uphold the Great Diana of their severall advantages to magnifie the Idols of their owne imaginations when faire meanes will prevaile no longer they forthwith flye to their instruments of persecution Matth. 23.29,30,31 We unto you Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites because you build the tombes of the Prophets and garnish the Sepulchres of the righteous and say if we had been in the dayes of our Fathers we would not have beene partakers with them in the bloud of the Prophets wherefore ye be witnesses unto your selves that ye are children of them which killed the Prophets c. Observation OUr Saviour was but once crucified in his Person but such as crucifie him in his Saints doe multiply the sinne and by so persecuting him in his Saints whom we have seen we expresse how much greater our malice is to Christ whom we have not seen 1 Joh. 4.20 but behold our sentence If they escaped not who refused Christ when he spake on earth how much lesse shall we escape if we turne away from him that speaketh to us from heaven in his Saints on earth Heb. 12.25 thousands are now persecuted under the Gospel for every one that suffered under the Law and many adhere unto such exquisite Inquisition principles and government as that if all the Prophets that ever were or if our Saviour himselfe should come upon the earth againe they must of necessity be conformable or according to these rules be persecuted but how can such escape the damnation of hell as our Saviour said unto the Jews Matth. 23.33 and we finde in 1 Thess 2.15,16 The Jews killed the Lord Jesus and their owne Prophets and have persecuted us and they please not God and are contrary to all men forbidding us to speake to the Gentiles that they might be saved And if we looke well upon the words we shall finde not pleasing God and being contrary to all men inclosed by persecuting the Apostles in the 15. v. and forbidding the Gospel to be preached unto the Gentiles in the 16. v. relating unto them both As if Paul should say the Jewes doe not only displease God by persecuting Gods Saints and forbidding to preach the Gospel but are therein contrary to all other people of the world They were the Jewes which put our Saviour and the Saints to death they and not the Nations were guilty of all the blâ—udshed from the bloud of righteous Abel to that of Zacharias Mat. 23 35. they were the Jewes which forbad the Gospel to be preached unto the Gentiles not the Gentiles themselves and yet according to the poliâ—ies of these times one would thinke it should have more concerned Caesar then any body else to have his native subjects seduced by preaching of the Gospel as they apprehended it however we do not find that in those daies the Powers and Magistrates did so much hinder the propagation of it as the Jewes once Gods chosen people but is it not strange that the Jewes who then lived in a kinde of bondage having no King but Caesar the Roman Emperour Joh. 19.15 and therefore might have beene in continuall feare of having the freedome of their goods and consciences impaled by their owne example towards others should yet be ringleaders and fomenters of persecuting the persons and consciences of such as differed from them no doubt they did it out of zeale and like enough the Gentiles did not love themselves nor one an other so well as to take any care at all of what Religion they were of a desperate condition no indeed and yet we may gather from this passage of Pauls as if the Gentiles were in the better of the two thâ—s character which Paul gives the Iewes of being contrary to all men in that they persecuted and would not suffer the Gospâ—l to bee preached unto the Gentiles over whom they were so far from having any command that they had not so much as any relation besides living in a degree of subjection to them was so peculiar to the Iewes and so strange a one as Paul had not such another remaining for any other people and if he were now on earth would wonder so much more that such as professe Christianity should have learnt this discipline of the Iewes and that Christians only by their example should have taught it unto all other Nations which are knowne to practise it in what proportion soever but 't is alleadged that necessity constraines them thereunto and men will not be otherwise reclaimed as lesse fearing the keyes of Heaven then either of the stocks or prison I am tired with this objection but yet to shut up all I answer The Lord saies He that offends one of these little ones it were better a milstone were hung about his necke and cast into the sea Matth. 18.6 The Lord sayes When ye depart shake off the dust from under your feet as a testimony against those that would not receive you nor heare you for I say unto you it shall be more tolerable in the day of judgement for 〈…〉 City Luke 10.11.12 The Lord sayes If thy brother shall 〈…〉 thee goe and tell him his fault betweene thee and him 〈…〉 thou hast gained thy brother but if he will not 〈…〉 or two more that in the mouth of two or 〈…〉 and if he shall neglect to heare them tell it unto the Church but if he neglect to heare the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a Publican Verily I say unto you whatsoever you shall binde on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven Matth. 18.15,16,17,18 O my Brethren are these Gods Word and Ordinances where have they beene so long exiled how came they to be so sacrilegiously banished from us why have we not practised them amongst us was this say you too milde a course and did it worke no good upon the people but tell me fond Christian where does it appeare that these meanes prevailed not so long as they were applied according to the purity of their institution and not adulterated by Antichristian inventions and additions or what commission hast thou to use other means if these prevaile not what more fearfull judgement can befall a sinner in this world then to have a milstone tyed about his necke and be flung headlong into the sea certainly thou knowest not any for what worse then sudden death unto a sinner yet God has prepared a greater for all those that offend his little ones wherewith thou art not content but wilt needs use another of thine owne coyning God sayes the dust shaken off as a testimony against those that will not heare his Gospel shall aggravate their case worse then Sodomes in the day of judgement and even those offending beleevers which will not be reformed by private admonishings of their brethren nor be humbled with the censures of the Church which casts them out shall be likewise cast out of heaven But thou as if thou wert master of Gods houshold or wiser then he that made thee declinest the mercifull Laws of God who in long-suffering meeknes preseribing such a course only to be taken for destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 5.5 intrudest into Gods throne in the room of his sacred Ordinances thrustest in the daily more and more adultered off-spring of Antichristian traditions or the uncleane conceptions of thy more poluted phancie by imprisoning fining banishing dismembring and death as though these even according to thine owne carnall principles were not farre lesse capable of prevailing upon the spirit then those spirituall which God prescribes to worke upon the body when yet besides daily experience we have a divine Oracle for it that over much godly sorrow may swallow up 2 Cor. 2.7 and that even carnall sorrow may bring death 2 Cor. 2.10 whereas it is impossible to be made appeare to common reason that corporall or outward punishments have any the least capacity much lesse were ever commanded sanctified or connived at by God to worke upon the spirits of men which is a most pregnant and invincible testimony how grossely Satan deludes us to practise his lying suggestion so long together that the true Ordinances having beene so far stray'd and through Gods divine providence brought home againe though by reason of the Majesty of truth which still rests in them they be acknowledged agreeable to the Word of God and what we practise to be inconsistent with those Ordinances we should not yet be able to weane our selves and cast away the one as menstruous ragges that we might be reconciled to God againe in cleaving to the other But may He please who is the Father of lights Jam. 1.17 and only able to illuminate the darknesse of our understandings pardoning our innumerable infirmities and sins in his owne due time to lead us into all truth for his only Sonne Christ Jesus sake to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost in Trinity and Vnity be ascribed all power and praise unto eternity Amen ERRATA THe Reader will doubtlesse find the benefit of it in reading if he first please to rectifie such errors as have been committed in the Printing viz. Page 10. line 4. read their â—b l. 30. be p. 12. l. 3. too p. 22. l. 17. with p. 23 l. 38. discerning p. 25. l. 6. death p 27. l. 30. texts p. 28. l. 17. eat p. 37. l. 19. to the. p. 40. l. 2. a subject ib. l. 18. O ingannar â—i â—…ole p. 41. l. 16. Discipline â—b l. 17. contrast p. 43. l. 17. one scale p. 52. l. 32. against the Civill Laws for which they suffer p. 53. l. 4. into two sorts viz. into such as r. and ibid. l. 18. selves p. 63. l. 1â— thâ—y were to be p. 66 l. 20. choose p. 68. l. 22. ennobling p. 76. l. 36. whom p. 77. l. 5. power to do p 94. l. 8. done p. 99. l. 26. than
JOHN the BAPTIST Forerunner of CHRIST IESVS OR A necessity for LIBERTY of CONSCIENCE as the only meanes under Heaven to strengthen Children weake in faith to convince Hereticks mis-led in faith to discover the Gospel to All such as yet never heard thereof and establish Peace betweene all States and People throughout the World according unto which were both our Saviours Commission and the Apostles Practise for the propagation of it Peaceably As appeares most evidently By sundry Scriptures digested into Chapters with some Observations at the end of every one most humbly devoted to the use and benefit of all such as are zealously inquisitive after truth piously disposed to imbrace it and constantly resolved to practise it in their lives and conversations to the Honour of God the edifying of their Brethren and their Owne salvation unto eternity The Contents of the Chapters follow in the next leafe Gal. 4.28 29. Now we brethren as Isaac was are the children of promise But as then he that was borne after the flesh persecuted him that was borne after the Spirit even so it is now This is licenced but not permitted to be entred according to Order Persecution is displeasing both to God men 1 Thess 2.15.16 THe Jewes killed the Lord Jesus and their owne Prophets and have persecuted us and they please not God and are contrary to men forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved But But. Peaceable edifying one an other is acceptable to God and men Rom. 14.17.18 The Kingdome of God consisteth in Righteousnesse Peace and joy in the Holy Ghost for he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men let us therefore follow after the things which make for Peace and things wherewith we may edifie one an other Contents of the Chapters 1 Chap. CHrists Commission and the Disciples practise for propagating of the Gospel with the peoples duty and a charge for submitting unto such as were over them in the Lord. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christs order and the Disciples practise concerning the Ministers maintenance and relieving of the poore whereby the forcing of tythes or any thing instead thereof appeares to be contrary to the Gospell 3 Chap. CHrists instructions and the Apostles practise for tendering and holding forth the Gospell only in a peaceable way 4 Chap. CHrists instructions and the Apostles practise concerning Christian Liberty 5 Chap. CHrists and the Apostles testimonies concerning Gods free grace and mans naturall incapacity 6 Chap. CHrists and the Apostles testimonies concerning the certainty of the Elects salvation 7 Chap. CHrists owne testimony that his Kingdome was not of this world neither did â—e exercise Civill jurisdiction 8 Chap. CHrists commands against the Apostles lordlinesse and dominion with their submission therunto and practise 9 Chap. CHrists foretelling his Disciples that they should be persecuted his preparing of them with their obedience thereunto 10 Chap Christ and the Apostles testifie that the true Church and Saints must be persecuted in consequence whereof persecution must be a true mark of a false Church and enemies of God 11 Chap Christ and the Apostles testifie that there should arise heresies and false Christs together with their commission how they were to be proceeded against 12 Chap The Apostles warrant for examining of the Spirits and their doctrines and holding fast the truth 13 Chap Christs and the Apostles testimonies of Christians being weake in faith and how they ought to grow therein bearing with one anothers weaknesses infirmities 14 Chap Christs commands and the Apostles practise are both against persecution for conscience sake 15 Chap Certain testimonies which God through his divine providence directed to be uttereâ— by unbeleeving Jews and Gentiles in favour of the Apostles and the Gospel recorded by the Holy Ghost as a witnesse against all persecuting Christians 16 Chap Certaine acts of justice and favour which the unbeleeving Magistrates and Officers of the Gentiles did unto the Apostles recorded in the Gospell as a witnesse against the corruptions and cruelties of Christians 17 Chap Six woes denounced by our Saviour against the Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites all which are applyable to them and all others abetters of persecution Our Saviours Commission concerning Vnbeleevers Mat. 28.19 GOe and teach all Nations baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Mark 6.11 Whosoever shall not receive you nor heare you when ye depart thence shake off the dust from under your feet for a testimony against them Christs and the Apostles instructions concerning Mis-beleevers Mat. 24.24.25 There shall arise false Christs and false Prophets behold I have told you before hand 2 Tim. 4.2.5 But watch thou in all things endure afflictions do the workeof an Evangelist make full proofe of thy ministry reprove rebuke with all long suffering and doctrine The Apostles instructions concerning Weak beleevers Rom. 14 1.3 Him that is weake in the faith receive but not to doubtfull disputations Let not him that eateth despise him that cateth not and let not him that eateth not judge him that â—ateth for God hath received him Gal. 6.1 If a man be evertaken in a fault ye which are spirituall restore such a one with the spirit of meekenesse And of these three sorts together viz. Unbeleevers Misbeleevers and Weak beleevers whereunto all people of the world may be reduced Paul sayth 1. Cor. 10.32 Give no offencâ— neither to the â—ewes nor to the Gentiles nor to the Church of God If it be possible as much as 〈◊〉 iâ— yâ—… live peaceably with all men Rom. 12.18 TO THE CHRISTIAN READER AFter the death of Joseph though the Jewes the Church of God was contemptible for number in respect of the Egyptians whom they served as slaves to doe their drudgery there being nothing to be seen in them to provoke envie and revenge besides Gods giving them ability to endure so great afflictions those of Egypt notwithstanding murmured against them because they differed in Religion and still sought accusations multiplying their service and exasperating their bondage Exod. 1. In Mordeca's dayes likewise a Haman was sufficient to prevaile with Ahasuorus that the whole Church of God in that Kingdome men women and children should be persecuted to death because they served God in a manner differing from that Country Est 3.8.13 all manner of hardship and evill outreating was the lot of the Prophets our Saviour himselfe fared no better and all such as will live godly must suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3.12 Oh but some will say must seditious heretickes be suffered to preach teach new doctrines contrary to the established Lawes I beseech all such to consider a little whether Paul was not accused as a heretick Act. 24.14 as a seditious pestilent fellow a ring-leader of the sect of the Nazarenes v. 5.6 and one that taught contrary to Law Act. 18.12.13 Did not Ahab tax Eliah as a troubler of Israel 1 King 18.17 Did not the Princes
counseller Job 2.9 to curse these earthen gods and dye when they shall consider how Protestants even the best of Christians are persecuted for to be persecuted is the absolute and eminent character of the best in Spaine Italy and in some Protestant Countries more then in Turkie will they not be apt to thinke it better for the state of Christendome the Kingdome of Christ Jesus that such Princes and Magistrates were all Mahumetans or any thing rather than such pretending Christians or persecuting Antichristians If all people in Christendome were intentively look'd upon and considered there would be found no two so totally like one another which being et together might not easily be distinguished to differ But if the judgements opinions and thoughts of men could possibly be unfolded unto the publike view far more difficult would it be to finde out any two which held parallel agreement and consent in any considerable proportion the opinions and thoughts of men being indued not only with a bare capacity but effectually multiplying varieties far above all things under heaven and in such manner as it is not in the power of the whole creation to prescribe rules capable of bringing them to a strict consent and harmony But that I may not be over tedious to my Reader upon the entrance recommending the ensuing Discourse unto his Christian consideration and censure since it is granted that Antichrist had over-run the whole Christian world insomuch that God had no visible Church except Popish even for hundreds of yeeres together and so corrupted the very Scriptures that the truth was neere quite overgrowne with errours of carnall ordinances mans inventions whilest the Reformers the Protestants who are said to have above 40 differing Translations of the Bible diffent amongst themselves to the damning one another whilest wee may have understood that even Paul did once persecute the best Christians and Christ himselfe with as much zeale as ever he preached him afterwards for these respects I crave leave to querie wâ—ether all such as shall propound their thoughts touching any part of the Discipline and lâ—…ctrine of Gods worship and Mans salvation ought not only to be permitted freely but also to be countenanced and cherished though they seem never so strange and novel and this untill God Almighty shall piease by some infallible signe and demonstration to declare himselfe that he hath discovera unto us his whole will and pleasure concerning both JOHN the BAPTIST OR LIBERTY of CONSCIENCE The onely forerunner to make way for the GOSPEL CHAP. I. Christs Commission and the Disciples practice for propagating of the Gospel together with the peoples duty and a charge upon them for submitting unto such as were over them in the Lord. MAâ—th 28.19.20 Goe and teach 1 all Nations to observe whatsoever I have commanded yâ—u Luke 10.2 The harvest truly is great but the labourers are few pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He should send forth labourers into the harvest Matth. 24 6.14 The end of the world is not yet This Gospel of the Kingdome shall be preached in all the world for a witnesse unto the Nations and then shall the end come Marke 13.7 10. The Gospel must fiâ—st be publâ—shed among all Nations Marke 13.27 Then shall â—e senâ— his Angels and gather together his elect from the foure windes from the utter most part of the earth Rom. 1.16 The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation C. 16 25 26. The Gospel of Iesus Christ which according to the Revolation of the mystery was kept secret since the world began now is made mâ—nifâ—st and by the criptures of the Prophets according to the commandement of the eveâ—lasting God made known to all Nations for the obedience of faith 1 Cor. 14.37 If any man thinke himselfe to be a Prophet or Spirituall let him acknowledge that the things which I write unto you are the commandements of the Lord. 2 Pet. 1.3 According to his divine power God hath given unto us all things that pertaine unto life and godlinesse through the knowledge of Hâ—m that called us to glory Gal. 1.12.13 The Gospel which was preached of me is not after man for I neither received it of man neither was I taught it but by the revelation of â—esus Christ Act. 20.20.27 I have kept backe nothing which was profitable unto you I have not stunned to declare unto you all the counsell of God 2 Pet. 1.19.20 21. We have also a most sure word of Prophesie whereunto ye doe wâ—ll thâ—t ye take heed as unto a lâ—ght that shineth in a darke place untill the day downe aâ—d the day star arise in your hearts knowing this that no Prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation for the Prophesies came not in old me by the will of man but holy men spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15 4. Whatsoever things were written aforet me were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope 2 Tim. 3.15,16.17 The holy Scriptures are able to make thee wise unto solvation through faith which is in Christ Iesus All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruct on in righteousnesse that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished unto all good workes Rom 10.14.17 Faith commeth by hearing how shall they beleeve in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they heare without a Preacher Rev. 2.24,25 I will put upon you no other burthen but 2 that which ye have already hold fâ—…st till I come Act. 22.32 When thou art converted 3 strengthen thy brethren Matth. 10.27.28 What I tell you in darknesse speake ye in light and what ye heare in the â—are that speake ye on the house tops Marke 5.18,19,10 〈◊〉 Iesus sâ—…d unto him that had been possessed with the divell legion goe â—ome to thy frâ—…as and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee and hath had compassion on thee he departed and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Iesus had done for him and all men did marvell Matth. 10.32,33 Luke 12.8.9 Whosoever shall confesse mâ— before men him will I also confesse before my Father which is in heaven But whosoever shall deny me before men him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven Marke 8.38 Luke 9.26 Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous sinfull generation of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy Angels 2 Tim. 2.12 If we suffer we shall also reigne with him If we deny him he will also deny us 1 Cor. 9 16. A 4 command is laid upon me and woe is me if I preach not the Gospel 2 Tim 2.2 The things that thou hast heard of me amongst many witnesses the same commit thou to
God to take effect The Disciples of our Saviour we know went from place to place from one City and Countrey to another have we done the like if not â—ave we at least encouraged them to come into our owne Countrey to learne the Gospel of 〈◊〉 have we improved such opportunities as at some times have beene given us to gaine such who for their worldly businesse and occâ—sions came amongst us The Disciples of Christ gave audience to people of all Sects and Nations answering such questions as they demanded and informing them further as they saw occasion in the whole mystery of salvation and our Blessed Saviour did still answer those that came unto him though with captious questions that even thereby they might learne somewhat and be edified if possiâ—le have we done the like have we sought the conversion of Turkes Indians Mores or other Heathen people or have we endeavoured the rectifying and bringing to the truth such Heretickes as at any time have lived amongst us or have we not wished them in New England desiring them as the Magistrates of Philippi did Paul and Silas to depart the City Act. 16.38.39 Or as the Gargasenes did our Saviour to be gone from their coasts Matth. 8 34. Nay have we not rather with threats finings and imprisonments forced multitudes away because they would not conforme to a few ceremonies which we our selves held but indifferent before they could be convinced in conscience of the lawfulnesse thereof as though it were in their power to be coâ—verted at their pleasure whether God would or no or as if we were able to judge when they were wilfully ignorant or reprobately hardned If then we have neither taken the paines to goe into the Countries where these Infidells and Hereticks inhabit to preach the Gospel to them nor allured them to come unto us no nor suffered them when they were here to live peaceably amongst us that they being without the word might be won by our conversation 1 Pet. 3.1 How have we or can we possibly hereafter unlesse we change our method discharge this trust or obey this command of our Saviours in preaching the Gospel unto all Nations till when the number of the â—lect cannot possibly be accomplished Wherefore I can only wish that all gainsayers would set their wisdome and will a worke to contrive and propose any rationall way or so much as a possibility how the Gospel should be propagated or but propounded unto all people in such a manner as can leave the refusers inexcusable unlesse you presuppose a license a liberty and freedome unto such as are to teach and learne it as in all likelihood was signified by that peaceable condition the knowne world enjoyed at that time which the all-seeing and wise eye of Providence had fore-ordained as the fulnesse of time wherein our Blessed Saviour should come into the world Gal. 44. not unfitly intimating that his birth was accompained with a universall peace unto the body without which regeneration or his second birth could not be fulfilled in the propagation of the Gospell to the true peace and liberty of minde and conscience And that all doubts and gainsaying might be removed which the troublers of Gods peace in future times were like to raise either out of a wrangling disposition or an ambitious desire of power and greatnesse it pleased the Holy Ghost to tell us that at such a time when the Churches had rest throughout all Judea Galilee and Samaria they were then edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost were multiplied Act. 9.31 2 We finde recited in Matth. 3 22. out of Deut. 18.15 Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall you heare in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you so that whatsoever Christ commands must be submitted to what he sayes must be beleeved and all this upon trust upon his own word without examination whether it quadrade with our own reasons much lesse our wills for we are told before hand that the Gospel seems foolishnesse to carnall mans wisdom 1 Cor. 1.23 and the will of man is enmity to God Ro. 8.7 't is only Christs prerogative royall to challenge faith in whatsoever he shall say And that we may see he never parted from it nor bequeathed it to any man in his Commission to the Apostles we find him restraining them to teach all Nations to observe only what he had commanded them Mat. 19,20 and conformable thereunto Paul sayes the Gospel which was preached of me I received it by revelation of Jesus Christ Gal. 1.12 Try the Spirits 1 John 4.1 Prove all things 1 Thess 5.21 and though Paul himselfe or an Angel from heaven should preach any other Gospel let him be accursed and Hold fast that which is good Gal. 1.8 All the indefinite Commissions we find in Scripture that every thing be done in order and decently 1 Cor. 14.4 The rest will I set in order when I come 1 Cor. 11.34 Standfast in the Traditions which you have been taught whether by word or by our Epistle 2 Thess 2.15 and the like whatever they signifie since it is not expresly mentioned it must not upon paine of not adding nor taking from the word of God be otherwise interpreted than according to what we find therein mentioned by which we are only warranted and may safely judge and understand the mind of God just as Paul saith that the invisible things of God from the creation of the World are cleerely seen and understood by the things that are made Rom 1.20 3 It is not sufficient for us to search out and embrace the truth our selves for our own private satisfaction and contentment but we must communicate it and instruct others therein God did not enlighten any mans understanding that it should like a candle put under a bushell Mat. 5.15 give light to no body else nay 't is an infallible signe that we are not converâ—ed nor regenerate if we flaâ—ter our selves to keep close and smother it in our own bosomes wiâ—hout impâ—oving it by endeavoring what we can the conversion of others Moses that man of God desired God would blot him out of the bâ—oke of life rather than the Israelites sin in making to themselues gods of gold should not be pardoned Exod. 32.33 and weâ—find Pauls heavines and 〈…〉 of heart to be so great that he could even have wished himself accurâ—…d from Christ for the spirituall good of his brethren his kinsmen according to the slesh Rom. 9 â— â— whereof he had so strong a testimonie of conscience that he duâ—st say of himselfe to have laboured more abundantly than all the other Apâ—stles 1 Cor. 15.10 and in 〈…〉 place In labours more 〈◊〉 in 〈…〉 measure in prâ—sens more frequent in deaths often of the Jewes fiive times receivâ—d I fourty stripes save one thrice was I beaten with rods once
told the Thessalonians 2 Thess 2.11 But these are none of those teachers which Christ gave for building up his mysticall body Eph. 4 11.12 They tell us 't is the Spirit that teacheth us to pray which in our hearts cryeth Abba Father Gal. 4.6 and together with our spirits maketh intercession for us Rom. 8.26 They tell us that of our selves we are not able so much as to have a good thought such sufficiencie is of God 2 Cor. 2.5 Faith is the gift of God thereby we are saved through grace Rom. 9.16 so that such as teach men to take up a Religion without trying of it that men if they themselves will may beleeve this or that opinion which is taught them of their superiours or prescribed by the State censuring all such for reprobates or obstinate that say they cannot this is no other then the absolute ground-worke and corner stone whereon the Papists soly build and without which they could not possibly have so long upheld their selfe-loved doctrine of merit and supererogation But since man by nature is a childe of wrath inclined to fulfill the desires of the flesh Eph. 2.3 and meerly of his owne strength incapable of discerning the things of the Spirit have we not just cause and grounds from reason besides these cleer Scriptures to thinke that prayers unto the Father of lights and Christian-like instructions of such as are Spirituall would prove more powerfull to reclaime a sinner out of his naturall estate or reduce hereticks unto the truth then the bloudy hands of cruell executioners the spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets 1 Cor. 14.2 and as nothing but a diamond will cut a diamond so nothing but that which is spirituall can prevaile upon the spirit we see that Paul tells the Corinthians their faith must not be governed nor stand in the wisdome of men 1 Cor. 2.5 much lesse in their dominion and power which may be void of wisdom CHAP. VI. Christs and the Apostles testimony concerning the certainty of the Elects salvation IOh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that commeth unto me I will in no wise cast out C. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost save the sonne of perdition that the Scripture might be fulfilled Matth. 18.14 It is the will of your Father which is in heaven that not one of these little ones should perish Matth. 24.24 If it were possible they should deceive the very elect Joh. 3.16 Whosoever beleeveth in Christ Jesus shall not perish but have everlasting life 2. Cor. 4,8.9 We are troubled on every side yet not distressed we are perplexed yet not in dispaire persocuted but not for saken cast downe but not destroyed Act. 5.39 If this worke be of God you cannot over throw it C. 11.17 Forasmuch as God gave them the like gifts as he did unto us who beleeved on the Lord Jesus Christ what was I that I could withstand God C. 23.9 If a Spirit or an Angel hath spoken unto Paul let us not fight against God 2. Cor. 13.8 We cannot doe any thing against the truth but for the truth 2. Tim. 2.19 The foundation of God standeth sure having this scale the Lord knoweth who are his Rev. 7.17 The Lambe shall lead them unto the living fountaines of waters and shall wipe away all teares from their eyes Joh. 10.28 I give unto my sheepe eternall life and they shall not perish neither shall any man plucke them out of my hand 1. Joh. 2.19 They went out from us but they were not of us for if they had beene of us they Would no doubt have continued with us but they went out that they might be made manifest that they were not of us Observations upon CHAP. VI. IF Gods Elect could totally and finally fall from grace and possibly milcarry eternally then were it like wise possible that none at all might have beene saved and consequently that Christs intention of mans salvation might have beene quite frustrated and his death in vaine but since neither of these are true why are we so fondly jealous and preposteriously carefull lest the people of God should bee misled and carried away with every wind of doctrine That rather then not suppresse each opinion which is but supposed erroneous wee will run the hazard of silencing the most saving truths of putting to deaths Gods dearest Saints and resisting his blessed Spirit reducing our selves into such a posture and condition that if wee be in ignorance wee must necessarily continue so â— and if we be in errour wee must bee incapable of ever comming out of it I confesse it is as true on the other side that such whose names are not from eternity recorded in the booke of life what ever meanes bee used shall notwithstanding live and die unregenerate and if it be therefore objected that we may be the lesse pensive about using of the meanes I answer That God hath fully declared his will and pleasure to save his people onely in the use of meanes and to reject such only as do neglect them secondly we find it sayd in the Parable how that servant which knows his masters will and doeth it not shall be beaten with many stripes and bee that knoweth not his will and doth ought worthy of stripes shall yet have fewer stripes because he knew not his masters will much being required from him that received much Luke 12.47.48 Since then God will have the meanes used and that by every one according to his owne light and knowledge that he may be fully perswaded in his owne conscience Rom. 14.5 since we have not beene of Gods cabinet counsell c. 11.34 and no man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit which is within him 1. Cor. 2 11. Since we cannot be competent Judges of anothers conscience nor privy to his gifts further then hee himselfe acquaints us and lastly though sects and heresies should multiply never so much since if that one saving truth can but get liberty to shew it selfe it will at last infallibly vanquish that many headed monster of errours without so much as hazarding the weakest Christian in Gods act of foresight and providence from eternity wee cannot abridge other men the freedome of their owne conscience without a most palpable infringing of Gods greatest commandements without crossing the whole course of the Gospel without a notorious character of greatest folly without the highest injury to Christianity and through the consequence of our unsound principles become accessory to the finall losse of all those soules that perish for want of truly saving knowledge CHAP. VII Christs owne testimony that His Kingdome was not of this world neither did he exercise Civill jurisdiction IOh. 6.15 When Jesus perceived that they would come and take him by force to make him a King he departed into the mountaine himselfe alone Luke 22.49,50,51 When they which were about Jesus saw what would follow they
body of Christ in generall doubtlesse so many eminent Churches 〈◊〉 number distinguished by names some of which were not distant above 12 miles and all so near situated to one another as the two farthermost were not above â—20 miles a sunder besides famous Antioch where the Disciples were first called Christians Act. 11.26 with severall other Churches which might likely be within that compasse of ground all which would in such case no doubt have drawne themselves into such a subordinate state and government as might in some manner have countenanced a Natural Diocâ—san or other subordinate Church government and jurisdiction which not being done or in any resemblance insinâ—nuated by John the â—…loved-Apostle our Saviours besome friend Joh. 13.23 to whom â—e sent the Revelation by an extraordinary messenger an Angel it is a most convincing argument that neither Christ nor his Apostles did then approve thereof much lesse intend it to be put in practise afterwards CHAP. IX Christ foretelling his Disciples that they should be persecuted his preparing of them with their obedience thereunto LUke 2.34 This childe Jesus is set forth for the fall and rising againe of many in Israel and for a signe that shall be spoken against C. 20.20 The chiefe Priests and Scribes watched Jesus and sent forth spies which should faine themselves just men that they might take hold of his words and so deliver him to the power and authority of the governour Marke 14.1 The chiefe Priests and Scribes fought how they might take Jesus by craft and put him to death Luke 19.47 The chiefe Priests and Pharisees and chiefe of the people sought to destroy him Matth. 12.24 This fellow Jesus doth not cast out divells but by Beelzebuâ— the Prince of the divels C. 27.63 We remember what that deceiver Jesus said whilst he was yet alive Matth. 10.17.18,19 Beware of men they will deliver you up to the Councels and they will scourge you in their Synagogues and ye shall be brought before governours and Kings for my sake but take no thought it shall be given you in the same houre what ye shall speake V. 24.25 The disciple is not above his master nor the servant above his Lord If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub how much more shall they call them of his houshold Joh. 15.20 If they have persecuted me they will also persecute you Matth. 10.16 I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves Marke 13 13. You shall be hated of all men for my names sake Rev. 2.10 The divell shall cast some of you into prison that you may be tried and you shall receive tribulation Joh. 16.2 The time commeth that whosoever killeth you shall thinke that he doeth God good service Luke 9.23 If any man will follow me let him take up his crosse and follow me Act. 5.41 And they departed from the presence of the Councell rejoycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus Col. 1.24 I rejoyce in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behinde of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his bodies sake which is the Church 2 Tim. 2.9 I suffer trouble as an evill doer Rom. 12.14 Blesse those that curse you doe good to those that hate you pray for them which spitefully use you and persecute you 1 Cor. 4.12,13 Being reviled we blesse being persecuted we suffer being defamed we entreat 2 Cor. 11.23,24,25 In labours more abundant stripes above measure in prisons more frequent of the Jewes five times received I forty stripes save one thrice was I beaten with rods once was I stoned c. Matth. 10.21,22 The brother shall deliver up the brother and the father the childe and the children shall rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death but he that endureth to the end shall be saved Matth. 5.11,12 Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evill against you falsely for mysake James 5.11 Yee have heard of the patience of Job count them happy that endure Rev. 14.12 Here is the patience of the Saints here are they which keepe the commandements of God and the faith of Jesus Observations upon CHAP. IX DAvid who had experience both of prosperity and affliction tells us he is blessed whom the Lord chasteneth Ps 94.12 and Solomon the wisest of all men makes it a chiefe love-token of a tender parent to chastise his childe betimes Prov. 13.24 This the blessed Spirit from whom Solomon received his wisdome confirmes saying Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord nor faint when thou art rebuked of him for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth if ye endure chastening God dealeth with you as with sonnes for what sonne is he whom the Father chasteneth not but if ye be without chastisement whereof all are partakers then are ye bastards and not sonnes Furthermore we have had fathers of the flesh which corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and live for they verily for a few dayes chastened us after their owne pleasure but he for our profit that we might be partakers of his holinesse Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous neverthelesse afterward it yeeldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousnesse unto them which are exercised thereby Heb. 12. from v. 5. to 11. In which respect since chastisements of all sorts are so necessary to Gods people for keeping them watchfull lest they fall into temptation and yet in that they seeme wearisome and grievous to man by nature especially persecution for conscience sake which many times endangereth either liberty or life Our Saviour lest his Disciples should be taken unawares unprepared to improve and make advantage thereof tells them before hand that they must expect to be persecuted as he himself was and would it not be a character of a proud presumptuous servant to be over solicitous of faring better then his master but so gracious is our Saviour that he comforts us to undergo persecution willingly and cheerfully by his promise to be with us and assist us Matth. 28.20 If Christ then who suffered death for us tells us we must be persecuted for him and that if we suffer with him we shall likewise be glorified together with him Rom. 8.17 If we must render good for evill 1 Pet. 3.9 and not be ashamed to suffer as Christians for well doing c. 4.16 but even blesse those that persecute us what colour can we have to goe to Law and spend more money in charges then the difference amounts to to quarrell and engage our selves in shedding blood and endangering of our lives for a fancie of repute or money matter Nay what heavenly ravish'd and blessed Spirit will tell me what these Scriptures meane Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheeke turne to him the other also and