any_o open_o wicked_a in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v any_o private_a company_n with_o he_o show_v he_o no_o special_a familiarity_n but_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o as_o burden_n to_o us._n and_o have_v examine_v they_o this_o sharp_a deal_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v 2_o part_n the_o first_o be_v examination_n the_o second_o condemnation_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n the_o first_o part_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o these_o false_a apostle_n the_o second_o the_o oppose_a of_o herself_o against_o they_o be_v discover_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n teach_v two_o point_n first_o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o it_o special_a grace_n and_o wisdom_n a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o discern_v 1._o cor._n 2._o 15._o 1._o cor._n 11._o spiritual_a man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v of_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o blood_n between_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a bread_n and_o wine_n 2._o cor._n 13._o prove_v yourselves_o show_v that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v power_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v faith_n or_o not_o 1._o joh._n 5._o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o she_o have_v power_n to_o discern_v of_o false_a apostle_n and_o by_o this_o gift_n the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n no_o society_n save_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v this_o gift_n to_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a truth_n and_o error_n true_a apostle_n and_o false_a apostle_n second_o we_o gather_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v whether_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o some_o man_n it_o please_v to_o call_v this_o to_o question_n nay_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church_n in_o england_n but_o call_v it_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o ministry_n in_o it_o no_o word_n no_o sacrament_n now_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o we_o in_o england_n and_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n in_o scotland_n &_o other_o evangelicall_a and_o reform_a church_n judge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v so_o though_o they_o deny_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rather_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o or_o many_o particular_a true_a church_n then_o of_o any_o one_o private_a or_o of_o many_o man_n yea_o see_v the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v judge_v of_o false_a apostle_n it_o have_v also_o power_n to_o judge_v of_o scripture_n to_o judge_v which_o book_n be_v canonical_a which_o be_v not_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v be_v false_a that_o the_o church_n indeed_o can_v judge_v but_o as_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o their_o church_n this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v this_o power_n long_o before_o rome_n be_v in_o such_o name_n nay_o it_o be_v in_o this_o time_n of_o john_n of_o far_o great_a name_n than_o rome_n and_o more_o famous_a and_o excellent_a the_o second_o point_n in_o what_o thing_n this_o discovery_n of_o false_a apostle_n consist_v in_o what_o this_o judicial_a action_n stand_v which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n it_o stand_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o examination_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o false_a teacher_n second_o condemnation_n of_o they_o after_o examination_n for_o the_o first_o he_o say_v and_o have_v examine_v for_o the_o second_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n to_o come_v to_o this_o examination_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v a_o gift_n of_o examination_n question_n and_o do_v examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o their_o doctrine_n but_o how_o may_v a_o particular_a church_n examine_v a_o false_a apostle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n answer_n to_o do_v this_o the_o man_n or_o church_n which_o will_v do_v it_o must_v first_o prepare_v themselves_o and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o examine_v and_o in_o this_o preparation_n must_v have_v a_o humble_a heart_n and_o lowly_a spirit_n for_o god_n reveal_v not_o his_o will_n to_o proud_a man_n such_o as_o have_v high_a mind_n in_o their_o conceit_n and_o in_o this_o humble_v of_o himself_o he_o must_v clean_o renounce_v his_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o his_o own_o reason_n if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n after_o this_o preparation_n he_o must_v make_v prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o spirit_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v the_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v open_v his_o eye_n by_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o judge_v of_o truth_n &_o falsehood_n luk._n 11._o jam._n 1._o 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o must_v labour_v thorough_o to_o know_v and_o well_o to_o conceive_v of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n he_o must_v seek_v to_o understand_v they_o their_o ground_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n to_o propound_v a_o man_n error_n and_o not_o in_o that_o meaning_n he_o propound_v it_o or_o give_v it_o they_o must_v further_o prove_v and_o try_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o do_v this_o he_o must_v come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o the_o matter_n not_o a_o dumb_a letter_n as_o the_o papist_n hold_v but_o the_o true_a judge_n in_o all_o matter_n and_o most_o sufficient_a esa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o joh._n 5._o search_v the_o scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n must_v be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o matter_n he_o must_v give_v sentence_n and_o no_o angel_n saint_n or_o man_n now_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o write_a word_n therefore_o they_o must_v search_v whether_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o can_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v collect_v out_o of_o they_o they_o must_v after_o all_o this_o look_n to_o their_o life_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o false_a apostle_n shall_v lead_v a_o good_a life_n we_o must_v look_v on_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o for_o though_o he_o may_v blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o his_o life_n be_v well_o sift_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o mat._n 7._o christ_n bid_v we_o try_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n a_o bad_a tree_n can_v bring_v good_a fruit_n but_o if_o a_o man_n try_v and_o taste_v they_o though_o they_o appear_v beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v but_o hypocritical_a and_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v descry_v by_o this_o one_o mark_n by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o they_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n they_o have_v live_v answerable_a they_o can_v but_o live_v according_o there_o be_v never_o any_o which_o be_v a_o famous_a heretic_n in_o the_o church_n but_o his_o life_n be_v stain_v with_o monstrous_a sin_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o discovery_n be_v condemnation_n or_o sentence_n against_o they_o for_o after_o she_o have_v examine_v they_o &_o find_v they_o not_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v she_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o liar_n note_v she_o call_v they_o liar_n use_v sharp_a speech_n and_o yet_o sin_v not_o see_v christ_n commend_v she_o so_o minister_n to_o show_v their_o hatred_n against_o vice_n may_v use_v sharp_a speech_n not_o to_o rail_v or_o taunt_v but_o only_o to_o show_v our_o hatred_n and_o mislike_v of_o sin_n so_o john_n baptist_n call_v they_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n christ_n call_v herod_n a_o fox_n paul_n the_o galatian_n fool_n in_o that_o she_o call_v they_o liar_n doctrine_n it_o show_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o speak_v false_o and_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v untrue_a second_o that_o they_o sin_v of_o knowledge_n three_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o malice_n to_o hurt_v and_o deceive_v the_o church_n for_o these_o three_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o liar_n again_o here_o we_o see_v that_o which_o paul_n act._n 20._o foretell_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o be_v fulfil_v that_o among_o the_o ephesian_n shall_v arise_v liar_n on_o they_o which_o profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o again_o if_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v yet_o alive_a dare_v so_o take_v on_o they_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n and_o be_v none_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n dare_v six_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o take_v this_o upon_o he_o and_o say_v he_o be_v peter_n successor_n to_o take_v on_o he_o apostolical_a power_n
servant_n in_o the_o general_a call_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n for_o s._n john_n be_v his_o servant_n not_o only_o in_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o general_o but_o in_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o particular_a call_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o paul_n 9_o he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o general_o but_o in_o the_o special_a call_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o preach_v the_o same_o this_o example_n of_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v our_o direction_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o general_a call_n of_o christian_n but_o serve_v christ_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o profess_v christ_n in_o public_a assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o in_o our_o particular_a calling_n we_o must_v serve_v he_o at_o home_n as_o the_o magistrate_n not_o only_o in_o his_o general_a call_n of_o christianity_n but_o in_o his_o particular_a call_n as_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n the_o minister_n as_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n as_o he_o be_v a_o master_n and_o so_o all_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a calling_n must_v obey_v christ._n and_o if_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n come_v to_o the_o assembly_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n yet_o in_o his_o family_n fail_v and_o perform_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o master_n he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n he_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n though_o man_n accept_v so_o of_o he_o because_o he_o must_v be_v obedient_a to_o christ_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a call_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o john_n be_v describe_v namely_o the_o effect_n that_o he_o bare_a record_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o john_n bear_v this_o record_n partly_o by_o preach_v partly_o by_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v two_o part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o mean_v especial_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n add_v of_o thing_n do_v and_o say_v by_o christ._n and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v call_v his_o testimony_n into_o question_n he_o say_v he_o testify_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_n he_o see_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a the_o end_n why_o he_o allege_v these_o word_n be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a penman_n of_o this_o book_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v more_o reverence_n for_o he_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o also_o be_v faithful_a in_o pen_v this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o these_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v use_v that_o to_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o a_o false_a if_o they_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v true_a deut._n 13._o if_o they_o work_v wonder_n and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o true_a god_n they_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o must_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v of_o his_o authority_n he_o allege_v luk._n 10._o 1._o johns_n testimony_n and_o confirm_v johns_n testimony_n to_o be_v true_a ask_v they_o this_o question_n the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n show_v that_o john_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n see_v his_o baptism_n that_o be_v his_o doctrine_n be_v from_o heaven_n hereby_o we_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n and_o false_a allege_a by_o the_o papist_n be_v no_o true_a difference_n for_o they_o say_v if_o one_o can_v work_v miracle_n he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n whereas_o deut._n 13._o false_a prophet_n may_v do_v that_o but_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o he_o which_o bring_v this_o though_o he_o can_v not_o work_v a_o miracle_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n now_o follow_v the_o six_o argument_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n be_v describe_v which_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o propound_v and_o deliver_v of_o it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o delivery_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o four_o degree_n first_o god_n the_o father_n give_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n second_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n three_o the_o angel_n convey_v it_o to_o john_n the_o apostle_n four_o john_n direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o particular_a book_n be_v so_o no_o doubt_n all_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n now_o in_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o convey_v his_o scripture_n to_o man_n we_o see_v his_o perpetual_a care_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n also_o we_o see_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n as_o also_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o book_n see_v they_o be_v deliver_v to_o man_n by_o god_n and_o by_o he_o he_o deliver_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n this_o show_v the_o blasphemy_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n a_o dumb_a judge_n they_o hold_v that_o general_a counsel_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o word_n that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n it_o give_v life_n and_o sense_n to_o they_o which_o otherwise_o they_o say_v of_o themselves_o be_v but_o a_o inky_a and_o dumb_a word_n but_o we_o see_v they_o be_v far_o above_o all_o these_o for_o they_o be_v most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a and_o also_o most_o excellent_a see_v they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o he_o convey_v to_o a_o angel_n who_o deliver_v they_o to_o john_n and_o he_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o church_n these_o degree_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o show_v they_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a bless_a be_v they_o which_o hear_v etc._n etc._n 3._o here_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o argument_n of_o this_o description_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v by_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o the_o profit_n which_o come_v of_o it_o be_v hear_v or_o read_v and_o join_v with_o mark_v and_o attention_n it_o bring_v happiness_n bless_a that_o be_v blessedness_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n and_o life_n everlasting_a belong_v to_o they_o which_o hear_v and_o read_v this_o book_n and_o mark_v it_o keep_v it_o in_o memory_n remember_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n partly_o present_a partly_o to_o come_v bless_a be_v he_o which_o read_v here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o of_o this_o book_n particular_o for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o life_n everlasting_a joh._n 20._o last_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o so_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n 1._o joh._n 1._o â—_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o fellowship_n be_v true_a happiness_n itself_o joh._n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o book_n and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o man_n write_n be_v pen_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o be_v thence_o erroneous_a and_o miss_v of_o the_o end_n of_o happiness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n or_o else_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o they_o which_o have_v light_a by_o by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n and_o have_v all_o their_o truth_n from_o it_o see_v the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n 1_o as_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n we_o see_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a who_o bar_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o in_o bar_v they_o of_o
knowledge_n wisdom_n constancy_n zeal_n piety_n and_o religion_n so_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o his_o prophet_n not_o to_o all_o but_o his_o servant_n man_n of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o exceed_a holiness_n and_o piety_n indeed_o the_o lord_n reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n to_o wicked_a man_n as_o to_o balaam_n but_o they_o never_o know_v they_o comfortable_o it_o be_v a_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vision_n reveal_v and_o to_o know_v the_o same_o now_o both_o these_o befall_v s._n john_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o exceed_a holiness_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n love_v he_o and_o of_o singular_a and_o rare_a gift_n now_o the_o devil_n make_v no_o such_o choice_n but_o his_o vision_n befall_v man_n which_o be_v heretic_n wicked_a notorious_a sinner_n and_o they_o have_v no_o rare_a and_o special_a gift_n as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o befall_v then_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o it_o as_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v to_o his_o own_o apostle_n s._n john_n after_o the_o description_n of_o christ_n 9_o john_n describe_v himself_o by_o many_o modest_a term_n title_n first_o your_o brother_n that_o be_v of_o they_o be_v member_n all_o of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o family_n god_n the_o father_n be_v head_n and_o householder_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n we_o all_o be_v fellow_n brethren_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n be_v by_o he_o the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n and_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o by_o this_o title_n first_o he_o set_v out_o his_o humility_n and_o great_a modesty_n 1._o for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n above_o all_o man_n which_o live_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n he_o be_v the_o last_o apostle_n and_o have_v apostolical_a authority_n be_v a_o most_o true_a professor_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o brother_n to_o all_o true_a believer_n make_v himself_o but_o equal_a with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o esteem_v better_o of_o all_o our_o brethren_n then_o of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v ourselves_o inferior_a to_o they_o second_o by_o this_o title_n we_o see_v he_o have_v his_o hart_n full_a of_o brotherly_a love_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o we_o but_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n &_o religion_n to_o these_o especial_o shall_v we_o show_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o they_o which_o have_v the_o same_o head_n christ_n the_o same_o god_n the_o same_o faith_n hope_n 12._o religion_n and_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o affect_v to_o one_o another_o and_o be_v link_v by_o all_o these_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o near_a love_n then_o be_v between_o man_n &_o man_n but_o in_o this_o world_n 5._o as_o isaiah_n say_v man_n hate_v their_o brethren_n even_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n whereby_o they_o think_v to_o be_v save_v if_o they_o live_v with_o more_o conscience_n than_o other_o than_o they_o revile_v speak_v ill_o of_o and_o hate_v they_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o title_n companion_n or_o fellow_n partner_n compartner_z in_o tribulation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o patience_n he_o be_v partner_n with_o they_o in_o tribulation_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v this_o vision_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n under_o that_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n about_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o flee_v to_o pathmos_n at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o partner_n with_o they_o in_o affliction_n by_o which_o he_o show_v our_o estate_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n to_o live_v in_o affliction_n not_o to_o be_v companion_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n but_o partaker_n of_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o therefore_o those_o which_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o follow_v he_o they_o must_v deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n daily_o and_o because_o of_o this_o estate_n the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v call_v the_o militant_a church_n now_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o tribulation_n use_v we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o church_n which_o have_v have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n so_o long_o without_o persecution_n we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v give_v we_o that_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n for_o see_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v under_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v and_o try_v his_o church_n for_o it_o must_v increase_v and_o grow_v by_o trial_n the_o lord_n have_v send_v labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n a_o long_a time_n which_o have_v gather_v much_o wheat_n into_o the_o lord_n barn_n now_o there_o must_v come_v a_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v his_o fan_n and_o sieve_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v with_o the_o fan_n and_o sieve_n of_o persecution_n try_v the_o wheat_n and_o winnow_v the_o corn_n from_o the_o chaff_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v who_o be_v his_o true_a child_n then_o stand_v it_o we_o in_o hand_n to_o take_v heed_n we_o be_v find_v good_a corn_n and_o not_o chaff_n that_o we_o may_v abide_v the_o sieve_n that_o we_o prove_v not_o light_a corn_n blow_v about_o with_o the_o wind_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v burn_v he_o call_v himself_o their_o fellow_n partner_n in_o affliction_n because_o his_o pitiful_a hart_n be_v move_v with_o compassion_n to_o all_o his_o fellow_n member_n and_o partner_n in_o affliction_n when_o he_o remember_v their_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n they_o suffer_v under_o the_o cruel_a tyrant_n dominitian_n now_o look_v what_o be_v in_o he_o the_o same_o affection_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v pitiful_a full_a of_o compassion_n for_o the_o poor_a afflict_a member_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o be_v our_o fellow_n member_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o fellow_n feel_v with_o they_o and_o show_v our_o compassion_n in_o pity_v they_o if_o the_o foot_n be_v prick_v the_o head_n stoop_v the_o eye_n behold_v and_o look_v on_o it_o the_o finger_n pull_v it_o out_o the_o hand_n apply_v the_o plaster_n the_o other_o foot_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v for_o help_v the_o tongue_n to_o ask_v for_o counsel_n and_o all_o the_o member_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n in_o pity_n and_o fellow_n feel_v so_o when_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v affliction_n be_v prick_v with_o persecution_n for_o christ_n cause_n than_o shall_v we_o as_o fellow_n member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o help_n we_o can_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o show_v our_o fellow-feeling_n with_o they_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o that_o he_o set_v first_o affliction_n then_o add_v a_o kingdom_n he_o show_v that_o the_o affliction_n &_o cross_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o be_v beat_v and_o tread_v by_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 21._o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o this_o momentany_a affliction_n cause_v to_o we_o a_o infinite_a weight_n of_o glory_n 18._o not_o that_o it_o deserve_v or_o effect_n it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o pathway_n to_o heaven_n then_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a when_o it_o befall_v we_o use_v for_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v wander_a sheep_n out_o of_o the_o way_n into_o the_o ready_a and_o beat_a way_n to_o heaven_n nay_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a when_o we_o have_v no_o affliction_n 8._o for_o than_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n see_v the_o lord_n afflict_v every_o child_n which_o be_v he_o in_o patience_n a_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o persevere_v in_o affliction_n to_o go_v on_o suffer_v till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n affliction_n be_v the_o beat_a way_n heaven_n be_v our_o joyful_a end_n patience_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o
propound_v doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n to_o be_v believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n christ_n show_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v one_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n nay_o he_o which_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1._o second_o christ_n have_v absolute_a power_n to_o prescribe_v regiment_n to_o his_o church_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o also_o the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v so_o moses_n make_v the_o tabernacle_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n christ_n show_v he_o solomon_n build_v the_o temple_n according_a to_o the_o form_n he_o see_v by_o revelation_n 1._o chron._n 28._o 12._o three_o christ_n have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v time_n for_o his_o worship_n to_o appoint_v sabbaths_n etc._n etc._n and_o gen._n 1._o as_o he_o create_v the_o sabbath_n so_o have_v he_o power_n alone_o to_o alter_v it_o no_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v a_o time_n to_o god_n service_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o christ_n alone_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v two_o sabbath_n in_o one_o week_n or_o one_o in_o many_o week_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n honour_n to_o prescribe_v his_o worship_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o part_n of_o christ_n sovereign_a power_n be_v to_o judge_v to_o have_v power_n to_o determine_v of_o his_o own_o will_n without_o help_n of_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o give_v sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o alone_o give_v they_o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n and_o must_v expound_v his_o own_o law_n second_o christ_n alone_o must_v decide_v question_n and_o controversy_n concern_v faith_n then_o the_o church_n have_v not_o any_o such_o power_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o help_n of_o the_o write_a word_n by_o which_o christ_n expound_v they_o to_o us._n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o sovereignty_n be_v that_o christ_n can_v save_v and_o destroy_v open_a and_o shut_v he_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n he_o can_v open_v that_o be_v pardon_v sin_n proper_o and_o he_o alone_o promise_v this_o pardon_n and_o can_v perform_v it_o be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o give_v the_o pardon_n for_o sin_n so_o he_o give_v also_o eternal_a life_n save_v man_n soul_n second_o he_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v to_o cast_v some_o into_o hell_n and_o to_o destroy_v when_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n and_o die_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n he_o have_v power_n to_o hold_v man_n in_o sin_n after_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o hell_n and_o shut_v they_o up_o for_o ever_o see_v christ_n prescribe_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n use_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a part_n of_o man_n soul_n &_o such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v save_v and_o destroy_v we_o see_v christ_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a will_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o papist_n say_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o key_n of_o david_n christ_n can_v set_v up_o and_o depose_v king_n and_o prince_n at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o this_o they_o hold_v crafty_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o damn_a power_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o it_o will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n of_o the_o church_n and_o governor_n thereof_o he_o depose_v none_o he_o make_v no_o king_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n so_o he_o make_v and_o pull_v down_o at_o his_o pleasure_n be_v far_o above_o all_o man_n and_o hence_o king_n be_v call_v god_n because_o they_o represent_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v god_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n make_v man_n spiritual_a king_n but_o he_o make_v not_o temporal_a king_n but_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n for_o if_o he_o have_v such_o power_n why_o do_v he_o refuse_v to_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o adulterous_a woman_n confess_v he_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n from_o this_o power_n be_v another_o derive_v from_o christ_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o which_o power_n the_o key_n of_o david_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n mat._n 16._o 19_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o ministry_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o it_o be_v a_o ministry_n that_o be_v a_o service_n and_o duty_n for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n do_v be_v but_o a_o service_n do_v to_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v but_o servant_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v it_o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o authority_n but_o a_o service_n when_o adam_n fall_v we_o all_o fall_v in_o he_o and_o he_o thrust_v himself_o and_o all_o mankind_n out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n by_o his_o sin_n &_o close_v up_o heaven_n gate_n against_o us._n now_o since_o that_o fall_n christ_n become_v man_n and_o in_o his_o manhood_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o this_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o proper_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o else_o proper_o christ_n alone_o can_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o church_n can_v only_o reveal_v and_o pronounce_v the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o no_o otherwise_o she_o open_v or_o shut_v but_o by_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v open_a or_o shut_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o the_o company_n of_o true_a believer_n call_v to_o salvation_n by_o christ_n to_o they_o only_o be_v this_o key_n give_v mat._n 18._o 18._o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o god_n people_n not_o to_o all_o society_n of_o man_n the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v how_o christ_n he_o know_v best_a joh._n 20._o 23._o where_o he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o key_n and_o what_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v namely_o to_o pardon_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o no_o way_n else_o can_v man_n open_a and_o shut_v now_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o give_v sentence_n &_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n the_o first_o belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o the_o second_o to_o man_n who_o forgive_v sin_n not_o by_o give_v sentence_n but_o pronounce_v sentence_n give_v already_o by_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v sin_n proper_o be_v to_o rob_v christ_n of_o a_o special_a honour_n due_a to_o his_o godhead_n then_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v they_o only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v first_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o steward_n second_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o word_n not_o man_n tradition_n and_o affection_n three_o to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o salvation_n to_o beget_v and_o continue_v they_o in_o repentance_n they_o be_v so_o use_v have_v a_o promise_n namely_o what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o christ_n power_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n now_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o the_o church_n have_v two_o part_n first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n the_o first_o mat._n 16._o 19_o namely_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v down_o and_o authorise_v by_o christ_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o who_o sin_n thou_o shall_v bind_v by_o that_o word_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o cord_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v two_o way_n first_o by_o teach_v &_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o key_n luk._n 11._o 52._o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o key_n in_o man_n lawful_o call_v in_o that_o they_o apply_v in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n to_o they_o which_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o repentant_a heart_n so_o it_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n pronounce_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v fast_o bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n
seven_o head_n do_v signify_v seven_o hill_n whereon_o the_o woman_n sit_v now_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o woman_n signify_v a_o great_a city_n we_o must_v see_v where_o we_o can_v find_v a_o great_a city_n build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n and_o that_o by_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v babylon_n the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n and_o if_o we_o seek_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o great_a city_n build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n but_o that_o great_a city_n in_o italy_n which_o all_o writer_n poet_n historian_n cosmographer_n with_o one_o consent_n do_v confess_v to_o be_v rome_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n who_o name_n be_v these_o palatinus_n capitolinus_n auentinus_n exquilinus_n viminaelis_fw-la quirinalis_n and_o caelius_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o notation_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v babylon_n build_v on_o seven_o hill_n that_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o more_o plain_o have_v express_v rome_n though_o he_o have_v name_v she_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o more_o evident_a and_o certain_a description_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n then_o if_o in_o plain_a word_n he_o have_v say_v babylon_n be_v rome_n for_o it_o may_v be_v that_o some_o other_o city_n then_o that_o here_o be_v mean_v may_v have_v the_o name_n of_o rome_n but_o no_o other_o city_n can_v have_v this_o notation_n to_o be_v build_v on_o seven_o hill_n for_o constantinople_n be_v afterward_o call_v new_a rome_n but_o constantinople_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n like_a unto_o old_a rome_n therefore_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o manifest_a circumlocution_n of_o rome_n which_o with_o no_o reason_n can_v receive_v any_o other_o exposition_n for_o what_o boy_n go_v to_o the_o grammar_n school_n and_o read_v in_o virgil_n georgickes_n this_o verse_n septem_fw-la quae_fw-la una_fw-la sibi_fw-la muro_fw-la circundedit_fw-la arces_fw-la that_o city_n say_v virgil_n which_o have_v compass_v seven_o hill_n within_o her_o wall_n what_o boy_n i_o say_v in_o the_o grammar_n school_n do_v not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n although_o the_o poet_n in_o that_o place_n do_v not_o once_o name_n rome_n with_o what_o face_n therefore_o will_v any_o man_n deny_v that_o the_o angel_n here_o mean_v any_o other_o city_n by_o this_o periphrasis_n and_o circumlocution_n than_o rome_n for_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o froward_a to_o except_v that_o the_o word_n of_o hill_n be_v not_o take_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o figurative_o and_o metaphorical_o for_o some_o other_o thing_n as_o some_o will_v seem_v to_o interpret_v seven_o hill_n in_o this_o place_n for_o seven_o kingdom_n he_o shall_v plain_o be_v convince_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o the_o angel_n shall_v repeat_v one_o thing_n twice_o for_o in_o the_o next_o clause_n he_o show_v that_o the_o seven_o head_n do_v signify_v kingdom_n also_o but_o special_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o this_o be_v a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o must_v either_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v or_o it_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o interpretation_n therefore_o if_o the_o angel_n offer_v to_o expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o head_n give_v this_o exposition_n that_o they_o signify_v seven_o hill_n if_o hill_n be_v not_o take_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v this_o exposition_n for_o if_o the_o name_n of_o hill_n have_v need_v of_o another_o exposition_n he_o have_v be_v as_o good_a to_o have_v leave_v the_o name_n of_o head_n unexpound_v and_o as_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o hill_n to_o signify_v king_n be_v more_o obscure_a dark_a and_o far_o fetch_v than_o that_o head_n shall_v represent_v king_n for_o it_o be_v more_o apt_a by_o metaphor_n to_o call_v a_o king_n a_o head_n then_o to_o call_v he_o a_o hill_n therefore_o except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v vain_a yea_o more_o dark_a than_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v expound_v by_o he_o we_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o hill_n be_v take_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n for_o hill_n and_o then_o the_o city_n build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n without_o all_o controversy_n be_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n the_o four_o and_o last_o proof_n that_o i_o will_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o seventeen_o chapter_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o plain_a description_n of_o rome_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v for_o there_o the_o angel_n in_o plain_a word_n expound_v that_o the_o woman_n which_o s._n john_n see_v which_o be_v the_o great_a whore_n babylon_n be_v that_o great_a city_n which_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o brazen_a face_n be_v so_o impudent_a to_o deny_v that_o rome_n be_v that_o great_a city_n which_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o that_o time_n when_o this_o be_v speak_v or_o what_o other_o city_n have_v dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o s._n johns_n time_n but_o rome_n who_o be_v therefore_o so_o froward_a and_o untoward_a that_o he_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v babylon_n here_o to_o be_v plain_o call_v rome_n if_o i_o shall_v name_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o england_n who_o will_v not_o understand_v london_n if_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o france_n who_o will_v not_o conceive_v paris_n and_o when_o the_o angel_n name_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v be_v ignorant_a live_v in_o that_o time_n or_o know_v the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n that_o he_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o sea_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o from_o whence_o we_o shall_v look_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v according_a to_o the_o former_a prophecy_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n in_o this_o place_n to_o fly_v unto_o allegory_n and_o further_a exposition_n of_o this_o angelical_a interpretation_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o exposition_n as_o when_o one_o know_v one_o unknown_a thing_n be_v expound_v by_o another_o as_o much_o or_o more_o unknown_a it_o be_v vain_a superfluous_a and_o ridiculous_a wherefore_o who_o any_o bond_n of_o reason_n will_v hold_v in_o they_o must_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n for_o see_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o know_v aswell_o the_o place_n where_o antichrist_n shall_v fit_v as_o to_o be_v instruct_v of_o his_o craft_n and_o cruelty_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o congregation_n to_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o but_o send_v his_o angel_n plain_o to_o interpret_v and_o expound_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thorough_o admonish_v of_o her_o wickedness_n and_o instruct_v perfect_o to_o know_v she_o may_v more_o easy_o take_v heed_n of_o she_o fly_v from_o she_o and_o abhor_v she_o so_o that_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o first_o proposition_n which_o i_o take_v in_o hand_n that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n but_o because_o some_o be_v of_o such_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a forwardness_n that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o but_o they_o will_v still_o grudge_v and_o repine_v carp_n and_o object_n against_o my_o interpretation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o text_n they_o can_v deny_v i_o wish_v they_o that_o be_v such_o if_o they_o like_v not_o these_o exposition_n which_o i_o have_v bring_v to_o the_o deface_v of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o then_o they_o admit_v and_o reverence_v those_o exposition_n which_o their_o own_o author_n bring_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o pope_n authority_n and_o his_o religion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v these_o god_n say_v moses_n in_o genesis_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n to_o govern_v the_o night_n that_o be_v say_v the_o famous_a interpreter_n god_n ordain_v the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n by_o the_o sun_n be_v mean_v the_o pope_n and_o by_o the_o moon_n the_o emperor_n and_o look_v how_o much_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a the_o sun_n be_v then_o the_o moon_n so_o much_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a be_v the_o pope_n than_o the_o emperor_n and_o not_o content_a with_o this_o he_o count_v by_o arithmetic_n how_o much_o great_a the_o sun_n be_v in_o quantity_n then_o the_o moon_n by_o proportion_n that_o it_o have_v to_o the_o earth_n
chief_o babylon_n be_v fall_v in_o credit_n of_o her_o doctrine_n for_o beside_o so_o many_o prince_n and_o estate_n of_o christendom_n that_o by_o public_a authority_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o utter_o abolish_v all_o babylonicall_a doctrine_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n great_a multitude_n daily_o be_v lighten_v with_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o for_o all_o inquisition_n imprisonment_n exquisite_a torment_n and_o cruel_a burn_n they_o never_o a_o whit_n diminish_v but_o rather_o increase_v as_o god_n have_v provide_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n shall_v be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v more_o than_o obstinate_a if_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o matter_n be_v govern_v from_o god_n above_o for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v of_o man_n it_o must_v needs_o have_v decay_v before_o this_o time_n and_o have_v come_v to_o nought_o as_o gamaliel_n say_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o fight_v against_o it_o they_o show_v themselves_o but_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o old_a giant_n to_o make_v war_n against_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o prophecy_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v gather_v together_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o make_v battle_n against_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o white_a horse_n who_o name_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o all_o to_o their_o utter_a confusion_n and_o destruction_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v conquer_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o antichrist_n must_v be_v consume_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a word_n and_o utter_o abolish_v by_o the_o glorious_a brightness_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n as_o s._n paul_n testify_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n therefore_o it_o be_v vain_a that_o they_o seek_v to_o underprop_v the_o doctrine_n of_o babylon_n by_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n for_o all_o will_v not_o serve_v see_v the_o time_n of_o her_o final_a fall_n approach_v and_o now_o already_o our_o saviour_n christ_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n have_v waste_v and_o consume_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o credit_n &_o estimation_n in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o babylon_n of_o long_a time_n have_v triumph_v and_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o pray_v that_o her_o credit_n may_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o decrease_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v perfect_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n overthrow_v even_o from_o the_o foundation_n that_o no_o superfluous_a relic_n of_o babylonical_a religion_n may_v remain_v where_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o building_n but_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o babylon_n may_v fall_v altogether_o thus_o i_o have_v declare_v that_o baylon_n in_o wealth_n and_o substance_n in_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o credit_n &_o estimation_n of_o her_o doctrine_n be_v fall_v and_o that_o without_o hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o her_o credit_n be_v crack_v not_o only_o among_o her_o enemy_n the_o protestant_n but_o even_o among_o her_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a archpapists_a for_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n so_o blind_a so_o superstitious_a so_o devout_o addict_v in_o all_o point_n of_o popish_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n as_o they_o be_v 30._o or_o 40._o year_n past_a although_o they_o close_v their_o eye_n never_o so_o obstinate_o against_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o some_o effect_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o force_n will_v pierce_v even_o through_o their_o eyelid_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o can_v dissemble_v although_o they_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v with_o gross_a error_n and_o shameful_a superstition_n their_o pardon_n their_o pilgrimage_n their_o legend_n who_o be_v now_o so_o blind_a that_o see_v not_o how_o the_o world_n have_v be_v seduce_v by_o they_o and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n abuse_v to_o satisfy_v their_o unsatiable_a covetousness_n as_o for_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o popery_n that_o be_v learned_a they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o great_a error_n have_v be_v receive_v and_o teach_v for_o truth_n yea_o the_o pope_n himself_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o many_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n yea_o even_o into_o the_o mass_n but_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o pertain_v to_o he_o alone_o and_o the_o general_a council_n but_o what_o hope_v of_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o their_o hand_n let_v it_o be_v see_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o last_o council_n of_o trent_n what_o little_a mouse_n those_o great_a mountain_n in_o so_o many_o year_n travel_v have_v bring_v forth_o in_o forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n consultation_n two_o great_a matter_n reform_v one_o for_o pardoner_n not_o to_o be_v common_a pedlar_n another_o for_o the_o communion_n in_o both_o kind_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v it_o so_o they_o confess_v it_o be_v as_o good_a in_o one_o kind_n and_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o all_o other_o point_n of_o popery_n yet_o all_o be_v not_o well_o they_o confess_v by_o their_o correction_n and_o as_o for_o the_o great_a pillar_n and_o proctor_n they_o have_v if_o they_o be_v press_v near_o acknowledge_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o as_o one_o that_o land_v late_o at_o yarmouth_n before_o witness_v of_o good_a credit_n testify_v that_o if_o he_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o two_o point_n concern_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o the_o real_a presence_n for_o other_o matter_n he_o will_v not_o great_o strive_v so_o that_o i_o will_v conclude_v that_o babylon_n be_v fall_v in_o riches_n in_o power_n in_o credit_n of_o doctrine_n not_o only_o with_o protestant_n but_o even_o with_o papist_n themselves_o but_o now_o i_o know_v what_o will_v be_v object_v against_o i_o that_o i_o have_v travel_v all_o in_o vain_a to_o prove_v that_o babylon_n be_v fall_v and_o that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n and_o that_o i_o have_v abuse_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o sentence_n of_o old_a doctor_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v contain_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n to_o prove_v that_o babylon_n be_v rome_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o rome_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o not_o under_o the_o pope_n and_o that_o all_o this_o while_n i_o have_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o enforce_v the_o doctor_n to_o affirm_v that_o which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o indeed_o i_o will_v confess_v that_o some_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o that_o the_o heathen_a empire_n be_v a_o introduction_n unto_o antichrist_n but_o that_o antichrist_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o be_v principal_o call_v antichrist_n can_v not_o be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a monarchy_n i_o will_v make_v it_o manifest_a by_o plain_a demonstration_n and_o first_o i_o will_v retain_v this_o principle_n sufficient_o prove_v before_o that_o rome_n be_v the_o see_v of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o by_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o consent_n of_o ancient_a writer_n we_o can_v seek_v he_o no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o now_o the_o controversy_n rest_v in_o this_o whether_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n or_o the_o pope_n be_v he_o first_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n speak_v purposely_o of_o antichrist_n say_v express_o that_o he_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n do_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v not_o this_o antichrist_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o mahomet_n be_v not_o that_o especial_a antichrist_n because_o he_o sit_v without_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v diverse_a that_o will_v have_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o mahomet_n or_o ottomanus_n but_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n for_o as_o much_o as_o neither_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n nor_o mahomet_n nor_o ottomanus_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v that_o great_a antichrist_n of_o who_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o whereas_o some_o of_o they_o interpret_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n where_o of_o christ_n speak_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o antichrist_n or_o at_o leastwise_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o that_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n or_o any_o other_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n for_o that_o
stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n and_o signify_v the_o church_n now_o the_o pope_n sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o boast_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n chaleng_v to_o himself_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v proper_a only_a to_o god_n and_o usurp_v such_o honour_n as_o be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o god_n therefore_o not_o in_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n but_o in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o pprophecy_n accomplish_v another_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o antichrist_n which_o in_o this_o revelation_n be_v foreshow_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o heathen_a emperor_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n for_o there_o the_o angel_n interpret_n to_o s._n john_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o bear_v the_o harlot_n which_o have_v seven_o head_n signify_v seven_o hill_n he_o declare_v also_o that_o they_o signify_v seven_o king_n or_o principal_a estate_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n for_o so_o the_o name_n of_o king_n be_v often_o take_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o special_o in_o daniel_n at_o which_o pprophecy_n s._n john_n borrow_v many_o phrase_n of_o these_o seven_o head_n five_a he_o say_v be_v fall_v the_o six_o be_v then_o present_o in_o authority_n and_o the_o seven_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v which_o seven_o be_v the_o monstrous_a beast_n antichrist_n that_o be_v both_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o eight_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n for_o nero_n the_o first_o persecute_v paynim_n be_v come_v and_o go_v and_o domitian_n another_o persecutor_n by_o who_o tyranny_n s._n john_n be_v banish_v into_o the_o i_o will_v of_o pathmos_n where_o he_o see_v and_o receive_v this_o revelation_n be_v then_o in_o authority_n so_o that_o of_o the_o monarchy_n or_o tyranny_n of_o heathen_a emperor_n this_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v and_o of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n no_o man_n will_v expound_v it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v turn_v over_o to_o the_o pope_n for_o it_o can_v rest_v in_o no_o place_n else_o and_o be_v refer_v unto_o he_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v a_o very_a apt_a exposition_n for_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o dominion_n thereof_o have_v have_v seven_o principal_a state_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n the_o first_o state_n of_o king_n the_o second_o of_o consul_n the_o three_o of_o decemviri_fw-la the_o four_o of_o dictator_n the_o five_o of_o triumvir_n the_o six_o of_o caesar_n or_o emperor_n and_o the_o seven_o of_o pope_n now_o five_o of_o these_o state_n or_o form_n of_o regiment_n be_v fall_v and_o abolish_v in_o saint_n johns_n time_n the_o six_o which_o be_v the_o emperor_n in_o his_o time_n be_v in_o place_n and_o the_o seven_o which_o be_v the_o pope_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v which_o be_v the_o very_a beast_n itself_o the_o roman_a empire_n reviue_v and_o raise_v up_o from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n into_o the_o usurp_a tyranny_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o this_o be_v that_o beast_n that_o sometime_o be_v of_o wonderful_a great_a power_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o day_n of_o augustus_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o successor_n but_o then_o much_o decay_v as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v although_o in_o some_o sort_n it_o be_v but_o shall_v be_v restore_v in_o the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o pope_n that_o claim_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v his_o diocese_n which_o power_n come_v not_o from_o god_n but_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o pride_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n but_o chief_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o beast_n although_o he_o be_v but_o one_o yet_o in_o the_o account_n he_o stand_v for_o two_o for_o he_o be_v that_o seven_o head_n and_o the_o eight_o also_o and_o remember_v that_o the_o pope_n challenge_v double_a authority_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o both_o the_o sword_n the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a so_o that_o in_o this_o exposition_n all_o thing_n agree_v most_o apt_o again_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v deceive_v the_o world_n with_o false_a doctrine_n under_o pretence_n and_o colour_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o so_o often_o time_n the_o scripture_n warn_v man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v needle_n if_o any_o open_a profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v that_o antichrist_n for_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n that_o a_o heathen_a man_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n shall_v deceive_v any_o multitude_n of_o true_a christian_n but_o he_o that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n seek_v most_o of_o all_o to_o deface_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o subtle_a adversary_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n as_o s._n john_n also_o in_o his_o epistle_n do_v testify_v for_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n speak_v of_o those_o antichrist_n which_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o great_a antichrist_n he_o show_v that_o they_o go_v out_o from_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n he_o call_v they_o false_a prophet_n and_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n he_o that_o deny_v jesus_n to_o be_v christ_n he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v he_o that_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v christ_n and_o in_o his_o flesh_n to_o have_v perform_v the_o full_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n as_o the_o pope_n do_v most_o blasphemous_o he_o be_v antichrist_n and_o who_o so_o teach_v any_o such_o doctrine_n speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n see_v therefore_o that_o s._n john_n account_v antichrist_n for_o one_o that_o be_v go_v from_o the_o church_n &_o for_o a_o false_a prophet_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o antichrist_n be_v no_o heathen_a emperor_n which_o be_v never_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o a_o false_a prophet_n that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o mahomet_n who_o never_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n nor_o yet_o a_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n pretend_v to_o uphold_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o open_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n altogether_o without_o the_o church_n by_o these_o argument_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o see_v babylon_n be_v rome_n and_o that_o the_o head_n of_o babylon_n be_v antichrist_n that_o he_o can_v be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n but_o even_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v according_a to_o my_o text_n that_o rome_n be_v fall_v if_o babylon_n be_v fall_v now_o remain_v the_o last_o part_n that_o i_o promise_v to_o entreat_v of_o namely_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n so_o severe_a judgement_n against_o babylon_n that_o he_o have_v decree_v her_o utter_a overthrow_n and_o destruction_n which_o the_o angel_n comprehend_v in_o these_o word_n because_o she_o have_v make_v all_o nation_n drink_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o her_o fornication_n that_o be_v she_o have_v deceive_v all_o the_o world_n with_o false_a doctrine_n which_o he_o compare_v unto_o two_o kind_n of_o vice_n whereby_o man_n be_v so_o deceive_v that_o they_o lose_v all_o their_o right_a judgement_n drunkenness_n and_o fornication_n for_o as_o these_o two_o vice_n do_v allure_v man_n to_o commit_v they_o by_o covet_v of_o vain_a delectation_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o so_o babylon_n have_v entice_v all_o man_n like_o another_o circe_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o her_o delectable_a error_n and_o to_o commit_v most_o filthy_a fornication_n with_o her_o idolatrous_a religion_n for_o of_o all_o other_o religion_n to_o the_o carnal_a man_n none_o be_v so_o pleasant_a as_o popery_n be_v in_o which_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v obtain_v both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o man_n be_v dead_a that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a security_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o sleep_v in_o they_o in_o the_o fair_a promise_n of_o popery_n and_o that_o cause_v so_o many_o willing_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o so_o loath_a to_o depart_v from_o it_o because_o they_o will_v still_o continue_v without_o check_n of_o true_a doctrine_n which_o call_v man_n to_o repentance_n &_o amendment_n of_o life_n or_o else_o threaten_v eternal_a damnation_n for_o howsoever_o it_o please_v they_o to_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o cause_n of_o security_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v by_o comparison_n of_o it_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n whether_o be_v cause_n of_o security_n that_o which_o teach_v no_o