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 â—1_n it_o be_v david_n practice_n i_o have_v â—id_v thy_o say_n in_o my_o heart_n psal._n 119._o â—â—_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 1â—_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 â—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 lâ—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 god_n so_o christ_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n than_o all_o thing_n needful_a shall_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o matth._n 6.33_o this_o discover_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o most_o man_n every_o where_o use_n who_o in_o seek_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o will_v toil_v themselves_o in_o their_o calling_n to_o get_v wealth_n honour_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o regard_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a foundation_n of_o all_o outward_a welfare_n here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o god_n give_v i_o wealth_n honour_n and_o reputation_n than_o he_o love_v i_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n thereof_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v no_o sure_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o be_v his_o enemy_n may_v enjoy_v they_o all_o as_o job._n 21.7_o to_o the_o 14._o this_o david_n perceive_v how_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v in_o their_o outward_a prosperity_n have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psalm_n 73.3.7_o and_o yet_o they_o stand_v but_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n herewith_o deceive_v himself_o he_o that_o want_v god_n favour_n in_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o curse_a wretch_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o world_n for_o outward_a thing_n at_o his_o command_n for_o all_o earthly_a thing_n sever_v from_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n the_o wicked_a man_n peace_n be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 48.22_o and_o the_o man_n that_o have_v god_n grace_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o want_v all_o worldly_a benefit_n yet_o he_o have_v more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n without_o it_o for_o hereby_o alone_o he_o be_v true_o bless_a and_o happy_a 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 be_v set_v down_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wit_n god_n himself_o distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n the_o son_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n etc._n etc._n s._n john_n in_o the_o first_o place_n describe_v the_o father_n by_o a_o distribution_n which_o express_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o which_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o exod._n 3.14_o 15._o where_o moses_n demand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v ask_v who_o send_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v answer_v the_o lord_n bid_v he_o say_v ehich_n jehovah_n have_v send_v i_o which_o two_o name_n serve_v to_o one_o end_n namely_o to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o be_v translate_v i_o be_o and_o the_o lord_n but_o these_o english_a word_n do_v not_o full_o express_v their_o signification_n yet_o s._n john_n expound_v they_o here_o make_v ehich_n to_o signify_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v which_o word_n of_o john_n also_o in_o the_o original_n be_v more_o full_a in_o sense_n than_o our_o english_a tongue_n can_v well_o express_v and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o explain_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v from_o he_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a substance_n which_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a substance_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a simple_a substance_n and_o essence_n in_o these_o word_n be_v touch_v sundry_a weighty_a point_n first_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o absolute_a perfect_a substance_n and_o essence_n which_o have_v his_o be_v in_o himself_o of_o himself_o and_o from_o none_o other_o paul_n say_v a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o that_o be_v nothing_o subsist_v in_o nature_n but_o a_o mere_a fond_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o essence_n subsist_v and_o that_o of_o himself_o alone_o perfect_o and_o herein_o differ_v from_o all_o idol_n and_o false_a god_n second_o hereby_o we_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o creature_n every_o creature_n be_v a_o substance_n as_o angel_n and_o man_n likewise_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n be_v substance_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n and_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v part_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v their_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o he_o for_o then_o each_o creature_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n can_v be_v without_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n substance_n be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n my_o meaning_n then_o be_v that_o god_n make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o himself_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o he_o create_v by_o his_o word_n and_o preserve_v they_o be_v make_v which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o return_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o thankfulness_n endeavour_v his_o glory_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n three_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v eternal_a every_o way_n without_o beginning_n or_o end_v for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o be_v which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o every_o way_n though_o they_o be_v eternal_a in_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v yet_o have_v they_o a_o beginning_n second_o they_o be_v eternal_a not_o absolute_o but_o by_o participation_n for_o god_n make_v they_o eternal_a but_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o absolute_o of_o himself_o eternal_a four_o note_n he_o say_v not_o from_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v but_o from_o he_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o judgement_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o eternal_a god_n be_v also_o a_o judge_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n especial_o man_n and_o angel_n a_o point_n of_o special_a use_n to_o move_v we_o to_o well_o before_o god_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n if_o any_o shall_v flatter_v himself_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v dead_a before_o that_o day_n come_v i_o answer_v iâ—_n may_v be_v so_o what_o then_o think_v thâ—u_n thereby_o to_o escape_v his_o judgement_n no_o very_o for_o this_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v thou_o particular_o by_o death_n and_o thereby_o to_o reserve_v thou_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n oâ—_n that_o we_o can_v serious_o think_v on_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v â—o_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n act_n 24.16_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v he_o at_o his_o come_n whether_o by_o death_n or_o judgement_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o 〈◊〉_d before_o his_o throne_n these_o word_n common_o be_v expound_v of_o seven_o angel_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v before_o the_o thronâ—_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o they_o for_o two_o cause_n a_o first_o because_o 〈◊〉_d and_o peace_n be_v here_o say_v to_o proceed_v from_o these_o seven_o spirit_n but_o it_o can_v come_v from_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o attend_v to_o minister_v before_o the_o lord_n second_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o be_v a_o benediction_n or_o a_o salutation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o spirit_n be_v set_v before_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o respect_n for_o which_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v place_v before_o christ._n the_o word_n be_v rather_o thus_o to_o be_v expound_v and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o exposition_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o though_o he_o be_v only_o one_o in_o substance_n
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 alâ—_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
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 saintâ—_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 râ—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 â—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
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 beaâ—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
church_n for_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n now_o come_v to_o the_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n these_o three_o first_o chapter_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o preface_n and_o a_o vision_n the_o preface_n be_v a_o entrance_n to_o the_o vision_n contain_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o nine_o the_o vision_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o three_o chapter_n the_o preface_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n second_o the_o inscription_n thereof_o the_o title_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n the_o inscription_n from_o the_o four_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n the_o title_n in_o these_o word_n the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n a_o revelation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o manifestation_n or_o discovery_n of_o thing_n secret_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n revelation_n from_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v show_v three_o way_n first_o by_o dream_n second_o by_o vision_n three_o by_o create_a voice_n of_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o we_o may_v see_v num._n 12.6_o 8._o now_o this_o be_v not_o by_o dream_n nor_o by_o vision_n or_o voice_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mix_a revelation_n receive_v partly_o by_o vision_n and_o partly_o by_o voice_n utter_v in_o the_o vision_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v by_o seven_o argument_n first_o by_o the_o author_n second_o the_o end_n three_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v four_o the_o matter_n five_o the_o instrument_n six_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o seven_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o revelation_n first_o the_o author_n be_v jesus_n christ_n it_o come_v from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v call_v his_o revelation_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o not_o to_o exclude_v the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o show_v the_o special_a office_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n which_o be_v to_o reveal_v to_o publish_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o his_o church_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v the_o 3.1_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o â—_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o â—4_n wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n &_o the_o 1._o word_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v difference_n between_o this_o and_o all_o satanical_a revelation_n for_o as_o god_n have_v his_o true_a revelation_n so_o satan_n who_o herein_o may_v be_v call_v god_n ape_n have_v his_o counterfeit_a vision_n and_o deliver_v they_o in_o show_n like_o to_o god_n but_o they_o differ_v much_o first_o the_o devil_n revelation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ambiguous_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o speech_n and_o phrase_n so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o way_n to_o take_v they_o but_o the_o revelation_n which_o come_v from_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o truth_n who_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n deliver_v second_o the_o devil_n show_v his_o vision_n to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o be_v his_o instrument_n but_o the_o lord_n choose_v the_o godly_a which_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o to_o they_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o devil_n revelation_n evermore_o tend_v to_o set_v up_o and_o uphold_v heresy_n wickedness_n apostasy_n and_o idolatry_n deut._n 13.1_o 2._o but_o these_o that_o come_v from_o god_n serve_v to_o erect_v and_o maintain_v truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n even_o pure_a apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o his_o special_a kingly_a office_n in_o heaven_n for_o be_v ascend_v and_o exalt_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o majesty_n he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n might_n and_o domination_n and_o there_o do_v direct_v rule_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n upon_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n for_o all_o these_o vision_n serve_v to_o direct_v his_o church_n in_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n whereas_o christ_n jesus_n be_v author_n of_o this_o revelation_n use_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n give_v the_o same_o unto_o his_o church_n we_o may_v observe_v his_o constant_a care_n over_o his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n before_o his_o incarnation_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n he_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n such_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o still_o some_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v such_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o now_o behold_v the_o continuance_n or_o rather_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o his_o care_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o beside_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o former_a prophecy_n and_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a will_n by_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v unto_o eternal_a life_n loe_o here_o be_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o this_o worthy_a prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o great_a good_a and_o comfort_n of_o his_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n be_v add_v to_o show_v how_o this_o become_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n namely_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o first_o person_n in_o trinity_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o where_o the_o title_n god_n in_o any_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v oppose_v to_o christ_n there_o it_o import_v the_o first_o person_n the_o father_n though_o this_o be_v also_o true_a that_o sundry_a time_n in_o scripture_n the_o father_n alone_o be_v term_v god_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o the_o other_o person_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o the_o son_n receive_v the_o godhead_n by_o communication_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n receive_v it_o from_o they_o both_o but_o the_o father_n have_v his_o godhead_n of_o himself_o and_o receive_v it_o not_o by_o communication_n from_o any_o other_o here_o some_o will_v say_v this_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o christ_n see_v he_o be_v god_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n of_o himself_o answ._n we_o must_v conceive_v of_o christ_n two_o way_n first_o as_o god_n second_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o father_n give_v he_o nothing_o for_o so_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o the_o same_o with_o the_o father_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v except_v personal_a property_n and_o be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o father_n neither_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o give_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n do_v but_o yet_o as_o christ_n be_v mediator_n he_o be_v not_o god_n simple_o but_o god_n incarnate_a or_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o manhood_n as_o himself_o confess_v all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o matth._n 28.18_o and_o paul_n say_v god_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n philip._n 2.9_o he_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v peter_n act._n 2.33_o and_o god_n make_v he_o both_o lord_n and_o christ_n ver_fw-la 36._o and_o so_o god_n give_v he_o this_o revelation_n in_o this_o place_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o make_v christ_n inferior_a to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o receiver_n be_v usual_o inferior_a to_o the_o giver_n answer_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n god_n incarnate_a and_o make_v man_n he_o be_v inferior_a and_o receive_v of_o he_o so_o much_o himself_o confess_v my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o john_n 10.29_o and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n paul_n call_v god_n the_o father_n the_o head_n of_o christ._n 1._o cor._n 11.6_o and_o as_o christ_n now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n be_v mediator_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v inferior_a to_o his_o father_n and_o receive_v his_o kingdom_n from_o his_o father_n which_o he_o
must_v give_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 1._o cor._n 15.24_o and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n give_v his_o revelation_n to_o his_o son_n first_o therefore_o christ_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o this_o revelation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v his_o own_o right_n and_o royalty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v now_o govern_v whereof_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n again_o this_o revelation_n be_v reveal_v unto_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n before_o it_o be_v ever_o know_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o manhood_n with_o the_o godhead_n in_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v christ_n his_o right_n and_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o own_o royalty_n and_o privilege_n for_o as_o the_o law_n in_o any_o kingdom_n belong_v to_o the_o prince_n thereof_o and_o be_v call_v his_o law_n alone_o and_o no_o man_n else_o so_o this_o book_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o christ_n govern_v his_o church_n be_v his_o royalty_n alone_o for_o god_n give_v it_o he_o and_o he_o have_v by_o his_o angel_n send_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o this_o book_n must_v be_v understand_v proportional_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n christ_n be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o royalty_n and_o possession_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v follow_v necessary_o first_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v authority_n above_o this_o book_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n indeed_o monarch_n and_o prince_n have_v great_a authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o their_o dominion_n over_o all_o person_n and_o over_o all_o cause_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o church_n they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v homage_n unto_o christ_n there_o he_o have_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v his_o law_n whereto_o every_o one_o must_v subject_v himself_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v his_o royal_a ordinance_n over_o which_o none_o may_v dare_v to_o claim_v rule_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o shall_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o prerogative_n as_o they_o be_v to_o christ_n but_o god_n give_v they_o to_o he_o alone_o and_o he_o dispose_v thereof_o as_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o the_o pope_n in_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o word_n and_o to_o mangle_v the_o sacrament_n do_v herein_o step_n into_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n by_o seek_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o princely_a royalty_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o second_o that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o expound_v scripture_n belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o and_o to_o none_o other_o with_o he_o true_a it_o be_v that_o man_n have_v a_o ministry_n commit_v unto_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v expound_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o man_n have_v no_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o popish_a practice_n in_o give_v to_o the_o church_n absolute_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o without_o scripture_n be_v flat_a robbery_n against_o christ_n for_o therein_o they_o give_v unto_o man_n that_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ._n three_o herein_o we_o observe_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n for_o all_o of_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o like_a can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o write_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v they_o never_o so_o excellent_a herein_o the_o scripture_n surpass_v they_o all_o whereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v more_o reverent_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n than_o of_o all_o the_o write_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n here_o then_o behold_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o more_o delight_v to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n than_o the_o glorious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n whereas_o the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o every_o way_n perfect_a proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n unto_o his_o belove_a son_n who_o have_v faithful_o disperse_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o show_v to_o his_o servant_n thing_n that_o must_v short_o be_v do_v these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v viz._n the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v arg._n ii_o the_o end_n of_o this_o revelation_n be_v to_o show_v that_o be_v to_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o papist_n err_v exceed_o in_o debar_v lie_v people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a to_o god_n servant_n thing_n to_o come_v and_o who_o be_v god_n servant_n be_v the_o clergy_n only_o and_o not_o lay_v people_n also_o god_n forbid_v the_o lie_v man_n be_v christ_n his_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o he_o shall_v learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v this_o book_n like_o one_o of_o his_o servant_n and_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a must_v be_v learn_v of_o the_o lie_v man_n then_o much_o more_o must_v he_o search_v into_o all_o other_o book_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o history_n of_o gospel_n epistle_n etc._n etc._n arg._n iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o must_v be_v show_v viz._n the_o servant_n of_o christ._n this_o revelation_n be_v not_o give_v of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n indefinite_o but_o for_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v such_o alone_a as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o by_o new_a obedience_n so_o he_o teach_v elsewhere_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n to_o give_v they_o understanding_n psalm_n 25.14_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o and_o god_n will_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v unto_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n because_o he_o know_v abraham_n will_v do_v his_o will_n and_o teach_v his_o family_n after_o he_o genes_n 18._o vers_fw-la 17.19_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v admonish_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o outward_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o labour_v principal_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n and_o to_o show_v the_o same_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v hereby_o shall_v we_o receive_v instruction_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o our_o understand_n shall_v more_o easy_o conceive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o they_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v know_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7.17_o here_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o most_o hearer_n after_o long_o teach_v profit_n little_a but_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v even_o their_o own_o impiety_n they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o become_v god_n servant_n second_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v true_a god_n for_o here_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n every_o true_a believer_n be_v his_o servant_n and_o he_o his_o lord_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v his_o angel_n as_o after_o we_o shall_v see_v which_o prerogative_n none_o can_v have_v but_o he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o very_o god_n three_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v those_o confute_v which_o hold_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v save_v and_o call_v all_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o if_o he_o call_v all_o effectual_o than_o he_o will_v offer_v the_o mean_n to_o all_o to_o wit_n his_o holy_a word_n that_o so_o they_o may_v
may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o distinguish_v hâ—m_n from_o all_o false_a prophet_n god_n foretell_v his_o people_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o for_o their_o trial_n deut._n 13._o but_o how_o shall_v they_o discern_v they_o sure_o by_o their_o doctrine_n for_o though_o they_o show_v wonder_n yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o draw_v man_n fâ—om_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v die_v when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n luk._n 20.2_o 3._o he_o approve_v his_o authority_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o john_n 1.15_o and_o confirm_v the_o call_n of_o john_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o be_v witness_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 20._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o hereby_o than_o we_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o only_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o which_o can_v do_v so_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o this_o note_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o true_a for_o false_a prophet_n may_v confirm_v their_o lie_a vanity_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 13._o and_o so_o do_v antichrist_n 2._o thess._n 2.9_o the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o order_n and_o manâ—r_n of_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o holy_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o constant_a love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n by_o this_o his_o special_a care_n in_o propound_v and_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o word_n to_o his_o church_n second_o that_o this_o book_n and_o so_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n blaspheme_v in_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o dumb_a judge_n match_v general_a counsel_n with_o it_o for_o authority_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v about_o scripture_n fâ—r_v interpretation_n and_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n thereto_o which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a letter_n and_o dumb_a word_n verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o even_o true_a happrnesse_n this_o pprophecy_n concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v whereof_o join_v with_o careful_a keep_n bring_v with_o it_o true_a blessedness_n that_o be_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a in_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n viz._n â—o_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v say_v s._n john_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o so_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o again_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n 1._o john_n 1.3_o in_o which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n christ_n himself_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v erroneous_a and_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o true_a happiness_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n be_v borrow_v hence_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o do_v direct_o guide_v man_n thither_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o bless_a end_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o bar_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o purpose_n of_o s._n john_n who_o do_v therefore_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v that_o shall_v hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n with_o conscience_n to_o keep_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o he_o may_v allure_v and_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o do_v it_o with_o delight_n second_o we_o be_v hereby_o admonish_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n that_o place_n before_o name_v be_v most_o excellent_a search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o even_o as_o we_o will_v search_v for_o gold_n or_o some_o precious_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v so_o the_o word_n import_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n the_o same_o be_v wisdom_n counsel_n prou._n 2.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v i_o can_v read_v i_o be_v never_o bring_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v search_v s._n john_n cut_v off_o his_o excuse_n in_o the_o next_o word_n say_v bless_v he_o be_v also_o which_o bear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o he_o can_v read_v yet_o if_o he_o hear_v and_o keep_v it_o he_o be_v bless_v here_o then_o iâ—_n the_o duty_n of_o those_o which_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o must_v procure_v other_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o hear_v and_o keep_v they_o shall_v be_v bless_v three_o by_o this_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o carry_v in_o mind_n this_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o write_n of_o man_n god_n word_n bring_v a_o man_n which_o keep_v it_o to_o happiness_n but_o man_n write_n of_o themselves_o can_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v light_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o distinction_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o delight_v as_o many_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o the_o word_n of_o sinful_a man_n special_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o former_a time_n the_o lord_n forbid_v his_o own_o people_n to_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v they_o garment_n of_o diverse_a thing_n as_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a levit._n 19.19_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n do_v mislike_v that_o the_o pure_a seed_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v mingle_v with_o the_o say_n of_o erroneous_a and_o sinful_a man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v sow_v upon_o the_o furrow_n of_o man_n â—_z second_o in_o this_o seven_o argument_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o right_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o point_n worthy_a all_o serious_a consideration_n iâ—_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o a_o certain_a end_n why_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n stand_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a this_o end_n must_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o taâ—es_n place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v we_o read_v and_o hear_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n which_o beseem_v god_n word_n second_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v so_o faith_n the_o text_n and_o keep_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v
yet_o he_o be_v seven_o that_o be_v manifold_a in_o regard_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o second_o saint_n john_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o see_v they_o in_o vision_n for_o here_o he_o set_v down_o one_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v now_o he_o behold_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o form_n of_o seven_o light_n in_o a_o vision_n revel_v 4.5_o which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n this_o he_o speak_v by_o comparison_n take_v from_o earthly_a king_n which_o sit_v in_o their_o throne_n do_v there_o show_v their_o glory_n and_o majesty_n so_o s._n john_n see_v in_o vision_n god_n the_o father_n sit_v in_o his_o throne_n and_o christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o before_o the_o throne_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manner_n of_o appearance_n prove_v not_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o son_n but_o hereby_o be_v express_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o iâ—_n to_o be_v send_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n to_o the_o church_n to_o enlighten_v the_o member_n thereof_o this_o they_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o from_o the_o seven_o spirit_n which_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n that_o be_v grace_n and_o peace_n be_v with_o you_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n who_o from_o they_o both_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o enlighten_v to_o sanctify_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o member_n thereof_o first_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n use_n for_o look_v from_o who_o come_v grace_n and_o peace_n that_o same_o be_v very_a god_n but_o here_o grace_n &_o peace_n proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v very_a god_n second_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o by_o who_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v give_v to_o he_o we_o may_v direct_v our_o prayer_n but_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o he_o for_o they_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v observe_v because_o there_o be_v some_o which_o doubt_n whether_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bâ—t_o they_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n they_o say_v we_o have_v no_o example_n hereof_o in_o scripture_n ans._n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o in_o this_o benediction_n john_n pray_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v grace_n be_v wiâ—h_v you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o substance_n it_o be_v as_o much_o â—s_n if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o thy_o grace_n and_o peace_n o_o father_n and_o thy_o grace_n and_o peace_n o_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thou_o o_o son_n be_v with_o thy_o church_n three_o in_o this_o description_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o person_n subsist_v and_o not_o a_o quality_n some_o heretic_n that_o acknowledge_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n deny_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v hold_v that_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o father_n but_o this_o be_v most_o false_a for_o aâ—_n the_o father_n be_v a_o substance_n fit_v upon_o the_o throne_n so_o here_o we_o see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o substance_n stand_v before_o the_o throne_n four_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n for_o he_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o throne_n as_o do_v the_o father_n nor_o sit_v at_o the_o father_n right_a hand_n as_o do_v the_o son_n but_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n apart_o from_o they_o both_o verse_n 5._o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o lord_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o son_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o be_v grace_n and_o peace_n from_o jesus_n christ._n where_o christ_n jesus_n be_v join_v with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o bestow_v grace_n and_o peace_n on_o his_o church_n here_o some_o may_v ask_v why_o be_v christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n place_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o personâ—_n answer_n for_o 〈◊〉_d cause_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o office_n for_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n second_o as_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n he_o be_v the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n and_o so_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n so_o he_o be_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v where_o christ_n confess_v himself_o to_o be_v senâ—_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o be_v set_v after_o he_o second_o he_o be_v place_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o fit_a progress_n of_o the_o history_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o which_o pen_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o set_v they_o in_o the_o last_o place_n of_o who_o they_o mean_v to_o speak_v most_o as_o matth._n 1._o the_o evangelist_n set_v down_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n from_o abraham_n though_o among_o they_o all_o be_v none_o so_o excellent_a as_o christ_n yet_o place_v he_o the_o last_o because_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n so_o john_n place_v christ_n the_o last_o because_o he_o purpose_v to_o make_v a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o can_v not_o so_o fit_o have_v bring_v in_o if_o he_o have_v place_v he_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o this_o five_o verse_n till_o the_o nine_o he_o describe_v christ_n at_o large_a first_o by_o his_o office_n second_o by_o the_o execution_n thereof_o his_o office_n be_v three_o first_o his_o prophetical_a office_n in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n second_o his_o priestly_a office_n the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a three_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o that_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o execution_n of_o all_o his_o office_n be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o forth_o to_o the_o nine_o verse_n touch_v his_o office_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n we_o may_v note_v three_o thing_n first_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n second_o a_o faithful_a witness_n three_o that_o faithful_a witness_n first_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n isay._n 55.4_o i_o give_v he_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o nation_n by_o his_o witness_n â—earing_v be_v signify_v two_o duty_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n first_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o his_o church_n second_o to_o certify_v the_o church_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o same_o &_o in_o these_o two_o stand_v his_o whole_a office_n prophetical_a for_o the_o first_o to_o reveal_v his_o father_n will_n to_o the_o church_n immediate_o be_v his_o office_n as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o none_o have_v see_v god_n but_o he_o which_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1.18_o now_o christ_n declare_v the_o father_n by_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o person_n while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n but_o from_o the_o begin_n by_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o will_v do_v to_o the_o end_n by_o all_o true_a preacher_n for_o in_o the_o church_n the_o father_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o son_n when_o the_o lord_n rain_v fire_n on_o sodom_n gen._n 19.24_o there_o jehovah_n the_o father_n rain_v down_o by_o jehovah_n the_o son_n so_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n it_o be_v make_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n it_o be_v renew_a to_o noah_n abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n for_o that_o jehovah_n which_o appear_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n exod._n 3._o be_v by_o s._n paul_n call_v christ._n 1._o cor._n 10._o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n write_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o christ_n they_o be_v but_o his_o instrument_n to_o speak_v and_o
pollute_v with_o sin_n that_o once_o wash_v be_v not_o enough_o but_o say_v he_o wash_v i_o again_o and_o again_o rinse_v bathe_v and_o swill_v i_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n till_o i_o be_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o my_o sin_n and_o this_o same_o affection_n shall_v be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o we_o shall_v labour_v that_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o vile_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o make_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n most_o ugly_a and_o filthy_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o that_o the_o stain_n hereof_o be_v so_o deep_o set_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v cleanse_v but_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o christ_n his_o own_o hand_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n blood_n yea_o that_o one_o wash_n will_v not_o serve_v but_o we_o must_v be_v rince_v and_o bathe_v therein_o for_o till_o such_o time_n as_o this_o consideration_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v loathe_v sin_n as_o we_o ought_v or_o come_v to_o this_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n that_o he_o have_v wash_v away_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o this_o humility_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o true_a grace_n and_o comfort_n now_o this_o work_n of_o christ_n in_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n do_v comprehend_v a_o double_a benefit_n first_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n whereby_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o be_v take_v away_o second_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n whereby_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v remove_v and_o abolish_v and_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o s._n john_n propound_v this_o benefit_n general_o without_o limitation_n say_v which_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o any_o believe_v true_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v pardon_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n without_o any_o restraint_n or_o limitation_n either_o of_o number_n or_o quality_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o never_o so_o great_a by_o his_o blood_n how_o can_v blood_n wash_v away_o filthiness_n nay_o it_o rather_o defile_v a_o man_n answ._n this_o wash_n stand_v not_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n blood_n but_o in_o the_o merit_n thereof_o for_o that_o substance_n of_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v be_v lose_v and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o papist_n say_v but_o the_o merit_n thereof_o remain_v still_o and_o christ_n blood_n deserve_v to_o purge_v away_o sin_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o man_n blood_n as_o of_o peter_n john_n etc._n etc._n because_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n not_o of_o the_o godhead_n but_o of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o union_n of_o the_o second_o person_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v 20.28_o god_n redeem_v his_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v christ_n god_n incarnate_a and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o be_v god_n be_v more_o meritorious_a than_o the_o blood_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o beside_o christ_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o public_a person_n in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o in_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o stead_n of_o all_o his_o elect_a so_o as_o when_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v their_o blood_n be_v shâ—â—_n because_o it_o be_v shed_v for_o they_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o other_o private_a man_n can_v answer_v for_o any_o beside_o themselves_o because_o it_o be_v shed_v only_o for_o themselves_o then_o damnable_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n can_v merit_v for_o other_o be_v apply_v unto_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n and_o suffer_v in_o their_o own_o person_n only_o they_o can_v profit_v any_o other_o thereby_o by_o blood_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o passion_n of_o christ_n a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a and_o with_o all_o his_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o in_o fulfil_v the_o law_n he_o suffer_v these_o two_o can_v be_v sever_v save_v only_o in_o thought_n and_o so_o this_o word_n contain_v the_o whole_a obedience_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o procure_v the_o remission_n and_o mortification_n of_o our_o sin_n here_o than_o we_o see_v two_o notable_a benefit_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n his_o love_n &_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n which_o s._n john_n set_v down_o to_o move_v the_o church_n with_o reverence_n &_o diligence_n to_o read_v and_o delight_n in_o this_o book_n all_o of_o we_o will_v say_v we_o be_v sure_a god_n love_v we_o and_o have_v pardon_v our_o sin_n in_o christ_n why_o then_o do_v we_o not_o show_v our_o love_n again_o to_o he_o by_o hear_v and_o read_v his_o word_n set_v down_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o yield_v answerable_a obedience_n thereto_o why_o then_o do_v we_o not_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o serve_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n require_v rom._n 1â—_n 1_o by_o way_n of_o recompense_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n shed_v out_o unto_o we_o but_o alas_o that_o be_v more_o common_a which_o be_v most_o shameful_a to_o turn_v god_n grace_n into_o wantonness_n for_o when_o man_n say_v god_n love_v they_o and_o have_v wash_v away_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o when_o as_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v here_o record_v to_o be_v inâ—ucements_n of_o continual_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a word_n verse_n 6._o and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o god_n even_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o 〈◊〉_d amen_n in_o these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o work_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n and_o on_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o they_o four_o point_n first_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n second_o when_o they_o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o this_o life_n note_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o speech_n have_v maâ—â—_n wherein_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o use_v a_o word_n that_o signify_v the_o time_n past_a three_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o become_v king_n and_o priest_n they_o be_v not_o so_o bear_v but_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o such_o four_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v such_o to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n for_o the_o first_o the_o dignity_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n have_v two_o head_n first_o they_o be_v king_n second_o priest_n they_o be_v call_v king_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n for_o usual_o the_o condition_n of_o most_o believer_n on_o earth_n be_v base_a and_o contemptible_a but_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whereto_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o right_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o and_o by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n 31_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n it_o be_v your_o father_n will_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n and_o again_o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o a_o kingdom_n now_o the_o faithful_a be_v king_n in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n of_o all_o these_o enemy_n sin_n satan_n the_o world_n death_n hell_n and_o their_o own_o flesh_n second_o because_o in_o and_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o salvation_n for_o they_o receive_v of_o christ_n grace_n for_o grace_n and_o so_o answereable_o glory_n for_o glory_n and_o felicity_n for_o felicity_n three_o because_o they_o be_v make_v lord_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n except_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n whether_o thing_n present_a or_o to_o come_v even_o all_o be_v you_o 22._o and_o you_o christ_n quest._n but_o if_o christ_n be_v king_n and_o all_o his_o member_n king_n how_o do_v they_o differ_v answ._n in_o two_o point_n first_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o so_o a_o king_n by_o nature_n have_v the_o right_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o inheritance_n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n
be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n in_o his_o son_n so_o that_o our_o right_n to_o that_o kingdom_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n second_o christ_n be_v a_o universal_a king_n over_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n wheresoever_o his_o regiment_n be_v absolute_a in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o he_o can_v by_o his_o word_n bind_v all_o thing_n but_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o universal_a king_n for_o they_o have_v no_o superiority_n above_o good_a angel_n and_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v they_o absolute_a king_n as_o he_o be_v nor_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o they_o participate_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a believer_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v priest_n consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o christ_n to_o the_o worship_n &_o service_n of_o god_n here_o in_o this_o life_n in_o 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 dâ—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 noâ—_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 aâ—_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 holâ—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 thâ—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 personâ—_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 coâ—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 repeâ—â—_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
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
cause_n of_o his_o banishment_n to_o wit_n for_o testify_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o marie_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o life_n this_o testimony_n s_o john_n put_v down_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v which_o be_v most_o hate_a of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v whereof_o god_n minister_n be_v persecute_v and_o banish_v to_o wit_n the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n especial_o for_o the_o law_n be_v in_o part_n natural_a but_o the_o gospel_n be_v supernatural_a and_o to_o man_n reason_n absurd_a for_o the_o preach_v whereof_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v persecute_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n 3._o now_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o glad_a tiding_n wherein_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o promise_a seed_n be_v come_v who_o have_v indeed_o bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n hereupon_o the_o devil_n malign_v the_o gospel_n above_o all_o part_n of_o god_n word_n and_o according_o have_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o suppress_v the_o same_o partly_o by_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o partly_o by_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n damnable_a heresy_n which_o do_v destroy_v the_o gospel_n by_o deprave_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o outward_a violence_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v now_o see_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n do_v thus_o hate_v the_o gospel_n and_o labour_n to_o extinguish_v it_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n must_v labour_v to_o know_v and_o to_o believe_v to_o love_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o vers._n 10._o and_o i_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n in_o this_o ten_o verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o three_o and_o four_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n the_o three_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o give_v this_o revelation_n to_o john_n namely_o in_o a_o trance_n the_o four_o be_v the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v give_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n touch_v the_o manner_n it_o be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v i_o be_v by_o the_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v into_o a_o trance_n that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o expound_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o phrase_n with_o the_o like_a in_o the_o whole_a pprophecy_n of_o ezechiell_n who_o use_v to_o say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o express_v and_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o therein_o receive_v some_o vision_n by_o the_o spirit_n to_o understand_v this_o the_o better_a consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o a_o trance_n be_v second_o the_o end_n of_o it_o first_o a_o trance_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n or_o action_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o trance_n come_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o star_n nor_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n body_n or_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n as_o some_o have_v fond_o think_v but_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o it_o be_v not_o every_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n above_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v also_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a wherein_o the_o whole_a man_n both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v alter_v which_o saint_n john_n here_o express_v say_v i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o two_o action_n one_o upon_o the_o body_n the_o other_o upon_o the_o mind_n first_o in_o procure_v a_o trance_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v the_o body_n of_o man_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n whereby_o all_o the_o sense_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a be_v benumb_v so_o genes_n 15.12_o when_o god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n he_o cast_v he_o into_o a_o heaume_a sleep_n that_o be_v into_o a_o trance_n wherein_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v benumb_v only_o his_o mind_n be_v wake_v the_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o draw_v it_o from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o all_o the_o sense_n to_o have_v a_o near_a fellowship_n with_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v enlighten_v it_o with_o divine_a light_n that_o it_o may_v understand_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o other_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o in_o that_o of_o 1â—_n peâ—er_n when_o he_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o trance_n be_v namely_o 〈◊〉_d a_o extraordinary_a powerful_a workâ—_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o whole_a man_n caâ—ting_v the_o body_n into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n and_o make_v the_o mind_n fit_a to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o lord_n ii_o point_n the_o end_n of_o trance_n god_n for_o two_o cause_n reveal_v his_o will_n in_o trance_n unto_o his_o servant_n as_o to_o john_n in_o this_o place_n first_o that_o 〈◊〉_d may_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o invent_v of_o themselves_o but_o give_v of_o god_n john_n herein_o have_v no_o use_n of_o his_o bodily_a sense_n he_o neither_o hear_v see_v nor_o feel_v but_o they_o be_v asleep_a and_o therefore_o the_o vision_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o whole_o he_o second_o and_o chief_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v may_v take_v the_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o understanding_n for_o the_o mind_n be_v free_v from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o body_n and_o not_o hinder_v by_o any_o fantasy_n of_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v all_o asleep_a and_o quiet_a do_v then_o most_o lively_a and_o sensible_o apprehend_v and_o retain_v the_o impression_n of_o thing_n reveal_v here_o than_o we_o see_v the_o great_a care_n of_o god_n that_o his_o servant_n may_v thorough_o understand_v certain_o believe_v and_o constant_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o thing_n he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o like_a care_n he_o show_v in_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o all_o his_o former_a prophet_n he_o will_v not_o have_v their_o mind_n trouble_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o hinder_v of_o the_o sense_n inward_a or_o outward_a but_o whole_o take_v up_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n of_o this_o for_o if_o they_o must_v faithful_o teach_v god_n will_v to_o other_o to_o make_v they_o know_v and_o understand_v to_o believe_v &_o remember_v the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v sound_o believe_v and_o firm_o keep_v in_o memory_n whatsoever_o god_n reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o end_n with_o his_o holy_a prophet_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o this_o day_n ought_v to_o employ_v themselves_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o may_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o withal_o believe_v it_o sound_o and_o remember_v it_o careful_o we_o must_v not_o now_o look_v for_o trance_n and_o vision_n as_o they_o have_v but_o we_o must_v use_v continual_a study_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o knowledge_n this_o duty_n concern_v all_o student_n in_o divinity_n and_o all_o other_o which_o desire_v a_o good_a understanding_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o furtherance_n herein_o they_o must_v have_v principal_a care_n to_o search_v into_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n thorough_o thereby_o shall_v they_o best_o conceive_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o great_a facility_n keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n for_o one_o say_v true_o that_o every_o good_a minister_n shall_v be_v a_o good_a text_n man_n whereby_o be_v descry_v a_o common_a fault_n of_o many_o student_n who_o rather_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o ancient_a write_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o spend_v their_o best_a time_n in_o the_o base_a write_n of_o wicked_a &_o heretical_a monk_n and_o friar_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o many_o of_o the_o father_n be_v worthy_a member_n of_o god_n church_n but_o if_o the_o fountain_n be_v leave_v the_o
the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o he_o die_v for_o oâ—r_a sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n rom._n 4.25_o iii_o point_n whether_o may_v the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n change_v this_o sabbath_n day_n to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o to_o tewsday_n wednesday_n etc._n etc._n ans._n the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o power_n for_o time_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o dispose_n thereof_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n act._n 1.6_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o father_n have_v keep_v time_n and_o season_n in_o hiâ—_n own_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v they_o now_o if_o that_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v then_o be_v this_o also_o sound_a and_o good_a if_o god_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n than_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o but_o god_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o all_o time_n in_o his_o hand_n ergo_fw-la and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o henâ—e_v gather_v thus_o if_o that_o which_o be_v less_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n then_o that_o which_o be_v more_o do_v not_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o time_n and_o season_n which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o power_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o dispose_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o so_o by_o consequent_a may_v not_o alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n object_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o jew_n appoint_v festival_n day_n as_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n which_o christ_n keep_v holy_a joh._n 10.22_o institute_v by_o the_o maccabee_n 4._o in_o token_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o their_o deliverance_n and_o for_o restore_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o temple_n which_o antiochus_n have_v pull_v down_o and_o also_o mordichay_n institute_v the_o feast_n purim_n 17._o which_o be_v celebrate_v of_o the_o jew_n afterward_o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v holiday_n than_o they_o may_v alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o so_o may_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n ans._n these_o feast_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o saboath_n set_v whole_o apart_o for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o be_v only_a day_n of_o the_o solemnity_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n in_o token_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o temple_n &_o deliverance_n of_o god_n people_n and_o be_v only_o celebrate_v as_o they_o serve_v to_o put_v the_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o outward_a benefit_n so_o that_o whereas_o some_o hold_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v the_o sabbath_n day_n or_o to_o make_v two_o more_o sabbath_n day_n in_o a_o week_n if_o it_o be_v convenient_a it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n for_o that_o authority_n which_o do_v alter_v this_o day_n must_v not_o be_v less_o than_o apostolical_a and_o thus_o we_o see_v why_o this_o day_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n now_o if_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v the_o lord_n day_n use_n set_v apart_o for_o his_o honour_n in_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a redemption_n than_o here_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n reprove_v first_o those_o that_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n of_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o servant_n who_o spend_v this_o day_n in_o carnal_a rejoice_v in_o riot_n game_n and_o wantonness_n never_o think_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v perform_v but_o these_o sin_n great_o against_o the_o lord_n for_o hereby_o they_o pervert_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o shall_v be_v keep_v holy_a and_o glorious_a to_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o second_o sort_n here_o reprove_v be_v those_o which_o live_v more_o civilltie_n than_o the_o former_a but_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o to_o take_v their_o journey_n thereon_o and_o employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o ordinary_a affair_n persuade_v themselves_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n with_o as_o good_a a_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o about_o their_o business_n as_o they_o do_v who_o go_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o man_n sin_v grievous_o against_o the_o four_o commandment_n for_o hereby_o they_o make_v that_o their_o own_o day_n which_o be_v the_o lord_n a_o three_o sort_n here_o reprove_v though_o not_o so_o bad_a as_o the_o former_a be_v those_o who_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o serve_v god_n at_o those_o ordinary_a time_n of_o the_o sabbath_n which_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n enjoin_v unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v come_v due_o to_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v beside_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v pertain_v either_o to_o their_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v our_o ignorant_a people_n and_o a_o great_a number_n every_o where_o but_o they_o sin_v grievous_o against_o god_n for_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o consecrate_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o they_o part_v stake_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v he_o but_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o day_n and_o that_o the_o lesser_a take_v the_o rest_n unto_o themselves_o which_o thou_o misspend_v upon_o their_o lust_n now_o as_o these_o vice_n must_v be_v abhor_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v with_o all_o conscience_n keep_v the_o lord_n sabbath_n holy_a according_a to_o thâ—_n four_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v thereon_o cease_v from_o all_o work_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o sanctify_v this_o day_n whole_o by_o apply_v it_o all_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n public_a and_o private_a public_a when_o man_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o public_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n and_o to_o call_v on_o god_n name_n for_o further_a grace_n as_o also_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o to_o receive_v his_o sacraman_n private_a when_o man_n in_o their_o private_a place_n employ_v themselves_o in_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n read_v and_o meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n &_o work_n whereby_o god_n be_v honour_v and_o their_o soul_n edify_v and_o both_o these_o must_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o lord_n every_o sabbath_n day_n of_o every_o man_n for_o we_o may_v not_o abridge_v god_n of_o that_o timâ—_n wherein_o glory_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o his_o name_n if_o the_o officer_n shall_v take_v our_o servant_n in_o the_o week_n day_n from_o our_o private_a business_n &_o employ_v they_o in_o public_a affair_n we_o will_v think_v much_o at_o it_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v take_v himself_o dishonour_v of_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v take_v either_o whole_a or_o part_n of_o his_o holiday_n and_o employ_v it_o in_o our_o business_n a_o main_a cause_n why_o many_o profit_n little_a by_o the_o public_a mininisterie_n be_v want_n of_o private_a sanctification_n of_o this_o day_n therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o increase_v in_o faith_n knowledge_n or_o obedience_n as_o we_o shall_v for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v whereof_o this_o day_n have_v be_v set_v apart_o and_o sanctify_a from_o the_o beginning_n object_n 2._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n show_v this_o vision_n unto_o john_n rather_o on_o this_o day_n than_o any_o other_o answ._n though_o john_n be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o bodily_a presence_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a in_o spirit_n withal_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n on_o this_o day_n he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n which_o he_o can_v perform_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o that_o solitary_a place_n now_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n manner_n when_o his_o servant_n be_v thus_o humble_v then_o to_o come_v and_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o they_o in_o special_a manner_n so_o he_o do_v unto_o daniel_n dan._n 9_o and_o to_o cornelius_n act._n 10._o and_o to_o peter_n pray_v
alone_o on_o the_o house_n top_n act._n 10.11_o and_o so_o doubtless_o find_v john_n thus_o employ_v this_o lord_n day_n he_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o we_o learn_v sundry_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o john_n be_v in_o a_o solitary_a island_n keep_v the_o sabbath_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o prisoner_n and_o those_o which_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o dead_a paluesie_a or_o other_o great_a disease_n as_o mariner_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v keep_v holy_a the_o lord_n sabbath_n by_o perform_v such_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v as_o prayer_n confession_n of_o sin_n and_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v though_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o in_o that_o john_n receive_v his_o vision_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o holy_a duty_n hence_o arise_v a_o consolation_n to_o god_n church_n that_o god_n draw_v near_o unto_o they_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o as_o james_n 4.8_o and_o so_o let_v we_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n will_v show_v himself_o sundry_a way_n and_o draw_v near_o unto_o us._n the_o cause_n why_o man_n have_v so_o little_a taste_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o by_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n for_o when_o man_n draw_v back_o from_o god_n be_v it_o not_o good_a reason_n he_o shall_v draw_v back_o from_o they_o this_o therefore_o must_v stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o move_v we_o to_o come_v often_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o by_o use_n in_o these_o duty_n shall_v we_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o i_o hear_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a voice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o trumpet_n first_o here_o follow_v the_o part_n of_o this_o vision_n which_o be_v two_o the_o beginning_n or_o entrance_n into_o it_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o part_n of_o the_o twelve_o second_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n thereof_o from_o the_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o entrance_n into_o the_o vision_n be_v a_o preparation_n whereby_o the_o lord_n make_v john_n more_o fit_a to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o which_o preparation_n we_o must_v observe_v first_o the_o mean_n second_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n prepare_v he_o be_v a_o voice_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n the_o like_a manner_n of_o preparation_n have_v god_n use_v in_o former_a time_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v with_o adam_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n first_o he_o prepare_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n speak_v unto_o he_o before_o he_o appear_v and_o by_o this_o voice_n cause_v he_o to_o sly_a for_o fear_v then_o have_v rebuke_v he_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o make_v with_o he_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n genes_n 3._o and_o in_o mount_n sinai_n before_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o law_n 20._o he_o first_o come_v down_o in_o thunder_a and_o lightning_n and_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o terrify_v the_o people_n and_o then_o he_o utter_v his_o law_n to_o moses_n and_o to_o his_o people_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v instruct_v samuel_n touch_v the_o house_n of_o elie_n 3._o he_o awake_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n again_o and_o again_o and_o then_o speak_v plain_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o all_o vision_n usual_o and_o general_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o prepare_v his_o servant_n by_o voice_n by_o sign_n and_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o fit_a to_o receive_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o reveal_v this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n in_o prepare_v he_o to_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o this_o vision_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o much_o more_o shall_v be_v prepare_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o come_v far_o short_a of_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o john_n who_o yet_o must_v be_v prepare_v our_o come_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a and_o we_o dull_a to_o learn_v we_o must_v therefore_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n prepare_v ourselves_o that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o profit_n the_o cause_n of_o so_o little_a profit_n after_o long_a hear_n be_v want_v of_o preparation_n but_o hereof_o we_o have_v entreat_v already_o upon_o the_o three_o verse_n this_o voice_n be_v here_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o three_o way_n first_o by_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v second_o by_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o three_o by_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n which_o it_o contain_v for_o the_o place_n it_o be_v utter_v from_o behind_o he_o which_o the_o lord_n observe_v to_o stir_v up_o â—â—re_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o usual_o man_n do_v more_o careful_o mark_v those_o thing_n which_o come_v on_o a_o sudden_a behind_o they_o than_o those_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v direct_o before_o their_o face_n second_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o this_o voice_n be_v great_a as_o be_v express_v further_o by_o a_o similitude_n like_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n that_o be_v full_a of_o power_n and_o majesty_n which_o also_o god_n add_v unto_o it_o to_o further_a attention_n in_o john_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o ordinary_a voice_n or_o small_a he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o have_v regard_v it_o but_o be_v so_o sudden_a so_o great_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n it_o can_v not_o but_o make_v he_o very_o attentive_a now_o see_v christ_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o prepare_v johns_n mind_n with_o attention_n and_o diligence_n to_o receive_v the_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v tell_v he_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n of_o attention_n for_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o john_n then_o be_v it_o far_o more_o necessary_a for_o we_o who_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o in_o all_o gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n and_o here_o also_o be_v another_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n and_o little_a like_n of_o god_n word_n namely_o want_v of_o attention_n in_o the_o heart_n we_o must_v therefore_o like_o godly_a lydia_n act._n 16._o stir_v up_o our_o dull_a and_o heavy_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o diligence_n mark_v the_o thing_n we_o hear_v and_o here_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o enemy_n to_o attention_n the_o first_o be_v by-thought_n as_o when_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v present_a but_o the_o mind_n wander_v from_o the_o word_n and_o be_v whole_o possess_v with_o thought_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o worldly_a affair_n for_o these_o be_v thorn_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n many_o will_v complain_v they_o can_v mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v now_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o themselves_o their_o wander_a thought_n which_o hinder_v both_o understanding_n and_o memory_n for_o the_o mind_n conceive_v other_o matter_n can_v observe_v how_o one_o point_n depend_v on_o another_o much_o less_o remember_v they_o afterward_o the_o second_o enemy_n to_o attention_n be_v dulness_n and_o heaviness_n in_o body_n &_o soul_n a_o common_a fault_n in_o many_o hearer_n which_o show_v itself_o by_o drowsiness_n and_o sleepiness_n in_o the_o time_n of_o preach_v when_o they_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o their_o body_n and_o heart_n to_o all_o attention_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o his_o prince_n be_v speak_v unto_o he_o of_o some_o weighty_a matter_n that_o be_v for_o his_o good_a it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o part_n of_o contempt_n and_o disloyalty_n towards_o his_o majesty_n what_o disloyalty_n then_o be_v this_o unto_o the_o king_n of_o king_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a when_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o his_o word_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o sure_o among_o other_o thing_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o small_a profit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n unto_o salvation_n we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v and_o in_o hear_v
general_o whereby_o a_o far_o off_o though_o he_o never_o have_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o party_n a_o man_n may_v see_v the_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o pride_n and_o folly_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o wear_v it_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n attire_n be_v this_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n it_o hang_v not_o loose_v about_o he_o but_o be_v gird_v close_o to_o his_o body_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n every_o way_n ready_o prepare_v to_o do_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n for_o his_o church_n for_o in_o all_o age_n the_o 36._o gird_v of_o the_o attire_n to_o the_o body_n have_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o business_n they_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o the_o contrary_a not_o gird_v a_o sign_n of_o carelessness_n and_o negligence_n therein_o when_o christ_n be_v here_o on_o earth_n he_o be_v most_o pitiful_a to_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n he_o reject_v none_o such_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o regard_v they_o far_o more_o than_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o be_v the_o learned_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o since_o his_o ascension_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v off_o his_o care_n and_o diligence_n but_o be_v always_o ready_a do_v aâ—_n such_o duty_n which_o may_v pertain_v to_o their_o salvation_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o excellent_a comfort_n unto_o all_o such_o as_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n first_o hereby_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o true_o humble_v ourselves_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o receive_v ouâ—_n prayer_n and_o in_o all_o our_o trouble_n &_o temptation_n ready_a to_o relieve_v to_o comfort_v and_o deliver_v we_o and_o in_o our_o death_n ready_a to_o receive_v our_o soul_n yea_o at_o all_o time_n prepare_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o may_v further_o our_o salvation_n he_o be_v not_o like_a unto_o pharoahs_n butler_n who_o promise_v to_o remember_v joseph_n while_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n with_o he_o 40.23_o but_o forget_v he_o quite_o when_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o honour_v again_o but_o he_o be_v always_o mindful_a of_o we_o and_o ever_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o work_n of_o a_o mediator_n for_o us._n whence_o we_o be_v teach_v answereable_o to_o have_v our_o loin_n gird_v as_o christ_n command_v luke_n 12._o verse_n 35._o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o duty_n that_o concern_v christianity_n as_o to_o call_v on_o god_n name_n and_o to_o praise_n god_n to_o practice_v faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n fit_a to_o die_v and_o fit_a to_o live_v never_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v unfit_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n but_o at_o all_o time_n so_o stand_v upon_o our_o watch_n that_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o alas_o the_o case_n with_o most_o man_n go_v far_o otherwise_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n but_o few_o seek_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n till_o death_n do_v come_v this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v it_o be_v a_o treacherous_a part_n in_o any_o subject_n to_o be_v unprepared_a for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o yet_o ever_o ready_a to_o receive_v a_o common_a enemy_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o treason_n against_o god_n to_o forslow_v our_o preparation_n for_o the_o lord_n by_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o the_o world_n further_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v gird_v not_o about_o the_o loin_n but_o about_o the_o pap_n and_o breast_n whereby_o some_o say_v and_o not_o unfit_o be_v signify_v that_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n or_o aberration_n in_o any_o motion_n or_o affection_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o every_o thought_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o hart_n be_v keep_v in_o order_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a verse_n 14._o his_o head_n and_o hair_n be_v white_a as_o white_a wool_n and_o as_o snow_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n in_o the_o three_o place_n john_n here_o describe_v christ_n by_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n the_o whiteness_n of_o his_o head_n &_o hair_n signify_v the_o eternity_n of_o christ._n for_o howsoever_o as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o have_v a_o beginning_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o godhead_n he_o be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o be_v call_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n dan._n 9_o and_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o beginning_n john_n â—_o 1_o that_o be_v to_o have_v have_v a_o be_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o this_o resemblance_n of_o his_o eternity_n by_o head_n and_o hair_n as_o white_a as_o wool_n and_o snow_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v a_o honour_n and_o prerogative_n in_o the_o age_a man_n whereby_o he_o excel_v the_o young_a sort_n to_o wit_n the_o horenesse_n and_o whiteness_n of_o his_o hair_n for_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o most_o worthy_a comparison_n as_o by_o the_o white_a almond_n tree_n eccles._n 12.5_o and_o by_o a_o glorious_a silver_n crown_n not_o make_v by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n set_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o herein_o do_v this_o excellency_n of_o the_o age_a consist_v that_o they_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n eternity_n before_o all_o that_o be_v of_o young_a year_n from_o whence_o all_o young_a man_n be_v teach_v to_o reverence_v the_o age_a by_o 19.23_o rise_v up_o before_o they_o acknowledge_v thereby_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o hoar_a head_n again_o hereby_o the_o age_a be_v teach_v to_o carry_v themselves_o answerable_a to_o their_o estate_n and_o condition_n they_o ought_v to_o excel_v all_o their_o younger_n in_o knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o good_a thing_n 1._o john_n 2.13_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o father_n that_o be_v age_a man_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o year_n be_v father_n because_o you_o have_v know_v he_o who_o be_v everlasting_a also_o they_o must_v be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o be_v eternal_a be_v holy_a who_o eternity_n they_o show_v forth_o and_o therefore_o solomon_n say_v the_o white_a head_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n when_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o one_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n prover_n 16.31_o for_o his_o white_a hair_n signify_v that_o he_o have_v spend_v much_o time_n and_o care_n about_o good_a duty_n but_o it_o be_v no_o ornament_n unless_o it_o be_v join_v with_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o i_o say_v because_o many_o young_a man_n excel_v the_o age_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n &_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o the_o gray_a head_a for_o as_o they_o go_v before_o other_o in_o year_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o excel_v in_o piety_n knowledge_n and_o all_o virtue_n ignorance_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n be_v a_o foul_a vice_n in_o any_o but_o in_o he_o that_o bear_v the_o silver_n crown_v it_o be_v intolerable_a for_o how_o can_v they_o look_v for_o reverence_n from_o the_o young_a when_o as_o they_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o in_o gift_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o old_a man_n to_o say_v their_o wit_n be_v not_o so_o ripe_a as_o young_a man_n be_v and_o their_o memory_n fail_v they_o their_o age_a ignorance_n argue_v that_o they_o spend_v the_o time_n of_o their_o youth_n loose_o and_o profane_o for_o they_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o age_n psal._n 92.13_o 14._o a_o plant_n be_v young_a and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v wear_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o age_n must_v receive_v the_o sap_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n while_o he_o be_v young_a and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n here_o john_n proceed_v in_o describe_v the_o part_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o any_o to_o set_v down_o certain_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v in_o every_o particular_a it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o follow_v that_o interpretation_n which_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o best_a agree_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n word_n in_o this_o description_n of_o christ_n eye_n be_v signify_v to_o we_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n of_o his_o church_n be_v of_o most_o quick_a sharp_a and_o pierce_a sight_n so_o as_o he_o behold_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o earth_n yea_o he_o see_v into_o the_o very_a secret_a thought_n of_o man_n heart_n thither_o can_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o godhead_n more_o easy_o pierce_v than_o fire_n can_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 exâ—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
ver_fw-la 22.23_o iv._o every_o private_a man_n must_v profess_v and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o 1._o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o this_o confession_n must_v be_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n for_o by_o a_o blameless_a and_o holy_a conversation_n every_o christian_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2_o 15_o 16._o see_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o work_n use_n we_o must_v be_v admonish_v every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o we_o christâ—_n religion_n may_v be_v further_v for_o god_n church_n be_v not_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n only_o because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o maintain_v god_n truth_n but_o also_o because_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o pillar_n in_o his_o place_n to_o maintain_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o glory_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v more_o special_a care_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o two_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n oppose_v herself_o against_o false_a teacher_n and_o have_v not_o faint_v here_o christ_n set_v down_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o church_n labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o true_a religion_n and_o thereby_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n namely_o by_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o labour_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o a_o notable_a example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v for_o we_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o for_o many_o year_n sundry_a among_o we_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o against_o all_o enemy_n though_o not_o without_o some_o trouble_n and_o danger_n now_o this_o which_o have_v be_v do_v be_v nothing_o unless_o we_o hold_v on_o our_o good_a course_n constant_o and_o labour_n unto_o death_n in_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o long_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n with_o peace_n for_o usual_o after_o long_a peace_n god_n try_v he_o by_o persecution_n neither_o know_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v of_o trial_n god_n will_v exercise_v us._n therefore_o as_o we_o now_o profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o let_v we_o continue_v constant_a therein_o and_o not_o turn_v with_o time_n or_o state_n for_o than_o we_o lose_v our_o commendation_n at_o christ_n hand_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o church_n for_o her_o virtue_n verse_n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o wit_n a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o decay_n in_o grace_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o here_o christ_n speak_v as_o a_o judge_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o lay_v this_o action_n unto_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n that_o be_v that_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v first_o call_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o love_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v not_o as_o though_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v it_o but_o only_o because_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o decay_v and_o to_o wax_v cold_a in_o good_a work_n but_o some_o will_v say_v they_o be_v before_o commend_v for_o their_o zeal_n and_o labour_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o their_o severity_n against_o false_a teacher_n how_o then_o have_v they_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n answ._n at_o this_o time_n when_o christ_n do_v thus_o reprove_v they_o their_o love_n be_v commendable_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n if_o christ_n have_v something_o against_o this_o church_n for_o leave_v her_o first_o love_n use_n then_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o against_o we_o at_o this_o day_n howsoever_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v high_a in_o his_o favour_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a or_o a_o worse_a estate_n than_o this_o church_n now_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o church_n have_v leave_v off_o their_o first_o love_n and_o the_o great_a part_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o that_o many_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n be_v too_o too_o evident_a for_o such_o as_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n be_v content_a to_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o history_n of_o our_o church_n do_v show_v after_o they_o enjoy_v a_o little_a quietness_n become_v mere_a worldling_n as_o their_o life_n have_v testify_v afterward_o and_o in_o such_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n have_v long_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o of_o ten_o or_o seven_o year_n have_v show_v fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n do_v now_o fall_v away_o and_o show_v none_o at_o all_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v see_v many_o for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o very_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n who_o soon_o after_o suffer_v pleasure_n profit_n or_o preferment_n to_o draw_v they_o quite_o away_o some_o i_o confess_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v free_a from_o this_o decay_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o grievous_a fault_n among_o we_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o these_o be_v the_o day_n whereof_o christ_n say_v 24.12.22_o love_n shall_v wax_v cold_a and_o whereof_o paul_n say_v man_n shall_v be_v 3.2_o lover_n of_o themselves_o for_o take_v the_o most_o congregation_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v long_o preach_v yet_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o hearer_n be_v neither_o better_v for_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o obedience_n but_o remain_v still_o as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v this_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v no_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o have_v a_o formal_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o their_o mouth_n for_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v there_o most_o needs_o be_v increase_n in_o knowledge_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n again_o see_v how_o man_n general_o walk_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o therein_o behold_v a_o mere_a defect_n of_o love_n all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v be_v for_o their_o private_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n no_o regard_n be_v have_v of_o god_n glory_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n herein_o their_o own_o conscience_n shall_v be_v the_o witness_n so_o that_o general_o this_o may_v be_v say_v we_o have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o what_o a_o action_n than_o shall_v we_o think_v have_v christ_n against_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grievous_a and_o so_o our_o case_n fearful_a and_o dangerous_a if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o potentat_fw-la have_v a_o action_n against_o we_o and_o his_o case_n be_v good_a it_o will_v make_v we_o look_v about_o we_o yea_o to_o tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o to_o be_v at_o our_o wit_n end_n behold_v not_o a_o worldly_a prince_n but_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o matter_n against_o we_o just_a and_o grievoâ—â—â—_o oh_o how_o shall_v this_o move_v we_o to_o search_v ourselves_o to_o try_v our_o estate_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o his_o majesty_n we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o this_o charge_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o concern_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n show_v it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v god_n judgement_n by_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v of_o love_n again_o this_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n for_o decay_n of_o love_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o increase_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o brethren_n add_v grace_n to_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o add_v day_n unto_o day_n in_o our_o life_n that_o so_o our_o love_n may_v obound_v read_v 1._o thes._n 4.1.9_o 10_o where_o paul_n urge_v this_o duty_n at_o large_a he_o confess_v they_o do_v love_v one_o
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 mindâ—_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 risâ—_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 â—are_v to_o believe_v and_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o iâ—_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 hâ—â—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 â—nto_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o word_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o go_v beâ—ore_o &_o not_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o thiâ—_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 iudgementâ—_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 oâ—_n one_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o churcheâ—_n for_o the_o firstâ—_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d demand_v seeinâ—_n christ_n spâ—ke_v thâ—se_a wordâ—_n how_o 〈…〉_z be_v say_v that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v theâ—_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 â—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 herâ—_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
the_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a grace_n affirm_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o all_o and_o every_o man_n whatsoever_o unless_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o be_v a_o device_n of_o man_n brain_n for_o life_n eternal_a be_v not_o promise_v to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n come_v of_o adam_n but_o to_o a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v universal_a indeed_o to_o all_o that_o overcome_v but_o that_o be_v a_o property_n which_o restrain_v they_o whole_o to_o true_a believer_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v say_v true_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o have_v overcome_v all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o do_v continual_o stand_v conqueror_n over_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o endless_a joy_n &_o comfort_n which_o will_v cheer_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a distress_n but_o to_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o sin_n be_v or_o will_v be_v a_o hell_n to_o the_o conscience_n what_o avail_n the_o treasure_n &_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n to_o any_o man_n while_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o vassal_n to_o sin_n and_o sathan_n for_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o estate_n he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o labour_v to_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o this_o victory_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o the_o sure_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o thing_n promise_v to_o wit_n life_n everlasting_a note_v by_o this_o gift_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o two_o circumstance_n first_o by_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o second_o by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o cause_n be_v christ_n jesus_n i_o will_v give_v to_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n where_o he_o make_v a_o opposition_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o adam_n sin_v and_o thereby_o cast_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o posterity_n out_o of_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n but_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n come_v and_o suffer_v for_o sin_n and_o thereby_o open_v the_o way_n to_o a_o better_a paradise_n than_o the_o first_o adam_n lose_v and_o to_o all_o that_o overcome_v he_o give_v liberty_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n proper_o be_v a_o tree_n place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o earthy_a paradise_n and_o it_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n and_o sacrament_n unto_o adam_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n second_o because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v prove_v virtue_n and_o power_n whereby_o it_o will_v have_v preserve_v he_o from_o death_n and_o old_a age_n for_o ever_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o innocence_n this_o earthly_a tree_n of_o life_n be_v a_o figure_n and_o sign_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n who_o live_v a_o eternal_a spiritual_a life_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o that_o not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o for_o this_o end_n that_o hâ—e_v may_v convey_v quicken_a spiritual_a life_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o term_v himself_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n further_o he_o say_v he_o will_v give_v hereof_o to_o eat_v to_o eat_v sometime_o signify_v to_o believe_v john_n 6.50_o but_o it_o can_v hear_v be_v so_o take_v for_o faith_n end_v with_o this_o life_n and_o have_v no_o use_n afterward_o therefore_o to_o eat_v in_o this_o place_n signify_v to_o have_v immediate_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n where_o christ_n shall_v be_v unto_o he_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o make_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o promise_n note_v two_o point_n i._o in_o what_o thing_n eternal_a life_n consist_v namely_o in_o immediate_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n second_o that_o life_n eternal_a stand_v not_o in_o outward_a mean_n as_o meat_n drink_n clothing_n physic_n recreation_n sleep_n and_o such_o like_a but_o in_o a_o immediate_a partake_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o unto_o we_o immediate_o then_o do_v we_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o thereby_o shall_v live_v eternal_o ii_o circum_v the_o place_n where_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o heaven_n a_o place_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v manifest_v himself_o in_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o elect_a hereof_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o theâ—fe_n on_o the_o cross_n say_v this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luk._n 23.43_o and_o hither_o be_v paul_n wrap_v in_o vision_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v thing_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v 12._o and_o he_o call_v it_o the_o three_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o heaven_n under_o it_o for_o the_o place_n wherein_o we_o breath_n be_v the_o first_o heaven_n the_o starry_a firmament_n be_v the_o second_o heaven_n and_o this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o which_o be_v therefore_o call_v paradise_n because_o it_o be_v a_o place_n of_o endless_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o add_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o it_o and_o adam_n earthly_a paradise_n but_o also_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a place_n so_o rabel_n say_v i_o have_v wrestle_v with_o my_o sister_n 8._o the_o wrestle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v strong_a wrestle_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n the_o mountain_n of_o god_n do_v signify_v high_a and_o mighty_a mountain_n and_o that_o this_o paradise_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a place_n appear_v at_o large_a revel_v 22._o for_o therein_o must_v come_v none_o unclean_a thing_n but_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v there_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v there_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o become_v all_o thing_n unto_o theâ—_n immediate_o so_o that_o this_o must_v needs_o beâ—â—_n place_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o place_n in_o this_o heavenly_a paradise_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heartâ—_n upon_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o this_o world_n which_o pass_v away_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o in_o the_o end_n be_v but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n when_o we_o have_v all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v but_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o paradise_n of_o god_n be_v endless_a and_o unspeakable_a let_v we_o therefore_o deny_v ourselves_o depend_v upon_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o epistle_n verse_n 8._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o smirnian_o write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v to_o the_o twelve_o iâ—_n lay_v down_o the_o second_o letter_n or_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o another_o church_n of_o asia_n call_v smyrna_n before_o the_o epistle_n christ_n give_v a_o second_o particular_a commandment_n unto_o john_n touch_v the_o writing_n hereof_o unto_o this_o church_n in_o these_o word_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o smirnian_o write_v which_o be_v prefix_v to_o this_o epistle_n that_o this_o church_n and_o all_o other_o church_n of_o god_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v sufficient_a warrant_n and_o call_n for_o the_o write_n hereof_o which_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o church_n need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o receive_v the_o same_o as_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v warrant_n and_o call_n for_o every_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v in_o god_n church_n use_n for_o the_o
in_o two_o thing_n in_o due_a deserve_a praise_n &_o commendation_n &_o in_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o their_o good_a virtue_n &_o godly_a life_n and_o for_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n commend_v antipas_n unto_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v his_o good_a conversation_n but_o as_o for_o popish_a honour_n of_o invocation_n &_o adoration_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n again_o in_o call_v he_o faithful_a martyr_n he_o commend_v more_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n than_o the_o death_n to_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n not_o the_o death_n for_o a_o heretic_n may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o damnable_a opinion_n therefore_o antipas_n be_v a_o martyr_n not_o because_o he_o be_v slay_v but_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n ii_o point_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n christ_n show_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o antipas_n his_o death_n namely_o such_o among_o they_o in_o who_o satan_n rule_v for_o he_o be_v slay_v say_v christ_n among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o word_n he_o repent_v to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o persecutor_n let_v they_o carry_v what_o face_n they_o will_v be_v in_o truth_n such_o in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v where_o he_o have_v his_o hold_n and_o keep_v possession_n quest._n why_o do_v satan_n more_o dwell_v there_o than_o in_o other_o place_n answ._n because_o many_o in_o this_o place_n be_v gentile_n who_o contemn_v and_o mock_v the_o gospel_n and_o maintain_v idolatry_n whereby_o they_o become_v the_o hold_n of_o satan_n and_o by_o proportion_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o all_o contemner_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o wicked_a way_n be_v indeed_o the_o stable_n and_o hold_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o many_o family_n as_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v mock_v god_n name_n blaspheme_v injustice_n and_o impiety_n practise_v so_o many_o hold_v of_o satan_n there_o be_v where_o the_o devil_n rule_v and_o such_o they_o continue_v till_o they_o reform_v themselves_o of_o their_o impiety_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n of_o family_n especial_o shall_v love_v the_o gospel_n and_o see_v that_o in_o their_o family_n religion_n be_v teach_v embrace_v and_o obey_v that_o so_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v no_o hold_n in_o their_o family_n que._n whether_o may_v not_o antipas_n be_v pastor_n of_o this_o church_n have_v flee_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n answ._n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o persecution_n one_o that_o be_v direct_o intend_v against_o the_o pastor_n principal_o the_o other_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o in_o the_o persecution_n direct_v against_o the_o pastor_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v whether_o god_n give_v he_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o fly_v or_o not_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n he_o may_v fly_v and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assist_v he_o and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o his_o preservation_n but_o if_o god_n deny_v he_o mean_n to_o escape_v than_o he_o must_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o name_n and_o so_o he_o may_v not_o fly_v and_o such_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o antipas_n in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o the_o persecution_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o whole_a church_n equal_o than_o the_o pastor_n may_v not_o fly_v but_o take_v part_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o stay_v and_o comfort_v his_o brethren_n verse_n 14._o but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n which_o teach_v balac_n to_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n here_o follow_v the_o reproof_n of_o this_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o be_v first_o general_o propound_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o second_o in_o particular_a for_o want_v of_o zeal_n in_o suffer_v among_o they_o such_o as_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balam_n three_o he_o set_v down_o a_o reason_n or_o confirmation_n thereof_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 14_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o the_o general_a reproof_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v out_o against_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n vers_n 4._o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o special_a duty_n namely_o that_o every_o man_n must_v serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o sin_n he_o have_v in_o he_o which_o christ_n may_v have_v to_o lay_v unto_o his_o charge_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n do_v christ_n rehearse_v it_o unto_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v call_v ourselves_o to_o reckon_n and_o examine_v ourselves_o not_o by_o our_o own_o wit_n but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o search_v out_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o see_v how_o many_o thing_n christ_n may_v have_v against_o we_o that_o so_o make_v a_o beforehand_a reckon_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v clear_v by_o true_a repentance_n we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v this_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o conscionable_a obedience_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v perish_v eternal_o for_o a_o day_n of_o account_n will_v come_v wherein_o we_o shall_v never_o escape_v unless_o by_o a_o beforehand_a reckon_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o prevent_v the_o same_o lamentable_a and_o fearful_a be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o never_o call_v themselves_o to_o this_o account_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o remorse_n hos_fw-la 7.2_o hereof_o jeremie_n complain_v 8.6_o that_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o denounce_v fearful_a judgement_n against_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o old_a world_n 24._o man_n know_v nothing_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o this_o security_n bring_v man_n soul_n to_o hell_n before_o they_o wot_v where_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o david_n cry_v out_o psal._n 50._o vers_fw-la 22._o oh_o consider_v this_o mean_v the_o account_n that_o god_n will_v take_v with_o they_o lest_o god_n tear_v they_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o the_o end_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o account_n make_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o many_o a_o one_o for_o how_o shall_v man_n embrace_v with_o comfort_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n till_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o their_o enmity_n with_o god_n and_o desert_n of_o condemnation_n ii_o point_n because_o thou_o have_v they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o particular_a reproof_n of_o this_o church_n for_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o that_o they_o entertain_v and_o suffer_v heretical_a minister_n to_o live_v among_o they_o which_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n this_o show_v that_o though_o they_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o cold_o and_o without_o that_o fervent_a zeal_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v against_o such_o heretic_n use_n here_o first_o christ_n teach_v this_o church_n to_o show_v forth_o zeal_n in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o such_o heretic_n as_o by_o damnable_a doctrine_n do_v trouble_v they_o this_o place_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n when_o man_n hold_v heretical_a opinion_n the_o church_n after_o two_o or_o three_o admonition_n be_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o so_o do_v paul_n to_o hymaeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1._o tim._n 1.20_o second_o christ_n reprove_v this_o church_n for_o entertain_v such_o heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o every_o member_n of_o god_n church_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a dislike_n of_o all_o person_n that_o hold_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o truth_n but_o maintain_v error_n against_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n to_o 5._o separat_fw-la
in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o renew_v of_o their_o repentance_n all_o which_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n fearful_a and_o careful_a than_o secure_a for_o with_o the_o mean_n be_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n both_o attein_v and_o preserve_v so_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o offence_n but_o a_o true_a doctrine_n that_o beat_v out_o the_o plain_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n second_o christ_n his_o detestation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n must_v admonish_v we_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o our_o behaviour_n every_o way_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o any_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v balaams_n scholar_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o special_a observation_n we_o must_v look_v to_o our_o communication_n that_o it_o be_v void_a of_o rail_v &_o bad_a speech_n and_o to_o our_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a in_o every_o thing_n we_o must_v have_v care_v not_o to_o hinder_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n woe_n 7._o be_v to_o they_o say_v christ_n that_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o huge_a millstone_n such_o as_o a_o ass_n can_v but_o turn_v about_o as_o the_o word_n import_v be_v tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o a_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n give_v his_o brother_n a_o offence_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o plunge_v his_o brother_n soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v fly_v offence_n as_o hell_n itself_o yea_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v help_v our_o brethren_n forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o remove_v from_o they_o all_o stumble_a block_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v our_o church_n will_v abound_v with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v want_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o we_o have_v so_o small_a increase_n after_o long_a labour_n in_o preach_v for_o example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n do_v quench_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n three_o hereby_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o have_v special_a care_n against_o offence_n give_v by_o evil_a counsel_n or_o bad_a example_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o other_o then_o be_v it_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o us._n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v many_o offence_n give_v but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o take_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o christ_n bid_v we_o â—_o if_o thy_o foot_n offend_v thou_o or_o thy_o haâ—d_a cut_v it_o off_o or_o thy_o eye_n pluck_v it_o out_o teach_v we_o to_o forgo_v the_o dear_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o if_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereto_o mark_v the_o israelit_n example_n in_o the_o wilderness_n while_o they_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o observe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n all_o balaams_n curse_n be_v turn_v into_o blessing_n but_o when_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n &_o fornication_n with_o the_o moabitish_a woman_n then_o be_v god_n wrath_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o his_o plague_n seize_v upon_o they_o even_o so_o if_o our_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o enjoy_v and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o become_v a_o penitent_a and_o obedient_a people_n unto_o god_n then_o may_v balaam_n curse_v and_o all_o our_o enemy_n spit_v their_o venom_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a but_o if_o we_o let_v go_v true_a religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o fall_v to_o sin_n than_o we_o must_v look_v for_o â—ods_n heavy_a judgement_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o his_o wrath_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n four_o when_o balaams_n curse_v will_v not_o prevail_v than_o do_v fair_a woman_n and_o banquet_v draw_v they_o to_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v take_v from_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o preferment_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o soon_o prevail_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v like_o a_o besiege_a city_n when_o a_o huge_a army_n can_v sack_v it_o than_o silver_n and_o gold_n will_v open_v the_o gate_n hereof_o even_o so_o when_o adversity_n can_v make_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v religion_n &_o good_a conscience_n then_o by_o prosperity_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v the_o devil_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v ease_n pleasure_n and_o outward_a blessing_n at_o will_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a case_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n than_o other_o unless_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o special_a grace_n to_o watch_v against_o these_o please_a temptation_n this_o make_v godly_a job_n 1.5_o to_o sanctify_v his_o child_n every_o day_n when_o they_o feast_v each_o other_o at_o their_o house_n lest_o any_o one_o than_o shall_v have_v blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n because_o he_o know_v the_o devil_n by_o pleasure_n will_v soon_o wind_v himself_o into_o their_o heart_n last_o note_v the_o order_n of_o these_o sin_n first_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o sit_v at_o idol_n feast_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v adultery_n where_o we_o see_v that_o these_o two_o sin_n go_v together_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o be_v idolatry_n and_o bodily_a adultery_n one_o be_v the_o plague_n &_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o that_o people_n which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n will_v god_n give_v up_o to_o bodily_a adultery_n as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o these_o israeliâ—s_n so_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o turk_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n who_o maintain_n fornication_n in_o tollerate_v stew_n and_o further_o it_o much_o by_o their_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n wherewith_o they_o bind_v the_o conscience_n though_o the_o party_n want_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n verse_n 15._o even_o so_o have_v thou_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o which_o thing_n i_o haâ—e_v here_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o comparison_n where_o christ_n set_v down_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o the_o nicolaitan_o be_v second_o how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o what_o they_o be_v be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n even_o so_o which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o resemblance_n or_o comparison_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n go_v before_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v the_o nicolaitan_o be_v a_o seâ—t_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n that_o maintain_v two_o damnable_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n i._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n sit_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n iâ—_n that_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o commit_v it_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o hold_v such_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v hereby_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v a_o like_n of_o their_o wicked_a opinion_n let_v we_o examine_v their_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v ground_v for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o will_v plead_v thus_o i._o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n liberty_n thing_n indifferent_a may_v â—e_v lawful_o use_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v ans._n meat_n and_o drink_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n if_o they_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o market_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o paul_n teach_v at_o large_a 1._o cor._n 10.25.29_o but_o if_o these_o meat_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o idol_n they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o the_o nicolaitan_o hold_v this_o to_o be_v lawful_a ii_o reason_n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 8.4_o and_o therefore_o we_o sin_v not_o in_o eat_v meat_n offer_v unto_o they_o ans._n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o nature_n subsist_v nothing_o
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 â—_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 1â—_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 oâ—_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 1â—.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 â—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
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 meeâ—_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 â—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
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 serueâ—_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