be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o vow_n in_o baptism_n for_o as_o they_o account_v gain_v godliness_n so_o gold_n be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o say_v to_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n see_v then_o all_o these_o be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o remember_v what_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o withal_o have_v care_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a as_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o young_a widow_n damnation_n belong_v unto_o us._n the_o four_o virtue_n for_o which_o this_o church_n be_v commend_v be_v patience_n of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o verse_n 2._o here_o only_a note_n that_o it_o be_v join_v with_o love_n to_o man_n with_o fidelity_n to_o god_n and_o with_o service_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n whereby_o christ_n will_v signify_v that_o no_o good_a thing_n can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o man_n without_o patience_n love_n be_v no_o love_n without_o patience_n neither_o be_v faith_n any_o faith_n without_o patience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n love_v another_o for_o his_o love_n he_o shall_v sometime_o receive_v hatred_n now_o unless_o he_o have_v patience_n to_o bear_v that_o hatred_n his_o love_n will_v surcease_v and_o so_o if_o a_o man_n have_v care_n to_o be_v faithful_a unto_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v much_o contempt_n so_o that_o unless_o he_o have_v patience_n to_o bear_v the_o same_o his_o faithfulness_n will_v fail_v patience_n bring_v forth_o experience_n and_o experience_n hope_v rom._n 5.4_o &_o rom._n 15.4_o no_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o hope_v without_o patience_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a the_o good_a ground_n 8.15_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n though_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o good_a gift_n yet_o without_o patience_n he_o can_v put_v they_o in_o practice_n this_o therefore_o we_o must_v join_v with_o all_o the_o good_a grace_n we_o have_v as_o peter_n counsel_v we_o 2._o peter_n 1.6_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o temptation_n and_o apprehend_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sore_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v without_o patience_n he_o will_v despair_v without_o patience_n a_o man_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o well-doing_n both_o in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n heb._n 10.36_o and_o thy_o work_n here_o christ_n repeat_v his_o general_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n which_o we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o be_v do_v in_o vain_a but_o hereby_o he_o will_v let_v we_o see_v how_o exceed_v well_o he_o do_v approve_v of_o their_o work_n the_o cause_n why_o he_o like_v they_o so_o well_o be_v their_o increase_n in_o well-doing_n whereof_o we_o shall_v entreat_v afterward_o christ_n repeat_v his_o approbation_n of_o their_o work_n after_o four_o worthy_a virtue_n use_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o what_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o work_n that_o shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n namely_o these_o four_o thing_n faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n faith_n be_v necessary_a because_o in_o well_o do_v a_o man_n must_v testify_v his_o fidelity_n to_o god_n which_o he_o shall_v best_o do_v if_o first_o he_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n whether_o god_n have_v command_v that_o work_n to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v a_o good_a intent_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o work_n as_o be_v common_o think_v though_o false_o but_o our_o work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n second_o love_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o good_a work_n we_o go_v about_o for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 13.3_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o bestow_v all_o his_o good_n in_o alm_n upon_o the_o poor_a yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o these_o in_o love_n it_o will_v not_o please_v god_n three_o service_n to_o man_n be_v require_v in_o our_o good_a work_n this_o must_v be_v careful_o mark_v for_o the_o end_n of_o man_n life_n be_v in_o his_o calling_n to_o serve_v man_n and_o by_o that_o to_o serve_v god_n col._n 3.24_o servant_n must_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o in_o their_o person_n do_v service_n unto_o christ._n and_o that_o which_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o servant_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o work_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n they_o must_v be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o as_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v in_o they_o this_o overthrow_v the_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o think_v that_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n of_o all_o be_v fast_v pilgramage_n wear_v of_o rough_a attire_n and_o whip_v of_o their_o body_n for_o good_a work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o benefit_v man_n either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o these_o work_n of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n neither_o do_v they_o profit_v the_o doer_n nor_o any_o other_o fast_v have_v it_o place_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o good_a work_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o last_o patience_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o man_n faint_v not_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n shall_v be_v sure_a of_o many_o cross_n partly_o from_o man_n and_o partly_o from_o satan_n as_o also_o by_o god_n providence_n now_o when_o these_o befall_v a_o man_n in_o well_o do_v without_o patience_n they_o will_v stay_v his_o proceed_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o be_v good_a ground_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n use_n these_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o make_v a_o work_n acceptable_a to_o god_n we_o must_v labour_v in_o every_o action_n of_o our_o lawful_a call_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v to_o practice_v the_o same_o in_o faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n we_o must_v not_o tie_v good_a work_n to_o church_n matter_n only_o as_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o give_v alm_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o work_n of_o a_o man_n lawful_a call_n be_v it_o never_o so_o base_a with_o these_o virtue_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n in_o it_o kind_a as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a work_n that_o be_v not_o for_o the_o work_n itself_o but_o because_o therein_o do_v appear_v faith_n love_n service_n and_o patience_n and_o because_o this_o church_n so_o perform_v their_o work_n therefore_o do_v god_n double_a his_o approbation_n the_o last_o virtue_n for_o which_o this_o church_n be_v commend_v be_v increase_v in_o godliness_n in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o than_o at_o the_o first_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v before_o reprove_v for_o decay_n and_o loss_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o this_o church_n do_v grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o be_v her_o work_n more_o approve_v than_o the_o work_n of_o any_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o congregation_n may_v be_v commend_v for_o their_o increase_n in_o godliness_n in_o faith_n obedience_n use_n and_o other_o good_a work_n but_o that_o can_v just_o be_v do_v for_o the_o number_n of_o our_o people_n be_v increase_v but_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n do_v not_o appear_v many_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o though_o they_o hear_v much_o yet_o they_o profit_v little_a so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 5.12_o whereas_o concern_v the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v again_o that_o we_o teach_v you_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o paul_n say_v of_o certain_a woman_n 7_o they_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n other_o also_o though_o they_o know_v something_o yet_o they_o practise_v less_o than_o they_o which_o know_v nothing_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o many_o that_o heretofore_o have_v â—ad_v good_a beginning_n in_o they_o by_o their_o bad_a conversation_n and_o the_o greedy_a care_n of_o this_o world_n have_v lose_v the_o same_o again_o and_o go_v backward_o in_o knowledge_n in_o obedience_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v those_o that_o be_v like_a to_o
gospel_n when_o he_o preach_v god_n word_n be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v faithful_a witness_n sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n first_o they_o must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o before_o all_o testimony_n of_o man_n in_o the_o office_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o christ_n to_o 4.34_o teach_v his_o father_n will_n eleazar_n abraham_n elder_a servant_n show_v his_o fidelity_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o have_v do_v his_o master_n message_n gen._n 24.33_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v special_a care_n of_o that_o weighty_a message_n commit_v unto_o they_o second_o they_o must_v testify_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v matter_n of_o salvation_n as_o faith_n obedience_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n among_o man_n we_o count_v he_o a_o faithful_a witness_n which_o testify_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o his_o church_n herein_o paul_n clear_v himself_o 27._o that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n blood_n see_v he_o deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o keep_v nothing_o back_o three_o he_o must_v neither_o add_v unto_o or_o take_v away_o much_o less_o in_o any_o case_n deprave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o false_a prophet_n teach_v some_o truth_n but_o withal_o they_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o or_o detract_v from_o god_n truth_n something_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o man_n may_v hear_v thing_n concern_v moral_a virtue_n handle_v sound_o but_o come_v to_o justification_n and_o thereto_o they_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o man_n work_n &_o so_o they_o deal_v with_o faith_n and_o repentance_n matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o take_v away_o one_o part_n and_o add_v another_o to_o the_o scripture_n they_o hold_v the_o creed_n in_o word_n yet_o in_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o same_o as_o by_o their_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v &_o so_o show_v themselves_o false_a witness_n four_o a_o faithful_a witness_n must_v deliver_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o best_o beseem_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o best_a approve_v that_o be_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a and_o familiar_a kind_n of_o speech_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v touch_v &_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v edify_v when_o the_o word_n be_v otherwise_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n or_o for_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n or_o much_o read_n though_o nothing_o be_v say_v but_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o that_o so_o dispense_v it_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a witness_n because_o he_o corrupt_v the_o word_n by_o his_o vain_a delivery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o age_n in_o many_o minister_n who_o teach_v the_o truth_n indeed_o but_o yet_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o seek_v themselves_o and_o not_o god_n glory_n respect_v little_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o simple_a so_o themselves_o may_v be_v famous_a for_o wit_n eloquence_n and_o learning_n but_o these_o man_n make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n like_v to_o huxter_n that_o by_o starch_v blow_v and_o spice_v set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o their_o ware_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o will_v banish_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o our_o land_n unless_o it_o be_v reform_v second_o this_o title_n of_o christ_n that_o faithful_a witness_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o the_o damnable_a practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n for_o christ_n this_o faithful_a witness_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o his_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o 5.10_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o not_o do_v make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o a_o liar_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o horrible_a &_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n for_o when_o the_o law_n be_v apply_v who_o be_v afraid_a and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v yet_o who_o believe_v our_o report_n god_n minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o little_a child_n we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v this_o deadness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o man_n be_v not_o move_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o this_o fearful_a unbelief_n whereby_o they_o make_v christ_n a_o false_a witness_n this_o therefore_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o consider_v in_o ourselves_o the_o heinousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v strive_v against_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o word_n into_o our_o heart_n tremble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o each_o part_n thereof_o may_v have_v his_o perfect_a work_n in_o we_o for_o which_o end_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o among_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o burn_a lake_n unbeliever_n be_v set_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n revel_v 21._o vers_fw-la 8._o three_o see_v christ_n jesus_n be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o man_n conscience_n in_o particular_a of_o their_o salvation_n we_o learn_v that_o every_o one_o which_o profess_v himself_o to_o repent_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o election_n redemption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n belong_v to_o he_o particular_o and_o though_o this_o be_v against_o all_o humane_a sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v a_o faithful_a witness_n avouch_v the_o same_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o testimony_n for_o by_o unbelief_n we_o great_o dishonour_v our_o witness_n bearer_n by_o deny_v truth_n unto_o his_o record_n here_o than_o we_o see_v it_o it_o no_o presumption_n as_o the_o papist_n say_v to_o believe_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o particular_a nay_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a sin_n in_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v christ_n a_o most_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hereto_o also_o serve_v the_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o seal_v up_o unto_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n the_o minister_n give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o they_o that_o true_o repent_v be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v believe_v thou_o and_o life_n eternal_a belong_v to_o thou_o and_o the_o first_o beget_v of_o the_o dead_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o second_o office_n of_o christ_n namely_o his_o priesthood_n the_o principal_a action_n whereof_o stand_v in_o die_v in_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n and_o here_o s._n john_n allude_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o family_n among_o the_o jew_n compare_v christ_n to_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o as_o among_o they_o he_o which_o be_v first_o bear_v and_o elder_a of_o the_o family_n have_v many_o privilege_n and_o preeminence_n above_o his_o brethren_n as_o lordship_n right_a of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o double_a portion_n etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n he_o have_v his_o privilege_n yea_o even_a christ_n crucify_v he_o have_v his_o prerogative_n among_o the_o dead_a above_o all_o that_o be_v dead_a so_o paul_n expound_v this_o title_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o beginning_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n coloss._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n dead_a and_o bury_v among_o all_o the_o dead_a be_v two_o first_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o so_o to_o glory_v some_o indeed_o have_v rise_v before_o christ_n from_o natural_a death_n to_o natural_a life_n as_o lazarus_n but_o it_o be_v to_o die_v again_o and_o moses_n and_o elias_n assume_v their_o body_n in_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n but_o yet_o they_o lay_v they_o down_o again_o to_o the_o former_a misery_n of_o corruption_n for_o a_o time_n but_o christ_n jesus_n rosâ—_n from_o death_n to_o life_n eternal_a never_o to_o die_v again_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o step_n into_o his_o glory_n second_o that_o by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o raise_v up_o
god_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o pure_a and_o just_a in_o sundry_a point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o to_o hold_v ourselves_o content_a and_o to_o reverence_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n thereof_o nay_o though_o to_o we_o they_o seem_v against_o all_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v uncorrupt_a though_o the_o blind_a eye_n of_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v full_a of_o light_n so_o though_o our_o blind_a eye_n can_v â—e_v â—old_a the_o purity_n of_o god_n work_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o do_v in_o justice_n and_o equity_n yea_o they_o be_v justice_n itself_o for_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n do_v a_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o right_n but_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n good_a and_o right_n because_o god_n will_v and_o work_v it_o example_n 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first_o christ_n send_v and_o show_v this_o revelation_n this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o two_o special_a cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o pen_n and_o publish_v this_o book_n rash_o but_o by_o call_v and_o warrant_n from_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o must_v be_v our_o behaviour_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whatsoever_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v look_v we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o call_n and_o with_o out_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n if_o this_o duty_n be_v practise_v there_o will_v be_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o more_o care_n of_o just_a deal_n with_o man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n second_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v note_v to_o get_v more_o reverend_a acceptance_n and_o great_a authority_n to_o this_o book_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v send_v by_o a_o holy_a angel_n if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v write_v his_o letter_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o withal_o send_v it_o by_o one_o of_o his_o guard_n we_o doubt_v the_o subject_n will_v receive_v it_o most_o reverent_o behold_v this_o book_n be_v the_o epistle_n and_o letter_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n what_o reverence_n therefore_o and_o acceptation_n ought_v this_o to_o find_v sure_o a_o thousand_o fold_n more_o with_o every_o one_o than_o the_o writing_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n whatsoever_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o christ_n employ_v about_o this_o revelation_n and_o they_o be_v two_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o saint_n john_n for_o the_o first_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o 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and_o therefore_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o second_o instrument_n here_o employ_v by_o christ_n be_v john_n this_o john_n be_v son_n to_o zebedeus_n and_o so_o kinsman_n unto_o christ_n a_o bless_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o pen_v one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o three_o epistle_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o be_v that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v and_o to_o procure_v the_o more_o credit_n and_o reverence_n to_o this_o book_n he_o describe_v himself_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o by_o a_o property_n call_v himself_o christ_n his_o servant_n second_o by_o a_o effect_n or_o action_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o god_n word_n vers_fw-la 2._o for_o the_o first_o note_z that_o john_n do_v not_o call_v himself_o that_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v nor_o the_o kinsman_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v be_v ally_v unto_o he_o for_o johns_n mother_n be_v sister_n to_o joseph_n christ_n suppose_v father_n and_o cousin_n german_a to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n john_n have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o â—earers_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n be_v esteem_v more_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o he_o than_o any_o bond_n of_o outward_a alliance_n can_v possible_o make_v they_o math._n 12.50_o luk._n 11.28_o but_o he_o call_v himself_o christ_n servant_n have_v yield_v up_o himself_o to_o do_v his_o will_n for_o herein_o stand_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v service_n unto_o christ._n the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v never_o find_v such_o favour_n with_o god_n to_o have_v be_v christ_n mother_n if_o she_o have_v not_o withal_o become_v christ_n servant_n she_o bear_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o her_o womb_n by_o conception_n or_o else_o she_o have_v never_o be_v save_v by_o he_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o outward_a dignity_n as_o blood_n royal_a noble_a parentage_n and_o such_o like_a will_v nothing_o further_a a_o man_n salvation_n he_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ_n must_v become_v his_o servant_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o do_v his_o will_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o paul_n say_v circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n â—_o 16_o 17._o again_o consider_v in_o what_o regard_n john_n be_v here_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n as_o all_o true_a christian_n do_v but_o more_o special_o because_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v his_o particular_a call_n so_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o a_o apostle_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n cap._n 1.1_o and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 9_o because_o he_o do_v service_n unto_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o show_v ourselves_o christ_n servant_n in_o our_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o office_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o profess_v service_n unto_o christ_n by_o hear_v his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n and_o keep_v his_o saboathe_n but_o unless_o therewithal_o we_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n our_o outward_a profession_n be_v flat_a hypocrisy_n this_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n buyer_n seller_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n shall_v careful_o observe_v for_o unless_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o their_o special_a calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v service_n unto_o christ_n their_o public_a service_n in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n shall_v never_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a micha_n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o vers._n 2._o which_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o thâ—ngs_n that_o he_o see_v here_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o john_n describe_v himself_o namely_o by_o this_o action_n or_o effect_n in_o bear_v record_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o partly_o by_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o by_o preach_v he_o bare_a witness_n and_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v diverse_a part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n add_v and_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n say_v and_o do_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o he_o bare_a record_n say_v and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o here_o he_o allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o testimony_n we_o
ministry_n will_v soon_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o man_n invention_n again_o in_o this_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o john_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n saying_n to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v â—5_n for_o though_o john_n be_v endue_v with_o rare_a knowledge_n and_o singular_a gift_n yet_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o knowledge_n to_o his_o former_a the_o lord_n find_v he_o faithful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o reveal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o secret_n unto_o he_o in_o most_o full_a manner_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n at_o this_o day_n all_o that_o have_v care_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v it_o though_o their_o knowledge_n be_v small_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v they_o and_o add_v daily_o to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n not_o but_o wax_v worse_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n be_v because_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o have_v their_o knowledge_n increase_v by_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o know_v for_o if_o they_o do_v then_o to_o he_o which_o have_v shall_v more_o be_v add_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o be_v negligent_a to_o hear_v or_o know_v and_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o spirit_n indeed_o send_v upon_o we_o yet_o not_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o blindness_n &_o ignorance_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o see_v not_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o isay._n 6.9_o 6.9_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o four_o circumstance_n namely_o the_o time_n when_o this_o vision_n be_v show_v to_o s._n john_n this_o day_n which_o here_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o we_o sunday_n it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o on_o this_o day_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v bury_v the_o even_a of_o the_o jew_n sabboath_n which_o be_v our_o friday_n and_o he_o rest_v in_o the_o grave_a their_o whole_a sabbath_n which_o be_v our_o saturday_n and_o rise_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n which_o be_v our_o sunday_n second_o this_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n account_n come_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n and_o be_v ordain_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o sanctify_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n especial_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n the_o manifestation_n whereof_o as_o some_o think_v john_n chief_o intend_v in_o this_o title_n and_o touch_v this_o time_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o point_n first_o who_o change_v the_o jew_n sabbath_n second_o for_o what_o cause_n three_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n power_n to_o change_v the_o sabbath_n day_n we_o now_o celebrate_v to_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n be_v change_v into_o this_o lord_n day_n by_o christian_n emperor_n long_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o hold_v that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o change_n my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n either_o by_o voice_n or_o instinct_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o enjoin_v this_o sabbath_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o be_v keep_v a_o day_n of_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 16.1_o where_o paul_n ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n that_o the_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v on_o the_o first_o day_n in_o the_o week_n this_o he_o leave_v not_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o appoint_v it_o by_o authority_n apostolical_a from_o christ._n now_o the_o day_n of_o collect_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sabbath_n day_n when_o the_o people_n be_v assemble_v for_o god_n service_n for_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o christ_n first_o to_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v then_o to_o gather_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n a_o oblation_n and_o the_o mass_n not_o a_o real_a sacrifice_n as_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o but_o spiritual_a because_o therewith_o be_v join_v collection_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oblation_n not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mass_n because_o the_o collect_v relief_n thereat_o be_v send_v to_o the_o poor_a saint_n abroad_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o keep_v this_o day_n for_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 20.7_o and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o observe_v any_o other_o day_n for_o a_o holy_a rest_n to_o the_o lord_n after_o christ_n ascension_n save_v only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v keep_v none_o other_o but_o the_o old_a sabbath_n of_o the_o law_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v john_n 20.19.26_o the_o same_o day_n whereâ—n_n christ_n rise_v from_o death_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n â—e_v appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o eight_o day_n after_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n he_o appear_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o same_o end_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v they_o a_o example_n to_o celebrate_v and_o keep_v that_o day_n wherein_o he_o rise_v again_o for_o a_o sabbath_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ii_o point_n the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v change_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n thaâ—_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o this_o day_n be_v change_v the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n neither_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n of_o day_n and_o time_n second_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n for_o as_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o rest_n to_o remember_v the_o first_o creation_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o stand_v with_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n to_o celebrate_v this_o work_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a creation_n wherein_o as_o isaiah_n say_v be_v make_v a_o new_a heaven_n &_o a_o new_a earth_n chap._n 66._o and_o whereby_o man_n become_v new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n 5.17_o nay_o this_o redemption_n be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o the_o creation_n for_o in_o that_o creation_n adam_n be_v the_o head_n but_o in_o this_o redemption_n christ_n jesus_n be_v our_o head_n by_o the_o first_o creation_n we_o receive_v a_o temporal_a life_n but_o by_o redemption_n we_o receive_v life_n eternal_a in_o the_o creation_n adam_n be_v espouse_v to_o eve_n but_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n every_o christian_n be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o creation_n adam_n have_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n in_o this_o redemption_n we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n in_o the_o creation_n god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v principal_o appear_v in_o this_o redemption_n with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o show_v mercy_n and_o justice_n justice_n in_o christ_n passion_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o forgiveness_n by_o creation_n he_o make_v man_n of_o nothing_o but_o by_o redemption_n he_o make_v he_o of_o worse_a than_o nothing_o and_o better_a than_o he_o be_v therefore_o see_v this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v far_o pass_v the_o creation_n it_o be_v meet_v a_o day_n shall_v be_v set_v a_o apart_o for_o the_o memory_n thereof_o now_o no_o day_n can_v be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o which_o christ_n rise_v again_o whereby_o he_o confirm_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
for_o the_o first_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n many_o do_v expound_v this_o of_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n but_o that_o will_v not_o so_o well_o stand_v for_o he_o say_v to_o every_o church_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v blame_v for_o want_n of_o these_o good_a work_n by_o work_n than_o be_v mean_v the_o way_n that_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o deal_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o of_o minister_n as_o people_n in_o all_o their_o affair_n also_o by_o knowledge_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v a_o knowledge_n that_o go_v with_o application_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o four_o verse_n whither_o it_o have_v relation_n for_o thus_o they_o must_v go_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v all_o thy_o way_n and_o deal_n in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v manifest_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o do_v general_o approve_v of_o they_o here_o first_o in_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o knowledge_n christ_n minister_v a_o remedy_n against_o secret_a sin_n and_o offence_n the_o thief_n the_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n wait_v for_o the_o night_n wherein_o to_o attempt_v their_o shameful_a practice_n the_o tradesman_n in_o secret_n falsify_v his_o weight_n and_o mingle_v his_o ware_n among_o most_o man_n fraud_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n do_v abound_v and_o all_o because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o man_n see_v not_o all_o be_v well_o as_o david_n say_v the_o wicked_a man_n say_v god_n shall_v not_o see_v he_o will_v not_o regard_v 94.7_o but_o if_o man_n can_v think_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o christ_n see_v and_o know_v all_o their_o way_n it_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o make_v conscience_n not_o only_o of_o gross_a sin_n but_o even_o of_o their_o hide_a and_o secret_a offence_n second_o whereas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v join_v with_o approbation_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o this_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o law_n as_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o most_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o be_v stain_v with_o some_o corruption_n isay._n 64_o 6._o answ._n the_o gospel_n which_o be_v another_o part_n of_o god_n will_n reveal_v more_o unto_o we_o than_o ever_o the_o law_n can_v do_v namely_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v his_o true_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o deed_n itself_o 2._o cor._n 8.12_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n approve_v of_o their_o work_n in_o this_o place_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o abide_v the_o â—igor_n of_o his_o law_n but_o a_o papist_n will_v here_o reason_v thus_o if_o a_o righteous_a man_n work_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n for_o god_n will_v not_o approve_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o if_o his_o work_n be_v no_o sin_n than_o he_o may_v fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o work_n answ._n that_o which_o christ_n approve_v simple_o have_v no_o sin_n in_o it_o but_o here_o he_o only_o approve_v of_o their_o work_n in_o part_n namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o but_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o worker_n which_o be_v in_o part_n corrupt_v they_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o he_o approve_v they_o not_o again_o work_v of_o grace_n be_v approve_v of_o christ_n with_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o accept_v of_o the_o person_n he_o remit_v the_o fault_n that_o be_v in_o his_o good_a work_n and_o so_o only_o approve_v his_o own_o work_n in_o he_o and_o so_o here_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o his_o approbation_n of_o their_o work_n to_o wit_n as_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o fault_n thereof_o remit_v in_o his_o own_o merit_n the_o special_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o particular_a action_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v diligent_a labour_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n especal_o in_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n to_o be_v painful_a in_o his_o particular_a call_n for_o the_o faithful_a instruction_n and_o godly_a regiment_n of_o his_o particular_a charge_n hence_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 5.17_o he_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v principal_o worthy_a double_a honour_n and_o herein_o paul_n match_v yea_o prefer_v himself_o before_o other_o apostle_n that_o he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o all_o 1._o cor._n 15.10_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n use_n if_o it_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v be_v a_o work_n full_a of_o great_a pain_n and_o labour_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v full_a of_o ease_n and_o his_o calling_n a_o matter_n of_o nothing_o such_o as_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o hand_n but_o here_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n be_v other_o way_n who_o use_v not_o thus_o to_o approve_v a_o light_n or_o idle_a work_n second_o this_o commendation_n of_o diligence_n in_o the_o minister_n must_v admonish_v all_o christian_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o christ_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o learn_v and_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o here_o a_o common_a fault_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v many_o will_v hear_v but_o where_o be_v their_o labour_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n &_o in_o grace_n that_o be_v want_v which_o iâ—_n the_o cause_n of_o such_o fruitless_a hear_n as_o be_v common_a in_o the_o world_n for_o earthly_a thing_n man_n refuse_v no_o pain_n but_o god_n heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o regard_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v bestow_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n about_o base_a and_o transitory_a thing_n and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o main_a good_a which_o concern_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o three_o the_o minister_n diligence_n in_o teach_v must_v provoke_v conscience_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o hearer_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n without_o this_o he_o spend_v his_o strength_n in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o with_o the_o apostle_n they_o must_v endeavour_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n act._n 24.16_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o christ_n here_o commend_v be_v patience_n in_o bear_v the_o cross_n which_o do_v usual_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n for_o herein_o he_o go_v before_o sundry_a worthy_a prophet_n jeremie_n be_v marvelous_a impatient_a for_o the_o mock_n of_o the_o people_n 15._o and_o though_o jonas_n have_v be_v school_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n yet_o when_o all_o thing_n go_v not_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o niniveh_n he_o become_v exceed_v discontent_a herein_o must_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n become_v follower_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n use_n while_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n they_o must_v possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n their_o meek_a and_o mild_a spirit_n yea_o every_o christian_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n must_v learn_v to_o practice_v this_o duty_n luk._n 8.16_o the_o good_a ground_n receive_v the_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o how_o with_o patience_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n for_o whosoever_o will_v live_v godly_a must_v suffer_v affliction_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n act._n 14.22_o ii_o again_o here_o observe_v how_o christ_n join_v labour_n and_o patience_n together_o this_o he_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o let_v we_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v set_v on_o the_o labour_n of_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n the_o labour_n of_o man_n calling_n be_v practise_v without_o all_o trouble_n or_o pain_n but_o since_o man_n fall_n the_o best_a calling_n have_v their_o cross_n and_o vexation_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o man_n transgression_n socond_o to_o show_v we_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n against_o the_o good_a progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2.18_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n
he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o they_o but_o satan_n do_v hinder_v he_o he_o seek_v the_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o minister_n not_o only_o by_o stir_v up_o persecution_n but_o by_o keepinh_v his_o people_n from_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o every_o minister_n have_v need_v to_o take_v pain_n with_o patience_n in_o his_o call_n and_o as_o christ_n join_v together_o labour_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o shall_v every_o christian_n after_o this_o direction_n join_v patience_n with_o his_o pain_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n for_o look_v what_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o place_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o every_o child_n of_o god_n in_o he_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a call_n and_o therein_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o all_o good_a conscience_n then_o consider_v the_o cross_n do_v accompany_v godly_a diligence_n they_o must_v labour_v to_o join_v patience_n with_o their_o diligence_n for_o their_o continuance_n in_o welldoing_a even_o under_o the_o cross_n and_o for_o attain_v of_o this_o patience_n they_o must_v set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o protection_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v dismay_v by_o any_o affliction_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v thus_o walk_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a place_n painful_o and_o with_o patience_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o commendation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a reward_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o their_o reward_n but_o on_o contrary_a if_o we_o walk_v in_o our_o calling_n negligent_o or_o else_o forsake_v they_o because_o of_o affliction_n or_o be_v impatient_a in_o our_o labour_n we_o shall_v loose_v our_o reward_n and_o undergo_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o outward_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v us._n the_o three_o special_a work_n for_o which_o christ_n commend_v this_o church_n be_v severity_n show_v against_o wicked_a man_n in_o these_o word_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o evil_a man_n he_o mean_v such_o as_o live_v offensive_o and_o maintain_v manifest_a error_n and_o heresy_n these_o she_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o judge_v they_o as_o burden_n and_o therefore_o seek_v to_o disburden_v herself_o of_o they_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v purge_v of_o evil_a man_n use_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v put_v in_o practice_v this_o work_n so_o soon_o as_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n 4.14_o god_n cast_v he_o out_o from_o his_o face_n as_o appear_z by_o his_o own_o complaint_n to_o wit_n from_o that_o particular_a place_n where_o adam_n and_o his_o family_n worship_v god_n when_o false_a prophet_n and_o idolater_n do_v arise_v among_o the_o israelit_n the_o lord_n command_v 8._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v kill_v and_o take_v from_o among_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o jeremie_n 15.19_o if_o thou_o turn_v and_o repent_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a thou_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o my_o word_n 1._o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o paul_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n the_o church_n purge_v of_o that_o old_a leaven_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n put_v from_o among_o they_o verse_n 13._o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o testimony_n some_o reason_n may_v be_v add_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o separation_n first_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v be_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v but_o evil_a man_n defile_v god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o church_n second_o lest_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o the_o infection_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o leaven_n sour_v the_o whole_a lump_n so_o will_v evil_a man_n defile_v the_o whole_a church_n three_o they_o be_v burden_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o every_o burden_n this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v of_o god_n church_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v a_o common_a fault_n in_o the_o most_o congregation_n among_o we_o wherein_o all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o unto_o the_o lord_n table_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o restraint_n as_o though_o every_o man_n be_v a_o good_a &_o sound_a christian_n whereas_o experience_n show_v that_o many_o be_v ignorant_a many_o contemner_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o sabbath_n breaker_n drunkard_n and_o blasphemer_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v bar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n sever_v from_o the_o church_n as_o burden_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n a_o power_n judicial_a to_o suspend_v evil_a man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v commend_v this_o minister_n with_o his_o church_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n the_o reason_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v of_o no_o force_n i._o say_v they_o the_o parable_n matth._n 13.30_o allow_v the_o grow_v together_o of_o tare_n and_o wheat_n till_o harvest_n and_o therefore_o evil_a man_n must_v be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o separation_n answ._n in_o that_o parable_n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a purge_n of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a purge_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o the_o field_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o mâ—n_z but_o angel_n that_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n again_o they_o allege_v luk_n 14.23_o compel_v they_o in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o come_v into_o the_o supper_n here_o say_v they_o all_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o but_o none_o must_v be_v exclude_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n christ_n speak_v not_o of_o compel_a man_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n but_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereto_o man_n must_v be_v cause_v to_o subject_v themselves_o which_o hinder_v nothing_o why_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v not_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n ordain_v only_o for_o such_o as_o repent_v and_o believe_v qu._n see_v this_o separation_n must_v be_v make_v how_o far_o forth_o may_v we_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o be_v open_o evil_a &_o offensive_a either_o for_o life_n or_o doctrine_n ans._n evil_a man_n must_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n first_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o commonwealth_n of_o some_o city_n or_o incorporation_n second_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n by_o toleration_n in_o the_o first_o regard_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o they_o i._o for_o outward_a deal_n and_o civil_a affair_n as_o bargain_v buy_v and_o sell_v etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o may_v maintain_v outward_a civil_a peace_n with_o they_o so_o paul_n command_v the_o roman_n 12.18_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o faith_n &_o good_a conscience_n iii_o in_o this_o civil_a converse_v with_o the_o wicked_a we_o must_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o outward_a courtesy_n and_o love_n unto_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o do_v not_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n command_v we_o to_o be_v 3.2_o soft_a and_o courteous_a show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o man_n even_o to_o evil_a man_n as_o the_o reason_n follow_v show_v 3._o for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o time_n past_o unwise_a disobedient_a deceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o be_v we_o evil_a second_o consider_v they_o as_o dweller_n in_o the_o church_n and_o member_n by_o permission_n and_o so_o we_o may_v live_v with_o they_o in_o it_o for_o we_o may_v not_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v permit_v therein_o christ_n live_v among_o the_o
he_o must_v begin_v to_o repent_v when_o he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n he_o must_v renew_v that_o repentance_n for_o his_o daily_a offence_n if_o god_n therefore_o have_v give_v â—s_a grace_n to_o repent_v use_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o good_a beginning_n but_o add_v more_o repentance_n daily_o unto_o it_o for_o no_o man_n live_v that_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o repent_v but_o he_o see_v in_o himself_o continual_a cause_n of_o renew_v the_o same_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o daily_a sâ—ilâ—_n and_o want_n for_o every_o sin_n decay_v grace_n which_o must_v be_v repair_v by_o a_o new_a practice_n of_o repentance_n this_o duty_n must_v needs_o be_v practise_v it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a case_n that_o can_v be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o lie_v in_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n liable_a to_o all_o god_n judgement_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o lie_v in_o sin_n that_o bring_v damnation_n for_o this_o cause_n paul_n 2._o corin._n 5.20_o speak_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n do_v still_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o say_v we_o beseech_v you_o in_o christ_n steed_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o through_o we_o that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n intend_v thereby_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o daily_a renew_n of_o their_o repentance_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v get_v a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o their_o reconciliation_n v._o point_n for_o what_o must_v they_o repent_v namely_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o their_o love_n not_o for_o the_o want_n thereof_o but_o for_o that_o they_o suffer_v it_o to_o wax_v lesser_a both_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o towards_o their_o brethren_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v speak_v to_o we_o daily_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o whereas_o our_o first_o love_n be_v go_v many_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o and_o more_o have_a none_o at_o all_o we_o will_v unfeigned_o repent_v of_o this_o our_o decay_n and_o want_v that_o if_o we_o have_v have_v love_n and_o now_o wax_v cold_a we_o may_v renew_v it_o and_o if_o we_o never_o have_v it_o we_o may_v labour_v for_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o his_o bless_a desire_n and_o here_o observe_v that_o christ_n enjoin_v we_o a_o strait_a repentance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o man_n to_o repent_v they_o of_o gross_a sin_n as_o whoredom_n theft_n drunkenness_n and_o such_o like_a but_o they_o must_v repent_v they_o of_o their_o wantâ—_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_v and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o of_o decay_n in_o any_o grace_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a we_o have_v many_o iusticiaries_n in_o conceit_n that_o be_v pharisaical_o mind_v think_v too_o well_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n because_o they_o live_v civile_o and_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o gross_a sin_n but_o these_o consider_v little_a what_o god_n do_v here_o require_v even_o repentance_n for_o our_o secret_a want_n and_o decay_n and_o great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o else_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o of_o our_o secret_a want_n unless_o we_o shall_v repent_v we_o of_o they_o have_v find_v they_o in_o we_o again_o if_o this_o church_n must_v repent_v for_o her_o want_n then_o what_o great_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o repent_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o atheism_n a_o gross_a and_o common_a sin_n of_o outward_a pride_n in_o apparel_n a_o sin_n flat_a against_o god_n word_n and_o for_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o sin_n that_o enlarge_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o among_o us._n and_o for_o cruelty_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n all_o which_o be_v rife_o in_o our_o church_n and_o may_v more_o easy_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o we_o then_o want_v of_o love_n can_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o this_o church_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n be_v to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n that_o be_v show_v the_o like_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n this_o duty_n christ_n add_v to_o the_o former_a because_o true_a repentance_n never_o perish_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o always_o break_v out_o into_o action_n in_o the_o life_n here_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a lesson_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n we_o must_v search_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n have_v be_v in_o we_o what_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n or_o good_a affection_n we_o must_v also_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o former_a way_n and_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v do_v and_o if_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n we_o find_v decay_v we_o must_v recover_v our_o loss_n and_o seek_v to_o do_v our_o first_o work_n and_o strive_v to_o continue_v so_o do_v to_o our_o life_n end_n that_o so_o we_o may_v escape_v this_o heavy_a charge_n of_o decay_n in_o grace_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o remedy_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o amend_v in_o these_o word_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o reason_n to_o persuade_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o former_a remedy_n especial_o for_o repentance_n this_o reason_n contain_v three_o part_n i._o a_o general_a commination_n in_o these_o word_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o ii_o a_o particular_a threaten_n of_o a_o particular_a judgement_n and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o they_o both_o except_o thou_o amend_v i._o point_n if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o short_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o practice_v this_o remedy_n and_o the_o duty_n therein_o prescribe_v especial_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n then_o will_v i_o come_v against_o thou_o short_o the_o word_n may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v thus_o if_o not_o then_o will_v i_o come_v to_o thou_o short_o for_o so_o they_o be_v in_o the_o original_n and_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o sufficient_a and_o profitable_a instruction_n god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o any_o people_n two_o way_n in_o mercy_n and_o in_o judgement_n in_o mercy_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n by_o work_n of_o mercy_n as_o when_o christ_n in_o spirit_n go_v unto_o the_o old_a world_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o person_n of_o no_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o flood_n 1._o pet._n 3.19_o 20._o second_o god_n come_v in_o judgement_n when_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n by_o judgement_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n god_n say_v he_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n that_o be_v he_o will_v make_v inquiry_n among_o the_o child_n for_o the_o father_n sin_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n that_o their_o father_n do_v then_o will_v he_o punish_v they_o this_o be_v proper_o to_o visit_v so_o in_o this_o place_n if_o thou_o repent_v not_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o testify_v my_o presence_n not_o in_o mercy_n but_o in_o judgement_n in_o this_o general_a threaten_n we_o may_v observe_v use_n that_o when_o a_o church_n or_o people_n decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o their_o brethren_n or_o else_o lie_v in_o any_o sin_n then_o god_n prepare_v himself_o to_o come_v unto_o they_o in_o judgement_n amoâ—_n 4.12_o because_o i_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n therefore_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n oh_o israel_n meaning_n that_o because_o they_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n therefore_o he_o will_v make_v know_v his_o presence_n by_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n this_o doctrine_n according_a to_o christ_n direction_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o church_n and_o people_n they_o decay_v in_o love_n to_o god_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o the_o brethren_n so_o do_v we_o nay_o general_o there_o be_v no_o love_n at_o all_o in_o we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o beside_o these_o want_n there_o be_v many_o other_o gross_a sin_n wherein_o our_o church_n and_o people_n do_v lie_v as_o in_o atheism_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o cruelty_n oppression_n and_o want_v of_o mercy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v
unto_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v good_a corn_n and_o tare_n and_o like_v unto_o a_o barn_n floor_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o chaff_n mingle_v together_o and_o yet_o all_o be_v repute_v believer_n because_o they_o profess_v the_o gospel_n outward_o now_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o mixture_n it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v fall_v away_o and_o become_v no_o church_n either_o when_o the_o godly_a be_v take_v away_o and_o hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n make_v manifest_a or_o else_o when_o true_a believer_n wax_v few_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o the_o might_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o enemy_n which_o may_v daily_o increase_v but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o with_o a_o particular_a member_n of_o christ_n he_o can_v final_o fall_v away_o as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a vers_n 4._o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o both_o the_o former_a threaten_n in_o these_o word_n except_o thâ—â—_n amend_v that_o be_v i_o will_v come_v in_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o and_o take_v my_o gospel_n from_o thou_o unless_o thou_o prevent_v my_o come_n by_o true_a repentance_n here_o note_n that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v conditional_a 〈◊〉_d come_v to_o ninive_n and_o cry_v yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v be_v destroy_v he_o say_v no_o more_o but_o yet_o that_o threaten_a must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v why_o will_n some_o say_v be_v the_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n propound_v conditional_o answ._n god_n whole_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v one_o alone_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o distinguish_v to_o be_v partly_o secret_a and_o partly_o reveal_v god_n secret_a will_n be_v touch_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v manifest_a unto_o man_n he_o reveal_v will_n be_v touch_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v fall_v out_o every_o day_n now_o god_n secret_a will_n be_v without_o condition_n for_o as_o every_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o god_n will_v it_o when_o good_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v they_o he_o will_v simple_o when_o evil_a thing_n fall_v out_o they_o he_o permit_v to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o make_v god_n secret_a will_n conditional_a be_v to_o bring_v god_n will_v under_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o to_o subject_v the_o creator_n unto_o the_o creature_n but_o god_n reveal_v will_n be_v conditional_a because_o it_o contain_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o this_o manner_n of_o propound_v it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v for_o it_o keep_v man_n more_o in_o awful_a obedience_n than_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_a in_o this_o condition_n note_v this_o thing_n that_o christ_n repeat_v it_o twice_o both_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o reason_n if_o not_o and_o in_o the_o end_n except_o thou_o amend_v hereby_o he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o when_o man_n commit_v sin_n and_o lie_v therein_o or_o when_o they_o decay_v in_o any_o grace_n then_o have_v they_o most_o necessary_a cause_n to_o repent_v if_o they_o will_v escape_v god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o see_v our_o estate_n be_v like_a to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n or_o else_o worser_o by_o much_o for_o we_o lie_v in_o sin_n and_o thereby_o cause_n god_n to_o come_v to_o we_o in_o judgement_n as_o we_o tender_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n let_v we_o turn_v from_o our_o sin_n and_o repent_v every_o man_n apart_o every_o family_n apart_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n public_o for_o repentance_n be_v most_o needful_a else_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v double_v this_o condition_n verse_n 6._o but_o this_o thou_o haâ—â—_n that_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o which_o i_o also_o hate_n these_o word_n be_v a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n namely_o that_o this_o church_n can_v not_o abide_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o second_o verse_n this_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o their_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n and_o here_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o their_o affection_n of_o hatred_n towards_o the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o these_o nicolaitan_o be_v certain_a heretic_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o hold_v these_o two_o opinion_n first_o that_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n be_v no_o sin_n second_o that_o man_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o idol_n temple_n and_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v their_o practice_n these_o heretic_n as_o it_o be_v think_v come_v of_o one_o nicholas_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o deacons_n mention_v act_v 6._o who_o though_o for_o a_o while_o he_o do_v faithful_o discharge_v his_o duty_n outward_o yet_o after_o fall_v away_o and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o this_o heretical_a sect_n but_o this_o thou_o have_v this_o particle_n but_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o former_a verse_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o this_o be_v thy_o fault_n that_o thou_o fail_v in_o thy_o first_o love_n yet_o for_o this_o i_o commend_v thou_o that_o thou_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o this_o practice_n of_o christ_n discover_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o this_o age_n which_o be_v use_n to_o set_v out_o in_o their_o colour_n man_n fault_n and_o infirmity_n to_o their_o great_a disgrace_n and_o yet_o by_o silence_n and_o oblivion_n to_o bury_v all_o their_o virtue_n which_o be_v praise_v worthy_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n example_n who_o with_o just_a reproof_n adjoin_v due_a deserve_v praise_n if_o our_o friend_n or_o our_o foe_n have_v a_o fault_n when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v reprove_v they_o but_o yet_o withal_o we_o must_v commend_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o second_o christ_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o anymans_n good_a estate_n before_o god_n that_o he_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o for_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n saul_n have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n into_o his_o kingdom_n but_o what_o be_v he_o afterward_o john_n be_v very_o zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n in_o kill_v all_o the_o idolatrous_a priest_n 31._o but_o he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o judas_n no_o doubt_n have_v many_o good_a gift_n while_o he_o be_v with_o christ_n but_o his_o end_n be_v most_o fearful_a and_o this_o church_n have_v many_o good_a thing_n in_o she_o yet_o iâ—_n she_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n and_o so_o many_o among_o we_o have_v excellent_a gift_n some_o for_o knowledge_n some_o for_o 〈◊〉_d and_o conceive_v of_o prayer_n &_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o they_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ._n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o these_o but_o labour_n for_o the_o principal_n which_o be_v true_a hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o we_o must_v daily_o renew_v for_o our_o continual_a fall_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o from_o his_o judgement_n more_o particular_o christ_n here_o commend_v this_o church_n for_o hate_v the_o error_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_o whereby_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o be_v christian_n namely_o to_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o error_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o hate_v the_o same_o unfeigned_o yet_o note_n he_o commend_v they_o for_o hate_v their_o work_n not_o their_o person_n give_v we_o direction_n how_o to_o temper_v our_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v set_v it_o against_o the_o sin_n not_o against_o the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n some_o will_v say_v the_o prophet_n pray_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o david_n profess_v hatred_n of_o the_o man_n psalm_n 139.21_o do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o answ._n david_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o no_o doubt_n have_v this_o reveal_v unto_o he_o that_o those_o his_o enemy_n be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o repent_v again_o imprecation_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o prophecy_n of_o god_n judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o those_o against_o who_o they_o pray_v but_o we_o which_o want_v that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n must_v keep_v ourselves_o to_o our_o ordinary_a rule_n hate_v the_o sin_n and_o love_v the_o person_n further_o observe_v the_o work_n here_o
seek_v another_o good_a go_v through_o town_n market_n and_o fair_n and_o rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o in_o his_o affair_n seek_v the_o common_a good_a as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o for_o this_o be_v the_o common_a rule_n may_v i_o not_o make_v of_o my_o own_o what_o i_o will_v but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o love_n seek_v not_o his_o own_o only_a but_o the_o good_a of_o other_o also_o 1._o corinth_n 13.5_o here_o than_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o practice_v this_o virtue_n use_n that_o we_o may_v have_v christ_n commendation_n with_o this_o church_n every_o man_n in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_n will_v make_v great_a show_n of_o love_n as_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n &_o in_o prayer_n but_o in_o their_o particular_a affair_n few_o show_n forth_o true_a love_n nay_o many_o by_o lie_v oppression_n cruelty_n flea_n the_o skin_n from_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o flesh_n from_o the_o bone_n of_o the_o poor_a 3_o and_o break_v the_o bone_n within_o the_o flesh_n and_o chap_v they_o as_o for_o the_o pot_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v these_o little_a consider_v this_o rule_n or_o that_o account_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v of_o they_o who_o have_v swear_v never_o to_o forget_v these_o work_n amos._n 8.7_o learn_v therefore_o in_o thy_o particular_a calling_n to_o show_v forth_o love_n and_o employ_v thy_o commodity_n not_o for_o thyself_o alone_o but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o with_o who_o thou_o live_v herein_o be_v love_n and_o hereby_o shall_v thou_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n john_n 13.35_o and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 1._o john_n 3._o vers_fw-la 14._o the_o second_o thing_n for_o which_o this_o church_n be_v commend_v be_v service_n to_o omit_v the_o diverse_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n here_o it_o betoken_v a_o work_n of_o love_n whereby_o a_o man_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n become_v a_o servant_n unto_o every_o man_n for_o that_o man_n good_a read_v heb._n 6.10_o where_o this_o be_v both_o commend_v and_o describe_v gal._n 5.13_o do_v service_n one_o to_o another_o in_o love_n 1._o cor._n 13.5_o love_n seek_v not_o her_o own_o but_o make_v herself_o servant_n to_o all_o to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o christ_n commandment_n be_v let_v he_o that_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o be_v as_o the_o servant_n luke_n 22.26_o now_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o this_o service_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v ready_a with_o hâ—s_a good_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n to_o help_v the_o poor_a especial_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o love_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o set_v after_o it_o as_o also_o in_o the_o place_n before_o name_v hebr._n 6._o vers_fw-la 10._o gal._n 5.13_o use_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o church_n and_o people_n may_v have_v the_o like_a praise_n for_o this_o virtue_n but_o the_o rich_a sort_n spend_v their_o substance_n and_o wealth_n upon_o hawk_n and_o hound_n bull_n and_o bear_v upon_o costly_a attire_n and_o banquet_v so_o as_o when_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v in_o need_n come_v for_o relief_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o spare_v and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v give_v it_o be_v draw_v as_o hardly_o from_o they_o as_o a_o rib_n out_o of_o their_o side_n man_n will_v give_v frank_o to_o delight_v themselves_o with_o play_n and_o pastime_n and_o such_o like_a vanity_n but_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v their_o own_o flesh_n may_v die_v in_o the_o street_n for_o want_n of_o that_o which_o man_n give_v to_o their_o dog_n but_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o commendation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n let_v we_o abandon_v these_o vanity_n which_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n of_o service_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n and_o to_o induce_v all_o man_n hereto_o let_v they_o consider_v i._o how_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v charge_v with_o give_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o wine_n corn_n and_o oil_n and_o likewise_o with_o many_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o temple_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v cease_v and_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o misspend_v these_o good_a which_o hereby_o be_v spare_v for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o poor_a be_v in_o steed_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o they_o must_v have_v that_o which_o the_o altar_n have_v among_o the_o jew_n again_o isay._n 58.18_o he_o that_o pour_v forth_o his_o soul_n to_o the_o hungry_a that_o be_v he_o that_o see_v the_o poor_a in_o misery_n have_v the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n move_v towards_o they_o and_o from_o his_o pitiful_a hart_n relieve_v their_o want_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n his_o light_n shall_v never_o be_v put_v out_o but_o shall_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o darkness_n and_o his_o darkness_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o noon_n day_n this_o be_v pure_a religion_n 27·_v and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n in_o their_o adversity_n remember_v this_o he_o that_o have_v mercy_n upon_o the_o poor_a dare_v unto_o the_o lord_n prou._n 19.17_o so_o that_o when_o the_o poor_a come_v for_o relief_n god_n come_v to_o borrow_v of_o we_o some_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v us._n the_o poor_a be_v the_o lord_n collector_n now_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v borrow_v of_o we_o shall_v we_o make_v denial_n &_o send_v he_o empty_a away_o three_o consider_v that_o christ_n himself_o come_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v hungry_a sick_a naked_a or_o in_o any_o want_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v the_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n at_o the_o last_o day_n away_o from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n for_o i_o be_v a_o hunger_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n etc._n etc._n then_o we_o must_v have_v regard_n unto_o the_o poor_a and_o show_v our_o bounty_n in_o their_o relief_n who_o be_v our_o own_o flesh_n so_o shall_v we_o make_v god_n our_o debtor_n and_o be_v commend_v with_o this_o church_n by_o christ_n himself_o in_o this_o world_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n hear_v that_o bless_a voice_n of_o his_o approbation_n come_v you_o bless_v math._n 25.34_o the_o three_o virtue_n for_o which_o this_o church_n be_v commend_v be_v their_o faith_n by_o faith_n here_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v fidelity_n which_o be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o keep_v that_o vow_n and_o promise_v which_o he_o make_v to_o he_o in_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v to_o renounce_v and_o deny_v himself_o and_o whole_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n and_o according_o to_o believe_v in_o to_o worship_n and_o obey_v the_o same_o god_n all_o his_o life_n long_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v faith_n take_v of_o paul_n 5.12_o when_o he_o say_v that_o young_a widow_n have_v damnation_n because_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o first_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n of_o christ_n unto_o these_o church_n where_o he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v faithful_a use_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o church_n and_o congregation_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v commend_v for_o their_o fidelity_n to_o god_n but_o that_o can_v true_o be_v do_v of_o we_o general_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o swear_v by_o their_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o find_v a_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o faith_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o this_o short_a survey_n of_o our_o people_n for_o first_o the_o great_a part_n in_o all_o place_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n of_o his_o word_n and_o of_o their_o vow_n to_o he_o in_o baptism_n and_o also_o void_a of_o care_n to_o attain_v hereto_o now_o all_o these_o be_v unfaithful_a unto_o god_n other_o though_o they_o have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o love_n nor_o care_n of_o good_a thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o all_o their_o delight_n be_v in_o eat_v drink_v game_a and_o in_o pastime_n and_o pleasure_n herein_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n and_o these_o also_o have_v deny_v their_o first_o faith_n &_o their_o case_n be_v dangerous_a for_o as_o yet_o their_o belly_n and_o their_o pleasure_n be_v their_o god_n and_o their_o end_n will_v be_v damnation_n a_o three_o sort_n be_v term_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v their_o fidelity_n to_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o they_o be_v worldly_a person_n and_o earthly_a mind_v such_o as_o spend_v both_o wit_n and_o strength_n to_o get_v wealth_n like_v unto_o the_o mole_n who_o be_v always_o in_o the_o earth_n these_o also_o
receive_v her_o doctrine_n &_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o great_a affliction_n first_o this_o must_v teach_v all_o person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o devilish_a speech_n to_o think_v and_o say_v use_n that_o fornication_n iâ—_n but_o a_o trick_n and_o ship_n of_o 〈◊〉_d for_o great_a affliction_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o notable_o argue_v the_o heinousness_n thereof_o second_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o town_n and_o kingdom_n be_v afflict_v with_o grievous_a war_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n among_o the_o rest_n these_o be_v two_o fornication_n â—nd_v embracing_z of_o error_n and_o superstition_n sodom_n for_o fornication_n and_o other_o 〈◊〉_d be_v burn_v with_o fire_n &_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o israelit_n 9_o for_o this_o sin_n suffer_v most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o among_o the_o corinthian_n for_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o this_o sin_n among_o other_o â—_o many_o be_v sick_a many_o 〈◊〉_d and_o many_o sleâ—â—_n and_o this_o land_n of_o we_o have_v be_v afflict_v with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o for_o other_o sin_n so_o for_o fornication_n which_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n be_v multiply_v and_o so_o will_v continue_v till_o it_o draw_v upon_o we_o bloodshed_n also_o and_o great_a affliction_n for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o the_o follower_n of_o jesabel_n must_v be_v verify_v of_o all_o that_o live_v in_o the_o like_a sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o exception_n of_o these_o communication_n except_o they_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o work_n where_o we_o may_v see_v first_o that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o of_o eternal_a destruction_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o repentance_n whence_o also_o this_o follow_v that_o man_n of_o year_n live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o condemn_v for_o other_o particular_a sin_n as_o for_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repent_v â—ee_z every_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o damnation_n but_o it_o be_v this_o impenitency_n that_o bring_v upon_o they_o actual_a damnation_n want_v of_o repentance_n for_o sin_n be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o the_o sin_n itself_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o lie_v in_o sin_n though_o we_o have_v commit_v it_o but_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o speedy_a repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o continuance_n in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n that_o cast_v the_o soul_n to_o hell_n when_o thou_o shall_v turn_v from_o thy_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n thou_o be_v free_a from_o the_o threaten_a and_o the_o curse_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o admit_v the_o exception_n of_o true_a repentance_n 〈◊〉_d 18.8_o further_o observe_v how_o this_o exception_n of_o repentance_n be_v place_v between_o two_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n which_o show_v how_o god_n mingle_v his_o judgement_n with_o mercy_n he_o show_v not_o whole_o either_o justice_n or_o mercy_n but_o temper_v they_o together_o in_o all_o the_o work_n that_o concern_v man_n salvation_n three_o here_o note_v that_o repentance_n prevent_v not_o only_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o also_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o grievous_a sickness_n and_o other_o plague_n and_o affliction_n this_o point_n may_v have_v special_a use_n among_o we_o we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n enjoy_v his_o gospel_n with_o long_a peace_n but_o for_o our_o abuse_n thereof_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v that_o judgement_n we_o must_v repent_v both_o high_a and_o low_a of_o their_o â—_z that_o be_v of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n where_o he_o show_v of_o what_o thing_n true_a repentance_n must_v be_v namely_o of_o bad_a work_n in_o particular_a whereto_o man_n give_v themselves_o every_o man_n that_o will_v true_o repent_v must_v consider_v of_o his_o particular_a fault_n the_o drunkerd_n in_o particular_a of_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n of_o his_o covetousness_n and_o instead_o of_o injury_n and_o hard_a deal_n show_v mercy_n unto_o the_o poor_a the_o common_a repentance_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v do_v in_o general_a be_v nothing_o but_o a_o vizard_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v use_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n for_o they_o will_v come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o general_n confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o have_v do_v enough_o but_o true_a repentance_n be_v of_o particular_a sin_n as_o david_n psalm_n 51._o cry_v out_o of_o blood_n guiltiness_n vers._n 23._o and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o â—ee_n which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o his_o work_n here_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n threaten_v against_o jesabels_n child_n by_o child_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v proper_o those_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o she_o and_o be_v of_o her_o husband_n and_o not_o her_o follower_n for_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o grievous_a affliction_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v say_v i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d her_o child_n but_o to_o note_v the_o certainty_n and_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o punishment_n he_o say_v i_o will_v kill_v they_o with_o death_n quest._n how_o can_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o child_n ans._n god_n dear_v so_o for_o temporal_a punishment_n not_o for_o eternal_a and_o though_o we_o can_v not_o perceive_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o so_o do_v yet_o we_o must_v reverence_v the_o â—ame_n blame_v our_o own_o ignorance_n albeit_o even_o in_o reason_n we_o may_v conceive_v of_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o course_n for_o society_n as_o church_n commonwealth_n and_o family_n be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o party_n in_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o member_n of_o those_o society_n for_o god_n conceive_v of_o they_o when_o he_o afflict_v the_o punishment_n deserve_v by_o one_o upon_o another_o as_o of_o the_o prince_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o parent_n upon_o their_o child_n this_o he_o may_v just_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o near_a bond_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o society_n like_v as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n when_o the_o stomach_n be_v distemper_v the_o head_n ache_v and_o when_o the_o head_n be_v wound_v the_o stomach_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o body_n may_v be_v smite_v for_o the_o error_n of_o the_o tongue_n thus_o when_o david_n sin_v the_o child_n die_v and_o when_o he_o number_v the_o israelite_n the_o people_n be_v plague_v and_o thus_o be_v the_o child_n stain_v in_o blood_n for_o the_o father_n treason_n against_o earthly_a prince_n and_o so_o god_n punish_v this_o woman_n in_o her_o child_n that_o she_o may_v know_v the_o greatness_n of_o her_o sin_n he_o smite_v her_o child_n with_o death_n use_n hence_o parent_n be_v teach_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n for_o thereby_o they_o may_v bring_v judgement_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o family_n even_o to_o death_n now_o what_o bloody_a heart_a parent_n be_v those_o that_o will_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o do_v that_o whereby_o they_o bring_v vengeance_n upon_o their_o own_o child_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n must_v every_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o society_n be_v admonish_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n because_o thereby_o a_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o a_o society_n may_v bring_v destruction_n upon_o many_o as_o david_n do_v by_o number_v the_o people_n and_o achan_n by_o his_o covetous_a stealth_n josua_n 7_o and_o ahab_n upon_o his_o posterity_n so_o that_o impenitent_a person_n which_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v but_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v both_o from_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o hurtful_a member_n yea_o enemy_n to_o all_o good_a society_n that_o these_o threaten_n might_n take_v place_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o jesabell_n and_o her_o follower_n christ_n remove_v two_o carnal_a conceit_n whereby_o they_o may_v think_v to_o delude_v or_o escape_v these_o judgement_n threaten_v the_o first_o be_v this_o jesabell_n and_o her_o company_n may_v think_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v secret_a not_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n this_o be_v a_o wicked_a imagination_n that_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sinner_n but_o this_o christ_n cut_v off_o say_v and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o the_o
be_v not_o call_v the_o morning_n star_n because_o he_o shine_v to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o all_o time_n as_o the_o morning_n star_n do_v but_o because_o he_o shine_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v further_a say_v i_o will_v give_v he_o it_o where_o be_v promise_v fellowship_n and_o participation_n with_o christ_n aâ—_n he_o be_v this_o daystar_n and_o herein_o be_v two_o benefit_n comprise_v first_o perfect_a illumination_n whereby_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v whole_o take_v away_o after_o this_o life_n when_o as_o man_n shall_v know_v god_n full_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o a_o creature_n can_v know_v the_o creator_n second_o the_o light_n of_o perfect_a glory_n for_o by_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o shine_v as_o the_o star_n as_o daniel_n 3_o speak_v yea_o we_o shall_v become_v 1.12_o saint_n in_o light_n â—s_v the_o apostle_n say_v whereas_o christ_n compare_v himself_o to_o the_o morning_n star_n first_o use_n we_o see_v the_o gross_a error_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o live_v in_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o ignorance_n walk_v in_o their_o wicked_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n without_o care_n of_o keep_v faith_n or_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v part_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o light_n and_o glory_n but_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o blind_a ignorance_n and_o in_o sin_n be_v mere_a darkness_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o bright_a morning_n star_n for_o what_o fellowship_n can_v be_v between_o light_n and_o darkness_n this_o bright_a morning_n star_n serve_v only_o for_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o light_n thereof_o and_o walk_v by_o it_o but_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o sin_n have_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o second_o see_v christ_n be_v this_o morning_n star_n we_o must_v have_v care_n to_o learn_v peter_n instruction_n namely_o labour_v that_o this_o bright_a star_n may_v rise_v and_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o we_o shall_v feel_v when_o we_o use_v those_o mean_n whereby_o the_o beam_n of_o this_o star_n may_v shine_v upon_o we_o not_o only_o for_o the_o enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n but_o also_o for_o the_o heat_n and_o reviue_n of_o our_o freeze_a and_o dead_a heart_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n quicken_v by_o it_o warm_a beam_n some_o thing_n that_o lie_v dead_a all_o winter_n so_o christ_n jesus_n this_o morning_n star_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o revive_v our_o dead_a and_o freeze_a heart_n and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o feel_v these_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o we_o can_v say_v that_o this_o morning_n star_n be_v rise_v unto_o we_o or_o have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n three_o whereas_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o morning_n when_o darkness_n be_v past_a we_o be_v hereby_o teach_v to_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o godliness_n righteousness_n sobriety_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o upright_o and_o godly_a conversation_n for_o the_o night_n be_v past_a and_o the_o day_n be_v come_v wherein_o we_o may_v see_v to_o walk_v upright_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o the_o unprofitable_a work_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o rom._n 13.12_o and_o know_v this_o that_o those_o who_o in_o this_o light_n do_v not_o walk_v according_o but_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v one_o day_n have_v their_o fill_n he_o that_o love_v the_o dark_a 2â—.30_n for_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o talon_n must_v be_v cast_v for_o his_o reward_n into_o utter_a darkness_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v 29._o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n here_o be_v christ_n commandment_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o conclusion_n but_o hereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o motive_n to_o proceed_v prou._n 15.32_o he_o that_o refuse_v instruction_n despise_v his_o own_o soul_n luk._n 9.62_o no_o man_n that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v apt_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.9_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v for_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o 1._o cor._n 12.31_o desire_v you_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o i_o will_v show_v you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n the_o three_o chapter_n verse_n 1._o and_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o sardis_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o thou_o be_v dead_a these_o word_n contain_v the_o five_o particular_a commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o john_n wherein_o he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o write_v &_o send_v a_o special_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o sardis_n of_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o the_o epistle_n itself_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o six_o first_o verse_n &_o it_o have_v three_o part_n a_o preface_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o epistle_n &_o the_o conclusion_n the_o preface_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o this_o preface_n first_o be_v set_v down_o in_o who_o name_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o procure_v authority_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n name_n who_o sovereignty_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o royalty_n that_o be_v by_o two_o prerogative_n or_o privilege_n belong_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o first_o be_v the_o have_v of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o second_o his_o have_v of_o the_o seven_o star_n for_o the_o first_o royalty_n in_o the_o first_o chap._n vers_fw-la 4._o i_o show_v that_o by_o seven_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o who_o proceed_v all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o any_o man_n enjoy_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v a_o royalty_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o david_n peter_n and_o paul_n have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n answ._n it_o be_v true_a but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o way_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n &_o of_o his_o manhood_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o father_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o proceed_v christ_n be_v say_v to_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o to_o overcome_v death_n by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o to_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n second_o as_o christ_n be_v man_n he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n pour_v into_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o gift_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 45.7_o anoint_a with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n and_o to_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o that_o two_o way_n both_o for_o number_n and_o degree_n for_o number_v with_o man_n some_o have_v some_o grace_n and_o some_o man_n other_o but_o christ_n he_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o all_o man_n and_o all_o angel_n nay_o more_o grace_n in_o number_n then_o all_o man_n and_o all_o angel_n have_v and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o number_n perfect_a so_o they_o be_v perfect_a in_o degree_n for_o in_o measure_n they_o exceed_v the_o grace_n of_o all_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o son_n 3.14_o without_o measure_n &_o thus_o much_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o first_o royalty_n of_o christ._n now_o the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o lively_a head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o plenty_n of_o all_o store_n of_o grace_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o enrich_v his_o church_n and_o to_o revive_v the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o such_o indeed_o be_v the_o special_a state_n of_o this_o church_n first_o hence_o we_o learn_v use_n no_o man_n can_v have_v true_a fellowship_n with_o the_o
horrible_a abuse_n of_o this_o power_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v and_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o though_o the_o pope_n carry_v in_o his_o arm_n the_o key_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n but_o of_o hell_n for_o he_o have_v make_v more_o place_n of_o rest_n and_o woe_n than_o ever_o god_n do_v as_o limbus_n potgun_n and_o purgatory_n &_o therefore_o must_v needs_o make_v more_o door_n thither_o and_o so_o more_o lock_n &_o key_n by_o this_o doctrine_n use_n touch_v the_o key_n of_o david_n give_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o church_n derive_v thence_o we_o may_v learn_v sundry_a thing_n first_o that_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v do_v not_o open_a to_o all_o but_o to_o some_o only_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o adam_n be_v create_v in_o integrity_n be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n &_o so_o bar_v himself_o both_o out_o of_o the_o earthly_a and_o heavenly_a paradise_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n by_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a sin_n be_v likewise_o debar_v for_o 59.2_o sin_n be_v a_o partition_n wall_n between_o we_o and_o god_n and_o a_o 3.44_o cloud_n between_o our_o prayer_n and_o god_n himself_o as_o jeremie_n speak_v so_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o exclusion_n and_o so_o many_o sin_n as_o a_o man_n commit_v so_o many_o bolt_n and_o bar_n he_o make_v to_o exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v move_v every_o one_o to_o take_v a_o narrow_a view_n of_o his_o miserable_a state_n in_o himself_o through_o adam_n for_o by_o original_a sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o our_o actual_a transgression_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o bar_v ourself_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o 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teach_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n &_o to_o seek_v by_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v open_v heaven_n as_o he_o say_v unto_o nathaniel_n and_o philip_n 1.51_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o shall_v you_o see_v heaven_n open_a meaning_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v it_o be_v open_a we_o must_v strive_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o as_o the_o man_n in_o john_n baptist_n time_n do_v mat._n 11.12_o this_o we_o do_v by_o endevor_v to_o become_v good_a member_n of_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n for_o that_o be_v the_o door_n and_o suburb_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o every_o one_o must_v enter_v into_o that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n itself_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o will_v go_v into_o a_o house_n must_v needs_o come_v to_o the_o door_n now_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v the_o true_a door_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o key_n thereof_o which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o do_v lock_v and_o unlock_v the_o same_o quest._n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n we_o must_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o humble_a ourselves_o for_o all_o our_o sin_n pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o believe_v the_o same_o through_o christ._n second_o endeavour_v and_o purpose_n by_o god_n grace_n every_o day_n to_o leave_v the_o same_o sin_n this_o do_v we_o be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o soul_n enter_v into_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v this_o we_o must_v do_v while_o we_o live_v but_o if_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o door_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n while_o we_o live_v we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n after_o death_n vers._n 8._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o twelve_o be_v contain_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o â—eads_n a_o praise_n a_o promise_n and_o a_o commandment_n the_o praise_n in_o this_o eight_o verse_n the_o promise_n in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o the_o commandment_n in_o the_o 11._o for_o the_o first_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o church_n be_v first_o summary_o propound_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n which_o have_v be_v expound_v and_o the_o end_n thereof_o with_o the_o use_n in_o the_o former_a epistle_n then_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o commendation_n wherein_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v i_o the_o sign_n of_o christ_n approbation_n in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n ii_o their_o conversation_n or_o the_o work_n which_o christ_n approve_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n &_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n both_o these_o may_v be_v undetstood_v either_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o both_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n the_o word_n bear_v this_o sense_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v behold_v and_o consider_v i_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o opportunity_n and_o liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n unto_o i_o so_o much_o s._n paul_n mean_v by_o the_o door_n of_o utterance_n 1._o cor._n 16.9_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n pertain_v to_o thy_o call_n yet_o thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o gospel_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o expound_v do_v afford_v we_o these_o instruction_n first_o from_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o approbation_n we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n for_o any_o minister_n to_o have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n unto_o christ_n so_o much_o the_o word_n of_o attention_n behold_v import_v which_o may_v also_o further_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o worthy_a prophet_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o vouchsafe_v this_o favour_n as_o isaiah_n and_o ezekiell_n who_o be_v send_v sometime_o to_o harden_v 6.9_o thy_o people_n and_o christ_n himself_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o privilege_n say_v 49.4_o i_o have_v spend_v my_o strength_n in_o vain_a and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o privilege_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1â—_n saviors_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o liberty_n they_o have_v title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o shine_v as_o star_n in_o glory_n dan_o 12.3_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o all_o minister_n that_o have_v the_o same_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o ought_v high_o to_o magnify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o it_o and_o to_o value_v it_o more_o worth_a than_o all_o earthly_a blessing_n whatsoever_o second_o from_o the_o work_n which_o christ_n approve_v in_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o minister_n endue_v with_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v great_a service_n unto_o god_n in_o his_o church_n this_o thing_n
be_v plain_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n and_o may_v also_o be_v show_v by_o manifold_a example_n of_o such_o man_n in_o all_o age_n but_o to_o come_v to_o our_o time_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n marie_n when_o religion_n be_v in_o banish_v this_o our_o famous_a school_n of_o the_o prophet_n cambridge_n have_v many_o learned_a man_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o stand_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o as_o a_o poor_a secular_a priest_n not_o three_o mile_n off_o who_o be_v far_o behind_o they_o in_o gift_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o have_v the_o truth_n reveal_v unto_o he_o do_v stand_v out_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o even_o to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o at_o this_o day_n many_o man_n of_o small_a gift_n in_o the_o ministry_n do_v more_o further_a the_o gospel_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o true_a obedience_n than_o those_o that_o be_v enrich_v with_o far_o great_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o tongue_n and_o art_n so_o as_o though_o they_o be_v many_o hundred_o degree_n short_a in_o regard_n of_o school-learning_n yet_o they_o go_v as_o far_o before_o they_o in_o benefit_v god_n church_n if_o this_o be_v so_o will_n some_o say_v than_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o man_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o so_o much_o in_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n ans._n not_o so_o for_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v god_n minister_n ought_v to_o have_v knowledge_n of_o school-learning_n both_o in_o art_n and_o tongue_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o oft_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o god_n providence_n that_o the_o great_a clerk_n for_o learning_n be_v less_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n than_o man_n of_o small_a gift_n this_o god_n do_v to_o humble_v the_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v not_o proud_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o magnify_v the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o weak_a instrument_n further_o these_o word_n must_v also_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o they_o bear_v this_o sense_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n that_o be_v i_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o a_o special_a privilege_n even_o liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o liberty_n to_o life_n everlasting_a be_v a_o special_a priuâ—ledge_n belong_v not_o to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ._n this_o point_n have_v sundry_a use_n i._o to_o confute_v this_o erroneous_a opinion_n that_o christ_n do_v effectual_o redeem_v all_o and_o every_o man_n which_o be_v â—â—at_a against_o god_n word_n and_o this_o text_n for_o those_o that_o be_v effectual_o redeem_v have_v liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o all_o man_n have_v not_o that_o liberty_n for_o than_o it_o be_v no_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n alone_o to_o have_v heaven_n open_v unto_o they_o ii_o see_v this_o be_v a_o privilege_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o his_o church_n to_o have_v heaven_n gate_n open_v unto_o they_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o liberty_n while_o the_o door_n be_v open_a and_o in_o time_n to_o strive_v to_o enter_v therein_o for_o as_o christ_n tell_v nathaniel_n the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v by_o faith_n see_v heaven_n open_a 5â—_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o neglect_v this_o opportunity_n but_o it_o be_v our_o common_a shame_n that_o we_o be_v slack_a in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o suffer_v ourselves_o so_o to_o be_v clog_v with_o heap_n of_o sin_n and_o worldly_a lust_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o walk_v in_o that_o straight_a way_n nor_o enter_v into_o that_o door_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n for_o sin_n be_v â—n_o heavy_a burden_n like_o a_o great_a pack_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o so_o strait_a a_o door_n we_o must_v therefore_o cast_v off_o all_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v so_o enter_v in_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o here_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o former_a benefit_n against_o all_o adversary_n power_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o again_o confute_v another_o opinion_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o every_o man_n but_o yet_o some_o be_v not_o save_v because_o they_o will_v not_o they_o shut_v heaven_n door_n against_o themselves_o but_o this_o opinion_n can_v stand_v for_o none_o can_v shut_v heaven_n door_n against_o they_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v it_o open_v effectual_o neither_o sin_n satan_n nor_o the_o world_n no_o not_o man_n himself_o nor_o all_o their_o power_n together_o for_o herein_o be_v the_o will_n of_o man_n rule_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o look_v who_o god_n will_v have_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n they_o do_v he_o incline_v to_o will_v their_o own_o salvation_n and_o also_o make_v unwilling_a ever_o to_o shut_v this_o door_n against_o themselves_o for_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v thou_o be_v endue_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o faith_n hope_n and_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n thou_o have_v maintain_v my_o word_n and_o not_o deny_v my_o name_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v do_v work_n please_v unto_o god_n &_o by_o the_o same_o grace_n come_v to_o life_n â—uerlasting_a christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n 17.20_o if_o your_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n by_o it_o shall_v you_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v mountain_n now_o that_o which_o be_v here_o say_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n be_v say_v of_o all_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o justify_v faith_n if_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o small_a a_o measure_n thereof_o yet_o thereby_o he_o shall_v do_v work_n acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o as_o paul_n teach_v god_n child_n receive_v not_o the_o ten_o but_o 23_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v only_o a_o pledge_n of_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v full_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o this_o cause_n be_v rahab_n commend_v for_o her_o faith_n 31_o although_o it_o be_v but_o small_a and_o weak_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o we_o read_v the_o whole_a history_n joshâ—_n 2_o for_o god_n accept_v of_o man_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o save_v a_o man_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n before_o god_n this_o serve_v notable_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o that_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n use_n such_o be_v most_o dismay_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o want_n &_o corruption_n but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o god_n approve_v of_o their_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v care_n to_o increase_v in_o grace_n and_o do_v strive_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v ii_o hereby_o every_o one_o must_v be_v encorage_v to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v true_a religion_n many_o be_v dismay_v herein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o obedience_n which_o they_o think_v god_n require_v and_o therefore_o they_o leave_v of_o all_o obedience_n but_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o for_o god_n approve_v of_o a_o man_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o by_o the_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o this_o must_v make_v we_o slack_v and_o negligent_a in_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n that_o so_o we_o may_v also_o increase_v in_o true_a obedience_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n here_o he_o set_v down_o two_o work_n for_o the_o which_o he_o commend_v this_o church_n first_o their_o faithful_a keep_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ._n second_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o behaviour_n of_o this_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o a_o look_a glass_n for_o we_o to_o square_v our_o conversation_n by_o for_o these_o work_n thou_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n though_o the_o word_n be_v few_o yet_o they_o continue_v much_o in_o