built for Jupiter and so continued three years and a half as Antiocbus prophaned it Dan. 7.25 Say others The outer Court and the City left to the Gentiles is that great part of the visible Church left under the Papacy to such gross Idolatry as that it hath but the name of Christian as â—loathing restored Gentilâ—sme and is rejected of God Some take the 42 months literally for a certain time of three years and a half and some for uncertain time Christ was three years and a half in his ministeriall labour And this number is five times here recited Therefore like to be strictly meant Some old Fathers and some Papists understand it strictly of the reign of an Antichrist which they think is yet to come some of the time of the Papal reign which they say will be 1260 years beginning between 365. and 455. and ending between 1625 and 1715 in which space Babylon will fall Others state the time differently 3. And I will give power unto my two witnesses and they shall prophesie a thousand two hundred and threescore days clothed in sackcloth 3. Note There is great diversity of opinions who these witnesses are And yet most Protestants think that their time is past or the most of it and this prophecy fullfilled And Prophecies use to be plain when they are fulfilled Some new men say that they were the two Churches in Jerusalem of the Jewish and the Greek Language and their two Bishops who preached all that time against the sins of Jews and Gentiles For they think that the Jews and Greeks not understanding the same Language had in Jerusalem Antioch Rome Alexandria and other great Cities two Churches and Bishops Others that the two witnesses are Enoch and Elias that shall come when Antichrist cometh Others that they are the Old and New Testament which the Papacy shall oppose or as others the Preachers of the Old and New Testament named two because but sew but yet enough to promote the Reformation Brightman saith It is the Scriptures and the Assemblies of the Faithful Others that it is the Godly Magistracy and Ministry which the Papacy will cast down Others that God will hereafter send two with the Spirit of Enoch and Elias in whom all this shall be literally fulfilled Others that it is the Martyrs that have in several times opposed Popery to the death Called two in allusion to many old couples of Witnesses Moses and Aaron Caltb and Joshua Ezra and Nehemiah Haggai and Zachary Zerubbabel and Joshua to which Zech. 4.11 this Text specially relateth Moses and Elias on the Mount c. Clothed in Sackcloth is doing their Office in a time of great affliction And all this some think may be applied to divers couples that God hath used in divers times and parts of his Church As to the Waldenses and Albigenses to John Hus and Jerome of Prague to John Frederick Duke of Saxony and Philip Landgrave of Hassia long imprisoned by Charles the fifth and after delivered to the Lutherans and the reformed to King Edward 6. and his Uncle Protector Duke of Somerset c. Even as Christ sent out his Disciples by two and two Paul and Barnabas c. Lira's conceit that Silverius and Mennas were the two witnesses against the Eutychians is vain 4. These are the two olive-trees and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth 4. These are resembled to the two mentioned Zech. 4. These are as Olive Branches that empty themselves into the Lamps even the Servants of the Lord of the World for his Church 5. And if any man will hurt them fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies and if any man will hurt them he must in this manner be killed 5. If any will persecute or silence them God will revenge their cause it refers to Elias that brought down fire from Heaven to destroy the Captains and their fifties 2. Kings 1.10 and to Moses Num. 16. Or say others The word in their mouths shall be as fire against all false Doctrines and Corruptions 6. These have power to shut heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy and have power over waters to turn them to blood and to smite the earth with all plagues as often as they will 6. And the Power that God gave their Ministry and reforming endeavours and the revenge that God will use against their persecutors were expressed to me as resembling Elias whose prayer stopt the rain for three years and a half and the plagues which God by Moses inflicted on Egypt Christ intimating this Matth. 17. When Moses the chief Law-giver and Elias the chief Prophet were the two great witnesses of his Glory And it is notable that Godly Magistrates and Godly Ministers have usually prospered together and fallen together and Magistracy and Ministry been together corrupted 7. And when they shall have finished their testimony the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them and shall overcome them and kill them 8. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great City which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt where also our Lord was crucified 7 8. Note Christs witnesses Holy Magistrates and Ministers shall be marvellously preserved till they have finished their Testimony and they have done their work And then they may be destroyed by the Servants of the Devil and exposed to common scorn and perhaps be denyed buryall in the places where they preach't and were wonderfully blest and their enemies punished And this will seem to carnal men to be Gods disowning them and all that they did But the same sort of Men shall be raised again revive their work with more success and again silence the deluded insulting enemies These words where our Lord was crucified seem to favour their Exposition who apply all this to Jerusalem But most Protestants take it for the Roman state of Papal corruption And some by their carcasses say is meant the dead carcass of the Scripture or Religion or Assemblies which only is left among them But it seemeth to me to mean persons And whether the same thing as this killing and reviving the witnesses may not be done at Jerusalem and elsewhere again and again in several ages the Church having had its daies and night I yet know not 9. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves 9. Say some They shall literally be cast out inhumanely unburyed say others They shall be politically slain deposed silenced imprisoned and cast by as dead and useless And not only their persecuting enemies but the deluded rabble and people shall see their oppression and insult over them and not suffer them to be restored or honoured 10. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them and make merry and shall send gifts one to
his shewing unto Israel 80. And John with his increase of age and strength shewed great strength of the Spirit of God in him and he dwelt in the wilderness or say some in the hill Countrey of Judaea bred up in a life of holiness and mortification till the time that he sett upon his publick ministry of preaching the Kingdom of the Messiah and repentance and baptizing CHAP. II. 1. ANd it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed 2. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria 3. And all went to be taxed every one into his own city 1 2 3. Augustus decreed that all the Empire called the Roman world should be enrolled in their several Families and Cities That he might know the state of his Empire and how to tax them 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife being great with child 4 5. She was now marryed though called espoused 6. And so it was that while they were there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son and wrapped him in swadling cloths and laid them in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn 6 7. Note It should be rather in the stables than in the manger Had Joseph been a rich man its like he would have found better room 8. And there were in the same countrey shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night 8. Some one part of the night and some another by turns as is most likely 9. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid 10. And the angel said unto them Fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you ye shall find the babe wrapped in swadling cloths lying a manger 9 10. Glory is Light Christs birth is cause of universal joy 12. stable 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying 14. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men 13 14. Note Angels are the heavenly host Note Gods praise and Glory is the end of all his works Note Angels rejoiced at Christs birth and for mans redemption 14. In Christ the Redeemer God will be glorified in Heaven Peace will be made on Earth by this great Reconciler and Gods Love or Benevolence will be towards men Or Glory be to God in the Heavens through the Redeemer and Reconciliation or Peace on Earth to men that are the objects of Gods good will Q. Is it necessary or lawful to keep a day as holy in remembrance of Christs birth Ans 1. If any should appoint a weekly day for it it would be an usurping of the same power that hath already separated a weekly day for it it would be an usurping of the same power that hath already separateh a weekly day for commemorating the work of Redemption though specially for Christs Resurrection And it would seem an accusing Christs Law of insufficiency 2. And if any should make a yearly days observation necessary to the universal Church 1. They would usurp a power not given to any to make Laws for all the Church 2. And they would accuse Christs Law as imperfect But if particular Christians Churches or Countries voluntarily agree to celebrate yearly the memorial of Christs birth it is but what almost all the Churches on earth do and have done at least 1300 years And iâ—â—â—lawful to keep a yearly day of remembrance for aâ—y 〈◊〉 deliverance or mercy to the Church even in an Apâ—â—â—le But if any Christian think that it is an unlawful addition to the institution of the Lords day which Goâ— set a part for our commemorating the whole work of Redemption such shâ—uld not be forced to keep it against their Consciences but must avoid affronting them that do 15. And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven the shepherds said one to another Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass which the Lord hath made known unto us 16. And they came with hast and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger 17. And when they had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child 18. And all they that heard it wondred at those things which were told them by the shephards 19. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart 20 And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them 15 16 17 18. In a Stable 19. Regarded themâ— as tending to what was promised her 20. Angel are not first sent to Princes but to poor Shephards who must preach Christ 21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child his name was called Jesus who was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb 21. Jesus is a Saviour He was circumcised as bound to keep the Law of Moses not as a seal of pardon of sin to him 22. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 22. To the Priest as in Numb 3.12.46 23. As it is written in the law of the Lord Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord 24. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord A pair of turtle doves or two young pidgeons 23 24. See Levit. 12.6.8 25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon and the same man was just and devout waiting for the consolation of Israel and the holy Ghost was upon him 26. And it was revealed unto him by the holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord Christ 25. Note The Messiah was much expected at that time Note It is Just and Devout men that God specially favoureth by exâ—raordinary gifts of his Spirit 27. And he came by the spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law 28. Then took he him up in his arms and blessed God and said 29. Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word 30. For mine eyes have seen thy
bringeth forth much fruit 21. When Greeks by the same of Christs Miracles desired to see him he tells them that indeed the time of his glory in the world by mens believing on him was at hand But that he must die first and then the Catholick Church should be gathered A grain of Wheat is said to die because the dissolution and change maketh it no longer a grain of Wheat but the seed of many new grains with the Straw 25. He that loveth his life shall lose it and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal 25. And as it is with me it will be with you He that so overloveth his life as that he cannot forsake it for my sake and his Salvation shall lose it by keeping of it And he that casteth it away as men do a hated thing rather than deny me and sin shall live for ever 26. If any man serve me let him follow me and where I am there shall also my servant be if any man serve me him will my Father honor 26. If any man will be a Christian let him not stick to do and suffer as I do but believe that he shall fare no worse than I but if he die he shall be with me where I am For my Father will honour those that serve me N. 1. To be a Christian and to be one that serveth Christ are all one 2. Salvation is promised to all that serve Christ 3. They that serve him shall be with him where he is therefore the spirits of the just made perfect are in Paradise and Heaven for Christ is there This is our great comfort in life and at death And we must then thus think of our godly departed friends they are all with Christ 27. Now is my soul troubled and what shall I say Father save me from this hour but for this cause came I unto this hour 28. Father glorifie thy name Then came there a voice from Heaven saying I have both glorified it and will glorifie it again 27.28 I am a man and my Soul is troubled at the foresight of my death and suffering and nature inclineth me to say Father save me from it But I must not take up with that natural desire for I came on purpose thus to suffer Therefore my choice and prayer is Father glorifie thy Name Then came there a voice c. 29. The people therefore that stood by and heard it said that it thundred others said An angel spake to him 29. They heard the sound but understood not the words 30. Jesus answered and said this voice came not because of me but for your sakes 31. Now is the judgment of this world now shall the prince of this world be cast out 32. And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me 33. This he said signifying what death he should die 30. This voice though spoke to me was for your conviction and not for my sake only For now the time is at hand when the wickedness of this world shall be detected and punished and Satan the Prince of this world cast out of his possession by the gathering of my Chuâ—ch And when I am lifted up from the earth by Crucifixion I shall be lifted up to Heaven in glory and will by my Word and Spirit draw many Nations to me their Saviour By being lift up he meant his Crucifixion as in order to his Resurrection and Ascension 34. The people answered him We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever and how sayest thou the Son of man must be lift up who is this Son of man 34. We have been taught that Christ dieth not but shall have an everlasting Kingdom who then is that Son of man that thou sayest must be lift up 35. Then Jesus said unto them Yet a little while is the light with you walk while ye have the light lest darkness come upon you for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth 36. While ye have light believe in the light that ye may be the children of light These things spake Jesus and departed and did hide himself from them 35 36. Though Christ abide for ever he will not for ever abide visible with you It is but a little while that he who is the light will continue among you Obey the Light while you have it lest darkness surprize you and he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth nor whether he do well or ill Before I be taken from you believe in me that ye may be illuminated adopted and enjoy the light 37. But though he had done so many miracles before them yet they believed not on him 38. That the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled which he spake Lord who hath believed our report and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed 37. All his Miracles caused them not to believe And so Isaiahs prophesie was fulfilled in them c. 39. Therefore they could not believe because Esaias said again 40. He hath blinded their eyes and hardned their heart that they shouâ—d not see with their eyes nor understand with their heart and be converted and I should heal them 41. These things said Esaias when he saw his glory and spake of him 39. And no wonder that they believed not for it could not be it being foretold by Isaiah that God would forsake them which Isaiah foreseeing Christs day by inspiration did mean in that prophesie N. To understand this 1. We must distinguish between a caused Necessity and a Necessity of Consequence in order of arguing 2. Between men that have forfeited Gods grace by rejection and those that Grace is newly offer'd to And so 1. God is not the efficient cause of any sin 2. But he deseâ—teth many that abuse his Grace and leaveth them to their blindness and obstinacy 3. And for it he causeth their destruction 4. And he oft foretelleth this 5. And his prediction maketh the thing foretold hypothetically necessary or a certain consequence in order of arguing It being impossible that God should lie And so all that is foreknown by God or man will come to pass when foreknowledg doth not cause it but prove it 6. And deserted Souls have a moral impotency to repent that is an indisposition which nothing in their depraved nature will overcome 42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him lest they should be put out of the Synagogue 43. For they loved the praise of men more then the praise of God 42. Many of the chief Rulers had a secret belief but not enough to make them openly own and confess him left they should be excommunicate and reproacht For the love of their reputation with men did prevail in them against their love of Gods approbation 44. Jesus cried and said He that believeth on me believeth not on me but on
which presageth their destruction 55. But he being full of the holy Ghost looked up stedfastly into heaven and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God 56. And said Behold I see the Heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God 55 56. God gave him so extraordinary a measure of the Spirit as when he looked stedfastly toward Heaven he had an appearance of the Glory of God and Christ standing at his right hand which in this Rapture he declared to them all Note Christ saw it meet by such a glorious Miracles sight to encourage and honour his first dying Martyr O who would fear suffering for Christ Martyrs may expect the Spirits greatest help and afterward the most glorious Crown 57. Then they cryed out with a loud voyce and stopped their ears and ran upon him with one accord 58. And cast him out of the City and stoned him and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young mans feet whose name was Saul 57 58. Note Holiness and Miracles do but increase their rage They will run when malignity and the Devil instigates Sinners are never so mad as against Christ and Mercy and their own Salvation They that were the Accusers for Blasphemy were by the Law to cast the first stone as the Executioners 59. And they stoned Stephen calling upon God and saying Lord Jesus receive my Spirit 59. Note He that gave up himself to Christ in life and death might comfortably expect to be received 2. The Spirit liveth after the bodies death And Christ receiveth it to himself This is part of Christs Office now in Heaven See my Printed Sermon on this Text. 60. And he kneeled down and cryed with a loud voyce Lord lay not this sin to their charge And when he had said this he fell asleep 6. He died Praying and that for his Persecutors as Christ did And it s like the Conversion of Saul was an answer to this Prayer Quest How far may we pray In Faith for wicked men or others and expect the thing prayed for Answ For that which is absolutely promised we may pray accordingly in assurance For that which supposeth a qualifying condition in the receiver we must believe that they shall have it if they are so qualified For that which hath no promise to them but is merely at Gods unrevealed Will we must pray with submission to that Will and accordingly take the event for uncertain CHAP. VIII ANd Saul was consenting unto his death And at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the Regions of Judea and Samaria except the Apostles 1. Note Sauls Persecution must be recorded before his Conversion 2. The purest Church was not free from the malice of wicked men 3. God used Malignant Persecutions for the spreading abroad his word 2. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him 2. They made a Funeral for Stephen with solemn mourning 3. As for Saul he made havock of the Church entring into every House and hailing men and women committed them to prison 3. By halling people to Prisons out of their houses Saul wasted the gathered Church 4. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where Preaching the word 4. Note It was a tolerable hurt to their bodies which brought good to others Souls and so enlarged the Church by scattering it as seed is scattered that is sown 2. All Christians may and must publish the Gospel where they come if there be need tho only called Ministers must make an office and calling of it as separated to it 5. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and Preached Christ unto them 5. Philip the Deacon Preacht at the City of Samaria after by Herod called Sebaste 6. And the People with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake hearing and seeing the miracles which he did 7. For unclean Spirits crying with loud voice came out of many that were possessed with them and many taken with palsies and that were lame were healed 8. And there was great joy in that City 6. The Samaritans received the Gospel with great joy convinced by Miracles and pleased by many Cures Note The Gospel where ever it cometh is cause of great joy 9. But there was a certain man called Simon which before time in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the People of Samaria giving out that himself was some great one 10. To whom they all gave heed from the least to the greatest saying This man is the great power of God 11. And to him they had regard because that of long time he had bewitched them with Sorceries 9. One Simon had long been reputed among them some great man even the great power of God as he boasted of himself because by Sorcery he had long bewitched and done some strange things among them And they all admired and regarded him Note Deceivers have usually many followers 12. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ they were baptized both men and women 12. Note This suddain Baptizing yet implyeth time for instruction and profession of all essential to Christianity 13. Then Simon himself believed also and when he was baptized he continued with Philip and wondered beholding the miracles and signs which were done 13. Simon saw the reality of Philips Miracles being conscious of the fallacy of his own and he believed that Jesus was the Christ and was baptized into his name and stayed with Phillip admiring his works Note 1. Simon had a Superficial opinionative belief that was not clear and sound nor effectual to renew his Soul 2. The Ministers of Christ baptized not as Heart searchers as knowing mens sincerity but as taking their Profession for their title to Baptism 14. Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God they sent unto them Peter and John 14. Note As Peter or John were no Rulers of the rest of the Apostles so the rest sent not them as Rulers of them by Vote but by brotherly request and consent 15. Who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the holy Ghost 16. For as yet he was fallen upon none of them only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus 17. Then laid they their hands on them and they received the holy Ghost 15. Note 1. It was at first the eminent Priviledge of the Apostles that the Holy Ghost should be given by their Ministry 2. Imposition of hands being an usual act of Authoritative benediction was used as the sign herein 3. Yet Prayer to God must first prevail for his grant thereof before the Sign was used 4. This gift of the Holy Ghost was not that which is Regenerating and necessary to pardon and Salvation else
20. And Moses's Law which came in afterward was made to increase Mens obligation against Sin and more expresly and terribly forbid it that if the Jews would sin their Guilt and Punishment should be the greater as alas they did even to abundance But when guilt was increased and Sin by Mens abuse of the Law Grace did superabound being victorious against Sin and Guilt and the curse in all true Believers and extending to many more than Moses's Law did even to all the called Nations of the World 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death even so might grace reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 21. That as Sin hath had its reign and sad effects in the Death and Miseries of the Sons of Adam even so shall Grace have its more victorious Dominion and Reign by the Meritorious Righteousness of Christ in making all his Members or Spiritual Off-spring Righteous by his Pardoning Adopting Sanctifying Mercy and bringing them to Eternal Life by the Power and Efficacy of Jesus their Redeemer CHAP. VI. 1. WHat shall we say then shall we continue in sin that grace may abound 1. Perhaps some may gather from all this that we preach a Doctrine of Licentiousness and seeing Grace abounded where Sin abounded we infer that Men may continue in Sin that Grace may abound 2. God forbid How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein 2. Far be it from us so to think For though Christ came to save Sinners it was not to savour Sin but to destroy it and save Men from it And therefore as he died for Sin he causeth us to die to Sin and how then shall we live in it that are dead to it 3. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death 3. Know ye not that when Men are Baptized they are by Vow Covenant and Profession listed into the belief of a Crucified Saviour who died for Sin to save us from it and do profess that Repentance by which we renounce it as dead to it for the time to come 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into his death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life 4. Therefore in our Baptism we are dipped unde the Water as signifying our Covenant-profession that as he was buried for Sin we are dead and buried to Sin that as the glorious power of God raised him from the dead so we should rise up to live to him in newness and holiness of Life 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection 5. For as we have Covenanted and Professed our belief in him and conformity to him as Dead so we have Covenanted and Professed and must practise our Conformity to his Resurrection or else it is not true Baptism and Christianity and Conformity to Christ 6. Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin 6. Knowing that as his Body was Crucified for Sin so we have herein Covenanted and Professed to be as to our old Dispositions and sinful Conversations as it were crucified with him that the Body of Sin that is our fleshly corrupt disposition and conversation might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve Sin but be as dead to it 7. For he that is dead is freed from sin 7. For as a Dead Man is absolved from all servile Obligations to his Master so he that is by the Death of Sin conformed to the death of Christ is freed from the dominion of Sin 8. Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with him 8. And if we be indeed what we are by Baptismal Profession conformed thus to Christs Death we have cause to believe that we must and shall be conformed to his Resurrection and Life 9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him 10. For in that he died he died unto sin once but in that he liveth he liveth unto God 11. Likewise reckon ye also your selves to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 9 10 11. For as we know that Christ being raised from the Dead dieth no more His Death for Sin was but once but he being risen liveth to God for ever so must you reckon that you are by Conversion from Sin to God once dead to Sin by Covenant Consent and Profession that you may ever after-live to God by the Mediation Spirit and Grace of Christ 12. Let not sin reign therefore in your mortal body that you should obey it in the lusts thereof Therefore unless you will renounce your Baptism and Christianity you must not let Sin reign in those bodies which as they die for sin so are professedly dead to sin Its lusts may tempt and trouble you but must not be obeyed 13. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin but yield your selves to God as those that are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to God 13. Nor must you yield the Members of your Bodies as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin tho you should pretend that you keep your Hearts clean to God but give up your selves to the Government and Will of God as those that are risen and alive from your dead state of sin that you may live to him and so give up the Members of your Bodies as the Souls Instruments of Righteousness in serving God 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you for you are not under the law but under grace 14. For sin must not and shall not have dominion over you to rule you or condemn you for you are not under the Law which meerly forbade it and condemned the sinner but under Grace which mortifieth and forgiveth it 15. What then shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace God forbid 15. What then shall we turn this Argument of our deliverance from sin to encourage us in sin and be the bolder to sin because we are not under the Law that condemneth sinners but under Grace that pardoneth them Far be it from us 16. Know ye not that to whom ye yield your selves servants to obey his servants you are to whom ye obey whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness 16. Know ye not that as your engagement to be Servants of Christ bindeth you to obey him so your obedience will shew whose Servants you are indeed whether you obey sin which is the way of death or obey Christ unto Righteousness and life 17. But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that
believe according to the working of his mighty power 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places 19 20. And how wonderfully God hath manifested his Power in us that believe in giving us the Spirit of Miracles Tongues Prophecy c. and the Spirit of Illumination Faith Hope Love Joy Patience to go on in Labour and Suffering for Christ suitable to the Power which he shewed in raising Christ from death and advancing him to the Heavenly Glory where he is Lord of all 21. Far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come 21. Far above all the Princes States and Powers on Earth the greatest Conquerors or Monarchs whether those that persecuted him and us or any other even those above us in the World that we are going to Angels or any sort of Spirits 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the church 22. And hath given him power over all things and made him Head of the Church and Lord over all things for his Churches good and the Ends of Redemption 23. Which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all 23. Which Church is his Body Mystical the Celestial Political Society united to and under him in which he attaineth fully the Ends of his Redemption and in whom as glorified with him he is effectively a full and perfect Saviour in whom he will delight and be glorified and God that is all in all things fully manifesteth his Love and Glory Note 1. That the Text distinguisheth Christs Relation to his Church and to all things else He is Head to the Church by vital influx as his Body He is over all things some as Utensils for the Church and some as conquered Rebels or Enemies 2. How little reason the Church hath to fear malicious Principalities or Powers or Great Names or Devils any further than we fear our selves lest we yield to Sin by their Temptations seeing they are all in the power of Christ and under his Feet And therefore our sinful Fear doth plainly prove our Unbelief in that degree that it prevaileth 3. As the same Love so the same Power of God that was glorified in the Miracles and Resurrection of Christ is engaged for and glorified on the Church And this Glory we shall see in the fulness of time though now the Church as Christ on the Cross or in the Grave seem a forsaken shattered desolate thing 4. It is no wonder that Christ taketh what is done to his Church and Members as done to himself and will judge Men accordingly 5. The great Service that Christ requireth of us in the World is to contribute our utmost Labour and Help for the Church he himself needing nothing that we can do CHAP. II. 1. ANd you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins 1. And you who are members of this Church hath he revived and quickned by his mortifying and sanctifying Grace and by absolving you from the Guilt of Death who were in and by your Sin as dead to spiritual saving Good and liable by Guilt to everlasting Death your State of Sin was such a State of Death 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience 2. In this Sin you lived in your former Gentile State according to the Temptations and Will of Satan who is by Gods permission the Prince of the Power of the Air and by his Temptations worketh in the unpersuadable Unbelievers and Ungodly against Gods Grace and their Salvation 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath even as others 3. And we our selves were formerly such as they and lived among them in fleshly Lusts fulfilling the Desires of our Flesh and our own Thoughts and false â—easoning and were by Natural Corruption not onely as Children of Adam but also the Progeny of Heathens the Heirs of Gods Wrath obliged to Punishment by his Justice as other Men and specially Heathens be 4. But God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us 5. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ by grace ye are saved 6. And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus 4 5 6. But God who is very merciful to manifest his own free Love to us when we were as others dead in Sins hath by his own Grace begun our Salvation conforming us to the Resurrection and Exaltation of Christ by delivering us from the Death of Sin and Guilt and making us alive to Holiness and giving us the Earnest and Fore-taste of Glory 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus 7. That in these latter days he might shew forth the Glory of his Grace in our Redemption by Christ in which his Love and Kindness to us is resplendent 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God 9. Not of works lest any man should boast 8 9. For your Salvation is of Gods meer Grace and Gift through your Faith in Christ And this is not of your own contriving meriting seeking or effecting but all of Gods own Gift who hath chosen this way rather than that of Works that none may boast and ascribe that to themselves which is due onely to God 10. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them 10. Not that we hereby exclude Good Works by excluding Mans boasting of his own Power or Merits For we our selves are Gods Work new made by Regeneration which planted us into Christ purposely to do those Good Works which neither the Law nor meer Nature enabled and enclined us to do These God hath fore-ordained and prescribed for us to live in and by Grace inclined us to do them 11. Wherefore remember that ye being in time passed Gentiles in the flesh who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands 12. That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world 11 12. And that you may duely value the Mercy of your Vocation you must never forget that you were of the Gentiles called Uncircumcised by the Jews and had no Knowledge of Christ as
such intrude or are there permitted No more than you must forsake your own House and Family if he intrude You have right and command to be there tho he have no right 3. Nor doth it make all to be of equal power in Church Matters not bind any to go beyond his Power 1. Of Mans Capacity for Publick Church Communion the Pastors are Judges And if they be negligent it s their sin which will not allow Private Men to forsake the Publick Communion till the Church so far forsake God as to be forsaken by him 2. But Private Familiarity is in Private Mens Power where they may discountenance the Scandalous by withdrawing from them 7. For your selves know how ye ought to follow us for we behaved not our selves disorderly among you 8. Neither did we eat any mans bread for nought but wrought with labour and travel night and day that we might not be chargeable to any of you 7 8. You know what our Example was that ought to be imitated I did not live idly and look that the Church should maintain me nor basely hang on any or needlesly burden them nor take their Bread which I paid not for but while I taught you I laboured and toiled at my Trade that I might be chargeable to none of you 9. Not because we have not power but to make our selves an ensample unto you to follow us 9. My Ministerial Office and Labour made maintenance from you my due but Idleness I saw was a sin that had need of Example as well as Doctrine to subdue it 10. For even when we were with you this we commanded you that if any would not work neither should he eat 10. Note Poor Men that will not work when they can do forfeit the Bread of Charity from Men but Rich Men that live idly do by that sin forfeit their Food and more even their lives and Souls to God but Men may not therefore take it from them 11. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly working not at all but are busie-bodies 11. By disorderly Persons I specially mean such as I hear some among you are who live not in any profitable Trade and Labour but yet are busie but it s about circumstantial unnecessary or unprofitable by-matters Note That as Idleness is a base sin which equals Life and Death so unnecessary and unprofitable Labour is a mis-spending time and a forfeiture of Maintenance as well as Idleness and to make a Trade or Daily Employment of vain or unprofitable Business is but a Cloak of Deceit for an Idle Life The Sloathful and Vnprofitable Servants forfeit Wages Oh what a deal of Business to little purpose hath the World to answer for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not labouring but busily Trifling men will find that God gave them Life and Reason for greater things 12. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread 12. To live on the labours or cost of others through base indulging fleshly ease or unprofitable trifling is so great a sin that I do command you and exhort you by the authority of Christ and as you will obey him that you avoid it and that you quietly and willingly get your own living by some profitable labour and eat not other Mens Bread but your own and that not the Bread of Idleness 13 14. But ye brethren be not weary in well doing And if any man obey not our word by this epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed 15. Yet count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother 13 14 15. If after all this the sloathful will not labour though you are not to cut him off from the Church as if it were for rejecting an Essential part of Christianity yet there is a Discipline to be used in the Church towards its Members Set a note of shame upon that Man by avoiding familiarity with him But yet take him not for an Enemy or Heathen buâ— an offending Christian and continue to call him to Repentance Note Qu. But what if it be a Son must the Parents deny him Food Ans If he be obstinate in an idle or unprofitable Life being able for a better 1. The Parents should mark him out to shame 2. And should so far stâ—aiten him in the Quality of his Food and Maintenance as may make his Sloth a penal Suffering to him and signifie their abhorrence of his Sin though they may not famish him to death 16. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means The Lord be with you all 17. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand which is the token in every epistle so I write 18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen 16 17 18. Note We may boldly trust him for our Peace and safety who will be called The Lord of Peace and by the Grace of Christ will be with us and give us Peace always and by all means Amen The First Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to TIMOTHY CHAP. I. 1. PAul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ which is our hope 2. Unto Timothy my own son in the faith Grace mercy and peace from God our Faâ—her and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 2. Note 1. Apostleship was by Gods Call and Command 2. Christ is the Believers Hope 3. It is meet to have some special endeared Love to those that are our Sons in the Faith converted by our Ministry 4. As the desire of Worldlings is to worldly Prosperity so the sum of all holy Christian desires is Grace Mercy and Peace from God the Father and from Christ 3. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine 4. Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies which minister questions rather than godly edifying which is in faith so do 3 4. Note 1. Whether this imply that Timothy was Bishop of Ephesus is a Question of small moment to them that know what a Bishop then was A Bishop as Dr. Hammond maintaineth had then but one Congregation and no Subject-Presbyter under him He certainly had no Power of the Sword to force Men. He was onely a Guide to Voluntiers and Consenters and not to any against their wills It is certain that every Church had at least one such Bishop I think usually more And no doubt Ephesus had such either Timothy or others If it be Archbishops that are made the matter of this Doubt it 's certain that an Archbishop had no Power of the Sword nor was a Bishop to any but consenting Voluntiers and worked onely on Conscience and not immediately on Body or Purse And I believe that Timothy and Titus and the Apostles were so far Archbishops as that they had
day and not to me onely but unto all them also that love his appearing 6 7 8. Note That 1. Our Ministry and Life is like a Battle Combat or Race for Life or Death 2. Onely they that overcome shall be Crowned 3. Faithful Men may take great Comfort when when â—eath is at hand in the Conscience and review of a well spent victorious Life and Ministry 4. Their Reward will be a Crown of Righteousness given by God as a Righteous Judge on Gospel worthiness tho not on legal merit but supposing free Grace in Christ 5. To love Christs appearing is the effect of a Saving Faith 9 10 11. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me For Demas hath forsaken me having loved this present world and is departed unto Thessalonica Crescens to Galatia Titus unto Dalmatia Onely Luke is with me Take Mark and bring him with thee for he is profitable to me for the ministry 12. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus 19 10 11 12. Note That 1. It is not Christ that Demas is said to forsake but Paul and not to turn Worldling but to go about his Worldly Business unseasonably 2. Timothy was not then at Ephesus 13. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus when thou comest bring with thee and the books but especially the parchments 13. Note The word translated the Cloke is very probably by others translated the Roll viz. of Parchment 14 15. Alexander the copper-smith did me much evil the Lord reward him according to his works Of whom be thou aware also for he hath greatly withstood our words 14 15. Alexander an Excommunicate Man hath much wrong'd me God will reward him according to his works Note Excommunication enrageth impenitent bad Men. 16. At my first answer no man stood with me but all men forsook me I pray God that may not be laid to their charge 16. Note 1. This was not a forsaking Paul's Cause but his Person in danger which is too usual a case Herein he followed Christ whose Disciples all forsook him and fled 2. It 's like Peter was not then at Rome among the forsakers of Paul 17. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me that by me the preaching might be fully known and that all the Gentiles might hear and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion 17. But God forsook me not when all Men forsook me but was with me and strengthened me in Vindicating my Person and Cause that while I was admitted to answer for my self the Hearers might know and fame might tell abroad what Doctrine it is that I suffer for Preaching and so all the City of Rome and others by their report might hear and have notice of it And so I was delivered from the present danger of Death by the Roman Persecutors as from the Jaws of a Lion Note 1. Some think that the words that the Preaching might be fully known refer to Paul's longer time to Preach I exclude not this but prefer the other sence 2. It was not Treason nor sin for Paul to call his Deliverance from the unjust Judgment of the Civil Power his being delivered out of the mouth of the Lion 18. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom to whom be glory for ever and ever Amen 18. And I doubt not but God will still keep me from all the ill Designs and Attempts of Men against me at least so far that they shall not draw me to do evil and will keep me in a state of right and preparation to his Heavenly Kingdom In the hopeful Sence whereof I rejoicingly desire that he be Glorified for ever Amen 19 20. Salute Prisca and Aquila and the houshold of Onesiphorus Erastus abode at Corinth but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick 19 20. Note That Trophimus was sick though Paul had the Gift of Healing because it was not to be common nor at the Will of Man 21. Do thy diligence to come before winter Eubulus greeteth thee and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren 21. Make hast to come c. 22. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit Grace be with you Amen 22. The Lord Jesus Christ who is our Mediator and Head and hath purchased chosen and called thee performed for thee his saving Office in keeping thy Soul in Holiness and Peace His Grace which is the greatest Treasure on Earth be with you to keep you and prepare you for Glory Amen Note The Suscriptions to the Epistles are no part of the Holy Scripture ANNOTATIONS FAithful Ministers whose Work is to Preach the Gospel of Salvation should have so much of the Form Belief and Power of it in themselves as to pass triumphantly out of the World in suffering for it and not to think that God useth them hardly And to be satisfied in God's acceptance though their Brethren and Converts should forsake them as the Bishops and Churches of Asia did Paul The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to TITUS CHAP. I. 1 2. PAul a servant of God and an Apostle of Jesus Christ according to the faith of Gods elect and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lie promised before the world began 1 2. Paul c. for the propagating of the Faith of God's Elect and the acknowledgment of that sound Doctrine which is suited to the promoting of godliness in opposition to prophaneness and heresie in hope of eternal life which is the end of all our faith and godliness and all our preaching and suffering which God that cannot lie promised before many Ages past 3. But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour 3. But what he so long ago purposed and darkly promised he haâ—h in the fittest appointed season manifested by his Gospel through preaching which is committed to me by the Commission and Commandment of God our Saviour Note That it is doubtful whether by God's Promise be meant only his secret purpose or by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be meant many Ages ago One of the two it must be for we cannot feign an actual Promise before the world began distinct from his purpose 2. It is not unlikely that he meaneth the Promise first made to Fallen Man of the Womans Seed and after oft renewed and this obscure word was made plain by the preaching of the Gospel upon Christs Incarnation Life and Resurrection c. 4. To Titus mine own son after the common faith grace mercy and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour Note The Church hath but one Faith or Creed common in the Essentials to every Christian 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city as I had appointed thee 5 Note
angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward 2. For if the Law which God delivered to Moses by the ministry of the voice and appearance of Angels was yet firm and sure and every sin against it and threatned by it was punished 3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him 4. God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders and with divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost according to his own will 3 4. Much less shall we escape if we neglect this far greater Salvation and more excellent manifestation of the Will of God even that Gospel which Christ first preacht himself and those that heard him confirmed by their testimony and preaching God also confirming to us their testimony from Heaven by many such signs and wonderful works and with many sorts of miracles or acts of Power and distributions of the Holy Ghost to others when they believed as were a certain proof of God's attestation and the approbation of his own Will Note That here we have the true evidence of the truth of the Gospel on which Believers may build their faith 5. For unto angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come whereof we speak 5. God hath not made Angels the Soveraigns of the World to come and put the Kingdom of Glory so under them that all must be their Subjects 6. But one in a certain place testified saying What is man that thou art mindful of him or the son of man that thou visitest him 7. Thou madest him a little lower than the angels thou crownedst him with glory and honour and didst set him over the works of thy hands 8. Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet 6 7 8. But the Psalm is ultimately to be understood of Christ and his Church which saith What is man c. Though Christ was a while on Earth in a state of Humiliation below Angels us to the Flesh yet it was in order to the Glory and victorious Power of his Kingdom 8. For in that he put all in subjection under him he left nothing that is not put under him But now we see not yet all things put under him 8. By this it is sure that all things are to be subdued to Christ though yet we see it not done 9. But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man 9. But we see that Jesus who was made lower than Angels for and in his state of Humiliation and Crucifixion is already ascended up into Heaven where he is crowned with Glory And as his death was suffered in the common nature of Man and the sins of all men had a causal hand in it and it was by God's Grace the purchasing Cause of the conditional Covenant of Grace and of all the good that men receive so he dyed to bring Man to Glory with himself And therefore that Text may well be understood of the advancement of Man both in Christ and his Church that shall be advanced by him 10. For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings 10. For it seemed meet to the God of Wisdom for whom and by whom all things are to make Christ the Captain of their Salvation a perfect performer of his Saving-Office and to obtain his own Glory in heavenly Perfection by the way of suffering and to bring all God's adopted Sons to Glory by the Merit of it and by following him in the same suffering way 11. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren 12. Saying I will declare thy name unto my brethren in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee 13. And again I will put my trust in him and again Behold I and the children which God hath given me 11 12 13. And that it is in and by Christ that Humane Nature is advanced as the Psal 8. saith is proved by the Union that is between Christ and us He that sanctifieth us and we that are sanctified are of the same Humane Nature and are as one Body And therefore as we must suffer with him we shall reign with him Therefore in the Texts that under other typical persons speak of Christ he calls us his Brethren and Children given him to whose trust we are committed 14 15. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage 14 15. And that he might bring us to Glory with him as we have flesh and blood he would first be so far made one with us as to take also flesh and blood that he might be capable of suffering and dying for us and so by undergoing death which we by sin had brought our selves under and by rising from the Dead he might conquer Satan and Death and destroy his Kingdom and Power of Death which he had obtained by conquering Man by his Temptations and by God's letting him be the Executioner where he had been the conquering Tempter and so that Christ might deliver the Faithful by his Conquest of Satan and Death from continuance under Death and from the danger of Hell and from the slavish fear of both Death temporal and everlasting who else by their guilt and liableness to both these must be all their life time in bondage both by their danger and their fears 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham 16. For it is not Angels that he took hold of or whose Natures he assumed and came to save but he took on him the Nature of Man the Seed of Abraham to save Man 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 17. So that he must be in all things like Man whom he would save that he might be fit for his undertaken Office to be an High Priest for us to Godward and to be merciful and faithful therein to make Reconciliation for our sins 18. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted 18. For he himself having been tempted and tryed by Sufferings and having overcome them all he is now
more meet to be a Compassionate Helper the Example the Teacher and the Trust of them that must follow him through temptations and by his Merit and Victory hath obtained power to deliver them CHAP. III. WHerefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the apostle and high priest of our profession Christ Jesus 2. Who was faithful to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithful in all his house 1. Wherefore you who are holy Brethren by Faith and Dedication given up to Christ and in him made partakers of that Calling from Heaven which maketh you Heirs of Heaven study and consider Jesus Christ the great Apostle sent of God to be the prime Preacher of the Gospel and the High Priest and chief Guide and Mediator to Godward of our Religion and Profession who faithfully did all that belonged to his undertaken Office in sacrificing himself for our sins and fulfilling all Righteousness and conquering Satan and Death and ascending to intercede for us in Glory and sending down the Holy Ghost and making and sealing the Law of Faith even as Moses in his time was faithful though with disparity of Honour and Work Christ in his own House by a more perfect Administration and Moses but as a Steward 3. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses in as much as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house 3. For Christ is as much more honourable than Moses as the Maker and Master is than the House for Moses was but a Member of the Family but Christ the Maker and Master of it 4. For every house is builded by some man but he that built all things is God 4. All Families or Houses are founded by some man but he that built the Church is the same that built or made all things and that is God 5. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after 6. But Christ as a son over his own house 5 6. And Moses as a Servant was faithful for the Delivery and Confirmation of so much of God's Word as was to be spoken to the Jews by him but Christ as the Son and Heir and Master of the House as his own 6. Whose house are we if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm unto the end 6. This House is the Church of which we are parts so be it we hold fast the confident Profession of our faith and the joy and glorying in our hopes of the promised Blessedness firm to the end 7. Wherefore as the holy Ghost saith To day if ye will hear his voice 8. Harden not your hearts as in the provocation in the day of temptation in the wilderness 9. When your fathers tempted me proved me and saw my works forty years 10. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation and said They do always err in their hearts and they have not known my ways 11. So I sware in my wrath They shall not enter into my rest 7 8 9 10 11. But seeing he will take none to dwell with him in Glory but those that persevere hear and consider what the Holy Ghost said to and of the Israelites To day c. Neglect not his present Call and your present Day to the hardening of your hearts as your Fathers did in the Wilderness by which God's Justice was engaged against them as a People whose hearts were habituated to evil and have not the obedient knowledge of his Ways and Works and Will So that he sware in his just displeasure that that Generation should not enter into the promised Land 12. Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God 12. Take warning by these Israelites and see that there be not in any of you an evil unsound heart that is prepared by secret Unbelief to depart in Tryal from the Living God 13. But exhort one another daily while it is called To day lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin 13. To this end one means appointed by God for your perseverance is speedily and daily to exhort and stir up one another the Pastors in the Church and Assemblies and all in their Places and Converse And the rather because Sin of which you are in danger is a deceitful thing and they that revolt are made believe that it is but a receiving of the Truth or a necessary Self-saving and no forsaking of Christ or Truth or Godliness N. Qu. But what if Rulers forbid us to meet daily for such Exhortation Answ God commandeth you to do it in the manner and time that the End requireth and no man can dispense with his Law The Christians for three hundred years assembled when forbidden Qu. But what if Christian Rulers forbid it Ans Christians have more Obligation than Heathens to do good but no more Authority to do evil or null God's Laws Qu. But what if Violence or Prisons restrain us Ans God requireth not Impossibilities 14. For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end 14. We are iâ—itially made partakers of Christ as our Saviour but if we will attain Salvation by him we must hold the subsisting faith or the confidence in which we have begun or which is our Principle firm to the end For Perseverance is made a Condition of the Promise of Salvation 15. Whilst it is said To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts as in the provocation 16. For some when they had heard did provoke howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses 15 16. The words tell us that some that heard after Deliverance from Egypt provoked God but it was not all 17. But with whom was he grieved forty years was it not with them that had sinned whose carcases fell in the wilderness 17. With whom was God so displeased as Grief here signifieth Nothing displeaseth him but sin It was with backsliding disobedient unthankful murmurers that would not rest in the Will and Word and Providence of God but must have their own carnal will fulfilled and so God in Justice killed them in the Wilderness after so many Miracles had led them many years towards the promised Land Take heed lest you follow them in the like sin to greater punishment for abusing greater mercies 18 19. And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest but to them that believed not So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief 18 19. It was the sinning Unbelievers that he sware should not enter and it was because of their Unbelief that they could not enter Take heed therefore lest ye fall by Unbelief in Tryal for there is more required to our compleat Salvation than to our first part in Christ CHAP. IV. 1. LEt us therefore fear lest a
not that the outward act of washing the Body serveth to this Salvation nor must you think that God layeth it on any outward Ceremony save as it is the exercise of our Obedience and Faith But it is the faithful answer to God of a resolved Soul in the Covenant of Baptism who when asked doth profess and promise to believe in and give up it self to God the Father Son and Holy Ghost and to Renounce the World the Flesh and the Devil Baptism is but the celebration of this saving Covenant and it is covenanting sincerely that is the Condition of Salvation and Washing is but the sign 22. Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him 22. And well may I say that Christ's Resurrection saveth sincere baptized Covenanters as God by the Ark did Noah c. when Christ thus risen is gone into Heaven advanced to the highest Authority and Honour all Angels and all Authorities and Powers in Heaven or Earth being made subject as his Enemies to their woe and his Servants to their joy shall shortly find so that he is fully able to give and do for us whatever he hath promised and we need CHAP. IV. 1. FOrasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh arm your selves likewise with the same mind for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin 2. That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men but to the will of God 1 2. Let then the sufferings of Christ have their due effect on you in conforming you to his death that you may as crucified or dead men give over sinning being as dead to fleshly lusts that ye no longer live the rest of your time in the flesh according to the lusts of your selves or any tempting men but wholly live to the will of God as your Rule and End 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles when we walked in lasciviousness lusts excess of wine revellings banquettings and abominable idolatries 3. Alas we did too long live according to Heathen Sensuality and that time cannot be called back even in lasciviousness and lusts either fornication or immodesties that tend thereto and in excess of wine or strong drinks in revellings and banquettings or unnecessary feastings to gratifie fleshly appetite and lusts and in the bacchanals and jovialties of their Idolatry 4. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot speaking evil of you 4. And though it is monstrous against humanity that reasonable men should thus live like brutes yet they stand and wonder at you as if you were the monsters or strange people because you will not be as bad and mad as they and run with them brutishly against God and Faith and Reason into this sensual excess of sports lust and riot 5. Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead 5. But the time is near when for all this they must come to Judgment and a sad account they must shortly give to the Righteous Judge of all the World 6. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead that they might be judged according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit 6. But wonder not at their obloquy nor imitate them but look to the Example of the Martyrs and those that are dead in Christ who received and obeyed the Gospel preacht to them that while they were judged and persecuâ—ed in the flesh according to the rage of men they might live in the Spirit unto God and obtain his glory through all such suffering 7. But the end of all things is at hand be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer 7. But the time of their foolish rage and of your patient suffering will be but short The end of all earthly things is near therefore let soberness be to you instead of lusts and revelling and fleshly pleasure and by watching and prayer seek and wait for grace and glory 8. And above all things have fervent charity among your selves for charity shall cover the multitude of sins 8. And above all things be sure that you have and carefully preserve and exercise not only peace and mutual forbearance but a special love yea fervent love to one another even to all Christians and specially in your Societies and Relations For as love covereth and not aggravateth faults towards one another so God who hath said Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy and if ye forgive you shall be forgiven will cover and forgive the many sins of sincere loving Christians Note 1. The two Extreams that in all Ages have torn the Church should have regarded these words of Peter 1. The Papal Church-tearers that persecute all that consent not to their Canons Forms and Shadows should have remembred above all things even above your pretended plea for Obedience to you and Decency and Order have fervent Love 2. And the passive Separatists that can find faults enough in the Orders and Forms and Ceremonies of Churches to separate from the Communion of almost all on Earth should have deeplier received such Texts as this above all your superstitious pretences to more purity of Churches and better Discipline have fervent Charity 3. It is but partiality and jealousie of the Cause of Justification against the Papists which maketh some excellent Expositors distort this Text so as to exclude from its sense God's covering of our sins because they consider not aright 1. That Pardon as continued and as renewed for daily renewed sins hath more for the condition of it required in us than the first Pardon and begun Justification hath The first act of sound Faith serveth for the beginning but the continuance of it with its necessary fruits is necessary to the continuance and renewing of Pardon 2. That the Faith which is required to Justification and Pardon is giving up our selves to God the Father Son and Holy Ghost in the Baptismal Covenant That is our Christianity which is not put in opposition to that Love or Repentance which is still implied as part of the same Covenant Consent or its necessary fruit but to the Works of the Law of Moses or of Works or any that are set in competition with Christ and Free Grace If prejudice hindred not men the reading of the Angel's words to Cornelius and of Christ's forgive and ye shall be forgiven and the Parable of the pardoned Debtor cast into Prison for not pardoning his Fellow-servant with Jam. 2. and Matth. 25. would end all this controversie 9. Use hospitality one to another without grudging 10. As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God 9 10. As God hath
these Performances being the Condition of your actual Salvation your Covenant Title will be compleat and you shall have sure entrance and full possession of the Kingdom of Glory 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things though ye know them and be established in the present truth 12. And holy Diligence and Improvement being so necessary to you I must not be negligent to put you in remembrance and stir you up to it though you know it already and believe it Note We have great need to be diligently stirred up to the remembrance and practice of that which we know already as well as to know more 13. Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance 14. Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me 13 14. Note 1. The Body is but the Soul's Tabernacle 2. Ministers must never give over pressing known Truths while they live 3. The knowledge of approaching death must quicken us to diligence 15. Moreover I will endeavour that you may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance 15. Note That we must not be careful only for our own life time but for a Succession and Continuance of Truth and Godliness when we are dead lest it dye with us Therefore we write 16. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eye-witnesses of his majesty 16. For our Doctrine of the Glorious Coming and Kingdom of Christ is not a cunningly devised fable For we were eye witnesses of a glimpse of that Glory in his Transfiguration which he foretold us of as a resemblance of his last coming and his Kingdom 17. For he received from God the Father honour and glory when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased 17. For he then received in his humane nature a communicated splendour and celestial honour and glory when God from the Heavenly magnificent glory said This is my c. Note 1. It is the highest honour and perfection of a Creature to be Loved and Pleasing to God 2. Gods Testimony of his Son from heaven is our Great obligation to faith and obedience to him 18. And this voice which came from heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy mount 18. This voice three of us heard when we were with him in that mount which was sanctified by this glorious appearance and may well be called The holy mount 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place untill the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts 19. And we have also in the Old Testament a firm prophetick word many prophets foretelling the Kingdom of Christ And ye do well to search and take notice of these as to a Light that was set up by God for the use of those darker ages to lead them to the Knowledge of Christ and so is very useful still till the clearer Preaching of that Gospel come and the Spirit of Christ as his agent and witness possess your hearts Note The word more sure signifieth not more sure than the Gospel but very sure Or more sure to the Jews than Peters bare word of the Transfiguration and voice on the mount 20. Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 20 21. But this you must first know that no prophecy of Scripture is to be expounded as speaking only of those persons whom the speaker first meant whether himself or others nor according to the speakers proper private thought For the prophecy came not in old time by the Speakers own Wisdom Knowledge Invention or will but holy men of God were moved by Gods Spirit to speak those words which signified more than they designed or alwaies meant and understood themselves Note It seemeth strange to me that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 proper or private interpretation should be commonly by excellent Expositors misinterpreted as if it spake of prâ—per or private expositors and so set men on disputing who must be the publick Expositor when the words plainly speak of proper or private sense or objective exposition As when David oft speaketh words which are immediately true of himself or of Solomom you must not expound them as meant properly of them who were private persons and but types For it was the Holy-Ghost speaking in them whose sense must be known who meant Christ the publick person as typified by the private of whom they were first verified And whether David as in Psal 2. 22. and such other meant more than himself and his Kingdom or not the Holy-Ghost meant more If Grotius were in the right that Isaâ— meant but Jeremy or Iosiah in Isa 53. it s certain that they were but typicall and the Holy-Ghost meant Christ So that the plain sense is that Scripture prophecy receiving its full sense from the Spirit and not from the Speaker must not in our exposition be appropriated narrowly to those private men by whom or of whom they were proximately meant by the Speaker CHAP. II. 1. BUT there were false prophets also among the people even as there shall be false teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction 1. But one of your great Tryals will be as theirs of old by false Prophets so by false Teachers who will rise up among your selves who will by secret seducing persons wiâ—h whom by familiarity they have advantage bring in Sects holding damnable Errours even by plain consequence denying Christ that bought them while they deny what is essential to his Person and Offices or teaching that he many be denyed with the Tongue in dangers for self-preservation because God will have mercy and not sacrifice as long as the heart doth not deny him Note 1. That all Christians have need to be fortified against false Teachers as well as against persecuting enemies 2. Christ is called The Lord that bought them not because they falsly profest that he bought them as some say but because he purchased and made to them a Deed of gift of Christ pardon and life to be theirs on Condition of believing acceptance And because they should not perish for want of a sufficient sacrifice for sin 2. And many shall follow their pernicious wayes by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of 2. And many that profest Christianity shall be seduced by them and follow their pernicious waies
into some sins that are to be punished with Bodily Death or â—hame Magistrates must put to death Murderers and other capital Offenders and when Magistrates do it not God will oft times do it without them himself as he did on Ananias and Sapphira and others In this case if one be to be executed by Justice or be under God's Justice that will put him to death you may pray for his Soul but you must not pray for his Life though he repent because it is against God's Law and the common Good And if you should pray for the Recovery of such a man in Sickness God hath not promised you to recover him No nor any of his own Children when their dying time is come 18. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself and that wicked one toucheth him not 18. We know that all that are born of God hate sin and overcome it in the course of their lives and live in no reigning sin which is predominant but only hated infirmities which consist with sincere predominant Faith Obedience and Repentance nor have any sin at all so far as they have the Divine Nature but they watchfully keep themselves from the prevalence of Satan's snares 19. And we know that we are of God and the whole world lieth in wickedness 19. And though Christ's Flocks here be less than the World we see by experience that we are of God guided by his Spirit obeying his Laws pleasing his Will living to him and hoping for his Glory and that the unconverted World is wholly set on wickedness and mischief so notorious is the difference between the faithful and the ungodly World which foretells the future difference 20. And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ This is the true God and eternal life 20. In a word by all aforesaid we are certain of the truth of our Religion We are sure that the Son of God is come and Christ is he and by his Doctrine and Spirit hath enlightned us to know the true and only God and his Will and we are by faith and the Spirit planted into him who is the Truth even into Jesus Christ So that we are sure it is the true God that we believe and serve and the Gift and Title to Eternal Life that by Christ we do receive 21. Little children keep your selves from idols Amen 21. I speak to you in love as if you were my own Children but with care of you as to your weakness and what temptations the Idolatrous World assaults you with As Christ hath called you out of the World from Idolatry which you have renounced as you love God and your Saviour and your Souls hold close to Christ and return not to Idols nor partake of their Sacrifices nor seem to own them by Idolatrous Communion Amen The Second Epistle of JOHN the Apostle 't is most commonly thought but not certain 1. THe elder unto the elect lady and her children whom I love in the truth and not I only but also all they that have known the truth 2. For the truth's sake which dwelleth in us and shall be with us for ever 1 2. Note It seems this was some choice Woman that was a great support and helper to the Christians and eminent in Piety and stedfastness in the Faith Though some few groundlesly think that it was some Church that he calleth Lady 3. Grace be with you mercy and peace from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father in truth and love 3. Grace Mercy and Peace from God the Father and Christ the Son are the true unvaluable Blessings I wish you to confirm you in the two great parts of Religion Truth and Love 4. I rejoyced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth as we have received a commandment from the Father 4. I greatly rejoyced that I found thy Children both holding fast the Christian Truth and living in the practice of it as the Father commanded us to preach and do 5. And now I beseech thee lady not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee but that which we had from the beginning that we love one another 5. The sum of my writing to thee is not any Novelty but the old great Law of Christ Be sure that we keep up true Christian Love which Satan is an Enemy to 6. And this is love that we walk after his commandments This is the commandment that as ye have heard from the beginning ye should walk in it 6. And the Love in which we all must live is our Union and Concord in keeping his Commandments even the same Gospel which from the beginning was committed to us For both new and false Doctrines and a sinful life do break the Union and Peace of Christians 7. For many deceivers are entred into the world who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh This is deceiver and an antichrist 7 For there are many Hereticks now come to that deceiving pass that they deny Christ himself either his Godhead or Manhood or Office or Work yea his Incarnation as if his Body were but a Fantasm These are Deceivers and Antichrists 8. Look to your selves that we lose not those things which we have wrought but that we receive a full reward 8. Look to your selves with watchful care that no temptation draw you to back-slâ—de and you lose all your former belief and labour nor we our ministerial labour on you but hold on that you and we may attain that full Reward that we seek 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son 9. As it was by the Doctrine of Christ that you were brought into your blessed Knowledge and Relation to the Father and the Son so if you fall from that Doctrine you will fall from God himself to whom by Christ you are reconciled But if you abide in Christ's Doctrine you will continue your Relation to the Father and the Son 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this Doctrine receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed 11. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds 10 11. As for those Hereticks and Apostates that deny the Gospel or any Essential Part of Christianity shew them no encouraging Countenance Familiarity or Communion otherwise you will be guilty as Partners in their sin 12. Having many things to write unto you I would not write with paper and ink but I trust to come unto you and speak face to face that our joy may be full 13. The children of thy elect sister greet thee Amen 12 13. Note 1. Presence maketh
in their foreheads signifieth their open Profession of Fidelity to the Father and the Son and God's gracious noting them for his own And it helps us to expound what the mark of the Beast was even some open signal obliging Profession of Idol Worship 2. And I heard a voice from heaven as the voice of many waters and as the voice of a great thunder and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps 3. And they sung as it were a new song before the throne and before the four beasts and the elders and no man could learn that song but the hundred and fourty and four thousand which were redeemed from the earth 2 3. The voice of many Waters signified the multituâ—â— of Converts that by the Gospel were gathered to this Church on Mount Sion who praised God with the 〈◊〉 of Harps or joyful Psalmody And it was new Psalms of Praise for Man's Redemption and the Grace of Christ which they sung as before God and the Cherubims and the holy Church which none of the Jews were fit to sing save the foresaid chosen saved number 4. These are they which were not defiled with women for they are virgins these are they which follow the Lamb whither soever he goeth these were redeemed from among men being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5. And in their mouth was found no guile for they are without fault before the throne of God 4 5. The Vision being of those in Heaven as the Precedents of the Christian Church at Jerusalem that should afterward succeed them they were the first-fruits of the Apostles Ministry described Act. 1. 2. 3. 4. who were eminent in Purity and Love free from Idolatry and Fornication as a People chosen out of the Jewish Nation unto Christ and as they were holy on Earth they are faultless and perfect now in Heaven 6. And I saw another angel flie in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and to every nation and kindred and tongue and people 6. Whether the midst of Heaven have the Mystical senses that divers give or be only sent from Heaven to Earth I know not Some say it is called the Everlasting Gospel because it was decreed from everlasting some because it dureth to everlasting or tendeth to life everlasting By the Gospel some understand only the glad tydings of the Fall of the Roman Empire some the Doctrine of Reformation and tydings of the Fall of Popery and some the common Doctrine of Salvation by Christ as it was now more freely and universally to be published to the Gentile World 7. Saying with a loud voice Fear God and give glory to him for the hour of his judgment is come and worship him that made heaven and earth and the sea and the fountains of waters 7. Away with your Idols that are no Gods and turn to and fear the true and living God who made Heaven and Earth For the time is come that he will judge and destroy Idolaters Other expositions I omit 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 fornification 8. Another part of my vision was another Angel c. implying a further revelation to me Whether it signifie also another sort of Preachers on Earth and who as some say the Albigenses and Waldenses or Luther Zuinglius or Illyricas and his century writers let them tell that know Babylon is here described and more fully after to be that great City that drew all nations unto Idolatry whether this were Rome as Heathen or Rome as Papal or Rome as containing both see my Advertisement 9. And the third angel followed them saying with a loud voice If any man worship the beast and his image and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand 10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels and in the presence of the Lamb 9 10. Those that partake of the sins of Idolatrous Babylon or Rome shall partake of her plagues and the Judgment that overthroweth her shall extend to all her companions in Idolatry and also the punishment in the life to come And Christ and his Angels will execute and behold it as just and good Some to save their charity say that damnation is not denounced to all that only have the Name of the beast or the Number but only to them that receive his Mark as his slaves and worship him and his Image But I think receiving his Name and its Number is included in receiving the Mark. But all my be pardoned to the penitent believers Whether this Angel be Luther Chemnitius Whittaker and such others I leave to the proof of the affirmers It s enough to me that this additional revelation and punishment is notified to John as by another Angel Though many think that only temporal punishment is here meant doubtless the same sin deserveth more 11. And the smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever And they have no rest day nor night who worship the beast and his image and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name 11. Though temporal calamity be here included this seems plainly to mean Hell And the Mark of his Name is here made equal to His Mark verse 9. O the restless misery that is prepared for the impenitent 12. Here is the patience of the saints here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus 12. This misery of impenitent Idolaters and Enemies of Christ will shew the World how wise and happy the Saints were that by patient suffering did overcome and kept to the end the Commands of God and the Faith of Jesus Faith Obedience and Patience are all necessary to Salvation 13. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me Write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them 13. Though it be always happy to be at Rest with Christ the sufferings of those times will be so great as will make it seem a sesonable blessedness to go to that Rest where they shall no more labour or suffer but receive the fruit of their labours and work performed for Christ on Earth Some make this to be but a promise of after-freedom from Persecution here The Text proveth a Blessedness for separated Souls before the Resurrection For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 henceforth signifieth from this time forward The Socinians therefore abuse the Text that make the Blessedness to be but Resting in a state of death till the Resurrection For life with God's service and acceptance in a time of Persecution is a
neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away 4. If they be in the right who expound this of a Thousand Years freedom from Persecutions and all Sorrows on Earth in a New Jerusalem I am sure it will be a more joyful time when it shall be performed in the propersense of the words after the general resurrection And I see no probability that the promise of no more death and the rest that follow should be meant of any earthly state before that time The new Jerusalem and the new Heaven and Earth must be at once expected and that is when all these things are dissolved by fire at the judgment of the great day O desirable blessed day 5. And he that sat upon the throne said Behold I make all things new And he said unto me Write for these words are true and faithful 5. It is true that at Constantines delivering the Church there was as it were a New World And I am in hope yet that there may be such a Reformation and advancement of Piety and Unity before the last day as may be called a New World in a fuller sense But not up to this description of the New Jerusalem 6. And he said unto me It is done I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end I will give unto him that is a athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely 6. Say some I am he that hath thus delivered the Church from Idolaters and persecutors and now all that will shall have the blessed priviledges of the Church Rather I have prepared the Church for the state of Blessedness and I that an the principal efficient and ultimate end of all will give life everlasting in the new Jerusalem to every believing thirsty Soul 7. He that overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my son 7. He that overcometh Temptation to the end shall as my son inherit full felicity in me who will be his God 8. But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death 8. But those that being cowardly forsake me for fear of suffering and trust not me and those that live in filthiness and cruelty and unrighteousness and Idolatry and all false deceivers shall be damned 9. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues and talked with me saying Come hither I will shew thee the bride the lambs wife 9. By the Bride is meant the new Jerusalem that is say some the delivered Church in Constantines time and after 2. Say others the reformed Church at the Fall of Popery 3. Say others a prosperous time before the thousand years 4. Say others the Jews conversion in great splendor at Jerusalem 5. Say others Christs visible reign with the martyrs and others raised from death a thousand years before the rest 6. Rather the new Heaven and Earth after the last judgment when the flaming sword and partition wall shall be taken down and God dwell with man 10. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain and shewed me the great City the Holy Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God 10. Say some the Church as here advanced to purity and liberty by the heavenly power Rather the Souls that were with Christ coming with him to meet those that shall be then alive and changed advanced to that perfection in which they shall for ever be glorified with the Lord. Though some glympse of this may be in happy reformation concord and deliverance here before 11. Having the glory of God and her light was like unto a stone most precious even like a jasper stone clear as crystall 11. It s Glory and strength was represented to me as made of Jasper clear as Crystall Gods own Glory shineing out 12. And had a wall great and high and had twelve gates and at the gates twelve angels and names written thereon which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel 12. John being a Jew and the Jews the first Christians who had commonly an expectation of Christs more special relation to them than to others and they being the first specimen of the Catholick Church the Revelation of the new Jerusalem and perhaps also of some antecedent happy state is represented as shaped to the Jews expectations and as typified by the old Jerusalem And its wall is its strength and safety and separation from others Its gates are for entrance and the guardian Angels numbered according to the twelve tribes as were the Apostles who yet founded all the Churches 13. On the east three gates on the north three gates on the south three gates and on the west three gates 13. Note Not that this must be thought the shape of it but that its glory was represented by such a shape 14. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 14. As the Church on earth is founded by the doctrine and witness of the twelve Apostles so is the new Jerusalem described as related to them it being but the Church militant perfected and made triumphant 15. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city and the gates thereof and the wall thereof 16. And the city lieth four-square and the length is as large as the breadth and he measured the city with the reed twelve thousand furlongs the length and the breadth and the height of it are equall 15 16. By this representation like that in Ezekiel the firmness and perfection and greatness of the new Jerusalem was signified 17. And he measured the wall thereof an hundred and forty and four cubits according to the measure of a man that is of the angel 17. The Angel appearing as a man his measure is taken as a common humane measure 18. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper and the city was pure gold like unto clear glass 19. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones The first foundation was jasper the second saphire the third a chalcedony the fourth an emerald 20. The fifth sardonix the sixth sardius the seventh chrysolite the eighth beryl the ninth a topaz the tenth a chrysophrasus the eleventh a jacinth the twelfth an amethyst 18 19 20. That the new Jerusalem is represented by these precious stones as firm precious lucid and glorious and by the number of twelve as suited to the twelve Apostles and so in them to the twelve Tribes of Israel as typical of the new Jerusalem is all that I understand of this what each precious stone distinctly signifieth you may read in them that know or