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church_n act_v apostle_n elder_n 2,921 5 9.6647 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37035 A commentarie upon the book of the Revelation Wherein the text is explained, the series of the several prophecies contained in that book, deduced according to their order and dependance on each other; the periods and succession of times, at, or about which, these prophecies, that are already fulfilled, began to be, and were more fully accomplished, fixed and applied according to history; and those that are yet to be fulfilled, modestly, and so far as is warrantable, enquired into. Together with some practical observations, and several digressions, necessary for vindicating, clearing, and confirming many weighty and important truths. Delivered in several lectures, by that learned, laborious, and faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, James Durham, late Minister of the Gospel in Glasgow. To which is affixed a brief summary of the whole book, with a twofold index, one of the several digressions, another of the chief and principall purposes and words contained in this treatise. Durham, James, 1622-1658. 1658 (1658) Wing D2805; ESTC R216058 1,353,392 814

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way_n for_o clearness_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o for_o distinctnesse_n in_o the_o uptake_n of_o it_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o intelligible_a to_o they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v read_v it_o he_o draw_v it_o all_o up_o to_o three_o head_n and_o there_o be_v a_o profitable_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o for_o man_n in_o speak_v and_o write_v to_o be_v methodical_a and_o orderly_a our_o lord_n way_n of_o writing_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o confusion_n nor_o enemy_n to_o order_n if_o so_o be_v order_n be_v make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o curiosity_n such_o be_v christ_n order_n here_o and_o to_o that_o scope_n do_v that_o recapitulation_n serve_v heb._n 6.1_o and_o 8.1_o and_o so_o be_v the_o write_n of_o paul_n often_o most_o exact_a in_o this_o vers._n 20._o this_o verse_n contain_v a_o explication_n of_o the_o mystery_n speak_v of_o before_o in_o the_o vision_n which_o john_n see_v at_o least_o of_o so_o much_o of_o 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etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n therefore_o take_v we_o the_o stile_n angel_n to_o be_v collective_a i.e._n to_o the_o angel_n see_v the_o stile_n as_o also_o the_o matter_n agree_v to_o all_o or_o minister_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o suppose_v one_o be_v write_v to_o a_o city_n govern_v by_o a_o number_n of_o magistrate_n in_o a_o aristocratick_a government_n may_v it_o not_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o magistrate_n of_o such_o a_o city_n and_o yet_o no_o particular_a person_n be_v point_v at_o but_o the_o whole_a be_v collective_o understand_v and_o so_o we_o conceive_v it_o here_o even_o as_o by_o one_o beast_n chap._n 13._o etc._n etc._n or_o head_n chap._n 17._o he_o do_v express_v a_o civil_a government_n to_o wit_n of_o rome_n before_o it_o be_v monarchick_a so_o may_v he_o be_v understand_v to_o do_v by_o the_o figurative_a title_n angel_n here_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n consider_v with_o all_o that_o the_o thing_n charge_v on_o this_o angel_n 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who_o be_v a_o false_a apostle_n and_o who_o a_o liar_n and_o they_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v scandalous_a in_o practice_n and_o so_o what_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o otherways_o they_o can_v make_v no_o progress_n in_o trial_n or_o censure_n for_o they_o must_v find_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o scandal_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o have_v reference_n to_o person_n there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o judge_v such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o be_v guilty_a whereby_o they_o pronounce_v not_o only_o such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v erroneous_a but_o such_o a_o minister_n or_o person_n to_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o text_n and_o so_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v prove_v or_o not_o and_o every_o thing_n tend_v to_o that_o as_o cite_v witness_n and_o party_n hear_v exception_n and_o answer_n etc._n etc._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o power_n of_o censure_v a_o person_n find_v guilty_a these_o word_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o do_v import_n that_o as_o be_v clear_v this_o have_v of_o they_o imply_v a_o fault_n which_o be_v that_o by_o their_o authority_n such_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o ordinary_a censure_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n therein_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o censure_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o both_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v imply_v here_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o these_o church_n and_o they_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v cut_v off_o such_o from_o their_o society_n so_o as_o not_o to_o have_v have_v they_o or_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v therein_o but_o by_o this_o which_o we_o call_v excommunication_n from_o which_o necessary_o this_o follow_v that_o not_o only_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n of_o censure_v but_o particular_o of_o censure_v thus_o by_o cut_v off_o one_o from_o church-membership_a and_o from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o external_a ordinance_n thereof_o this_o be_v call_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n matth._n 18_o a_o account_v of_o one_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n 1_o corinth_n 5.13_o a_o put_v away_o of_o the_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o a_o cut_v off_o of_o troubler_n gal._n 5.12_o and_o titus_n 3.10_o a_o reject_v of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o more_o frequent_o and_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n than_o this_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v his_o church_n with_o this_o power_n to_o censure_v that_o he_o may_v preserve_v a_o majesty_n in_o his_o ordinance_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o most_o part_n but_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v weapon_n of_o his_o own_o kind_n to_o batter_v down_o the_o proud_a imagination_n of_o church-member_n and_o revenge_v all_o 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act._n 12.5_o and_o 13.3_o and_o chap._n 14.23_o etc._n etc._n try_v prove_v admit_v or_o censure_v of_o officer_n and_o such_o like_a as_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v clear_a the_o three_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v for_o in_o these_o word_n be_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o we_o answer_v 1._o negative_o 1._o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n for_o they_o to_o who_o christ_n write_v these_o epistle_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n but_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o party_n to_o who_o christ_n write_v these_o epistle_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o it_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o none_o therefore_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o church_n power_n yet_o no_o question_n our_o lord_n jesus_n know_v best_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v neither_o be_v it_o like_v when_o he_o account_v they_o to_o have_v authority_n that_o he_o do_v account_v they_o to_o have_v it_o from_o voluntary_a confederate_n for_o the_o time_n for_o he_o account_v their_o neglect_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o breach_n of_o their_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o quarrel_v with_o the_o angel_n of_o sardis_n for_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o he_o commend_v the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n for_o his_o labour_n in_o doctrine_n zeal_n and_o discipline_n as_o duty_n equal_o belong_v to_o the_o ministry_n upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o account_n and_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o election_n to_o be_v a_o magistrate_n over_o a_o church_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v qualify_v in_o reference_n to_o these_o affair_n or_o that_o the_o government_n thereof_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o he_o or_o that_o one_o may_v be_v call_v of_o god_n warrantable_o to_o a_o government_n over_o a_o society_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n of_o no_o les●e_n concernment_n than_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o yet_o it_o not_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v qualify_v in_o reference_n thereunto_o which_o be_v absurd_a 2._o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o body_n and_o community_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n to_o who_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v which_o appear_v thus_o 1._o by_o the_o same_o argument_n these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n to_o who_o christ_n principal_o direct_v his_o epistle_n who_o he_o commend_v for_o the_o exercise_v of_o this_o power_n and_o reprove_v for_o the_o ommit_v thereof_o but_o these_o be_v church-officer_n contradistinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o common_a inscription_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o be_v distinct_o consider_v but_o also_o chap._n 2._o vers._n 5._o where_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o threaten_n i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n etc._n etc._n which_o say_v that_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a commendation_n of_o that_o trial_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o angel_n who_o he_o consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o the_o church_n speak_v of_o under_o the_o term_n of_o candlestick_n also_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n the_o officer_n be_v especial_o reprove_v as_o appear_v from_o vers_n 24._o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o church-officer_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v former_o speak_v and_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n that_o be_v the_o member_n as_o distinct_a from_o they_o it_o be_v hint_v also_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o pergamos_n as_o the_o
bound_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n then_o may_v minister_n act_v as_o minister_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v a_o proportionablnesse_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n betwixt_o minister_n in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n as_o apostle_n do_v preach_v to_o heathen_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o enter_v they_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o apostolic_a commission_n and_o authority_n it_o will_v follow_v therefore_o that_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o bound_v by_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o he_o may_v exercise_v ministerial_a pour_v without_o the_o bound_n thereof_o 3._o if_o a_o minister_n by_o that_o same_o authority_n may_v preach_v and_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n to_o other_o without_o the_o congregation_n as_o to_o these_o within_o then_o be_v not_o his_o ministerial_a authority_n confine_v to_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o preach_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v only_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o preach_v not_o by_o ministerial_a authority_n but_o as_o gift_a private_a man_n unto_o which_o we_o oppose_v 1._o if_o a_o minister_n warning_n reproof_n invitation_n etc._n etc._n have_v equal_a weight_n with_o it_o in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v in_o his_o own_o congregation_n then_o must_v he_o preach_v every_o where_o as_o a_o minister_n because_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o church_n a_o ministerial_a authority_n beside_o that_o which_o a_o gift_a brother_n will_v have_v but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a the_o word_n by_o he_o have_v the_o same_o weight_n as_o preach_v by_o commission_n from_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o may_v say_v we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v which_o another_o can_v do_v and_o the_o guilt_n of_o refuse_v the_o word_n from_o he_o will_v be_v find_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o authority_n no_o less_o inexcusable_a than_o if_o the_o refuser_n be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o own_o congregation_n and_o i_o suppose_v a_o conscience_n will_v not_o get_v a_o defence_n table_v for_o excuse_n upon_o this_o exception_n beside_o the_o minister_n have_v ministerial_a authority_n as_o a_o ambassador_n to_o conclude_v with_o they_o that_o receive_v his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o pronounce_v pardon_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o one_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o other_o and_o one_o may_v receive_v that_o word_n and_o rest_n on_o it_o as_o speak_v by_o a_o ambassador_n and_o expect_v the_o ratify_n thereof_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o their_o consolation_n be_v exceed_o lessen_v and_o the_o minister_n disable_v from_o conclude_v the_o treaty_n as_o a_o ambassador_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o christ_n end_n of_o send_v minister_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o edify_v the_o body_n indefinite_o ephes._n 4.12_o and_o therefore_o may_v he_o as_o a_o ambassador_n act_n in_o these_o ministerial_a duty_n the_o consider_v of_o the_o second_o branch_n will_v clear_v it_o more_o to_o wit_n thus_o if_o a_o minister_n may_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n without_o his_o own_o congregation_n then_o must_v his_o ministerial_a power_n go_v beyond_o that_o relation_n because_o there_o be_v a_o ministerial_a power_n requisite_a for_o these_o which_o no_o gift_a person_n whatsoever_o can_v assume_v but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n this_o minor_a be_v deny_v by_o some_o as_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a practice_n yet_o be_v general_o use_v by_o all_o it_o be_v thus_o answer_v that_o a_o minister_n may_v give_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o one_o not_o of_o his_o congregation_n because_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n think_v good_a to_o admit_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v warrantable_o administrate_n it_o to_o they_o it_o be_v still_o lawful_a to_o he_o in_o itself_o to_o consecrate_v the_o element_n in_o his_o own_o congregation_n but_o we_o reply_v 1._o that_o a_o minister_n may_v warrantable_o baptise_v one_o who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o his_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o the_o former_a answer_n will_v weaken_v this_o argument_n as_o suppose_v a_o minister_n do_v encounter_v some_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o and_o upon_o his_o profess_a faith_n and_o conversion_n baptize_v he_o otherways_o it_o be_v now_o impossible_a to_o baptize_v and_o bring_v in_o a_o heathen_a which_o be_v absurd_a yet_o can_v not_o that_o be_v do_v without_o authority_n as_o be_v grant_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v do_v to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n because_o even_o after_o his_o baptism_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o choose_v what_o particular_a church_n he_o will_v join_v unto_o neither_o before_o that_o be_v he_o in_o capacity_n thereof_o nor_o can_v the_o minister_n act_n therein_o by_o the_o church_n warrant_n because_o 1._o the_o church_n can_v not_o judge_v a_o person_n that_o be_v without_o that_o be_v not_o within_o their_o reach_n 2._o because_o a_o minister_n may_v do_v this_o upon_o occasion_n where_o there_o can_v not_o be_v access_n to_o have_v any_o church_n determination_n concern_v the_o thing_n as_o suppose_v it_o be_v abroad_o on_o a_o journey_n as_o philip_n encounter_n be_v with_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8._o yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o upon_o the_o heathen_n propose_v this_o question_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v that_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v warrantable_o by_o the_o minister_n it_o hinder_v because_o thou_o be_v no_o church_n member_n or_o my_o church_n be_v not_o here_o to_o authorise_v i_o etc._n etc._n such_o answer_n will_v be_v uncomfortable_a to_o the_o man_n and_o disproportionable_a to_o christ_n end_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o the_o minister_n as_o a_o minister_n may_v baptize_v he_o and_o seal_v the_o treaty_n and_o so_o authoritative_o treat_v and_o preach_v as_o a_o minister_n see_v authoritative_o he_o may_v seal_v it_o the_o former_a answer_n be_v therefore_o weak_a and_o 1._o do_v speak_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n nor_o 2._o to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n out_o of_o his_o own_o congregation_n see_v it_o allow_v he_o power_n only_o to_o consecrate_v the_o element_n there_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n but_o authority_n to_o administrate_n the_o lord_n supper_n must_v be_v as_o broad_a in_o this_o respect_n as_o to_o administrate_n baptism_n see_v they_o be_v both_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n 3._o if_o a_o minister_n power_n be_v peremptory_o commensurable_a with_o his_o flock_n even_o in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o the_o church_n their_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o member_n the_o minister_n can_v not_o be_v warrant_v to_o administrate_n to_o he_o because_o still_o notwithstanding_o that_o person_n continue_v to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n nor_o subject_n to_o other_o ordinance_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o former_a ground_n no_o such_o determination_n of_o a_o people_n can_v communicate_v authority_n to_o a_o minister_n by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o to_o make_v he_o use_v ministerial_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o person_n not_o under_o his_o charge_n if_o otherways_o he_o be_v not_o furnish_v therewith_o 4._o these_o principle_n seem_v to_o be_v repugnant_a both_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o practice_n general_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o 1._o they_o have_v one_o commission_n for_o all_o place_n and_o person_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v this_o make_v they_o to_o act_v as_o minister_n in_o one_o place_n and_o not_o in_o another_o 2._o their_o commission_n be_v to_o treat_v for_o christ_n indefinite_o and_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o his_o design_n without_o respect_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a charge_n except_o in_o a_o subordinate_a manner_n so_o that_o by_o their_o commission_n they_o be_v constitute_v christ_n ambassador_n minister_n and_o steward_n simple_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o edify_n of_o his_o body_n this_o say_v they_o be_v but_o ambassador_n in_o reference_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o people_n and_o so_o consequent_o can_v not_o by_o his_o warrant_n close_o a_o treaty_n in_o his_o name_n with_o any_o other_o 3._o a_o minister_n by_o his_o commission_n be_v absolute_o set_v a_o part_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o long_o as_o christ_n have_v work_n for_o he_o if_o he_o continue_v faithful_a yea_o by_o virtue_n
of_o this_o his_o commission_n he_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o same_o now_o by_o this_o suppose_v a_o particular_a congregation_n to_o be_v dissolve_v or_o destroy_v or_o suppose_v they_o to_o reject_v he_o that_o he_o have_v no_o access_n to_o exercise_v his_o ministry_n among_o they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o his_o commission_n expire_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n so_o that_o he_o stand_v afterward_o in_o no_o other_o relation_n to_o christ_n than_o any_o private_a person_n so_o qualify_v it_o do_v also_o thwart_a with_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o practise_v almost_o by_o all_o ever_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o minister_n may_v and_o do_v administrate_n word_n and_o sacrament_n authoritative_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n and_o although_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n there_o be_v strict_a interdiction_n that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n at_o his_o own_o hand_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o another_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o prevent_v of_o confusion_n and_o keep_n of_o order_n yet_o be_v it_o never_o hear_v that_o a_o minister_n may_v not_o authoritative_o preach_v and_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n in_o any_o part_n as_o he_o may_v be_v call_v yea_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o their_o voyage_n to_o the_o apostle_n or_o scatter_n and_o otherways_o whereby_o they_o be_v necessary_o withdraw_v from_o their_o own_o particular_a charge_n that_o they_o do_v during_o that_o time_n abstain_v all_o ministerial_a exercise_n because_o so_o it_o shall_v prejudge_v the_o church_n of_o their_o labour_n as_o minister_n during_o that_o time_n which_o be_v not_o likely_a consider_v that_o their_o help_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sometime_o insinuate_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o paul_n and_o they_o count_v his_o fellow-labourer_n such_o as_o aristarchus_n epaphras_n and_o other_o companion_n and_o fellow_n both_o in_o paul_n suffering_n and_o labour_n it_o be_v like_o therefore_o that_o their_o ministerial_a act_n can_v be_v confine_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o congregation_n last_o this_o opinion_n will_v infer_v many_o absurdity_n as_o 1._o a_o minister_n can_v administer_v no_o ordinance_n as_o a_o minister_n and_o some_o not_o at_o all_o but_o in_o his_o own_o congregation_n 2._o nor_o in_o it_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o 3._o if_o any_o other_o be_v present_a he_o shall_v be_v the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n to_o one_o and_o not_o to_o a_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o message_n 4._o suppose_v a_o congregation_n to_o want_v a_o minister_n or_o that_o he_o be_v by_o sickness_n or_o otherways_o incapacitate_v from_o exercise_v of_o his_o office_n by_o this_o ground_n they_o can_v have_v no_o ministerial_a act_n administer_v among_o they_o and_o so_o no_o baptism_n or_o sacrament_n nor_o yet_o have_v any_o benefit_n of_o a_o ministry_n more_o than_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ordinance_n 5._o by_o this_o no_o particular_a church_n may_v have_v ministerial_a communion_n to_o say_v so_o in_o church-ordinance_n together_o but_o such_o as_o private_a person_n yea_o as_o heathen_n may_v have_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n 6._o there_o can_v be_v no_o ministerial_a communion_n and_o help_n among_o minister_n for_o so_o no_o minister_n can_v supply_v another_o more_o than_o a_o private_a person_n though_o minister_n as_o joint_a worker_n in_o one_o work_n be_v call_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o have_v communion_n together_o 7._o no_o member_n how_o ever_o gracious_a be_v withdraw_v from_o his_o own_o congregation_n can_v be_v under_o any_o ministerial_a charge_n or_o have_v access_n to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v a_o treaty_n by_o a_o ambassador_n or_o to_o any_o sacrament_n for_o himself_o or_o he_o which_o be_v hard_a consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o master_n and_o the_o same_o house_n and_o see_v often_o occasion_n may_v draw_v man_n abroad_o where_o the_o ordinance_n be_v this_o will_v make_v they_o in_o a_o great_a part_n to_o be_v stranger_n even_o within_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v child_n 8._o no_o minister_n may_v authoritative_o reprove_v any_o offend_a brother_n not_o of_o his_o own_o congregation_n nor_o censure_v such_o as_o do_v not_o willing_o join_v howsoever_o scandalous_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o ephesus_n as_o already_o have_v be_v say_v neither_o will_v this_o bring_v in_o confusion_n or_o the_o make_n of_o the_o particular_a privilege_n of_o a_o congregation_n common_a more_o than_o be_v allowable_a because_o this_o plead_v not_o for_o a_o arbitrariness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o edification_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v for_o neither_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o a_o minister_n elder_a or_o deacon_n may_v thrust_v himself_o in_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o every_o place_n because_o they_o be_v officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n because_o 1._o this_o only_o say_v that_o he_o be_v call_v orderly_o by_o a_o open_a door_n may_v exerce_fw-la his_o power_n in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o 2._o because_o rule_v belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o beside_o instalment_n in_o a_o office_n do_v require_v other_o thing_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o before_o it_o can_v be_v exercise_v preach_v and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o office_n as_o such_o hence_o a_o minister_n may_v preach_v to_o heathen_n without_o the_o church_n and_o baptise_v in_o due_a order_n because_o he_o do_v that_o as_o a_o minister_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o censure_v one_o such_o till_o he_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o until_o there_o be_v some_o orderly_a way_n of_o try_v judge_a censure_a etc._n etc._n by_o a_o church_n judicatory_a settle_v because_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n do_v require_v more_o than_o the_o be_v of_o a_o office_n and_o therefore_o even_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v thus_o preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n yet_o neither_o judge_v these_o that_o be_v without_o at_o all_o nor_o these_o that_o be_v within_o when_o they_o act_v by_o ordinary_a rule_n except_o in_o the_o way_n of_o orderly_a proceed_n therefore_o act_v 15._o paul_n find_v it_o meet_v to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o a_o synod_n for_o decide_v of_o some_o thing_n by_o this_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n although_o still_o by_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v authoritative_o condemn_v the_o error_n which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o require_v in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o and_o in_o that_o practice_n the_o apostle_n give_v a_o precedent_n to_o minister_n whereby_o to_o be_v direct_v in_o ordinary_a case_n because_o in_o it_o they_o do_v follow_v ordinary_a rule_v common_a with_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n and_o do_v not_o act_v as_o extraordinary_a apostle_n for_o so_o one_o be_v equal_o sufficient_a for_o decide_v of_o the_o matter_n as_o all_o be_v but_o in_o this_o a_o copy_n be_v give_v how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o walk_v in_o such_o case_n ordinary_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v if_o this_o relation_n betwixt_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v such_o as_o the_o church_n for_o a_o great_a good_a to_o the_o whole_a body_n may_v not_o loose_v it_o and_o call_v one_o serve_v at_o one_o particular_a church_n to_o fix_v and_o serve_v elsewhere_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o may_v more_o further_a the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n answ._n what_o be_v already_o say_v do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o which_o we_o shall_v comprehend_v in_o these_o three_o assertion_n asser._n 1_o no_o minister_n ought_v to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o at_o his_o own_o private_a arbitrement_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o dissolution_n of_o a_o tie_n betwixt_o he_o and_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v orderly_a and_o legal_o settle_v for_o first_o no_o minister_n be_v free_a of_o such_o a_o relation_n aught_o to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o arbitrary_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o first_o chapter_n much_o more_o be_v under_o a_o tie_n and_o particular_a relation_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o general_a to_o all_o 1_o cor._n 7._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o that_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v but_o especial_o minister_n be_v to_o walk_v by_o a_o singular_a call_n even_o in_o reference_n to_o a_o particular_a charge_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v
neither_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v seclude_v but_o both_o may_v be_v well_o include_v for_o to_o consider_v god_n as_o manifest_v in_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n agree_v well_o with_o the_o scope_n as_o aim_v thereby_o to_o impress_v the_o reverence_n and_o awe_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n upon_o heart_n yet_o we_o say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o intend_v nor_o be_v the_o other_o to_o be_v exclude_v because_o 1._o it_o also_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o scope_n which_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o event_n concern_v the_o militant_a church_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o represent_v as_o it_o be_v a_o theatre_n and_o actor_n for_o bring_v about_o these_o event_n whereof_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v supreme_a governor_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o conduce_v more_o to_o the_o scope_n and_o come_v near_o what_o be_v intend_v to_o conceive_v this_o representation_n as_o hold_v forth_o god_n glory_n and_o way_n in_o his_o militant_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o usual_a in_o this_o book_n to_o express_v the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o title_n of_o heaven_n and_o thing_n do_v in_o it_o by_o similitude_n of_o thing_n set_v forth_o as_o act_v in_o heaven_n as_o in_o the_o progress_n we_o will_v see_v 3._o this_o preparation_n be_v consolatory_a against_o the_o come_n trial_n of_o the_o church_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o lord_n appear_v with_o his_o bow_n about_o his_o throne_n it_o will_v agree_v best_a to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scope_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o militant_a church_n by_o which_o his_o glorious_a presence_n therein_o his_o nearness_n thereto_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n will_v most_o manifest_o and_o comfortable_o be_v set_v forth_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o resemblance_n between_o the_o lord_n glorious_a presence_n in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o have_v a_o glorious_a throne_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o church_n as_o he_o have_v one_o of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v more_o immediate_o manifest_v in_o heaven_n do_v someway_o shine_v by_o his_o ordinance_n among_o his_o people_n 5._o if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o attendant_n mention_v in_o this_o and_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n particular_o vers_fw-la 10._o we_o will_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o understand_v this_o as_o respect_v the_o church_n militant_a because_o some_o be_v speak_v of_o who_o be_v redeem_v and_o be_v to_o reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n whence_o we_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o look_v upon_o this_o representation_n as_o express_v god_n glory_n in_o his_o militant_a church_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o heaven_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o perfect_v saint_n there_o to_o show_v unto_o they_o while_o here_o a_o copy_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o praise_v and_o thanksgiving_n and_o in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n we_o come_v then_o to_o consider_v more_o particular_o this_o description_n of_o the_o lord_n excellent_a train_n and_o attendant_n first_o vers_n 4._o there_o be_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n four_o and_o twenty_o seat_n and_o upon_o the_o seat_n i_o see_v four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n sit_v and_o they_o have_v on_o their_o head_n crown_n of_o gold_n by_o elder_n here_o we_o conceive_v be_v understand_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o the_o song_n chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 9_o and_o 10._o we_o will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v redeem_v such_o as_o by_o that_o redemption_n be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n as_o all_o believer_n be_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 6._o and_o to_o reign_v upon_o earth_n which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v member_n in_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o privilege_v but_o with_o such_o privilege_n as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o saint_n it_o appear_v they_o be_v not_o officer_n or_o guide_n but_o private_a professor_n they_o be_v call_v elder_n for_o the_o dignity_n which_o they_o be_v advance_v unto_o beyond_o other_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v elder_n and_o governor_n in_o god_n house_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o be_v call_v king_n and_o priest_n chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 10._o or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v usual_o take_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v account_v for_o special_a minister_n and_o servant_n have_v a_o nearness_n to_o god_n and_o to_o share_v of_o his_o glory_n which_o none_o else_o in_o the_o world_n have_v and_o thus_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v call_v his_o ancient_n or_o elder_n isa._n 24._o vers_fw-la 23._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v twenty_o four_o in_o number_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o definite_a number_n for_o a_o indefinite_a it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o twenty_o four_o course_n that_o david_n appoint_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n 1_o chron._n 25_o 26_o 28_o etc._n etc._n to_o show_v that_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v no_o less_o glorious_a also_o see_v the_o church_n in_o old_a be_v reckon_v by_o twelve_o tribe_n who_o it_o be_v like_o have_v their_o twelve_o prince_n as_o elder_n and_o governor_n answerable_a to_o that_o number_n so_o twenty_o four_o be_v mention_v here_o to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o a_o double_a and_o great_a number_n of_o saint_n than_o be_v at_o this_o time_n but_o on_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o insist_v see_v the_o general_n may_v be_v safe_o rest_v in_o again_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n which_o show_v that_o their_o innocency_n be_v their_o great_a glory_n or_o their_o most_o stately_a robe_n and_o the_o great_a badge_n of_o their_o dominion_n for_o white_a raiment_n signify_v either_o christ_n impute_v righteousness_n or_o their_o begin_a sanctification_n as_o we_o hear_v chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 4._o and_o be_v often_o elsewhere_o in_o this_o prophecy_n the_o last_o thing_n speak_v of_o these_o elder_n be_v they_o have_v four_o and_o twenty_o seat_n or_o throne_n upon_o which_o they_o sit_v and_o on_o their_o head_n crown_n of_o gold_n both_o which_o be_v to_o show_v 1._o the_o settle_a and_o secure_a happiness_n that_o these_o possess_v beyond_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o spiritual_a dominion_n that_o they_o have_v begin_v in_o they_o here_o over_o their_o lust_n and_o spiritual_a enemy_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o reign_v even_o on_o the_o earth_n chap._n 5.10_o and_o 3._o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o type_n of_o the_o glorious_a dominion_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n when_o they_o have_v be_v assessor_n at_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v set_v down_o upon_o one_o throne_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v promise_v chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 21._o in_o vers_fw-la 5._o we_o have_v the_o second_o thing_n whereby_o this_o stateliness_n be_v express_v and_o out_o of_o the_o throne_n proceed_v thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o voice_n it_o be_v like_o there_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o god_n manner_n of_o give_v the_o law_n exod._n 19_o whereby_o he_o appear_v so_o terrible_a that_o even_o moses_n do_v exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v and_o deut._n 33.2_o it_o be_v say_v that_o from_o his_o right_a hand_n go_v a_o fiery_a law_n the_o scope_n be_v to_o show_v that_o though_o god_n appear_v without_o great_a outward_a splendour_n and_o terror_n in_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v there_o in_o his_o church_n power_n and_o glory_n whereby_o the_o mighty_a may_v be_v terrify_v and_o confound_v in_o which_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n song_n 6.4_o and_o 10._o and_o the_o witness_n chap._n 11._o vers_fw-la 3._o and_o 5._o though_o prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fire_n proceed_v out_o of_o their_o mouth_n and_o to_o bring_v on_o many_o other_o dreadful_a plague_n by_o this_o he_o will_v teach_v man_n to_o approach_v to_o he_o with_o fear_n for_o he_o be_v a_o great_a god_n and_o to_o be_v bad_a in_o reverence_n of_o all_o that_o be_v about_o he_o psal._n 89.7_o there_o be_v also_o a_o three_o thing_n observe_v in_o that_o five_o vers_fw-la and_o there_o be_v seven_o lamp_n of_o fire_n burn_v before_o the_o thron●_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o these_o we_o understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o manifold_a and_o various_a operation_n as_o we_o hear_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 4._o and_o by_o compare_v chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 6._o it_o be_v clear_a for_o these_o seven_o spirit_n be_v the_o horn_n and_o eye_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o show_v both_o the_o
as_o between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o own_o wife_n there_o be_v but_o one_o mother_n bring_v forth_o and_o all_o visible_a professor_n who_o be_v either_o liable_a to_o heathenish_a persecution_n or_o antichristian_a in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v child_n of_o this_o mother_n gal._n 4.27_o and_o seed_n of_o this_o one_o woman_n which_o show_v she_o must_v be_v one_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o minister_n wherever_o they_o serve_v they_o feed_v this_o one_o woman_n and_o be_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n as_o be_v clear_a vers_fw-la 6._o all_o profess_v christian_n who_o possible_o belong_v to_o no_o particular_a congregation_n be_v of_o this_o church_n for_o they_o be_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v without_o even_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o in_o that_o respect_n have_v a_o mother_n this_o church_n be_v the_o church_n that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o their_o successor_n adorn_v vers_fw-la 1._o and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v no_o solid_a exposition_n of_o the_o 11._o chap._n and_o of_o this_o neither_o can_v the_o church_n be_v consider_v in_o this_o universal_a notion_n as_o a_o genus_fw-la which_o be_v but_o a_o philosophic_a notion_n as_o one_o may_v apply_v the_o notion_n woman_n mother_n or_o house_n to_o all_o woman_n mother_n and_o house_n because_o that_o be_v a_o genus_fw-la include_v notional_o all_o that_o kind_n nay_o it_o must_v be_v no_o universal_a integral_n as_o the_o world_n be_v not_o a_o genus_fw-la to_o all_o nation_n or_o person_n in_o it_o but_o do_v comprehend_v they_o all_o as_o part_n under_o itself_o as_o the_o whole_a and_o it_o be_v constitute_v of_o all_o these_o for_o all_o visible_a professor_n be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n as_o part_n thereof_o as_o all_o man_n be_v of_o the_o world_n beside_o what_o sense_n be_v it_o to_o say_v that_o a_o genus_fw-la which_o be_v a_o ens_fw-la rationis_fw-la shall_v suffer_v flee_v be_v more_o or_o less_o visible_a have_v seed_n be_v feed_v etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n prove_v it_o clear_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o a_o integral_a body_n and_o society_n whereof_o all_o particular_a professor_n be_v part_n neither_o have_v this_o be_v account_v strange_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n for_o before_o christ_n this_o church_n be_v one_o and_o if_o after_o his_o come_n her_o unity_n be_v dissolve_v then_o she_o be_v not_o the_o same_o church_n or_o woman_n but_o many_o church_n or_o woman_n that_o one_o be_v many_o the_o primitive_a time_n know_v no_o mid_n but_o the_o church_n and_o these_o that_o be_v without_o the_o same_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v add_v to_o one_o church_n act_v 2._o ult_n 1_o corinth_n 12.13_o etc._n etc._n and_o these_o who_o be_v reject_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o this_o one_o church_n joh._n 2._o upon_o this_o ground_n all_o the_o apostle_n but_o feed_v one_o church_n when_o they_o feed_v christ_n lamb_n any_o where_o upon_o this_o the_o general_a counsel_n be_v found_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o rife_a and_o more_o ordinary_a than_o such_o phrase_n as_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pray_v for_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n rent_v of_o the_o church_n persecute_v of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n mention_v both_o among_o the_o father_n and_o late_a divine_n yet_o none_o will_v think_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v mean_v or_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o intend_v hence_o the_o novatian_o donatist_n and_o other_o of_o old_a and_o the_o anabaptist_n of_o late_a have_v be_v by_o all_o the_o orthodox_n brand_v with_o this_o that_o they_o rend_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n which_o certain_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o no_o particular_a congregation_n and_o how_o often_o be_v the_o seamless_a coat_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n speak_v of_o thereby_o to_o show_v how_o they_o conceive_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v rend_v be_v by_o he_o appoint_v to_o be_v one_o entire_a piece_n yea_o this_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v not_o abhor_v by_o many_o judicious_a man_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o judicious_a aim_n who_o the_o learned_a hudson_n cit_v be_v express_v for_o a_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v integraliter_fw-la universalis_fw-la we_o will_v find_v also_o the_o most_o solid_a writer_n cobbet_n of_o new_a england_n assert_v it_o and_o own_o that_o ●s_v a_o principle_n destructive_a to_o rule_v antipedobaptism_n chap._n sect._n 5._o at_o the_o close_a so_o do_v cotton_n cant._n 69._o and_o robotham_n apposite_o make_v the_o garden_n chap._n 6.2_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o garden_n to_o be_v particular_a church_n comprehend_v under_o the_o same_o and_o as_o part_n thereof_o though_o all_o these_o and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o different_a party_n but_o she_o exi_v in_o they_o as_o the_o world_n exi_v in_o particular_a nation_n and_o person_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o brand_v this_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o popery_n and_o this_o be_v both_o the_o universal_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o divine_n hitherto_o to_o account_v the_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v one_o the_o expression_n that_o be_v in_o their_o write_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v thereby_o as_o be_v intend_v against_o the_o popish_a catholicknesse_n which_o we_o also_o oppose_v and_o the_o follow_a word_n in_o our_o hand_n do_v destroy_v and_o they_o dispute_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o visible_a that_o be_v either_o not_o glorious_a and_o of_o great_a extent_n or_o not_o of_o necessity_n always_o to_o be_v see_v or_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o therefore_o say_v they_o she_o be_v visibilis_fw-la though_o not_o always_o visa_fw-la but_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v this_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o unity_n in_o it_o and_o be_v one_o body_n although_o many_o of_o they_o do_v account_n that_o to_o be_v the_o church_n but_o improper_o and_o the_o regenerate_a elect_n only_o proper_o to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o against_o particular_a church_n as_o this_o general_a church_n because_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o many_o promise_n apply_v by_o papist_n to_o their_o catholic_n or_o rather_o their_o particular_a church_n absurd_o and_o there_o be_v odds_o to_o say_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a as_o they_o understand_v it_o and_o to_o say_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v one_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o plead-for_a 2._o we_o gather_v that_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o first_o church_n and_o fountain_n from_o which_o all_o particular_a church_n do_v flow_v and_o of_o who_o nature_n they_o do_v partake_v for_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n which_o do_v demonstrate_v the_o same_o she_o be_v the_o travail_a woman_n and_o they_o the_o birth_n bring_v forth_o and_o exalt_v and_o they_o be_v church_n as_o they_o partake_v from_o she_o and_o be_v of_o that_o same_o homogeneous_a nature_n with_o she_o this_o first_o gospel-church_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n set_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v travail_v and_o beget_v more_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v isa._n 49.20_o when_o the_o place_n of_o meeting_n become_v too_o narrow_a then_o be_v it_o subdivide_v as_o diverse_a branch_n spring_v from_o one_o root_n and_o when_o it_o increase_v in_o number_n or_o distance_n according_o this_o spring_v out_o still_o the_o broad_a as_o branch_n when_o they_o extend_v themselves_o from_o the_o root_n or_o shut_v forth_o new_a branch_n yet_o be_v the_o root_n still_o one_o or_o as_o a_o family_n increase_a must_v have_v diverse_a bed_n and_o possible_o diverse_a table_n and_o diverse_a room_n yet_o still_o be_v the_o family_n one_o and_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o rest_n so_o be_v it_o here_o so_o the_o root_n be_v first_o and_o bear_v the_o branch_n and_o not_o the_o branch_n the_o root_n which_o will_v be_v infer_v if_o particular_a church_n be_v first_o thus_o one_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o the_o mother_n when_o he_o may_v be_v no_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o we_o will_v look_v at_o the_o property_n and_o adjunct_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o will_v still_o agree_v primary_o to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o have_v good_a and_o bad_a in_o she_o which_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v always_o of_o all_o particular_a individual_a congregation_n and_o when_o the_o church_n condition_n be_v reckon_v pure_a or_o impure_a quiet_a or_o persecute_v few_o or_o numerous_a it_o respect_v principal_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o go_v upon_o consideration_n thereof_o which_o show_v that_o the_o church_n so_o consider_v be_v most_o essential_o the_o
general_o to_o write_v what_o he_o see_v and_o 2._o more_o particular_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n for_o this_o title_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o vers_n 8._o it_o be_v our_o lord_n assert_v his_o own_o godhead_n as_o be_v the_o first_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n active_o be_v of_o himself_o god_n essential_a and_o give_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n that_o exist_v joh._n 1.3_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v and_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n not_o only_o everlasting_a himself_o without_o end_n but_o to_o who_o honour_n be_v all_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o beginning_n he_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n they_o be_v all_o for_o he_o quest._n why_o be_v this_o title_n so_o often_o repeat_v answ._n beside_o this_o general_a that_o it_o be_v to_o hold_v out_o christ_n godhead_n therefore_o this_o and_o other_o such_o like_a title_n be_v so_o often_o give_v he_o in_o this_o book_n which_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n and_o benefit_n to_o have_v this_o bear_v in_o upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v repeat_v here_o 1._o that_o john_n may_v know_v from_o who_o he_o have_v this_o commission_n even_o from_o he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o give_v he_o a_o commission_n both_o to_o speak_v and_o to_o write_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o a_o thing_n that_o concern_v minister_n to_o know_v when_o they_o come_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n who_o commission_n they_o have_v that_o they_o take_v not_o this_o honour_n to_o themselves_o nor_o from_o man_n except_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n appoint_v by_o he_o for_o except_o they_o have_v christ_n warrant_n man_v will_v not_o commissionate_v they_o to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o preach_v at_o their_o own_o hand_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o for_o the_o people_n cause_n to_o learn_v they_o to_o take_v the_o word_n off_o john_n hand_n it_o be_v not_o john_n word_n that_o come_v to_o they_o but_o the_o word_n of_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o good_a for_o you_o so_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o same_o jesus_n christ_n that_o give_v john_n and_o the_o apostle_n warrant_v to_o preach_v and_o write_v it_o be_v that_o same_o jesus_n christ_n that_o send_v out_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o preach_v it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n for_o edify_v the_o body_n eph._n 4.12_o his_o warrant_n to_o both_o be_v one_o and_o his_o authority_n commissionate_v both_o be_v one_o and_o both_o be_v gift_n for_o the_o church_n good_a the_o second_o thing_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v the_o commission_n john_n get_v 1._o in_o general_n to_o write_v what_o he_o see_v 2._o more_o particular_o to_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n 1._o write_v what_o thou_o see_v that_o be_v not_o this_o vision_n only_o which_o thou_o have_v see_v but_o all_o the_o word_n and_o circumstance_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v or_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o so_o it_o be_v his_o first_o warrant_n to_o write_v this_o revelation_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o church_n it_o point_v at_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o the_o write_a word_n be_v found_v it_o depend_v not_o on_o man_n but_o on_o jesus_n christ_n that_o give_v warrant_n to_o write_v and_o we_o shall_v look_v on_o the_o bible_n and_o every_o chapter_n thereof_o as_o by_o christ_n direction_n write_v to_o we_o 2._o the_o matter_n he_o shall_v write_v be_v restrict_v write_v not_o every_o thing_n that_o please_v thou_o but_o what_o thou_o see_v to_o point_n out_o the_o guide_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o speak_v and_o write_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o show_v that_o there_o be_v need_n and_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o man_n have_v a_o particular_a commission_n to_o carry_v the_o word_n to_o people_n not_o only_o a_o commission_n in_o general_a to_o write_v or_o to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n but_o for_o every_o particular_a message_n not_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v anxious_a or_o perplex_v about_o their_o warrant_n or_o commission_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o to_o weigh_v well_o the_o time_n place_n person_n and_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v clear_v their_o commission_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v write_v and_o send_v to_o one_o church_n by_o christ_n warrant_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o another_o every_o church_n have_v their_o particular_a message_n and_o commission_n renew_v 2._o more_o particular_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v with_o it_o when_o it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n that_o be_v john_n this_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o lie_v beside_o thou_o but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n send_v it_o therefore_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n 1._o because_o most_o famous_a in_o that_o time_n and_o because_o near_o to_o patmos_n where_o he_o be_v and_o because_o it_o be_v probable_a john_n have_v some_o particular_a relation_n to_o they_o and_o their_o need_n present_o require_v it_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v send_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v welcome_v thankful_o as_o a_o rich_a jewel_n we_o show_v before_o why_o these_o church_n be_v call_v seven_o and_o not_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n vers_fw-la 4._o and_o say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o now_o these_o church_n be_v particular_o name_v we_o shall_v not_o stand_v on_o a_o geographical_a description_n of_o the_o place_n ephesus_z be_v speak_v of_o at_o large_a act._n 19.20_o this_o church_n and_o smyrna_n be_v in_o that_o part_n of_o asia_n the_o less_o call_v jonia_n pergamos_n in_o that_o part_n call_v aetolia_n thyatira_n sardis_n and_o philadelphia_n in_o lydia_n and_o laodicea_n in_o that_o part_n call_v caira_n or_o caria_n which_o not_o be_v profitable_a to_o you_o to_o insist_v upon_o we_o shall_v take_v some_o general_a consideration_n from_o the_o word_n and_o so_o proceed_v and_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v why_o these_o church_n be_v design_v from_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n wherein_o they_o be_v we_o rather_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o this_o because_o we_o find_v church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n name_v by_o to_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n in_o galatia_n be_v also_o name_v but_o most_o frequent_o they_o be_v name_v by_o city_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n at_o rome_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o titus_n be_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n by_o paul_n appointment_n which_o be_v for_o the_o city_n and_o it_o be_v like_a also_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o these_o about_o god_n make_v the_o gospel_n spread_v from_o city_n to_o country_n about_o as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o word_n spread_v from_o ephesus_n to_o all_o asia_n though_o there_o be_v other_o church_n beside_o these_o that_o be_v within_o the_o wall_n of_o these_o to_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v 1._o because_o the_o city_n or_o town_n be_v most_o famous_a for_o their_o populousnesse_n and_o be_v well_o furnish_v with_o officer_n and_o there_o be_v most_o occasion_n of_o get_v a_o harvest_n of_o soul_n in_o they_o by_o spread_v the_o net_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o which_o accidental_a and_o politic_a consideration_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n some_o city_n be_v more_o famous_a and_o able_a to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o furth-coming_a to_o other_o church_n it_o be_v not_o un-agreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o have_v particular_a respect_n to_o city_n and_o church_n in_o they_o as_o they_o may_v further_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o because_o in_o these_o great_a city_n and_o place_n of_o concourse_n the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o serve_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o go_v round_o in_o a_o circuit_n in_o the_o church_n about_o have_v their_o most_o ordinary_a residence_n as_o it_o will_v seem_v and_o that_o their_o fix_a collegiat_fw-la meeting_n and_o combination_n be_v there_o 1._o because_o we_o find_v no_o particular_a congregation_n mention_v but_o only_o the_o church_n at_o such_o a_o town_n write_v unto_o though_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a congregation_n about_o and_o these_o city_n keep_v not_o the_o word_n within_o themselves_o 2._o where_o they_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o take_v in_o not_o only_o these_o within_o the_o wall_n but_o all_o
the_o church_n in_o judea_n so_o corinth_n take_v in_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n 2._o consider_v those_o church_n as_o once_o give_v to_o idolatry_n ephesus_n be_v famous_a or_o rather_o infamous_a for_o that_o act_v 19_o yet_o now_o christ_n esteem_v they_o all_o church_n bestow_v a_o epistle_n upon_o they_o hold_v out_o 1._o his_o love_n 2._o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o gospel_n 3._o the_o sovereignty_n and_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n break_v in_o on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n among_o they_o and_o that_o christ_n can_v win_v in_o church_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o most_o profane_a heathennish_a and_o idolatrous_a city_n and_o people_n 3._o consider_v these_o city_n be_v respect_v by_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v city_n but_o because_o they_o be_v church_n that_o which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o be_v the_o church_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v place_n carry_v respect_n with_o jesus_n christ_n more_o than_o all_o the_o glance_a victory_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o consider_v they_o as_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o more_o some_o of_o they_o less_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v call_v less_o or_o more_o church_n ephesus_z where_o be_v many_o thousand_o be_v but_o a_o church_n as_o smyrna_n and_o other_o lesser_a town_n be_v the_o reason_n be_v the_o scripture_n go_v not_o upon_o multitude_n and_o external_a consideration_n of_o that_o kind_n but_o upon_o the_o unity_n that_o be_v among_o minister_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v not_o astrict_v to_o one_o particular_a congregation_n and_o where_o it_o be_v it_o make_v a_o union_n among_o many_o as_o among_o few_o and_o among_o few_o as_o among_o many_o 5._o consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o where_o the_o member_n do_v inhabit_v which_o show_v that_o parochial_a march_n by_o bound_n or_o town_n in_o convenient_a lie_v be_v not_o unsuitable_a but_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n wherefore_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o of_o any_o certain_a place_n include_v all_o the_o professor_n live_v there_o they_o be_v account_v of_o that_o church_n and_o no_o other_o as_o providence_n have_v put_v they_o together_o and_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v as_o they_o live_v sundry_a no_o indweller_n of_o ephesus_n be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n or_o contrary_o order_n in_o this_o be_v well_o consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o will_v not_o find_v mention_n make_v in_o scripture_n of_o two_o church_n in_o one_o place_n what_o ever_o the_o number_n be_v save_o when_o they_o be_v after_o subdivide_v as_o 1_o cor._n 14._o so_o we_o will_v not_o find_v any_o saint_n speak_v of_o as_o belong_v to_o any_o congregation_n but_o as_o they_o dwell_v and_o the_o church_n at_o such_o a_o place_n and_o saint_n of_o such_o a_o place_n be_v still_o take_v to_o be_v of_o a_o like_a extent_n 6._o consider_v some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o corrupt_a other_o of_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a yet_o he_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o they_o all_o some_o have_v a_o name_n that_o they_o be_v live_v when_o they_o be_v dead_a some_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n some_o have_v in_o they_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n some_o be_v lukewarm_a etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o own_a as_o church_n and_o write_v to_o 1._o because_o our_o lord_n look_v on_o they_o as_o have_v that_o which_o make_v they_o to_o have_v the_o essence_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o so_o far_o he_o give_v they_o the_o name_n though_o many_o defect_n be_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o entitle_v they_o so_o he_o stand_v not_o to_o give_v laodicea_n the_o title_n of_o a_o church_n to_o he_o which_o many_o it_o may_v be_v will_v scarce_o count_v worthy_a the_o name_n of_o christian_n 2._o because_o our_o lord_n way_n be_v not_o at_o first_o to_o give_v up_o with_o church_n and_o person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o he_o in_o church-relation_n but_o to_o press_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v forthcoming_a to_o their_o obligation_n he_o say_v not_o you_o be_v no_o church_n but_o reckon_v they_o church_n and_o on_o that_o ground_n find_v his_o promise_n threaten_n and_o direction_n and_o give_v they_o reproof_n for_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o his_o advice_n to_o amend_v the_o same_o a_o excellent_a way_n of_o deal_v to_o have_v church_n answerable_a to_o their_o obligation_n and_o not_o to_o cast_v they_o off_o rejection_n be_v the_o last_o thing_n use_v when_o neither_o threaten_n promise_n reproof_n nor_o direction_n have_v place_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o we_o may_v say_v it_o on_o the_o bye_n it_o be_v christ_n prerogative_n to_o remove_v candlestick_n and_o dissolve_v tie_n between_o he_o and_o churches_n 7._o consider_v these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v now_o compare_v they_o with_o what_o they_o be_v once_o golden-candlestick_n now_o den_n for_o mahomet_n the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n once_o write_v of_o to_o they_o now_o trample_v on_o which_o show_v 1._o how_o doleful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o despise_v warning_n 2._o to_o what_o a_o hight_v church_n defection_n may_v come_v to_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o heal_n in_o time_n when_o fall_v from_o the_o first_o love_n be_v not_o take_v heed_n to_o it_o may_v come_v to_o make_v a_o church_n no_o church_n these_o church_n be_v once_o as_o glorious_a as_o ever_o glasgow_n be_v and_o more_o paul_n write_v to_o sundry_a of_o they_o and_o here_o john_n to_o they_o all_o yet_o for_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n break_v the_o stay_v of_o beauty_n and_o band_n and_o they_o be_v no_o church_n to_o he_o tremble_v to_o think_v upon_o it_o 8._o consider_v that_o john_n now_o in_o prison_n write_v the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o johns_n imprisonment_n we_o now_o have_v more_o write_n by_o the_o apostle_n epistle_n from_o their_o prison_n than_o we_o have_v from_o their_o liberty_n god_n make_v this_o good_a use_n of_o man_n malice_n 9_o he_o repeat_v his_o commission_n not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o to_o every_o church_n as_o their_o peculiar_a message_n be_v that_o he_o may_v bear_v out_o his_o commission_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o warrant_n they_o have_v to_o hear_v he_o neither_o minister_n ought_v to_o speak_v or_o people_n to_o hear_v except_o they_o be_v warrand_v there_o be_v a_o unwarrantableness_n in_o hear_v as_o there_o be_v in_o speak_v prov._n 19.27_o and_o people_n will_v make_v conscience_n in_o hear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o do_v indifferent_o and_o there_o will_v not_o be_v indifferent_a access_n for_o all_o to_o preach_v nor_o for_o hear_v but_o as_o the_o lord_n warrant_n lecture_n vi._n vers._n 12._o and_o i_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v with_o i_o and_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n 13._o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n one_o like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o garment_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n and_o gird_v about_o the_o pap_n with_o a_o golden_a girdle_n 14._o his_o head_n and_o his_o hair_n be_v white_a like_o wool_n as_o white_a as_o snow_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n 15._o and_o his_o foot_n like_v unto_o fine_a brass_n as_o if_o they_o burn_v in_o a_o furnace_n the_o second_o circumstance_n or_o step_v of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n be_v what_o john_n do_v vers_fw-la 12._o or_o his_o carriage_n when_o he_o hear_v the_o voice_n speak_v of_o before_o vers_n 10._o i_o turn_v to_o see_v the_o voice_n that_o speak_v a_o voice_n be_v not_o proper_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n but_o it_o be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v understand_v 1._o either_o john_n turn_v he_o that_o be_v give_v pain_n more_o clear_o to_o perceive_v and_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v for_o seeing_z in_o scripture_n be_v often_o so_o take_v for_o a_o more_o clear_a up-taking_a and_o understanding_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v john_n have_v hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o he_o he_o lend_v to_o his_o ear_n to_o take_v it_o up_o better_a or_o 2._o it_o may_v look_v to_o john_n desire_n to_o see_v he_o that_o speak_v and_o so_o he_o turn_v not_o to_o see_v the_o voice_n but_o the_o speaker_n and_o on_o the_o back_n of_o this_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n be_v represent_v to_o he_o and_o be_v turn_v i_o see_v seven_o golden_a candlestick_n follow_v what_o john_n see_v upon_o his_o turn_n about_o he_o get_v this_o vision_n folk_n that_o go_v about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n serious_o mind_v edification_n they_o ready_o profit_v
such_o church-priviledge_n thus_o both_o stock_n and_o branch_n be_v holy_a and_o no_o otherwise_o rom._n 11._o which_o let_v we_o see_v 1._o what_o respect_n jesus_n christ_n have_v to_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n 2._o that_o the_o scripture_n way_n of_o expound_v itself_o be_v to_o expound_v one_o place_n by_o another_o one_o verse_n or_o phrase_n dark_o set_v down_o in_o one_o place_n by_o a_o other_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a in_o a_o other_o place_n 3._o particular_o how_o to_o expound_v the_o word_n be_v or_o be_v the_o seven_o star_n be_v that_o be_v they_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o word_n often_o use_v gen._n 41.26_o the_o seven_o good_a cow_n be_v seven_o year_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o passeover_n and_o mat._n 26.26_o take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n this_o cup_n be_v my_o blood_n etc._n etc._n which_o expression_n hold_v out_o no_o transubstantiation_n or_o transmutation_n or_o turn_v of_o one_o substance_n into_o another_o more_o than_o what_o be_v say_v here_o import_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v transubstantiate_v in_o star_n or_o the_o church_n in_o candlestick_n or_o contrary_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mysterious_a and_o sacramental_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o thing_n signify_v or_o represent_v by_o give_v the_o name_n thereof_o to_o the_o sign_n which_o represent_v it_o and_o this_o be_v in_o many_o place_n to_o be_v advert_v unto_o concern_v a_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o clearness_n therein_o this_o command_n of_o writing_n be_v particular_o set_v down_o vers_n 11._o here_o again_o it_o be_v renew_v and_o afterward_o chap._n 2._o and_o chap._n 3._o be_v seven_o time_n repeat_v with_o respect_n to_o every_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o which_o certain_o be_v to_o show_v of_o what_o concernment_n clearness_n of_o a_o call_n be_v and_o that_o both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a and_o be_v do_v among_o other_o reason_n for_o this_o end_n to_o clear_a ●ohn_n in_o his_o call_n and_o to_o warrant_v the_o people_n in_o their_o receive_n of_o his_o message_n from_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v this_o that_o a_o minister_n that_o take_v on_o he_o to_o edify_v a_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v need_n to_o be_v clear_a of_o his_o call_n thereunto_o from_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o the_o general_a that_o we_o now_o insist_v on_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o peculiar_a call_v or_o that_o none_o but_o the_o lord_n can_v authorise_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v especial_o concern_v that_o clearness_n which_o every_o minister_n ought_v to_o have_v in_o his_o call_n that_o with_o holy_a boldness_n he_o may_v go_v about_o the_o work_n have_v peace_n in_o himself_o what_o ever_o he_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o it_o as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o run_v whereas_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o send_v he_o jer._n 23.21_o that_o this_o be_v exceed_o requisite_a to_o a_o minister_n we_o suppose_v will_v be_v out_o of_o question_n to_o all_o who_o know_v that_o minister_n be_v but_o ambassador_n and_o so_o for_o they_o to_o want_v clearness_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v be_v to_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o they_o have_v a_o commission_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o look_v not_o to_o it_o can_v neither_o have_v that_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n own_v they_o or_o accept_v of_o they_o in_o their_o duty_n except_o there_o be_v some_o satisfaction_n herein_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v they_o or_o do_v send_v they_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pusle_a question_n to_o many_o one_o day_n man_n who_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n who_o give_v thou_o commission_n to_o treat_v for_o christ_n and_o although_o other_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o the_o use-making_a of_o such_o a_o man_n ministry_n yet_o himself_n can_v have_v none_o he_o be_v ever_o liable_a to_o this_o question_n friend_n how_o entere_v thou_o hither_o and_o how_o obtain_v thou_o this_o honour_n doubtless_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o this_o trial_n it_o be_v in_o part_n that_o many_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o work_n at_o first_o who_o after-carriage_n and_o way_n prove_v they_o never_o to_o have_v be_v send_v ●_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o wait_v for_o a_o commission_n thereto_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o real_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v yet_o keep_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o bondage_n both_o as_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o peace_n because_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o although_o the_o be_v of_o a_o minister_n and_o his_o call_v simple_o depend_v not_o on_o his_o clearness_n of_o his_o call_n as_o the_o be_v of_o a_o believer_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o he_o must_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o believer_n yet_o no_o question_n as_o a_o believer_n particular_a comfort_n depend_v on_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o interest_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o shall_v study_v it_o so_o a_o minister_n confidence_n and_o quietness_n in_o his_o particular_a ministry_n do_v much_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o he_o be_v clear_a in_o his_o call_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o who_o look_v there-away_a or_o be_v enter_v therein_o will_v humble_o inquire_v for_o nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o have_v christ_n commission_n for_o their_o engage_a and_o although_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v particular_a or_o full_o satisfy_v in_o this_o so_o as_o to_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o may_v occur_v but_o christian_a prudence_n and_o tenderness_n will_v still_o find_v matter_n of_o exercise_n in_o the_o decide_n thereof_o yet_o have_v this_o occasion_n here_o which_o be_v also_o frequent_a in_o this_o book_n we_o may_v once_o for_o all_o say_v a_o word_n in_o the_o general_a to_o what_o may_v give_v a_o minister_n clearness_n in_o his_o call_v which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o in_o a_o fivefold_a consideration_n 1._o of_o a_o minister_n call_v to_o that_o work_n in_o general_a 2._o to_o a_o particular_a people_n 3._o in_o carry_v a_o particular_a message_n to_o that_o people_n 4._o what_o be_v require_v of_o he_o as_o to_o write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o and_o what_o respect_n people_n ought_v to_o have_v to_o god_n call_v of_o a_o man_n in_o their_o hear_n and_o read_v for_o the_o first_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o minister_n will_v sober_o endeavour_v satisfaction_n at_o their_o entry_n if_o they_o be_v call_v to_o that_o work_n or_o not_o and_o begin_v with_o that_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a whether_o man_n betake_v they_o to_o this_o call_v or_o a_o other_o for_o god_n have_v not_o indifferent_o dispense_v his_o talent_n nor_o have_v he_o leave_v man_n to_o that_o liberty_n to_o choose_v as_o they_o will_v but_o will_v they_o to_o continue_v and_o abide_v in_o that_o call_n whereto_o they_o be_v call_v and_o not_o which_o they_o have_v choose_v themselves_o yea_o that_o a_o man_n have_v some_o knowledge_n or_o affection_n to_o that_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n will_v not_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v call_v although_o all_o that_o be_v external_o needful_a for_o his_o promove_v therein_o do_v concur_v for_o that_o will_v not_o prove_v a_o call_n to_o a_o other_o charge_n or_o trust_v and_o so_o not_o to_o this_o and_o no_o question_n it_o be_v a_o desirable_a thing_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o messenger_n for_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o church_n many_o may_v desire_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n in_o their_o look_n there-away_a and_o yet_o indeed_o never_o be_v call_v of_o god_n actual_o to_o it_o as_o experience_n may_v confirm_v second_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o call_v in_o any_o of_o the_o former_a respect_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o man_n now_o be_v to_o look_v for_o a_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a call_n as_o john_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v that_o be_v as_o unwarrantable_a as_o to_o look_v for_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o gift_n such_o as_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o and_o that_o in_o a_o immediate_a way_n but_o it_o be_v that_o as_o extraordinary_a officer_n have_v extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a evidence_n of_o their_o call_n for_o so_o it_o require_v so_o minister_n and_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n that_o be_v call_v in_o a_o mediate_a way_n will_v seek_v for_o such_o evidence_n as_o mediate_o may_v satisfy_v they_o for_o the_o mediate_a call_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v christ_n call_n as_o that_o more_o immediate_a be_v and_o therefore_o act._n 20.28_o and_o elsewhere_o these_o elder_n and_o pastor_n of_o ephesus_n who_o yet_o no_o question_n have_v but_o such_o a_o call_v
these_o gift_n be_v see_v as_o the_o impulse_n have_v always_o the_o gift_n with_o it_o so_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o impulse_n from_o the_o gift_n 2._o we_o say_v that_o where_o other_o thing_n concur_v not_o no_o impulse_n be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n simple_o upon_o the_o ground_n former_o give_v yet_o 3._o a_o distinct_a native_a sanctify_a impulse_n may_v be_v a_o call_v to_o use_v mean_n and_o to_o wait_v on_o in_o god_n way_n for_o attain_v of_o fitness_n in_o a_o submissive_a manner_n seek_v rather_o to_o know_v what_o god_n intend_v than_o as_o be_v absolute_o determine_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n 4._o although_o gift_n singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o impulse_n concur_v together_o yet_o will_v not_o these_o constitute_v a_o minister_n though_o they_o may_v evidence_n a_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o warrant_v one_o to_o step_v in_o when_o a_o door_n be_v open_v to_o they_o because_o neither_o of_o these_o do_v include_v a_o authoritative_a commission_n for_o he_o to_o treat_v although_o they_o do_v put_v he_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v send_v as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v authorize_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o who_o be_v by_o gift_n fit_v for_o their_o office_n and_o of_o bishop_n tit_n 1.7.8_o and_o 9_o who_o be_v in_o the_o respect_n there_o set_v down_o to_o be_v find_v qualify_v for_o their_o employment_n yet_o be_v the_o authoritative_a ordain_v of_o both_o mention_v as_o that_o which_o do_v constitute_v they_o officer_n in_o these_o respective_a station_n last_o we_o say_v that_o yet_o this_o impulse_n when_o all_o concur_v with_o it_o may_v have_v its_o own_o cumulative_a weight_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o one_o that_o have_v it_o to_o the_o undertake_n of_o this_o charge_n when_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o ordinary_a way_n open_v the_o door_n unto_o he_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n we_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n and_o conduce_v exceed_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n that_o there_o be_v some_o choice_n and_o way_n of_o trial_n both_o of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v present_o find_v fit_a to_o enter_v the_o ministry_n and_o also_o of_o other_o that_o may_v be_v advise_v to_o study_v in_o reference_n thereunto_o and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v unto_o man_n themselves_o alone_o whether_o they_o will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o trial_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o charge_n or_o not_o for_o so_o many_o may_v and_o no_o question_n do_v smother_v good_a gift_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a thereby_o prejudging_a the_o church_n thereof_o who_o by_o this_o grave_a convince_a and_o ere_o it_o fail_v authoritative_a way_n may_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o will_v more_o easy_o be_v make_v to_o yield_v thereunto_o when_o the_o burden_n thereof_o be_v not_o whole_o leave_v on_o themselves_o whereas_o now_o partly_o from_o shame_n and_o modesty_n partly_o from_o custom_n and_o undervalue_v of_o the_o ministry_n none_o ordinary_o who_o otherwise_o have_v a_o temporal_a be_v or_o any_o place_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o call_v and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o either_o none_o such_o be_v gift_v for_o it_o or_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o by_o this_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o suppose_v that_o many_o who_o do_v now_o design_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n because_o none_o but_o such_o as_o take_v that_o way_n be_v call_v thereto_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o thrust_v forth_o themselves_o and_o so_o the_o church_n may_v have_v access_n a_o great_a deal_n better_o to_o the_o provide_v of_o herself_o with_o able_a and_o qualify_a minister_n whereas_o now_o she_o be_v almost_o confine_v in_o her_o choice_n to_o a_o number_n that_o give_v themselves_o or_o at_o most_o be_v design_v by_o their_o parent_n or_o possible_o constrain_v by_o necessity_n to_o follow_v such_o a_o study_n it_o be_v true_a this_o way_n the_o lord_n may_v provide_v his_o house_n and_o may_v so_o engage_v those_o who_o he_o mind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o yet_o certain_o it_o look_v not_o so_o like_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n for_o attain_v of_o edification_n as_o the_o other_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n as_o such_o be_v one_o body_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o every_o member_n and_o any_o member_n as_o may_v most_o conduce_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o church_n may_v call_v a_o member_n upon_o supposition_n of_o his_o qualification_n to_o trial_n and_o be_v find_v conform_v to_o what_o be_v suppose_v may_v appoint_v he_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o member_n ought_v to_o yield_v to_o both_o from_o that_o duty_n that_o lie_v on_o every_o member_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o any_o particular_a member_n interest_n and_o this_o without_o respect_n to_o man_n outward_a condition_n or_o place_n provide_v their_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o station_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o christ_n body_n than_o their_o be_v employ_v in_o no_o call_v at_o all_o or_o in_o any_o other_o call_v this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o man_n may_v be_v so_o useful_a in_o and_o fit_a for_o public_a civil_a calling_n as_o that_o thereby_o the_o church_n may_v be_v benefit_v so_o far_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v meet_a in_o every_o case_n and_o in_o every_o person_n to_o use_v this_o power_n yet_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n be_v lay_v aside_o no_o doubt_n ordinary_o it_o be_v useful_a and_o see_v all_o incorporation_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o call_v and_o employ_v their_o member_n without_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o inclination_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v most_o behooveful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o body_n this_o which_o nature_n teach_v and_o experience_n have_v confirm_v in_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o body_n and_o have_v its_o own_o policy_n give_v to_o it_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o itself_o this_o way_n be_v also_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n none_o can_v say_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o choose_v her_o elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o other_o officer_n out_o of_o all_o her_o member_n indifferent_o as_o she_o think_v fit_a act._n 6._o seven_o man_n fit_o qualify_v be_v to_o be_v look_v out_o among_o all_o the_o people_n so_o in_o paul_n practice_n through_o the_o act_n and_o in_o his_o direction_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n such_o only_o be_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o it_o but_o indifferent_o such_o as_o may_v be_v best_a qualify_v be_v to_o be_v inquire_v for_o and_o when_o find_v what_o ever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o ordain_v to_o the_o ministry_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v like_o the_o apostolic_a way_n to_o inquire_v for_o man_n that_o may_v be_v find_v qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o also_o that_o shune_v or_o repine_v to_o enter_v the_o ministry_n in_o any_o person_n find_v qualify_v for_o it_o and_o thus_o call_v to_o it_o have_v never_o be_v suppose_v as_o allowable_a by_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o duty_n for_o those_o that_o be_v so_o call_v to_o obey_v as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o inquire_v for_o such_o to_o this_o also_o may_v that_o exhortation_n of_o peter_n relate_v 1_o epist._n 5._o chap._n and_o 2._o vers_fw-la feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o he_o be_v press_v obedience_n from_o those_o that_o be_v call_v that_o willing_o they_o shall_v undertake_v the_o oversight_n of_o god_n flock_n which_o word_n if_o well_o consider_v will_v pinch_v exceed_o a_o tender_a conscience_n of_o any_o man_n if_o a_o call_v be_v thus_o press_v upon_o he_o and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v at_o man_n option_n arbitrary_o to_o refuse_v such_o a_o call_v the_o direction_n that_o be_v give_v to_o people_n and_o minister_n for_o search_v out_o call_z and_o ordain_v such_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o thus_o they_o may_v all_o be_v frustrate_v we_o do_v not_o say_v this_o to_o prejudge_v the_o laudable_a way_n of_o train_v up_o student_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o end_n it_o seem_v that_o even_o among_o the_o jew_n these_o who_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n be_v numerous_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o college_n train_v up_o with_o the_o
prophet_n and_o these_o who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v they_o the_o apostle_n also_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o train_v of_o young_a man_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o which_o show_v the_o laudablenesse_n of_o that_o way_n and_o although_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o scholastic_a debate_n yet_o be_v train_v necessary_a which_o in_o the_o mean_a call_v be_v find_v useful_a and_o therefore_o not_o just_o to_o be_v deny_v here_o we_o will_v only_o say_v 1._o that_o there_o will_v be_v some_o choice_n make_v in_o the_o design_v of_o youth_n for_o that_o study_n so_o that_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n some_o may_v be_v so_o train_v and_o not_o have_v liberty_n otherways_o to_o withdraw_v and_o other_o timeous_o advise_v to_o look_v to_o some_o other_o employment_n 2._o we_o will_v not_o have_v election_n bound_v and_o limit_v to_o that_o number_n so_o as_o either_o any_o whosoever_o thus_o train_v up_o may_v certain_o be_v suppose_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v minister_n or_o as_o if_o no_o congregation_n or_o presbytery_n may_v fix_v their_o eye_n upon_o or_o give_v a_o call_n unto_o any_o other_o this_o way_n of_o call_v be_v long_o continue_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o ambrose_n who_o be_v a_o senator_n and_o precedent_n although_o not_o yet_o baptise_a nevertheless_o because_o of_o his_o know_a ability_n piety_n and_o prudence_n be_v unexpected_o and_o unanimous_o call_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o milan_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o his_o great_a oppositnesse_n thereto_o be_v at_o length_n so_o press_v as_o he_o be_v make_v to_o yield_v and_o after_o prove_v a_o notable_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v remark_v that_o the_o good_a emperor_n valentinian_n do_v exceed_o rejoice_v when_o he_o hear_v it_o blessing_n god_n that_o have_v lead_v he_o to_o choose_v one_o to_o take_v care_n of_o body_n who_o be_v account_v fit_a to_o take_v care_n of_o soul_n theodoret_n hist._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 6._o the_o like_a be_v record_v by_o euagrius_n hist._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 6._o of_o one_o euphraimius_n who_o while_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o east_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n which_o the_o author_n call_v sedes_fw-la apostolica_fw-la this_o be_v also_o the_o establish_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o that_o head_n that_o concern_v prophesy_v and_o interpret_n scripture_n whereof_o these_o be_v the_o word_n moreover_o man_n in_o who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v any_o gift_n which_o may_v edify_v the_o church_n if_o they_o be_v employ_v must_v be_v charge_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n to_o join_v themselves_o with_o the_o session_n and_o company_n of_o interpreter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o kirk_n may_v judge_v whither_o they_o be_v able_a to_o serve_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o vocation_n of_o minister_n or_o not_o and_o if_o any_o be_v find_v disobedient_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o communicate_v the_o gift_n and_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n with_o their_o brethren_n after_o sufficient_a admonition_n discipline_n must_v proceed_v against_o they_o provide_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n concur_v with_o the_o judgement_n and_o election_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o no_o man_n may_v be_v permit_v as_o best_o please_v he_o to_o live_v within_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n but_o every_o man_n must_v be_v constrain_v by_o fraternal_a admonition_n and_o correction_n to_o bestow_v his_o labour_n when_o of_o the_o kirk_n he_o be_v require_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o which_o if_o it_o be_v zealous_o follow_v may_v by_o god_n blessing_n prove_v both_o profitable_a and_o honourable_a to_o the_o church_n to_o say_v something_o to_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v to_o wit_n of_o a_o man_n clearness_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n we_o suppose_v that_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o peace_n see_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o man_n ought_v arbitrary_o to_o walk_v herein_o but_o according_o as_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o one_o place_n and_o not_o to_o another_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o in_o john_n commission_n the_o general_n be_v not_o only_o express_v but_o particular_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o reference_n to_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a church_n and_o according_a to_o this_o we_o see_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n that_o some_o be_v order_v to_o preach_v in_o one_o place_n and_o some_o in_o another_o and_o act_n 13._o paul_n and_o silas_n in_o their_o leave_v antioch_n and_o go_v to_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o only_o call_v by_o word_n but_o confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o general_a also_o will_v be_v grant_v for_o help_v to_o clearness_n therein_o the_o former_a general_a rule_n be_v also_o to_o be_v apply_v with_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v if_o the_o gift_n be_v not_o only_o suitable_a to_o edification_n in_o general_n but_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o people_n in_o particular_a so_o that_o if_o when_o their_o case_n disposition_n qualification_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gift_n disposition_n and_o other_o fitness_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o public_a ministry_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n as_o also_o to_o his_o indument_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o private_a conversation_n yea_o their_o very_a corruption_n and_o infirmity_n be_v compare_v together_o if_o i_o say_v such_o a_o man_n may_v in_o well_o ground_v reason_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o qualify_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o such_o a_o people_n in_o this_o comparison_n also_o respect_n will_v be_v have_v even_o to_o the_o more_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o a_o man_n fitness_n will_v not_o only_o be_v try_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n itself_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o thing_n 2._o this_o fitness_n will_v be_v find_v and_o determine_v to_o be_v so_o by_o these_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o try_v gift_n even_o in_o this_o respect_n 3._o the_o try_v of_o providence_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o the_o rise_z of_o the_o call_v if_o it_o proceed_v from_o no_o natural_a or_o carnal_a end_n if_o no_o other_o door_n be_v open_v elsewhere_o to_o he_o who_o be_v call_v he_o may_v the_o more_o warrantable_o step_v in_o there_o if_o no_o probable_a settle_n of_o that_o congregation_n appear_v otherwise_o than_o by_o he_o so_o as_o his_o refuse_v may_v occasion_v a_o detriment_n to_o that_o place_n if_o thing_n look_v so_o as_o he_o have_v a_o esteem_n without_o prejudice_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n so_o as_o he_o may_v probable_o expect_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o minister_n and_o to_o have_v the_o word_n without_o prejudice_n receive_v from_o he_o in_o that_o place_n also_o if_o without_o carnal_a respect_n his_o heart_n be_v make_v to_o incline_v that_o way_n or_o if_o unexpected_o and_o over_o many_o difficulty_n the_o people_n have_v pitch_v on_o he_o and_o adhere_v to_o he_o these_o and_o such_o like_a may_v have_v their_o own_o weight_n so_o as_o to_o help_v to_o gather_v this_o conclusion_n that_o probable_o such_o a_o man_n ministry_n may_v be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a in_o such_o a_o place_n neither_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o sober_a and_o unbiased_a man_n minister_n and_o other_o to_o be_v neglect_v see_v often_o they_o may_v see_v more_o in_o a_o man_n particular_a case_n nor_o he_o can_v discern_v himself_o and_o that_o be_v oft_o find_v to_o be_v a_o mean_v make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n for_o manifest_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o such_o case_n again_o if_o there_o be_v any_o competition_n of_o place_n so_o as_o one_o be_v seek_v by_o more_o congregation_n at_o once_o the_o cafe_z be_v here_o somewhat_o different_a suppose_v the_o man_n to_o be_v equal_o fit_v for_o several_a place_n otherwise_o great_a suitablenesse_n to_o the_o one_o nor_o to_o the_o other_o where_o it_o be_v palpable_a do_v cast_v the_o balance_n in_o decide_v what_o to_o choose_v in_o this_o competition_n there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o singleness_n and_o deniednesse_n to_o all_o outward_a and_o carnal_a thing_n both_o in_o he_o that_o be_v fight_v and_o in_o they_o who_o seek_v and_o in_o all_o other_o interest_v this_o be_v a_o great_a ill_a to_o suffer_v carnalnesse_n and_o contention_n to_o steal_v in_o even_o in_o pursuit_n for_o a_o good_a minister_n neither_o be_v there_o great_a weight_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o priority_n or_o posterioritie_n in_o the_o application_n that_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n itself_o and_o cause_n which_o may_v be_v give_v for_o the_o last_o and_o for_o the_o first_o can_v
to_o our_o spiritual_a edification_n it_o be_v of_o no_o less_o concernment_n than_o the_o other_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v observe_v in_o writing_n reading_z and_o hear_v respective_o as_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o case_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v preserve_v from_o many_o error_n and_o offence_n which_o by_o this_o liberty_n be_v occasion_v and_o many_o person_n save_v from_o much_o hurtful_a and_o unprofitable_a labour_n both_o in_o writing_n and_o read_v lecture_n 1._o chap._n ii_o vers._n 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_z these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n 2._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n 3._o and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v follow_v now_o the_o particular_a epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n wherein_o our_o lord_n make_v they_o know_v how_o privy_a he_o be_v to_o their_o action_n ill_a or_o good_a commend_v the_o one_o and_o reprove_v the_o other_o with_o some_o promise_n and_o threaten_n intermix_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o these_o epistle_n some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o as_o they_o be_v commend_v only_o as_o philadelphia_n and_o smyrna_n or_o discommend_v only_o as_o laodicea_n or_o somewhat_o of_o both_o as_o the_o other_o four_o 1._o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o to_o have_v their_o epistle_n agree_v in_o the_o form_n though_o different_a in_o the_o matter_n as_o 1._o to_o be_v divide_v in_o a_o inscription_n comprehend_v the_o party_n to_o who_o and_o from_o who_o 2._o a_o narration_n or_o body_n comprehend_v the_o particular_a message_n christ_n send_v to_o they_o 3._o a_o conclusion_n comprehend_v some_o promise_n to_o the_o overcomer_n and_o a_o advertisement_n to_o all_o hearer_n to_o profit_n 2._o all_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n themselves_o immediate_o though_o the_o first_o direction_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11._o be_v to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o every_o epistle_n it_o be_v say_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o the_o church_n and_o angel_n or_o church-guides_a be_v so_o indifferent_o and_o promiscuous_o name_v answ._n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o church_n and_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o officer_n be_v so_o exceed_v near_o of_o kin_n each_o to_o other_o and_o in_o their_o interest_n so_o interweave_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n to_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o write_v unto_o her_o officer_n be_v one_o as_o to_o tell_v unto_o the_o church_n mat._n 18._o and_o to_o tell_v unto_o the_o church-officer_n be_v one_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n be_v virtual_o comprehend_v to_o speak_v so_o under_o her_o officer_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o special_a member_n but_o also_o the_o representer_n of_o that_o body_n and_o and_o as_o one_o write_v to_o a_o incorporation_n or_o burgh_n and_o direct_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o magistrate_n thereof_o may_v be_v say_v to_o write_v unto_o the_o burgh_n even_o so_o it_o be_v here_o for_o though_o minister_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o represent_v the_o church_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o ambassador_n they_o be_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o unite_a way_n of_o act_v together_o and_o their_o sympathize_v with_o all_o the_o member_n and_o their_o joint_a interest_n in_o all_o the_o affair_n belong_v to_o the_o member_n and_o the_o reciprocal_a share_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o member_n of_o all_o good_a or_o evil_a temperature_n they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o church_n who_o servant_n they_o be_v for_o christ_n sake_n even_o as_o the_o magistrate_n act_v in_o his_o duty_n represent_v god_n yet_o in_o some_o sense_n also_o may_v be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o people_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v ordinary_o a_o great_a suitableness_n and_o likeness_n between_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v minister_n he_o lukewarm_a and_o they_o be_v lukewarm_a he_o lively_o and_o ready_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o as_o we_o will_v see_v in_o all_o the_o seven_o epistle_n follow_v and_o therefore_o the_o writing_n unto_o and_o describe_v of_o one_o do_v by_o consequence_n include_v both_o especial_o consider_v that_o whether_o the_o church_n estate_n be_v good_a or_o ill_o the_o minister_n have_v much_o influence_n on_o it_o and_o therefore_o both_o in_o reproof_n and_o commendation_n the_o first_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o he_o 4._o because_o the_o order_n christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n do_v so_o require_v he_o reveal_v not_o his_o mind_n immediate_o to_o the_o people_n but_o first_o to_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o our_o lord_n way_n be_v orderly_o so_o as_o may_v prevent_v confusion_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v do_v not_o by_o put_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o people_n but_o by_o put_v his_o minister_n to_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o station_n and_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v peculiarly_a to_o minister_n to_o be_v amend_v in_o the_o epistle_n therefore_o do_v he_o particular_o direct_v it_o to_o they_o 3._o all_o the_o title_n give_v to_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v out_o of_o the_o vision_n chap._n 1._o only_a they_o be_v choose_v and_o pitch_v on_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o scope_n of_o every_o epistle_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o case_n or_o according_o to_o threaten_v or_o promise_v the_o title_n be_v wail_v which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o end_n as_o here_o christ_n presence_n care_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n be_v lay_v down_o when_o he_o be_v to_o discover_v a_o secret_a fault_n in_o they_o and_o to_o threaten_v the_o un-churching_a of_o they_o for_o it_o there_o be_v ordinary_o in_o every_o epistle_n two_o title_n one_o respect_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n write_v unto_o the_o other_o the_o promise_n or_o threaten_v which_o be_v annex_v and_o therefore_o be_v they_o upon_o the_o matter_n often_o in_o plain_a term_n resume_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o epistle_n which_o may_v give_v some_o insight_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o 4._o it_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o to_o begin_v with_o this_o word_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o so_o there_o may_v not_o only_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o christ_n godhead_n but_o also_o to_o remove_v all_o exception_n which_o may_v be_v make_v against_o his_o testimony_n we_o take_v it_o to_o look_v ordinary_o not_o so_o much_o to_o his_o approbation_n as_o to_o his_o omniscience_n simple_o because_o it_o be_v indifferent_o make_v the_o ground_n of_o reproof_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o commendation_n and_o therefore_o be_v use_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o laodicea_n where_o no_o commendation_n be_v give_v for_o more_o particular_a use-making_a of_o these_o epistle_n consider_v 1._o the_o immediate_a scope_n of_o they_o which_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o seven_o church_n according_a to_o their_o several_a condition_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v right_a and_o to_o amend_v what_o be_v wrong_v have_v in_o they_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o then_o estate_n of_o those_o church_n and_o some_o warning_n suitable_a to_o that_o end_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o prophetical_a way_n primary_o to_o represent_v particular_a church_n in_o age_n follow_v yet_o 2._o be_v they_o useful_a in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o other_o church_n be_v doctrinal_o apply_v to_o their_o case_n as_o the_o lord_n apply_v the_o word_n of_o isaiah_n 29.13_o matth._n 15.7_o hypocrite_n well_o do_v isaiah_n prophesy_v of_o you_o etc._n etc._n while_o as_o isaia_n word_n do_v principal_o respect_v the_o people_n in_o his_o own_o time_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o hypocrite_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v intentional_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o may_v it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o like_a case_n yea_o to_o particular_a person_n according_a to_o the_o common_a close_a he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o useful_a in_o application_n than_o other_o
other_o power_n can_v be_v attain_v and_o no_o question_n the_o devil_n love_v to_o have_v scandal_n break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o her_o officer_n which_o do_v once_o put_v a_o blot_n upon_o she_o and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o all_o he_o have_v rather_o that_o some_o other_o do_v it_o than_o the_o church_n herself_o because_o so_o the_o commendation_n become_v they_o and_o the_o blot_n stick_v to_o she_o and_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v he_o proclaim_v to_o all_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n will_v these_o church-officer_n and_o church-member_n be_v for_o all_o their_o profession_n if_o they_o be_v not_o even_o as_o other_o man_n by_o some_o other_o hand_n restrain_v and_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v reflect_v on_o as_o if_o he_o have_v approven_v corrupt_a man_n design_n who_o love_n to_o have_v a_o blot_n on_o the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o have_v she_o vindicate_v from_o it_o because_o by_o this_o the_o church_n be_v capable_a to_o give_v offence_n but_o in_o a_o incapacity_n to_o remove_v they_o or_o to_o vindicate_v herself_o from_o they_o which_o stand_v not_o with_o that_o zeal_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o the_o punish_n of_o fault_n simple_o that_o vindicate_v the_o church_n holiness_n but_o it_o be_v the_o censure_v of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o evidence_v the_o church_n abhorrencie_n thereof_o that_o do_v it_o otherwise_o christian_n and_o heathen_n live_v under_o one_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o same_o indignation_n at_o scandalous_a ill_n and_o so_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o church_n authority_n if_o it_o do_v not_o permit_v fault_n to_o be_v unpunished_a at_o least_o all_o yet_o it_o seclude_v such_o a_o way_n of_o censure_v they_o as_o may_v vindicate_v the_o church_n and_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n thereof_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n and_o if_o we_o may_v so_o say_v put_v she_o yea_o the_o lord_n himself_o in_o their_o reverence_n whether_o she_o shall_v be_v free_a of_o corrupt_a teacher_n and_o member_n or_o not_o or_o whether_o she_o shall_v lie_v under_o that_o blot_n or_o not_o 5._o by_o the_o deny_v of_o this_o ordinance_n the_o other_o ordinance_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v be_v make_v weak_a and_o obstruct_a in_o their_o exercise_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v clear_a for_o by_o this_o the_o rail_v whereby_o it_o be_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n separate_v be_v break_v down_o many_o office_n of_o the_o church_n as_o these_o of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v make_v void_a and_o that_o of_o preach_v make_v contemptible_a or_o maim_v for_o public_a authoritative_a rebuke_v of_o all_o and_o sometime_o of_o some_o in_o particular_a be_v a_o special_a part_n thereof_o now_o where_o church-government_n be_v deny_v either_o the_o minister_n must_v do_v it_o abitrary_o by_o himself_o and_o so_o he_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o a_o snare_n and_o the_o party_n reprove_v to_o be_v stumble_v as_o have_v only_o to_o do_v with_o the_o minister_n who_o may_v partial_o proceed_v therein_o or_o it_o must_v be_v forbear_v and_o so_o his_o ministry_n be_v make_v obnoxious_a to_o despise_v which_o by_o his_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v prevent_v and_o every_o way_n plainness_n and_o freedom_n even_o in_o preach_v especial_o towards_o these_o in_o place_n be_v so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v restrain_v 6._o by_o this_o the_o devil_n aim_v still_o either_o to_o make_v religion_n to_o suffer_v as_o a_o thing_n that_o man_n may_v carve_v on_o according_a to_o their_o interest_n as_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o policy_n therefore_o he_o mix_v all_o together_o or_o he_o do_v continual_o lay_v ground_n of_o jealousy_n and_o difference_n between_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n thereby_o to_o make_v that_o minister_n and_o these_o who_o will_v be_v faithful_a shall_v either_o sinful_o connive_v at_o what_o may_v prejudge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o their_o testify_v against_o the_o same_o make_v themselves_o more_o odious_a to_o the_o ruler_n for_o lay_v this_o once_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church-government_n but_o what_o the_o magistrate_n have_v then_o either_o the_o minister_n must_v say_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o civil-government_n but_o such_o as_o both_o for_o skill_n and_o conscience_n be_v fit_a to_o manage_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o civil_a state_n will_v not_o always_o be_v content_a with_o neither_o often_o be_v it_o possible_a or_o they_o must_v account_v any_o man_n who_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o manage_v civil_a thing_n fit_a also_o to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o christ_n house_n which_o in_o conscience_n can_v always_o be_v do_v whereby_o necessary_o they_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o top_n with_o magistrate_n except_o we_o say_v that_o either_o unskilful_a magistrate_n use_v not_o to_o be_v in_o place_n or_o that_o such_o may_v yet_o be_v tender_a and_o dexterous_a in_o the_o manage_v of_o every_o church_n matter_n that_o come_v before_o they_o and_o on_o the_o by_o we_o may_v say_v that_o see_v qualification_n fit_v one_o for_o any_o place_n and_o government_n be_v simple_o call_v for_o in_o these_o who_o shall_v supply_v the_o same_o though_o sometime_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la they_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v and_o see_v special_a qualification_n be_v require_v for_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o require_v in_o these_o that_o govern_v a_o civil_a state_n and_o will_v not_o be_v account_v simple_o necessary_a to_o they_o it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n these_o two_o government_n be_v not_o conjoin_v in_o one_o person_n see_v he_o have_v not_o always_o conjoin_v the_o qualification_n that_o be_v requisite_a for_o both_o we_o shall_v insist_v no_o more_o in_o this_o the_o read_n of_o these_o epistle_n will_v sufficient_o show_v how_o concern_v this_o truth_n be_v and_o although_o this_o controversy_n be_v abundant_o clear_v by_o the_o write_n of_o many_o worthy_a man_n that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v say_v therein_o yet_o have_v such_o occasion_n from_o these_o epistle_n we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o touch_v some_o thing_n concern_v church-government_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o therein_o whereby_o we_o will_v find_v it_o clear_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o church-government_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a 2._o wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o 3._o who_o be_v the_o subject_n thereof_o and_o 4._o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o conclusion_n or_o observation_n concern_v the_o same_o as_o they_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o text._n 1._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o government_n and_o authority_n within_o herself_o for_o the_o order_n of_o her_o own_o affair_n try_v and_o censure_v of_o her_o own_o member_n and_o that_o immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o any_o civil_a government_n on_o earth_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o government_n and_o authority_n in_o she_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o 1._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o try_v and_o censure_v of_o false_a apostle_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o authority_n and_o government_n 2._o this_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v commend_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v no_o usurpation_n in_o they_o 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n we_o will_v find_v the_o angel_n reprove_v that_o they_o have_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v suppose_v authority_n in_o they_o even_o to_o have_v censure_v and_o cut_v off_o these_o from_o their_o society_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o if_o i●_n have_v not_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o reprove_v they_o for_o commit_v it_o 4._o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v reprove_v also_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v his_o servant_n which_o do_v imply_v a_o authority_n and_o government_n fit_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o have_v mar_v and_o hinder_v she_o preach_v and_o somewhat_o to_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v do_v which_o be_v not_o do_v by_o they_o otherwise_o our_o lord_n jesus_n will_v not_o have_v to_o reprove_v they_o the_o make_v out_o of_o these_o three_o will_v confirm_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o thing_n commend_v in_o ephesus_n and_o desiderated_a in_o the_o other_o two_o church_n do_v imply_v authority_n and_o power_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a
these_o be_v 2._o that_o will_v not_o attain_v the_o scope_n propose_v here_o which_o be_v in_o part_n the_o recover_n of_o the_o offend_a party_n therefore_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o jezebel_n vers_fw-la 21.22_o i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repens_fw-la and_o do_v threaten_v she_o but_o conditional_o which_o show_v that_o he_o mean_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a off-cutting_a of_o they_o it_o remain_v then_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o exercise_v of_o a_o ordinary_a authority_n and_o government_n and_o therefore_o such_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o any_o civil_a government_n which_o from_o the_o text_n may_v thus_o appear_v 1._o the_o subject_n be_v distinct_a to_o wit_n church-officer_n 2._o the_o object_n be_v distinct_a to_o wit_n the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o alone_o and_o as_o such_o it_o be_v not_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatira_n but_o the_o church-member_n that_o be_v under_o the_o same_o 3._o the_o matter_n fall_v under_o that_o cognition_n be_v distinct_a to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a to_o soul_n as_o the_o seduce_a of_o christ_n servant_n and_o scandal_n consider_v as_o such_o 4._o the_o censure_n inflict_v be_v different_a to_o wit_n no_o civil_a mulct_n upon_o estate_n nor_o punishment_n upon_o body_n nor_o cancel_v of_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o burgeship_n in_o town_n or_o such_o like_a but_o seclusion_n from_o church-priviledge_n and_o membership_n 5._o the_o end_n be_v distinct_a to_o wit_n the_o reclaim_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o prevent_n of_o soul-hurt_a to_o other_o and_o the_o vindication_n of_o christ_n name_n 6._o the_o manner_n be_v different_a there_o be_v no_o external_a pomp_n nor_o power_n or_o force_n in_o the_o manage_v thereof_o such_o as_o be_v in_o civil_a government_n for_o that_o be_v not_o here_o conceivable_a consider_v the_o afflict_a and_o persecute_a condition_n of_o these_o church_n but_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n and_o trial_n and_o censure_n and_o 7._o they_o differ_v in_o their_o rise_n civil_a power_n be_v derive_v from_o superior_n to_o inferior_n but_o this_o have_v no_o rise_n or_o derivation_n from_o any_o civil_a power_n although_o for_o the_o time_n these_o city_n and_o nation_n want_v it_o not_o but_o do_v arise_v from_o that_o intrinsic_a economy_n and_o power_n which_o accompany_v the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o which_o by_o christ_n appointment_n do_v reside_v in_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n which_o do_v not_o reside_v in_o other_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o town_n nor_o do_v in_o these_o before_o this_o their_o church-state_n 8._o the_o account_n upon_o which_o this_o government_n do_v consider_v person_n and_o action_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a man_n be_v not_o consider_v as_o man_n nor_o as_o indweller_n in_o such_o and_o such_o place_n one●y_v but_o as_o christ_n servant_n and_o action_n be_v not_o consider_v either_o as_o profitable_a or_o hurtful_a to_o man_n simple_o but_o as_o profitable_a or_o hurtful_a to_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v seduce_v of_o christ_n servant_n and_o as_o such_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o jezebel_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o it_o 2._o we_o say_v as_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a government_n from_o the_o civil_a so_o it_o be_v independent_a as_o to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o former_a be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o authority_n and_o government_n include_v here_o and_o in_o the_o former_a respect_n exercise_v as_o distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a power_n then_o in_o be_v it_o will_v also_o necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o authority_n be_v independent_o exercise_v in_o reference_n to_o that_o civil_a power_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o derivation_n of_o this_o church-power_n from_o that_o civil_a power_n as_o be_v say_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dependent_a on_o it_o see_v it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v derive_v it_o and_o although_o some_o except_a as_o be_v hint_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o power_n in_o father_n husband_n and_o other_o such_o natu●rall_a relation_n over_o child_n wife_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o be_v dependent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o suppose_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n parent_n do_v combine_v in_o one_o society_n and_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o a_o church_n do_v and_o in_o that_o case_n have_v a_o distinct_a government_n can_v that_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v account_v dependent_a see_v no_o superior_a authority_n can_v mar_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n without_o injustice_n more_o than_o a_o magistrate_n can_v mar_v a_o father_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n towards_o his_o child_n when_o he_o do_v it_o just_o so_o this_o church-power_n not_o be_v a_o personal_a privilege_n but_o belong_v to_o she_o as_o a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o many_o member_n combine_v together_o have_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v grant_v and_o we_o add_v if_o jesus_n christ_n allow_v they_o she_o can_v therefore_o be_v mar_v 〈◊〉_d any_o authority_n in_o the_o exercise_v of_o that_o government_n what_o ever_o injust_a violence_n may_v do_v 2._o it_o appear_v to_o be_v independent_a in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church-government_n among_o christian_n even_o when_o magistrate_n be_v set_v themselves_o to_o undo_v the_o same_o if_o then_o government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o order_v in_o the_o lord_n providence_n that_o civil_a government_n may_v be_v for_o hundred_o of_o year_n enemy_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v in_o these_o primitive_a time_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o church-government_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o place_v in_o the_o magistrate_n or_o civil_a governor_n because_o in_o that_o case_n either_o she_o shall_v have_v no_o government_n at_o all_o which_o by_o these_o epistle_n will_v be_v find_v false_a or_o she_o must_v have_v a_o government_n and_o authority_n destructive_a to_o she_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n thereof_o or_o in_o the_o last_o place_n her_o authority_n must_v be_v independent_a save_v of_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o consider_v now_o that_o these_o to_o who_o christ_n write_v be_v not_o civil_a magistrate_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o access_n to_o expostulate_v with_o they_o for_o their_o ommission_n if_o they_o may_v not_o have_v act_v independent_o on_o they_o 3._o it_o may_v appear_v thus_o that_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v repeal_v by_o his_o authority_n any_o of_o their_o sentence_n then_o be_v their_o authority_n independent_a as_o to_o he_o now_o suppose_v a_o church_n just_o to_o degrade_v or_o depose_v a_o false_a teacher_n or_o to_o cut_v off_o a_o rot_a member_n can_v any_o magistrate_n by_o his_o authority_n continue_v that_o man_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o that_o member_n to_o be_v a_o church-member_n what_o ever_o violence_n may_v do_v suppose_v some_o emperor_n as_o in_o some_o case_n julian_n do_v have_v take_v the_o recognition_n of_o ephesus_n sentence_n against_o these_o false_a apostle_n and_o have_v declare_v it_o null_a will_v not_o still_o their_o sentence_n have_v stand_v in_o force_n notwithstanding_o or_o suppose_v pergamos_n or_o thyatira_n have_v cut_v off_o jezebel_n or_o the_o nicolaitan_n from_o their_o society_n can_v any_o civil_a magistrate_n heathen_a or_o christian_n have_v enact_v they_o to_o be_v continue_v church-member_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o flow_v from_o the_o injustice_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o suppose_v a_o proconsul_n have_v just_o degrade_v some_o judge_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o town_n of_o ephesus_n have_v just_o casten_z out_o some_o member_n from_o their_o society_n yet_o by_o the_o emperor_n interpose_v his_o authority_n as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n both_o may_v have_v be_v full_o restore_v though_o injust_o so_o as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v real_o again_o magistrate_n and_o burgess_n of_o such_o a_o city_n which_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n no_o emperor_n authority_n can_v have_v constitute_v such_o though_o injust_o to_o have_v be_v officer_n or_o member_n at_o all_o of_o these_o church_n the_o difference_n then_o i_o say_v can_v consist_v in_o the_o injustice_n of_o the_o matter_n alone_o for_o both_o be_v injust_a but_o it_o must_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o civil_a sentence_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o church-sentence_n be_v not_o although_o by_o violence_n they_o may_v have_v countenance_v such_o and_o such_o person_n and_o have_v make_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sentence_n in_o many_o thing_n void_a yet_o
he_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n do_v not_o yet_o be_v the_o parent_n be_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o his_o son_n no_o less_o than_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v heathen_a because_o the_o magistrate_n command_v be_v not_o privative_a but_o cumulative_a to_o the_o parent_n authority_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o christian_n do_v cease_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o constantine_n become_v a_o christian_a than_o to_o say_v that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o christian_a parent_n and_o a_o christian_a master_n do_v expire_v at_o that_o time_n and_o see_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o church_n power_n and_o parentall_a power_n be_v both_o immediate_o from_o god_n without_o any_o mediate_a derivation_n by_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o equal_a duration_n and_o continuance_n also_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o church_n continue_v to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n which_o former_o she_o do_v and_o also_o that_o the_o magistrate_n concur_v in_o his_o station_n for_o the_o strengthen_n thereof_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n for_o any_o delegation_n after_o that_o more_o than_o former_o but_o that_o now_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o civil_a authority_n the_o church_n have_v access_n to_o do_v that_o for_o which_o before_o that_o time_n she_o be_v persecute_v even_o as_o there_o be_v full_a liberty_n give_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o former_o be_v inhibit_v yet_o none_o will_v say_v that_o that_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n for_o what_o be_v allege_v of_o the_o emperor_n call_v of_o counsel_n that_o will_v prove_v he_o to_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n but_o not_o that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o more_o than_o when_o before_o that_o time_n provincial_a counsel_n be_v call_v by_o some_o eminent_a bishop_n it_o will_v prove_v that_o their_o call_n do_v authorise_v they_o but_o rather_o both_o these_o call_n do_v suppose_v authority_n to_o be_v before_o in_o these_o that_o be_v call_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n that_o if_o constantine_n have_v call_v other_o than_o church-officer_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o difference_n ecclesiastical_o he_o can_v not_o have_v derive_v authority_n to_o they_o so_o as_o to_o have_v make_v they_o equal_o ruler_n and_o with_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v church-member_n and_o officer_n which_o yet_o may_v have_v be_v do_v if_o their_o authority_n have_v reside_v in_o he_o alone_o beside_o he_o command_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n also_o as_o be_v say_v whence_o we_o may_v see_v that_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v not_o meddle_v with_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o former_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n neither_o ever_o be_v it_o hear_v of_o that_o a_o magistrate_n do_v excommunicate_a authorize_v or_o ordain_v a_o minister_n and_o such_o like_a wherein_o church-power_n be_v exercise_v and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n mediate_o by_o put_v the_o church_n to_o it_o and_o by_o call_v church-officer_n to_o consult_v in_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v confirm_v by_o his_o authority_n even_o as_o he_o do_v govern_v other_o society_n as_o physician_n lawyer_n etc._n etc._n by_o authorise_v some_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o manage_v what_o concern_v such_o calling_n and_o function_n in_o which_o respect_n say_v some_o the_o function_n be_v different_a from_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o the_o lawyer_n nor_o the_o physician_n more_o than_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n but_o the_o authority_n be_v on_o he_o alone_o to_o this_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o parallel_n be_v most_o unequal_a because_o although_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o by_o his_o station_n a_o physician_n or_o lawyer_n yet_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v skill_n he_o may_v lawful_o do_v any_o act_n incumbent_a to_o these_o station_n which_o do_v indeed_o show_v that_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o act_n do_v reside_v in_o he_o but_o suppose_v he_o have_v the_o theory_n of_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n and_o skill_n in_o they_o yet_o he_o may_v not_o step●_n to_o himself_o to_o act_v the_o act_n of_o a_o ministerial_a function_n nor_o as_o a_o magistrate_n to_o sentence_n with_o church_n sentence_n administer_v sacrament_n as_o he_o may_v do_v in_o the_o sentence_n of_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o court_n which_o do_v show_v that_o that_o authority_n do_v not_o reside_v in_o he_o 2._o we_o grant_v that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o govern_v mediate_o as_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o teach_v and_o preach_v mediate_o for_o he_o ought_v to_o provide_v for_o that_o but_o that_o will_v not_o infer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o preach_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o yet_o no_o way_n do_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o controversy_n so_o much_o lie_v on_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o church_n or_o magistrate_n do_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o by_o what_o right_a and_o warrant_v they_o do_v what_o they_o do_v this_o last_o assertion_n therefore_o although_o make_v out_o can_v prove_v nothing_o without_o the_o former_a nor_o will_v the_o instance_n of_o exorbitancy_n in_o church-governors_n infer_v any_o nullity_n of_o that_o power_n more_o than_o the_o enumerate_n of_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a place_n will_v enervate_v that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yea_o we_o be_v sure_a much_o ill_o have_v come_v by_o magistrate_n intrusion_n in_o this_o church_n power_n and_o many_o have_v miscarry_v in_o it_o much_o less_o will_v heap_n of_o slander_n against_o most_o faithful_a man_n do_v it_o who_o god_n eminent_o countenance_v and_o who_o singular_o by_o suffer_v be_v honour_v to_o testify_v for_o he_o such_o as_o mr._n welsh_a mr._n melvil_n mr._n davidson_n and_o other_o who_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o the_o great_a day_n will_v be_v as_o bold_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o be_v approven_v in_o their_o station_n as_o any_o of_o their_o opposer_n or_o traducer_n on_o this_o account_n this_o way_n of_o writing_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o proceed_v from_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v so_o little_a respect_n to_o such_o who_o eminent_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o let_v these_o traducer_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o servant_n prepare_v for_o give_v account_n for_o both_o to_o he_o to_o which_o we_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o absurdity_n wherewith_o he_o do_v load_v this_o truth_n they_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o which_o often_o have_v be_v full_o wipe_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o either_o they_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o 2._o not_o such_o as_o the_o ground_n acknowledge_v by_o he_o will_v infer_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n simple_o that_o a_o man_n in_o diverse_a consideration_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o diverse_a coordinate_a power_n as_o a_o son_n be_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o his_o parent_n as_o a_o child_n and_o member_n of_o the_o family_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o former_o hint_v at_o he_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o parent_n that_o no_o command_n of_o a_o superior_a can_v loose_v he_o from_o it_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n that_o therein_o the_o parent_n authority_n have_v no_o place_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v in_o wife_n who_o in_o some_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n command_n and_o no_o authority_n can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v otherwise_o 2._o we_o say_v that_o this_o same_o absurdity_n may_v have_v be_v instance_a in_o these_o church_n that_o the_o lord_n write_v to_o suppose_v as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v appoint_v some_o who_o the_o church_n have_v call_v to_o her_o synod_n as_o for_o example_n to_o that_o mention_v act_v 15._o to_o some_o other_o civil_a employment_n as_o they_o be_v subject_n will_v not_o the_o same_o absurdity_n of_o the_o interfere_v of_o the_o two_o authority_n have_v follow_v he_o must_v either_o than_o say_v that_o such_o a_o case_n be_v not_o conceivable_a in_o these_o time_n or_o he_o must_v say_v the_o absurdity_n must_v be_v evit_v or_o it_o will_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o way_n approven_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o church_n govern_v of_o herself_o distinct_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v at_o least_o during_o such_o a_o case_n and_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o vindicate_v his_o own_o concession_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o answer_v his_o objection_n 3._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o
that_o a_o minister_n may_v independent_o command_v a_o magistrate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o a_o other_o private_a subject_n may_v do_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n and_o authority_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o reporter_n to_o tell_v what_o be_v truth_n but_o a_o messenger_n and_o herald_n authorize_v to_o charge_v all_o hearer_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v herod_n who_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v subject_a to_o herod_n as_o in_o other_o respect_v herod_n be_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o reference_n to_o particular_a governor_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v absurd_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n by_o which_o these_o govern_v supreme_a church-power_n then_o and_o supreme_a civil-power_n in_o distinct_a person_n can_v be_v absurd_a and_o we_o suppose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o authoritative_a officer_n that_o upon_o any_o civil_a account_n can_v so_o independent_o command_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n church-power_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regulate_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o the_o civil_a be_v it_o be_v strange_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o a_o magistrate_n to_o receive_v ministerial_a injunction_n or_o not_o as_o he_o please_v or_o at_o lest_o no_o more_o than_o a_o sick_a person_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o physician_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o send_v minister_n can_v have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o a_o physician_n in_o give_v direction_n for_o health_n or_o will_v it_o be_v think_v equal_o sinful_a or_o lawful_a to_o disobey_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o even_o lay_v aside_o the_o matter_n or_o shall_v every_o one_o skilful_a in_o divinity_n be_v count_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o a_o minister_n as_o the_o counsel_n of_o one_o that_o be_v skilful_a in_o medicine_n be_v to_o be_v count_v of_o the_o same_o weight_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o graduate_n physician_n if_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o weighty_a or_o be_v there_o any_o exception_n of_o some_o more_o than_o other_o from_o ministerial_a power_n because_o of_o any_o outward_a place_n or_o grandou●_n these_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v without_o wrong_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n 4._o it_o be_v think_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o magistrate_n be_v not_o blind_o to_o act_v according_a to_o church_n conclusion_n and_o determination_n but_o deliberate_o to_o try_v his_o own_o act_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n thereof_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o what_o command_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v lay_v on_o he_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o duty_n if_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n subsequent_a judgement_n do_v demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v supreme_a in_o ecclesiastic_a thing_n the_o same_o will_v prove_v the_o magistrate_n judgement_n in_o the_o case_n foresay_a to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o minister_n that_o therefore_o be_v no_o absurdity_n 5._o a_o ambassador_n from_o one_o king_n to_o another_o or_o to_o some_o inferior_a magistrate_n be_v in_o his_o personal_a carriage_n subject_a to_o the_o authority_n within_o who_o bound_n he_o be_v but_o as_o a_o ambassador_n in_o the_o follow_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o instruction_n and_o as_o such_o he_o be_v only_o countable_a to_o these_o that_o send_v he_o and_o never_o be_v it_o hear_v that_o one_o subject_v his_o ambassador_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v even_o among_o man_n but_o that_o be_v reserve_v at_o least_o for_o some_o other_o appoint_v for_o that_o end_n by_o he_o neither_o do_v a_o magistrate_n account_v a_o ambassador_n independency_n on_o he_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o authority_n now_o minister_n be_v ambassador_n send_v by_o christ_n to_o magistrate_n as_o to_o other_o we_o must_v either_o say_v these_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v must_v judge_v when_o they_o faithful_o exerce_fw-la their_o commission_n or_o not_o in_o their_o master_n name_n which_o be_v absurd_a among_o man_n and_o can_v not_o but_o look_v partial_a like_o or_o we_o must_v say_v they_o be_v not_o countable_a or_o censurable_a on_o earth_n or_o that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o ambassador_n and_o church_n officer_n with_o this_o power_n of_o censure_a man_n who_o shall_v walk_v unworthy_a of_o their_o trust._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o ambassador_n be_v no_o magistrate_n and_o have_v but_o a_o instruct_a power_n answ._n yet_o be_v it_o a_o power_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n such_o as_o church-officer_n have_v and_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o ambassador_n for_o a_o king_n or_o state_n within_o the_o dominion_n of_o another_o instruct_v to_o act_v joint_o for_o his_o affair_n and_o to_o censure_v any_o of_o their_o own_o number_n or_o retinue_n that_o shall_v walk_v unworthy_a of_o their_o place_n will_v any_o magistrate_n think_v that_o these_o wrong_v his_o power_n if_o they_o shall_v some_o from_o their_o fellowship_n without_o his_o warrant_n or_o can_v he_o claim_v to_o recognosce_fw-la their_o deed_n although_o in_o a_o criminal_a case_n he_o only_o may_v have_v access_n to_o punish_v even_o their_o member_n in_o that_o place_n for_o that_o qualification_n of_o his_o concession_n which_o be_v to_o allow_v this_o confederate_a authority_n only_o to_o the_o church_n that_o live_v under_o such_o a_o magistrate_n as_o do_v not_o undertake_v the_o care_n thereof_o we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o free_v it_o of_o absurdity_n if_o this_o distinct_a government_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v perpetual_a for_o 1._o do_v not_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o place_n all_o authority_n in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o require_v absolute_a obedience_n from_o his_o subject_n to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n belong_v to_o any_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o his_o subject_n under_o he_o and_o particular_o that_o place_n rom._n 13._o and_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o assume_v that_o power_n and_o put_v it_o in_o exercise_n yet_o if_o ecclesiastic_a power_n be_v in_o that_o same_o gift_n commit_v to_o the_o magistrate_n with_o the_o civil_a power_n no_o private_a person_n can_v upon_o any_o pretext_n meddle_v therewith_o for_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v abstain_v to_o punish_v some_o kind_n of_o murder_n witchcraft_n etc._n etc._n no_o private_a person_n can_v confederate_a themselves_o to_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o punish_v these_o because_o civil_a power_n to_o punish_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o magistrate_n if_o then_o the_o church_n may_v censure_v scandal_n without_o encroach_a upon_o these_o scripture_n at_o that_o time_n why_o may_v it_o not_o do_v so_o even_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a this_o church_n power_n then_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o magistrate_n commission_n see_v paul_n be_v exercise_v it_o even_o while_o he_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o utmost_a the_o magistrate_n commission_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o quarrel_a christian_n for_o encroach_a upon_o any_o thing_n due_a to_o he_o and_o no_o question_n he_o know_v best_o the_o extent_n of_o these_o direction_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n who_o will_v profess_o disclaim_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o any_o people_n although_o in_o practice_n many_o of_o they_o prove_v negligent_a of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v if_o this_o necessity_n of_o confederate_v for_o exercise_v of_o church-authority_n doth●ly_o upon_o the_o church_n only_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v profess_o heathen_a or_o if_o also_o when_o erroneous_a or_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a or_o in_o practice_n negligent_a and_o careless_a like_a gallio_n in_o what_o concern_v the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v astrict_v to_o the_o first_o because_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o a_o erroneous_a magistrate_n then_o to_o a_o profane_a and_o careless_a magistrate_n though_o he_o be_v not_o profess_o a_o heretic_n or_o erroneous_a if_o that_o authority_n be_v not_o improven_v for_o they_o and_o so_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n the_o church_n be_v to_o confederate_a and_o exercise_n authority_n within_o herself_o even_o then_o which_o will_v come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v call_v to_o assume_v this_o authority_n except_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o magistrate_n do_v take_v it_o on_o he_o and_o exercise_v it_o for_o her_o good_a for_o if_o he_o exercise_v it_o to_o her_o hurt_n it_o be_v better_a to_o want_v it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v turn_v near_o to_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o assume_v this_o power_n save_v where_o the_o magistrate_n
false_a prophet_n of_o baal_n or_o of_o antichrist_n be_v think_v more_o fit_a to_o have_v place_n than_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n this_o can_v be_v no_o good_a ground_n that_o do_v reflect_v only_o upon_o these_o that_o be_v faithful_a other_o be_v ready_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o please_a of_o man_n both_o in_o word_n and_o discipline_n 6._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v what_o may_v move_v man_n of_o judgement_n and_o part_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v conscientious_a to_o top_n with_o magistrate_n it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o self_n interest_n do_v that_o see_v flatterer_n that_o seek_v that_o most_o take_v the_o contrary_a way_n and_o come_v speed_n when_o as_o the_o most_o faithful_a be_v often_o under_o a_o cloud_n or_o be_v it_o like_o that_o the_o most_o zealous_a humble_a and_o tender_a shall_v be_v most_o subject_a to_o miscarry_v and_o if_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o reprove_v or_o censure_v either_o by_o word_n or_o discipline_n be_v it_o not_o most_o profitable_a even_o though_o most_o displease_v that_o it_o be_v do_v 7._o consider_v who_o most_o ready_o fret_v at_o this_o power_n it_o will_v be_v find_v they_o be_v such_o who_o from_o inclination_n to_o lousnesse_n or_o error_n can_v abide_v any_o band_n or_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o politic_a indifferency_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v mould_v all_o in_o a_o state-frame_n and_o such_o be_v embitter_v at_o freedom_n in_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o power_n in_o govern_v or_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v lead_v with_o a_o prejudice_n at_o the_o power_n of_o ordinance_n which_o certain_o man_n natural_o be_v not_o free_a of_o and_o it_o will_v be_v advert_v in_o this_o 8._o consider_v that_o this_o mistake_n of_o churchmen_n power_n do_v often_o arise_v in_o such_o case_n wherein_o they_o be_v serve_v christ_n and_o man_n entertain_v it_o most_o in_o such_o time_n when_o their_o frame_n be_v least_o spiritual_a and_o sober_a as_o the_o observation_n thereof_o in_o experience_n will_v evidence_n what_o man_n at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n have_v be_v comfort_v in_o such_o a_o opposition_n or_o challenge_v for_o submission_n although_o contempt_n thereof_o have_v lie_v heavy_a on_o many_o and_o that_o to_o scare_v other_o from_o follow_v their_o way_n all_o therefore_o of_o all_o rank_n will_v be_v obte_v to_o advert_v to_o this_o lest_o they_o be_v find_v even_o fighter_n against_o god_n especial_o at_o such_o time_n when_o this_o design_n by_o some_o be_v drive_v lest_o by_o put_v to_o their_o hand_n to_o pull_v down_o this_o authority_n they_o themselves_o perish_v in_o the_o fall_n thereof_o and_o what_o do_v the_o advantage_n at_o most_o amount_v unto_o it_o be_v this_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a freedom_n to_o sin_n and_o few_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v from_o it_o or_o what_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v may_v be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o man_n laugh_v at_o their_o sin_n without_o be_v affect_v in_o the_o conscience_n by_o any_o convince_a mean_n have_v this_o ever_o profit_v any_o hitherto_o or_o have_v the_o right_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n ever_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o any_o and_o do_v not_o ordinary_o religion_n and_o discipline_n flourish_v together_o and_o be_v not_o congregation_n in_o best_a case_n where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o do_v not_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o in_o other_o place_n evident_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o people_n will_v consider_v these_o thing_n especial_o these_o who_o be_v engage_v singular_o for_o the_o support_v of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o a_o time_n of_o reckon_n will_v come_v when_o this_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o submission_n thereto_o according_a to_o man_n place_n and_o engagement_n will_v not_o be_v find_v so_o indifferent_a as_o now_o it_o be_v esteem_v by_o many_o and_o dispute_v of_o this_o kind_n we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v when_o the_o lord_n will_v declare_v that_o he_o have_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n what_o according_a to_o his_o will_n have_v be_v pronounce_v in_o this_o ordinance_n of_o discipline_n upon_o earth_n which_o by_o divine_n be_v well_o account_v to_o be_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o threaten_n contain_v in_o his_o word_n and_o add_v to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o weighty_a as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v unto_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o grace_n 2._o concern_v a_o minister_n relation_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n this_o relation_n between_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n be_v mention_v in_o all_o these_o epistle_n the_o minister_n or_o angel_n be_v call_v the_o minister_n of_o such_o a_o church_n peculiar_o here_o the_o church_n or_o candlestick_n be_v call_v his_o i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_a to_o inquire_v a_o little_a concern_v this_o mutual_a tie_n and_o relation_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o in_o the_o general_a 2._o in_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o peculiar_a tie_n 3._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o particular_o in_o these_o two_o 1._o if_o a_o minister_n as_o such_o be_v only_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n in_o which_o he_o serve_v and_o 2._o if_o that_o tie_n be_v such_o as_o upon_o no_o consideration_n it_o may_v be_v break_v or_o loose_v and_o he_o remove_v by_o transportation_n to_o some_o other_o charge_n we_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o not_o only_o because_o it_o serve_v to_o clear_v the_o text_n in_o hand_n but_o also_o because_o it_o supply_v somewhat_o yet_o defective_a in_o reference_n to_o a_o minister_n call_v of_o which_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v to_o wit_n what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o a_o call_v that_o be_v by_o transport_v of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v already_o fix_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o if_o a_o minister_n settle_v in_o some_o particular_a charge_n may_v upon_o occasion_n act_v ministerial_o in_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o a_o minister_n without_o the_o same_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o first_o we_o will_v distinguish_v a_o threefold_a relation_n that_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n stand_v into_o the_o first_o be_v a_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o he_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o ambassador_n this_o be_v the_o first_o relation_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o corinth_n 4.1_o and_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n 2_o corinth_n 5.20_o etc._n etc._n because_o they_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o and_o he_o peculiar_o be_v their_o master_n and_o owner_n in_o this_o respect_n also_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o church_n and_o so_o she_o be_v christ_n church_n purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n act_v 20.28_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a relation_n by_o which_o both_o angel_n and_o church_n be_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a master_n and_o owner_n of_o both_o and_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o church_n the_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n the_o church_n but_o both_o be_v christ_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o less_o principal_a relation_n which_o be_v delegatory_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a he_o to_o who_o both_o minister_n and_o church_n do_v belong_v think_v good_a to_o bestow_v minister_n as_o a_o gift_n unto_o his_o church_n in_o this_o respect_n minister_n relation_n be_v primary_o unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o 1_o corinth_n 12.28_o it_o be_v say_v god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o pastor_n some_o teacher_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n here_o we_o may_v see_v that_o minister_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o that_o same_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v apostle_n of_o and_o for_o that_o same_o end_n to_o wit_n the_o build_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o take_v in_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o from_o that_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o vers_fw-la 13._o etc._n etc._n do_v appear_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o minister_n principal_a relation_n and_o charge_n be_v christ_n church_n universal_a and_o his_o body_n and_o they_o be_v give_v thereto_o to_o wit_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n into_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o steward_n etc._n etc._n as_o paul_n have_v it_o 1_o timothy_n 3.15_o 3._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o relation_n as_o more_o particular_a and_o less_o principal_a and_o as_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a end_n and_o so_o minister_n be_v minister_n to_o particular_a
if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v bind_v he_o in_o his_o authority_n so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n without_o the_o same_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o be_v so_o tie_v to_o that_o church_n that_o for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n he_o may_v not_o be_v loose_v from_o it_o and_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o minister_n elsewhere_o for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v take_v these_o general_a conclusion_n for_o help_v we_o in_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o that_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o city_n and_o house_n one_o commonwealth_n ephes._n 2.19_o etc._n etc._n one_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n ●_o one_o bride_n and_o spouse_n etc._n etc._n which_o expression_n do_v hold_v forth_o this_o uunion_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o there_o be_v not_o two_o body_n city_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o must_v these_o place_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v that_o body_n into_o which_o we_o be_v enter_v by_o baptism_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o that_o city_n in_o which_o watchman_n be_v set_v and_o external_a ordinance_n and_o that_o commonwealth_n which_o succee_v to_o that_o which_o once_o be_v peculiar_a to_o israel_n and_o from_o which_o the_o gentile_n be_v once_o separate_v by_o a_o partition●wall_n which_o be_v now_o take_v down_o by_o the_o gospel_n conclusion_n 2._o although_o this_o church_n be_v one_o in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v subdivide_v in_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v as_o part_n of_o that_o whole_a this_o arise_v from_o accidental_a consideration_n of_o the_o number_n of_o professor_n distance_n of_o place_n and_o such_o like_a in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o her_o edification_n and_o the_o go_v about_o of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v yet_o be_v this_o subdivision_n without_o prejudice_n of_o the_o union_n foresay_a yea_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr thereto_o even_o as_o suppose_v a_o numerous_a city_n or_o incorporation_n shall_v be_v subdivide_v in_o so_o many_o quarter_n or_o lesser_a society_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a thus_o the_o church_n at_o first_o be_v one_o upon_o the_o former_a consideration_n upon_o this_o occasion_n do_v extend_v herself_o in_o this_o manner_n and_o these_o who_o just_o now_o be_v of_o one_o church_n and_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o ordinance_n be_v induce_v to_o divide_v in_o several_a society_n and_o meeting-place_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n yet_o continue_v still_o of_o the_o same_o body_n together_o in_o the_o first_o respect_n in_o which_o respect_n sometime_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n sometime_o again_o only_o in_o the_o singular_a as_o point_v out_o a_o unity_n such_o be_v these_o phrase_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n to_o add_v to_o the_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o respect_n the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o a_o integrall_a whole_a exist_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o say_v the_o whole_a world_n which_o do_v yet_o but_o exist_v in_o so_o many_o particular_a notion_n and_o have_v no_o existence_n distinct_a from_o they_o and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o genus_fw-la in_o this_o sense_n will_v not_o be_v intelligible_a conclus_fw-la 3._o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o owner_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o church_n have_v give_v minister_n principal_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o catholic_n church_n without_o respect_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n but_o as_o that_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a end_n as_o it_o be_v ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o it_o be_v one_o church_n to_o which_o both_o apostle_n pastor_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n be_v give_v and_o they_o have_v all_o one_o scope_n to_o wit_n the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o one_o commission_n to_o wit_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o principal_o be_v to_o engage_v soul_n to_o the_o bridegroom_n hence_o in_o their_o preach_v we_o be_v to_o conceive_v this_o order_n 1._o apostle_n and_o minister_n etc._n etc._n treat_v with_o sinner_n to_o have_v they_o engage_v by_o faith_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o master_n for_o who_o they_o treat_v 2._o to_o enter_v they_o in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n as_o the_o enter_v of_o they_o within_o christ_n house_n in_o general_a without_o respect_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n as_o when_o philip_n act_v 8._o do_v first_o preach_v christ_n to_o the_o eunuch_n and_o afterward_o do_v baptise_v he_o and_o then_o leave_v he_o and_o 3._o be_v thus_o enter_v and_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o catholic_n church_n thereupon_o follow_v their_o enter_v into_o particular_a congregation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o convenient_o and_o commodious_o edify_v and_o provide_v for_o as_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n house_n shall_v be_v who_o therefore_o be_v commit_v to_o some_o special_a overseer_n and_o steward_n for_o that_o end_n as_o suppose_v the_o eunuch_n have_v be_v admit_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n for_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n therein_o after_o his_o baptism_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o general_a which_o be_v seal_v by_o baptism_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o he_o but_o of_o what_o particular_a church_n he_o may_v be_v a_o member_n that_o by_o after_o conveniency_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v whence_o it_o do_v appear_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n as_o universal_a beside_o the_o consider_v of_o she_o in_o particular_a church_n 2._o that_o the_o church_n so_o consider_v as_o a_o integrall_a whole_a be_v before_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o they_o be_v derive_v from_o she_o 3._o that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v relate_v principal_o to_o the_o whole_a their_o commission_n be_v in_o common_a to_o build_v the_o body_n to_o watch_v the_o city_n feed_v the_o flock_n preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o delegation_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o this_o that_o be_v so_o as_o this_o may_v be_v the_o more_o orderly_a and_o convenient_o follow_v even_o as_o suppose_v so_o many_o elderman_n or_o watchman_n be_v by_o some_o superior_a design_v for_o the_o govern_n and_o watch_v of_o one_o city_n and_o shall_v for_o the_o better_a accomplish_v thereof_o have_v their_o several_a quarter_n and_o division_n assign_v to_o they_o yet_o still_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v as_o governor_n and_o watchman_n of_o the_o city_n principal_o and_o not_o of_o these_o particular_a portion_n only_o conclus_fw-la 4._o although_o they_o be_v design_v principal_o for_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o their_o commission_n will_v bear_v they_o to_o treat_v any_o where_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o catholic_n officer_n of_o that_o church_n nor_o at_o their_o arbitrament_n to_o treat_v where_o they_o will_v but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n which_o he_o have_v settle_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o part_n of_o that_o whole_a that_o be_v the_o way_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o for_o edification_n i_o say_v 1._o they_o be_v not_o catholic_n officer_n there_o be_v great_a odds_o here_o betwixt_o officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o catholic_n officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v such_o the_o pope_n claim_v to_o be_v that_o be_v to_o have_v a_o immediate_a access_n for_o exercise_v the_o trust_n equal_o to_o all_o place_n officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v place_v in_o it_o for_o the_o build_n up_o thereof_o and_o have_v commission_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o end_n yet_o be_v it_o to_o be_v execute_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o that_o be_v as_o christ_n call_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n shall_v give_v they_o access_n for_o although_o as_o be_v say_v they_o have_v a_o power_n and_o commission_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o watchman_n of_o the_o city_n indefinite_o yet_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la they_o be_v special_o delegated_a for_o such_o and_o such_o congregation_n or_o post_n as_o be_v hint_v in_o the_o former_a similitude_n in_o this_o respect_n peter_n and_o paul_n be_v apostle_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n equal_o yet_o for_o the_o good_a thereof_o by_o special_a appointment_n peter_n become_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o paul_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o paul_n can_v not_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o
circumcision_n nor_o peter_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o a_o equal_a manner_n hence_o that_o argument_n may_v be_v answer_v if_o a_o minister_n be_v a_o minister_n to_o more_o congregation_n beside_o his_o own_o then_o he_o must_v either_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o own_o equal_o and_o so_o have_v common_a charge_n of_o all_o which_o be_v indeed_o absurd_a and_o will_v constitute_v he_o a_o catholic_n officer_n or_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o some_o other_o kind_n than_o to_o his_o own_o which_o be_v also_o absurd_a and_o will_v introduce_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o office_n and_o officer_n it_o be_v answer_v actu_fw-la primo_fw-la he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o all_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o minister_n or_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n but_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la and_o in_o respect_n of_o special_a delegation_n he_o be_v peculiarly_a minister_n of_o that_o congregation_n whereto_o particular_o he_o be_v appoint_v in_o which_o respect_n paul_n and_o peter_n be_v equal_o and_o yet_o not_o equal_o apostle_n of_o the_o same_o catholic_n church_n conclus_fw-la 5._o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o particular_a delegation_n yet_o be_v it_o profitable_a that_o a_o minister_n shall_v exerce_fw-la ministerial_a act_n upon_o occasion_n warrantable_o call_v for_o the_o same_o in_o other_o church_n and_o when_o call_v to_o it_o he_o may_v do_v it_o not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n but_o also_o authoritative_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n and_o commission_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n even_o by_o that_o same_o authority_n and_o warrant_n whereby_o ordinary_o he_o minister_v within_o his_o own_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v act_n of_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o major_n of_o several_a town_n or_o sheriff_n of_o several_a county_n who_o can_v exerce_fw-la authority_n out_o of_o their_o own_o bound_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o herald_n of_o one_o king_n have_v authority_n to_o charge_n in_o his_o name_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v within_o his_o dominion_n although_o for_o the_o better_a supply_n of_o the_o subject_n some_o of_o they_o be_v design_v for_o one_o corner_n some_o of_o they_o for_o another_o of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o they_o be_v like_o ambassador_n authorize_v to_o treat_v with_o rebellious_a subject_n who_o have_v each_o of_o they_o authority_n to_o treat_v and_o conclude_v with_o whosoever_o shall_v come_v in_o their_o way_n although_o for_o the_o better_a carry_v one_o of_o that_o treaty_n some_o of_o they_o be_v design_v for_o such_o a_o corner_n and_o to_o try_v at_o such_o a_o place_n and_o other_o elsewhere_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v joint_o ambassador_n and_o any_o of_o they_o warrant_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o treat_v and_o conclude_v with_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o power_n so_o that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o capitulation_n with_o one_o of_o they_o be_v equal_o strong_a and_o bind_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v close_v with_o another_o although_o for_o eschew_v of_o confusion_n they_o meet_v in_o their_o treaty_n several_o it_o be_v so_o here_o every_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n upon_o god_n occasional_a call_v have_v warrant_n to_o propose_v the_o same_o term_n and_o conclude_v the_o treaty_n with_o a_o sinner_n yea_o to_o seal_v it_o in_o any_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o own_o which_o may_v be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v further_o in_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o the_o power_n and_o commission_n which_o a_o minister_n have_v to_o perform_v ministerial_a duty_n he_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n the_o master_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o his_o ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o therefore_o may_v his_o power_n extend_v itself_o to_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n he_o be_v a_o herald_n authorize_v to_o proclaim_v in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o king_n as_o far_o therefore_o as_o his_o authority_n as_o master_n do_v reach_v so_o far_o may_v his_o ministerial_a delegation_n under_o he_o upon_o just_a occasion_n be_v extend_v indeed_o be_v his_o authority_n derive_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o can_v be_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o mistake_n but_o his_o authority_n be_v derive_v from_o christ_n the_o master_n though_o in_o a_o mediate_a way_n and_o the_o minister_n be_v his_o ambassador_n treat_v and_o perform_v all_o his_o act_n in_o his_o name_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o deny_v this_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o servant_n where_o the_o master_n be_v acknowledge_v 2._o consider_v that_o the_o master_n intent_n in_o send_v minister_n be_v by_o they_o not_o only_o to_o edify_v particular_a congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o be_v say_v a_o minister_n therefore_o in_o his_o act_n as_o a_o minister_n upon_o such_o occasion_n must_v be_v as_o a_o minister_n in_o they_o otherwise_o he_o be_v only_o give_v as_o a_o minister_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n 3._o if_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v principal_a and_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n subordinate_a to_o that_o then_o must_v his_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o the_o case_n foresay_a extend_v itself_o to_o other_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n beside_o that_o particular_a congregation_n because_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n propter_fw-la quod_fw-la unumquedgue_fw-la est_fw-la tal●_n id_fw-la ipsum_fw-la est_fw-la magis_fw-la tale_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o because_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o be_v therefore_o capable_a to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o if_o his_o authority_n reach_v to_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a then_o much_o more_o must_v he_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o have_v be_v clear_v minister_n be_v in_o capacity_n of_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o such_o and_o such_o congregation_n because_o such_o congregation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o minister_n be_v appoint_v to_o edify_v the_o same_o and_o do_v undertake_v that_o particular_a charge_n as_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o general_a end_n of_o edify_v the_o whole_a even_o as_o watchman_n take_v the_o oversight_n of_o such_o a_o post_n because_o they_o be_v watchman_n of_o the_o city_n and_o their_o oversee_n such_o a_o place_n in_o particular_a do_v contribute_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a 4._o their_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v from_o christ_n will_v suit_v as_o well_o in_o one_o congregation_n as_o in_o another_o it_o be_v indefinite_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n without_o respect_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a people_n and_o it_o agree_v also_o with_o their_o office_n and_o his_o end_n see_v therefore_o their_o commission_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v not_o bound_v what_o warrant_n be_v there_o to_o bound_v their_o authority_n as_o if_o as_o ambassador_n they_o do_v treat_v with_o one_o people_n and_o as_o private_a person_n with_o another_o whereas_o their_o commission_n in_o itself_o be_v indefinite_a and_o by_o accidental_a consideration_n but_o appropriate_v some_o way_n to_o one_o people_n more_o than_o another_o for_o further_o clear_v whereof_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o bound_n in_o christian_a policy_n asign_v to_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o may_v they_o authoritative_o as_o apostle_n act_n anywhere_o in_o the_o church_n therefore_o will_v not_o the_o particular_a allot_v of_o congregation_n for_o minister_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n confine_v their_o authority_n within_o the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v apostle_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o may_v use_v apostolic_a power_n in_o any_o part_n thereof_o which_o a_o minister_n can_v do_v yet_o proportional_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o that_o same_o church_n as_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o as_o that_o peculiar_a delegation_n do_v not_o mar_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n when_o it_o be_v call_v for_o any_o other_o where_o for_o although_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n yet_o peter_n have_v still_o apostolic_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o paul_n to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o exercise_v it_o so_o may_v a_o minister_n have_v ministerial_a power_n in_o ministerial_a act_n and_o may_v act_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o when_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o own_o congregation_n 2._o if_o apostle_n may_v use_v apostolic_a power_n and_o as_o apostle_n act_n without_o the_o
that_o what_o success_n he_o have_v be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o his_o countenance_v of_o he_o because_o thou_o thyself_o haste_v but_o a_o little_a strength_n and_o this_o show_v that_o as_o oftentimes_o christ_n be_v most_o tender_a to_o the_o weak_a believer_n so_o also_o to_o the_o weak_a minister_n that_o be_v yet_o send_v by_o he_o and_o honest_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o commission_n 2._o it_o be_v mention_v here_o to_o heighten_v the_o commendation_n that_o follow_v to_o wit_n that_o though_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n yet_o thou_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n it_o be_v the_o join_n of_o these_o two_o together_o that_o show_v wherefore_o this_o be_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o expression_n which_o most_o express_o hold_v forth_o the_o commendation_n be_v thou_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n by_o keep_v of_o the_o word_n here_o be_v not_o only_o understand_v the_o keep_n of_o purity_n in_o doctrine_n but_o especial_o these_o two_o 1._o a_o keep_v it_o in_o practice_n by_o be_v conform_v thereto_o in_o their_o walk_n 2._o a_o avow_v preach_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o minister_n and_o his_o adhere_n to_o and_o own_n of_o the_o same_o in_o his_o station_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o reproach_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o for_o the_o scope_n relate_v especial_o to_o the_o minister_n ●his_v keep_v of_o the_o word_n must_v imply_v also_o something_o peculiar_a to_o he_o which_o be_v common_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o this_o word_n of_o keep_v the_o lord_n charge_v the_o last_o word_n thou_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o do_v import_n more_o than_o be_v assert_v to_o wit_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o trial_n thou_o have_v meet_v with_o yet_o thou_o not_o only_o haste_v not_o faint_o deny_v my_o name_n but_o have_v open_o and_o confident_o avow_v and_o confess_v the_o same_o and_o these_o two_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o little_a strength_n which_o this_o angel_n have_v do_v make_v the_o evidence_n and_o commendation_n of_o his_o honesty_n the_o more_o wonderful_a in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o verse_n the_o lord_n give_v two_o special_a encouragement_n unto_o they_o have_v also_o some_o testimony_n of_o their_o bygone_a integrity_n include_v in_o they_o it_o be_v like_o this_o honest_a church_n have_v be_v under_o a_o twofold_a persecution_n as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o some_o of_o the_o former_a epistle_n 1._o from_o the_o corrupt_a and_o unbelieving_a jew_n who_o have_v synagogue_n in_o many_o place_n do_v prove_v great_a persecuter_n and_o reproacher_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o worshipper_n this_o the_o lord_n do_v encourage_v they_o against_o in_o the_o 9_o vers_fw-la 2._o from_o heathen_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o he_o comfort_v they_o vers_n 10._o the_o consolation_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o vers_n 9_o do_v express_v these_o three_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o description_n of_o these_o corrupt_a jew_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o but_o do_v lie_v that_o be_v they_o indeed_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o god_n covenant_v people_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o do_v lie_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o now_o they_o be_v break_v off_o by_o their_o unbelief_n be_v true_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o follower_n of_o he_o as_o we_o expound_v it_o chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 9_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n make_v to_o this_o church_n i_o will_v make_v they_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o in_o sum_n it_o be_v this_o these_o corrupt_a jew_n do_v now_o calumniate_v thou_o as_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o of_o my_o church_n nor_o belove_v by_o i_o but_o faith_n be_v by_o my_o inward_a power_n i_o will_v so_o move_v and_o incline_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v willing_o come_v and_o worship_v before_o thy_o foot_n and_o know_v indeed_o that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o the_o word_n of_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v two_o way_n understand_v and_o we_o conceive_v that_o both_o come_v well_o in_o here_o 1._o they_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o sincere_a conversion_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v i_o will_v convert_v many_o of_o these_o blasphemer_n and_o as_o a_o evidence_n thereof_o make_v they_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n that_o be_v real_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o assembly_n with_o thou_o like_o that_o word_n isa._n 60.14_o the_o son_n also_o of_o they_o that_o afflict_v thou_o shall_v come_v bend_v unto_o thou_o and_o they_o that_o despise_v thou_o shall_v bow_v themselves_o down_o at_o the_o sole_n of_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v call_v thou_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n and_o in_o this_o expression_n the_o prophet_n scope_n be_v to_o foretell_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n in_o the_o first_o language_n be_v i_o will_v give_v they_o etc._n etc._n which_o do_v express_v more_o significant_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n as_o to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o very_a excellent_a and_o singular_a gift_n to_o he_o to_o have_v blasphemer_n make_v convert_n and_o also_o it_o show_v the_o 〈◊〉_d hereof_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o christ_n grace_n this_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o meaning_n and_o be_v clear_a 1._o from_o the_o scope_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n keep_v the_o door_n open_a before_o this_o minister_n for_o his_o encouragement_n to_o wit_n his_o make_v the_o word_n powerful_a for_o the_o captivate_a of_o gainsayer_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n 2._o the_o word_n add_v and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o seem_v to_o import_v something_o of_o a_o kindly_a principle_n act_v they_o in_o this_o again_o 2._o the_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v as_o hold_v forth_o a_o feign_a submission_n of_o many_o unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n who_o from_o christ_n clear_a own_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v make_v be_v as_o it_o be_v astonish_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o to_o say_v doubtless_o god_n be_v among_o such_o a_o people_n of_o a_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v 1_o corinth_n 14.25_o and_o this_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o her_o splendour_n and_o happiness_n that_o her_o enemy_n shall_v lie_v or_o give_v feign_a obedience_n unto_o she_o deut._n 33._o 29._o and_o a_o thing_n also_o that_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n respect_v to_o his_o church_n we_o take_v it_o in_o under_o this_o promise_n likewise_o so_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v i_o will_v give_v some_o of_o these_o jew_n as_o real_a convert_v unto_o thou_o and_o other_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o my_o respect_n to_o thou_o as_o shall_v make_v they_o counterfeit_v in_o their_o profession_n and_o give_v thou_o some_o reverence_n also_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o convert_v the_o promise_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o this_o reality_n shall_v be_v universal_a among_o these_o corrupt_a jew_n and_o according_a to_o the_o former_a exposition_n these_o word_n which_o follow_v and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o be_v two_o waye●_n also_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o wit_n either_o of_o such_o a_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o the_o save_a effect_n of_o god_n love_n to_o such_o a_o people_n which_o beget_v a_o charitable_a persuasion_n in_o they_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o such_o and_o such_o person_n or_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o some_o common_a and_o general_a conviction_n flow_v from_o some_o outward_a evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n which_o often_o be_v in_o many_o hypocrite_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o verse_n be_v the_o lord_n make_v this_o promise_n so_o observable_a both_o by_o double_v and_o repeat_v the_o same_o and_o also_o by_o prefix_v a_o behold_v at_o every_o time_n thereunto_o which_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n be_v most_o rare_a which_o be_v here_o promise_v ●o_o wit_n to_o have_v blasphemer_n make_v convert_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a favour_n to_o a_o minister_n or_o church_n when_o such_o a_o mercy_n be_v bestow_v and_o 3._o that_o although_o it_o be_v difficult-like_a yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v sure_a see_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o say_v of_o this_o church_n the_o lord_n have_v repeat_v the_o same_o the_o encouragement_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o persecution_n follow_v
understand_v than_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v as_o then_o in_o be_v as_o the_o other_o officer_n that_o be_v mention_v and_o to_o have_v have_v their_o beginning_n immediate_o after_o christ_n ascension_n the_o second_o pla●e_n be_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o lord_n institute_v teacher_n in_o his_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o other_o officer_n and_o what_o can_v these_o teacher_n be_v but_o such_o as_o we_o account_v ordinary_a minister_n their_o title_n bear_v out_o their_o office_n especial_o to_o be_v in_o teach_v a_o three_o place_n be_v rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o where_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o be_v require_v to_o wait_v upon_o their_o office_n and_o certain_o can_v but_o be_v understand_v of_o ordinary_a pastor_n who_o special_a duty_n consist_v in_o these_o and_o consider_v the_o doctor_n paraphrase_n upon_o these_o verse_n we_o conceive_v that_o either_o there_o he_o expound_v they_o of_o such_o as_o teach_v for_o the_o time_n which_o do_v confirm_v what_o we_o say_v or_o do_v make_v it_o a_o direction_n to_o such_o as_o afterward_o may_v be_v call_v to_o that_o office_n whereby_o he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o be_v for_o the_o time_n this_o be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o exhort_v and_o teach_v as_o present_a duty_n of_o some_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o show_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n be_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o ground_n from_o scripture_n be_v such_o place_n as_o hold_v forth_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v place_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n as_o act._n 14.23_o now_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o diocesian_a church_n or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o the_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o ordinary_a presbyter_n or_o pastor_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o very_o considerable_a city_n as_o that_o in_o cenchrea_n rom._n 16.1_o which_o yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o want_v officer_n as_o also_o these_o of_o judea_n and_o galatia_n and_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o any_o village_n or_o part_n of_o the_o country_n beside_o many_o church_n be_v mention_v to_o be_v in_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o and_o certain_o all_o have_v teacher_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o they_o be_v all_o diocesian_a bishop_n they_o must_v therefore_o be_v understand_v of_o ordinary_a pastor_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o scripture_n be_v these_o that_o speak_v of_o many_o elder_n in_o one_o city_n as_o in_o ephesus_n act._n 20.17_o 28._o and_o philipp●_n philip._n 1.1_o in_o jerusalem_n in_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o beside_o the_o extraordinary_a officer_n that_o be_v there_o there_o be_v also_o many_o ordinary_a teacher_n and_o presbyter_n i_o know_v that_o author_n will_v repel_v this_o easy_o by_o assert_v that_o all_o these_o be_v metropolitan_a church_n and_o that_o these_o other_o presbyter_n be_v inferior_a bishop_n and_o that_o these_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o these_o particular_a town_n which_o be_v mention_v only_o but_o to_o all_o the_o country_n whereof_o these_o be_v metropolitan_a city_n and_o church_n but_o to_o this_o we_o oppose_v 1._o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n where_o neither_o the_o word_n metropolitan_a nor_o the_o thing_n be_v hard_a of_o 2._o this_o make_v two_o sort_n of_o prelatical_a bishop_n when_o yet_o whatever_o be_v understand_v by_o bishop_n in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v clear_a they_o be_v but_o of_o one_o degree_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o rule_n for_o ordination_n for_o qualification_n trial_n and_o ever_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_o give_v for_o all_o 3._o this_o contrare_v the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n to_o say_v that_o when_o he_o write_v to_o philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n he_o write_v to_o all_o macedonia_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o inscription_n put_v great_a difference_n between_o his_o write_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o city_n and_o his_o writing_n to_o several_a church_n in_o a_o country_n as_o by_o his_o direction_n to_o corinth_n philippi_n coloss_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o one_o case_n and_o his_o direction_n not_o to_o any_o church_n in_o a_o particular_a town_n but_o to_o the_o church_n in_o galatia_n and_o to_o all_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o other_o case_n be_v clear_a which_o be_v do_v to_o show_v that_o the_o one_o respect_v a_o particular_a town_n and_o the_o christian_n in_o it_o and_o the_o other_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o whole_a country_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o will_v mark_v how_o he_o distinguish_v thessalonica_n from_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n 1_o thes._n 1.7_o and_o how_o coloss._n 4.16_o he_o command_v to_o read_v that_o epistle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o far_o from_o this_o town_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o understand_v the_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v name_v yet_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v more_o bishop_n in_o philippi_n and_o more_o minister_n in_o thessalonica_n as_o 1_o epist._n chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 12._o now_o to_o put_v his_o gloss_n upon_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n say_v he_o thessalonica_n be_v a_o metropolis_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o bishop_n in_o macedonia_n be_v write_v unto_o when_o thessalonica_n be_v write_v unto_o how_o then_o shall_v vers_n 7_o and_o 8._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n be_v paraphrase_a so_o that_o you_o be_v example_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n this_o will_v be_v the_o meaning_n you_o christian_n of_o macedonia_n be_v example_n to_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o macedonia_n which_o be_v absurd_a yea_o himself_o do_v paraphrase_n it_o thus_o and_o this_o in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n that_o your_o example_n have_v a_o happy_a influence_n raise_v a_o emulation_n in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o other_o city_n in_o macedonia_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o particular_a city_n and_o that_o as_o distinct_a from_o other_o particular_a city_n in_o macedonia_n last_o there_o be_v diverse_a minister_n of_o coloss_n for_o colos._n 4.12_o epaphras_n be_v mention_v as_o one_o of_o their_o number_n who_o certain_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o again_o vers_fw-la 17._o archippus_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o plurality_n of_o minister_n in_o one_o place_n what_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o these_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o philip._n 4.15_o etc._n etc._n who_o preach_v christ_n some_o sincere_o and_o some_o out_o of_o envy_v these_o it_o seem_v be_v all_o in_o rome_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n pleaded-for_a a_o four_o sort_n of_o scripture_n be_v these_o that_o give_v direction_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o call_n and_o try_v of_o the_o qualification_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o these_o same_o direction_n warrant_v to_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n in_o all_o aftertime_n and_o if_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n ought_v now_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o the_o same_o qualification_n to_o be_v inquire_v for_o in_o ordinary_a minister_n etc._n etc._n by_o virtue_n of_o these_o rule_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o presbyter_n in_o these_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o ordinary_a minister_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a except_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o any_o direction_n be_v give_v at_o all_o for_o try_v and_o ordain_v minister_n in_o the_o scripture_n beside_o the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o lay_v down_o these_o rule_n be_v to_o direct_v officer_n how_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o all_o other_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n a_o four_o consideration_n which_o we_o propose_v be_v that_o this_o denial_n of_o preaching-presbyters_a be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o false_a supposition_n for_o it_o supponeth_n 1._o the_o number_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v be_v few_o 2._o that_o a_o office_n may_v be_v afterward_o institute_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o institute_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n now_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o reason_n 1._o if_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v so_o numerous_a in_o many_o place_n as_o in_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v feed_v sufficient_o by_o one_o bishop_n it_o
omnipotency_n and_o omnisciencie_n of_o the_o same_o and_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o infinite_a and_o immense_a and_o so_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v perceive_v the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o application_n of_o doctor_n hamond_n on_o this_o place_n former_o mention_v who_o do_v apply_v these_o seven_o spirit_n as_o represent_v the_o seven_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v compare_v to_o lamp_n because_o of_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o flow_v therefrom_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v lamp_n of_o fire_n burn_v that_o be_v to_o point_v out_o that_o the_o save_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v heat_n and_o a_o purify_n efficacy_n with_o their_o light_n to_o warm_v the_o heart_n with_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o consume_v and_o eat_v up_o the_o dross_n of_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n matth._n 3.11_o that_o he_o shall_v baptise_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n which_o last_o word_n express_v the_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o former_a they_o be_v call_v seven_o lamp_n or_o spirit_n because_o though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n yet_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o difference_n of_o administration_n and_o operation_n as_o it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n of_o which_o we_o speak_v chap._n 1._o last_o these_o lamp_n be_v say_v to_o be_v before_o the_o throne_n to_o show_v that_o as_o king_n have_v their_o throne_n and_o court_n lighten_v with_o lamp_n and_o torch_n so_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o church_n lighten_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o operation_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v so_o place_v as_o thereby_o light_n may_v be_v give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o elder_n that_o be_v round_o about_o he_o this_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o lord_n stateliness_n and_o of_o the_o church_n glory_n that_o his_o spirit_n be_v there_o and_o by_o he_o it_o be_v covenant_v to_o his_o church_n for_o their_o good_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n according_a as_o the_o word_n be_v isai._n 59.21_o as_o for_o i_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n with_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ●ver_n the_o four_o thing_n mark_v as_o before_o this_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o vers_n 6._o and_o before_o the_o throne_n there_o be_v a_o sea_n of_o glass_n like_v unto_o crystal_n a_o sea_n be_v a_o great_a vessel_n for_o contain_v of_o water_n call_v a_o sea_n for_o the_o bigness_n thereof_o as_o 1_o king_n 7.23_o it_o be_v say_v that_o solomon_n make_v a_o melt_a sea_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o end_n thereof_o be_v that_o therein_o the_o priest_n may_v wash_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o also_o themselves_o in_o their_o approach_n unto_o the_o altar_n this_o be_v both_o for_o great_a use_n and_o ornament_n in_o that_o legal_a service_n and_o also_o be_v typical_a of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o we_o and_o our_o sacrifice_n be_v accept_v in_o our_o approach_n to_o god_n by_o it_o here_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v understand_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o its_o efficacy_n which_o do_v real_o that_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v but_o typical_o perform_v by_o that_o sea_n in_o solomon_n temple_n certain_o all_o circumstance_n will_v agree_v well_o to_o confirm_v this_o for_o 1._o it_o agree_v well_o to_o the_o scope_n to_o show_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o this_o blood_n be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a ornament_n thereof_o hence_o heb._n 12.23_o and_o 24._o when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n which_o do_v there_o expres●e_a the_o militant_a church_n it_o be_v also_o add_v that_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o etc._n etc._n to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o that_o excellent_a society_n be_v close_v with_o this_o sweet_a expression_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v etc._n etc._n which_o intimate_v this_o to_o be_v a_o main_a comfortable_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o furnitour_n to_o say_v so_o of_o the_o gospel-church_n 2._o see_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mention_v immediate_o before_o in_o their_o sanctify_a virtue_n it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a that_o the_o justify_v virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o as_o join_v therewith_o for_o they_o go_v well_o together_o therefore_o chap._n 15.2_o this_o sea_n be_v say_v to_o be_v mingle_v with_o fire_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o this_o fire_n of_o the_o spirit_n here_o place_v with_o it_o 3._o this_o will_v agree_v well_o with_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v call_v the_o sea_n to_o wit_n to_o show_v the_o fullness_n thereof_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o same_o 4._o it_o be_v before_o the_o throne_n to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v that_o blood_n to_o wash_v sinner_n that_o they_o may_v approach_v unto_o he_o with_o boldness_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o heb._n 10.19_o and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v no_o approach_v to_o he_o but_o by_o the_o same_o last_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o glass_n like_v unto_o crystal_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v not_o to_o express_v the_o britelnesse_n thereof_o for_o the_o mention_v of_o it_o to_o be_v like_o crystal_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o that_o but_o be_v to_o express_v its_o excellency_n and_o fitness_n to_o contain_v and_o preserve_v what_o be_v in_o it_o clean_a and_o pure_a in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v of_o a_o excellency_n beyond_o that_o of_o solomon_n which_o be_v but_o of_o brass_n yet_o it_o may_v also_o signify_v how_o reverent_o and_o warry_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o leave_v by_o proud_a presumption_n that_o blood_n be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o despise_v which_o be_v so_o tender_o reserve_v as_o in_o a_o sea_n of_o glass_n this_o interpretation_n we_o think_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o also_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v chap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 2._o of_o the_o saint_n their_o stand_v on_o this_o sea_n after_o their_o victory_n over_o the_o beast_n which_o may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v their_o wash_n of_o their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v chap._n 7._o vers_fw-la 14._o which_o also_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n for_o there_o be_v no_o obtain_n of_o victory_n over_o the_o beast_n by_o any_o no●_n yet_o a_o maintain_n of_o the_o ●ame_n but_o by_o have_v footing_n upon_o christ_n by_o faith_n which_o will_v make_v the_o saint_n indeed_o to_o sing_v as_o victor_n and_o conqueror_n over_o all_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o chap._n 12._o vers_fw-la 11._o they_o overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n i_o know_v it_o be_v ordinary_o apply_v to_o the_o world_n and_o its_o brittlenesse_n which_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o application_n not_o unuseful_a yet_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v mention_v as_o one_o of_o the_o ornament_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o church_n and_o as_o a_o singular_a evidence_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v place_v before_o the_o throne_n even_o in_o that_o same_o room_n which_o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v as_o also_o consider_v that_o it_o must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v within_o the_o guard_n of_o angel_n mention_v chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 11._o we_o conceive_v it_o can_v aggree_v to_o the_o world_n take_v as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n especial_o consider_v that_o its_o be_v resemble_v to_o a_o sea_n of_o glass_n and_o that_o not_o of_o common_a glass_n but_o that_o which_o be_v as_o crystal_n be_v not_o to_o aggrege_n the_o brittlenesse_n thereof_o but_o clear_o to_o commend_v and_o set_v forth_o its_o excellency_n as_o be_v something_o of_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a value_n beside_o this_o word_n sea_n in_o this_o place_n do_v not_o look_v to_o these_o rage_a water_n which_o be_v call_v sea_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o dry_a land_n the_o mistake_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o usual_a application_n but_o it_o express_v a_o
great_a vessel_n make_v for_o use_n and_o ornament_n and_o according_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o house_n of_o great_a man_n and_o be_v particular_o mention_v among_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o ceremonial_a worship_n as_o be_v former_o mark_v and_o be_v especial_o for_o wash_v or_o bathe_v thereinto_o now_o these_o consideration_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o world_n as_o express_v the_o vanity_n and_o worthlesnesse_n thereof_o neither_o will_v there_o be_v any_o just_a analogy_n find_v betwixt_o the_o two_o whereby_o the_o one_o may_v be_v find_v to_o resemble_v or_o to_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o other_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v here_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o glorious_a train_n be_v four_o beast_n which_o be_v large_o insist_v on_o vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o and_o 8._o that_o these_o beast_n be_v mention_v immediate_o after_o the_o sea_n of_o glass_n it_o show_v that_o by_o the_o sea_n of_o glass_n must_v be_v understand_v something_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o his_o church_n see_v it_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o other_o commendation_n for_o that_o these_o beast_n be_v mention_v to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n can_v be_v question_v the_o word_n render_v beast_n be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o may_v be_v well_o translate_v live_v creature_n as_o it_o be_v ezek._n 1._o or_o live_v wight_n by_o these_o be_v not_o understand_v angel_n as_o in_o ezek._n 1._o and_o 10._o because_o chap._n 5.10_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v among_o the_o redeem_a and_o vers_fw-la 11._o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o indeed_o their_o follow_a description_n be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o these_o live_a wight_n or_o cherubim_n ezek._n 1._o there_o will_v be_v find_v a_o great_a difference_n nor_o second_o by_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v any_o of_o the_o glorify_a triumphant_a church_n because_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v give_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o also_o reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n chap._n 5.10_o and_o the_o scope_n be_v by_o they_o to_o express_v something_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a we_o conceive_v therefore_o by_o these_o beast_n so_o describe_v be_v understand_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v distinguish_v from_o professor_n who_o be_v call_v elder_n and_o as_o be_v describe_v like_o angel_n to_o show_v their_o eminency_n in_o some_o respect_n beyond_o the_o other_o for_o 1._o these_o beast_n or_o live_a creature_n for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v like_a to_o man_n do_v ever_o go_v before_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o guide_n to_o they_o therein_o 2._o because_o they_o do_v invite_v excite_v and_o inform_v other_o to_o and_o in_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o say_v come_v and_o see_v chap._n 6._o vers_fw-la 3.5.7_o 3._o they_o be_v describe_v as_o these_o cherubim_n or_o angel_n be_v ezek._n 1._o and_o yet_o be_v such_o angel_n as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n they_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n see_v these_o be_v ordinary_o design_v by_o the_o title_n angel_n in_o this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o more_o likely_a that_o they_o be_v describe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o angel_n even_o as_o they_o get_v their_o name_n 4._o we_o will_v find_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o description_n to_o be_v pertinent_o applicable_a to_o they_o as_o 1._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beast_n or_o live_a creature_n to_o show_v a_o special_a activity_n and_o fitness_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o even_o beyond_o other_o 2._o their_o number_n be_v four_o which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o professor_n be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o lord_n message_n to_o all_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o all_o side_n of_o the_o lord_n throne_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o oversight_n of_o his_o people_n as_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n march_v with_o four_o standard_n on_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o ark._n 3_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a of_o eye_n before_o and_o behind_o they_o have_v not_o one_o eye_n but_o many_o eye_n because_o they_o have_v many_o to_o watch_v over_o and_o many_o snare_n to_o give_v they_o warning_n of_o they_o have_v eye_n before_o that_o be_v to_o show_v their_o dependence_n on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a leader_n and_o captain_n that_o go_v before_o his_o people_n these_o that_o be_v under-guides_a have_v their_o eye_n on_o he_o for_o direction_n in_o the_o way_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o lead_v their_o people_n in_o and_o thus_o their_o eye_n before_o be_v mention_v before_o their_o eye_n behind_o to_o show_v that_o ere_o they_o give_v any_o direction_n to_o the_o flock_n that_o follow_v they_o they_o will_v look_v to_o the_o master_n for_o his_o order_n and_o so_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o servant_n look_v unto_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o master_n for_o observe_v of_o their_o direction_n psal._n 123._o 2._o they_o be_v also_o full_a of_o eye_n behind_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v watchful_a over_o these_o commit_v to_o they_o by_o point_v out_o that_o way_n to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v discover_v from_o god_n and_o by_o watchful_a observe_n how_o they_o follow_v the_o same_o as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 32._o vers_fw-la 8._o i_o will_v instruct_v thou_o and_o teach_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n which_o thou_o shall_v go_v i_o will_v guide_v thou_o with_o my_o eye_n which_o be_v to_o express_v the_o most_o tender_a way_n of_o direction_n and_o instruction_n also_o these_o expression_n serve_v well_o to_o show_v their_o particular_a watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o who_o have_v eye_n before_o they_o that_o import_v tenderness_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o eye_n behind_o which_o respect_v their_o tender_a observation_n of_o their_o bypass_a fail_n 4._o these_o beast_n be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o round_o about_o the_o same_o it_o may_v seem_v strange-like_a to_o say_v they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o about_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o the_o scripture-language_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v near_o it_o or_o to_o be_v full_o upon_o it_o and_o this_o part_n of_o the_o description_n show_v their_o nearness_n to_o god_n and_o their_o dignity_n beyond_o other_o for_o the_o elder_n have_v throne_n and_o crown_n but_o these_o beast_n and_o minister_n have_v the_o same_o throne_n with_o the_o lord_n as_o be_v near_o to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o service_n and_o as_o be_v of_o more_o eminent_a dignity_n because_o they_o be_v ambassador_n for_o he_o and_o act_n in_o his_o stead_n and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o they_o be_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n also_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v so_o without_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o throne_n but_o it_o be_v to_o show_v the_o lord_n wise_a way_n of_o dispose_v his_o minister_n unto_o all_o quarter_n for_o his_o church_n edification_n so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o together_o or_o upon_o any_o one_o side_n of_o the_o throne_n but_o they_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o upon_o all_o quarter_n thereof_o for_o edify_v of_o the_o elder_n or_o his_o people_n set_v out_o by_o they_o which_o be_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n as_o we_o former_o hear_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n we_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a description_n of_o the_o several_a shape_n of_o these_o beast_n which_o be_v the_o five_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v describe_v the_o first_o beast_n be_v like_o a_o lion_n the_o second_o beast_n like_o a_o calf_n the_o three_o beast_n have_v a_o face_n as_o a_o man_n the_o four_o beast_n be_v like_o a_o fly_a eagle_n by_o this_o diversity_n of_o form_n or_o shape_n be_v set_v forth_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o furnitour_n which_o the_o one_o holy_a spirit_n use_v to_o dispense_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n as_o 1_o corinth_n 12.4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o hereby_o the_o lord_n show_v that_o as_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v more_o eminent_a in_o some_o grace_n than_o other_o so_o minister_n be_v some_o of_o they_o eminent_a in_o one_o gift_n some_o of_o they_o in_o another_o as_o the_o lord_n mind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v barsabas_n the_o son_n of_o consolation_n with_o b●●nerges_n the_o son_n
in_o their_o approach_n unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v they_o want_v not_o a_o friend_n always_o present_a in_o that_o court._n for_o this_o end_n also_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v stand_v someway_o to_o declare_v his_o readiness_n to_o execute_v what_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o people_n edification_n and_o consolation_n for_o as_o a_o painful_a shepherd_n he_o stand_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n micah_n 5._o vers_fw-la 4._o four_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v seven_o horn_n and_o seven_o eye_n and_o these_o again_o be_v expound_v to_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n send_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o earth_n by_o these_o no_o create_a thing_n can_v be_v understand_v for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o lamb_n power_n or_o horn_n must_v be_v omnipotent_a that_o which_o be_v his_o eye_n must_v be_v omniscient_a and_o that_o which_o be_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v omnipresent_v this_o therefore_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n as_o be_v expound_v chap._n 1.4_o and_o chap._n 4.5_o here_o he_o be_v call_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o manifold_a operation_n seven_o horn_n and_o seven_o eye_n of_o the_o lamb_n because_o of_o that_o order_n of_o operation_n that_o be_v among_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o place_n former_o cite_v the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o description_n record_v here_o be_v in_o vers_n 7._o where_o the_o lamb_n advance_v as_o it_o be_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o his_o actual_a take_v the_o book_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o open_v the_o same_o be_v express_v and_o he_o come_v and_o take_v the_o book_n out_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n this_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o comfortable_a sight_n to_o john_n who_o have_v former_o give_v over_o the_o case_n as_o desperate_a do_v now_o see_v this_o lovely_a lamb_n proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o discover_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n and_o here_o we_o have_v first_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n distinct_o hold_v forth_o for_o there_o be_v 1._o one_o upon_o the_o throne_n with_o the_o book_n in_o his_o hand_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o lamb_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n distinct_a from_o the_o former_a two_o and_o all_o these_o on_o the_o same_o throne_n second_o we_o may_v see_v the_o three_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n hold_v forth_o here_o for_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v a_o lamb_n slay_v signify_v his_o priestly_a office_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o have_v horn_n and_o power_n do_v hold_v forth_o his_o kingly_a office_n 3._o that_o he_o take_v the_o book_n to_o open_v and_o to_o reveal_v god_n mind_n to_o his_o church_n be_v a_o express_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v prophet_n from_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v two_o thing_n be_v main_o to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o special_a overrule_a providence_n over_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o fall_v out_o which_o be_v new_a to_o he_o but_o what_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o write_v down_o as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o great_a consolation_n to_o his_o church_n there_o be_v no_o enemy_n that_o do_v rise_v up_o against_o she_o nor_o any_o heresy_n that_o break_v out_o among_o her_o member_n nor_o any_o event_n that_o occasional_o she_o seem_v to_o meet_v with_o but_o these_o be_v full_o determine_v by_o the_o lord_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o word_n we_o see_v of_o what_o excellent_a worth_n the_o mediator_n be_v beyond_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n how_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o he_o and_o how_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a we_o will_v be_v without_o he_o all_o the_o most_o glorious_a creature_n in_o heaven_n beside_o and_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v not_o give_v we_o ground_n of_o comfortable_a worship_v before_o god_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o mediator_n we_o may_v see_v also_o that_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o his_o people_n heartlesnesse_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v in_o their_o strait_n o_o how_o excellent_a a_o one_o be_v the_o mediator_n and_o o_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o continual_o to_o be_v improve_n he_o lord_n teach_v we_o that_o and_o to_o he_o be_v praise_n for_o ever_o amen_n lecture_n ii_o vers._n 8._o and_o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n have_v every_o one_o of_o they_o harp_n and_o golden_a vial_n full_a of_o odour_n which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n 9_o and_o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_v thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o thy_o blo●d_n out_o of_o every_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n 10._o and_o have_v make_v we_o unto_o our_o god_n king_n and_o priest_n and_o we_o shall_v reign_v on_o the_o earth_n 11._o and_o i_o behold_v and_o i_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o many_o angel_n round_o about_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o 12._o say_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n worthy_a be_v the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o receive_v power_n and_o riches_n and_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o blessing_n 13._o and_o every_o creature_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o under_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o hear_v i_o say_v blessing_n honour_n glory_n and_o power_n be_v unto_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o unto_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 14._o and_o the_o four_o beast_n say_v amen_o and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o express_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o what_o go_v before_o to_o wit_n the_o exalt_v of_o the_o mediator_n this_o be_v cast_v in_o betwixt_o his_o take_n of_o the_o book_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o his_o proceed_n actual_o to_o open_v the_o same_o that_o this_o singular_a work_n of_o the_o mediator_n may_v be_v make_v the_o more_o observable_a the_o occasion_n of_o the_o song_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o vers_n 8._o and_o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v when_o by_o this_o appear_v of_o the_o mediator_n in_o his_o office_n they_o have_v ground_n to_o expect_v the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o within-contained_n mystery_n then_o they_o praise_v the_o praise_n itself_o may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o three_o part_n according_a to_o the_o several_a party_n that_o take_v part_n therein_o for_o 1._o the_o redeem_a church_n begin_v and_o they_o sing_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o 8._o vers_fw-la and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o verse_n then_o 2._o the_o angel_n follow_v vers_n 11_o and_o 12._o in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o creature_n be_v brought-in_a join_v in_o this_o song_n vers_n 13._o and_o because_o the_o redeem_a have_v most_o interest_n in_o and_o obligation_n to_o the_o mediator_n who_o praise_n be_v peculiar_o express_v here_o therefore_o as_o they_o begin_v so_o they_o close_v vers_fw-la 14_o in_o the_o first_o part_n first_o the_o redeem_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o work_n vers_n 8._o second_o their_o praise_n be_v express_v vers_fw-la 9_o and_o 10._o in_o their_o description_n they_o be_v call_v four_o beast_n and_o twenty_o four_o elder_n whereof_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o fome_a chapter_n and_o show_v that_o by_o they_o most_o probable_o be_v hold_v forth_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o christ_n militant_a gospel-church_n and_o this_o place_n do_v confirm_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v contradistinguish_v from_o angel_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v redeem_a and_o make_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n which_o agree_v to_o all_o believer_n even_o upon_o earth_n as_o chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 6._o again_o their_o work_n here_o be_v not_o only_o to_o praise_v but_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o have_v vial_n full_a of_o odour_n as_o well_o as_o harp_n vers_fw-la 8._o and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sharer_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a dominion_n and_o to_o be_v priest_n to_o he_o even_o on_o earth_n yea_o their_o
that_o as_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n he_o do_v hold_v forth_o god_n peculiar_a respect_n to_o the_o elect_a world_n so_o upon_o the_o other_o he_o do_v hold_v forth_o god_n acceptation_n of_o all_o whosoever_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o the_o redemption_n may_v not_o stumble_v any_o in_o their_o approach_n to_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o word_n say_v in_o sum_n a_o believer_n can_v fail_v of_o salvation_n see_v god_n have_v that_o respect_n to_o his_o elect_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o purchase_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o these_o indefinite_a term_n and_o can_v but_o be_v true_a see_v it_o be_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n a_o four_o difficulty_n follow_v this_o opinion_n be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o christ_n can_v conditional_o die_v and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o redeem_n of_o many_o who_o be_v actual_o already_o condemn_v in_o hell_n yet_o this_o universal_a conditional_a redemption_n will_v infer_v this_o otherways_o the_o reprobate_n who_o live_v before_o christ_n death_n be_v not_o so_o much_o oblige_v to_o he_o as_o these_o who_o do_v succeed_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o although_o christ_n actual_o die_v in_o time_n yet_o the_o transaction_n be_v eternal_a before_o any_o man_n live_v in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v not_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n because_o though_o it_o be_v transact_v before_o time_n yet_o no_o question_n it_o be_v so_o regulate_v as_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o time_n now_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o transaction_n be_v in_o these_o term_n that_o the_o mediator_n shall_v die_v and_o lay_v down_o a_o price_n for_o so_o many_o elect_n who_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o glory_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o that_o also_o he_o shall_v pay_v so_o much_o in_o the_o name_n of_o so_o many_o reprobate_n who_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v actual_o damn_v at_o the_o time_n of_o payment_n and_o whatever_o be_v say_v of_o the_o transaction_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o christ_n suffering_n it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v score_v out_o so_o as_o christ_n do_v not_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n or_o die_v for_o they_o in_o any_o respect_n or_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o before_o god_n justice_n christ_n do_v bear_v the_o iniquity_n and_o pay_v in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o as_o be_v actual_o in_o hell_n suffer_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n at_o that_o same_o instant_n of_o time_n five_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o do_v become_v of_o all_o infant_n whether_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o without_o it_o who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n according_a to_o the_o former_a ground_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o determine_v for_o none_o can_v say_v upon_o the_o one_o side_n that_o they_o be_v all_o absolute_o redeem_v and_o save_v there_o be_v no_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n for_o this_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o upon_o condition_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o can_v be_v well_o understand_v for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v within_o the_o conditional_a covenant_n make_v with_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v more_o rigid_o construct_v of_o than_o these_o at_o age_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o perform_v act_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o fulfil_v that_o condition_n and_o this_o incapacity_n do_v not_o mere_o flow_v from_o man_n corruption_n as_o it_o do_v in_o man_n at_o age_n but_o be_v natural_a to_o young_a one_o as_o not_o to_o understand_v speak_v or_o walk_v be_v now_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o such_o child_n who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n upon_o condition_n that_o they_o shall_v understand_v speak_v walk_v etc._n etc._n or_o of_o a_o child_n die_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n suppose_v it_o be_v one_o not_o absolute_o redeem_v it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o that_o child_n be_v redeem_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o have_v walk_v speak_v etc._n etc._n when_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_o of_o one_o hour_n age_n again_o can_v it_o be_v say_v of_o child_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o redeem_v that_o it_o be_v indeterminable_a whether_o christ_n do_v die_v conditional_o for_o they_o or_o not_o at_o least_o till_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o age_n as_o they_o themselves_o may_v act_v faith_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o he_o redeem_v reprobate_a child_n in_o the_o church_n conditional_o as_o he_o do_v absolute_o redeem_v these_o that_o be_v elect_a although_o even_o these_o can_v act_v faith_n for_o he_o purchase_v to_o the_o elect_a save_a grace_n in_o the_o seed_n thereof_o and_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o whereof_o the_o young_a child_n be_v capable_a see_v therein_o they_o be_v mere_o passive_a but_o in_o that_o conditional_a redemption_n there_o be_v nothing_o purchase_v to_o any_o but_o upon_o condition_n that_o they_o receive_v christ_n offer_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o do_v suppose_v a_o activeness_n and_o act_v to_o be_v in_o these_o to_o who_o the_o offer_n be_v make_v of_o which_o child_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o if_o this_o condition_n can_v be_v suppose_v only_o to_o infer_v something_o wherein_o child_n may_v be_v mere_o passive_a then_o this_o will_v be_v the_o meaning_n thereof_o to_o wit_n that_o christ_n redeem_v such_o child_n upon_o condition_n that_o he_o himself_o shall_v confer_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n on_o they_o in_o receive_v of_o which_o they_o can_v only_o be_v passive_a which_o will_v not_o look_v like_o a_o conditional_a covenant_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o condition_n will_v be_v on_o christ_n side_n and_o not_o upon_o they_o and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v absolute_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o elect_a child_n neither_o will_v it_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n to_o say_v that_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o father_n privilege_n and_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v according_o for_o this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o save_a privilege_n so_o as_o if_o no_o elect_a parent_n can_v have_v a_o reprobate_a child_n or_o no_o reprobate_a parent_n a_o elect_a child_n die_v at_o such_o a_o age_n because_o these_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v bound_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o particular_a child_n beside_o experience_n in_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n to_o we_o to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n it_o must_v then_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o federall_a privilege_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o will_v say_v nothing_o to_o the_o difficulty_n because_o the_o doubt_n be_v still_o what_o to_o say_v of_o child_n that_o be_v within_o the_o conditional_a covenant_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o parent_n that_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o suppose_v they_o to_o die_v instant_o or_o in_o their_o nonage_n they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v conditional_o redeem_v because_o of_o the_o reason_n foresay_a six_o if_o the_o reprobate_n be_v conditional_o redeem_v then_o that_o redemption_n of_o they_o be_v either_o transact_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o the_o absolute_a redemption_n of_o the_o elect_n or_o not_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v comprehend_v within_o the_o same_o covenant_n because_o all_o such_o as_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o be_v contradistinguish_v from_o other_o as_o be_v the_o lord_n choose_v and_o such_o as_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n etc._n etc._n again_o this_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n include_v the_o mean_n with_o the_o end_n for_o it_o be_v order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o this_o conditional_a covenant_n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o and_o it_o will_v not_o sound_v well_o to_o say_v that_o the_o elect_v redemption_n and_o that_o of_o the_o reprobate_n be_v contain_v in_o one_o covenant_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a bargain_n beside_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n because_o 1._o that_o be_v indeed_o to_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v no_o redemption_n see_v it_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n 2._o the_o business_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v only_o transact_v in_o that_o covenant_n where_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v absolute_o conclude_v because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mid_n design_v for_o make_v of_o that_o effectual_a therefore_o ought_v it_o as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o merit_n to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o object_n of_o that_o
wrath_n the_o day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o can_v abide_v he_o what_o mean_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n who_o hazard_n without_o fear_n upon_o know_a cause_n of_o wrath_n and_o can_v live_v at_o feed_v with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o this_o wrath_n of_o his_o one_o day_n will_v be_v find_v unsupportable_a obs._n 7._o judgement_n oftentimes_o fall_v sore_a upon_o the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o that_o in_o man_n account_n may_v be_v think_v most_o secure_a king_n great_a man_n and_o mighty_a man_n be_v especial_o strike_v at_o partly_o because_o they_o use_v to_o be_v ringleader_n in_o the_o sin_n partly_o it_o serve_v most_o to_o the_o abase_v of_o creature_n and_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n justice_n and_o power_n partly_o to_o speak_v so_o they_o think_v more_o strange_a of_o it_o 8._o the_o stout_a man_n be_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o secure_a and_o confident_a they_o be_v in_o their_o sin_n oftentimes_o when_o wrath_n come_v they_o be_v find_v the_o more_o desperate_a coward_n because_o the_o more_o security_n be_v under_o sin_n the_o more_o force_n and_o power_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v waken_v there_o be_v a_o great_a odds_o here_o between_o the_o language_n of_o these_o gallant_n who_o now_o can_v abide_v the_o face_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o former_a bragging_n wherein_o often_o they_o have_v defy_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 9_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n so_o hard_o that_o the_o proud_a man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v decline_v nay_o by_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v desire_v it_o that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n when_o once_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o some_o gallant_n stand_v now_o upon_o their_o point_n and_o credit_n and_o will_v not_o flee_v where_o there_o credit_n be_v concern_v though_o it_o shall_v draw_v no_o sin_n upon_o they_o but_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o stick_n in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o flee_v to_o the_o base_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o will_v choose_v that_o the_o great_a mountain_n or_o rock_n shall_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o think_v no_o shame_n to_o cry_v for_o it_o yea_o annihilation_n will_v be_v welcome_a to_o they_o to_o prevent_v their_o appear_v before_o jesus_n christ_n man_n great_a man_n and_o stout_a man_n will_v have_v a_o far_a other_o language_n if_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o at_o their_o appear_v before_o he_o than_o now_o in_o their_o grandour_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o imagine_v obs._n 10._o when_o god_n reckon_v he_o need_v neither_o witness_n nor_o tormenter_n he_o have_v both_o these_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o most_o desperate_a enemy_n what_o a_o awband_n be_v it_o that_o god_n have_v over_o all_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v arm_v by_o god_n against_o they_o will_v be_v worse_a to_o encounter_v with_o than_o thousand_o of_o army_n this_o make_v man_n flee_v when_o none_o persu_v 11._o no_o king_n nor_o great_a one_o in_o the_o world_n upon_o any_o entreaty_n will_v be_v exempt_v from_o judgement_n but_o appear_v they_o must_v even_o though_o they_o can_v abide_v it_o what_o a_o torture_n must_v it_o be_v to_o be_v distract_v between_o these_o two_o a_o necessity_n of_o appear_v and_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n to_o endure_v that_o appear_v certain_o if_o man_n be_v to_o live_v and_o speak_v after_o some_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o become_v much_o wise_a in_o the_o order_n of_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o in_o give_v their_o advice_n to_o other_o than_o they_o be_v before_o as_o the_o rich_a glutton_n luke_o 16._o give_v advertisement_n to_o his_o brethren_n out_o of_o hell_n 12._o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o there_o will_v be_v no_o try_v when_o the_o lamb_n come_v in_o wrath_n to_o reckon_v with_o despiser_n he_o persu_v in_o wrath_n and_o they_o will_v fain_o flee_v but_o there_o be_v no_o treat_v aim_v at_o on_o either_o side_n 13._o this_o day_n of_o wrath_n be_v certain_o come_v and_o will_v come_v though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v delay_v we_o may_v well_o take_v all_o the_o instance_n of_o particular_a judgement_n as_o pledge_n of_o that_o day_n man_n will_v once_o find_v they_o have_v wrong_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v so_o little_o believe_v this_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n 14._o when_o that_o day_n come_v there_o will_v be_v great_a odds_o between_o god_n people_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o king_n and_o great_a one_o who_o despise_v they_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v glad_a in_o that_o day_n to_o exchange_v throne_n with_o the_o mean_a saint_n and_o will_v never_o attain_v it_o wrath_n when_o it_o come_v will_v make_v the_o world_n know_v of_o what_o worth_a godliness_n be_v and_o what_o a_o excellent_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o what_o advantage_n there_o be_v in_o have_v peace_n make_v with_o god_n through_o christ_n jesus_n these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n of_o god_n and_o who_o believe_v they_o not_o now_o will_v one_o day_n with_o the_o rich_a glutton_n find_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o lecture_n i._n chap._n vii_o vers._n 1._o and_o after_o these_o thing_n i_o see_v four_o angel_n stand_v on_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n hold_v the_o four_o wind_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o wind_n shall_v not_o blow_v on_o the_o earth_n nor_o on_o the_o sea_n nor_o on_o any_o tree_n at_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o divide_v this_o pprophecy_n into_o three_o principal_a prophecy_n hold_v forth_o and_o relate_v unto_o three_o principal_a period_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n suffering_n under_o heathen_n which_o be_v express_v by_o the_o seal_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v the_o second_o concern_v antichrist_n rise_v and_o dominion_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o trumpet_n the_o three_o concern_v the_o church_n outgate_n from_o under_o that_o storm_n be_v contain_v under_o the_o vial_n these_o two_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o because_o that_o second_o be_v a_o sad_a storm_n which_o may_v shake_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n if_o they_o be_v not_o strengthen_v against_o it_o the_o lord_n arm_v they_o in_o reference_n thereunto_o by_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o strong_a consolation_n 1._o by_o show_v his_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o own_o before_o the_o storm_n shall_v come_v 2._o by_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o church_n outgate_n from_o and_o victory_n over_o that_o strait_a which_o two_o take_v up_o the_o chapter_n and_o be_v put_v together_o in_o a_o little_a view_n and_o hint_n before_o the_o lord_n go_v on_o to_o describe_v the_o storm_n itself_o that_o thereby_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n and_o their_o consolation_n in_o reference_n thereto_o may_v be_v the_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o order_n of_o reveal_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o six_o seal_n the_o seven_o not_o be_v yet_o open_v but_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o the_o scope_n we_o will_v find_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o prophecy_n follow_v as_o preparatory_a to_o they_o and_o set_v down_o before_o the_o open_n of_o the_o seven_o seal_n to_o make_v the_o transition_n from_o the_o one_o prophesy_v to_o the_o other_o the_o more_o discernible_a and_o also_o to_o make_v the_o pprophecy_n come_v the_o more_o to_o be_v advert_v unto_o and_o the_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o chapter_n than_o have_v these_o two_o part_n 1._o the_o lord_n take_v care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o elect_n before_o the_o come_n of_o a_o storm_n by_o separate_v of_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o seal_n set_v they_o apart_o from_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v by_o it_o and_o because_o these_o prophecy_n represent_v the_o event_n to_o john_n as_o act_v therefore_o be_v this_o care_n of_o god_n also_o represent_v to_o he_o in_o that_o same_o manner_n before_o these_o event_n come_v this_o first_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o nine_o verse_n and_o the_o second_o part_n from_o the_o nine_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n hold_v forth_o a_o calm_a and_o flourish_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n after_o that_o storm_n in_o respect_n of_o number_n beauty_n and_o freedom_n in_o the_o serve_n of_o god_n which_o relate_v first_o unto_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o part_n foreshow_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n after_o
man_n to_o man_n of_o high_a place_n and_o power_n nor_o to_o man_n of_o riches_n wit_n and_o policy_n but_o to_o god_n it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a property_n and_o prerogative_n and_o what_o less_o than_o have_v god_n people_n at_o one_o time_n nor_o at_o another_o since_o he_o have_v salvation_n at_o command_n and_o he_o can_v give_v it_o commission_n when_o he_o will_v and_o when_o he_o commissionate_v it_o it_o will_v come_v psal._n 68.20_o our_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o salvation_n salvation_n hold_v of_o he_o and_o to_o who_o but_o to_o he_o belong_v the_o issue_n from_o death_n let_v none_o then_o ascribe_v it_o to_o any_o other_o nor_o seek_v it_o elsewhere_o nor_o let_v any_o be_v discourage_v when_o they_o desire_v it_o it_o be_v in_o a_o good_a hand_n isa._n 43.11_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o he_o bestow_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n purchase_v it_o 2._o let_v it_o comfort_n god_n people_n in_o a_o anxious_a time_n the_o faith_n of_o god_n have_v salvation_n in_o his_o hand_n may_v guard_v the_o heart_n and_o keep_v from_o much_o perplex_v anxiety_n that_o folk_n be_v put_v to_o under_o difficulty_n psal._n 3.8_o salvation_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n thy_o blessing_n be_v upon_o thy_o people_n 9_o salvation_n to_o our_o god_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n they_o ascribe_v it_o to_o he_o that_o hold_v it_o of_o he_o obs._n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o heaven-like_a than_o a_o humble_a hold_v of_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o this_o be_v heaven_n song_n heaven_n be_v full_a of_o it_o to_o denude_v ourselves_o and_o hold_v all_o of_o free_a grace_n to_o ascribe_v salvation_n free_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o lamb._n and_o as_o this_o become_v glory_n well_o so_o it_o glorifi_v god_n while_o folk_n be_v labour_v under_o a_o body_n of_o death_n to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o to_o they_o but_o to_o he_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o salvation_n belong_v to_o wash_v their_o hand_n of_o any_o good_a give_v they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v expect_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o freedom_n in_o that_o which_o they_o be_v to_o get_v as_o well_o as_o his_o riches_n in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v get_v this_o be_v the_o like_a life_n to_o heaven_n to_o be_v still_o praise_v free_a grace_n 10._o heaven_n and_o the_o song_n that_o will_v be_v in_o heaven_n may_v comfort_v god_n people_n even_o in_o time_n under_o these_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o here_o the_o hope_n of_o what_o be_v come_v may_v ally_v and_o only_o can_v ally_v the_o bitterness_n of_o what_o be_v present_a lecture_n v._n vers._n 11._o and_o all_o the_o angel_n stand_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n and_o about_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o fall_v before_o the_o throne_n on_o their_o face_n and_o worship_v god_n 12._o say_v amen_o blessing_n and_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o may_v be_v unto_o our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n 13._o and_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n answer_v say_v unto_o i_o what_o be_v these_o which_o be_v array_v in_o white_a robe_n and_o whence_o come_v they_o 14._o and_o i_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n thou_o know_v we_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o give_v a_o little_a glimpse_n of_o the_o glorious_a outgate_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v after_o the_o storm_n of_o antichrist_n and_o these_o corrupt_a teacher_n that_o be_v come_v to_o lay_v the_o church_n low_o this_o outgate_n be_v 1._o general_o represent_v to_o john_n from_o vers_fw-la 9_o to_o vers_n 13._o and_o then_o more_o particular_o explicate_v by_o a_o elder_a to_o john_n from_o vers_fw-la 13._o to_o the_o end_n the_o first_o have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o representation_n of_o the_o redeem_a church_n stand_v before_o the_o throne_n with_o white_a robe_n and_o palm_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o a_o sweet_a song_n in_o their_o mouth_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o 11._o and_o 12._o verse_n there_o be_v a_o further_a enlargement_n and_o explication_n of_o that_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o saint_n happiness_n by_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o angel_n admire_v god_n goodness_n to_o his_o church_n and_o take_v a_o share_n of_o the_o song_n of_o praise_n with_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o glorious_a piece_n of_o work_n as_o will_v serve_v not_o only_o all_o the_o saint_n but_o the_o angel_n also_o so_o then_o in_o these_o two_o verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o angel_n approbation_n of_o and_o concurrence_n with_o the_o redeemed_z church_n the_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v 1._o the_o harmony_n that_o be_v among_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o their_o praise_n god_n 2._o to_o show_v how_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a a_o ground_n of_o praise_n a_o flourish_a and_o victorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o it_o god_n give_v evidence_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o angel_n principality_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 3.10_o 3._o to_o show_v that_o angel_n delight_v in_o the_o church_n flourish_v and_o in_o the_o thrive_a of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 15.7_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n so_o here_o by_o hold_v forth_o the_o incoming_a of_o many_o sinner_n and_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o angel_n be_v make_v cheerful_a at_o the_o news_n of_o it_o 4._o to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n of_o praise_n it_o will_v and_o do_v take_v up_o angel_n to_o go_v about_o it_o it_o be_v a_o work_n become_v even_o they_o the_o glorious_a condition_n abide_v the_o church_n shall_v furnish_v all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n matter_n of_o praise_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o glorious_a outgate_n might_n exceed_o comfort_v john_n and_o other_o who_o be_v to_o live_v under_o those_o difficulty_n more_o particular_o this_o company_n of_o angel_n be_v set_v out_o 1._o in_o their_o posture_n they_o stand_v and_o they_o be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o same_o posture_n chap._n 5._o the_o reason_n of_o their_o stand_n be_v to_o show_v not_o only_o their_o reverence_v of_o god_n but_o their_o great_a dependence_n on_o god_n as_o servant_n wait_v for_o direction_n from_o he_o and_o their_o readiness_n to_o obey_v what_o order_n he_o give_v they_o it_o signify_v also_o their_o privilege_n to_o stand_v there_o deut._n 10.8_o 2._o they_o be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o stand_v it_o be_v about_o the_o throne_n elder_n and_o beast_n as_o we_o show_v chap._n 6._o to_o signify_v the_o end_n of_o their_o service_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v between_o god_n throne_n and_o they_o they_o be_v without_o as_o a_o guard_n and_o wall_n to_o the_o redeem_a church_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n all_o of_o they_o for_o the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n heb._n 1.14_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o angel_n they_o surround_v the_o throne_n and_o the_o church_n keep_v they_o in_o and_o keep_v out_o from_o they_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v annoy_v they_o and_o consequent_o they_o be_v round_o about_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n mention_v before_o vers_fw-la 9_o who_o be_v before_o the_o throne_n yea_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o these_o be_v here_o omit_v though_o that_o be_v their_o place_n and_o elder_n and_o beast_n mention_v to_o stand_v there_o where_o former_o they_o stand_v must_v be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o elder_n or_o beast_n see_v the_o place_n and_o guard_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v put_v between_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o difference_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n signify_v by_o the_o elder_n from_o such_o a_o particular_a company_n bring_v through_o antichrist_n tribulation_n vers_fw-la 14_o and_o 15._o and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o in_o these_o respect_n distinguish_v from_o the_o whole_a which_o strengthen_v the_o exposition_n we_o give_v before_o of_o these_o elder_n represent_v the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o probable_o they_o have_v not_o be_v omit_v if_o they_o have_v be_v a_o party_n distinct_a from_o the_o church_n otherways_o than_o a_o part_n be_v from_o the_o whole_a neither_o can_v any_o other_o reason_n be_v give_v why_o these_o elder_n do_v not_o join_v in_o praise_n with_o the_o church_n or_o angel_n as_o chap._n 4_o and_o 5_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o praise_n be_v so_o solemn_a but_o because_o their_o join_n or_o praise_n be_v former_o express_v by_o the_o company_n
have_v access_n at_o their_o solemn_a time_n and_o this_o allusion_n hold_v forth_o that_o as_o the_o inner_a court_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o outer_a be_v small_a and_o as_o many_o have_v access_n to_o this_o which_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o former_a so_o during_o this_o time_n the_o number_n of_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v be_v few_o though_o the_o multitude_n of_o nominal_a professor_n shall_v be_v great_a because_o the_o lord_n will_v set_v apart_o some_o few_o to_o himself_o and_o disow_v the_o rest_n even_o as_o if_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o have_v appoint_v the_o outer_a court_n to_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o inner_a the_o great_a part_n have_v be_v reject_v but_o the_o better_a part_n reserve_v so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel-church_n at_o that_o time_n some_o few_o like_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v order_v and_o set_v aside_o for_o himself_o and_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o professor_n leave_v out_o without_o any_o such_o special_a care_n which_o leave_v or_o cast_v out_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o be_v seal_v and_o so_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o god_n chap._n 7._o and_o this_o measure_n will_v be_v sound_a to_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v seal_v the_o second_o allusion_n of_o measure_v respect_v that_o vision_n ezek._n 40.41_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v signify_v 1._o the_o lord_n put_v a_o difference_n among_o professor_n of_o that_o time_n and_o that_o profession_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n pass_v but_o they_o must_v be_v try_v and_o put_v to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v so_o 2._o it_o hold_v out_o the_o lord_n set_v apart_o of_o some_o for_o himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o other_o who_o be_v neglect_v thus_o the_o land_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v ezek._n 47.18_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n israel_n be_v often_o call_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n inheritance_n psal._n 74._o 2._o jer._n 10.16_o etc._n etc._n as_o measure_v by_o to_o he_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n 3._o it_o signify_v a_o care_n and_o special_a oversight_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o in_o the_o temple_n beside_o other_o as_o if_o he_o be_v building_n and_o prepare_v a_o house_n for_o they_o even_o like_o a_o little_a sanctuary_n to_o rest_v in_o during_o that_o time_n thus_o measure_v of_o the_o temple_n here_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o outer_a court_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v or_o so_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o agree_v with_o that_o chap._n 12.14_o of_o provide_v a_o place_n for_o the_o woman_n i.e._n the_o church_n during_o the_o same_o time_n and_o last_o this_o measure_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o open_n of_o it_o chap._n 15._o and_o open_v of_o it_o there_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o enlarge_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o open_a light_n this_o here_o must_v signify_v a_o secret_a retire_a state_n of_o the_o church_n want_v that_o splendour_n and_o visibility_n of_o ordinance_n which_o it_o have_v before_o this_o time_n and_o which_o after_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n sound_v it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o three_o allusion_n be_v unto_o daniel_n prophesy_v of_o antiochus_n his_o make_v desolate_a of_o the_o material_a temple_n dan._n 7.13_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o sanctuary_n be_v tread_v upon_o during_o such_o a_o time_n under_o antiochus_n so_o shall_v the_o visible_a face_n of_o the_o church_n be_v abuse_v and_o overrun_v by_o antichrist_n follower_n during_o his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o same_o yet_o still_o will_v the_o lord_n preserve_v a_o remnant_n as_o in_o that_o former_a case_n vers._n 1._o now_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a more_o particular_o to_o clear_v the_o word_n wherein_o there_o be_v 1._o something_o do_v 2._o something_o say_v and_o there_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o a_o reed_n like_o unto_o a_o rod._n a_o reed_n be_v use_v in_o measure_v either_o to_o find_v out_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o thing_n or_o the_o regularity_n of_o a_o thing_n or_o for_o the_o divide_n and_o set_v apart_o of_o it_o it_o be_v give_v to_o john_n not_o only_o to_o signify_v the_o smallnesse_n of_o that_o number_n which_o shall_v be_v set_v apart_o for_o god_n for_o as_o number_v import_v fewness_n so_o measure_v do_v smallnesse_n and_o the_o regularnesse_n of_o their_o worship_n beside_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n during_o this_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o multitude_n but_o that_o the_o rule_n behove_v to_o be_v apply_v for_o discern_v of_o it_o and_o these_o who_o be_v furnish_v by_o a_o measure_n reed_n shall_v find_v it_o out_o and_o none_o other_o that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o what_o he_o shall_v measure_v 2._o what_o he_o shall_v not_o measure_v 3._o why_o his_o direction_n what_o to_o do_v be_v rise_v and_o measure_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n therein_o the_o temple_n here_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o court_n of_o priest_n where_o the_o altar_n stand_v it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o outer_a court_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n these_o that_o worship_n therein_o point_v out_o true_a worshipper_n who_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o outer_a court_n with_o the_o multitude_n to_o who_o they_o be_v oppose_v vers_fw-la 2._o but_o like_o priest_n to_o god_n they_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o temple_n where_o the_o altar_n be_v signify_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o prescribe_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o will-worship_n of_o other_o particular_o their_o continue_v to_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o altar_n which_o the_o multitude_n do_v not_o inquire_v for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o after_o they_o be_v try_v and_o find_v for_o god_n himself_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n be_v what_o shall_v not_o be_v measure_v and_o that_o be_v the_o court_n without_o the_o temple_n leave_n or_o cast_v it_o out_o and_o measure_v it_o not_o sai_z he_o by_o which_o be_v understand_v the_o visible_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o external_a professor_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o outer_a court_n during_o the_o jewish_a service_n this_n not_o measure_v of_o it_o imply_v a_o slight_n and_o misregard_v of_o it_o and_o not_o set_v it_o apart_o as_o the_o former_a as_o the_o follow_a word_n do_v clear_a 3._o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v for_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o holy_a city_n shall_v they_o tread_v under_o foot_n forty_o and_o two_o month_n where_o 1._o the_o state_n of_o the_o outer_a court_n be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n 2._o the_o height_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o tyranny_n be_v express_v the_o holy_a city_n shall_v they_o tread_v under_o foot_n forty_o and_o two_o month_n by_o the_o law_n gentiles_n be_v inhibit_v the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o outer_a court_n so_o this_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n must_v suppose_v a_o profane_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o corrupt_v and_o mix_v of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o worship_n even_o as_o admission_n of_o gentile_n to_o the_o outer_a court_n will_v have_v be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o which_o paul_n be_v complain_v of_o act_v 21._o by_o gentiles_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o proper_o pagan_n for_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o possess_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o partake_v its_o name_n for_o it_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o outer_a court_n even_o while_o it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o be_v tread_v on_o by_o they_o beside_o as_o be_v hint_v the_o time_n of_o their_o tread_v of_o it_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o his_o vassal_n and_o follower_n they_o be_v call_v gentile_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o although_o they_o seem_v to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o so_o do_v not_o destroy_v but_o possess_v the_o outer_a court_n and_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n propagate_v by_o they_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v account_v gentile_n than_o christian_n in_o which_o respect_n their_o head_n antichrist_n chap._n 13._o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o name_n of_o blasphemy_n even_o as_o the_o pagan_a head_n have_v
his_o final_a overthrow_n but_o be_v immediate_o to_o follow_v that_o time_n when_o all_o nation_n worship_v he_o see_v further_o chap._n 6._o lect._n 1_o the_o second_o objection_n be_v that_o before_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n blow_n the_o beast_n kingdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v shake_v with_o a_o considerable_a ruin_n which_o say_v some_o must_v belong_v to_o the_o vial_n some_o whereof_o therefore_o must_v contemporate_a with_o the_o six_o trumpet_n answ._n what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o exposition_n will_v abundant_o clear_v this_o in_o a_o word_n the_o six_o trumpet_n hint_v the_o turn_n which_o the_o seven_o do_v consummate_v and_o it_o show_v that_o immediate_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o witness_n kill_v there_o succeed_v a_o glorious_a face_n of_o a_o church_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o be_v which_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o application_n former_o give_v will_v bear_v out_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n turn_v antichrist_n high_o fury_n against_o his_o church_n and_o witness_n to_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o mean_v of_o further_a his_o own_o ruin_n and_o bring_v of_o his_o church_n to_o some_o foot_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o six_o trumpet_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o open_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v before_o shut_v out_o of_o which_o the_o angel_n with_o the_o seven_o vial_n do_v proceed_v which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o shake_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n antecedent_n to_o the_o vial_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n even_o as_o much_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o six_o trumpet_n for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o supponeth_n a_o visible_a church-state_n and_o some_o victory_n over_o antichrist_n to_o be_v begin_v from_o all_o which_o the_o contemporate_n of_o this_o seven_o trumpet_n with_o these_o seven_o vial_n do_v the_o more_o evident_o appear_v which_o we_o have_v insist_v the_o largly_a upon_o because_o it_o be_v a_o main_a pillar_n that_o support_v the_o series_n lay_v down_o chap._n 6._o and_o do_v make_v the_o connexion_n clear_v here_o although_o we_o profess_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o to_o come_v particular_o to_o the_o word_n then_o the_o sum_n and_o scope_n of_o these_o follow_a verse_n be_v by_o anticipation_n to_o give_v a_o little_a view_n what_o the_o vial_n express_v more_o full_o from_o antichrist_n begin_v ruin_n to_o its_o close_a and_o this_o be_v bring_v in_o here_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o consolation_n of_o god_n people_n that_o before_o he_o insist_v in_o the_o particular_a explicatory_a pprophecy_n of_o the_o church_n trial_n from_o the_o beast_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v they_o may_v have_v a_o hint_n of_o the_o happy_a outgate_n follow_v it_o and_o it_o do_v lay_v open_a a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a condition_n to_o she_o close_o before_o he_o again_o begin_v to_o deduce_v it_o from_o its_o beginning_n this_o happy_a outgate_n be_v three_o way_n express_v 1._o by_o a_o heavenly_a proclamation_n of_o good_a news_n vers_fw-la 15._o 2._o by_o a_o excellent_a song_n of_o thanksgiving_n vers_fw-la 16_o 17_o 18._o 3._o by_o a_o type_n or_o vision_n vers_fw-la 19_o all_o which_o be_v but_o general_o hint_v without_o mention_v any_o particular_a because_o that_o be_v reserve_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o vial_n the_o general_a proclamation_n be_v there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o where_o we_o have_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o news_n 2._o whence_o they_o come_v the_o news_n have_v two_o branch_n one_o be_v concern_v the_o present_a happy_a change_n the_o kingdom_n be_v become_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o be_v concern_v the_o continuance_n thereof_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o by_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n we_o understand_v not_o all_o kingdom_n but_o some_o or_o many_o call_v kingdom_n in_o opposition_n to_o person_n or_o family_n or_o part_n of_o nation_n now_o the_o body_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o be_v express_o say_v chap._n 15.4_o parallel_v to_o this_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_v before_o thou_o they_o be_v call_v kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n to_o show_v that_o such_o nation_n as_o former_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v god_n shall_v now_o submit_v to_o he_o the_o scope_n be_v to_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o antichrist_n begin_v ruin_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o former_a paucity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o true_a church_n they_o be_v say_v to_o become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o what_o former_o they_o be_v they_o be_v his_o by_o creation_n but_o be_v not_o of_o his_o church_n nor_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v his_o christ_n as_o head_n but_o own_v another_o master_n now_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n by_o special_a acknowledge_v of_o he_o and_o they_o become_v his_o christ_n by_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o alone_o in_o a_o word_n this_o their_o become_v his_o now_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n to_o he_o such_o as_o no_o nation_n former_o be_v and_o as_o once_o the_o jew_n be_v his_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n beside_o this_o be_v expound_v chap._n 15.4_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_v before_o he_o by_o give_v their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v the_o perpetuity_n and_o eternity_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v express_v dan._n 2._o that_o of_o his_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n for_o even_o under_o antichrist_n height_n of_o tyranny_n this_o be_v true_a our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v a_o kingdom_n then_o but_o this_o reign_v relate_v to_o his_o visible_a continue_v of_o a_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o have_v immediate_o before_o this_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o vers_fw-la 17._o in_o a_o word_n christ_n have_v now_o take_v on_o he_o to_o have_v a_o visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o shall_v continue_v without_o such_o a_o universal_a eclipse_n by_o antichrist_n or_o any_o other_o to_o the_o end_n these_o news_n be_v proclaim_v by_o great_a voice_n from_o heaven_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v either_o proper_o of_o the_o joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o praise_n which_o god_n get_v there_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o one_o sinner_n much_o more_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o nation_n or_o which_o especial_o we_o rest_v in_o figurative_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v just_a now_o constitute_v and_o the_o witness_n set_v therein_o they_o before_o this_o speak_v silent_o now_o with_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n they_o cry_v and_o praise_v the_o rather_o we_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o faithful_a minister_n because_o in_o the_o song_n follow_v we_o find_v only_o mention_v make_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o the_o minister_n or_o beast_n be_v silent_a who_o chap._n 4._o and_o 5._o use_v in_o their_o thanksgiving_n to_o go_v before_o the_o elder_n this_o therefore_o be_v like_a to_o be_v from_o they_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o delightsome_a message_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n isa._n 52.7_o to_o say_v unto_o zion_n thy_o god_n reign_v 2._o the_o event_n of_o this_o trumpet_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o thanksgiving_n song_n of_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n where_o 1._o their_o posture_n be_v set_v down_o next_o their_o praise_n by_o elder_n as_o on_o chap._n 4._o be_v show_v be_v represent_v the_o believer_n who_o now_o also_o have_v get_v to_o seat_n again_o and_o a_o visible_a profession_n which_o be_v not_o heard-of_a during_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o the_o temple_n measure_v and_o the_o woman_n be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n they_o do_v also_o public_o acknowledge_v this_o mercy_n and_o praise_n for_o it_o and_o by_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o acknowledge_v their_o have_v that_o settle_a condition_n from_o he_o and_o that_o humility_n and_o reverence_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a for_o praise_n in_o a_o prosperous_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v for_o prayer_n under_o adversity_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o song_n point_v at_o two_o particular_n in_o the_o event_n of_o this_o trumpet_n 1._o god_n take_v to_o himself_o a_o kingdom_n for_o his_o people_n good_a 2._o his_o plead_n against_o his_o enemy_n and_o execute_v justice_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o first_o vers_n 17._o they_o begin_v with_o god_n title_n lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o be_v to_o come_v it_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o and_o be_v here_o apply_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o god_n right_o taken-up_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o
he_o as_o chap._n 13._o the_o opposition_n be_v clear_a they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o whore_n be_v now_o turn_v to_o christ._n 3._o they_o be_v the_o lord_n as_o family_n and_o city_n in_o the_o act_n be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v church_n as_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o paul_n at_o ephesus_n i_o have_v much_o people_n in_o this_o place_n that_o be_v a_o flourish_a numerous_a church_n to_o be_v convert_v here_o by_o thy_o ministry_n who_o be_v gather_v become_v a_o church_n revel_v 2.1_o and_o so_o a_o people_n be_v the_o lord_n be_v their_o become_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v equivalent_a as_o to_o say_v that_o nation_n be_v a_o church_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o these_o in_o ephesus_n be_v write_v unto_o rev._n 2.1_o out_o of_o all_o which_o may_v be_v conclude_v if_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v that_o nation_n shall_v be_v the_o lord_n and_o nation_n shall_v be_v church_n then_o the_o scripture_n do_v assert_v national_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o as_o consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n administration_n but_o as_o a_o evident_a commendation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a from_o this_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o last_o also_o for_o a_o song_n be_v give_v to_o god_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o objection_n to_o be_v remove_v the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o national_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yea_o where_o sundry_a family_n and_o church_n of_o one_o nation_n be_v convert_v they_o be_v style_v church_n and_o not_o one_o church_n so_o may_v it_o be_v here_o answ._n 1._o it_o will_v not_o be_v safe_a in_o some_o thing_n to_o stick_v literal_o to_o word_n so_o as_o none_o other_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o what_o be_v express_o in_o the_o letter_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o its_o infancy_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o no_o whole_a nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v convert_v and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n see_v that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v prime_a part_n be_v long_o after_o that_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o though_o a_o minor_a part_n be_v call_v by_o church_n and_o not_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n see_v the_o nation_n and_o church_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v not_o national_a ans._n 2._o yet_o the_o equivalent_a be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n two_o way_n 1._o when_o many_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n corinth_n which_o be_v more_o than_o one_o congregation_n and_o may_v it_o not_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v give_v to_o many_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o well_o compare_v 1_o corinth_n 1.2_o with_o 14.34_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o one_o church_n have_v more_o in_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v equivalent_a when_o many_o church_n of_o one_o people_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n count_v as_o one_o and_o call_v one_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o the_o hebrew_n be_v all_o when_o they_o be_v write_v to_o call_v one_o house_n h●b_n 3.6_o yet_o have_v many_o officer_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o be_v the_o object_n of_o writing_n and_o by_o peter_n one_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v call_v one_o lump_n chap._n 5._o and_o write_v unto_o in_o common_a to_o cut_v off_o they_o that_o trouble_v they_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o grow_a of_o a_o rent_n among_o they_o which_o certain_o show_v we_o that_o church_n in_o one_o nation_n have_v danger_n common_a to_o they_o all_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o other_o and_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o respective_o and_o rent_n and_o strive_n wherewith_o they_o peculiar_o be_v bite_v and_o devour_v it_o show_v also_o there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a unity_n to_o be_v rend_v some_o great_a ●ye_z and_o union_n that_o make_v they_o as_o one_o lump_n to_o be_v in_o hazard_n and_o some_o ground_n give_v they_o accuse_v to_o go_v united_o about_o these_o duty_n which_o otherwise_o be_v impossible_a to_o they_o some_o way_n peculiar_a to_o they_o in_o that_o one_o nation_n more_o than_o with_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o answ._n 3._o the_o scripture_n express_o call_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n by_o one_o church_n which_o apparent_o be_v that_o same_o with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v the_o same_o officer_n for_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o all_o the_o believer_n reckon_v in_o jerusalem_n dwell_v in_o the_o town_n but_o it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o church_n which_o paul_n persecute_v be_v one_o church_n act_v 8.3_o but_o that_o be_v especial_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o they_o but_o all_o that_o call_v on_o christ_n name_n act_v 9.1.2.14_o wherever_o they_o be_v all_o of_o that_o way_n 9.21_o especial_o jew_n wherefore_o he_o have_v letter_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o high_a priest_n which_o reach_v not_o to_o gentile_n for_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o he_o enter_v in_o synagogue_n to_o persecute_v yet_o that_o church_n which_o he_o persecute_v be_v the_o church_n in_o judea_n who_o upon_o his_o conversion_n from_o persecution_n be_v say_v immediate_o to_o have_v rest_n chap._n 9.31_o compare_v with_o it_o act_n 26.9_o 10.11_o etc._n etc._n yea_o from_o that_o we_o may_v argue_v the_o church_n which_o paul_n do_v persecute_v be_v one_o church_n chap._n 8.3_o but_o that_o comprehend_v all_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o way_n and_o the_o church_n of_o all_o judea_n samaria_n and_o ga●ilie_n as_o appear_v vers_n 1_o 2_o 31._o chap._n 9_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o church_n or_o thus_o if_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n may_v be_v one_o there_o may_v be_v a_o national_a church_n but_o they_o be_v one_o these_o who_o have_v rest_n by_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o same_o who_o be_v trouble_v by_o his_o persecution_n for_o that_o chap._n 9.31_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o paul_n conversion_n but_o these_o who_o have_v ●●st_n be_v many_o church_n and_o these_o who_o be_v persecute_v be_v but_o one_o ergo_fw-la these_o many_o be_v one_o and_o that_o one_o be_v many_o take_v one_o other_o place_n gal._n 1._o compare_v vers_fw-la 13_o 22_o 23_o 25._o there_o be_v one_o church_n speak_v of_o vers_n 13._o there_o be_v church_n of_o judea_n speak_v of_o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o yet_o both_o be_v one_o therefore_o it_o must_v mean_v as_o much_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n these_o church_n of_o judea_n be_v many_o church_n to_o who_o paul_n be_v unknown_a but_o these_o church_n be_v these_o who_o paul_n persecute_v say_v they_o vers_fw-la 23._o he_o that_o persecute_v we_o that_o be_v we_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la that_o one_o church_n who_o he_o persecute_v vers_fw-la 13._o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n include_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n neither_o will_v it_o be_v of_o force_n to_o say_v this_o make_v the_o church_n national_a as_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o jew_n because_o for_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n differ_v from_o make_v the_o church_n national_a or_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o that_o nation_n which_o be_v the_o jew_n privilege_n beyond_o all_o nation_n neither_o be_v it_o good_a reason_n person_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nation_n and_o stock_n therefore_o of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o follow_v that_o seed_n be_v what_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v doubt_v if_o israel_n be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v good_a reason_n such_o a_o nation_n have_v give_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o christ_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o church_n again_o in_o that_o respect_n a_o city_n or_o family_n be_v not_o more_o consistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o church_n than_o a_o whole_a nation_n for_o no_o particular_a city_n or_o family_n have_v promise_n beyond_o other_o under_o the_o gospel_n yet_o any_o city_n or_o family_n become_v christian_n become_v a_o church_n and_o all_o their_o member_n be_v church-member_n and_o what_o more_o be_v pleaded-for_a or_o can_v be_v deny_v unto_o nation_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v except_v that_o a_o nation_n be_v many_o for_o many_o professor_n be_v promise_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o reign_n by_o their_o multitude_n as_o their_o purity_n or_o holiness_n be_v another_o when_o join_v together_o hence_o also_o second_o we_o may_v from_o the_o former_a ground_n argue_v for_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n thus_o if_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n
immediate_o after_o their_o birth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o in_o their_o very_a infancy_n even_o as_o pharaoh_n seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o jew_n male_a child_n exod._n 1.23_o 3._o as_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o preserve_v till_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o he_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o enemy_n malice_n and_o craft_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n seed_n 4._o as_o he_o immediate_o after_o his_o birth_n be_v pursue_v make_v to_o flee_v and_o carry_v to_o egypt_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o the_o gospel-church_n who_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o flee_v immediate_o after_o the_o first_o delivery_n this_o allusion_n be_v the_o more_o probable_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o egypt_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v about_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a which_o be_v here_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n wildernesse-condition_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o herod_n reign_n he_o do_v not_o flee_v immediate_o as_o appear_v by_o mary_n continue_v till_o her_o purification_n luk._n 2._o and_o by_o herod_n kill_v the_o young_a child_n of_o about_o two_o year_n old_a mat._n 2._o and_o he_o return_v from_o egypt_n immediate_o after_o herod_n death_n who_o reign_v full_a thirty_o four_o year_n whereby_o the_o suitablenesse_n of_o this_o time_n may_v be_v gather_v and_o last_o as_o herod_n vent_v his_o malice_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n where_o christ_n be_v bear_v after_o his_o escape_n so_o do_v the_o devil_n here_o vent_v his_o malice_n upon_o the_o church_n seed_n after_o her_o deliverance_n we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n which_o contain_v the_o church_n first_o war_n with_o the_o dragon_n not_o but_o the_o dragon_n fight_v also_o under_o antichrist_n but_o more_o covert_o and_o in_o another_o shape_n here_o more_o palpable_o which_o be_v first_o summary_o propose_v to_o vers_n 7._o then_o 2._o prosecute_v more_o particular_o vers._n 1._o in_o this_o first_o part_n the_o party_n be_v describe_v 1._o the_o defender_n be_v set_v out_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o she_o be_v a_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o church_n as_o she_o be_v ordinary_o call_v partly_o 1._o for_o infirmity_n and_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o wrong_n 2._o as_o in_o subordination_n to_o christ_n as_o her_o husband_n 3._o as_o the_o mother_n of_o believer_n and_o she_o be_v one_o woman_n though_o here_o the_o whole_a gospel-church_n be_v represent_v to_o show_v a_o unity_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o she_o be_v but_o one_o church_n woman_n mother_n or_o wife_n and_o there_o can_v be_v more_o 2._o she_o be_v describe_v by_o she_o adorn_v or_o stateliness_n in_o three_o thing_n 1._o she_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n set_v out_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n that_o she_o profess_v and_o the_o shine_a conversation_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o primitive_a time_n who_o have_v put_v on_o the_o lord_n rom._n 13._o and_o own_v his_o word_n and_o testimony_n which_o be_v call_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n especial_o what_o concern_v his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o satisfaction_n 2._o the_o moon_n be_v under_o her_o foot_n whether_o by_o the_o moon_n here_o we_o understand_v earthly_a temporal_a thing_n which_o be_v mutable_a and_o spot_a like_o the_o moon_n or_o jewish_a feast_n new_a moon_n etc._n etc._n call_v the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n col._n 2._o it_o come_v to_o one_o to_o wit_n to_o set_v out_o the_o deniednesse_n and_o mortifiednesse_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n despise_v worldly_a thing_n and_o adhere_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o conversation_n heavenly_a which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v unto_o col._n 3.1_o in_o opposition_n direct_o to_o the_o rest_v on_o these_o new_a moon_n and_o other_o element_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o worldly_a thing_n 3._o she_o have_v a_o crown_n of_o twelve_o star_n that_o be_v faithful_a minister_n carry_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o follow_v it_o so_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o that_o eph._n 2.20_o 22._o and_o revel_v 21.14_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lamb_n twelve_o apostle_n be_v write_v on_o the_o twelve_o foundation_n this_o be_v a_o crown_n that_o be_v it_o be_v her_o glory_n and_o credit_n to_o have_v faithful_a minister_n and_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o avow_v their_o doctrine_n as_o paul_n call_v the_o thessalonian_n his_v crown_n this_o be_v a_o well_o adorn_v church_n in_o a_o suffer_a time_n we_o take_v these_o three_o more_o particular_o to_o be_v express_v vers_fw-la 11._o the_o first_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v the_o garment_n the_o second_o the_o word_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v the_o crown_n three_o they_o care_v not_o for_o their_o life_n and_o love_v they_o not_o unto_o death_n that_o be_v the_o trample_n of_o the_o moon_n under_o their_o foot_n or_o undervalue_v temporal_a thing_n for_o the_o life_n be_v most_o care_v for_o as_o job_n 2._o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o his_o life_n the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o description_n be_v vers_n 2._o in_o she_o travail_v and_o cry_v express_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o fruitful_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o beauty_n so_o travail_v and_o bring_v forth_o do_v signify_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v well_o apply_v to_o the_o gospel-church_n which_o be_v a_o mother_n isa._n 54.1_o gal._n 4.19_o with_o 26_o 27._o 2._o and_o although_o it_o do_v signify_v a_o fruitful_a condition_n yet_o also_o it_o be_v a_o sorrowful_a and_o afflict_a condition_n as_o you_o know_v the_o travail_v of_o a_o woman_n ordinary_o hold_v forth_o and_o christ_n call_v it_o joh._n 16.21_o sorrow_n or_o pain_n till_o the_o child_n be_v bring_v forth_o in_o a_o word_n this_o primitive_a church_n be_v pure_a fruitful_a and_o afflict_a as_o her_o cry_n import_v with_o great_a pain_n do_v minister_n beget_v gal._n 4.19_o and_o with_o great_a hazard_n be_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n own_v and_o great_a wrestle_n have_v she_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o suffering_n from_o man_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o this_o sorrowful_a condition_n ere_o she_o get_v free_a of_o it_o the_o enemy_n pursue_v be_v describe_v vers_fw-la 3_o and_o 4._o in_o four_o or_o five_o particular_n and_o it_o be_v call_v as_o the_o former_a a_o great_a sign_n or_o wonder_n represent_v to_o john_n in_o heaven_n because_o great_a thing_n be_v signify_v by_o these_o here_o the_o party_n be_v exceed_o unequal_a she_o a_o woman_n the_o enemy_n be_v a_o dragon_n some_o say_v there_o be_v a_o utter_a antipathy_n between_o man_n and_o dragon_n whereas_o other_o ravenous_a creature_n for_o meat_n destroy_v man_n these_o for_o delight_n do_v it_o and_o whereas_o man_n can_v endure_v to_o look_v on_o other_o creature_n yet_o not_o so_o well_o on_o the_o dragon_n and_o serpent_n however_o it_o be_v a_o most_o ravenous_a beast_n by_o which_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o the_o devil_n sometime_o some_o great_a persecuter_n act_v by_o the_o devil_n the_o supreme_a commander_n so_o be_v pharaoh_n call_v and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o oppressor_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o this_o represent_v the_o first_o oppressor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o come_v in_o here_o the_o devil_n first_o that_o be_v clear_a vers_fw-la 9_o then_o the_o roman_a empire_n primely_a instrumental_a in_o persecute_v christian_n that_o appear_v by_o the_o description_n of_o the_o dragon_n shape_n he_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n which_o seven_o head_n chap._n 17_o be_v clear_o to_o be_v expound_v seven_o hill_n and_o seven_o king_n or_o sort_n of_o government_n and_o these_o ten_o horn_n to_o be_v ten_o king_n which_o be_v to_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o have_v not_o then_o receive_v power_n chap._n 17._o therefore_o they_o have_v not_o here_o crown_n as_o chap._n 13._o and_o express_o she_o be_v vers_n 18._o of_o that_o chapter_n call_v the_o city_n which_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n be_v chief_a and_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o emperor_n his_o depute_v in_o this_o for_o the_o devil_n act_v not_o immediate_o yet_o what_o he_o do_v by_o instrument_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o as_o chap._n 2.10_o this_o be_v a_o great_a dragon_n to_o show_v his_o power_n red_a to_o express_v his_o cruelty_n and_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n to_o express_v he_o who_o especial_o be_v instrumental_a in_o exercise_v that_o cruelty_n the_o roman_a emperor_n like_o pharaoh_n who_o be_v call_v a_o dragon_n psal._n 74.15_o isai._n 27.1_o ezek_n 29.3_o
they_o do_v yet_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o joy_n and_o do_v join_v with_o they_o one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v clear_v whether_o by_o these_o singer_n be_v understand_v these_o seal_a one_o or_o other_o distinct_a from_o they_o answ._n whether_o we_o say_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v one_o thing_n for_o if_o these_o first_o singer_n be_v distinct_a yet_o these_o 144000._o learn_v the_o song_n and_o join_v both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o manner_n of_o sing_v so_o in_o the_o use_n it_o will_v be_v applicable_a to_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n 2._o though_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o 144000._o yet_o may_v these_o phrase_n of_o sing_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v well_o understand_v either_o as_o their_o do_v this_o public_o as_o be_v say_v or_o especial_o as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o by_o these_o in_o heaven_n it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n triumphant_a be_v bring_v in_o here_o sing_v with_o who_o the_o 144000._o seal_a one_o join_v and_o agree_v yet_o the_o scope_n and_o connexion_n with_o what_o follow_v will_v agree_v as_o well_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o militant_a church_n and_o that_o angel_n mention_v vers_fw-la 6._o call_v another_o may_v be_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o and_o other_o minister_n for_o so_o these_o angel_n follow_v seem_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o well_o as_o to_o another_o angel_n proper_o 3._o they_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o special_a privilege_n property_n or_o character_n in_o number_n five_o the_o first_o be_v general_a and_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o sum_n of_o they_o all_o to_o wit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n 1._o they_o be_v redeem_v from_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v not_o only_o buy_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o in_o that_o bargain_n of_o redemption_n difference_v from_o other_o which_o show_v it_o be_v no_o little_a thing_n to_o make_v that_o difference_n but_o also_o by_o effectual_a call_n difference_v from_o the_o profane_a earthly_a multitude_n and_o redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n 1_o pet._n 1.18_o the_o second_o property_n be_v vers_n 4._o they_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o woman_n for_o they_o be_v virgin_n by_o virgin_n here_o be_v not_o understand_v such_o as_o have_v keep_v themselves_o from_o all_o conjugal_a fellowship_n for_o by_o these_o virgin_n be_v understand_v all_o the_o true_a church_n under_o antichrist_n and_o will_v any_o say_v there_o be_v none_o redeem_a among_o all_o the_o marry_a of_o that_o time_n beside_o it_o be_v such_o a_o virginity_n as_o be_v opposite_a to_o defilement_n which_o marriage_n be_v not_o yea_o to_o the_o defilement_n mention_v here_o neither_o second_o by_o defilement_n here_o be_v understand_v bodily_a fornication_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o lust_n beside_o but_o spiritual_a fornication_n to_o wit_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o communicate_v with_o such_o worship_n which_o be_v clear_a 1._o from_o the_o opposition_n between_o defilement_n with_o woman_n and_o virginity_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o midst_n or_o another_o lust_n which_o be_v only_a truth_n in_o spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o virgin-chastity_n in_o be_v keep_v to_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o follow_v be_v they_o follow_v the_o lamb_n it_o be_v such_o a_o defilement_n then_o as_o be_v opposite_a to_o spiritual_a adhere_n to_o christ._n 3._o the_o scope_n clear_v it_o in_o that_o he_o be_v here_o describe_v christ_n pure_a worshipper_n it_o keep_v the_o phrase_n of_o this_o book_n especial_o these_o wherein_n antichrist_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v set_v down_o he_o be_v call_v the_o whore_n chap._n 17._o and_o it_o whore_v and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o see_v vers_fw-la 8._o of_o this_o same_o chap._n again_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n and_o faithful_a adhere_n to_o he_o be_v call_v chastity_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o faith_n engage_v as_o by_o a_o marriage-knot_n and_o vow_n to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n idolatry_n and_o superstitious_a worship_n sin_v against_o that_o covenant_n prostitute_v man_n to_o some_o other_o thing_n in_o his_o room_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o allusion_n frequent_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o new_a 3._o they_o follow_v the_o lamb_n whithersoever_o be_n go_v this_o show_v 1._o a_o adhere_n to_o christ_n on_o any_o term_n and_o in_o all_o trial_n cost_v what_o it_o may_v they_o follow_v faithful_o 2._o a_o painfulness_n in_o follow_v through_o all_o duty_n hazard_n and_o possible_o place_n that_o if_o he_o go_v to_o the_o wilderness_n they_o will_v go_v with_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o gen._n 2._o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o former_a whore_v that_o a_o wife_n or_o marry_a party_n shall_v forsake_v all_o and_o cleave_v to_o her_o husband_n so_o do_v these_o seal_a one_o constant_o and_o sole_o adhere_v to_o christ_n and_o follow_v he_o as_o their_o husband_n 3._o it_o import_v upon_o christ_n side_n that_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o place_n or_o particular_a church_n as_o rome_n constantinople_n or_o any_o other_o but_o may_v transfer_v his_o ordinance_n and_o candlestick_n where_o he_o please_v for_o the_o lamb_n presence_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v his_o presence_n by_o ordinance_n and_o church-communion_n else_o where_o where_o he_o think_v good_a so_o it_o import_v upon_o the_o other_o side_n the_o temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o these_o virgin_n that_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o no_o place_n particular_o bound_v christ_n or_o seek_v he_o there_o so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o there_o they_o will_v not_o go_v else_o where_o to_o seek_v he_o as_o antichrist_n fornicatour_n in_o opposition_n to_o these_o may_v be_v gather_v to_o do_v who_o will_v not_o go_v out_o of_o rome_n after_o he_o nay_o but_o they_o go_v with_o he_o and_o follow_v he_o weigh_v his_o presence_n not_o by_o place_n or_o external_a privilege_n but_o by_o the_o evidence_n thereof_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o where_o he_o set_v up_o these_o there_o wherever_o it_o be_v they_o seek_v he_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o present_v the_o four_o property_n be_v also_o set_v down_o vers_n 4._o these_o be_v redeem_v from_o among_o man_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o the_o lamb._n this_o redemption_n point_v at_o god_n wail_v they_o out_o among_o other_o of_o that_o time_n and_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n unto_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n pay_v first_o fruit_n unto_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v 1._o as_o holy_a and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o that_o use_n and_o end_n 2._o as_o be_v the_o forerunner_n and_o earnest_n of_o a_o come_n great_a harvest_n in_o both_o which_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v here_o 1._o they_o be_v holy_a to_o god_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v profane_a so_o all_o believer_n be_v call_v first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n jam._n 1.18_o jer._n 2.3_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n he_o call_v they_o unto_o 2._o as_o these_o now_o appear_v go_v before_o and_o foretell_v as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a number_n and_o harvest_n that_o be_v come_v and_o to_o follow_v unto_o the_o lord_n throughout_o the_o earth_n see_v cap._n 7.9_o even_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n be_v a_o evidence_n and_o pledge_n of_o a_o approach_a harvest_n so_o be_v these_o to_o god_n and_o the_o lamb._n and_o thus_o their_o redeem_n from_o among_o man_n will_v be_v here_o their_o separate_n by_o effectual_a call_n as_o that_o before_o vers_n 3._o be_v their_o general_a redemption_n the_o last_o property_n be_v vers_n 5._o in_o their_o mouth_n be_v find_v no_o guile_n for_o they_o be_v without_o fault_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n the_o scope_n be_v this_o to_o show_v their_o sincerity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o that_o time_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o guile_n in_o their_o mouth_n i.e._n no_o dissemble_a or_o counterfeit_v as_o be_v say_v of_o nathaneel_n they_o be_v all_o nathaneel_v job._n 1.47_o and_o like_o that_o bless_a man_n psal._n 3.22_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n they_o be_v as_o they_o profess_v serious_o adhere_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v out_o in_o their_o profession_n and_o be_v not_o counterfeit_a christian_n as_o antichrist_n follower_n be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v oppose_v and_o in_o which_o respect_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o fault_n i.e._n the_o fault_n these_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 2._o this_o sincerity_n be_v prove_v or_o it_o be_v hint_v wherein_o it_o consist_v for_o say_v he_o they_o be_v without_o fault_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n
common_a war_n and_o enemy_n he_o with_o his_o minister_n saint_n and_o servant_n be_v one_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o consider_v the_o actor_n it_o be_v these_o i._n e._n the_o horn_n chap._n 12.7_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n chap._n 11_o and_o 13._o it_o be_v the_o beast_n that_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chap._n 18.24_o there_o the_o blood_n be_v find_v in_o the_o whore_n here_o it_o be_v the_o horn_n all_o concur_v and_o share_n both_o in_o the_o sin_n and_o judgement_n but_o diverse_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o root_n that_o this_o enimity_n flow_v from_o the_o beast_n be_v his_o special_a lieutenant_n and_o general_n the_o horn_n be_v the_o more_o immediate_a actor_n by_o which_o the_o beast_n push_v the_o whore_n not_o only_o concur_v but_o she_o blow_v the_o hatred_n and_o pusheth-on_a by_o advice_n law_n and_o edict_n though_o the_o as_o a_o ecclesiastic_a body_n put_v none_o to_o death_n herself_o yet_o do_v she_o put_v the_o horn_n to_o it_o who_o be_v she_o immediate_a executioner_n this_o than_o be_v a_o character_n of_o these_o king_n who_o shall_v give_v their_o power_n to_o the_o beast_n they_o shall_v persecute_v christ_n true_a church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o whore_n and_o beast_n the_o last_o word_n add_v be_v concern_v the_o success_n the_o victory_n be_v on_o the_o lamb_n side_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v subjoin_v he_o be_v victor_n in_o his_o member_n and_o cause_n these_o three_o way_n as_o chap._n 12._o 1._o when_o in_o their_o suffering_n they_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o overcome_v even_o to_o the_o outweary_v of_o the_o persecutor_n by_o their_o patience_n who_o be_v more_o enslave_v and_o overcome_v in_o act_v than_o the_o other_o in_o suffering_n 2._o he_o overcome_v by_o keep_v truth_n and_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o despite_n of_o they_o that_o the_o prophet_n end_n their_o testimony_n in_o despite_n of_o they_o and_o the_o church_n spread_v and_o multiply_v even_o under_o they_o as_o under_o dioclesian_n etc._n etc._n 3._o he_o overcome_v by_o bring_v sad_a judgement_n on_o his_o persecuter_n and_o bring_v his_o church_n through_o and_o set_v up_o the_o witness_n as_o chap._n 11._o when_o they_o seem_v low_a and_o by_o make_v the_o world_n subject_n to_o the_o gospel_n in_o end_n either_o by_o move_v they_o to_o yield_v or_o by_o crush_a they_o and_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v any_o hurt_n to_o it_o he_o thus_o prevail_v the_o reason_n add_v to_o confirm_v we_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o victory_n that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o be_v from_o two_o ground_n 1._o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o captain_n he_o have_v no_o equal_a for_o he_o even_o this_o lamb_n be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n word_n set_v forth_o especial_o his_o godhead_n in_o three_o 1._o his_o sovereignty_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o all_o 2._o his_o power_n be_v able_a to_o command_v all_o none_o so_o great_a a_o king_n as_o he._n 3._o his_o right_n for_o justice_n be_v on_o his_o side_n these_o title_n agree_v to_o christ_n proper_o as_o god_n so_o chap._n 19_o and_o yet_o as_o mediator_n in_o some_o respect_n for_o the_o behoof_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v make_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n eph._n 1.22_o and_o have_v all_o power_n over_o all_o not_o as_o over_o the_o elect_n who_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n commit_v to_o he_o but_o in_o a_o deputation_n for_o their_o cause_n and_o good_a he_o have_v a_o delegated_a power_n as_o mediator_n to_o restrain_v punish_v raise_v up_o or_o cast_v down_o king_n or_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n as_o he_o think_v meet_v the_o first_o be_v essential_a to_o he_o as_o god_n the_o second_o voluntary_a and_o give_v to_o he_o as_o mediator_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o warrior_n or_o army_n none_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v such_o soldier_n as_o be_v all_o saint_n 1._o call_v that_o be_v effectual_o so_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o nature_n to_o grace_n and_o so_o sanctify_v 2._o choose_a they_o be_v both_o choose_v comparative_o and_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o to_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v overcome_v by_o any_o power_n but_o be_v conqueror_n 3._o they_o be_v faithful_a honest_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o real_a in_o his_o service_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o former_a two_o they_o stick_v constant_o unto_o he_o which_o show_v wherein_o their_o victory_n most_o consist_v that_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n 1_o job._n 5.4_o though_o even_o in_o suffer_v yet_o they_o quit_v he_o not_o these_o be_v excellent_a qualification_n now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v if_o there_o be_v none_o other_o on_o christ_n side_n but_o such_o what_o shall_v be_v account_v of_o all_o hypocrite_n though_o formal_a professor_n ans._n 1._o they_o may_v be_v for_o christ_n in_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o a_o point_n of_o truth_n yet_o against_o he_o in_o the_o end_n they_o be_v not_o for_o his_o glory_n therefore_o be_v not_o on_o his_o side_n for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o be_v against_o he_o 2._o all_o unrenewed_a man_n be_v christ_n enemy_n and_o though_o they_o sometime_o in_o some_o particular_a side_n or_o seem_v to_o side_n with_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o do_v as_o service_n to_o he_o as_o in_o judas_n who_o follow_v he_o for_o the_o bag_n and_o those_o that_o preach_v he_o out_o of_o envy_n philip._n 1.15_o yet_o be_v they_o but_o serve_v themselves_o and_o not_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v he_o a_o affront_n when_o it_o serve_v their_o purpose_n as_o judas_n do_v he_o have_v no_o follower_n indeed_o but_o where_o grace_n make_v they_o nor_o will_v he_o count_v man_n by_o their_o practice_n but_o by_o their_o end_n and_o motive_n neither_o can_v one_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n but_o one_o that_o be_v call_v and_o choose_v other_o be_v one_o time_n or_o another_o utter_o foil_v to_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o he_o will_v own_v none_o such_o as_o soldier_n to_o he_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o application_n two_o thing_n will_v be_v clear_v 1._o if_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v fulfil_v 2._o how_o it_o be_v fulfil_v or_o when_o and_o much_o business_n be_v here_o make_v by_o papist_n who_o make_v their_o main_a demonstration_n from_o this_o that_o antichrist_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v because_o say_v they_o this_o be_v not_o fulfil_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v fulfil_v may_v be_v evidence_v thus_o arg._n 1._o if_o these_o province_n that_o be_v in_o johns_n time_n without_o king_n be_v now_o kingdom_n have_v their_o own_o government_n without_o any_o dependence_n on_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o this_o pprophecy_n be_v fulfil_v but_o the_o first_o in_o experience_n be_v truth_n look_v through_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v province_n then_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n now_o save_v it_o be_v germany_n alone_o which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o but_o all_o have_v their_o several_a independent_a king_n now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n the_o connexion_n of_o the_o major_n may_v be_v make_v out_o thus_o that_o change_n that_o have_v since_o come_v upon_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o upsetting_a of_o these_o many_o new_a kingdom_n and_o king_n which_o have_v no_o kingdom_n then_o be_v neither_o no_o change_n at_o all_o but_o consistent_a with_o the_o head_n that_o then_o be_v or_o it_o be_v some_o other_o change_n than_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o this_o pprophecy_n or_o three_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o speak_v of_o here_o but_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o two_o can_v be_v say_v not_o the_o first_o that_o the_o empire_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v then_o for_o the_o spirit_n put_v a_o clear_a difference_n betwixt_o this_o last_o state_n chap._n 13._o and_o the_o first_o under_o emperor_n that_o in_o the_o first_o the_o head_n be_v crown_v here_o the_o horn_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o difference_n betwixt_o province_n subject_a to_o one_o empire_n that_o rule_v over_o they_o all_o and_o province_n make_v kingdom_n rule_v within_o themselves_o without_o any_o dependence_n on_o that_o head_n there_o be_v difference_n in_o nothing_o for_o king_n can_v be_v horn_n to_o the_o emperor_n see_v they_o act_v not_o for_o he_o but_o for_o another_o thus_o the_o civil_a head_n have_v the_o crown_n on_o the_o head_n not_o on_o the_o horn_n the_o ecclesiastic_a head_n have_v they_o on_o the_o horn_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o to_o have_v sovereign_n for_o his_o vassal_n which_o can_v be_v in_o a_o civil_a state_n for_o so_o either_o the_o king_n be_v not_o
with_o the_o woman_n herself_o 537_o 538_o e_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o saint_n reign_v upon_o earth_n 292_o by_o earth_n be_v understand_v the_o visible_a militant_a church_n and_o not_o always_o the_o unconverted_a world_n 345_o 346_o who_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o 558_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a effect_n of_o christ_n purchase_n to_o the_o redeem_a 307_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n speak_v of_o chap._n 4._o 273_o what_o the_o elder_n question_n and_o john_n reply_n and_o the_o elder_n answer_v do_v import_n chap._n 7.13_o 14._o where_o that_o innumerable_a multitude_n be_v describe_v 398_o 399_o civil_a and_o moral_a man_n may_v be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n 354_o why_o these_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o church-guides_a or_o angel_n see_v angel_n wherein_o all_o the_o epistle_n agree_v and_o direction_n how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o 66_o 67_o if_o any_o true_o godly_a may_v be_v lead_v away_o into_o error_n 166_o that_o satan_n aim_v main_o to_o seduce_v christ_n servant_n unto_o error_n and_o why_o 167_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o error_n when_o christ_n servant_n be_v seduce_v thereby_o and_o why_o ibid._n 168_o that_o repentance_n for_o error_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o why_o ibid._n some_o error_n inconsistent_a together_o and_o opposite_a one_o to_o another_o wherewith_o the_o church_n may_v be_v at_o once_o assault_v 383_o 384_o f_o faith_n necessary_a to_o justification_n vid._n justification_n different_a opinion_n about_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n concur_v thereto_o 236_o some_o consideration_n and_o distinction_n lay_v down_o for_o clear_v the_o way_n how_o faith_n concur_v 237_o faith_n only_o the_o condition_n of_o justification_n 238_o a_o double_a peculiarity_n of_o faith_n beyond_o any_o other_o grace_n in_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n one_o of_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o lord_n extrinsic_a appointment_n another_o of_o be_v a_o instrumental_a cause_n which_o flow_v from_o its_o intrinsic_a aptitude_n 240_o that_o faith_n do_v peculiar_o concur_v in_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n and_o that_o work_n do_v not_o concur_v therewith_o clear_v and_o prove_v 240_o 241_o the_o main_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n 306_o whether_o faith_n and_o other_o save_v grace_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n purchase_n 308_o they_o who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n will_v be_v exceed_o tenacious_a of_o their_o testimony_n 363_o mark_n of_o that_o fear_n which_o we_o shall_v shun_v 45_o how_n christ_n foot_n be_v like_a unto_o fine_a brass_n vide_fw-la brass_n how_o christ_n eye_n be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n 38_o there_o be_v a_o fire_n come_v from_o the_o altar_n which_o have_v terrible_a effect_n 416_o of_o the_o change_n make_v by_o fire_n at_o the_o great_a day_n 756_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o those_o fountain_n and_o river_n mention_v chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 10._o 427_o 428_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n what_o 762_o g_o a_o gift_n for_o the_o ministry_n what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o include_v 199_o 200_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o sea_n of_o glass_n and_o what_o by_o stand_v thereupon_o 274_o 275_o 602_o 603_o glory_n be_v the_o complete_a outgate_n of_o believer_n trial_n 393_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o three_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n where_o of_o the_o expression_n use_v in_o this_o mystery_n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o whether_o god_n intend_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n conditional_o in_o give_v christ_n to_o die_v 300_o how_o can_v the_o glorify_a behold_v god_n since_o he_o be_v invisible_a and_o whether_o they_o all_o alike_o enjoy_v he_o 773_o 774_o how_o great_a a_o god_n he_o be_v who_o we_o worship_v 397_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o can_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o praise_n but_o it_o be_v in_o god_n ibid._n god_n people_n in_o their_o difficulty_n will_v strengthen_v themselves_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o future_a glory_n 400_o what_o enemy_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o gog_n and_o magog_n 737_o why_o be_v the_o church_n compare_v to_o gold_n since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o corruption_n in_o it_o 51_o 52_o the_o gospel_n at_o its_o first_o come_v among_o a_o people_n ordinary_o prevail_v most_o and_o why_o 342_o 343_o a_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o long_o free_a of_o error_n and_o offence_n follow_v it_o 354_o 355_o church_n government_n oppose_v by_o satan_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o 82_o 83_o 84_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o civil-government_n prove_v and_o objection_n answer_v 85_o to_o 89_o that_o it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a for_o the_o church_n to_o confederate_a for_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o de_fw-mi jure_v aught_o to_o be_v do_v 90_o absurdity_n wherewith_o a_o church_n government_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a be_v load_v answer_v 93_o 94_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o this_o government_n consist_v and_o who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o handle_v both_o negative_o and_o positive_o 97_o 98_o 99_o how_o little_a reason_n man_n have_v to_o be_v jealous_a of_o this_o government_n 100_o 101_o 102_o 103_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o difference_n of_o common_a and_o save_a grace_n 120_o how_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o grace_n 123_o baxter_n opinion_n about_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o common_a and_o save_a grace_n relate_v which_o do_v not_o real_o differ_v so_o far_o from_o the_o common_a opinion_n as_o at_o first_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o do_v 125_o 126_o two_o distinction_n lay_v down_o to_o clear_v the_o difference_n between_o common_a and_o save_a grace_n and_o wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v 127_o that_o the_o habit_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o renew_a do_v d●ffer_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a 129_o 130_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n also_o between_o the_o act_n of_o a_o gracious_a man_n and_o act_n of_o any_o other_o prove_v by_o instance_n and_o argument_n 131_o to_o 139_o the_o trial_n of_o grace_n by_o its_o kind_n be_v safe_a and_o that_o which_o discover_v hypocrisy_n best_a this_o be_v christ_n way_n the_o contrary_a be_v attend_v with_o inconvenience_n 133_o 134_o grace_n be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o a_o minister_n and_o in_o what_o respect_v which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v regard_v both_o in_o people_n call_v he_o and_o in_o presbytery_n admit_v he_o neither_o be_v it_o impossible_a to_o take_v trial_n herein_o and_o what_o length_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o trial_n which_o do_v not_o infer_v but_o overturn_v the_o rigid_a way_n of_o try_v church-member_n 202_o to_o 209_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v that_o which_o a_o gracious_a man_n wish_v to_o himself_o and_o other_o as_o that_o which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o happiness_n 781_o 782_o h_n it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a for_o person_n to_o hear_v who_o they_o will_v and_o the_o evil_n that_o attend_v it_o 64_o when_o new_a error_n may_v be_v esteem_v old_a heresy_n 155_o heresy_n and_o error_n wait_v ordinary_o upon_o the_o church_n outward_o prosperous_a condition_n 383_o heresy_n and_o error_n one_o of_o the_o great_a plague_n whereby_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a justice_n punish_v those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n ibid._n heresy_n and_o error_n a_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v 422_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o arian_n macedonian_n nestorian_n etc._n etc._n when_o and_o how_o suppress_v 536_o 537_o who_o they_o be_v who_o heretic_n seek_v main_o to_o seduce_v 166_o what_o a_o excellent_a condition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n 394_o some_o beginning_n of_o heaven_n here_o and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v 402_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o pass_v away_o of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o what_o this_o new_a heaven_n be_v 753_o 754_o whether_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o now_o be_v be_v substantial_o change_v ibid._n some_o thing_n premit_v to_o the_o glorious_a description_n of_o heaven_n 757_o heaven_n happiness_n set_v forth_o and_o describe_v 759_o 760_o a_o more_o particular_a amplification_n of_o heaven_n happiness_n 761_o to_o 772_o where_o hell_n be_v and_o whether_o any_o material_a fire_n be_v there_o 739_o no_o come_n to_o heaven_n without_o holiness_n 763_o 764_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o number_n of_o ten_o horn_n 648_o the_o type_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n explain_v 340_o 341_o the_o type_n of_o the_o red_a horse_n 344_o 345_o to_o what_o time_n these_o persecution_n relate_v