life Celestial but to have power to transmit the Influences of the Sun into other Corporeal Substances here upon Earth it would surely make the whole Creation to stand amazed and applaud the happiness of Mankind that it should be exalted to so great a dignity But behold here a greater wonder in Heaven a humane body is actually taken up into the Throne of Glory Crowned with Divine Majesty and Honour hypostatically united to the Divine Nature by virtue whereof the Holy Spirit drops down abundantly into the hearts of men making them all wheresoever it comes like unto God in Wisdom Righteousness and true Holiness and fruitful in all good works No wonder indeed that the Angels stoop down 1 Pet. 1.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not in respect of his personal being but quoad essentiam absolutam because the Essence of the Son is the very same that the Essence of the Father is desiring to look into the Gospel when they have such a blessed and glorious Pattern of it there before them in the Mount of God But this I say is the honour that Christ hath done unto us and therefore surely a mighty engagement lies upon us to give unto him also what honour we possibly can he sought not to dignifie himself or to make himself in any respect better when he took upon him our Nature for he was from everlasting God in the best and highest degree 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 very God in all the daies of Eternity so high that he could not be higher so great that he could not be greater so good that he could not be better but for our sakes he was made flesh and dwelt among us that we poor dust and ashes might dwell with him in Glory Ascribe we therefore unto him the excellency of his Merit let us be thankful unto him and speak well of his Name for his Name indeed is excellent and his praise above Heaven and Earth his Name also is wonderful therefore to be had in reverence by all them that are round about him wonderful in his Essence yesterday to day and for ever And having also done wondrously well for us as hath been said Now then let all the people praise him let all the people praise him by worshipping him with a divine Adoration by a zealous appearance for him against his Enemies by a ready hearkning to the Voice of his Word And thus have we done with this second Consequent of this Doctrine viz. With a confideration of it in reference to the people of God Lastly Seeing it is so that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday to day and for ever in respect of his Divine Nature Then let all the Enemies of this Eternal Son of God cover their faces with shame who have not only called into question this his Honour but with the Sophistry of Hell in the sight of all the World and before the Sun have most impiously and impudently argued against it Such were Cerinthus Ebion Sabellius Samosatenus Arius Photinus and all those Alogi of old such have been Servetus Socinus Valentinus Gentilis and their followers of late all of them professed and open Enemies against the Godhead of Christ It hath been already said that it is a duty incumbent upon all the faithful people of God zealously to vindicate the name and Dignity of the Son of God against all his Enemies But we shall now see how he himself doth marvellously appear in his own vindication for it may well be said of him as it is in Job He is wise in heart Job 9.4 and mighty in strength to maintain his own Glory and therefore whosoever they be that harden themselves against him shall not prosper They shall perish but he shall endure they shall consume into smoak shall they consume away but he is the same and his years shall have no end We use to say proverbially of the Moon which is called the faithful Witness in Heaven that she will still keep on her course Ps 89.33 though all the Dogs upon earth should stand barking at her Assuredly the Lord Jesus Christ will be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yea 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The same God still yesterday to day and for ever though the foolish man reproacheth him daily and the tumult of those that rise up against him ascendeth continually But will he indeed be the same Ps 74.22 23. We may then conclude upon it infallibly that he will as he hath ever done make all his Enemies the Spawn of the old Serpent his inveterate Adversary to lick the dust Not to speak here of those who are Enemies against Christ as he is Mediatour of which sort I believe the World is full and it is to be feared that too many who even eat of his bread Ps 41.9 do lift up the heel against him Let us consider how his hand hath been stretched forth against those that have denied his Godhead Cerinthus the first that we read of that vomited out this Blasphemy viz. That Christ was but a meer man and not co-eternal with the Father against whom the Evangelist S. John as Irenaus reports it was inspired by the Holy Ghost to write that Gospel which goeth under his name See Doctor Featly in his Dipper dipt This Cerinthus as some Historians write resorting to a common Bath where he met with the said Evangelist was crushed to death by the fall of the house as soon as the beloved Disciple who made hast to shun him was got out of the door Julian the Apostate whom all Generations shall call cursed being wont in a scoffing manner to call the Lord Jesus the Galilaean and the Carpenters Son gave out threatnings that upon his return from the Parthian War wherein he was then engaged he would utterly destroy all those that believed in Christ But he was before his return cut off in a most eminent manner Vengeance not suffering him to live wounded he was mortally in the said Battel uncertain whether by an Angel or man which when he perceived he filled his hand with his own blood and threw it into the aire uttering these words Vicisti Galilaee vicisti Thou hast overcome Galilaean thou hast overcome Eusebius c. c. And when his filthy Soul was about to disgorge it self out of his body he grumbled out with a hollow voice the Devil then as it is like ceasing upon him this horrid Blasphemy Saturato te nunc Nazarene Now satisfie thy self O Nazaren A little before the death of this bloody wretch Libanius Julian's Teacher in Paganism scoffingly asked a Christian Scholemaster what the Carpenters Son was then working for his Disciples he Prophetically answered Parat Juliano Loculum He prepareth a Coffin for Julian who was about that instant time smitten by the just hand of the Almighty Julian Uncle to the aforenamed Julian used commonly the like blasphemy against Jesus Christ and being willing in what he could to vent his malice against him rush'd
the Lord Jesus Christ in order to the preservation of his Creatures A Doctrine it is that is profitable for Conviction for Encouragement and Instruction For conviction of many sinful practises too frequently appearing in these times to the great dishonour of Christ and his Government over the World and for the encouragement and instruction of all the faithful people of God who desire to walk worthy of that preservation which they enjoy under his Government First then this plainly layeth open the gross blindness that hath come upon many who notwithstanding think they see clearly When men will freely acknowledge this great Jehovah the Lord of all to be the sole Fountain of Being unto all Creatures both in Heaven and in Earth And yet in the several changes and revolutions that come upon the World have their thoughts fixed upon second Causes or such it may be as they have framed to themselves not at all regarding the work of the Lord nor the operation of his hands as if he were now no more then a mean Spectatour and had nothing to do in the various Transactions of his Creatures about him How impiously do some after the manner of the Heathen ascribe unto Fortune that good or ill success which attends upon their undertakings It was my good fortune saith one Si fortuna volet fies de Rhetore Conful si volet haec eadem fies de Consule Rhetor that brought me to this Honour to this Estate wherein now I am It was my hard hap saith another that I met with such a cross and that I am fallen into this misery even as the Poet once said If Fortune Will thou may'st of Poor be Consul made And if that will thou must unto thy former Trade This you 'l say is not as becometh Christians but behold yet more Abominations some there are yea too many who when they go about a matter of any great Import either to free themselves from some sad disaster as they call it or to enterprize a Design which they conceive may be for their advantage will usually like unto Heathens for the Scripture notes it as a part of their Infidelity consult with Astrologers a sort of people who if they will keep themselves within their own Sphere would have the Approbation of all that are wise but being excentrick they are the very Pest of a Common-wealth and when the success appeareth their Stars forsooth must be Idoliz'd as the cause of that which doth befal them And how unworthy alas is this of that Faith which we do profess But behold yet greater Abominations It is an Abomination souc'd in the very dregs of Heathenism when people will in time of any loss danger or distress of what kind soever it be not look up to him who is and alwaies was the great Preserver of men and upholdeth all things by the Word of his Power but consult with Witches and Conjurers for a supply and preservation And this alas is too commonly found amongst those that call themselves Christians As for the Heathen they were not ordinarily wont unless it were the ruder sort in plain down-right terms Acheronta movere Ab Aves Aspiciendo that is to seek to the Devil for help They had their Auspicium which was by flying of Birds to divine of their successes And they had their Aruspicium by looking into the Entrails of Beasts appointed for Sacrifice Ab Aras Inspiciendo Ezek. 21.21 to the same purpose as it is said of the King of Babylon that he looked into the Liver Ezek. 21.21 when he took up a Divination for Jerusalem They had also their Tripudium taking a conjecture of what should befall them by the rebounding of Corn thrown upon the ground to Chickens Quasi terripudium seu terripavium from whence the Southsayer was called Pullarius And their Augurium which was a Prediction from the chirping or chattering of Birds as also by the founds and voices which they heard they knew not whence Ab Avium Garritu All which and many more though abominable enough yet were not so bad as knowingly and willingly to seek for a remedy or supply so directly from the Devil which they do that consult with those who they are assured have for such ends and purposes made a compact with him To all whom it may be said is it because there is not a Divine Providence that ordereth and governeth the World nor a power in Heaven to help and to deliver Or rather is it not because you are faithless and have no confidence in this great Preserver of men that you betake your selves to the Devil and his Angels for help A most wicked and Atheistical Generation who deny the Lord that bought them and run a whoring after Satan to worship him with a most execrable Idolatry For it may well be said such persons they revolt from God to the Devil howsoever they plaister up their impiety with untempered Mortar as that they seek Gods help though by the means of the Magician But terrible is that threatning which the Lord hath denounced against these wretched people Lev. 20.6 The Soul that turueth after such as have familiar Spirits and after Wizzards to go a whoring after them I will even set my face against that Soul and will cut him off from among my people Bishop King upon Jonas Add unto this that common foolish Opinion as a reverend Bishop of our times hath well observed and I shall render it in his own words If ever Tempest arise more then common experience hath enured us unto especially with the havock and loss either of life or limb in our Selves our Cattel or Housings forthwith the judgment is given as if the Lord of Heaven and Earth were fallen asleep and minded nothing there is doubtless some Conjuring And what then is Conjuring A pestilent commistion convention stipulation betwixt men and Devils Men and Devils what are they Look upon the Sorcerers of Egypt for the one they cryed in the smallest Plague that was sent and past their cunning to remove this is the finger of God their power is limited therefore Look upon the Martyrings of Job for the other for though the Circuit of Satan be very large even to the compassing of the whole earth to and fro yet he hath his daies assigned him to stand before the presence of God for the renewing of his Commission And besides Oviculam unam auferre non potuit He could not take one poor sheep from Job till the Lord had given him leave saying Put forth thine hand Nor enter into the Herd of Swine Matt. 8. without Christ's permission To conclude therefore with the same learned Writer Whether Men or Devils be ministerial Workers in these Actions all cometh from him who is the Judge of all as from the higher Supreme Cause whose Judgments executed thereby no man can either fully comprehend or reprehend justly He professeth no less of himself Es 45.7 Es
wise and carnal Politician What subjection do all these yield unto this great Preserver of men Though in him they live and move and have their being though they be under his protection every day Act. 17.28 yet they will not be subject unto him the God in whose hand their breath is and whose are all their waies Dan. 9.23 they will not glorifie The covetous Earth worm grovels upon his Dunghil saying to his Wedge of Gold Thou art my confidence and as Riches encrease so is his Soul more and more prostituted to his Mammon Job 31.24 Pro. 10.22 never considering that it is the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich nor remembring that the earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof and that he giveth it to whomsoever he will Doth the ambitious man that hunts greedily after honour acknowledge Christ's absolute Sovereignty when he will not content himself with that Station wherein Divine Providence hath put him but breaks over all bounds Civil Natural Spiritual aspiring still higher and higher beyond his proportion of strength and ballast of wisdom for the management of his acquired Interest which undoubtedly will either involve him in a Snare to his eternal perdition or else precipitate him here into many woful miseries As for the proud and vain-glorious man who exalts himself like the Pharisee proclaiming his Merits to the World Luke 18.11 12. and brow-beating others with overly looks of contempt and disdain he I say not closely and sliely disclaimeth Christ's Sovereignty but above all others is most guilty of an impudent and arrogant encroachment upon his Prerogative Royal Ps 138.6 and accordingly doth the Lord look upon him afar off in his due time giving a check to his folly making him to know his distance and that wherein he deals proudly Ex. 18 11. he will be above him In fine the profane Politician also that hath been trained up in the Schole of Machiavel and is become a profest and perfect Disciple of his great Patriarch Achitophel is very busie in his contrivances carrying on his unrighteous projects with much confidence and security as if Providence it self were blinde and that he who formed the Eye could not see and he that teacheth man Knowledge were altogether ignorant And thus do poor Creatures make bold with the Lord of the whole Earth withdrawing from him their subjection though they could not one moment subsist without him But O what a sad account will such presumptuous wretches make at the great Day when they shall come to stand before the Tribunal of this great Lord of Heaven and Earth They shall then finde that their preservation here hath been but a reservation they flourish and prosper awhile but it is that they may be cut off for ever Secondly In that Jesus Christ abideth continually the Governour and Preserver of the World here is matter of Instruction to be learned which Instruction shall be branched out into Three Particulars First It may teach all the faithful people of God not to be dismaied at the appearances and apprehensions of Death or of the troubles that come upon them here in this World Secondly It is a Lesson and inducement to draw poor Creatures to a constant dependance upon Divine Providence Thirdly It may let all sorts of people see their own nothingness in respect of a Spiritual standing in Grace and Holiness First then 1 Branch seeing that the Lord Jesus Christ takes a constant care of the World is the same yesterday to day and for ever in preserving the Work of his own hands what need they who may be well assured of his everlasting love unto them be afraid of death Or be daunted at the troubles that may sometimes come upon them or the World about them Concerning the first of these we may for our comfort know that Death was none of those Creatures that received a being from this Prince of the Creation Wisd 1.13 whose design was ever to uphold and maintain his own Workmanship against whatsoever might be destructive unto it But the Apostle tells us which way Death came in It entred saith he Rom. 5.12 into the world by sin This Thief and Robber then came not in at the door but foolish man lets in sin which came creeping upon him by a Serpentine Insinuation Et sicut mors intrat per peccatum â—a peccatum exit per moriem and Sin like a false Traitour makes way for this Cut-throat the Devils Emissary who no sooner in but he shews himself a Tyrant thrusts Life and Immortality into Darkness Plaies Reakes and makes what havock he pleaseth all the whole Race of Mankinde being in danger for ever to be swallowed up by him But when the Lord Jesus Christ who is the beginning of the Creation of God the first-born of every Creature findes this pragmatical Intruder so busily trampling upon the Work which he had made Gen. 1 26. Ps 139.14 Es 9.6 especially that Work which with such infinite Wisdom and power was wonderfully formed after his own Image whose Name is Wonderful he cannot suffer this Stranger thus to spoil his Labour but as he began it in Wisdom so he will in Mercy preserve it And therefore out of pure love to his own helpless Creatures he undertook to vindicate it against the Assaults of Death sending forth his Challenge with Indignation as hot as fire in these words O Death I will be thy death Hos 13.14 O Grave I will be thy destruction And not only speaks it but acts it too enters into a Combat with him And here may poor Creatures stand amazed to behold this admirable Duel a Duel of so great Import that the Victory which attends thereupon must carry with it the perpetual Monarchy of the whole World First then Christ hath a body prepared for him Heb. 10 5. that so he might be a fit Combatant with Death In this Body he appears Armed with the Breast plate of his own Righteousness though indeed loaden also with the sins of all the Elect 1 Pet. 2.24 for he bore our sins in his own Body 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both to the Tree and on the Tree which was the field where this Combat was fought and carried them with him also to the Grave yea to Hell which is that Land of separation appointed for them mentioned Lev. 16.22 and there left them with the Devil from whom they had their first Original Lev. 16.22 Death on the other side being set on by the Devil for the Apostle saith Heb. 2.14 He was under his command finding a Body in his way ready to give him the Encounter and finding sin also upon it wherein his great strength was wont to lie makes use of his old Plot and stratagem which never before failed him layeth hold upon Sin and with it mortally wounds the Lord Jesus Christ Where alas is now the hope of the Creatures being rescued from under
yea and the greater was our sin that after we had some large experience of this great Glory wherein Divine Goodness had put us we should through our absurd folly deprive our selves of it This for the second Consideration arising from the said Doctrine The third brings a Light in her hand to guide us in the first Resurrection and to shew us the Glory of the second First we are hereby taught to fit and prepare our selves against this time of Restauration viz. By raising up our dull heavy and carnal hearts from this present evil World where they are too apt to lie groveling and by setting our Affections on things above and upon this Comfortable time of Refreshing wherein the Lord Jesus will freely and fully manifest his love and faithfulness unto his beloved people And indeed seeing that these things shall be dissolved and again restored What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness Scarce any among us I dare say but do look for new Heavens and new Earth that is expect Salvation in the Day of the Lord. But can we be so deluded as to think that the old Adam should bring us thither A Delusion notwithstanding it is wherewith multitudes are miserably deceived But beloved Brethren let it be remembred that the flaming Sword which keeps the Way to the Tree of Life will never suffer any to enter there under such a Conduct There must dwell nothing but Righteousness neither shall there in any wise enter into it any thing that defileth Rev. 21.27 nor whosoever worketh Abomination or maketh a Lye If therefore we carry our sins along with us we shall certainly stand without amongst Dogs and never be admitted Rouze up thy Soul therefore O poor Sinner and with Indignation shake off whatsoever it be that may hinder thee from having a part in that Glory that shall be revealed For be assured the Lord Jesus Christ will never suffer his new Creation to be sullied with the least spot or stain of Uncleanness He will not have his poor Creature to be ever groaning and when he hath once freed it it shall be freed for ever none but the new Creature shall be the Inhabitant of his new Creation Let all old things then be done away both in our hearts and in our lives and let all things become new I shall conclude this first Branch with that excellent Gloss of Mr. Calvin upon that of the Apostle 2 Pet. 3.10 Non subtiliter de igne procellâ c. Disputare voluit Apostolus sed tantum inde elicere exhortationem quam mox attexit nempe ut enitamur nos quoque advitoe novitatem The Apostle's design is not subtlely to argue about the sire c. that shall be at the last Day but from the consideration of the change that shall then be to draw forth an Exhortation to perswade men to newness of life So say I let us not busie our selves about too curious an inquisition after the manner of that change that shall be made of the Heavens and of the Earth rather it should be our care according to the advice and warning of the Apostle that seeing we look for such things as new Heavens and new Earth 2 Pet. 3.14 to give all diligence that we be found of him who is the faithful Authour of this Change in peace without spot and blameless And thus are we guided by this Doctrine to the first Resurrection Secondly it will shew unto us somewhat of the Glory of the second For according to the Power and Wisdom of the Workman so is the Work to be expected that cometh out of his hands if he be able and expert in his Art whatsoever it be his Work will be answerable Now it is to be presumed that Jesus Christ who is the Wisdom of God and the Power of God will like himself produce a most glorious Work in his Restauration of all things for herein also he will be the same which he was from the Beginning What therefore the Prophet spake in a certain place may very well be applied to this purpose Es 64.4 Since the beginning of the World for in the beginning there was some kinde of resemblance of that Glory which shall be Eye hath not seen as the Apostle renders it nor Ear heard 1 Cor. 2.9 neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him The Eye of man hath seen much the Ear perhaps hath heard more but the Heart conceiveth more then Eye hath seen or Ear heard but Eye Ear and Heart are all too narrow to comprehend or describe the exceeding weight and superlative Greatness of that fulness of Glory It may suffice that it is of his wise and powerful ordering who is the same yesterday to day and for ever In the 14 of S. John the Lord speaketh to his Disciples in these words which have a measure that reacheth unto all Believers I go John 14.2 saith he to prepare a place for you a place with himself that where he is there also may his people be Being then I say of his preparation who is the Lord of Glory and of his Prepossession too how can it possibly be but exceeding Glorious Kings do not use to erect Cottages but set forth their Magnificence in sumptuous Buildings How stately then shall that place be which is prepared by Jesus Christ the King of Glory It was as he himself faith elsewhere prepared from the foundation of the World Mat 25.34 Yet after some thousands of years he saith again I go to prepare a place for you Once more behold here by the way how Jesus Christ is still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The same that excellent Work which he made and prepared at first and which was afterwards lost and forfeited by man'd Disobedience he will now prepare it again for all those that believe in him for in him there is no variableness nor ever shall be That Preparation therefore that is to be made will be it seems in part the Reparation of that which was made in the Beginning In part I say for it will not become us to mete out or to set Bounds to this great Work of Christ by any Topographical Delineations otherwise then we have the Word to guide us neither indeed can we positively determine what it shall be 1 John 3.2 It doth not yet appear saith the Evangelist what we our selves shall be though for the present we be the Children of God And what the Glory was of our first Creation we are not able in this our low estate to finde out much less do we know what that Glory is which Christ is preparing But notwithstanding this is certain because it is revealed there shall be new Heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness and where Righteousness dwelleth there must needs be great Glory For if Righteousness here where she is but a Forreiner
him with tears to consider the dangerous consequences of such a proceeding and to desist from it whereunto his answer was this I acknowledge it is a very base business but they put it upon me and I cannot avoid it This being witnessed against him at his trial he had not so much confidence then as to deny it Whereby it seems that one while he accounted it a very base business another while after he had gotten preferment by it it was the most Noble and Glorious Act that ever he did in all his life His Indictment also charging him with Malice He replyed that he acted onely as a Counsellour for his fee so that it might be as he said called avaritia not malitia Covetousness not Malice And being told that he demanded judgement against the King He answered His meaning was judgement for his acquittal Yea further when he was in Ireland he did as he said put in a Petition to the Honourable Commissioners that he might have the benefit of his Majesties Declaration at Breda but when he saw his expectation therein to be frustrated by the sentence of death upon him the Case is altered his Death must be a Martyrdom and the Cause for which he suffers the most glorious Cause that ever was agitated for God and Christ since the Apostolical times Just like some sturdy Beggar who at first will seem to be very humble pouring out his prayers for such as will relieve him but if he have not an almes given him according to his asking he presently falls to cursing and banning Let now the best friends this man had judge whether he be to be commended for constancy and fortitude in his Cause or to be condemned for shameful shuffling and halting in it and consequently whether he be a fit pattern for their imitation Had he and the rest of his fellows in iniquity but given testimony of so much self-denial as to have refused that Wealth and Preferment which they gained by their busy actings in their Cause and have kept themselves in that inferiour rank wherein they were before they had brought so much mischief upon us they might possibly not have been so subject to censure as they were but when they coveted feilds and houses and took them by violence oppressed a man and his house even a man and his heritage when they spoiled for themselves as the Psalmist speaketh and like wretched Ahab did kill and also take possession yet in the mean time would be esteemed as the prime patrons of publick liberty and in point of religion Saints of the greatest magnitude in this Hemisphere of the Church Out upon it It was as hateful Hypocrisie as ever was seen under the Sun And I doubt not but those that now justifie it will have their eyes open one day so to account of it Now therefore O foolish people and unwise that are so miserably deluded with vain and empty shadows of holiness and constancy in a pretended cause of Religion be warned betimes and as you love your souls never let them enter into the secret of these men nor be baptised with the baptisme that they were baptised with Away I say with that spirit of Rebellion and Sedition of Division and Delusion that hath too long haunted this Nation Let it from henceforth never be entertained by us any more And if we have not quite lost that antient genuine integrity and goodness of Nature that hath been peculiar to the natives of this Kingdom we will all joyn hearts and hands together to send it packing Consider what hath been said and the Lord give us a right understanding in all things But I hope it is now made evident who they be among us that come neerest to the pattern here presented unto us in the text in being still the same Whether those that have framed the objection which hath caused this dispute or those against whom the objection is framed And now because this Text is in an especial manner intended for the instruction encouragement of the Hebrews to submit themselves to the Scepter of Christ's government I shall out of a friendly zeal for their Conversion make another short Application unto them O yee that were once a people and who shall again we believe be glorious among the Nations be at length informed aright concerning the Messiah whom I hope you will upon a perusal of what is here written if you suffer not prejudice to captivate your judgment account to be this Jesus onely whom your Fathers persecuted and we adore Be wise I say receive instruction concerning his Kingdom here upon earth It is not to be nor ever shall be conformed to the Kingdomes of this world in outward pomp and splendour in expectation whereof you have been hitherto wofully blinded For look what manner of power our Lord exercised over his people yesterday the same doth he to day because he is still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same And whatsoever alteration hath happened therein as it must be confessed some there is and ought to have been upon those termes before mentioned which yet as we have said argueth no inconstancy at all in himself It is a change unto that which is more spiritual and so consequently is his Kingdom at a farther distance from the world then it was before Was it not prophecyed of him that he should be a man of sorrows broken with infirmities Es 53.3 c. And even where his comming is spoken of as a King That though he be just and bringeth Salvation with him yet he is lowly too and should testifie it by the poverty of his appearance not to be mounted in a Princely manner as the Kings of the earth are wont but upon no better steed then a ragged Colt the foal of an asse which surely speakes him to be one that would take no great state upon him And hath not this which is written been this day fulfilled by this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this onely Hee Jesus Christ as all else hath been which was yesterday prophecyed of the Messiah why then will you suffer your selves to be deceived by Satan with a fruitles waiting for of I know not what glorious appearance of Another yet to come True it is we also look for another coming of this our great Redeemer and we now call upon one another daily as you have been exhorted heretofore Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand But as it is observed by us from the Holy Prophets and Apostles The Scepter will be changed Bishop King upon Jonas and the government wholly altered from what it was before Then was the Kingdom of Grace now of Glory and Justice Then was the saving now the judging of Souls Then came it in the tongues of Men but hereafter in the trumpet of an Arch-Angel Then with tidings of great Joy to the whole World but that that is to come shall be with Terrour and Amazement to all the kindreds of
what it is for the Son to deliver up the Kingdom to the Father It is even that which the Apostle saith Phil. 2.10 then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all whence it followeth that this subjection is the same with the delivery up of the Kingdom An interpretation therefore here seems to be necessary that the Son may be acknowledged to be subject to the Father and yet nevertheless that he may be said to have an everlasting Kingdom which may be called the Kingdom of the Son because then at the Name of Jesus every knee must bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the Earth When all things do confess the Lord Jesus and are made subject unto him whether it be by constraint or by consent then shall the mystery of one God be made manifest unto all and all praise shall redound unto the Father of whom are all things that so when preaching that is the creatures service in proclaiming the Name of God shall cease the one onely God may be known in the mystery of the Trinity For when all rule and all authority and power shall bow the knee to Christ then shall the Son manifest himself that it is not he of whom are all things but that he is his Son and that in him he himself is to be seen according to his own words Joh. 14.10 Joh. 14.10 This then is the subjection and the yeilding up of the Kingdome Christ subjecteth himself unto the Father proclaiming the Father to be he of whom are all things confessing also that he himself is of him For so great Majesty and Glory will appear in the comming of the Son that all the powers of Heaven and company of Angels may possibly look upon him as God alone But our Saviour when he shall say I am not he that is the Father but his Son he delivers up the Kingdome to the Father and yet continueth to be King still Herein then I say is manifested both his subjection and his delivery up of the Kingdome because when he professeth that he himself is of the Father he confesseth that whatsoever he hath is of the Father ascribing unto him the glory of being the complement of all things Besides this the same Saint Austin adds yet another sense concerning Christs delivery up of the Kingdome to the Father interpreting the said Kingdome for the people of the Kingdome that is his charge of the Elect Saints which he received of the Father not suffering one of them to be lost Ad Oro. Cont. Priscillia cap. 7. tom 6. Cum tradiderit Regnum Deo Patri id est cum perduxerit sanctos suos ad contemplationem Patris c. He shall deliver up the Kingdome to the Father that is when he hath brought all his Saints to behold the Glory of the Father and his own Glory which he had with the Father before the World was Now whether we understand the Apostle in this sense or that other before either of which we may safely adhere unto and unto one or both of them without question must the words of the Apostle be reduced we may conclude infallibly that Christs delivery up of the Kingdome to the Father shall not deprive him of that power and authority which he had before over his Church but that he shall continue to be King thereof unto all eternity August eodem loco Quod autem dicit Apostolus deinde finis cum tradiderit Regnum Deo Patri ibi finem non consumentem sed perficientem significat And whereas the Apostle saith then cometh the end when Christ shall deliver up the Kingdome c. That is not to be understood of the end bringing with it destruction and dissolution but rather that which bringeth perfection wherein shall be a clearer demonstration of Christs Power and Wisdome in the governing of his Church then is possible now to be discerned For as Luther upon these very words of the Apostle saith well Est idem hic in Terris regnum quod postea in Coelis futurum erit nisi quod jam contectum oculis nostris non pateat It is the same Kingdome here upon Earth which shall be hereafter in Heaven but that we are not able now abiding in this mortal and sinful estate to perceive it being hidden from our eyes I could multiply Authours both Ancient and Modern who do all agree in this that when Christ delivers up the Kingdome to the Father he then onely layeth down his Mediatorial Office not continuing any longer the Fathers Deputy in the governing of his Church but that his Kingdome notwithstanding shall everlastingly be the Same The same in the manifestation of his Wisdome Power Love Goodness towards his redeemed people to all eternity Onely how and wherein he will exercise the Authority of a Head over his Church otherwise then is before related there is none that is wise unto sobriety that will speak of it or be inquisitive after it Such knowledge is too wonderful for us it is high we cannot attain unto it Now therefore let all the ends of the Earth that is Application all the Inhabitants of the World farre and near Look unto Jesus and be saved Consider him in his Divine Nature Es 45.22 as he is begotten of the Father from eternity to eternity consider him also in the several works of creation continual preservation and future restauration of all things look unto him in his relation to his Church what he hath been is and eternally will be without any variableness or shadow of turning you 'll finde him in all that which the Apostle here proclaims him to be the same yesterday to day and for ever Look unto him then I say that you may more and more long after his apperance love him and delight in him Look unto him that you may follow his example an example equivalent with all Rules of righteousness in those things which he did and commanded though not altogether in those things which he did but commanded not What better object can you have to fix all the thoughts of your hearts upon He is the pattern set for your imitation according to the depth of Divine Wisdome He is the gift of God to the World 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Joh. 4.10 a greater gift then which though God be great in power and infinite in love he hath not to give Eph. 1.6 He is the beloved in whom the Father is well pleased deliciae Dei humani generis the darling of the Almighty Hag. 2.7 Ps 45.2 Cant. 5.10 and the desire of all Nations fairer then the children of men white and ruddy the chiefest of ten thousand white in his Divine Nature according to the sense of some late Expositours which was the brightness of his Fathers substance and red in his humanity being of the same substance with
manifest X. Episcopal Government in the Church proved by Scripture to be of Divine Right XI The Liturgy of the Church of England cleared from Superstition XII The Church of Rome justly charged with Novelty XIII A Remedy prescribed to cure the Distempers of our Nation and Times about Order and Church-Government The Contents more particularly and more punctually described THe Apostles intent and scope in the words of the Text viz. Jesus Christ the Same yesterday to day and for ever is rendred page 1. A threefold interpretation given of the Text p. 4. 1. With a respect to the Divine Nature 2. With a reference to the whole Creation 3. With a more especial respect to the Church An Apology for these several interpretations ibid. The first Interpretation Proved by Scripture and the concurrent Testimony of sundry Authours p. 5. Objections answered First taken from Prov. 8.22 c. p. 11. Second taken from Luk. 1.35 p. 13. Third taken from Col. 1.15 ibid. Instructions deducted viz. First Though Christ took upon him our nature yet he continued still to be the Same p. 19 Secondly We must give unto Christ the glory due unto his Name p. 21. 1. In worshipping him with Divine Adoration p. 21. 2. In a zealous appearance for him against his enemies p. 23. Of whom there are two sorts especially in these times that must not be spared viz. Those 1. Who raise up men above their proper sphaere equallizing them with Christ p. 24. 2. Who level the Lord Jesus with poor dust and ashes p. 25. 3. In the ready hearkening to the voyce of his Word p. 28. Corroboratives of this Argument 1. The Father will have Christ to be thus honoured p. 29. 2. Christ himself expects of us the same service ibid. 3. The Eternity of Christ is a clear evidence of his Wisdome and Gravity ibid. 4. A necessity lyes upon us to hearken to this his infallible Wisdome p 30. How else shall we escape the snares of Satan What improvement can we make of our Talents in our masters service p. 31. 5. He hath highly honoured us ibid. Thirdly how God hath been wont to make manifest his sore displeasure against those that have been the professed enemies of the eternal Deity of his beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ p. 33. A particular Application p. 37. The second Interpretation p. 41. Wherein it is observed how Christ is the Same 1. In the work of Creation 2. In the work of Preservation 3. In the work of Restauration How in the work of Creation p 42. Though Jesus Christ be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 therein yet the Father and the Holy Ghost are not excluded 1. Christ is equal with the Father in that eternal Counsel and Decree from whence all things had their first rise and origination 2. The Same in the execution of that Decree 3. The Same without any Coadjutor 4. The Same without any variableness in the creating of all things Inferences from hence First this may lead us to a further knowledge of Jesus Christ p. 47. When we consider the Heavens p. 48. When we consider the Deep p. 49. When we consider the Earth ibid. When we consider our selves p. 50. We must say O Lord our Lord How excellent is thy Name Secondly we are to let Jesus Christ enjoy peaceably without any repining his absolute Sovereignty over all the earth to dispose of it as seemeth good unto him p. 50. How Jesus Christ is the Same in the work of Preservation and Government of the world p. 52. An Objection answered viz. If this Power belongeth unto Christ to guide and govern the world What need is there at all of any other government p. 54. In answer hereunto three things are largely proved First Government by men is an Ordinance of Divine appointment p. 57. Secondly Government is ordained to be subservient unto Christ p. 62. Thirdly Christ will have this subservient government and order to be continued so long as the world endureth p. 66 The folly of Fift-Monarchy men is made manifest p 70. A conviction of those that look no further then secondary causes p. 71. They who applaud their Fortune in their successes are reproved ibid. They also who consult with Astrologers p. 72. And that run to Witches for their help ibid. That when extraordinary tempests are raised are apt to impute the cause thereof to Conjuring p. 73. Such as murmure at the happy change which the Divine Providence hath brought upon this Nation p. 74. A conviction of sundry others who in effect disclaim Christs Sovereignty over them p. 76. viz. The Covetous The Ambitious The Proud and Vain-glorious The Profane Politician An Instruction to all that fear God not to be dismayed at the appearance and apprehension of death p. 78. Nor at the troubles that come upon the world or that may befall themselves p. 80. A lesson to incline us to a constant dependance upon Divine Providence p. 81. We are nothing without Christ ibid. How Jesus Christ is the Same in the Restauration of all things p. 82. In order hereunto the Apostles words in Rom. 8.19.20.22.23 are at large expounded p. 83. Where is to be seen how 1. The creature is subject to vanity p. 84. It hath lost a great part of its primitive beauty and goodness p. 85. A necessity lyes upon it to serve the enemies of the Creatour ibid It is still declaring the glory of God but man regards it not ibid. It is troubled at the inverting of the order which the Creatour at first established p. 86. It is instrumental in mans sin ibid. 2. The creature waiteth and groaneth to be delivered p. 87. 3. When this Deliverance shall be p. 89. viz. When the Son◠of God that is the Angels are manifested ibid. Which manifestation shall be both active and passive p. 90. Active four several ways They shall break open the chambers of Death 90 They shall manifest the Saints from the wicked ibid. They shall manifest the judgement pronounced ibid. They shall be employed in the manifestation of the Son of man p. 91. Passive two ways In respect of their Nature p. 92. In respect of their Number ibid. 4. The manner of their deliverance p. 93. An Objection out of 2 Pet. 3.10 concerning the dissolution of all things by fire answered p. 95. Fift monarchists and Millenaries reproved p. 103. See the excellencie of our Creation p. 105. A light to guide us in the first resurrection p. 106. A light to shew unto us somewhat of the glory of the second p. 107. Wherein may be seen 1. How the new heaven that shall be is resembled unto Canaan p. 109. 2. How the new earth that shall be is also so resembled p. 112. The third Interpretation viz. Jesus Christ is the Same yesterday to day and for ever with a more especial respect unto his Church p. 116. First of yesterday that is p. 117. All the time of the old Testament A Doctrine here-hence derived viz. The
darkness are set about the Pavilion of God Ps 18.11 he therefore that presseth to it will lose himself for ever We read indeed of his out-goings that have been from everlasting that is as is conceived his eternal Generation Mich. 5.2 together with his Purposes and Decrees which should in time be accomplished but for his in-goings with the Father and the Holy Ghost they are laid up with God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Revestries of Eternity the knowledge whereof is infinitely beyond the reach of any Creature It is fit for us to be contented with what Christ himself hath been pleased to declare concerning this secret As that he was his Fathers delight Diè Diè in all those daies of Eternity rejoycing alwaies before him Pro. 8.30 31. John 17.5 in that excellent Glory which he saith He had with him before the world began But if vain man who is born like a wild Asses colt will be wise above what is written enquiring what Christ did yesterday before the Creation he must be answered with that saying of old He prepared Hell for such bold Intruders who will so audaciously busie themselves in searching into the secret and eternal Counsels of the most High Yet notwithstanding albeit in this sense we are not of Yesterday and therefore neither can nor ought to know any thing this Doctrine may instruct us concerning Jesus Christ that though he took upon him our Nature yet he continued still to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same what he was from Eternity Quod erat permansit quod non erat assumpsit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He ceased not to be what he was and what he was not he assumed Thou art the same saith David speaking of Christ Ps 102.27 as appears Heb. 1.12 and thy years viz. of thy Wisdom thy Power and other thy glorious Attributes as well as of thy life have no end but indure throughout all Generations Though the Heavens shall be changed and wax old like a Garment and the faithful Witness that is therein shall witness to all that all things in this world are unfaithful yea though Christ himself who in the fulness of Eternity dwelt in that Light that is inaccessible was in the fulness of time made flesh and dwelt among us yet he was still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same God manifested in the flesh but continuing notwithstanding to be God still This was the Weapon wherewith the Orthodox of old did strike through the loins of the Arians Verbum caro factum est sed non mutatum The Son of God was made flesh but not changed into it and they gave it an edge from this very Text which we are now upon Cent. 4. cap. 5. Jesus Christ the same yesterday to day and for ever True it is Phil. 2.7 he emptied himself as the Apostle speaks Phil. 2.7 for so the word there sâ—gnifies and that secundum Deitatem too in respect of his Godhead But what emptying was this Not a total devesting himself of his Eternal Power and Godhead for then he had not been 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same but the meaning is as the word is well rendred in our Bibles He made himself of no reputation That is as it follows He took upon him the form of a servant which form of a Servant could not surely obliterate the form of God Non depositâ sed sepositâ Majestate as one saith well not by cancelling or laying away but as it were by concealing or laying aside for a time the most glorious appearance of his Divine Majesty In a word the Godhead in Christ was not laid aside at his Incarnation considered as it is in it self common to the three Persons Father Son and Holy Ghost but only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an approved distinction among the Learned by a gratious dispensation in that he was pleased to condescend so low as to assume our Nature and to joyn it unto his yet not confounding the properties of either and therefore he still abideth immutably the same even as a Prince when he marrieth a poor Beggar may in a sense be said to make himself of no reputation and to have no regard to his great Dignity though nevertheless he continue still in the same state wherein he was before Athanasius gives the reason very clearly Corpus non vim habuit absolvendae Divinae Hypostasâ—os The body which was ordained for Christ was not able to dissolve his Divine Subsistence Now therefore because he made himself of no reputation should we make light account of him God forbid when we consider his Birth here in this world how poor and homely let us withal remember his Eternal Generation how Glorious and Divine When we look upon his poor Mother a despised Woman though indeed the glory and flower of her Sex let us then also think upon his Eternal Father the God of Glory when we see him rejected by men in a worse condition for house-room in the world then the Foxes of the earth and the Fowls of the air let not our Lord thereupon be despised in our eyes but call to mind how he inhabiteth Eternity is in the bosom of the Father upholding all things by the word of his Power and all the Angels of God worshipping him And thus are we faln upon the second Result that ariseth out of this everlasting Truth considering it with a reference unto the people of God Whose duty it is upon the account of Christs Eternity and Immutability to give unto him the glory due unto his Name And how can we indeed do otherwise John 1.14 When we see his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten Son of God When we find by comfortable experience upon our Souls the blessed effects of his eternal and immutable Wisdom Power Goodness how can we choose but say Lo this is our God we have waited for him and he will save us this is the Lord Es 25.9 we have waited for him we will be glad and rejoyce in his salvation Yea this is our faith and confidence and hope and triumph here alone we will fix and here alone we desire to be found to be found in Life to be found in Death and to be found after Death For whither else should we go With him are the Words and with him are the Works of eternal life Such a Saviour it behoved us to have and such a Saviour he hath approved himself to be who did not only begin but throughly accomplish our Deliverance The pleasure desire and purpose of the Lord hath prospered in his hand Es 53.10 And the salvation of his people hath been a salvation to the uttermost So that we may say with Moses He is the Rock and his work is perfect Deut. 32.4 Give unto him then the Glory due unto his Name And if it be demanded how it should be done as it is fit indeed we should be still inquisitive after it
I answer 1. In worshipping him with Divine Adoration 2. In a zealous appearance for him against his Enemies 3. In a ready hearkning to the Voice of his Word First We must yield unto him Divine Honour putting no difference in that respect between him and the Father for as the Father hath sworn that unto him every knee shall bow Es 45.23 Es 45.23 Phil. 2.10 So must every knee bow in like manner to the Lord Jesus Christ Phil. 2.10 Neither did Christ who was ever zealous for his Fathers glory ever refuse this Divine Honour when it was given unto him He never said as the Angel See thou do it not Rev. 19.10 But approved Rev. 19.10 commended blessed those that did it as we might instance in the Leper Mat. 8.2 The Ruler Mat. 9.18 The blind man John 9.38 His Disciples Mat. 28.17 and many more If it had not been his due what a derogation had these things been unto his Fathers Honour for which he had been justly liable to his displeasure even as Herod was when he took unto himself the glory due unto God But Jesus Christ is the same with the Father yesterday to day and for ever And therefore is to have the same honour ascribed unto him Heb 1 6. Let then all the Angels of God worship him and let men of what rank soever bow the knee Abrech John 5.23 and cry before him Tender Father for this is the will of God that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father I shall conclude this Branch of my Exhortation with a remarkable Story very well known and very pertinent to our purpose confirmed by the concurrent Testimony of many Writers of great and eminent fame in the Church of God In the Reign of Theodosius there was a Toleration granted to the Arians giving them liberty free from any molestation not prohibiting them to argue publickly against the Godhead of Christ insomuch that they grew thereupon extremely impudent venting their Blasphemy to the great dishonour of the Lord Jesus Christ neither could any man prevail with the Emperour to retract that Toleration which he had with too much indulgence granted unto them At length one Amphilochius Bishop of Iconium a holy man not being able to endure the dishonour that was so frequently done unto Jesus Christ was willing to expose himself to a great hazard for his sake Entring therefore into the Court with some other Bishops and seeing the Emperour and his son Arcadius whom he lately created Joynt-Emperour standing together he did very low obeysance to the Father but none at all to the Son Theodosius imagining the omission of Reverence towards his Son to proceed rather from simplicity and ignorance then from any wilful neglect of the Bishop adviseth him to salute his Son also as became his Imperial Dignity Amphilochius answered boldly in these words Satis est quod honorem ipsi habitisset It was enough that he had given him that honour which he did and withal coming up close to the Son in a familiar manner he stroaketh him on the head saying Salve mi Fili God save you my Child Whereupon the old Emperour being much displeased gave commandment that the Bishop should be punished severely for his insolency which being ready to be executed he having now obtained what he expected very freely speaketh forth his mind in this manner Siccine O Imperator tam graviter fers contemptum filii tui Revocat tibi in mentem quaeso odisse Deumcos qui honoris aliquid adimerent unigenito Filio suo c. Is thy rage O Emperour so great against me for not regarding thy Son Remember I beseech thee that they are odious unto God whosoever they be that take away from his only begotten Son the glory that is due unto him c. The Emperour upon these words bethinking himself better acknowledged his fault to the Bishop and asks him forgiveness immediately issuing forth an Edict against Arianism whereby all whosoever they were that were found guilty of that Heresie were brought to a condign punishment A memorable example in which we may see how Divine Providence hath in those elder times wrought in the hearts of men a reverend awe of the Lord Jesus Christ when possibly convictions from the holy Scriptures through the prevalency of carnal compliancies could not be regarded Which example let it lead the way also to our second particular of giving unto Christ his due honour viz. By a zealous appearance for him against his Enemies who in these our daies lay violent hands upon his Glory cursed Hereticks I mean professing open Hostility against the Lord Jesus seeking by all means they possibly can to snatch his Crown from off his head by undermining the very Foundation of his Honour that is his Divine Nature And surely too many there are of that pestilent Brood in these times of Errour and Vanity an evil Spirit wanders about not only in our Nation but in other parts of the world pretending to Holiness yet doubtless an Emissary sent from the Prince of Darkness that beguileth unstable Souls by infusing into them a lower esteem of Jesus Christ then hath been commonly held up amongst the people of God to the end that this diminution of his Glory might in time bring on with it an annihilation also of his Merit Numine sordidius nihil est cum siditâ—n Imum for as the powers of the Earth when they are brought low are trampled upon and made very despicable so will it certainly be with the Dignity and Honour of the Lord Jesus if it be brought down to the dust there it will be buried and come to nothing It doth therefore highly concern all the faithful people of God to appear in this Quarrel and notwithstanding all the glossing insinuations and pretensions of men willing to be deceived who as they are themselves of a lukewarm indifferency in many points of Religion so they would perswade all others to a sinful silence with them yet doth it I say behove all that truly love the Lord Jesus Christ to proclaim and maintain an irreconcilable War with all those whosoever they be that march under the Banner of that evil Spirit against him And to afford some help herein let us a little sound the depths of Satan to the end that we may lay open some of the stratagems of Hell which have been of late contrived and acted against the Lord Christ and his Glory Two waies it is clear doth this Spirit work to bring about this mischievous Design First By raising up men beyond their due 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their proper Sphere making them equals with Christ and Competitours with him in Glory Secondly By bringing down the Lord Jesus the Lord of Glory from the Throne of his Majesty making him nothing else but a poor Compeer with the sons of men As to the first of these consider what a fearful delusion that is which haunteth some
pretensions made to rectifie all things amiss amongst us in a better way to the credit and furtherance of the Gospel then ever had been before yet even then was there not instead of purging the Land of these damnable Hereticks a more favourable indulgence given to some wretched Desperado's of that Crew then was formerly who in the face of the World both pleaded and printed against the Divine Honour and Dignity of the Lord Jesus And albeit after too long a deliberation in determining Businesses of that nature for as Cyprian said in another case so may we in this In re tam Sanctâ deliberatio non habet locum Away with all deliberation in the high and weighty Points of Faith Albeit I say there came forth at length some kind of disowning of such persons and their Fry of corrupt Tenets yet was there not a condign punishment inflicted upon them according to their Demerits that others might hear and sear and do no more such wickedness And why Liberty of Conscience must be given and a Latitude allowed unto men in points of Religion for a free People must not be beaten into the Faith but rationally convinced and perswaded unto it By this Trick it was that a Politick Interest was promoted and by this Craft did the Devil gain upon the poor Church of Christ But I ask Doth God command in his Law that the Blasphemer be stoned to death Lev. 24.16 and shall it be debated now whether any punishment at all should be laid upon such under the Gospel Did he ever totally repeal that Law Is not the matter of it agreeable to the Dictates of Nature and the Reason of it immutable Is not the Authority of the Law giver the same under both Administrations Old and New Are not the Consciences of Christians as well as Jews subject to his Sovereign and perpetual Jurisdiction Shall the clearer Light that we enjoy lead us to deal more favourably with such Miscreants whose whole endeavour and design is to obscure our Light And because Christ hath brought with him more abundant Grace should we therefore for his sake spare those that are open enemies against him pretending that we must express all meekness now under the Gospel Job 13.7.8 What I beseech you were this but to speak wickedly for Christ and to act deceitfully for him To accept the Person of the Mediatour and to contend for him unto the great dishonour of the Son of God Yea further shall a word spoken against the Person or Authority of a Prince be accounted Crimen laesae Majestatis a Crime of the highest nature and be adjudged worthy of death as it doth well deserve and shall a black mouth with a virulent Tongue utter blasphemous reproaches against the Person of God himself and escape with Stocks and Whipping As a horrid Blasphemer did in the City of Winchester in the time of the late Wars whereof I my self with thousands more were eye-witnesses Nay was there ever any punishment at all laid upon that blasphemous Best Paul Beast or Beast I know not well which but beast he might wel be called who openly before those that then sate in the Commons House of Parliament avowed his heretical Tenet in denying the Godhead of Christ which matter was to the grief of many a faithful heart held in suspense a long time yea so long that whereas there was much doubt then made concerning the Publick Faith of the Kingdom it might rather have been questioned whether the Christian Faith it self should have been established in the Land yea or no. And what became of that abominable Fry a Member of that Convention which was unduely called the Parliament who as one tells us had then blown his Blasphemy about the Nation with his own Bellows What befell him I say but only an Ejectment so far as I could learn out of the house wherein he with others had too long continued whereas he well deserved to be cast out of the Society of all the faithful people of God I confess we do not at present hear so much of the croaking of these Frogs that have crept out of the mouth of the Dragon c for the Scene is now changed and the Devil hath vomited out of the bottomless Pit a sort of quaking Locusts to act their part also against Jesus Christ but I hope and pray that the Lord will still incline the heart of his Majesty our religious King and Sovereign Locustae sunt meticulosae Job 39.30 whom he hath hitherto preserved blessed be his Name and substituted under him for that end to be zealous for his Glory and to be very vigilant in suppressing such bold Insurrections against his Crown and Dignity that none of these his arch Enemies may be suffered to abide in the Land least for their sakes his jealousie as it hath done in former times smoak against the whole Nation And for us we have been long talking of Antichrist Antichrist how he hath grown upon us and threaten much to root him out and not to leave a ragg remaining But if in the mean time we should suffer Anti-Trinitarians Anti-Scripturists and Socinians who are Antichrists to purpose to continue amongst us what are we in effect but meer Anticks in Religion and our pretended zeal for Reformation will indeed prove nothing else but talk But what the Consequents will be which undoubtedly will follow upon such a perfidious Connivance let the lamentable miseries that lately over-spread the Country of Poland declare unto us It is well known that in Cracovia the Metropolis of that Kingdom Satan had erected his Throne for there hath this abominable Heresie been revived published and defended And we have heard how God did visite them in his sore displeasure though he be now for a while gone and returned to his place till they acknowledge their offence and seek his face The Lord in mercy open their eyes that they may look into the bottom of their Afflictions and cast out from among them that accursed thing with other their Abominations unto which they have been too inclinable before Wrath return again upon them to their utter destruction And let us and all Christian Kingdoms in this World take warning by them for assuredly God will not be mocked but will have a Controversie with those Nations who assent unto this Doctrine of the Eternal Generation of the Son of God and yet out of a Supine negligence or lukewarm indifferency will spare to testifie their zeal for the suppression of those blasphemous Heresies that are contrary thereunto I shall conclude this first Interpretation of my Text with the Exhortation of the Prophet in the second Psalm Be wise now therefore O ye Kings Psal 2.10 11 12. be instructed ye Judges of the Earth Serve the Lord with fear and rejoyce with trembling Kiss the Son least he be angry and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little blessed are all they
that put their trust in him The second Interpretation of the TEXT Jesus Christ is the same yesterday to day and for ever In a reference to the whole CREATION Adsis O JESV HEnce it is that Christ calls himself the Alpha and Omega Rev. 1.11 the first and the last Being so in this sense as well as in that before-mentioned The first because he is before all things and by him all things consist Col. 1.16 The last Col. 1.16 in that he is after all things Or He shall stand the last on the earth as that place of Job may be rendred or with the last Job 19.25 Es 41.4 Col. 3.11 as the Prophet phraseth it that is continuing with or ruling this whole World to the end of it He is All and in all saith the Apostle in point of eternal salvation all meritoriously all efficiently all sufficiently so likewise is he All and in all in respect of the World and the Creatures therein for all had been nothing without him and all would fall to nothing without him the same good hand of his Power running constantly without the least Retractation or Interstitium through the whole from first to last which clearly demonstrates him what the Text proclaims him to be viz. The same yesterday to day and for ever That is The same in the work of Creation The same in the work of Preservation The same in the work of Restauration According to this triple Distribution of Time here in the Text Yesterday to day and for ever Let us therefore now consider these distinctly by themselves that we may so far as God shall be pleased to enable us take an exact view of the unchangeable power of the Lord Jesus in order to the Creatures CHAP I. How the Text is Applicable to Christ in the work of Creation JEsus Christ is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same mighty God or the only He as the word signifies in the work of Creation he is that great Jehovah as it hath been made to appear that Ens entium The beginning of the Creation of God Rev. 3.14 Not in a Passive sense but Active that giveth a Being to all Creatures Therefore when this Jehovah saith of himself Es 48.12 I am he Es 48.12 I am the first I am also the last He presently inferreth Mine hand hath laid the foundations of the earth and my right hand hath spanned the Heavens when I call them they stand up together Ob. But we are to believe will some say according to the Tenor of our Creed that the Father is the Creatour of Heaven and Earth Sol. I answer True but that is not to be taken exclusively of the Son and of the Holy Ghost for as there is a Divine Order between the Persons in the Trinity so this Order is the same towards the Creatures as it is amongst themselves Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa Talis agendo qualis existendo The same in working as in their existency one with another the Father is of himself the Son is of the Father the Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son so first the Counsel and Decree of the Father precedeth then the Son produceth that Decree into Act P.R. the Jesuit in his Treatise of Mitigati on against Dr. Morton tels us that Bellarmine Valentia c. Charge Calvin with Arianism for holding that Christ as he is the second person of the Trinity cannot properly be called the Creatour of Heaven and Earth for that say they implieth that he is not God nor equal to his Father Heb. 1.2 then the Holy Ghost maketh it effectual to all those ends and purposes for which it was ordained not as if there were any priority among them either in respect of Dignity or Time but the only wise God being the God of Order and delighting therein this Order is held in all proceedings amongst those three Heavenly Estates as it were who are not either in their Actions or Existence subordinate one to another but only co-ordinate one with another Excellently therefore according to this Rule is this Order in the work of Creation described by Arnobius an Orthodox Writer of the Fourth Century Ipse dixit facta sunt hoc est per verbum Dei facta sunt Patre loquente Filio creante Spiritu Sancto animante He spake and it was done that is By the Word of God were the Heavens and the Earth finished and all the Host of them by the Breath of his Mouth the Father decreeing the Son creating the Holy Ghost quickning Or as Basil the Great at the same time sweetly interprets it In creatione cogita principalem causam corum quae fiâ—nt Patrem conditricem Filium perfectricem Spiritum Sanctum In the work of Creation ever conceive the first Mover thereof to be the Father the working cause to be the Son the perfecting to be the Holy Ghost True it is the Father is said to work by the Son for by him that is the Son saith the Apostle Heb. 1.2 God made the World yet that will not necessarily imply as the Arians impiously construe it that the Son is only ministerial or instrumental to the Father herein as a Servant is to his Lord for this Preposition Per doth sometimes also signifie the very primary efficient cause of a thing that is acted or done v.g. A man may be said per liberum arbritrium by his free-will to undertake a Design his will though cannot be counted as his Instrument in the matter he undertakes but it is the efficient Mover of his undertaking And when a work-man per rationem Idaeam Artis that is by his skill doth perfect some rare artificial Piece we do not say that his Reason or Skill was either his Tool or his Servant that he used in his Work but the very Spring or Principle from whence the Work received its full and whole composure and formality which is so far from being an Impeachment of the Work-mans credit that it rather tends to his greater glory So when the Father is said by the Son to create the World the Son is not thereby subjected to the form of a Servant unto the Father as he was when he undertook to redeem the World but is declared thereby to be in all points 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Co-worker with him as the efficient cause of the Creation to the glory of the Father 1 Cor. 1.24 he being the wisdom of God and the power of God as saith the Apostle And yet to make this clearer we shall find that the said Preposition is in Scripture sometimes used with a reference also even unto the Father v.g. 1 Cor. 1.9 God is faithful 1 Cor. 1.9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son 2 Cor. 1.1 And 2 Cor. 1.10 Paul calls himself an Apostle of Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the will of
his command shutting them up with Bars and Bolts within their decreed place Jer. 3.22 giving a charge to the poor inconsiderable Sand to be a boundary unto them and though they roar all like Bears and Lions yet they are not able to pass over it When we consider also the Earth the Center of the World as it may be called how stedfast and immoveable That though it be founded on the Seas and established on the Floods Job 38.6 Ps 104.5 Ps 104.24 yet the Corner-stone should be so surely laid that the Foundation shall not be removed for ever How vast and inexhaustible the Treasures thereof are it being full of the Riches of God How excellent and glorious the Attire wherewith it is every year adorned How fertile her Womb from whence such a numerous multitude of living Creatures do derive their Pedigree and Extraction Her uberous Breasts also still sending forth millions of streams to feed as with milk both her young and old Fruit In a word How that from it is ministred matter to defend or offend feed or famish cherish or starve make blind or receive sight to overturn or build up to procure health or sickness soe 's or friends peace or war pleasure or pain sorrow or mirth sleep or watchfulness sores or soundness barenness or fruitfulness life or death and what not When I say we consider these things and amongst them all in a more especial manner our selves made indeed a little lower then the Angels Ps 8.5 6. but crowned with glory and worship having dominion over the works of Gods hands How can we choose but be filled with admiration and say O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy Name in all the World How glorious is thy Majesty How infinite is thy Power How incomprehensible is thy Greatness Thou who art the great Jehovah Exod. 15.11 Ps 89.13 the first born of every Creature the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that givest a Being to this All Who is like unto thee glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Surely thou hast a mighty Arm strong is thy hand and high is thy right hand Let therefore all the Earth fear thy Name Ps 33.8 yea let all the Inhabitants of the World stand in awe of thee and yield their homage unto thee And whatsoever is excellent in them let them lay it at thy feet and say Worthy art thou Rev. 4.11 O Lord to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created Secondly Since it is so let then the Lord Jesus Christ enjoy that absolute Sovereignty which he hath as his Peculiar over all the Earth to dispose of it as seemeth good unto him for it is the greatest right that possibly can be in the world imagined to have a peculiar Title to those things that are of one's own making Poor Creatures will stand much upon their Priviledge herein Hath not the Potter power over the Clay of the same lump when he hath prepared and fitted it for his use to make one Vessel unto honour and another to dishonour And hath not the Gardener likewise liberty when he hath contrived his Plat in stretching forth his Line and treading out his Beds and Borders according to his mind to dispose of them for his delight planting and transplanting where and when and as often as he pleaseth Is it not lawful for me said the Master of the Vineyard to do what I will with mine own This liberty is justifiable even by the Law of Nature Seeing then that Jesus Christ is the Creatour of all things and that therefore the Earth is his and the fulness thereof having received from him both matter and form which no Creature in the world can contribute to the work of his hands it is but very meet and requisite that his power should be paramount at all times in giving of it to whomsoever he will and that all men of what Rank soever and to what Right soever they do pretend to be Paravale unto him In vain it is to make a flourish and according to the fashion of the world in a proud insolent manner to boast of our Pedigree and Ancestours and that such an Estate is derived unto me through the prudence and providence of my wise and careful Progenitours whereby I have a Propriety in it and therefore to be perpetuated to me and my Posterity for ever Alas alas these words are but wind empty and foolish only they carry with them an arrogant encroachment upon that supreme Right which belongs unto Jesus Christ as if their present possession notwithstanding their frequent forfeitures by their multiplied disobediences did settle upon them such an entailment as that it lay not in the power of the Lord of the whole Earth to make a re-entry whensoever he pleased and to pass a new Grant unto others that are not of their House and Linage But the wind shall blow no man to preferment out of what quarter soever it may arise for the Prophet tells us Psal 75.6 Promotion cometh neither from the East nor from the West Ps 75.6 nor from the South or Wilderness as the word is rendred containing both North and South Neque à desertis montibus saith S. Hierom. Canaan being on both side begirt with Deserts But God is the Judge in this case as well as in any else He putteth down one and setteth up another V. 7. which he can and doth justifie very well to the silencing of all contradiction even upon the account of his Creatourship I have saith he Made the Earth the Man and the Beast that are upon the ground by my great power and by my out-stretched Arm Jer. 27.5 and have given it unto whom it seemeth meet unto me And thus have we seen how Jesus Christ is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same mighty God or the only He as the word signifies in the work of Creation CHAP II. How the Text is Applicable to Christ in the work of Preservation JEsus Christ is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same to Day in the work of Preservation and Government of the World which he was Yesterday in the work of Creation For Non minor est virtus quam condere facta tueri There is as much need of power and wisdom to Preserve as to Create What avails it to plant a Garrison without a Captain to defend it To Rigg a Ship for the Sea without a Pilot to guide it To throw Seed into the Ground with an expectation of an encrease at Harvest unless means be used to preserve it from the Incursions of wild Beasts which would utterly destroy it So unless the Lord Jesus Christ be the Preserver of that which he hath created be is not the same to Day which he was Yesterday his years are expired that is his Wisdom Power and Goodness in order to the Creatures have
the derogation of Christs Honour We will call no man King upon Earth as we are to call no man Father or Master because one is our King Father Master in Heaven that is Christ Mat. 23.9 10. Mat. 23.9 10 Sed appellamus Christum We appeal notwithstanding unto Christ himself whether that be to be judged any encroachment upon his Natural Sovereignty or if they will any Diminution of his Donative Power which is according to his own appointment in a way of subordination unto him And such is that Magistracy and Government which hath been is and I doubt not what ever Phantasticks do dream but shall be in the world over men unto the end of the world Had this absurd Paralogism against Magistracy been vented by the professed enemies of Jesus Christ it had been no strange thing but it may well be accounted the first-born of wonder and astonishment that people pretending to knowledge piety zeal and who are said in some measure to order their Conversations according to such pretensions yet should suffer themselves to be so strongly deluded as to disclaim the present dispensation of Christs power in governing the world which is concordant with what is written and to wait for another which is not clearly revealed yea which is utterly inconsistent with the safety of mankind Admit though Magistracy be in respect of it form 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a humane Creature nay I will say more Though it may be in respect of the abuse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a devillish Creature yet it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the Lord. 1 Pet 2.13 Rom. 13.4 The Magistrate of what form soever he be hath his Commission from Heaven He is the Minister of God saith the Apostle to thee for good And as Jeheshaphat spake of Judges so may we say of all in Authority They Judge not at least they ought not to judge pro arbitrio or pro populo 2 Chron. 19 6. either to please themselves or the people but for God that is they are in Gods stead Vices Domini Gerentes as Junius glosseth it Gods Vicegerents doing his work representing his person and executing what he himself commands Now though this that hath been said might be sufficient to stop the mouth of this Cavil and put to silence the ignorance of those that will insist upon it yet since this matter of Civil Government is of so great Import that the Honour of the Lord Jesus Christ himself as he is the Creatour and Governour of the world together with the preservation of the peace safety and prosperity of all Mankind is interwoven therein And seeing there are risen up in these times a sort of people who under a pretense of making way for a fifth Monarchy as they call it despise Dominion and speak evil of Dignities and in regard that the Constitution and Conservation of Government amongst men is a most eminent product and Emanation of that Divine providence that ruleth and guideth all things I shall upon this occasion of giving an answer to the said Objection without any impertinent or unprofitable Deviation from the matter in hand demonstrate at large the undoubted verity of this following Proposition Viz. Government is an Ordinance of Divine Appointment Proposition made to be subservient unto Christ in his great work of Preservation and for that end to be continued so long as the world endures True it is as Mediatour Christ hath this Paramount Authority and in that regard all Government in the world is subordinate unto him But it is as true this supremacy in the ordering of the world is more eminently in him as he gave a Being to all things And therefore they that would take away Magistracy and Government among men which we shall prove Ab Origine to be of his own Institution do more especially sin against the Godhead of Christ This being premised let us proceed And for our more orderly handling of this Proposition let us consider it in the several parts thereof which are three 1. Government is an Ordinance of Divine Appointment 2. It is ordained to be subservient unto Christ 3. Christ will have this subservient Order to be continued to the end of the world First That Government is an Ordinance of Divine Appointment 1. Branch is testified both by the written and unwritten word of God that is by Scripture and Nature The holy Scripture doth give abundant witness hereunto Not to multiply places consider we that of Prov. 8.15.16 where Wisdom that is Christ uttereth his voice in this manner Pro. 8.15 16. By me do Kings reign and Princes decree Justice by me Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the earth From Christ then it is that they have their power so that they may say It is he that hath made us and not we our selves he and not others no not the people for it is not in the peoples choice whether they will have Government or no no more then it is in their choice whether they will make use of their ordinary food for their preservation Again It is an Ordinance of God saith the Apostle Rom. 13.1 2. Rom. 13.2 And there is no power but of God V. 1. where we are to know that to be of God in the Apostles sense must not import as some will have it a meerly permissive Counsel or providence but a divine Approbation Authorization and Vocation otherwise the Apostle had said no more for Magistrates in this Charter then the Scripture elsewhere saith of Plagues Famines and other judgments yea of the sins of men which in the first and larger sense are said to be of God too 2 Sam. 24.1 2 Chr. 25.20 Add hereunto those honourary Titles which the Holy Ghost gives unto Magistrates calling them Gods Ex. 22.28 Ps 82.1.6 John 10.34 35. Angels of God 2 Sam. 14.17 2 Sam. 19.27 Ministers of God Rom. 13.4 Nursing fathers c. of the Church Es 49.23 Saviours Judg. 3.9 Neh. 9.27 The shields of the earth Ps 47.9 c. c. All which do plainly argue a divine Authorization and Approbation of Magistracy and that the Office Order Institute of it is of God Besides this testimony of Scripture Nature doth likewise witness the same unto us For even that also is a Teacher sent of God 1 Cor. 11.14 therefore the teachings thereof are not to be sleighted Doth not Nature it self teach us that Government and Order in the world are appointed by God himself being observed by the Creatures without the imposition of any written Law For we find not only men yea even the most barbarous among men to have this Principle engraven upon their Spirits That a people without government are in the ready way to ruine and therefore do in their practice with one consent and with much complacency submit themselves thereunto but even the glorious Angels above us and those Creatures below us are not nor ever were without Order Order being as
hath of late been sufficiently cleared by others Mr. Prinn c. Is not the Lord Jesus Christ called the Prince of the Kings of the Earth as being his honour to have those that are of the highest estimation to be Subjects unto him Which being so it should be the desire and ambition of all the people in the world to be ruled by those persons who are entituled to this subjective Regality And when Divine Providence shall with a strong hand and a stretched-out Arm lead them unto it as it hath done us here in this Kingdom and the Nations of our Vicinity for many Generations it will certainly be their sin if they should not submit cheerfully unto it as it was the sin of the people of Israel when they out of a diffidence of Gods care and protection of them and out of an Apish imitation of other Nations would in an unseasonable preposterous and tumultuous manner be catching at it And now all this considered how can a people with any serenity of Conscience profess Godliness and yet speak reproachfully of the Kingly Office yea account it Antichristian as some have done proclaiming open Hostility against it Were it indeed Heterogeneous to the Divine Ordinance of Civil Government or incongruous to the times of the Gospel or prejudicial to the interest of the Saints as it is said to be or an impeachment in the least degree to the Dignity and Prerogative Royal of the Lord Jesus Christ himself either in respect of his Natural or of his Donative Kingdom such persons might proceed upon warrantable grounds to proclaim their dislike in that kind But it may now appear to all the World that the clamour which is raised against Regal Power upon any of these before-named accounts is altogether causeless and of no moment It will not be expedient here to examine them severally for in so doing we should make too large a digression haply we shall meet with them obiter in our way wherein the inadvertency or to say truly the Seditious frowardness rather then the godly zeal of the Authors and Abettors of these Complaints will be made manifest unto all men In the mean time I cannot but protest against that pernicious Paradox which hath been vented by a leading Divine as he was accounted in these late times of Errour and Rebellion amongst us J. O. who in a Sermon preached at S. Margarets Westminster and afterwards Printed saith thus The Lord had of old erected a Kingly Government in the House of David not for any eminency in the Government it self or for the Civil Advantage of that people but that it might be a Type of the Spiritual Dominion of the Messiah and so was a part of their Paedagogy and Bondage as was the residue of their Types every one of them and consequently this form of Government not to be of any use in the time of the Gospel Were this true we then who are now of the Church of God as that people were before us acknowledging this Messiah to be come according to the Promise may indeed have just cause to say of that kind of Government as the Apostle doth of Circumcision If we should allow of it Christ shall profit us nothing the substance being come what should the shadow of a King do unto us But I hope that those who have through the subtlety of Satan been misled into this Opinion will hereafter find cause to retract it when they shall remember that the rule of the Gospel to which they pretend an exact Conformity requires them to pray and to give thanks for Kings which as the Apostle saith is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. 1 Tim 2.1 2 3. However seeing that Wisdom puts forth her Voice crying at the Gates at the entry of the City at the coming in at the Doors saying By me Kings Reign and Princes decree Justice by me Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the eâ—rth Seeing I say this sound is heard from Heaven every day in the Consciences of men Wisdom will herein be justified of all her children And let this serve to terminate the first part of my Proposition viz. Government is an Ordinance of Divine Authorization Secondly It is ordained to be subservient unto Christ in the dispensation of his power and providence towards the preservation of Mankind 2. Branch For though Christ be All in all Col. 3.11 as the Apostle speaks Col. 3. yet to shew himself to be the Lord of all he hath ordained means to be subservient unto him in all the works of his Providence and hath accordingly made use of them To this purpose saith the Son of Sirach very pertinently Ec. 38.2 3 4 5. Of the most High cometh healing yet the Physician must be honoured with that honour that belongeth unto him The Lord also hath created Medicines out of the Earth and he that is wise will not abhor them He hath given skill unto men that he might be honoured in his marvellous works with such doth he heal men and taketh away their pains of such doth the Apothecary make a Confection c. Hence it is as the Prophet Jeremy speaketh Jer. 23.25 That his Covenant with Day and Night and the Ordinances of Heaven and Earth concerning their disposition motion order influences virtues and operations are inviolable They continue this day saith the Psalmist according to thine ordinance Ps 119.91 for all are thy servants not as if his Paramount Authority and power were thereby any whit diminished rather it is advanced nor as if he were necessitated thereunto for want of power in himself for we may see the course of Heaven c. hath sometimes been inverted by him Indulgentiae est non indigentiae non efficaciam quaerit sed congruentiam Ex. 14.16 John 3.16 2 Reg. 10.1 Dan. 3.25 But of his own free will in the abundance of his goodness it is that he governeth and preserveth Creatures by Creatures using the ministery of second Causes for in their present poor estate wherein they are in this world his own immediate hand and power would soon prove intolerable unto them Who alas among us here can dwell with devouring fire Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings Goodness then and mercy it is that is the ground of this Dispensation from Heaven towards poor creatures of all sorts but there is no creature under the Sun unto whom the Lord hath so much respect as he hath to Mankind all other indeed have their being and their well-being whatsoever it is from him as hath been said before But Man is his Favourite the Masterpiece of his wisdom power and goodness the work of his Faciamus not barely of his Fiat as other Creatures were in him he challengeth a special propriety accounting him his own in a peculiar manner for in that sense I conceive that place of the Evangelist John 1.11 He
have attained to that Eternal Glory even as good Fathers are wont for the honour of their Children to put some Ornaments upon their Servants Piscator also upon the same place writeth thus Rom. 8. Coelum Terra inn vabuntur quum Patâ—fiet Gloria filiorum Dei Heaven and Earth shall then be renewed when the Glory of Gods Children shall appear Ravanellus likewise a late Writer in his Bibliothecâ Sacrâ saith Etiam Terra quoad substantiam erit Eterna Yea the Earth in respect of its substance shall be Eternal Lastly To name no more Brentius Hom. 53. in Luc. thus argueth Num Coelum Terra transibunt ita ut nihil eorum omnino maneat Minime omnium non transibunt omnino sed mutabuntur abjicient vestimentum corruptionis induent novam vestem incorruptionis Futura quidem Coeli ac Terrae mutatio non autem in totum abolitio Shall Heaven and Earth so pass away that nothing of them shall remain No verily they shall not altogether pass away but they shall be changed they shall cast of the Garment of Corruption and put on a new Robe of Incorruption There shall indeed be a change of Heaven and Earth but not a total Abolition I have not here mentioned any of our own Writers who notwithstanding many of them Grave Learned and Reverend Divines whose Works praise them in the Gates do unanimously Assert the same Doctrine And thus we see the concurrent Judgment of Writers both old and new inclining this way viz. That it is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 only as the Apostle's word is in another place 1 Cor. 7.31 and which some construe to this very purpose The Figure the Habit the Form and Fashion of the World that shall hereafter pass away not the Substance Nature and Essence of it for that shall be purified and perpetuated in Glory to all Eternity And though the Scripture speaks of a Conflagration Dissolution and Preterition which they who are of a contrary judgment in this Point do much insist upon yet since they speak no where of an utter Abolition or Annihilation we may with safety abide by what we have declared But here take this Caution it behoves us in these matters to be wise according to so briety and in all humble mod esty to content our selves with this general discovery of the renovation and restauration of the World for we see the Apostle speaks of it in the general term of the Creature meaning the frame and sabrick of the World as hath been said consisting of Celestial and Elementary Regions Now if we should enter too curiously to search what Creatures else of the World shall be restored what place shall contain them what actions they shall have what properties they shall be endued with wherein they shall be serviceable and useful to the Glorified Saints c. If we should I say launch out to venturously into this Deep we shall not have the Cynosure of the word to guide us and so shall certainly fall upon the flats of our own foolish Imaginations or run desperately upon the Rocks of most dangerous errours such as Cerinthus and the Chiliasts have done It is enough for us that we have this general discovery made of the Minde of God herein viz. That the Creature shall be restored and delivered from the bondage of corruption into or for the glorious liberty of the Children of God and that a reparation shall be made by Jesus Christ of that which sin hath so much defaced and disordered And now to conclude Doth not all this evidently speak out that Christ will not fail in the exercise of his power over the World But as he began to manifest it in the Creation and to continue it in the preservation so he will perfect it in the restauration of all things declaring himself thereby mightily to be the Son of God Yesterday to Day and the same for ever But before we dismiss this Point Let us as we have done with the former bring in some few Corolaries to wait upon it for it is not fit that a doctrine of so noble a sublimity should be without Attendants that may some way be useful for the Church of God The first then that appears comes with a rule or a rod to rectify an old errour newly revived For if this truth be admitted as it must unless wee will shut out the Lord Jesus Christ from a most eminent part of his Glory that is then an Errour to be exploded and repented of which is very confidently maintained by many in these times concerning that outward Glory made up of a temporal peace safety and happiness with an affluence of all good things which they have imagined the Saints shall here in this life be Partakers of before the end of the World grounding their opinion upon such Places of Scripture which make mention of this restauration that we have insisted upon But if this Restauration shall not be till after the general Judgment as hath been made to appear I hope such Persons who have been of that erroneous perswasion will finde cause hereafter to be of another Minde I will not deny but that upon the downfal of that Man of Sin the Church may shine forth in a more beauteous lustre in respect of spiritual Glory before the end commeth then now at this present can be discerned in her but whatsoever that may prove it shall certainly be attended with much trouble from the World and from the Divel for the promises that are made to the Church while she is Militant Mor. 10 30 2 Tim 3.12 are accompanied with this Proviso viz. That she must look for Persecution And therefore to look for a Kingdom of Saints here which shall continue a thousand years free from troubles is so Vain a thing that methinks without a strong delusion of Satan it should not enter into the hearts of any that pretend to be acquainted with the Counsels of God in his Word It is not meet that the Spouse should finde her way through Ease and Pleasure when her Lord is gone before through much Labour and Sorrow The Disciple is not to be above his Master nor the Servant to be above his Lord It is enough for the Disciple that he be as his Master and for the Servant that he hee as his Lord If the Master of the House was rejected and despised by men yea made a Man of Sorrows while he was here upon earth Es 53.3 how much more should the same Lot befal those of his household It will assuredly be the Glory of the Church while she is in her warfare to be still in the feild fighting the Lords battels and to resemble the Captain of her Salvation who went through Water and Bloud and was made perfect by sufferings For him Luk. 24.26 2 Tim. 2.12 Mat. 30.23 He ought as he said of himself to suffer and so to enter into his Glory And surely the Church must follow
is the place of the Angels that sinned and which kept not their Principality Jud. v. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Pet. 2.4 but left their own habitation as the Apostle S. Jude speaketh whom God threw down into Hell delivering them into Chains of darkness to be reserved unto Judgment I do not nor dare not say as some that one ground of God's election of men unto life was to fill up that place in his Presence which was made void by casting out the reprobate Angels and that such a number of elect Saints shall come in their stead and no more These are but the froathy Conceits of men of corrupt mindes who will be wiser then Daniel Ezek. 28.3 and no secret must be hidden from them But this I say that in this particular also as well as in the former the Parallel holds between the Land of Canaan and the Celestial Inheritance for as God did plant his own chosen people in that good Land Deut 7.1 from whence he drove out the Heathen that were the Inhabitants thereof Nations greater and mightier then they So will he surely bring his Saints into that heavenly Country which he hath promised to give unto them from whence those Angels whose height was like the height of the Cedars in comparison of such a poor shrub as man is were for their Rebellion driven into perpetual banishment Amos 2.9 Moreover as Heaven which God will give unto his people at the last day being purchased and prepared for them by Jesus Christ may in some respect be likened unto Canaan such as hath been mentioned so that new Earth which is also to come may in like manner be resembled unto it It is not safe to speak of what we have not seen nor to make other discoveries concerning this matter then such as the Holy Ghost hath already made This we may say seeing there shall be a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness we may affirm it shall undoubtedly be a good Land Abounding I say not again with Milk and Honey but with such store of Delights as are proper for Glorified Saints who shall stand in no need of any bodily sustenance from the Creature as they do here in this life And what a good Land will this be when there shall be nothing in it that doth offend all the Carkasses of the Reprobate purged out of it and that Curse which God laid upon it at the beginning quite taken away It shall also be a large Land even the whole compass of the Earth shall at that day to the uttermost parts of it be the Saints Inheritance that promise being then perfectly fulfilled Ps 37.11 Mat. 5.5 viz. That the meck shall inherit the earth That which is now the place of the Canaanites and of the Hittites and of the Amorites c. That is to say of all the Wicked and Unbelievers in the World shall be unto the Godly for an everlasting Possession and that in a more noble and more excellent way then it is now unto any whom for the present Mammon dandles upon his knee as his most beloved Darlings Nay further when there shall be no more Sea as it is said Rev. 21.1 which place according to the concurrent judgment of sundry Divines is to be understood literally as well as figuratively That fire whatsoever it may be at the Worlds end possibly drying it quite up this earthly Inheritance will certainly be then much more enlarged far beyond the narrow extent of what hath been before possessed by the Sons of men Behold then O ye Children of men what a Glory is prepared for you by Jesus Christ at that great Day of Restauration Glory in Heaven and Glory in Earth Glory for your Souls and Glory for your Bodies wherein you will have the advantage of the glorious Angels in a special resemblance of Jesus Christ whereof they are not capable Phil. 3.21 for your Bodies though they be vile for the present in regard of their Original shall then be made like unto Christ's glorious Body and your Bodies and his also being Originally taken out of the earth the earth also shall be given you as a measure of Glory above that of the Angels for your Inheritance Go up now to Pisgah and in a Spiritual Rapture take a view of your Inheritance before you enter into it An Inheritance glorious and honourable wherein you shall be Co-heirs with the Lord of Glory an Inheritance safe and sure free from all Intrusions and Encroachments of the World the Works of the Devil being all destroyed 1 John 3.8 2 Pet. 3.10 and the Works of the Earth utterly burnt up that is all the Oppressions Pollutions Snares Insinuations Persecutions of wicked men and Devils which formerly troubled you come to a perpetual end an Inheritance Durante vitâ to hold so long as Eternity it self lasteth where there are many Mansions common to all those that are accounted worthy to obtain that World for Meum Tuum these terms Mine and Thine which make such a strife in this World shall not then be once named amongst them as a Language out of use and improper for that Country which is a place of Glory What shall be mine shall be then Yours that now read what is here written and what shall be yours though you be now Princes of the Earth shall then also be mine though I be now of a lower degree for we shall be all of a Society in this Inheritance Fellow-heirs and Fellow-citizens together and of the Houshold of God united according to a most perfect Pattern by an indissoluble Bond even as the Father is in the Son and the Son in the Father John 17.21 yea more united together in them as our Center wherein all the Lines of our Union and Fellowship do meet for so much doth the same Text witness unto us What shall we then say to these things If Heaven and Earth with all that is therein desirable will satisfie us we shall be fully and perfectly happy And now let us admire and adore the Lord for this his constant and unchangeable Goodness and for his wonderful Works which he hath done from the Beginning and will also do to the Worlds end even unto all Eternity for the Children of men Certainly who so is wise amongst us will observe these things and ponder this Superlative exceeding weight of Glory that is prepared for them which whosoever doth with a quiet and holy dependance upon God for it they shall understand more of the loving kindnesses of the Lord far surpassing that which is here but poorly and with a narrow and straitned Spirit revealed unto them But as for the Tools of the Earth that will not leave their folly but most unthankfully like the people of old who despised that good and pleasant Land Ps 106 24 that Land of Desires Psal 106.24 will suffer themselves to be bewitched with this present evil World and putting away from
Gentiles was no prevailing Inducement to us to take your God to be our God we were as willing to keep our Distance in those times of our Ignorance as you your selves could possibly desire we should but such hath been the exceeding goodness of your God and our God as to make himself known unto us in this our day as clearly and fully to say no more as he did unto your Fathers Yesterday and as he was pleased to make a Promise that the time should come Es 11.1 Jer. 23.5 when this root of Jesse should shoot forth a Branch Whose name should be called the Lord our righteousness whom he would give to be a Covenant to the people and a light to the Gentiles and that in him should the Gentiles trust Es 42.6 so hath he made good his word unto us blessed be his Name unto us I say who were a foolish people a people that did neither understand nor seek after him He hath brought us into the bond of the Covenant avouching us to be his People and we have avouched him to be our God yea and He shall be our God for ever and ever and we will have no other God besides him If then there be such a blessed Change in us must there not bee a Change in the divine dispensation of Grace if we own your God for our God Is it not clear that there hath a Light appeared which was not of Yesterday And whence comes it that we who were sometimes Darkness are now Light in the Lord surely flesh and bloud hath not revealed it unto us but we have received it by the hand of that true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the World A Light that lightens the Gentiles as saith your Prophets and which alone must be the glory of Israel Now therefore O yee Jews I beseech you be as we are for in the knowledg of the true God according to the Scriptures we are as you are You have not injured us at all rather your I all hath been to our advantage neither will our Breaches be made up among one selves but by your conjunction with us O consider it is the purpose and decree of the Almighty to make you instrumental in bringing to pass his great Work which is the perfecting of his Church in these latter dayes for as your Fathers were not to be perfect without us so neither shall we be Perfect without you Behold this is that will make you as a Crown of Glory in the hand of the Lord Es 62 3 and as a royal Diadem in the hand of your God which when it is come to pass as it will surely come Oh how shall we flock together unto you Zech. 8.23 and hang upon you Ten of us taking hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew saying we will go with you for we have heard that God is with you Since therefore this honour is reserved for you What will you be still groping in the Dark will you be ever poring upon Yesterday shall the Day be almost spent before your Eyes be opened to see the Light that now shineth and the Glory that waiteth for you And if ever through the good Providence of God this paper may come to your perusal O let the good hand of God go along with it to rouze and quicken you This is not spoken to you with Disdain but with a hearty desire of your Restauration nor with any contempt or abhorrency at the appellation of Jew but with Pity For though the Name and Title of your Nation carrieth with it a reproach among us Gentiles because you Crucified the Lord of Glory yet we know it hath been a Title of the greatest dignity and honour upon earth and shall be so again unless as it is said by the Prophet you be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name Es 62.2 Yea so far is any shadow of scorn from this address unto you that I do here in the behalf of all the Churches that profess the Faith of Christ crucified declare unto you that upon your return unto that great Messiah whom you have hitherto rejected and besides whom it is in vain to seek for any other we will yeild unto you that Preheminence which is your due for though we were in Christ before you yet we must ever acknowledg you to be the First born the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power and as we have been first so we shall be contented according to the order and appointment that is given us to be Last and as you have been the Last so shall it be your lot and honour to be First again In the mean time we must confess that we poor Novices are grown up to be a wanton Generation quarelling and wrangling one with another oftentimes about trifles God knoweth to the blemishing of our holy Profession among those that are without and greiving of that good Spirit of the Lord that dwelleth in us and among us All which would undoubtedly be remedied if we had your Brotherly assistance to make us Wiser We know well what honourable Priviledges God hath of his abundant love graunted unto you Our great Apostle Saint Paul an Hebrew of the Hebrews who as you have heard was at first a bloudy Persecutour of the Disciples of the Lord Jesus yet afterwards even in the heat of his Fury was miraculously converted to the Faith which he before sought to destroy even he in his Epistles hath set us an Example to give you the Preheminence speaking in this manner once and again the Jew first and also the Gentile the Jew first and also the Gentile he hath also given us a Synopsis of your Prerogatives which we with gladness of heart are willing to look upon He hath told us that you are Israelites the noblest Generation in the World Rom. 9.4.5 a People that were wont to prevail like Princes with God himself even as Jacob your Father did whom therefore God was pleased to honour with the name of Israel which name was also by a special indulgence from God devolved upon you as the greatest blessing To you pertained the Adoption being the First born Exod. 4.22 upon whom the name of the Lord was called when we poor Strangers were not under his rule and governance neither were then called by his name Es 63.19 You had the Glory the Ark of the Covenant of your God the Symbol of his glorious presence in the midst of you You had the Covenants even those Tables written by the Finger of God To you was the Law given by the disposition of Angels that is the Oracles of God both Moral and Judicial The service of God was committed unto you which consisted in a Holy Typical use of Divine Rites and Sacrifices prescribed in the Ceremonial Law The Promises also were yours both Legal and Evangelical of this life and that which is to come You are
manner declare his consent unto that Judgment Thou saith he hast driven me this day from the face of the earth But how could that be Gen. 4.14 But how could that be seeing it is after said of him that he went and dwelt in the Land of Nod and there he built him a City Gen. 4.16 where he became the prime Leader or Patriarch of an Antichristian Church in that Generation a cast-away-company of forlorn Miscreants both he and they giving themselves up to all sensuality Bishop Mountague Dr. Light-foot Jude v. 11 so to sweeten their misery and banishment as their corrupt fancy might suggest unto them which as one saith probably is that way of Cain mentioned by the Apostle S. Jude He was not therefore quite taken off from the earth but from that part of the earth where he had joyn'd with his Parents in the solemn and pure Worship of God as appears in the words following where he saith And from thy presence shall I be hid which clearly implieth that he was excommunicated by Christ out of his Church where the Lord is wont to manifest his Gracious presence among his people in his holy Ordinances After this the Church in process of time having degenerated from her purity by a corrupt Commistion with the accursed Progeny of Cain thereby contracting to it self the Guilt of all that prodigious Villany that was then acted in the world The Lord Jesus Christ as became a vigilant and faithful Governour over his Charge strove and travelled by his Spirit in the Ministry of his Servants to reclaim his people from the errour of their way 1 Pet 3.19 calling upon them to separate themselves from that wicked Generation but finding them to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Immorigeri a people that would not be perswaded into Order when he had waited 120 years while the Ark was preparing he did at length like a righteous King and Judge execute his judgment by bringing in the â—loud upon the World of the ungodly 2 Pet. 2.5 so cutting off at one blow the whole Posterity of Cain together with a sort of treacherous Rebels that would not be ruled nor reclaimed by him But I shall not insist upon many Instances that might here be inserted to this purpose Ex. 23.20 take only one more That Angel which God promised he would send to the Israelites to keep them in their way and to bring them into the Land of Canaan was undoubtedly no other then Christ himself For as Pelargus noteth upon that place it could not be Moses according to Caictan's conceit for he did not lead the people into the Land of Promise neither could it be Joshuah for he did not keep the Israelites in the way nor punish their transgressions neither could it be a created Angel for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Adjuncts there specified are not applicable to any such they do only Quadrare i. e. Aptly sute with Jesus Christ Yea the Apostle S. Paul doth testifie so much 1 Cor. 10.9 1 Cor. 10. where it is plainly said of Christ That the Israelites tempted him in the Wilderness Now concerning this Angel God forewarned the people in these words Beware of him and obey his voice provoke him not for he will not pardon your transgressions That is he will surely execute his judgment upon you if you rebel against him 1 Cor. 10.9 10. as he did one while by Serpents another while by the Destroyer viz. the destroying Angel Num. 14.37 For saith he Exod. 23.21 My Name is in him that is He is the Lord Jehovah as I am of the same Essence Power Majesty and Authority as one well interprets the place which agreeth with that of the Apostle Col. 2.9 In him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily that is not in Clouds and Ceremonies Col. 2.9 as between the Cherubims but essentially personally So that Orthodox and sound Divine Davenant and therefore it deeply concerned them to stand in awe of him And now to conclude this Point wherein possibly I may be charged with over-much Prolixity but that the advancement of the Honour of Jesus Christ will I hope be a sufficient excuse and plea for me among those that take pleasure in the promoting thereof It is I believe very clear and evident by what hath been here said That the Lord Jesus was the King of his Church Yesterday as well as to Day And therefore when the people of Israel did out of a proud affectation to be like other Nations desire a King to be set over them the Lord saith 1 Sam. 8.7 1 Sam. 8.7 that they had rejected him from being their King that is even Christ the Lord as not contenting themselves with that Church-state wherein by his Spiritual Government over them they were made a people happy and glorious above all other Nations in the world whom preposterously they would now all on a sudden without any direction from God seek to imitate In the next place we are to take into consideration the Priestly Office of Christ for even in this also we shall finde him to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ a Priest Yesterday the same yesterday i. a Priest to his Church from the beginning In the pursuance of this Point we shall fix our discourse principally upon two places of Scripture which will I believe make it evident and manifest unto all And first very remarkable is that which the Prophet David speaks of Christ in the 110 Psalm Ps 110.4 Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek In which words we may take notice of two things first the continuance of Christ's Priesthood Secondly the order of it For the continuance it is an eternal Priesthood to last for ever which word for ever comprehendeth in it the whole time and age of the Church from the beginning Or if it be limited to time to come it is to be understood with a reference unto Christ's first entrance upon his Mediatorial Office which was then when the new Covenant passed between God and Christ in the behalf of poor man immediately after the violation of the first as hath been said before And this possibly may be the reason why the Apostle speaking very frequently of Christ's eternal Priesthood Heb. 6 7 Chapters still renders this word for ever in the Singular Number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb 7.28 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Significat tum supra legem quam post legem ut Metaphysicâ—â— c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saepe ponitur pro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because Christ's Priestly Office was not to take in that time wherein our first Parents stood in the state of Innocency but only that seculum which was to ensue even unto the end of the world If it be objected that Christ was made Priest since the Law because the Apostle saith Heb. 7.28 That the Word of the Oath which was since the
but what saith the Answer of God unto him I will make all my Goodness pass before thee and I will proclaime the Name of the Lord before thee And what could a poor Creature in this World desire more Oh what admirable Honour is this that the Lord vouchsafeth unto his Beloved Favourite what an incomparable Priviledge is This Moses now partaker of above his Brethren But it is the Lord who may do what he pleaseth for so he saith I will be Gracious to whom I will be Gracious and I will shew Mercy on whom I will shew Mercy Nevertheless we may with Modesty enquire how and by what means this glorious Goodness came to be presented unto Moses and that we shall finde to be even by this good old Way which we have here been speaking of viz. the Mediation of Jesus Christ I go not about to wrest this excellent Scripture by forcing upon it a sense which may not agree with the minde of the Holy Ghost therein That be far from me what I have to say concerning it I shall leave to the Judgement of the Wise and Godly First I shall by the way take this for granted because it hath been already proved that Moses had to do with Jesus Christ as the rest of the people had while He and they were together in the Wilderness And it must be confessed that there was as much need of the help and interposition of a Mediatour in this matter that we are speaking of as in any thing els which I say was in great Mercy dispensed unto Moses as is manifest First by the Preparation that preceded this glorious Appearance Secondly by the Form and Method of the Proclamation of the Name of the Lord at the time of that appearance As for the Preparation which is mentioned in the three last Verses of this thirty third Chapter the particulars thereof are very remarkable viz. concerning the place that is said to be by the Lord Ex. 33.21 22 23. and the Lord 's putting Moses into the cleft of the Rock and covering it with his Hand which that we may the better understand and see how apposite they are to our present purpose it will be needful for us to take into Consideration that whole intercourse between the Lord and Moses First Moses prayeth unto the Lord V. 13. in these words Shew me now thy Way What is that Thy Way say some that thou meanest to take with this people in bringing them to the Land which thou didst promise to give unto their Fathers I will not deny but that this might be in the minde of Moses now when the Lord was pleased to admit him into his presence because he was ever zealous for the peoples good But there are some Circumstances which follow that do incline me to another sense at least to joyn another with this both which may be allowed together being not inconsistent each with other but tending both to one and the same end It seemeth unto me that Moses here prayeth that the Lord would reveal himself unto him out of the Cloud in some shape and form as he might be visible unto his bodily sight which he therefore calleth his Way because he had been wont to do so to the Patriarchs before him whom he likewise knew by Name And I do the rather conceive this to be the sense because of the ground and reason of his desire which is added by him in the words following Lord saith he Shew me thy way that I may know thee and that I may find grace in thy sight True it is the Lord promiseth him immediately after this that his Presence should go with him as being an Answer to his request in the behalf of the people the necessity whereof Moses also urgeth and insisteth upon V. 15 16. Yet doth the Lord give him a further Answer in the Words that follow V. 17. as to a thing somewhat differing from that which concerned the people I will saith he do this thing also that thou hast spoken for thou hast found grace in my sight and I know thee by Name Now since the Lord had before consented that his Presence should go along with him in the Conduct of the people and that Moses had given his Restipulation thereunto resting him fully satisfied with what the Lord had promised to what purpose is this other Consent now superadded and that with a note of difference from what had passed before if it be not this which I have here declared viz. that the Lord would according to his desire Visibly appear unto him out of the Cloud in a humane shape as he had been accustomed to do to others whom he knew by Name which sense being admitted how clear will the Circumstances following that are preparatory to the great discovery of God in the next Chapter be unto us which otherwise will prove very intricate and obscure Behold saith the Lord there is a place by me and thou shalt stand upon a Rock and it shall come to pass while my Glory passeth by that I will put the in a Cleft of the Rock Now what place upon Earth can be said to be neerer to the Lord then another seeing he filleth Heaven and Earth with his presence And what Rock or Cleft of a Rock could be able to secure Moses from the danger of being consumed by that excellent Glory which did appear seeing the Rocks are cloven to pieces Nah. 1.6 and thrown down before him How then could these things be It is in vain now to produce an Anthropopathy and so stretch it so far as to make it level with every Circumstance for doubtless there was a Reality in this matter and every particular of it was done and effected to Moses sense and to the full satisfaction of his expectation so far as might stand with the safety of his Life Granting therefore that Jesus Christ appeared unto Moses as a Man there might then be a place said to be according to the ordinary course of Nature neerer to him in that Mount where the Lord was wont to meet this his servant then another elsewhere he might also put Moses into the Rock and cover him with his Hand to preserve him from the imminent Danger and then take away his Hand that so Moses might see some glimpse of that Glory that passed by Yea more it is said Exod 34.5 that the Lord Descended in a Cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the Name of the Lord and yet in the sixth verse it is said The Lord passed by before him and proclaimed to stand still with Moses proclaiming and to pass by before him proclaiming too seemeth in reason not to hold well together the true meaning therefore undoubtedly is this Jesus Christ who is Jehovah the Mediatour came down upon the Mount in a Cloud and then after he was descended appears visibly unto Moses according to his former Promise and stood with him there to protect him from Danger while
the Same Yesterday to Day and for ever Fourthly We may upon the Consideration of this Doctrine see how absurd and foolish that Dream is of a certain Vbi a Place of confinement for the Souls of the Faithful who lived and died Yesterday in that long tract of time under the Law and before it which place is by the Papists called Limbus Patrum for in regard the work of Redemption was not fully accomplished by Jesus Christ till he had suffered Death upon the Cross therefore say they all those Patriarchs and Prophets and Holy men of old from the beginning of the World unto that time could not enter into Heaven but were shut up in some lower parts of the Earth bordering upon Purgatory which say they is next door to Hell For saith Bishop Mountague as if some of their Masters had been soon sent thither to take a survey thereof they do quarter out that infernal Clime into four Regions And this place amongst the rest which they have assigned unto the Fathers they determine to be the uppermost Fringe as the Word Limbus signifies or the verge of Hell It is not my purpose to descend so low as to examine the particulars of this their Subterraneous Chorography I believe the Vanity thereof is Visible enough to all that have not their Eyes put out with the smoke of Purgatory Rather let the strength of our present Doctrine be set in opposition to this fond dream of that false and Apostatical Church of Rome which hath obtruded many such like idle Fopperies upon those poor people that are bewitched with her Sorceries and then let all mankinde judge which is the Truth True it is Bishop Mountague of Nor. they make much boast of Antiquity in the upholding of this their fabulous Limbo though as learned an Antiquary as any possiby that ever was in their Conclave affirmeth that Antiquity will not own it Nevertheless if it should it shall be of no Value with us if it clash with the Divine Oracles of the Holy Scriptures They tell us that the Souls of the godly are in the bundle of Life with the Lord their God 1 Sam. 25.29 1 Sam. 25.29 Ec. 12.7 And that the spirit returns unto God that gave it Ec. 12.7 That the Soul of Lazarus was carried by the Angels who always behold the face of God in Heaven Mat. 18.11 into Abrahams Bosome Luk. 16. Luk. 16.22 And therefore it is well observed against the Rhemists upon that place that Limbo being supposed to be under the Earth and Lazarus's Soul from Earth was carried upwards If he went to Limbo the Angels were not well acquainted with the Way in that they carry him above the Earth when they ought to have carried him to a place underneath the Earth Add hereunto what a world of Absurd ities would follow if this Pepish devise should pass for currant Act. 15.11 How could Saint Peter say Act. 15. We believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they Luk. 20.38 How could the Patriarchs be said to live with God if they were banished out of his Sight Luk. 20. And if this Limbo be the Brim or Hem of the damned places how is it said that the Glutton in Hell saw Abraham afar off with Lazarus in his Bosome and that there was a great Gulfe and Distance between the Damned's place and that wherein Lazarus abode As for Abraham it may be collected clearly from Heb. 11.9.10 that he immediately after Death was received up into Heaven Heb. 11 9.10 according to his expectation Contented he was with his flitting Tabernacles while he continued as a Sojourner here in this Life because there was a City to come after this Life that would be firm and steddy wherein he looked to be admitted and which should make full amends for all his wearisome Peregrinations Where we may see that that City having Foundations which the Holy Patriarch by Faith expected is by an Antithesis set ad oppositum to those Tabernacles which he formerly lived in with Isaac and Jacob whereby is intimated that he was not received into any other building after his death then that which is permanent Into which City he being received it must necessarily follow that all the faithful people of God who were transported by Angels into his Bosome as Lazarus was were there received and entertained likewise Moreover because this Parable is much perverted by the Papists to their sinister sense when Abraham opposeth Lazarus's Comfort to the Glutton's Torment it is evident that he being in infinite Torment the other was in infinite Joy which because it cannot be but in Heaven A term appropriated by the Holy Ghost to the Ages of the Church before Christ But not fit to be used now in the time of the Gospel Gerard. Rom. 5.15 as in the Lord's Presence-Chamber it followeth that the †Bosome of Abraham is the Rest that his faithful and right begotten Children have in Heaven In fine That which chiefly I have to say against this absurd errour is this viz. That it derogateth from the Merits of Jesus Christ making him not to be of yesterday and his death to be effectual onely à parte post to those that come after him An Opinion therefore to be Anathematized by all the Churches of the Saint yea further the Sin of Adam is by this means contrary to the Doctrine of the Apostle Rom. 5.15 made more powerful to Condemnation then Christ's Righteousness can be unto Salvation for the Sin of Adam casteth his Wicked and Unbelieving Posterity into Hell immediately after Death whereas by their Doctrine the Communication of Christ's Righteousness with them that believed in him could not immediately after Death lift them up into the Kingdom of Heaven How this can stand with Christ's honour or how it agreeth with the aforesaid Scripture let the Jesuites themselves tell us if they can Objection Well but yet the Scripture notwithstanding they affirm will bear them out in this their opinion for saith the Apostle Heb. 9.8 The way into the Holiest of all was not made manifest while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing Heb. 9.8 Upon which place these Limbonians do much harpe for the maintenance of their foolish errour collecting as they think very strenuously that the way to Heaven was not open before Christ's Passion and therefore the Patriarchs and good men of old must needs have some other place of rest assigned unto them for their abode until that time Solution A short Answer to a vain Cavil may suffice briefly then let it be observed The Apostle saith not the way to Heaven was shut up while the first Tabernacle was standing but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was not yet clearly manifested Whereby he gives us to understand that the people of God under the Old Testament knew the way to Heaven but darkly viz. through the vail of Types But withall that they knew there was
a time of clearer Light coming which when the shadows were removed and that old Tabernacle taken down should make the way plainer to those that should walk in that Light for the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth certainly signifie this kind of manifestation by Light as we may see in sundry places of Scripture and not such an Apertio portarum an opening of the gates of Heaven as these Popish Phantasticks vainly imagine who do hereby onely manifest their gross Ignorance in that whereas the Apostle saith the way to Heaven was not manifest in regard of knowledge They will against all sense and reason maintain that the way to Heaven was not open in regard of Entry as if the way could not be open to enter because it was not manifesty known Upon which account as one well observeth they may shut out our Christian Infants at this day who do not onely not manifestly but not at all know the way to Heaven and if the way to Heaven be open to them for entry although it be shut in regard of knowledge how much more was it open to the faithful under the Law who as to sufficiency knew the way to Heaven although not so manifesty as we do As for that which hath been Objected out of our Common Liturgy viz. When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of Death thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all Believers I answer they are much mistaken who render the sense of the said words in that manner to the derogation of Christ's merit for if they be interpreted aright they do rather advance the honour of the Lord Jesus in that way and kinde that we have here insisted upon And as Athanasius used them who was the Authour of them then in the least degree detract from it the genuine meaning of them as we use them being this Jesus Christ after his death did open the Kingdome of Heaven to all Believers viz. to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews whereas before it was open onely unto the Jews Lastly Where as it is said by some that though the Fathers were not shut up in Limbo as the Papists fondly dream but immediately after Death were carried up into Heaven yet they were not admitted to that Vbi that place of Glory wherein they have been ever since our Saviour's Ascension I Answer till such time as we can see some constat for this in Scripture we must take leave to declare our Judgment against it rather because the Holy Scripture is so clear that Jesus Christ was the same Yesterday which he is to day we may admire that the least scruple should arise in the thoughts of any that the power of his Resurrection could not put forth the same Virtue to the Saints of old so as to make them Quoad statum separationis as perfectly happy as it doth unto those that have and shall come after We are not to be regulated by the Opinions of Men in this matter whether Antient or Modern though in some other points that are not of so great concernment we may happily afford a willing compliancy In this case we will call no man Father upon Earth for one is our Father which is in Heaven To the Law therefore and to the Testimony whosoever speaks not according to this Word in Order to Christ's Glory and the Salvation of his Church it is because there is no Light in them And now when I was even about to leave this point so to proceed unto that which followeth I have met with a spoke in my way upon which I must stop a little being well assured notwithstanding that my Text will bear down all Opposition that may be raised against it There have been we know in these late times certain strange Opinions scattered about such as have been of pernicious consequence to Religion And if amongst the rest I meet with any which strike at the Honour of our Lord Jesus Christ which our present Text ascribeth unto him I hope I may take liberty to bear Witness against them of how great Name soever the Authours thereof may be that have maintained them I shall forbear to nominate any Persons but doe heartily wish they would seriously consider with themselves how they may for the Church's sake retract that which they have of this Nature so unadvisedly written It hath been maintained and published by one Authour especially of great and eminent Note That the Object of the faith of the Patriarchs and Fathers of old was not Jesus Christ the Mediatour but God alone that is God the Father And that such efficacy as the expiatory sacrifices of the Law had was not so much in reference to the sacrifice to be made of Christ as extrinsecal and affixed by the Divine ordinance and institution of Almighty God Yea that the very Heathen did in those times without Christ even by the light of Nature attain unto such a Knowledge of God as was enough for their everlasting Salvation That these Cockatrice Eggs were hatched by Hereticks of old is well known The Church was much pestred with these Pelagian vermine in former times But that after they have been crushed with the hammer of Divine truth in the hands of Holy Antients and Servants of Christ of late that they should I say be now brought to Light again perking up with such boldness as they do and that among us in this Church who have been taught by terrible things in righteousness to set up and adore the Lord Jesus Christ in his Throne It is and will be surely too great a provocation of God's jealousie against us Having therefore mett with such Assertions as these so destructive to the Piety of the times and so diametrically contrary to the Doctrine that hath been insisted upon being derogatory to the Merits of the Lord Jesus making them useless to the World before the time of his coming I conceive a necessity is laid upon me to protest against them It hath been the great design of Satan at all times to bring the world to be as little beholding to Christ as may be and to that purpose hath he bewitched men with strong delusions one while suggesting to their minds prejudicate opinions concerning the ways of Christ that they are greivous unprofitable and unreasonable ways another while infusing into them Principles of self-sufficiency that so long as they have materials enough of their own to finish their building what need they go to seek in another's Quarry sometimes perswading them that the Saints in Heaven must be his Coadjutours in office to obtain grace for his people here and to help them in time of need again making them believe that after this Life is ended their souls must lie down in Purgatory for a time before they can be carried up into Heaven And why is all this and much more attempted by this grand Adversary the Devil but because as I said he would draw men to have as little dependance upon Christ
compleating of his most glorious design in this day of his power he will most certainly get himself a name in casting it down and having commanded his Light to shine out of Darkness Joh. 1.5 though the darkness of mens hearts will not receive it yet his Commandment still continueth in force and his word runneth very swiftly In a word true and great and marvellous and invincible is the light of this day concerning which much might be spoken from the predictions of the Prophets who prophecyed of this day and much might be added from the triumphant exultations of the Apostles whose eyes were first opened to see the light of this day but there is no need to undertake any further the clearing of the truth of this point for the day it self doth declare it the Sun which is the light and life of this day being not onely risen but ascended and not onely risen and ascended but fixed in his Meridian never more to descend till time be no more Nescit occasum Let us therefore now come to improve it by some close Applications unto us all whose lot it is to live under this Light First Seeing that this time of the Gospel is such a Lightsome day we then that are the Children of the day are to take notice of those Duties which the day requireth of us First whereof is that we rejoyce and be glad in it Truely Light is sweet saith Solomon and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the Sun Eccles 11.7 1. Duty Ec. 11.7 How sweet then and pleasant a thing is it to behold the light of this day wherein the Glory of the Lord is risen upon the Church Es 60.1 as the Prophet foretold it should Es 60.1 That glory which since the beginning of the world was out of the reach and apprehension of any Creature which yet notwithstanding was earnestly longed for by the Holy and faithful Servants of God of old How happy would Abraham Isaac Jacob Moses David Hezekiah Josiah Esaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel Daniel c. have accounted themselves to have seen that Glory which is now revealed How full of joy would they have been in the light of this day wherein with open face we behold as in a Mirroir the Glory of the Lord saith the Apostle 2 Cor. 3. 2 Cor. 3.18 Nay wherein all flesh seeth the Salvation of God wherein the Word of God comes with power and evidence and Demonstration wherein the Spirit is shed forth abundantly in the hearts of Believers wherein knowledg covereth the earth even as the waters covers the seas so that God's people now need teach no more every man his Neighbour and every man his Brother the sense and meaning of the Shadows and Ceremonies of old saying Jer. 31.34 Know the Lord the Lord whom these things do typifie and so far as such carnal Ordinances are able make known unto you for now is fulfilled that which then the Lord promised saying they shall all know me from the least of them to the Greatest of them The whole Mystery of Godliness is now clearly revealed in so much that they who are endued with the Spirit of God know all things yea 1 Job 2.20 Act. 2.17 even Children and Handmaidens people of all sorts and Sexes understand more fully the Doctrine of Salvation then the Prophets and great Rabbies of old could be able to reach into And therefore it is worth our considering how emphatically the Spirit of God in scripture doth found out this word now in reference to the great glory of this day of the Gospel to that very end that all who are I say Children of the Day may see the Light and rejoyce in it Observe some instances Behold now is the accepted time now is the day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6.2 Now is manifested the Righteousness of God Rom. 3.22 2 Cor. 6 2. Rom. 3.22 Eph 3.10 Eph. 3.5 Col. 1.26 1 Joh. 2.8 Now is made known the manifold Wisdom of God Eph. 3.10 The Mystery which was hidden from Ages and Generations is now revealed Eph. 3.5 Col. 1.26 The Darkness is past the true Light now shineth 1 Joh. 2.8 Now Now Now implying that now and never before the dawning of this day there was a light in the world to be reckoned of the highest value O blessed and happy Day And for ever and ever blessed be that good Providence of Heaven that hath brought us to see the Light of this Day making it unto us a good Day A Day of good tidings A day of Reconciliation with the God of Heaven A Day of joy and gladness Let us therefore I say again and again rejoyce and be glad in it Let the Children of the World glory some in their carnal wisdom some in their strength some in their riches But let us glory in this that we underl and and know the Lord. Now in this serene and joyful day of his gracious visitation did Abraham with great pleasure and rapture of spirit rejoyce to see this day afar off and shall not we now rejoyce when it is at hand yea when it comes upon us and the Light of it shineth round about us Surely we are not Abrahams Children unless we do the works of Abraham and if herein we do not rejoyce we are not of the Faith of Abraham and consequently shall not be blessed with him Objection But alas you 'll say this day is a day of trouble of rebuke and blasphemy of trouble to the Churches of Christ throughout the world of rebuke for God is angry with the world for sin of Blasphemy the Provocations wherewith God is provoked every day being very great reaching up into Heaven And should we now rejoyce Answer I Answer It is indeed a day of trouble to the people of God and possibly if they had rejoyced more for the consolation which their eyes have seen they had not seen so much trouble upon them as they do this day But nevertheless albeit there be so great and sore afflictions lying upon the Churches which all the Children of the Day must be sensible of yet in the midst of all this sorrow there is cause of rejoycing for why it is not a Night of trouble wherein no succour or comfort can be found but the Light of the Lord so shineth out before his people that they may plainly see his good works which with an out-stretched arme he hath wrought and still doth for their deliverance Ps 112.4 Vnto the Righteous saith the Psalmist Ps 112.4 Ariseth Light in Darkness that is in the darkest times of trouble then hath their light of comfort been wont to arise most And therefore though in some respect the day be somewhat cloudy yet it is not a Dismal Day though the Affliction be great yet the consolations of God are not so small with us but we may glorifie God in this day and rejoyce before him True you 'll say But alas we remember
the earth Then with glory to God on high and peace upon earth but hereafter with Vae Vae Vae habitatoribus terrae Thrice wo to them that dwell upon the earth Then to gather the lost sheep of the house of Israel into the sheep-fold now to sever the Sheep from the Goats Then to embrace both Jew and Gentile now to divide between servant and Servant at the same Mill between man and wife in the same bed between Jacob and Esau in the same womb and to pronounce the one of them blessed and the other accursed Repent therefore we say unto you for this kingdome of God is at hand to deface all kingdomes to root up the nations to consume the earth with her works and the people with their sins This is the kingdome and no other that is now to be looked for and our Lord is gone to receive it for himself But whosoever they be that will not have him to reign over them whiles he swayeth the scepter of his Grace which is so despicable in the eye of the world Luk 19.12 when he returneth he will have such Rebels and Traytours dragg'd into his presence and see them executed before him Oh then let not the Serpent beguile you any longer with the expectation of a sools paradise Rather come I beseech without any further delay O ye children of Israel and children of Judah together and seek the Lord your God Jer. 5.4 5 who hath promised to be found of you Ask the way to Zion with your faces thitherward and we for our parts will give you the best directions we can Say as it is written of you you shall say Come let us joyn our selves to the Lord in an everlasting Covenant that shall never be forgotten Too long alas have you been unmindful of the Rock that begat you and forgotten your God that formed you And will you still continue to be a froward Generation children in whom is no faith Is the Lord Christ a stumbling-block unto you because of the reproach that is cast upon his kingdome by a sinful world A world that accounteth the things of the Spirit of God but foolishness which things it cannot know nor receive because they are spiritually discern'd And will you conform your selves to the guise of the world You that have heretofore with so much zeal declared your abhorrency of it Will you now joyn in a confederacy with it to your shame in that which is so contrary to the concurrent predictions of all your Prophets concerning the kingdome of the Messiah Some of whom I confess do speak of his glory and great atchievements but that must be understood in a spiritual sense as that he will bring the world under the power of his grace And those that do resist it he will by his Word and Spirit most righteously condemn Else how will you free those other Prophets from falshood and errour who speak as much of his poor base and contemptible estate under many miseries and afflictions yea of his death and passion As for that dream of two Messiasses to come the one Ben Joseph of the Tribe of Ephraim who is to suffer and undergo those indignities the other Ben David of the Tribe of Judah who must redeem deliver and restore Israel to their former inheritance and gather them together out of all the earth who must vanquish subdue and make tributary all Princes and Potentates of the world who never must dye but live and reign everlastingly in temporal Glory who shall raise again the dead Israelites unto life and amongst them Messiah Ben Joseph It is so sottish an absurdity that I believe you your selves are ashamed of it The Messiah whom you have expected is the Rock of Ages the Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending Would you have him then to vary the form of his Government which he hath alwayes exercised over his Church in a spiritual way to a worldly compliancy with the Princes of the earth What a shameful inconstancy would this be unsutable to his Honour and no whit conducible to the work the great work of Messiah in destroying the kingdome of Satan Yea what fruit would thereby redound unto you in carrying you safely through your pilgrimage here that you might sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of God For us We profess this to be our earnest desire in our own behalf and if you be indeed the children of Abraham it would be your ambition to obtain it rather then any earthly glory Did the Lord ever in all the time of yesterday exercise a temporal Power over the Kings and Princes of the earth Where was his Throne erected What mettal was his Crown made of When Pharaoh kept his people in Egypt What armies of men did he muster up for their deliverance When Amalâ—k came out against them Moses his Deputy betakes himself to prayer whilst Joshua fights the Lords battels But what need the one pray and the other fight if the Lord himself who is the Lord of Hosts not onely of his subjects but of his enemies too was to have exercised such a Power And how ill did the Lord take it of your forefathers when they thus mutinied against him saying Nay but we will have a King over us 1 Sam. 8.7 that we also may be like unto other nations They have saith he rejected me that I should not reign over them meaning in his spiritual mediatory Power as I have before observed which though he still in great mercy continued as formerly during that regal Government which they then chose and which should in time have been mercifully establisht among them had they not been so precipitant in requiring it yet was his Spirit grieved at that their rebellion against him Oh know for certain It is a far greater rebellion against the Lord your God that you are this day guilty of In that you do so causelesly out of a vain affectation of conformity to other nations unwarranted by Moses and the Prophets reject the Anoynted of the most high God that he should not be your King according to that form of Government which is devolv'd upon him by the Father But Non obstante your obstinacy against him hitherto he hath reigned and reign he will still as he hath done Malgrè all the gates of hell He is the breath of our nosthrils and the life of our souls under his shadow we do live and rejoyce yea and we will rejoyce more and more And as for you because of your unkinde refusal of him hath not this our Lord according to his oath hitherto with a mighty hand Ezek. 20.33 and stretched-out arm and fury poured out ruled over you Whence otherwise hath it come to pass that so deep a stain hath been brought upon all your excellency and that your glory is thus eclipsed That you are scattered over the world and whereas you were the head you are now become the tail of
all nations as the Lord once threatned you Which being so Whether then it be better to be under his grace or under his wrath judge ye There is no avoyding it will ye nill ye one way or other you shall ever be subdued unto him either as children or as captives as subjects or as slaves for the Lord hath sworn by himself the greatest oath that ever was heard of the word is gone out of his mouth in righteousness and shall not return That unto him every knee shall bow Esa 45.23 every tongue shall swear Esa 45.23 And if ever demonstrations were found among the creatures for the confirmation of any thing there have been such that are most convincing in this matter of subjecting the world to the irresistable power of Jesus according to this oath That these Oracles of the Heathen were struck dumb at that time the writings of the Heathen do sufficiently witness Two memorable occurrents I shall mention in order hereunto that are past all gain-saying First at his birth the Oracles of the Heathen testified of him by their silence not daring once to peep or mutter out an answer to their importunate suppliants after that this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Oracle of the Living God once appeared Secondly at his death The Sun in the firmament did also bear witness unto him by a total eclipsing of his light to the amazement of the world far and near In Egypt it was seen and admired by Dionysius Areopagita as appears in his Epistle to Polycarp wherein he desireth Polycarp to enquire of one Apolloohanes who would not it seems be reclaimed from his Gentilisme what he thought of that eclipse which he saw when he was with him at Heliopolis a city in Egypt at the time of our Saviours suffering when he could not but acknowledge that that with other remarkable wonders which they took notice of together were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vicissitudes or changes of Divine works Which Dionysius being at that time also a Heathen and much astonished at the unnaturalness of the said eclipse cryed out as it is reported of him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Either the Deity suffereth or hath sympathy with that which suffereth or the whole world is ready to be dissolved Adding withall Deus ignotus in carne patitur ideoqueVniversum hisce tenebris obscuratur concutitur that is An unknown God suffers at this time in the flesh which makes the world to shake under this obscurity But afterwards when the Apostle Saint Paul came to Athens and affirmed Jesus Christ to be the unknown God at whose death the Sun was so obscured the said Dionysius hearing him became a convert to the Christian Faith and all his life time after an eminent servant to Jesus Christ These reports possibly you will not regard howsoever the truth of the eclipse cannot be questioned by you which may let in so much light upon you to make you believe that somewhat extraordinary was then acted in the world which God would have the world to take special notice of And now to conclude What is it O ye miserably blinded people that you stick at If the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Blessed Virgin our Lord and our God hath not exactly fulfilled all that was Prophecied of the Messiah If he hath not done the works that no other man did or can do If you have not hitherto smarted enough under that heavy Curse which your fathers brought upon you when they crucified the Lord Jesus crying out His bloud be upon us and our children go on then still in your pertinacy deny him to be the Lord that bought you look for another that can do more for you then he hath done For us in the mean time we will bewail before the Lord your woful blindeness and hardness of heart and though we cannot converse with you as brethren because of your perversness in your present infidelity yet we will pity you as those who were once a people in whom the Lord delighted yea as those of whom we have good hope upon the return of your Captivity to see you made the glory of Nations a Praise in the earth Which hope as we may be confident it will not fail us in the time and season which the Father hath put in his own Power so may the consideration of those grounds and reasons hereafter specified whereon this hope is built in time prevail with you to bethink your selves of your long estrangement from your God and to quicken your return unto him Lastly Since it is so that Jesus Christ is the Same to day which he was yesterday then have the Churches of the Gentiles good reason to rejoyce in that they submitting themselves to Christs yoke may be sure that the same Divine Love which was of old manifested to the Jews is in as full measure according to their capacity extended towards them What high account was made of Israel heretofore the holy Scripture doth every where tell us How God entred into a Covenant with them was nigh unto them in all that they call'd upon him for esteemed them his Inheritance his Vineyard his peculiar Treasure when all other Nations were rejected as unclean 1 Cor. 9.11 proclaimed Out-laws and cast forth as dogs not suffered to intermeddle with the childrens Priviledge But now since the Holy Ghost hath not onely told us that Jesus Christ the messenger of this Covenant the parchaser of this Inheritance the planter of this Vineyard the great Lord-Keeper of this Treasury hath broken down the wall of Partition that was between Jews and Gentiles Eph. 2.14 making both one but that he is also the Same to day which he was yesterday as able now to save them to the uttermost whosoever they be that come unto God by him and as ready to do the will of the Father in being a Light to lighten the Gentiles according to the Prophecies of old as to be the glory of his people Israel we may therefore be confident in our approaches before the Lord looking for mercy and grace to help in time of need being as much interessed in all the happy Priviledges of the everlasting Covenant of Promise as ever were the Jews there is no difference now saith the Apostle between the Jew and the Greek for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved Now is the true heavenly sound gone into all lands the Gospel preached to every creature which the Apostles carried about when they had their Commission given them to go into all the world their Line reached to the ends of the earth Psal 19 4 5. insomuch that the Orb or Tabernacle of the Sun so the Divine Spirit of the Psalmist is interpreted by the Apostle was bounded within the limits of their Commission Rom. 10.18 Saint Paul had his circuit from Jerusalem to Spain
and shame unto them I might here enter into a large discourse upon this point and open a great door and effectual for the conviction of sundry enemies of Jesus Christ who by their Opinions and practices do in effect deny him to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Same for ever But I forbear for the present being willing to draw towards a Conclusion Some short inferences notwithstanding we shall derive from hence that may be of use unto us And first we may here be ascertained concerning the perpetuity of the Church to the end of the World For because Christ will be the Same for ever the Church must continue to be for ever also As the Apostle speaks of the Man and the Woman Neither is the Man without the Woman nor the Woman without the Man in the Lord 1 Cor. 11.11 So may we say of Christ and his Church neither can the Church be without Christ nor Christ as Mediatour be without the Church Relatorum uno posito ponitur alterum nec est relatio nisi inter ea quae sunt actu Objection They are like Hippocrates Twins If one liveth the other cannot dy If one dy the other cannot live what therefore Christ promised to his Disciples Joh. 14.19 He will surely make good unto his Church to the end Because I live yee shall live also But do we not see the Church in a consumptive estate groaning and panting under a most heavy cross melting her self into tears yea ready even to give up the Ghost We may be deceived when we think it is at a low ebb it may be at that very instant in a most flourishing Condition What it loseth in outward prosperity it may gain in spiritual growth We must not bound our conceits of the Church and Kingdom of Christ according to the models of the Kingdoms of this World For though this machina munai this great engine frame and structure may decrease and diminish in its strength and beauty as the opinion of some is by reason of the clashings and shakings that happen among the parts thereof till that which is now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a specious and spacious ornament be made a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a confused lump again Yet nevertheless so long as Jesus Christ will for ever be the Same the persecutions and troubles that the Churches lie under yea the differences and contentions that arise amongst themselves shall contrary to their nature tend to their advantage And as poison when it is corrected by the skill of the Physician works more effectually for the health of a sick patient then a wholesome herb so certainly shall the Church grow better by her troubles then if she had been all this while settled in a most peaceable estate Though the Church be afflicted and the enemies thereof may seem to prosper Aus 2. yet let us nor conclude rashly thereupon that Christ hath forsaken her and that she shall unavoidably perish Let David lead you a little into the Sanctuary Ps 73.17.18 then you 'll finde slippery places are set for these prosperous enemies And their feet shall slide in due time But the Church is built upon a rock Deut. 32.35 the rock of Ages and when all the foundations of the earth are out of course we shall find the foundation of the Lord will stand sure because JESUS CHRIST abideth for ever Secondly As we have assurance given us here of the perpetuity of the Catholick Church notwithstanding all her divisions within her and her persecutions from without so we may finde a remedy close-ed up in the rich Cabinet of this Text which will be sufficient if well applied to cure the distempers of our particular Churches Those distempers I say which have been and still are occasioned by our quarrelling about setting up Jesus Christ in his Throne and the establishment of his Kingdom amongst us according to his own rule and order For the healing whereof and to perswade to a Brotherly composure therein What can be more prevalent then this viz. Jesus Christ is the Same for ever We all pretend to look unto JESUS and it is indeed our duty to eye him in all the dispensations of his power and providence towards his Church that we may not vary from that course and order wherein he hath always trained up his people nor be led aside by new-fangled devices either of our own or others But let us consider If he be Semper idem alwayes the Same How is it that we are thus divided about him What Shall the rule and Canon of our Union be constant and perpetual and shall we be still to seek for a way of uniting Let dissenting Brethren but lay aside Animosities and prejudices wherewith they have so easily been beset and follow the track and foot-sleps of the Lord Jesus and we shall quickly see an end of all our differences 2 Sam. 20 18. They were wont to say in old time said that Mother in Israel They shall surely ask counsel at Abel and so they ended the matter Now also according to the word of the Holy Ghost in Scripture Let us stand in the wayes and see and ask for the old pathes where is the good way The way wherein the Lord himself hath walked and let us walk therein and we shall finde rest for our souls Wee shall see Salvation is neer unto us yea neerer then we are aware and that Glory doth dwell in our Land The voice of the Oracle which would guide us into the good way speakes in this manner Jesus Christ is the Same yesterday to day and for ever Which in effect tells us our foundation is sure and stedfast and our corner-stone as it hath hitherto brought on the building into an excellent frame on the one side in the Ages that are past so it would also do the like on the other in these our dayes and the Ages that are to come if there were but such a conformity held with it as there hath been in former times True it is the Word written is an infallible rule for the guiding of us in matters of Faith from which we are not to digress It is so likewise in all things else that concern the Worship of God and the publick good of the Church so far as it doth lead and direct us therein but unless we will say that Christ hath deserted his Church ever since he gave a being unto it we must avow his continued course and practice in the ordering of it which I hope none will say is contrary to what he hath written to be a warrant also of our Subjection thereto What then is that good way Not surely the way of Division and Separation which tendeth to Confusion for God is not the Authour thereof neither will he allow of it in any of the Churches of the Saints but of Unity and Order that all such as make profession of the Gospel may be of one accord and
the Jews to expect and good warrant for us to believe their restauration First Hear what Moses saith of this people Deut. 4.30.31 When thou art intribulation as they are this day and all these things are come upon thee Deut 4.30 31. even in the latter dayes remember that if thou turn to the Lord thy God and shalt be obedient unto his voice For the Lord thy Ged is a merciful God he will not forsake thee neither destroy thee nor forget the Covenant of thy Fathers which he sware unto them But if God hath now cast away his people in these latter dayes so as that they shall be no more a people hath he not forgotten the Covenant of their Fathers which he sware unto them Possibly it will be replyed That promise was attended with this Proviso If they turn unto the Lord their God and be obedient unto his voice But that will never be because of the hardness of their hearts to which they are given up by the just judgement of God for their contempt of the Gospel when it was sent unto them In answer hereunto hear Moses once again Deut. 30.3 c. If thou return unto the Lord thy God Deut. 30.3 c. then will the Lord thy God turn thy Captivity and haâ—e compassion â—pon thâ—e and wâ—ll return and gather thee from all Nations whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee If any of thine be driâ—en out unto the utmost parts of heaven from then â—e will the Lord thy God gather thee and from thence will he fetch thee And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul that thou mayest live You 'll say How doth this take away the premised Objection Hear and consider First These promises doubtless are grounded upon the new Covenant for the old admits of no mercy to be shewed unto any upon the violation of it The condition therefore must be understood in an answerable sense If you return and if you obey that is when thou shalt Return and when thou shalt obey being induced thereunto by that Grace which I will give unto thee Secondly Of whom speaketh Moses this Of some few a Tribe or two of the Children of Israel or of the whole Nation Surely of the whole Nation but hitherto is not the Captivity of the whole nation turned neither hath the Lord gathered them from all those nations and the utmost parts of heaven whither he had in his sore displeasure scattered them Thirdly Circumcision being the Sacrament of initiation whereby this people were separated from the World and solemnly admitted to be a peculiar portion to the Lord the promise here of circumcising their hearts doth not so much imply their confirmation in their obedience during their restored estate as the turning of their hearts even at the time of their re-admission to be the Lords Fourthly This promise hath never yet been fulfilled in any of their former deliverances For Saint Steven speaketh to them in this manner after all that God had done for them Act. 7.51 Yee stiff-necked and uncircumeised in heart and ears ye do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost as your fathers did so do yee It remaineth therefore that the accomplishment thereof is yet to come viz. In these latter dayes Thus Moses The Prophets likewise with one Consent do testifie the same First Isaiah is very free and copious in this matter It shall come to pass saith he Es 11.11 12. in that day Es 11.11 12. that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people that shall be left from Assyria and from Egypt and from Pathros and from Cush and from Elam and from Shinar and from Hamath and from the Islands of the Sea that is from all quarters of the World And he shall set up an ensign for the Nations and shall asseble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four Corners of the Earth Let us here also take notice of some considerations very pertinent as I conceive to our present purpose First The Prophet we see speaks of the second time of Gods stretching out his hand for the deliverance of all the posterity of Jacob which second time must be in the dayes of the Messiah as appeareth by the tenth verse Secondly Observe this place is not to be understood of the elect both Jew and Gentile as some will have it For the Prophet had in the tenth verse spoken particularly of the Gentiles Therefore the people here intended are without controversie onely the seed of Abraham according to the flesh Thirdly Consider how the Prophet speaks not of Judah alone or the two Tribes that came out of Babylon after the seventy years Captivity but which is very remarkable not onely here but in sundry other places of Israel and Judah together who never yet were united since their first separation Fourthly This assembling and gathering of Israel and Judah together shall be in those dayes when the Lord sets up an ensign for the Nations that is when the Messiah shall be lifted up in the Ministery of the word For he is the rock of Jesse which should stand for an ensign of the peoples See another Prophecy from the same hand Es 43.5 6. Fear not saith the Lord to Israel for I am with thee I will bring thy seed from the East and gather thee from the West I will say to the North give up and to the South keep not back bring my Sons from far and my Daughters from the ends of the earth And again Es 45.22 2a Look unto mee Es 45.22.25 and be yee saved all the ends of the earth In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory Let it be now hereupon considered Hath there been as yet an universal gathering of Israel to the Lord such as is here mentioned Hath the Lord as yet justified all the seed of Israel that is the Nation of them against their enemies Or doth the Nation yet glory in that salvation which hath been wrought in the world now in the time of the Gospel If not then surely these things are yet to be fulfilled If it be objected as some will not stick to do it that these and the like places are to bee understood Synechdochically as putting a part for the whole viz. Israel for the whole Church of God throughout the World that it should be gathered and justified and that all the people of God should glory and make their boast of the Lord. I answer Though it should be so yet the literal meaning here as it referreth to the posterity of Jacob is not to be wholly sleighted for admit that it be an usual form of speech by a Synechdoche to put a part for the whole Yet such a Synechdoche must needs be accounted a violent assault
of sundry famous and mighty Nations that were of old contemporary with the Jews whose height was like the height of the Cedars and their strength like unto that of Oakes yet hath God destroyed their fruit from above Dan. 2. and their root from beneath We read of a goodly Image that represented the world in its various and successive gallantry by the advancement of its choicest favourites whose head was of gold his breast and his arms of silver his belly and his thighs of brass and his leggs of iron the gold was precious the silver pure the brass glittering the iron strong yet all of them are broken to pieces and become like the chaffe of the summer-threshing floor carried away with the winde that no place can be found for them What is now become of all their policy magnificence prowess which for the time did so ruffle in the world far and near Where are all their Laws that have been so much extolled and their Law-makers to whom wisdome it self was esteemed but as a dutiful hand-maid Why do not the Romans now appear in the vindication of their Numa Pompilius that mirroir of Princes as Plutarch describes him in his dayes Or the Athenians for their Solon Or the Lacedemonians for their Licurgus Or the Cretians for their Minos Or the Carthaginians for their Charondas Or the Egyptians for their Osiris Or the Sâ—ythians for their Zamolxis All famous Law-givers in the several confines of their times and places If the sword of their Law hath lost its edge is not the Law of their sword able to set it again Are all the stout-hearted among them utterly spoiled and can none of their men of might sinde their hands Tenent omnino reliquias Legis suaâ— circomciduntur sabbata observant pascha immolant Azyma comedunt Aug. in Ps 59. No verily for at the rebuke of the God of Jacob have the Chariots and Horse-men of these Nations been cast into a dead sleep Onely the Jews that were the dearly beloved of his Soul who are scattered about in the World notwithstanding all their troubles captivities dispersions Massacres do every where grow rich and populous keep themselves their Laws and Customes unmixed from all others can still deduce their Original and History by infallible testimony from the beginning of the World which no Nation that now is can do the like A very pregnant proof that they are kept by a special providence according to what the Lord hath said of them by the Prophets as namely by Jeremy Jer. 30.10 11.46.28 Fear thou not O my servant Jacob neither be dismayed O Israel for I will save thee from afar Jer. 30.10.11 Jer. 46.28 Amos 9.8 and thy seed from the Land of their captivity though I make a full end of all Nations whither I have scattered thee yet will I not make a full end of thee And by the Prophet Amos Behold the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinfull Kingdome meanning whatsoever Kingdome it be continuing in its sin and I will destroy it from the face of the Earth saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob saith the Lord that is their sins though they be never so great shall not provoke me to root out their name from under Heaven Amos. 9.8 Answerable hereto is that of the Prophet Jeremy whose testimony once more let us hear Jer 31.36.37 Where the Lord useth as vehement asseverations as any we shall likely sinde throughout the whole Scripture If these Ordinances that is of Heaven and the Sea depart from before me saith the Lord Jer. 31.36.37 then the seed of Israel shall cease from being a Nation before me for ever Thus saith the Lord if Heaven above can be measured and the foundation searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Observe though their doings which in an ordinary course of divine justice would certainly bring on their utter undoing and would be enough inevitably to ruine all the Nations else in the World besides if they should at any time be guilty of the like yet shall not the anger of the Lord be so enkindled because of them as to cut off the seed of Israel for ever A high expression of an extraordinary favour which nevertheless will exactly be made good to a tittle even to the end of the World because the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it And here before I come to infer my intended conclusion from the premises Mr. Thâ— Wilton on the Romans give me leave to super-adde the testimony of a faithful interpreter of the minde of God in Scripture concerning this matter who hath written of it within this present Century whose words are these The counsel of the most wise and mighty God in the wonderful preservation of the Jews ought diligently to be considered whereas sundry very ancient people and famous as Persians Chaldeans Trojans Vandals Lombards Gothes Saxons Picts Hunns c. are either quite extinct and destroyed or else being severed and scattered have not so held their own as to keep still their own ordinances and to be able to shew their Original and History in sure record or to preserve themselves for their civil life and religion unmixed with other people whither they came yet behold a strange thing and remarkable the Jews onely notwithstanding their great and long dispersions and manifold calamities desolations and death in sundry Countries where they have been butchered like sheep as in England here at London and Yorke by hundreds and thousands Judaei sunt Librarii nostri Ne forte Pagani dicant nobis vos Christiani literas istas composuistis proserimus codices a Judaeis inimicis ut confundamus alios immicos Codicem portat Judaeus ut idem credat Christianus Aug. Loco Sup. In Graeco quodam codice Basiliensis editionis Object and elsewhere in other Countries knocked down upon heapes and others cruelly spoiled do for all this not onely remain in very numerous multitudes chiefly in Asia and Africa as Master Beza and Grynaus upon certain knowledge do report but do keep their Tribes distinct and unconfounded and their Religion all without commixtion as much as they may reading and searching the Scriptures but with very corrupt construction yet with this fruit and commodity that both their pedegree and descent from Abraham and the Patriarchs may appear and eke by the witness of our books out of which we derive our holy Christian Faith may be justified and cleared from suspicion of imposture and fraud which the Heathenish Philosophers and other prophane atheistical persons cannot now charge us with seeing the people still remain as preservers of those Oracles of God which be the Fountains of our Religion of all which what other thing are we to deem and judge but that they are reserved thus miraculously of God against the time of their conversion and salvation to come hereafter in Gods determinate