_o word_n be_v otherwise_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n or_o for_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n or_o much_o read_n though_o nothing_o be_v say_v but_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o that_o so_o dispense_v it_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a witness_n because_o he_o corrupt_v the_o word_n by_o his_o vain_a delivery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n in_o many_o minister_n who_o teach_v the_o truth_n indeed_o but_o yet_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o seek_v themselves_o and_o not_o god_n glory_n respect_v little_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o simple_a so_o themselves_o may_v be_v famous_a for_o wit_n eloquence_n and_o learning_n but_o these_o man_n make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n like_v to_o huxter_n that_o by_o starch_v blow_v and_o spice_v set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o their_o ware_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o will_v banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o our_o land_n unless_o it_o be_v reform_v second_o this_o title_n of_o christ_n that_o faithful_a witness_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o the_o damnable_a practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n for_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o his_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o 5.10_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o not_o do_v make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o a_o liar_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o horrible_a &_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n for_o when_o the_o law_n be_v apply_v who_o be_v afraid_a and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v yet_o who_o believe_v our_o report_n god_n minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o little_a child_n we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v this_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o man_n be_v not_o move_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o this_o fearful_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n this_o therefore_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o ourselves_o the_o heinousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v strive_v against_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o word_n into_o our_o heart_n tremble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o each_o part_n thereof_o may_v have_v his_o perfect_a work_n in_o we_o for_o which_o end_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o among_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o burn_a lake_n unbeliever_n be_v set_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n revel_v 21._o vers_fw-la 8._o three_o see_v christ_n jesus_n be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o man_n conscience_n in_o particular_a of_o their_o salvation_n we_o learn_v that_o every_o one_o which_o profess_v himself_o to_o repent_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o election_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o he_o particular_o and_o though_o this_o be_v 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