tars, and
he tells, "they are suffering, and had patience; and they laboured for his
name's sake, and fainted not; but yet he had somewhat against them,
because they had forsaken their first love." Some were in tribulation and
poverty, but yet rich in God; some kept the name of Jesus, and denied not
the faith, suppose they should had given their blood for it, as the
faithful martyr Antipas did; but yet he had a few things against them,
because they maintained the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing he
hated. Some had love, service, faith, and patience, and their work was
more at the last than at the first; but yet they suffered the false
prophetess Jezebel to be among them, to whom he threatens he will cast her
into a bed of affliction, and them that commit fornication with her,
except they repent them of their works. There were some whose works were
not found perfect before God; therefore he exhorts them to remember how
they had heard, and received; he bids them hold fast and repent,
otherwise, he tells, that he will come shortly against them. Some had a
little strength, and kept his word, and denied not his name; therefore he
promises to deliver them in the hour of temptation that shall come upon
all the world to try the whole earth. Some were neither cold nor hot; and
therefore, because they were lukewarm, he tells them that it would come to
pass, that he would spew them out of his mouth; they thought they were
rich and increased in goods, and had need of nothing, but they know not
that they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; and then he
counsels them to buy of him gold tried in the fire, that they might be
rich, and white raiment, that they might be clothed, and eye-salve that
they might see. So what is your case this day? Have ye not forsaken your
first love? But as for tribulation, it is not yet come; for our days have
been days of peace, of light, liberty, and glory; but as for tribulation
it is not yet come; but as the Lord lives, the days of tribulation are not
far off. As for false doctrine, God be praised, it is not among us yet,
or, at least, if it be, it dare not be avowed yet; but I fear, that, who
lives to see it, they shall see heresy and corruption in doctrine and
religion creep in piece and piece, in this Church; and if our works be
found perfect before God, or not, the Lord knows the contrary, and your
own consciences bear witness to it; and if your life be answerable to your
name, I