quite and all things be made new for nothing that came in with the curse can abide there where Christ hath his Kingdome and throne of glory Quest But the Apostle Peter saith 2 Pet. 3.10 that the Earth and the works there shall be burnt up and all things here below shall be dissolved Answ True it is that whatsoever came in with the Curse shall bee dissolved and burnt up and all taken away and nothing thereof shall remain but onely what was created before the curse and all things shall be made new as in the first crearion of them and far more excellent and durable as the same Apostle saith we look for net heavers and a new earth according to his promise wherein dwelleth righteousnes Quest Where is this promise made that the Apostle speaks of Answ In the 65. Chapter of Isaiah where the promise is made and set downe in plaine words Quest But shall not the happinesse of the Saints be for ever in heaven for the Apostle Peter saith that the inheritance of the Saints is reserved in heaven and Paul saith we have an house not made with hands but eternall in the heavens 1 Pet. 14. 2 Cor. 5.1 Answ True it is that the inheritance of the Saints is reserved in heaven and it is eternall but this that is reserved in heaven shall come down from heaven Christ himselfe will bring with him that new Ierusalem and cloath his saints with that house which is from heaven which was so desired by the Apostle Paul 2 Cor. 5.2 the beauty and glory of that estate is set forth in the 21 chapter of the Revelation which shall be so great that the heart of man can desire no more for there shall be a fulnesse of all things Quest But what places of Scripture do prove that the Saints shall have their glory and happinesse upon this earth Answ There are many places of Scripture to this purpose and I will instance some of them and first I will begin with the promise of God made unto Abraham concerning the land of Canaan it was promised to him and to his seed for ever Gen. 13.15 Chap. 15.17 But Abraham never yet enjoyed the fulfilling of that promise therefore at that great day of the Lord it shall be made good unto him and his seed for ever for it was given unto him for an everlasting possession Gen. 7.18 Quest But Abraham seed after four hundred yeares did possesse that land was not then the promise fulfilled to Abraham Answ No assuredly there was a further extent in that promise then was performed unto his naturall seed and that was but a type of the great possession that should be given to him and his spirituall seed for ever Gen. 17.8 Quest What is the next Scripture that proves the Saints eternall happines to be on this earth An. The next is Matth. 5.5 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth and Psal 37.11 But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace Which promises must needs be understood of the life to come and not of this life for they are promises for the time to come and not of the time present for we know by experience that the meek do not now in this life inherit the earth but this promise shall be performed unto them at that great day of the restauration of all things Quest What is the next Scripture to prove this Answ The next is Revelation the 5. and the 10. ver the sweet song of thanksgiving of the 24 Elders the latter part whereof is their acknowledgement in these words and hast made unto us our God Kings and priests and we shall raign on the earth which is spoken of the time to come and not of the time present for now is not their time of reigning but of suffering Quest What other Scripture is there to prove this point Answ Out of the 11 chap. of the Revelation ver the 15. where after the sounding of the seventh trumpet there were great voyces heard in heaven saying The Kingdomes of this world are become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reigne for ever and ever as also Dan. 7.14.27 So that then Christ shall reigne as King upon this earth and all powers shall serve and obey him for evermore Quest But if the Saints glory and happines shall be upon this earth it will be conceived that it cannot be so great glorious and excellent as is expected to be and as the Scripture sets it forth to be and for the most part of our preachers they do tell us that it shall be in the highest heavens Answ For the happinesse and felicity of the Saints which they enjoy it shall be so great so glorious so excellent although upon this earth as possible may be no heart can desire more nor no tongue can expresse it for that place must be very full of joy comfort blessednesse and happinesse where Christ dwells and is their King what can be wanting unto them there is fulnesse of joy at his right hand and pleasures for evermore O what sweetnesse of comfort shall they find in his presence yea unspeakable the Scriptures are plentifull in expressing these things for the comfort of the faithfull even whilest they live here in this naturall life who do live by faith expecting those good things to come and whatsoever our Preachers do tell us of the happines of the saints to be for ever in the highest heavens if they did well consider the Scriptures they would speake according therereunto Quest But what is the reason they conceive so that the glory and happinesse of the Saints shall be in the highest heavens Answ I know no Scripture that tends there unto besides those I have already answered or some such it may be like them but their error and misunderstanding of the Scripture lies in this that they take and expound those places of Scripture that intend and set forth the happinesse of the Saints for ever to be intended and meant of a great conversion of the naturall Jewes to be brought into the land of Canaan againe before the coming of Christ to Judgement which opinion turnes them from the truth and hereby the Saints are deprived of many sweet promises that are made unto them for their comfort here in this life in the expectation of that glory and happinesse therein set forth and promised unto them then which a greater wrong cannot be done to the people of God Quest You said the Scriptures are plentifull in expressing the happines of the Saints for ever upon this earth I pray you give me those places of Scriptures and set down the severall texts that we may examine them and rejoyce in the expectation of them and so I shall conclude for this time and cease from demanding any more questions of you Answ I shall willingly do it according to my abi ity but yet it is not possible for
PLAIN TRVTHS OF DIVIVINITY Collected out of the sacred Scriptures set forth by way of question and answer the best way conceived for the information of the judgement of the Christian Reader Wherein is set forth many excellent things which are not commonly publshed Especially the destruction of Antichrist and the yeare when it shall be The coming of the Lord Christ to judgement and his reigning with his Saints for ever upon this earth at the restitution of all things Collossians 3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdome teaching and admonishing one another c. 2 Timothy 2.27 Consider what I say and the Lord give thee understanding in all things LONDON Printed for J. K. And are to be sold at the signe of the white horse in Pauls Church-yard 1647. To the Right Honourable and Religious Lady Margaret Countesse of Carlile the Authour presenteth the ensuing book wishing grace and peace to be multiplyed Right Honourable I Have presumed upon your favour to present this my poore labour to your Honour not doubting of your favourable acceptance from him who desireth your further increase in the knowledge of the truth of God you have given many testimonies of your love to Religion by your carefull walking in piety to the good example of others which hath rejoyced my heart to heare from time to time I desire nothing more then that you might go on till you receive the crown of glory It is not in vain to know God and the Lord Iesus Christ but life eternall I have endeavoured in this ensuing booke to set forth some grounds and principles of the knowledge of God and of Christ by way of Question and answer the easiest way I conceive to get knowledge and it may be your Honour may find it more plain and easie to be understood then other Catechismes I have laboured herein to set forth how and after what manner a poor sinner comes to be justified and how he walks being justified both towards God and man as also something concerning the destruction of antichrist and the felicity of the Church for ever with other things necessary to be known of us in these times It may be you may find in the reading of it some things you never heard of before both profitable and comfortable if your Honour shall be pleased to accept of this my poore labour J shall take it as a great favour and shall be obliged to remain Your humble Servant John Alcock To the truly Religious Christian that desires to know and yeild obedience to the will of God revealed in his word Grace and peace be multiplyed CHristian Reader I heare present thee with a few points of Divinity by way of Question and Answer The way which I have conceived to be best for the Information of Iudgement The substance of it I writ about twenty sixe yeares past The reasons that moved me thereunto were First to keepe in my owne memory the truths God had taught me Secondly that having gathered these heads of divinity into order I might the better teach my family to whom I could explaine any thing therein contained knowing my owne sence and meaning which I could not so well doe out of other mens workes I have since the first writing of it perused it and somewhat inlarged it and would have done more if weaknesse of body had not seized upon me After which some iudicious friends of mine having read and considered it thought it worth their labour to write it out as also worthy the publishing in Print and advised me thereunto perceiving some things in it necessary to be made publique which are not in other mens workes nor commonly taught I have therefore yeilded to their desires herein And also it was my own desire to do good to the Church and people of God whose servant I am and the least of them who am not worthy to be accounted one of them yet doe I make bold to present this small talent of mine unto thee intreating the to read and consider it if it be the truth as I know it is receive it with meeknes of heart It may be thou mayest find some truths in it which thou hast not formerly taken notice of which may be profitable unto thee And some Scriptures cleared from the false expositions of some men which it may be they have led the into some error hindred from some comfort that otherwise thou mightest have had in the knowledge of the truth I hope thou wilt not repent thy cost nor thy labour in reading it I wish unto thee Christian Reader all happinesse and thy profit by this poore worke of mine If thou findest good by it Blesse God and remember me in thy prayers who will remember thee dayly and desires thine and his owne furtherance in the truth and remaines Thine in the Lord Jesus Christ I.A. A Catechisme or certain Principles of Christian Religion Question SEeing that Knowledge is so much desired and sought after of most men what knowledge is most necessary and chiefly to be desired of all men Answer The true knowledge of the true God Jeremy 9.24 Quest Wherefore is the knowledge of God most necessary and chiefly to be desired Answ Because it is eternall life to know God aright Jo. 17.3 Qu. But God is invisible how can wee therefore come to know him Ans Although he be invisible yet he hath revealed and manifested himselfe and therefore it is possible to come to the true knowledge of him Qu. Where hath he revealed and manifested himselfe Answ In his workes and in his word Psalm 19. Qu. Is it possible to know God by his Workes Ans Yes it is possible his eternall power and God-head are seene from the Creation of the world and his goodness and mercy in the wise governing and upholding all things in the same Rom. 1.20 Quest Which is that Word of God wherein he hath manifested himselfe Answ The old and New Testament Quest Hath he therein more clearely manifested himselfe then in his workes Answ Yea for besides the workes of Creation which we spake of before there are also many great workes of God recorded in his Word and many names hee hath taken unto himself And many Attributes which shew and declare unto us what he is as also the Testimonies of the Saints and holy men of God which have had experience of his Attributes and have given unto him many excellent Titles declaring what he is and Christ Jesus himselfe hath evidently declared him unto us all which is to be seene and learned in the Scriptures Gen. 17.1 Exod. 12.41 42. Chap. 13.21 22 23. Exod. 34.6.7 Quest But God is infinite and we are but finite creatures how can we therefore come to know him who is of such an excellent glory dwelling in that light unapprochable Ans We may notwithstanding attaine to so much knowledge of him even in this life as will make us happy and wee must content our selves to know
yeare 1666. as appeareth in the last verse of the thirteenth chapter where the very period and finall determination of Antichrist is layd down in which yeare the destruction denounced against him shall fall on him Quest Shall there not be a restoration of the truth till the destruction of Antichrist Answ The truth hath begun to appeare already and still shall more and more but the full restauration thereof shall not bee till all the darknesse of Antichrist bee removed and his destruction accomplished Revel 11.11 Quest Is not the truth fully knowne published preached and professed now at this time in those Kingdomes where Antichrists power is abolished Answ No certainly much darknesse still remaines even amongst them and great confusion which shall at that time be more fully discovered and the truth made knowne and errors and Heresies abolished by such whom the Lord shall raise up in and about that time and for that end Quest Are we not to expect the truth to bee more fully discovered then now it is before the destruction of Antichrist Answ Yes assuredly for it is the light of the truth maintained by the Saints which shall in a speciall manner abolish Antichrists darknesse and also shall be the greatest meanes of his destruction for the people of God shall by the light of the truth more fully discover his abominations and cause the Princes of the earth to see how grossely they have been deluded and abused by him and so they shall with one consent set themselves against this great enemy of Christ to roote him out and to execute the judgement that the Lord hath denounced against him Revel 19.11 12 13 14 15. Rev. 17.16 Quest Shall the Church of God enjoy any great prosperity after the destruction of Antichrist Answ Yes certainly for then they shall be freed from their great and violent oppressions and have free liberty to professe and practise the whole will of God and enjoy the communion and fellowship one of another their inward graces shall be great and excellent their love shall abound one towards another continually rejoycing in the hope of that crowne of glory which is layd up for them in heaven 4 Esdras 11.46 and chap. 12.34 2 Tim. 4.8 Revel 19.1.2 3 4 5 6 7. Quest Shall the whole Nation of the Jewes be converted and receive the Gospell of Christ before the comming of the Lord to judgement Answ We hope many of them shall be called before that day But that the whole Nation shall be called and receive the Gospell we have no ground in Scripture so to thinke Quest But the Apostle in the eleventh chapter to the Romans seemes to intend to prove that they shall all be called before the day of the Lord Answ Whosoever do so collect and gather from that chapter doe misunderstand and misinterpret the Apostle for his purpose is not to prove that all the Nation of the Jewes shall be called to Christ in the latter end of the world but to shew unto the Gentiles lest they should wax proud against the Jewes that God had a people amongst the Jewes and that hee had not cast them all away but that hee had a remnant according to the election of Grace even amongst Abrahams naturall seed whom he would call when it pleased him many were called in Pauls time and no doubt but many since that time and we hope that yet there are many of them that belong to the Lord which shall be called when the darknesse of Antichrist is expelled and the light of the truth appeareth and shineth by the Church but wee are not to expect any such generall calling of them Quest Doth not the Apostle say in the 26th verse of that thapter that all Israel shall be saved Is not here therefore a sure ground to build upon for their conversion to Christ Ans The Apostle there meanes by all Israell all the elect of God both Jews and Gentiles and not onely the Nation of the Jewes as may be proved by these Reasons First because the Apostle saith in the twenty fift verse that in part blindnesse or hardnesse is happened unto Israell untill the fulnesse of the Gentils be come in which is even till the comming of the Lord to Judgement as appeareth Luke 21.24 Therefore by all Israell is not meant the Jewes onely but all the elect of the Jewes and of the Gentiles Secondly because the Promise of the deliverer in the Testimony of Esay alleadged by the Apostle was made to the Elect Gentiles as well as to the Elect Jewes and the elect Gentiles reape the same benefit by the Deliverer And this promise also pertaines to none but to the Elect of the Jewes and Gentiles not to all the carnall Jewes but onely to the elect the Spirituall seed of Abraham consisting both of Jewes and Gentiles For the test doe not reap this benefit namely to have their ungodlinesse turned away Esay 59.20 Rom. 9.6.7.8 Rom. 2.28.29 Gal. 3.29 Thirdly by all Israell cannot bee meant that in the latter dayes all the Nation of the Jewes shall bee converted Because this great calling which is pretended to be is not once mentioned in the booke of the Revelation and therefore not shewed unto Iohn and yet he was taken up and was promised to have shewne unto him the things which should be hereafter Revelation 4.1 But this great conversion of the Jewes he saw not and yet hee saw all things to the setting up of the new Jerusalem in everlasting glory and beauty therefore certainly we are not to expect any such matter neither in this place doth the holy Ghost intend any such thing Quest But it may seeme that this promise is made onely to the Iewes because is made to Jacob and they only are the posterity and seed of Jacob Answ It is not made only to the naturall Jewes for we are to know that when any such speciall promise is made in Scripture of turning away ungodlinesse and taking away of sins from Israel or Iacob that promise is made and intended as well to the Elect Gentiles as to the Elect Jewes even to all Abrahams spirituall seed which are called by those names of Israel and Iacob who although they be Gentiles in the flesh yet indeed are Jewes in Spirit and truth Rom. 2.29 And Abrahams seed and Heires according to the promise Gal. 3.29 Quest What then may be the mistery that the Apostle speakes of in the 25 verse of that eleventh chapter to the Romans Answ The mistery is Gods giving some up to hardnesse and blindnesse and his giving Grace unto others at the consideration whereof the Apostle breakes forth into admiration in the 33 verse saying O the depth of the riches both of the wisdome and knowledge of God how unsearchable are his judgements and his wayes past finding out Rom. 11.33.34.35.36 Quest But all the Prophets have prophesied of the returne of Israel and of his restouration to such an excellent estate of glory and happinesse and freedome
from evill as they never yet enjoyed are we not now therefore to expect it in these latter dayes Answ Whatsoever the Prophets have prophesied to be fulfilled and is not yet performed we are to expect But wee are to know that those speciall promises are made only to the Elect and to all the Elect when they shall all be gathered together and delivered from all their Captivities and sorrowes which Restauration of Israel is not to be expected of us to be performed untill the comming of the Lord unto Judgement as appeareth Acts 3.21 Quest But the Prophets doe speake of bringing them into their owne Land againe even the promised land therefore it must needs be in this life Answ That doth not follow for they shall be brought into their owne Land and enjoy it for ever and ever even that Land which was promised to Abraham Isaac and Jacob and all their spirituall seed and they shall possesse it for ever not as it is now earthly and the curse remaining upon it but after it shall be purged and the curse taken away and made a heavenly habitation fit for Abraham himselfe to whom it was first promised and never yet performed unto him but shall bee then made good unto him and for all his spirituall seed to dwell in for evermore Quest But where this restoration is promised there is mention made of Building of houses and planting of Vineyards eating and drinking c. which cannot be after this life Esay 65. Answ We know not what is intended by such like things nor what shall be at that day nor what these things may adde to our happinesse And therefore being ignorant of these things let not us wrest the Scripture out of the way to frame a meaning which the Lord neuer intended because we imagine that these things cannot be after this life And wee are also to consider that in many places where this Restoration of Israel is promised there are also such things spoken of as cannot be expected in this life as namely that there shall be no sorrow no mourning nor death nor that any uncleane thing shall enter amongst them Quest You said before that the Church of God after the destruction of the great Antichrist should enjoy much prosperity and peace shall they then have no enemies Answ Yes assuredly the true Church of God shall never want enemies to try them and to exercise their patience but they shall be freed for a time from those great and violent persecutions which they did suffer during the long and tedious Raigne of the great Antichrist of Roma who sought by all meanes to root out all the seed and generation of the Church Quest Shall this their peace and prosperity long continue Answ No verily for the devill shall stirre up other enemies Gog and Magog the Kings of the East even the Turke and his adherents and they shall envy the prosperity of the Church and shall come down upon the Christian Nations and compasse about the Tents of the Saints and the beloved City and to seeke to root out her name from off the earth Ezek. 38.10.11.12 Revel 20.8.9 Quest What will bee the effect of this his malice Amsw He shall cause through his cruelty many to fall away from the profession of the truth of Christ to Mahometisme or heathenisme so that the Sunne shall be darkened even Christ himself and his truth shall be obscured and his glory darkned And the Moon that is the States and princes of the world shall not give their light of help and comfort and protection of the church by their powers they being beaten down by the power of these great adversaries And the stars c. that is the Ministers and preachers of Christ shall sall from heaven that is from the Church even to Mahometisme or heathenisme all which hath been foretold us by the Lordhimself in Matthew 24. verse 29 Quest What shall follow thereupon Answ God himselfe will tight for his people wonderfully and will consume and destroy all those enemies by fire from heaven and deliver his Church from all her enemies Revel 20.19 Quest What are we further to expect to follow therepon Answ The speedy coming of the Lord to judgement Quest After what manner will be come Answ He shall come in the cloud 's with majesty power and great glory even with ten thousands of Angel and Saints to the rejoycing and comfort of the godâ—… and the confounding of the wicked Iude ver 14. Quest What is the end of his coming Answ For the manifestation of his own glory in his Saints and to deliver his Church and people from all their miseries and captivities and to regain his own Kingdome and to crown his Saints with eternall glory and to execute his wrath and vengeance upon all those that have not known him nor obeyed his Gospel Jude 15. ver and this he will perform upon the generall resurrection of all and â—er the n iting of their soules and bodies together again Quest How will he effect this Answ He will cause his Angels to gather his elect together before him on his right hand to whom he will pronounce that comfortable sentence saving come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the world c. Psal 50. Matt. 2.31 Matth. 15. Quest What shall become of the wicked and ungodly Ans They standing on his left hand he will pronounce unto them a heavy sentence even the sentence of condemnation saying unto them Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels Matth. 25.41 Quest Shall the Reprobate blaspheme God after this life for the pains they shall endure Answ No assuredly they shall not and far be it from us to have such a conceit in our minds for althouh they have done it here in this life too abundantly yet then there shall be no man that shall open his mouth against the Lord but shall acknowledge the judgement passed against him to be just and righteous and so all shall be forced by paine to glorifie the Lord God of heaven and earth for evermore for all povers shall be brought into subjection to the Lord Christ and none to resist him any more 27. Psal 8.46 Psal 66.4 and 72.11 and 86.9 Dan. 7.27 2 Esd 9.12.13.14 Heb. 2.8 Quest When Christ hash passed the sentence of judgement both to the Saints and to the ungodly will he return again into heaven Answ We never read in all the Scriptures of his return for he comes thither to possesse his own Kiugdom and to fit upon the throne of David for evermore raigning over his people in all majesty and glory in his own throne Re. 3.21 Quest Shall then the happinesse and glory of the Saints be upon this earth Answ Yes certainly but not as it is now corrupt but When all things that came in by reason of the curse for mans sinne shall be removed and taken away