145. c. And this Kingdome of Christ the second Adam is handled in 1 Cor. 15. Ebr. 2. Eph. 1.22 from Ps 8. Namely That the Son eternall should rule as the mediator of his Church till all things be restored but then his Kingdome shall be delivered up when the last enemies death Sathan are perfectly subdued and destroyed Then all the elect which have been called justified and adopted in Christ by the word of his kingdome by the work of his spirit shall be presented unto the father and all prophesying and all other new victory sweet helps of our edification in the body of Christ shall cease for then shall be the fullnesse Eph. 4.11.12.13 In Q 4. Heire of all David with great admiration doth handle this in Ps 8. He the second Adam upholds all by the word of his power and this he shewed in Noah when all beasts and Elements obeyed him at the flood and so at the destruction of Sodom Jehovah from Jehovah rained fire and brimstone Gen. 16. and so in the days of Joshuah 10.11 In like sort those noble and excellent descriptions of Christ his person and Office in the three fold Offices of Prophet Preist and King are wonderfull for all sorts of heavenly and terrible Doctrine in Psal 2. Psal 45. Psal 110. Esa 9. Dan. 7. Dan 9. Dan. 10. Daq 12. and that in Apot. 1. may well comprehend the summe of them all but all of them should first be minded as expounding Gen. 3.15 Eph. 1.22.23 Col. 1.14.15 the Epistle to the Ebr. all of it He is the blessed only potentate to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim 6. Apoc 19. Joh 3.35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hands wee must reverence the Heir and beleevingly obey him for Christ is appointed a Prince and a Saviour to give change of minde and forgivenesse of sins This was taught from the beginning that hee should be this horne of Salvation and of this Doctrine there have been prophets to declare it ever since the world began Luke 1.70 Act. 3.21 In Q. 4. From the day of mans fall All the time from the time of mans fall to the restoring of all things by the Messiah is called The World to come and it is subjected to the Messiah Ebr. 2.5 but the restitution of all things is first prophesied in Act. 3.21 In Q. and Answ 5. Satan brought man n. 1. Man was ever the object of Satans harred and as Christ was man of the seed of the deceived woman and appointed to combate with Sathan for mans Redemption so Christ was the object of Sathans most deadly hatred but such was the perfection of his obedience under his greatest enmity that hee spoiled principalities and powers even in his death on the crosse Col 2.15 and this comfort also belongs to all the persecuted Saints that this great Red Dragon is chained Apoc. 20. and shall shortly be utterly troden under our feet Rom. 16. In Q. 5. Christ the second Adam Christ destroyeth Sathans workes not only in us but from without us and this is â—n unchangeable truth in all those that are called according to Gods purpose Joh. 13.1 Christ is the restorer of all things in him wee have all things that appertaine to life and godlinesse he is the Corner stone that couples all the building and there is no other name under Heaven whereby we can be saved Act. 4 None but Christ as blessed Lambard said Him hath God the Father sealed Joh. 6.27 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to all the Israel of God and forgivenesse of sins And this is a sure rule from the beginning He that beleeveth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that beleeveth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Joh. 3â—36 so then cursed was he that said Si illa illa colantur neque esse noxium si inter Gentilium aras Dei Ecclesiam quis transiens utraque vâ—nercâ—ur and little better are the Atheisticall moderators of our dayes 1631.1632.1633 1634.1635.1636.1637 In Q. 5. And Adoption And now little Children abide in him the second Adam that when he shall appear we may have boldnesse and not be ashamed before him at his coming 1 Joh. 2. By him wee have adoption Joh. 1.12 and his spirit doth enable us to cry Abba Father mark these scriptures Ebr. 4.14.15 16. Rom. 8.15 Eph. 2.18 Rom. 5.1 2. In Q 5. N. 11. Christ the second Adam Now Sathan the old Serpent spirituall weaknesses and the God of this world doth by Gods just judgement make war against us about super-celestiall things and wrastleth cunningly to hold us still in our most miserable estare of blindnesse imprisonment and bondage but by the power of the second Adam and by the word of his Grace we are set free and such as are blinde do receive their sight and by his grace we are made able to stand resist and overcome his Grace is in us and over us and the Apostle of the Gentiles salutes them all thus The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen Esa 42.6.7 Esa 49.9 Ephes 6.1 Ioh. 2 Rom 7. Esa 45. 24. In Q. 5. The life of holinesse In him was life and the life was the light of men Ioh 1. Ioh 8.12 The second Adam saith I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walke in darkenesse but shall have the light of life his Law restoreth the soule Psal 19 Ps 23. Ephes 2.1 Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10.1 Coâ— 15.49 Esa 11 9.1 Ioh. 1. Ioh. 2 4. He is the true Shepherd and Bishop of our Soules In Q 5. N. 3. Christ the second Adam The appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ as it was promised hath brought life and immortality through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. Marthas and our Lords conference was heavenly the shewes that she expected life and immortality through him Ioh. 11.21 and 1 Cor. 15.1 Thess 4. And Iohs faith for this point is worthy of all consideration Ioh 19. Ps 46.15 Ps 17.15 Sin reigns to death through the first Adam but grace reigns through Righteousnesse or freedome to eternall life through Christ the second Adam Râ—m 5. The comparisons of the first and second Adam are most sweet in Rom. 5. and 1 Cor. 15. Secondly Consider further how our Lord doth sustaine us in this our pilgrimage he is said to hold our soules in life in him wee live he is our life and the lenghth of our dayes he provides and gives meanes of life meat to eat and cloathes to put on he is our preserver in all places and at all times he speaks to diseases to come and to go and when hee pleaseth to withold his preservation wee languish and dye the Godly have the feeling and knowledge of all this they finde they have their life from Jesus as from
Popes rising to his Antichristian Hierarchy is first described compare with the seven Phials in chapter 16. under which the Antichristian Hierarchy doth fall is consumed by degrees p 261 Vnlearned Schollers that affected Superiority in the severall Centuries after Constantines time turned all to ambition and heresie and polititians to prophanesse p 262 There shall be persecution from the seed of the Serpent in one place or other as long as the Church remaineth in this world notwithstanding all that is alledged for Christs glorious personal reign here on earth p 266 None of the Phials is poured on the Turks Tyranicall Kingdome p 267 Chap. 19. The dead bones in Ezek 47. must not be understood of the Jewes câ—ling after our Times But onely of their return from Babel p 2â—7 The calling of the Jewes yet to come shall be in all places of their dispersion â—269 The Jewes do hope for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and do pray daily for their return to Canaan and many Christians do Judaize with them in teaching their return thither and to be a glorious Church there again p 269 Chap. 20. Of the two sticks in Ezek. 37. in confutation of them that say It is not yet fulfilled that Ephraim was joyâ—ed to Judah in the return from Babylon p 271 178 Also some observations on Zach. 2. Zach 8. Zach 9 10 11. chapters p 271 Chap 21. Of the Jewes calling that Zach 12 13 14. chapters cannot be applied to the Jewes calling yet to come as many Ministers dâ— too unadvisedly teach p 284 Chap 22. Expounding Zach 12.10 11 12 13 14. verses The subservient Typicall Covenants of works after some time was made such an Idol of Justification by the Jewes that it made them despise Messias the King and his justification p 288 Chap 23. Expounding Zach 12.19 11 12 13 14. with Zach 14.10.11 c. p 291 Chap 24. Gog and Magog in Ezek 38. Ezek 29. must be taken properly but God and Magog in Apoc. 20. must be taken in a mysticall sense p 294 179 Corporation-speeches must be marked for the right accommodation of the true sense of the blessed Scriptures p 298 Chap. 25. Some Observations on Jeremiâ—h 30 31 32 33 chapters p 299 Chap. 26. That the Covenant of grace made with Israel in Dan. 29. is the same that God made with Israel in Exod 20 and the one is no more a Covenant of works than the other p 301 Chap. 27. Short Collections out of Genesis Job and some part of Exodus shewing that the Gospel was taught among the faithfull before Moses wrote the same 304 alias misprinted 296 The Sabbath was a sign of Sanctification to them by the death of Christ p 304 alias 297 296 In Moses and the Prophets holy Convocations are called the presence of God p 298 alias 305 p 36 Chap. 28. Of Divine Tradition p 302 From the Creation till Israels coming from Egypt or from the promise of Christ in Gen. 3.15 till the Passeover in Egypt is 2513 years in which space of time the Church had not the written word but was taught by Tradition Chap. 29. Being an answer to them that say that the polity of Christ given to Moses was not a Covenant of grace p 306 Chap. 30. Shewing that Israel under Moses Law were under a covenant of grace p 313 Finis operis intends all that live under the visible Church as once all the world had a being under the Church in Adams dayes and under Sem none are excluded from being under the Covenant of grace to outward apprehension though finis operantis is for the elect as Moses speech shews in Deuth 29.29 p. 314 Divers brief Arguments to prove the Jews under Moses Law were under a covenant of grace p. 315 Chap. 31. A Prosopopeia of Solomons fall by granting liberty of conscience to his idolatrous Wives p. 316 Chap. 32. Brief Considerations about Sheol Gehenna and especially about Hades as it relates to the Article of the Creed he descended into hell p 328 Chap. 33. Of the phrase of Abrahams Bosome p 335 Faithful Factors need not fear to be called home from forreign parts so when the good servants were called to give an account for their trading by the Talents they feared not p 336 Comforts to the godly against the fear of death p 336 337 Chap. 34. Some propositions and expostulations concerning the true nature of Christs sufferings p 338 Job doth tell us that it is not good to defend Gods cause with an Error pretending Religion p 339 The second Adam had power over his affections more then ever the first Adam had in his Innocency for he had power to trouble himself with grief and sorrow which Adam in innocency had not p 340 Christ in his sufferings was not under Gods vindicative wrath for one minute of an hour p 840 341 The assertion That our Lord suffered Hell torments in this life in his soul or in his body appeareth not true by any Scripture p 341 In Heb 9 14 15. Christ offered himself by his eternall Spirit c. That by means of death for Redemption c. This death cannot be expounded of the second death because it is compared with the bodily death of such as do thereby confirm their Testaments p 341 A just reproof of them that affirm That Christ in his sufferings did combate hand to hand with his angry Father p 343 Chap 35. Observations upon that distinction which some make between a locall and a poenall Hell which Poenall Hell some say Christ suffered p. 345 Some say Christ suffered a poenall Hell out of a locall Hell they say Locall Hell is but a circumstance they may as well say That the glorious place of heaven is but a circumstance and so in this sense all created things in respect of God are but circumstances p 345 Our old English Saxon word Hell doth not answer to Hades but to Gehenna Hell which our Ecclesiasticks must cleer p 346 Christ underwent a poenall Hades in this world but not a poenall Gehenna p 346 Chap 36. Observations on the second death which some say Christ suffered p 347 When Christ was in his sad Agony in the Garden there was an Angel from heaven to strengthen him which doth evidence that he was not then under the second death for if he had then it had been impossible for an Angel or for all the Angels in heaven to strengthen him p 348 If Christ had suffered the second death which is indeed the Effect of the Essentiall wrath of God he could not have said My God my my God why dost thou leave me And Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit c. p 348 When did our Lord suffer the second death was it before his bodily death We know by divine Revelation that the second death is after the first or else if we by our wit and learning will affirm the contrary we shall destroy Gods order p 348 The Doctrine
Floud Gen. 26.5 Answ Sem Arphaxad Selah Heber Peleg and the rest of the godly Fathers and their faithfull posterity to the dayes of Terah and Abraham QUest 5. Was there any that contemned and apostated from the God of Shem and his true religion Answ Yea Cham and Chanaan and Nimrod the grandchild of Cham drew away many of the sons of the open or visible Church to despise Christ in Shem sirnamed Melchisedeck who was ordained over them King and Preist who governed in Justice and peace so that there was a great apostacie of Sems own families Japheths and Chams QUest 6. Shew further how this apostacy went on Answ The outward glory of the false church was so great that some of the Fathers of the holy line as Terah and Abraham fell to the idolatry of Nimrods Kingdome Jos 24. But they being called repented Gen. 11. QUest 7. How did Christ break and bruise the seed of the serpent for their enmity and wickednesse that would not bave him to reigne over them Answ I. With his unspeakable severe judgements for even those families for despising the faith were excommunicated and cut off both Father and child from being of the houshold of God by the confusion * So Judah for despising the faith were plagued by a Nation of a strange tongue Deut. 28 49. so the world by the man of sin 1 Cor. 14. mind seriously Jer 44 26. of tongues and so were No-people and foolish Nations by being estranged from the life justice and peace of God in Christ that they did not hear nor see the light of his truth for two thousand years but followed Divells the Prince of the darkness of this world in endlesse and lawlesse Idolatries and of all the miseries that befell them they in speciall lost the Sabbath which would have kept them in the faith of the creation and redemption And let this sinke into the hearts of all men that all men ever were and will be Atheists or Idolaters that Christ speaks not to in their owne language by his holy law and to this answer ever seriously minde 2 Joh v 9. II. From these dayes the wrath of God was revealed from Heaven against them for their ungodlinesse and unrighteousnesse by wars and commotions and suffered them to walke in their own wayes by giving them up to a regardlesse mind and to the power of grosse darknesse and wilfull ignorance and to their hearts lusts and vile affections c. c. QUest 8. What benefit had the godly in Sems Tents and house by cleaving to the faith of Gods Elect Answ Through faith they obtained good report with God and confessed that they were pilgrims and strangers in this cursed world wherefore God was not ashamed of them to be called their God and accounted that the world was not worthy of them And as he promised builded and prepared so they hoped for an heavenly City and Country And Sems Tents had this glory that all the while that those families were cut off the hidden mystery of godlinesse was carefully kept in his Tents and house and the Hebrew Tongue also as all the old Testament doth witnesse QUest 9. Then the Prerogative of Sems Tents did not alwaies continue Answ No When the God of Shem tooke mans nature of the seed of the woman and gave his life a Ransome not for the Hebrewes or Jewes only but for the Heathens also Then that he might raigne and judge the world in righteousnesse he turned the curse of tongues to preach to and perswade all those families to obey the same faith from which their forefathers had apostated even to the Religion of Shems Tents QUest 10. How and to whom was the Revelation of the mystery of Christ continued to be revealed after the blessing to Sem Answ In the promise to Abraham that Christ should come of him according to the flesh QUest 11. How many yeares are from the floud to the promise made to Abraham Answ Foure hundred twenty seven yeares and so from the promise to our first Parents whom the Serpent murdered unto the promise to Abram given presently upon the death of Terah whose faith the Serpent corrupted to flames of Idolatry are years two thousand eighty three QUest 12. How many Chapters of Genesis are contained in those 2083. yeares Answ The eleven first chapters and also part of the first chapter of 1 Chronicles and also Luke part of chap. 3. Note that all the rest of the holy scriptures doth not containe so many yeares for the writing of them A breife summe of the former Questions and Answers JEhovah our God Jehovah is one the Father the Son and the holy spirit be one coeternall and co-essentiall The Son is called the word by the word the Father made the world and by the spirit beautified the heavens And because the word would become flesh the world was made to serve once Adam the first The Angells that grudged at that fell for ever and deceived Adam and made him dead in sin and brought him to be dayly turning to dust untill hee dyed And for him the whole frame of the creation was pronounced corrupt but after divine Revelation he beleeved that Christ made of a woman made under the Law God being in him to reconcile the world unto himself should give him free forgiveness for justification by faith and renew the inner man in knowledge holinesse and righteousnesse and raise up his body and make a new world by his power Whereby he can subdue all things to himselfe All faithfull travailed in soule to have Christ brought forth to the knowledge of their posterity that all might know that all this world was made obedient to a man at the first which man fell from God his first day and then God opened his counsell that the Son eternall would be made man of a woman to destroy the works of the Angells that fell who all are collectively Satan Satan brought Adam to loose the life of his soule and his body to death and dust and all this world to corruption Christ kindled light in Adams soule and after 930 years heavinesse for sin took it to his joy and will raise up his body and make a new world that all men who will receive the abundance of Grace of free forgivenesse for justification may reigne by Christ and all who will not regard this mercy so clear as the sun they all by Adams fall dead in sin shall be damned for ever with the Devills This is the travell of the christian minde speech of this full of joy is in all the books of the old and new Testament Or thus The summ of the Bible is short how of Gods eternall counsell the world was made for man because the son of God by whom he made the world would be a man to give life to them that rested in this wisdome *** All this dialogue will evidence this or doth desire so to do * The faith of Gods elect in
passeover of the Lord your God according to all that is in the book of the Covenant 2 Kings 23. Kings should so speak to their subjects if they have any portion in the Covenant Ibid. With holy judgement and faith We must discern by faith as Habel Heb. 11.4 The Lords body crucified and the bloud of the covenant shed opus operatum is not enough It is the Lords seal of the forgiveness of sins Alaâ—le alass for want of sound reaching in the most of our assemblies Ibid. To stay us in Christ c. Not only for increase of faith concerning our effectual calling justification adoption and redemption and for nourishment and strength to walk in the waies of holyness and righteousness being made comformable to his image renewed in us c. but for supporting us in the daies of trial and affliction which in this seal is represented by the sufferings of our Lord to whom we also must be conformable in sufferings to take up our cross daily As it is the cup of gladness of salvation so it is the cup yea of bloudy sufferings if our heavenly Father will put it into our hands N. 4. which figured his body and bloud The Pope and his corporation corrupted from the plainesse that is in Christ making an Altar Priest and Sacrifice have missed wholly of the truth in Christ By that blasphemous idol of his masse and other inventions they have abolished the remembrance of the death and sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord in the holy seal of the covenant Ibid. Bread and wine by Seal of things without life by Bread broken and bloud of the grape by the term Supper the whole tenor of Christianity is meant Apocal. 19.9 But the acceptation of the Seal is an open action to distinguish us more then baptism doth from others The King of Locusts and his Locusts are fatal enemies to this seal of the Covenant in their idolatrous Nothing of their Sacrament of the Altar setting forth Christ both unbroken and unbloudy which cannot represent nor seal Christ for reconciliation remission of sins or nourishment As the Ordinance of Christ is blessed and shall be â—â—lessed to the day of his comming so this abominable corruption is cursed and shall be accursed of all that love our Lord Jesus Christ to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen As in the Ordinance of the Passeover the Angel of the Covenant did execute judgements on the Gods of old Egypt so where this Ordinance of the Lords Supper is truly administred the idolatry of the breaden gods of Rome-Egypt are demolished Ibid. To be in Covenant speech his body and bloud a seal of most high matters is most highly to be esteemed But none without Athean madnesse will say The Seal is the King the Kings authority it should have to be as himself but none of wit orgrace would make it the King himself All wise know proper speech and civil The Gospel thrice and St. Paul 1 Cor. 11. tell that Iesus gave bread and wine and that the disciples are and drank what he gave that no miracle was here but the native manner of a Covenant Eye-sight is Gods testimony by creation Law and allowed ever even in the seal of the Covenant which may contain no matter litigious And if the Apostles or Greck Fathers had said the bread and wine were altered from their taste and nature for so much the heathen would have sworn the world never bare wickeder Magicians nor worthier of death by Mases Law which Christ gave as eternal God and came as man to be judged of man how he did perform all so that the native power of reason which he planted in all souls for sense of eye sight taste feeling smelling and hearing of words should judg of him that he performed all justice to plain capacity of all nations and required none to believe further then Logick common to every man would require assent or tell of open Rebellion against the truth Transubstantiation a monstrous term for a monstrous matter Mr. Brou in Apocal. At the figure of the Star * according to the words and commandments Though it be but a mans Testament yet if it be confirmed no man disannulleth or addeth thereto Gal. 3.15 Heb. 9.15 16 17. neither altereth the Legacies nor addeth others nor taketh away nor maketh other Executors or Overseers c. Men must not be Rectifters of Christs Testament which is confirmed by the death and bloud as in his type Exod. 24 Of him the Testatour And the seals bind us all to look to the holy evidences Men may as well pull away the seals as falsifie the plain truth in the writings They bind us to observe whatsoever Christ hath commanded as circumcision did Israel Exod 12. Gal 3 5 the angel of the pit and his pit-bred creatures corrupt the evidences and utterly pull off one of the seals they are great impostors Quest 7. and Answ Martyrs and confessours of all Nations Us heathens were from Noahs dayes Loruchamab and Loammiâ— Deut 32.21 and so the ten Tribes Hos 1 but both in Christ Ruchamah and Ammi so that now many come from the East and West Isa 49. to be blessed with faithfull Abraham and to sit down with him and Isaac and Iacob and all the Prophets in the Kingdome of heaven no sitting there unlesse of Abrahams faith without shall be liars mark the terms of the Covenant I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob This is my memoriall to all generations that is to all of their faith whether Jew or Gentile else they are protested against not to be of Abrahams Gal. 3.7 8. John 8.39.40 41. c. and have been and shall be broken off Rom. 11.17 and cast out Gal. 4.30 At the mark of the †Then to him was given Kingdome power and glory See how our Lord commenteth on Daniel chap. 2. and 7. All power saith he is given to me in heaven and in earth therefore go and disciple all Nations c Mat. 28. Quest 8. and Answ 1. But what was taught in Sems Tents The Scriptures of the Prophets the faith of the Nations Rom. 1.2 and 16.26 The same faith and Covenant although the outward administration did differ How glorious is the Scriptures consent The Saints from the beginning to the ending have one and the same God and Saviour one and the same faith the same hope the same Covenant the same premises Behold how all is administred by one Mediatour from one eternall being who is A. and Ω. confer Gen. 3.15 and 6.18 1 Iohn 1.1 2. c. Exod. 19.5 6. Apoc. 21.3 2 Cor. 6.16 Exod. 29.45 Ios 1.3 Heb. 13.5 Ibid. Who went from Jerusalem Sems tents The faith of Gods elect came to us from Ierusalem Sems tents not from Rome Babylon with babbling language as the Locusts prate see Isa 2 1 2 3 4. Micah 4. Luke 24.47 The heavenly Ierusalem began to be built in the earthly Acts 1.2 And
Tradition in reference to the last mentioned short Oâ—seâ—vations 1. Although the Church was taught by Tradition for 2513 years From the creation to Israels coming from Egypt is 2513 years yet the written word was no other Doctrine thâ—n was formerly taught by Tradition for all Genesis and much of Exodus was first delivered by Tradition till Moses wrote Genesis 2. The Eplstles to the Romans and Galatians open Gen. 12. 15. So John 1. and 1 John 3.8 open Gen. 3.15 So the Apostles Doctrine and writings are answerable to Gods Doctrine by Tradition for those 2513 years Ezek. 28. 3. That which Moses received by Tradition since Adam or by inspiration or both till he was 80 years old was no other than Christ gave him on Mount Sinâ—i which he wrote when he was shepherd to Israel 40 years So it is said by faith Abel offered by faith Araham when he was tried offered Isaac and by faith Moses kept the Paâ—leover and this holy faith hath commendation for all the godly of the old Testament Heb. 11. And the same faith we of Japhets house are exhorted to follow that Christ may be to our consolation to day as he was to them yesterday 4. And for that 2513 years wherein Religion was taught by Tradition Gods providence so ordered the affairs of his Church that while the families that hoped in Christ were few there were as is noted rate prophets long-lived and of great authority who although the Gospel was not written for ought we know till Moses times were most able to strengthen the faithfull of their times 5. The men that continued the Gospel by infallible Tradition from the creation to the giving of the Law are the first ten Fathers afore the flood Nine of them living together were a noble consistory to uphold the faith so shaken by the Apostasie of their own children and the wicked families of Cain 6. Then after the flood there were nine Fathers also of the holy line that lived together worthy Pillars against Niâ—rods revoâ—t these nine were Noah Sem Arphaxad Selah Eber Peleg Regu Serug Naho and so Sem Arphaxad Selaâ— Eber might and did instruct Abraham Sem Selah Eber and Abraham might and did teach Isaac Abraham Isaac and Eber taught Jacob Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs who left many godly that lived to Moses Moses Parents were godly Heb. 11. There was but 64 years between Josephs death and Moses birth 7. More briefly thus Adam taught the Gospel to Mathuselah and godly Lamech they two to Noah and Sem Sem taught Isaac Abraham and Isaac taught Jacob and Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs and they in Egypt held Religion sound while they lived and Joseph lived after Jacobs death 50 years and Levi 70 years after and there was 42 years between Levies death and Moses birth 8. The wisdome of God is admirable in the long life of the few families of the old holy men to preserve the faith by Tradition that Sem who lived with godly Lamech and Machuselah who saw Adam taught the Gospel to Isaac These four men Adam Lamech Sem Isaac could reckon years above 2000 but when mens ages were divers times shortened and at lâ—st brought to 70 years Psal 90. and when the Church of God consisted of many families and that the purity of Religion was forgotten and neglected after the death of the said Patriarchs of the most in Egypt for Israel in Egypt fell to the idols and Religion of Egypt then God commanded Moses in the wildernesse to write the word of faith and ever after it was the Standard and Cannon of faith and manners as all the Prophets after and our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles kept themselves to the written word and to this all the Israel of God is enjoined To the Law and to the Testimony saith Esaias Starch the Sâ—â—iptuâ—es saith the Lord Jesus Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you in all wisdome saith the Apostle of the Gentiles c. c This word of Christ is the holy Scripture and it teacheth us wisdome to salvation 2 Tim. 3. we are exhorted to give heed to the old Prophesie 2. Pet. 1. and thrice blessed are they that with an honest and good heart so do 9. All the Patriarchs were Bishops for their families 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 using all care to teach theirs from their Fathers speech what Sem i. e. Melchizedeck learned of Mathuselah taught of Adam of the holy Trinity and how our Lord should come of Judah the King of glory the eternall the framer of the world of that poor shepherd to be man to have his Tabernacle in us to look through the windows within our wall and also how Christ by death should vanquish him that had the power of death they did know that he should come down from heaven and did feed upon his flesh and blood comforted in sorrow by this hope they would not misse to catechise their sons in this point as Joseph gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed his brethren Gen. 47 12. so all godly gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed their families souls In one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 never used afore but in Josephs story with the Septuagint Our Lord his gracious tongue calleth us to the Patriarchs story Luke 12.42 compared with Gen. 47.12 to look to the Kingdome of heaven not to the earth which God hath cursed so Mr. Br. in Lords Fam. Luke 12 42. 10. Observe a little more concerning Tradition in those 26. Collections above that we should consider that the Spirit of Christ in the holy Prophets by Tradition and in the Law written by Moses is like it self one and the same Doctrine and all for the glorifying of Christ as it is said The spirit of Prophesie is the Testimonie of Jesus He is the mark of all Apoc. 19. Let us consider briefly for the new Testament therein also God took the same course though not for so long a time by Tradition I conceive it is a good instruction for us to strengthen us against the false Positions of Romane Catholicks concerning their unwritten verities for we shall easily perceive God to be without shadow of change whether by Tradition or writing 1. The Birth Life and Death the Doctrine and Miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ were by Tradition till the four Evangelists had written them but when written then it was the rule of our faith John 20.30 31. 2. The teaching of the Corinâ—hians the Institution of the Supper of the Lord was a Tradition 1 Cor. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the dead to them was by Tradition 1 Cor. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 1 Cor. 15. was the same Doctrine he taught them 4. The Apostles teaching of the Man of sin that Son of Perdition was a Tradition to the Thessalonians 2 Thes 2.5 15. 5. Painfullnesse and diligence in a mans calling was a Tradition 2
second death after the first 5. When and where did the Lord of glory suffer the second death if you prophesy to the going down of the Sun there will be no answer many Ministers will have the Lord to suffer the second death before the first or in and with the first They must exercise their wit but there is no Divine Revelation what to affirme least their imaginary Doctrine be lost 6. We must know and that by Divine Revelation that as there is a first death so there is a second death and that the second death must be after the first or else if we by our wit and learning will affirme the contrary we shall destroy Gods order but no accutenesse of wit or learning shall ever be able to doe that what shall mans subtill wit nullifie the order of nature of first and second and the order of Divine Revelation which sheweth that the first death is in this world and the second death in the world to come The Spirit of Christ said by Iohn He that overcometh namely that overcometh the will of Tyrants by suffering the first death for the truth shall nor be hurt of the second death Apoc. 2.11 Lo the second death is after the first and in another world and this doth more fully appear by Apoc. 20.14 and by Apoc. 6.7.8 which placles doe shew first the place of punishment secondly the punishment it feâ—se thirdly the time when fourthly the company that shall he there heaped together first the place expressed is the lake secondly the punishment everlasting paine in fire and brimstone thirdly the time is at the last and great day of account when the Books shall be opened fourthly the company is the Devill the Beast the false Prophet the fearfull the un-beleiving the abominable and murtherers and whore-mungers and sorcerers and idolaters and all lyars c. of which second death the Lord Jesus the holy one of God under-went to part Therefore that Doctrine that saith so must be reprobated with the Reprobates 7. The primitive Churches were admonished to take heed of running after Fables and reformed Churches have as much need to look about themâ—men yea Schollers yea Ecclesiasticks are as subject now to fables and heresies as ever it hath been observed that Ecclesiasticks have ever been the Founders of fables errors and heresies The Apostle gave warning of this to the Bishops of the Churches and tells them that of themselves men should arise speaking perverse things to draw Disciples after them Act. 20. 8. Some have not traversed these pathes as they should because they have been so long instituted and catechised in the Doctrine of Hell-Torments and that Christ the holy one of God was a sinner yea the vilest of sinners and when they are by modest arguing put out of their beaten track they run wild and utter sesquipedalia verba on their breathren that have and do desire that they and their Children should walke with God in soundnesse of judgement and in a godly and sober conversation 9. Let it be further considered that the first death hath foure parts first the death of the soul in sin secondly the death of the body by sicknesse thirdly the seperation of the soul from the body fourthly the putrifaction of the body First the death of the soul is thus expressed dead in Trespasses and Sins Eph. 2.1.5 and so the Gospell is said to be preached to the dead in Sin 1. Pet. 4.6 Secondly the death of the body is effected by fire water sicknesse c. Thirdly the body being dead then the soul departs to the world of souls untill the day of the Resurrection Fourthly the putrification of the body is evident by constant experience The first part of this death namely the death of the soul in Sin could not betide the Lord Jesus because of his ineffable conception in the sanctified womb The second part the Lord Jesus under-went when he gave himselfe a Ransome for the many when he was put to death as a Malefactor on the Tree Thirdly his seperated soul went from his dead body to the world of souls to the happy part of Hades to Paradise to Heaven The fourth part of this first death the Lord did not undergoe his body saw no corruption Act 2. 10. Now as no man may say that Christ was spiritually dead in Trespasses and Sins so neither must they say that he under went the second death none ever under-went the latter that had not first undergone the former 11. I will cite two or three godly Authors that expound the second death First Mr. Ainsworth speaketh thus on the signification of the word death in Gen. â— 17 Finally death is the everlasting perdition of soul and body in Gehenna from the presence of the Lord and called the second death in Apoc. 2. 20. 21. Mat. 10.28 Mat. 9. he saith Hel but Gehenna is in the Text he citeth therefore I dare be bold to put Gehenna for it see his Notes on Ps 16. and see his communion of Saints last page Secondly Trelcatius saith that by second death is meant Eternall death Thirdly Master Perkins in Gal. 3. speaking of the parts of the second death saith the second degree is an absolute seperation from God but saith he into this second degree of this death Christ entred not because the Lord saith in the midst of his passion my God my God and saith he this absolute seperation could not be without the dissolution of his personall union Master Perkins was cautelous of going too far in the point of Carists sufferings and yet it seems he would have the Lord to suffer a part of the second death and he makes that part to be in this World and the other part in the World to come and that he suffered the first and second death together or rather some part of the second death be fore the first is this good Divinity is this Doctrine Orthodox 12. Master Perkins also saith in Gal. 3. That whole Christ Man-God God-man was accursed is not this another fearfull speach though with limitation and some retractation as it were in the same breath and yet all that he saith doth not nor cannot expiate the horror of the position 13. Master Perkins also saith further on Gal. 3. The second death is a seperation from Gods favor and speciall love whereby God ceaseth to be their God This is the second death indeed But now let any godly man whether learned or un-learned bethink himselfe whether ever this did befall the humanity of the holy one of God This speach conferred with some other mens doth infer that Christ was not Christ for a time 14. It is affirmed by some that Christ bore our deserved curse for our Redemption But bring this generall position to particulars and then they make a stand as first of the spirituall death in sin secondly touching the corruption of the body after death and some are affraid to say that he suffered any part
for them for their calling to the Gospel All the Hebrew stories of the old Testament go upon the Families of Noahs Sons and Nephewes and on the latter off-springs of Terah It is very necessary for us to mark how the Prophets expresse these families by their wars or by their merchandize or by their calling to the Gospel Esa 11. 66. Ezâ—k 27. 38. c. All these wicked families despising the Tents of Sem a King of Iustice and Peace were cast off by the confusion of Tongues 2000. yea and were Lo-ruchama and Lo ammi not pitied and no people that is nor Gods Church nor people and did no more hear the Gospel till the true King of Iustice and Peace turned that curse of Tongues to a blessing and to gather his Elect from among them Acts 2. Then all those families were blessed in Christ as it was foretold to Abraham Gen. 12.3 Terâ—â— Gen. 11.26 27. Haren Lot Moab-Ruth Of him all the Kings of Judah from Rehoboham Ammon Of him all the Kings of Judah from Rehoboham Milcha Sarai Nahâ—r of Milcha and Reumah Uz Kemuel Hazo Iidlaph Tebah Tahash Buz of him Elibu Chesed Pildath Bethuel Laban Sons Lea Rachal Rebecca Sons Lea Rachal Gaham Maachah Abraham Of Sarah Isaac Esau vide his Geneologie Gen. 36. Jacob of him the twelve Patriarks Of Hagar Ishmael of him twelve Dukedomes in the Land of Chush They drove Chush further into the South Of Keturah Zimran Sheba Dedan Ashurim Letushim Leummim Iokshan Medan Midian Epha Epher Abidah Henoch Eldaah Ishbak Shuach of him Baldad Gen. 12.3 The Apostle opens the blessings in the Epistles to Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi Colosse c. then us Gentiles were Ruchamah pitied and a people Ammi All these Families were scattered East West North and South by the confusion of Tongues for many Generations and followed Divels the Prince of the darknesse of this world but being blessed in Christ by the blessing of Tongues to be of Abrahams faith they came from East West North and South to sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdome of Heaven Matth. 8.11 Luke 14.29 The Posterities of these families shewed the corruption of nature received from parents manifesting it by their Idolatries and hatred against Israel one after another first by Chams house then Sems then Iaphets And unlesse the Lord Jesus Christ had sent to seek them they would never have enquired after him Acts 26.18 Ieremiah and David prayd against these families Psal 79. Ier. 10. Ioktans posterity dwelt in places further remote from Chanaan for seeing they had so many godly Ancestors whom they despised and cared not for the blessing to Sem but followed apostate Nimrod who built Babel which brought a Babylonian confusion over all the world even a scattering from Sems Tents and in this unexpressable Judgment but godly meditated Ioktans Sons were cast furthest off from the means of salvation This should make us have no society in Religion for phrase nor Apparell nor Court with mysticall Babylon the Issue will be scattering The Kings of the Images and Beassts in Dam 2 7 and see Mr. Bro. Preface I. Babel Nebuchadnezar Evil-Morâ—dach Belshazzar When the Golden Head Babel was made dust then the glorious prophesie of the 70 Seavens was brought from Heaven by an Angel Dan 9.24 c. II. Madaâ— and Paâ—as that is the Mâ—des and Persians Darius and Cyrus that sent the Iewes from Captivity Artaaxeâ—xes he hindred the Temple Ezra 4.23 Assuerus Heathen call him Darius Hyâ—taspis the Husband of Esther He hindred the Temple and sought to havâ— slain the Jewes Xerxes the Son of Darius Hystaspis spoken of onely in Dan 11. Darius-Artaxerxes a good King he built the Temple he as the Jewes think was the Son of â—â—ther by Darius Hystaspis he had two names Ezr. 6.14 it should be translated Darius which is artaxerxes so Mr. Bulling in an Epistle to one of his Decads Beroaldus and many good Authors Darius Nâ—thu These three are passed over in Nehemiah Artaxerxes These three are passed over in Nehemiah Ochus These three are passed over in Nehemiah Darius the Peâ—â—an Neb 12. whom Alexander over-came III. The Grecians whole Alexander and his posterity and the whole power of Greâ—ia IV. The Grecians parted the Kings of the North and South South North. Ptol. Lagides Dan 11.5 Seleucus Nicator Amiochus Soter Dan 11.5 Ptol. Philadelphus Dan 11.6 Antiochus Thens Seleuchus Callinicus Dan 11.6 Ptol. Eucrgetes Daâ— 11.7 Antiochus the Great Dan 11.10 Ptol. Philapator Daâ— 11.11 Selencus Philopator Dan 11.20 Ptol. Epiphanes Dan 11.18 Antiochus Epiphanes Dan 11.21 All these Kings were hard iron Legs against the Saints the other Kings after partly Iron and partly Clay the Jewes now had some strength to resist as Zach 9.13 14 15. and 10.6 7. Ptol. Philometor Ptol. Luâ—hurus Ptol. Anlaetes Cleâ—patra Antiochus Eupator Demetrius Soter son to Philip. Demeâ—â—ius Nicator his son Antiochus brother to Nicator Antiochus Gryphus Selencus his son Antiochus Cyzizenus Antiochus his son Antiochus Asiaticus I have not written Antio Sater and Selen Callinicus of the Posterity of them of the North they were not Horns of trouble to the Jewes After all these the Romans ruled CHAP. XXXIX The holy Chronicle sundry wayes expressed and every way agreeing to the same number of years being from the first promise in Gen. 3.15 till our Lords death 3960 years SEe Bro. in Texts of Scripture From the first promise of Christ to restore life upon death brought in by the Serpent to the promise of Christ made to Abraham up on the death of Terah who was the first of our Lords Fathers that the Serpent drew to idolatry are years 2083. The said time of 2083 years is secorded by the particular years of the Fathers in Gen. 5. and Gen. 11. Â From the second promise made to Abraham at the death of Terah Gen. 12. to the Lamb or to the Law of the Passcover Ex. 12 which typifyed Christ the Lamb of God are years 430. From the Lamb to the Temples Foundation 1 Kings 6. A type of the true Temple are years 480. From the foundation of the Temple to the burning of it Ez. 4. or rather to the captivity upon that are years 427. Thence to the end of the Captivity in Babel when Cyruâ— made a Decree of re-edifying the City and Temple 2 Chron. 36. are years full 50. Thence untill the Temple of our Lords body arose the third day are years 490. The whole Summe is 3960. Observe that in this page it is said from the foundation of the Temple to the burning of it is 4227 years but in chap. 44 it is said from the sin of Israel to the burning of the Temple is 390 years which is reckoned from Ezekiel 4. now to this 390. adde the 37 of Salomons Reign and then it is 427. for the foundation of the Temple was laid in the fourth year of Salomon 2. In the said 44. chapter you will find the
and cast their spirits into eternall prison for their unbeleeving disobedient striving against the b Spirit of Christ in his Prophets preaching the Gospel So dangerous it is when people will not be wise * Consider Psal 2. through the whole volume how Christ breaketh the plots counsells c. of the serpents seed and kisse the Sonne The next generall judgment of the world and of wicked and ungodly men shall be by fire God hates c the wicked unbeleevers and hyppocrites in all ages like Devills according to that most constant doctrinall position 2 Joh. 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 QUest 13. How long was it from the first pronouncing of the curse upon the Earth to the open manifection of it by the Floud of waters Answ It was sixteen hundred fifty and six years Some Annotations upon this second Chapter with References to the number of the Questions and Letters of A B C c. In Answer to the first question in expounding Gen. 3.15 This scripture is the Basis of all the Doctrine of Gods Counsell concerning Redemption by Christ this scripture declares the decree of Gods eternall counsell and covenant as it was concluded and agreed on by the holy Trinity for mans Redemption from Satans head-plot Satans plot and purpose was to spoyl man and so consequently to have spoyled and undone the whole work of God in the Creation But this that sets forth an heavy threatning against Satan and the serpent his instrument that one from the seed of the woman should break his headplot and heal that misery which he brought on man and because that should be done a new heaven and a new earth should be made to the praise of Gods counsells which over raught the plot and project of Satan So this scripture containes in it a threatning to the serpent and his seed and a promise to Eve to all her beleeving seed of Christ Beloved Reader concerning this Text and the threatning in it to the terror of the serpent and his seed be pleased to read Mr. Pynchons booke of the meritorious price of mans redemption printed 1655. there you will have plentifull satisfaction but for this little worke I purpose cheifly to enlarge my selfe not as it is a threatning but as it is a promise concerning Christ The refore I will further observe from Gen. 3.15 I. That in this Text The eternall Gospell hid in God before the foundation of the world was now in Paradise manifested even the hid wisdome II. To this first and precious promise the Apostle hath respect when he saith He was made an Apostle of the faith and truth that is for the hope of eternall life which God that cannot lye promised before the times of the world but made his word of promise manifest in due time by the sending of Iesus Christ Tit. 1.1 2 3.2 Tim. 1.9.2 Pet. 1.4 The times of the world are counted by the birth of the first ten Fathers to the flood Thence by ten holy Fathers to the promise to Abraham Thence to the coming from AEgypt Thence to the building of the Temple Thence to the burning of it by Babels King Thence to the end of the captivity in Babel Thence by seventy sevens of yeares to the death of Christ or to the glorious redemption of man by the death of our Lord Jesus Christ III. This comprehendeth the Faith of Gods elect which was once delivered that is first and once for all delivered to the Saints and never after to be changed All other promises of Christ are but commorations and expositions of this The Doctrine of Faith can be but one because there is but one God and one Mediator Eph. 4. Note this phrase againe once delivered but still expounded This is Genus generalissimum And for this faith the Saints of all ages have contended to keep and uphold it against the serpent and his seed as all the Epistle of Iudas Thaddaeus is upon this argument All sins and punishments come on the world for despising this faith and comforts for imbracing 2 Thes 1.8 IV. From this first preaching of Christ till the mystery of God which he hath spoken by his holy Prophets and Apostles be finished wee must mind this constantly that Gods purpose was not to bring man fallen to life by the remains of any naturall abilities there was a Bar that wee should not think of any hope in that Gen. 3. ult But by a new and living way in the second Adam This is a Covenant of Grace not to him that worketh but to him that beleeveth and receiveth the Son of God as Mediator him hath God exalted in holy doctrine from the begining with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give change of mind and forgivenesse of sins to all the Israel of God Acts 3.21 5. 31. Now this new way is very foolishnesse to us naturally therefore wee dream of great excellencies in our corrupt dead stinking graves But we must hear the voice of the Son of God in his owne ordinances Iohn 5. and he must say to us live afore we can have the first Resurrection as we cannot have the second without his powerfull voice Ioh. 5. Isa 2.1 2 3 4 5 6. V. If the first Adam or any of him could helpe themselves what need the Son of God to be promised from the beginning to be a second Adam and to appear to destroy the works of the Devill 1 Joh. 1. and 3. he only knew how and was only able to mannage the whole officâ— of mediation and to performe all righteousnesse according to covenant in his own person without pressing and by his glorious Ordinances effectually to call and unquestionably to justifie and to prepare for glory all them of his mysticall body which the Father gave him Neither Adam nor any of his posterity had such abilities and for any thing they could do they should have born their own iniquities which was such a yoke that neither Patriarch nor Apostle were able to bear change of mind and forgivenesse of sins was ever preached to be by the second Adam Luke 24.47 Be it knowne therefore to all men saith this first promise that through this blessed seed the son of God made man is preached to us the forgivenesse of sins and by him all that beleeve are justified that is made free from the guilt of sin and punishment from which we could not be justified or made free by the Law of Moses Acts 13. The world was 3960 yeares from the Apostasie of the first Adam to the Redemption by the second Adam and who in all that time saved himselfe from death Death reigned over all old and young it is the second Adam that conquered death the reward of originall sin and hee rose againe for the justification or freedome of all Gods Children from sin
and feare of death Oh that selfe conceited and proud iniquity would once stop its mouth for every mouth shall be stopped and all the world shall be subject to the judgement of God Acts 13. and 15. Rom. 4 ult What the Law of works could not do the election hath obtained Rom. 11. VI. Mark that from this first and maine free promise God hath conveyed all comforts of wisdome justification or Freedome Sanctification and Redemption on fallen man and no way else can or ought to be sought after It could never have entred into the heart of man to thinke of this way if God of his rich Grace had not first declared this rich mystery of his will in a free promise how could our first fallen Parents have thought of a Redeemer much lesse of the meanes of obtaining such a Redeemer at the hands of God This mystery was ordained in Gods eternal Council and providence before the foundacion of the world was laid to be revealed upon Adams fall his ways are unsearchable his wisdome mercy power and love is past finding out and doubtlesse our first parents and all their faithfull posterity could but with admiration say the Epitaph not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things that God â—ath prepared for them that love him 1 Coâ— 2. Of him and through him and to him are all things To him be glory for ever Amen Esa 43.25 Esa 48.9 10 11. Rom. 11. Jer. 31.33 Jer. 32.39 Ezek. 36.25.26 VII Christ was promised a Redeemer not only from the guilt and punishment of sin but to make us in himselfe Sons of God even new creatures VIII All outward comforts come by promise in Christ severall godly persons of late years have done well in composing Treatises of the promises IX It is to admiration That Jehovah the eternall God should seeke to enter into a covenant of Grace with fallen man with the slaves of the Devill with enemies and with children of wrath that he should enter into a free promise and Covenant with us to be our God and to make us to be his people See his kindnesse to the polluted infant in Ezek. 16. X. All things are made subject to Christ as the heir of all from the first day of Adams fail but Satan doth labour with all sedulity to withdraw mans Blind heart from the understanding of this doctrine and doth labour to suggest fond imaginations of idolatry superstition bodily exercises and Fables c. to corrupt it and by persecution to hinder it yea to abolish it This is a Doctrine of Faith which no naturall man can attain untill his mind and divine illumination be regenerate and made capable to comprehnd this hid mystery of God in Christ All precepts promises and threatnings are ordained to bring fallen man to obey the Son of God as mediator All the victory administrations of Christs Kingdome by the word seals censures c. are for this purpose till the mediatorian Kingdome be redelivered 1 Cor. 15. But all things are cheifly intended for the Elect 1 Cor. 14.32 11. The second not on Gen. 12.13 may be of use here 12. Thus from the first preaching of the Gospell we must observe why Christ is called Alpha and Omega the first and the last not only in causes and effects but also of all divine Revelation in the blessed scriptures all runs on him All the Promises Threatnings Commandements Examples Chastisements c. all drive us to Christ he also is Alpha and Omega in all the praises of the Church he is also the maine matter and marke of the holy Bible All things were created by him and for him and he is before all things and by him all things consist and hee is the head of the body the Church Col 1.18 In 3. Q. The seed of the woman Hence Children should be first taught to read Gen 3. with Luke 3. and Luke 4 together for two principall ends first To know how Jesus our Lord is of the blessed Virgin Mary of Eli and of Adam and Eve naturally and in this respect the Genealogie of men in Luke 3. are the glory of mankind being all Fathers to the Son of God after the flesh 2. The better to compare the sorrowfull combate of Adam being killed on his first day from the life of the soule to death in sin with the glorious combate and victory of our Lord the second Adam driving Satan to flight and the reason why the Son of God should take hold of mans nature is purposely handled by the Apostle in Ebr. 2. Ebr. 3. Ebr. 4. Ebr. 5. Great is the mystery of Godlinesse God manifested in the flesh It is most glorious to consider it and how it hath been diligently taught in every age from Gen. 3.15 and for the better knowing of this mystery the Law of Moses was made the Tabernacle and the frame of the world and well might David and Solomon say with admiration That God would dwell with man on earth also in his apparitions to the Saints before the Flood and to the Patriarchs and Prophets he spake with us marke this corporation speech in Hos 12.4 At Bethel and dwelt among us in his Tabernacle and Ordinances then in the Temple till the captivity then in the second Temple and then at last he became very man making our flesh his Tabernacle and dwelt among us Joh. 1.14 Cor. 6. but his speciall residence in us is in our hearts by Faith These things made singing affections in the Saints of old Ps 40. Ps 100. Ps 135. Ps 147. Ps 149. Ps 149.1 Chr. 16.1 King 8.2 Sam. 7. Joh. 17. Ex. 15. and any that duely consider this cannot but sing praises to the God of our Salvation In Q. 3. Of Adam in the Genealogie When the holy spirit bringeth Genealogies from the first man unto Jesus our Lord it may teach all men that the world was made and had a beginning so Moses Law taught Misgraim that is the Egyptians and others in his time and Ezra the Persians too before Aristotle and such Athean praters 1 Chron. 1.1 see Bro. in Manuscript In Q 4. and Answ He might govern Genesis sheweth how that by the word of Jehovah the Heavens were made all the setled Army of them by the spirit of his mouth and when man fell the word telleth That for the destroying of the workes of the Serpent hee would be made flesh and have a Tabernacle in our nature and so to be a second Adam to govern all things In which point the Patriarks faith is evidenced by the charge of Joseph to carry his bones with theirs unto the Land of Canaan where our Lords Resurrection should be a testimony of a new world see Bro. in Appo 1.108 The government of the world to come for so the Jewish Doctors did stile the dayes of Messiah is that meditorean Kingdome which the holy Prophet so magnifieth to endure through all ages and generations Ps 8. Ps 45. Ps 93. Ps
For as it was in the dayes of Noah so shall it be at the day of the coming of the Son of man Mat. 24. c. Quest 6. And Abraham Abraham once ungodly yea after his calling he much failed rejoyced in him that justifieth the ungodly Jos 24.2 Rom. 4. so after mysticall Nimrod how many good men have been overtaken with their outward glory yea many strong men of great parts have beene wounded by that whorish Church Prov. 7. Apoc. 17. Quest 7. N 1. Those familes The families of Noahs sons despising Sem a King of Justice and Peace were cut off â—or two thousand yeares so the Jewes for despising Sem the great and reverend the true King of Justice and peace were cut off to this day Rom. 11. from Noahs days all heathens were Lo-ammi and Loruchamah no people and unpitied a foolish nation barren and a desolate widow to our Lords dayes Deut. 32. Psal 113. Esa 54.1 2 3. Ephes 2.1 2 3. Psal 119.118 Q. 7. From the life Justice But when light was revealed to the Gentiles and the glory of Jehovah was risen upon us It is said I will make thy government peace and thine exactions righteousness Marke the allusion This was under the King of Salem and Tzedek Justice and Peace kisse each other as it did of old in Sems Tents Psal 85. Then peace on earth and good will towards men Q. 7. Nor see the light Now darknesse covered the earth and gross darknesse the Nations Esa 60. So Pope Nimrod by his mysticall Babylon caused such darknesse by confusion of Language and all holy speech All languages of Europe and much of Asia if not all Asia have been confounded by the means of mysticall Nimrod and his rebellion Apor 9. Q. 7. For two thousand years All the time of this ignorance God hated them like devills till the time hee would judge the world in righteousnesse that is favour the world in mercy Act. 17. Psal 97. from this time to the Apostles the whole world did lye in wickednesse 1 Job 5.19 Q 7. N. 11. In their own wayes God left them to walke in their own waies of endlesse and lawlesse idolatries and superstitions and ill manners judgement and practise wholy corrupted as the holy scriptures and humane stories shew The Philosophers of the heathens spake much of the earth c. and to the height of heaven but unto Paradise above the Heavens no thought of theirs could ever come They had no Lampe of Grace not the best learned of them their sage as Pythagoras in tongue confessed God to be one but they knew not the holy Trinity and that the eternall son would be manifested in the flesh to come a man looking through our walls and to come a Judge of all nor that he framed the world for man because he would dwell in our Tabernacle Mr. Bro. Apoc. pag. 20. That regeneration is by faith from him the second Adam by hearing the doctrine of divine revelation that he should destroy death and him that had the power of death by his own death and resurrection and give us a Resurrection and that be should be a mediator between God and man as Prophet Preist and King Lord of Angells the head of all principality and power that a company of people were in him elected and should be called out of this present world to whom he should be wisdome justification sanctification and redemption c. in these things the outward Jew was dull of hearing Rom. 2. and 3. Phil. 2. Heb. 5.11 much lesse could the wisdome and Philosophy of the heathens once thinke of these things Col. 1.26 yea alas for pity how weakly and poorly are these things either taught or known and experimentally in mind and conscience felt and answerably in life practised in most of our congregations of our blessed England This must be proper to true christians no marvell the holy spirit doth taunt the wisdome of the worlds wise Masters and chargeth the saints to take heed of their Philosophy and vain deceit verily it is not fit for Christians to be trained up in their pedagogie 1 Cor. 1. they were haters of God Rom. 1. Col. 1.21 and haters of his people Psal 83. Hest 9.1 Then all that time they were not in the state of universall grace but in very deed of universall wrath such a wofull famine of hearing the word of the Lord holy justice gave them over unto So when the would did depart from the faith of the true Melchisedeck it was given over to Turk and Pope and all force of error and were far from Justice Peace and Truth the Reverend Doctor Ames in his Medâ—lla pag. 244 editio quarta citeth a fit testimony for this Non pium igitur minus quam prudens suit illud maximi artium magistri P.R. judicium votum Hujus Philosophiae doctrinam si mihi fuerit optandum quod assequi velim malim â—ueâ—as ex Evangelio per cruditum aliquem probatisque moribus Theologum quam ex Aristotele per Philosophum tradi Puer impietates mullas ex Aristotele discet quas verendum ne nimis sero dediscat Beatitudinis finem in homine terminari virtutes omâ—cs hominis facultate penitus contineri Eas ex hominis natura arie industria comparari Deum ad haec opera quamvis magna divina tamen vel adjutorem vel artificem nusquam adhiberi divinam providentiam ex hoc numanae vitae theatro removeri de justitia divina verbum nullum fieri Beatitudinem huminis in hac caduca vita constitui c. Quest 8. To be called their God This is a word of Covenant as God spake to Abraham Gen. 17. and as it was noted above God is called the God of Shem. Andoh most glorious priviledge of the Saints through the mediator in all ages Marke these Texts from the first to the last Gen 6.18 and 17.7.8 Exod 19.5 and 20.2 and 29.45.46 Jer. 31.33 2 Cor. 6.18 Gal. 3.29 Tit. 2.14 2. Pet. 2.9 Apoc. 21.3 Hence it is that the Saints say from Gods interest in them and theirs in him Our God my God my portion my Rock my Shepherd c. and Jesurun is Gods portion Jer. 10. In this they boast praise and sing My welbeloved is mine and I am his Cant. 2.16 Psal 44. and 48.2 Coron 25 6.7 Psal 42. and 43. Deut. 10.21 The observations of the properties and workes of God should here be minded which are in chapter first spoken of Q. 8 Heavenly City The Saints of old knew as well as them of the New Testament That if the earthly house of our Tabernacle were dissolved they should have a building of God an house not made with hands eternall in the heavens They had all the same spirit of faith compare the â— Cor. 4. with chap. 5.1 to 12. and Eccles 12.14 c. upon the dissolution of the one the holy soule possesseth the other here is no interposition of time nor of
snare to them and Christ was a stumbling Stone to them as he was to Kain That which was ordained for their welfare they made their ruin And so if we do no more but outward exercises in a shew of godliness and deny the power thereof and live wickedly as they did Psalm 50. Esay 1. Ieremy 7. The Angel of Gods presence our glorious Lord Iesus Christ will not spare our misdeeds 1 Thess 4 6. c. These false teachers abuse the holy Scriptures as in that of Heb. 8. It is said better promises c. but they must be asked what better promises than Genesis 3 15. Genesis 12.3 Let such know there are not better promisâ—s in old or new Testament and indeed those two promises contain all the doctrine of the Gospel as in part before is shewed They must excogitate the true interpretation by seeking how our Lord and his Apostles convinced the false glosses the Concâ—sion made of Moses Politie for we all must know theirs and ours is the same Covenant as often said onely new for Administration in fulfilling all promises and prophecies Let us confer Exod. 19. 29.45 Lev. 26.15 with Apoc. 21.3.2 Cor. 6.16 Gen. 3.15 with 1 John 1.2 3. and chap. 3. Jos 1. with Heb. 13.5 Rom. 4. with Gen. 15. 17 c. This must be often spoken and meditated for we are dull of hearing Again better promises hath respect to Deut. 30. Psalm 40 and 95. in Deut. 30. Christ promiseth that he will circumcise their heart and the heart of their seed to love him Jehovah their God and to keep his commandments c. This Christ spake to them that they might not be deceived to think that their salvation stood in outward observances as in circumcision c. but in serving God in their spirits in the Gospel of his Son And so this to be understood in all Moses ceremonies The bloud of Oxen and Goats and Rams did not could not purge their conscience from dead works but their conscience would still be to them for all their bodily exercise an ill accusing and condemning conscience Their salvation was established upon better promises and a better hope That Christ by his own most perfect sacrifice and bloud-shedding should be a sweet smelling savour to God for us and procure eternal redemption And while we as strangers converse in this world he would be mortification and sanctification by his word and spirit Mic. 7. John 3. Yet let the godly take heed they neglect not ordinances and outward observances of Christs institution though they be as the bark and shell yet they are such a bark and shell that a Christian cannot have life kept within him without them as a tree will not live without his bark nor the kernel prosper without his shell Publique administrations and family ordinances and secret duties are of that consequence that he that carelessly neglecteth them is in danger of gangrenating errours both in doctrine and manners N. VI. Not of the Jews only but of many Nations Gen. 17.5 It is promised by the Lord Iehovah the performer of his promises For a Father of many nations have I made thee This speech was spoken at that time when God renewed his promise and covenant in Christ with Abraham and added the seal to that covenant teaching thereby that he would not be the God of Israel only but in due time the God of the Gentiles also therefore the Covenant is to the infants of the Gentiles as of the Iewes and all faithful are Abrahams seed and the Israel of God Gal. 3 6.16 and if the covenant be to the infants then the seal none dare deny it but those that care not for the education of their children in godliness and honesty for the hope of the resurrection unto eternal life Abraham durst not deny the seal but with all joy went about it Again consider Mat. 19.13 Mark 10.13 little children are comprehended in the Covenant For of such is the Kingdome of heaven Yea observe further Of such is the Kingdome of God that is of the Church of God as Matth. 21.43 The Kingdome of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation that shall bring forth the fruits thereof So then Israels infants were of the kingdome of God and so are the Gentiles infants Did the Kingdom of God consist of the parents and infants of Israel in the old Testament surely then godly parents and their infants of the Gentiles are in equal honor He that shall hill an infant shall be put to death as justly as if he had killed a parent So the murderous accursed doctrine of Anabaptists that would murder children is as wicked as to kill a godly parent For the Lord God doth justifie and wash infants from their sins in his Covenant and bring them to glory as well as their godly parents And again seriously minde The covenant of God in Christ by circumcision was in full force to the death of our Lord and Saviour Luke 1.59 and Circumcision was a seal of the covenant of grace to the infants of the faithful and infants were in covenant as is evident and now after our Lords death were they not in covenant Did our Lords death disannul the Covenant of his grace in respect of them absit absit It was about six or seven weeks from our Lords death to Peters sermon Acts 2. And the holy Apostle in the conclusion of his Sermon doth exhort his auditors to receive the ordinance of Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the Remission of sins and to shew he spake by the same Spirit of God that gave the promises doth affirm that the promise and covenant is as firm to infants as ever it was and therefore saith The promise is made unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shal call Acts 2.39 In chap. 3.25 2â— It is said the Jewes were the children of the Prophets and of the Covenant which God made with our Fathers saying to Abraham Even in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed First unto you hath God raised up his son Jesus c. so the Jewes had the first prerogative of the blessing in their kinreds and of the resurrection of Christ and then secondly the Gentiles have the like portion in the blessing and in our Lords resurrection Rom. 2.10 consider for these things Rom. 4.16 17 18 c. to the end of the chapter Quest 5. Answ on Gen. 49.10 And to Him shall the gathering of the people be O give thanks unto Jehovah for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever And say ye Save us O God of our salvation and gather us together and delivâ—r us from the heathen that we may give thanks to thy holy Name and glory in thy praise Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel for ever and ever and all the people said Amen 1 Chron. 16. Psal
enter into the rest of Christ where Baptism and the Lords Supper are no burden Mr. Bro. on Lam. 1.14 where Christ is not sought and found in his own ordinances all not the moral but also the ceremonial savours death 2 Cor. 3.7 to 16. what are we then to think of mens precepts voluntary religion and self-willed humbleness Take notice what our Lord taught Mat. 15.3 John 6.27 c. and his Apostle Rom. 10.3 Phil. 3.3 c. Colos 2.23 Quest 6. Num. II. Moses politie ever aimed at Him The Law Morall and Ceremonial was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ grace is two fold the one of Justification from the guilt and curse of the Law the other of sanctification the righteousness of the Law being fulfilled in them that are in Christ Iesus who inables them by his spirit most willingly to walk therein delighting in the Law of God concerning the inner man And Christ was the truth and substance of the Ceremonial Law as all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth all was sponsorious of a better hope in him Heb. 7.22 8.6 And this was that the saints so fervently prayed for teaching and understanding the wonderous things of the Law how all was sponsorious of comfort in Christ Psalm 119. And so of this did Ethan sing Psalm 89.1 2 c. Ibid. Quest 6. N. III. The Ceremonial Law That is Gods ceremonial Law no man hath power to institute or sanctifie as of himself any teaching sign or ceremony of person or thing time or place to worship God thereby or to take away that which the Lord hath ordained Moses durst not add or diminish any thing no not any other colour as green which is as pleasant as blew purple and scarlet all colours of blood and susâ—â—ing The pattern was his Direction And therefore was Moses called faithful in Gods house the Church of God the Pillar and ground of truth Will worship is a corruption of all our hearts it likes us better then Gods commandments Amos 4. Mat. 15. Luke 16.15 And we have great confidence in it that it pleaseth God But it brings shame at last to any State and all the Priests of Bethel cannot quench the fire that it will kindle Amos 5. Hos 10.14 15. And let all will-worshippers minde that however they have a shew of wisdom in their will worship yet it makes the people forget their Maker Hos 8.11 12 13 14. 1 Kin. 12.33 Amos 5.21 8.10 And this too evident of later years in the ungodly dealing of the Prelates in their hinderance of sound teaching of the word in most paroches of England Ibid N. III. and the moral is still to humble Doubtless the Moral Law must be taught it is a part of Christs mediatorian kingdom God the Father made Him Lord and Christ to all the Israel of God and obedience is better than sacrifice It is a point of faith to believe that Christ gave the Law Exod. 23.20 21 22. They of old were commanded to hear him and so we under the New Testament must hear the Beloved Son and reverance the Heir Mat. 17.5 Matth. 21.98 It is said Felix called forth Paul to hear him of the faith in Christ and as he was teaching of righteousness temperance and of the judgement to come Felix trembled Acts 24.25 Therefore the Law ought to be taught it belongs to the faith of Christ And godly teachers are to lift up their voice like a Trumpet to make mens hearts shake and tremble for rebellion against the Mediatour and therefore the godly teachers 40.50 and 60. years ago taught the way of the Lord more perfectly then many now do vid. infra the note on Levit. 26.17 chap. 8. Quest 7. Answ Vpon the text of Deut. 30. Moses speaks this of the Law the Apostle of Christ taught in the Law Rom. 10. So Esaias faith In his Law shall the nations hope Esay 42.4 Matthew saith In his Name Mat. 12.21 The Apostle calleth this text the word of faith and the just do live by faith Moses sheweth the Law of Jehovab that is Christ is a law of Love and the Apostle calleth it A law of Faith So then it is a form of Wholesome words of Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus And how precious sweet dear rich pure is the Law of Christ being a Law of Life in him Deut. 32.47 Therefore Stephen saith that Moses received from the Angel of the Covenant lively Oracles Acts 7.38 And so the Apostles received from him words purer than snow whitter than milk sweeter than honey or the honey comb words of spirit and life to preach unto the dead apostate families John 6.63 So the Sacrifices washings tabernacle the land of promise c. profited nothing were a killing letter having the veil on the heart The words and doctrine that Christ spake to Moses they were spirit and they were life And so David knew and all of faith when he cryed to Christ to be his sprinkling and his hyssop Psalm 51. And so Esaias and Stephen taught them and the Apostle Rom. 10.6 Exod. 20.2 And all expositions of the ten words were a killing letter not looking to that which is within the Veile even the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 15.11 The Prophets and Apostles unveil Moses face most brightly they have made it as open even as Moses made it when he took off the veil when he went to speak with Christ Read Quest 8. Ans N. II. To be man and to suffer Mark the cause of the Apostle I am accused for the hope of the promise made of God unto our Fathers Psalm 16.10 22.29 40.6 7 8. Acts 26. this was a constant doctrine from the beginning and to be declared from age to age to the end of the world that the Son of God should come down from heaven to be a second Adam and to give himself a sin-offering to death and be raised from the dead 2 Tim. 2.8 and so in this doctrine Christ is our bread and drink Joh. 6.27 28 29 c. The pattern was not yet to come down from heaven to take our nature to be his Tabernacle and his flesh and bloud by sacrifice to be our bread and drink Iohn 1.14 6.54 And till the Son of God came to be and do thus All that Christ revealed to Moses was sponsorius and an introduction of a better hope that is Christ hoped for by all faithfull of the old Testament by whom they and we come unto God Hebr. 11.1 2 3 4. Iohn 14.6 Heb. 8 Ephes 1.10 11 Esay 15 1 2 3. Acts 13. Ibid. N. II. Accounting this wisedome foolishness And the light shineth in the darknesse and the darkness comprehended it not Joh. 1. 〈◊〉 It was ever a stumbling block and foolishness to the wise and prudent of this world to the natural man Iohn 6.52.60.1.1 Cor. 1. 2. And so is was to many while Moses was yet alive
Deut. 31.11 27 28 29. such waited but for an opporeunity of Moses death and Ioshuahs and the godly Elders then they did shew themselves so blessed Paul spake of Wolves and apostasie Acts 20. It is hard for us to deny all of the first Adam and wholly submit to be taught and guided in the doctrine of the second Adam the Lord from heaven Quest 8. Answ N. IV. Of Melebisedecks and Levies sacrifice hood See the Apostles disputation concerning Melchesedeck Heb. 5. 6 7. who was still alive after a sort in discription As the holy Prophet David taught the people of his dayes and what use they should make of the Land of Promise Psalm 95. and of the use and end of the sacrifices and washings c. Psalm 40. 51. So he taught them that Levies Priesthood should have an end for that our glorious Lord Iesus Christ is made a sacrificer for ever ofter the order of Malchesedek and not after Aarons order of the Levitical Priesthood where neither the persons or things that Levi did could justifie the doers or commers thereunto Now the Lord Jesus Christ he was promised and prophecied of in all the old holy volume of the book of God that he was made a Mediator and a Surety a Sponsor of such an Administration that should perfectly save and justifie them that came unto God by him He was of God the Father none else could made a Sponsor a surety All the sacrifices that he commanded our Fathers they did them till the fullness of times did come and then he did send his beloved Son and Servant in whom his soul delights he took unto him true humanity and was a Sponsor a Surety of a better Testament i.e. The Mediatour of the New Testament for their full conâ—olation to comfort them concerning their works and concerning the sorrows of their hands and concerning the earth which God hath cursed He shall do that which all Levites tribe could not ex opere operato Levies Priesthood could not cleanse the conscience from the guilt of our sinful works not procure a blessing on our Labours nor make a new world his Priesthood could not cleanse the conscience from dead works to serve the living God c. And for this cause Christ was a Sponsor of a better covenant And Christ himself faith he will become this Sponsor and Mediatour to answer the will of the Father Lo I come to do thy will O God thy Law and appointment for the redemption of thy people that thou hast given me is in my heart to give my self a Sacrifice of a sweet smelling favour of rest God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not counting their trespasses unto them For be made him to be a Sin-offering for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5. Much more might be said but let the people of God study the Scriptures their inheritance God hath a time and a day wherein he will burn up the hay stubble and rotten wood of impertinent applications and interpretations Ibid. N. I V. Is not an bidd doctrine It is not an hidden thing nor a wonder for thee O Israel for this doctrine that the Son of God should come down from heaven to be man hath been taught to thy Fathers from the beginning and that he should be the great High Priest and Sacrifice and that he should raise himself from death to give hope to all faithful of their resurrection Israel should not make doubt of this doctrine Yet it is a Wonder as Ethan sings of it Psalm 89. great is the mystery of Godliness But this hath been ever taught in the Church this doctrine is the faith of Gods elect and the Churches possession Ioh. 1. Levi the Tribe appointed to reach divinity should never have been graven in the bright and pleasant Smaragd if the stories of this Art had been dark â—et had been a fitter stone for darkness The minde of man may have abundant satisfaction and strong confidence concerning the doctrine of the way of life by holy and humble diligent study of the Scriptures And they that will not believe Moses and the Prophets will not believe though one should rise from the dead Quest 9. and Answ Taught by tradition Note the doctrine of faith one and the same whether by Tradition or Writing For those 2513. years the faith of the Gospel was propagated by tradition by great prophets of long life and great authority and sacrifices as seals of the Covenant added for confirmation of doctrine Quest 10 and Answ Midian Although Abraham taught his houshold the faith of Christ as is seen in the book of Ioh yet many of his posterity apostated to that idolatry religion and opinion with which he was corrupted at YR others fell to the false faith religion and opinion of Peor Jos 23. 24. and did seek to curse the true faith of Gods elect and the holy people of that profession Num 23. 24. Midian was of Abraham by Ketâ—rah The world was then full of false opinions and heretical Doctrines as now they could plead for Nachors Teraphim for Peor for Chemosh and Milâ—ham c. but Israel must hearken to the Law and Testimony that Christ gave them so Moses and Iosuah most pathetically a little before their deaths exhorted them to regard the holy Law and not to follow the traditions of their fathers or of the Nations Ios 24. Deut. Quest 11. and Answ And wou'd have gone into Egypt again Like them are our Popish fools that would go into Rome Egypt again for their Fish Flesh pots Leeks Garlick Onions Cucumbers Melons their doctrines of bodily exercise of Images Pilgrimages the dotage of Purgatory c. goodly Cates sure to be compared to the heavenly Manna of Gods word and Gods dwelling in his tabernacle among us We do not consider the glorious presence in Christ in his Ordinances and protection c since he brought us from among them By the Gospel the way of Christ the face of God shineth upon us The Gospel is the object of promise joy and gladness to every honest hearted Christian Let our apostate hearts remember Lots wife in looking back to Rome-Sodome Christ complained Israel would none of me Oh that we could think of these things What one nation on the earth hath been like us for mercies and how ill have we requited the Lord as Israel did so do we Psal 81. Deut. 32. Ibid. Of their forefathers The idolatry of Terah and Abraham continued above 500 years to the death of Iosuah yea long after Iosuah 24. 2.14 Observe how fast idolatry and superstition and will worship sticks in the heart of posterity Although they had the fiery Law expounded by Moses and miracles to confirm them of the truth of that Religion that holy faith of the Son of God Moses taught and possessed Canaan in the obedience of that holy faith and many chastisements for
6. Who were enemies that did hate and cruelly mock and persecute the doctrine of God and his people Answ The wicked Kingdome signfied by the Bear Leopard and beast with ten horns Hamans wickednesse and Sanballats and others under the Government of the Breast and Arms of silver must be remembred QUest 7. Who did neglect and apostate from this prophesie of so great salvation Answ Many in Israel that associated with Sanballat and Malachi sheweth that some began to be Atheists and to speak stout and wearisome words against God and his doctrine The Angel foretold of * Antiochus caused stars to fall Dâ—n 8. 11. so did the tail of the Dragon the new Antiâ—chus Apâ—c 12.2 Thes 2. The fourth beast cast down truth to the ground Dan â— forsakers and wicked dealears against the holy Covenant of Daniels own people under the iron legs and fourth Beast Also Zacharias spake of wicked Shepherds that loathed Christ and his Kingdome And that came to passe in those Hereticks and false Teachers the Sadduces Scribes and Pharisees They were great oppugners of all Gabriels heavenly message as in all the Evangelists the Acts and in the Epistles to Rome and to Galatia to the Hebrews is seen QUest 8. How did Daniels holy people find Gods goodnesse in cleaving to this Doctrine Answer By faith they obtained good report with God and God was not ashamed of them to be called their God By faith the Jews in Esther escaped the edge of the sword Also we are to consider that Zachariah Haggai and Malachi enlarge Gabriels Oration for many things that a fountain for sin and for uncleannesse should be opened by the King and Sacrificer even Iehovah of hosts that should glorifie the second Temple with his presence And that although the low Jerusalem and Temple should be destroyed a larger should be builded and a better raised up And the Covenant shall be confirmed with the many Gentiles from East to West among whom in every place incense of prayer and pure offering of lips praising of God shall be offered unto his holy name That Him the Angel of the Covenant the Sun of righteousnesse shall arise with healing in his beams and that God enrolls in the book of life all that fear him and thought upon his name to glorifie them in that day of the better resurrection to shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and as the stars for ever and ever Quest 9. How was Gods service executed on the Seed of the Serpent the open enemies of his name and people Answ Streams of fire came from the fierie Throne through the Mediation of the high Sacrificer in the heavens which overthrew the thrones of Kingdomes Dan. 7.9 10. Zac. 1.12 13. and destroyed the strength of the Kingdomes of the heathens contained in the image and Beasts Dan. 2. and 7. That same vengeance hanged that Courtier and favourite Haman and his sons and brought to confusion their assassines and others were told that they had no right nor portion nor memorial in Jerusalem Nehem. 2.10 QU. 10. With what reward did Christ recompence the disobedience of scandalized revolters from the Doctrine of salvation Heb. 2.1 An. 1. Malachi denounced that Gods wrath should burn them up as an oven and tormenting sorrows befell them afore and after the bright morning Star of Jacob appeared as Zachariah also had foretold them for as they abhorred and loathed Christ and his Doctrine so Christ abhorred and loathed them leaving the lost sheep to perish that would needs be perishing whom yet he pitied before that wrath came on them to the utmost 2. And Christ the Rock of Israel having confirmed the covenant for the Jews and the many of all Nations the last year of the last Seven did forty years after grind to powder the Jews his own people by the Romane infidels and destroyed City and holy Place with utter and small (a) Then the corner stone fell on the Iews and the vineyard was let out to other husbandmen Mat. 21.41 c. desolations and such miseries and sorrows (b) Read Heb. 25.31 and Iosephus on the wars of the Iews befell the Nâ—tion that they could rather have wished the mountains to fall upon them and the hills to cover them read Luke 23 39 30. QUest 11. But shall not the Land of Canaan City and Temple and Kingdome be restored to the Jews Answer They shall never be restored yet the Jews shall have a generall glorious calling in all places where they are scattered when the fullnesse of the Gentiles is come in and when they are called and the veil (c) Then they shall see the 12 Tribes over our gates and the apostles doctrine to be fastened in Aharons jewels Apo. 21 taken off their heart and know Christ and his spirituall government they will esteem Canaan and Ierusalem no more than any City or countrey in the world they will then look to the heavenly Rest yet here begun and to the holy City from heaven in which the Lord God of hosts even the Lamb is the Temple Apocal. 21.22 QUest 12. What Scriptures are contained in those Seventy Sevens Answ The two last verses of the last of Chronicles Daniel the 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. chapters Ezra Nehemiah Hester Haggai Zachariah Malachy and the 4 Evangelists which finish their storie with the death resurrection and ascension of Iesus Christ our Lord whose death was the very last day of the Seventy Sevens or 490 years at the time of the Evening Sacrifice Note all the rest of this New Testament was written within 70 years after our blessed Saviours ascension QUest 13. What do you observe in the Scriptures of the old Testament as speciall occasions of the Churches apostacies and revoltings Answ 1. Wicked marriages as is manifest from the times of the old world to Malachies dayes 2. The open or visible Church never careth for nor cleaveth to the written word unlesse there be faithfull Governors but ever men are declining to their own vain inventions 3. Wicked sacrificers and false Prophets who came without Gods sending both came with outward shews of truth but were base sycophants and parasites alwaies falsely accusing and persecuting the godly and flattering Princes and people in their exorbitant courses 4. The abuse of sweet peace health and plenty turning these blessings of the Gospel to pride wantonnesse idleness gluttony drunknnesse oppression worldly confidence and carnal and carelesse security for Church and Common-weal c. c QUest 14. How many years hath Palmoni the wonderfull Numberer numbred from the Creation to the Redemption Answer The Sun in his Tabernacle of the heavens had joyfully run his race as a servant to the SON of righteousnesse Three thousand nine hundred and sixty years from the first promise of Christ to Evah till the SUN lost his light the SON brake the Serpents head dying rising and ascending QUest 15. How many Iubilees were there Answ From the Conquest and partition
of the Land of Canaan by Iesus the son of Nun unto the conquest of JESVS the son of God over Sin death and Satan and all our enemies are twenty eight Iubilees our Lord and Saviour the Lord Iesus Christ who is the second Adam and Sem the Great and Reverend The Jubilee year a wonderful◠〈◊〉 the joyfull sound of the Trumpet in the acceptable year of the Lord sounded all these things The victorious combate with the Serpent and his seed and his triumph over them the fullnesse of times the Sacrifice of eternall Redemption the just for the unjust the open recovery of Paradise the resurrection of the most holy the true Temple destroyed and raised the day of salvation the Jews Prerogative ended the Gentiles called the enmity of Jew and Gentile abolished the shadows flee away Christ shook and ended the things made with hands the Sun is darkned the Vail of the Temple rent because the way into the holy heavens was opend by a better Priest and Sacrifice c. c. c. died in a * Iubilee year The ancient holy Hebrews had an excellent and wonderfull saying among them that The Divine Majesty dwelling in our Tabernacle will be to Israel in a Iubilee remission redemption and finisher of Sabbaths Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the ninth Chapter QVest 2. and Ans upon the 2. verse of Dan. 9. The reading study and meditation of the holy Scriptures a great furtherance to prayer A man cannot pray with sound spirituall comfort that is ignorant in them as is manifest in this verse and the rest of the Chapter Blessed is the man that delighteth in them and in them doth meditate day and night Psal 1. And anathema maranatha be that man of sin and his locusts and Kingdome that with-holdeth and forbiddeth the reading and study of the holy Scriptures to the people Observe well 2 Sam 7.27 Gods revelation the ground of prayer yea boldnesse in it Upon Daniel 9 23. Conceive the word and perceive it c. By this commandement doubled for vehementer charge he condemneth the world that regardeth not to be instructed in this doctrine sent from heaven by an Angel unto Daniel and penned for all Nations use Wherefore we must give better heed unto the speech lest we perversly swarve for if the word spoken by angels fall out sure and every trespasse received just recompence of reward how shall we ever escape neglecting so great a charge of our King to our own salvation where the vision is so clear that no doubt can be moved by any plain heart that will rest in the clearnesse of the most bright message by an angel of glory who coming to teach all the world was to shine in words as Stephâ—n by him did in the face Acts 6 when he spake the angell Gabriels words that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the place City and Temple and change the Laws which Moses gave To this day the blind Jews stand in this that the Laws of Moses shall stand for ever Maymon Tom. 1. delege perek 9. Therefore God fore-seeing their dullnesse of hearing would have an angel of light to teach them by this Prophesie 490 years when from the year of that message unto Daniel the Laws of Moses should have their end and none of the Scribes when Herod was affrighted nor any of the Iews as is seen by their answers in all the Gospel objected disagreement for the time which thing had been done if there had been any colour of disagreement in time but they could not conceive of Christs person and office how that he should be the most holy and King and yet dy for our redemption how he should be Davids Lord and yet his son of these things the main objections arose Now let us look unto the Text sâ—il Mr. Bro. on the text on both his english Daniels Upon Dan. 9.24 c. In this Scripture we come to behold in its flaming brightnesse of the King that is Sacrificer also by whom and for whom death is vanquished sun is cleansed Iustice is brought redemption is wrought a vision is sealed our soul is healed sacrifice abolished and the Temple destroyed for defacing of this doctrine the Iews be reiected for embracing this doctrine the Gentiles be elected to open calling Mr. Bro. in S. sight surely the angel his message concerneth the sum of all the Bible The Jews went weeping to Babel seeing Salomons house and Kingdome ended and the Temple burnt and all Moses ceremonies shaken but they returned rejoycing bringing sheaves of all comfort by Gabriels heavenly message of the seventy sevens concerning MESSIAH the King the Holy of Holy Upon Dan. 9.25 Out going of the word to restore c. mark the word of Proclamation of Cyrus Ezra 1. how it answereth this Prophesie Meditate also how pleasing it is to our God to have a tender affection to his cause Daniel mourned and prayed for the holy City and the holy Mountain and had a gracious answer by the holy angel compare Dan. 9 21.22 Also observe a speech in Zephaniah I will gather them that are sorrowfull for the solemn Assembly who are of thee such are the children of Sion the genuine members of Christs mysticall body to whom the reproach of it was a burden Zeph. 3.18 Psal 137.5 6. So Daniel again was affected when he mourned so bitterly when the building of the temple was hindred by Cambyses in Cyrus his absence Ezra 4 Dan. 10.2 3 4. No losse to the losse of holy things when they are gone God is gone and the enjoying of them no gain so great and no time so acceptable Lam. 2.6 7. Hâ—s 9 12. Ezek. 9 3. 10 4.18 19. and 11.22.23 Micâ—hs idolatrous contestation in a contrary must be the thought of every Holy soul for the esteeming procuring and upholding of Holy Assemblies Jud 18 24. Upon Dan. 9.26 The City and holy place shall be distroy The holy Martyr Stephen was called into question and lost his life for this glorious Doctrine of the holy Angell and yet his countenance before the Councill was like the Angels that brought the message Act 6.13 14 15. and all Chap. 7. How did Despisers wonder and perish when Stephen and Paul taught this Act. 6 7 Act. 13.41 45. 21.28 they wondered and in the end perished As of old they wondered at the Prophets Esai 8 18. Jer. 26 6 7 8. Hab. 1.5 so they did at our Lord and his Apostles Doctrine And verily so it is at this day where ever the Commandements of God and the faith of Jesus is truly and zealously taught Upon the same verse verse twenty five about the attribute Messiah which in this message of the Angell is twice expressed as a proper name of the Son of God who became a Son of man the Son of Adam Dan. 7.13 to fulfill all the Angels message And from this time of Dan 9. this attribute Messiah was very usuall among the faithfull
and profane Joh. 1.41 4.23 And the Jewes at that time commonly speaking Syriack spake the terme Messias and speaking Greek they uttered the Greek terme Christ so that as oft as we read the Greek terme we must remember the other Terme of the Hebrew or Syriack And all the Orthodox Churches in Christendome hold Messias here to be the Son of God our Redeemer vi Mr. Bro. on Daniell and in Advertisment pag. 33. Upon the verse 27. and halfe that seaven of this last seaven the first part is passed over in silence for a preparation the latter halfe doth Christ bestow in confirming the covenant for the Many beginning at his Baptisme ending at his death 3. Quest and Answ N. 1. As the motions of the Heavens The creation was made to serve the Son of Enosh Psal 8. so the revolution of the year all are his Servants Psal 119. lamed-part No Army is ordered more comely then the times in Gods word Dan. 10.1 And Gods people must learne to know that the times as well as the ceremonies and tipes teach of so they lead unto Christ for the Golden Chaine of times are fastned to famous Pillars as is prefixed to this Book N. 11. This prophecie was given Read Esai 44. 45. with Ezr. 1.1 2. concerning Cyrus his Letters Patents of building the Temple and City and returning the people But Cyâ—us going to war in Scythia was plagued for not leaving better order at home that his Letters Patents were not throughly executed for the good of Gods people and Cambyses Daâ—ius Hystaspis and Xerxes for questioning and damning the Patent felt Gods wrath and their Kingdomes Ezra 4. and 6.11 12 Est 1. trouble in Dan. Hyst court Ibid Sent the Jews home The blood of Gods Covenant in Christ sent them home as from Egypt so from Babel Zach. 9.11 Col. 1 20. the blood of the Covenant is our comfort in any disconsolate condition Ibid. That year with a most remarkable Proclamation over an hundred and twenty Provinces Then the Nations did hear of their demanding and enquiring of the way to Sion upon the hope of the Son of man his coming to shew the Kingdome of heaven to all Nations and to shake even the heaven of Moses policy Jer. 10.4 5. they presented Sion in the dust before glorious Babel and they then ought so to do but not now Psal 102.13 14. So Moses and all the Nobles of all ages Heb. 11.24 25 26 ye that have escaped the sword go away stand not still remember Jehovah a far off and let Jerusalem come into your mind Jer. 51.50 Psl 137.5 6. So all ye that have escaped mysticall Babylon go away stand not still remember Jehovah and let the glory of the heavenly Jerusalem come into your mind be ye separate be at a distance in all holy zeal still come out from among them touch nothing of theirs neither Laws nor their phrase nor apparrell make a covenant as Neh. 10. 2 Cor. 6.18 what if your name be put out as evil remember Isa 66. â— John 9.34 and 16.2 2 Cor. 6.17 No. 3. And seal that is confirm all the viâ—ons and Prophesies that he was the end all aimed at Among many Prophesies that might be related I will name now that of Jer. 31.22 The Lord hath created a new thing in the earth A woman shall compasse a man that is a woman Virgin The holy Spirit of Christ prosecuteth the foundation of Doctrine which he laid down in Moses of the blessed seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 and of Shiloh Gen. 49. that a tribe should not fail to Judah till Shiloh came Now Judah being in Babel and held captive the Prophet doth from the Lord comfort them that although they were in heavy calamities and much disconsolate Jer. 30 31.32 33. chapters yet Judah should return and have a policy to buy and sell and that Jerusalem and Temple should be built and the Cities of Iudah inhabited and that that New thing should be accomplished a woman Virgin shall compasse a man All promises were made in Christ and should be yea and amen in him to the glory of God And this is promised to be as sure as the heavens order that God would not fail of his promise he made to David and Israel although Salomons house and Kingdome were ended yea to all the elect from the beginning in sending Christ Iesus to be born of a Virgin and that in him the Church should have unspeakable consolation This made the people of God to be so refreshed as a man is by sweet sleep Ier. 31 26 But Ieremiah told them not nor any Prophet as yet How long Psal 64.9 that should be for the performance that was reserved for a more fit season when they were to come from Babel then they had the time told them by an angel from heaven which did much heighten their consolation wherein all comfort was promised by that glorious message of the angel concerning the Messias compassed by the woman-Virgin to perform all the promises visions and Prophesies by finishing and ending all sin-offerings and trespasse offerings and make by himself a reconciliation for iniquity and bring in everlasting righteousnesse by his perfect sacrifice once performed so by this Doctrine the godly were preserved and strengthened greatly in their faith and hope of Christs coming in this determined time And seing it is said Christ shall seal Vision and Prophet is taught that he shall restrain apostasie through preaching his glorious Gospel that they fall not away as the Jews did in that most grievous and almost universall revolt in and from the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes Dan 8 13. and 11 30 31 32. Our Lord Jesus Christ in his coming was the morning star and the SUN of Righteousnesse and his brightnesse did visit us as holy Zâ—chariah saith Luc. 1 7.8 For those times were most deplorable in corrupting all holy Doctrine as it was greatly darkened by these three Shepherds Zac. 11. concerning the holy Trinity the sons incoâ—nation his death and resurrection and concerning justification and all Moses polity as all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth But the Lord Jesus and his Apostles from him made all clear again Also this Prophesie of the angel from heaven was wonderfull to the comfort of the people of God under their pressures by Persia Javan whole and Javan parted This Prophesie is marvellous if we consider the times Oh who is sufficient to expresse the things of Gods blessed word Ibid. N. 3. Everlasting righteousnesse The mentioning of everlasting righteousness justification redemption doth shew the Law made nothing perfect but was sponsorious and an introduction to a better hope in Christ for Christ by his own blood entered once through the vail that is his flesh into the holy place into the very heavens to appear now in the fight of God for us and obtained eternall Redemption Heb. 9. For it is not possible that the bloud of Bulls or Goats should take away sinne
Prov. 1. Quest 14 and answ How many years hath Palmoni Palmoni an attribute of Christ Dan. 8.31 much to be meditated He numbreth our tears and wanderings He numbreth the hairs of our head He numbreth the Stars He numbreth the times in the holy Scriptures in a most pleasant frame by the ages of holy Fathers by promises and types by Sabbaths and Seavens and he will teach us so to number our daies that we may apply our hearts to wisdome Ibid The Sun in his Tabernacle The Suns chronicle draweth all along to the Sons righteousness It is not a small matter in consideration that the whole frame of the Celestial Orbs should be so wheeled by him that made day and night Summer and Winter that the Suns journeys should be so guided that all Israels stories do fall out in time according to their ceremonies to be the harmony of all the Bible and the joy of Christianity of this very thing David the sweet singer of Israel and the other Prophets did joyfully sing and speak and made many heavenly ditties and comparisons Psalm 8. 19. 103 21 22. 119 89 90. Psalm 136. 7 8 9. 148.3 Jeremy 31.35 36. 33 20. c. A godly Mathematician should consider this Profance abominable hath been and is the endeavour of some men to teach us of Christs coming by the building of Rome by the Archontes or Mayors of Athens by the foot-races and horse-races c. of the Satanical games of the Olympiads of the Heathens as gamestry is much prejudicial to godliness so this heathenish gamestry-doctrine to the holy Chronologie of the blessed book of God Ibid. Quest and answ 14 Ruâ— his race as a servant The Suns name in Hebrew is Shemesh a servant to perform service 1. Especially to the second Adam as all are his Servants Psalm 8. 119.91 And 2. in him to the Church holding sincerity Jos 10. And it shall not smite thee by day nor the Moon by night Psalm 121 And 3. to all the world through his general good providence Deut. 4 Mat. 5. And 4. that mankinde should not worship that which the creator hath made their daily servant Quest 15. and answ Dyed in a Jubilee year The Jews never kept in their own land any more a Iubilee for 40 years after our Lords death Titus Vespasian raced to the ground Citie and Temple and sold the Jewes as flaves This came to pass as our Lord foretold Deut. 28.68 Zac. 14.1 2 3. Matth. â—4 Luke 21. 23.28 29 30. Read Iosephus on the wars of the Jewes Ibid. will be to Israel in a jubilee They might well cast this to be so by the Seavensy Seavens which did 490. years foretel the death of the Lord of Glory Ibid. Remission Or freedome or Justification our holy Apostle seeing the fulness of time more fully and gloriously addeth Wisdome and Sonctification 1 Cor. 1.30 if the Son shall make you free then are ye free indeed John 8. He that was before the beginning and promised from the beginning did appear to destroy unloose dissove the works of the Devil 1 John 1. 3. This expounds Genesis 3.15 He gives liberty to the Captives Esay 61. Rom. 7. then was the just captivity delivered to go to his heavenly possession and to the heavenly familie of our Father which is in heaven Lev. 25.23 Remember ye the Law of Moses my servant which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel with the statutes and judgements Mal. 4. Observe well this conclussion of the old Testament the Written Word the glory and inheritance of the Saints and let them most highly account thereof The spirit of Christ foreseeing the false doctrine of those three Shepheards Zachary 11. and the afflictions of the Army of heaven in the daies of the fourth Beast and the iron Legs thus forewarned the Elect Daniel 7. 8. 11.28 to 33 12.3 4.10 This text of Malachi well minded would stop the prattle now a daies that Moses Politie was a covenant of works and not a covenant of Grace in Christ CHAP. X. Shewing how God ordered the Several Captivities of his people for the planting of Religion among the Heathens as a preparation to the Covenant of Grace under the Gospel QUest 1. How was Gods providence seen in bringing about famous matters concerning the People of Israel and that the Heathens of Noes families might have a general preparation for the daies of Christ Answ 1. The Jewes being carryed to Babel the Land of Nimrod of the house of Cham were a great means of good to those heathens for the knowledge of the true God and of the faith of the Messias for they were bidden to say when they came to Babel Thus shall you say unto them the Gods that have not made the heavens and the earth The learned say this verse of Jer. 10. is in the Chaldean Language they shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens Jer. 10. We are also to consider that many Jewes believing the prophets that their countrey should become under Babel fled into other Countreys where they would have Synagogues 2. Daniel being advanced and famous in Nebuchadnezzars Court did inform the King very much of the true God in his opening of the dream of the image of four mettals upon which the King acknowledged the God of Israel and preferred Daniel over the province of Babel and above the wisemen of Babel Dan. 2. 3. Daniels three noble cousins Hananiah Azariah and Mishael denying worship of Babels gods in the presence of King Nebuchadrezar that mighty Monarch and at the Assembly of such an huge concourse of peoples nations and languages at the dedication of the golden Image and upon their denyal to be cast into the burning furnace Who by faith escaped the violence of fire Heb. 11.34 And the Kings proclamation over every nation and language setting forth the praise of the God of Israel and that none should speak amiss of the God of Shadrach Meshac and Abednego These things must of necessity cause great consideration among the heathens seeing also the King made their cause more famous by their advancement 4. Daniels opening the dream of the Tree The Kings proclamation over the world unto all Nations Peoples and Languages that dwell in all the earth in which telling of his own abasement for seven years and of Daniels opening of the dream would cause the nations to think better of the Jewes although captives And Daniel being at the opening of the dream a famous Courtier of thirty five or thirty six years standing and a great favourite had and would still tender the cause of his own nation 5. Another proclamation concerning Daniel chap. 5. being now an old Courtier and an attendant on three Kings upon the reading and expounding the hand-writing on the Wall and upon that investing him again with great authoritie 6. The glorious prophecy of the Seavensy Seavens of the precise year and day and
c. And the seed of the Serpent shall bruise the heel of the holy seed Ge. 3.15 Faith stayeth on the rock of Israel God in Christ was the rock of their heart and portion for ever Psal 73. another Scripture faith Trust ye in Jehovah for in Jah Jehovah is the rock of all ages Isa 26. And again My God is the Rock in whom I will trust 2 Sam. 22.3 32 33 47. And the terms of the New Testament are agreeable it is said Ye believe in God believe also in me for he is the Rock Mat. 16.1 Cor. 10. And they are pronounced happy that trust in the Son Psal 2. and curled that make flesh their arm Jer. 17. And gracious Hannah saith there is no Rock but our God 1 Sam. 2. Ibid. The violence of fire By faith they looked to things not seen they by faith knew that JESUS the Son of God by the blood of the Covenant would save them from the wrath to come the vengeance of eternal fire the second death 1 Thes 1.10 N. 4. Would still tender the cause of his own Nation Daniel a Subject maketh a golden state for the Church under tyranny so did honoured Mordecai Hest 10 Good States-men seck the wealth of the Saints so did Eliakim when he was substituted in Shâ—baaes place Isa 22. Obadiah was of great and good use in Achabs Court 1 Kings 18.13 Nebemiah a noble pattern of courage fidelity and zeal to God and the King forget not holy Joseph none of these were temporizers Psal 122 and 132.1 2 3 c. Remember Ahikam and those Princes that had somelise of Religion left in them that saved the holy Prophet from the blood thirstie Priests and false Prophets Jer. â—6 N 6. As those noble Sages who came from Persia Daniel so tendered of Princes and so Religious would cause the mysterie of Christ to be known in the Court and Palace at Susan as Saint Paul in Câ—sars Court Phil. 1. Daniel a pattern for young and old Courtiers and such shall find more favour at last both of God and their Prince then they that flatter with their lips Dan. 8.2 Susan was in the Province of Persia or Elam N. 8. Of a generall Subsidie Daniel a wealthy subject doubtlesse would further help in this matter his care for the returned would answer the effects of his prayer Dan. 9. as Mordecai did afterward further the cause of Christ as Esther 10. N. 9. And by faith stopping the mouths of lions Daniel knew by faith that the Son of man would stop and deliver us from the mouth of Satan that roaring lion the accuser of the brethren who goeth about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in the faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren which are in the world 1 Pet 5.9 N. 10. Offspring of Amalek Amalek was of Esau who with his posterity despised the blessing of the Gospel and hated the Israel of God even to Herod To this story of Haman the Agagite of Amalek we must remember Exod. 17.15 16. and Num. 24.20 of terrour to all apostaticall fierce persecutors of the holy seed Ibid. They escaped the edge of the Sword They knew by faith that the MESSIAS the King would by his death frustrate the counsell of Satan and all the power of darknesse and deliver all the children of God from the bondage and fear of death and spoil and triumph over the principalities and powers of darknesse the spirituall wickednesses even all the Legions of Devils that war against us concerning super-celestiall things Eph 6. Ibid. Letters of commission this story fell out about seventeen years before Zachariah prophesied that he might well say from God He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye Zac. 2. Ibid. Atheist Haman to plot against them and to accuse See how Satans seed folâ—owed Hamans project Acts 16.20 21 22. and 17.5 6 7. And all times have not neither will want such shamelesse liars and cursed dogs that accuse the Saints to Princes Hos 7.3 The Locusts and their King and their friends were ever most vigilant and sedulous in this thing and no marvell for Sathan the accuser of the brethren dealt so against the holy One of Israel Luc. 23.2 Their throats are open sepulchres the poison of asps is under their lips But our Lord and his apostles though few and mean were better subjects to Cesar than their lying numerous malitious adversaries Acts 17.7 and 24.5 6 7. c. Oh that Princes and Nobles would search into matters that they would read Gods Chronicles with diligent study as it is their duty Deut. 17. They would find all to be false that Haman speaks against Mordecai and the Jews mind a story 2 Sam. 16. flattering Ziba tells a most shamefull lie too many such about Princes that accuse honest subjects and make Princes trespasse against their Subjects as good David did that gave Mephibosheths lands away upon a false accusation But David said he would do otherwise in ruling the Common-weal He said he would sing of mercy and judgement and that a slanderer and a liar should not be in his Court or roiall City Psal 101. But alas alas what with sycophants and backbiters and gifts as lying Ziba presented to David 2 Sam. 19. Kings and Nobles trespasse against the faithfull of the Land and remove Land-marks It is pertinent to confer Dan. 6. that wicked men can find nothing for the most part against the Saints but concerning the Law of their God as it was then so it is now Acts 16.20.21 1 Pet 4. Let none of you suffer for evil-doing but as a Christian c. Ibid. And their Laws are divers from all people What Laws none but the holy Scriptures of the blessed God thou adversary and enemy thou wicked Haman See the contrary in good Princes and Nobles that good and truly noble and Royall Darius Artaxeâ—xes and his privy counsellours who honoured the Laws of the God of heaven he knew that Gods Laws were not hurtfull but profitable to him and his Government and that his subjects ought to walk in them View his letters patents well which he never questioned nor revoked that King and his counsellours let them be patterns to their Peers Ezra 7 Ibid. Neither keep they the Kings Laws There your Lorship hit 'em they will not obey the Kings Laws The idiome now of profane and superstitious hyocrites self-willed in humility Help O eternall they have said with our tongue we will prevail our lips are our own who is Lord over us Psal 12. and 120. Isa 57. Psal 131.18 Let the lying lips be put to silence which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous and make their own tongue to fall on them Psal 64. Acts 17.6 7. Ibid. And I will pay ten thousand But Lord Haman this sum of money would not have recompensed that great dammage that the King would have sustained no not in the bondage much lesse in the
destruction of so many honest and â—â—lâ—thfull subjects and so it was told you to your face you know when Hest 7 shall voluntary giâ—ts and contributions of such drosse Statists corrupt the breasts of Princes to make and confirm the Decrees and Canons c. to undo their bâ—st subjects absit absit Es 10.1 Psal 94.20 Prov. 25.4.5 wherefore hearest thou mens words saying David seeketh thy hurt Now therefore I pray thee Let my Lord the King hear the words of his servant If Jehovah have stirred thee up against me let him accept an offâ—â—ing but if they be the children of men cuâ—sed be they before Jehovah for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord saying go serve other gods 1 Sam. 7.4 and 26. CHAP. XI Shewing why there were no more Prophets after Malachy to our Lords incarnation FOr the better understanding of the reason three things must be well observed 1. The times of Daniel concerning Christ and his Church and the exact time of our Lords death 2. Concerning the church of the Iews standing or falling in these times 3. Concerning concerning the enemies of the church in these three things the times will be coincident which must be diligently observed First touching Christ and the exact time of his death it must be remembred The Seventy years of Babels captivity ending Daniel hâ—d this message from heaven that the Lord God had sent an holy angel from heaven to Daniel with that heavenly Message of the Seventy Sevens of years wherein MESSIAH the King should finish trespasse-offerings and end sin-offerings and make reconciliation for iniquity and bring in everlasting righteousnesse and seal Vision and Prophesie and that MESSIAH the holy of holy should confirm the Testament for Iews and the Many and should end Sacrifice and offering by his most obedient sufferings and death giving himself a sweet smelling sacrifice of savour to God for our Redemption Dan. 9.24 c. This Prophesie foretold the year moneth day and hour of Messiah his death the angel Gabriel at the time of the eenng sacrifice or ninth hour came then to Daniel to tell him that at the Seventy Sevens the Messiah should suffer and his Prophesie was performed and fulfilled at the ninth hour of the day for then our Lord gave himself a Sacrifice for the sins of the Iews and the Many of all Nations and said all was finished when he yielded his holy soul into the hands of the heavenly Father 2. We must know that Daniel knew all the holy Doctrine of the angels Message but the time of fulfilling all visions and Prophesies for the exact time of Christs death No Prophet ever told that time but Daniel this must be advisedly condered Now when the Church of God had the time of Christs death exaxctly foretold which Kings Priests and Prophets and all godly did desire to see and hear This gave the faithfull abundant satisfaction 3. When Daniel had such glrious Prophesies of ch 2. and 7. and 8. and this blessed Revelation from heaven in chap. 9. for the rejoycing of the hearts of the people of God They forsook Bahel to go to Jerusalem though in the dust Psal â—02 14 This company that returned were precious feed for after times Psal 126. Haggai end Malachy shew that the messiah shall sâ—ddenly come to the second Temple before it be destoyed so they open Dan. 9.24 c. then 49000 with Zorobabel were perswaded to forsake Babel in hope of the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven and to have Kingdome power and glory over all Nations Jeremiah sheweth that the deliverance from Babel should be more glosious than that from Egypt Jer 30. and 31. and 32. and 33. excellent things are spoken for the returned from Babel but Daniel onely tells the time of the death of Christ 4. When David had thus declared the exact time then Haggai further conâ—ecrated the returned against their discouragements that the Temple Zorobabel built should be of greater glory than Salomons because the MESSIAH the desire of all Nations should come and fill it with his glorious presence by teaching in it doing miracles in it and in it give peace to all the Israel of God Likewise Zachariah commenteth much on Daniel that Zion and Jerusalem should rejoice because the King of Israel was coming but in a lowly manner as our Lord tol them the Kingdome of heaven did not come in him with great shews of outward observation and he told them of the undervaluing King MESSIAH how he was bought and sold as for a slave for thirty pieces of silver this expounds Daniel for the sufferings of Messias yet at that day he would be a fountain for sin and all uncleannesse unto all the godly families of Judah and Levi for the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all faithfull as Daniel sheweth Christ shall suffer so Zachariah sheweth the blessed shepherd shall be smitten and the flock shall be scattered these things shew the sufferings of Messias not for himself being just but for us 6. Daniel having shewed of Messiahs confirming the Covenant for Jews and the many of all Nations Malachy expoundeth this saying from the rising of the SUN unto the going down of the same the name of the Lord should be great among the Gentiles Also he sheweth of Messiah the mesenger of the covenant in whom they delighted and expected Also he sheweth of him the SUN righteousnesse shall appear with healing in his beams and prophesieth of John Elias the Baptist to be Christs Messenger to prepare the way for his coming and the Nation of the Jews were so taken with John Baptist that they thought he was the MESSIAH for that time had many thoughts and questions 7. Daniel foretold the destruction of the low Jerusalem as with the Flood of Noah in the next generation after the Seventy Sevens were ended at our Lords death Zachariah saith the same Zac. 14.12 that it should be very terrible Also he sheweth of the heavenly Jerusalem the new Jerusalem so Esai 2 1 2 3. Micah 4â—1 2 Esai 54. speaks of his glory Titus Vespasian destroyed the low Jerusalem forty years after our Lords ascension and the Lord Jesus gave them an assured token of the same Luke 21.20 The Church standing Secondly touching the Church of God especially the faithfull rejoiced to think of the determined time of the Seventy Sevens and did calculate the years since their return from Babel so that they could not misse to know the time of MESSIAH his coming And nothing was ever objected against our Lord or his apostles about the time Zac. 11.11 The poore of the flock still waited for the accomplishment of all things especially the godly families of the house of Nathan Salomons brother by Batâ—shebah that came of Zorababel All the god evermore waited for Christ their blessed hope Isa 25.9 now much more And as they did thus for his first coming so
the Supper of the Lord. QUest 4. Shew first what is considered jointly in these two Answ Both these are memorials signes and seals as strong as the worlds frame to repenting and believing Receivers of whatsoever Gods word hath revealed for their hope and comfort of life temporal spiritual and eternal They by the work of the Spirit represent and seal the whole doctrine of the covenant and promises made to our Fathers and also it must ever be remembred they are reciprocal and for restipulation as the covenant and being added to the covenant more firmly binding strenthning and comforting to faith obedience and thankfulness QUest 5. What do you conceive to be taught us in Baptism Answ Baptism is to teach and seal unto us 1. †1 Mat. 3. Acts 2.38 39 40 41 42.2 Acts 2.38 and 22.16.3 Gal. 3.26 27.4 Rom 6.5 Tit. 53.6 1 Cor. 15.29 Rom 6. Col. 2.12 and 3.3 To all which we must joyn the calling on the name of the Lord with good understanding Acts 22.16 1 Pet. 3.21 Concrning our entrance into the Church and politie of Christs Kingdome and the priviledges of the same to distinguish us from other polities 2. Concerning our justifiation 3. Our adoption 4. New birth or sanctification 5. Mortification 6. The resurrection QUest 6. What do you consider in the Supper of the Lord. Ans This should be written in all hearts that they onely be happy which in the Lords Supper protest the abundance of grace of free forgivenesse for justification to reign by Christ the second Adam 2. The Bread broken and without mixture the wine poured out and without mixture administred in the Primitive sincerity and plainnesse dispensed by a lawfull Pastour and taken with holy judgement and faith our souls feeding upon the eternall Son his incaâ—nation and Redemption is a Seal of mercy of faithfullnesse builded and established in the very heavens to stay us in Christ and in his holy Doctrine The authority of the Speaker promising covenanting and now sealing who made the world by his word must be looked unto 3. As our eyes judge of the frame of the world and our minds to what invisible use all was made subject to the second Adam So our eyes must judge of Bread and Wine and our minds that Christ our onely and most holy and perfect high Sacrificer offered himself a Sacrifice for us 4. When Sacrifice was to end at the Supper of the Lamb Christ Jesus our Lord the Son eternall whom we must hear to seal the end of Sacrificing gave for beasts flesh and blood which figured his Body and Blood Bread and VVine to be in Covenant-speech his body and Blood 5. As all faithfull of the old Testament kept with all Religious observance the Gospel Statutes and testimonies of circumcision the passeover and Jubilee c. to the death of our Lord Jesus Christ at his first coming so shall this precious ordinance yea and all the ordinances that it seals to continne to the judgement of the great day And the Saints must evermore celebrate and observe it with an eye to his second coming This should be a constant Meditation with the people of God (*) Read a little treatise intituled a fruitfull Sermon on Rom. 12. but man by nature of a stubborn disposition to divine revelation will not be charmed though the charmer charm never so wifely Here should be inserted concerning the offices and officers of Christ for the government of his churches and the ministration of the holy things thereof Much hath been written Pro and Con. but questionlesse that church politie that is according to the words and commandements of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ is best and will agree and stand with the polities of Christians yea of heathen common weals And nothing but Popish ambition tyranny coveteousnesse idlenesse doth resist Christs government of which if the territories of Princes were rightly possessed they would glory in it * both for safety of person and State Kings being just †Kings that set light by gody and just government shall find Christs providences to be iron and fire to their common-weals 2 Sam 23.7 and ruling in the fear of God need not fear losse by Christ for that his Kingdome is not of this world VVhat his Kingdome is and who his Subjects are he sheweth Mat. 5. John 18.37 QUest 7. Who believed the most sure word of Prophesie and the Record that God the Father witnessed of the Son Answer The apostles and disciples and many others afore our Lords death the 3000 converted at one Sermon and 2000 and many more added presently after and in succeeding times 144000 Jews and innumerable martyrs and confessours of all Nations and languages as the Acts the Epistles to the Churches and the Apocalips do shew †Now the Kingdome of Christ spokeng of in Daniel c. 2 7 is fully manifested when the image of four mettals and the four beasts became as chaffe before the wind and were consumed by rivers of fire and that the Son of Man was come and had ascended to the Ancient of dâ—â—es then to him was given Kingdome power and glory that all people Nations and tongues should serve him Thus Prophesie and history do sweetly agree QVest 8. Then by this that you have said it doth manifestly appear that all Nations which were of the families of the Sons of Noah had no other faith for salvation taught them but what was taught in Sâ—ms Tents and by the Sons of SEM Answ Most true it is for all that was taught to Eva to Sem to Abraham Isaac Jacob Judah Moses David Salomon Daniel and all the Prophets in the old Testament the same faith and none other as the new Testament sheweth Christ taught his Apostles and disciples who went from Jerusalem Sems tents to the uttermost parts of the earth by our Lords commandement with the gift of tongues to disciple all nations by preaching the word of truth the Gospel concerning the incarnation of the Son of God his sufferings death resurrection from death his ascention and shining glorious appearing at his second coming to judge the world That work they performed by the strength of God who confirmed their Doctrine with signes wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost Then tongues nations and people of all Kingdomes departed from the power of darknesse by faith and obedience to the Kingdome of Christ giving honour and glory for ever to the king eternall holy invisible God onely wise 2. As Christ our salvation came of the Jews so the scriptures of the old and new Tâ—stament which reach the salvation came from them and because the saints from the dayes of the apostles have obtained the same like precious faith as Salem Sems tents had of old the state of the Church is termeâ— a Jâ—rusalem from Heaven and the names of the twelve Tribes upon the twelve Gates of this â—iâ—â—e do shew that all must be of their faith that enter
words and fair speeches Like the old schismaticall Romanists that by such means made Divisions and offences against the Doctrine of Christ See how the mystery of iniquity began to work even in Rome in the apostles dayes Rom. 10.17.2 Thes 2. In Rome they not onely schismed from the holy Doctrine but from the righteous Doctrine of lawfull powers ordained of God Rom. 13. N. 6. To creep into Kings Courts Such are fittest for Achabean Kings Courts which hate the true Michaiahs Let Jehosaphats Court look to it They can never make an holy Court if there were 400 of them and 450. If Jehosaphat notwithstanding what Michaiah said will yet go to Ramoth Gâ—lead with Achab Jeroboam-man of sinne his Religion Let the Princes of the Papacy wrangle together Let the Reformed maintain the glorious Gospel and keep at home and stand upon their defence and not weaken themselves in men and money and ammunition yet to do as Simeon and Judah did and to help the Lord against the mighty Jud. 1. and 5. Note also as it was a plague to Pharaoh and old Egypt that God brought frogs into his Land into his bed-chamber and upon his bed and into the Egyptian houses so it is a plague that the frogs of Rome-Egypt come into the Territories of Princes to have entertainment either into their Courts or their subjects houses chambers and beds The same must be noted for the other plagues of blood darknesse blains boils and sores that were on old Egypt are and shall be on old Rome-Egypt Apoc. 16. Ibid N. 6. Cruel and tyrannicall projects They said as their Predecessors we have a Law and by our Law they ought to dy and that it was not lawfull for them to put any man to death and so craved aid of the secular power which men durst not refuse The Popish company and their friends make Decrees and Cannons and Princes must be their men to punish the transgressours Thus they make Princes executioners of their best subjects Vide Mr. Cade Justis p 166 167. c. and who were worst enemies to the Prophets our Lord and his Apostles but the Ecclesiasticks of their dayes whose eyes ran a whoring after their fathers idols and vanities Icremiah durst not humour but reprove the wicked apostate Prelates therefore forsooth the King and Princes must put him to death Ier. 26. So because our Lord from Galilee to Ierusalem taught against the traditions of the Elders and reproved their errours of bodily exercise their superstitions their ignorance blindness hypocrisie and false glosses on the Law therefore he was a perverter of the Nation and a mover of sedition and so it was in the case of the apostle Paul and therefore our Lord and his apostles must be put to death Trouble wicked and apostate Prelates you are ipso facto a seditious person and a troubler of the State O ye Magistrates take heed how you give c edit to the flatteries and Diabolicall slanders of such creatures that you stain not your hands with innocent blood Luc. 3.5 Acts 24.5 6. R. B. Latimer in a Letter to King Henry 8. sheweth how it was the practise of the Scorpion locusts to conveigh their own inventions and Proclamations under the Kings name and authority Princes that have cast off mysticall Nimrod and have made their Common-weals our Lords and his Christs will not rule subjects as the Princes of mysticall Egypt and Sodom to conquer honest Subjects as such apostate Shepherds did of old which were rebels and robbers Ezek. 1. Ezek. 33. such know not the wayes of peace which is the fruit of holy and just government but godly Princes in the policy of the heavenly Jerusalem will be as it is wtitten I will make thy goverment peace and thine exactors righteousnesse Isa 60. as Ezekiel further saith chap 45.9 and 46.18 Sad events have been when Princes have removed the Land-marks The Covenant with the Gibeonites was a Land mark which was broken and severely plagued Achabs and Naboths story confer see the plottings and projects Princes that will have their wills and lusts satisfied mind nor him that ruleth in the heavens See a Land-mark concerning the liberty of the Subject Christ ordained how transgressed how plagued Jer. 34. Again Iâ—hriakâ—m thought his Kingly Prerogative would bear him our in covetousnesse oppression innocent blood and in usiug the labours of his Carpenters and masons without pay Ier. 22. what came to this son of Belial So here were Land-marks of an ancient sanction of mens possessions of Iâ—berties and of goods transgressed and mightily plagued God is Jehovah his Judgements are for ever unchangeable he is neither wearied by long processe of time nor won to give his blessing in oneâ—age to that which he hath carsed in another There are Land-marks of Christs own making in those ten words Exod. 20. and in other places expounded between all relations divine and humane which none may wil ully violate but will fall on the point of his own sword Hos 5 Deut. 27 Job 24 Prov 28.16 Quest 6. and Ans This beast bath his arms from the four be â—sts in Danie The Apocalips and some other places and parcells of the new Testament is a new Prophesie of Christ of new States and governments both of the Church the new Ierusalem and its enemies but expressed in old terms This we must well observe how the Spirit of endlesse wisdome and foresight contriveth like revolutions and the former to be the stamps of the latter If we mind not this we shall run as we do into great confusion of story so he that is A. and Ω. from the beginning to the end ruleth the world in a most wise course to shew his judgement and mercy where in this last book of the Apocalips calling old speeches to new matters goeth through the Alphabet of old ages that he may be seen to join the first and last stories in wise order Mr. Bro. in Apoc 304. and upon Daniel page 3. chap. 13.9 10. Quest 9 and Ans Five had been The seven heads of the Romane Beast afflicting the Church Apoc. 13. 1. Pompey 2. Crassus 3. Julius Caesar 4. Brurus w. Cassius 5. Antonius 6. Caesars 7. Popes The Popes their double power is a seventh and after a sort an eighth head these are the seven States over the faithfull as John and all the Jews knew * the story ofe six of these heads their story full well The Church hath great comfort that the Pontificality is the last head of the Beast Heathen stories may sit those other States of Rome of 1 Kings 2. Consulls 3. Decemviri 4. Dictators 5. Trâ—umviri 6. Caesars 7. Popes The more fall out fit as often many do to one speech the more Rome that crucified Christ is condemned when God turneth continuall revolutions to have Rome called into mind Quest 12. and Ans So the double power of the Pontificality Caesar and Ponisix It is worth the noting that the Caesars titled themselves Pontisex
Answer It shall Christ will raise up holy Teachers who shall by his great power cause the earth to be lightned with glory And the Temple and Testimony which the Beast of the Pit had shut up shall be further opened and the Lord the Almighty One shall reign The same Kingdomes that gave their power to the Beast shall regain and shall revive from their dead apostaticall condition and hate the Whore that loathsome Corporation of the King of Locusts make their Kingdomes our Lords and his Christs for they shall embrace the Gospel which shall shine among them This is called the marriage of the Lamb Apoc. 19. And verily as that whorish Polity hath been desolate and naked in respect of England Scotland and much of Germany c. so shall it be of France and Spain and others when Gods purposes are fulfilled QUest 9. What is the finall judgement given on the second beast with two horns like a Lamb who is the Beast of Empire revived and also with his Locusts is the false Prophet Answer It is said the Beast was caught and with him the false Prophet which worketh miracles before him by which he deceiveth them that receive the mark of the Beast and worship his image both were cast alive as Sodomites into the Lake burning with fire and Brimstone and shall be tormented with the Devils day and night for ever and ever Even so Amen Lord God omnipotent holy just and true are thy wayes and judgements O King of Saints QUest 10. What is the judgement on them that are seduced by the great glorious and Catholick Whore and were drunken with the cup of the Wine of her fornications that had the Mark of the Beast and did worship his image Answ They shall drink of the Cup of the wrath of God the wine mixed in the cup of his anger Psal 11.6 and 75.8 and shall be tormented for ever and ever without rest day or night in fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb Apoc. 14. This should be a most serious admonition for men to come out of mysticall Babylon mysticall Egypt to use no garments no prayers no laws of the Popes making QUe 11. What are we to think of all that go under the name of Papists that are under the Papacy Answ Fearfull judgement is pronounced on all those that worship the image of the Beast or have his Mark or print of his name in hand or forehead but sentence is not so passed on all that are of the Number of his name yet they are in great danger unlesse they obey the voice from heaven Come out of her my people O thrice blessed is that Kingdome O thrice blessed is that family O thrice blessed is that person that not onely hath gotten victory over the Beast and over his image and over his Mark but also and over the number of his name QUest 12. What is the end of all that know not God and which obey not to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ which will not be of the Corporation of the holy City Answ Everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power for so it is said without shall be dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters and the fearfull and unbelievers and the abominable and whosoever loveth and maketh a he Apoc. 21. and 22. QUest 13. What is the end of the godly that would not obey the Papacy and of all that sincerely walk with God Answ The Apostle John heard a voice from heaven saying Write blessed are they that die in the Lord even so saith the Spirit for they rest from their labours and their works follow with them Phil. 3.12 They shall not be unclothed but clothed upon in them mortality be swallowed up of life 2 Cor. 5.4 Luk. 20.35.36 And in the day of the all-joyfull resurrection our weak vile and corrupt bodies shall be raised up incorruptible and be fashioned and made like our Lords glorious body And the Saints that are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall have instead of death a sudden and unspeakable * changing in their bodies and shall together with them of the Resurrection be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the aire and to be ever with the Lord not to die any more but are equall unto the angels and shall shine like the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father Amen Even so come LORD JESUS Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the seventeenth Chapter QVest 1. and Ans Here and there two witnesses See Mr. White Way c. page 384. c. and Mr. Cade Justif l. chap. 4 and lib. 2. chap. 1. and many others Christ still raising up his witnesses was an argument that his cause should live till better times All the power of the Western world that Pope and Emperour and other horns of the Beast could make could not root out the Church nor the faith of the Primitive purity It did and shall increase in spite of fire and fagot prisons Massacres Index Expurgatorius c. the King of Locusts and his Locusts prevailed against the bodies of the Saints but not against their Testimony to the true faith of Christ Ibid. Prophesied misliked and cried out Here is a sore combate of Michaels servants called the patience of the Saints as with the Casars so now with the Tail of the Dragon the King of Locusts All the fight was for the salvation and power and Kingdome of God and his word and the authority of of Christ and his Testimony Apoc. 12.10 and this still is and must be intended for unto banishment spoiling of goods bonds and death Yea it shall be contended for till the seventh Trumpets sounding sheweth Christs reigning over the Kingdoms of the world in the glorious manifestation of his Ordinances Apoc. 11.15.19 Ibid. For divers hundreds of years In those dayes the Temple was shut and Christs Ordinances abandoned by the authority of the Beast with two horns like a Lamb so there is two kinds of authority and for this was the great strife Jehosaphat much reformed the State and took away the high places that had Groves but the other high places stood still for the peoples heart was not able to comply with purer worship 2 Chron. 20.33 So in our dayes our people are full of superstitions and hate faithfull teaching therefore pure Reformation shall not be yet nay now the the things not reformed by Queen Elizabeth and King James are a means of introducing moe things of Popish abominations Ibid. Of his 666. Apostaticall number Observe the Romane Catholick Church of Kings multitudes peoples Nations and kindreds and tongues rejoiced when the Beast of the Pit had killed the two witnesses and Martyrs of Iesus so they are the many that go the broad way and Christs witnesses sew that go the narrow way Papists ask where was your company
thousand years after it is not rationâ—◠〈…〉 to think most impertinent assertions As if a godly soul or a 〈…〉 under greivous pressures and afflictions at present should 〈…〉 for consolation must the Teacher then tell stories to 〈…〉 that neither they nor theirs for many genera 5. Again these in captivity were godly and faithfull and knew they were chastised for not regarding Gods * The Iews now are perswaded of no such thing although forewarned Heb. 10.25 26 27. covenant in Christ and therefore they did humble themselves and confesse their sins as Levit. 26. foretold and had gracious promises of return to Canaan and of building city and Temple and that the City should be builded on its own heap and that they should have a policy to buy and sell Ier. 32. and the Prophet Ieremiâ—h knew well enough that the godly in the state of Iudah were or would be much cast down in their spirits even as Ieremy himself was concerning their most grievous calamities as Ier. 32. * It was â—n that age of God people that needed this satisfaction and thereupon the Lord God did comfort him and all the godly of those dayes and did revive their hearts in divers passages even as he did by Ezekiel see Jer. 29.30 31 32 33. chapters 6. But the Jews now are not godly but grievous apostates for they hold Christ and his Gospel Kingdome and people anathema they are exceeding hard of heart and blaspheme our Christ look for Christ yet to come not one of 1â—00 is godly of them nor have been for many hundred years 7. A glorious calling of the Jews from Rom. 11. is not denied in all places where they are scattered and will not this be a wonderfull glory to them and us that they in all places where they are shall yield obedience to the Gospel This should suffice for more cannot be proved and when Christ came we Gentiles were received into their sheepfold Iohn 10 Other sheep I have c. but hereafter the contrary Rom. 11.11 To provoke them to follow them that was their glory this ours 8. So certainly this speech of Ezek. 37. was spoken for the present disconsolate age These were not yet cast off All Zac. z. was consolatory to the returned who were vexed by the Samaritans and others Ierusalem being as yet unwalled although the providence of Christ was as a wail of fire for them till it was walled nor cut off from their own people but they onely were as yet Gods people and that made Zachariah say * that the Lord will yet choose Sion and Ierusalem and that yet he would be jealous for Ierusalem and Sion This was to comfort them under many pressures being under the government of the Persians and under such like pressures they should be under Iavan whole and Iavan parted namely in much affliction therefore it was fit and convenient so to comfort them for the Lord doth alwayes speak sitly to his olive and so the Lord did yet choose them even after this for the time of the Seventy Sevens of years in which space of time they should be the peculiar holy people and Ierusalem should continue to be the holy City but after the Seventy Sevens of years were accomplished according to Dan. 9 they had not any peculiar priviledge nor ever shall We mâ—sâ— not regard that strange Doctrine that teacheth otherwise but what tends to that Sion in Hebrews 12. and in Apocalyps 14.1 and to that Jerusalem Hebrews 12. Gal. 4. Apoc. 3 and 21. in too many things we do hinder the conversion of the Jews in Judaizing with them They hope for the building of Ierusalem and daily pray for their return to Canaan and many of us thus Judaize with them in teaching their return thither to bâ— a glorious Church again 9. And whereas the people of God in Jeremiahs and Ezekiels dayes were much dejected in spirit for the sorrows which they felt by Babel the golden head as they had cause went weeping to Babel not clearly discerning Gods counsel yet at the end of the captivity the holy counsels of God were fully opened by Gabriel the holy angels glorious message from heaven to Daniel * This Text of Dan. 9.24 did comfort them for the losse of the Ark Jer. 3. and the shaking of the rest of the Ceremonies and because the Lord foresaw what he would once more do by the Romane polity therefore he gave to Daniel that glorious revelation that they should expect the MESSIAS the holy of holy to confirm the Covenant for the many by his death Dan. 9.24 That they need not mourn nor lament for destroying Salomons Progeny and Kingdome because the holy angel had told them of the MESSIAS their King greater than Salomon who was also of the house of David for it is said he shall be great and shall be called the Son of the most high and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdome there shall be no end Luc. 1.32 33. and hence we learn that Christs spirituall kingdome shall never be ended nor overthrown nor his heavenly progeny extinct who are Princes and Priests in all the earth Psal 145.16 and the Metropolis of his kingdome is the heavenly Sion and Jerusalem builded by the Gospel over all the four quarters of the world and this city 1500 mile square compassed about with a wall of precious truth invincible that no power of the enemie can scale it or make any breach in it and the foundations of the wall are twelve compounded of twelve precious Jewels The holy Doctrine of the Lambs twelve apostles that there can be no Satanicall pioneers to make any mynes to blow it up no if they be as deep in their counsels as Garnet and Faux of that hellish crue and the Temple within this holy city is so glorious that it secretly affrights all opposers more than that in the times of Psal 48. For the Lord God of hosts even the LAMB is the Temple who is also the Rock of defence of his Church 10. Now though all this be our glory under the new Testament yet the Doctrine of many is contrarie for in effect they teach the Jews to lament and mourn for earthly Canaan and for the low Ierusalem and Temple Teachers may as well follow their Thalmudicall fables as this doctrine and so they do in part for they look for a pompous Kingdome in Canaan and continue against Gods oath the line of Salomon Ier. 22. These things will be touched again as the argument calls for it 11. The Prophesie of Amos chap. 9. is expounded in Acts 15. by the holy Councel and it will confine all our expositions that we make upon Esaias Ezekiel and Zacharias for such a calling of the Jews as I have shewed The last of Amos expounded by the Apostles themselves I take it is a key to open
in Sheol or in Hades Answer 1. I have foâ—merly shewed that Nephesh which we translate soul in Psal 16. must be understood of his vitall soul and not of his rationall soul But suppose it were meant of his rationall soul yet it is not to be scoffed at that he should blesse God for not leaving his soul in Hades heaven till his body saw corruption Câ—ristopher Carlile in his Descent shews in page 47 48. That souls in joy have an earnest affection to be united to their dead bodies that so they may both together partake of the same glory and Weams in his Portraiture Pag. 33.34 speaks just to the same effect Objection 3. Some object that many Creeds have left out this Article and thence they conclude that it is but a suppositious Article Answ 1. * Is it not strange that any should be so far blinded as to think that the pen man of the Creed should speak of the crucifying death and buriall of the Lords body and yet should omit to record the immortall state of his holy and precious soul when he sent out his Spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father sâ—eing there were so many Sadduces living in those ancient dayes that denied the immortality of the rationall sou 2. Some reasons may also be rendered why some Creeds might after a while leave it our 1. when the immortall state of the soul was generally believed and not doubted of it might be left out 2. When other tongues could not find a fit word that could attain to the large sense and elegancy of the Greek word Hades then the learned seeing it might be mis understood might in wisdome rather choose to leave it out 3. When the mysterie of iniquity did so increase that Christendome was darkned by the smoke of the Pit as hath been touched from Apoc. 9. and that learning was grown so weak that most did not know whether the soul of man did ascend or descend or whither the godly soul went after death I say when the holy doctrine was so exceedingly darkned aâ— it was in the 10 11 12 13 14 and 15 Centuries and that the Article of descending to hell was so corruptly expounded then also some learned of latter times might leave it our as they did in former times for the former Reason These things I thought necessary to advise the Reader of because not many though some have written of this Subject I thought it my duty therefore to adde these Considerations for the benefit of the godly and studious Reader and I hope that my endeavour will not be in vain in the Lord. CHAP. XXXIII Of the Phrase of Abrahams Bosome THis Phrase The Bosome of Abraham did arise and was made familiar as I suppose by the faithfull Hebrew Rabbins before our Lords dayes upon this Consideration 1. The Covenant of God in Christ was made with Abraham and his Seed that in his Seed all nations should be blessed and thereupon such as desired to be partakers of that blessednesse must be of Abrahams faith and must testifie their desire by receiving Circumcision the Seal of that Covenant and then they were also received into his house or into his Church and so they were as it were nourished in Abrahams Bosome where they were nourished by Gods Ordinances and so Abraham was very hospital to all but especially to them that were of the houshold of his faith he received and nourished such not onely with temporall but with spiritual food he taught them the way of God in Christ and instructed them in the true meaning of his Commandements Statutes and Laws all which Abraham observed and kept and he is commended of God therefore in Gen. 26.5 and long before this God said of Abraham I know him that he will command his sons and his house after him that they shall keep the way of the Lord that is the true Religion faith and obedience prescribed for men to walk in as in Gen. 18 19. compared with Acts 18.25 26. Deut. 8.6 and 10 12. and therefore all the faithfull of his house might at their death expect to be made partakers with him of the heavenly City which God had prepared for them and therefore when they died they might still be said to be in Abrahams Bosome for all the faithfull whether they continue alive in this world or depart this life in the faith of Abraham are called Abrahams children and therefore when they die their spirits go to Paradise to Abrahams Bosome In like sort the faithfull being yet abiding here in this valley of tears are said to sit in heavenly places and to eat and drink with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdome of God Mat. 8. and in this respect all the godly whether living or dying are called Abrahams children cherished as it were in his Bosome family and Church both militant and triumphant 2. The holy Patriarch Abraham was so highly honoured of God that he is called the father of the faithfull and the heir of the world Rom. 4 12.13 16. so then his house was the Bosome of the Church into which he received all that professed the true faith for almost 2000 years and in this respect the eternall and blessed estate of the faithfull might well be called the Bosome of Abraham 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades
to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 4. Let me yet give the godly Reader one lift more to the placing of their souls in Abrahams Bosome when they come to die Remember that the Lord God our heavenly Father The Lord God our heavenly Father hath but one Familie part of it is in the heavens and part of it in the earth and when any one of his servants have finished their factorage Phil. 3.20 their Politeuma among that part of the Familie on earth then he sends for them home to the other part of the Familie that is in heaven all the faithfull for the dayes of the old Testament are so called And so the Apostle Paul finishing his course he went to receive his Crown in the Kingdome of the Father So Peter the Apostle 1 Pet. 1 2.3 4. 2 Pet. 1. therefore let us strive for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus that when we think or speak of death or are near to the approaching to it we may be without much disturbance in mind or heart as Abraham Isaac Jacob David c. Delight in the stories of the faithfull that ye may be more transformed This made the Saints to say Why should I fear in the evil day when our iniquities shall compasse us about and trip up our heels unto death for God will redeem us from the power of the grave for he shall receive us to himself to Abrahams Bosome Psal 49. Christ the second Adam the Lord from heaven hath destroyed death and him that had the power of death he hath opened the gates of death and himself hath passed through them to deliver the children of God from the guilt and bondage of sinne and from the fear of death unto which we are subject Christ our life is our justification for he hath freed us from the sting of sinne by his precious death and Sacrifice The Law the strength of sin Gen. 2.17 and 3.19 and although the curse of the Law is the strength of sinne yet he hath fulfilled the Law for us and so became a most perfect Mediatour for us For such an high Sacrificer and Mediatour it became us to have who was holy harmlesse undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens Again death is but an harbenger to bring us to Christ it is said that death is ours it s our servant for our good Again it is said that Christ is our life and therefore death must needs be our advantage 2 Cor. 3.12 Phil. 1.21 and therefore we should not be troubled at that which is so advantagious to us we cannot live holily righteously and comfortably unlesse we live above the fear of death 1 Cor. 15 34.58 2 Cor. 5 15. to be well instructed in this point is a point of great wisdome Moses prized it at a high rate when he prayed Teach us to number our dayes that we may apply our heartes to wisdome namely to be prepared for death and Salomon doth exhort us saying Remember thy Creatour in the dayes of thy youth before the evil dayes come upon thee Ezech. 12. This wisdome is to be valued above gold and silver and the most precious Jewels of the earth but it is wonderfull how averse our hearts are by nature from the practise of this heavenly wisdome we commonly put off the thought of our death untill the Lord bring upon us bruising miseries and then we begin to think of God and Christ and of death as it is said Destruction and Death say we have heard of the fame of this wisdome with our ears and when men come to the doores of death then is this wisdome of some fame with men then they send for a godly Minister or for a godly neighbour whose person it may be they hated in the time of their health and abhorred his teaching with their godly counsels Death was a terror indeed to Aristotâ—e though a wise and great Philosopher and to all such Job doth call it the King of terrours that speech of Bildad in Job 18. doth import that God is a just God to whom all souls must ascend to have their judgement and so in 2 Cor. 5. knowing the terror of the Lord c This made that most miserable Cardinal to say that he had rather lose his part in Paradise then his part in Paris But let all the godly be still mindful that though they depart from their Families hereon earth yet they shall still continue to be of Gods family they go from brethren and sisters here to brethren and sisters there and above all remember the dying or rather the living words of the Lord Jesus the night before his death Job 13.14 15 16 and 17 chapters Oh the ineffable love and care of our blessed Mediatour for his apostles and for all his faithfull servants to the end of the world CHAP. XXXIV Some Propositions and Expostulations concerning the true nature of Christs Sufferings 1. BEloved Reader we are yet further pressed and orthodox Churches are called up as Troopers against us about the true nature of Christs sufferings we acknowledge that the very remembrance of them is reverend and doth joy us not annoy us I know we shall not fight but treat for they may perceive that we have otthodox Churches with us and as learned Leaders though perhaps not so many That is not much materiall for the book of God must lie between them and us and they and we must search the holy pages that so by them we both may be composed 2. It is to be lamented
that the Article of our Lords going to the joyes of God taught in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should be taught people of suffering hell-torments that when we should be taught to understand Hades of heaven we have been instructed to understand it of hell but we hope it will be so no more to put darknesse for light and evil for good 3. But now of latter times some learned seeing the native meaning of the greek in the Article will neither justifie the translation nor the exposition that is made upon it and yet still they do labour to make the matter good about hell-torments and therefore they have endevoured by the Scriptures to fortifie that opinion which how orthodoxly they have done it is hoped men may have leave to examine which if it be denied then we shall transfer the infallibility of the Pontifician chair justly decried to them whom we know will not arrogate any such thing 4. Are Orthodox Churches so infallible in all things may not godly learned men utter unsound Doctrines and much miscarry in matters of sound judgement and application It is possible they may There were in times past three godly Divines none like them now on the earth yet they did not speak of God right things although they thought they spake in the behalf of God I will transcribe what is spoken of them 5. Hear now my reasoning and hearken to the pleading of my lips will you speak wickedly for God and talk deceitfully for him will ye accept his person will ye contend for God Is it good he should search you out Job will tell us that it is not good to defend Gods cause with an error pretending Religion or as one mocketh another do you so mock with him He will surely reprove you if you do secretly respect persons Shall not his excellency make you afraid and his dâ—ead fall upon you Your remembrances are like to ashes and your bodies to bodies of clay Hold your peace c. Job 1â— 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. They were holy men and spoke most excellently and we see by this that though they exalted Gods holy justice in their applications yet they spake not righteously as Christ testifieth for the comfort of his servants Job in chap. 42. Thus Job spake to his three friends and we hope we speak to friends and we doubt not but they will remember that we ought not to have the faith our glorious Lord Jesus Christ in respect of persons 6. And we hope our learned will say as Elihu What shall we say to him for we cannot order our speech by reason of darknesse Job 37. and they will acknowledge they know in part and prophesie in part and we hope they wil not be angry if we judge of what they say the Apostle would not be angry but said Judge ye what I say 1 Cor. 10. and we hope they will not deny but that they may know we will not say be instructed in the way of Christ more perfectly 7. May not godly Ministers now speak things not fitting about the sufferings of our Lord and Saviour as if any shall say that he sufferred the second death els we should have suffered it if any shall say he suffered Hell torments for the same reason If any shall say that the Son of God was not Christ for a time when he underwent the wrath of God Also if any shall say that in his agonie in the garden or upon the Crosse he did enter the lists to fight the great combate hand to hand with his angry Father c. c Are these speeches if any shall so say the Dialect of the holy Spirit in his holy Scriptures which he hath conveyed unto us by his infinite good and gracious providence Again if some good men shall have these passages that it was not the violence of his crucifying that cut off his life but the wrath and curse of God swallowed up his spirit and made his heart fail him and that his soul left the body in that agonie Thus if any shall say then one may inter that he felt not the love of God his Father before he yielded the Spirit but died in a cloud but we are taught of God Gen. 3.15 Psal 22 the cicle of ii that when the Seed of the Serpent was so busie in breaking the foot soal piercing the hands and feet of the * morning Star that he with an holy peaceable and quiet spirit as a sheep dumb before the shearer committed the cause to him that judgeth righteously and prayed Father forgive them for thy know not what they do And it is said in Psal 16. that he did alwayes behold the Lord his heavenly Father before him and that he was still at his right hand that he could not be so moved or disturbed in soul as some talk The world was made to shew principalities and powers and thrones and dominions the contrary that he would rule all his souls affections in an holy and glorious manner and by that Justice make a new world and that he the second Adam had power over his affections more than ever the first Adam he had power to trouble himself with grief and sorrow and to be affected with grief and sufferings from others and to rejoyce as he saw occasion he could rule his affections as he did the waves of the sea so far to go and no further such an holy Majesty appeared in all his Sufferings at all times but especially in his agonie in the garden and sufferings on the Crosse In all which he carried himself beyond the comprehension of men and angels And this doth more appear if we consider the sweet heavenly and calm conference he had with the repenting thief on the Crosse He that bade us possesse our souls in patience that so in all afflictions we might enjoy our selves he much more did enjoy himself by his patience and obedience and as David in type saith I waited patiently for the Lord and he enclined his ear unto me and saved him from the pit of tumultuous as flictions So the Lord Jesus was from the fear of death Heb. 6 5.7 Again he loved his enemies and did good to them that hated him and prayed for them and bade us so to do and to overcome evil with goodnesse thus the LORD ruled his affections and gives us grace for grace so to do as Stephen c. And in that agonie in the garden there was an angel from heaven strengthening and comforting the humanity so that he was neither forsaken as some understand forsaken of the Father nor of the holy Angels and if God had forsaken him what Angel durst come to comfort him That we may better understand the term forsaken The rich man we know was forsaken of God for he was in torments under the second death and therefore he might not have so much as a drop of water to cool his luxurious palate much lesse might he have an holy Angel
from heaven to comfort him and it is most evident that Christ was not forsaken for the holy Angel did not come from heaven to the Lord Jesus without a commission from the heavenly Father to whom the humanity prayed and therefore in the closure of his meritorious sufferings his heart rejoyced and his tongue was glad and being full of faith and comfort he said Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and then he sent out his Spirit from his Body 10. Again if some shall say the wrath of God as some understand wrath killed Christ We should be well advised what passeth the doore of our lips for Christ our holy Mediatour said I have power to lay down my life Jâ—â— 10.17.18 and have power to take it again This commission or commandement have I received from my Father also he said As the Father knoweth me so know I the Father and lay down my life for the sheep therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I may take it again Joh 15. As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you continue ye in my love If ye keep my commandements ye shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commandements and abide in his love John 16. Ye shall be scattered every man to his own and shall leave me alone and yet I am not alone because the Father is with me These Scriptures and others are prevalent to make one think and believe that he was not under the wrath and curse of God in any respect or consideration as some understand wrath not for one minute of an hour for surely the Son of God our Lord Jesus Christ was a most willing Mediatour and Redeemer for us to God our Father he gave himself a voluntary and free will offering to our heavenly Father for us and therefore no force did separate his soul from his body but he did that act by his own power as the formality of his Sacrifice 11. Many Ministers have some expressions about our Lords Sufferings which many godly and learned Divines have testified are not warrantable for what are we dust and ashes to speak of God and our Redeemer and Mediatour words not comely but we all should consider that aâ— Moses spake nothing of his own mind nor Christ in the flesh nor his Apostles from him but what he taught to Moses and the Prophets So we should all speak from his holy Scriptures sound Doctrines wholesome Doctrines plain and pregnant speech sound and uncondemnable 12. The assertion that our Lord suffered hell-torments in this life in his soul or body appeareth not true by any Scripture True modesty would look to Scripture phrases in handling our Redemption The ill translation of the Article and the bad interpretation of it but especially the mistaking of the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath filled the Church of Christ with much trouble and the smoke of the Pit which hath troubled many mens eyes hath also been a great occasion thereof but now the smoke is much vanished blessed be God 13. Beloved Reader we desire to reverence his word by whom the world was made his word is of sufficient authority with us and to that we through the strength of Christ will cleave as to our life therein is these words And the Bread that I will give is my flâ—sh namely that I will give in sacrifice for the life of the world Joh 6. And this is at large expounded Heb. 9 But Christ being come an high Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands I mean not of this building neither by the blood of goats nor calves but by his own blood he entered once into the holy place having obtained eternall redemption for us And it is also sald that without shedding blood is no remission and this is further amplified How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God And for this cause he is the Mediatour of the new Testament that by the means of death this is not the second death for the Redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which were called might receive the promise of the eternall inheritance Chap. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering the body of IESUS Christ once for al He. 10. And so he doth most sweetly and confortably speak in verse 19. 20 21. and in deed all that Epistle doth open Ioh. 6. most heavenly 14 Againe if Orthodox Churches yea the most Orthodox are so infallible that our faith must be resolved in part into their commentaries expositions c. how cometh it to passe that some do differ in Church discipline from so many reformed Churches both from Geneva Zurick Scotland Low Countries c. that they neither scotize it with the Scot nor Genevate it with the zealous Towne of Geneva they fall it may be under reproof in not agreeing with but discording the judgement and practise of the best and reformed and Othodox Churches in discipline And they had need to shew very good reasons of their so dissenting or they are to blame or else some may say came the word of God out from them or came it unto them only yea and may not others say so too of the best Orthodox Churches came the word of God out from or came it unto them only that men must be judged by them But the Holy Ghost hath charged us in his cause be not the Servants of men 1. Cor. 7. 15. The Pontificians said that our fore Fathers had the word of God from them and therefore they did by Egyptian Bondage tye our Ancestors to their Doctrines and Councils and at last to the Pontifician chaire and caused all Christs Witnesses to mourne in Sack-cloah that would not obey their constitutions But the Lord our God hath delivered us from that house of cruell bondage of mysticall Egypt And Christ saith his Magistrates must not bring his people back againe to Egypt Deut. 17. 16. We are of Japhets posterity And it is said God perswade Japheth to dwell in the Tents of Sem. So that we must know Japheth our Father and his faithfull posterity had their faith from Sems Tents and not from the Tent of the seaven Mountaine City of King Abaddons Kingdome And this holy faith was taught to Japheths posterity by the Sons of Sem the Prophets and Apostles The Apostles and Disciples taught this faith from the Scriptures of the Prophets at the commandment of the everlasting God to the Romans Corinthians and Galatheans Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians and the other Churches of Asia round about from Ierusalem to Illiricum and also to Dalmatia Croatia and doubtlesse to Spaine Rom. 15. And also to great Brittany as ancient Histories and as Master Speeds chronicle declareth Therefore it
is good for us to hearken to the counsells of the Scriptures of God the surest way is to consult with them It saith aske for the old way Ieâ— 6. Againe it saith he that knoweth God heareth the Apostles 1 Ioh. 4. Againe we are built upon the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Jesus Christ himselfe being the cheife corner Stone Eph. 2. And againe for perfect resolution we are referred to the words of the holy Prophets and commandments of the Apostles of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. And Iudas Thaddaus speaks the same And they all were the Sons of Sem. The Scriptures of the Prophets is the faith of the Nations and it is said often in the Apocalips that Christs Witnesses suffered for the word of God and the Testimony of Jesus with which orthodox Churches must have no vote granted to them to stand in competition for authority 17. The Pontificians so dealt and deal that they will in shew at last yeeld honour to the Scriptures so that we rest in their Churches exposition and determination we suppose godly Christians should not be like them in such tergiversations Beloved Reader do not conceive that we dis-esteem and reject Orthodox Churches or the writings of their godly Divines no such matter But we highly prize them as most gracious mercies of Christ Jesus our Lord and as they by whom the Temple of God in the Heaven of the Church hath been opened and the Ark of his Testimony manifested And as such by whose voices teaching and praying writings and martyrdome they have made such a thunder in the Pontifician Ayre that the smoake of the Pit is much vanished and a tenth part of Abaddons polity is fallen And the great Angell of the Covenant the Lord Jesus Christ will still send forth godly Teachers that the whole Barth shall be lightned with his glory Apot. 18. We may and ought to have them in godly and respectfull remembrance for their works sake both of them that are departed and of those that are yet living though we make them not Lords of our faith 18. I will yet-speake a little more of that speach which some affirme of Christ that he did combate with his Angry Father shall the Son of God faith that treatise suffer the second death for you Shall he unchrist himself for a time for you Shal he suffer Hel Torments for you †Treatise of sacâ—ed divinity published by Mr. John Downame in the yeare 1619. p. 1. 317. Shall the Son of God enter the lists to fight the great combate hand to hand with his angry Father for you God the Father to fight with God the Son Is this good Orthodox Theoligie to be sould or taught in Pulpits or in Books to the people of God doubtlesse there is a deep silence of such expressions in the Book of God And from this time forwards I hope our godly Teachers will have the same deep silence and make no stir and utter plaine Doctrines and then our inventions will vanish 1. I pray consider it well did the humanity of our blessed Saviour and Mediatour cope or combate with the Divine nature of the God the Father Alas the humanity though holy yet it was but a finite creature created in time and what is a finite creature to the infinite creator The humane nature in a such a case could not abide the least touch of contradiction But I suppose we must seriously consider that the humanity did evermore from its conception subsist in the Divine nature of the second person by way of support else it could not have borne such sufferings as the holy Scriptures declare from the power of Satan death the grave and wicked men yeâ— else his oblation of himself had not been meritoriously satisfactory and therefore it is a strange saying that the second person did combate with the first for then the whole person of the Mediatour must combate if any combating my heart yea whose heart would not tremble at such speaches as this 2. Gen. 3.25 doth hold forth a declaration of a combate of enmity between the seed of the woeman namely her speciall seed Christ and the seed of the Serpent but no mention is made of any such combate with God the Father nor that the second person should combate with himselfe the humane with the divine nature Thesâ— Tenentes do jar much from the Divinity that was taught to our first Parents in Gen 3.15 3 Is it not strange Doctrine to affirme that the Lord Jesus with the helpe of a holy Angell did combate with God for in his Agony in Luk. 22.43 there was an Angel sent from Heaven to strengthen him 4 Was it ever heard that a Mediator between two at variance should fight with the stronger opposite to bring him to agreement some Teachers in teaching such Doctrines must use some such like strange language 5. The Lord Jesus did commit his cause to him that judgeth righteously 1. Pet. 2.23 This argueth although the Divils instruments did in wrath and rage condemne him for a sinfull malefactor as all presecutors did the Martyrs yet that God the Father did not judge him for a sinner but justify him as one that was every way Innocent therefore the Heavenly Father did not combate with his Son for he committed himselfe and his case to him as to a righteous judge 6. The Martyrs in like sort being Baptised with the Baptisme of Christ in sufferings committed their case to their Heavenly Father in Apoc. 6.10 And therefore as Gods essentiall curse Hell Torments and the second death was not on the Martyrs in their sufferings so neither was it on the true and faithfull Martyr the Lord Jesus in his sufferings CHAP. XXXV Observations upon that distinction which some make between the locall and penall Hell which penall Hell some say Christ suffered 1. SOme say that God can make a mans Hell here in this world by which speach they must meane if they meane any thing to he point in dispute that God can so plague a man in this world that the will not bring him to eternall destruction in Gehenna in the world to come I grant that the eternall Lord can do what he pleaseth both in Heaven Earth Sea and in all deep places Ps 135.6 2. The same eternall Lord can also make a Heaven for his children here in this world and never bring them to everlasting glory in Heaven in the World to come But Teachers must not bring their own speculations let them be true seers to shew us the visions of God from his word rightly expounded even his Revelled will for nothing else belongs to us and to our children 3. The holy Scriptures tells us that there is an everlawing blessed estate for all Gods chosen not heare but in the Heavenly paradise though each blessing is here begun by justification is freedome from sin death Satan whence ariseth peace and joy in the holy Ghost the first fruites of the spirit
In like sort there is a place appointed for the Reprobates for their everlasting torment not hear but in Hell in the world to come hut yet man times some of these Reprobates have as it were the first fruites of Hell torments here in this world by an accusing and tormenting conscience as Kain Caligula c. but not the essentiall Torments of Hell till they come into the very place of Hell it selfe 4. And yet some have said that locall Hell is but a circumstance and that our Lord suffered penall Hell though not in local Hell In like sort they may as well affirme that the glorious place of Heaven in the world to come is but a circumstance and so in this sence all created things in respect of God are but circumstances 5. Is it well done to make this distinction and division of a penal Hell from a local Hell our old English Saxon word Hell will not manage this cause neither for Plaintiff nor Defendant It is not Hades unto which our English Saxon word doth not answer but Gehenna that Ecclesiasticks must cleare about our Lords sufferings for all the Saints do in one kind or other undergoe Hades in this world and so our Lord did undergoe Hades in two of its significations namely first in the death of his humanity and then after that death he was put in Hades the grave and thirdly the wicked Ecclesia of he Council was a Gate of Hades to him and so in like sort all wicked Courts are Gates of Hades to the Godly Martyrs therefore such Courts are in Mat. 16. called the Gates of Hades godly Martyrs must remember when they are going to such Courts that they are going to the Gates of Hades and yet they must incourage themselves and one another with that speach which Christ spake by his Spirit to the Churches in Apoc. 1. Fear not I have the Keyes of Hades and death and that he shewed in his own Resurrection and will one day in ours so then persecuting Tyrants have not power simply over the bodies of the godly they could not retain Peters body in Prison Act. 12. nor the bodies of Paul and Sylas Act. 16 Christ did not as yet grant leave to their persecutors to turn the Keye to let them into Hades though afterwards he did Steven and James were the first Martyrs of the New Testament that were sent to Hades and Christ Jesus was the last great Martyr of the Old Testament whom they sent to Hades for the old Testament was not disannulled but by his death 6. It is a great comfort that persecuting Tyrants can send the godly no further but to Hades they cannot send them to Gehenna and if our Ecclesiasticks will Rest hear we will with good will joyne with them both our hands and heart that Christ Jesus under-went a penall Hades in this world But I suppose they mean further matter or else they mean nothing as indeed their meaning in this distinction wil come to nothing 7. This then I conceive is the state of the question Whether there is a penall Gehenna in this world out of locall Gehenna in the world to come I say that Gods blessed Book doth not shew this and if any shall yet affirme it we must be bold to say it is but a dreame not the Revelation of God which evidently sheweth that penal Gehenna is in locall Gehenna 8. Let these Scriptures be dilligently marked for the place and punishment of Gehenna Mat 5.22.29.30 Mat. 23. Mar. 9.43.45.47 Luk. 12.5 And now compare these Scriptures with the case of our Lords sufferings whether any sparke of the penall fire of Gehenna fell upon his soul or body or whether that cursed worme did ever gnaw one minute of an houre on his spotlesse soul as some dread not to affirme 9. Hence the Reader may see the necessity of a right translation and exposition of the words Hades Gehenna c. the learned keep the tearm Amen in all Translations and many Greek words are commonly understood and how full is the English of Latine words see H. Bro. in L. Fam. 60. 10. Observe that in all the Evangelists the holy Spirit doth not change phrases as in other passages he doth to put Hades for Gehenna or Gehenna for Hades neither is Hades taken properly and only in all the New Testament for the cale of Reprobates But still the person and his cause must judge of the matter where Paradise in Hades is the lot of the godly and Gehenna in Hades is the lot of the wicked 11. Shall we say we deale worse then Papists about the holy Article of the Creed they say the Lord went to Hâ—ll to Triumph over the Devills and not to suffer Let all the godly put away this mis-interpretation of that holy Article first that Christ went to Hell only to Triumph over the Devils and secondly that pore jejune distinction which doth not honor but dishonor the pen of a godly Scholler of our Lords suffering Hell Torments in a penall Hell out of the locall Hell CHAP. XXXVI Observations on the second Death which some say Christ suffered 1. THE Lord Jesus did not undergoe wrath as some understand it of the Essentiall wrath of God which also they tearme the second death must not we understand that whatsoever is in God is God touching the holy deity and therefore as God is love that is essentiall love so his wrath is essentiall wrath and can we say that Gods essentiall love was ever on Christ and therefore he is called his beloved Son or the Son of his love Joh. 15.10 Act 2 25. yea and that God loved him to the end as he loved the Breathren Joh. 4. 2. When he was in that most lad agony in the Garden there was an Angel sent from Heaven to strengthen him which doth evidence that he was not then under the second death nor under essentiall wrath for then it had been impossible for any Angell or for all the Angels in Heaven to strengthen him or support him 3. If he had suffered the second death which is indeed the effect of the essentiall wrath of God he could not have said My God my God why dost thou leave me and O my Father if it be possible let this cup passe and Father forgive them and Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit neither could it be said that he did alwayes behold the Lord at his right hand as a loving Father Act. 2. and that he did abide in the love of his Father Joh. 10. 4. When did the Lord Jesus suffer the second death was it before he dyed the first death or after or did he suffer both deaths together if you say yea then give me leave to ask who told you so did the Apostles at the commandment of the everlasting God Preach that Doctrine out of the Scriptures of the Prophets for the obedience of faith shew that Scripture evidence by Scripture rightly expounded or did he suffâ—â— the
saw no Angell CHAP. XLVI That the point of Chronology was a cheife part of the Angells Message to Daniell for Daniell knew all before the Chronology 1. HE knbw that Salem Daniel saith Seavens Seavens ore exactly â—â—â—â—uâ—ted for thy people and for thy holy City Sems Tents and people should not alwayes have peculiar glory and that one day the postericy of Japheth should be perswaded to embrace the faith of Sems Tents he knew that all Families that apostated Gen. 11. should be blessed in CHRIST Gen. 12 and that he would also confirme firme the Covenant of his grace for them The blessednesse promised and the confirming the Covenant are all one 2. He knew as well as Esaias that the Temple and holy place should not alwayes be regarded as Stephea cites Esaias and Daniet Act. 6. 7. Esai â—6 1. Dan. 9 26.27 that the holy place Christ would destroy 3. He knew that Esaias had said from Moneth to Moneth and from Sabbathto Sabbath all flesh shall come to worship before me saith the Eternal Esai 66.23 This sheweth an utter abrogation of Moses seeing all Nations cannot come every week to Jerusalâ—m Mr. Br. in the latter end of Ecclesiastes 4. He knew the Preist hood of Levi should be changed from Psal 110. And he knew if the Preist hood be changed of necessity there must be a change of the Law and therefore the Law of all manner of Sacrifices of Beasts and Birds c. should be abolished this he knew from Psal 40. And all faithfull as Habel thus expected and beleived and by that their faith they were made heires of the justification that is by faith And Daniel sheweth the same that Messias should by his once offering of himselfe make reconciliation for iniquity and bring an everlasting justification and so seal and confirme all the visions and premises and prophesres that himselfe was the end an scope that all aimed at 5. He knew from Esaias that Cyrus should send the Jewes home from Captivity and build City and Temple read Esai 44 45 46. Jer. 30.18 But in what time after the returne from Captivity Esaias told not But the holy Angel did shew the time that within the Seaven Seavens from Daniels prayers and the returne of the forty nine thousand Jerusalem should be builded Street and Wall 6. He knew that HE the holy seed of the Woman of Abraham of David c. should destroy Satans works that by the Seed of the Serpent his foot sole should be bruised that he should be slaine not for himselfe but for us 7. He knew that Esaias had prophecied of the acceptable yearâ— of the Lord in the Jubilee in which should be preached good tidings unto the meek to bind up the broken hearted to proclaime liberty to the Captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound c. Now Daniel told of the last Jubilee when all should be performed Levit. 25. seeing all the promises of God in Christ are yea and amen we are bound to marke the Jubilees beginning and ending and to joyne the last to our LORDS death for indeed they doe so most exactly fall out When the Angel had told the Prophet Daniel of the Seavensy Seavens Then the godly Teachers before the holy Incarnation could say the Majesty of God dwelling in our Tabernacle will be Redemption freedome i. e. justification and Finisher of Sabbaths to Israel in a Iubilee this speach is worthy of golden Letters This they might easily account For they knew how many Jubilees had been past and how many would be the last yeare of the Seavensy Seavens The last Jubilee falls out with the last yeare of the Seavensy Seavens Simeon the just knew this and he waâ—ted for the Mâ—ssâ—as the consolation of Israel and it was reveiled unto him that he should not see death till he had seen the MESSIAS of the Lord. Luk. 2. All this glorious meditation of the Jubilees and this last Jubilee Master P. defaceth utinam bec illi ne imputetur Num. 33 56. Deut. 28.66 Esai 66. Pâ—â—l 95. Ezâ—k 16. 8. He knew from Moses and the Prophets that Christ the King would destroy his own people as with a Floud of Noe that they should be shaken out of their own Land and that that Land should not be their Rest nor an holy Land nor holy Mountaine no more then any place under heaven after the ending of the Seavensy Seavens the Jewes shall be converted they will beleive that City and Temple shal never be restored and then they will not much regard the Land Now the holy Lord God sent his Angell from heaven to tell the time of the accomplishment of all these they are un-utterable wonderfull things and glorious mercies that from the beginning of Daniels prayer this exactly accounted time should begin Mr. Bro◠〈◊〉 Daniel and end at the shewing of CHRIST to be the most holy Redeemer in declaring the power of God in his passion and resurrection as is foretold in Dan. 9. Because the passion marveilously shewed Christ to be the most Holy when he sanctifyed himselfe Ioh. 17.17 and the Centurion said doubtlesse he was the Son of God and his resurrection shewed that he was indeed the Son of Gon. I will add a little to the eighth Section above If the Jews had known the words of the Prophets they would not have stoned Stephen for saying Jesus of Nazaret should destroy the City and the holy Place Great error hath herein been committed by not marking the force of Noes words pursued by Moses by Gabriell by the Lord and by their full Event and by the glorious erecting of the Church tearmed the Jerusalem from Heaven insted of it Iulian the Apostate to satisfy our Lords words indeavoured to repaire Jerusalem but he felt the wrath of Christ for it So in after ages * Anno 1100. 1200. the Pontificality stirred the Princes of the West to war for Low Jerusalem but Christ plagued Christendome to this day for that vanity Yea at this day people study not nor beleive the words of the Prophets but as the Jewes are susperstitious so are many the superstition of the Jewes is in part expressed by a godly Teacher And it seems their vanity pleaseth us to write so of them as we doe Christians now a-dayes are so foolish and erroneous as thinking of going to Jerusalem I could name some But it is better for them to alter their opinions and if I might give them counsell to doe as it is reported Jewes doe about their dead bones let them give order to some Feoffee to have care of their dead bones and when they have a sufficient Cargosie to fraight some Vessell to Joppa and to consigne them to some Reverend Mussel-man that he by Waggons may transport them to Jerusalem to be interred Ah let Teachers consider whether they have not been an occasion to people to stumble at the Law in teaching and writing about
temperance against such there is no law 5. In verse 25. If we live in the spirit let us also walk in the spirit 11. It is said in Ephes 6.17 The sword of the spirit is the word of God and in verse 18. Pray in the spirit 12. Quench not the spirit 1 Thes 5.19 13. The holy Ghost doth renovate our corrupt natures as in Tit. 3.5 Of his mercy he saved us and by the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the holy Ghost 14. The spirit and the Bride say come Rev. 22.17 15. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost he with you all Amen 2 Cor. 13.14 Sundry other Attributes are ascribed to the holy Ghost in relation to its operations and effects from metaphors and similitudes as by fire water seed an earnest and to the oyl of gladnesse c. All which with many more will be of heavenly use to every godly Christian that will take delight to meditate in Gods book as David did both night and day Psalm I therefore say as David said O how love I thy law it is my meditation all the day Psal 119.97 FINIS A Table of Chief Heads Chap. 1. OF the Vnity of the Godhead and Trinity of Persons also of their properties and works page 1. If the knowledge of God in Trinity had not been the ground of life God would never have given himself names in the Plural number p. 1. The Spirit of Elohim is sometimes called the Spirit of the Father and sometimes the Spirit of the Son p. 2 It is good to mark how the Attributes and Titles of God are often interchangeably used the one for the other p. 5 Chap. 2. How Redemption was taught from Gen. 3.15 to the Flood of Noah p. 14 Gods purpose was not declared to bring fallen man for life by theremains of any naturall abilities p 23 The place of holy Convocations was wont to be called the presence of God p 36. 298. Chap. 3. How Redemption was taught from the Flood till the promises to Abraham also the seed of Sem is explained p 40 The subduing of ours and of Gods enemies is a benefit that God hath tied to our constancy in Religion p 42 Chapter 4. How Redemption was taught from the Promise made to Abraham till the Law of the Passeover and the coming of Israel out of Egypt p 52 We may not pray for nor expect any blessing either temporal spirituall or eternall but according to the promise and Covenant of grace in Christ p 61 Covenants go before Seals p 66 The Covenant of grace was not made onely to believing Parents but also their Infant children p 70 Chap. 5. and Chap 6. How Redemption was taught from the time of the Passeover till the building of the Temple p 74 How Christ was the end of all Moses Law p 75 76 77 82 83 85 86 It is a point of rare faith to believe that Christ gave the Law p. 84 n. 3 Chap. 6. How Redemption was taught unto David and others p 92 How they of the old Testament understood the Doctrine of Justification p 95 n. 5 and p 100 n. 5 p 356 Chap. 7. How Redemption was taught from the foundation of the Temple to the burning of it p 102 Chap. 8. But it is misprintd How the Covenant of grace was taught and opposed in this time namely from the burning of the Temple to the end of the Babylonian captivity p 117 Chap. 9 How Redemption and the Covenant of grace was taught and opposed in the time of the Seventy Sevens as it is expressed in Dan 9.24 p 137 The endevour of some Schollers is by necessary consequence very prophane by teaching us to confute Daniels propriety of the seventy sevens by the building of Rome and by the Mayors of Athens and by the Satanicall chronicles of the Olympick games p 160 and see more towards the end of the book Chap. 10. How God by his wise providence did order the severall captivities of his people to build Synagogues for the planting of Religion among the heathen nations as a preparation to the speedy preaching of the Gospel by the Apostles and Disciples that were dispersed into those Countries at the death of Stephen p 162 Chap. 11. Giving divers reasons why there were no more Prophets after Malachi or after Ezra for he is holden to be Malachi to our Lords Incarnation p 170 The 49000 that returned from Babel were godly and lâ—ft a godly seed after them p 173 174 175 Many of Judah and Israel did continually return after the 49000 were returned p 178 271 Daniel foretold of the falling away of many of the Jews from the faith p 176 The Saints the Jews in the time of the 70 sevens had sundry enemies before after the death of Antiochus Epiphanes p 179 but Christ did strengthen the godly Jews against the tyranny of Javan p 179 The Kings of the North were Gog and Magog in Ezek. 38. and Ezek. 39. p 179 129 The Hebrew tongue after the return from Babel ceased from common use p 180 The Rulers and people of the Jews did not know the meaning of their own Prophets after that the Prophets and Vrim and Thummim did cease Acts 13.27 p 181 Chap. 12. Being an answer to the complaint of the Jews for the losse of five things under the second Temple which they injoyed under Solomons Temple p 183 Fire from heaven to burn their sacrifices was a testimony of Gods gracious acceptance of the types of Christs death p 183 If they had had the fire from heaven after the captivity they should after some time have been deprived of it by Antiochus Epiphanes when he took away the daily sacrifice for three years and a half p 184 Vrim and Thummim they needed not when John Elias came p 182 184 Though after the captivity they wanted the Ark of the Covenant yet Christ told them they should have godly Teachers in the place of it Jer. 3.15 16. p 184 Chap. 13. How the new Covenant and the way of Redemption was taughe and opposed under the first preaching of the Gospel p 187 How the heavenly Jerusalem began first to be builded in the earthly Jerusalem p 198 Chap. 14. Shewing who they are that have the spirituall blessings of the Covenant of grace and who the curses 201 The Jews and Romames for their despising of the Kingdome and sacrifioâ—hood of Christ were greatly plagued p 202 Chap. 15. Proving that Rome in Gods just judgement is the place that Christ hath given to the power of Sathan for the setting up of the mystery of iniquity p 215 Chap. 16. Proving that the mysterie of iniquity began to get head from Constantines time p 229 Chap. 17. Of the two Witnesses and of the mark of the Beast and of the decay of the mysterie of iniquity p 235 Chap. 18. Of the seven Trumpets in Apoc. 8 9.10 and 11 chapters in which the
and all other Prophets and Teachers in all their Synagogues which were very many had Sabbatical convocations and they preached upon Moses And there were divers Universities or Schooles of Prophets at Kiâ—jabjeâ—arim at Bethel at Jericho c. to educate young men for knowledge to teach this most noble and glorious doctrine of faith in the Son of God that should come into the world to make our flesh his Tabernacle Ibid All which do teach of Christ The holy Prophets Psal 50. Esay 53. 55 1 2. c. giving the people true Expositions of the Law shew that Christ is the end of all all priviledges of the Jewes and Gods own ordinances they not discerning or seeking Christ by faith in them were nothing nothing bread but Christ and in outward performances and bodily exercise to be most bountiful most exact accurate and unrebukable is a bestowing cost and pains and not for bread for all is but dung and doggs meat without Christ See how the Apostle urged this to the Jewes from Esay 55.1 2 3. Acts 1â— 38 39. read Mich 6.6 The Law of Moâ—es politie was not given that we should be justified ex opere operato by bodily exercise it was given for signification humiliation and direction that Christ might be our life without him it is a killing letter for so it is weak and â—e are weak But carnall Israel mistook the Law and so believed John 6. Their bodily exercise in eating Manna did not bring them into Canaan for they dyed in the desert And our Lord most heavenly draws all Moses to himself that he was the true Manna and was sent of the Father to be the true bread And there opens all the sacrifices that his flesh and bloud was the true sacrifice of which though now ascended by faith we must feed or dy and never come to the happy resurrection of the heavenly Râ—st And this was and is the heavenly Fathers will in the old and new Testament The spirituality of ordinances was cumbersome to them as to Kain Gen. 4. wherefore Christ in his wrath made them a snare to them and a stumbling block And this was the reason they hated Christ and his Apostles to the death Because Christ doctrine drove man out of himself and so all their labour to be lost for salvation seeking to enter in at the strait Gate and yet were not able Eccles 10.15 yea it is natural alass to us all to rest in outward performances as Kain and not to care for Christ the second Adam and the justification that is by the faith of Him The Ceremonial Law was weak to justifie Rom. 8.3 for it was impossible that the bloud of Oxen Goats washings c. could cleanse the conscience from the guilt and filth The moral could not justifie because we were weak nothing in us was able to do any thing to satisfy the justice of God and because the carnall heart of many being covered with a veil could not discerne Christ the end and intent of the Law yet they knew that they must labour one way or other to have peace with God and their own conscience they would thousands of Rams and thousands of Rivers of oyl and would be exact in outward doings for justification And they durst not touch about the spiritualness of the Law for it is the very pangs of death to understand the Law rightly Râ—m 7. Though sometime it could not be but the conscience was affrighted then they did busie themselves in outward acts of fasting praying almsdeeds washings c. to quier their heart And this was their Divinity and they were cursed by their censors that taught the Law otherwise The Pharisees are the true Fathers of the Popish company and we may very well yield the Papist antiquity because they talk much of antiquity even Esay 1. 58. yea higher Psalm 50. yea Gen. 4. in Kain who was the first that practised this doctrine The Phâ—risees thought Christ came to destroy the Law when he taught his holy doctrine he answered he came not to destroy but to fulfil it by orthodox exposâ—â—ions But they saw how it will go with them if Christs doctrine were received and they would rather kill him so it is now where the word of Christ is truly taught it makes the carnal heart mad and to persecute I did desire to remember these things often because of the cursed corruption of our nature who are so ready yea every mothers child of us to contend our selves without Christ and to rest in bodily exercise The Churcheâ— were warned of this evil springing in the Apostles times 1 Tim. 4â—8 And we have cause to fear that not only Papists but thousands of Protestants are leavened with this leaven of the Pharisees which is but hypocriâ—ie Quest 5. â—uâ— mine not the Moral I use the term Moral as godly Divines do because it is the holy Law of Christ that shall last for ever when the ceremonial was abolished And people must be taught that it is that which is called the form of sound doctrine of faith and love which is in Christ Jesus and we are to understand that the Son of God the Angel of Gods presence who hath the name of God in him who is very often called Ienovah he gave the Law as Mediator between God and man to train up his people in faith and love And all the Law and the Prophets are but expositions of the ten words therefore faith in Christ is taught in the Law as 1 Joh. 3.23 This is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his Son Iesus Christ and love one another as he gave commandement Again it is said when we carry our selves proudly and do not walk charitably one towards another we sin against Christ Rom. 14.1 Cor. 8. All relations in their obedience serve Christ Ephes 5.14 15. 6.5 6. Col. 3.24 1 Tim 6 3. Ibid. seek justification by doing This was the false doctrine of the concision and hath cast them off to this day see how sweetly the Lord Jesus calls them from this error Iohn 6.27 28. c. This is an idolatrous errour of all our hearts to be spiritual to come to God by faith in Christ and in our whole conversation so to be spiritual to come to God by faith in Christ and in our whole conversation so to walk as seeing him that is invisible as Hâ—bel as Mâ—ses and all faithful Oh how hard how impossible such a power of darkness and weakness is upon us O Lord God the way of man is not in himself till thou turn us from darkness to light from the power of Satan to thy self The glorious wisdom of Moses Law which standeth for the Marrâ—w still but not for the outward Sabbath circumcision Tabernacle and other rites of Levi. That Christ from the Law plagued the concision and made the Law held as their Table for the in â—ood 〈◊〉 succour them to be their snare unto death They would not