so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o divine_a by_o way_n of_o excellency_n for_o so_o john_n of_o right_n be_v style_v as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o deserve_v a_o rank_n among_o sober_a writer_n neither_o be_o i_o a_o little_a trouble_v when_o i_o see_v man_n thus_o to_o dally_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o no_o fit_a a_o subject_n whereon_o to_o vent_v their_o folly_n than_o this_o incomparable_a prophecy_n i_o have_v the_o more_o large_o insist_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o the_o two_o witness_n because_o of_o the_o frequent_a injury_n offer_v to_o that_o part_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o if_o some_o christian_a state_n or_o potentate_n crush_v any_o party_n whatsoever_o pretend_v to_o religion_n or_o some_o eminent_a person_n of_o the_o same_o than_o it_o be_v present_o give_v out_o by_o the_o favourer_n of_o that_o party_n that_o now_o the_o the_o beast_n be_v rise_v have_v slay_v the_o witness_n thus_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v give_v to_o a_o far_o better_a purpose_n must_v interess_n itself_o in_o our_o private_a quarrel_n and_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v as_o we_o stand_v affect_v but_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v here_o object_v that_o i_o who_o be_o so_o ready_a to_o observe_v the_o strange_a gloss_n that_o other_o man_n impose_v on_o the_o history_n of_o the_o two_o witness_n seem_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o take_v notice_n how_o uncouth_a my_o own_o opinion_n be_v concern_v the_o beast_n that_o slay_v they_o while_o i_o hold_v he_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o shall_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o reign_v before_o he_o embru_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o say_a witness_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o my_o tenet_n be_v strange_a as_o to_o the_o apprehension_n that_o man_n general_o have_v touch_v the_o beast_n yet_o be_v it_o very_o facile_a and_o obvious_a if_o you_o respect_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o for_o see_v the_o angel_n explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o beast_n chap._n 17.9_o 10_o 11._o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n when_o john_n say_v of_o the_o two_o witness_n chap._n 11.7_o that_o the_o beast_n which_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n shall_v slay_v they_o what_o other_o sense_n can_v rational_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o word_n than_o that_o the_o king_n which_o be_v decipher_v by_o the_o beast_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a shall_v kill_v the_o witness_n and_o into_o what_o absurdity_n must_v he_o plunge_v himself_o that_o go_v about_o to_o fasten_v another_o meaning_n on_o the_o place_n but_o of_o this_o matter_n i_o discourse_n at_o large_a in_o the_o ensue_a exposition_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n therein_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o exotic_a interpretation_n that_o be_v usual_o force_v upon_o the_o reve_n ation_n i_o will_v now_o open_v the_o original_a cause_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v reduce_v they_o to_o three_o head_n namely_o that_o man_n think_v the_o whole_a book_n to_o be_v a_o allegory_n and_o to_o contain_v a_o prediction_n of_o that_o which_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o have_v for_o its_o principal_a scope_n the_o discovery_n of_o antichrist_n to_o the_o first_o of_o which_o three_o particular_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o revelation_n can_v be_v a_o mere_a allegory_n see_v it_o be_v fraught_v with_o evangelical_n precept_n promise_n and_o threat_n and_o also_o with_o sundry_a clear_a and_o evident_a passage_n touch_v the_o exaltation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christ_n the_o universal_a judgement_n and_o the_o glorification_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o last_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o less_o than_o three_o time_n confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n partly_o of_o angel_n and_o partly_o of_o god_n himself_o which_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o say_n record_v concern_v the_o same_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a which_o as_o i_o afterward_o evince_v in_o my_o exposition_n be_v no_o other_o than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v they_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o plain_a and_o to_o be_v take_v as_o the_o word_n sound_v to_o the_o second_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v presumption_n for_o we_o to_o devise_v with_o ourselves_o how_o much_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o god_n to_o discover_v touch_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o to_o change_v day_n into_o year_n and_o year_n into_o age_n and_o particular_a man_n into_o a_o succession_n of_o man_n continue_v throughout_o many_o generation_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o interpreter_n to_o do_v we_o ought_v rather_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o plain_a doctrine_n thereof_o as_o know_v that_o if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o foretell_v but_o one_o remarkable_a event_n which_o be_v to_o happen_v in_o all_o the_o intermediate_v space_n between_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n and_o which_o we_o can_v not_o have_v require_v of_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v and_o thank_v almighty_a god_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v so_o many_o choice_a secret_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o future_a time_n whosever_fw-fr therefore_o shall_v consider_v well_o the_o six_o chapter_n where_o the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o happen_v after_o the_o day_n of_o domitian_n who_o tyranny_n have_v be_v hint_v chap._n 3.10_o do_v begin_v and_o compare_v it_o with_o history_n shall_v find_v that_o it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o constantine_n the_o great_a likewise_o the_o thing_n foretell_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o nineteenth_o be_v all_o save_o somewhat_o that_o shall_v happen_v before_o the_o death_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n of_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n to_o be_v accomplish_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v a_o touch_n in_o the_o follow_a exposition_n so_o that_o from_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n unto_o the_o age_n aforesaid_a be_v a_o vast_a gap_n without_o the_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v intervene_v to_o the_o three_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o john_n in_o pen_v the_o revelation_n have_v intend_v to_o detect_v antichrist_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v name_v he_o else_o how_o can_v he_o expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o fathom_n his_o meaning_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n which_o reason_n be_v the_o more_o forceible_a in_o that_o we_o see_v he_o so_o frequent_o make_v mention_n of_o antichrist_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o will_v there_o think_v you_o have_v be_v so_o deep_a silence_n concern_v he_o throughout_o the_o revelation_n have_v john_n there_o design_v to_o paint_v he_o out_o more_o full_o than_o before_o but_o as_o man_n have_v be_v too_o quick_a sight_v in_o spy_v antichrist_n where_o he_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v find_v so_o have_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o purblind_a when_o they_o come_v to_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o open_a view_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v at_o length_n attain_v to_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o antichrist_n let_v we_o mark_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o john_n do_v not_o by_o antichrist_n intend_v any_o particular_a person_n but_o many_o deceiver_n to_o which_o purpose_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v 1_o epistle_n 4.3_o 4._o this_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n whereof_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v and_o even_o now_o already_o be_v it_o in_o the_o world_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v they_o the_o word_n they_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o examine_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n have_v no_o other_o antecedent_n but_o antichrist_n and_o therefore_o no_o single_a person_n be_v mean_v by_o he_o but_o if_o this_o allegation_n shall_v seem_v to_o any_o one_o to_o carry_v some_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n with_o it_o the_o seven_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n will_v soon_o remove_v all_o scruple_n and_o clear_o prove_v our_o assertion_n for_o it_o be_v there_o say_v many_o deceiver_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o deceiver_n so_o the_o greek_a have_v it_o
same_o person_n with_o the_o goat_n himself_o as_o the_o angel_n there_o show_v it_o do_v verse_n 21._o namely_o alexander_n the_o king_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o first_o king_n thereof_o who_o subdue_v darius_n the_o king_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n and_o so_o be_v the_o goat_n that_o trample_v on_o the_o ram_n with_o two_o horn_n there_o speak_v of_o verse_n 4._o and_o they_o worship_v the_o dragon_n which_o give_v power_n unto_o the_o beast_n and_o they_o worship_v the_o beast_n say_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o beast_n who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v war_n with_o he_o in_o this_o verse_n be_v set_v forth_o the_o marvellous_a impiety_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o they_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o worship_v the_o devil_n for_o invest_v the_o beast_n with_o so_o vast_a authority_n and_o also_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v set_v up_o by_o he_o as_o judge_v no_o king_n in_o all_o the_o world_n like_v to_o he_o for_o greatness_n nor_o able_a to_o wage_v war_n with_o he_o neither_o be_v this_o worship_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v esteem_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v induce_v to_o commit_v it_o otherwise_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o have_v solicit_v our_o saviour_n christ_n thereunto_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o devil_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o glory_n thereof_o shall_v become_v he_o luk._n 4_o 6_o 7._o for_o certain_o the_o devil_n be_v too_o subtle_a to_o propose_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o our_o saviour_n the_o wise_a and_o strong_a saint_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v which_o be_v so_o enormous_a that_o no_o man_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a and_o wicked_a be_v capable_a of_o be_v draw_v thereunto_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o this_o detestable_a wickedness_n of_o worship_v the_o devil_n will_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n verse_n 5._o and_o there_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o mouth_n speak_v great_a thing_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o to_o continue_v forty_o and_o two_o month_n these_o word_n imply_v that_o the_o beast_n though_o otherwise_o of_o himself_o most_o impious_a yet_o can_v not_o utter_v so_o great_a thing_n and_o blasphemy_n be_v he_o not_o animate_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n for_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n unless_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o consequent_o god_n do_v in_o mercy_n enable_v he_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o christ_n say_v that_o none_o can_v come_v unto_o he_o except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n joh._n 6.65_o and_o paul_n say_v phil._n 1.29_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o so_o the_o outrageous_a blaspheme_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v so_o high_a a_o strain_n of_o impiety_n that_o be_v not_o the_o beast_n incite_v and_o spirit_v thereunto_o by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n he_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a reach_n unto_o it_o the_o same_o be_v say_v of_o his_o make_a war_n namely_o with_o the_o saint_n as_o you_o have_v it_o verse_n 7._o and_o dan._n 7_o 25._o for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o two_o month_n for_o this_o be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a act_n of_o tyranny_n require_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v the_o beast_n to_o perform_v it_o as_o for_o the_o duration_n of_o this_o war_n with_o the_o saint_n which_o the_o beast_n be_v say_v to_o wage_v for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o two_o month_n see_v i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o beast_n be_v mean_v a_o king_n neither_o can_v any_o place_n be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n where_o by_o month_n be_v mean_v month_n of_o year_n and_o not_o of_o day_n only_o i_o collect_v that_o the_o say_a war_n shall_v last_v but_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a verse_n 6._o and_o he_o open_v his_o mouth_n in_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n and_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n what_o the_o beast_n have_v by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n receive_v a_o power_n to_o do_v he_o here_o put_v in_o execution_n blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tabernacle_n by_o which_o tabernacle_n be_v mean_v the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o place_n of_o god_n abode_n as_o appear_v from_o chap_n 21.2_o 3._o for_o there_o when_o that_o holy_a city_n descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o new_a earth_n a_o voice_n be_v hear_v from_o heaven_n say_v behold_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v with_o man_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v with_o they_o which_o impli_v that_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v with_o man_n and_o this_o city_n be_v therefore_o call_v a_o tabernacle_n because_o contrary_a to_o the_o guise_n of_o other_o city_n it_o remove_v from_o place_n to_o place_n as_o tabernacle_n or_o tent_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v neither_o be_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o beast_n terminate_v in_o god_n and_o his_o tabernacle_n but_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o those_o dwell_n in_o heaven_n namely_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o full_o verifi_v what_o paul_n say_v of_o this_o beast_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n namely_o that_o he_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o above_o every_o one_o that_o be_v call_v god_n 2_o thess_n 2.4_o for_o this_o appellation_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v both_o to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n and_o also_o to_o the_o holy_a angel_n see_v ephes_n 1.17_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n john_n 20.28_o thomas_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o namely_o jesus_n christ_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n zech._n 12.8_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v as_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o verse_n 7._o and_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o power_n be_v give_v he_o over_o all_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o nation_n the_o beast_n have_v power_n give_v to_o he_o not_o only_o to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o way_n impli_v that_o the_o saint_n oppose_v he_o with_o arm_n for_o it_o be_v then_o right_o term_v war_n when_o hostility_n be_v open_o use_v on_o both_o side_n see_v chap._n 12.7_o but_o also_o to_o vanquish_v they_o in_o fight_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o remarkable_a give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o saint_n though_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n against_o the_o beast_n yet_o can_v prevail_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o beast_n be_v to_o be_v defeat_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n their_o captain_n who_o will_v at_o length_n appear_v in_o the_o heaven_n ride_v upon_o a_o white_a horse_n and_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n dissipate_v the_o beast_n and_o his_o complice_n see_v chap._n 19.11_o 15_o 20_o 21._o what_o be_v here_o further_o say_v of_o the_o universal_a monarchy_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v of_o itself_o very_o plain_a and_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o verse_n 8._o and_o all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n shall_v worship_v he_o who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v universal_a so_o be_v the_o worship_n also_o none_o among_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n refuse_v it_o save_v they_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n be_v according_o preserve_v by_o he_o from_o commit_v so_o great_a impiety_n as_o to_o worship_v a_o king_n that_o open_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o be_v set_v up_o by_o the_o devil_n furthermore_o when_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v the_o lamb_n it_o be_v because_o god_n have_v prepare_v it_o for_o he_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a testify_v that_o god_n have_v write_v such_o a_o book_n exod._n 32.32_o that_o he_o may_v know_v on_o who_o to_o bestow_v eternal_a life_n for_o see_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o none_o shall_v
heaven_n before_o which_o the_o glorify_a saint_n shall_v come_v and_o adore_v he_o for_o it_o do_v of_o necessity_n follow_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n neither_o do_v those_o word_n of_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 6.16_o where_o speak_v of_o god_n he_o say_v who_o none_o of_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v a_o whit_n derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o we_o assert_v for_o he_o himself_o elsewhere_o compare_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n with_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v say_v now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v even_o as_o i_o be_o know_v i_o cor._n 13.12_o wherefore_o in_o that_o fore_n quote_v passage_n of_o tim._n he_o speak_v of_o man_n converse_v in_o this_o world_n between_o who_o and_o god_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o vast_a distance_n of_o place_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o they_o on_o earth_n eccles_n 5.2_o but_o also_o sundry_a body_n interpose_v obstruct_v their_o sight_n of_o he_o yea_o be_v they_o now_o admit_v to_o the_o very_a person_n of_o god_n their_o eye_n be_v not_o fit_a of_o themselves_o to_o behold_v so_o spiritual_a and_o glorious_a a_o object_n whereupon_o the_o apostle_n john_n conclude_v 1_o epist_n 3.2_o that_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v be_v like_a unto_o god_n because_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o this_o passage_n which_o we_o have_v last_o cite_v together_o with_o that_o other_o of_o the_o corinthian_n give_v clear_a attestation_n to_o our_o opinion_n as_o also_o do_v that_o say_n of_o christ_n matth._n 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 so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o need_n to_o dwell_v long_o on_o this_o subject_n we_o pass_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n here_o mention_v which_o be_v the_o inscribe_v of_o god_n name_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v perform_v by_o christ_n as_o he_o himself_o testify_v chap._n 3.12_o where_o speak_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n he_o say_v he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o it_o denote_v that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v continual_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o his_o temple_n thus_o as_o we_o have_v above_o discourse_v the_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o man_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n allege_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o this_o also_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o holy_a text._n verse_n 5_o and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o night_n there_o and_o they_o need_v no_o candle_n neither_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o the_o lord_n god_n give_v they_o light_a and_o they_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o john_n here_o repeat_v what_o he_o have_v before_o speak_v in_o the_o one_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n concern_v this_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o night_n in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n nor_o need_n either_o of_o the_o sun_n or_o of_o a_o candle_n because_o god_n be_v the_o luminary_n thereof_o for_o inasmuch_o as_o god_n dwell_v in_o light_n 1_o tim._n 6.16_o and_o cover_v himself_o with_o light_a as_o with_o a_o garment_n psalm_n 104.2_o yea_o be_v light_n itself_o have_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o in_o he_o 1_o john_n 1.5_o and_o shall_v abide_v with_o the_o saint_n continual_o 1_o thes_n 4.17_o it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o presence_n make_v perpetual_a day_n in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o for_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o verse_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o rule_v over_o the_o nation_n for_o that_o cease_v after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n wherefore_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o their_o reign_v in_o life_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n phrase_v it_o rom._n 5.17_o and_o so_o of_o reign_v over_o death_n for_o ever_o as_o death_n have_v for_o some_o time_n reign_v over_o they_o verse_n 6._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o these_o say_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a and_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n send_v his_o angel_n to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n the_o thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v this_o be_v the_o three_o time_n that_o either_o god_n himself_o or_o the_o angel_n confirm_v the_o plain_a literal_a and_o down_o right_a meaning_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o dwell_v therein_o for_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v chap._n 21.5_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v these_o say_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v these_o say_n be_v evident_a and_o certain_a and_o such_o as_o do_v of_o themselves_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o dispute_v to_o establish_v which_o exposition_n of_o i_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v in_o four_o several_a place_n namely_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o and_o chap._n 3.1_o and_o chap._n 4.9_o and_z titus_n 3.8_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o point_n be_v a_o faithful_a say_n when_o the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o speak_v contain_v in_o itself_o no_o hard_a and_o mystical_a sense_n but_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o plain_a purpose_n of_o the_o word_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o prefer_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n before_o the_o express_a language_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o adhere_v to_o such_o interpretation_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o those_o that_o obtrude_v they_o when_o the_o angel_n further_o add_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n send_v his_o angel_n to_o show_v unto_o his_o servant_n the_o thing_n which_o must_v short_o be_v do_v this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o same_o angel_n that_o here_o talk_v with_o john_n otherwise_o he_o will_v rather_o have_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n have_v send_v i_o again_o the_o thing_n which_o this_o angel_n show_v to_o john_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v do_v short_o after_o that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o come_v to_o pass_v wherefore_o this_o say_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o word_n use_v in_o both_o place_n have_v relation_n to_o that_o other_o angel_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o who_o show_v such_o thing_n to_o john_n as_o begin_v a_o little_a after_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n set_a chap._n 3.10_o where_o it_o be_v say_v because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o wood_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n see_v also_o the_o open_n of_o the_o seal_n whereof_o we_o read_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n verse_n 7._o behold_v i_o come_v quick_o bless_v be_v he_o that_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n here_o the_o angel_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n say_v behold_v i_o come_v quick_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o that_o notable_a come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o event_n show_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o inasmuch_o as_o to_o this_o very_a day_n he_o be_v not_o come_v in_o that_o manner_n wherefore_o he_o speak_v of_o some_o near_a and_o more_o improper_a come_v namely_o when_o he_o will_v visit_v the_o lnhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n for_o their_o wickedness_n by_o bring_v a_o great_a calamity_n upon_o they_o and_o such_o a_o come_v of_o christ_n happen_v in_o the_o day_n of_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n not_o long_o after_o the_o pen_v of_o this_o prophecy_n which_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o 17._o chapter_n to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o vespasian_n the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n which_o judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o reign_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o cruel_a monster_n domitian_n when_o christ_n have_v foretell_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n chap._n 3.10_o he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n that_o he_o do_v here_o for_o thus_o the_o whole_a passage_n sound_v because_o
thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n behold_v i_o come_v quick_o now_o that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o come_v when_o he_o execute_v judgement_n on_o any_o person_n for_o their_o fault_n be_v manifest_a from_o his_o own_o word_n in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o revelation_n see_v chap._n 2.5_o where_o he_o say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v the_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v and_o verse_n 16._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o chap._n 3.3_o where_o he_o say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n remember_v how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v if_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o watch_v i_o will_v come_v on_o thou_o as_o a_o thief_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o hour_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o by_o this_o we_o see_v how_o apposite_o christ_n subjoin_v after_o the_o mention_n of_o his_o speedy_a come_v that_o he_o be_v happy_a who_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o whosoever_o do_v so_o shall_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n anger_n when_o he_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o the_o disobedient_a and_o wicked_a as_o he_o promise_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n in_o the_o forequote_v place_n revel_v 3.10_o verse_n 8._o and_o i_o john_n see_v these_o thing_n and_o hear_v they_o and_o when_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v i_o fall_v down_o to_o worship_n before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o show_v i_o these_o thing_n 9_o then_o say_v he_o unto_o i_o see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o for_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n the_o prophet_n and_o of_o they_o which_o keep_v the_o say_n of_o this_o book_n worship_n god_n the_o thing_n which_o john_n have_v hear_v and_o see_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o angel_n be_v so_o superlative_o great_a and_o glorious_a and_o john_n himself_o be_v withal_o so_o interest_v in_o they_o for_o be_v one_o of_o the_o lamb_n twelve_o apostle_n he_o see_v his_o own_o name_n write_v on_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v ravish_v therewith_o he_o forget_v himself_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o worship_v he_o although_o he_o have_v former_o be_v check_v for_o do_v so_o which_o action_n of_o john_n though_o not_o free_a from_o blame_n have_v yet_o something_o in_o it_o very_o laudable_a namely_o the_o set_n of_o so_o high_a a_o value_n on_o the_o knowledge_n of_o excellent_a thing_n and_o consequent_o on_o those_o person_n that_o discover_v they_o when_o i_o consider_v this_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o withal_o observe_v how_o far_a christian_n general_o be_v from_o have_v any_o certain_a notion_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o embrace_v mere_a fancy_n in_o the_o stead_n thereof_o i_o conclude_v that_o some_o respect_n be_v likewise_o due_a to_o such_o as_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n where_o it_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n from_o those_o false_a gloss_n that_o man_n have_v so_o long_o impose_v on_o they_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o text_n in_o this_o point_n be_v of_o sovereign_a use_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o encourage_v christian_n onto_z piety_n as_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o a_o more_o firm_a and_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o they_o through_o so_o many_o difficulty_n do_v aspire_v unto_o and_o therefore_o paul_n do_v very_o wise_o intercede_v with_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o saint_n at_o ephesus_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n ephes_n 1.18_o lest_o have_v a_o uncertain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o prize_n they_o shall_v but_o faint_o run_v that_o race_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o but_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o carriage_n of_o john_n to_o esteem_v high_o of_o they_o that_o do_v in_o a_o true_a and_o accurate_a manner_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o shall_v the_o example_n of_o the_o angel_n direct_v we_o to_o refuse_v all_o excessive_a honour_n though_o give_v by_o those_o who_o we_o have_v by_o special_a favour_n oblige_v to_o we_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v preserve_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n entire_a which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v continual_o in_o our_o eye_n verse_n 10._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o seal_v not_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n when_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n have_v see_v certain_a vision_n concern_v that_o which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o to_o be_v perform_v he_o be_v command_v to_o shut_v they_o up_o and_o seal_v the_o book_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v dan._n 8.26_o &_o ch._n 12.4_o but_o here_o the_o angel_n do_v on_o the_o contrary_a charge_n john_n that_o he_o seal_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n allege_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n thereof_o because_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o the_o case_n be_v so_o it_o much_o concern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o revelation_n that_o they_o may_v in_o time_n prepare_v themselves_o &_o by_o that_o mean_n avoid_v a_o surprisal_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o therefore_o imagine_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n foretell_v in_o this_o book_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o be_v fulfil_v for_o the_o very_a 20._o chapter_n do_v abundant_o refute_v such_o a_o conceit_n there_o be_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v ere_o long_o begin_v to_o be_v accomplish_v as_o we_o have_v before_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o six_o verse_n verse_n 11._o he_o that_o be_v unjust_a let_v he_o be_v unjust_a still_o and_o he_o which_o be_v filthy_a let_v he_o be_v filthy_a still_o and_o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a let_v he_o be_v righteous_a still_o and_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a let_v he_o be_v holy_a still_o when_o christ_n say_v let_v he_o that_o be_v unrighteous_a be_v unrighteous_a still_o and_o let_v he_o that_o be_v filthy_a be_v filthy_a this_o be_v not_o a_o command_n otherwise_o these_o unjust_a and_o filthy_a person_n shall_v do_v well_o while_o they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o wickedness_n but_o a_o commination_n for_o see_v the_o mean_n that_o have_v already_o be_v use_v for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o they_o from_o their_o unjust_a and_o filthy_a course_n have_v take_v no_o effect_n christ_n be_v now_o resolve_v to_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n whereby_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v afterward_o proceed_v to_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o injustice_n and_o uncleanness_n suitable_a hereunto_o be_v that_o say_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o daniel_n in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n verse_n 10._o the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o it_o be_v say_v on_o the_o contrary_a let_v he_o that_o be_v righteous_a be_v righteous_a still_o or_o be_v jet_v justify_v and_o let_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a be_v holy_a still_o or_o be_v yet_o sanctify_v it_o be_v a_o promise_n whereby_o christ_n show_v that_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n to_o bring_v those_o who_o harken_v to_o his_o word_n be_v become_v righteous_a and_o holy_a unto_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o justice_n and_o sanctity_n agreeable_a to_o that_o oracle_n of_o his_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o matthew_n chap._n 25.29_o unto_o every_o one_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n verse_n 12._o and_o behold_v i_o come_v quick_o and_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o i_o to_o give_v every_o man_n according_a as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v it_o be_v before_o show_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o 7._o verse_n that_o when_o christ_n say_v behold_v i_o come_v quick_o this_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o come_n at_o the_o last_o day_n suitable_o hereunto_o neither_o can_v the_o reward_n that_o he_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v mean_v of_o such_o a_o recompense_n as_o shall_v then_o be_v render_v unto_o man_n but_o which_o have_v place_n