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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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that_o no_o man_n write_n be_v read_v of_o all_o sort_n and_o in_o all_o country_n with_o great_a grace_n and_o profit_n than_o he_o he_o be_v peaceable_a in_o the_o church_n patient_a of_o wrong_n and_o free_a from_o ambition_n for_o as_o jerome_n say_v of_o nepotian_n aurum_fw-la calcans_fw-la schedule_n consectabatur_fw-la he_o regard_v not_o his_o purse_n but_o follow_v his_o book_n and_o as_o bernard_n say_v he_o live_v in_o terra_fw-la auri_fw-la sine_fw-la auro_fw-la in_o a_o kingdom_n of_o gold_n without_o gold_n a_o excellent_a gift_n he_o have_v to_o define_v proper_o divide_v exact_o dispute_v subtle_o answer_v direct_o speak_v pithy_o and_o write_v judicial_o and_o how_o he_o preach_v if_o these_o sermon_n do_v give_v a_o testimony_n what_o witness_n have_v they_o who_o often_o hear_v he_o themselves_o i_o have_v publish_v of_o his_o now_o two_o discourse_n and_o i_o only_o do_v it_o that_o these_o his_o labour_n may_v not_o perish_v i_o have_v no_o benefit_n by_o they_o 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monument_n of_o my_o duty_n to_o you_o all_o i_o have_v as_o you_o see_v publish_v this_o exposition_n of_o seven_o epistle_n under_o your_o eight_o name_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v as_o welcome_a to_o you_o as_o by_o your_o countenance_n it_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v you_o all_o that_o blessing_n of_o blessing_n julianum_fw-la which_o if_o jerome_n say_v true_a few_o man_n have_v that_o you_o may_v transire_fw-la à_fw-la deliciis_fw-la ad_fw-la dilicias_fw-la go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n and_o be_v a_o long_a time_n happy_a in_o this_o life_n and_o ever_o for_o happy_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v london_n saint_n martin_n in_o the_o field_n from_o my_o worshipful_a friend_n master_n oldisworths_n house_n 16._o by_o which_o family_n as_o paul_n be_v by_o the_o house_n of_o onesiphorus_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o late_a and_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v say_v the_o last_o visitation_n i_o have_v receive_v no_o small_a refresh_n march_n 12._o 1604._o your_o worship_n to_o command_v robert_n hill_n fellow_n of_o s._n johns_n college_n in_o cambridge_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o christian_a reader_n grace_n and_o peace_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a good_a reader_n how_o ungrateful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o deal_v by_o way_n of_o censure_n or_o reformation_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o other_o have_v go_v before_o and_o many_o time_n for_o the_o smart_n that_o follow_v do_v man_n beshrew_v their_o own_o finger_n yet_o the_o warrant_n of_o a_o good_a call_n will_v breed_v peace_n in_o his_o conscience_n that_o herein_o shall_v endeavour_n the_o observance_n of_o these_o rule_n of_o love_n to_o wit_n evil_a judge_v the_o best_a of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v and_o thing_n refer_v his_o own_o pain_n to_o the_o glory_n
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
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 against_o all_o humane_a sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v a_o faithful_a witness_n avouch_v the_o same_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o testimony_n for_o by_o unbelief_n we_o great_o dishonour_v our_o witness_n bearer_n by_o deny_v truth_n unto_o his_o record_n here_o than_o we_o see_v it_o it_o no_o presumption_n as_o the_o papist_n say_v to_o believe_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o particular_a nay_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n in_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v christ_n a_o most_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hereto_o also_o serve_v the_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o seal_v up_o unto_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n the_o minister_n give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o they_o that_o true_o repent_v be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v believe_v thou_o and_o life_n eternal_a belong_v to_o thou_o and_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o second_o office_n of_o christ_n namely_o his_o priesthood_n the_o principal_a action_n whereof_o stand_v in_o die_v in_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n and_o here_o s._n john_n allude_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o family_n among_o the_o jew_n compare_v christ_n to_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o as_o among_o they_o he_o which_o be_v first_o bear_v and_o elder_a of_o the_o family_n have_v many_o privilege_n and_o preeminence_n above_o his_o brethren_n as_o lordship_n right_a of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o double_a portion_n etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n he_o have_v his_o privilege_n yea_o even_a christ_n crucify_v he_o have_v his_o prerogative_n among_o the_o dead_a above_o all_o that_o be_v dead_a so_o paul_n expound_v this_o title_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o beginning_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n coloss._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n dead_a and_o bury_v among_o all_o the_o dead_a be_v two_o first_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o so_o to_o glory_v some_o indeed_o have_v rise_v before_o christ_n from_o natural_a death_n to_o natural_a life_n as_o lazarus_n but_o it_o be_v to_o die_v again_o and_o moses_n and_o elias_n assume_v their_o body_n in_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n but_o yet_o they_o lay_v they_o down_o again_o to_o the_o former_a misery_n of_o corruption_n for_o a_o time_n but_o christ_n jesus_n ros●_n from_o death_n to_o life_n eternal_a never_o to_o die_v again_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o step_n into_o his_o glory_n second_o that_o by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o raise_v up_o
himself_o and_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o godhead_n quicken_v his_o manhood_n the_o most_o godly_a man_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v can_v do_v so_o but_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v raise_v from_o death_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n through_o that_o mystical_a union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o all_o his_o member_n by_o mean_v whereof_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n his_o godhead_n which_o raise_v up_o his_o manhood_n be_v convey_v to_o all_o his_o member_n in_o their_o resurrection_n from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v christ_n call_v 15._o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n because_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o corn_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n do_v sanctify_v the_o whole_a crop_n so_o christ_n his_o resurrection_n do_v make_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o all_o his_o member_n in_o this_o title_n be_v comprise_v a_o notable_a comfort_n for_o all_o god_n child_n against_o the_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n if_o john_n have_v say_v christ_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v among_o the_o live_n it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a comfort_n for_o than_o have_v he_o show_v that_o the_o live_a saint●_n on_o earth_n be_v child_n in_o god_n family_n have_v christ_n for_o their_o elder_a brother_n but_o call_v he_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v a_o further_a comfort_n the_o lord_n show_v hereby_o what_o special_a regard_n he_o have_v to_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v dead_a for_o even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a they_o continue_v member_n of_o his_o family_n and_o have_v christ_n jesus_n dead_a and_o bury_v reckon_v among_o they_o for_o their_o elder_a brother_n in_o regard_v whereof_o christ_n have_v a_o double_a right_n among_o the_o dead_a first_o of_o a_o king_n second_o of_o a_o priest_n the_o right_a of_o a_o king_n he_o have_v to_o command_v his_o member_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o enter_v into_o glory_n after_o he_o the_o right_a of_o a_o priest_n whereby_o he_o offer_v up_o himself_o in_o death_n a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o death_n of_o all_o his_o member_n for_o by_o his_o death_n he_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o unto_o they_o a_o sweet_a sleep_n in_o the_o grave_n as_o in_o a_o bed_n of_o down_o out_o of_o which_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n rise_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n here_o be_v the_o three_o title_n give_v to_o christ_n wherein_o his_o kingly_a office_n be_v express_v he_o be_v call_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o so_o be_v king_n together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n govern_v all_o thing_n with_o they_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n second_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o redeemer_n god_n and_o man_n in_o two_o nature_n in_o this_o respect_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n give_v he_o a_o 10._o name_n above_o every_o name_n at_o which_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v even_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o in_o this_o second_o respect_n he_o be_v call_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o place_n now_o christ_n be_v a_o king_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o the_o might_n and_o policy_n of_o man_n as_o earthly_a kingdom_n do_v but_o it_o be_v spiritual_a direct_o concern_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n where_o he_o rule_v by_o his_o law_n and_o this_o be_v his_o privilege_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n to_o rule_v and_o reign_v spiritual_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o dint_n of_o sword_n or_o force_v of_o arm_n but_o by_o his_o holy_a word_n through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o he_o be_v as_o a_o king_n which_o carry_v his_o sceptre_n in_o his_o mouth_n even_o his_o word_n isay._n 11.4_o that_o be_v the_o r●d_n of_o his_o power_n by_o which_o he_o rule_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 110._o vers_fw-la 2._o now_o christ_n be_v here_o entitle_v prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o because_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o as_o mediator_n can_v give_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o the_o great_a monarch_n in_o the_o world_n second_o because_o he_o have_v sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o potentate_n as_o well_o as_o over_o other_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v for_o not_o only_o have_v he_o power_n to_o make_v a_o law_n to_o bind_v their_o conscience_n but_o also_o if_o they_o keep_v it_o to_o save_v they_o if_o they_o break_v his_o law_n he_o have_v power_n to_o destroy_v they_o be_v they_o what_o they_o may_v be_v he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o hell_n to_o open_v and_o to_o shut_v at_o his_o pleasure_n revel_v 3.7_o he_o can_v if_o he_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o life_n and_o save_v they_o or_o else_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o destroy_v they_o hence_o arise_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v far_o above_o they_o we_o must_v then_o with_o all_o fear_n and_o tremble_a reverence_n his_o high_a majesty_n great_a be_v that_o reverence_n which_o man_n yield_v to_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o than_o what_o reverence_n shall_v we_o perform_v to_o he_o which_o be_v prince_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v conceive_v what_o honour_n we_o owe_v unto_o he_o which_o be_v advance_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o all_o majesty_n and_o this_o our_o reverence_n we_o must_v show_v by_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o tremble_v and_o believe_v heart_n as_o isaiah_n say_v cap._n 66.2_o we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o christ_n without_o great_a reverence_n at_o his_o name_n every_o knee_n must_v bow_v that_o be_v at_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a majesty_n whereto_o he_o be_v now_o exalt_v every_o heart_n even_o of_o the_o great_a monarch_n shall_v be_v touch_v with_o submission_n awe_n and_o reverence_n if_o this_o take_v place_n in_o man_n heart_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v so_o profane_v and_o blaspheme_v as_o it_o be_v in_o ●easting_v sport_n in_o curse_v and_o swear_v whereby_o man_n toss_v it_o like_o a_o ball_n without_o all_o reverence_n to_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n as_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o see_v he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n we_o must_v give_v he_o absolute_a obedience_n prince_n on_o earth_n must_v be_v obey_v so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v be_v obey_v without_o exception_n not_o only_o absolute_o and_o perpetual_o in_o all_o his_o commandment_n but_o most_o willing_o and_o free_o as_o it_o be_v say_v his_o people_n come_v free_o in_o the_o day_n of_o assemble_v psal._n 110.3_o man_n will_v say_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o they_o must_v obey_v he_o also_o as_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o prince_n many_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v a_o good_a faith_n in_o christ_n their_o saviour_n which_o little_a regard_n obedience_n to_o he_o as_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o none_o can_v have_v christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n which_o have_v he_o not_o for_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n neither_o do_v that_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n which_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o this_o our_o obedience_n must_v be_v show_v in_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o hear_v and_o learn_v out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n three_o see_v christ_n be_v king_n of_o king_n all_o prince_n must_v do_v he_o service_n for_o they_o be_v all_o inferior_a and_o subject_a to_o he_o psal._n 72.11_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 12._o be_v wise_a now_o o_o you_o king_n be_v learned_a you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n kiss_v the_o son_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v inward_o reverence_n and_o outward_o obey_v he_o this_o their_o homage_n must_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o kingdom_n they_o must_v frame_v their_o law_n after_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n they_o must_v
show_v mercy_n exercise_n judgement_n keep_v court_n assize_n begin_v end_n and_o continue_v war_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n and_o so_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o direction_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v their_o guide_n as_o it_o be_v to_o david_n thy_o law_n o_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o counselor_n psal._n 119.24_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v sovereign_a king_n than_o all_o earthly_a prince_n be_v bind_v to_o plant_v and_o establish_v in_o their_o kingdom_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n else_o how_o can_v they_o show_v themselves_o his_o loyal_a subject_n many_o imagine_v that_o earthly_a prince_n may_v admit_v unto_o their_o subject_n any_o religion_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o this_o be_v against_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n word_n in_o this_o place_n for_o wherein_o can_v earthly_a prince_n do_v homage_n unto_o christ_n if_o they_o maintain_v not_o his_o religion_n and_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v signify_v plain_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n for_o when_o they_o that_o be_v bid_v do_v not_o come_v the_o king_n send_v forth_o his_o 2d_o servant_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n for_o that_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a religion_n five_o see_v christ_n alone_o be_v prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o king_n on_o earth_n in_o their_o dominion_n be_v sovereign_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n next_o under_o christ_n he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n absolute_o and_o they_o be_v under_o he_o alone_o and_o have_v no_o other_o head_n but_o he_o whereby_o we_o see_v the_o presumption_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o sea_n of_o rome_n in_o claim_v supremacy_n above_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o high_a treason_n against_o christ_n for_o hereby_o he_o be_v rob_v of_o this_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o only_a prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n last_o see_v christ_n be_v king_n of_o all_o king_n we_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v any_o affliction_n for_o his_o truth_n let_v the_o tyrant_n of_o the_o earth_n rage_n and_o bend_v their_o force_n to_o hurt_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o king_n above_o they_o all_o for_o who_o we_o suffer_v he_o be_v their_o king_n he_o can_v stay_v and_o bridle_v they_o and_o if_o he_o please_v confound_v and_o bruise_v they_o in_o piece_n they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o he_o permit_v for_o he_o rule_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 110.2_o he_o can_v break_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n description_n be_v by_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n which_o 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the_o creator_n first_o love_v the_o creature_n before_o it_o be_v good_a and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o it_o be_v good_a because_o he_o love_v it_o second_o whereas_o saint_n john_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n as_o other_o true_a church_n do_v believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n love_v they_o for_o that_o saint_n john_n take_v for_o grant_v this_o shall_v move_v all_o man_n to_o have_v this_o care_n to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n see_v he_o place_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v the_o ephesian_n root_v and_o ground_v and_o therefore_o pray_v that_o with_o all_o saint_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n depth_n and_o height_n thereof_o ephes._n 2._o vers_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o we_o do_v when_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o he_o love_v we_o in_o christ._n so_o that_o he_o which_o deny_v unto_o we_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n take_v away_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o that_o we_o may_v have_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n we_o must_v in_o all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o our_o heart_n keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v god_n draw_v near_o to_o us._n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o say_v christ_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o then_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o dwell_v with_o he_o john_n 14.23_o mean_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v shed_v this_o love_n into_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 5._o cause_v we_o to_o increase_v in_o the_o feel_n thereof_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n towards_o he_o and_o have_v wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n here_o 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spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v to_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o eternal_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o priest_n so_o be_v all_o his_o member_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v difference_n first_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o external_a and_o real_a priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o offer_v up_o a_o true_a real_a and_o external_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o believer_n they_o be_v not_o real_a and_o external_a priest_n but_o spiritual_a offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n as_o when_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n give_v a_o alm_n he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o a_o corporal_a sacrifice_n though_o the_o thing_n give_fw-mi be_v a_o bodily_a substance_n but_o it_o be_v every_o way_n spiritual_a for_o to_o offer_v a_o real_a outward_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v proper_a to_o christ._n again_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a priest_n and_o offer_v up_o a_o perfect_a sacrifice_n but_o we_o be_v imperfect_a do_v offer_v up_o imperfect_a sacrifice_n taint_v and_o blemish_v with_o sin_n yet_o accept_v as_o perfect_v for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o believer_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n namely_o in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o in_o the_o entrance_n into_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n there_o be_v degree_n first_o to_o have_v good_a right_a and_o title_n to_o it_o second_o to_o get_v possession_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o title_n only_o and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n title_n be_v good_a though_o he_o want_v possession_n he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o king_n so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n child_n they_o have_v the_o right_n give_v they_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v king_n further_o in_o the_o possess_n of_o a_o kingdom_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n first_o the_o entrance_n upon_o some_o part_n second_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a enjoy_n of_o all_o now_o every_o true_a believer_n begin_v to_o enter_v possession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n for_o it_o stand_v 14.17_o 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n joy_n and_o peace_n and_o they_o which_o 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n in_o their_o heart_n have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n begin_v in_o they_o in_o this_o life_n but_o the_o full_a fruition_n and_o perfect_a possession_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v reserve_v to_o be_v give_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n and_o at_o the_o d●y_n of_o judgement_n and_o as_o true_a believer_n be_v king_n in_o this_o world_n so_o likewise_o be_v they_o priest_n in_o offer_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o dedicate_a and_o consecrate_v themselves_o to_o his_o service_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o three_o point_n be_v the_o manner_n how_o true_a believer_n become_v king_n and_o priest_n they_o be_v not_o such_o by_o nature_n neither_o do_v this_o dignity_n come_v by_o descent_n in_o blood_n or_o birthright_n or_o by_o any_o other_o privilege_n they_o have_v from_o man_n but_o only_o from_o christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o divine_a call_n make_v they_o spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n like_v as_o under_o the_o law_n by_o solemn_a election_n and_o ordination_n some_o be_v make_v earthly_a king_n and_o priest_n now_o in_o this_o call_n of_o christ_n two_o thing_n concur_v first_o christ_n give_v his_o member_n right_a to_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n yet_o not_o so_o that_o they_o can_v execute_v the_o regiment_n sustain_v by_o christ_n or_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o his_o priesthood_n but_o because_o they_o have_v right_a in_o part_n to_o these_o office_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o both_o redound_v to_o they_o whole_o and_o this_o right_n they_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o god_n be_v bind_v again_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n among_o which_o these_o two_o must_v be_v account_v for_o indeed_o every_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v convey_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o every_o true_a believer_n second_o in_o this_o divine_a call_n christ_n endue_v all_o his_o member_n with_o gift_n and_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n be_v anoint_v so_o be_v all_o his_o member_n so_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o christ_n say_v he_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n psal._n 45._o vers_fw-la 7._o therefore_o his_o fellow_n that_o be_v believer_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o same_o oil_n though_o in_o less_o measure_n and_o saint_n john_n say_v you_o have_v receive_v the_o anoint_v 1._o john_n 2.27_o yea_o god_n himself_o charge_v wicked_a man_n not_o to_o touch_v his_o anointed_n psal._n 105.15_o mean_v not_o only_a patriarch_n king_n and_o prophet_n but_o all_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v then_o anoint_v when_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n wherewith_o christ_n in_o his_o manhood_n be_v fill_v above_o measure_n the_o four_o point_n to_o who_o have_v he_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n answ._n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n this_o be_v add_v for_o special_a cause_n to_o prevent_v that_o carnal_a liberty_n which_o man_n nature_n may_v claim_v from_o this_o spiritual_a royalty_n for_o man_n may_v say_v if_o all_o believer_n be_v king_n then_o may_v they_o live_v as_o they_o list_v but_o these_o word_n unto_o god_n do_v show_v that_o the_o right_n of_o their_o kingdom_n with_o the_o office_n of_o their_o priesthood_n must_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n last_o he_o add_v even_o his_o father_n by_o way_n of_o exposition_n to_o show_v more_o particular_o to_o which_o of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v first_o of_o all_o make_v king_n and_o priest_n for_o the_o title_n god_n must_v not_o here_o be_v take_v absolute_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o with_o restraint_n to_o the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n unto_o who_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o they_o both_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n be_v here_o name_v above_o the_o rest_n not_o as_o be_v above_o they_o in_o degree_n or_o honour_n for_o so_o they_o be_v equal_a but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v convey_v from_o he_o to_o the_o son_n and_o from_o they_o both_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o follow_v sundry_a use_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o dignity_n of_o believer_n and_o first_o their_o kingly_a dignity_n afford_v matter_n both_o of_o instruction_n and_o consolation_n instruct._n i._o whereas_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v make_v true_a king_n in_o this_o life_n hereby_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n be_v teach_v to_o carry_v himself_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o namely_o to_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n even_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o call_v every_o christian_a have_v title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n what_o affinity_n then_o can_v we_o have_v with_o those_o that_o be_v both_o enemy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o that_o make_v we_o king_n
son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o friend_n who_o shall_v give_v they_o not_o only_a life_n and_o motion_n but_o eternal_a life_n with_o his_o own_o majesty_n this_o be_v job_n comfort_v that_o though_o he_o die_v yet_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o redeemer_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o comfort_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o last_o judgement_n second_o this_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n that_o they_o shall_v will_n they_o will_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o christ_n judgement_n seat_n &_o there_o look_v on_o he_o who_o be_v their_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v in_o their_o life_n contemn_v and_o despise_v and_o this_o consideration_n may_v serve_v to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n which_o have_v no●_n begin_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o labour_v to_o become_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n a●_n also_o to_o increase_v and_o further_a repentance_n in_o they_o who_o have_v by_o god_n grace_n begin_v the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v some_o do_v think_v when_o they_o die_v all_o be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o further_a account_n to_o follow_v but_o though_o we_o lie_v rot_v in_o our_o grave_n a_o thousand_o or_o two_o thousand_o year_n yet_o we_o shall_v rise_v and_o look_v upon_o our_o judge_n with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o in_o our_o life_n time_n repent_v we_o shall_v hear_v he_o with_o our_o own_o ear_n give_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n against_o we_o go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v best_o for_o we_o in_o this_o day_n of_o grace_n to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n and_o now_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o then_o we_o may_v rise_v with_o joy_n and_o stand_v with_o hol●nesse_n before_o christ_n jesus_n no_o doubt_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o shall_v thus_o appear_v it_o will_v move_v we_o to_o repent_v three_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o that_o be_v all_o man_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n shall_v look_v on_o he_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o those_o who_o want_v their_o fight_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v have_v it_o then_o restore_v it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o divine_n that_o the_o elect_n shall_v have_v all_o their_o sense_n and_o other_o defect_n restore_v wherein_o they_o be_v want_v in_o this_o life_n and_o it_o may_v also_o be_v add_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v then_o have_v some_o of_o their_o sense_n restore_v if_o they_o want_v the_o same_o in_o this_o life_n as_o hear_v and_o see_v at_o the_o least_o for_o the_o deaf_a shall_v hear_v the_o blind_a shall_v see_v this_o judge_n and_o this_o can_v be_v no_o glory_n to_o they_o see_v it_o be_v to_o increase_v their_o misery_n for_o the_o more_o sense_n they_o have_v the_o more_o punishment_n they_o shall_v feel_v because_o by_o sense_n we_o apprehend_v misery_n even_o th●se_a which_o pierce_v he_o here_o be_v add_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o christ_n manifestation_n of_o his_o come_n and_o that_o for_o three_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o no_o power_n or_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n can_v free_v any_o one_o from_o his_o appearance_n for_o if_o any_o can_v escape_v in_o all_o likelihod_n it_o will_v be_v those_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o prevail_v most_o against_o christ_n and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o none_o of_o those_o can_v escape_v his_o judgement_n for_o even_o they_o which_o pierce_v he_o they_o shall_v see_v this_o judge_n and_o be_v summon_v before_o his_o majesty_n for_o though_o they_o have_v power_n to_o kill_v he_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o before_o his_o bar_n of_o judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n second_o to_o show_v the_o case_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n namely_o that_o such_o woe_n and_o misery_n shall_v befall_v they_o as_o they_o never_o once_o think_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o crucify_v christ_n never_o dream_v of_o this_o that_o he_o who_o they_o then_o put_v to_o a_o temporal_a death_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v their_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n unless_o they_o have_v repent_v three_o to_o show_v the_o rueful_a and_o woeful_a estate_n of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n they_o shall_v rise_v to_o judgement_n and_o have_v the_o great_a enemy_n their_o judge_n who_o will_v show_v rigour_n upon_o they_o and_o justice_n without_o all_o mercy_n for_o this_o pierce_a of_o christ_n be_v mean_v not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o of_o all_o ungodly_a person●_n because_o all_o such_o do_v by_o their_o sin_n as_o with_o sword_n and_o spear_n wound_v he_o at_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o soldier_n do_v impenitent_a sinner_n be_v as_o the_o jew_n which_o crucify_v christ_n as_o judas_n which_o betray_v he_o and_o as_o the_o soldier_n which_o goar_n his_o side_n and_o unless_o they_o now_o repent_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v judge_v as_o his_o enemy_n even_o they_o which_o pierce_v he_o out_o of_o these_o word_n some_o gather_v that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n have_v still_o the_o wound_n and_o scar_n which_o be_v give_v he_o at_o his_o death_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n and_o that_o these_o shall_v be_v see_v in_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n add_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v no_o blemish_n to_o christ_n to_o have_v these_o but_o rather_o a_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n but_o this_o can_v be_v gather_v hence_o for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v see_v he_o who_o they_o pierce_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v pierce_v what_o though_o they_o see_v the_o person_n who_o they_o wound_v shall_v they_o therefore_o see_v his_o wound_n many_o shall_v see_v king_n and_o queen_n who_o they_o crown_v in_o this_o world_n but_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v wear_v their_o crown_n so_o we_o shall_v see_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n but_o not_o as_o father_n and_o mother_n iv._o point_n the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o come_n especial_o in_o the_o wicked_a in_o these_o word_n and_o all_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v wail_v before_o he_o where_o s._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o only_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o tribe_n as_o in_o like_a case_n our_o saviour_n christ_n set_v out_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o manner_n of_o judge_v the_o visible_a church_n math._n 25._o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o which_o repent_v not_o of_o what_o nation_n soever_o of_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o have_v be_v shall_v wail_v and_o mourn_v at_o that_o day_n and_o he_o add_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o mourning_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o before_o he_o or_o over_o he_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v wail_v and_o lament_v with_o exceed_a lamentation_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o his_o word_n but_o contemn_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o now_o they_o want_v all_o help_n to_o free_v they_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n afterward_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o invention_n that_o can_v alter_v man_n estate_n hence_o than_o we_o be_v admonish_v first_o that_o in_o this_o world_n we_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o get_v our_o sin_n pardon_v to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o holy_a word_n and_o unless_o we_o attain_v hereunto_o in_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v wail_v eternal_o for_o when_o the_o last_o day_n be_v co●e_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o help_n no_o way_n to_o escape_v no_o time_n of_o grace_n to_o repe●●_n remember_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o seek_v for_o oil_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o knock_v when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v math._n 25._o but_o if_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n get_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n then_o shall_v we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o eternal_o yea_o at_o this_o dreadful_a day_n to_o all_o the_o wicked_a we_o shall_v lift_v up_o our_o head_n and_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v christ_n come_v to_o our_o full_a redemption_n all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v cry_v and_o howl_v woe_n and_o alas_o for_o evermore_o the_o devil_n know_v the_o worth_n of_o this_o admonition_n will_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o our_o heart_n
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
their_o common_a house_n which_o be_v untrue_a for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o such_o diversity_n of_o place_n be_v abolish_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n service_n and_o presence_n the_o dwell_a house_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o church_n indeed_o church_n must_v be_v maintain_v because_o in_o they_o the_o people_n may_v more_o orderly_o and_o convenient_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v god_n public_o in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n for_o which_o time_n all_o due_a reverence_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o other_o place_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o place_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o what_o mean_v saint_n john_n come_v thither_o second_o to_o what_o end_n and_o for_o what_o cause_n the_o mean_n be_v banishment_n by_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o he_o come_v and_o abode_n in_o patmos_n be_v banish_v thither_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n in_o this_o his_o banishment_n consider_v many_o excellent_a thing_n first_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n endue_v with_o rare_a gift_n a_o singular_a maintainer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o famous_a founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o chief_a pillar_n thereof_o in_o those_o day_n when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n most_o hate_v of_o the_o cruel_a persecutor_n domitian_n and_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o yet_o observe_v that_o whereas_o many_o other_o true_a christian_n be_v put_v to_o the_o sword_n s._n john_n be_v not_o but_o escape_v by_o banishment_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v god_n special_a providence_n by_o which_o he_o reserve_v he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v this_o revelation_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n for_o the_o perpetual_a good_a of_o all_o his_o child_n and_o so_o though_o domitian_n be_v a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o want_v no_o malice_n towards_o john_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o kill_v he_o god_n overrule_v he_o that_o he_o do_v but_o banish_v he_o and_o that_o into_o such_o a_o island_n wherein_o he_o may_v quiet_o receive_v these_o vision_n and_o pen_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n that_o he_o do_v bridle_n and_o over-rule_v the_o cruel_a mind_n and_o may_v of_o bloody_a persecutor_n that_o they_o can_v for_o their_o heart_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n though_o they_o intend_v the_o contrary_n for_o domitian_n intend_v only_o the_o hurt_n of_o john_n yet_o see_v by_o his_o banishment_n into_o that_o isle_n he_o have_v fit_a place_n to_o receive_v these_o vision_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o the_o people_n band_v themselves_o together_o to_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n and_o the_o devil_n he_o labour_v to_o stir_v they_o on_o to_o practice_v their_o intend_a malice_n yet_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n who_o bring_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n direct_v and_o order_v this_o their_o malice_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n so_o josephs_n brethren_n intend_v no_o such_o deliverance_n as_o god_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o sell_v their_o brother_n this_o consideration_n shall_v comfort_v all_o god_n child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o outward_a distress_n even_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n overrule_a hand_n second_o in_o that_o john_n go_v into_o banishment_n when_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v by_o tyrant_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o must_v not_o make_v resistance_n or_o offer_v violence_n but_o suffer_v all_o injury_n with_o patience_n christianorum_fw-la for_o as_o one_o say_v true_o the_o christian_n weapon_n in_o persecution_n be_v only_a prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o saint_n john_n often_o in_o this_o book_n add_v this_o conclusion_n after_o the_o foretell_v of_o persecution_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o saint_n show_v that_o patience_n must_v be_v the_o complete_a armour_n against_o all_o our_o bloody_a enemy_n three_o here_o also_o observe_v that_o john_n come_v into_o this_o island_n not_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n as_o choose_v a_o solitary_a life_n to_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a state_n of_o perfection_n but_o by_o violence_n and_o constraint_n for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v into_o it_o voluntary_o be_v little_a or_o not_o inhabit_v he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o apostleship_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n this_o then_o confute_v the_o monkish_a life_n which_o be_v no_o life_n of_o holy_a perfection_n as_o papist_n call_v it_o but_o of_o glorious_a superstition_n and_o slat_n impiety_n before_o god_n for_o hereby_o they_o forsake_v their_o calling_n and_o utter_o disable_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n four_o whereas_o john_n be_v banish_v receive_v his_o vision_n in_o a_o barren_a and_o base_a desolate_a place_n we_o see_v that_o those_o which_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n even_o then_o when_o man_n seek_v most_o to_o disgrace_v they_o for_o what_o great_a disgrace_n can_v they_o have_v put_v upon_o john_n than_o to_o banish_v he_o into_o so_o base_a a_o island_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n even_o there_o do_v the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o much_o in_o reveal_v unto_o he_o these_o vision_n so_o when_o joseph_n be_v sell_v of_o his_o brethren_n and_o most_o dishonour_v of_o they_o then_o do_v god_n exhalt_v he_o most_o of_o all_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o daniel_n in_o babylon_n who_o god_n do_v most_o advance_v when_o his_o enemy_n seek_v his_o great_a ruin_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o all_o god_n child_n they_o which_o honour_n god_n will_v he_o honour_v ii_o point_n the_o cause_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o this_o isle_n be_v express_o set_v down_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n he_o be_v banish_v by_o which_o we_o may_v note_v that_o all_o natural_a man_n as_o domitian_n and_o his_o court_n and_o all_o the_o gentile_n without_o god_n special_a calling_n do_v bear_v a_o deadly_a hatred_n towards_o god_n word_n for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a apostle_n a_o famous_a man_n for_o gift_n a_o singular_a preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v hate_v nay_o banish_a not_o for_o his_o own_o cause_n but_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o hatred_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n by_o their_o bloody_a persecution_n against_o the_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o word_n and_o yet_o though_o man_n hate_v it_o natural_o the_o same_o word_n win_v they_o and_o take_v place_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o love_v it_o so_o as_o successive_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o world_n which_o show_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o the_o word_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v indeed_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n for_o man_n word_n be_v hate_v can_v win_v unto_o it_o he_o which_o hate_v it_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v by_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o hate_v it_o by_o nature_n which_o it_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v in_o it_o some_o divine_a power_n again_o see_v john_n be_v banish_v for_o god_n word_n all_o minister_n be_v to_o cast_v their_o account_n and_o make_v this_o reckon_n that_o they_o may_v and_o must_v suffer_v trouble_n &_o persecution_n yea_o sometime_o banishment_n itself_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a for_o that_o which_o befall_v the_o principal_a founder_n and_o chief_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v avoid_v of_o they_o which_o be_v ordinary_a minister_n if_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a christ_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o tell_v they_o 6.26_o that_o they_o be_v even_o accurse_v when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o they_o let_v none_o therefore_o think_v it_o strange_a at_o this_o day_n if_o for_o well_o do_v they_o hear_v and_o receive_v evil_a nay_o let_v they_o fear_v the_o curse_n when_o all_o man_n praise_v they_o and_o for_o the_o witness_v of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o john_n do_v note_n more_o special_o the_o
cast_v off_o all_o dulness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o with_o all_o may_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o attentive_a hear_n so_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v bless_v unto_o we_o otherwise_o our_o hear_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n verse_n 11._o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o unto_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamus_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardai_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o description_n of_o this_o voice_n whereby_o johns_n heart_n be_v prepare_v touch_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n which_o be_v utter_v which_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o testimony_n in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o second_o a_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v and_o send_v etc._n etc._n i._o touch_v the_o testimony_n the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n where_o the_o word_n be_v handle_v and_o the_o meaning_n show_v they_o do_v serve_v direct_o to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v here_o avouch_v to_o give_v unto_o john_n and_o unto_o the_o church_n full_a assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n now_o utter_v and_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n for_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o which_o speak_v unto_o thou_o be_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n i_o deliver_v be_v from_o god_n in_o this_o testimony_n note_v god_n special_a care_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o more_o special_o his_o care_n be_v to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o from_o god_n this_o have_v be_v god_n care_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o peter_n receive_v a_o vision_n from_o god_n withal_o 19_o god_n spirit_n assure_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o be_v certain_a &_o sure_a and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n among_o man_n he_o do_v withal_o work_v strange_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n this_o special_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n do_v first_o confute_v the_o papist_n opinion_n touch_v scripture_n use_n they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o unto_o man_n till_o the_o church_n give_v testimony_n thereunto_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o god_n ever_o have_v this_o care_n over_o his_o church_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v be_v his_o undoubted_a and_o perfect_a will_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o ever_o be_v not_o only_o in_o it_o self_n b●t_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o come_v thereunto_o second_o hereby_o be_v confute_v many_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n therein_o be_v so_o diverse_a that_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n almost_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v that_o man_n in_o sundry_a matter_n hold_v sundry_a private_a opinion_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v religion_n therefore_o be_v uncertain_a god_n forbid_v for_o religion_n be_v certain_a unto_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o certify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o may_v man_n come_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o testimony_n ii_o point_n the_o commandment_n give_v to_o john_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o which_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n this_o commandment_n have_v two_o part_n first_o to_o write_v the_o thing_n see_v in_o a_o book_n second_o to_o send_v the_o book_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n here_o name_v and_o both_o these_o must_v john_n do_v be_v now_o disable_v by_o his_o exile_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n unto_o they_o personal_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o these_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o strengthen_v in_o these_o most_o grievous_a time_n of_o persecution_n second_o that_o they_o may_v become_v keeper_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o publish_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o it_o keep_v it_o and_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o in_o this_o commandment_n note_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v and_o pen_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worthy_a mean_n to_o edify_v the_o same_o else_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v command_v john_n to_o have_v write_v these_o vision_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o blind_a papist_n which_o say_v the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n because_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v be_v turn_v every_o way_n as_o man_n will_n this_o also_o confute_v the_o anabaptist_n which_o so_o much_o magnify_v their_o revelation_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o word_n write_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o best_o he_o will_v have_v teach_v these_o church_n by_o revelation_n but_o they_o must_v learn_v by_o the_o word_n write_v second_o that_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n either_o public_o or_o private_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v john_n to_o write_v this_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n hereby_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v read_v the_o same_o as_o they_o do_v other_o book_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o the_o most_o worthy_a instrument_n for_o the_o sound_n and_o confirm_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o ordinary_o justify_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o read_v must_v have_v his_o due_a reverence_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v three_o here_o note_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o persecution_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o this_o banishment_n into_o such_o a_o desert_a place_n be_v unto_o john_n a_o grievous_a cross_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v there_o to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n which_o honour_n he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o which_o thing_n each_o one_o shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n it_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o seven_o church_n ephesus_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v name_v which_o seven_o place_n be_v seven_o famous_a city_n in_o asia_n wherein_o be_v plant_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v in_o those_o part_n and_o for_o their_o excellency_n be_v they_o name_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o johns_n preparation_n now_o follow_v the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o be_v hear_v fold_v up_o with_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n second_o be_v turn_v of_o himself_o to_o see_v the_o party_n that_o speak_v unto_o he_o in_o these_o word_n verse_n 12._o then_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n which_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o when_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_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
god_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o pure_a and_o just_a in_o sundry_a point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o to_o hold_v ourselves_o content_a and_o to_o reverence_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n thereof_o nay_o though_o to_o we_o they_o seem_v against_o all_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v uncorrupt_a though_o the_o blind_a eye_n of_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v full_a of_o light_n so_o though_o our_o blind_a eye_n can_v ●e_v ●old_a the_o purity_n of_o god_n work_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o do_v in_o justice_n and_o equity_n yea_o they_o be_v justice_n itself_o for_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n do_v a_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o right_n but_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n good_a and_o right_n because_o god_n will_v and_o work_v it_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o god_n word_n 20._o god_n command_v abimele●_n to_o deliver_v sarah_n to_o abraham_n or_o else_o he_o will_v destroy_v he_o and_o all_o his_o household_n in_o man_n reason_n this_o may_v seem_v unjust_a for_o why_o shall_v abimelechs_n servant_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o master_n fault_n so_o 7._o achan_n sin_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o israel_n be_v punish_v david_n commit_v adultery_n 12.18_o and_o the_o child_n which_o he_o beget_v ●●eth_n david_n number_v the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v smite_v with_o the_o plague_n 2._o sa._n 24._o all_o this_o to_o man_n reason_n may_v seem_v unequal_a yet_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n we_o be_v withal_o reverence_v to_o judge_v they_o most_o just_a and_o holy_a again_o the_o 9_o scripture_n show_v plain_o that_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n have_v decree_v to_o save_v some_o and_o to_o reject_v other_o and_o his_o reason_n move_v he_o thereto_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n foresee_v in_o they_o but_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n alone_o this_o in_o man_n reason_n seem_v to_o be_v cruelty_n towards_o some_o and_o therefore_o sundry_a man_n disclaim_v this_o doctrine_n as_o charge_v god_n with_o injustice_n and_o tyranny_n but_o herein_o they_o great_o offend_v for_o it_o be_v the_o manifest_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n &_o therefore_o ought_v with_o reverence_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v though_o we_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n thereof_o for_o who_o be_v thou_o oh_o man_n that_o plead_v against_o god_n rom._n 9.20_o and_o his_o voice_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v resemble_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o signify_v the_o loudness_n and_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o sound_n whereof_o have_v be_v hear_v through_o all_o the_o world_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o to_o show_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o his_o creature_n for_o such_o power_n it_o be_v of_o that_o when_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o he_o but_o speak_v the_o word_n &_o they_o be_v make_v he._n 11.3_o this_o powerful_a voice_n of_o christ_n bring_v 44._o lazarus_n out_o of_o the_o grave_n after_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n bind_v hand_n and_o fo●●e_v and_o by_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n shall_v they_o that_o have_v be_v dead_a six_o thousand_o year_n before_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o life_n the_o hour_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o to_o judgement_n john_n 5.28_o 29._o hereby_o than_o we_o may_v see_v the_o great_a security_n and_o the_o deadness_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o this_o age_n for_o though_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o christ_n be_v daily_o sound_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o yet_o it_o enter_v not_o into_o their_o heart_n they_o live_v secure_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v daily_o exhort_v to_o repentance_n but_o shall_v dead_a lazarus_n start_v out_o of_o his_o grave_n when_o christ_n say_v lazarus_n come_v forth_o nay_o shall_v they_o that_o be_v consume_v to_o dust_v many_o thousand_o year_n before_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n voice_n rise_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o shall_v we_o which_o live_v in_o body_n be_v no_o whit_n affect_v with_o it_o in_o our_o soul_n oh_o fearful_a death_n in_o sin_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v move_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n it_o may_v be_v the_o outward_a ear_n receive_v the_o sound_n but_o the_o dead_a heart_n receive_v no_o instruction_n we_o must_v therefore_o apply_v our_o heart_n to_o this_o powerful_a voice_n of_o christ_n and_o leave_v the_o sin_n wherein_o we_o have_v lie_v dead_a that_o so_o the_o quicken_a power_n hereof_o unto_o salvation_n may_v appear_v in_o us._n verse_n 16._o and_o he_o have_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n seven_o star_n and_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n go_v a_o sharp_a two_o edge_a sword_n and_o his_o face_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o strength_n here_o john_n proceed_v further_a to_o set_v out_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o the_o property_n thereof_o by_o seven_o star_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v seven_o angel_n that_o be_v as_o christ_n expound_v they_o verse_n 20._o the_o seven_o minister_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o they_o be_v call_v star_n for_o these_o cause_n first_o star_n give_v light_a to_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o give_v spiritual_a light_n to_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n both_o by_o doctrine_n and_o by_o a_o unblameable_a conversation_n second_o star_n have_v their_o continual_a abode_n in_o heaven_n and_o descend_v not_o unto_o the_o earth_n so_o minister_n above_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o call_n and_o this_o heavenly_a conversation_n he_o must_v express_v first_o by_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o eternal_a mansion_n in_o heaven_n three_o they_o be_v call_v star_n because_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a they_o shall_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n and_o make_v to_o shine_v a●_n the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o dan._n 12.3_o it_o be_v add_v that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o to_o he_o belong_v the_o regiment_n and_o government_n and_o the_o whole_a disposition_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o matter_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n from_o whence_o arise_v sundry_a instruction_n i._o that_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o give_v to_o his_o church_n minister_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o he_o 4.11.12_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v daily_o unto_o christ_n 9.38_o that_o he_o will_v thrust_v forth_o laborer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o the_o remnant_n of_o god_n elect_v may_v be_v gather_v and_o so_o we_o see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o miserable_a day_n wherein_o we_o live_v second_o in_o that_o christ_n hold_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n give_v protection_n and_o defence_n unto_o his_o minister_n when_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o walk_v in_o their_o calling_n according_a to_o his_o will_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o all_o that_o be_v call_v into_o this_o office_n for_o they_o have_v sundry_a occasion_n of_o discouragement_n as_o the_o negligence_n and_o backwardness_n of_o their_o people_n the_o slander_n and_o mock_n of_o the_o enemy_n but_o this_o protection_n of_o christ_n must_v comfort_v they_o against_o they_o all_o see_v they_o be_v in_o christ_n right_a hand_n they_o must_v go_v on_o with_o all_o godly_a boldness_n three_o this_o show_v the_o dignity_n of_o this_o call_n indeed_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o repute_v base_a in_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o many_o be_v drive_v from_o it_o but_o let_v the_o wicked_a judge_n what_o they_o will_v behold_v christ_n honour_v it_o for_o his_o faithful_a minister_n be_v not_o only_o present_a before_o he_o which_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n but_o he_o hold_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n than_o which_o what_o great_a glory_n can_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o this_o must_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
but_o the_o deadly_a wound_n of_o christ_n enemy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d much_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o wicked_a the_o second_o work_n of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n be_v in_o god_n elect_v in_o they_o it_o have_v sundry_a work_n all_o which_o ●end_n to_o their_o subjection_n first_o it_o wound_v to_o the_o quick_a the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n this_o be_v one_o special_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v call_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n because_o it_o enter_v deep_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n and_o give_v their_o corruption_n such_o a_o deadly_a blow_n as_o it_o shall_v never_o recover_v again_o it_o kill_v not_o the_o person_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o wicked_a but_o quicken_a the_o soul_n it_o wound_v his_o corruption_n paul_n minister_v the_o gospel_n 16_o that_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v acceptable_a where_o resemble_v god_n church_n to_o a_o sacrifice_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v slay_v though_o not_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o sinful_a motion_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o rebellious_a action_n by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v his_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o root_n of_o corruption_n be_v stock_v up_o second_o after_o conversion_n this_o two_o edge_a sword_n serve_v to_o cut_v off_o and_o pare_v away_o the_o remnant_n of_o unbelief_n doubt_v impiety_n anger_n and_o other_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o elect_a 15._o every_o branch_n say_v christ_n that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o i_o my_o father_n the_o husbandman_n grune_v to_o make_v it_o bring_v fo●rth_o more_o fruit_n three_o it_o serve_v to_o keep_v god_n child_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o in_o this_o vision_n christ_n stand_v in_o his_o church_n hold_v up_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o he_o bear_v in_o his_o mouth_n for_o this_o end_n that_o though_o his_o enemy_n will_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o yet_o his_o own_o child_n may_v hereby_o be_v keep_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o at_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n tremble_v and_o fear_n before_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o rebellious_a subject_n if_o there_o be_v brawl_v in_o humane_a society_n let_v the_o magistrate_n but_o show_v himself_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o straightway_o every_o one_o be_v quiet_a if_o any_o resist_n he_o be_v take_v for_o a_o rebel_n now_o shall_v this_o be_v effect_v in_o civil_a policy_n and_o not_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n spiritual_a government_n unless_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o rebel_v against_o christ_n let_v we_o cease_v from_o sin_n and_o tremble_v before_o he_o see_v he_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n four_o this_o sword_n serve_v notable_o for_o our_o defence_n and_o victory_n in_o all_o temptation_n ephes_n 6._o ●●_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v one_o piece_n of_o the_o complete_a armour_n of_o a_o christian._n herewith_o do_v christ_n vanquish_v satan_n matth._n 4_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o elect_a hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o we_o must_v with_o all_o reverence_n hear_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o man_n will_v hear_v it_o while_o it_o be_v teach_v general_o but_o if_o it_o once_o touch_v their_o particular_a fault_n than_o they_o can_v brook_v it_o but_o we_o must_v suffer_v it_o to_o ransack_v our_o heart_n and_o be_v glad_a thereof_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o corruption_n be_v wound_v and_o sin_n slay_v in_o we_o our_o soul_n be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o any_o man_n be_v disease_v with_o a_o fistula_n or_o any_o other_o dangerous_a sore_n he_o will_v willing_o suffer_v the_o surgeon_n to_o search_v and_o pierce_v into_o the_o fame_n shall_v we_o do_v this_o for_o our_o bodily_a health_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o rip_v up_o our_o sin_n that_o they_o be_v wound_v and_o subdue_v we_o may_v be_v heal_v and_o so_o our_o soul_n live_v for_o ever_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n till_o we_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o we_o can_v never_o die_v unto_o sin_n till_o the_o same_o be_v wound_v in_o we_o by_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n away_o therefore_o with_o all_o niceness_n in_o dislike_a the_o word_n when_o it_o cross_v our_o humour_n and_o if_o we_o love_v eternal_a life_n let_v we_o then_o embrace_v it_o most_o willing_o saint_n john_n say_v f●●ther_o of_o this_o two_o edge_a sword_n that_o it_o come_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n other_o king_n carry_v their_o sword_n and_o sceptre_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o christ_n bear_v he_o in_o his_o mouth_n to_o teach_v we_o this_o special_a point_n that_o we_o must_v receive_v no_o doctrine_n from_o any_o man_n which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o th●_n mouth_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o son_n &_o christ_n deliver_v it_o unto_o his_o prophet●_n and_o apostles_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n in_o their_o write_n they_o therefore_o must_v deliver_v nothing_o unto_o god_n people_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v from_o christ_n if_o they_o deliver_v aught_o else_o they_o hold_v no●_n forth_o christ_n sword_n neither_o can_v it_o have_v that_o powerful_a effect_n either_o in_o the_o godly_a or_o in_o the_o wicked_a and_o his_o face_n 〈…〉_z the_o sun_n shine_v i●_n his_o brightness_n here_o be_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o this_o description_n of_o christ_n his_o face_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n and_o that_o in_o his_o strength_n because_o christ_n be_v unto_o his_o churchy_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o look_v what_o duty_n the_o sun_n perform_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o same_o duty_n christ_n perform_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n as_o their_o resemblance_n will_v evident_o declare_v first_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o world_n dispel_v night_n and_o darkness_n and_o make_v the_o day_n by_o bring_v light_n so_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n malach._n 4.2_o send_v down_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n into_o his_o church_n whereby_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v take_v away_o 2._o corinth_n 4.6_o and_o hereby_o every_o one_o of_o what_o sort_n or_o place_n soever_o be_v teach_v first_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o great_a shame_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o be_v ignorant_a her●in_n when_o the_o day_n come_v we_o set_v open_a our_o window_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o our_o comfort_n behold_v christ_n jesus_n be_v ever_o a_o shine_a light_n in_o his_o church_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o open_v our_o heart_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o descend_v from_o he_o may_v enter_v into_o we_o and_o give_v we_o light_n second_o we_o must_v hereby_o learn_v in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n among_o man_n to_o walk_v by_o this_o light_n we_o be_v here_o but_o pilgrim_n travel_v towards_o heaven_n and_o the_o way_n of_o this_o miserable_a word_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n yet_o christ_n jesus_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v the_o right_a way_n thither_o without_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o wander_a his_o word_n be_v the_o light_n and_o himself_o the_o day_n star_n we_o therefore_o must_v attend_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o our_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o our_o lawful_a calling_n take_v direction_n from_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v from_o his_o face_n second_o the_o sun_n serve_v most_o excellent_o to_o comfort_n and_o revive_v cold_a and_o dead_a starve_a body_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n teach_v so_o christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n convey_v spiritual_a life_n and_o heat_n ●nto_o the_o dead_a and_o freeze_a heart_n of_o man_n he_o be_v of_o power_n to_o comfort_v they_o that_o mourn_v to_o give_v life_n to_o the_o break_a heart_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a isay._n 57.15_o and_o for_o this_o most_o excellent_a work_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o must_v labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o life_n and_o joy_n which_o come_v
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
reveal_v his_o will_n not_o to_o the_o proud_a but_o to_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o as_o isaiah_n say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n isay._n 57.15_o and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o a_o man_n must_v renounce_v his_o own_o natural_a wit_n and_o reason_n and_o become_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o even_o a_o fool_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o conceit_n also_o he_o must_v unfeigned_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o truth_n ask_v say_v christ_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o even_o 11.13_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o they_o that_o desire_v of_o the_o father_n and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n which_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o second_o after_o preparation_n he_o must_v labour_v to_o know_v thorough_o what_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v and_o what_o be_v thei●_n opinion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n maintain_v by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a oversight_n to_o misconceive_v the_o state_n of_o the_o adversary_n question_n by_o propound_v it_o otherwise_o than_o they_o hold_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o many_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o controversy_n three_o due_a proof_n must_v be_v make_v whether_o the_o adversary_n doctrine_n be_v of_o man_n or_o of_o god_n this_o be_v god_n commandment_n 1._o john_n 4.1_o prove_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o for_o trial_n hereof_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o cause_n isa._n 8._o vers_fw-la 20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o look_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o who_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o he_o do_v in_o his_o write_a word_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n the_o scripture_n show_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n examine_v be_v direct_o gather_v thence_o and_o by_o just_a consequent_a or_o not_o four_o serious_a consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o live_v of_o the_o teacher_n examine_v for_o a_o false_a teacher_n by_o god_n just_a judgement_n be_v usual_o a_o wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v 1●_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o examine_v such_o they_o will_v appear_v howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o famous_a heretic_n do_v plain_o declare_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o discovery_n be_v sentence_n give_v in_o these_o word_n and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n the_o church_n here_o give_v out_o a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a sentence_n against_o they_o she_o call_v they_o false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n and_o yet_o she_o sin_v not_o for_o christ_n commend_v she_o for_o it_o though_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_n can_v beseem_v any_o yet_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o place_n may_v give_v ou●_n severe_a speech_n against_o offender_n in_o token_n of_o detestation_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o offend_v thus_o john_n call_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n a_o generation_n of_o viper_n matth._n 3.7_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n luk._n 13.32_o and_o paul_n call_v the_o galatian_n fool_n gal._n 3.1_o and_o in_o this_o place_n the_o church_n call_v these_o false_a teacher_n liar_n which_o be_v very_o much_o for_o therein_o she_o accuse_v they_o of_o three_o thing_n first_o of_o teach_v that_o which_o be_v false_a indeed_o second_o that_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n with_o intent_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n in_o this_o discovery_n use_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o just_a accomplishment_n of_o paul_n prophecy_n acts._n 20.29_o 30._o namely_o that_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o among_o the_o ephesian_n grievous_a wolf_n and_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n and_o such_o be_v these_o false_a apostle_n who_o after_o examination_n be_v find_v liar_n again_o see_v in_o the_o day_n of_o this_o apostle_n john_n man_n dare_v presume_v to_o claim_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n six_o hundred_o year_n after_o do_v challenge_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v peter_n successor_n and_o to_o have_v apostolic_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o dare_v now_o avouch_v some_o book_n to_o be_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o as_o also_o bring_v in_o their_o tradition_n &_o unwritten_a verity_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o obey_v equal_o with_o god_n word_n verse_n 3._o thou_o have_v suffer_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v here_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v how_o this_o minister_n and_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o false_a teacher_n after_o their_o discovery_n the_o manner_n we_o shall_v see_v in_o handle_v the_o point_n particular_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n thou_o have_v suffer_v or_o thou_o have_v bear_v a_o burden_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o be_v press_v down_o under_o a_o great_a burden_n this_o burden_n be_v the_o trouble_n which_o false_a apostle_n bring_v upon_o they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v partly_o by_o open_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n partly_o by_o the_o spread_a of_o their_o heretical_a and_o schismatical_a doctrine_n these_o false_a teacher_n be_v ebion_n cerinthus_n martion_n and_o such_o like_a who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o john_n trouble_v this_o church_n as_o history_n do_v show_v here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o the_o best_a church_n shall_v be_v trouble_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o heretical_a teacher_n who_o both_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o persecution_n become_v grievous_a burden_n this_o the_o lord_n permit_v for_o weighty_a cause_n i._o that_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v excite_v more_o constant_o to_o embrace_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o jude_n 3._o most_o worthy_o exhort_v the_o christian_n in_o his_o time_n to_o fight_v for_o the_o common_a faith_n ii_o that_o professor_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o sound_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o not_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o it_o be_v ●ette_v say_v paul_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o approve_a may_v ●ee_n know_v iii_o that_o god_n may_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n reveal_v unto_o they_o 2._o thess._n 2.10_o 11._o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o strange_a illusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o have_v not_o love_v his_o truth_n for_o many_o know_v the_o word_n that_o love_v it_o not_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o common_a scandal_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v use_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o lord_n wheat_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o evil_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o offence_n that_o hereby_o we_o be_v rather_o provoke_v with_o more_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v religion_n and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n have_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n here_o be_v set_v down_o the_o deal_n of_o this_o church_n against_o these_o false_a apostle_n in_o all_o their_o persecution_n but_o first_o note_v the_o coherence_n of_o this_o virtue_n with_o the_o former_a thou_o have_v suffer_v trouble_n and_o have_v have_v patience_n quest._n how_o can_v these_o stand_v together_o it_o be_v against_o man_n nature_n in_o trouble_n to_o be_v patient_a for_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n make_v man_n discontent_n and_o to_o fret_v against_o god_n and_o man_n answ._n they_o stand_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n rom._n 5._o vers_fw-la 4._o tribulation_n bring_v forth_o patience_n namely_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o to_o they_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o their_o trouble_n shed_v
another_o and_o yet_o beseech_v they_o to_o increase_v therein_o phil._n 3.13.4_o in_o paul_n person_n we_o have_v a_o worthy_a precedent_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v if_o we_o think_v to_o come_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o though_o he_o have_v go_v far_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o labour_v to_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o consider_v not_o that_o which_o be_v past_a as_o rest_v in_o it_o but_o rather_o how_o far_o he_o be_v too_o short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v use_v mean_n to_o increase_v in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o other_o good_a grace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o perfection_n a_o christian_n man_v life_n be_v a_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o once_o set_v foot_n must_v ●uer_o go_v forward_o and_o not_o stand_v still_o or_o turn_v back_o lest_o we_o never_o come_v there_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o child_n which_o still_o grow_v till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a strength_n and_o so_o must_v every_o child_n of_o god_n labour_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o stand_v still_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o they_o the_o rhemist_n in_o their_o annotation_n abuse_v this_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o text_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n thi●_n question_n must_v be_v scan_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n answ._n grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o for_o that_o favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o accept_v of_o some_o for_o his_o child_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o and_o take_v grace_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v lose_v but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v be_v lose_v of_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v when_o a_o earthly_a father_n be_v displease_v with_o his_o child_n for_o some_o notorious_a crime_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o sign_n of_o displeasure_n and_o show_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o stripe_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o continue_v his_o father_n and_o hold_v he_o for_o his_o son_n without_o any_o purpose_n to_o disinherit_v he_o even_o so_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n he_o will_v turn_v away_o his_o love_a countenance_n from_o they_o and_o change_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n into_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n when_o as_o yet_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o their_o adoption_n be_v not_o alter_v but_o remain_v firm_a for_o ever_o and_o god_n be_v still_o their_o father_n though_o a_o angry_a father_n through_o the_o provocation_n of_o their_o sin_n second_o grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n these_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o more_o principal_a of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v save_v as_o faith_n and_o also_o hope_v and_o love_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n there_o be_v other_o also_o less_o principal_a which_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o requisite_a yet_o not_o absolute_o needful_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n alacrity_n in_o prayer_n &_o sense_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o less_o principal_a grace_n may_v quite_o be_v lose_v the_o principal_a grace_n also_o may_v be_v decay_v lessen_v and_o cover_v in_o regard_n of_o operation_n even_o in_o god_n child_n but_o quite_o extinguish_v they_o can_v be_v for_o god_n uphold_v they_o by_o perseverance_n where_o faith_n hope_n &_o love_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n they_o be_v never_o whole_o or_o final_o take_v away_o but_o only_o in_o part_n and_o in_o sense_n and_o feel_n for_o a_o time_n this_o answer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o text_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v here_o blame_v not_o for_o quite_o lose_v her_o love●_n but_o because_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o waxelesse_a than_o it_o be_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o because_o this_o doctrine_n be_v oppugn_v earnest_o not_o only_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o by_o some_o church_n and_o school_n of_o the_o protestant_n i_o will_v first_o show_v the_o truth_n hereof_o out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o scan_v the_o chief_a reason_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o grace_n can_v be_v whole_o and_o final_o lose_v these_o reason_n prove_v i._o matth._n 16.18_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o upon_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o profess_v christ_n will_v build_v his_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o which_o last_o word_n must_v be_v mark_v for_o they_o intimate_v that_o the_o devil_n with_o his_o adherent_n will_v show_v much_o force_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a but_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o get_v the_o victory_n or_o overcome_v it_o whole_o ii_o matth._n 24.24_o christ_n foretell_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v say_v they_o shall_v seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_a where_o he_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o elect_v albeit_o they_o may_v be_v assault_v grievous_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o or_o final_o draw_v away_o from_o their_o faith_n iii_o john_n 10.27_o 28_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v to_o this_o they_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v never_o perish_v so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o cavil_n be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o next_o word_n neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o flesh_n can_v by_o any_o temptation_n draw_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n from_o their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o sheep_n iv._o reason_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n they_o say_v he_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n and_o no_o otherwise_o i_o answer_v if_o they_o have_v it_o in_o hope_n they_o shall_v never_o perish_v 5.5_o for_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a v._o reason_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinat_a they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o be_v justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o be_v glorify_v those_o which_o be_v elect_v call_v and_o justify_v by_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v glorify_v and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v away_o final_o for_o such_o shall_v never_o be_v glorify_v and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 38._o he_o add_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n angel_n principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v separate_v we_o viz._n the_o faithful_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n but_o if_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v away_o final_o than_o they_o may_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n vi_o reason_n rom._n 11.29_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n call_v that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v without_o repentance_n they_o say_v it_o be_v true_a god_n indeed_o never_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o gift_n but_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v and_o fall_v away_o because_o he_o may_v refuse_v and_o reject_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o answer_n be_v frivolous_a maintain_v this_o absurdity_n that_o the_o powerful_a will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o silly_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o man_n can_v repel_v god_n grace_n give_v unto_o he_o than_o shall_v man_n will_v take_v place_n and_o god_n will_v be_v make_v frustrate_a and_o void_a vii_o reason_n 1._o john_n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o because_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n how_o be_v that_o true_a for_o chap._n 1.10_o he_o that_o say_v he_o have_v not_o sin_v make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o he_o answ._n the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v
that_o thence_o we_o may_v offer_v up_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n second_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 1.6_o use_v a_o comparison_n from_o the_o fire_n which_o burn_v more_o bright_a and_o clear_a when_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o last_o we_o must_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o faith_n repentance_n love_n and_o such_o like_a &_o so_o shall_v they_o not_o decay_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n verse_n 5._o remember_v therefore_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o faithful_a physician_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v sharp_o rebuke_v this_o church_n do_v here_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o their_o sin_n of_o decay_n in_o love_n fron_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o sin_n be_v reprove_v be_v to_o be_v teach_v but_o yet_o with_o this_o qualification_n that_o withal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v join_v thereunto_o that_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v rip_v up_o by_o the_o law_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v christ_n manner_n of_o preach_v in_o this_o place_n who_o practice_n be_v a_o most_o worthy_a platform_n for_o all_o his_o minister_n for_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n at_o this_o day_n to_o preach_v the_o law_n bare_o which_o only_o make_v the_o wound_n without_o the_o gospel_n which_o alone_o show_v the_o remedy_n this_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v be_v of_o special_a use_n and_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n general_o by_o it_o we_o have_v direction_n to_o answer_v to_o two_o necessary_a question_n of_o practice_n which_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n first_o a_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o after_o his_o conversion_n either_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n fall_v into_o sin_n again_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v for_o his_o recovery_n ans._n he_o must_v remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v of_o those_o his_o sin_n and_o do_v his_o first_o work_n the_o second_o question_n be_v this_o a_o man_n that_o have_v all_o his_o life_n long_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n be_v now_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o his_o loose_a life_n how_o shall_v this_o man_n escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n &_o become_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o ans._n he_o must_v first_o remember_v whence_o he_o be_v fall_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o by_o his_o own_o transgression_n second_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o his_o sin_n three_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o first_o work_n whereto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n &_o so_o shall_v he_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o particular_a this_o remedy_n have_v three_o part_n the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o second_o and_o repent_v the_o three_o and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n the_o word_n follow_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o remedy_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v for_o the_o first_o remember_v whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n examine_v thyself_o thorough_o &_o see_v in_o thyself_o the_o decay_n of_o thy_o former_a love_n and_o then_o ponder_v the_o same_o in_o thy_o heart_n serious_o and_o thorough_o here_o christ_n injoin_v to_o this_o church_n two_o duty_n i._o examination_n whereby_o she_o must_v descend_v into_o she_o own_o heart_n and_o search_v out_o her_o own_o want_n especial_o the_o want_n of_o her_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o her_o brethren_n ii_o consideration_n whereby_o she_o must_v often_o think_v of_o these_o her_o want_n and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o her_o heart_n unfeigned_o this_o course_n which_o christ_n take_v with_o this_o church_n teach_v we_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o person_n in_o god_n church_n not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v thorough_o with_o his_o own_o estate_n that_o so_o he_o may_v search_v out_o his_o own_o want_n and_o deep_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n jeremie_n blame_v the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n that_o no_o man_n say_v with_o himself_o 8.6_o what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o christ_n lay_v this_o sin_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o estate_n 39_o they_o know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o ●●oke_v they_o all_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n no_o man_n almost_o do_v examine_v himself_o &_o consider_v in_o his_o hart_n his_o own_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o want_n nay_o man_n be_v grow_v to_o this_o that_o they_o count_v it_o a_o mean_n to_o breed_v melancholy_n and_o therefore_o do_v ●lie_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o nuzzell_v themselves_o in_o their_o fearful_a security_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v out_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o often_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o their_o particular_a want_n zephanie_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o people_n 2.1_o begin_v thus_o search_v you_o search_v yourselves_o oh_o nation_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v where_o the_o word_n translate_v search_n signify_v such_o a_o search_n as_o a_o man_n will_v make_v for_o some_o small_a thing_n in_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o chaff_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n counsel_n hag._n 1.7_o consider_v your_o own_o way_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v our_o practice_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v this_o duty_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o ground_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o christ_n here_o give_v it_o the_o first_o place_n for_o no_o man_n can_v true_o repent_v before_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o with_o his_o own_o fearful_a and_o damnable_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v 119.59_o i_o first_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o then_o i_o turn_v my_o foot_n into_o thy_o testimony_n the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o repent_v be_v want_n of_o consideration_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o what_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v for_o till_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v she_o own_o misery_n the_o hart_n can_v never_o right_o hunger_n after_o mercy_n sin_n must_v be_v our_o great_a woe_n before_o christ_n become_v our_o chief_a joy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v repentance_n i●_n self_n for_o after_o a_o man_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o want_n and_o have_v thorough_o consider_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n than_o he_o come_v to_o repent_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o five_o point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v i._o what_o repentanceis_n ii_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v iii_o who_o command_v it_o iv._o to_o who_o it_o be_v command_v v._o for_o what_o they_o must_v repent_v for_o the_o first_o repentance_n proper_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n do_v import_v for_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o after_o some_o folly_n or_o overslip_v to_o be_v better_o advise_v repentance_n then_o in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o change_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a or_o a_o turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.20_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n which_o latter_a word_n expound_v the_o former_a &_o plain_o show_v what_o repentance_n be_v and_o this_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n stand_v in_o this_o resolution_n whereby_o a_o man_n by_o god_n grace_n purpose_v to_o leave_v all_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o when_o this_o resolution_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n therewithal_o follow_v a_o turn_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o will_n in_o affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n this_o appear_v by_o that_o description_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n which_o paul_n reduce_v to_o seven_o head_n viz._n care_n clear_v of_o themselves_o indignation_n fear_n great_a desire_n zeal_n and_o revenge_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o whereof_o some_o be_v renew_v affection_n
hate_v namely_o idolatry_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v join_v together_o in_o these_o nicolaitan_o adultery_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o idolatry_n the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n spiritual_a adultery_n be_v punish_v with_o bodily_a adultery_n this_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o old_a jew_n when_o they_o fall_v a_o whore_v after_o strange_a god_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o unclean_a lust_n and_o it_o be_v palpable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n do_v abound_v in_o all_o uncleanness_n for_o they_o tolerate_v stew_n for_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n and_o sodomic_a be_v common_a among_o they_o again_o sundry_a man_n may_v here_o be_v well_o admonish_v who_o will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o schism_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o best_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v sect_n and_o heresy_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o here_o in_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o there_o be_v sect_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n this_o offence_n shall_v not_o move_v any_o to_o dislike_v the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o cause_v they_o more_o firm_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o also_o do_v hate_n this_o christ_n add_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o virtue_n for_o which_o he_o commend_v they_o in_o hate_v evil_a work_n for_o what_o can_v more_o provoke_v they_o to_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n therein_o than_o to_o know_v they_o do_v that_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o here_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a and_o like_v affect_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v man_n we_o must_v love_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n love_v and_o hate_v those_o thing_n which_o christ_n hate_v rejoice_v wherein_o christ_n rejoice_v and_o mourn_v for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o christ_n mourn_v and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n for_o out_o of_o his_o blood_n spring_v the_o church_n and_o there_o must_v be_v consent_n and_o conformity_n between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n quest._n if_o christ_n hate_v these_o wicked_a man_n why_o do_v he_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v and_o not_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o trouble_v his_o church_n answ._n because_o hereby_o he_o will_v manifest_v his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o wicked_a for_o he_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o good_a not_o only_o out_o of_o good_a but_o out_o of_o evil_a verse_n 7._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 tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o excite_v this_o church_n to_o the_o more_o careful_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o prescribe_v this_o conclusion_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o commandment_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n let_v he_o that_o have_v aspare_a he_o ar●_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o commandment_n note_v three_o point_n i._n who_o be_v command_v these_o which_o have_v ear_n ii_o the_o duty_n command_v they_o must_v hear_v iii_o what_o they_o must_v hear_v namely_o what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n i._n point_n the_o party_n command_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o he_o which_o have_v a_o ear_n who_o these_o be_v christ_n do_v more_o full_o expound_v matth._n 13.9_o when_o he_o say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v where_o he_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n that_o some_o be_v deaf_a hearer_n some_o hear_v hearer_n the_o deaf_a hearer_n be_v those_o that_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n their_o outward_a ear_n only_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o it_o neither_o do_v they_o care_v to_o learn_v to_o believe_v or_o obey_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o the_o hear_v hearer_n be_v all_o such_o as_o beside_o their_o bodily_a ear_n have_v ear_n pierce_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n outward_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o make_v pliable_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n unto_o it_o this_o hear_a ear_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o david_n when_o he_o say_v 6._o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v but_o my_o ●ares_n have_v thou_o open_v and_o prepare_v and_o then_o i_o say_v lo●_n i_o come_v hereof_o isaiah_n say_v thou_o 50.5_o open_v my_o ear_n and_o i_o be_v no●_n rebellious_a and_o this_o hear_a ear_n 〈…〉_z give_v she_o when_o god_n 16.14_o open_v her_o heart_n whereby_o she_o become_v attentive_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v by_o paul_n by_o this_o distinction_n of_o hearer_n which_o christ_n make_v use_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n grace_n unto_o salvation_n be_v not_o universal_a that_o be_v god_n give_v not_o unto_o all_o man_n such_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereby_o if_o they_o will_v themselves_o they_o may_v believe_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v for_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o ever_o since_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n these_o two_o kind_a of_o hearer_n whereof_o the_o deaf_a hearer_n do_v not_o receive_v nor_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unto_o salvation_n neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n give_v grace_n sufficient_a unto_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o by_o their_o malice_n and_o sin_n do_v not_o abolish_v the_o same_o for_o though_o he_o admit_v all_o sort_n into_o his_o church_n yet_o not_o all_o but_o some_o only_o have_v ear_n pierce_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v christ_n 13._o why_o he_o speak_v in_o parable_n he_o answer_v thus_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 11_o and_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o give_v show_v plain_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o hear_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o and_o in_o some_o make_v void_a by_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n but_o to_o some_o it_o be_v give_v and_o they_o have_v hear_v ear_n and_o to_o some_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o their_o ear_n be_v deaf_a second_o see_v this_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o hear_n hearer_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o become_v good_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n bring_v with_o we_o not_o only_o the_o bodily_a ear_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n but_o the_o spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o have_v by_o regeneration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o our_o salvation_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n unless_o the_o inward_a ear_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o word_n and_o fit_v to_o receive_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o thus_o do_v good_a king_n i●sias_n hear_v the_o law_n read_v the_o text_n say_v 34·27_n his_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d within_o he_o and_o thus_o do_v david_n hear_v when_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n 27.8_o seek_v ●ee_n my_o face_n his_o heart_n answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n and_o as_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o get_v spiritual_a ear_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o deaf_a ear_n which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n come_v &_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o learn_v believe_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o this_o deaf_a ear_n be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v isay._n 6.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o their_o heart_n fat_a that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v nor_o believe_v lest_o they_o shall_v turn_v and_o be_v save_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o we_o must_v look_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o many_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v deaf_a hearer_n which_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o after_o long_o teach_v they_o neither_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n nor_o in_o faith_n nor_o in_o obedience_n but_o remain_v the_o same_o for_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n
of_o hart_n and_o profaneness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n these_o must_v know_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v on_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v they_o must_v labour_v to_o come_v out_o of_o this_o estate_n &_o endeavour_n so_o to_o hear_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v unto_o god_n both_o in_o mind_n heart_n and_o life_n ii_o point_n the_o duty_n command_v namely_o to_o hear_v hear_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o to_o listen_v with_o the_o bodily_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v and_o with_o attention_n to_o bring_v faith_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n every_o way_n eph._n 4.21_o 22_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n be_v notable_o describe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mind●_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o utter_v it_o as_o to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o ris●_n 〈◊〉_d newness_n of_o life_n and_o indeed_o a_o man_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v again_o to_o be_v admonish_v that_o we_o so_o hear_v with_o attention_n that_o by_o hear_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v change_v and_o that_o with_o our_o change_n we_o join_v ●are_v to_o believe_v and_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o i●_n that_o save_v hearing_n which_o bring_v eternal_a life_n all_o other_o hear_n do_v increase_v our_o sin_n to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n whereby_o also_o appear_v the_o fearful_a state_n of_o many_o who_o lend_v only_o the_o outward_a bodily_a ear_n to_o h●●re_v the_o word_n but_o then_o heart_n be_v not_o move_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v thereby_o iii_o point_n what_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v namely_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n say_v ●nto_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o go_v be●ore_o &_o not_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o thi●_n commandment_n belong_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o go_v before_o the_o promise_n follow_v rather_o concern_v the_o person_n themselves_o than_o the_o matter_n the_o thing_n then_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v these_o christ_n his_o sharp_a reproof_n for_o sin_n his_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n a_o remedy_n prescribe_v &_o motive_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o especial_o repentance_n for_o of_o all_o these_o christ_n speak_v before_o use_n from_o this_o that_o christ_n bid_v they_o hear_v these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n in_o sin_n &_o amendment_n by_o repentance_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o to_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o for_o the_o same_o second_o that_o after_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n have_v consider_v of_o theri_fw-la sin_n and_o of_o god_n judgement_n it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v and_o if_o they_o have_v repent_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o daily_a &_o do_v it_o more_o that_o so_o god_n judgement_n both_o private_a and_o common_a may_v be_v avoid_v we_o therefore_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o search_v into_o our_o own_o way_n to_o find_v out_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n judgement_n thereby_o deserve_v that_o by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o so_o escape_v his_o fearful_a iudgement●_n further_o these_o word_n what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n contain_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n to_o move_v every_o man_n to_o hear_v i._o because_o they_o be_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o because_o they_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o one_o man_n o●_n one_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o churche●_n for_o the_o first●_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d demand_v seein●_n christ_n sp●ke_v th●se_a word●_n how_o 〈…〉_z be_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v the●_n ans._n both_o may_v stand_v first_o because_o all_o the_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d person_n in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v common_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z to_o ●each_v the_o church_n be_v a_o outward_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o the_o father_n create_v thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o son_n also_o create_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n create_v they_o so_o her●_n when_o the_o son_n reach_v the_o father_n teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v for_o as_o the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o must_v they_o be_v join_v in_o all_o outward_a action_n second_o christ_n say_v the_o spirit_n speak_v because_o he_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o teach_v his_o church_n in_o bodily_a presence_n but_o hy_z his_o spirit_n which_o after_o his_o ascension_n he_o send_v to_o be_v their_o comforter_n and_o instructor_n here_o then_o observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o speak_v unto_o man_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n because_o say_v they_o a_o judge_n must_v speak_v and_o christ_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o church_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o dumb_a letter_n and_o can_v speak_v therefore_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_n but_o they_o err_v gross_o the_o church_n can_v be_v judge_n it_o be_v but_o christ_n minister_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o he_o command_v christ_n therefore_o must_v be_v judge_n unto_o his_o church_n by_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o dumb_a judge_n for_o therein_o his_o spirit_n speak_v plain_o and_o sufficient_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o any_o point_n in_o controversy_n that_o be_v needful_a in_o god_n church_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o attention_n be_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o all_o church_n where_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n agree_v to_o all_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a duty_n in_o read_v and_o hear_a god_n holy_a word_n namely_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o applicacation_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o flourish_a knowledge_n of_o the_o story_n but_o apply_v every_o precept_n and_o example_n unto_o ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o for_o imitation_n if_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o vice_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o move_v we_o to_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v the_o like_a for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o learn_v that_o which_o he_o speak_v unto_o one_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n to_o wit_n a_o most_o excellent_a promise_n wherein_o consider_v two_o point_n first_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v second_o what_o be_v promise_v for_o the_o first_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v that_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o fight_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n sin_n sathan_n hell_n and_o condemnation_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o overcome_v these_o enemy_n first_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v anew_o in_o christ_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcom_v the_o world_n so_o by_o regeneration_n he_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n death_n sin_n and_o satan_n second_o he_o must_v have_v true_a faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o must_v deny_v and_o renounce_v himself_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o death_n passion_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ._n therefore_o s._n john_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n which_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o your_o faith_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n his_o victory_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o subdue_v his_o own_o corruption_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n three_o he_o that_o will_v overcome_v must_v keep_v faith_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n stand_v out_o in_o life_n and_o death_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o use_n in_o this_o that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o overcome_v first_o we_o observe_v that_o
iii_o those_o that_o for_o a_o time_n show_v forth_o many_o good_a thing_n as_o care_v to_o get_v knowledge_n and_o to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o after_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v entangle_v and_o draw_v away_o with_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n or_o else_o to_o be_v drive_v back_o by_o trial_n and_o persecution_n and_o of_o these_o three_o sort_n be_v most_o man_n general_o who_o case_n be_v fearful_a and_o dangerous_a for_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n if_o they_o continue_v thus_o unfaithful_a to_o induce_v man_n to_o fidelity_n christ_n add_v a_o most_o forcible_a reason_n promise_v thereunto_o the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n hence_o the_o papist_n conclude_v that_o martyr_n by_o suffer_a martyrdom_n do_v merit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n therefore_o say_v they_o it_o be_v a_o reward_n whereto_o i_o answer_v two_o way_n i._n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v call_v a_o crown_n only_o in_o resemblance_n because_o as_o with_o man_n after_o the_o race_n be_v run_v they_o receive_v the_o garland_n even_o so_o after_o man_n have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o this_o life_n then_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v they_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o antecedent_n of_o eternal_a life_n second_o the_o reward_n be_v promise_v not_o to_o the_o martyrdom_n but_o to_o the_o martyr_n and_o yet_o not_o for_o his_o suffering_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o suffer_a death_n have_v show_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o who_o merit_n alone_o he_o be_v so_o reward_v and_o so_o must_v this_o and_o all_o other_o promise_n of_o like_a sort_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o papist_n do_v foul_o err_v when_o they_o apply_v the_o promise_n unto_o the_o work_n which_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o worker_n by_o this_o promise_n we_o all_o that_o have_v make_v our_o vow_n to_o god_n in_o baptism_n must_v learn_v to_o become_v faithful_a in_o keep_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v unfaithful_a unto_o man_n much_o more_o with_o god_n and_o the_o more_o fearful_a be_v this_o sin_n because_o only_o the_o faithful_a shall_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n second_o all_o such_o as_o have_v make_v a_o show_n of_o good_a thing_n heretofore_o and_o now_o do_v suffer_v the_o same_o to_o decay_v must_v call_v to_o mind_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o become_v faithful_a keeper_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n hold_v fast_o true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o walk_v constant_o in_o obedience_n and_o then_o shall_v they_o have_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n though_o not_o for_o their_o desert_n but_o only_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n verse_n 11._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n namely_o the_o conclusion_n wherein_o observe_v general_o as_o also_o in_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n that_o christ_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o he_o speak_v before_o in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v because_o it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o doctor_n of_o his_o church_n who_o example_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o teach_v must_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o precept_n the_o like_a do_v the_o apostle_n it_o grieve_v not_o paul_n to_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n phil._n 3.1_o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o the_o disperse_a church_n 12_o that_o he_o will_v often_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n before_o his_o depart_n wherein_o they_o have_v knowledge_n and_o be_v establish_v hereby_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o ministry_n have_v warrant_n often_o to_o teach_v and_o repeat_v the_o same_o point_n of_o doctrine_n even_o in_o the_o same_o word_n yea_o god_n faithful_a minister_n may_v preach_v the_o same_o sermon_n oftentimes_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o for_o ease_v to_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o hearer_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n mark_v the_o minister_n to_o deliver_v the_o same_o thing_n often_o he_o be_v not_o curious_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o his_o ministry_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n they_o may_v find_v fault_n with_o christ_n who_o seven_o time_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n unto_o these_o church_n this_o conclusion_n have_v two_o part_n a_o commandment_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o word_n of_o this_o commandment_n have_v be_v expound_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n thereof_o yet_o here_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v what_o the_o spirit_n commend_v thus_o serious_o to_o our_o hear_n the_o thing_n be_v three_o which_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n first_o touch_v god_n providence_n that_o he_o see_v and_o regard_v the_o tribulation_n of_o his_o church_n the_o second_o touch_v trial_n that_o god_n church_n and_o people_n ought_v beforehand_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n and_o thereby_o arm_v themselves_o with_o courage_n against_o all_o affliction_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v overmuch_o daunt_v with_o any_o fear_n the_o three_o touch_v faithfulness_n god_n people_n must_v consider_v what_o promise_v they_o have_v make_v to_o god_n in_o baptism_n namely_o to_o keep_v faith_n true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o these_o they_o must_v perform_v unto_o death_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o careful_o commend_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v they_o engrave_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v practice_v they_o in_o our_o life_n and_o to_o incite_v we_o hereunto_o we_o must_v mark_v the_o two_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n first_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o us._n second_o because_o they_o concern_v all_o church_n though_o principal_o they_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o therefore_o none_o may_v seek_v excuse_n to_o exempt_v himself_o from_o learning_n and_o obey_v these_o thing_n the_o promise_n he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o overcome_v we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n by_o second_o death_n be_v mean_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o death_n mention_v in_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n asunder_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n the_o second_o be_v when_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o be_v s●●ered_v for_o ever_o from_o god_n comfortable_a presence_n reu._n 21.8_o this_o second_o death_n be_v expound_v to_o be_v a_o abode_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n the_o meaning_n therefore_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v this_o that_o they_o which_o overcome_v though_o they_o may_v suffer_v the_o first_o death_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o suffer_v damnation_n their_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v sever_v one_o from_o the_o other_o for_o a_o time_n but_o neither_o soul_n nor_o body_n shall_v ever_o be_v sever_v from_o god_n to_o go_v into_o that_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v a_o most_o gracious_a and_o happy_a promise_n here_o first_o mark_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v namely_o to_o they_o that_o overcome_v where_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o profess_v and_o approve_v or_o to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v join_v a_o fight_n against_o himself_o against_o sin_n the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o reign_v over_o he_o but_o so_o fight_v as_o by_o god_n grace_n he_o may_v overcome_v and_o then_o shall_v the_o second_o death_n never_o hurt_v he_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o profess_v if_o we_o still_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o knowledge_n but_o labour_v to_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n such_o power_n of_o grace_n as_o will_v make_v we_o true_o to_o say_v we_o be_v conqueror_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n this_o be_v that_o bless_a state_n of_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o life_n everlasting_a belong_v who_o shall_v never_o taste_v of_o the_o second_o death_n second_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o great_a question_n which_o
people_n do_v not_o repent_v the_o lord_n will_v come_v unto_o they_o to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o yea_o though_o they_o have_v before_o repent_v if_o for_o particular_a sin_n and_o want_n they_o do_v not_o renew_v their_o repentance_n he_o will_v sure_o come_v to_o punish_v they_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o this_o text_n that_o i_o omit_v all_o further_a proof_n only_o i_o will_v apply_v it_o to_o this_o our_o church_n of_o which_o this_o may_v be_v true_o say_v thou_o do_v not_o repent_v nor_o renew_v thy_o repentance_n for_o thy_o daily_a sin_n for_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o that_o by_o god_n grace_n repent_v and_o set_v themselves_o daily_o to_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o yet_o take_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o renew_v their_o repentance_n that_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v at_o all_o for_o either_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n or_o if_o they_o have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o want_v care_n and_o conscience_n to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o condition_n what_o man_n may_v not_o be_v a_o prophet_n against_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v thus_o direct_v by_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n to_o say_v and_o that_o true_o that_o god_n will_v come_v unto_o we_o in_o judgment_n to_o plague_v and_o punish_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n we_o may_v soothe_v ourselves_o in_o hope_n of_o mercy_n still_o but_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n continue_v as_o it_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o judgement_n from_o the_o lord_n this_o then_o must_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o repent_v every_o person_n apart_o and_o every_o family_n &_o congregation_n apart_o we_o must_v humble_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o we_o and_o purpose_n full_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o strive_v in_o our_o life_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o his_o commandment_n yea_o though_o we_o can_v say_v we_o have_v repent_v yet_o for_o our_o daily_a want_n and_o sin_n we_o must_v renew_v our_o repentance_n thus_o do_v we_o shall_v stay_v the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v come_v against_o us._n but_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o blindness_n ignorance_n and_o rebellion_n follow_v the_o lust_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n than_o nothing_o but_o vengeance_n and_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v for_o this_o conclusion_n must_v stand_v with_o all_o church_n and_o people_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o god_n will_v come_v in_o judgement_n against_o they_o the_o second_o threaten_v or_o commination_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o nicolaitan_o in_o these_o word_n and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v i_o will_v be_v at_o emnitie_n with_o they_o and_o testify_v the_o same_o by_o wage_n battle_n against_o those_o among_o you_o that_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o of_o fornication_n thus_o i_o say_v will_v i_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o my_o word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o commination_n christ_n allude_v still_o to_o the_o story_n of_o balaam_n for_o when_o he_o be_v send_v for_o by_o balac_n to_o curse_v the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n stand_v against_o he_o in_o the_o way_n with_o a_o naked_a sword_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o go_v and_o when_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v that_o he_o see_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n withstand_v he_o in_o that_o sort_n he_o fall_v down_o and_o adore_v the_o angel_n for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n yet_o because_o he_o cease_v not_o from_o his_o wicked_a covetousness_n but_o give_v bad_a counsel_n against_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o can_v not_o curse_v they_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o sin_n therefore_o he_o be_v slay_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n among_o the_o midianite_n by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n num._n 31.8_o even_o so_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o nicolaitan_o because_o they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o bad_a counsel_n persuade_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n &_o also_o of_o fornication_n therefore_o first_o he_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n thereby_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o will_v still_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o with_o the_o same_o sword_n destroy_v they_o for_o ever_o first_o here_o mark_v christ_n say_v not_o use_n i_o will_v kill_v they_o but_o fight_v against_o they_o for_o he_o intend_v not_o at_o the_o first_o to_o destroy_v these_o nicolaitan_o but_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n yet_o so_o as_o afterward_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o his_o word_n he_o will_v therewith_o destroy_v they_o wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o exceed_a patience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n towards_o lewd_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n that_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n and_o give_v themselves_o thereunto_o so_o the_o lord_n use_n in_o spirit_n stro●e_n with_o the_o old_a world_n and_o spare_v they_o 120_o year_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o noe._n so_o likewise_o he_o spare_v the_o ammonite_n 15.16_o till_o their_o sin_n be_v come_v to_o the_o full_a and_o the_o egyptian_n also_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n though_o they_o be_v most_o cruel_a persecutor_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n most_o malicious_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o spare_v they_o fifty_o year_n before_o he_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o be_v a_o people_n yea_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o this_o his_o long_a suffering_n we_o may_v hear_v most_o bloody_a and_o bitter_a oath_n from_o blasphemer_n whereby_o they_o daily_o crucify_v christ_n with_o their_o tongue_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o adulterer_n and_o all_o cruel_a person_n and_o yet_o he_o forbear_v the_o same_o yea_o in_o our_o own_o self_n we_o daily_o taste_v of_o this_o his_o patience_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n and_o yet_o in_o mercy_n he_o vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o to_o some_o twenty_o to_o some_o thirty_o and_o to_o some_o more_o year_n for_o a_o time_n of_o repentance_n when_o as_o every_o day_n he_o may_v in_o justice_n condemn_v us._n this_o therefore_o must_v admonish_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n not_o to_o abuse_v this_o his_o long_a suffer_v any_o long_o but_o now_o while_o the_o day_n of_o mercy_n last_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o true_a repentance_n these_o be_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n but_o how_o long_o they_o will_v last_v god_n only_o know_v for_o when_o death_n once_o come_v he_o show_v no_o more_o mercy_n the_o old_a world_n because_o they_o abuse_v the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n ●0_n be_v destroy_v and_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o prison_n for_o it_o as_o peter_n teach_v and_o undoubted_o the_o same_o prison_n will_v be_v our_o portion_n if_o we_o take_v the_o same_o course_n that_o they_o do_v second_o in_o this_o threaten_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o irrepentant_a sinner_n have_v god_n for_o their_o enemy_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o a_o draw_a sword_n for_o this_o cause_n sin_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v rebellion_n and_o every_o sinner_n be_v a_o rebel_n against_o god_n a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v god_n for_o a_o enemy_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o do_v never_o repent_v but_o of_o all_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o profession_n and_o yet_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n without_o renew_v their_o repentance_n this_o also_o must_v serve_v to_o induce_v every_o man_n that_o have_v not_o repent_v now_o to_o begin_v and_o if_o they_o have_v begin_v to_o repent_v more_o daily_o renew_v the_o same_o for_o their_o daily_a slip_n and_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n as_o 13_o abraham_n be_v and_o a●_n his_o disciple_n be_v jo●_a 15.15_o three_o in_o these_o two_o threatening_n christ_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n for_o he_o will_v fight_v against_o these_o nicolaitan_o when_o as_o he_o will_v only_o come_v unto_o his_o church_n where_o we_o see_v he_o devide_v his_o word_n aright_o wherein_o consist_v the_o principal_a wisdom_n of_o a_o true_a
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
christ_n deliver_v unto_o they_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o verse_n 7._o in_o this_o commandment_n of_o christ_n note_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o all_o man_n in_o god_n church_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o frequent_a sermon_n whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o god_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o at_o the_o nativity_n easter_n and_o such_o good_a time_n as_o they_o be_v call_v ignorant_a people_n will_v come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v not_o once_o more_o of_o a_o month_n after_o or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n but_o christ_n say_v 10.27_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v none_o of_o his_o sheep_n math._n 16.19_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n there_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o look_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v his_o soul_n save_v and_o to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n so_o behooveful_a be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o hear_v sermon_n for_o that_o be_v the_o turn_n of_o the_o key_n whereby_o we_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n 2._o cor._n 5.18_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o look_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n so_o needful_a be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n bear_v god_n word_n and_o he_o that_o bear_v it_o not_o be_v not_o of_o god_n 1._o john_n 4.6_o but_o man_n have_v many_o excuse_n to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o hear_v sermon_n some_o say_v if_o god_n himself_o will_v preach_v or_o christ_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n than_o they_o will_v hear_v but_o so_o long_o as_o sinful_a man_n preach_v it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n though_o they_o absent_v themselves_o answ._n this_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a reason_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o man_n be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o since_o adam_n fall_n man_n can_v abide_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n so_o as_o if_o man_n shall_v hear_v god_n speak_v he_o will_v cry_v out_o with_o the_o jew_n exod_a 20.19_o let_v not_o god_n talk_v with_o we_o lest_o we_o die_v and_o with_o peter_n ●_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o be_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n second_o god_n speak_v by_o man_n to_o try_v the_o obedience_n and_o humility_n of_o man_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o receive_v and_o believe_v his_o word_n be_v propound_v by_o sinful_a man_n that_o be_v like_a unto_o themselves_o and_o three_o to_o maintain_v love_n between_o man_n and_o man_n by_o mutual_a converse_v in_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n other_o do_v say_v they_o may_v well_o enough_o keep_v themselves_o in_o their_o family_n for_o there_o they_o have_v their_o bible_n wherein_o be_v the_o sermon_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n than_o which_o no_o minister_n can_v preach_v better_o ans._n it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n that_o these_o sermon_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v be_v again_o handle_v preach_v and_o expound_v in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n &_o there_o to_o hear_v with_o reverence_n god_n holy_a word_n other_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o church_n for_o they_o thank_v god_n they_o can_v serve_v god_n with_o as_o good_a a_o heart_n on_o horseback_n or_o on_o their_o journey_n as_o those_o that_o come_v unto_o the_o sermon_n answ._n these_o person_n be_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a a_o seduce_a heart_n beguile_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o despise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o let_v they_o hear_v what_o solomon_n say_v 28.9_o he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n even_o his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v abominable_a god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o there_o shall_v we_o think_v he_o will_v hear_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v know_v therefore_o if_o thou_o refuse_v his_o word_n he_o will_v refuse_v thy_o prayer_n neither_o indeed_o can_v any_o without_o the_o word_n pray_v aright_o such_o people_n deceive_v themselves_o their_o prayer_n in_o their_o needless_a journey_n shall_v be_v their_o judge_n to_o condemn_v they_o for_o therein_o they_o confess_v god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o yet_o in_o practice_n they_o reject_v his_o direction_n for_o the_o same_o last_o other_o say_v they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o the_o minister_n can_v teach_v they_o no_o more_o than_o they_o know_v and_o therefore_o they_o need_v not_o go_v hear_v so_o much_o preach_v answ._n these_o that_o pretend_v such_o perfect_a knowledge_n be_v common_o the_o most_o ignorant_a not_o know_v the_o end_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o preach_v serve_v not_o only_o to_o teach_v man_n to_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n but_o also_o to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o that_o which_o they_o know_v if_o therefore_o thou_o have_v knowledge_n it_o be_v well_o but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v bless_v thou_o must_v do_v that_o which_o thou_o know_v john_n 13.17_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o most_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v must_v still_o frequent_v the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n to_o further_o himself_o in_o obedience_n because_o a_o man_n may_v know_v much_o and_o yet_o want_v conscience_n to_o obey_v second_o in_o this_o commandment_n man_n be_v enjoin_v the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n &_o hear_v of_o it_o read_v not_o only_o public_o but_o also_o private_o in_o their_o family_n that_o thereby_o also_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o thing_n which_o christ_n propound_v unto_o they_o luk._n 10.26_o christ_n say_v to_o one_o of_o the_o scribe_n what_o be_v write_v how_o read_v thou_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o man_n must_v read_v the_o scripture_n private_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v 1●_n my_o people_n go_v into_o captivity_n because_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n yea_o they_o perish_v hose_n 4.6_o but_o woeful_a be_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o many_o have_v not_o the_o bible_n in_o their_o house_n for_o their_o private_a exercise_n in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o many_o family_n it_o be_v set_v up_o for_o a_o show_n or_o lie_v cover_v with_o dust_n when_o as_o card_n and_o table_n be_v wear_v with_o use_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o for_o man_n to_o get_v the_o statute_n of_o the_o land_n into_o their_o house_n and_o to_o read_v therein_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n law_n but_o yet_o herein_o they_o be_v blame_v worthy_a that_o either_o they_o have_v not_o or_o else_o regard_v not_o the_o book_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o better_a guide_n of_o our_o unruly_a affection_n other_o thing_n in_o this_o commandment_n have_v be_v observe_v before_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v a_o excellent_a promise_n make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v which_o for_o substance_n have_v be_v handle_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o former_a epistle_n here_o only_o some_o special_a blessing_n be_v particular_o promise_v in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o two_o point_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v whereof_o entreaty_n be_v make_v before_o verse_n 7._o second_o the_o blessing_n promise_v comprise_v in_o this_o threefold_a gift_n of_o god_n first_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o mannah_n which_o be_v hide_v second_o to_o receive_v a_o white_a stone_n three_o a_o new_a name_n write_v in_o the_o stone_n all_o which_o three_o signify_v in_o effect_n the_o election_n vocation_n justification_n and_o glorification_n of_o god_n people_n but_o i_o will_v handle_v they_o in_o particular_a the_o i._o benefit_n be_v the_o give_v of_o the_o hide_a manna_n to_o eat_v manna_n proper_o signify_v that_o food_n which_o god_n give_v from_o the_o cloud_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n which_o for_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o be_v call_v the_o 78.24_o wheat_n of_o heaven_n the_o 25._o food_n of_o the_o strong_a o●_n the_o food_n of_o angel_n in_o form_n it_o be_v like_o 16.31_o coriander_n seed_n and_o in_o colour_n white_a in_o taste_v it_o be_v pleasant_a and_o sweet_a herewith_o god_n feed_v his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n to_o 8.3_o teach_v they_o that_o man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n only_o but_o by_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
day_n for_o some_o certain_a time_n carry_v a_o faggot_n for_o his_o own_o burn_n in_o the_o end_n second_o from_o this_o end_n of_o life_n all_o that_o have_v not_o repent_v must_v learn_v not_o to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n but_o now_o begin_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o endeavour_n while_o we_o live_v shall_v be_v this_o to_o get_v a_o room_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v without_o repentance_n next_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o give_v this_o time_n of_o repentance_n neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n have_v this_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n but_o the_o power_n of_o appoint_v it_o belong_v unto_o christ_n alone_o hereby_o than_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v without_o delay_n to_o repent_v the_o young_a man_n will_v take_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o repent_v when_o he_o be_v old_a but_o hereby_o he_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n who_o only_o have_v power_n to_o point_v out_o the_o time_n of_o repentance_n use_v therefore_o the_o time_n present_a while_o thou_o have_v it_o and_o defer_v not_o repentance_n for_o how_o know_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v old_a and_o though_o thou_o do_v yet_o how_o can_v thou_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v give_v thou_o repentance_n consider_v thou_o do_v refuse_v while_o he_o call_v for_o it_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o die_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o all_o be_v well_o they_o go_v to_o heaven_n straight_o but_o herewith_o many_o be_v deceive_v for_o unless_o they_o have_v true_o repent_v they_o go_v straight_o to_o the_o devil_n let_v their_o manner_n of_o die_v be_v what_o it_o will_n a_o quiet_a death_n be_v a_o comfortable_a thing_n but_o no_o sure_a sign_n of_o grace_n because_o it_o may_v come_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o easy_a linger_a sickness_n consider_v therefore_o we_o have_v no_o title_n unto_o this_o grace_n of_o repentance_n to_o claim_v it_o at_o our_o pleasure_n it_o be_v the_o rare_a gift_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o lea●●_n of_o our_o life_n but_o be_v mere_a tenant_n at_o will_n let_v we_o seek_v to_o turn_v to_o god_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n while_o 〈◊〉_d be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o if_o we_o have_v begin_v let_v we_o daily_o renew_v this_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n three_o consider_v to_o who_o god_n give_v space_n of_o repentance_n namely_o to_o a_o wicked_a woman_n as_o wicked_a as_o jezabell_n wherein_o behold_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o unto_o such_o a_o wicked_a person_n who_o blaspheme_v god_n in_o father_v her_o sin_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o dishonour_v god_n by_o seduce_v his_o servant_n do_v yet_o vouchsafe_v a_o time_n of_o repentance_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o most_o grievous_a sinner_n manasses_n be_v one_o that_o sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n give_v himself_o to_o sorcery_n and_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o upon_o his_o hearty_a repentance_n god_n receive_v he_o to_o mercy_n and_o solomon_n fall_v most_o fearful_o but_o yet_o before_o his_o death_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o he_o repent_v and_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o scripture_n all_o which_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n as_o peter_n say_v 2._o pet._n 1.20_o the_o israelite_n be_v 1.10_o a_o people_n of_o sodom_n and_o of_o gomorrha_n as_o bad_a as_o those_o who_o be_v condemn_v in_o hell_n and_o yet_o mercy_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n and_o conversion_n use_n hereby_o no_o man_n must_v take_v occasion_n to_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n but_o those_o that_o feel_v themselves_o lade_v with_o the_o huge_a burden_n of_o their_o transgression_n have_v here_o a_o comfort_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n for_o if_o they_o can_v humble_v themselves_o and_o turn_v unto_o christ_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n there_o be_v yet_o with_o the_o lord_n mercy_n in_o store_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v last_o christ_n say_v he_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n no_o doubt_v she_o have_v many_o other_o sin_n whereof_o she_o be_v to_o repent_v for_o no_o sin_n go_v alone_o but_o every_o capital_a sin_n draw_v many_o with_o it_o christ_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v not_o that_o she_o shall_v let_v pass_v other_o sin_n without_o repentance_n but_o he_o name_v this_o one_o sin_n of_o fornication_n because_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a sin_n in_o she_o for_o she_o both_o practise_v it_o in_o her_o own_o body_n and_o so_o make_v herself_o the_o stable_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o maintain_v this_o sin_n and_o so_o draw_v other_o thereto_o now_o special_a and_o principal_a repentance_n must_v be_v of_o principal_a sin_n use_n here_o then_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o sinner_n how_o to_o practice_v repentance_n they_o must_v begin_v with_o their_o capital_a sin_n which_o burden_n their_o conscience_n and_o whereto_o they_o be_v most_o addict_v and_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o the_o man_n that_o true_o repent_v of_o one_o sin_n repent_v of_o all_o for_o true_a repentance_n make_v the_o heart_n alike_o affect_v to_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o heart_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o hate_v his_o special_a sin_n will_v never_o approve_v of_o petty_a sin_n this_o lesson_n ought_v careful_o to_o be_v learned_a &_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o most_o man_n be_v only_o in_o general_n to_o say_v we_o be_v all_o sinner_n lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o or_o god_n forgive_v i_o but_o this_o confuse_a repentance_n be_v not_o good_a it_o stand_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o sin_n again_o in_o particular_a therefore_o we_o must_v search_v our_o conscience_n and_o see_v wherein_o we_o have_v most_o dishonour_v god_n and_o what_o sin_n have_v near_o plunge_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n and_o with_o that_o we_o must_v begin_v to_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o heaven_n by_o repent_v true_o for_o the_o same_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v that_o man_n have_v free_a will_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a before_o god_n as_o namely_o to_o repent_v for_o say_v they_o god_n give_v jesabell_n space_n of_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o therefore_o she_o have_v power_n to_o repent_v or_o else_o the_o give_v of_o that_o time_n unto_o she_o have_v be_v in_o vain_a answ._n their_o reason_n be_v nought_o it_o follow_v not_o because_o god_n give_v her_o time_n to_o repent_v therefore_o she_o have_v power_n of_o herself_o to_o repent_v as_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v man_n space_n &_o time_n of_o repentance_n and_o commandment_n so_o to_o do_v the_o end_n be_v two_o i._o that_o in_o that_o time_n of_o repentance_n which_o he_o allot_v to_o man_n he_o may_v give_v his_o child_n grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o repent_v for_o the_o lord_n use_v the_o commandment_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o outward_a mean_n of_o give_v grace_n unto_o man_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n ii_o he_o give_v commandment_n and_o time_n to_o repent_v that_o man_n may_v see_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v not_o what_o they_o can_v do_v and_o that_o the_o wicked_a may_v be_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o slavery_n &_o bondage_n unto_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o here_o the_o sin_n of_o jezabell_n be_v express_v namely_o her_o impenitency_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o without_o remorse_n she_o live_v in_o her_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o her_o sin_n two_o point_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v i._o where_o this_o sin_n of_o impenitency_n be_v forbid_v in_o god_n word_n ii_o what_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o god_n word_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o distinguish_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v overturn_v many_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o law_n give_v commandment_n touch_v thing_n that_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o adam_n before_o his_o fall_n forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o his_o perfect_a nature_n but_o the_o gospel_n command_v &_o forbid_v thing_n that_o be_v above_o nature_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o god_n word_n be_v this_o
heart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v to_o jesabell_n and_o her_o company_n you_o may_v persuade_v yourselves_o that_o because_o your_o sin_n be_v secret_a therefore_o my_o judgement_n shall_v not_o befall_v you_o but_o know_v that_o i_o will_v discover_v your_o secret_a sin_n and_o practice_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o all_o church_n shall_v know_v by_o experience_n in_o your_o person_n that_o i_o do_v see_v and_o discern_v the_o most_o hide_a thought_n of_o man_n heart_n first_o here_o observe_v to_o who_o christ_n will_v discover_v their_o sin_n not_o to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o church_n shall_v know_v this_o christ_n do_v to_o terrify_v jesabell_n &_o her_o company_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a honour_n to_o be_v well_o esteem_v of_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o most_o shameful_a dishonour_n to_o be_v in_o disgrace_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o 1●_n whatsoever_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v by_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o same_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o by_o due_a proportion_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o which_o be_v in_o disgrace_n with_o god●_n church_n on_o earth_n be_v also_o in_o disgrace_n with_o god_n himself_o in_o heaven_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o howsoever_o we_o must_v so_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v endeavour_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n use_n yet_o especial_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v in_o good_a account_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v continual_o avoid_v the_o do_n of_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v just_o bring_v we_o into_o disgrace_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n rom._n 16.16_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n salute_v you_o and_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n salute_v you_o where_o the_o apostle_n mean_v not_o that_o they_o do_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n send_v greeting_n unto_o they_o but_o hereby_o he_o will_v signify_v that_o all_o church_n do_v approve_v of_o they_o which_o he_o say_v for_o their_o great_a comfort_n paul_n receive_v timothy_n into_o the_o company_n because_o the_o church_n give_v he_o a_o good_a report_n act._n 16.2.3_o but_o what_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o all_o church_n shall_v know_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o company_n namely_o that_o christ_n be_v he_o which_o do_v indeed_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o the_o heart_n where_o by_o reins_n and_o heart_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o same_o thing_n namely_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n those_o word_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n quest._n how_o can_v reins_n signify_v the_o thought_n and_o affection_n see_v the_o thought_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o brain_n and_o the_o affection_n in_o the_o heart_n answ._n the_o reins_n be_v put_v for_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n not_o because_o they_o be_v seat_v therein_o but_o for_o that_o resemblance_n and_o analogy_n that_o be_v between_o they_o for_o as_o the_o reins_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o most_o secret_a part_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o most_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o heart_n be_v p●rt_n for_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n first_o because_o the_o affection_n be_v there_o seat_v second_o because_o the_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o brain_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o operation_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o joyful_a thought_n make_v a_o merry_a heart_n and_o fearful_a thought_n a_o heavy_a heart_n again_o the_o word_n search_n signify_v a_o most_o narrow_a search_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o go_v with_o find_v thereby_o show_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o secret_a in_o man_n but_o the_o lord_n both_o can_v and_o do_v see_v and_o discern_v the_o same_o use_n hence_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o christ_n our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o very_o god_n one_o person_n stand_v of_o two_o nature_n that_o christ_n be_v man_n heretic_n deny_v not_o but_o whether_o he_o be_v god_n or_o not_o there_o be_v the_o question_n which_o yet_o be_v here_o evident_o prove_v for_o he_o that_o have_v in_o he_o the_o peculiar_a property_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v god_n but_o christ_n have_v in_o he_o the_o true_a property_n of_o god_n he_o can_v search_v and_o discern_v all_o the_o thought_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o god_n only_o jerem_n 17.9_o 10_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o wicked_a above_o all_o thing_n who_o can_v know_v it_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o he●●t_n and_o try_v the_o reins_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a and_o very_a god_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o beware_v and_o take_v heed_n of_o hypocrisy_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n hypocrisy_n be_v when_o a_o man_n seem_v outward_o to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o inward_o but_o we_o must_v have_v care_n to_o be_v true_o in_o heart_n that_o which_o we_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o life_n and_o profession_n we_o must_v come_v as_o near_o christ_n in_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o in_o our_o outward_a action_n for_o christ_n know_v as_o well_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o every_o man_n reins_n and_o heart_n as_o he_o do_v their_o speech_n and_o their_o deed_n three_o hereby_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o suspect_v ourselves_o of_o our_o unknown_a sin_n as_o of_o our_o unbelief_n and_o presumption_n not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o know_a sin_n for_o we_o can_v never_o discern_v the_o depth_n of_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n and_o yet_o god_n know_v they_o this_o be_v david_n practice_n 19.12_o after_o due_a examination_n of_o himself_o he_o yet_o cry_v lord_n cleanse_v i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v o_o lord_n search_v my_o heart_n but_o i_o can_v sufficient_o know_v my_o own_o corruption_n therefore_o do_v thou_o o_o lord_n help_v to_o cleanse_v i_o from_o they_o if_o this_o be_v practise_v true_a religion_n will_v flourish_v for_o many_o justify_v themselves_o when_o as_o they_o know_v not_o what_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n little_o consider_v what_o christ_n say_v unto_o the_o pharisee_n 16.15_o you_o be_v they_o which_o justify_v yourselves_o before_o man_n but_o christ_n know_v your_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n here_o christ_n proceed_v to_o remove_v a_o second_o wicked_a conceit_n whereby_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o illude_v god_n judgement_n threaten_v for_o they_o may_v say_v let_v the_o lord_n send_v judgment_n and_o plague_n upon_o we_o yet_o we_o shall_v escape_v they_o as_o isaiah_n say_v of_o the_o wicked_a in_o his_o time_n that_o they_o make_v a_o league_n with_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o say_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v pass_v over_o they_o isay._n 28._o verse_n 15._o but_o to_o cut_v off_o this_o vain_a conceit_n christ_n threaten_v a_o just_a reward_n to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o may_v soothe_v up_o yourselves_o and_o false_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v escape_v my_o judgement_n but_o know_v it_o that_o i_o will_v reward_v every_o one_o of_o you_o partly_o in_o this_o life_n and_o principal_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n according_a to_o your_o work_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a for_o these_o word_n must_v especial_o ●ee_n understand_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o they_o be_v use_v 〈◊〉_d 2._o ●_o and_o revel_v 2d_o 12_o hence_o the_o papist_n gather_v use_n that_o man_n be_v save_v not_o only_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o by_o work_n for_o thus_o they_o reason_n ●y_a that_o whereby_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v must_v we_o be_v justify_v and_o ●a●ed_v but_o by_o work_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v and_o therefore_o save_v answ_n the_o proposition_n be_v false_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o justify_v and_o judge_v for_o judge_v be_v only_o the_o declaration_n of_o a_o man_n to_o be_v just_a but_o justification_n be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o man_n just_a and_o because_o the_o declaration_n of_o a_o man_n to_o be_v just_a be_v by_o work_n therefore_o be_v judgement_n by_o work_n again_o it_o be_v not_o say_v i_o will_v give_v to_o you_o for_o your_o work_n but_o according_a to_o your_o work_n if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o for_o your_o work_n than_o it_o may_v have_v seem_v they_o have_v be_v justify_v by_o they_o but_o here_o christ_n do_v only_o make_v work_v a_o outward_a
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 to_o you_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n and_o the_o better_a part_n of_o this_o church_n for_o so_o christ_n expound_v it_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v though_o first_o he_o say_v in_o general_a to_o you_o that_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatira_n when_o as_o christ_n will_v behave_v himself_o as_o the_o doctor_n and_o chief_a angel_n of_o this_o church_n note_n that_o he_o make_v a_o distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o church_n and_o also_o devide_v his_o counsel_n give_v one_o doctrine_n and_o one_o judgement_n to_o one_o part_n and_o a_o diverse_a doctrine_n and_o judgement_n to_o another_o use_n this_o give_v we_o good_a direction_n for_o sundry_a action_n for_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o must_v doctrine_n be_v deliver_v in_o a_o mix_a congregation_n where_o some_o be_v papist_n some_o protestant_n some_o be_v harden_v other_o despair_v answ._n the_o person_n must_v be_v distinguish_v after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o suitable_a doctrine_n divide_v for_o they_o that_o every_o one_o may_v have_v his_o due_n impenitent_a sinner_n must_v be_v terrify_v and_o threaten_n deliver_v against_o they_o with_o exception_n of_o they_o that_o repent_v comfort_n must_v be_v propound_v and_o apply_v to_o they_o that_o despair_n with_o restraint_n from_o all_o impenitent_a person_n that_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n if_o any_o demand_n more_o particular_o who_o these_o be_v who_o christ_n call_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatyra_n christ_n answer_v direct_o as_o the_o word_n import_v to_o 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 where_o christ_n give_v two_o note_n whereby_o to_o discern_v who_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o of_o thyatira_n the_o first_o be_v the_o not_o receive_v or_o maintain_v of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n whereof_o entreaty_n have_v be_v former_o make_v the_o second_o note_n be_v ignorance_n in_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n neither_o have_v know_v the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v neither_o have_v acknowledge_v nor_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabell_n which_o be_v the_o deep_a and_o profound_a learning_n as_o themselves_o do_v judge_v in_o this_o observe_v a_o most_o wicked_a practice_n of_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n they_o esteem_v high_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n call_v they_o profound_a and_o deep_a learning_n but_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n this_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o wicked_a person_n high_o to_o esteem_v their_o own_o conceit_n and_o base_o to_o neglect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o teacher_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v hold_v to_o this_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o moses_n a_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a law_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o his_o people_n but_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o profound_a doctrine_n be_v unwritten_a show_v to_o moses_n by_o revelation_n and_o by_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o they_o keep_v still_o in_o their_o cabbala_n and_o of_o the_o like_a judgement_n touch_v scripture_n be_v the_o popish_a church_n the_o word_n write_v be_v but_o a_o inky_a word_n a_o dead_a letter_n or_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a scripture_n be_v unwritten_a which_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o catholic_n and_o by_o such_o great_a term_n the_o anabaptist_n libertine_n and_o arrian_n maintain_v their_o doctrine_n and_o abuse_v scripture_n call_v the_o write_a word_n milk_n for_o every_o novice_n but_o the_o consent_n of_o heart_n among_o themselves_o with_o revelation_n that_o be_v the_o strong_a meat_n yea_o this_o opinion_n have_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o in_o part_n man_n think_v base_o of_o scripture_n and_o prefer_v other_o man_n write_n before_o it_o for_o let_v a_o man_n preach_v plain_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n out_o of_o the_o same_o this_o be_v but_o plain_o preach_v but_o let_v another_o come_v and_o utter_v his_o mind_n partly_o in_o latin_a and_o partly_o in_o greek_a and_o other_o language_n allege_v withal_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n counsel_n and_o other_o writer_n that_o be_v the_o learned_a preach_n and_o thus_o do_v most_o man_n abase_v scripture_n and_o exalt_v the_o write_n of_o man_n above_o it_o but_o see_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o jezabell_n and_o wicked_a man_n let_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_n learn_v to_o reverence_v the_o write_a word_n and_o give_v place_n thereto_o above_o all_o the_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o the_o deepness_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v they_o count_v it_o deep_a learning_n but_o
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 humble_a psal._n 25.14_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o false_a doctrine_n by_o swell_a word_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o preface_n before_o christ_n counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o counsel_n itself_o in_o this_o sentence_n though_o i_o lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o till_o i_o come_v this_o sentence_n be_v a_o distinction_n contain_v two_o part_n first_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o you_o than_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o that_o be_v howsoever_o i_o threaten_v my_o judgement_n unto_o jezabell_n and_o her_o follower_n yet_o i_o will_v lay_v none_o other_o punishment_n upon_o you_o but_o my_o reproof_n only_o for_o suffer_v jezabell_n among_o you_o with_o her_o false_a doctrine_n and_o follower_n this_o branch_n of_o this_o distinction_n contain_v a_o most_o comfortable_a instruction_n 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
first_o a_o man_n must_v every_o day_n bethink_v himself_o of_o his_o end_n and_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n either_o in_o general_a to_o all_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o unto_o he_o by_o death_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n he_o must_v esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o every_o day_n as_o of_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n second_o he_o must_v prepare_v himself_o against_o death_n &_o against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n every_o day_n even_o this_o present_a day_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v now_o die_v or_o meet_v christ_n in_o judgement_n and_o the_o next_o day_n do_v the_o like_a and_o so_o go_v on_o continual_o to_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n and_o for_o our_o furtherance_n in_o this_o christian_a watch_n we_o must_v be_v mindful_a of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n that_o we_o keep_v mediocrity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o when_o man_n plunge_v themselves_o either_o in_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n or_o in_o earthly_a delight_n they_o quite_o forget_v both_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o christ_n mean_v by_o watchfulness_n as_o christ_n prescribe_v this_o duty_n unto_o this_o church_n use_n so_o be_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v enjoin_v the_o same_o christian_a watchfulness_n both_o against_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o consider_v these_o reason_n first_o we_o be_v watchful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o if_o a_o town_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o sack_v or_o burn_v there_o be_v watch_n and_o ward_n keep_v continual_o and_o if_o a_o man_n house_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o rob_v he_o will_v sit_v up_o night_n and_o day_n to_o save_v his_o good_n yea_o every_o man_n be_v very_o painful_a and_o watchful_a to_o heap_v up_o to_o himself_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n now_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v watchful_a for_o temporal_a thing_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n that_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o again_o want_v of_o watchfulness_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o death_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n i._o thess._n 5._o vers_fw-la 3._o when_o man_n say_v peace_n and_o safety_n then_o shall_v come_v upon_o they_o sudden_a destruction_n when_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v enlarge_v his_o barn_n upon_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o substance_n he_o promise_v to_o himself_o case_n and_o security_n say_v 1●.20_n soul_n soul_n take_v thy_o rest_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o he_o oh_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o the_o 24.39_o old_a world_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o now_o if_o the_o want_n of_o watchfulness_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o destruction_n how_o great_a a_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o watch_v the_o second_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v to_o confirm_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n decay_v in_o they_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v sundry_a be_v the_o grace_n which_o i_o have_v bestow_v on_o you_o but_o many_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v and_o those_o which_o remain_v be_v about_o to_o perish_v unless_o you_o confirm_v they_o therefore_o see_v now_o that_o you_o strengthen_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o in_o this_o duty_n christ_n teach_v this_o church_n and_o we_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v any_o gift_n of_o god_n must_v have_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o make_v the_o same_o gift_n strong_a in_o he_o by_o continual_a increase_n if_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o any_o other_o gift_n of_o grace_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v the_o same_o to_o lie_v dead_a in_o he_o but_o stir_v up_o increase_n and_o confirm_v it_o daily_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ._n for_o the_o gift_n which_o man_n have_v be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o god_n also_o who_o look_v to_o receive_v his_o own_o with_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o man_n like_o good_a steward_n must_v so_o use_v the_o gift_n receive_v that_o they_o may_v return_v they_o to_o god_n with_o increase_n thus_o paul_n persuade_v timothy_n 1.6_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o for_o else_o the_o receiver_n be_v a_o unfaithful_a servant_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v reward_v and_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v often_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o meditate_v therein_o we_o must_v hear_v it_o often_o preach_v and_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o preparation_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o pray_v continual_o strive_v earnest_o against_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o daily_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o all_o good_a duty_n thus_o do_v david_n check_v the_o corruption_n and_o deadness_n of_o his_o heart_n ●1_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o cast_v down_o oh_o my_o soul_n and_o also_o stir_v up_o the_o same_o unto_o all_o good_a duty_n say_v i_o have_v apply_v my_o heart_n to_o fulfil_v thy_o statute_n always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n ps._n 119.112_o hereby_o be_v reprove_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o professor_n &_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n use_n who_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o go_v not_o forward_o in_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n for_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v grace_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o same_o that_o we_o may_v confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o daily_o further_o christ_n add_v which_o be_v about_o to_o die_v where_o he_o answer_v to_o a_o question_n that_o be_v move_v by_o sundry_a at_o this_o day_n namely_o whether_o grace_n that_o concern_v salvation_n may_v be_v utter_o lose_v or_o not_o christ_n answer_v by_o a_o distinction_n that_o some_o grace_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n may_v be_v lose_v quite_o and_o other_o may_v be_v decay_v so_o as_o they_o be_v about_o to_o die_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o pertain_v to_o salvation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o as_o without_o they_o a_o man_n of_o year_n can_v be_v save_v and_o such_o be_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n other_o be_v less_o necessary_a which_o sometime_o go_v with_o faith_n but_o not_o always_o such_o be_v a_o plentiful_a feel_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n these_o may_v be_v lose_v whole_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n yea_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n themselves_o may_v decay_v grievous_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o di●_n as_o this_o text_n say_v second_o consider_v faith_n and_o regeneration_n in_o themselves_o and_o they_o may_v be_v whole_o lose_v for_o nothing_o in_o itself_o be_v unchangeable_a but_o god_n the_o state_n of_o the_o elect_a angel_n by_o nature_n be_v changeable_a for_o they_o stand_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n three_o these_o grace_n may_v perish_v and_o decay_v final_o unless_o thy_o bee_n confirm_v question_n why_o then_o do_v not_o the_o elect_v final_o fall_v away_o after_o their_o call_n ans._n their_o stand_n come_v not_o from_o the_o constancy_n of_o grace_n or_o faith_n but_o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o they_o &_o to_o their_o faith_n so_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n 1●_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v upon_o thy_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v profess_v will_v i_o build_v my_o temple_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v though_o they_o may_v assault_v it_o and_o grievous_o weaken_v it_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a final_o to_o overcome_v it_o use_n see_v sundry_a grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lose_v and_o the_o most_o necessary_a grace_n great_o decay_v yea_o of_o themselves_o quite_o die_v we_o that_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n any_o grace_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o repentance_n be_v hereby_o teach_v not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_a or_o over_o confident_a in_o our_o self_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a work_n out_o our_o salvation_n philip_n 2.13_o the_o reason_n to_o enforce_v the_o former_a remedy_n be_v this_o for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o therefore_o watch_v and_o confirm_v the_o decay_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o in_o this_o reason_n christ_n give_v they_o &_o we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o make_v a_o search_n in_o his_o church_n of_o all_o the_o work_v that_o man_n do_v in_o the_o same_o that_o he_o may_v according_o reward_v they_o for_o not_o find_v do_v presuppose_v a_o search_n and_o so_o the_o
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
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
nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o were_v cold_a or_o hot_a vers._n 16._o therefore_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o i_o shall_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n in_o these_o word_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o 21._o vers_fw-la be_v contain_v the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o it_o have_v two_o part_n a_o dispraise_n vers_fw-la 15.16_o 17._o and_o counsel_n vers_fw-la 18.19.20_o they_o be_v dispraise_v for_o two_o vice_n first_o lukewarmenesse_a vers_fw-la 15.16_o second_o for_o their_o pride_n vers_fw-la 17._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o be_v a_o general_a reproof_n signify_v thus_o much_o all_o thy_o work_n be_v know_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o utter_o dislike_v they_o then_o follow_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o dislike_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a which_o be_v a_o comparison_n borrow_v from_o water_n whereof_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n hot_a cold_a and_o lukewarm_a now_o hot_a and_o cold_a water_n do_v not_o so_o much_o annoy_v the_o stomach_n as_o lukewarm_a water_n do_v they_o be_v sometime_o comfortable_a to_o the_o stomach_n but_o lukewarm_a water_n do_v disquiet_v it_o till_o it_o be_v cast_v up_o and_o to_o these_o three_o kind_n of_o water_n he_o compare_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o cold_a water_n he_o understand_v such_o as_o be_v enemy_n to_o reliligion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n be_v the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o other_o barbarous_a people_n by_o hot_a water_n he_o understandeth_v man_n that_o be_v earnest_a and_o zealous_a of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o he_o say_v of_o this_o church_n thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a his_o meaning_n be_v thou_o be_v neither_o a_o open_a enemy_n nor_o true_o zealous_a of_o my_o gospel_n i_o will_v thou_o were_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n wish_v not_o simple_o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o he_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o estate_n of_o lukewarmness_a in_o which_o they_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v le●er_o thou_o were_v either_o cold_a or_o hot_a than_o thus_o lukewarm_a as_o thou_o be_v for_o if_o we_o shall_v understand_v it_o simple_o we_o shall_v make_v christ_n to_o desire_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o enemy_n by_o lukewarm_a man_n he_o understand_v a_o people_n who_o be_v in_o show_n god_n church_n but_o in_o truth_n want_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o thou_o be_v such_o say_v christ_n to_o this_o church_n therefore_o i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n that_o be_v look_v as_o he_o that_o have_v drink_v lukewarm_a water_n can_v abide_v it_o on_o his_o stomach_n but_o must_v needs_o spew_v it_o up_o again_o so_o be_o i_o weary_a of_o this_o thy_o securite_n i_o can_v abide_v it_o and_o therefore_o will_v i_o cast_v thou_o off_o from_o all_o fellowship_n with_o i_o and_o make_v of_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o church_n in_o show_n to_o be_v no_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v their_o fault_n namely_o lukewarmenesse_a the_o greatness_n whereof_o he_o aggravate_v first_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o extreme_n cold_a and_o hot_a both_o which_o he_o prefer_v before_o it_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o his_o wish_n and_o desire_v and_o second_o by_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o namely_o utter_a rejection_n hereby_o we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o whither_o this_o fault_n may_v not_o just_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o use_n after_o due_a trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n the_o which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v note_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o lukewarm_a christian_n the_o first_o lukewarm_a professor_n be_v the_o papist_n as_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o show_v for_o he_o do_v part_n stake_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n affirm_v that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o so_o assume_v part_n of_o christ_n glory_n to_o himself_o second_o all_o timeservers_a be_v lukewarm_a gospeler_n that_o be_v all_o such_o as_o alter_v their_o religion_n with_o time_n and_o state_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n the_o prince_n be_v of_o which_o show_v evident_o what_o they_o will_v do_v in_o time_n to_o come_v namely_o turn_v with_o the_o time_n as_o their_o forefather_n have_v do_v the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o follower_n of_o nicodemus_n who_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o night_n only_o that_o be_v such_o as_o say_v and_o think_v that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o mass_n with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o keep_v their_o heart_n unto_o god_n these_o halt_n between_o two_o opinion_n and_o neither_o serve_v god_n nor_o ba●ll_n four_o all_o mediator_n such_o as_o will_v make_v pacification_n between_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o papist_n so_o hold_v our_o religion_n as_o not_o care_v ●o_o embrace_v they_o also_o because_o they_o think_v they_o differ_v not_o in_o substance_n but_o in_o circumstance_n only_o let_v these_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v they_o be_v in_o heart_n laoditian_n five_o all_o worldling_n which_o as_o christ_n say_v luk._n 16.13_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n god_n and_o the_o world_n by_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o riches_n these_o man_n abound_v every_o where_o for_o though_o they_o hear_v god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v he_o in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o run_v after_o their_o covetousness_n ezech._n 33.31_o and_o who_o be_v such_o their_o conscience_n will_v witness_v yea_o their_o behaviour_n proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o though_o they_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n yet_o their_o wit_n and_o strength_n be_v spend_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o six_o those_o that_o profess_v christ_n reliligion_n in_o outward_a action_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o yet_o in_o their_o life_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o common_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n some_o to_o drunkenness_n to_o fornication_n to_o covetousness_n or_o cruelty_n some_o to_o this_o sin_n and_o some_o to_o that_o to_o this_o sort_n we_o must_v refer_v those_o that_o in_o word_n approve_v religion_n and_o yet_o their_o heart_n delight_n be_v in_o garnish_v themselves_o with_o the_o monstrous_a brutish_a and_o irreligious_a form_n of_o strange_a and_o foreign_a attire_n these_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o wit_n in_o the_o deck_v of_o their_o body_n and_o so_o suffer_v their_o soul_n to_o go_v to_o wrack_n when_o as_o apparel_n shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o shame_n through_o sin_n and_o by_o modest_a attire_n we_o shall_v express_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o these_o hereby_o profess_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n now_o though_o we_o be_v not_o entangle_v with_o these_o gross_a sin_n yet_o we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o from_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a for_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n of_o love_n to_o his_o truth_n of_o care_n to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n the_o want_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n what_o argue_v all_o these_o but_o lukewarmness_a herein_o we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n with_o job_n for_o we_o can_v plead_v with_o god_n no_o not_o for_o this_o common_a sin_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmenesse_a have_v infect_v our_o congregation_n as_o it_o do_v this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o the_o sign_n thereof_o which_o be_v common_a among_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v our_o fearful_a estate_n the_o first_o sign_n be_v negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v this_o appear_v sundry_a way_n for_o first_o howsoever_o we_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v yet_o few_o do_v profit_n there_o by_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o life_n this_o may_v any_o man_n see_v to_o be_v true_a that_o have_v half_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v into_o the_o state_n of_o our_o assembly_n and_o man_n own_o conscience_n will_v herein_o witness_v against_o they_o again_o where_o god_n word_n be_v ordinary_o hear_v there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o search_v out_o and_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o nay_o man_n will_v not_o be_v at_o cost_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n and_o if_o they_o have_v one_o
three_o man_n will_v profess_v that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o love_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n when_o as_o they_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o more_o than_o christ_n and_o so_o have_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n four_o to_o make_v more_o plain_a that_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n reign_v in_o man_n heart_n mark_v this_o let_v any_o bodily_a calamity_n be_v make_v know_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v new_o befall_v he_o oh_o how_o be_v he_o present_o perplex_v but_o let_v god_n minister_v out_o of_o his_o word_n make_v know_v unto_o he_o his_o inward_a fearful_a estate_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n he_o be_v not_o afraid_a worldly_a news_n do_v affright_v man_n much_o when_o as_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n move_v they_o nothing_o what_o argue_v this_o but_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v forestalled_n with_o this_o false_a conceit_n i_o be_o rich_a the_o drunkard_n in_o his_o drunkenness_n the_o filthy_a person_n in_o his_o uncleanness_n and_o every_o man_n in_o his_o sin_n soothe_v himself_o with_o this_o god_n be_v merciful_a i_o be_o rich_a and_o in_o his_o favour_n he_o will_v not_o condemn_v i_o well_o it_o be_v thus_o manifest_a that_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v our_o common_a sin_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o see_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n that_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v the_o mean_n follow_v afterward_o and_o increase_v with_o good_n or_o be_o make_v rich_a so_o the_o word_n be_v these_o word_n be_v add_v only_o for_o amplification_n to_o show_v that_o this_o church_n have_v not_o any_o small_a portion_n but_o a_o exceed_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n the_o double_n of_o the_o word_n show_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o conceit_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o pride_n answ._n it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v knowledge_n wherewith_o no_o doubt_n the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n and_o many_o therein_o do_v abound_v now_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v 1_o that_o knowledge_n puss_v up_o this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o place_n great_a knowledge_n without_o special_a grace_n great_a pride_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n where_o knowledge_n abound_v there_o pride_n of_o heart_n abound_v and_o man_n be_v puff_v up_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n unless_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n god_n do_v humble_a they_o and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o this_o be_v a_o further_a sign_n of_o their_o great_a pride_n that_o they_o think_v they_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o any_o person_n beside_o themselves_o and_o all_o such_o as_o think_v they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o their_o sin_n do_v surfeit_n and_o abound_v with_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o heart_n this_o serve_v further_a to_o convince_v our_o congregation_n of_o this_o damnable_a spiritual_a pride_n if_o any_o one_o be_v sick_a in_o body_n he_o straight_o send_v to_o the_o physician_n but_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o seek_v to_o the_o minister_n till_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n draw_v near_o the_o soul_n disease_n by_o sin_n be_v not_o feel_v there_o be_v no_o complaint_n for_o want_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v empty_v of_o this_o pride_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o see_v that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o feel_v that_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o goodness_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v but_o the_o proud_a laodicean_n and_o our_o case_n be_v wretched_a and_o damnable_a and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a christ_n intend_v to_o strike_v this_o sin_n of_o pride_n to_o the_o very_a heart_n do_v here_o set_v down_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o to_o wit_n ignorance_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o know_v not_o thy_o own_o natural_a estate_n as_o thou_o be_v bear_v of_o adam_n out_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v proud_a and_o thy_o pride_n make_v thou_o lukewarm_a then_o he_o show_v whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a namely_o of_o their_o natural_a estate_n for_o the_o first_o christ_n make_v ignorance_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o pride_n teach_v we_o that_o pride_n be_v not_o the_o first_o sin_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o many_o both_o papist_n and_o other_o have_v think_v true_a it_o be_v pride_n be_v a_o great_a and_o mother_n sin_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o many_o foul_a iniquity_n but_o yet_o ignorance_n be_v a_o mother_n sin_n whereof_o pride_n spring_v the_o cause_n why_o any_o person_n swell_v with_o pride_n in_o himself_o be_v ignorance_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a estate_n by_o this_o than_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o learn_v to_o know_v our_o own_o estate_n what_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o ourselves_o without_o christ_n for_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o pull_v down_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o prophet_n of_o god_n use_v to_o call_v man_n to_o a_o search_n of_o themselves_o zeph._n 2.1_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v the_o people_n to_o humility_n and_o grace_n that_o man_n see_v their_o estate_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a may_v be_v humble_v and_o cause_v to_o forsake_v themselves_o and_o come_v unto_o christ._n and_o sure_o till_o such_o time_n as_o man_n be_v humble_v for_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v never_o get_v sound_a grace_n but_o be_v as_o the_o proud_a pharisie_n hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n though_o they_o have_v much_o knowledge_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v search_v his_o natural_a estate_n then_o beside_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o come_v other_o most_o excellent_a grace_n as_o humility_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o true_a obedience_n with_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o first_o of_o all_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o own_o estate_n in_o ourselves_o &_o with_o our_o personal_a sin_n &_o with_o god_n judgment_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o true_a grace_n the_o spot_n and_o blemish_n of_o our_o body_n we_o can_v soon_o espy_v and_o wipe_v away_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v less_o careful_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v far_o better_a that_o christ_n may_v full_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o their_o ignorance_n of_o themselves_o it_o please_v he_o to_o desrcibe_v to_o they_o their_o natural_a estate_n &_o so_o proportional_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o all_o church_n &_o of_o all_o people_n which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n misery_n this_o he_o propound_v two_o way_n first_o general_o in_o these_o word_n and_o know_v not_o how_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a then_o by_o the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v three_o poverty_n blindness_n and_o nakedness_n for_o the_o first_o the_o word_n translate_v wretched_a signify_v one_o subject_a to_o calamity_n grief_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o misery_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v who_o be_v thus_o wretched_a i_o will_v enter_v into_o a_o description_n of_o man_n misery_n whereof_o that_o we_o may_v conceive_v aright_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o root_n and_o fountain_n thereof_o for_o therein_o we_o shall_v best_o see_v what_o misery_n mean_v this_o root_n be_v original_a sin_n and_o it_o have_v two_o branch_n first_o that_o particular_a transgression_n whereby_o adam_n sin_v which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o person_n but_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n spread_v itself_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n christ_n except_v second_o the_o deface_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o corrupt_a of_o man_n heart_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v in_o it_o a_o pronesse_n unto_o all_o sin_n both_o in_o will_n affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o these_o two_o stand_v original_a sin_n and_o in_o they_o and_o with_o they_o must_v we_o conceive_v of_o man_n misery_n as_o in_o the_o root_n thereof_o second_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o man_n misery_n under_o the_o form_n of_o punishment_n have_v relation_n to_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o adam_n &_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o each_o man_n nature_n thereby_o receive_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v consider_v sundry_a way_n according_a to_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o after_o for_o it_o be_v either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n or_o after_o this_o life_n
here_o see_v the_o proper_a ●nd_n of_o all_o reproof_n and_o correction_n namely_o the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o man_n fault_n &_o misdemeanour_n whatsoever_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o their_o way_n and_o more_o zealous_a in_o good_a duty_n then_o ever_o they_o be_v whensoever_o therefore_o we_o be_v reprove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v visit_v we_o in_o body_n mind_n or_o good_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o cross_n we_o must_v remember_v to_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o repent_v and_o amend_v know_v that_o by_o all_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o sermon_n the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o amendment_n now_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n of_o their_o luke-warmnesse_n be_v zealous_a that_o we_o may_v understand_v this_o commandment_n we_o be_v to_o handle_v some_o point_n touch_v zeal_n first_o what_o be_v zeal_n zeal_n be_v a_o burn_a affection_n in_o regard_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n this_o zeal_n be_v compound_v of_o two_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o anger_n or_o indignation_n so_o that_o in_o this_o commandment_n be_v two_o duty_n enjoin_v unto_o this_o church_n first_o that_o they_o shall_v love_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n above_o all_o thing_n second_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v grieve_v especial_o for_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v dishonour_v his_o worship_n profane_v and_o his_o doctrine_n not_o embrace_v but_o instead_o thereof_o false_a worship_n and_o false_a doctrine_n entertain_v when_o both_o these_o concur_v than_o zeal_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o most_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n psalm_n 69.9_o where_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o his_o person_n say_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n have_v eat_v he_o up_o whereby_o thus_o much_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o love_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n have_v even_o consume_v he_o and_o that_o his_o indignation_n be_v so_o great_a because_o his_o father_n name_n be_v dishonour_v and_o his_o worship_n profane_v that_o it_o do_v even_o care_v he_o up_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n john_n 2.17_o yea_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o he_o to_o do_v his_o father_n will_n joh._n 4.34_o that_o thing_n he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o life_n or_o safety_n nay_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v the_o pang_n of_o hell_n the_o like_a zeal_n be_v in_o elias_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v fall_v to_o idolatry_n his_o heart_n be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1._o king_n 19.14_o ii_o point_n the_o kind_n of_o zeal_n zeal_n be_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a in_o good_a zeal_n be_v these_o thing_n require_v i._o true_a faith_n as_o the_o root_n thereof_o 1._o tim._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v love_n 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a now_o one_o apart_o of_o zeal_n be_v love_n and_o therefore_o 〈…〉_z procee_v from_o true_a faith_n so_o must_v true_a zeal_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o faith_n be_v rather_o rashness_n and_o fierceness_n of_o nature_n than_o true_a zeal_n ii_o repentance_n 2._o cor._n 7.11_o there_o be_v seven_o 〈◊〉_d of_o repentance_n recite_v whereof_o zeal_n be_v one_o that_o be_v good_a zeal_n even_o a_o burn_a love_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o godly_a indignation_n when_o false_a religion_n be_v embrace_v there_o may_v be_v zeal_n in_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o repentance_n as_o be_v in_o jehu_n 2._o king_n 10.16_o come_v with_o i_o say_v he_o and_o see_v the_o zeal_n that_o i_o have_v for_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o want_v repentance_n for_o vers._n 29.31_o it_o be_v say_v jehu_n regard_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n for_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la which_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o in_o he_o the_o true_a zeal_n that_o be_v here_o command_v iii_o zeal_n must_v come_v from_o knowledge_n for_o without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v but_o rashness_n and_o bold-hardinesse_n such_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v rom._n 10.2_o who_o zeal_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o such_o as_o paul_n have_v before_o his_o conversion_n phil._n 3._o vers_fw-la 6._o in_o zeal_n he_o persecute_v god_n church_n knowledge_n therefore_o in_o god_n word_n must_v be_v the_o guide_n and_o conductor_n of_o our_o zeal_n iii_o point_n the_o fruit_n of_o zeal_n must_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o better_a discern_v of_o true_a zeal_n first_o true_a zeal_n constrain_v a_o man_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n 5.13.14_o whether_o we_o be_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d wit_n we_o be_v it_o unto_o god_n or_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o our_o right_a mind_n we_o be_v it_o unto_o you_o for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v us._n so_o wheresoever_o this_o true_a zeal_n be_v in_o any_o measure_n it_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o heart_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v but_o endeavour_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o love_n he_o bear_v unto_o christ._n elihu_n say_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o new_a wine_n in_o a_o vessel_n which_o must_v needs_o vent_v out_o job._n 32.18.19_o second_o true_a zeal_n make_v a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n power_n and_o strength_n so_o good_a king_n josiah_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n read_v he_o turn_v not_o slacke_o or_o negligent_o but_o 23.25_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o like_v he_o be_v no_o king_n before_o neither_o after_o he_o arise_v there_o any_o like_o he_o psal._n 51_o david_n humble_v himself_o for_o his_o sin_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o with_o such_o marvelous_a zeal_n as_o no_o tongue_n can_v utter_v desire_v god_n to_o remember_v he_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n often_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o diverse_a term_n that_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o may_v express_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o give_v god_n thanks_n for_o his_o benefit_n he_o put_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o heart_n thereto_o cry_v out_o my_o soul_n praise_n thou_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o psa._n 103.1_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v zealous_a whence_o true_a zeal_n arise_v and_o what_o it_o work_v in_o man_n heart_n use_n see_v we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v taint_v with_o this_o sin_n of_o lukewarmnesse_n and_o coldness_n in_o religion_n let_v we_o here_o learn_v how_o to_o redress_v this_o vice_n we_o must_v become_v zealous_a have_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o fervent_a love_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o vehement_a indignation_n when_o the_o same_o be_v disgrace_v and_o false_a worship_n take_v place_n let_v religion_n therefore_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o show_n that_o same_o in_o our_o life_n by_o zealous_a obedience_n away_o with_o all_o slackness_n and_o lukewarmnesse_n it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v jews_n and_o turk_n and_o to_o hold_v no_o religion_n then_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a in_o the_o true_a profession_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o zeal_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v to_o repent_v or_o amend_v this_o they_o be_v also_o enjoin_v because_o zeal_n without_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o but_o rashness_n jehues_n zeal_n be_v no_o true_a zeal_n because_o he_o want_v repentance_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v zealous_a but_o wherefore_o be_v this_o church_n enjoin_v to_o repent_v namely_o for_o lukewarmness_n not_o for_o that_o she_o have_v commit_v any_o horrible_a sin_n but_o because_o she_o be_v slack_a in_o good_a duty_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o good_a lesson_n for_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n that_o challenge_n god_n mercy_n unto_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v no_o notorious_a malefactor_n as_o murderer_n &_o adulterer_n they_o hate_v no_o man_n but_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o but_o here_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o reform_v this_o their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o repentance_n must_v be_v for_o want_n of_o good_a duty_n yea_o for_o slackness_n therein_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n soothe_v himself_o in_o his_o ignorance_n with_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o all_o be_v well_o if_o he_o live_v not_o in_o gross_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o enchantment_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o he_o rock_n many_o asleep_a in_o
their_o sin_n till_o he_o carry_v their_o soul_n to_o hell_n a_o good_a meaning_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n god_n require_v true_a zeal_n in_o well-doing_n vers._n 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o here_o christ_n to_o keep_v his_o church_n from_o despair_n minister_n unto_o they_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o before_o the_o same_o set_v down_o this_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v hereby_o intend_v to_o make_v they_o more_o attentive_o to_o mark_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n that_o plain_o see_v the_o same_o they_o may_v not_o doubt_v thereof_o hereby_o in_o general_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o if_o we_o will_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o desperation_n and_o distrust_n in_o any_o distress_n we_o must_v both_o often_o and_o serious_o consider_v and_o mark_v the_o token_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o will_v fortify_v our_o faith_n read_v psal._n 23_o in_o every_o verse_n save_o the_o last_o he_o set_v down_o token_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n towards_o he_o and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o conclude_v thus_o without_o doubt_n kindesse_n &_o mercy_n shall_v follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o i_o shall_v remain_v a_o long_a season_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o heart_n be_v natural_o fill_v with_o doubt_v which_o will_v bewray_v itself_o in_o any_o distress_n but_o to_o prevent_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o hurt_n that_o may_v come_v thereby_o let_v we_o mark_v the_o good_a deal_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o and_o observe_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n and_o these_o will_v notable_o strengthen_v we_o against_o distrust_n and_o sure_o no_o person_n be_v so_o full_a of_o despair_n but_o if_o he_o can_v look_v back_o into_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o day_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o his_o heart_n they_o will_v minister_v comfort_n unto_o he_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n at_o that_o instant_n more_o particular_o christ_n minister_a comfort_n unto_o this_o church_n do_v express_v his_o meaning_n by_o a_o borrow_a speech_n compare_v every_o man_n unto_o a_o house_n his_o heart_n unto_o a_o door_n whereby_o entrance_n be_v make_v and_o himself_o unto_o a_o guest_n or_o stranger_n desire_v to_o come_v and_o enter_v in_o not_o so_o much_o to_o find_v courtesy_n as_o to_o show_v favour_n and_o kindness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n there_o be_v two_o sign_n of_o his_o love_n set_v down_o first_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n which_o he_o earnest_o seek_v second_o a_o promise_n of_o mutual_a fellowship_n after_o their_o conversion_n the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n in_o this_o desire_n christ_n express_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o church_n if_o we_o regard_v the_o great_a part_n thereof_o have_v no_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n nor_o christ_n with_o they_o for_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o be_v close_v up_o against_o he_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o the_o case_n be_v evident_a for_o though_o they_o have_v in_o they_o many_o good_a thing_n as_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o this_o notorious_a sin_n of_o luke-warmnesse_n which_o close_v up_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o christ_n and_o bar_v he_o out_o here_o than_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v in_o he_o many_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o by_o live_v in_o one_o sin_n we_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o all_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ._n judas_n have_v many_o excellent_a gift_n he_o forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v christ_n he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o by_o covetousness_n the_o door_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v quite_o bar_v against_o christ._n so_o herode_fw-la reverence_v john_n and_o hear_v he_o glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n at_o his_o instruction_n mark_n 6.20_o yet_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o incest_n his_o heart_n be_v so_o close_v that_o he_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o christ._n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o it_o be_v good_a that_o we_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o approve_v the_o same_o and_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o our_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o true_a fellowship_n with_o christ._n for_o if_o we_o nourish_v though_o but_o one_o sin_n and_o live_v therein_o that_o will_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v the_o sin_n what_o it_o will_v as_o covetousness_n adultery_n profaneness_n or_o such_o like_a hereby_o then_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o have_v true_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o purge_v their_o life_n from_o all_o sin_n so_o as_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o taint_v with_o nourish_v any_o one_o sin_n for_o even_o one_o sin_n w●●●●soever_o it_o be_v be_v a_o strong_a bar_n 〈◊〉_d will_v keep_v christ_n from_o come_v into_o us._n second_o whereas_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v stand_v at_o the_o door_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v here_o he_o speak_v to_o this_o church_n as_o he_o use_v to_o speak_v by_o his_o old_a prophet_n as_o by_o jeremie_n 13._o i_o have_v send_v unto_o you_o all_o my_o prophet_n rise_v early_o every_o day_n and_o send_v they_o and_o by_o isaiah_n 65.2_o i_o have_v spread_v out_o my_o hand_n all_o the_o day_n unto_o a_o rebellious_a people_n which_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a even_o after_o their_o own_o imagination_n so_o here_o i_o have_v stand_v at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v long_o even_o till_o night_n as_o the_o word_n sup_v import_v hereby_o christ_n will_v signify_v his_o great_a patience_n in_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o this_o people_n of_o loadicea_n in_o justice_n he_o may_v long_o ago_o have_v cast_v they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o in_o mercy_n he_o wait_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o complain_v that_o he_o have_v wait_v long_o here_o than_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o god_n patience_n in_o wait_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o which_o he_o say_v to_o this_o church_n he_o may_v as_o just_o say_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v stand_v very_o long_o at_o our_o door_n even_o 36._o year_n and_o upward_o and_o yet_o still_o continue_v knock_v so_o as_o he_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o his_o long_a wait_v let_v we_o then_o here_o learn_v to_o know_v the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n which_o be_v then_o to_o any_o people_n when_o christ_n stand_v at_o their_o door_n and_o knock_n and_o unto_o we_o this_o day_n be_v present_a we_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o visitation_n and_o hereupon_o learn_v the_o duty_n which_o christ_n teach_v the_o jew_n namely_o acknowledge_v the_o day_n of_o our_o visitation_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o must_v look_v for_o like_a vengeance_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o regard_v not_o when_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n from_o his_o bosom_n to_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v here_o be_v a_o further_a signification_n of_o his_o desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v his_o great_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n towards_o this_o church_n and_o in_o they_o towards_o all_o other_o his_o child_n this_o church_n have_v bar_v out_o christ_n by_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o pursue_v they_o he_o knock_v he_o use_v mean_n to_o enter_v for_o 〈◊〉_d good_a and_o vouchsafe_v they_o mercy_n 〈◊〉_d then_o when_o they_o refuse_v it_o thus_o when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o flee_v and_o hide_v himself_o do_v the_o lord_n seek_v he_o in_o the_o garden_n &_o make_v with_o he_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v in_o 65.1_o isaiah_n the_o lord_n be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o never_o seek_v he_o luk._n 15.4.5_o christ_n fetch_v the_o lose_a sheep_n that_o be_v go_v astray_o all_o which_o show_n and_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o unspeakable_a greatness_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n unto_o miserable_a man_n who_o then_o show_v mercy_n unto_o he_o when_o he_o
never_o seek_v it_o this_o his_o mercy_n be_v verify_v in_o all_o church_n and_o unto_o we_o which_o must_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o enlarge_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o vouchsafe_v we_o favour_n when_o we_o never_o seek_v it_o but_o refuse_v it_o quest._n how_o do_v christ_n knock_v answ._n the_o word_n go_v before_o whereto_o these_o have_v reference_n give_v light_n unto_o this_o question_n before_o christ_n have_v threaten_v this_o church_n even_o to_o spew_v she_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n for_o her_o lukewarmenesse_a and_o after_o he_o counsel_v she_o to_o buy_v of_o he_o gold_n and_o other_o remedy_n now_o upon_o this_o grievous_a threaten_n the_o church_n may_v despair_v of_o his_o mercy_n but_o christ_n to_o comfort_v she_o tell_v she_o here_o that_o these_o reproof_n and_o rebuke_n be_v but_o knock_v be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o open_a for_o then_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o people_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o mean_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o withal_o give_v they_o coun_fw-fr whereby_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o fearful_a punishment_n thereby_o deserve_v here_o then_o note_v the_o state_n of_o any_o people_n that_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v christ_n among_o they_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o knock_v to_o come_v in_o by_o exhortation_n admonition_n threaten_n and_o by_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a mercy_n first_o see_v we_o have_v christ_n knock_v at_o our_o door_n use_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o we_o such_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n in_o hear_v he_o knock_v if_o a_o man_n of_o any_o account_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o house_n oh_o what_o a_o stir_n will_v we_o make_v to_o let_v he_o in_o quick_o what_o a_o shame_n than_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v dead-harted_n when_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n second_o this_o must_v admonish_v we_o with_o all_o speed_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o he_o will_v continue_v knock_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o turn_v before_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o we_o perish_v eternal_o for_o if_o we_o refuse_v when_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n he_o will_v refuse_v when_o we_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n prou._n 1._o 25.26_o mat._n 25.11.12_o note_v further_o this_o knock_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o it_o be_v join_v with_o cry_v for_o he_o say_v if_o he_o hear_v my_o voice_n so_o that_o he_o both_o knock_v &_o cry_n it_o be_v then_o the_o knock_n of_o one_o that_o will_v enter_v we_o therefore_o ought_v answerable_o with_o serious_a regard_n to_o receive_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v as_o earnest_n in_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o knock_v to_o come_v into_o us._n the_o second_o token_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o these_o word_n have_v be_v much_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o set_v down_o the_o true_a use_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o same_o mark_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v such_o as_o give_v unto_o a_o man_n will_n &_o soul_n a_o action_n in_o his_o conversion_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v christ._n this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o it_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o be_v three_o worker_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o word_n and_o man_n will_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a knowledge_n soften_a the_o heart_n and_o change_v the_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o now_o he_o work_v not_o by_o revelation_n or_o special_a instinct_n but_o ordinary_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n when_o a_o man_n be_v read_v hear_v or_o meditate_v either_o public_o or_o private_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o man_n salvation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n three_o man_v will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o dead_a unto_o grace_n yet_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o conversion_n move_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v turn_v it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o piece_n of_o wax_n only_o passive_a which_o without_o any_o action_n receive_v impression_n but_o as_o fire_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o fire_n do_v bear_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o burn_v it_o be_v fire_n so_o the_o will_n though_o by_o nature_n it_o move_v not_o yet_o be_v renew_v by_o grace_n it_o move_v and_o so_o some_o as_o it_o move_v it_o be_v renew_v and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v action_n unto_o a_o sinner_n that_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v which_o argue_v not_o that_o by_o themselves_o man_n can_v have_v a_o will_n to_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o be_v renew_v they_o may_v will_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o these_o term_n repent_v and_o believe_v not_o to_o show_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v repent_v or_o believe_v but_o that_o god_n in_o man_n conversion_n do_v give_v he_o grace_v to_o will_n and_o desire_v the_o same_o hence_o than_o it_o follow_v thar_z this_o text_n have_v be_v diverse_a way_n abuse_v first_o by_o the_o papist_n who_o hence_o will_v gather_v free_a will_n of_o conversion_n in_o a_o sinner_n by_o nature_n true_a it_o be_v a_o man_n have_v free_a will_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o be_v gather_v hence_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v and_o open_v when_o i_o knock_v nay_o hence_o we_o may_v rather_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v hear_v nor_o open_a because_o the_o counsel_n be_v give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a by_o nature_n second_o they_o also_o abuse_v this_o text_n that_o hereby_o will_v prove_v a_o flexible_a free_a will_n by_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o man_n which_o be_v this_o sundry_a man_n think_v that_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o sin_n god_n give_v a_o general_a grace_n whereby_o any_o man_n may_v will_v and_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o this_o grace_n though_o it_o dispose_v the_o will_n in_o some_o part_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o it_o take_v not_o the_o corruption_n away_o but_o that_o remain_v still_o whereupon_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v receive_v christ_n by_o that_o general_a grace_n or_o if_o he_o will_v not_o he_o may_v refuse_v christ_n by_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o he_o it_o be_v say_v this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o text_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o flexible_a freewill_n all_o that_o can_v here_o be_v gather_v be_v that_o man_n have_v freewill_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o a_o general_a but_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n nay_o christ_n ministry_n serue●_n for_o this_o end_n that_o those_o which_o before_o can_v not_o turn_v of_o themselves_o may_v by_o grace_n be_v convert_v this_o flexible_a grace_n be_v against_o god_n word_n christ_n say_v 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o he_o say_v not_o may_v come_v if_o he_o will_v but_o peremptory_o come_v for_o man_n will_n can_v dispose_v and_o over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n 〈◊〉_d god_n overrule_v the_o will_n of_o man_n though_o man_n be_v unwilling_a yet_o when_o god_n call_v effectual_o he_o can_v but_o come_v for_o the_o creature_n can_v reject_v or_o resist_v the_o will_n and_o call_n of_o his_o creator_n if_o any_o man_n open_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v etc._n etc._n the_o proper_a intent_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o conditional_a promise_n be_v to_o provoke_v they_o that_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a to_o listen_v diligent_o to_o christ_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n from_o he_o glad_o in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v our_o duty_n see_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