Europe is made a shambles wherein the Blood of millions of the Innocent Lambs of Christ hath been poured forth for which they shall be plagued destroyed in the time appointed by the Lord These things are known to all who have thought it their concern in the least to turn aside to consider of them The boody cruelties of the Antichristian Party against the Bohemians in Holland also the Massacre of Paris Ireland the Valleys of Piedmont c. wherein many thousands of the Lord 's Innocent Ones have been barbarously murder'd for no other reason in the World but because they laboured according to their Light to maintain and be found in the Doctrine and Worship of Christ is yet recent in the memory of most What heart so rocky as to read the Histories of the deep suffeings of those worthy witnesses of our Lord the Waldenses without pouring forth floods of tears What treacheries clandestine Plots breach of Covenants Oaths have the Antichristians been found guilty of pursuant to that bloody principle Nulla fides No Faith is to be kept with Haereticks and all are such in their account that embrace not their heresie abomnable Idolatries that they might obtain their end to waste destroy root out the Heritage of God Another way Satan hath taken to accomplish this his design is 2. Schisme amongst the Churches of Christ This was early set on foot even in the Apostles dayes 1 Cor. 3.3 11.18 When ye come together in the Church I hear that there be divisions Schisms among you and I partly believe it and hath been more or less with cunning heat violence managed ever since by Satan to the disturbing breaking crumbling into nothing some Churches of Christ The frequent charging and recharging of Schism upon each other by those that truely fear the Lord and agree in the fundamentals of Christianity hath been no small machine of the wicked one to weaken destroy them A work he 's still managing and we are too too little awakened to see his design and to study in the right Spirit to prevent it 'T would make ones heart to bleed to see hear with what keenness acrimony bitterness some Protestants are acted against others who are not of the same mind in all things whilst the Devil in the Papacy stands laughing to think what an easie prey hereby he shall make of them all Ah! alas where is the Christian simplicity amity How little respect have some to the great Commandment of Christ to Love one another who yet would be accounted his Disciples Were it not for a hasty Spirit bitter envying that is upon some one would think they had no concern for Religion at all and yet even this discovers that they are too little impregnated with the Spirit of the true Religion of Jesus Christ which engages to love meekness condescention mutual forbearance amongst Saints 3. False Doctrine Worship This also had an early entrance amongst the Churches The denial of the Resurrection of the dead substituting in the room thereof a metaphorick Resurrection betimes infected some at least of the Church at Corinth 1 Cor. 15. with 2 Tim. 2.18 Justification by the Law by Works was introduced into many of them as the Churches at Rome Galatia c. against whom the Apostle of the Gentiles Paul smartly disputes in his Epistles directed to them Into the pure Worship of God the inventions traditions of men were at last so introduced that God could no longer own it as his Worship at all And in respect of both these none ever were so degenerate corrupt as the Synagogue of Rome To enumerate particulars were endless what more contrary to Truth sound Doctrine than their assertions that the Original Hebrew and Greek of the Old and New-Testament is corrupt That the Scripture is not perspicuous cleer That to one Man the Pope the interpretation of Scripture doth belong who is Infallible and Judgment Conscience all is to be subjected to him That he is the alone Judge of Controversies who hath the Spirit of God given to him above others for his so doing That the Pope can dispense with the Law of God That he is Universal Head of the Church That he is not to be questioned for his Doctrine or Actions Si Papa infinitas animas in infernum traheret tamen nemo debet ei dicere quid facis If the Pope should carry an infinite number of Souls headlong to Hell none ought to say to him what doest thou For the will of the Pope stands for reason Glossa By his own Authority he can make Laws to bind the Consciences of the faithful He hath Power Authority over Princes can crown un-crown set up depose as he pleases That the Scriptures are not a sufficient Canon or rule of Faith and Manners but Traditions written and un-written are also necessary That Traditions are sufficient without the Scriptures but the Scriptures are not sufficient without Traditions That Christ is mediator only according to his humane Nature That 't is unlawful for Priests to marry That there is a certain place in which as in a prison after this life souls are purged who were not here perfectly purged that being so purg'd they might enter into Heaven That Saints are to be Worshipped That Images are to be Worshipped with the same Worship that is due to those whose Images they are as the Image of God Christ yea so that the Worship be terminated in the Image That the Sacraments confer grace ex opere operato That they justify That there are seven Sacraments That the Church hath power to Institute new Ceremonies for spiritual ends That persons un-Baptiz'd are damn'd there 's no salvation without it That Baptism takes away all sin That the Bread and Wine is converted into the Body and Blood of CHRIST That the Priest offers up Christ a propitiatory Sacrifice for the quick and dead to God the Father That there are sins in their own nature Venial That Concupiscence in those that are renued is no sin That men may be sav'd if they will 't is in their own power to believe c. That men are not justified by Faith without Works That inherent Righteousness justifies That none can be certain in this Life either of their Election Justification Perseverance to the end or Eternal Life That we are justified by Works that we merit Eternal Life by them And these are some of those pure streams that too many have a great mind to return to drink of and would by force bloody cruelty compel others to drink and be poysoned with them 4. False Visions lying Revelations upon which many times false Doctrine Worship hath been built supported Somwhat of these was also in the Apostles times Divine Visions Revelations there were many see Act. 10.11 16.9 18.9 10. 23.11 27.23 24. Gal. 1.12 2.1 2. 2 Cor. 12.4 Act. 7.55 10.3 Some also there were who were full of their false Visions Revelations 2 Thes 2.2 Now we
to them is obliged by Virtue of that relation that he hath taken them unto himself into to care for watch over them should when in some singleness of spirit they are testifying their love to him though with many infirmities weaknesses in subjecting to his appointments so holding fast his name and bearing a testimony to him in the World I say can it be imagined that he should at once reject cast them off unchurch them credat Apella Is this the manner of Husbands poor mortals of weak love finite bowels to those whom they take as Brides to themselves Hath not this Lord said that 'T is not lawful for a man to put away his Wife but in case of Fornication Mat. 5.32 and shall it be supposed that he who is infinite in bowels choicest love will reject his when they are not to be charged with such wickedness God once took Israel for a People unto himself and though actually guilty of spiritual adultery worshipping in a way that never entred into his heart to prescribe serving Idols offering their Children to Moloch persecuting also the Servants of the Lord that labour'd to recall them to primitive institutions yet how long did he bear with them He woe 's them after they had committed whoredom with many lovers to return again to him with promises of pardon reception new embraces as if they had never so offended him Jer. 3. 1 12 22. 4.1 And when he hath thoughts of giving them up with what seeming regret is it Hos 11.8 Nor did he totally do so till he had sent his Son whom they by wicked hands took cast out slew Mat. 21.37 38 39 40 41 42 43 45. And are the bowels of the Lord dried up Hath he forgotten to be gracious Is not his Covenant-Relation with his People in a Gospel-Day as strong efficacious as in the times of the Law Besides hath he any where in all the Scriptures given us the least Iota or syllable upon which we may conclude That this his relation with at least some particular Churches should cease or expire En tabulas let the Scriptures Prophecies thereof be consulted Object God took Israel into such a relation to himself Call's himself their Husband Jer. 31.32 saith he is married to them Jer. 3.14 Yet afterwards rejects them Answ 1. This Objection is in part obviated already and enough said to an intelligent Reader 2. Let it be granted that God calls himself their Husband Jer. 31.32 Though a better Translator renders the words otherwise then we read them viz. Paul Heb. 8.9 Because they continued not in my Covenant and I regarded them not saith the Lord That which we translate although I was an Husband to them the Apostle renders and I regarded them not And the learned Pocock in his Miscellanies Cap. 1. p. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. at large demonstrates that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Baalti which we read I was an Husband signifies not to regard to neglect refuse despise so also the Greek and Syriac render it But I say let it be granted as indeed the Lord doth own himself to be the Husband to be Married to them though in the place instanc'd in he doth not do so Let a few things further be considered and the impertinency of what is objected with respect to that we are pleading for will soon appear For 1. He himself by signal providences breaking to pieces destroying their Church-state and that Temple to which their solemn Worship as a Church was affix'd apotomized cut them off no such act of God with respect to his Gospel-Churches can be instanc'd in 2. He bare long with them before he cast them off and actually continued with them in that relation for about two thousand years Nor 3. Did he reject them till they had for many years rejected Him despised his Institutions Ordinances committed adultery with many lovers Jer. 3.1 In that matter did worse than the Nations round about them Ezek. 5.6 7. If this can be charged upon any of the Churches let them plead their own cause I 'll be no advocate for them nor is it necessary with respect to our present controversy since there are Churches to whom nothing like it can be imputed Though this I must say I know none of the Churches of Christ at this day but are pure and unchargeable as to any such guilt Oject 2. The Church of Rome was a true Church had Christ for her Husband Bridegroom Is it thus with her now Is not her Church-state perioded Is she not the apostatick Synagogue No Bride of Christ but the Whore the Mother of Harlots and abominations of the Earth Answ 1. God forbid that I should plead for that filthy Strumpet Synagogue of Satan the generation of God's curse against whom he hath indignation for ever 2. The Church of Rome so call'd that now is is in nothing like the Church of Rome that then was as to its Constitution Matter Form Worship Ordinances That was a particular-Church of Christ this pretends to be Catholick Universal That was constituted according to the Mind of Christ its matter visible Saints its form their free spontaneous giving up themselves to the Lord and to one another according to the Will of God This constituted by the cunning subtilty lying Miracles of the man of Sin by the Lusts Laws Compulsions of an arm of Flesh It s Worship Ordinances had for their Substratum the Law Commandment Authority of Jesus Christ the Worship of Rome is bottom'd upon the Authority Canons Laws Traditions of Popes sinful men false pretences to the personal appearance of Christ the Virgin Mary c. to them giving them in charge to practise this and that as his Worship Appointment not found in the Scriptures contrary to them So that the Church of Rome so call'd that now is was never a Church of Christ but a Synagogue of Satan set up in opposition to his True Churches 3. Had it been never so much a True Church of Christ it hath actually dis-church'd it self by its horrid Idolatry worse than the Heathen Worshiping Idols of Gold Silver Wood Stone with the same Worship that is due to them whom they set these up to represent so as that their Worship as Bellarmin tells us is terminated in these which scarce ever entred into the heart of an ingenuous Heathen to affirm upon the account whereof they are call'd Gentiles Rev. 11.2 Her persecution also bloody cruelty against Christ in his members sufficiently bespeaks her to be deserted rejected by the Lord actuated by another Spirit than the Spirit of the Gospel which is pure peaceable gentle meek so far from having any resemblance of the Churches of Christ that it 's the very shambles of Satan by whom as his butcherly bloody instruments they have destroyed poured forth the blood of millions of the meek innocent Lambs of the Lord Jesus 4. Let the argument be considered There was a Gospel-Church of Christ at
beseech you Brethren by the coming of our Lord Jesus and by our gathering together unto him that ye be not shaken in mind neither by Spirit i. e. by any that shall pretend to Revelations by the Spirit To mention what of this kind was in after dayes is endless somewhat is spoken to it chap. 3. Of the ensuing Treatise 5. Pretensions to a more than Ordinary Authority Power False-Prophets Pseudo-Apostles there were even in the Apostles dayes 2 Cor. 11.13 Such are False-Apostles Transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ See Mat. 24.5 11. Rev. 2.2 and many have risen up since whereby the Faith of some have been perverted and they have been drawn off from the wayes of Christ 6. False Miracles Lying Signs and Wonders Of this we have an account Mat. 24.24 For there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signs and wonders Mar. 13.22 2 Thes 2.9 Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all Power and Signes and lying wonders Rev. 13.13 14. And he doth great wonders so that he maketh fire to come down from Heaven on the Earth in the sight of men and deceiveth them that dwell on the Earth by the means of those Miracles Antichrists Kingdom hath been full of such lying signs and wonders whereby the Faith of some hath been Shaken and they drawn off from the pure Worship of Christ 7. Open avowed oppositions to Gospel-Institutions of this device of Satan to ruine the Churches of Christ we might give a distinct and large account some there were of old that opposed denied some particular Ordinances others refused communion with the Churches as no Churches of Christ In the third Century the Manichees denyed baptism with Water August l. 2. de mor. Manich. and l. 6. Contra Faust The Meletians in the fourth century refused communion with the Churches saith Theodoret. And Augustine ad quod vult c. tells us that they would not so much as Pray with the Saints The Audaeans or Anthropomorphites who held that God had a humane form or shape as a man denied communion with the Churches in the same Century Epiphan in Anacephal August ad quod vult c. Theodoret l. 4. c. 10. The Donatists held in the same century that the Church of God was wholly lost and to be restored by them amongst whom in Africa 't was only preserved August l. 2. Cont. lit Petil. c. 15. l. 2. Cont. Cres c. 37. for which they pretended Miracles Visions Dreams What open avowed oppositions have been are in our dayes made to the Churches Institutions of Christ is known and ought to be bewayled by us These things might have been more at large spoken to but I am sensible how far I have transcended the due bounds of an Epistle to so small a Treatise and shall only add That 1. I plead not for the Continuance of This or That particular Church of Christ Many such have been dis-churched and may be so God may be so far provoked against This or That Church as to Write Lo-ammi Lo-ruhamah upon it to disown his relation to it or its relation to him Where is the Church of Ephesus Pergamos Laodicea c. but only argue that God doth will continue the Gospel-Church-state Ordinances in some particular Church or Churches in the World to the next personal coming of Christ Much less 2. Do I plead for the corruptions of Churches which indeed are too many and great perhaps amongst the best purest Churches at this day and in some at that height as the synagogue of Rome that there is no communion to be held with them without God-provoking iniquity that will without Repentance bring his Wrath Vengeance upon us Rev. 18.4 3. That persons had need take heed how they speak evil of slight oppose persecute the Churches of CHRIST his Worship Institutions Ordinances The Judge stands before the door the Lord of the Vineyards is ready to be revealed and in flaming fire to take Vengeance on them that know him not and obey not his Gospel Nor will it be a sufficient plea at that day for any to say we accounted them not thy Churches Ordinances therefore we so managed our selves towards them a despising rejecting these is one way of casting off the Authority of Christ as we afterward demonstrate 4. That it highly concerns all that know the Lord who are either separated from or were never adjoyned to any Church of Christ to testify their love and subjection to him by subjecting to his Commandements in this matter lest not being found where Christ expects them they be blamed shamed at his day 5. That the utmost care should be taken industry used to keep those Iniquities out of particular Churches as may provoke the Lord to spew them out of his mouth as he did Laodicea of old Particularly 1. Schisms amongst themselves Which as they are an Argument of Carnality 1 Cor. 3.3 so they distast greatly provoke the Lord. 2. Formality Lukewarmness 3. Pride both inwardly in Heart Spirit outwardly in Apparel Garb God resisteth the Proud sets himself in battel-array against them 4. Covetousness which is Idolatry A wretched spirit that hath too much overspread prevailed upon the body of Professors Such as are Baptized into it are Enemies to the Cross of Christ Phil. 3.18 19. 5. Sinful complyance with and Conformity to this World 6. Carelesness as to sanctifying the Name of God in every part of Worship The nature of this great work is opened in the following Treatise with many other things of which we must not now speak 6. That particular Churches ought to be much often considering their ways get a sense of their miscarriages upon them pollutions amongst them to remember from whence they are fallen repent do their first works And if ever 't were the duty of the Churches of Christ to attend carefully to these things it 's much more now What languishing dying Churches have we How is Jehovah by word providential Dispensations crying aloud to them to be zealous Repent return What little attendment to his Voice amongst many How doth he discover his unwillingness to leave them How doth he seem to hover over them How many ways hath he been alluring drawing by cords of Love unto himself and if after all he should pull down these Tabernacles and erect others for himself in some remote part of the World leave poor England suffer Papal Darkness Superstition Idolatry to overspread the Land must we not say he is Holy we reap the fruit of our own doings He is faithful to his Word Churches Ordinances He will have in the world to bear his Name though we are reduced to Rubbish Ruins I have been am trembling within my self lest he should at last be provoked to leave us at least for a season Wo wo wo unto us if he depart from us Repent oh England Awake awake Churches awake awake Professors lay hold on God renew your Covenant with him labour to find
demonstrating the continuation of them 7. The Temple Tabernacle House Building of the Lord. Vpon what accounts they are so call'd An Objection Answer'd HAving already demonstrated what a particular Church of Christ is and that as such 't is one of the Gospel-institutions Commanded Erected by him i. e. 'T is the Will of Christ that all believers ordinarily should adjoyn themselves to some one or other such Church That which is Incumbent on us further to Evince is that such Churches or the Gospel-Church-State with the Institutions Ordinances Worship thereunto Affixed shall continue unto his next glorious Coming and Kingdom which we now Address our selves to the dispatch of Demonstration I. The Appellations given in Scripture to such a Church or Churches of Christ do evidently evince the Truth hereof First 'T is call'd the Kingdom of God Mar. 1.15 The Kingdom of God is at hand And Chap. 9.1 Till they have seen the Kingdom of God come with Power He seems to have respect to the day of Pentecost when the Spirit was poured down from on high on the Apostles who were then endued with Power from above according to the promise of Christ to them by which they went forth to preach the Gospel plant Churches c. Mar. 15.43 Who also waited for the Kingdom of God i. e. the Gospel-ministration Luke 7.28 He that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he See Chap. 10.9 and 23.51 Joh. 3 3 5 Act. 1.3 And speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God i. e. the Laws Institutions Rules Orders relating to the Churches See Ch. 8.12 and 19.8 9. disputing and perswading the things concerning The Kingdom of God But when divers spake evil of that way What way The way of Gospel-Ministrations or the worship of God in a Gospel-day which they spake evil of as Heretical After the way which they call Heresie so worship I the God of my Fathers Act. 24.14 Chap. 20 25 with 28. and 28.33 34. Upon what Accounts the Gospel-Church-State is call'd The Kingdom of God must a little be enquired into 'T is so call'd upon the Account 1. Of its Glory and Excellency Persons and things said to be of God are therefore so said to be As men of God Jud. 13.6 8. 1 Sam. 2.27 and 9.6 1 Chron. 23.14 Hill of God 1 Sam. 10.5 10. Psal 24.3 and 42.6 and 68.15 This ministration excels all that went before it for excellency and glory 2 Cor. 3.7 9 10. of which more anon 2. Of its Extract and Original There 's nothing of man in it 't is all of God given by the Father to Jesus Christ who came into the World to reveal and discover his Will touching that matter Joh. 1.14 3. Of Believers open visible subjection to owning acknowledging of God in their Obedience thereunto 4. Of Gods care of it protection over it engagement to continue support maintain uphold it to the end Whence it evidently follows 1. That there must be a continuance of this ministration of the Gospel the Gospel-Church-State with all the Laws Institutions Ordinances Orders thereto appertaining till it be suspended abrogated by Jehovah Who hath Power Authority over his Kingdom or can presume to disannul suspend any thing he hath therein Instituted but by such an Act he advanceth himself above God and so proclaims himself to be the Antichrist that was to come Denyes the Father and that supreme Authority from whence the original of the Gospel-ministration doth flow 2. The veracity faithfulness wisdom power of God are all engaged for the support and upholdment of this Ministration 'T is of him from him He 's oblig'd upon that foot of account to exert and put forth the perfections of his Nature for the upholdment of it What Devils beasts of Prey yea what inward lusts or corruptions in the Saints themselves shall be able to evert bring to nought that Kingdom he 's obliged to support and continue 3. That there must be a law produced from this High and Soveraign Lawgiver for the suspension perioding of this Ministration or it abides in force and will do so whether we be subject to it or not Our wills fancies humors imaginations any pretended Revelation will not justify any persons Non-conformity thereunto Let any Statute-law from Jehovah be produced for it's suspension dissolution and the Controversie is at an end Where hath God said My Kingdom shall continue only for a hundred two three or a thousand years and then period after which I 'll leave my Children to act as they please with respect to any Laws or Institutions relating to it If there be altum silentium a deep silence with respect to any such Laws it becomes and greatly concerns persons to take heed that they withdraw not themselves from oppose not his Soveraignty herein lest they be found fighters against God Besides 't is not inconsiderable that there are but two Kingdoms in the World 1. The Kingdom of God which as hath been shew'd as to visibility most eminently consists in Gospel-ministrations 2. The Kingdom of the Devil and Antichrist who receives his Seat Power and great Authority from the Dragon or Devil Rev. 13.2 and to one of these we must needs be visibly subject Two ways Satan takes for the support of the Antichristian Kingdom 1. The one is by establishing Laws forreign yea contrary to the Laws of Jehovah and compelling all to subject to them The other is 2. By casting a slight contempt upon the Laws of Divine appointment and whether the one way or the other he prevail upon poor souls he hath his end for Jehovah's Soveraign Authority is thereby trampled upon Objection If it be Objected that the legal Ministration is call'd The Kingdom of God and Christ tells the Jews nevertheless that it shall be taken from them and we know that an actual Period is put thereunto Mat. 21.43 so that the Church-state being call'd The Kingdom of God is no Argument to prove its continuance Answer The Answer is easie 1. It 's granted that the Mosaic Ministration is so call'd and that because it had it's Original from God who descending upon Mount Sinai by the Ministry of Angels gave forth the Law with the Statutes Judgments and Ordinances 2. It 's also granted that the Whole of that Ministration hath expired for above this One Thousand Six Hundred Years But 3. There were frequent intimations in the Scripture that it should so expire Deut. 18.15 18. Psal 40.6 Isa 65.17 Hag. 2.6 21. These present Heavens or Judaic Church-state with all the Institutions Ordinances thereto appertaining will I shake so as to remove totally abolish Mat. 24.2 The Temple to which the Judaic Solemn-Worship was affix'd shall be utterly destroyed so the whole of that service thereto appertaining cease Let but one the like instance of the purpose of God for the determination of the New-Testament-Ministration before the next glorious personal Appearance of Christ be produced and there 's an end of this Controversy 4.
are also intended by these Gates The armoury of the City was over the gates of it But in this forcible attaque of the Church he hath also fail'd He did his uttermost by bloody cruelty during the first Persecutions But what was the issue The executioners of his wrath the Roman-Pagan-Emperors had Torments within them perpetually gnawing them whilst the Holy Ones that kept the Commandements of Jesus were fill'd with Peace and Joy and triumph'd over them in the Spirit and Power of Jesus both living and dying The vengeance of God eminently wrought on their notorious Persecutors whil'st the blessing and good will of him that dwelt in the Bush was with these and the more they were Persecuted the more they grew So that it became a Maxim Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae The Blood of the Martyrs the seed of the Church And Satan not being able to hold it in the Roman-Pagan-State enters into the Papal-Antichristian-Monarchy and hath therein hector'd and ranted breathing forth nothing but threatnings and slaughters against the Saints of the Most-High who have the Commandments of God and Testimony of Jesus Millions of the Lords poor People have been destroyed by this Roman-AntiChristian-Beast in days past of late not a few In the Massacres of Paris Ireland and the Vallies of Piedmont c. Not to mention the Bonfires they made of the bodies of our Brethren in the bloody Mary's days Which notwithstanding their haughty confidence they 'l shortly pay dearly for The judgements of the Lord God Almighty will speedily come upon the great Whore for these cruelties his Wrath will consume Her utterly But what 's the Issue The number of the Lambs-followers are multiplied their faith confidence and courage heightned And let the Pope and that bloody Crew know that they are ready to withstand him in his next attaque and advance against them being encourag'd thereunto by that great Cloud of worthy Witnesses they are encompas'd about with and that plerophory of assurance that in this last Attempt he with his whole Party will stumble fall go into Perdition never to appear more The sum is 1. The Church is built upon a Rock who then is able to evert overturn it What winds blasts storms what ragings of Waves Seas can over-whelm destroy it Satan hath fail'd in all his Attempts hitherto against it and prov'd in-successful 2. Christ hath engaged that it shall continue un-shaken immovable notwithstanding all attaques by fraud or force Is he not faithful Will he not make good his Word Can he depart from it Wants he Will or Power to accomplish what he hath promised What more derogatory to Christ impious wicked can be Asserted Object But Churches may Apostatize and so dis-Church themselves They may provoke the Lord by his judgments to do so The first is notoriously Evident in the Church of Rome The latter manifestly true with respect to other Churches Answ Both the first and second is granted But 1. The promise of Christ cannot fail Therefore 2. The defection of this or that particular Church the removing the Candlestick from it the taking away its Church-state was never denyed by us Such a dispensation is not in the least contrary to the promises of Christ Mat. 16. But 3. A total Apostasy of all the Churches of Christ in the World with the suspension cessation of the Ordinances of the Gospel-thereupon is what is impleded by us as diametrically opposite to this promise of our Lord. Two things are also heedfully to be attended to 1. That we un-Church not a Church when that is not to be found upon it for which the Lord hath declared they are un-Churched nor before he doth un-Church them Some Errors in doctrine formallity luke-warmness departure from first-love doth not un-Church a Church rightly Constituted These things were found in the Churches of Corinth Ephesus Laodicea c. yet at the same time true Churches of Christ The latter are own'd writ to by Christ as such as the former was by the Apostle of the Gentiles when yet these evils were found amongst them 1 Cor. 1. 2 Cor. 2. Rev. ch 23. 2. That 't is the Duty of particular Believers upon the un-Churching a Church to joyn themselves to some other Church or if a number sufficient of themselves so to do to form themselves into a body or Church of Christ for otherwise they disobey and offer an open affront to the authority of Christ in that great Gospel-appointment of his and so indeed lift up themselves against his Kingly Soveraignty over them Thirdly This Church-state is represented under the Notion of the Kingdom of Heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Kingdom of Heavens Mat. 13.24 31 33 44 45 47. 25.1 The Kingdom of Heaven shall be likned unto ten Virgins c. And it wants not its weight that this Kingdom of Heaven or Gospel-Church-State notwithstanding the declension drowsiness sleepiness of the subjects of it or Virgin-professors visibly Espoused to Christ in respect of their subjection to his Institutions 2 Cor. 11.2 is expresly affirm'd to continue unto the coming of our Lord v. 6 7 10. And at midnight there was a Cry made Behold the Bridegroom Christ cometh go ye out to meet Him Then all those Virgins arose and trimmed their Lamps c. And while they went to buy the Bridegroom came and they that were ready went in with him to the Marriage and the door was shut I. Why the Gospel-Church-State is represented under the Notion of the Kingdom of Heaven must a little be enquir'd into 'T is so upon the account 1. Of its Original from thence 'T is not of man but from Heaven as was John's Doctrin Baptism Ministry 2. Of its supereminent Glory whatever persons account of it 't is of Heaven heavenly beautiful glorious 3. Of the design of God in the Institution Erection of it viz. to lead Persons to Heaven Eternal Life 4. Of its Stability Duration Heavenly things are stable abiding The Kingdoms of this world are changing mutable the Kingdom of Heaven fixed permanent II. That none but He who dwells in Heaven is higher than the Highest who is the alone Supreme Soveraign of this Kingdom hath Power to alter the Frame of it put a Period to it The Devil hath no Power or Authority in it He 's indeed styl'd the Prince of this World Joh. 14.30 the Prince of the Power of the Air Eph. 2.2 The whole World is said to be in subto him 1 Joh. 5.19 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He hath a Presidency Authority in the Anti-christian Kingdom is the Head of it is Worshipt in it The Devil gave him the Beast the Pope his Power Rev. 13.2 4. And the Anti-Christians are expresly said to Worship Devils Rev. 9.20 because they Worship Idols of Gold Silver c. A Worship Instituted introduced at first by them But with respect to the Kingdom of Heaven he hath nothing to do nor can he by any of his Wiles Strength cause it to
Ministration of the Spirit we are to understand the whole Gospel-oeconomy or Ministration the Doctrine Worship Institutions thereof is evident 1. From its Antithesis unto the Ministration of the Letter or legal Mosaic observances call'd the Ministration of Death and Condemnation v. 6 7 9. which the Apostle tells us was done away now 't was that whole Ministration as made up of Institutions Ordinances peculiar to it that was done away 2. 'T was such a Ministration as the Apostles were Ministers of v. 6. i. e. which they Preach'd declared from Jesus Christ according to his charge to them Matth. 28.20 and were ministring to him and the Saints in 'T was not the Doctrine of the Gospel inward purity practick Godliness only that they declared as the mind of Christ but the Worship thereof institutions of his appointment thereunto appertaining No sooner were Persons converted to the Faith of Christ but they were gathered by the Apostles into a Church-state Acts 2.41 42 46. and 9.31 and 11.22 26. and 14.23 27. and 15.41 and 16.5 and 20.28 This is too evident to be denied 3. 'T was such a Ministration Wherein as in a Glass with open face compared to those vail'd dark sights they had in their Passover Sacrifices c. under the Mosaic Ministration they beheld the Glory of the Lord and were changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord v. 18. The first Primitive believers 't will not be denied attended upon the Lord in Gospel-Institutions 'T is evident they did so from the Scriptures but now quoted In their so doing they beheld the glory of the Lord had choice discoveries displayes of it grew up into a Conformity unto him in their conscientious waiting on him herein And whatever any say thousands of believers at this day that are found waiting upon the Lord in his own institutions such as the Church-Fellowship Breaking Bread Prayer c. meet with presence sights of Glory Divine Transformations renewals in the Spirit of their minds When any are found in institutions shaken in their minds touching them as the institutions of Christ that by virtue of His Soveraign Authority Command they ought to attend to 't is no wonder if they see not his Glory know nothing of his transforming power through them They come not in faith sanctify not his name in what they do therefore meet not with his blessing Quest The Question is upon what accounts this Ministration is called The Ministration of the Spirit Answ 'T is so called with respect 1. To it 's Super-eminent Super-excelling Glory For Excellency Glory far superiour unto any Ministration that went before it What compare is there betwixt Spirit and Letter that which hath life in it and that which hath none 2. To the Communication of the Spirit through it by it Gal. 3.2 Received ye the Spirit by the Works of the Law or by the hearing of Faith 3. To its being given forth by Christ through the Holy Spirit Acts 1.2 The Lord Jesus being constituted by the Father Mediator of the New-Covenant Prince Ruler Priest Prophet to the Church was to reveal the whole of his mind and Will to them as such For his inablement whereunto the Father pours out of the Spirit without measure upon him through this Spirit he gave Commandments to his Apostles relating to Gospel-Worship with a charge to them to Communicate them to others Matth. 28. ult Which also they did 4. To that Glorious effusion of the Spirit in the day of Pentecost Act. 2. at the beginning or first Publick setting up of this Ministration 5. To evince that 't is the highest last Ministration of institutions or visible Ordinances that Saints are to expect that when it s taken down there shall be no more nor indeed will there be need of any what Ministration can be supposed to be higher than the Ministration of the Spirit What can supersede it Yea the Apostle fairly intimates that it shall so remain not to pass away as the Ministration of the ter or Law that went before it 2 Cor. 3.7 which was to be done away For if that which is done away was Glorious much more that which Remaineth is Glorious And 't is not to be passed by in silence that the Apostle makes part of the excelling Glory above that of the Law of the Gospel-Ministration to consist in the duration of it If that which is done away was glorious much more that which remaineth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that fixed abiding unalterable Ministration 6. The managery of all the Worship Ordinances appertaining to this Ministration is to be in the Spirit Without whom all that 's done is not will never be acceptable to God 7. The means of its support upholdment continuance progress is the same Spirit 2 Cor. 10.4 The Weapons of our warfare are not Carnal but Mighty through God Antichrist hath other wayes to support promote his filthy Worship senseless traditions ridiculous fopperies viz. the arm of flesh Horrid Bloody Plots Conspiracies to massacre destroy cut off such as stand in the way of his devices Prisons Gibbets Stakes Flames to consume devour such as refuse to drink of the Cup of his Fornications but Lex nova non se vindicat ultore gladio the Law of Christ knows no such wayes methods for its support increase 'T is the Spirit Power of God by which it is ever was maintained a neglect of whom and turning aside to the Power Wisdom of Man warring after the flesh was the bane of Christianity and the first spring off the Antichristian apostacy Three things necessarily follow from hence 1. That a slighting undervaluing withdrawing from Gospel-Institutions is a slighting of the most glorious Ministration that ever was set on foot in the World 2. 'T is a contempt undervaluing of the Holy Spirit of the Lord whose they are and from whom they did proceed Let persons pretensions be what they will it cannot be otherwise Gospel-Institutions are of through the Spirit to slight these is to cast contempt upon him from whom they are 3. That the Spirit is obliged to support maintain them against all oppositions He remains with his People for ever for that end John 16.13 Howbeit when the Spirit of Truth is come he shall guide you into all Truth v. 14. He shall Glorify me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you And he hath actually done so hitherto keeping alive a blessed witness testimony to them for them in his called chosen witnesses more or less in every day Though sometimes this their testimony hath cost them dear viz. loss of Goods Enjoyments Friends Liberty Life it self yet they have Gloryed Triumph'd under all through this Spirit of Glory and of God that rested upon them and enabled them in this work The very truth is as the great controversie of Christ with the Nations of the European World hath been upon the account of their Spiritual fornications or false worship
as the Tents of Kedar Poor Mean Contemptible so are all the Ordinances Institutions appertaining to them The materials of which they are constituted for the most part are visibly base and contemptible the poor of the World But Christ is the builder of them a greater than Solomon and he builds them for himself an Ivory Palace for the great King and therefore they must needs be amiable lovely glorious comely as the curtaines of Solomon 2. That none can approach advance themselves against them without pouring out contempt upon advancing themselves against Jesus Christ 3. That he is obliged to protect defend them against all oppositions whatsoever He hath done will do so 4. That none hath power to pluck them down nor can they be dissolv'd but by his Authority For any to go about to do so is to assume a Power to themselves co-equal nay superior to Christ who built them II. As Christ is call'd the Builder of these Churches so he is said to be the Foundation of them They are built upon him as their noble glorious Foundation 1 Cor. 3.9 10 12. Ye are Gods Building according to the Grace of God which is given to me as a wise Master-Builder I have laid the Foundation other Foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ Ephes 2.19 20 22. 1 Pet. 2.4 5. Three things necessarily flow from hence 1. That Gospel-Churches are not built upon the Old Covenant as some talk except we will suppose Christ to be a part of that Covenant wherein yet there 's not the least notice of him to be found 2. That they are a firm unshaken building Christ himself being their Foundation they must be so 3. That none can dissolve them put a period to them but he who is their Substratum Foundation who as such supports upholds them and is obliged so to do III. He is also styled their Head Lord Ephes 4.15 May grow up into him in all things who is the Head even Christ from whom the whole body fitly joyn'd together Col. 1.18 He is the Head of the Body the Church 2.19 And not holding the Head from which all the Body Two things must be considered 1. Upon what accounts Christ is said to be the Head of the Church 2. What influence this Headship of Christ hath into the confirmation of the truth pleaded for As touching the first 't is confes'd that he is not a natural head of the body the Church The Expression is Metaphorical Seven things are pointed forth by it 1. His Preference Dignity Excellency above them all 2. His Comliness Beauty The truth is all the comliness of the Body the Church is Christ 'T is eminently superlatively in Him it flows from him 3. He is the seat of all that Life Spirits the Church is made partakers of All 's in him in fulness 4. His Sympathy with them in all their sorrows distresses sufferings 5. Their guidance direction from Him He is their dux viae glorious conduct leader in the way they should go 6. His Dominion Ruledom Authority over them 7. Their Protection Safety in and under Him As touching the second particular Secondly The continuance abiding of Gospel-Churches is a necessary consequence from hence For Christ being their Head 1. Want's not love affection to them to support uphold them Nor 2. Doth he want power so to do All power is given to him in Heaven and in Earth He is for that end constituted Head over all things to the Church Eph. 1.21 22. that he might be able to defend preserve it 3. He is an everlasting Head therefore as such must have a body to rule govern by those Laws Institutions he hath given forth for their Ruledom wherein they are to testify their subjection to him Not to do so is to cast off his Regiment deny his Soveraignty Authority Nay 4. As such being put into Office deputed appointed by the Father as Head Lord King over them Psal 2.6 he is obliged to protect defend preserve them For him not to do so were a breach of that trust charge reposed in him given to him by the Father IV. Christ is the Husband Bridegroom of these Churches 2 Cor. 11.2 For I have espoused you the Church of God which is at Corinth chap. 1.1 to one Husband viz. the Lord Jesus that I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ Mat. 25.1 5 6. Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven or Gospel-Church-state be likened unto ten Virgins which went forth to meet the Bridegroom While the Bridegroom tarried Behold the Bridegroom cometh And these Churches are call'd the Bride the Lambs Wife Rev. 19.7.21.9.22.17 Upon what account the Lord Jesus is said to be the Husband of the Church and She his Bride Wife must be considered He is so call'd upon the account 1. Of his entire cordial love and affection to her He dearly above all loves his Churches Psal 87.2 The Lord loveth the Gates of Sion Saints gathered together in Gospel-Fellowship solemnly worshipping him in a community more than all the Dwellings of Jacob. He therefore calls them his Love his Dove his Vndefiled Cant. 5.2 expressions demonstrative of his kindness to them They also are full of love endearment to him Cant. 1.7 1 Pet. 1.8 The truth whereof they evidence by keeping his Commandments John 14.21 23 24. viz. those Commandments he by the Spirit gave forth to them relating to the institutions worship of the Gospel Acts 1.2 2. His giving himself to them taking them for his own above all the People in the World God is said upon this foot of account to be the God of Israel Exod. 5.1 32.27 Num. 16.9 Jos 8.30 13.33 c. They his portion peculiar treasure Deut. 32.9 Exod. 19.5 Psal 135.4 To be married to them Jer. 3.14 Christ is said to have them Joh. 3.29 He that hath the Bride is the Bridegroom They give themselves to him solemnly own avouch him to be their Husband in their visible subjection to his appointments Nor do or can any be said so to own him but with respect to such a subjection 2 Cor. 8.5 They first gave their own selves to the Lord and unto us by the will of God They are Christ's 1 Cor. 3.23 All are yours and ye are Christs Departure from forsaking his institutions is therefore called adultery fornication whoredom Jer. 3.8 Ezek. 23.37 Rev. 2.22 Ezek. 16.26 29. Rev. 9.21 17.2 4. 18.3 9. 19.2 Ezek. 16.17 Hos 1.2 Jer. 3.2 And the false Church is call'd the Whore Rev. 17.1 15 16. 19.2 because hereby they are unfaithful to Christ in this marriage-relation whereinto he hath taken them 3. His care watchfull eye over them He watcheth over them for good keeps them day and night with much more that might be added touching this matter Now can it be imagined that the Lord Jesus who hath taken a people unto himself in such a relation loves them with such a dear intense love gives himself
Chap. 2. would have him put the Brethren in remembrance of these things Chap. 4.6 charges him to give attendance to the work of the Ministry to which he was call'd to take heed to the Doctrine relating to Faith and Church-order which was deliver'd to him Chap. 4.14 16. which he calls that which was committed to his trust which he commands him to keep Chap. 6.20 yea to command and teach to others Chap. 4.10 And having charged him to observe all these things without partiality Chap. 5.21 he in this place most solemnly commands him to keep that Commandment of his The sum is 1. Whatever the Apostle had charged upon Timothy relating to the Doctrine and Worship of the Gospel to the Church and the Institutions thereof he was not only to observe himself but to command others also to do so 2. That these Orders Institutions Ordinances were to continue to the next Glorious Personal coming of our Lord Jesus and the Saints in their several Generations are till then to be found in the conscientious observance and practice of them whence it necessarily follows that the Ministration introduced by Christ which for the most part consists in what we have but now instanc'd in must continue till that day IV. Our Apostle give us a farther and most ample demonstration of the Truth pleaded for Heb. 1.1 2. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past to the Fathers hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son The last dayes are the last dayes of the Judaick Church-state the whole oeconomy all the Laws Statutes Orders Institutions thereunto appertaining God hath spoken i. e. God the Father hath done so by his Son in his personal Ministry when he tabernacled amongst men The design of the Apostle in the words under consideration it 's obvious is to give the Gospel-Ministration a preferrence above all that went before it And this he doth especially two wayes 1. The discoveries God made of his Will to the Fathers in times past he made by the Prophets but the discovery of his Will in the Gospel-Ministration is by his Son Now though 't is true the Prophets were worthy excellent glorious ones yet they were but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 meer men but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Sons of Adam The Son of God the Mediator of the New-Covenant by whom the Father spake when he dwelt amongst us is fair fair above them all Psal 45. Transcends them all in Beauty Excellency Authority Glory as being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Son that well-beloved Son of the Father in whom he was well pleased 2. All the discoveries that were before were but partial gradual He gave a hint to Adam to Noah spake more plainly to Abraham Isaac Jacob Gen. 12.1 2 3 4. Chap. 15.11 12. and 17.1 2. and 26.24 Chap. 49. Afterward to Moses in giving the Law and erection of the Judaick-Church when there was such a discovery of the mind of God that lookt like so perfect a model that nothing further was to be expected yet he afterward spake by David the Prophets Ezra c. but now by his Son he hath made a perfect and full discovery of his Mind and Will so as nothing more nothing new nothing beyond it is to be expected That such a discovery should be made by him was before Prophesied of him Dan. 9.24 Seventy Weeks are determined upon the People to finish the transgression to seal up the Vision and Prophesie and to anoint the most Holy That 't is a Prophesie of Christ is generally acknowledged by both Christians and Jews Nachmanides tells us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this Holy of Holies or the most Holy as we translate is the Messiah who is sanctified from amongst the Sons of David The work he was to do when he came in the World is amply decypher'd viz. to Finish transgression to make an end of Sins to make reconciliation for iniquities and to bring in everlasting Righteousness and to seal up the Vision and Prophesie This last is what we are at present concerned to take notice of Two things must be enquired into 1. What 's meant by Vision and Prophesie 2. In what sense the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Holy of Holyes or the Holiness of Holinesses the Messiah CHRIST sealed up the Vision and Prophesie 1. Touching the first by Vision and Prophesie we are to understand all the wayes of discovery of the mind and Will of God he was pleased to make use of for the instruction of the Judaick-Church therein 2. As to the second Christ sealed the Vision and Prophesie by finishing perfecting it so as no more was or needed to be added thereunto as to the making the discovery of the Fathers will compleat So the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chatham translated seal signifies Ezek. 28 12. Thou sealest up the Summe Vatablus and the Tigurine render it Tues omnibus numeris absolutum exemplar Thou art in all respects a perfect example And to the same purpose Castalion The Syriack renders it by a word that signifies as to Seal so to compleat make perfect and the Arabick by a word that signifies to make an end of speaking When a man hath writ the whole of his mind he intends to communicate in his letter he seals it up The meaning is God had divers wayes and manners in dayes past revealed his Will to the Church at last he sent his Son as the great and last Prophet who fully perfectly discovers his mind to her so that a further Instruction there needs not nor is there to be expected But V. There 's no ground left for any New-Ministration or any Alteration in that set on foot by Christ The reasons of the alteration of the Old-Testament-Ministration with the Institutions Ordinances thereunto appertaining may be reduced to a twofold-head 1. They all pointed at had respect to the Messiah Christ to come Rom. 10.4 Christ is the end of the Law This the Apostle asserts to be the ground of its abolition Heb. 10.1 9. 2. Christ was to come during its continuance as Lord over his own House with more ample Power and Authority than any that went before him Heb. 1.1 2 3. 3.5 6. He had then Power Authority to confirm remove abolish as he pleased and none could say unto him in this matter What dost thou But neither of these can be supposed as the ground of altering discontinuing the Ministration set on foot by Christ He was then already come tabernacled among men and come he was as the great Prophet Lord King of the Church and as such gives forth Laws for them to subject conform to VI. The Gospel-Ministration Institutions must continue except a greater than Christ come The Law was given forth by Moses it continued thousands of Years and notwithstanding the degeneracy corruption that was amongst the People none could put a period to it the Church was bound to the observation of it to the coming