be_v only_o in_o name_n and_o outward_a or_o whither_o inward_a and_o sincere_a they_o be_v the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o experience_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o precede_v and_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o every_o spiritual_a work_n and_o service_n whatsoever_o observe_v another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o the_o spirits_n method_n be_v first_o to_o convince_v of_o sin_n before_o it_o manifest_v its_o remedy_n against_o sin_n the_o whole_a say_v christ_n need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o the_o sensible_a sick_a and_o wound_a christ_n first_o convince_v sardis_n that_o she_o have_v only_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a before_o he_o lay_v down_o her_o remedy_n in_o the_o three_o ver_fw-la in_o bring_v she_o to_o repentance_n so_o he_o deal_v with_o pergamus_n thyatira_n and_o other_o delinquent_a church_n also_o it_o be_v a_o anti-scriptural_a method_n of_o some_o that_o preach_v up_o faith_n and_o repentance_n unto_o a_o sinful_a and_o backslidden_a people_n before_o they_o have_v first_o full_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v under_o bondage_n sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v no_o legal_a method_n as_o the_o antinomist_n do_v conjecture_v but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o gospel_n spirit_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o sensible_o convince_v of_o our_o loss_n and_o misery_n by_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n or_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o the_o primitive_a convert_n that_o we_o read_v of_o be_v first_o prick_v unto_o their_o heart_n for_o sin_n before_o they_o ask_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v act_n 2._o but_o to_o return_v to_o christ_n charge_n against_o sardis_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 as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o have_v a_o name_n a_o reputation_n that_o thou_o live_v that_o be_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o faithful_a profess_v church_n and_o live_v in_o i_o by_o faith_n but_o thou_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v not_o altogether_o dead_a for_o than_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o put_v she_o afterward_o to_o strengthen_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n but_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a low_a weak_a and_o infirm_a and_o that_o faith_n and_o profession_n which_o thou_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a profession_n and_o liveless_a faith_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o though_o church_n may_v carry_v a_o fair_a outward_a profession_n and_o a_o common_a reputation_n of_o faithful_a one_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o hipocritical_a and_o no_o better_a than_o dead_a liveless_a and_o rot_a at_o the_o root_n this_o church_n at_o sardis_n have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v dead_a her_o grace_n be_v even_o at_o death_n door_n yet_o still_o will_v keep_v up_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n who_o high_a in_o profession_n and_o name_n then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v she_o not_o take_v unto_o herself_o and_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_a as_o if_o she_o have_v be_v the_o only_a church_n that_o hold_v the_o general_a faith_n deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o what_o church_n more_o dead_a and_o rot_a then_o she_o notwithstanding_o our_o nominal_a faith_n and_o common-reputed_n christianity_n among_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v dead_a to_o all_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o all_o true_a spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n cap._n 2._o 9_o they_o be_v those_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n but_o they_o be_v not_o and_o christ_n tell_v they_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n &_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o dishonour_n do_v unto_o god_n when_o under_o the_o cover_n of_o profession_n we_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v our_o error_n and_o profaneness_n open_v opposition_n be_v less_o dishonourable_a unto_o god_n then_o impure_a and_o dead_a life_n under_o the_o vizor_n of_o profession_n mat._n 21.28_o 29._o that_o froward_a son_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v less_o guilty_a that_o say_v he_o will_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n than_o he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o james_n resolve_v the_o question_n in_o that_o interrogation_n of_o he_o cap._n 2._o 14_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o mean_v a_o dead_a nominal_a faith_n without_o fruit_n and_o work_n so_o will_v i_o put_v the_o question_n here_o what_o will_v the_o pretend_a faith_n and_o christianity_n of_o our_o nominal_a and_o national_a christian_n profit_n or_o advantage_v they_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o lip_n and_o yet_o fare_v enough_o from_o salvation_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n these_o formal_a outward_a grace_n be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v in_o any_o real_a comfort_n or_o hope_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o future_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o only_o have_v they_o that_o they_o bring_v in_o real_a disadvantage_n and_o loss_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o argue_v a_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o a_o refusal_n thereof_o in_o the_o love_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o second_o it_o have_v be_v always_o a_o hard_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o bring_v pretend_v and_o formal_a professor_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o open_a harlot_n publican_n and_o sinner_n witness_v the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a in_o christ_n day_n and_o the_o national_a formal_a jew_n who_o will_v boast_v of_o their_o carnal_a privilege_n and_o of_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o the_o oracle_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n among_o they_o somewhat_o like_o the_o late_a levitical_a prelatical_a tribe_n among_o we_o and_o yet_o who_o more_o blind_a and_o dead_a than_o they_o unto_o true_a spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o who_o more_o eager_a persecutor_n and_o enemy_n to_o christ_n his_o way_n and_o saint_n than_o those_o formal_a national_a jew_n who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n but_o to_o give_v you_o a_o test_n and_o taste_v to_o try_v whither_o your_o profession_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o live_a profession_n and_o faith_n or_o not_o first_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n unit_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o draw_v life_n and_o virtue_n from_o he_o i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.20_o you_o know_v there_o be_v life_n in_o a_o body_n by_o the_o notion_n and_o beat_n of_o the_o pulse_n a_o live_a faith_n will_v be_v active_a and_o discover_v itself_o in_o some_o gracious_a effect_n and_o operation_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o he_o will_v live_v in_o you_o he_o will_v not_o be_v dead_a and_o idle_a but_o be_v move_v in_o you_o to_o gracious_a duty_n and_o operation_n for_o there_o be_v none_o live_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n io._n 15.5_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n may_v not_o always_o be_v alike_o lively_a and_o active_a but_o where_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a it_o will_v be_v always_o live_v and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o its_o activity_n yet_o you_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o deadness_n and_o complain_v under_o it_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n though_o not_o a_o lively_a one_o second_o where_o this_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o will_v be_v its_o constant_a concomitant_a that_o forcible_a principle_n love_n see_v cap._n 2._o 19_o affection_n follow_v persuasion_n and_o where_o love_n be_v there_o will_v be_v service_n and_o work_v for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n for_o when_o we_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n god_n love_n in_o christ_n to_o we_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o return_n of_o love_n and_o act_n of_o service_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n true_a faith_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a but_o will_v be_v a_o work_a faith_n and_o will_v produce_v that_o labour_n of_o love_n mention_v heb._n 6.10_o 1_o thess_n 1.3_o three_o a_o live_a faith_n must_v needs_o be_v active_a be_v wrought_v by_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n help_n engage_v to_o action_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n shall_v work_v who_o shall_v resist_v his_o power_n four_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o will_v be_v high_a aim_n to_o glorify_v god_n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o disingenuous_a to_o take_v and_o receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n but_o it_o will_v study_v how_o to_o give_v and_o render_v unto_o god_n due_a praise_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v by_o christ_n to_o live_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o soul_n
body_n and_o spirit_n well_o then_o try_v your_o faith_n and_o profession_n whether_o it_o be_v dead_a or_o formal_a or_o active_a or_o live_a by_o these_o few_o particular_n it_o be_v not_o a_o naked_a assent_n or_o unactive_a outward_a profession_n will_v serve_v turn_n this_o be_v dead_a and_o liveless_a yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n jud._n 12._o dead_a in_o your_o first_o natural_a condition_n and_o dead_a in_o your_o hypocritical_a profession_n for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v never_o to_o be_v otherwise_o with_o you_o but_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o work_a faith_n by_o and_o through_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o glory_n paul_n whole_a life_n phil._n 1.21_o be_v as_o it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o christ_n for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n say_v he_o that_o be_v my_o life_n be_v christ_n for_o his_o use_n his_o purpose_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o short_a a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o christ_n by_o the_o continual_a supply_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o for_o christ_n and_o with_o aim_n at_o his_o glory_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a for_o dead_a formalist_n to_o carry_v a_o high_a hand_n in_o outward_a profession_n than_o the_o real_a christian_n sardis_n pretend_v high_o to_o faith_n and_o to_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v beyond_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o the_o name_n be_v only_a that_o she_o aim_v at_o for_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n she_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a and_o rot_a it_o be_v not_o very_o usual_a still_o among_o dead_a and_o carnal_a christian_n to_o boast_v of_o their_o christianity_n their_o baptism_n their_o church_n their_o external_a ordinance_n and_o the_o like_a they_o needs_o will_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o carnal_a jew_n that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o vers_n 9_o so_o unto_o these_o carnal_a formalist_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v pleasant_a to_o they_o yet_o still_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o true_a saint_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o perceive_v they_o want_v the_o true_a work_a faith_n which_o be_v only_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n all_o be_v natural_o self-lover_n they_o will_v needs_o content_v themselves_o and_o god_n too_o if_o they_o may_v with_o a_o guild_a sophisticate_a and_o dead_a faith_n and_o profession_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n than_o the_o true_a one_o which_o shall_v commend_v they_o unto_o god_n and_o denominate_v they_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o faith_n be_v too_o short_a for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v dead_a false_a and_o liveless_a as_o a_o carcase_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o justifi_v and_o christ_n accept_v that_o work_v by_o love_n 1_o thes_n 1.3_o verse_n 2._o be_v thou_o watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n esto_fw-la vigilans_fw-la as_o beza_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o shall_v rather_o take_v it_o in_o the_o active_a sense_n be_v thou_o awake_v or_o awake_v thou_o then_o be_v watchful_a for_o it_o it_o argue_v the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o activity_n to_o be_v watchful_a watch_n and_o pray_v but_o to_o awake_v it_o only_o show_v a_o dormant_a dead_a and_o sleepy_a state_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v for_o she_o bear_v the_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a therefore_o christ_n tell_v her_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rouse_v up_o thyself_o from_o thy_o sleepy_a state_n and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v reinforce_v revive_v and_o stir_v up_o those_o small_a remain_a spark_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o give_v up_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n within_o thou_o and_o though_o thou_o think_v and_o may_v have_v a_o conceit_n of_o thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v something_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o external_a profession_n and_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v yet_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o say_v christ_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n hence_o note_v observe_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a impair_n and_o consumption_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n sardis_n be_v bring_v by_o it_o even_o to_o death_n door_n her_o grace_n that_o be_v once_o eminent_a be_v come_v thereby_o to_o some_o small_a remainder_n and_o they_o too_o almost_o extinct_a and_o near_o the_o grave_n and_o though_o death_n itself_o i_o mean_v spiritual_a have_v not_o yet_o seize_v she_o yet_o she_o be_v somewhat_o near_o it_o she_o be_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n for_o she_o sleep_v and_o be_v call_v to_o awake_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o remainder_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o she_o lest_o she_o take_v her_o last_o sleep_n by_o the_o spiritual_a death_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o eternal_a death_n hereafter_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o sickness_n be_v to_o the_o body_n 1._o it_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o distemperature_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o leprosy_n under_o the_o law_n 3._o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o sickness_n cause_v grief_n to_o the_o body_n so_o sin_n cause_v horror_n and_o anguish_n unto_o the_o soul_n 4._o it_o cause_v weakness_n for_o the_o more_o sin_n the_o more_o weakness_n and_o disability_n to_o spiritual_a duty_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 5.6_o weak_a feeble_a soul_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n 5._o every_o sickness_n of_o the_o body_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n so_o every_o sin_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n eternal_o the_o only_a remedy_n that_o we_o have_v against_o this_o poison_n and_o sting_v of_o sin_n be_v to_o hasten_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n who_o be_v the_o physician_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o who_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v here_o to_o sardis_n to_o awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o sardis_n to_o awake_v herself_o recover_v herself_o and_o renew_v her_o grace_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n i_o answer_v negative_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n not_o only_o for_o a_o propitiation_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n but_o it_o be_v also_o from_o his_o influence_n and_o from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n whereby_o all_o our_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a for_o the_o life_n i_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o awake_v out_o of_o sin_n nor_o do_v our_o first_o work_n or_o renovate_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n second_o this_o duty_n to_o awake_v and_o renew_v their_o grace_n be_v set_v on_o those_o of_o sardis_n that_o have_v already_o receive_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v here_o say_v strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v therefore_o they_o have_v a_o be_v though_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v grace_n from_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o work_v from_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n have_v receive_v the_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v christ_n the_o great_a end_n and_o object_n of_o the_o promise_n cleanse_v yourselves_o go_v on_o in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o our_o gracious_a act_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o through_o his_o continue_a power_n and_o influence_n three_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o awake_v strengthen_v and_o renew_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n they_o must_v be_v always_o take_v to_o be_v as_o inseparable_a part_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o we_o can_v awake_v from_o sin_n unless_o we_o first_o look_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o renew_v or_o restore_v our_o fall_a grace_n before_o we_o first_o eye_n god_n in_o christ_n out_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o set_v home_o spiritual_a duty_n on_o person_n that_o have_v not_o first_o receive_v light_n and_o life_n from_o christ_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o work_n that_o must_v be_v offer_v and_o
right_a hand_n on_o john_n first_o upon_o his_o consternation_n he_o give_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n elevate_v and_o excite_v john_n spirit_n to_o see_v divine_a mystery_n and_o second_o give_v he_o his_o spirit_n of_o strength_n power_n and_o consolation_n which_o may_v subdue_v all_o his_o carnal_a conceit_n and_o fear_n and_o so_o remove_v all_o impediment_n whatsoever_o that_o hinder_v he_o in_o that_o work_n which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o undertake_v and_o therefore_o come_v in_o with_o consolation_n and_o bid_v john_n fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o from_o this_o note_v that_o those_o that_o be_v strike_v low_a and_o humble_v by_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v rise_v by_o god_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o choice_a divine_a truth_n and_o mystery_n john_n be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o then_o hear_v a_o voice_n fear_v not_o but_o write_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o shall_v see_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n when_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n be_v fall_v down_o on_o their_o face_n than_o they_o be_v lift_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o receive_v glorious_a vision_n we_o must_v let_v all_o our_o own_o go_v our_o false_a confidence_n and_o carnal_a prop_n as_o of_o our_o own_o part_n our_o grace_n our_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o the_o like_a if_o we_o will_v be_v fit_a auditor_n for_o christ_n we_o must_v fall_v down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o throne_n if_o we_o expect_v a_o answer_n from_o his_o throne_n moses_n a_o meek_a man_n yea_o the_o meek_a of_o all_o man_n he_o receive_v the_o choice_a favour_n from_o god_n hand_n for_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n and_o face_n to_o face_n deut._n 34.10_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o say_v unto_o i_o fear_v not_o hence_o second_o note_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o only_o a_o most_o powerful_a but_o also_o a_o comfort_v and_o consolate_v spirit_n this_o be_v the_o comforter_n that_o take_v off_o all_o fear_n from_o john_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v convince_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o do_v inspire_v godly_a man_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a agent_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o which_o god_n do_v all_o his_o work_n christ_n here_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a apparition_n unto_o john_n it_o serve_v only_o to_o strike_v he_o dead_a before_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o to_o comfort_v and_o support_v he_o so_o the_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o co-operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o as_o a_o terrible_a sight_n and_o knowledge_n that_o make_v for_o the_o great_a condemnation_n christ_n unto_o some_o may_v be_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o a_o stumble_a stone_n while_o unto_o other_o that_o have_v his_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o corner_n stone_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o precious_a o_o lay_v thy_o right_a hand_n o_o lord_n upon_o thy_o servant_n give_v he_o thy_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v know_v thy_o will_n and_o mind_n in_o thy_o word_n and_o serve_v thou_o without_o fear_n observe_v 3._o that_o christ_n be_v full_a of_o bowel_n of_o grace_n and_o compassion_n towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o smite_v and_o humble_v the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a thing_n unto_o poor_a frail_a worthless_a creature_n god_n follow_v it_o with_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n no_o soon_o do_v christ_n appear_v unto_o john_n in_o his_o glory_n that_o make_v he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a but_o present_o christ_n lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v his_o comfort_a word_n say_v fear_v not_o christ_n will_v not_o leave_v john_n in_o that_o spiritless_a and_o liveless_a condition_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n have_v affect_v he_o with_o but_o quick_o raise_v he_o and_o comfort_v he_o again_o with_o the_o most_o effectual_a and_o sweet_a consolation_n christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a high_a priest_n and_o that_o good_a compassionate_a samaritane_n who_o be_v so_o affect_a and_o touch_v with_o our_o wound_n and_o infirmity_n luk._n 10.33_o heb_fw-mi 4.15_o and_o that_o more_o especial_o with_o such_o hurt_n and_o wound_n that_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a at_o hand_n with_o the_o oil_n and_o wine_n the_o grace_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o blood_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o pour_v into_o our_o wound_a soul_n for_o peace_n heal_v and_o consolation_n job_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v and_o humble_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o come_v to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o do_v it_o his_o captivity_n be_v turn_v into_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v multiply_v job_n 42.5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n daniel_n after_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o humble_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o forefather_n cap._n 4._o then_o the_o lord_n send_v gabriel_n to_o comfort_v he_o and_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n great_o belove_v ver_fw-la 22._o god_n do_v not_o throw_v down_o afflict_v wound_n or_o humble_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n to_o leave_v they_o so_o but_o forthwith_o or_o within_o a_o short_a time_n reach_v out_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o observe_v 4._o another_o note_n from_o this_o comfort_a word_n of_o christ_n say_v fear_v not_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v conjunct_a with_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a comfort_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v inefficacious_a in_o its_o operation_n john_n have_v lie_v still_o as_o a_o senseless_a and_o dead_a person_n notwithstanding_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o lie_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o also_o the_o word_n be_v of_o little_a power_n if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o in_o it_o without_o this_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n that_o word_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v powerful_a and_o efficacious_a carry_v the_o spirit_n with_o it_o the_o same_o word_n go_v forth_o unto_o all_o and_o work_n from_o common_a gift_n in_o some_o so_o many_o be_v call_v but_o that_o that_o make_v it_o a_o distinguish_v powerful_a word_n be_v the_o concomitancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o few_o be_v choose_v when_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n such_o expression_n as_o that_o the_o word_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o life_n sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o the_o like_a phrase_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v such_o in_o itself_o without_o the_o spirit_n but_o conjunctive_o when_o the_o word_n be_v make_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o a_o voice_n void_a of_o virtue_n and_o operation_n and_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o medium_n of_o the_o word_n work_v not_o ordinary_o but_o both_o conjunct_a together_o make_v up_o that_o true_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.8_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n tit._n 2.11_o god_n be_v light_v itself_o and_o the_o father_n of_o light_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o useless_a but_o by_o it_o he_o enlighten_v we_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o comforter_n and_o the_o sanctifier_n but_o do_v both_o comfort_n sanctify_v and_o perform_v all_o other_o his_o office_n and_o work_n in_o by_z and_o through_o the_o word_n o_o lord_n sanctify_v and_o comfort_v we_o by_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n for_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o our_o god_n unto_o salvation_n observe_v 5._o the_o last_o note_n that_o i_o shall_v raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v that_o christ_n do_v full_o furnish_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n all_o such_o as_o he_o call_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o great_a office_n of_o his_o church_n first_o he_o lay_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o john_n intimate_v his_o designation_n installment_n and_o confirmation_n in_o his_o prophetical_a office_n for_o as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v
church_n of_o christ_n in_o ephesus_n yet_o i_o presume_v on_o good_a ground_n that_o most_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o ephesus_n cry_v up_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o though_o there_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n in_o rome_n corinth_n smyrna_n pergamus_n and_o other_o place_n mention_v in_o scripture_n yet_o we_o know_v by_o good_a history_n that_o the_o national_a worship_n and_o religion_n be_v ethnic_a unto_o jupiter_n mars_n sol_n venus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o indeed_o i_o confess_v a_o church_n may_v be_v call_v the_o national_a church_n as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n of_o england_n of_o france_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o member_n or_o person_n of_o that_o nation_n but_o herein_o we_o have_v no_o difference_n the_o controversy_n be_v not_o about_o word_n but_o thing_n real_o differ_v among_o themselves_o as_o when_o they_o affirm_v every_o individual_a and_o singular_a parochial_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v particular_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n constitute_v of_o its_o singular_a part_n if_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n be_v the_o church_n what_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o profane_a therein_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v of_o england_n scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o all_o england_n scotland_n france_n to_o be_v the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o those_o expression_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o far_o at_o present_a have_v do_v with_o the_o inscription_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v know_v from_o who_o this_o subsequent_a message_n come_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o hold_v and_o keep_v in_o his_o fatherly_a hand_n of_o protection_n his_o faithful_a minister_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o his_o church_n for_o glory_n peruse_v the_o sixteenth_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n more_o full_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o who_o walk_v that_o be_v be_v in_o active_a posture_n ready_a to_o observe_v all_o the_o do_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o all_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n consult_v more_o at_o large_a with_o v._o 13._o &_o 20._o of_o c._n 1._o from_o christ_n posture_n of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n note_n that_o christ_n be_v very_a intent_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o providential_a observation_n and_o that_o for_o their_o good_a over_o all_o his_o faithful_a church_n this_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o of_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n view_v the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v proficient_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o canticle_n cap_n 6._o 11._o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o garden_n of_o nut_n to_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o valley_n and_o to_o see_v whether_o the_o vine_n flourish_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v christ_n be_v now_o view_v his_o church_n grace_n take_v delight_n therein_o and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n that_o the_o crown_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o that_o overcome_v and_o also_o take_v a_o special_a notice_n of_o their_o backslide_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o deceitfulness_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v loathe_v they_o and_o return_v unto_o their_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a repentance_n and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n at_o his_o departure_n leave_v as_o his_o last_o comfort_v legacy_n with_o his_o afflict_a church_n matth._n 28.20_o that_o though_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n yet_o in_o his_o providential_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n teach_v direct_a counsel_v support_v and_o comfort_v they_o he_o will_v be_v ever_o with_o they_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o forbear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n verse_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v see_v thy_o work_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o our_o knowledge_n be_v mix_v and_o join_v with_o much_o imperfection_n and_o at_o best_a be_v but_o a_o mix_a act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o so_o to_o know_v a_o thing_n by_o a_o human_a capacity_n be_v to_o understand_v it_o and_o the_o nature_n thereof_o in_o the_o high_a notion_n that_o its_o capable_a of_o comprehension_n and_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n in_o the_o understanding_n the_o affection_n or_o will_n be_v misplace_v and_o so_o become_v erroneous_a and_o sinful_a for_o a_o mind_n not_o well_o inform_v or_o a_o ignorant_a soul_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v a_o good_a or_o a_o godly_a one_o for_o without_o this_o light_n the_o judgement_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v often_o lead_v astray_o to_o that_o which_o be_v only_o good_a in_o appearance_n and_o to_o contemn_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o here_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n in_o this_o person_n christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o therefore_o all_o our_o work_n be_v patent_n and_o open_a before_o he_o his_o judgement_n or_o affection_n can_v be_v mislead_v to_o approve_v of_o thing_n and_o work_n that_o shall_v not_o or_o disapprove_v of_o work_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v approve_v he_o be_v god_n and_o can_v be_v deceive_v on_o any_o false_a pretence_n he_o see_v our_o work_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n we_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n by_o medium_n mixt_o weak_o and_o imperfect_o he_o see_v and_o know_v thing_n simple_o absolute_o and_o most_o perfect_o the_o eye_n itself_o can_v want_v sight_n nor_o the_o sun_n want_v light_n neither_o can_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o present_a temporal_a world_n or_o his_o church_n this_o spiritual_a world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o he_o or_o their_o handy_a work_n christ_n see_v and_o know_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n full_o what_o be_v approvable_a and_o what_o be_v disapprovable_a in_o they_o hence_o note_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a censurer_n of_o his_o church_n work_n he_o forbid_v to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n he_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n of_o travel_n patience_n and_o sufferance_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o so_o place_v his_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o complacency_n thereon_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v evil_a in_o they_o he_o can_v bear_v without_o a_o reproof_n as_o it_o be_v defection_n or_o failure_n in_o its_o first_o love_n and_o ardent_a affection_n which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n bear_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o vers_n 4._o christ_n also_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n that_o he_o know_v their_o work_n but_o in_o another_o tone_n not_o of_o approbation_n but_o of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n he_o say_v to_o sardis_n cap._n 3._o 1._o 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 and_o in_o verse_n 15._o he_o fall_v upon_o laodicea_n and_o tell_v they_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a christ_n will_v not_o palliate_v or_o lie_v cushion_n under_o great_a one_o elbow_n and_o prophesy_v smooth_a thing_n unto_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o whilst_o they_o be_v most_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n and_o heart_n have_v not_o god_n a_o controversy_n of_o old_a with_o his_o israel_n for_o this_o
proper_o the_o first_o paradise_n may_v serve_v to_o typify_v or_o represent_v the_o second_o paradise_n or_o new_a church-state_n or_o heaven_n which_o christ_n will_v restore_v unto_o his_o faithful_a one_o before_o the_o ultimate_a day_n and_o end_n of_o all_o see_v more_o on_o the_o 21_o and_o 22_o chapter_n verse_n 8._o and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a verse_n 9_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o tribulation_n and_o poverty_n but_o thou_o be_v rich_a and_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n christ_n have_v finish_v his_o charge_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n go_v on_o on_o the_o same_o account_n with_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o command_v the_o angel_n or_o chief_a pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o say_a church_n who_o as_o ireneus_fw-la testify_v be_v policarpus_fw-la scholar_n unto_o s._n john_n to_o write_v those_o thing_n for_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o person_n that_o give_v out_o these_o discovery_n and_o charge_n to_o the_o church_n be_v here_o plain_o manifest_v to_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a as_o in_o v._o 18._o of_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n more_o full_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o discovery_n be_v whole_o of_o encouragement_n and_o approbation_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o tribulation_n and_o poverty_n but_o thou_o be_v rich_a that_o be_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n thou_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o trouble_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n that_o thou_o endure_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o opprobrious_a scandalous_a and_o revile_v speech_n which_o those_o cast_n out_o against_o thou_o which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o and_o i_o know_v thy_o poverty_n and_o scantiness_n in_o worldly_a riches_n but_o i_o add_v withal_o thou_o be_v rich_a in_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v account_v poor_a in_o this_o world_n yet_o thou_o have_v treasure_n abide_v for_o thou_o in_o heaven_n and_o withal_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o also_o know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o revile_v speech_n that_o those_o which_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o so_o perhaps_o be_v so_o by_o blood_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o true_a jew_n true_a spiritual_a israelite_n but_o rather_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o malicious_a practice_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v the_o very_a devil_n be_v disciple_n and_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n here_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n or_o several_a act_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o knowledge_n and_o far_o different_a the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o approbation_n love_n and_o complacency_n the_o other_o of_o hatred_n and_o abhorrency_n christ_n know_v the_o work_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n of_o her_o tribulation_n persecution_n and_o poverty_n and_o love_v she_o and_o honour_n she_o for_o it_o christ_n also_o know_v the_o work_n of_o her_o adversary_n of_o blasphemy_n reproach_n and_o enticement_n to_o evil_a against_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o godliness_n and_o not_o only_o hate_v they_o for_o it_o but_o set_v a_o character_n of_o ignominy_n upon_o their_o head_n for_o ever_o for_o what_o may_v be_v more_o reproachful_a or_o stigmatise_v then_o for_o those_o that_o think_v themselves_o somewhat_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o call_v themselves_o jew_n the_o keeper_n of_o the_o oracle_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n yet_o indeed_o to_o be_v just_o number_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v church_n for_o the_o word_n synagogue_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v so_o much_o as_o convention_n meet_v or_o church_n which_o be_v common_o use_v now_o in_o the_o worse_a sense_n which_o be_v appropriate_v first_o chief_o to_o the_o jewish_a pharisaical_a and_o priestly_a meeting_n and_o call_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n but_o christian_n have_v renounce_v the_o name_n and_o thing_n have_v appropriate_v to_o their_o meeting_n or_o convention_n a_o more_o significant_a name_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n ecclesia_fw-la and_o leave_v the_o synagogue_n to_o unbelieve_a jew_n antichrist_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o nourish_v their_o disciple_n in_o from_o christ_n take_v knowledge_n with_o approbation_n of_o the_o work_n and_o tribulation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n see_v the_o note_n on_o v._o 2._o of_o this_o chapter_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v but_o from_o this_o verse_n explain_v one_o note_n shall_v be_v observe_v that_o a_o poor_a afflict_a and_o persecute_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o dear_a precious_a and_o rich_a in_o his_o eye_n than_o all_o other_o the_o potent_a rich_a and_o mighty_a society_n in_o the_o world_n christ_n look_v upon_o the_o latter_a but_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o common_a providence_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o shower_n fall_v on_o the_o field_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o unrighteous_a alike_o herein_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o love_n or_o mercy_n god_n equal_o dispense_v those_o common_a gift_n equal_o alike_o unto_o all_o neither_o be_v any_o one_o to_o be_v account_v godly_a or_o ungodly_a elect_a or_o reprobate_a from_o the_o abound_a or_o want_v thereof_o for_o some_o godly_a have_v abound_v and_o other_o have_v want_v herein_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v distinguish_v mercy_n their_o affliction_n and_o tear_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o a_o bottle_n of_o remembrance_n for_o a_o reward_n and_o crown_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n his_o jewel_n member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v dear_a unto_o he_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n for_o they_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v if_o there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o elect_a member_n on_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v soon_o see_v its_o night_n and_o period_n and_o forthwith_o relapse_n to_o its_o primitive_a and_o everlasting_a chaos_n or_o at_o least_o pass_v away_o and_o perish_v that_o its_o place_n be_v no_o more_o find_v christ_n be_v still_o walk_v among_o those_o golden_a candlestick_n view_v their_o order_n and_o take_v his_o delight_n in_o those_o garden_n and_o bed_n of_o spice_n and_o so_o get_v up_o early_o into_o these_o vineyard_n to_o see_v if_o the_o vine_n flourish_n whether_o the_o tender_a grape_n appear_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v forth_o cant._n 7.12_o his_o delight_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o take_v much_o pleasure_n not_o only_o in_o see_v and_o smell_v the_o savoury_a exercise_n and_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o more_o grow_v christian_n but_o also_o take_v much_o complacency_n in_o view_v the_o growth_n production_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o young_a christian_n and_o lead_v they_o gentle_o by_o the_o hand_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n until_o at_o last_o they_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o wine-cellar_n of_o his_o love_n where_o he_o bid_v they_o to_o take_v their_o fill_n of_o love_n but_o by_o the_o way_n comfort_v they_o with_o apple_n and_o stay_v they_o with_o flagon_n till_o at_o last_o he_o bring_v they_o home_o unto_o himself_o purify_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o purgatory_n of_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n as_o gold_n seven_o time_n try_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o chymister_n the_o genuine_a use_n of_o this_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o danger_n of_o persecution_n of_o christ_n member_n or_o church_n to_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v his_o member_n and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v do_v to_o one_o of_o they_o it_o be_v do_v unto_o himself_o and_o better_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o the_o neck_n of_o such_o offender_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n then_o to_o offend_v one_o of_o his_o little_a one_o the_o reason_n that_o christ_n church_n though_o afflict_a scorn_a or_o persecute_v be_v so_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o be_v first_o because_o they_o be_v his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v most_o natural_a to_o love_v one_o self_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o himself_o can_v love_v another_o and_o we_o be_v bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n second_o because_o of_o their_o grace_n and_o unction_n we_o have_v receive_v all_o of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o same_o anoint_v with_o himself_o though_o in_o a_o
receive_v to_o and_o by_o soul_n before_o they_o can_v act_v towards_o god_n in_o the_o least_o acceptable_a service_n object_n but_o then_o again_o some_o one_o may_v say_v if_o the_o small_a remain_v of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o sardis_n be_v almost_o dead_a or_o ready_a to_o die_v do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o perish_v total_o answ_n grace_n may_v be_v very_o low_a and_o yet_o not_o dead_a it_o be_v as_o spark_n of_o fire_n under_o much_o ash_n with_o sardis_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v spark_n be_v as_o real_a fire_n though_o not_o as_o fervent_a and_o virtual_a as_o a_o flame_a one_o indeed_o it_o be_v low_a with_o sardis_n in_o her_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v most_o just_a with_o god_n when_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n against_o he_o that_o he_o hide_v much_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o we_o when_o by_o sin_n we_o quench_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n god_n may_v just_o quench_v its_o effect_n towards_o we_o but_o no_o soon_o shall_v we_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o renew_v by_o repentance_n but_o present_o god_n give_v a_o more_o enliven_a and_o effectual_a spirit_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o former_a withdrawing_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n not_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n and_o forsake_v second_o i_o answer_v person_n that_o be_v elect_a and_o have_v real_o taste_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o intercession_n can_v never_o utter_o fall_v away_o unless_o they_o will_v make_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o preordination_n of_o god_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o fallible_a and_o the_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n impotent_a and_o insufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v yet_o withal_o i_o assert_v though_o elect_a person_n can_v utter_o fall_v away_o as_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n unto_o christ_n and_o none_o such_o can_v be_v cast_v away_o be_v help_v by_o the_o mighty_a powâ—â—_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n yet_o election_n of_o a_o state_n of_o person_n may_v fail_v and_o perish_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o election_n thereof_o do_v obtain_v rom._n 11.7_o to_o wit_n those_o that_o do_v pertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o god_n in_o that_o nation_n do_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n yet_o at_o last_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o nation_n the_o election_n of_o god_n do_v fail_v as_o respect_v that_o state_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v unto_o the_o root_n and_o that_o good_a olive_n cut_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o wild_a olive_n or_o gentile_a nation_n graff_v in_o upon_o their_o stock_n obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n be_v their_o cut_n off_o and_o faith_n be_v the_o gentile_n incision_n and_o graft_n in_o as_o the_o one_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n so_o the_o other_o be_v graff_v in_o by_o faith_n rom._n 11.20_o those_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n that_o do_v hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n whilst_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o church_n may_v perish_v utter_o the_o first_o be_v mark_v and_o write_v in_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o life_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o can_v perish_v but_o after_o god_n have_v finish_v his_o work_n at_o sardis_n thyatira_n rome_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o call_v his_o elect_n out_o of_o they_o and_o secure_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n he_o can_v remove_v the_o current_n of_o his_o election_n to_o another_o people_n without_o any_o changeableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n in_o he_o and_o make_v those_o very_a people_n in_o their_o posterity_n the_o very_a seat_n and_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v once_o his_o beulah_n darling_n and_o belove_a one_o three_o there_o be_v guild_v formal_a hipocritical_a grace_n and_o believer_n and_o such_o may_v not_o be_v only_o ready_a to_o die_v but_o dead_a twice_o dead_a dead_a at_o the_o root_n and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o such_o be_v fall_v away_o perish_v and_o lose_v from_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v all_o their_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n only_o so_o demas_n simon_n magus_n judas_n ananias_n and_o saphira_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v never_o the_o truth_n of_o real_a grace_n in_o they_o all_o be_v but_o seem_v formal_a hypocritical_a and_o at_o best_a but_o historical_a which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v and_o for_o all_o this_o perish_v everlasting_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n for_o god_n to_o leave_v some_o remain_v of_o grace_n in_o a_o sinful_a church_n and_o people_n if_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n we_o have_v be_v worse_o than_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n small_a spark_n be_v blow_v and_o cherish_v may_v become_v a_o flame_n so_o little_a grace_n though_o like_o a_o mustardseed_n may_v become_v a_o great_a tree_n if_o god_n shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o spiritual_a death_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v go_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v soul-less_a and_o dead_a unto_o every_o good_a and_o spiritual_a work_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v life_n in_o we_o though_o it_o be_v infirm_a and_o weak_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o recovery_n but_o be_v once_o dead_a there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_n so_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o work_v but_o faint_o and_o weak_o by_o reason_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o come_v but_o to_o the_o first_o step_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a life_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o dead_a and_o carnal_a condition_n and_o to_o complain_v under_o it_o there_o be_v good_a hope_n of_o recovery_n unto_o such_o a_o soul_n and_o unto_o such_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v unto_o its_o comfort_n awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v observe_v 3._o though_o our_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o low_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o cherish_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o until_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n within_o ourselves_o unto_o perfection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o contemn_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n for_o he_o that_o improve_v but_o one_o talon_n well_o shall_v be_v make_v ruler_n of_o many_o talent_n the_o beast_n in_o the_o prophet_n always_o go_v forward_o ezek._n 1.11_o but_o grub_n that_o be_v backward_o be_v reckon_v among_o unclean_a creature_n leu._n 11.10_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n if_o we_o cherish_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o though_o in_o never_o so_o small_a a_o measure_n god_n will_v add_v a_o great_a and_o full_a supply_n unto_o we_o god_n will_v add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n unto_o virtue_n patience_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v all_o come_v hand_n in_o hand_n in_o consort_n as_o follow_v one_o the_o other_o as_o in_o a_o chorus_n or_o dance_n doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o be_v labour_n lose_v for_o sardis_n to_o strengthen_v and_o revive_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o expire_v within_o she_o though_o christ_n will_v be_v at_o hand_n to_o assist_v she_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o without_o her_o motion_n and_o improvement_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o austin_n though_o god_n make_v we_o without_o we_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o without_o we_o grace_n work_v most_o kind_o when_o it_o meet_v with_o improve_n heart_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o young_a samuel_n thy_o servant_n hear_v lord_n speak_v though_o god_n have_v ascertain_v and_o decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o duty_n of_o creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o second_o cause_n ezek._n 36.37_o jer._n 29.11_o 12._o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a we_o be_v to_o work_v for_o life_n as_o if_o life_n be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o work_v and_o doubtless_o the_o crown_n will_v be_v the_o more_o glorious_a where_o the_o great_a improument_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v the_o more_o grace_n the_o vessel_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o here_o