we_o from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o general_a consent_n and_o tradition_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v any_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o true_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o force_v my_o way_n into_o this_o argument_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o spirit_n and_o being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n by_o dint_n of_o dispute_n which_o perhaps_o will_v neither_o be_v so_o proper_a nor_o so_o profitable_a for_o this_o assembly_n but_o shall_v take_v the_o thing_n as_o i_o find_v it_o receive_v by_o a_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o the_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v nor_o be_v there_o reason_n to_o proceed_v in_o any_o other_o method_n than_o to_o suppose_v these_o thing_n and_o take_v they_o for_o grant_v as_o general_o assent_v to_o by_o mankind_n without_o either_o assert_v they_o for_o new_a discovery_n or_o attempt_v to_o prove_v what_o be_v so_o universal_o believe_v the_o scripture_n indeed_o have_v more_o particular_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o spirit_n as_o also_o their_o order_n and_o employment_n as_o in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o where_o the_o office_n and_o employment_n of_o good_a angel_n be_v more_o particular_o discover_v vi._n serm._n vi._n be_v they_o not_o all_o say_v the_o text_n minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v have_v occasion_n in_o compare_v the_o two_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o angel_n by_o who_o ministry_n the_o law_n be_v give_v do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o entertain_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v with_o any_o nice_a and_o curious_a speculation_n for_o school_n divinity_n be_v not_o then_o in_o fashion_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o angel_n but_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o concern_v we_o more_o to_o know_v namely_o what_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n be_v in_o regard_n to_o we_o concern_v their_o nature_n he_o only_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v spirit_n as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n he_o say_v in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n that_o be_v that_o they_o stand_v before_o god_n to_o attend_v upon_o he_o ready_a to_o receive_v his_o command_n and_o to_o execute_v his_o pleasure_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o be_v upon_o occasion_n appoint_v and_o send_v forth_o by_o god_n to_o minister_v on_o the_o behalf_n and_o to_o do_v good_a office_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n which_o last_o word_n be_v a_o description_n of_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n such_o as_o have_v sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v thereby_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n so_o that_o these_o word_n be_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o good_a angel_n and_o of_o what_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o which_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o their_o nature_n be_v they_o not_o spirit_n second_o their_o general_a office_n and_o employment_n be_v they_o not_o minister_a spirit_n three_o their_o special_a office_n and_o employment_n in_o regard_n to_o good_a man_n they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o that_o be_v in_o their_o behalf_n and_o for_o their_o benefit_n who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v concern_v they_o and_o all_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o scripture_n have_v very_o much_o clear_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o that_o which_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o less_o certain_a before_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v these_o three_o head_n and_o then_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v spirit_n this_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o order_n of_o being_n that_o they_o be_v spirit_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v pure_a spirit_n devest_v of_o matter_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o corporeal_a vehicle_n as_o the_o philosopher_n term_v it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a controversy_n but_o i_o think_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n not_o only_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n do_v believe_v angel_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o body_n consist_v of_o the_o pure_a and_o fine_a matter_n which_o they_o call_v aetherial_a and_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o pious_a belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o simple_a spirit_n whole_o separate_v from_o matter_n but_o the_o more_o current_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n especial_o of_o late_a time_n have_v be_v that_o angel_n be_v mere_a and_o pure_a spirit_n without_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a and_o corporeal_a belong_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o assume_v thin_a and_o airy_a body_n and_o can_v when_o they_o please_v appear_v in_o humane_a shape_n as_o they_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v do_v and_o this_o seem_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n account_v of_o they_o though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n either_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o devest_v of_o matter_n but_o however_o this_o be_v they_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o be_v say_v to_o excel_v in_o strength_n psal_n 103.20_o and_o in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o discern_v good_a and_o bad_a 2_o sam._n 14.17_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o angel_n v._o 20._o to_o be_v of_o great_a activity_n and_o swiftness_n in_o their_o motion_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o full_a of_o wing_n and_o to_o excel_v in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n hence_o be_v that_o title_n give_v they_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o several_a place_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o good_a angel_n and_o beyond_o this_o all_o our_o kowledge_v of_o they_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o nice_a speculation_n concern_v they_o idle_a and_o wanton_a curiosity_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n give_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n among_o they_o by_z calling_z michael_z a_o archangel_n and_o chief_a prince_n and_o by_o distingush_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o throne_n and_o dominion_n but_o what_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o name_n import_v though_o some_o have_v attempt_v to_o explain_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o have_v discover_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o beside_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o arrogance_n in_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n censure_v some_o in_o his_o time_n second_o we_o have_v here_o their_o general_a office_n and_o employment_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v domestic_a servant_n and_o constant_a attendant_n upon_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a king_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o who_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o they_o stand_v continual_o before_o he_o to_o behold_v his_o face_n expect_v his_o command_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o do_v his_o will._n for_o though_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfect_a power_n of_o act_v be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o by_o himself_o whatever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n can_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o steer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v they_o which_o way_n he_o think_v best_o by_o the_o least_o nod_n and_o beck_n of_o his_o will_n without_o any_o instrument_n or_o minister_n of_o his_o pleasure_n yet_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o honour_v his_o creature_n especial_o this_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a rank_n of_o being_n with_o his_o command_n and_o to_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a degree_n and_o capacity_n the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o affair_n in_o the_o
for_o his_o religion_n when_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n concern_v martyrdom_n for_o what_o profession_n soever_o man_n make_v he_o that_o will_v not_o deny_v himself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n will_v never_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o that_o can_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v a_o saint_n have_v a_o demonstration_n within_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v never_o like_a to_o die_v a_o martyr_n sermon_n x._o the_o blessedness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n rev._n fourteen_o 13._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o nice_a dispute_n about_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o though_o both_o these_o be_v sometime_o controvert_v because_o it_o be_v now_o many_o age_n since_o this_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o write_v by_o st._n john_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o this_o time_n inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o the_o several_a vision_n and_o prediction_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v confess_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o a_o very_a obscure_a book_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o than_o that_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n have_v give_v such_o different_a interpretation_n of_o several_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o it_o as_o particular_o concern_v the_o slay_v of_o the_o two_o witness_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o particular_a expression_n in_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_a sense_n and_o intendment_n of_o they_o they_o be_v very_o plain_a be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o more_o notice_n of_o they_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemn_a preparation_n and_o address_n x._o serm._n x._o as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o bespeak_v our_o attention_n to_o they_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o they_o the_o special_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v add_v to_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n declare_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o so_o happy_a a_o condition_n yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o second_o prosecute_v the_o general_a intendment_n of_o they_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v of_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n first_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o nothing_o will_v conduce_v more_o than_o to_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v brief_o this_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v represent_v to_o st._n john_n the_o great_a strait_n that_o the_o christian_n the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o death_n or_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v they_o be_v interdict_v all_o commerce_n with_o humane_a society_n chap._n 13.15_o and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o cause_n that_o as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v kill_v and_o verse_n 17._o that_o no_o man_n may_v buy_v or_o sell_v save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o that_o do_v worship_n the_o beast_n be_v threaten_v with_o damnation_n chap._n 14.9_o 10._o if_o any_o man_n do_v worship_v the_o beast_n the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n so_o that_o whenever_o this_o shall_v happen_v it_o will_v be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a trial_n to_o the_o sincere_a christian_n be_v threaten_v with_o extreme_a persecution_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n on_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o 12_o verse_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o st._n john_n vision_n as_o the_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o which_o shall_v precede_v the_o final_a downfall_n of_o babylon_n and_o when_o this_o shall_v happen_v than_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n will_v be_v try_v to_o purpose_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o constant_a to_o his_o truth_n and_o upon_o this_o immediate_o follow_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o text_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o which_o interpreter_n do_v various_o refer_v to_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text._n some_o by_o change_v the_o accent_n and_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v change_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n into_o omninò_fw-la omninò_fw-la beati_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o be_v altogether_o bless_v very_o happy_a who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o the_o countenance_n and_o warrant_n of_o any_o ancient_a copy_n we_o will_v then_o suppose_v that_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o be_v render_v as_o we_o translate_v it_o from_o henceforth_o from_o this_o time_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o what_o part_n of_o the_o text_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v it_o some_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n bless_v bless_v from_o henceforth_o be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o from_o this_o time_n and_o not_o before_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v immediate_o after_o death_n admit_v into_o heaven_n which_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n thought_n the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n who_o die_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o but_o then_o this_o blessedness_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v date_v not_o from_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n vision_n but_o of_o christ_n ascension_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o the_o hymn_n call_v te_fw-la deum_fw-la when_o thou_o have_v overcome_v the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n thou_o do_v open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o believer_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n blessed_n be_v the_o dead_a that_o from_o henceforth_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o have_v no_o peculiar_a emphasis_n in_o it_o because_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o time_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n follow_v concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o from_o henceforth_o say_v the_o spirit_n all_o these_o variety_n agree_v in_o this_o sense_n in_o general_a that_o some_o special_a blessedness_n be_v promise_v and_o declare_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v die_v after_o that_o time_n but_o what_o that_o be_v in_o particular_a be_v not_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o but_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a interpretation_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a sentence_n thus_o from_o henceforth_o bless_v be_v the_o
world_n and_o do_v provide_v for_o himself_o last_v comfort_n and_o faithful_a companion_n which_o will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o his_o desire_n and_o durable_a and_o immortal_a as_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o do_v all_o the_o good_a that_o possible_o we_o can_v whilst_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o serve_v god_n industrious_o and_o with_o all_o our_o may_v know_v that_o no_o good_a action_n that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v lose_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o no_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o practice_v in_o this_o life_n nor_o any_o degree_n of_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o reward_n if_o we_o faithful_o improve_v the_o talent_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o to_o our_o master_n advantage_n when_o he_o come_v to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n and_o find_v that_o we_o have_v do_v so_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o receive_v both_o his_o approbation_n and_o reward_n and_o what_o a_o comfort_n will_v it_o be_v to_o any_o one_o of_o we_o to_o hear_v those_o bless_a word_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o lord_n well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o a_o little_a i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o much_o enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o plead_v our_o service_n to_o he_o and_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o they_o our_o judge_n himself_o will_v celebrate_v our_o good_a deed_n upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o the_o world_n and_o commemorate_v they_o to_o our_o advantage_n and_o interpret_v every_o good_a office_n we_o have_v do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o poor_a and_o afflict_a member_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o kindness_n immediate_o do_v to_o himself_o so_o our_o lord_n represent_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o great_a judge_n and_o king_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n mat._n 25.34_o then_o shall_v the_o king_n say_v unto_o they_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o i_o be_v a_o hunger_a and_o you_o give_v i_o meat_n i_o be_v thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o drink_v i_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o you_o take_v i_o in_o naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o i_o be_v sick_a and_o you_o visit_v i_o i_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o you_o come_v unto_o i_o then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a answer_v he_o say_v lord_n when_o see_v we_o thou_o in_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n hungry_a or_o thirsty_a or_o a_o stranger_n or_o naked_a or_o sick_a or_o in_o prison_n and_o minister_v unto_o thou_o and_o the_o king_n shall_v answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o have_v do_v it_o unto_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o my_o brethren_n you_o have_v do_v it_o unto_o i_o who_o will_v not_o be_v ambitious_a and_o glad_a to_o serve_v such_o a_o prince_n who_o will_v so_o benign_o intepret_v and_o so_o bountiful_o reward_v the_o least_o service_n we_o do_v to_o he_o iii_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o shall_v likewise_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o support_v to_o our_o patience_n under_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o many_o time_n attend_v good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v for_o the_o present_a perhaps_o very_o heavy_a and_o grievous_a but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n short_o come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o perfect_o free_v from_o they_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n from_o our_o labour_n and_o suffering_n when_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o peace_n and_o rest_n in_o our_o bed_n every_o one_o walk_v in_o his_o uprightness_n that_o be_v reap_v the_o comfort_n and_o enjoy_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n and_o constant_a suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o say_v of_o a_o good_a man_n bless_a be_v god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o die_v because_o to_o good_a man_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a remedy_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n and_o will_v unquestionable_o put_v a_o end_n to_o they_o the_o grave_n be_v a_o place_n of_o rest_n and_o discharge_v from_o all_o trouble_v as_o job_n elegant_o describe_v it_o chap._n 3.17_o 18_o 19_o there_o the_o wicked_a cease_v from_o trouble_v there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n there_o the_o prisoner_n rest_v together_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o oppressor_n the_o small_a and_o the_o great_a be_v there_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v free_a from_o his_o master_n so_o soon_o as_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o other_o world_n we_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o pursuit_n and_o danger_n of_o all_o those_o evil_n which_o afflict_a we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o nothing_o will_v remain_v but_o the_o joyful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o suffering_n and_o the_o plentiful_a reward_n of_o our_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o the_o more_o our_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n have_v abound_v the_o great_a will_v our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n then_o be_v which_o say_v st._n paul_n be_v a_o manifest_a token_n a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v account_v worthy_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o which_o you_o also_o suffer_v see_v it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_v with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n 2_o thess_n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o iv_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extreme_a suffering_n which_o be_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o last_o time_n and_o which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v begin_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v we_o very_o content_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o glad_a of_o any_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o excuse_n to_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n and_o danger_n of_o those_o violent_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a temptation_n with_o which_o our_o faith_n and_o constancy_n may_v be_v assail_v nay_o to_o esteem_v it_o a_o particular_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o to_o prevent_v if_o god_n see_v it_o good_a those_o extremity_n of_o suffering_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n these_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v begin_v in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o they_o in_o our_o neighbour_n nation_n have_v a_o bitter_a cup_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o cup_n of_o astonishment_n to_o all_o those_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o whether_o this_o be_v that_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n speak_v of_o here_o by_o st._n john_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v positive_o to_o determine_v it_o be_v plain_o distinguish_v in_o the_o vision_n froth_n that_o under_o the_o first_o beast_n describe_v rev._n 13._o from_o verse_n the_o first_o to_o verse_n 11._o and_o chap._n 17._o there_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o beast_n upon_o which_o the_o woman_n sit_v on_o who_o forehead_n be_v a_o name_n write_v mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a and_o this_o beast_n be_v there_o say_v to_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n which_o be_v thus_o explain_v by_o st._n john_n chap._n 17.9_o 10._o and_o here_o be_v the_o mind_n which_o have_v wisdom_n the_o seven_o head_n be_v seven_o mountain_n upon_o which_o the_o woman_n sit_v and_o there_o be_v seven_o king_n that_o be_v as_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o interpreter_n a_o succession_n of_o seven_o government_n and_o verse_n 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o the_o ten_o horn_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v ten_o king_n which_o have_v receive_v no_o kingdom_n as_o yet_o but_o receive_v power_n as_o king_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n these_o have_v one_o mind_n and_o shall_v give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n and_o shall_v make_v war_n with_o the_o lamb._n and_o verse_n 18._o and_o the_o woman_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v that_o great_a city_n which_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o this_o beast_n be_v plain_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o woman_n that_o sit_v upon_o she_o be_v the_o great_a city_n stand_v upon_o seven_o mountain_n which_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o rome_n as_o be_v agree_v by_o interpreter_n on_o all_o side_n bellarmine_n l._n 2._o c._n 2._o de_fw-fr rom._n pontif._n confess_v that_o st._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n every_o where_o call_v rome_n babylon_n as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o have_v note_v and_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o chap._n 17._o where_o babylon_n be_v say_v to_o
temple_n because_o it_o be_v his_o presence_n that_o shall_v fill_v that_o house_n with_o glory_n and_o it_o be_v in_o that_o place_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v call_v the_o peace_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v give_v and_o in_o this_o place_n will_v i_o give_v peace_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o most_o express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n chap._n 3.1_o behold_v i_o will_v send_v my_o messenger_n and_o he_o shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n who_o you_o look_v for_o shall_v sudden_o come_v into_o his_o temple_n even_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o behold_v he_o shall_v come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o according_o jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v during_o the_o second_o temple_n he_o be_v present_v there_o by_o his_o parent_n and_o own_a by_o simeon_n for_o the_o messiah_n he_o dispute_v there_o and_o teach_v frequent_o there_o and_o by_o his_o presence_n fill_v that_o house_n with_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n teach_v public_o there_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o it_o than_o all_o the_o silver_n and_o gold_n of_o solomon_n temple_n and_o not_o long_o after_o his_o death_n according_a to_o his_o express_a prediction_n this_o second_o temple_n be_v destroy_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o that_o not_o one_o stone_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v upon_o another_o and_o when_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o it_o be_v attempt_v to_o be_v rebuilt_a three_o several_a time_n the_o last_o whereof_o be_v by_o julian_n the_o apostate_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n fire_n come_v out_o of_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v the_o workman_n so_o that_o they_o desist_v in_o great_a terror_n and_o dare_v never_o attempt_v it_o afterward_o and_o this_o not_o only_o the_o christian_a writer_n of_o that_o age_n in_o great_a number_n do_v testify_v but_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a historian_n who_o live_v in_o that_o time_n do_v also_o give_v we_o a_o very_a particular_a account_n of_o this_o memorable_a matter_n so_o that_o if_o by_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o messiah_n as_o i_o have_v plain_o show_v than_o he_o be_v long_o since_o come_v and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o according_a to_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o second_o temple_n with_o glory_n which_o have_v now_o be_v demolish_v above_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o the_o rebuilding_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o remarkable_o hinder_v from_o heaven_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o their_o vain_a expectation_n of_o a_o messiah_n yet_o to_o come_v be_v they_o not_o so_o obstinate_o root_v and_o fix_v in_o their_o infidelity_n there_o remain_v now_o the_o iv_o and_o last_o circumstance_n of_o this_o prophecy_n viz._n that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o last_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o unchangeable_a yet_o once_o more_o and_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v all_o nation_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v yet_o once_o more_o from_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n argue_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o dispensation_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v change_v heb._n 12.27_o and_o this_o word_n yet_o once_o more_o signify_v the_o remove_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v shake_v as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v may_v remain_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v he_o move_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o imperfect_a and_o alterable_a dispensation_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v namely_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v now_o under_o a_o more_o gracious_a and_o perfect_a dispensation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n ver_fw-la 18._o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v and_o that_o burn_v with_o fire_n meaning_n mount_v sinai_n which_o be_v a_o sensible_a literal_a mountain_n a_o mountain_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a mount_n zion_n by_o which_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v describe_v which_o by_o the_o way_n prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o its_o be_v call_v the_o mountain_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v when_o it_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v touch_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n you_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v that_o be_v i_o be_o not_o now_o speak_v of_o a_o literal_a and_o sensible_a mountain_n such_o as_o be_v mount_n sinai_n from_o whence_o the_o law_n be_v give_v but_o of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o mount_n zion_n and_o by_o jerusalem_n but_o you_o be_v come_v to_o mount_v zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o reject_v he_o that_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o make_v this_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n which_o because_o of_o the_o clearness_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o shall_v never_o need_v to_o receive_v any_o change_n ver_fw-la 25._o see_v that_o you_o refuse_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v for_o if_o they_o escape_v not_o who_o refuse_v he_o that_o speak_v on_o earth_n viz._n moses_n who_o deliver_v the_o law_n from_o mount_n sinai_n much_o more_o shall_v not_o we_o escape_v if_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n who_o voice_n then_o shake_v the_o earth_n allude_v to_o the_o earthquake_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n but_o now_o he_o have_v promise_v say_v yet_o once_o more_o i_o shake_v not_o the_o earth_n only_o but_o also_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o word_n once_o more_o that_o the_o former_a dispensation_n shall_v be_v remove_v to_o make_v way_n for_o that_o which_o shall_v perpetual_o remain_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_o revelation_n after_o this_o nor_o of_o any_o change_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v bring_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o its_o fitness_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o to_o recover_v mankind_n out_o of_o their_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a condition_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n both_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o now_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n see_v that_o you_o refuse_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v for_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n and_o at_o the_o 28_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v let_v we_o have_v grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n that_o be_v let_v we_o live_v as_o become_v those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v make_v so_o clear_a and_o perfect_a a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n we_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v and_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a that_o the_o world_n ever_o shall_v have_v we_o have_v not_o only_a moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o doctrine_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o we_o that_o clear_a and_o complete_a revelation_n of_o