such_o help_n jo._n 2.25_o the_o devil_n know_v but_o some_o of_o our_o thought_n at_o some_o time_n but_o god_n know_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o secret_a imagination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o cotinual_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n because_o he_o be_v the_o alone_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o he_o must_v know_v all_o secret_n else_o how_o can_v he_o righteous_o reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n eccles_n 12.14_o rom._n 2.6_o observe_v 2._o god_n in_o his_o distributive_a justice_n deal_v with_o all_o person_n according_a to_o the_o equity_n of_o their_o work_n he_o who_o be_v justice_n in_o the_o abstract_n will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o what_o be_v he_o god_n will_v give_v good_a thing_n unto_o good_a man_n and_o evil_a thing_n unto_o evil_a man_n and_o that_o the_o certain_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o this_o discriminate_a judgement_n will_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n according_a to_o our_o work_n object_n but_o will_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v merit_v by_o our_o work_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o here_o say_v that_o god_n will_v reward_v we_o for_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o so_o in_o rom._n 2.6_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n rom._n 4.2_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n 1._o because_o the_o best_a be_v imperfect_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n require_v perfection_n in_o every_o punctillio_fw-la and_o circumstance_n thereof_o 2._o our_o work_n be_v in_o themselves_o imperfect_a and_o finite_a can_v merit_v before_o a_o infinite_a perfection_n as_o god_n be_v 3._o work_n can_v merit_v because_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o primary_o but_o of_o god_n efficiency_n 4._o because_o man_n do_v they_o as_o their_o oblige_a duty_n unto_o god_n their_o creator_n but_o god_n be_v debtor_n unto_o none_o 5._o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n the_o one_o be_v finite_a the_o other_o infinite_a both_o in_o time_n and_o measure_n yet_o howsoever_o though_o good_a work_n can_v be_v a_o even_a rule_n of_o merit_n with_o god_n as_o they_o be_v with_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o manifest_a rule_n or_o measure_n of_o equity_n for_o it_o be_v very_o equitable_a that_o it_o go_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o we_o as_o we_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o so_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o work_n object_n but_o evil-work_n merit_v eternal_a death_n as_o their_o proper_a hire_n and_o why_o not_o good_a work_n merit_v heaven_n as_o his_o due_a reward_n and_o wage_n answ_n true_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n the_o one_o be_v of_o ourselves_o most_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o deserve_v its_o wage_n and_o reward_n but_o the_o other_o be_v a_o free_a gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n our_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a work_n be_v imperfect_a in_o his_o sight_n verse_n 24._o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v and_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n and_o which_o have_v not_o know_v the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n verse_n 25._o but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v though_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n against_o jezabel_n her_o adultery_n and_o their_o child_n their_o false_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o as_o unto_o those_o of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v not_o embrace_v those_o wicked_a way_n god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o they_o for_o he_o tell_v they_o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v that_o be_v even_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o that_o be_v at_o thyatira_n so_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v not_o embrace_v this_o devilish_a doctrine_n and_o have_v not_o approve_v those_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v that_o be_v those_o mystery_n those_o high_a and_o profound_a speculation_n which_o be_v no_o better_a than_o satan_n own_o device_n and_o stratagem_n hence_o note_v observe_v 1._o that_o satan_n will_v have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o mystery_n his_o profound_a speculation_n in_o his_o false_a worship_n as_o well_o as_o god_n shall_v have_v in_o his_o true_a worship_n the_o devil_n will_v be_v god_n ape_n and_o as_o god_n have_v his_o wisdom_n his_o depth_n his_o height_n and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n so_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v his_o profound_a speculation_n for_o his_o disciple_n also_o if_o god_n will_v have_v true_a prophet_n and_o prophetess_n the_o devil_n will_v have_v his_o balaamite_n nicolaitan_n and_o jezabel_n and_o those_o shall_v have_v their_o mysterious_a doctrine_n as_o the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a who_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o high_a speculation_n and_o notion_n hardly_o intelligible_a to_o any_o sober_a christian_n somewhat_o like_o the_o necromantic_a conjuration_n of_o the_o old_a romish_a priest_n or_o the_o sublevate_v alegorize_a familist_n and_o quaker_n of_o these_o day_n who_o when_o they_o think_v they_o speak_v with_o most_o understanding_n when_o they_o be_v lest_o understand_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o burden_n in_o the_o prophetical_a writing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v take_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o his_o enemy_n isa_n 13.1.15.1.17.1.19.1_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o any_o person_n as_o in_o mat._n 23.4_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pharisee_n lay_v burden_n on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n that_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o touch_v with_o one_o finger_n that_o be_v their_o strict_a and_o severe_a doctrine_n and_o mandate_n to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v other_o bind_v unto_o but_o will_v keep_v themselves_o at_o large_a in_o mat._n 11.30_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v call_v his_o yoke_n and_o his_o burden_n his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o this_o be_v that_o burden_n that_o christ_n will_v lay_v on_o the_o thyatirans_n and_o no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o wit_n christ_n true_a and_o apostolic_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v former_o receive_v from_o john_n and_o other_o of_o christ_n ambassador_n hence_o note_v observe_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o receive_v no_o other_o burden_n or_o doctrine_n then_o what_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o christ_n christ_n himself_o will_v add_v no_o further_o burden_n than_o his_o first_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n deliver_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n but_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v over-presumptuous_a man_n under_o pretence_n of_o catholic_a and_o apostolic_a tradition_n add_v unto_o the_o christian_n religion_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o simple_a many_o of_o their_o own_o vain_a superstitious_a ceremony_n and_o invention_n against_o which_o christ_n have_v declare_v both_o here_o and_o in_o mar_n 7._o and_o luk._n 11._o and_o other_o place_n sure_o one_o day_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v of_o they_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n to_o walk_v by_o god_n manifest_a and_o plain_a command_n be_v a_o sure_a path_n and_o lead_v unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o make_v superstructure_n of_o our_o own_o or_o kindle_v spark_n of_o our_o own_o fire_n and_o warm_v ourselves_o thereat_o at_o least_o notwithstanding_o those_o we_o may_v lie_v down_o in_o sorrrow_n what_o burden_n do_v the_o late_a prelatical_a party_n lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o they_o never_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v true_o burden_n unto_o they_o and_o very_o grievous_a to_o bear_v but_o christ_n burden_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o yoke_n be_v sweet_a mat._n 11.30_o every_o thing_n of_o christ_n be_v pleasant_a unto_o the_o enlighten_v soul_n though_o his_o yoke_n be_v heavy_a unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o irksome_a but_o rather_o sweet_a as_o honey_n to_o the_o regenerate_a and_o spiritual_a christian_n observe_v 2._o that_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n be_v a_o burden_n or_o yoke_n he_o that_o take_v up_o a_o burden_n must_v go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o tug_v under_o it_o and_o pass_v through_o all_o difficulty_n or_o else_o he_o may_v loose_v his_o reward_n it_o be_v not_o a_o burden_n or_o yoke_v take_v up_o by_o ourselves_o for_o of_o our_o selus_fw-la we_o will_v not_o willing_o come_v under_o it_o it_o be_v tedious_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o put_v it_o on_o we_o he_o make_v we_o first_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v our_o
be_v praise_v cherish_v and_o follow_v as_o have_v the_o impress_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o they_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o suffering_n constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o their_o work_n catexochen_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o your_o grace_n and_o work_n of_o suffering_n patience_n and_o zeal_n against_o such_o worker_n false_a teacher_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o these_o be_v your_o good_a work_n worthy_a of_o commendation_n and_o imitation_n in_o you_o now_o in_o all_o our_o action_n observe_v there_o must_v be_v many_o circumstantial_a ingredient_n to_o denominate_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o good_a work_n according_a to_o that_o old_a rule_n a_o quo_fw-la cvi_fw-la quomodo_fw-la quando_fw-la first_o they_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o true_a fountain_n god_n spirit_n must_v be_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o author_n of_o they_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v produce_v nothing_o high_a than_o itself_o rom._n 3.9_o 10._o god_n can_v look_v upon_o none_o of_o our_o duty_n or_o work_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o complacency_n unless_o they_o have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n his_o stamp_n upon_o they_o second_o cui_fw-la you_o must_v examine_v to_o what_o end_n and_o to_o who_o to_o who_o name_n and_o glory_n they_o be_v direct_v if_o we_o sacrifice_v to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o own_o end_n and_o advantage_n our_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o vain_a a_o abomination_n and_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o dog_n head_n in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v it_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o lord_n consider_v isa_n 1._o a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n may_v lose_v its_o crown_n for_o want_v of_o a_o right_a end_n if_o we_o pray_v repent_v mourn_v for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v necessary_a duty_n yet_o if_o we_o only_o respect_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v free_v and_o deliver_v only_o from_o wrath_n to_o come_v not_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o god_n name_n thereby_o we_o may_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o duty_n if_o not_o the_o duty_n themselves_o become_v sin_n unto_o we_o for_o all_o must_v be_v do_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n three_o you_o must_v consider_v the_o quomodo_n in_o what_o manner_n work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o denominate_v they_o good_a they_o must_v not_o be_v do_v pharisaical_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n so_o they_o lose_v their_o reward_n the_o suffering_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o commendable_a grace_n in_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o shall_v affect_v they_o as_o the_o popeling_n do_v to_o attain_v to_o themselves_o the_o glory_n and_o name_n of_o martyr_n they_o have_v their_o reward_n the_o familistical_a quaker_n of_o these_o day_n do_v most_o perverse_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n high_o affect_v suffering_n and_o rush_v thereinto_o not_o consider_v the_o cui_fw-la nor_o the_o quomodo_n neither_o to_o what_o end_n they_o do_v it_o nor_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o do_v it_o indeed_o person_n may_v suffer_v just_o for_o their_o pertinacy_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o magistrate_n but_o not_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unless_o in_o his_o providence_n he_o call_v they_o to_o it_o therefore_o four_o the_o quando_fw-la be_v also_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v to_o bestow_v a_o beneficence_n on_o a_o rich_a person_n or_o one_o that_o want_v it_o not_o it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n for_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v retribution_n for_o it_o but_o to_o do_v it_o towards_o christ_n poor_a afflict_v member_n when_o their_o want_n and_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o than_o it_o be_v true_o a_o good_a work_n second_o to_o draw_v suffering_n on_o one_o self_n for_o one_o pertinaciousness_n in_o opinion_n not_o relate_v as_o necessary_n or_o fundamental_o unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o this_o can_v be_v term_v a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n but_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a and_o real_a truth_n that_o justify_v a_o soul_n in_o his_o suffering_n for_o it_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v keep_v undefiled_a thereby_o and_o so_o become_v a_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n when_o god_n call_v he_o to_o it_o in_o clear_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n see_v more_o hereon_o in_o v._o 9_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n five_o in_o the_o last_o place_n understand_v that_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o our_o work_n though_o they_o be_v all_o right_o circumstantiate_v as_o aforesaid_a yet_o strict_o and_o simple_o in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v good_a work_n for_o so_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n god_n be_v only_o good_a mark_v 10.18_o and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o production_n of_o they_o though_o the_o agency_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v manifest_o in_o they_o yet_o pass_v through_o corrupt_a conduit_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o sinful_a instrument_n they_o receive_v a_o tincture_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o defilement_n from_o the_o sinful_a agent_n that_o do_v produce_v and_o effect_v they_o and_o so_o single_o in_o themselves_o be_v sinful_a and_o imperfect_a but_o as_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o christ_n our_o work_n though_o otherwise_o weak_a sinful_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n accept_v as_o good_a holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o be_v do_v and_o present_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o that_o altar_n that_o both_o sanctify_v the_o gift_n and_o the_o giver_n in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o acceptation_n of_o our_o work_n before_o our_o person_n be_v in_o christ_n than_o he_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o our_o work_n though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o yet_o in_o christ_n and_o as_o flow_v from_o his_o divine_a efficiency_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o most_o holy_a good_a and_o perfect_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v more_o especial_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v the_o labour_n and_o patience_n they_o undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n which_o do_v manifest_o appear_v in_o their_o zeal_n against_o evil_a doer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v from_o hence_o note_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o burdensome_a troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o christ_n faithful_a church_n to_o have_v evil_a doer_n and_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o the_o one_o do_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n the_o other_o their_o judgement_n the_o one_o be_v pernicious_a in_o their_o example_n the_o other_o in_o their_o doctrine_n the_o one_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n the_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o where_o the_o one_o be_v tolerate_v the_o other_o follow_v also_o for_o if_o evil_a worker_n be_v forbear_v in_o the_o church_n their_o judgement_n will_v be_v soon_o corrupt_v to_o endeavour_v to_o uphold_v their_o more_o corrupt_a practice_n for_o such_o as_o keep_v not_o to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o give_v they_o over_o judicial_o to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v false_a teacher_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o second_o when_o false_a teacher_n be_v tolerate_v quick_o follow_v evil_a practice_n when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a bishop_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o godly_a it_o be_v assert_v that_o the_o law_n that_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o moral_a but_o only_o humane_a and_o ecclesiastic_a what_o follow_v that_o false_a teach_n but_o most_o profane_a and_o wicked_a practice_n of_o card_v bowl_a sport_v revel_v drunkenness_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o profaneness_n upon_o that_o day_n uprightness_n in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v the_o two_o pillar_n of_o a_o church_n and_o where_o one_o fail_v the_o other_o will_v soon_o fall_v to_o ground_n after_o they_o be_v as_o inseparable_a twin_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o soon_o as_o these_o primitive_a church_n entertain_v false_a apostle_n among_o they_o we_o present_o hear_v of_o the_o obscene_a sect_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n follow_v the_o devil_n will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o corrupt_v the_o head_n only_o but_o the_o heart_n also_o and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n the_o evil_a affection_n will_v soon_o fume_v into_o the_o judgement_n and_o darken_v the_o understanding_n wherefore_o a_o use_n of_o caution_n
the_o more_o glory_n it_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o hereafter_o every_o vessel_n shall_v have_v his_o fullness_n in_o glory_n but_o every_o one_o according_a to_o its_o capacity_n as_o there_o be_v a_o glory_n in_o the_o star_n moon_n and_o sun_n and_o one_o differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n yet_o every_o one_o have_v their_o fullness_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n oâ—_n glory_n when_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n every_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o work_n eternal_a happiness_n but_o some_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n all_o shall_v be_v shine_a star_n but_o some_o of_o a_o great_a magnitude_n than_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n it_o be_v not_o a_o legal_a perfection_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v in_o sardis_n he_o do_v never_o seek_v for_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o they_o that_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a see_v they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o this_o intimate_v that_o the_o faithful_a christian_n and_o their_o work_n may_v be_v perfect_a before_o god_n although_o they_o be_v not_o find_v perfect_a in_o sardis_n yet_o may_v be_v find_v perfect_a in_o other_o that_o be_v more_o sound_a and_o godly_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o understand_v that_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n perfection_n be_v take_v for_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n as_o gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o &_o be_v thou_o perfect_a that_o be_v upright_o &_o sincere_a as_o job_n 1.1_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a he_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n honest_a at_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o work_n of_o sardis_n be_v not_o perfect_a before_o god_n they_o be_v not_o honest_a sincere_a and_o upright_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o be_v hypocritical_a in_o name_n show_v and_o appearance_n only_o not_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n second_o perfection_n may_v be_v take_v 1._o as_o respect_v our_o justification_n or_o 2._o our_o sanctification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v a_o complete_a perfection_n for_o the_o saint_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n leave_v which_o be_v not_o wash_v away_o by_o his_o blood_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v perfect_a by_o one_o offering_n christ_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.14_o then_o second_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o part_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o aim_v thereof_o 4._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n have_v a_o perfect_a beginning_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o its_o part_n because_o it_o begin_v in_o every_o part_n they_o be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o though_o every_o part_n be_v not_o throughout_o sanctify_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o medium_n by_o which_o they_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o every_o part_n throughout_o in_o understanding_n will_n affection_n desire_n memory_n thought_n and_o heart_n second_o they_o have_v every_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o only_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o as_o when_o faith_n love_n patience_n humility_n etc._n etc._n overcome_v infidelity_n hatred_n impatience_n pride_n and_o other_o their_o opposite_a vice_n and_o evil_n so_o when_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v in_o all_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v a_o perfect_a work_n in_o beginning_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o perfect_a work_n have_v prevail_v against_o its_o contrary_n three_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o he_o that_o aim_v and_o strive_v for_o perfection_n god_n accept_v as_o perfect_a though_o mix_v with_o much_o imperfection_n christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n neither_o four_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o duration_n apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o truth_n will_v loose_v the_o honour_n of_o perfection_n and_o make_v their_o crown_n to_o wither_v when_o a_o righteous_a or_o perfect_a man_n turn_v to_o iniquity_n all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v ezek._n 18.24_o five_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o the_o saint_n be_v perfect_a soul_n compare_v they_o unto_o the_o guild_a out_o side_n formal_a christian_n and_o they_o be_v gold_n and_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o and_o so_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a before_o he_o as_o those_o of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v first_o observe_v 1._o the_o great_a cause_n that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a before_o god_n be_v for_o want_v of_o honest_a sincerity_n in_o they_o sardis_n be_v blame_v for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n she_o carry_v a_o fair_a name_n that_o she_o live_v in_o her_o pretend_a grace_n but_o she_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v no_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o they_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o avoid_v all_o outward_a evil_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v double-heartedness_n in_o his_o spirit_n all_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n as_o abominable_a sincerity_n be_v that_o that_o give_v perfection_n to_o every_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o every_o grace_n as_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o must_v believe_v sincere_o when_o we_o love_v we_o must_v love_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o when_o we_o sorrow_n or_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v do_v sincere_o that_o be_v true_o full_o without_o any_o mixture_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o a_o double_a mind_a man_n god_n do_v hate_v sincere_a quasi_fw-la sine_fw-la cera_fw-la without_o wax_n without_o composition_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o bear_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n full_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v within_o to_o make_v they_o complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o this_o ingredient_n grace_n of_o sincerity_n all_o our_o duty_n be_v but_o as_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cimbal_n but_o add_v sincerity_n unto_o the_o least_o and_o most_o imperfect_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v become_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n most_o perfect_a god_n accept_v a_o lamb_n from_o abel_n offer_v in_o sincerity_n rather_o than_o cloud_n of_o incense_n and_o thousand_o of_o sacrifice_n from_o a_o wicked_a and_o profain_a cain_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o widow_n mite_n or_o some_o goat_n hair_n come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v sincere_a god_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rich_a present_a and_o call_v the_o presenter_n thereof_o perfect_a truth_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n be_v our_o perfection_n here_o but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v have_v perfection_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o let_v we_o so_o walk_v before_o god_n as_o become_v perfect_a one_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o saint_n duty_n that_o they_o aim_v and_o press_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o their_o grace_n work_n and_o duty_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v worthy_o blame_v for_o want_n of_o this_o perfection_n her_o work_n be_v not_o full_a and_o entire_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v and_o therefore_o blame-worthy_a and_o imperfect_a first_o they_o be_v to_o press_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o evidence_v by_o love_n and_o work_n and_o so_o make_v their_o election_n and_o justification_n sure_a unto_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o manifest_v it_o unto_o other_o also_o second_o to_o seek_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o part_n of_o christianity_n in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v perfect_a entire_a want_v nothing_o ja._n 1.4_o as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o to_o wit_n charity_n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o there_o must_v not_o one_o necessary_a grace_n be_v want_v in_o true_a saint_n though_o
to_o they_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o hear_v they_o as_o they_o you_o but_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v those_o christian_n society_n and_o church_n among_o you_o that_o be_v as_o lily_n shine_v in_o grace_n among_o those_o thorn_n and_o unfruitful_a nation_n and_o to_o retard_v our_o reformation_n in_o church_n and_o ordinance_n till_o all_o be_v square_v and_o hew_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n or_o before_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v all_o unto_o this_o work_n be_v a_o vain_a expectation_n see_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o that_o old_a leven_a of_o our_o ancestor_n national_a church_n national_a officer_n birth_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n on_o that_o account_n etc._n etc._n still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o among_o we_o that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o render_v the_o work_n of_o a_o full_a reformation_n in_o this_o generation_n most_o difficult_a but_o the_o attempt_n thereof_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o prejudicial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o land_n but_o general_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a nation_n round_o about_o we_o witness_v the_o intemperate_a zeal_n of_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n who_o become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n in_o their_o irregular_a attempt_n about_o this_o work_n though_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o desire_v and_o aim_v at_o good_a and_o just_a thing_n yet_o they_o prosecute_v it_o not_o just_o for_o to_o denominate_v a_o good_a action_n or_o work_n the_o thing_n itself_o desire_v and_o attempt_v must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a thing_n in_o itself_o as_o a_o full_a reformation_n to_o god_n word_n be_v but_o it_o must_v have_v other_o honest_a circumstance_n in_o it_o also_o 1_o the_o time_n when_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o god_n and_o a_o clear_a providence_n call_v unto_o it_o 2_o the_o manner_n how_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v and_o promote_v as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o peace_n not_o with_o war_n tumult_n and_o rebellion_n against_o magistrate_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n so_o that_o the_o best_a action_n may_v lose_v its_o reward_n and_o the_o atempter_n thereof_o suffer_v just_o for_o the_o unjust_a prosecution_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n to_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v no_o evil_n that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o we_o be_v not_o to_o sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n unless_o case_n of_o inevitable_a necessity_n where_o god_n will_v rather_o have_v mercy_n then_o sacrifice_n to_o promote_v any_o just_a end_n or_o good_a whatsoever_o for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n command_n and_o precept_n not_o of_o event_n and_o providence_n therefore_o all_o you_o faithful_a one_o of_o this_o land_n be_v wise_a and_o sober_a in_o this_o your_o way_n of_o temptation_n stop_v not_o the_o current_n of_o god_n reformation_n by_o your_o precipitate_a and_o irregular_a act_n be_v you_o still_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n you_o see_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o this_o full_a work_n among_o we_o even_o the_o old_a leven_a of_o false_a worship_n derive_v and_o leave_v unto_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n god_n will_v remove_v this_o more_o and_o more_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o that_o more_o general_o and_o will_v enlarge_v the_o tent_n of_o jacob_n among_o we_o if_o we_o provoke_v not_o god_n by_o our_o sin_n towards_o he_o but_o to_o expect_v a_o total_a reformation_n never_o look_v for_o it_o until_o the_o day_n star_n shall_v arise_v with_o a_o incomparable_a glory_n in_o the_o interim_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o and_o sober_o like_o child_n of_o the_o light_n serve_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o than_o god_n will_v make_v they_o unto_o we_o nurse_n father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n and_o most_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o have_v their_o portion_n and_o lot_n in_o such_o a_o land_n object_n but_o after_o all_o this_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v rise_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n have_v those_o among_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o practise_v spiritual_a and_o corporal_a adultery_n so_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n thyatira_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezabel_n galathia_fw-la the_o jewish_a doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n and_o many_o other_o great_a corruption_n be_v among_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o drunkenness_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n incest_n eat_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o the_o obscenity_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n yet_o these_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n his_o seven_o candlestick_n his_o faithful_a one_o call_v and_o elect_a and_o be_v not_o then_o our_o parochial_a church_n our_o national_a church_n as_o true_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o be_v and_o be_v they_o not_o as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o those_o first_o primitive_a christian_n and_o church_n be_v and_o so_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o church_n of_o christ_n faithful_a elect_a and_o call_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 1_o i_o answer_v we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o all_o church_n if_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o plant_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n elect_v and_o call_v though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o envious_a one_o sow_v plentiful_o among_o the_o good_a wheat_n his_o tare_n and_o darnel_n as_o among_o those_o of_o corinth_n pergamus_n and_o other_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yet_o i_o believe_v christ_n have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n against_o they_o in_o respect_n what_o he_o have_v against_o we_o they_o be_v but_o corrupt_a in_o part_n we_o all_o leprous_a they_o lose_v but_o some_o member_n we_o the_o very_a vital_n for_o i_o much_o question_n whether_o our_o national_a church_n be_v of_o this_o gospel_n structure_n as_o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o seeing_z we_o read_v in_o history_n of_o their_o civil_a institution_n and_o beginning_n be_v so_o divide_v or_o ordain_v by_o the_o politic_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n yet_o withal_o i_o say_v we_o have_v the_o sincere_a faith_n of_o christ_n here_o preach_v among_o we_o present_o after_o if_o not_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n as_o historian_n testify_v this_o good_a seed_n be_v almost_o lose_v among_o we_o but_o again_o revive_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n but_o hold_v captive_a and_o low_a under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n yet_o doubtless_o god_n have_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o his_o invisible_a church_n and_o elect_a one_o our_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o cleave_v to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o we_o own_o a_o succession_n from_o they_o but_o not_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o church_n for_o so_o we_o have_v sail_v under_o the_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o tyranny_n over_o we_o and_o to_o plead_v that_o our_o parochial_a society_n be_v church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o at_o best_a to_o plead_v that_o our_o hundred_o or_o counties_n be_v churchdivision_n presbytery_n or_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o civil_a institution_n with_o the_o former_a but_o some_o write_v that_o dionysius_n pope_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o first_o divider_n and_o institutor_n of_o parish_n about_o anno_fw-la 267._o and_o bring_v into_o england_n by_o honorius_n bishop_n of_o canterbury_n as_o learned_a master_n selden_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr decimis_fw-la testify_v 2_o i_o answer_v if_o our_o church_n be_v right_a in_o their_o first_o institution_n gather_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o have_v as_o real_o lose_v the_o very_a be_v of_o our_o church_n under_o antichrist_n reign_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n pergamus_n ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o saracenical_a tyranny_n and_o mahometanism_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n to_o call_v our_o church_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o from_o antichristianisme_n as_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o miserable_a captivate_v asian_a church_n from_o turcism_n and_o mahometanism_n unless_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n have_v the_o keep_n and_o be_v the_o preserver_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a spouse_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o she_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n that_o many_o church_n pretend_v unto_o by_o succession_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a last_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o corruption_n in_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
unto_o its_o operation_n and_o office_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v they_o very_o immorigerous_a unto_o the_o sweet_a and_o easy_a yoke_n of_o christ_n that_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o pastor_n a_o angel_n a_o minister_n over_o they_o to_o precede_v in_o all_o official_a duty_n unto_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v unto_o such_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v commit_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v to_o submit_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v many_o thing_n unto_o the_o member_n in_o common_a with_o their_o officer_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v officer_n or_o pastor_n in_o common_a with_o they_o for_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o can_v never_o brook_v a_o lawless_a community_n or_o level_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o to_o be_v ruler_n and_o teacher_n and_o none_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o rule_v so_o neither_o will_v it_o comport_v with_o truth_n according_a to_o my_o judgement_n to_o admit_v of_o pastor_n over_o pastor_n or_o one_o presbytery_n over_o another_o no_o far_o than_o prudence_n will_v lead_v unto_o but_o not_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o equity_n it_o be_v evident_a these_o seven_o asian_a church_n and_o all_o the_o other_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a one_o be_v pastoral_n episcopal_n independent_a one_o i_o think_v it_o no_o paradox_n to_o assert_v that_o a_o episcopal_a church_n may_v be_v independent_a for_o i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_a indeed_o whilst_o the_o prelatical_a episcopal_a church_n have_v lose_v its_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la by_o exalt_v itself_o beyond_o christ_n bound_n and_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o it_o observe_v 2._o that_o the_o pure_a undefiled_a saint_n of_o christ_n be_v person_n of_o high_a esteem_n and_o account_v with_o god_n they_o be_v man_n of_o name_n and_o quality_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o man_n of_o most_o excellent_a and_o eminent_a spirit_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o sardis_n beside_o they_o be_v but_o such_o that_o have_v the_o name_n that_o they_o be_v live_v but_o be_v dead_a those_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o value_n with_o these_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v those_o for_o who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v yea_o god_n reprove_v king_n for_o their_o sake_n say_v touch_v not_o my_o anoint_v psal_n 105.15_o they_o be_v god_n jewel_n his_o precious_a one_o which_o he_o make_v up_o in_o safety_n and_o security_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o combustion_n beside_o they_o be_v in_o a_o land_n of_o goshen_n of_o light_n peace_n and_o comfort_n mal._n 3.17_o and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o have_v the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o every_o thing_n do_v love_n and_o high_o esteem_v its_o like_a for_o likeness_n be_v the_o root_n of_o love_n much_o more_o god_n who_o be_v love_v itself_o will_v high_o esteem_v and_o love_v his_o saint_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n even_o in_o sardis_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n hence_o note_v observe_v 3._o that_o in_o the_o most_o corrupt_a church_n state_n christ_n may_v have_v some_o choose_v and_o precious_a saint_n sardis_n have_v but_o the_o name_n that_o show_v as_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o yet_o in_o this_o nominal_a dead_a formal_a church_n god_n have_v a_o few_o name_n there_o that_o be_v precious_a to_o he_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v never_o total_o fail_v upon_o the_o earth_n nor_o never_o shall_v though_o the_o visibility_n thereof_o may_v fail_v yet_o the_o invisible_a church_n will_v never_o fail_v when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n grow_v great_a and_o the_o earth_n fill_v with_o violence_n before_o the_o flood_n gen._n 6.11_o 12._o yet_o then_o be_v noah_n undefiled_a and_o a_o faithful_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n yea_o he_o be_v just_a and_o perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o corrupt_a church_n state_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n when_o jezebel_n cut_v off_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o set_v up_o idolatry_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o righteous_a so_o vex_v and_o waste_v that_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n think_v none_o but_o himself_o leave_v in_o israel_n even_o than_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 1_o king_n 1.18_o in_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o a_o exceed_a bad_a and_o corrupt_a church_n state_n and_o in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v never_o more_o corrupt_a than_o when_o he_o come_v yet_o there_o be_v then_o a_o joseph_n a_o mary_n a_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n a_o simeon_n and_o anna_n and_o some_o few_o other_o that_o true_o fear_a god_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o deep_a night_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v some_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n the_o waldenses_n the_o abigenses_n pauperes_fw-la lugdunenses_n etc._n etc._n of_o who_o some_o of_o the_o popish_a writer_n themselves_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o carriage_n and_o believe_v aright_o concern_v god_n only_o they_o blaspheme_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o there_o be_v a_o huc_fw-la a_o jerome_n of_o prague_n a_o wickliff_n berengarius_fw-la peter_n de_fw-fr bruis_n luther_n oecolompadius_fw-la melancthon_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o time_n and_o state_n bad_a enough_o so_o here_o in_o england_n when_o the_o church_n be_v exceed_v corrupt_a under_o the_o prelacy_n yet_o then_o appear_v here_o a_o cartwright_n hooker_n ames_n parker_n bolton_n robinson_n reynolds_n aynsworth_n baynes_n and_o many_o other_o precious_a saint_n and_o faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n observe_v 4._o god_n accept_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n at_o 5.8_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n they_o be_v those_o that_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a with_o christ_n and_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n with_o he_o quest_n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v do_v not_o this_o assert_v a_o merit_n in_o work_n or_o that_o purity_n in_o the_o life_n do_v exact_a from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n some_o answerable_a compensation_n to_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o and_o assert_v that_o holiness_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n be_v the_o descriptive_a quality_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v see_v god_n they_o and_o they_o only_o of_o adult_a person_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n to_o that_o high_a privilege_n second_o i_o grant_v too_o that_o the_o eternal_a life_n of_o happiness_n be_v set_v forth_o and_o give_v as_o a_o prize_n as_o a_o reward_n as_o a_o crown_n to_o the_o conquer_a saint_n so_o in_o this_o and_o the_o last_o chapter_n it_o be_v often_o promise_v unto_o such_o holy_a one_o under_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o reward_n three_o but_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o least_o proportion_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n or_o merit_v the_o least_o in_o strict_a justice_n from_o god_n towards_o eternal_a life_n 1._o because_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o give_v it_o to_o who_o he_o please_v joh_n 17.2_o 1_o joh._n 5.11_o 2._o because_o divine_a justice_n require_v exact_a obedience_n which_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o one_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o best_a saint_n be_v so_o imperfect_a in_o their_o obedience_n that_o they_o come_v far_o short_a in_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o strict_a justice_n 3._o because_o our_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o alone_a work_n of_o god_n own_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o improper_o say_v to_o merit_v at_o his_o own_o hand_n a_o child_n may_v merit_v from_o his_o father_n in_o justice_n by_o his_o filial_a obedience_n the_o parent_n be_v under_o a_o natural_a law_n of_o compensation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n towards_o he_o but_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v tie_v up_o unto_o no_o such_o law_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o give_v life_n to_o who_o he_o please_v 4._o and_o therefore_o last_o because_o man_n have_v forfeit_v his_o first_o covenant_n of_o merit_n and_o life_n by_o righteousness_n in_o adam_n and_o