way_n be_v never_o like_a to_o win_v the_o prize_n heaven_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o faithfulness_n though_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o work_n but_o according_a to_o the_o work_n it_o be_v free_o give_v as_o wicked_a work_n shall_v not_o pass_v unpunished_a neither_o shall_v good_a work_n or_o our_o faithfulness_n towards_o christ_n pass_v unrewarded_a every_o one_o shall_v receive_v according_a as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o he_o that_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o persevere_fw-la therein_o under_o all_o affliction_n and_o that_o even_o to_o death_n he_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n conqueror_n and_o for_o he_o be_v lay_v up_o the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n the_o true_a militant_a christian_n must_v not_o look_v for_o the_o crown_n if_o he_o turn_v back_o to_o the_o enemy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o admirable_a herein_o be_v that_o the_o method_n of_o obtain_v this_o crown_n be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o obtain_v worldly_a crown_n they_o be_v get_v by_o overmastering_a and_o survive_a the_o enemy_n but_o the_o christian_n crown_n be_v get_v by_o suffering_n and_o die_v the_o christian_n cross_n and_o the_o crown_n kiss_v each_o other_o and_o to_o set_v you_o right_n that_o seek_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o this_o crown_n first_o understand_v what_o this_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n into_o the_o supernal_a heaven_n that_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v life_n but_o that_o bless_a state_n which_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v enjoy_v after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v life_n give_v most_o eminent_o which_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a blessing_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a gift_n of_o the_o bless_a saint_n in_o the_o resurrection_n and_o so_o part_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n to_o denote_v unto_o we_o first_o that_o that_o bless_a state_n of_o life_n which_o the_o saint_n shall_v then_o enjoy_v will_v be_v a_o most_o honourable_a state_n and_o so_o it_o be_v often_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o kingdom_n in_o scripture_n luk._n 22.29.12.32_o rev._n 3.21_o second_o that_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a estate_n three_o that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n get_v by_o conquest_n and_o as_o a_o prize_n set_v unto_o a_o race_n 1_o cor._n 9.24_o four_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a estate_n and_o a_o live_a crown_n and_o that_o that_o will_v continue_v to_o all_o eternity_n second_o in_o the_o next_o place_n understand_v how_o this_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v right_o to_o be_v obtain_v every_o suffering_n will_v not_o do_v it_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v good_a that_o make_v a_o martyr_n it_o must_v be_v for_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o faithfulness_n second_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v upright_o for_o christ_n therein_o it_o be_v not_o vainglory_n or_o worldly_a applause_n or_o obstinacy_n in_o private_a opinion_n that_o will_v weigh_v the_o least_o to_o make_v a_o martyr_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o can_v appeal_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 44.21_o and_o say_v the_o lord_n know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n yea_o for_o thy_o sake_n be_v we_o slay_v all_o the_o day_n long_o last_o this_o suffering_n must_v be_v out_o of_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n or_o else_o all_o in_o vain_a as_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 13.3_o if_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o love_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o there_o may_v many_o die_v for_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o christ_n obstinacy_n of_o mind_n and_o formal_a profession_n may_v do_v much_o in_o that_o particular_a but_o a_o true_a zeal_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n make_v the_o holocost_n a_o sweet_a smell_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n its_o reward_n observe_v the_o last_o observation_n from_o these_o word_n be_v suffering_n and_o affliction_n be_v but_o the_o open_n the_o door_n to_o a_o christian_n happiness_n the_o most_o happy_a estate_n of_o the_o worldling_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o the_o most_o suffer_a state_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v a_o crown_n when_o the_o christian_n suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n he_o abound_v then_o in_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yea_o when_o he_o suffer_v death_n itself_o it_o be_v gain_v unto_o he_o for_o he_o have_v only_o leave_v thereby_o a_o world_n of_o trouble_n sin_n and_o vanity_n for_o a_o crown_n or_o life_n and_o glory_n for_o if_o our_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a therefore_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n verse_n 11._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n the_o spirit_n do_v often_o inculcate_v in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o chapter_n this_o charge_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o judicious_a and_o enlighten_v christian_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o spiritual_a appearance_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o avoid_v repetition_n see_v more_o on_o this_o on_o verse_n 7._o of_o this_o chapter_n but_o he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v that_o abide_v constant_a and_o faithful_a unto_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n under_o all_o temptation_n and_o tribulation_n and_o so_o a_o faithful_a christian_n overcome_v it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n that_o be_v the_o second_o death_n mention_v in_o 21_o chap._n rev._n ver_fw-la 8._o and_o 20.14_o in_o that_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o shall_v not_o touch_v he_o negative_n in_o scripture_n strong_o evince_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o contrary_a as_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v sure_o live_v thou_o shall_v taste_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v thy_o portion_n it_o be_v here_o call_v the_o second_o death_n in_o respect_n the_o first_o death_n be_v but_o a_o partial_a punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o the_o second_o death_n be_v that_o when_o the_o first_o death_n and_o hell_n shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n cap._n 20._o 13_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o first_o life_n and_o a_o second_o life_n that_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o first_o life_n be_v that_o that_o we_o now_o at_o present_a enjoy_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n the_o second_o life_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a the_o life_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o heaven_n enjoy_v be_v but_o a_o partial_a life_n and_o incomplete_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o at_o the_o resurrection_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a under_o the_o first_o death_n either_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a be_v but_o partial_a so_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v but_o partial_a and_o incomplete_a now_o in_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o that_o will_v be_v reveal_v at_o the_o resurrection_n abraham_n now_o do_v not_o know_v we_o and_o jacob_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o neither_o do_v the_o faint_v depart_v know_v our_o want_n nor_o be_v touch_v with_o our_o infirmity_n their_o condition_n be_v happy_a but_o what_o it_o be_v we_o know_v not_o but_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o see_v as_o we_o be_v see_v and_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n that_o be_v so_o often_o promise_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n so_o then_o there_o be_v a_o first_o death_n and_o a_o second_o death_n the_o first_o death_n be_v but_o a_o partial_a punishment_n for_o the_o wicked_a but_o the_o second_o death_n be_v the_o complete_a execution_n of_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o observe_v the_o observation_n from_o the_o word_n be_v that_o the_o constant_a faithful_a and_o persevere_v christian_n be_v secure_v from_o all_o danger_n of_o death_n whatsoever_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n and_o death_n itself_o do_v he_o no_o hurt_n that_o try_v he_o refine_v he_o and_o render_v he_o glorious_a into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o creator_n hell_n
body_n and_o spirit_n well_o then_o try_v your_o faith_n and_o profession_n whether_o it_o be_v dead_a or_o formal_a or_o active_a or_o live_a by_o these_o few_o particular_n it_o be_v not_o a_o naked_a assent_n or_o unactive_a outward_a profession_n will_v serve_v turn_n this_o be_v dead_a and_o liveless_a yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n jud._n 12._o dead_a in_o your_o first_o natural_a condition_n and_o dead_a in_o your_o hypocritical_a profession_n for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v never_o to_o be_v otherwise_o with_o you_o but_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o work_a faith_n by_o and_o through_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o glory_n paul_n whole_a life_n phil._n 1.21_o be_v as_o it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o christ_n for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n say_v he_o that_o be_v my_o life_n be_v christ_n for_o his_o use_n his_o purpose_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o short_a a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o christ_n by_o the_o continual_a supply_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o for_o christ_n and_o with_o aim_n at_o his_o glory_n observe_v 2._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a for_o dead_a formalist_n to_o carry_v a_o high_a hand_n in_o outward_a profession_n than_o the_o real_a christian_n sardis_n pretend_v high_o to_o faith_n and_o to_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v beyond_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o the_o name_n be_v only_a that_o she_o aim_v at_o for_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n she_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a and_o rot_a it_o be_v not_o very_o usual_a still_o among_o dead_a and_o carnal_a christian_n to_o boast_v of_o their_o christianity_n their_o baptism_n their_o church_n their_o external_a ordinance_n and_o the_o like_a they_o needs_o will_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o carnal_a jew_n that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o vers_n 9_o so_o unto_o these_o carnal_a formalist_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v pleasant_a to_o they_o yet_o still_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o true_a saint_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v in_o that_o they_o perceive_v they_o want_v the_o true_a work_a faith_n which_o be_v only_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n all_o be_v natural_o self-lover_n they_o will_v needs_o content_v themselves_o and_o god_n too_o if_o they_o may_v with_o a_o guild_a sophisticate_a and_o dead_a faith_n and_o profession_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n than_o the_o true_a one_o which_o shall_v commend_v they_o unto_o god_n and_o denominate_v they_o his_o saint_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o faith_n be_v too_o short_a for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v dead_a false_a and_o liveless_a as_o a_o carcase_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o justifi_v and_o christ_n accept_v that_o work_v by_o love_n 1_o thes_n 1.3_o verse_n 2._o be_v thou_o watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n esto_fw-la vigilans_fw-la as_o beza_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o shall_v rather_o take_v it_o in_o the_o active_a sense_n be_v thou_o awake_v or_o awake_v thou_o then_o be_v watchful_a for_o it_o it_o argue_v the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o activity_n to_o be_v watchful_a watch_n and_o pray_v but_o to_o awake_v it_o only_o show_v a_o dormant_a dead_a and_o sleepy_a state_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v for_o she_o bear_v the_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o she_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a therefore_o christ_n tell_v her_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rouse_v up_o thyself_o from_o thy_o sleepy_a state_n and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v reinforce_v revive_v and_o stir_v up_o those_o small_a remain_a spark_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o give_v up_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n within_o thou_o and_o though_o thou_o think_v and_o may_v have_v a_o conceit_n of_o thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v something_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o external_a profession_n and_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v yet_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o say_v christ_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n hence_o note_v observe_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a impair_n and_o consumption_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n sardis_n be_v bring_v by_o it_o even_o to_o death_n door_n her_o grace_n that_o be_v once_o eminent_a be_v come_v thereby_o to_o some_o small_a remainder_n and_o they_o too_o almost_o extinct_a and_o near_o the_o grave_n and_o though_o death_n itself_o i_o mean_v spiritual_a have_v not_o yet_o seize_v she_o yet_o she_o be_v somewhat_o near_o it_o she_o be_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n for_o she_o sleep_v and_o be_v call_v to_o awake_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o remainder_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o she_o lest_o she_o take_v her_o last_o sleep_n by_o the_o spiritual_a death_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o eternal_a death_n hereafter_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o sickness_n be_v to_o the_o body_n 1._o it_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o distemperature_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o leprosy_n under_o the_o law_n 3._o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o sickness_n cause_v grief_n to_o the_o body_n so_o sin_n cause_v horror_n and_o anguish_n unto_o the_o soul_n 4._o it_o cause_v weakness_n for_o the_o more_o sin_n the_o more_o weakness_n and_o disability_n to_o spiritual_a duty_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 5.6_o weak_a feeble_a soul_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n 5._o every_o sickness_n of_o the_o body_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n so_o every_o sin_n tend_v to_o the_o death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n eternal_o the_o only_a remedy_n that_o we_o have_v against_o this_o poison_n and_o sting_v of_o sin_n be_v to_o hasten_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n who_o be_v the_o physician_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o who_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v here_o to_o sardis_n to_o awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o sardis_n to_o awake_v herself_o recover_v herself_o and_o renew_v her_o grace_n without_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n i_o answer_v negative_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n not_o only_o for_o a_o propitiation_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n but_o it_o be_v also_o from_o his_o influence_n and_o from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n whereby_o all_o our_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a for_o the_o life_n i_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o awake_v out_o of_o sin_n nor_o do_v our_o first_o work_n or_o renovate_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n second_o this_o duty_n to_o awake_v and_o renew_v their_o grace_n be_v set_v on_o those_o of_o sardis_n that_o have_v already_o receive_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v here_o say_v strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v therefore_o they_o have_v a_o be_v though_o a_o sorry_a one_o and_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v grace_n from_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o work_v from_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n have_v receive_v the_o promise_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v christ_n the_o great_a end_n and_o object_n of_o the_o promise_n cleanse_v yourselves_o go_v on_o in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o our_o gracious_a act_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o through_o his_o continue_a power_n and_o influence_n three_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o awake_v strengthen_v and_o renew_v ourselves_o by_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n they_o must_v be_v always_o take_v to_o be_v as_o inseparable_a part_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o we_o can_v awake_v from_o sin_n unless_o we_o first_o look_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n neither_o can_v we_o possible_o renew_v or_o restore_v our_o fall_a grace_n before_o we_o first_o eye_n god_n in_o christ_n out_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o set_v home_o spiritual_a duty_n on_o person_n that_o have_v not_o first_o receive_v light_n and_o life_n from_o christ_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o work_n that_o must_v be_v offer_v and_o
light_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n if_o he_o be_v spiritual_o judicious_a and_o learned_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v diligent_o true_a berean-like_a whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o declare_v it_o forth_o unto_o other_o so_o shall_v he_o deliver_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o his_o brother_n also_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n to_o all_o which_o as_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o say_v amen_n who_o be_o kerris_n in_o cornwall_n nou._n 1._o 1658._o thou_o in_o all_o christian_a service_n william_n hicks_n the_o preface_n god_n speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n in_o old_a time_n to_o our_o father_n after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n but_o now_o in_o these_o late_a day_n he_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o ambassador_n the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o church_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n move_v on_o his_o endeavour_n in_o search_v meditate_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o old_a and_o new_a not_o only_o find_v out_o that_o treasure_n where_o out_o flow_v both_o new_a and_o old_a thing_n that_o will_v make_v his_o soul_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o also_o he_o shall_v find_v a_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n that_o will_v replenish_v his_o soul_n while_o here_o beneath_o in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n for_o what_o will_v add_v great_a hope_n or_o be_v a_o sure_a prop_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o affliction_n and_o mourning_n then_o to_o fore_o see_v know_v and_o be_v assure_v next_o to_o its_o interest_n in_o christ_n of_o the_o day_n of_o its_o deliverance_n this_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a portion_n and_o lot_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o interest_v in_o christ_n jesus_n through_o their_o several_a generation_n for_o the_o servant_n must_v not_o look_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o master_n christ_n enter_v into_o his_o glory_n by_o suffering_n temptation_n sorrow_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n his_o member_n must_v drink_v the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o while_o here_o militant_a though_o not_o to_o the_o same_o measure_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n for_o herein_o they_o be_v not_o make_v mighty_a to_o bear_v his_o suffering_n be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n that_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n may_v be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o thereby_o may_v become_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n our_o suffering_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o to_o fullfil_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o ourselves_o in_o our_o journey_v towards_o our_o celestial_a canaan_n and_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o particular_a member_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n thereof_o yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o gracious_a god_n to_o manifest_v his_o fatherly_a oversight_n and_o faithful_a providence_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o without_o intermission_n dispense_v towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n have_v often_o for_o a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o warning_n to_o the_o wicked_a not_o only_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o oppressor_n and_o set_v they_o above_o they_o but_o so_o prefix_v the_o time_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o deliverance_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o in_o observe_v the_o event_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o alwise_a hand_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o the_o one_o for_o good_a to_o the_o other_o in_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o for_o ever_o god_n have_v his_o access_n and_o his_o recess_n his_o come_n in_o and_o his_o withdrawing_n towards_o his_o church_n some_o be_v conditional_a as_o if_o we_o keep_v with_o god_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o we_o but_o if_o we_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v we_o some_o again_o be_v absolute_a and_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n as_o that_o i_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o etc._n etc._n yet_o however_o god_n purpose_n of_o do_v good_a to_o his_o church_n be_v so_o steadfast_a and_o unalterable_a that_o though_o many_o of_o they_o run_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o precedent_a condition_n or_o qualification_n in_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o will_v in_o faithfulness_n perform_v his_o promise_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n either_o by_o make_v they_o a_o fit_a people_n for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n by_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o they_o and_o so_o will_v make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n or_o otherwise_o rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n shall_v fall_v to_o ground_v unaccomplish_v will_v do_v it_o absolute_o of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o before_o the_o flood_n god_n give_v 120._o year_n respite_n to_o the_o old_a world_n before_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o gen._n 6.3_o when_o this_o time_n be_v expire_v his_o spirit_n will_v contend_v with_o they_o no_o long_o but_o god_n come_v with_o the_o flood_n and_o destroy_v all_o live_n except_o noah_n and_o what_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ark._n 2._o god_n declare_v to_o abraham_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stanger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o in_o egypt_n and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o for_o 400._o year_n but_o withal_o that_o nation_n who_o they_o shall_v serve_v he_o will_v judge_v and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o etc._n etc._n which_o promise_n god_n do_v fulfil_v most_o faithful_o unto_o they_o in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_a term_n he_o bring_v out_o his_o people_n with_o a_o mighty_a and_o strong_a arm_n in_o drown_v the_o host_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n 3._o to_o that_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n god_n set_v a_o period_n of_o 70._o year_n jerem._n 29.10_o when_o that_o time_n be_v accomplish_v god_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v 4._o to_o daniel_n god_n show_v that_o 70._o week_n viz._n week_n of_o year_n be_v 490._o year_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o which_o time_n the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o at_o length_n the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v dan._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n and_o how_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v full_o accomplish_v be_v most_o evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n deal_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o people_n 5._o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n set_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o long_o she_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o persecution_n and_o when_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o it_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 7.25_o and_o the_o 12.7_o they_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o four_o beast_n hand_n until_o a_o time_n time_n and_o the_o divide_n of_o time_n which_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n do_v answer_v that_o of_o rev._n 12.14_o the_o woman_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n which_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n 1260._o day_n or_o year_n which_o term_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n can_v exceed_v for_o he_o that_o have_v set_v a_o bind_v and_o period_n to_o all_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n in_o this_o world_n have_v say_v it_o hither_o thou_o shall_v go_v &_o no_o far_o and_o that_o angel_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 12.7_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n time_n and_o half_a it_o be_v then_o clear_o evince_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o appoint_a time_n visit_v his_o church_n with_o sure_a mercy_n and_o have_v prefix_v in_o all_o age_n the_o time_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o distress_n and_o persecution_n and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o visitation_n he_o will_v come_v with_o a_o certain_a deliverance_n to_o his_o people_n and_o ruin_n to_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a joy_n &_o comfort_n to_o his_o
his_o church_n for_o the_o service_n thereof_o god_n first_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n when_o john_n be_v but_o upon_o enter_v upon_o his_o prophetical_a office_n god_n ravish_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o fill_v he_o therewith_o to_o fit_v he_o for_o this_o office_n when_o man_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o for_o the_o low_a service_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o like_a yet_o they_o must_v be_v man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o much_o more_o than_o for_o the_o high_a place_n as_o prophet_n pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o work_n act_v 11.24_o and_o 13.2_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o those_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o in_o some_o fullness_n of_o it_o those_o place_n be_v not_o for_o such_o as_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n covetousness_n pride_n the_o world_n contention_n ignorance_n and_o antichristian_a lord_v such_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v well_o say_v of_o such_o that_o they_o run_v for_o profit_n here_o and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o lord_n send_v they_o not_o jer._n 14.14_o and_o 23.21_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o be_v call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n because_o god_n have_v give_v they_o some_o common_a acquire_v gift_n and_o part_n yet_o want_v all_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o meekness_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o this_o world_n humility_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n ready_a to_o forgive_v sound_a knowledge_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o that_o want_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o fit_a for_o those_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v satisfy_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o other_o that_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o let_v this_o be_v as_o a_o memento_n to_o all_o such_o that_o climb_v over_o the_o wall_n into_o those_o holy_a function_n and_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o a_o call_n from_o man_n when_o they_o be_v never_o call_v of_o god_n i_o say_v let_v all_o such_o fear_n and_o tremble_v lest_o god_n spew_v they_o all_o our_o together_o with_o their_o flock_n that_o will_v have_v it_o so_o in_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o john_n be_v rapt_v in_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a whether_o this_o day_n be_v here_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o those_o vision_n make_v unto_o john_n upon_o this_o day_n or_o because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o assemble_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o perform_v their_o service_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o same_o day_n with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o our_o christian_n sabbath_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o contend_v but_o rather_o be_o incline_v unto_o the_o latter_a for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n on_o that_o day_n wherein_o he_o be_v manifest_v lord_n and_o conqueror_n over_o hell_n and_o satan_n purchase_v it_o that_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n second_o because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n with_o all_o christian_n public_a service_n be_v transfer_v to_o that_o day_n and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o according_a to_o the_o scottish_a dialect_n the_o kirk_n day_n the_o church_n day_n because_o they_o hold_v their_o assembly_n and_o perform_v their_o public_a service_n upon_o that_o day_n hence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o the_o great_a and_o public_a assembling_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o god_n high_a discovery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n receive_v here_o on_o this_o day_n his_o high_a irradiation_n of_o spirit_n and_o prophecy_n this_o be_v god_n great_a market_n day_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o mutual_a exchange_n or_o barter_v of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a commodity_n the_o saint_n come_v with_o the_o return_n of_o their_o improvement_n of_o mercy_n in_o praise_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n god_n give_v out_o in_o return_n far_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o his_o way_n and_o truth_n therefore_o sure_a most_o happy_a most_o know_a and_o most_o gracious_a be_v those_o saint_n that_o be_v most_o find_v in_o this_o way_n o_o this_o shall_v make_v all_o of_o we_o that_o be_v not_o in_o this_o way_n to_o wail_v for_o it_o as_o david_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o exile_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o special_a habitation_n of_o god_n glory_n psal_n 96.6_o and_o to_o breath_n after_o it_o even_o as_o the_o hart_n bray_v after_o the_o fountain_n stream_n for_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o saint_n assembling_n wherein_o the_o angel_n come_v down_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n christ_n in_o spirit_n to_o stir_v upon_o the_o water_n of_o bethesda_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o his_o people_n when_o john_n be_v in_o this_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o he_o hear_v behind_o he_o a_o mighty_a voice_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o trumpet_n loud_a and_o terrible_a the_o trumpet_n be_v a_o warlike_a instrument_n who_o sound_n be_v to_o prepare_v unto_o battle_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o adversary_n god_n public_a admonition_n be_v so_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o not_o only_o prepare_v his_o own_o unto_o repentance_n but_o be_v also_o of_o terrible_a signification_n unto_o all_o his_o impenitent_a enemy_n but_o here_o come_v in_o a_o question_n fit_a to_o be_v discuss_v john_n have_v here_o his_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n ecstasy_n and_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n as_o of_o a_o trumpet_n the_o quere_z will_v be_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v divine_a rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o vision_n from_o diabolical_a for_o satan_n be_v god_n ape_n and_o have_v his_o rapture_n possession_n strange_a apparition_n sound_n and_o voice_n also_o for_o answer_v first_o know_v that_o god_n vision_n be_v give_v either_o in_o the_o sleep_n as_o unto_o jacob_n when_o he_o see_v a_o ladder_n reach_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v in_o gen._n 28._o but_o such_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v divine_a dream_n or_o second_o when_o the_o person_n be_v awake_a as_o here_o when_o john_n be_v at_o patmos_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n doubtless_o either_o in_o god_n service_n or_o holy_a contemplation_n he_o receive_v those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n and_o those_o ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o great_a alteration_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v they_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o this_o posture_n and_o frame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n quasi_fw-la extra_fw-la se_fw-la raptus_fw-la be_v in_o that_o posture_n not_o master_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o power_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o act_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o both_o sort_n of_o rapture_n whether_o from_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n now_o to_o discern_v what_o spirit_n move_v in_o such_o rapture_n or_o vision_n observe_v first_o whether_o the_o person_n passive_a or_o that_o be_v under_o such_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n be_v always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n faithful_a witness_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o to_o be_v preserve_v against_o the_o evil_a one_o in_o their_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n second_o observe_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o vision_n in_o such_o rapture_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o sinful_a practice_n or_o not_o for_o sure_o satan_n will_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o his_o kingdom_n can_v not_o stand_v though_o i_o have_v read_v a_o story_n in_o some_o old_a popish_a mass-monger_n that_o the_o devil_n once_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o priest_n preach_v a_o very_a catholic_a sermon_n but_o be_v discover_v by_o some_o saint_n in_o presence_n it_o seem_v one_o of_o a_o excellent_a endowment_n in_o discern_a spirit_n ask_v he_o how_o dare_v satan_n to_o appear_v in_o that_o presence_n with_o so_o sound_a holy_a
and_o catholic_a instruction_n in_o his_o mouth_n the_o devil_n or_o the_o devilish_a preacher_n answer_v he_o that_o whilst_o he_o preach_v good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n unto_o his_o auditor_n and_o they_o be_v not_o follower_n of_o it_o he_o have_v his_o end_n even_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o condemnation_n for_o their_o neglect_n inproficiency_n and_o contempt_n of_o such_o good_a doctrine_n sure_o how_o this_o odd_a design_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o devil_n be_v head_n i_o know_v not_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o truth_n abide_v not_o in_o he_o nor_o will_v confess_v it_o no_o further_o than_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o overmastering_a divine_a power_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o god_n never_o send_v the_o evil_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o messenger_n to_o provoke_v to_o break_v off_o from_o sin_n to_o live_v to_o god_n holiness_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n his_o very_a nature_n be_v contrary_a to_o such_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o great_a hinderer_n not_o the_o promoter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v another_o mark_n to_o discern_v of_o what_o spirit_n vision_n be_v of_o three_o another_o distinguish_a mark_n be_v that_o in_o respect_n those_o vision_n and_o rapture_n of_o spirit_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o terribleness_n in_o the_o strange_a apparition_n therein_o they_o leave_v a_o high_a and_o strange_a impression_n of_o spirit_n upon_o the_o party_n under_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n leave_v always_o behind_o they_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v away_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o glory_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o worthlesness_n isaiah_n the_o prophet_n when_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o have_v discovery_n of_o his_o glory_n he_o can_v call_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o job_n also_o confess_v cap._n 42._o 5_o 6._o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n do_v always_o humble_a in_o that_o it_o bring_v to_o sight_n our_o own_o worthlesness_n even_o in_o our_o best_a attainment_n in_o respect_n of_o it_o which_o cause_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n now_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n bring_v contrary_a fruit_n and_o effect_n as_o pride_n vainglory_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v difference_v in_o their_o operation_n four_o vision_n ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n though_o often_o they_o may_v much_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v their_o spirit_n that_o be_v under_o they_o as_o in_o dan._n 7.15_o and_o 8.27_o and_o take_v away_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o present_a and_o their_o strength_n and_o comeliness_n and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v faint_v dead_a dumb_a and_o breathless_a as_o in_o daniel_n cap._n 10._o 8._o 15._o 17._o verse_n and_o as_o john_n in_o verse_n 17._o at_o the_o vision_n of_o christ_n he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n as_o dead_a and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o zachariah_n paul_n etc._n etc._n yet_o after_o they_o be_v pass_v they_o have_v no_o impair_n in_o the_o part_n either_o of_o their_o body_n or_o soul_n but_o rather_o a_o great_a glory_n put_v upon_o they_o as_o moses_n who_o face_n do_v shine_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o vision_n of_o god_n paul_n grow_v a_o most_o eminent_a light_n and_o the_o high_a of_o all_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a with_o his_o convert_n vision_n act_v 9_o john_n here_o receive_v great_a and_o high_a revelation_n from_o christ_n after_o he_o be_v strike_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o vision_n god_n be_v no_o hard_a master_n none_o be_v ever_o loser_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n in_o this_o sort_n for_o unto_o such_o he_o common_o add_v great_a addition_n of_o part_n grace_n and_o glory_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n rapture_n or_o possession_n many_o have_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o due_a temperature_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o become_v altogether_o besot_v and_o wittol_n but_o have_v also_o their_o body_n impair_v by_o the_o hard_a service_n of_o their_o master_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v report_v and_o common_o by_o experience_n see_v of_o witch_n and_o such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o be_v true_o bewitch_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o as_o servant_n to_o his_o will_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o impair_v and_o hurt_v by_o his_o possession_n and_o daily_a disturb_v of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o apollyon_n or_o destroyer_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v break_v in_o their_o reason_n they_o conceive_v in_o their_o rapture_n that_o they_o be_v transform_v into_o strange_a shape_n of_o cat_n dog_n hare_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o instant_a to_o be_v transport_v and_o carry_v into_o far_a place_n distant_a and_o in_o and_o out_o to_o house_n though_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v thing_n in_o themselves_o above_o the_o efficiency_n of_o any_o creature_n and_o contradictory_n to_o nature_n and_o all_o its_o work_n and_o unless_o person_n of_o such_o belief_n make_v two_o omnipotents_a it_o can_v never_o stand_v indeed_o the_o true_a ground_n hereof_o and_o of_o all_o their_o confession_n in_o this_o kind_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o devil_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o frequent_a ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n have_v so_o befool_v they_o in_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o do_v very_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v real_o do_v and_o act_v which_o the_o devil_n do_v represent_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o ecstasy_n and_o trance_n and_o so_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n believe_v and_o often_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v of_o truth_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v impossibility_n in_o nature_n without_o a_o miracle_n and_o have_v never_o a_o be_v further_o than_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o their_o confuse_a and_o disturb_a brain_n this_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n five_o and_o last_o if_o all_o these_o former_a distinguish_a mark_n fail_v for_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v very_o far_o in_o comply_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o herein_o he_o can_v deceive_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o vision_n or_o revelation_n in_o the_o event_n thereof_o this_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o try_v he_o whether_o his_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o event_n discover_v vision_n and_o distinguish_v prophet_n jer._n 28.9_o the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o and_o this_o be_v according_a to_o that_o of_o deut._n 18.21_o 22._o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o a_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o look_v to_o the_o event_n if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v of_o god_n if_o not_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o jerusalem_n hananiah_n and_o other_o false_a prophet_n the_o contrary_a jer._n 28.2_o 3_o 4._o ahab_n fear_v not_o to_o go_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n while_o zedekiah_n the_o false_a prophet_n tell_v he_o go_v and_o prosper_v 1_o king_n 22._o but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o micaiah_n prove_v true_a to_o ahab_n in_o his_o destruction_n than_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v confound_v and_o zedekiah_n run_v into_o a_o inner_a chamber_n to_o hide_v himself_o 2_o king_n 22.25_o object_n but_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n often_o foretell_v the_o truth_n of_o event_n yes_o but_o not_o with_o that_o clearness_n as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v he_o leave_v no_o hesitation_n or_o doubt_v on_o which_o side_n the_o overthrow_n will_v be_v the_o beast_n together_o with_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o their_o adherent_n must_v be_v take_v and_o destroy_v the_o saint_n must_v remain_v the_o conqueror_n satan_n in_o his_o prediction_n be_v but_o as_o a_o good_a guesser_n or_o conjecturer_n at_o best_a to_o keep_v his_o credit_n good_a with_o his_o complice_n he_o give_v out_o his_o prediction_n in_o riddle_n or_o aenigma_n as_o of_o old_a in_o the_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n aio_fw-la te_fw-la aeacides_n romanos_fw-la vincere_fw-la posse_fw-la or_o that_o of_o croesus_n croesus_n halyn_n penetrans_fw-la magnam_fw-la pervertet_fw-la opum_fw-la vim_o both_o which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o diverse_a sense_n which_o the_o constructor_n take_v in_o advantage_n as_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o prove_v to_o both_o fatal_a in_o not_o
as_o in_o sickly_a body_n have_v much_o to_o do_v to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o hence_o i_o assert_v a_o person_n may_v receive_v a_o call_n from_o divers_a particular_a church_n but_o the_o more_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n the_o church_n be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v the_o more_o orthodox_n and_o sound_n be_v the_o call_n though_o in_o a_o corrupt_a church_n there_o may_v be_v the_o true_a essential_o of_o all_o office_n and_o call_v yet_o not_o so_o virtual_a and_o with_o that_o satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n as_o in_o a_o more_o sound_a and_o undefiled_a one_o but_o for_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o rome_n as_o now_o constitute_v can_v be_v a_o perfect_a church_n to_o this_o end_n nay_o i_o much_o question_n whether_o she_o have_v not_o by_o her_o abound_a abomination_n false_a doctrine_n and_o idolatry_n lose_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n the_o essence_n of_o all_o church_n office_n and_o ordinance_n also_o a_o wife_n and_o spouse_n when_o she_o turn_v a_o harlot_n she_o lose_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la virtual_o become_v a_o cast-out_a and_o divorce_v so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o by_o some_o too_o favourable_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n though_o not_o a_o true_a one_o have_v not_o only_o forsake_v her_o first_o love_n but_o have_v commit_v adultery_n and_o spiritual_a fornication_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v drink_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o her_o fornication_n rev._n 17.2_o now_o she_o that_o have_v play_v the_o part_n of_o so_o notorious_a a_o harlot_n as_o that_o she_o be_v entitle_v in_o scripture_n v._o 5._o the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o great_a whore_n babylon_n the_o great_a etc._n etc._n how_o such_o a_o church_n or_o rather_o antichristian_a synagogue_n shall_v give_v a_o essence_n to_o christian_n officer_n and_o ordinance_n it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o judgement_n or_o conscience_n to_o conclude_v though_o otherwise_o extensive_a enough_o in_o charity_n to_o erroneous_a and_o backslide_a church_n and_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v and_o approve_v whatsoever_o of_o truth_n and_o god_n be_v in_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o admirable_a to_o consider_v in_o this_o adulterate_a romish_a church_n be_v that_o god_n have_v so_o far_o infatuate_v her_o spiritual_a reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o of_o all_o those_o office_n and_o officer_n we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o perfect_v of_o the_o saint_n we_o can_v hear_v but_o of_o one_o to_o wit_n bishop_n and_o that_o too_o with_o most_o abundant_a prelatical_a corruption_n in_o the_o whole_a apocryphal_a catalogue_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o rome_n where_o be_v it_o assert_v in_o scripture_n of_o a_o secondary_a monstrous_a head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o pope_n where_o shall_v you_o read_v of_o those_o princely_a cardinal_n in_o the_o whole_a treasury_n of_o god_n word_n in_o what_o page_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v you_o find_v the_o lordlike_o title_n of_o archbishop_n lord_n abbot_n archdeacon_n &_o c_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v it_o record_v in_o holy_a writ_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o rabble_n and_o supernumerary_a officer_n of_o this_o harlot_n church_n as_o dean_n canon_n prebend_n surrogate_v priest_n abbot_n abbess_n friar_n nun_n doctor_n proctor_n summoner_n cum_fw-la multis_fw-la aliis_fw-la &_o c_o and_o again_o have_v not_o this_o adulteress_n instead_o of_o those_o spurious_a issue_n spew_v out_o of_o her_o bosom_n the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n office_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n as_o where_o shall_v you_o hear_v in_o all_o her_o egyptian_a or_o babylonish_n territory_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o gospel_n officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n bishop_n right_o qualify_v &_o c_o therefore_o sure_a shame_n unto_o all_o such_o that_o will_v own_v a_o derivation_n of_o office_n and_o call_v from_o such_o a_o church_n that_o have_v not_o only_o banish_v such_o officer_n out_o of_o her_o jurisdiction_n as_o be_v true_o christ_n but_o be_v become_v herself_o a_o adulteress_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n and_o also_o the_o throne_n of_o antichrist_n and_o yet_o if_o any_o for_o all_o this_o will_v endeavour_v to_o avouch_v their_o call_n and_o mission_n good_a as_o unto_o the_o essential_o thereof_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n maintain_v that_o she_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n at_o least_o and_o to_o separate_v and_o depart_v from_o such_o a_o church_n i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o can_v defend_v it_o without_o sin_n therefore_o either_o be_v so_o ingenious_a as_o to_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a essential_a christian_n church_n and_o justify_v your_o call_n therefrom_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o she_o or_o else_o acknowledge_v she_o to_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o antichrist_n together_o with_o all_o her_o dependency_n of_o mission_n call_v and_o ordinance_n which_o at_o best_o be_v but_o antichristian_a and_o therefore_o worthy_o to_o be_v reject_v remove_v and_o loathe_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n heart_n beside_o we_o have_v a_o command_n for_o it_o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n and_o i_o pray_v how_o shall_v we_o depart_v or_o come_v out_o of_o she_o if_o we_o communicate_v with_o she_o in_o her_o holy_a thing_n indeed_o ingenious_a m._n baxter_n affirm_v if_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n the_o case_n be_v clear_a as_o the_o good_a bishop_n downam_n jewel_n etc._n etc._n have_v evince_v see_v his_o worcestershire_n agreement_n p._n 69_o and_o 70._o object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o then_o shall_v the_o first_o reformer_n that_o fall_v off_o from_o rome_n have_v a_o right_a call_n to_o the_o ministerial_a office_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o from_o that_o church_n from_o which_o they_o depart_v i_o answer_v sure_o they_o never_o own_v their_o call_n from_o rome_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v depart_v and_o have_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o antichrist_n but_o withal_o assert_v that_o their_o call_n be_v some_o what_o extraordinary_a and_o some_o what_o ordinary_a god_n in_o that_o time_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n move_v most_o powerful_o and_o vigorous_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o first_o restorer_n as_o wickliff_n husse_n luther_n etc._n etc._n and_o give_v they_o such_o a_o call_n of_o ability_n and_o courage_n that_o be_v not_o ordinary_a in_o that_o great_a first_o undertake_n and_o break_v forth_o of_o light_n second_o he_o give_v they_o the_o ordinary_a call_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n to_o be_v their_o pastor_n teacher_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v both_o abilitated_a and_o call_v of_o god_n and_o man_n they_o have_v a_o true_a and_o justifiable_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o one_o say_v the_o ministerial_a office_n must_v precede_v in_o order_n before_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v call_v or_o gather_v without_o a_o precedent_a officer_n for_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n or_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v but_o withal_o rejoin_v and_o superadd_a that_o in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o church_n extraordinary_a call_n do_v supply_v all_o want_n otherwise_o so_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o so_o miserable_a collapse_a church_n estate_n as_o the_o antichristian_a darkness_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n be_v god_n do_v supply_v not_o with_o ordinary_a gift_n only_o those_o that_o he_o employ_v in_o that_o work_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o in_o absence_n of_o the_o ordinary_a call_n god_n give_v they_o a_o additament_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n not_o ordinary_a which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o their_o constant_a course_n and_o ministry_n carry_v on_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o extraordinary_a courage_n and_o ability_n witness_v that_o say_n of_o luther_n when_o he_o be_v advise_v by_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n in_o respect_n of_o danger_n that_o he_o shall_v abstain_v from_o a_o diet_n wherein_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o adversary_n a_o conference_n he_o answer_v if_o there_o be_v as_o many_o devil_n at_o the_o diet_n as_o there_o be_v tile_n in_o the_o city_n he_o will_v not_o fear_v they_o but_o will_v among_o they_o but_o in_o right_o constitute_v church_n the_o ordinary_a call_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v but_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o as_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n indispensable_a and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v slight_v but_o where_o god_n have_v dispense_v
so_o call_v for_o on_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o condition_n by_o virtue_n of_o compact_n it_o have_v a_o legal_a influence_n merit_n and_o causality_n unto_o the_o production_n of_o its_o end_n neither_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o such_o compact_n in_o the_o word_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o on_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n be_v they_o never_o so_o evangelical_n as_o faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n justification_n or_o life_n be_v promise_v thereupon_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v death_n upon_o disobedience_n and_o life_n upon_o obedience_n man_n have_v forfeit_v the_o one_o by_o his_o disobedience_n christ_n step_v in_o as_o the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a and_o sure_a covenant_n and_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n unto_o death_n which_o be_v the_o full_a performance_n of_o the_o penal_a condition_n due_a unto_o the_o sinner_n and_o so_o absolute_o purchase_v a_o bless_a seed_n unto_o himself_o and_o on_o such_o stable_a condition_n perform_v altogether_o by_o himself_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o forfeit_v their_o inheritance_n be_v in_o so_o sure_a a_o hand_n and_o be_v still_o heir_n though_o while_o under_o year_n they_o differ_v not_o from_o servant_n that_o be_v while_o under_o sin_n and_o unregeneracy_n be_v still_o in_o bondage_n until_o faith_n come_v to_o discover_v their_o heirship_n and_o interest_n unto_o the_o purchase_a possession_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o evil_a work_n they_o be_v as_o enemy_n stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o god_n and_o the_o commonweal_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o old_a legal_a distinction_n they_o have_v notwithstanding_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la though_o not_o jus_n in_o re._n and_o though_o i_o deny_v faith_n or_o repentance_n to_o be_v condition_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o life_n or_o justification_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o be_v require_v in_o the_o same_o new_a law_n covenant_n or_o testament_n as_o condition_n improper_o so_o call_v or_o as_o condition_n in_o order_n precede_v one_o the_o other_o and_z as_o benefit_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o see_v the_o word_n condition_n be_v of_o late_a glown_n so_o rampant_a and_o overmuch_o perfume_v with_o the_o spicery_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v willing_o let_v it_o lie_v as_o that_o other_o term_n of_o merit_n which_o in_o their_o first_o birth_n be_v more_o innocent_a and_o inoffensive_a and_o shall_v rather_o call_v they_o as_o duty_n and_o quality_n require_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n by_o christ_n as_o necessary_a in_o all_o his_o redeem_v once_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v duty_n necessary_a i_o will_v be_v understand_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o virtate_fw-la precepti_fw-la and_o virtute_fw-la medii_fw-la unto_o all_o such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o their_o duty_n but_o not_o unto_o infant_n or_o idiot_n that_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n for_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n which_o infant_n or_o idiot_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o we_o exempt_v they_o from_o salvation_n die_v so_o if_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a as_o augustine_n once_o dream_v and_o therefore_o be_v call_v durus_fw-la pater_fw-la infantum_fw-la and_o all_o other_o must_v conclude_v the_o like_a harsh_a judgement_n on_o they_o also_o that_o hold_v actual_a faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o absolute_a necessary_a condition_n unto_o justification_n and_o life_n but_o again_o if_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o arminian_n say_v that_o none_o be_v save_v but_o on_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o to_o credere_fw-la or_o act_v of_o faith_n and_o none_o damn_v but_o for_o unbelief_n then_o i_o reassume_a that_o some_o person_n according_a to_o this_o be_v neither_o damn_v nor_o save_v for_o infant_n die_v such_o as_o aforesaid_a can_v have_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o incapacity_n the_o act_n of_o faith_n nor_o unbelief_n which_o be_v a_o privation_n by_o refusal_n or_o resistance_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v manifest_a indeed_o such_o absurdity_n do_v they_o incur_v that_o assert_v such_o absolute_a condition_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v do_v on_o man_n part_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a on_o christ_n part_n to_o be_v perform_v and_o he_o have_v full_o finish_v all_o the_o condition_n for_o his_o elect_a one_o by_o his_o death_n though_o some_o of_o they_o die_v infant_n yet_o be_v save_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v with_o christ_n in_o for_z and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o his_o choose_a one_o of_o who_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v one_o which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o from_o this_o precedent_a discourse_n you_o may_v plain_o conclude_v that_o though_o i_o grant_v repentance_n a_o necessary_a gospel_n duty_n and_o for_o divers_a good_a end_n it_o be_v ordain_v so_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o place_n it_o in_o any_o subordinate_a causality_n joint_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o only_o as_o our_o duty_n thoroughfare_n or_o way_n thereunto_o command_v and_o institute_v by_o christ_n as_o part_v of_o his_o new_a law_n that_o he_o himself_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n alone_o of_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o hereon_o shall_v suffice_v see_v more_o hereon_o v._n 23._o observe_v 2._o another_o note_n hence_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o judgement_n and_o threat_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a gospel_n doctrine_n when_o christ_n have_v pass_v with_o his_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o offer_v a_o reconcilement_n free_o if_o the_o sinner_n will_v but_o turn_v from_o his_o iniquity_n and_o repent_v and_o yet_o the_o sinner_n will_v refuse_v his_o gracious_a term_n he_o have_v another_o burden_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o after_o he_o have_v refuse_v so_o great_a salvation_n he_o can_v cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n fire_n the_o most_o obdurate_a and_o incorrigible_a child_n must_v have_v the_o sharp_a rod_n a_o smile_n or_o a_o love-token_n will_v work_v upon_o the_o ingenious_a but_o say_v solomon_n a_o rod_n be_v for_o the_o back_n of_o a_o fool_n neither_o be_v judgement_n a_o strange_a work_n unto_o christ_n for_o as_o he_o be_v relate_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o father_n respect_v his_o grace_n and_o love_a kindness_n so_o he_o be_v as_o well_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o legislator_n and_o so_o may_v just_o chastise_v his_o church_n as_o contemner_n and_o transgressor_n of_o his_o royal_a law_n if_o he_o call_v we_o to_o repent_v which_o be_v part_n of_o his_o new_a covenant_n law_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o yet_o go_v on_o obstinate_o in_o sin_n just_o may_v he_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o we_o if_o his_o lamblike_a quality_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n will_v not_o invite_v we_o to_o return_v he_o can_v rote_n as_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n which_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n wherefore_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o will_v shut_v out_o as_o useless_a the_o doctrine_n of_o threat_n and_o judgement_n from_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v sober_o and_o conditional_a not_o peremptory_a and_o absolute_a for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o curb_n and_o fear_v of_o loss_n and_o punishment_n the_o wanton_a stray_a soul_n will_v hardly_o be_v reclaim_v though_o the_o more_o tender_a heart_a the_o apprehension_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n may_v reclaim_v and_o mollify_v observe_v 3._o another_o observation_n be_v to_o take_v off_o god_n candlestick_n or_o to_o unchurch_n a_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v the_o most_o grievous_a of_o all_o god_n judgement_n christ_n can_v not_o afflict_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o a_o great_a loss_n then_o to_o remove_v his_o church_n from_o among_o they_o for_o hereby_o first_o privative_o his_o glory_n and_o special_a presence_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n be_v withdraw_v second_o the_o guidance_n light_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v depart_v three_o his_o ordinance_n be_v all_o defile_v and_o vanish_v four_o his_o special_a protection_n be_v withdraw_v also_o five_o and_o last_o instead_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n they_o have_v his_o presence_n in_o wrath_n judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n instead_o of_o his_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o comfort_n they_o have_v the_o dismal_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n error_n and_o despair_n instead_o of_o christ_n holy_a ordinance_n they_o have_v the_o devil_n sacrifice_n and_o instead_o of_o god_n special_a protection_n over_o they_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_n by_o satan_n to_o all_o foul_a and_o
wherein_o sin_n be_v but_o not_o in_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n as_o the_o sun_n that_o emit_v his_o efficacious_a beam_n upon_o a_o dunghill_n yet_o itself_o be_v undefiled_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o dunghill_n so_o god_n that_o have_v his_o hand_n and_o efficiency_n about_o sin_n be_v far_o from_o mix_v with_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o creature_n neither_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o direct_a author_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o next_o proper_a cause_n thereof_o sin_n be_v only_o a_o moral_n be_v or_o entity_n and_o it_o have_v subsistence_n alone_o in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o all_o our_o physical_a action_n be_v good_a wherein_o god_n have_v a_o concurrence_n and_o they_o become_v ill_a or_o sinful_a by_o our_o own_o depravity_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n be_v the_o mix_v proper_a author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o let_v god_n be_v justify_v and_o all_o man_n liar_n second_o yet_o i_o say_v god_n have_v his_o hand_n and_o efficiency_n about_o sin_n several_a manner_n of_o way_n and_o for_o distinct_a method_n sake_n i_o shall_v brief_o set_v they_o down_o 1._o god_n foresee_v and_o preordains_a it_o else_o as_o i_o say_v it_o can_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v see_v god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a to_o hinder_v it_o if_o he_o will_v act_v 2.23_o christ_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o fore_a knowledge_n and_o determinate_a counsel_n of_o god_n what_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o betray_v the_o innocent_a and_o that_o too_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v preordained_n of_o god_n and_o he_o mean_v to_o draw_v excellent_a good_a out_o of_o it_o and_o gen._n 15.19_o 20._o joseph_n tell_v his_o brethren_n as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a but_o god_n mean_v it_o for_o good_a to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n to_o save_v much_o people_n alive_a 2._o god_n permit_v it_o god_n decree_n imply_v a_o necessity_n that_o sin_n shall_v be_v but_o do_v not_o impel_v or_o enforce_v thereunto_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o free_a choice_n god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o hinder_v we_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n act_n 14.16_o and_o we_o be_v leave_v unto_o our_o own_o choice_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n we_o be_v sure_a to_o choose_v the_o worse_a part_n 3._o god_n have_v his_o concurrence_n in_o every_o action_n wherein_o sin_n be_v but_o not_o in_o the_o obliquity_n of_o it_o all_o our_o action_n and_o motion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 4._o god_n withdraw_v his_o prevent_a grace_n or_o suspend_v it_o from_o a_o sinner_n for_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o to_o law_n and_o condition_n unto_o we_o and_o he_o may_v do_v it_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n and_o he_o will_v do_v it_o sometime_o in_o wisdom_n to_o try_v we_o and_o see_v whether_o we_o will_v seek_v after_o he_o and_o keep_v close_o unto_o he_o as_o he_o do_v to_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 33.31_o god_n left_a hezekiah_n that_o he_o may_v know_v what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o sometime_o he_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n in_o justice_n and_o judgement_n psal_n 81.12_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n 5._o god_n give_v a_o concession_n and_o permission_n to_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o move_v to_o evil_a as_o 1_o king_n 22.22_o i_o will_v go_v forth_o and_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o abab_n prophet_n and_o god_n say_v go_v forth_o 6._o god_n wise_o dispose_v his_o providence_n that_o they_o become_v a_o snare_n unto_o the_o sinner_n and_o yet_o no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n for_o his_o act_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o be_v rather_o motive_n to_o holiness_n and_o duty_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v sound_a than_o temptation_n to_o sin_n yea_o his_o very_a mercy_n will_v become_v unto_o they_o a_o snare_n psal_n 69.22_o let_v their_o table_n become_v a_o snare_n and_o their_o welfare_n a_o trap._n a_o sinner_n like_o the_o sea_n will_v make_v all_o it_o receive_v brackish_a though_o ever_o so_o sweet_a that_o run_v into_o it_o 7._o god_n hand_n be_v conversant_a about_o sin_n as_o some_o of_o his_o judiciary_n punishment_n that_o he_o afflict_v the_o sinner_n with_o as_o rom._n 1.26_o 2_o thes_n 2.11_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o give_v they_o strong_a delusion_n when_o we_o leave_v god_n and_o his_o way_n just_o may_v he_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o perverse_a way_n in_o a_o judiciary_n way_n and_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n 8._o god_n limit_n sin_n thus_o far_o thou_o shall_v go_v and_o no_o far_o psal_n 76.10_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n shall_v praise_v thou_o and_o the_o remainder_n thereof_o shall_v thou_o restrain_v so_o far_o as_o god_n get_v glory_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o sin_n god_n will_v let_v the_o sinner_n take_v his_o swing_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o exceed_v its_o bound_n but_o can_v present_o destroy_v it_o or_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o it_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o so_o the_o remainder_n of_o wrath_n thou_o will_v restrain_v 9_o god_n dispose_v the_o event_n and_o end_n of_o all_o sin_n to_o his_o glory_n god_n will_v never_o permit_v sin_n if_o he_o can_v not_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o it_o rom._n 3.7_o adam_n sin_n as_o one_o witty_o say_v be_v a_o happy_a sin_n because_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o clear_o manifest_v unto_o the_o creature_n many_o of_o god_n attribute_n will_v never_o be_v so_o clear_o advance_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o sin_n to_o wit_n his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v justice_n in_o punish_v wisdom_n in_o order_v power_n in_o overrule_a it_o let_v we_o never_o therefore_o murmur_v against_o god_n for_o pre-ordaining_a and_o permit_v sin_n for_o though_o the_o wage_n thereof_o be_v death_n yet_o thank_v be_v god_n we_o have_v victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n observe_v 4._o another_o note_n from_o the_o word_n the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o in_o prison_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a comfort_n to_o know_v that_o their_o imprisonment_n and_o affliction_n come_v from_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n saint_n peter_n rule_n be_v 1_o pet._n 4.15_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o evil_a doer_n the_o comfort_n of_o suffering_n will_v be_v quite_o abate_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n neither_o must_v the_o saint_n suffering_n be_v voluntary_a and_o out_o of_o choice_n for_o unto_o such_o it_o may_v one_o day_n be_v say_v who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n there_o must_v be_v a_o just_a call_n unto_o afflication_n that_o must_v make_v they_o comfortable_a to_o we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fond_a presumption_n to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o imprisonment_n and_o tribulation_n satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n will_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o that_o we_o may_v true_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n have_v think_v we_o worthy_a to_o be_v martyr_n to_o his_o truth_n act_v 5.41_o matth._n 5.12_o and_o have_v give_v we_o so_o sure_a and_o strong_a a_o token_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o together_o with_o a_o sight_n of_o that_o glory_n of_o our_o interest_n which_o we_o then_o under_o that_o condition_n must_v virtual_o and_o strong_o enjoy_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n but_o such_o be_v very_o fond_a that_o will_v desire_v to_o fall_v into_o imprisonment_n and_o tribulation_n out_o of_o a_o affectation_n to_o martyrdom_n as_o many_o of_o the_o quaker_n of_o these_o day_n do_v and_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n and_o this_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v grievous_a and_o evil_a to_o fall_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v either_o the_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n or_o temptation_n of_o affliction_n or_o the_o cross_n for_o christ_n himself_o pray_v when_o his_o soul_n be_v trouble_v within_o he_o father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n and_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o john_n 12.27_o though_o christ_n submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o free_o choose_v death_n and_o suffering_n as_o our_o mediator_n yet_o as_o a_o private_a person_n he_o will_v manifest_v the_o same_o affection_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o deprecate_v the_o evil_n of_o suffering_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v therefore_o for_o we_o to_o desire_v or_o rush_v into_o they_o will_v be_v a_o mad_a zeal_n and_o irregular_a and_o not_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n sincere_o and_o live_v godly_a
then_o monastical_a life_n and_o votary_n of_o all_o sort_n testify_v than_o they_o yet_o who_o have_v lay_v more_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o truth_n than_o they_o by_o their_o balaamitish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v most_o usual_a among_o we_o to_o commend_v the_o day_n of_o our_o forefather_n as_o most_o imitable_a and_o religious_a yet_o how_o sad_a to_o consider_v when_o we_o find_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n leave_v unto_o we_o from_o they_o for_o though_o at_o present_a i_o have_v not_o number_v the_o thirty_o seven_o year_n of_o my_o age_n yet_o i_o well_o remember_v how_o rise_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v practise_v here_o among_o we_o and_o that_o too_o by_o imitation_n from_o our_o predecessor_n we_o have_v our_o floralia_fw-la our_o feast_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o goddess_n of_o maia_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o great_a and_o solemn_a vanity_n with_o much_o paganish_a custom_n exercise_v thereabouts_o mix_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vanity_n sin_n shame_n and_o bestiality_n and_o this_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o maintain_v and_o defend_v by_o ungodly_a balaamite_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o these_o part_n be_v so_o vile_a that_o the_o same_o person_n the_o same_o day_n that_o they_o do_v eat_v of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n the_o same_o day_n be_v drunken_a and_o fill_v with_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n i_o mean_v in_o their_o heathenish_a sport_n and_o vanity_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o have_v now_o teach_v we_o otherwise_o yet_o though_o at_o present_a we_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v some_o remainder_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n all_o england_n over_o even_o in_o keep_v our_o wake_n our_o revel_n our_o parochial_a festival_n a_o foot_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a smatch_n of_o 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magistrate_n to_o discover_v all_o such_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o move_v or_o teach_v he_o to_o lay_v stumble_v block_n or_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n of_o god_n let_v such_o have_v the_o wage_n of_o balaam_n who_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v go_v astray_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o beor_n so_o let_v they_o receive_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n for_o their_o hire_n observe_v 4._o that_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n be_v still_o ready_a to_o insinuate_v with_o and_o please_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o wicked_a design_n balaam_n be_v very_o ready_a and_o intense_a to_o answer_v balack_n curse_a desire_n against_o israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o prevent_v he_o what_o elsemade_v balaam_n after_o he_o have_v the_o denial_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o balack_n numb_a 22.12_o to_o make_v another_o application_n to_o god_n to_o get_v permission_n to_o go_v to_o balack_n and_o when_o he_o know_v his_o errand_n that_o it_o be_v to_o curse_v israel_n how_o often_o do_v he_o tempt_v the_o lord_n with_o sacrifice_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v to_o draw_v god_n to_o his_o design_n and_o though_o god_n do_v manifest_v his_o displeasure_n to_o balaam_n in_o his_o way_n in_o the_o business_n he_o go_v about_o by_o the_o angel_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o make_v his_o ass_n miraculous_o to_o reprove_v he_o yet_o neither_o miracle_n cross_n providence_n nor_o prohibition_n shall_v hinder_v balaam_n to_o serve_v balack_n against_o the_o israelite_n if_o he_o may_v if_o once_o false_a prophet_n perceive_v the_o humour_n of_o their_o prince_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o sew_v pillow_n under_o their_o armhole_n they_o will_v observe_v the_o humour_n of_o man_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o please_v answerable_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o they_o will_v as_o balaam_n instruct_v balack_n in_o wicked_a and_o curse_a design_n and_o practice_n though_o they_o have_v command_n enough_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o witness_v sufficient_o from_o heaven_n against_o it_o yet_o they_o will_v justle_v such_o curse_a and_o bloody_a plot_n into_o their_o prince_n heart_n that_o they_o never_o think_v of_o yea_o that_o be_v abhorrent_n to_o some_o of_o their_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v witness_v in_o the_o history_n of_o q._n marry_o that_o her_o own_o natural_a disposition_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a and_o only_o instigate_v and_o teach_v to_o persecution_n against_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o wicked_a balaamite_n false_a teacher_n as_o bonner_n fisher_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o our_o late_a king_n charles_n of_o england_n have_v never_o split_v the_o ship_n of_o the_o commonweal_n against_o the_o rock_n have_v he_o not_o hearken_v too_o much_o to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o balaamite_n about_o he_o the_o bishop_n &_o their_o corrupt_a party_n who_o teach_v he_o to_o lay_v snare_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o promotion_n and_o countenance_n of_o romish_a idolatry_n and_o their_o midianitish_a fornication_n but_o behold_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v both_o take_v in_o their_o own_o snare_n and_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n together_o and_o so_o according_a to_o that_o numb_a 31.8_o they_o slay_v the_o king_n of_o midianitish_a 〈◊〉_d prince_n and_o balaam_n also_o the_o son_n of_o beor_n they_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n beyond_o sea_n it_o be_v a_o proverb_n no_o curse_a design_n afoot_o but_o a_o priest_n have_v a_o finger_n in_o it_o i_o can_v pray_v it_o be_v not_o in_o england_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o they_o in_o our_o israel_n have_v less_o of_o achitophel_n or_o machiavelli_n in_o they_o and_o more_o of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o he_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o observe_v 5._o false_a prophet_n as_o balaam_n lay_v their_o design_n not_o only_o for_o the_o temporal_a destruction_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o for_o the_o eternal_a also_o if_o they_o may_v balaams_n design_n in_o his_o curse_a counsel_n to_o balak_n be_v that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v idolatrise_v and_o adulterize_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v both_o reach_v their_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n desire_v that_o all_o may_v have_v no_o better_a portion_n than_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o destruction_n of_o saint_n body_n but_o will_v night_n and_o day_n like_o roar_a lion_n go_v about_o to_o seek_v to_o destroy_v they_o and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o lose_v and_o forfeit_v their_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n if_o they_o can_v it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v these_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o lose_v their_o candlestick_n and_o it_o will_v be_v always_o the_o balaamitish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o will_v cause_n god_n to_o remove_v his_o presence_n of_o grace_n power_n and_o comfort_n from_o one_o people_n to_o another_o that_o be_v more_o sound_a and_o fruitful_a o_o therefore_o you_o church_n of_o christ_n look_v to_o your_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o they_o be_v right_a and_o straight_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n so_o god_n will_v delight_v to_o dwell_v among_o you_o and_o will_v make_v you_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n otherwise_o will_v leave_v your_o place_n desolate_a and_o forsake_v though_o you_o be_v his_o people_n in_o profession_n if_o you_o turn_v to_o idol_n false_a worship_n and_o wicked_a practice_n though_o moses_n and_o eliah_n be_v among_o you_o righteous_a soul_n they_o shall_v only_o save_v themselves_o but_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n which_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o inheritance_n for_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a observe_v 6._o that_o
they_o be_v charity_n its_o precedency_n lie_v in_o this_o 1._o in_o that_o it_o perfume_n and_o enlivens_fw-la all_o the_o other_o grace_n faith_n itself_o be_v dead_a without_o it_o and_o to_o suppose_v a_o faith_n without_o love_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o man_n without_o a_o soul_n the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n and_o miracle_n be_v but_o barren_a and_o usless_o thing_n without_o this_o 2._o this_o have_v for_o its_o object_n both_o god_n and_o man_n we_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_v only_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n but_o our_o charity_n be_v extend_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o love_n be_v call_v rom._n 13.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a sum_n and_o hinge_n on_o which_o the_o commandment_n turn_v in_o this_o one_o word_n charity_n both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n be_v abridge_v 3._o it_o excel_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a note_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n faith_n be_v that_o give_v right_a unto_o the_o promise_n but_o love_n be_v that_o give_v life_n to_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o all_o our_o grace_n if_o we_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o will_v profit_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o john_n 3.14_o and_o ja._n 1.12_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o rom._n 8.28_o love_n be_v make_v the_o very_a discovery_n of_o effectual_a call_n and_o election_n 4._o love_n excel_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o commandment_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o be_v love_n but_o perfect_a in_o we_o it_o will_v make_v we_o perfect_a keeper_n and_o observer_n of_o the_o law_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n love_n knit_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n together_o and_o so_o perfect_v his_o body_n it_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n and_o so_o make_v the_o perfect_a of_o divine_a love_n in_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.12_o 17._o and_o here_o it_o be_v we_o be_v command_v twice_o to_o put_v on_o love_n above_o all_o thing_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o col._n 3.14_o but_o once_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n 5._o and_o last_o when_o faith_n hope_v patience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n cease_v charity_n abide_v love_n be_v not_o only_o a_o portion_n for_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o the_o other_o also_o then_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o christ_n when_o faith_n and_o hope_n cease_v therefore_o just_o do_v christ_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o give_v it_o the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o love_n bring_v forth_o another_o grace_n service_n external_a worship_n and_o obedience_n he_o who_o we_o love_v we_o obey_v we_o serve_v we_o honour_v and_o worship_n the_o service_n of_o love_n be_v most_o intense_a and_o effectual_a when_o christ_n commune_v with_o simon_n peter_n john_n 21._o and_o ask_v he_o thrice_o simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thou_o i_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o say_v peter_z christ_n answer_v feed_v my_o sheep_n the_o more_o love_n that_o peter_n manifest_v the_o more_o service_n and_o duty_n be_v put_v upon_o he_o service_n that_o we_o perform_v to_o god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n but_o formality_n or_o custom_n be_v but_o as_o scab_a or_o lame_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n which_o the_o lord_n hate_v right_o end_n in_o our_o service_n be_v first_o love_n and_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n second_o love_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n three_o love_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o these_o end_n make_v we_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a worship_n love_n go_v through_o all_o and_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o thyatira_n be_v approve_v for_o her_o faith_n make_v lively_a and_o effectual_a by_o love_n true_a faith_n be_v never_o separate_v from_o love_n they_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o but_o love_n have_v the_o precedency_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a though_o faith_n be_v first_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n that_o give_v the_o first_o be_v unto_o a_o christian_n but_o love_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o assent_v unto_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n before_o we_o can_v love_v that_o god_n or_o his_o truth_n but_o withal_o i_o say_v there_o be_v so_o inseparable_a union_n between_o these_o two_o grace_n no_o soon_o have_v faith_n a_o be_v and_o a_o body_n but_o love_n come_v to_o animate_v it_o to_o make_v it_o sound_v lively_a and_o perfect_a observe_v hence_o note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a opinion_n or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v a_o true_a lively_a faith_n but_o that_o that_o work_v by_o love_n many_o will_v one_o day_n say_v we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n teach_v in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n in_o thy_o name_n profess_v and_o believe_v thy_o truth_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n a_o sound_n and_o true_a faith_n contain_v in_o it_o these_o three_o principal_a ingredient_n that_o give_v the_o very_a form_n and_o be_v to_o it_o first_o a_o sound_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v say_v paul_n rom._n 14.14_o person_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n promise_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n can_v never_o believe_v aright_o second_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n strong_o assume_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o sound_a believer_n must_v not_o be_v a_o ignorant_a soul_n so_o must_v he_o not_o be_v a_o wavering-minded_n man_n but_o must_v have_v a_o undeceivable_a certainty_n and_o truth_n in_o that_o he_o do_v believe_v three_o a_o confident_a rest_v and_o rejoice_v with_o satisfaction_n unto_o the_o soul_n sure_o look_v to_o enjoy_v that_o it_o do_v believe_v true_a faith_n have_v these_o four_o act_n and_o degree_n in_o it_o 1._o knowledge_n 2._o assent_n 3._o adherence_n and_o 4._o assurance_n a_o believer_n may_v have_v the_o three_o first_o act_n and_o want_v the_o latter_a and_o a_o sound_a beleiver_n and_o a_o justify_v person_n though_o god_n for_o cause_n to_o himself_o know_v may_v never_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o assurance_n yet_o that_o faith_n that_o only_o know_v god_n distinct_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o salvation_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o repentant_a sinner_n through_o christ_n and_o so_o take_v he_o and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o love_n and_o truth_n thereof_o doubtless_o that_o soul_n shall_v never_o be_v a_o castaway_n though_o god_n presence_n of_o assurance_n and_o joyful_a satisfaction_n be_v never_o manifest_v unto_o he_o if_o we_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o though_o god_n reserve_v his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o inward_a love_n for_o we_o unto_o another_o world_n 4._o thyatira_n have_v another_o excellent_a grace_n and_o that_o be_v patience_n or_o sufferance_n with_o patience_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v suffer_v affliction_n but_o not_o suffer_v with_o patience_n without_o murmur_v swear_v or_o blaspheme_v as_o the_o godly_a do_v the_o wicked_a may_v have_v patience_n perforce_o and_o unwilling_o when_o he_o can_v help_v it_o the_o affliction_n be_v above_o his_o reach_n to_o remedy_n but_o the_o godly_a be_v patient_a as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n because_o he_o love_v much_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v much_o with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n as_o jacob_n serve_v two_o seven_o year_n hardship_n for_o his_o belove_a rachel_n so_o a_o faithful_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v all_o affliction_n cheerful_o and_o with_o much_o patience_n all_o the_o year_n of_o his_o life_n because_o he_o love_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o so_o account_v the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n not_o to_o be_v value_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v to_o all_o those_o that_o love_n god_n 5._o thyatira_n be_v a_o grow_a fruitful_a church_n her_o latter_a work_n be_v more_o than_o her_o first_o do_v upon_o better_a ground_n and_o better_a principle_n from_o whence_o note_n observe_v that_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o more_o grow_v christian_n do_v exceed_v those_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o soundness_n the_o neophites_n or_o young_a christian_n may_v be_v more_o zealous_a
than_o the_o approve_a presbyter_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o latter_a zeal_n be_v better_a â—egulated_v and_o more_o sober_a than_o the_o former_a when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n say_v paul_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o child_n i_o do_v as_o a_o child_n i_o understand_v as_o a_o child_n but_o when_o i_o become_v a_o man_n i_o put_v away_o childish_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o our_o first_o birth_n we_o be_v very_o childish_a and_o zealous_a of_o small_a thing_n external_a circumstance_n in_o worship_n we_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o great_a thing_n and_o if_o a_o paint_a window_n a_o cross_n a_o suâ—pless_a a_o cope_n etc._n etc._n stand_v in_o our_o way_n we_o present_o stumble_v at_o they_o and_o think_v it_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n we_o can_v perform_v to_o god_n either_o to_o burn_v they_o or_o break_v they_o to_o piece_n as_o antichristian_a trumpery_n again_o if_o we_o come_v a_o little_a high_o than_o we_o spend_v most_o or_o all_o our_o strength_n about_o the_o defence_n of_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o whether_o presbytery_n independency_n or_o the_o way_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n so_o call_v be_v the_o right_a way_n this_o humour_n too_o be_v most_o prevalent_a in_o the_o neophites_n but_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n be_v for_o the_o elder_n and_o strong_a sort_n the_o one_o think_v to_o catch_v heaven_n by_o tything_n mint_n and_o anniss_n by_o be_v very_o intense_a about_o the_o small_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o other_o â—ot_n leave_v the_o first_o undo_v fall_v upon_o the_o kernel_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v fit_a meat_n for_o strong_a man_n the_o grow_a christian_n grace_n excel_v the_o young_a as_o his_o love_n be_v more_o sound_n he_o love_v not_o for_o interest_n or_o opinion_n sake_n as_o many_o young_a one_o do_v but_o he_o love_v the_o brethren_n on_o this_o ground_n as_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a truth_n with_o himself_o second_o his_o service_n be_v more_o cordial_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v often_o meet_v god_n presence_n in_o his_o ordinance_n than_o the_o young_a christian_n have_v and_o therefore_o needs_o must_v his_o desire_n and_o affection_n excel_v unto_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n see_v he_o have_v ofâ—ner_o meet_v god_n therein_o as_o in_o a_o special_a habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n three_o a_o old_a christian_n faith_n be_v sound_a than_o the_o young_a he_o believe_v not_o because_o he_o have_v hear_v only_o with_o the_o ear_n but_o he_o believe_v because_o he_o have_v see_v taste_v and_o experience_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o other_o it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o have_v not_o attain_v too_o four_o his_o patience_n be_v more_o try_v more_o refine_v than_o the_o young_a five_o and_o last_o in_o effect_n all_o his_o grace_n be_v sound_a and_o better_o circumstantiate_v then_o those_o of_o the_o young_a christian_n for_o end_n for_o ground_n for_o manner_n for_o time_n and_o in_o all_o other_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o strive_v that_o our_o last_o work_n may_v be_v more_o than_o our_o first_o otherwise_o shame_n unto_o we_o as_o unprofitable_a servant_n verse_n 20._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n yet_o nevertheless_o o_o thou_o church_n of_o thyatira_n though_o i_o do_v approve_v and_o encourage_v thy_o gracious_a work_n of_o love_n faith_n service_n and_o patience_n and_o commend_v thou_o for_o thy_o proficiency_n in_o they_o yet_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n certain_a offence_n to_o lay_v in_o charge_n against_o thou_o hence_o note_v observe_v if_o our_o sin_n be_v few_o and_o great_a though_o our_o grace_n be_v many_o and_o eminent_a yet_o god_n will_v come_v against_o we_o for_o they_o few_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v as_o dead_a fly_n in_o precious_a ointment_n it_o will_v defile_v the_o whole_a box_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o inhabit_v quiet_o and_o at_o peace_n in_o one_o mansion_n with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n if_o ephraim_n will_v have_v idol_n god_n will_v let_v he_o alone_o and_o if_o israel_n will_v uphold_v wickedness_n though_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v abound_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o holy_a service_n yet_o that_o shall_v not_o privilege_v they_o from_o a_o babylonish_n captivity_n if_o his_o own_o select_a people_n will_v turn_v wild_a olive_n and_o cruciâ—â—e_v the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o his_o christ_n he_o can_v cut_v they_o off_o and_o make_v they_o a_o desolate_a and_o disperse_a people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n thyatira_n have_v many_o excellent_a grace_n and_o so_o have_v ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o idolatry_n and_o fornication_n the_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o balaam_n jezabel_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n god_n come_v against_o they_o in_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o among_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o desolate_a if_o we_o conceive_v our_o grace_n of_o faith_n love_n service_n etc._n etc._n will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n though_o we_o admit_v antichristian_a doctrine_n of_o idolatry_n false_a and_o evil_a worship_n among_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v doubtless_o many_o of_o our_o former_a bishop_n be_v very_o godly_a man_n as_o jewel_n downham_n Ê‹sher_n hall_n davenant_n etc._n etc._n yet_o their_o real_a grace_n and_o holiness_n can_v not_o stop_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o go_v forth_o in_o wrath_n against_o the_o antichristian_a practice_n and_o false_a worship_n tolerate_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o engâ—_n 〈…〉_o only_o can_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o they_o themselves_o 〈◊〉_d main_a and_o the_o whole_a function_n shall_v smart_v for_o it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n indignation_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o pious_a man_n yet_o for_o their_o tolerate_n and_o connive_v at_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o themselves_o shall_v suffer_v in_o the_o common_a judgement_n but_o their_o pious_a and_o gracious_a soul_n shall_v be_v save_v so_o as_o by_o fire_n not_o that_o of_o purgatory_n first_o kindle_v in_o the_o pope_n kitchen_n but_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n sanctify_v unto_o they_o by_o that_o fire_n of_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v away_o our_o dross_n to_o wit_n god_n spirit_n and_o word_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v to_o it_o how_o we_o admit_v offence_n among_o we_o though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o they_o may_v draw_v god_n into_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o though_o they_o may_v not_o at_o present_a unchurch_n we_o yet_o if_o hold_v unrepented_a of_o they_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o come_v against_o we_o quick_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n o_o let_v no_o man_n plead_v for_o toleration_n of_o sin_n false_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o first_o church_n so_o as_o they_o sin_v first_o in_o these_o particular_n so_o they_o be_v make_v the_o first_o example_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sad_a say_n of_o some_o that_o their_o present_a church_n be_v as_o sound_v straight_o and_o holy_a as_o the_o primitive_a one_o they_o have_v their_o drunkard_n incestuous_a follower_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o nicolaitan_n and_o jezabel_n and_o we_o say_v they_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n have_v not_o worse_o alas_o they_o be_v now_o make_v unto_o we_o example_n of_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n for_o those_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o very_a habitation_n give_v unto_o the_o curse_a mahometan_n and_o their_o off_o spring_n turn_v barbarian_n and_o heathen_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o transgression_n with_o they_o o_o may_v we_o not_o fear_v the_o same_o desolate_v judgement_n let_v we_o not_o contemn_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n but_o speedy_o repent_v and_o do_v our_o first_o work_n so_o far_o shall_v we_o be_v from_o boast_v on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v unto_o we_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n but_o to_o proceed_v the_o charge_n against_o thyatira_n be_v that_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n who_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o deceive_v my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n this_o woman_n jezebel_n here_o mention_v doubtless_o
cap._n 18._o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n joint_a companion_n in_o evil_a the_o one_o uphold_v and_o confirm_v the_o other_o the_o one_o by_o a_o unrighteous_a and_o tyrannical_a sword_n the_o other_o by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o miracle_n till_o at_o last_o both_o be_v catch_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o army_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n rev._n 19.20_o and_o if_o common_a tribulation_n be_v not_o enough_o for_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n christ_n will_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n wherein_o they_o shall_v roll_n themselves_o in_o grief_n cover_v themselves_o in_o grief_n and_o with_o great_a tribulation_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o wicked_a deed_n and_o practice_n christ_n have_v another_o bed_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n except_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n repentance_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n against_o divine_a judgement_n turn_v from_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n will_v turn_v god_n wrath_n from_o we_o and_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v more_o hereon_o about_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 5._o and_o 16_o of_o this_o cap._n verse_n 23._o and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n as_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v her_o child_n beget_v and_o foster_v up_o by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n so_o false_a teacher_n and_o heretic_n have_v their_o child_n also_o beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n and_o nourish_v by_o error_n and_o wickedness_n so_o this_o false_a nicolaitish_a prophetess_n have_v her_o child_n follower_n of_o her_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n we_o read_v of_o her_o adultery_n that_o do_v commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o and_o promote_v her_o doctrine_n of_o idolatry_n equal_o with_o herself_o and_o that_o christ_n will_v cast_v they_o together_o into_o great_a tribulation_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o here_o we_o find_v their_o issue_n child_n of_o the_o same_o curse_a stock_n which_o christ_n will_v aso_n show_v no_o mercy_n to_o but_o kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n that_o be_v will_v sweep_v they_o away_o in_o judgement_n not_o only_o with_o a_o violent_a and_o precipitant_a deatnh_o â—ut_fw-la will_v also_o slay_v they_o with_o a_o death_n eternal_a hence_o note_v observe_v 1._o that_o child_n that_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o their_o wicked_a parent_n be_v envolve_v under_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o themselves_o if_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o our_o father_n sin_n it_o be_v just_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o punishment_n if_o we_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o our_o faithful_a parent_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o they_o of_o our_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n the_o child_n shall_v not_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o parent_n nor_o shall_v the_o child_n be_v save_v for_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o his_o parent_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o as_o for_o the_o little_a one_o that_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a sin_n or_o faith_n their_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n that_o show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v rom._n 9_o quest._n but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v off_o little_a child_n which_o be_v innocent_a nor_o ever_o yet_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n together_o in_o judgement_n with_o their_o parent_n answ_n little_a child_n that_o have_v never_o commit_v actual_a sin_n even_o babe_n new_o bear_v or_o in_o the_o womb_n doubtless_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o many_o in_o sodom_n and_o yet_o without_o impeachment_n of_o or_o derogation_n to_o divine_a justice_n first_o god_n can_v do_v it_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o potter_n he_o that_o make_v the_o vessel_n can_v break_v it_o he_o that_o give_v life_n to_o babe_n can_v take_v it_o away_o and_o who_o can_v say_v why_o do_v thou_o this_o second_o all_o infant_n be_v defile_v with_o original_a sin_n and_o as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n so_o god_n can_v just_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a as_o the_o due_a wage_n thereof_o together_o with_o their_o parent_n three_o little_a child_n be_v part_n of_o their_o parent_n substance_n and_o family_n and_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v the_o live_a parent_n in_o his_o child_n by_o death_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o of_o his_o stock_n and_o substance_n as_o by_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n four_o though_o god_n may_v often_o sweep_v away_o in_o his_o temporal_a judgement_n many_o little_a innocent_a child_n as_o by_o the_o sword_n famine_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o not_o perish_v eternal_o for_o violent_a or_o sudden_a death_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n to_o they_o for_o many_o precious_a soul_n expire_v by_o a_o more_o terrible_a and_o violent_a death_n then_o that_o of_o the_o sword_n pestilence_n or_o famine_n five_o and_o last_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o the_o better_a support_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o faithful_a parent_n for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o their_o little_a innocent_a die_a infant_n whether_o they_o be_v take_v off_o by_o god_n either_o by_o a_o ordinary_a death_n or_o in_o a_o common_a judgement_n let_v they_o understand_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n with_o christ_n for_o all_o his_o elect_a one_o gal._n 3.16_o isa_n 53.11_o 12._o and_o though_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n die_v before_o they_o can_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n yet_o the_o choose_v once_o in_o christ_n be_v secure_a by_o virtue_n of_o god_n eternal_a love_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n be_v choose_v in_o he_o from_o all_o eternity_n ephes_n 1.14_o and_o let_v i_o with_o reverence_n speak_v it_o christ_n may_v as_o soon_o perish_v as_o one_o of_o they_o he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o the_o member_n make_v up_o one_o mystical_a church_n have_v god_n ever_o clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o sufficient_a price_n and_o ransom_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o all_o his_o ever_o belove_a choose_v one_o and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o predeterminate_a love_n as_o god_n be_v towards_o his_o elect_n and_o such_o a_o inestimable_a and_o complete_a price_n pay_v for_o they_o as_o christ_n death_n be_v how_o can_v any_o such_o possible_o perish_v without_o violation_n and_o impeachment_n both_o of_o divine_a love_n and_o divine_a justice_n this_o be_v a_o sure_a ground_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o some_o die_a infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n then_o that_o that_o some_o arminianise_a person_n of_o these_o day_n do_v make_v to_o wit_n the_o parent_n faith_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o infant_n be_v salvation_n die_v infant_n with_o those_o of_o that_o persuasion_n i_o leave_v these_o few_o follow_a consideration_n first_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o produce_v that_o grant_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o the_o parent_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o infant_n salvation_n die_v so_o but_o this_o will_v be_v do_v ad_fw-la graecas_fw-la calendas_fw-la it_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o popery_n to_o be_v true_a second_o if_o some_o die_a infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v save_v on_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n than_o all_o be_v so_o save_v that_o die_v so_o before_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o condition_n by_o their_o own_o actual_a transgression_n and_o if_o all_o of_o they_o be_v save_v die_v so_o than_o happy_a will_v faithful_a parent_n be_v to_o see_v all_o their_o child_n die_v whilst_o infant_n and_o innocent_a for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o their_o salvation_n then_o to_o see_v they_o live_v for_o some_o of_o they_o must_v become_v reprobate_a and_o wicked_a for_o few_o godly_a parent_n have_v ever_o have_v all_o godly_a child_n abraham_n have_v ishmael_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n isaac_n have_v a_o esau_n as_o well_o as_o a_o jacob_n jacob_n have_v a_o reuben_n simeon_n and_o levi._n brethren_n
receive_v to_o and_o by_o soul_n before_o they_o can_v act_v towards_o god_n in_o the_o least_o acceptable_a service_n object_n but_o then_o again_o some_o one_o may_v say_v if_o the_o small_a remain_v of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o sardis_n be_v almost_o dead_a or_o ready_a to_o die_v do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o perish_v total_o answ_n grace_n may_v be_v very_o low_a and_o yet_o not_o dead_a it_o be_v as_o spark_n of_o fire_n under_o much_o ash_n with_o sardis_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v spark_n be_v as_o real_a fire_n though_o not_o as_o fervent_a and_o virtual_a as_o a_o flame_a one_o indeed_o it_o be_v low_a with_o sardis_n in_o her_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v most_o just_a with_o god_n when_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n against_o he_o that_o he_o hide_v much_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o we_o when_o by_o sin_n we_o quench_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n god_n may_v just_o quench_v its_o effect_n towards_o we_o but_o no_o soon_o shall_v we_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o renew_v by_o repentance_n but_o present_o god_n give_v a_o more_o enliven_a and_o effectual_a spirit_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o former_a withdrawing_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n not_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n and_o forsake_v second_o i_o answer_v person_n that_o be_v elect_a and_o have_v real_o taste_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o intercession_n can_v never_o utter_o fall_v away_o unless_o they_o will_v make_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o preordination_n of_o god_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o fallible_a and_o the_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n impotent_a and_o insufficient_a unto_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v yet_o withal_o i_o assert_v though_o elect_a person_n can_v utter_o fall_v away_o as_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n unto_o christ_n and_o none_o such_o can_v be_v cast_v away_o be_v help_v by_o the_o mighty_a powâ—â—_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n yet_o election_n of_o a_o state_n of_o person_n may_v fail_v and_o perish_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o election_n thereof_o do_v obtain_v rom._n 11.7_o to_o wit_n those_o that_o do_v pertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o god_n in_o that_o nation_n do_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n yet_o at_o last_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o nation_n the_o election_n of_o god_n do_v fail_v as_o respect_v that_o state_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v unto_o the_o root_n and_o that_o good_a olive_n cut_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o wild_a olive_n or_o gentile_a nation_n graff_v in_o upon_o their_o stock_n obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n be_v their_o cut_n off_o and_o faith_n be_v the_o gentile_n incision_n and_o graft_n in_o as_o the_o one_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n so_o the_o other_o be_v graff_v in_o by_o faith_n rom._n 11.20_o those_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n that_o do_v hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n whilst_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o church_n may_v perish_v utter_o the_o first_o be_v mark_v and_o write_v in_o the_o eternal_a book_n of_o life_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o can_v perish_v but_o after_o god_n have_v finish_v his_o work_n at_o sardis_n thyatira_n rome_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o call_v his_o elect_n out_o of_o they_o and_o secure_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n he_o can_v remove_v the_o current_n of_o his_o election_n to_o another_o people_n without_o any_o changeableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n in_o he_o and_o make_v those_o very_a people_n in_o their_o posterity_n the_o very_a seat_n and_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v once_o his_o beulah_n darling_n and_o belove_a one_o three_o there_o be_v guild_v formal_a hipocritical_a grace_n and_o believer_n and_o such_o may_v not_o be_v only_o ready_a to_o die_v but_o dead_a twice_o dead_a dead_a at_o the_o root_n and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o such_o be_v fall_v away_o perish_v and_o lose_v from_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v all_o their_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n only_o so_o demas_n simon_n magus_n judas_n ananias_n and_o saphira_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v never_o the_o truth_n of_o real_a grace_n in_o they_o all_o be_v but_o seem_v formal_a hypocritical_a and_o at_o best_a but_o historical_a which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v and_o for_o all_o this_o perish_v everlasting_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n for_o god_n to_o leave_v some_o remain_v of_o grace_n in_o a_o sinful_a church_n and_o people_n if_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n we_o have_v be_v worse_o than_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n small_a spark_n be_v blow_v and_o cherish_v may_v become_v a_o flame_n so_o little_a grace_n though_o like_o a_o mustardseed_n may_v become_v a_o great_a tree_n if_o god_n shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o spiritual_a death_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v go_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v soul-less_a and_o dead_a unto_o every_o good_a and_o spiritual_a work_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v life_n in_o we_o though_o it_o be_v infirm_a and_o weak_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o recovery_n but_o be_v once_o dead_a there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_n so_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o work_v but_o faint_o and_o weak_o by_o reason_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o come_v but_o to_o the_o first_o step_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a life_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o dead_a and_o carnal_a condition_n and_o to_o complain_v under_o it_o there_o be_v good_a hope_n of_o recovery_n unto_o such_o a_o soul_n and_o unto_o such_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v unto_o its_o comfort_n awake_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v observe_v 3._o though_o our_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o low_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o cherish_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o until_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n within_o ourselves_o unto_o perfection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o contemn_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n for_o he_o that_o improve_v but_o one_o talon_n well_o shall_v be_v make_v ruler_n of_o many_o talent_n the_o beast_n in_o the_o prophet_n always_o go_v forward_o ezek._n 1.11_o but_o grub_n that_o be_v backward_o be_v reckon_v among_o unclean_a creature_n leu._n 11.10_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n if_o we_o cherish_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o though_o in_o never_o so_o small_a a_o measure_n god_n will_v add_v a_o great_a and_o full_a supply_n unto_o we_o god_n will_v add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n unto_o virtue_n patience_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n in_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v all_o come_v hand_n in_o hand_n in_o consort_n as_o follow_v one_o the_o other_o as_o in_o a_o chorus_n or_o dance_n doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o be_v labour_n lose_v for_o sardis_n to_o strengthen_v and_o revive_v the_o remainder_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o expire_v within_o she_o though_o christ_n will_v be_v at_o hand_n to_o assist_v she_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o without_o her_o motion_n and_o improvement_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o austin_n though_o god_n make_v we_o without_o we_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o without_o we_o grace_n work_v most_o kind_o when_o it_o meet_v with_o improve_n heart_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o young_a samuel_n thy_o servant_n hear_v lord_n speak_v though_o god_n have_v ascertain_v and_o decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o duty_n of_o creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o second_o cause_n ezek._n 36.37_o jer._n 29.11_o 12._o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a we_o be_v to_o work_v for_o life_n as_o if_o life_n be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o work_v and_o doubtless_o the_o crown_n will_v be_v the_o more_o glorious_a where_o the_o great_a improument_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v the_o more_o grace_n the_o vessel_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o here_o
the_o more_o glory_n it_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o fill_v with_o hereafter_o every_o vessel_n shall_v have_v his_o fullness_n in_o glory_n but_o every_o one_o according_a to_o its_o capacity_n as_o there_o be_v a_o glory_n in_o the_o star_n moon_n and_o sun_n and_o one_o differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n yet_o every_o one_o have_v their_o fullness_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n oâ—_n glory_n when_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n every_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o work_n eternal_a happiness_n but_o some_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n all_o shall_v be_v shine_a star_n but_o some_o of_o a_o great_a magnitude_n than_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n it_o be_v not_o a_o legal_a perfection_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v in_o sardis_n he_o do_v never_o seek_v for_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o they_o that_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a see_v they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o this_o intimate_v that_o the_o faithful_a christian_n and_o their_o work_n may_v be_v perfect_a before_o god_n although_o they_o be_v not_o find_v perfect_a in_o sardis_n yet_o may_v be_v find_v perfect_a in_o other_o that_o be_v more_o sound_a and_o godly_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o understand_v that_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n perfection_n be_v take_v for_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n as_o gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o &_o be_v thou_o perfect_a that_o be_v upright_o &_o sincere_a as_o job_n 1.1_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a he_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n honest_a at_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o work_n of_o sardis_n be_v not_o perfect_a before_o god_n they_o be_v not_o honest_a sincere_a and_o upright_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o be_v hypocritical_a in_o name_n show_v and_o appearance_n only_o not_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n second_o perfection_n may_v be_v take_v 1._o as_o respect_v our_o justification_n or_o 2._o our_o sanctification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v a_o complete_a perfection_n for_o the_o saint_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o unto_o justification_n and_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o sin_n leave_v which_o be_v not_o wash_v away_o by_o his_o blood_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v perfect_a by_o one_o offering_n christ_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.14_o then_o second_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o part_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o aim_v thereof_o 4._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duration_n and_o perseverance_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n have_v a_o perfect_a beginning_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o its_o part_n because_o it_o begin_v in_o every_o part_n they_o be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o though_o every_o part_n be_v not_o throughout_o sanctify_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o medium_n by_o which_o they_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o every_o part_n throughout_o in_o understanding_n will_n affection_n desire_n memory_n thought_n and_o heart_n second_o they_o have_v every_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o only_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o as_o when_o faith_n love_n patience_n humility_n etc._n etc._n overcome_v infidelity_n hatred_n impatience_n pride_n and_o other_o their_o opposite_a vice_n and_o evil_n so_o when_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v in_o all_o part_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v a_o perfect_a work_n in_o beginning_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o prevail_a degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o perfect_a work_n have_v prevail_v against_o its_o contrary_n three_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o aim_n and_o desire_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o he_o that_o aim_v and_o strive_v for_o perfection_n god_n accept_v as_o perfect_a though_o mix_v with_o much_o imperfection_n christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n neither_o four_o they_o be_v likewise_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o duration_n apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o truth_n will_v loose_v the_o honour_n of_o perfection_n and_o make_v their_o crown_n to_o wither_v when_o a_o righteous_a or_o perfect_a man_n turn_v to_o iniquity_n all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v ezek._n 18.24_o five_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o the_o saint_n be_v perfect_a soul_n compare_v they_o unto_o the_o guild_a out_o side_n formal_a christian_n and_o they_o be_v gold_n and_o perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o and_o so_o christ_n can_v not_o find_v the_o work_n of_o sardis_n perfect_a before_o he_o as_o those_o of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n hence_o note_v first_o observe_v 1._o the_o great_a cause_n that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a before_o god_n be_v for_o want_v of_o honest_a sincerity_n in_o they_o sardis_n be_v blame_v for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o grace_n she_o carry_v a_o fair_a name_n that_o she_o live_v in_o her_o pretend_a grace_n but_o she_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v no_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o they_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o avoid_v all_o outward_a evil_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v double-heartedness_n in_o his_o spirit_n all_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n as_o abominable_a sincerity_n be_v that_o that_o give_v perfection_n to_o every_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o every_o grace_n as_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o must_v believe_v sincere_o when_o we_o love_v we_o must_v love_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o when_o we_o sorrow_n or_o repent_v it_o must_v be_v do_v sincere_o that_o be_v true_o full_o without_o any_o mixture_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o a_o double_a mind_a man_n god_n do_v hate_v sincere_a quasi_fw-la sine_fw-la cera_fw-la without_o wax_n without_o composition_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o bear_v it_o in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n full_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v within_o to_o make_v they_o complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o this_o ingredient_n grace_n of_o sincerity_n all_o our_o duty_n be_v but_o as_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cimbal_n but_o add_v sincerity_n unto_o the_o least_o and_o most_o imperfect_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v become_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n most_o perfect_a god_n accept_v a_o lamb_n from_o abel_n offer_v in_o sincerity_n rather_o than_o cloud_n of_o incense_n and_o thousand_o of_o sacrifice_n from_o a_o wicked_a and_o profain_a cain_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o widow_n mite_n or_o some_o goat_n hair_n come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v sincere_a god_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rich_a present_a and_o call_v the_o presenter_n thereof_o perfect_a truth_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n be_v our_o perfection_n here_o but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v have_v perfection_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o let_v we_o so_o walk_v before_o god_n as_o become_v perfect_a one_o observe_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o saint_n duty_n that_o they_o aim_v and_o press_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o their_o grace_n work_n and_o duty_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v worthy_o blame_v for_o want_n of_o this_o perfection_n her_o work_n be_v not_o full_a and_o entire_a there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v and_o therefore_o blame-worthy_a and_o imperfect_a first_o they_o be_v to_o press_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o evidence_v by_o love_n and_o work_n and_o so_o make_v their_o election_n and_o justification_n sure_a unto_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o manifest_v it_o unto_o other_o also_o second_o to_o seek_v after_o perfection_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o part_n of_o christianity_n in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v perfect_a entire_a want_v nothing_o ja._n 1.4_o as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o to_o wit_n charity_n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o there_o must_v not_o one_o necessary_a grace_n be_v want_v in_o true_a saint_n though_o
needs_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a for_o in_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o amen_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a faith_n and_o credence_n thereunto_o he_o add_v another_o title_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n paul_n can_v public_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o his_o discsple_n and_o that_o he_o have_v hide_v nothing_o back_o that_o do_v necessary_o conduce_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o think_v you_o that_o christ_n in_o these_o revelation_n have_v not_o deal_v as_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o truth_n himself_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o beast_n babylon_n and_o the_o whore_n together_o with_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o church_n glorious_a restore_v state_n on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v and_o evidence_v from_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v not_o christ_n promise_v it_o that_o be_v the_o amen_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o come_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n that_o can_v never_o fail_v and_o to_o take_v off_o all_o suspicion_n of_o failure_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n there_o be_v a_o three_o property_n here_o add_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n this_o have_v relation_n to_o that_o description_n of_o christ_n in_o chap._n 1._o v._n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v render_v either_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v and_o he_o be_v also_o the_o supreme_a prince_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o so_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o principality_n and_o government_n who_o do_v at_o first_o create_v they_o and_o give_v a_o be_v to_o they_o therefore_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o the_o say_n of_o these_o prophecy_n in_o this_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v sure_a and_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o appoint_a season_n see_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o the_o creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v say_v and_o speak_v they_o who_o will_v not_o then_o believe_v they_o come_v first_o from_o so_o faithful_a and_o true_a a_o witness_n and_o from_o one_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o most_o able_a to_o perform_v they_o verse_n 15._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n as_o she_o come_v last_o in_o place_n so_o she_o come_v last_o in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o all_o her_o sister_n church_n christ_n find_v nothing_o in_o she_o that_o be_v true_o commendable_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o pergamus_n though_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n yet_o there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o somewhat_o praiseworthy_a some_o undefiled_a name_n that_o be_v not_o carry_v aside_o by_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n but_o in_o laodicea_n nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o therefore_o she_o hear_v of_o nothing_o from_o christ_n but_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o of_o the_o desperateness_n of_o her_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o sincere_a faithful_a witness_n in_o this_o church_n of_o laodicea_n notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n be_v silence_n in_o it_o or_o else_o she_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o number_v as_o one_o of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n or_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o number_n be_v but_o small_a they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o denomination_n unto_o the_o whole_a for_o indeed_o a_o body_n politic_a whither_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n or_o unsound_a from_o the_o major_a part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a soul_n or_o person_n if_o grace_n be_v more_o prevalent_a in_o degree_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o sin_n and_o corruption_n it_o be_v to_o be_v term_v a_o sincere_a gracious_a soul_n but_o if_o sin_n be_v most_o prevalent_a it_o may_v be_v just_o term_v a_o sinful_a and_o unregenerate_a soul_n so_o be_v the_o case_n of_o political_a church_n if_o their_o frame_n constitution_n and_o matter_n be_v most_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a such_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v denominate_v sound_n healthful_a body_n we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v darkness_n light_n or_o light_a darkness_n though_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o the_o deadness_n thereof_o they_o may_v with_o sardis_n be_v right_o term_v dead_a one_o yea_o twice_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n doubtless_o under_o prelacy_n both_o english_a and_o romish_a there_o be_v and_o be_v diverse_a precious_a christian_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n when_o the_o idol_n of_o baal_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o priest_n thereof_o be_v exalt_v yet_o then_o in_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o that_o bowâ—d_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n yet_o they_o few_o faithful_a one_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n or_o those_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prelacy_n etc._n etc._n popery_n come_v far_o short_a to_o denominate_v israel_n at_o that_o time_n or_o our_o english_a or_o foreign_a nation_n under_o that_o corrupt_a frame_n or_o temper_n of_o antichristian_a prelacy_n to_o be_v praiseworthy_a church_n or_o sound_n sincere_a and_o healthful_a in_o their_o general_a matter_n frame_n or_o constitution_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o charge_n against_o laodicea_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a laodicea_n be_v of_o a_o strange_a mongrel_n composure_n and_o temper_n neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a mould_v and_o compact_v as_o a_o certain_a odd_a extraction_n of_o two_o contrary_n cold_a and_o heat_n i_o think_v before_o this_o that_o that_o maxim_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n unquestionable_a in_o medio_fw-la consistit_fw-la virtus_fw-la it_o seem_v true_a religion_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o principle_n for_o laodicea_n be_v here_o blame_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a that_o be_v in_o a_o frame_n or_o temper_v which_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a by_o hot_a be_v here_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v zealous_a fervent_a in_o spirit_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o can_v endure_v any_o corruption_n will-worship_n or_o superstition_n shall_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o true_a christian_n worship_n and_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v call_v a_o hot_a fervent_a or_o zealous_a christian_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v too_o intense_a as_o unto_o the_o degree_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v considerate_a and_o according_a to_o sound_a knowledge_n the_o ignorant_a inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v as_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a not_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n grace_n as_o with_o moral_a habit_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o both_o the_o extreme_n stray_v from_o mediocrity_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o in_o the_o defect_n be_v fault_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o excess_n of_o liberality_n may_v run_v into_o prodigality_n and_o the_o defect_n into_o covetous_a parsimony_n or_o the_o excess_n in_o fortitude_n may_v be_v call_v temerity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n and_o the_o defect_n cowardice_n and_o pusilanimity_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o gracious_a habit_n the_o case_n be_v different_a soul_n can_v exceed_v therein_o be_v you_o holy_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v holy_a no_o less_o than_o a_o aim_n unto_o perfection_n will_v serve_v turn_n be_v zealous_a fervent_a boil_a hot_a for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v sound_a and_o considerate_a it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mediocrity_n lukewarmness_n or_o half_a friend_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n be_v equal_o a_o abomination_n in_o god_n sight_n for_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n as_o be_v coldness_n or_o deadness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o this_o strange_a commixture_n of_o temper_n in_o laodicea_n be_v explode_v by_o christ_n as_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o therefore_o add_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a hence_o note_v observe_v a_o lukewarm_a temper_n among_o
death_n and_o passion_n he_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n unto_o death_n for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v have_v power_n to_o heal_v our_o soul_n of_o all_o their_o infirmity_n therefore_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o both_o wisdom_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o all_o in_o all_o the_o manner_n of_o seek_v this_o gold_n be_v by_o bargain_n and_o sale_n i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o this_o bargain_n be_v make_v up_o first_o understand_v in_o all_o legal_a contract_n there_o be_v a_o agreement_n of_o both_o party_n or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v a_o bargain_n second_o in_o some_o bargain_n and_o contract_v there_o be_v a_o legal_a consideration_n give_v for_o the_o thing_n bargain_v for_o either_o to_o the_o full_a value_n or_o somewhat_o equitable_o proportionable_a thereunto_o or_o last_o there_o be_v other_o absolute_a bargain_n and_o sale_n of_o land_n and_o good_n dispose_v therein_o free_o only_o on_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o donor_n or_o granter_n of_o love_n affection_n and_o preferment_n to_o the_o party_n belove_v and_o so_o give_v free_o to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o heir_n for_o ever_o without_o so_o much_o as_o pay_v a_o penny_n by_o way_n of_o legal_a retribution_n for_o it_o yea_o the_o donor_n often_o be_v so_o free_a in_o his_o deed_n of_o gift_n that_o the_o donee_n be_v free_v of_o all_o fear_n of_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o estate_n for_o there_o be_v not_o reserve_v so_o much_o as_o a_o rose_n or_o pepper_n corn_n by_o way_n of_o rent_n that_o for_o non_fw-fr payment_n thereof_o the_o state_n shall_v be_v become_v forfeit_v and_o that_o party_n that_o will_v not_o be_v thankful_a to_o such_o a_o free_a giver_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n now_o to_o our_o heavenly_a bargain_n and_o to_o apply_v if_o we_o will_v buy_v of_o christ_n gold_n and_o heavenly_a treasure_n we_o must_v first_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o strike_v up_o the_o bargain_n with_o he_o he_o will_v not_o sell_v unto_o we_o against_o our_o will_n though_o he_o himself_o must_v make_v we_o first_o will_v and_o therefore_o he_o cry_v isa_n 55.1_o come_v unto_o the_o water_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v and_o rev._n 22.17_o christ_n be_v very_o willing_a to_o sell_v we_o free_o and_o we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o buy_v it_o and_o accept_v it_o free_o all_o that_o he_o expect_v at_o our_o hand_n be_v to_o agree_v with_o he_o on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o that_o be_v to_o accept_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o free_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v and_o will_v do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v do_v second_o he_o tie_v we_o up_o to_o no_o legal_a consideration_n or_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n that_o on_o nonperformance_n thereof_o be_v they_o ever_o so_o small_a we_o shall_v forfeit_v the_o state_n of_o our_o inheritance_n he_o have_v pay_v and_o perform_v full_o all_o our_o due_n and_o legal_a condition_n unto_o the_o father_n for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o he_o have_v take_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o whole_a inheritance_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o be_v upon_o a_o free_a deed_n of_o gift_n with_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v buy_v at_o his_o hand_n we_o be_v to_o come_v and_o buy_v wine_z and_o milk_n without_o money_n without_o price_n isa_n 55.1_o and_o christ_n call_v in_o rev._n 22.17_o to_o he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o they_o now_o that_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o command_n and_o law_n of_o this_o gracious_a donor_n by_o way_n of_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o so_o glorious_a and_o free_a a_o inheritance_n bestow_v upon_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o mercy_n in_o his_o kingdom_n if_o this_o inheritance_n be_v entail_v on_o we_o on_o condition_n of_o payment_n or_o performance_n of_o a_o small_a petty_a grain_n of_o corn_n or_o the_o like_a as_o be_v the_o mite_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o obedience_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o arminian_o will_v have_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o bondage_n fear_n and_o danger_n all_o our_o life_n long_o if_o not_o at_o least_o forfeit_a all_o by_o our_o nonpayment_n and_o performance_n therefore_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o have_v not_o leave_v our_o salvation_n in_o our_o own_o hand_n but_o found_v it_o on_o the_o rock_n christ_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v quest_n but_o why_o do_v christ_n here_o counsel_v we_o to_o buy_v gold_n of_o he_o i_o answer_v he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o buy_v a_o great_a treasure_n be_v very_o careful_a diligent_a and_o his_o affection_n intense_a upon_o it_o that_o none_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bargain_n so_o it_o must_v be_v here_o for_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n we_o must_v be_v earnest_a with_o christ_n to_o strike_v up_o this_o bargain_n we_o must_v not_o let_v he_o alone_o by_o our_o prayer_n until_o we_o have_v obtain_v this_o precious_a pearl_n at_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v true_a christ_n will_v sell_v we_o this_o pearâ—_n free_o yet_o we_o must_v agree_v with_o he_o for_o it_o though_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v he_o in_o the_o least_o by_o way_n of_o legal_a compensation_n for_o it_o yet_o we_o must_v buy_v it_o receive_v it_o in_o its_o own_o way_n and_o method_n if_o you_o will_v buy_v any_o god_n that_o you_o want_v you_o must_v repair_v to_o the_o fair_a or_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v buy_v so_o if_o you_o want_v try_v gold_n to_o enrich_v you_o or_o garment_n to_o cover_v you_o or_o eyesalve_n to_o enlighten_v you_o you_o must_v come_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o merchant_n of_o these_o heavenly_a ware_n upon_o his_o fair_a day_n when_o such_o precious_a ware_n be_v set_v to_o sale_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n in_o his_o assembly_n on_o the_o public_a day_n of_o his_o heavenly_a barter_n if_o you_o will_v attain_v unto_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n but_o to_o proceed_v and_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n it_o be_v here_o call_v gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n you_o former_o hear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n be_v a_o outside_n golden_a candlestick_n yea_o she_o boast_v and_o pretend_v high_a to_o true_a riches_n yet_o for_o all_o her_o vaunt_a she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mendicus_fw-la a_o poor_a beggarly_a church_n but_o here_o be_v gold_n that_o will_v enrich_v she_o to_o purpose_n it_o be_v gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n it_o be_v not_o sophisticate_a or_o hipocritical_a gold_n but_o real_a try_a gold_n hence_o note_v observe_v that_o the_o grace_n that_o come_v from_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o real_a grace_n the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n doubtless_o be_v rich_a enough_o in_o some_o respect_n yet_o she_o be_v a_o beggarly_a one_o because_o her_o riches_n be_v not_o from_o christ_n if_o we_o in_o those_o day_n come_v to_o our_o ecclesiastical_a function_n live_n and_o benefice_n not_o by_o a_o callâ—_n from_o christ_n but_o by_o our_o own_o struggle_n beginning_n strive_n and_o endeavour_n thereunto_o though_o thereby_o we_o may_v become_v outward_o rich_a yet_o at_o best_a we_o be_v but_o base_o beggarly_a rich_a but_o the_o try_a gold_n that_o come_v from_o christ_n be_v such_o that_o make_v the_o soul_n true_o gracious_a where_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o get_v by_o beg_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n but_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o that_o holy_a way_n and_o order_n of_o call_v choose_v ordain_v which_o christ_n himself_o have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n this_o be_v true_o refine_a gold_n because_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o gold_n refine_v prov._n 8.10_o and_o psal_n 12.7_o this_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o will_v hold_v water_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v become_v rich_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n in_o part_n ability_n and_o humane_a learning_n and_o they_o may_v shine_v like_o gold_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o injudicious_a simple_a and_o ignorant_a but_o alas_o if_o christ_n do_v not_o sanctify_v they_o to_o we_o they_o may_v make_v we_o the_o worse_a not_o the_o better_a for_o they_o major_a cleriâ—us_n major_a hereticus_fw-la if_o christ_n give_v we_o heart_n to_o seek_v after_o his_o refine_a gold_n then_o sure_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v so_o beggarly_a base_a as_o to_o set_v up_o our_o own_o guild_a part_n in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n true_a wisdom_n which_o be_v as_o gold_n thrice_o refine_v neither_o shall_v we_o any_o long_o set_v up_o our_o own_o church_n way_n and_o order_n according_a to_o our_o own_o prudential_a dictate_v but_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o true_o golden_a way_n of_o christ_n