teach the Saints Dan. 8.16 9 22. And I heard a Man's Voice between the Banks of Ulai which called and said Gabriel make this Man understand the Vision c. And he said I will make thee know what shall be in the last Day c. They open and reveal hidden Mysteries to the Saints 9. They rejoyce with the Godly at the Conversion of Sinners Luke 15.10 Likewise I say unto you There is Joy in the Presence of the Angels of God in Heaven over one Sinner that repenteth 10. They have a Charge to convey the Souls of the Godly when they die through the Territories of the Prince of Darkness viz. the Air and carry them safe to Heaven And it came to pass that the Beggar died Luke 16.22 and was carried by the Angels into Abraham's Bosom 11. To gather all the Elect together at the last Day 12. To separate the Evil from the Good the Chaff from the Wheat Mat. 13.49 So shall it be at the end of the World the Angels shall come and sever the Wicked from the Just Thirdly They have a Charge committed to them in reference to wicked Men. 1. To blind and infatuate them that they cannot see how to effect that Mischief they would otherwise do 2. To stop them in their Carreer that they cannot pursue their wicked Purposes and Designs as appears in Balaam's Case Numb 22.26 3. To destroy and cut off the Ungodly when they combine against the Church One Angel smote in the Camp of the Assyrians a Multitude of Men. 2 King 19.35 III. Watchers give warning of approaching Dangers III. So the Angels gave warning to Abraham and Lot Gen. â—9 of the approaching Judgment that fell upon Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cities about them IV. Watchers are very useful and oftentimes made a great Blessing to Towns and Cities many eminent Dangers by their means have been prevented IV. Angels are a great Blessing to the Church and City of God and every particular Member thereof How secure was the Prophet whilst he had those fiery Chariots and Horsemen round about him Quest But some may say Why doth God in the preservation of his People make use of the Ministration of Angels Answ Not for any Necessity He is all-sufficient of himself to do all things for them But to declare his abundant Love to and Care of his Children in making more excellent Creatures than themselves to be their Keepers Object But God's People often fall into Danger and many Inconveniences how then are they attended and kept by Angels Answ They are delivered by them from many Evils and Dangers that they know not of For as we have many Devils about us continually to do us Mischief so we have a Multitude of blessed Angels continually about us to keep and protect us Psal 91.11 2. If at any time God's Children fall into Danger it is because they are out of their way or rather God's way and then the good Angels have no Charge over them 3. If they suffer in the Custody of the Angels it is that they may be exercised tried and made better thereby For the Angels keep them from Evil or keep them in Evil and at last deliver them out of Evil so that they are made Gainers by all according to that Promise Rom. 8.28 V. Watchers or Watchmen go up and down to see what the State and Condition of Things is they take strict Observation of Persons and Things V. Angels go about or rather flie up and down in the Earth to see what the State and Condition of God's People more especially is Hence they are said to have Wings which denote their Swiftness in their Work Zech. 1.11 We have walked to and fro the Earth and behold all the Earth sitteth still and is at rest Inferences WHat infinite Grace and Favour doth God manifest to his poor People in giving his Angels such a strict Charge over them and to cause such glorious Creatures to watch and keep them day and night 2. What Honour also hath God conferred on his Children hereby Every Believer hath greater Attendance yea a more glorious Retinue than the mightiest Prince or Monarch in the World The Holy Angels compared to the Morning-Stars Job 38.7 When the Morning-Stars sang together c. STars are taken two ways First Properly Secondly Metaphorically Some understand by Stars in this place Caryl upon Job chap. 38. p. 81. the Stars which God hath set in the Firmament of Heaven or Stars in a proper Sence Others as Mr. Caryl observes the holy Angels which saith he may well be called Stars or Morning-Stars by a Metaphor c. Metaphor Parallel MOrning-Stars are full of Beauty bright and glorious ANgels are very beautiful Creatures their Glory is wonderful Hence Stephen's Face was said to be as it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6. ult and very beautiful Persons are said to resemble or seem like Angels Tho they have not a visible bodily Beauty yet they have a better Beauty than any Body II. Morning-Stars give Light they are not only beautiful but shining The chief Morning-Star called Lucifer signifies a Light-bringer II. Angels are not only very beautiful Creatures but also full of Light We read of an Angel in the Revelations that the whole Earth was lighted with his Glory This shews that Angels are very glorious and shining Tho I understand that is not spoken of a proper Angel yet it shews that Angels are full of Light and therefore called Angels of Light III. Stars are Guides to Mariners by which they know how to steer a right Course III. Angels are and have been as Guides to the Saints and spiritual Mariners They guided or gave direction unto Lot to escape the Flames of Sodom and led Peter out of Prison and thereby saved him from imminent Danger Abraham told his Servant God would send his Angel to guide or prosper his Way Gen. 24.40 The Holy Angels called the Sons of God Job 1.6 There was a Day when the Sons of God came and presented themselves before God Job 38.7 And all the Sons of God shouted for Joy THe Chaldee Paraphrase is express that the Sons of God here are the Angels The Armies of Angels shouted for Joy And the Septuagint as Caryl observes are as clear for it saying When all my Angels sung for Joy To this do most Expositors agree Object But some object that Passage of the Apostle To which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son Answ 1. Angels are not the Sons of God as the Apostle there expresseth i. e. as Christ is the Son of God viz. by eternal Generation For so To which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Jesus Christ is the Son of God from Eternity 2. Angels are not the Sons of God by Regeneration nor by Adoption as Believers are The holy Angels need not Regeneration they
pure Psal 119. therefore thy Servant loveth it 5. He hath a good Conscience whose Conviction and Trouble for Sin is universal when it is deep when the Spirit searcheth into the bottom Come saith the Woman of Samaria Joh. 4 29 39. see a Man that hath told me all that ever I did And they were pricked in their Hearts 6. He hath an evangelical good Conscience who is troubled for Sin not simply because of Shame or because of inward Guilt or fear of Punishment but because God is and hath been offended his Spirit grieved and his Soul defiled and made unlike God his Trouble riseth from the sence of the hainous Nature of Sin 7. When Conscience findeth that no Conviction either of Sin or Duty is slighted by the Soul Psal 119.80 but tenderly nourished 8. When a Man will suffer any Punishment or Loss before he will offer violence to his Conscience and sin against God 9. When Conscience cannot find any Sin hid spared born with or connived at in the Soul no sweet Morsel under the Tongue 10. When Conscience finds a Man the same in private that he is in publick and that he is not of a Pharisaical Spirit doth nothing to be seen of Men or for vain Glory's sake 11. When Conscience cannot find any Duty or Ordinance which the Soul is convinced of to be neglected tho he is exposed to Reproach thereby To obey God in Baptism is called the Answer of a good Conscience Conscience calls for obedience to this and to all other Ordinances of the Gospel when convinced of them 12. And lastly When Conscience beareth Testimony to a Soul that it loveth God and Jesus Christ above all things in this World c. He that hateth not Father and Mother c. cannot be my Disciple That is if he hath not a lesser Love to them for the lesser Love in Scripture is called a Hatred which our Saviour openeth in another place He that loveth Father or Mother more than me is not worthy of me and he that loveth Son or Daughter more than me is not worthy of me Phil. 3 9 10. c. Yea doubtless I account all things but Loss c. Quest How shall a Man get and keep a good Conscience Answ 1. He must get his Heart sprinkled with the Blood of Christ Heb. 10.22 Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience c. See that you experience that the Blood of Christ hath as effectually purged your Consciences from dead Works Heb. 9.14 as the Blood of Bulls and Goats sanctified to the purifying of the Flesh 2. He must take heed of all such things as offend his Conscience Conscience is a very tender thing the smallest thing will make it bleed 3. He must take heed of evil aad corrupt Principles an erring Conscience is not a good Conscience 4. Labour to fit under a Soul-searching Ministry 5. Take heed of vain Glory and all secret Evil Conscience prieth into thy most inward Thoughts beware of speculative Sin 6. Labour to keep thy Tongue Whoso keepeth his Mouth and his Tongue keepeth his Soul from Trouble 7. Labour to bring thy Heart into every Duty beware of Hypocrisy 8. Do not grieve or offend thy Conscience in any thing tho the Matter may be in it self lawful yet thou must not do it if thou hast a doubt in thy Spirit about it Rom. 14.23 He that doubteth is damned that is condemned in his own Conscience But much more take heed of doing that which is by all owned to be utterly unlawful 9. Labour in all Acts to be sincere Conscience hath power to give in Testimony concerning thy Integrity if thy Heart be unsound and not upright Conscience will soon discover it and reproach thee for it and thou wilt not be able to hold out to the end and sad will it be to have thy own Conscience witness against thee when thou comest to lie on a sick Bed an evil Conscience will be a bad Death-Bed Companion O how doth this reprove those that sin and regard not the Checks and Rebukes of their own Hearts Conscience in the great Day will be more than ten thousand Witnesses against them THE Seventh HEAD OF Metaphors Allegories and Similes WITH Other Borrowed TERMS Relating to the Church of GOD. The Church called the City of God Psal 87.3 Glorious things are spoken of thee O City of God Selah Psal 46.4 There is a River the Streams whereof shall make glad the City of God the holy Place of the Tabernacle of the Most High Isa 26.1 We have a strong City c. Isa 33.20 Look upon Zion the City of our Solemnity c. Isa 62.12 And they shall call them the holy People c. And thou shalt be called a City sought out not forsaken Mat. 5.14 Ye are a City set on a Hill that cannot be hid IN these places of the Holy Scripture Sion or the Church of God is called a City Sion was a Fort or Mount in Jerusalem and the Temple was built upon it hence the Church of the Jews was called as some conceive by this Name Zion because there they assembled but after it was a Name or Title given to the Church whether Jews or Gentiles Heb. 12.12 Ye are come to Mount Sion to the City of the Living God the heavenly Jerusalem God's People may be called by the Name of Sion or Jerusalem 1. Because we were naturally like Jerusalem the Forts of the Jebusites viz. Sinners and Enemies to God 2. Because by Grace we are overcome and conquered like as Jerusalem was by the true David 3. Because the Church is fortified by the Almighty for his own use and chief Place and Residence in this nether Creation 4. In respect of her Renown and Glory As Jerusalem was renowned above all Cities so God's Church is now above all People and Societies in the World 5. Because it is viewed and gazed upon by all Strangers she may well be compared to a Looking-glass as Zion signifies 6. In respect of her Laws for as the Law and publick Worship were at Jerusalem so Christ's Laws and publick Worship are maintained in the Church Hence God is said to love the Gates of Zion more than all the Dwelling-Places of Jacob. Psal 87.2 Observ The Saints or Church of God is the City of God or may fitly be compared to a City In opening of this Metaphor we shall shew the Nature Trade Government Privileges and Glory of the City of God Metaphor Parallel A City is a Place built by Men for a People to inhabit or dwell in THe Church is built by Christ for a Habitation for God Mat. 16.18 Vpon this Rock will I build my Church c. In whom ye are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2.22 II. A City is usually compassed about with Walls that it may thereby become
Pardon when God absolves a poor Sinner he not only forgives but also forgets their Sins and Iniquities he remembers no more 3. Because it is a Freedom from the Guilt of it 4. Because it is a Freedom from the Power and Dominion of it 5. It is a Freedom from the Punishment of it Rom. 6.14 Rom. 8.1 1 John 5.24 6. Because 't is a purchased Freedom it was obtained by a great Sum viz. the Sum of God's great Love and Grace with the Sum of Christ's Blood Remission is through Christ's Atonement 7. Because it is a sealed Freedom it is made over to the Soul by the King 's own Seal the Spirit of God Eph. 1.13 14. that great Seal of Heaven 8. Because it is a lasting Freedom the Sins of Believers are forgiven for ever they shall never be laid to their Charge The second Privilege of this City is Gospel-Fellowship free Access to the Lord's Table and Communion with the Saints Eph. 2.6 They are made to sit down together in heavenly Places in Christ Jesus The third Privilege is Right to the Ministry they may all lay claim to the Ministers and Ministry of the Word Whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas all are yours 1 Cor. 3.27 28. They and all their Gifts and gracious Endowments are the Saints The fourth Privilege is their undoubted Right to the City-Stock or the Churches Patrimony 1. The Stock of Prayers sincere Souls have a Right to all the Prayers of the Church 2. To that Store and spiritual Provision viz. the Bread of Life Psal 132 15. c. that is laid up in her God will bless the Provision of Zion and satisfy her Poor with Bread 3. The Stock of Promises God hath promised to bless comfort strengthen beautify build up and save Sion and consequently every Saint and Member thereof for all those and many more like Promises are directly made to every sincere Soul or Citizen of Sion The fifth Privilege is free Access to the Throne of Grace Eph. 2.18 Sixthly a Dwelling-place there This is a glorious Privilege they dwell near the King behold him in the Galleries every day they dwell in God's Courts nay in his House Blessed are they that dwell in thy House they will be still praising thee Psal 84.1 Psal 92.13 Selah They that are planted in the House of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God they shall bring forth Fruit in old Age c. 1. 'T is a strong and sure Dwelling-place He shall dwell on high Isa 32.18 Isa 33.16 his Place of Defence shall be the Munition of Rocks 2. 'T is a rich and glorious Dwelling-place 3. 'T is a pleasant Dwelling-place 4. 'T is an honourable Dwelling-place 5. 'T is and shall be a peaceable Habitation Look upon Zion Isa 33.20 the City of our Solemnities Thine Eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet Habitation a Tabernacle that shall not be taken down not one of the Stakes thereof shall ever be removed neither shall any of the Cords thereof be broken Seventhly They have a Right and Privilege to chuse their own Officers every free Citizen hath his Voice at every Election No Minister Bishop or Deacon may be imposed upon them without their own free Consent Eighthly They have Right to all the Blessings and privileges of the River the Streams whereof make glad all the Inhabitants the Nature of whose Water you have heard Ninthly They have a Right to the City-Guard which always attends them whithersoever they go or whatsoever they do when they are about their proper Work which are the good Angels Tenthly The last Privilege I shall mention is Sonship Joh. 1.12 Gal 4.6 But to as many as received him to them gave he Power or Privilege to become the Sons of God Because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your Hearts crying Abba Father XIII Some Cities have a common Stock in them out of which the poor decayed Citizens are often supplied and helped in their Distress and thereby delivered from utter Beggery XIII The Church hath a common Stock or Storehouse belonging to it called the unsearchable Riches of Christ Eph. 3 8. out of which all poor decayed Christians have their Wants supplied That Grace that is treasured up in Christ is always ready to be given forth to his poor Children and by this means they are kept from Ruin and being utterly undone My God shall supply all your Needs according to his Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus Phil. 4.19 XIV A City hath also a strict Watch appointed to keep the Gates and to see that no Accident happen in it to the hurt and detriment thereof XIV The Church or City of God hath also a strong and faithful Militia or spiritual Watch which are the holy Angels These are called Watchers Dan. 4.23 or Watchmen and in other places the Lord's Host or the Armies of Heaven who are mighty in Power one of them being able to destroy all the Churches Enemies These keep the Saints day and night they encamp about them and see that no Evil comes unto them Besides them God is said to watch over his People continually who is called the Watchman of Israel and the Saviour thereof in the Day of Trouble Psal 127.1 2. Vnless the Lord keep the City the Watchman waketh but in vain Besides Psal 127.1 See 6th head of Metaphors there are the Ministers of the Gospel who are called Watchmen XV. A great and famous City hath Towers and Battlements belonging to it not only for Ornament but also for Strength and Security from Evil. XV. The City of God is famous in respect of its Towers and Places of Security Walk about Zion Psal 48.12 13 14. and go round about her mark well her Bulwarks consider her Palaces that ye may tell it to the Generation following For this God is our God for ever and ever and he will be our Guide until Death The Name of the Lord is a Strong-Tower c. Everyone of the blessed Attributes of God are as so many Towers of Safety to his Church See Strong-Tower in the First Head of Metaphors XVI In a City notwithstanding the many noble and honourable Personages or worthy Patrons that dwell therein yet there are some ill and unworthy Members that get a being there which tends much to its Blemish and Reproach XVI So the City of God notwithstanding all the holy and eminent Saints and Servants of God who dwell therein yet hath in it some wicked and ungodly Ones who by Craft and Hypocrisy get a being there tho when known they are turned out as the incestuous Person Hymeneus and Alexander was 1 Cor. 5. 1 Tim. 1.20 Jud. 4. For there are certain Men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this Condemnation ungodly Men turning the Grace of God into Lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ These
ill and loose Professors bring a great Reproach upon the Church of God but there is a Day coming when the Church shall be freed of them Zech. 14.21 There shall be no Canaanite in the House or City of God XVII The Citizens of a great and glorious City are much affected with and highly esteem and love the City where they dwell XVII So the Citizens of Zion have an honourable respect and high esteem for God's Church as appears particularly in David If I forget thee O Jerusalem Psal 137.56 let my right-hand forget her Cunning if I do not remember thee let my Tongue cleave to the Roof of my Mouth if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chiefest Joy Many Reasons may be given why the Godly are so much taken with Zion 1. Because it is the place of their Birth they were born or rather born again in her And of Zion it shall be said This and that Man was born in her Psal 87.5 6. and the Highest himself shall establish her Vers 6. The Lord shall count when he writeth up his People that this and that Man was born there 2. Because 't is the City of their Father and so their blessed Inheritance all the glorious Immunities thereof are theirs 3. It is a City redeemed or purchased by Christ's most precious Blood Acts 20 27. 1 Cor. 6. Psal 87.2 he gave himself for it Ye are bought with a Price 4. 'T is built by God and for God it is the Place that he hath chosen he esteems highly of it He is said to rejoyce in Zion he loves the very Gates thereof more than all the Dwelling places of Jacob. 5. It is a splendid and most glorious City her Foundation is laid with precious Stones yea the choicest Saphires her Streets are paved with that which is more rare than the purest Gold XVIII Some Citizens who are industrious grow very rich and attain to great Honour among their Neighbours and those are quickly known and taken notice of they may be discovered in divers respects XVIII So some of the Citizens of Sion who are diligent and industrious in the Improvement of Grace and the Means of Godliness grow very rich in Faith and good Works rich in spiritual and divine Knowledg rich in heavenly Experience Prov. 10.22 The diligent Hand maketh rich with the Blessing of God And these rich Saints are also soon discovered and taken notice of 1. Rich Men wealthy Merchants can trust or stay a great while for their own when poor Men must have all presently paid down The clearest Promise or firmest Covenant will not serve their Turn without some considerable part presently paid 1. So those who are spiritually rich Jam. 2 5. rich in Faith rich Merchants of Mount Zion the City of God can trust they cand stay patiently in expectation of the Good of the Promise as Abraham Rom. 4 20 who was strong or rich in Faith when others cannot rely upon a bare Promise or take God's single Word for the accomplishment of this or that 2. Rich Citizens have a great Stock lying by them 2. So those who are rich Citizens of Sion rich in Grace have a Stock of blessed Experience as David had They have a Stock of Faith much Faith when others have but a little a Stock of good Works having done much for God and for his Church c. 3. Rich Citizens have abundance of precious Things rare Merchandizes to delight in as Gold Silver and many other rich Commodities 3. So rich Citizens of Sion have abundance of rare and precious things in their Ware houses viz. their Hearts as Love Peace and Joy in the Holy-Ghost Gal. 5 22. 4. Rich Men do not live upon their Labour as poor Men do Some rich Men work and take as much pains as the poorest Man in the City but their Work is pleasant and more delightful to them than the Labour of one that is very poor 4. So rich Citizens of Sion tho they work hard for God 1 Coâ— 15.10 I laboured more abundantly than they all Yet their Work is sweet and pleasant to them because they work not for Life or for a Livelihood Gal. 2.20 they rest not upon doing but live by Faith but poor Saints live more upon doing than believing they have but little of that or any other Grace 5. Rich Men go finer or are generally more richly adorned than the Poor you may know a rich Citizen by his costly Ornaments by his rich Robes and Chains of Gold about his Neck 5. So rich Saints are more adorned with the Garment of Humility 1 Pet. 3.1 2.3 with the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit which is in the sight of God of great Price They can deny themselves are patient under Sufferings endure all things contentedly for Christ's sake they have much Wisdom Prov. 1 9. as an O nament of Grace upon their Head and Chains of Gold about their Neck 6. Rich Citizens do usually bring up their Children more nobly and give them more Learning and better Education than the Poor generally do or can 6. So rich Saints such as have much Grace who are great Dealers and have got much by Trading in spiritual Things bring up their Children more vertuously Gen. 18.19 Eph. 6.4 and give them better Education they give them better Counsel better Examples than others they train them up in the Fear and Admonition of the Lord taking God for a Patern herein Psal 94.11 12. who maketh the Word and Rod a Blessing to his Children 7. Rich Citizens live high keep a good Table in comparison of what the Poor do or are able 7. So those who are spiritually rich have many precious Morsels yea blessed Variety of choice things they are often feasted by Christ and are with him in the House of Wine Cant. 2.4 and delight themselves in Fatness their good Conscience is to them a continual Feast Prov. 15.15 8. Rich Citizens can bear Burthens Taxations and Losses better than the Poor 8. So those who are spiritually rich can best bear up under cross Providences Persecution and Losses for Christ's sake 9. Rich Men can do for others poor Men can do but little for their poor Friends or Neighbours when the Rich can do much 9. So those that are rich in spiritual Experience in Faith and good Works can do much for weak Christians by Prayer by Advice and good Counsel Exod. 17.11 Jam 5.16 Moses did mighty Things by Prayer for Israel The fervent Prayer of a righteous Man availeth much 10. Rich Men can best strive with Difficulties and live in Years of Scarcity when others who have but just from hand to mouth are in such times in danger of starving or to be reduced to great Extremities 10. So those who are strong and very rich in Faith and all other Graces are help'd to bear up and pass through a Difficulty in Time of Want and
c. The Merchants stood afar off saying Alas alas that great City Babylon that mighty City Again they wept saying Alas Verse 18. alas that great City which was cloathed c. What City is like unto this great City And cried weeping and wailing Verse 17. saying Alas alas that great City wherein were made rich c. And a mighty Angel took up a Stone Verse 21. like a great Mill-stone and cast it into the Sea saying Thus with violence shall that great City Babylon be thrown down I will shew thee the Judgment of the great Whore Chap. 17.1 c. He hath judged the great Whore Chap. 19.2 c. Great in four Respects 1. Great in Name 2. Great in Power 3. Great in Multitude 4. Great in Action vile Actions V. Rome Papal or Church of Rome is not only a Woman a City a Whore but a very great Woman City and Whore great in many respects but chiefly in these four 1. She hath a great Name no Name so great in the Christian World as the Name of Rome She is called a Queen because joined by Contract to a great Man the Man of Sin a Man greater than Emperors and Temporal Princes who pretends a Power to give them their Crowns to set them upon their Heads and kick them off at pleasure 2. Great in Power She gives Rules to Kingdoms advances her Ecclesiastical Laws above Temporal sets her Head and the chiefest of her Sons above Secular Jurisdiction makes them unaccountable and pretends a Power to absolve and bless them and without Controversy the lesser is blessed of the greater 3. Great in Multitude There are no People besides that are in a spiritual united Body and visible Community professing Christianity comparable to her for Multitude and the vast Numbers of her Sons and Daughters 4. Great in Action vile Actions such as deposing and poysoning Princes fomenting Jealousies raising Wars setting Nations together by the Ears invading Rights making Uproars burning Cities and carrying on dreadful Devastations where she is gainsay'd And that which adds to her Greatness is the invincible Confidence she hath that all Persons and Things are made for her and given to her so that all Things she doth are allowed as legal and just in Heaven From whence we frame this Argument Arg. If there be no United Body of People or visible Community in the Christiâ—n World that is so great in Name Power Multitude and Action vile Actions as Rome Papal or Church of Rome hath been and still is Then Rome Papal or Church of Rome is this great very great Woman City and Whore spoken of But there is no united Body of People or visible Community in the Christian World that is so great in Name Power Multitude and Action vile Actions as Rome Papal or the Church of Rome is Ergo Rome Papal c. is this great very great Woman City and Whore spoken of To reinforce this Argument let it be considered that the Christian World is distinguished or divided into two Parts viz. Papists and Protestants the Protestants cannot be this Whore 1. Because they own Jesus Christ to be Head of the Church and only him 2. They have never revolted or changed him so as to set up another in his room under any Title whatsoever but profess him to be their Lord and are in Obedience and Subjection to his Laws in all matters purely Religious 3. Neither is their Name Power Multitude or Actions so great by far as the Papists are they being but small inconsiderable and low in all Papist Countries And when the Protestant Religion hath gotten up to be the profest Religion of any Nation Kingdom or City what is that Nation Kingdom or City in comparison of those Nations Kingdoms and Cities where the Papists reign and Popery is profest This every intelligent Man hath so full a Prospect of that it appears needless to give proof by Instances VI. Babylon This Woman City of Confusion and Whore which is very great sitteth upon many Waters Rev. 17.1 which is expounded to be Peoples and Multitudes and Nations and Tongues And he the Angel said unto me Verse 15. the Waters which thou sawest where the Whore sitteth are Peoples and Multitudes and Nations and Tongues c. Which according to the learned Mede and a famous French Author is more than a third part of the ten considerable parts which the Roman Monarchy fell into not long before the Pope Man of Sin or Head of Mystery Babylon assumed the Imperial Seat and Crowns which afterward became ten Kingdoms with crowned Heads assisting the Beast against the Lamb and persecuting of the Saints distinguished into ten Kingdoms or Empires 1. Of Germany 2. France 3. England 4. Scotland 5. Denmark 6. Polonia 7. The Kingdom of Spain 8. The Kingdom of Navarre 9. The Kingdom of Hungary 10. The Kingdom of Naples and Sicily All which Rome Papal had in Possession as our French Author saith in the days of Pope Leo the tenth which was less than 200 Years VI. Rome Papal or Church of Rome is not only a great Woman City of Confusion and Whore that hath set up the Man of Sin great Belial or highest Son of Wickedness but she likewise sits upon many Waters viz. People and Multitudes Nations and Tongues which may be illustrated by undeniable Instances 1. She sat upon or ruled over more than one third part of ten which was formerly under the Roman Empire in its Civil State which more than one third part hath since fallen into ten States or Kingdoms under the Government of ten crowned Heads and have all agreed to give their Power to this last Beast according to what was foretold by Daniel Dan. 7. concerning the little Horn which had a Mouth speaking great things whose Looks were more stout than his Fellows by whom three of the first Horns of the Roman Power in its Civil State was pluck'd up by the Roots and in their place succeeded ten Kings or Crowned Heads who have their Crowns given them by this last Beast and as they have their Crowns given by and hold their Kingship under the Pope little Horn last Beast or Man of Sin in requital of his Fatherly Care to give his Sons so great a Patrimony they gave their Power unto him and engage against the Lamb making War with and persecuting the Saints till the Word of God or Prophecy of Daniel is fulfilled which ten Crowned Heads answer to the ten Toes in Nebuchadnezzar's Image to the ten Horns in this 17th of the Apocalypse that are so concerned in the Beasts Kingdom as to be overcome by the Lamb and turn to hate the Whore that before they supported and for whose Pleasure they did persecute the Saints which ten States or Kingdoms are by our French Author in his Book called the accomplishment of the Prophecy p. 345. distinguished to be as in the other Column set forth All which Kingdoms as King James in his
to fight against and slaughter his deceived Nations of whom it is said The Lord shall go forth and fight against those Nations Zech. 14. as when he fought in the Day of Battel Which will be so dreadful a Fight or Battel as never yet was fought for Slaughter and Blood and so destroy this vile Person with the Brightness of his Appearance to fulfill 2 Thess 2. and cast him as the Son of Perdition into the burning Flames to fulfill Rev. 19.20 And the Fowls of Heaven shall be filled with their Flesh And here is the Mind that hath Wisdom The Beast that was and is not and yet is is of the seventh Head and is the eighth and goeth into Perdition V. The first Beast or Head of the Caldean Kingdom or Literal Babylon did invade Judea besiege Jerusalem take the City and trample it under foot till raised again by an Edict from the next great King of Persia V. The last Beast or Head of the Roman Kingdom call'd Mystery Babylon doth invade Sion the Gospel-Church hath closely besieged her and block'd up her Privileges and trampled under fâ—ot the holy City for a long space of Time Rev. 11.2 VI. The first Beast or Power of the Caldean Kingdom call'd Literal Babylon did take away the two Olive-Trees that stood before the God of the whole Earth VI. The last Beast or Power of the Roman Kingdom hath taken away or endeavoured to slay the two Witnesses that bore up the Light and Testimony of God to the World VII Caldea or Literal Babylon did set up Image-Worship commanding upon pain of Burning the Worshippers of the true God to fall down Jer. 5.38 Dan. 3.6 It is the Place of graven Images and they are mad upon their Idols And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same Hour be cast into the midst of the burning fiery Furnace VII Rome or Mystery Babylon requires Worship to be given to the Crucifix the Image of the Virgin Mary and other Saints but especially to the Idol of the Mass so that whosoever will not own that most ridiculous Idolatry of a piece of consecrated Bread coming out of the Priest's unhallowed Hands to be their God and Saviour shall be burned at a Stake as many blessed Men and Women young and old were in the Marian Days See Fox 's Acts and Monuments VIII Caldea or Literal Babylon was the Place of Captivity and Spoil for she carried the Servants of God away captive and made a Spoil of their Treasures and rejoiced in so doing Jer. 52.28 29 30. Ezek. 1. Dan. 1. Here we shall find Ezekiel and Daniel and Thousands more in Captivity here we shall find the Spoils of Jerusalem and the Enemy rejoicing in the Spoil Because ye were glad because ye rejoyced at the Destruction ye are grown fat as the Heifers at Grass and bellow as Bulls c. VIII Rome or Mystery Babylon is become the place of Captivity and Spoil for 't is by her Orders Dictates and Influence that the Servants of God have been carried away captive and their Goods and Possessions made a Spoil of in all parts of the Christian World In her Dominions it was where we find John Hus Jerome of Prague the Noble Lord Cobham and thousands more captivated and destroyed 'T is in their Jails we find good Men imprisoned in Popish Countries we find the Inquisition and other cruel Usages For who is it in all the Christian World besides that imprisons spoils and destroys Men for their Religion that persecutes the People of God but the Vassals of this sinful City of Rome Her wicked Sons did not only kill and spoil in Bohemia Piedmont and other Countries but they rejoyced in their horrid Wickedness as appears in the Histories of the Saints Sufferings written by Mr. Fox Mr. Clark Sir Sam. Moreland and others c. IX Caldea or literal Babylon notwithstanding her great Wickedness yet was the most lofty and proud of all Countries besides called the Lady of Kingdoms and the Glory and Beauty of Excellency for which God doth severely threaten her Isa 13.19 Behold I am against thee O thou most Proud saith the Lord God of Hosts Jer. 50.31 For thy Day is come the time that I will visit thee IX Rome or Mystery Babylon notwithstanding her great Crimes and most horrid Wickedness yet hath been the most Proud of any City or People in the Christian World who saith in her Heart I sit a Queen am no Widow shall see no Sorrow for which Haughtiness and Pride of hers the Lord will remember her with Judgment and Severity when he comes to make Inquisition for Blood and avenge upon her the Injury done to Sion Rev. 18.7 How much she hath glorified her self and lived deliciously so much Torment and Sorrow give her c. X. Chaldea or literal Babylon was not only a People of great Pomp Pride and Covetousness but of great Riches and Treasures Thou that dwellest upon many Waters Jer. 50.37 51.13 abundant in Treasures thine end is come the end of thy Covetousness X. Rome or Mystery Babylon is not only a People of great Pomp and Pride arrayed with Purple Scarlet Gold Pearl and precious Stones but she sits upon many Waters is Covetous as well as Proud and full of Treasures and indeed it must needs be so for besides the Gifts that were first given in the time of Constantine as is pretended she hath made a Prey upon Nations a Spoil upon Saints had the Gifts of Kings had vast Revenues setled upon her Orders and Clergy she has peeled the People by selling Pardons and Indulgences raising Peter-Pence and the like so horribly covetous is she that she is not willing any should go to Heaven without the Gift of Money to holy Church by which slight she is grown so exceeding Rich and full of Treasure that she can afford a golden Cup to present her intoxicating Wine in to be clothed with Scarlet deck'd with Gold Pearl and precious Stones she makes the Merchants of the Earth rich that do trade with her she hath indeed as a full answer to her Type Lam. 1.10 stretch'd forth her hand upon all the pleasant things of those Countries and Kingdoms where she hath sate as a Queen XI Caldea or literal Babylon did spoil the meetings of God's People made the Ways of Sion to mourn because Men could not come to the solemn Assemblies Lam. 1.4 The Ways of Sion do mourn because none can come to her solemn Feasts or Assemblies All her Gates are desolate her Priests or Ministers do sigh her Virgins are afflicted and she is in Bitterness c. XI Rome or Mystery Babylon hath spoiled the Meetings of God's People the true Professors of the Religion of the Holy Jesus by driving the Gospel Sion or Church into the Wilderness and oftentimes burning and plucking down their Meeting-Places and persecuting her Ministers driving them into Corners frighting and dispersing their Auditors by Fines Imprisonments
Scarcity better than weak or poor Christians will only God hath for their Comfort and Encouragement promised to supply their Wants Phil. 4.19 and will if sincere also relieve them Psal 84.11 that they shall not faint or perish in the Years of Famine XIX Some Cities tho rich yet are in a comparative sence but small but little Cities XIX The City of God in comparison of great Babylon is but a small City notwithstanding all her Glory Grandure Luke 12.32 Eccles 9.14 Rev. 17.18 and Greatness as you have heard she is but little There was a little City and few Men in it This City is the Church of God c. Babylon is a great City In comparison of the Wicked Christ's Flock is but a handful of People as it were XX. A City tho very strong yet is sometimes besieged and hath many Enemies XX. The City of God this little City is besieged Isa 1.8 The Daughter of Zion is left as a Cottage in a Vineyard as a Lodge in a Garden of Cucumers as a besieged City And marvellous it is so small a City should hold out so bravely unto this Day especially considering what mighty Enemies have and do besiege her Object But here it may be objected Hath it not been overcome is it not said The Holy City was trodden under foot Rev. 11.2 Answ It is only the outward Court God hath had his Church in all Ages tho forced for a time to flie into the Wilderness from the Face of the Dragon Rev. 12 6. Quest By whom is this City besieged Answ 1. By the Devil called a great King and the King of the Bottomless Pit Eccles 9.14 Rev. 12. 2. By Antichrist the First-born of Satan He hath for above twelve hundred Years laid Siege against it using all manner of Engines Craft and Cruelty to batter her down and finally to destroy her 3. She is besieged by the World by wicked Men Men of earthly and carnal Principles who abhor Zion and say Let her be defiled raze her Psal 137.7 even to the Foundation thereof 4. She is besieged by Sin and the Flesh a secret Enemy who fain in a clandestine way would betray her this Enemy doth her the most Mischief 5. She is besieged by a Multitude of false Teachers 2 Pet. 2.1 2. these likewise have done great Hurt and Dammage to the Church of God who labour by evil Doctrine to poyson all her Inhabitants 6. And besides all this there have been sad Divisions within her also she has been as a City divided and yet she stands 7. There have been sad Breaches made in her Walls so that many have been let in that way who should have been kept out 8. Many that seemed to be for her have deserted her and joined with the Enemy and yet still she holds out 9. And which is worst of all few of those who have been in the City have bravely acquitted themselves by Zeal and Holiness to defend her and yet she holds out still Quest From whence is it that she is helped to bear up against all these sore and grievous Assaults Batteries and Calamities Answ 1. This City as you have heard is built upon a Rock it has a sure Foundation which cannot be removed Mat. 16.18 2. The Lord of Hosts hath fought for her 't is he that hath been on her side he hath defended Mount Zion and the Hill thereof he hath took part with her Psal 125.2 Isa 31.4 5 and doth at this day 3. She holds out because God hath decreed her Standing Zech. 12.8 9. and that her Enemies shall not prevail 4. She is defended because she is the Place which the Lord loveth Psal 74 2. and hath purchased with the Blood of his own dear Son 5. Because it is the Place where God's Honour dwells Psal 26.8 I have loved the Habitation of thy House the Place where thy Honour dwells 6. Again she still remains because she is tho a little City yet a strong City We have a strong City She hath strong Fortifications strong Walls and Bulwarks Isa 26.1 Psal 31.21 135.21 Zech. 2.5 7. 'T is because God's own Habitation as you have heard is in her God is a Wall of Fire round about her and the Glory in the midst of her 8. She is defended by reason of the Strong-Tower she hath in her so long as her Tower stands how can she be battered down And her Tower is impregnable The Enemy may sooner pull the Sun out of the Firmament than undermine or batter down deface or demolish the Tower of Zion which is the Name of the Lord. Prov. 18.10 See Strong-Tower 9. She is defended because in her are the Laws Statutes Ordinances Isa 2.3 and holy Institutions of her King the Lord Jesus where he is worshipped and adored in Spirit and Truth Inferences HEnce all that dwell in Zion may be provoked to a diligent Improvement of their great Privileges to the end they may be enriched with all those spiritual Riches and dignified with that Honour that appertaineth to a true Denizen thereof 2. Take Comfort and Encouragement also whatever the Attempts of the Enemies are yet about all her Glory shall be a Defence All those whose Feet stand within her Gates may read Honour Safety Isa 4.5 and Salvation as it were written upon her Walls 3. Let it be your Delight to prefer her above your chiefest Joy as she is called the holy City so be ye also holy Psal 137.6 that you may declare your selves unto what City it is you do belong 4. How may this call home all those that are gone astray and invite all that profess good Will unto Sion to let their Feet stand within her Gates for the Lord hath desired it for his Habitation Holy David made this his one thing desirable Psal 27.4 viz. to dwell in God's House to be a Denizen of this City and why should not you 5. Let it be a Warning to all Sion's Enemies to take heed how they lift up their hands against her or reproach God and them that dwell in Heaven let them lay down their Arms and fight against her no more The Lord shall roar also out of Zion Joel 3.16 and utter his Voice from Jerusalem and the Heavens and Earth shall shake But the Lord will be the Hope of his People and the Strength of the Children of Israel So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion my holy Mountain c. The Church compared to the Moon Cant. 6.10 She is fair as the Moon THe Moon is called in Hebrew Lebanah of her Whiteness and bright Shining The State of the Church all Expositors agree is signified hereby The Church may in many respects be compared to the Moon Simile Parallel NAturalists affirm the Moon receiveth her Light from the Sun THe Church hath all her Light from Christ the Sun of Righteousness
upon Christ's Palm-Trees and what is their Intent and Purpose in so doing you may read in the Scriptures Come on saith Pharaoh let us deal wisely with them how was that To lay Weights and Burthens upon them To what end Lest they should multiply They resolved to keep them down they strove to hinder their Growth they designed to spoil their Multiplying and their Growth in Number as also in Grace and Vertue but they were like the Palm-Tree the more they were oppressed the more they grew and multiplied That way Men think to hinder the Truth to obstruct the Gospel from flourishing that way God takes to make it spread and flourish the more Those things that happened to the Apostles to hinder their Ministry God made for the furtherance of the Gospel 3. This should raise up our Hearts to magnify the Power Wisdom and Goodness of God who over-rules things thus in the World who turns that for Good which wicked Men design for the great Hurt of his poor People This also cometh from the Lord of Hosts who is wonderful in Counsel and excellent in Working He makes the Righteous to flourish like the Palm-Tree to grow upwards by those Ways and Means which one would think would bring them quite down and utterly spoil their growing Like as when we see the Corn laid at and thresh'd with a Flail Caryl one would think there were great Hurt intended to the Corn but it is only to separate it from the Straw and Chaff that it may appear in its own Beauty and Usefulness So the Lord hath his Flail to separate the Chaff from the Wheat Those Acts of Providence which seem to be for their Hurt and Undoing when they are thresh'd as it were by the World are only to make them appear what they are But thus it fareth not with the Wicked who flourish not like the Palm-Tree but as the Grass they pass away 4. This may animate the Righteous and greatly encourage them against Persecution Why should they fear that which God turns to their great Advantage O let us labour to improve Burthens Afflictions and heavy Pressures to the end God designs them and never more fear the worst that Men can do unto us The Righteous shall flourish like the Palm-Tree 5. Let us labour for Union and strengthen one another combine as one Man in the Way of Holiness and Christian Affection that so thereby we may like the tender Plants of the Palm-Tree get Strength and stand when the Wind blows hardest and the Storms of the Ungodly rise upon us 6. This may be also Matter of Trial to us we hereby may try our selves and try our Graces How is it with you Sirs under Sufferings Do you grow and flourish the more If you wither and decay in Grace in a Day of Trial or when you are under Pressures and Afflictions and cannot bear hard Things for Christ's sake it clearly shews you are none of God's Palm-Trees Saints compared to Wheat Mat. 13.27 28. Let both grow together till Harvest c. Verse 30. But gather the Wheat into my Barn THe Saints of God are in this Parable compared to Wheat or good Seed but the Wicked to Tares and the End of the World to the Harvest Why Believers are compared to Wheat will appear by what follows Metaphor Parallel VVHeat is a precious Sort of Grain the best of Grain THe Saints of God are a choice People the best of Men. Prov. 12.26 The Righteous are more excellent than their Neighbours II. Wheat is a very profitable Sort of Grain it tends to the enriching the Husband-man he accounts it his Treasure II. The Saints are a People profitable to the World many ways See Salt Nay Mat. 3.17 and God accounts them his peculiar Treasure III. Wheat will abide and live in the sharpest Winter which some other Seed will not III. So sincere Souls will endure the sharpest Trials They will live in the Winter-Time of the Church when others fall off wither die away and come to nothing IV. Wheat is a small Sâ—ed and when it is first sown it lies hid in Winter it seems as if it were quite dead but when the Spring comes it sweetly revives again and flourisheth exceedingly IV. The Godly are in comparison of the World a small People Luke 12.32 called a little Flock and they lie hid as it were scarcely seeming to be a People whilst the Winter of Persecution and Trouble under the four Monarchs of the World predominate Cant. 2.11 But when the Winter is past and the Spring-Time of the Church shall come they shall revive and cover the Earth as Wheat doth the Land where it is sown Light is sown for the Righteous Prov. 4.18 and Joy for the Vpright in Heart The Growth of Saints in Times of Temptation doth not always so visibly appear They are like Corn sown that lies under the Clods but when they have taken sweet Root they soon appear to revive and sprout forth like Wheat by means of the Dew of Grace and sweet Rays of the Sun of Righteousness They shall revive as the Corn and grow as the Vine Hos 14.7 and the Scent thereof shall be as the Wine of Lebanon V. An Ear of Wheat that is full of Corn always hangs downs its Head when that which is light and empty stands upright V. So the Saints of God or all sincere Souls that have much Grace are humble Ones they hang down their Heads as it were are cloathed with Humility when Hypocrites or empty Professors are puffed up Abraham calls himself but Dust and Ashes David a Worm and no Man Job abhors himself as a nothing Creature Paul saith he was the least of all Saints Job 42.6 Eph. 8.3 When the empty Hypocrite cries out Lord I thank thee I am not as other Men. VI. Wheat needs Weeding Weeds many times come up with it and hinder its Growth VI. So the Saints and People of God need weeding Weeds of Corruption often spring up and trouble them which did not God the good Husband-man Heb. 12.15 root out and destroy would quite spoil his choicest Wheat VII Wheat hath it is observed sometimes Tares amongst it which the Husband-man sees good to let alone till the Harvest lest in plucking them out some of the Wheat be pull'd up with them VII The Field is the World Mat. 13.38 where the Saints of God who are compared to Wheat grow i. e. live and much Tares grow up or live among them in every Nation City and Town And it is the pleasure of God that they should be let alone or suffâ—red to grow together in the World that common Field tho not in the Church And therefore were the People of God such as the wicked Persecutor calls them viz. Tares Hereticks the Off-scouring of the World yet it is directly contrary to the Mind of God that they should be rooted up and turned out of the Earth Let both grow
Cozener Impostor Ainsworth See Liegh's Crit. Sacr. seduced and seducing others Such our Saviour and his Apostles were reputed but falsly others are truly so called who deal fraudulently and false-heartedly with God Men and their own Hearts Deceiver Parallel A Deceiver or cunning Impostor hath many Ways whereby he secretly and with much craftiness seeks to trapan and beguile his Neighbour As 1. He will pretend himself to be a special Friend and so insinuate into a Man's Affection 2. He strives to find out the Disposition of the Person he intends to cheat 3. He will the better to accomplish his Design change his Name and pretend himself some worthy and noble Person and of some eminent Family 4. He will watch the fittest Opportunity to effect his Enterprize 5. He will sometimes put a Vizard on his Face and often change his Habit that he may deceive the more securely 6. And if he is in danger to be taken he will exclaim against the Deceiver and cry out Stop Thief c. FAlse-Teachers who are cunning to deceive have many ways to delude poor Creatures As 1. They commonly pretend much Pity and Compassion to the Souls of Men and hereby they endeavour to wind themselves into their Affections and when once a Person harbours a good Opinion of them their Work is half done 2. They seek to find out what Parts they have and what Principles they hold with whom they converse for if they perceive they are Men and Women well rooted and grounded in the Orthodox Faith and able to defend the Truth they have little hopes of prevailing but if they find that they are Persons of a weak Judgment and mind more abundantly the Conversation of Men than what Doctrine they hold or do more mind and regard the Circumstantials of Religion than the grand Fundamentals thereof they will pursue such close 3. They do always change their Names for if their Names were known they could not beguile so many Were Error False-Doctrine Blasphemy Heresy Wolves in Sheeps Cloathing Foxes cunning Serpents Deceivers c. but writ upon their Foreheads most People would be afraid of them but they contrary-wise call themselves Christ's Ministers Witnesses of Jesus Friends of Truth the Lamb's Followers c. Also 't is common with them to pretend themselves to be the Orthodox Men Sons of the Church of the Holy Church of the Catholick Church Masters in Israel Guides of the Blind c. 4. They study to find out the fittest Season and Opportunity to accomplish their Design and Hellish Purpose viz. They watch for such a Time when the Professors of the Gospel and Truths of Jesus begin to decline in their Zeal and to lose much of the Power of Godliness and seem to make a mighty Stir about the Form thereof and are much divided amongst themselves when Iniquity doth abound and the Love of many waxeth cold in a word when Men begin to grow secure or the true Shepherd is off of his Watch then these Wolves and Deceivers get abroad and like that wicked Enemy sow their Tares of Error and Delusion 5. The Jesuits those crafty Deceivers have often appeared in a Disguise externally and do usually change their Garbs c. Sometimes they are Holders-forth in a Quakers Meeting at other times they will counterfeit themselves to be Lawyers Sometimes they will take on them the Habit of Priests sometimes Merchants sometimes Shoo-makers c. And all this that they may the more securely carry on their wicked Designs and Purposes to pervert poor Souls c. 6. And lastly When these False-Teachers and Deceivers begin to fear they shall be discovered and perceive there is a Cry raised against them and that they are closely pursued and in danger to be taken then to save themselves they cry out against others None are more ready to exclaim against False-Teachers and Deceivers than they endeavouring to cast all the Infamy and black Aspersions imaginable upon the true and faithful Ministers of the Gospel loading them with all the foulest Calumnies they can devise that they themselves may in the mean while pass the better for true Men and be the less suspected Thus those blind Guides in Israel served our Saviour himself Some said He is a good Man Joh 7.12 8.48 Mat. 27.63 others said Nay but he deceiveth the People Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan and hast a Devil Sir we remember that the Deceiver said whilst he was yet alive After three days I will rise again And thus they exclaimed against the Apostles Paul was called a Mover of Sedition and by False-Teachers he with others were called Deceivers As Deceivers and yet true c. Acts 24.14 After that way which they call Heresy so worship I the God of my Fathers c. II. Some Deceivers have been notorious in the horrid Practice of beguiling others They have been such Crafts-Masters at it that they have deceived Multitudes and not only the common Sort of People but divers great Men and Princes have been cheated by them II. So the Pope and his Hierarchy those cursed Deceivers in the Romish Church have been notorious in the Hellish Trade of beguiling the Souls of Men. How many Millions have they deceived O the Multitudes they have led blindfold to Hell The Kings of the Earth have been beguiled by her and the Inhabitants of the Earth have been made drunk and bewitched with the Wine of her Fornication III. Some Deceivers have so far prevailed that they have utterly ruined whole Families cheating People of their best and chiefest Treasure III. So False-Teachers have sometimes so wonderfully prevailed that they have utterly corrupted ruined and undone by their false Doctrine many Nations Cities Towns and Families cheating them of the Truth of Christ and his blessed Ordinances and not only so but thereby also of their Souls Mat. 16.26 which are of more worth than all the World IV. Grand Impostors old Cheats and Deceivers 't is observed rarely reform their Hellish Lives and become true Men but grow worse and worse till Justice seizes them IV. So False-Teachers Hereticks and Seducers seldom or never are recovered and brought back by unfeigned Repentance to the true Church of God And therefore the Apostle Paul saith 1 Tim. 3.13 Evil Men and Seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived c. V. The End of Cheaters and Impostors we see oft-times is sad If he be a notorious Offender and be taken he dies without Mercy V. So the last End of False-Teachers and Hereticks will be sad and miserable They are said to bring upon themselves swift Destruction The Beast 2 Pet. 2.2 3. Rev. 19.20 and False-Prophet shall be cast alive into the Lake of Fire burning with Brimstone c. THE Church of ROME Mystery Babylon The GREAT CITY and GREAT WHORE Revel 17. Proved to be the ROMISH CHURCH WITH THE Grand Objections of the Papists Answered REV. 14.8 And there followed
another Angel saying Babylon is fallen is fallen that Great City because she made all Nations drink of the Wine of the Wrath of her Fornication REV. 16.19 And great Babylon came in remembrance before God to give unto her the Cup of the Wine of the Fierceness of his Wrath. REV. 17.5 And upon her Forehead was a Name written MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS or Fornications AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH REV. 18.1 2. And after these things I saw another Angel come down from Heaven And he cry'd mightily with a strong Voice saying Babylon the Great is fallen is fallen and is become the Habitation of Devils and the Hold of every unclean Spirit and a Cage of every unclean and hateful Bird c. IN the handling of this great Subject it seems needful to give an Account of the various Opinions that have more or less prâ—sented themselves to the World about it which may be reduced to these four following Heads I. That it is Jerusalem and that for two Reasons 1. Because the Man of Sin or last Beast that is to head this Babylon is set forth by St. Paul to sit in the Temple of God shewing himself to be a God 2 Thess 2.4 Rev. 11.8 2. Because this City where the Beast reigns and shall slay the Witnesses is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt where our Lord was crucified II. That it is the Turkish Empire or Power of the Saracens which Mr. Mede somewhat touches and in a brief way most learnedly argues against in his third Book pag. 644 645. III. That it is indeed Rome the Seat of the fourth or last Empire but Rome in its Heathen State under the idolatrous and persecuting Emperors So the Rhemists would have it if there be a Necessity to fix upon Rome to be this Apocalyptical or Mystery Babylon For this Opinion the present Romanists have no better Advocate than Dr. Hammond who hath done very worthily at other Turns See his Annotations upon the 17th Chapter of the Apocalypse IV. That it is the present Power and Church of Rome who under pretence of the most high and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction doth influence and govern the Secular Power and State of Kingdoms Of this last Opinion were the ancient Waldenses who felt the bloody Power of Rome venting it self in most horrid and barbarous Cruelties against them and that for a long Series of Time as appears by our most Authentick Ancient and Modern Writers who give a very ample Account of the great Persecution of Christians for many hundred Years last past in all Parts of the Christian World where they have had Power To which Opinion of the Waldenses most of our modern Protestant Divines agree of which we shall mention only Cartwright Fulk the worthily admired and Learned Mede not forgetting famous Du Moulin of France as may be seen in their Works at large But because we will not take Things upon Trust nor refer the Reader to many Quotations which he may want Books and Time to satisfy himself about it appears needful that we remove the Objections with as much Brevity as possible before we state the Metaphor and run the Parallel Now that Babylon in all these New-Testament Texts cannot be fairly applied to Jerusalem the Turks and Saracens nor terminate in the Heathenish State of Rome we offer these following Considerations or Arguments I. It cannot be meant the City Jerusalem 1. Because Jerusalem did not reign over the Kings of the Earth in St. John's time when he saw this Vision and wrote the Revelation which this City Babylon is expresly said to do Rev. 17.18 And the Woman which thou sawest is that great City which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth Jerusalem having been not only under Captivity divers times before but were then entirely under the Power of the Roman Yoke as the whole History of the Gospel doth confirm and themselves did most plainly confess We have no King but Caesar John 19.15 2. Jerusalem was never in so high esteem with the Beast as to be capable to ride as Queen-Regent upon him as this Woman Whore or City is said to do And the Angel said unto me Wherefore didst thou marvel I will tell thee the Mystery of the Woman and the Beast that carrieth her which hath the seven Heads and ten Horns Rev. 17.7 Rev. 17.7 compared with Vers 3. So he carried me away in the Spirit into the Wilderness and I saw a Woman sit upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast full of Names of Blasphemy having seven Heads and ten Horns For by the Woman sitting and Beast carrying is undoubtedly signified Influence Power and Dominion which Jerusalem was far remote from not only under the Roman Monarchy but also under the three Kingdoms that went before it viz. the Babylonian Grecian and Persian as might be largely illustrated both out of Sacred and Humane History 3. Jerusalem did not sit upon many Waters which is interpreted to be People Nations and Tongues that is had not Command or Dominion over them as this Woman Rev. 17.15 Whore or City is said to have And he saith The Waters which thou sawest where the Whore sitteth are Peoples and Multitudes and Nations and Tongues The whole Land of Judea being under Tribute to the Roman Government at that time And it came to pass in those Days Luke 2.1 that there went out a Decree from Caesar Augustus that all the World should be taxed Verse 4. and particularly Galilee Nazareth Judea and the City of David called Bethlehem 4. Jerusalem was not capable to enchant and bewitch all the Nations round about her either by her Religion and Doctrine or by great Gifts and Rewards 1. Because the Roman Power kept her under and much in awe on the one hand not owning nor subscribing to her Religion 2. The Christian Doctrine and Religion block'd up her Way on the other hand that she could not extend her Influence to either neighbouring or remote Nations as this Woman Whore or City is said to do For thy Merchants were the great Men of the Earth for by thy Sorceries were all Nations deceived Rev. 18.23 5. Jerusalem tho she were guilty of much Blood from the beginning of her Excellency and Glory in Solomon's Time killing Prophets even all that were sent unto her murthered John Baptist and our Lord and Saviour as also the blessed Martyr St. Stephen yet in her could not be found that great Mass of Blood that was shed and Myriads of Christian Saints that have been barbarously murthered by Massacre and publick Martyrdom since they were ruined and destroyed by Titus Vespasian which we find positively charged upon this City Babylon Rev. 17.6 And I saw the Woman drunk with the Blood of Saints and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus and I wondered with great Admiration as indeed well he might as shall be shewn Rev. 19 24. And in her was found the Blood of Prophets and of
Banishments and cruel Usages so that her Ministers have been made to sigh her Gates become desolate none being suffered to enter without Danger and their Virgins the best sort of Professors have been afflicted the faithful Pastors grieving because they might not preach to their Flocks and the People mourning because they could not hear the pleasant Voice of their Pastors by reason of Violence c. XII Caldea or Literal Babylon made the worst of Men Chief among the Nations and Provinces over which she ruled suffering none to come to Preferment but such as were Enemies to Sion and the ways of Worship by her observed Lam. 1.5 Her Adversaries prosper and are the Chief c. XII Rome or Mystery Babylon hath made the worst of Men Rulers or Chief among the Nations not suffering Men to bear Office in Kingdoms Cities or Corporations nor indeed comfortably to buy and sell unless they would relinquish Goodness and Religion and receive the Mark of the Beast in their Forehead or right Hands viz. publickly profess or privately subscribe to such Injunctions as were against their Consciences and inconsistent with their Religion Who can be Cardinals unless they do own the Pope Who can be Kings without being deposed or poysoned that subscribe not to the See of Rome Who can sit safe as Governours over any Cities where she sits as Queen without truckling under that Yoke of Servitude that she puts upon the Necks of all her Vassals Rev. 13.16 17. XIII Caldea or literal Babylon was guilty of starving or famishing the Children of Sion in the days of her Power and Reign which made the Prophet cry out Lam. 1.19 4.7 8 9 10. 5.10 My Priests and mine Elders perish'd in the City while they sought their Meat to refresh their Soul those that were purer than Snow whiter than Milk more ruddy than precious Stones curiously polish'd became as black as a Coal withered and wrinkled their Skin cleaves to their Bones for want of Food XIII Rome or Mystery Babylon hath been guilty of this most horrid Cruelty by forcing tender and heavenly-born Souls both Ministers and People from their Dwellings and that in a most bitter season driving them up into Corners where they have been kept till starved to Death by much hunger of which we have a lamentable and Heart-breaking Relation in the History of the Irish Massacre c. XIV Caldea or literal Babylon delighted so in burning-work as that they set on Fire and burnt down the very Houses and Dwellings of the People of Sion as well as the places of publick Worship Jer. 52.12 13. In the nineteenth year of the King of Babylon came his chief Steward and burnt the House of the Lord and the King's House and all the Houses of Jerusalem and all the great Houses burnt he with Fire c. XIV Rome or Mystery Babylon hath so much delighted in the cursed Trade of Burning that she hath not been contented with burning the Bodies of Men and Women to Ashes but she hath burnt down their Meeting-Places wherein they worshipped God and not only so but the very Habitations and dwelling-Places of the faithful Servants of Christ leaving them and their Wives and Children Harbourless as she did not only to the blessed Witnesses of Christ in the Valleys of Piedmont but to famous and renowned London it self c. remember 1666. XV. Caldea or literal Babylon was so villanous as to ravish the Women in Sion and the Maids in the Cities of Judea declaring their Sin like Sodom Lam. 5.11 They defiled the Women and ravish'd the Maids in their Cities c. XV. Rome or Mystery Babylon hath been so beastly villanous that it is almost beyond Belief taking Women before their Husbands Faces and Maidens before their Parents Faces first ravishing them openly in the sight of the Sun and then imbruing their barbarous Hands in their Blood as divers Histories do declare XVI Caldea or literal Babylon delighted in Hanging as well as Burning serving God's People as Men serve Dogs that they do not think fit to live as well as used them like dry Bones and rotten Wood by burning them to Ashes and Powder they hang'd them up as well as burnt them and hang'd them up in a miserable manner too even the best among the People Lam. 5.12 Princes are hanged up by their Hands the Face of Elders were not honoured which is the worst way of hanging for continuance of Shame and Pain XVI Rome or Mystery Babylon hath not less answered her Type in this than in many other things for she hath served the best of Men like Dogs that have been counted not fit to live for besides making them like rotten Wood and burning their Bones into Lime Dust or Powder she hath driven a very cursed Trade in hanging and because she would see which was the worâ—t way of hanging she has hang'd some by the Neck till dead and others by the middle and burnt them by degrees to lengthen out their Pain and Misery others by their tenderest Parts O monstrous Barbarity A Shame to have it told in Gath or publish'd in the Streets of Askelon What was done to the noble Lord Cobham and many others in these parts of the World is so plain and notorious as if she had been under a constraint to accomplish the Iniquity of her Type Here we shall for the further clearing up of this Mystery run a brief Parallel between the little Horn and the Popes or Bishops of Rome and so conclude I. The little Horn rose at the latter end of the Fourth Kingdom or when the Roman Empire stood upon its last Legs or fell into a Division of ten Parts Dan. 7.7 8. And the Roman or fourth Beast had ten Horns and behold there came up amongst them another little Horn. I. The Popes of Rome were kept under by the Emperors who kept a strict Eye over them curb'd their Insolencies and Exorbitances and at the first appearance nipping their aspiring Projects in the very Bud sometimes deposing and banishing some proud Prelates when they shew'd at what they levell'd their Designs But after the Power of Rome which before was entire in one Emperor fell into ten Parts and Divisions which happened in the Year of our Lord 456 as * Accomplishment of Prophecies Du-Moulin and the Learned †Lib. 3. p. 779. Mede shew at large out of the Roman Histories Upon this Division and weakning of the Empire the Bishop of Rome took his advantage to make his Advance and rose up to Regal Power enacting Laws raising Taxes and levying Souldiers by which means he struck in with Parties and encroached upon Italy and the Parts adjacent II. This Power arising upon the Weakning and Division of the old State of the Fourth Monarchy or Kingdom is call'd a little Horn because truly so at its first beginning Dan. 7.8 And behold there came up amongst them another little Horn c. II. The Papal Power or Bishop of Rome