the incarnation and resurrection how it hath been followed or contemned from the beginning with plaine and civill carriage in Gods wayes and satanean in the contrary and how * the goodnesse and severity of God hath beene answerable This containeth * the summe And the story of four thousand years to Jerusalems fall by Rome hath no more And all should gladly hear of this all their life and see Christs bright face still to this summe The book of God is open and easie to be understood Prov. 8.9 Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of CHAPTER 3. Quest 3. N. 2. The true Religion If any should question what Religion Sem was of the Answer may be that he was Preist to Jehovah the most high God the maker and possessor of Heaven and Earth as also that it was the same to which the Sons of Japhet were perswaded by the blessing of tongues and by the ministry of the Sons of Sem Gen. 14. Act. 2. Apoc. 14.7 1 Thess 1.9 10. And so Sems blessing did containe the same faith that the blessing did which God gave to Abraham Gen. 12. Marke well the Doctrine to the seven Churches of Japhets house in all the Apocalyps and so in all the Epistles of the Apostle of the Gentiles and in the Epistles of the Apostles of the circumcision Again he was of the same Religion and holy faith of his Father Noah who inherited the righteousnesse that is by faith and who pronounced this â—lessing on Sem. Heb. 11. Quest 3. N. 4. That the Gentiles The greatest favour that God bestoweth on men in this world is to make them of his family true members of his Church Ezekiel remembreth this to the Apostate Prince of Tyâ—us chap. 28.13 14. The godly Jewes foreseeing the calling of the Gentiles by the promises and prophesies of Gen. 9. and 12. rejoyced in spirit that Christ should raigne over them Psal 67. and 97. 1 Rom. 15.12 Zach. 8. and 14.9 And the Gentiles seeing the performance were glad Act. 13.46 But for two thousand years Satan the strong man kept a large and great possession by metamorphosed Fables and Idolatries In Quest 3. N. 5. And to perswade Universall and free will to good in the state of unregeneracy is vain and vain glorious Doctrin Noah was not of this faith and the calling of the Families to the faith by the preaching of the Apostles argueth the falshood of such Tenents Observe the speech of Christ to the Apostle concerning his Ambassage Act. 26.18 not only illumination but a turning from the power of Satan in the will and affections is all done by the mighty worke of Christ in his own Ordinances The fashioning of the spirit is his prerogative Esa 11. Eph 1.19 20 21 2.1 2 3. c. and by his strengthning and preventing we stand to our dying day 1 Pet. 1.5 The spirit convinceth false opinions and teacheth the true doctrine Eph. 6.10.11 Rom. 7.8 Ezek 11.19 and 36.26 Phil. â— 13 That all iniquity may stop her mouth Thus it is sayd of all that have the Prerogative of Sons which are born not of blouds nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Joh. 1.12 13. The house of Japheth needed much perswasion and beseeching to imbrace the word of reconciliation They had excellent naturall parts as their writings shew which made them despise the gospell The Grecians sought after wisdome 1 Cor. 1. Therefore God gave them a son of Sem an Apostle of exquisite parts and learning that he demonstrated all their wisdome to be foolishnesse and cast downe their high imaginations by the invincible weapons of the spirituall warfare N. 8. Q. 3. That scorners Let inferiours beware of Satans deceits in causing them to slight yea in heart their superiours though for their sins and infirmities And let Superiours give no occasion but be sober grave temperate sound in the faith in charity in patience c. Tit. 2. But it is not for infirmities that the children of the wicked one hate the godly but for the image of Christ that shines in them for they can bear with the same sins in their own yet the wicked are glad and insult to see the holy image of Christ stained by any blot of the Saints and this by Gods just judgment is a stumbling block to the wicked to harden them in their sinfull courses N. 8. Procure much evill Cham is cursed to his youngest Son Chanaan Gen. 9. Exod. 20 5. Also it is observable how the wrath of Christ hath followed Chams posterity that the Negroes are slaves in diverse countries to this day even servants of servants Quest 5. And Nimrod King Abaddon may fiâ—ly be compared to Nimrod both infamous cut-throat hunters both intruders into other mens possessions both abhorred Christs Kingdome of Justice and Peace Gen. 10.9 11 12. 2 Thes 2. My Son fear the Lord and the King and meddle not with them that are given to change for their destruction shall rise suddenly Prov. 24. This is also notable as in Nimrod so in Korah in Absolom in Sheba Ben-Bichrio in the unlawfull Kingdome of Ephraim and in the whole policy of the man of Sinne See in all the transgression and the punishment and beware what did it prove madnesse of counsell in them to change Melchisedecks Kingdome for Nimrods Kingdome so it is to change the true Melchisedeck for King Abaddon so they abhorred Christ the Lord of glory for the unclean infidells the Caesars John 19.15 N. 8 Over them King One ornament of Kings may here be remembred which Sems story doth show which is the antiquity of a kingdome and the fatherly government thereof that before Tyranny sprang in was Mr. Bro Treatise of Melchiz N. 8. Justice and Peace A worthy example for Princes so to rule by just Lawes uncontrolable then they shall rule men willingly subject for they have from Christ honour and authority above their Brethren so to governe But none can well rule that cannot well obey the sceptor of Christs Kingdom Psal 45. It is hard when he that cannot order his own life shall be made the Judge of anothers for the Kingdome of Christ is in righteousnesse and peace and joy in the holy Ghost The apostate families felt none of this Princes and subjects that seek not so to order and to be ordered in their policies shall finde the power of Christ crossing their purposes and plaguing their dominions N 8. Of Sems owne The Church is not visibly glorious at all times of sixty seven families there was but one family that held the faith and the Hebrew tongue and that was the line of Christ of Sems house so Israel in Egypt revolted often in the book of Iudges and under Jeroboams kingdome after in Iudah and after the returne from captivity and under the Papacy and now after reformation will not Apostacy be againe when that the Son of man shall scant finde faith on the earth at his second coming
vouch him so to be in love unto him and in love to our neighbour as it is said to love the Lord our God with all our heart minde soul and strength c. and our neighbour as our self and this is ratified by the bloud of the covenant Exod. 24. And they not obeying his Gospel-Law is as much as to say we will not have this man to reign over us therefore it is said those mine enemies and Israel were Christs own citizens Luke 19.27 that would not have me the Heir to reign over them bring them hither and slay them before me Luke 19 27. 1 Thess 2.16 4 5 6 7 8. Christ Jesus our Lord as eternal God to Moses and the Prophets and Christ Iesus our Lord as God-man in his New Testament in his own speeches and in his Apostles doctrine doth not differ and when our great Rabboni had reduced the ten commandments into two then he saith on these two commandements hang all the Law and the Prophets and so where it is often said Obey my voice Jer. 7.23 it must be understood of the obedience of faith receiving Christ and believing in him and obeying him John 3.36 which despised The wrath o the Lambe is great wrath Apoc. 1.16 brings the heaviest plagues as those eight and twentieth fold punishments Lev. 26. and thoses curses Deut. 28. Luke 23.28 29 30. and so Exod. 23.20 21. and Matth. 17.5 do explicate on the other in sense and meaning and John 6.27 must be brought to this undurstanding 5. The Law of the Lord is a converting Law it restores the soul that is it is the word of Christ by which and by which onely he doth by his Spirit work in the hearts of men to turn them from darkness to light from the power of Satan to God for it is the power of God to salvation restoring converting regenerating the soul to know believe fear and love Jehovah their God and to love their neighbour And the New Testaments doctrine and commandment is the same 1 John 3.24 4.21 Faith and Love is the Pattern of wholesome words or healing doctrine ever taught from the beginning This is the Vrim and Thummim which Christ puts in the heart of all them that the Father drawes unto him the Apostle alluding to the High Priests Garments phraseth the Brest plate of Faith and Love They that despise Christs Gospel that is his Law Esay 2.3 11.9 42.4 despise the doctrine of regeneration and such cannot mortifie their passions but will bite and devour one another Esay 11. much of it Gal. 5.15 as Cain did Abel See how and why their Story is cited 1 John 3. And by that we may see how easily reducible all that Epistle is to Genesis yea to all Moses and if this Epistle then all the New Testament QUest 3. What other Collections Answ The Scriptures of the Prophets shew 1. That Iehovah of hosts the God of Israel had made Nebucharetzar Monarch of all nations and that the Kingdome of Babel should keep them the State of Iudah in subjection Seavensy years And that Nebuchadnezzar was great by conquest and not by inheritance 2. That the Kings of the Kingdom of Babel for those seventy years should be in number three which are these the first is said to be Nebuchadnezzar the second is his son the third is his sons son Other Scriptures shew their names that Evil-Merodach was the Son and his Sons son was Bel-shazzar 3. We are to note that part of the third year of Jehojakim King of Iudah and more of the fourth is the first year of Nebuchadrezar as Dan. 1.1 and Jer. 25. compared do shew And in this first year of Nebuchadrezar King Jehojakim Daniel Hanariah Azariah Mishael and other Nobles were captived This is the first captivity But the King was sent home again 4 Here it may be convenient to remember that the heathen annalls and chronicles in many things are no true relations because they confound the Stories of Elams Arams Ashurs and Babels Monarchies For now Ashur was no Monarch but was under Babel Ashur had been a great Tree Ezekiah 31. But now Babel was the Tree Daniel 4. And Aram had been a Monarchy afore Ashur and Elam had been a Monarchy afore them all Gen. 14. But it may be Nimrod or Belus was the first hunter after tyrannical Monarchy QUest 4. Did all submit themselves to this Conqueror Nebuchadnezar that God had established and advanced over them Answ Jechonias King of Judah by the advice and counsel of Jeremiah submitted who though captived and many of the people yet they had many comforts following them to Babel 1. They were the basket of good figs whom God would greatly respect Ezekiel Mordecai and many godly went in this captivity 2. Although they were captived and wanted the glorious sanctuary and its publique ordinances yet (a) The bleâ—sed glory of Jehovah from his place in divers removings came to them Read Ezek. 9 10. 11. This might put them in minde of the utter removing of his vineyard from them to the Gentiles as the Lord told them near the ending of the seventy seavens Christ who is the truth of all the shadowes was to them a Sanctuary whom in spirit they worshipped (b) In the captivity Christ recompensed the loss of publique ordinances with most gracious providences Ezek. 11.16 and much of Danâ—el who was then a great favourite and would be as Ioseph and so his three cousins Dan. 3 Hanamah Misacl and Azâ—iab they would be great comforts to the brethren captived Many precious promises are to this company both of protection and return from captivity 3. They and their children should be chief in restoring religion at the return from captivity This company are the second captivity QUest 6. Who resisted Answ The Kings of Eâ—ypt Tyrus and others which brought upon them ruin and desolation Jehojakim returning home purposed rebellion which was to his destruction Zedekiah and his people would not hearken to the word of the Lord and to the perswasions of Jeremiah but believed false prophets and Zedekiah brake his Oath of subjection to the King of Babel and rebelled whom with his subjects God severely plagued by famine pestilence sword and captivity This company are the basket of vile and bad figs and the third captivity QUest 7. What more may be observed Answ Here we are diligently to minde What God did with those staves (c) Mark also the metaphor of cruel plough men Psal 129. rods axes sawes with which he did beat saw and hew his Church withal Each enemy did rage and smite a little while till God who is wounderful in counsel and excellent in working (d) Esay 10.7 c. Deut. 30. 2 3 4. c. Levit. 26.41 Mic 7.9 Psal 119.67.71 Esay 27.9 Hebr. 12.10 performed his not their intent work and purpose Then upon the (e) This duty in sincerity performd ever sped well God speaking peace to his
of God to them that believe in his name John 1.12 chap. 5.24 is fit for this answer both of the commendation of faith and the blessed fruit of believing eternal life and rest Ibid. heavenly exercise of prayer Who shal stand before the son of man at that day of his bright appearing even such that watch their hearts that pray much watch therefore pray continually that you may he counted worthy to escape all these things that shal come to pass Luk. 21.36 Ibid. Of eternal Rest c. As all the faithful of the old Testament in their blessed spirits had an immortal life with God in the heavenly Tabernacle in the boâ—omâ— of Abraham the happy part of Hades in Paradise and were the heavenly family so all since that have died in the faith are In heaven and also of that blessed family We are taught to pray Our father which aâ—t in heaven therefore as our affections should â—e heavenly so heaven is our Countrey And therefore aâ— they of old were not to mourn immoderately being the sons of Jehovah their God Deut. 14.1 2. neither are we to sorrow as men without hope of the better resurrection 1 Thess 4 Behold what love the Father hath given us that we should be called the Sons of God 1 John 3.1 This adoption is from the Son of God who died and rose again to give us hope who is Lord of quick and dead Rom. 14 9. Quest 3 and answ Sitting as King on a Throne Observe the fourth and fifth chapter of the Apocalyps is to be considered as a Platform of the divine Majesties administration through the stories of the Church and the enemies thereof we shall finde mention made of the Throne of God and the twenty four Elders and the four lively wights under the Dracon Caesars and Dracon Papacy and after that the King of Mount Sion beginneth to consume the Kingdome of Abaddon with the breath of his lips and to shine in glory to the comfort of his people Apoc. 11.16 14.3 19.4 The Rainbow about the throne Apoc. 4. is an â—â—lusion to Gen. 9. and Ezek. 1. and is to be remembred through all the stories of the troubles of the Church also minde that in all the Apocalyps the Church is tearmed commonly heaven to shew that its Polytenmâ— conversation trading dealing should be heavenly and also that the State of Abaddous Kingdome is called the earth and the bottomless-pit as indeed it tends to these two Quest 4. and answ The cares of ambition Schismes and Heresies of Ecclesiastical Teachers Note that Church-men and for the most part Bishops were the beginners of Schisms and founders of heresies and then with open and full mouth like dogs Enemies of the heavenly Icrusalems peace and glory Apoc. 21. they cryed heresie heresie schism schism faction faction sedition sedition anarchy anarchy of all that would not obey theiâ— constitutions c. so of old it was The Leaders of my people have caused them to erre who destroy the way of their paths Esay 3. So the Scribes and Pharisees made constitutions and canons c. and then all were questioned and hereticks that questioned their traditions John 9. Acts 24.14 28.22 Maâ— 15. They cannot be truly called Schismaâ—icks and Hereâ—icks that cleave to the Words and commandements of the Apostles of our Lord and Saviour but they that do depart from the puritie and sincerity of the Apostles doctrine Romans 16.17 Mark what is said of your own selves and St. Paul spake to Bishops shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them Acts 〈◊〉 so such although Bishops were Schismaticks factious sedâ—ious and heretical persons and it was they that brought all to anarchy and Princes became subject to King Abaddon that lawless man of sin And let Princes take heed of such Spirits that still speak lies through hypocrisie The Prelates of our native Countrey for most part have been exceeding culpable in urging their Canons and inventions and for setting the hearts of Q. Elizabeth K. James and K. Charâ—s against faithful Teachers Quest 6. and answ Yea for the Spirit spake evidently 1 Tim. 4. Now the Spirit speaketh expresly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils speaking lies through hypocrisie having their consciences seated as with an hot iron Teaching not to marry and to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth It hath been observed before for the old Testament and so it must be for the New that the Government of Christ for essentials is the same The plot of his counsels expressing it self in an uniform manner Men of old time apostating and pleading against the Gospel were given over to Devils and false Prophets So men despising the healing doctrine in the Words and commandements of the Apostles were given over to lying Spirits and strong delusions of â—lse Teachers Mr White Way of the true Church page 385. hath this speech cited out of Egesippus That the Church continued a Virgin undefiled as long as the Apostles lived but when that generation was passed the conspiracy of wicked heresie through the seducement of those which taught other doctrine took beginning Consider the like speech Iud. 2 6 7. and so long as the flames in Smithfield and other cruelties of King Abaddon and his Locusts were fresh in memory so long Orthodox Bishops and zealous Protestants and no peace with Rome and our good Laws were executed against the Locusts and other Babylonish trayterous sectaries of the man of sin but now against Christ and his ambassadours and servants how were the godly of late disgraced at the assizes c. and now the Catholick Roman church is a true church of Christ c c. The first love and works are best Apoc. 2. and we hope and pray Christ will make his Scriptures good upon us which are written Hosea 2.6.7 Ezâ—k 20.32 33. c. c. Ibid. N. 11. For the mighty Creation Aâ—oc 4. Setteth forth Gods glory in the Creation and affordeth meditation against Heathenâ— Romes Gods They worshipped Stars and Juno in the aire Aeolus in the winde Neptune in the Sea Pan in their sheep c. c. These were their Divâ—s and Divas He gods and Shee gods c. And this was the the cause of the wars against the heaven of the Church Apoc 12. whether Jupiter Apollo c. and the heathens oracles or the eternal Son and his Gospel were to be followed and the same war was with the tail of the Dragon for their refined idolatry Ibid. and gracious redemption Apoc. 5. Gives Meditation for Christs Mediation by whom all is restored who is the Head of all Principalitie and Power as all Creatures acknowledge joying that they shall be for the service of Christ for being turned to service of idols they groan in Gods esteem as corrupted
allusion to the seventy years of the Babylonian captivity c. To say there is not truth nor certainty in the holy Chronologie of the Scriptures 1. Let us take such heed that they deny not the truth and certainty of other doctrines of faith 2. It may be truly said because men have not loved the truth by a diligent search of the holy Bibles Chronologie they have been given up to believe the lies of heathen Chronologies 2 Thes 2.11 3. The holy Chronologie of the Book of God is a doctrine of faith as clear and certain as any other doctrine of faith and therefore that speech of the holy Apostle beareth supremacie in our hearts That the holy Book of God doth not onely teach and instruct us of the truth of its Chronologie but it doth also correct and convince the heathens Chronologie to be most false and abominable doctrines as some produce them 2 Tim. 3. 4. It is said that the holy Scripture is given by inspiration from God and is able to make children yea the man of God wise to salvation through the faith which is in Christ Iesus and this must be understood of Scripture Chronologie as well as of any other doctrine of the holy Bible and he that will rightly consider the holy Chronologie as it is above expressed by sundry calculations will say that the holy Scripture Chronologie teacheth doctrine of faith which is in Christ IESUS and in him by it wisdome to salvation 5. It is said we have a more sure word 2 Pet. 1. and that was the old Testament but now heathen Chronologie of the devilish worships of Apollo the heathens Olympiads are by some made more sure and certain criptures than the oracles from heaven We have more cause to yield to the Locusts that defend their Apolluon that alledge Fathers and Councils than to yield to men that authorise the vain Olympiads of Apollo of Delphos Therefore let us that are Christians hearken to the words and commandements of the Apostle of our Lord and saviour Beware lest any man carry you for a spoil through Phlosophy and vain deceit after the rudiments of the world and not after CHRIST Col. 2. it is the holy scriptures that have ditted up the mouths of Apolluon and his Locusts by the RR. Jewel Fulk Cartwright Perkins Calvin Beza c c. we doubt not but the holy scripture shall do the same to them that plead for the gamestry of Stanicall Olympian reckonings Verily all the scriptures should as well take a check as the wisdome touching the time of the seventy sevens be controlled by heathen We may as well believe the heathen spake true when the Sun went back that for Hercules birth the Sun made a longer night but the word of Christ shews that he that ruleth the heavens made it and did shew to all the world but specially to Israel that the heavens order was not so stable as Gods covenant in Christ for then that miracle was to confirm the faith of the church in Christ promised so the sunne performed service to the SON of righteousnesse surely the motions of the heavens declare the works of God in the harmonious measure of times Although many men be great Scholars and godly yet some of them do not consider that the sunne did run his race for the glory of Christ and his word For it is said All things were created by him and for him the second Adam For Him for his honour and glory not for Satans sports and pastimes of the Olympiads 6. What a grossenesse and crosse is this because we cannot make the heathens accounts to agree with the holy Scripture-Chronologie therefore we fly upon the word of the living GOD the Lord of hosts our God reproaching it and exclaiming against it that there is not truth nor certainty in many parts of it but we should say and do the contrary and should say let God and his word be true and the heathens and their Chronicles lies and liars For there is more to be said ¶ If that the Angel taught not Daniel certainty of knowledge and understanding for the Chronologie he taught him nothing that he knew not Daniel knew all the rest of the Message but the time of performance And so we make the holy Angel a deceiver an evil spirit a Satan And therefore D.R. and Mr. P. and all that follow their course have sorrily dealt with the Church of Christ Jesus our Lord. 7. Mr. P. saith that Mr. Bro. and his followers c. Let Mr. P. know that Mr. Bro. and those that use his godly and learned labours do adhere to and follow the lively oracles of the living God sent from him by an Angel from heaven to teach Daniel knowledge and understanding and to teach all faithfull Christians by him And therefore we are confident in the Lord and dare not otherwise say but that the holy Angel from God stake a true plain and proper speech and a most certain chronologie for the beginning and ending of the seventy sevens and that their beginning was from Daniels prayer and their ending at the abolishing of sacrifice and offering and confirmation of the Testament for the Many by the blood and death of the MESSIAS It is true many have objected against the holy Scriptures Chronologie before Mr. P. and Mr. Sarson which is to be lamented but we know there are many gracelesse speeches and objections against the very fundamental truths of Christian Religion But this I think 1. That it is good that the Scriptures chronologie should be clear and certain Isa 5. and can we think that God hath omitted this good for his church 2. Men should deem or ought so to do that the Scripture hath truth and certainty for chronologie though they see it not and they that oppose it should think and say they erre not knowing the Scriptures and they should think that the works of God the rock are perfect and that he that began the chronologie for the glory of Christ by the genealogie of his holy ancestours Gen. 5. and 11. would perfect it 3. To affirm truth and certainty in Heathen chronologie and to deny it in the holy Scriptures is an opinion scelerate and flagitious we cannot think how great the evil is and therefore Mr. P. hath done ill in justifying D.R. saying the holy Angel in his heavenly Oration to Daniel meant no certain time whereas the Angel taught him perfect wisdome for the chronologie of it and so professeth that he came to give skill of understanding that very thing 4. Whereas Mr. P. saith that Mr. Bro. denying the truth of heathen chronologie constituted the year of the seventy Sevens without grounds Mr. P. in this saying puts a stumbling block before the blind and causeth him to go out of the way and falls into a great offence of untruth not onely against Mr. Bro. for that 's little but against the Angel from heaven who said to Daniel at the beginning of
their properties Joh 1.14 Joh. 15.26 the Father from all eternity begetteth the Person of the Son the Son from all eternity is begotten of the Father the holy Spirit from all eternity proceedeth from them both These are incommunicable properties in the Persons the Fathers relative property is to beget and not to be begotten and therefore he is the first person in order so for our better conceiving we may say a Person in the God-head is a subsistence or a being considered in his relative property A 3. By their works to the Father is ascribed creation election predestination and adoption to the Son redemption to the holy Ghost sanctification Again the beginning of every action is given to the Father the dispensation to the Son the perfection and consummation to the holy Ghost these in some respects may be said to be communicable properties in the persons The reverend Mr. Richardson Mr. Yates and Mr. Antony Wotton c. Also it must be considered that every title attribute or property that in generall is spoken of the Deity is spoken of and attributed to each person as the Father is Jehovah so is the Son so is the holy Ghost Joh. 12.41 Act. 28.25 conferred with Esai 6.3 to 10. The Father the Son the holy Spirit be one co-essentiall and co-eternall infinite and unchangable c. And so in the attributes just holy good mercifull c. each person is so infinitely and unchangably c. Also in respect of the Creatures the attributes are communicable to each Person as the Son is called Father Esai 9. So it may be said of the holy Spirit who begetteth and reneweth us by the word of truth the Father is our teacher and so the Son and so the holy Spirit the Father sanctifieth the son sanctifieth the holy spirit sanctifieth Therefore it is very usefull to observe two things in the persons their co-operation and distinct manner of working the one is necessary in regard of this that they have the same essence and therefore cannot but co-worke in every thing the other is likewise as necessary because each person hath his distinct manner of subsisting All operation flowes from their essence co-operation from their unity in it and distinct manner from the distinct manner of their subsisting One essence one operation and Three being One must needes work inseparably and one being Three must needs worke in a distinct manner 6 Through faith we understand that the worlds were builded by the word of God that the things which are seen are not made of things which had appearance Ebr. 11. 6 It is the thrice holy Jehovah the Father the Son and their spirit all Three one infinite nature that hath created the heavens and the Earth and Seas and all things in them whether visible or invisible in a sweet dependency of order And He the Eternall Being gave them all their being with perfection of qualities that B was fit for each creature in its order and kinde 7 It is the same everlasting God that in his providence from the beginning to the ending doth in a most holy just wise and mercifull order preserve and govern all things with all their circumstances in the heavens earth seas C Therefore called an everlasting King But this King and D Kingdome is more specially to be understood of the son of God as Mediatour to whom the Father hath committed all authority and power Vt infra 8. The true God being thus glorious and a spirit infinite is therefore impossible to be perceived by our senses or comprehended in the short span of our understanding for hee is like to nothing in heaven earth or seas neither can all the wisest men of the world make any thing like to him but if any think so to do they dote and are follish and vain as Isui 40. and many more Chapters do speake and their images are no Gods E nor resemblances of him but works of errours and lyes They can do neither good nor evill those that make them are like unto them and so are all that put their trust in them And all that worship God by them are F haters of the eternall God and are hated and accursed of him 9 Here it is shewed that Gods worship is cheifly spiritual G and all outward worship otherwise then hee hath appointed is hatefull and abominable and uncomfortable as here and in other scriptures ceremonious and superstitious vanities and makers of images are reproved as bruitish senselesse and hopelesse 10 God being One and none other beside him the supream Governour whose is the Kingdome and power over all things he is only to be feared loved trusted in prayed unto and obeyed therefore he hath given us ten commandements with this entrance That he is Iehovah our H Elohim the Eternall the Mighty God our creator and Redeemer and he hath taught us to pray to him who is the everlasting father from whom all helpe comfort and defence cometh and is to be praysed and glorified in all his workes of goodnesse mercy wisdome justice c. 11 God being a most simple spiritual eternall and infinite Nature It followeth that he seeth at one instant and togegether past present and to come all things in heaven earth and seas There is nothing so invisible to our eyes in any place or so spirituall to our understanding but he seeth every particular Nothing is so secret as the imaginations of our thoughts yet God seeth them Many uses hence an understanding and beleeving heart will make for spirituall obedience and carefull watchfullnesse over his whole man Psal 139. all of it and 119 168. Job 31.4 1 Chron. 28.9 Men not understanding or not beleeving say in heart there is no God or like the wicked in Job chap. 22 and Psal 94. Who say Jehovah shall not see the God of Jacob will not regard But God doth both as the Psalme is notable Secondly Hence a world of outward Christians do shew themselves but Atheists Yea thirdly The godly not seriously and constantly considering this fail much in their sincerity for holy and just obedience 12. Another singular use is for afflictions When wee have any cause of fear wee may be preserved that this passion do not too much assaile us by meditating often wee may be throughly acquainted with I our God his titles properties and attributes both incommunicable and communicable Also of his works of creation redemption and Government in any evill felt or feared we may quickly turn and seek to god and so may not fear above measure as David saith K They that know thy name will trust in thee Psal 9.10 Againe When I was afraid I trusted in thee Psal 56.3 Remarkable also is this in Jehosaphat 2 Chron. 20.12 Also transcendent in those three noble confessors and Martyrs Dan 3.16.17.18 So in all temptations yea in death it selfe These things when they are well graffed and as nailes fastned in our soules will prepare us to contentednesse in all
make entrance to the Attributes of Mercy Grace Patience loving kindnesse Consolation c. c. When men will conceale and hide their sins they labour to make themselves no better then Atheists Ezeck 9.10 Psal 86.14 and 94 7. First The Apostle saith thus of Gods Attributes of strength Do we provoke the Lord to anger are we stronger then he 1 Cor. 10. Jeremiah exhorteth not to glory in the wisdome strength and riches of this world which come to naught but in the wisdome strength and riches that may be found in the true knowledge of God Jeâ— 9.23.24 Job 22.25 Apot. 3.18 and make the comfortable expression of an incommunicable Attribute in Mal. 3.16 There is both terror and comfort in this Attribute the living God it is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God then it is a living wrath unto hypocrites that shall last to all eternity and observe how this is pressed by the Aopstle to the revolting Hebrewes despising the blood of the covenant and cleaving to the false Doctrine of the traditions of their Fathers Ebr. 10.1 Pet. 1.18 Moses pressed this upon the deceitefull hearts that were in Israel in his dayes But to the godly this title of living God is as comfortable for he is their living joy living consolation living peace living glory with God after this life and therefore while we live here let us meditate as David did Jehovah liveth and blessed be my Rock Psal 18.46 This was his comfort in all the stormes floods and windes that assaulted him in diverse tryalls as this Psalme and others shew he built on the Rock This Psalme is expounded of the Son of God who ruleth all Rom. 15.9 And he saith to his Disciples Joh. 14. Because I live yee shall live also lively stones built on him the living Rock this he said to them and to us because of the tryalls he foresaw would affront them It is well for us that Jehovah liveth Also observe how Moses dealeth in pressing his exhortations Deut. 7.9 Againe he is wise in heart and mighty in strength who ever hardned himselfe against him and prospered Job 9.4.3 When a man addresseth himselfe to prayer it is a ground of faith to begin with some Attribute and with all to remember some promise as is suitable to our petition this is an high poynt of Christian wisdome and piety the Saints have used so to doe Dan. 9.2.3.4 Rom. 15.5 Neh. 1.8 A man that hath not some knowledge of God in his attributes and faith concerning them cannot pray with that profit to his inner man as else he might do What man can pray as he ought to doe if he beleive not Gods emnipotency omnipresence and omnisciency and so of the other attributes above noted Oh what shall we say we are not able to order our speech concerning the attributes and works of God by reason of our darknesse Job 37.19 N. 12. Our God his titles c. Observe the sweet influences that some glorious starrs have yeilded which have risen in the horizon of a Church from the consideration of Gods attributes the RR Mr. Dod on Exo. 34. D. Preston and others oh we of little faith God wil set al his attributes on work for us his attributes are of unspeakable consolation to an holy soule so on the contrary they are of thundering terror to the Vessells of wrath and dishonor Psal 147.5.6 That worthy man though a private man Mr. Henry Church is worthy of joyfull memorial for his Miscellanea philo theologica speaking of the Attributes of God N. 12. they that know The holding of God by faith is better then our holding of him by reason God is able to do and doth exceeding abundantly above all that we can aske or thinke Gods name is as his nature is secret and not to be sought this may wonderfully strengthen faith for if God were not above and greater then our apprehensions he could not helpe us infinitely Eph. 3.29 and faith maketh a man to set too his seal that God is true faith giveth God the honour of all his properties and attributes Assur shall not save us we wil not ride upon horses neither will we say any more to the works of our hands ye are our gods for in thee the fatherlesse finde mercy Hos 14. Again it is said My defence is in God who saveth the upright in heart Ps 7. and 112.6 7.8 Prov. 3.26 In N. 13. They must not The mysticall Babylonians called the year 88. the climactericall year of the world and trusting to their vaine superstitions took the opportunity of that fatall yeare as they supposed utterly to overthrow the Church of God in England and the State there which before they could not do The Angell of the pit the false Prophet and all his deceived worshipers layd up all their hopes upon this years destiny But for Israels and Jesuâ—uns sake as against old Babylon God frustrated the tokens of the lyars and made the Diviners mad and turned the wise men backward and made their knowledge foolish For they as Balaam and Haâ—man could not prevaile with their inchantments and sorceries counsells neither could their Astrologers the star gazers the Monthly Prognosticators stand up save them from the miseries that came on themselves Foolish Idolaters mistake their Calculations and do not consider that the Eternall our holy one the creator of Israel our King hath made the Earth created man upon it and that his hand hath stretched out the Heavens and that he commandeth all their Hoasts for the service of his Redeemed It is hee that commandeth deliverances for Iacob Isa 44 45 47 Psal 44. Vi The thankfull remembrances of Gods mercies by the R.D. Carlton pag. 130. In N. 13. Sisera So again consider for the year 88. for by allusion the story of Sisera is Cited in Apoc. 16. to shew like events against Abaddons kingdome And while we make Christ our Judge our Statute maker and our King Hee will be Lord Admirall of our Seas that the Enemy shall not come with their ships against us they shall not strengthen their Mast nor spread their sailes c. He will save us Esa 33. Deut. 33.29 And see how he will make the creatures bustle for us in our distresse Psal 18.6.7 c. Psal 77.14 1 15.16 and 114.1 Sam. 2.10 God hath no portion in the world or any inheritance but his Church to which he will be a sun and sheild every man will plead for and defend his inheritance much more wil our Redeemer do it for his inheritance his Church and people Beloved Reader it is sayd This is life eternall that they know thee to be the only very God and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ Joh. 17.3 This first Chapter in some measure hath spoken concerning the knowledge of God Now all the rest of his booke doth endeavour to declare the knowledge of the sending of Jesus Christ and this knowledge should not be a
and out of whom wee neither have nor can do nothing But following the truth in Love as the truth of this healing Doctrine is to be sought and found only in JESUS we grow up in all points into him which is the head even Christ himselfe by whom all the body conveniently joyned and fastned together by every point of the furuitâ—re according to the operation of the spirit which is in measure of every severall part reneweth increase of the body unto the edifying of it selfe in Love A proud Laodicean Arminian thinkes and speaks contrary which shewes he is not only ignorant of Christ and his learning but of his own naturall Philosophy Nosce teipsum What naturall abilities did and would worke we see Jer 4.22 Job 28. Rom. 1.1 Cor. 1. But no change of heart to fear God in Christ here heathens who could say Video meliora deteriora sequor might see further with the Apostle Rom. 7.23 c. But man sold unto sin can neither hear nor see where God openeth not the eyes and here the spirit teacheth the godly to groan with sighings unspeakable See Mr. Bro. upon Lam. 1.11 When we read in the holy scriptures or elsewhere of errours in judgement and sins in practise in heathens and others then refer all hither to thinke upon the poyson of the serpent breathed into the natures of our first Parents which could never by all humane learning be healed The truth is man is most adverse to be cured till Christ by his word and spirit illuminate and quicken The Pharisees were the most excellent of all naturalists yet they could not attain to the Law of Righteousnesse or freedome from sin and guilt Rom. 7.8 9 10.11 chapters Phil. 3.3 4 5. c. The plaine reason is they despised to know this glorious hidden mystery of Christ the second Adam and missed the meaning of the Law In the 6. Quest N. 3. Doth rule all ages The second Adam and his doctrine is the light the way the truth and the life to all generations The song of all ages is Salvation is of our God and of the Lambe Apoc 5 9. and Chap. 7.10 11 12. This is the true Catholik faith faith in Christ ever one and the same although the outward Administration did differ Psal 100.5 119.89 135.13.1 Pet. 1. JESUS CHRIST yesterday and to day is the same also for ever Christ the Rock of all ages Esa 26 4. Ebr. 13.2 John 1.2 He that cometh to God must beleeve that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently by faith in Christ Jesus seek him This is a ruled case from the beginning No man cometh to the Father but by the Son The cloud of witnesses from Habell to our Lords dayes confirmeth this Ebr. 11. all of it And the clouds shall not catch up any to glory but those of the same holy faith This faith is the charge and commandement of the Lord which the Saints are to keepe inviolable from age to age without spot of heresie or vanity of mans traditions In Q. 6. N. 4. To this faith he calleth his elect The faith of Gods elect is glory and the righteous Nation that keepeth it entire and walketh in it is a most glorious people not the like in the earth if we consider the King of Saints his Lawes his government and the purity of his subjects Of this company of faithfull soules and their King their endearednesse each to other the Canticles singeth yea all the holy stories shew the same from the first to the last Prov. 8.31.2 John 9. Ibid. N. 5. Great disputations contentions c. Here is the faith and patience of the saints here are they that keep the commandements of God and the faith of JESUS Apoc. 13. and 12. and 14. When the Lord God spake that of Gen 3.15 fire was cast into the Earth and a sword was sent ever since there hath been divisions factions and contentions Three against two and two against three Hitherto pertaine all the warrs plottings devises deceits slanderings cavillations mockings â—scoâ—nes scoffings geerings thrasonicall boastings murders massacres treasons c. of them of that wicked one It is not liberties and states that the Seed of he Serpent so much shoots at but blood All that will live goldly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution and yet in all tryalls whatsoever faith is victorious Christ sometimes builds his Jerusalem Temple street and wall in troublous times Note whereas sufferings might be just punishments for sin the Lord God in his unspeakable goodnesse and in honour to the Saints maketh them to be for testimony to his truth And his Angells by Satan Many cases of conscience arise out of this if Christ bruise Satans power how is it that we suffer so many trialls hence many doubtings feares teares distractions unrulinesse of passions Psal 73.1.1 Sam. 27.1 All is answered Rom. 8.17 18. Dan. 11.35 Mat. 10.1 Pet. 1.1 John 15. and 16. and God over-ruleth all for the good of his children Apoc. 1.18 Psal 33.10 and 76.10 and 94.19 and 119.75.2 Cor 1. Phil. 4 5.6.7 Heb. 12. Be humble and live the life of faith with temperate affections and in the sober use of all good means and all wil be well 1 Cor. 7.29 30 31 32. The spirituall armour belongs hither Eph. 6 Afflictions are compared to darknesse to waves of the sea c. God can still them Psal 89. and 93. wee looke not to the decree of God concerning sufferings Gen. 3.15 that it must be so wee propound selfe ends in profession of the Gospell Verily we do not consider why we were borne and for what cause we came into the world if we did all reasonings of our hearts would be silenced then let us meditate that good confession that the Lord Jesus witnessed before Pilate Iohn 18.37 In Q. 6. N. 6. Brotherly love holding one another dear This is and was the message that was taught from the beginning 1 Iohn 3.11 Kains and Habells story is there remembred This 6 point is the summ of the second Table and handled by exposition and example continually See the later part of the Epistles to the Churches to Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesians Colessians Heb 10.24.25 Act. 4.32 Psal 133. Ioh 15. compare 1 Iohn 3.23 and 4. ult 2 Iohn 5.6.2 Tim. 1.13 In Q. 6. N. 6. And to have no fellowship This enmity and warr of Michael and his Angells against the Dragon and his Angells cannot and therefore must not be reconciled it is a cursed worke to endeavour it And indeed either side holds one another Anathema God hath put the enmity betweene the seeds and who shall joyne that which God by principles of unreconcilable distance hath perpetually divorced and separated it was never yet reconciled though Satan and his prophets and the false brethren in their owne ungracious projects have laboured Gen. 6.2.3.4 c. Numb 31.16 Apoc. 2. Iud 2. and 3.1 King 11.1 and in Nehemiahs and Ezras dayes
any tormented estate Q. 8. The mystery of godlinesse The mystery of Godlinesse was hidden in types and figures from the ages and generations of the Apostate families Eph. 3. Col. 1.26 But in Judah was God known his name was great in Israel in Salem was his Tabernacle and his dwelling place in Sion Psal 76.1.2 He shewed his word unto Jacob and his statutes and Judgments unto Israel he dealt not so with any nation and as for his judgements they had not knowne them therefore they sayd Praise ye J A H. Psalm 147 So that Israel did enjoy the true knowledge of God in Christ and were the houshold of God having the covenants of promise and the seals of the fame and lived and dyed in the constant hope of immortality in glory read diligently Eph. 2.11 12 Act. 26.6.7 And this we must understand concerning the true hidden mystery hid in types and figures among godly families untill Moses and then to the Nations while Israels fleece only was moystened by the dewes that fell on mount Sion but after the ending of the seventy sevens Dan. 9. then the Gospel was openly revealed and made known to all Nations of Noahs families and yet in those dayes yea now in these dayes it is an hid mystery too too manifest experience doth witnesse in kingdoms townes and families 1 Cor. 2. Q 9. The heathens also All those noble prophesies in Moses Prophets and Psalmes of the calling of the Gentiles do comment on the blessing to Sem and the Promise to Abraham The holy Prophets rejoyced in spirit foreseeing the glorious calling of the families to the Faith we should have the like affection to the calling of the Jewes Rom. 11. Q. 9. By sending his disciples The Apostles were sent unto them to open their eyes to turne them from darknesse to light from the power of Satan to God that they might receive forgivenesse of sinnes and inheritance among all them of the old Testament which are sanctified by faith in Christ Act. 26. Eph. 1.11 12 13 14. Annotations How Redemption was taught from the Promise to ABRAHAM till the Law of the Passeover or the coming forth of EGYPT QUest 1. What is the scripture in which the Revelation of the mystery of Christ was made known to Abraham Answ Gen. 12 2. And I will make of thee a great Nation and I will blesse thee and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing And I will blesse them that blesse thee and curse him that curseth thee And in thee shall all the families of the Earth be blessed QUest In what doth this scripture teach instruct convince correct and comfort Answ I Of the cursed and most wretched estate of the apostate families and unrecoverable in respect of any ability in themselves God hiding from them by Babells Languages for many generations the glorious mystery of the Gospell of his Son that they became Loammi and Lo-ruchamah that is not Gods people nor pitied and ever enemies to God and his people walking in all courses of unperswadeable disobedience II. It is prophesied by this great and precious promise that the families shall be delivered from the misery of that apostasie by the Son of God who was sent of the Father into the world in fullness of time to be a blessing to make knowne the riches of the glorious mystery of his will to reconcile them to be Gods people and to be under mercy through his gracious Redemption and by the same to reconcile the enmity of Jew and Gentile III. Here it is taught who Christ is touching his person that he being God is also man of the Seed of Abraham Gal. 4.4 Eb. 2.16 Saint Matthew chap. 1. doth shew the history and the promise fullfilled As also how Christ Immanuel doth blesse us saving his people from the guilt punishment and dominion of their sins by his precious death and sacrisice By which hee brake the Serpents head-Plot Gen. 3.15 in his constant patience and obedience at the very same time when the Serpent and his seed put him to an accursed death on the tree as a notorious sinner By this performance Gal. 4 5. Rom. 3 25. this manner of the blessing of Abraham came on the Gentiles Gal. 3.13.14 IV. By faith in the promise we are reconciled justified and adopted and so are no more servants in bondage but heirs in Christ V. Whereas it is sayd in thy seed all families of the Earth are blessed it sheweth there is the same and no other way or means of eternall life and salvation to Jew and Gentile but only and alone the Lord Jesus Christ nor any comfort in this world but as given us by promise and covenant through faith in Christ in the use of the meanes lawfully used Wherefore all other Religions Additaments inventious of men are abominable and all communion with such is no better then the communion with devills VI. We have not forgiveness of sins life and the inheritance of heaven †Act. 3.26 Tit. 3.5 6. Gal. 3.16.17 Abraham had not-wherein to rejoyce as of himselfe he did not prevent God but God prevented him by workes of our doing or will in our choosing but all is of free grace and free promise VII The Lord God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ doth give The Lords Prayer and all the prayers of the Saints belong hither Gal. 4.6 Rom. 8.15 so note here that Gods promises are the foundation of prayer David 2 Sam. 7.27 Dan. 9.2 c. as the effects of his promise his spirit to cry Abba Father and to seal assurance of reconciliation justification and adoption and to be an earnest of that inheritance of the Saints in light and to worke mortification and to begin the life of glory in sanctification This the Lord God doth worke in those only that looke for salvation in Christ as sons by the promise not as servants for workes or images VIII In that the eternall God the Gentiles shall be blessed in Christ it is a speech manifesting * Of eternity all Gods works were known to him as the Apostle James saith Act 15. This is handled Rom 8.9 10 11. chapters the purpose of Gods election and predestination in Christ as the spirituall blessings are handled by the Apostle to proceed out of those eternall fountaines Eph. 1. under the word blessed are comprehended the unsearcheable riches of Christ the second Adam who of God is made unto us the efficient cause of wisdome †Or freedom or forgiveness justification sanctification and redemption IX The precious promises in Christ understood and beleeved transforme or metamorphose a man and make him partake of the divine nature so that they which beleeve in God must as from a new principle in uprightnesse of heart walke in the spirit be alwaies zealous to shew forth good workes and with all due care flee the corruptions that are in the world through lusts This is to keepe the mystery
justification and from the Testimony that Abraham and David felt in themselves Rom. 4. Again Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen it is God that justifieth that setteth free that forgiveth Romans 8.1 all our comfort dependeth on forgivenesse of sin When an Israelite offered sacrifice it is said his sin shall be forgiven him so he stood just by the grace of forgiveness by faith in Christs sacrifice So the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ hath witnesse of the Law and the Prophets No new doctrine Levit. 4. 5. 6. Romans 3.21 21 c. Habel offering in faith inherited the righteousness or justification that is by faith Heb. 11. so in the Seal of the Lords Supper Matth. 26.26 forgiveness of sins is only spoken of as the foundation of all blessings the most admired priviledge of the Saints drawing all other after it as adoption peace joy c. as non-forgiveness drawes wrath and all other miseries after it If sin be such an evil how unvaluable is the sacrifice of the body and bloud of the Lord Jesus Christ N. 7. From an inward feeling every one should be affected with grief and godly sorrow for his birth sin as David Psalm 51. This saying should alwaies sound in our ears that the Eternal God said It repenteth me that I have made man also this the frame of mans heart is only wicked all the day Gen 6. which is handled Rom. 7. I do not that which I would but that which I would not that do I O spoiled man that I ant who shall redeem me from this aye sinning body The wicked heart selleth himself to do all iniquity as A chab 1 King 21.20 But the godly heart is sold against his will as holy Paul Rom. 7.14 we cry out and so we ought upon particular sins but are noâ— humbled as we ought for the corruption of nature The cause is greater than the effect as in good so in ill The word of exhortion belongs onely to the weary and laden Matth. 11. The whole will not seek the Physitian To this man will I look to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my words Esay 66 He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds Psalm 14â— 1 Chrâ—n 34.27 Esay 61.1 Mat. 5 3 4 c. From all that hath been written hitherto in this book and shall be written let men consider whether the People of Israel of the old Testament were not under a covenant of Grace and whether they had not the law of God written in their hearts as well as the Israel of God under the new Testament Ibid N. 7. Or alloweth or is indulgem A man whose sin is forgiven covered not imputed his spirit will be without guile so the 1 Pet. 2.1 is urged upon the doctrine of the former chapter Psalm 26. c 32. 66. 18 51. Prov. 28.13.14 The holy soul prayeth as sincerely and affectionately for upholding in the path that is called holy as for pardon N. 10. Afore we can have any comfort Observe the coherence of matter in these Psalms so Jacob Gen. 46 1 2 c. Ezra 3.3 8.21 22 23 31. Excellent in Samuel who by faith and prayer in the bloud of the Covenant put to flight the Armies of the alians 1 Sam. 7.9 10. Heb. 11.32 There must be a dayly use and improvement of faith and prayâ—r in all occasions and conditions especially as touching sin and dayâ—y transgressions against holiness and righteousness in matter manner or end in omission or commission We need to cry for cleansing of our secret faults to be pardoned and justified by him that justifyeth the ungodly As Abraham that was a believer and a worshipper of God in Gen. 12. 13. 14. yet needed daily the use of his faith to be comforted in him that justifyeth the ungodly Gen. 15. Rom. 4. do shew and therefore he builded Altars in every place he came unto CHAP. VII With Questions Answers and Annotations on them How Redemption was taught from the foundation of the Temple to the burning of it QUest 1. How doth the Temple teach concerning Christ Answ 1. That in due time the Son of God would make our flesh his Tabernacle or Temple and dwell among us Iohn 1.1.4 This was it that Salomon admired saying Is it true indeed that God will dwell with man on earth 2 Chr. 6.18 So did Agur Ben Jakeh Prov. 30.19 2. All that looked towards the Temple in faithful prayer should be heard Christ is the true Temple in the heavenly Jerusalem to whom they that look in prayer shall be heard QUest 2. Now after the Temple was built who were obedient to the faith looking after the portion and inheritance in Christ the off spring and sen of David and Root of Jâ—ssaiâ— Answ Salomon Asa Jehosophat all the godly Kings of the house of Judah with many of the Sacrificers Prophets and people very many were of the faith of Abraham afore the Temple and after as many as the siars of heaven in multitude and as the sand of the sea-shore which is innumerable All these through faith obtained good report and all these dyed in the faith that was first taught in Paradise c. embraced by Abel Henoch Noab and all the faithful to the end of Daniels Seventy Sevens which faith we are exhorted to follow Our Lords fathers from David Nathan c. to Zorobabel must here specially be remembred this line from Nathan is in Luke 3. QUest 3. Was there any apostasie from the faith of the kingdome of David in Christ and the worship of Jehovah in his holy Footstool upon the then holy mountain Answ Yea and that lamentable after Salomons death Jeroboam the man of sin that made Israel to sin of the Tribe of Ephraim drew away as Nimrod ten Tribes to rebellion and to worship his Devils at Dan and Bethel And besides the Worship of his Calves they were defiled with divers kinds of idolatry of the heathens they filthily corrupted themselves and dealt like a foolish people and unwise as a nation void of counsel forsaking Christ the God of their Fathers and followed the blindness of the God of this world Jesurun kicked with the heel c. Deut. 32. QUest 4. Did all the Kings of Israel follow the Abomination of Ieroboams Calves Answ All but Shallum and Hosea Jeroboams house did and so Baasaes and Omries and Jehues and the rest QUest 5. Did the house of Judah wholly cleave to God Answ No they also moved him to jealousie with their vanities and (a) Stephen chargeth them with this Acts 7.42 43 They mocked the messengers of God and despised his words and misused his Prophets c. 2 Chron. 36. Acts 7.52 detestable things many of their Kings and Princes the great high counsel the Sacrificers Prophets and people most grievously revolted and followed the precepts of men and the statutes ordinances (a) Salomon foretold
Answ By what he is and by what he doth 1. He is called like Jeroboam (a) As God taught Adam to give names to expresse natures Gen. 2. so God in these names teacheth Princes and People what they shall finde in the Beast that was and is not and yet is A man of sin called the Son of Perdition like Ishcariot a new Antiochus an adversary and in the estimation of his corporation a God called also the Wicked and Lawless add hitherto the other names and titles of the Father of the Papacy an apostate Star Wormwood Angel of the Pit King of Locusts Abaddon Apolluon i. e. destroyer false Prophet Beast of the Pit Beast like a Lamb Healer of the wounded Head Tayl of the Dragon Antichrist Pope (b) The common name which we and Papists give the Pope unawares is to be marked how Christ over-ruleth our tongues for Pope and Daemon are all one as learned have observed or Daemon 2. His actions are he causeth an Apostacy or Rebellion from the faith and when that apostacy came to the height he set him and his corporation above all authority of the Magistrate And in the Church or Temple of God would do those things which are proper unto God forgiveth sins maketh new articles of faith (c) Vid. Mr. White way to the true Church Epistle to the Reader and Mr. Junius on the Apoc. 13.12 13 c. maketh his Decrees to be obeyed and followed as yea before and above the very Scriptures (d) He dispenseth with Gods Law of God and Lord of faith and conscience c. and saith of himself I am a God on Earth and that all the Kingdomes of the World are his and giveth them to whom he will Now all this iniquity is administred in a mystery by the effectual working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders in all force of deceit and violence Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the fifteenth Chapter QUest 1. The man of sin or the Pontificality The Corporation of Popes is termed as one man Mark such Corporation speeches Moses speaketh to all Israel as to one man so all the wicked from Kain to the wicked Jews are but one corporation yea to the end of the World Mat. 23.35 So the four Beasts are tearmed four Kings that is four Kingdomes Daniel chap. 7. So the ten horns of the Roman Beast are ten Kings that is Kingdomes that gave their power to the Beast And all the godly from the beginning of the world to the ending are one corporation in Christ Ephesians 1.10 Quest 3. N. 3. with the keys of the Dragon and his own authority Keys argue deputation of office as Esay 22. Matth. 16. Apoc. 1. And we may see what deputation to office Satan gave the Beast like a Lamb Apoc. 13.11 12 13 c. So here note King Abaddon is Satans Lieutenant to destroy Hebrews and Greeks Jewes and Gentiles by advancing and urging his Keyes to the rejecting not only the holy doctrine of Christ in the old and new Testament but those two languages of Hebrew and Greek and making a Scripture of his base Latine and urging it upon the Church Therefore he ought to be esteemed of Jew and Gentile not only Abaddon but Apolluon Ibid. Smoke of herestes to corrupt the earth Apolluons apostatical kingdome did corrupt the earth and the seven thunders of Gods judgments of the Lord God omnipotent attend to corrupt it as in the seven Vials as God did corrupt the corrupters Gen. 6. Ibid. and the Scriptures by which light c. the lawless man of sin and his Locusts by their strong violent and usurped authoritie and false doctrines set up a Religron more after Homer Ovid Virgiâ— and Plutarch then after the Prophets and Apostles such a fearful darkness they brought upon all the doctrine of Christ that to this day our nation in many places is full of heathenish customes and traditions N. 4. His false litigious rules of faith even their own learned men that were at â—rent could not understand the meaning of some points and wrote one against another like the old Babylonian builders Things were so crastily set downe of purpose like the oracles of Apollo vid. the Hist Coun. Trent page 229. edition 1620. read Mr. Cade Justif pag. 281. and 282. Quest 4. N. 1. Out of the smoke of the pitthe Popes Clergy ariseth Thus view them Devouring Locusts Stiâ—ging Seâ—rpions Arâ—â—â— horses Râ—nâ—â—ng Li ns Crowned usuâ—pers Croaking frogs Spirits of Devils All noisome creatures vermine not to be suffered in any wise or godly polity they are the creatures of a Destroyer These attributes shew their conditions Warm weather of policy puts quickning in the Locusts and then they will devour and if you look not to them betime they will prove stinging Scorpions then barded horses then rending lions then crowned usurpers if they find not their party strong enough then they creep like frogs into other Kings Courts to excite to war and then Spirits of Devils to walk over Land and Sea to destroy all them that oppose them they are the stigmaticall sworn slaves of Satan and Abaddoon O ye Princes and Nobles and Gentry and Commonalty our fathers found them so vid. the reigns of King Iohn Henry 2. and Henry 3. c. N. 2. Poysoning and terrifying Doctrine Singultu cruentato the Scorpions sting mens hearts that death was desired rather than life Apoc. 9. 6. Vid. Mr. Cadâ— his worthy labours Iustif lib 1.128 lib. 2.88 89. and the Appendix li. 1 3. So we may observe how the Histories of our forefathers do comment on the Aâ—ocalips Also observe these stinging Scorpions in their Doctrin of Purgatorie especially on mens death beds pilgrimage and anathemaes and treasons c. And how no man must dare to question any thing vid. the book of the Spanish Inquisition N 4. They wear Crowns like gold Note not onely King Abaddon wears a Crown but it is said his Locusts have Crowns like Gold each Locust dethronizeth and uncrowneth godly Princes in his heart A sharp Winter of policy will and must make the Scorpion-Locusts flee to the hedges to hide themselves or else we shall all grieve it is good to remember the two noble Henries of France Let our Nobles Gentry and Commons all our blessed Nation advisedly think of businesses for t posterity The Spirits of Devils are traversing the earth and Seas as much as Becket Petrus de â—uâ—ibus and the Arch-Priest under Henâ—y the fourth Gardiner Bonner Raviliac c. c. Ibid. N 4. Hating Gods Oâ—dinance of Magistracy Obedience to Princes the Doctrine of Sems Tents and the sons of S m Rom. 13.1 Pet. The contrary is the Doctrine of Apolluons Tents and his Locusts and their deceived who make but a mock of Princes and Governours as it was foretold of such Likewise these silt by dreamers defile the slâ—sh despise dominion and speak evill of Dignities Jude 8. N. 5. By good
before Luther the answer is easie where was it not and they themselves knew and saw where it was well enough They did not murther men that were invisible And it doth not alter the Casâ— in respect of truth that Christs witnesses were mean weak and few Christ was among them 1 Cor. 14.11 12 13.2 Cor. 4.8 9 10 11. and 13.4 vid. Mr. Cade lib. 2. page 181. c. What unreasonable prating do the Locusts use the foolish woman is clamorous Prov. 9. that we must shew a visible glorious company prosessing the Gospel in all ages when the Spirit forewarned of perillous times and of apostasie from the faith and evermore they that spake or did any thing to question Popish Doctrines or their usurped power were killed c. Question 2. and Answer No man might buy or sell Apoclyps 11. and 12. and 13. and 14. chapters set forth their cruelties the just is an abomination to the wicked contra a Proverbof experience from the first and last Counsells It is more dangerous to speak against and withstand their decrees and decretalls than the commandements of God a speech of the good and noble Lord Cobbam is worthy of place loe good people loe for the breaking of Gods Law and his great commandements they never yet cursed me but for their â—â—wn Laws and traditions most cruelly do they handle me and other men Thus that good Noble man spake to the people with a loud voice of those bloudy stinging Scorpions the Bishop of Canterbury and other Locusts Babylonian Lucifers that exalted themselves against the Kingdome of Christ and the Laws of the Land Acts and Monuments 731. of the last Edition Whores that break wedlock are cruell Ezek. 16. and 23. Sicut Patres vestrietiam vâ—s Acts 7.51 How are mens inventions yet pressed in these dayes of the Gospel 1636. But for Gods Commandements how slighted Experience the Saints of God both godly ministers and people have of this continually Ibid. worship the image of the beasts imperiall State The imperiall State of the Pontificality was a glorious image that all the world wondered and worshipped but John and all gracious know that that State is a Beast and is going into the lake of fire Quest 3. and Answ In subscribing c. All had must have communion with the Beast in one manner or other Gods marked hated the Beasts mark and the Beasts marked hated Gods mark Ibid. Revecâ—â—nce to the Crosse So do the Bishops in their Canons that in the sign of the Crosse in Baptisme the child is dedicated thereby to him that died on the Grosse Can. 30. And many of our people that will not be Papists yet are very superstitious and defend themselves by the Crosse in Baptisme Mat. 18.7 Luc. 17.1 That is a sad speech which Christ saith Cursed is he that maketh the blind to go out of their way and let all the people say Amen Deut. 27. Ibid. Of the 3. Quest and Answ Forbidding and refraining from reading and teaching the holy Scriptures It is great wickednesse that any should forbid any of the simplest to read the holy Bible or any godly learned requested by a company not to expound it as in the Primitive Churches this order for every man able and faithfull to utter his gift continued to the time of Theodoret yea long after Theod. upon 1 Cor. 14. See what the Spirit faith by the Apostle Peter 1 Pet. 4.10.2 Tim. 2.2 But Gregory the ninth a Pope of Rome prohibited that no Lay-man should preach of whatsoever degree he was Quest 4. and Answ He had the voice and speech Laws be the Speech of a polity so that many have fitly compared the new Religion of the Pontificality with old Romes because it is so stuffed with old heathenish Customes after the Theologie rather the Popologie of Virgil and Ovid c. Adde hereunto the Popes decretalls over-ruling States are wicked commonly and the more they be being urged by men unlawfull Ibid. Keeping of the commandements of God and the faith of Jesus Blessed is he that watcheth against cunning craftinesse and deceit that he may keep his garment close to him Apoc. 16.15 Christ hath made us Kings and Priests and then we must bear holinesse in cur hearts and forcheads And let the just hold on his way and let the clean in hands increase in courage Job 17.9 Apoc. 21.11 Truth is better than our lives or States be independent and God will be with the good for whosoever saith the Lord shall be ashamed of me and of my words among this adulterous and sinfull generation that is that doth adulterate the faith by hereticall Doctrines and mens Precepts and traditions of him shall the Son of man be ashamed also when he shall come in his own glory and the Fathers and the holy angels Mak 8. Luc. 9. Here note how the Corporation of the seed of the Serpent esteemeth Christ and his servants and the holy Doctrine anathema And contrarily the Corporation of the holy seed esteem the Serpent and his seed and their commadements and inventions anathema maranatha This hath been the deadly feud and enmity and war from the beginning ever since Kain flew Habel This is the fire sword and division that Christ hath sent on the earth Gen. 3.15 Mat. 10. Luc. 12. This must be constantly observed for Kingdomes towns and families and persons Qu. 5. and Answ The King of mount Sion appeared with 144000. Observe the allusion in the term Mount Sion which sheweth all that follow the Lamb under the new Testament harp the same song of holy faith as the faithfull of Mount Sion of old Apoc. 14. answerable to this the Apostle sweetly protesteth Acts 26.6 7. and all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth this most evidently Likewise any part of the old Testament cited or paraphrased or any way expressed by our Lord and his apostles proveth that cursed Popery should be accursed that objecteth novelty to our most holy faith and this well considered will strengthen the godly Student against the Anabaptist and Antinomian c. In Apocal. chap. 7. there were 144000. that the first Beast warred against and in chap. 14. the same number that held the faith of the Patriarchs and Apostles The second Beast warres against them The tenth Century Satan was let loose to deceive and then the Churches were in a dead State from a Church-life but now the Churches begin to recover life to live again is as it were a Resurrection as the Jews in the return from Babel Ezek. 37. Apoc. 20. Ibid. And all that fear God both small and great gave thinks None but one made gracious as Iohn can see the holy Ierusalem and sing praise Ezek. 43.11 Worldly look to worldly pomp and every man as he bears a person Christian will praise the Lord God for his salvations from the idolatry heresie strange language and tyranny of the man of sinne of Rome-Egypt Psal 98.1 2 3. Psal 114. Oh the searfull judgement of
land doth shew from Daâ—â— 12. and Psalm 8. that the Lamb slain though he once were the afflicted Son of sorrowful Enosh yet that now he is â—â—â—lred above everyname and that to him all power in heaven and in earth was and is committed and that he rules all by Sea and Land and therefore little children and faithful evermore did Apoc. 6. 7. 12. 13 14. chap. and evermore shall say Hosanna to him that now is in the highest heavens The great Cry of Hosanna destroyed the Caesars Empire so it shall the Reviver of the Empire King Abaddon 5. His voice is as the voice of a Lion when he roareth he being the Lion of the Tribe of Judah hath made all the Beasts of the Pit to tremble and this teacheth what the Pope and Turk shall find Christ with his called chosen and faithful full of courage in teaching the Gospel shall take the prey and recover the spoil and the King of the Pit his Locusts and all his marked shall not be able to help themselves from his just judgements 6. The seven thunders from him uttered their voices of secret un-unspeakable wrath to the Enemies of the Church which the Phials in chap. 16. declare abundantly and the enemies shall not perceive it but go on in hardness impenitency as Pharoah did to their utter destruction 7. Christ hath in his hand the little book of the Holy Scriptures alwaies open for great consolation to the Church from which the Holy Angels of the Churches and other Witnesses do still prophesy to nations and Kings of their great Trespass in advancing the seven Mountain City All Abaddons power and his Locusts could never shut this book nor hinder prophesying This our native Countrey shewed in the days of King Henry the eight and Queen Mary and in times before See the story of the Saints Marbeck and Tindal c. c. 8. All this is mannaged with an oath to comfort and stablish the hoirs of promise that the Lord Christ the only Potentate 1 Tim 6. will put an end to all the troubles of the Church under the voice of the seventh Trumpet and last Wo and seventh Phial 9. It is of necessary consequence to observe some circumstances about the sad times of the fifth and sixth Trumpets because some say the Beast of the Pit King Abaddon did utterly root out the church of Christ and that no visible true church did appear when Anti-christ possessed all in outward shew 10. But this is impossible for the promise is that the gates of Hades death and destruction should not so prevail Matth. 16.8 and that promise also is firm as a Rock which saith that Christ must reign till he make his enemies his footstool 1 Cor. 15.25 Abaddon could not put â—he Son of God the Rock and his cause so under his feet for as iâ—â—aid Christ the great angel of the Covenant did ever shew that he â—uled as King in his Kingdome of mount Sion Apoc. 14. and had ever one foot on the Sea and the other on the Land and the fifth had sixth Trumpet to rule all things both by Land and Sea and that he had the little book of the holy Bible ever open in his hand which he still put into the hearts of his witnesses to prophesie though in sackeloth and full of troubles Apoc. 11. this book Christ still kept open in spight of all the new Antiochus devises 11. Therefore let this teach us with strong assurance that though the Papacy did so overspread yet that Christ had here and there two witnesses some godly ones that held the fundamentall truths when the Beast of the Pit had most darkned the surface of Christendome and they are also called the two Olive branches and the two Candle-sticks which Christ made still to abide before him that in every age his Saints might see the light of holy Doctrine 2. This likewise is for great consolation to the Saints that the Gospel of the Kingdome as it hath so it shall continue notwithstanding all the opposition that hath been and shall be in the world against it 3. Hence many are sharply to be reproved and rebuked that think and utter blasphemies that Christ did not reign and that he had no witnesses under the Papacy and that the Beast of the Pit had annihilated the Church of God And hence new upstarts vain men that wait for new apostles and new Râ—velations would dischurch the Reformed Churches and dischurch members thereof that have come according to the commandement out of mysticall Babylon And in great wickdednesse they cast off Magistracy and the ordinances of the publick ministery and the care of Religion in family c. and so themselves become very antichrists yea some in new England 1. Do abhor the baptising of the infants of godly parents 2. Account our Congregations antichristian 3. Make no regard â—o sanctifie the Lords day 4. Despise Magistâ—acy 5. Scorn our godly Teachers the Lord grant that such as do openly professe this abomination may never have a toleration among us but if the Lord please to be gracious to them to enlighten their minds by the word of truth then they will soon see how they are given to Satan and lying spirits 12. Remember that apostasie from the faith was foretold and that the brethren must be put in it that they might be carefull to be nourished up in the words of faith and in good Doctrine such holy brethren ever were and ever shall be because God from the beginning hath elected such to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and the belief of the truth 13. Can such a thought enter into our hearts that the Man of sinne hath destroyed Christs kingdome utterly that it should not have a being ever since the apostles dayes Let us mark what our Lord Jesus Christ hath said to his apostles I have chosen you and ordained you Iohn 15.16 that ye should go forth among the Nationâ— and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain Let us not therefore be deceived that Antichrist hath ever been able to root out the Kingdome of Christ although they killed some witnesses yet still Christ raised others to prophesie and the most holy faith is builded on Christ the rock the polity of the heavenly Jeâ—usalem is builded more sure then that the seed of the Serpent should ever be able to prevail so far as to destroy it utterly It is builded on the twelve found ations of the faith of the holy Patriarks and apostles Doctrine and this city is compassed with a wall of holy truth unvinâ—ible And what hath shaken Abaddons Kingdome but the prohesying of the two witnesses from the opened book that is in Christ his hand Thus much by way of Parenthesis to Apoc. 10. Now I will go on with the Trumpets and Phials SECT 7. The sixth Trumpet and second wo and sixth Pbiaâ— 1. THe sixth Trumpet sheweth how Christ raised up the Turk from
Babel had so ruinated them they could not chuse but have many sad thoughts of discomfort that they should never return So when the Churches saw wrath so full of fierie indignation on the Jews they thought the day of Christ was at hand The Apostle satisfied them and the Prophet Jeremiah comforts them with this speech as yet and the Prophets often reiterate these words which must be marked And in all those prophesies of their return there are many promises of Christ mixed for he is the radix of all comforts to the Church because God will send Christ to destroy Satans work and his seed and to blesse us All promises are made in him to be yea and Amen as that promise to Achaz although he despised it Esai 7. and would not put the safety of his Kingdome on such promises but would seek as his stubborn and unbelieving heart taught him help from Assur but because God had made promise yet to protect Ierusalem the City he had chosen to put his name there therefore he would protect it and because our heavenly Father would send his Son to be immanuel God with us therefore he would yet save Iudah Sion and Ierusalem Ieremiahs Prophecies are of this nature to be understood Esaias before Ieremiah had said by prophecie that although Babel had sorely afflicted the Church Isa 14 1.2 3. notwithstanding the Lord would have mercy on Iacob and would yet choose Israel and set them in their own Land the Land of Iehovah called elsewhere the Holy Land and pleasant Land and so it was to the ending of the Seventy Sevens but then any Land City and Assembly where the Gospel of Christ was and is taught believed and professed was and is as holy as that Land CHAP. XXVI That the Covenant of God in Christ made with Israel in Deuteronom is the very same that God made with Israel in Exodus and Leviticus and so to the end of the 19. chap. of Numbers in answer to them that hold the former to be only a covenant of works and the latter in Deut. to a covenant of grace because it is said in Deut. 21.9 beside the Covenant which he made with them in Horeb. Mr. Ainsworth saith it is the same Covenant but onely renewed to the children And Tremellius speaketh to the same effect we must remember that Malachi in shutting up the old Testament chargeth Israel from Christ to cleave to the Law given by Moses at Horeb Mal 4. as the onely good means to secute them from the Apostasie that would come upon them in the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes yea it began even in the dayes of Malachi then stout words were spoken that it was in vain to serve God c. Like the apostacy of the old world Dan. 11.14.30 31 32. Job 21. 14 15. and 22.17 Mal. 3.13 14. And the angel foretold of the lawlesse crew of Daniels people that would deal corruptly concerning the holy covenant 2. It was greatly consequent to renew the covenant to the children for now all their fathers were dead of the first numbring and so it was very fit that the children should be taught the fathers holy Religion by way of covenant the better to watch over their hearts before they went over Jordan to possesse Canaan 3. Moses repeats divers passages of Christ in three former chapters of Deuteronomie as a preparation and then most pathetically exhorteth to the obedience of Christ Deut. 4. and prosecutoth the same exhortation in chap. 5. where he repeat Exod. 20. and mark the second and third verse of chap. 5. in these words The word onely must be understood as in Cor. 1.17 Deut. 6.13 10 20. and so the Rabbins of the Jews understood it vid. Mr. Ainsworth Not with our fathers onely made Jehevah this Covenant but with us This doth not onely look to them of the first numbring that died in the wildernesse but to Jacob Isaac and Abraham and so Tremellius it was verily the same covenant for substance that was made with Abraham renewed in the wildernesse and exhibited fully and plainly in Christ but in respect of times and persons it is called a divers form of covenant vid. Heb. 8. So he yea I doubt not but we may go higher even to that promise of God to our first Parents Gen. 3.15 and to Noah Gen. 6. Promise and covenant are often taken promiscuously and it is for our comfort so to understand It is much for our edification and comfort in the holy faith so rounderstand the same promise made to our first Parents concerning Christ for they had sacrifices to seal the covenant of their salvation to him the same was made with Noah Gen 6. and the same with Sâ—m whose God was God blessed for ever Abraham Isaac and Iacob and in that covenant all the visible Church were ingaged before Moses to observe it and it is called the way of Christ and his charge in his commandements statutes and Laws Gen 26.5 These were enjoyned by Christ and by most godly tradition propagated in godly families from father to child untill Christ commanded Moses to put all these Laws and histories of Genesis into writing with sundry other Laws because the Church was now grown into a large common-weal and were to dwell in a Land by themselves as Christs peculiar people I will adde one Text in Leviticus to stablish our hearts in sound Doctrine chap. 25.23 The Land shall not be sold for ever for the Land is mine for ye are strangers and sojournens with me This text shews what all the Polity of Christ by Moses aimed at even faith and love in the Son of God Christ Iesus this text hath irradiant beams over all the holy Doctrine What a worthy exercise might a godly Oratour of a congregation a Scribe taught unto the Kingdome of heaven that hath his wits exercised in the word of righteousnesse make hence to an Auditory 1. You are strangers and sojourners with me How might he amplisie this from other Scriptures 1 Chron. 29. Psal 39. and 119. Heb. 11. by the godly example of the Nobles of all ages 1 Pet. 1. and 2.11 2. From the coherence of matter in the verses preceding and following that those that confesse in heart this Doctrine of Christ that they are but strangers and sojourners in this cursed world they must not oppresse and vex one another in setting and leting in buying and selling but deal justy and mercifully one with another 3. It will afford an heavenly meditation to consider how and why the Lord should say he is a stranger and sojourner in this world surely this Text sheweth how Light Life and immortality was brought to light by the Gospel in Moses and in Leviticus 4 All Deuteronomie is the abridgement of Moses Sermons for one moneth The Apostle Heb. 9. doth dilate much on Exodus and sheweth it was a Covenant of grace in Christ Deuteronomie must be understood to be the same covenant with Exodus
calling c. Ephes 1. 3. this is a mercy past evpression that God should make a covenant with such as we are this is the radix of all and therefore it is said 1. That they were his peculiar treasure 2. A Kingdome of Priests 3. And holy Nation 4. God placed his Tabernacle among them and 5. called them the Kingdome of God and the joyfull shout of so just good and mercifull a King was among them Who can but shout with all exultation if we did but understand our own comfort These things and other Scriptures shew they were under a covenant of grace if we be they were for their spirituall priviledges and promises are now conferred on us 2 Cor. 6.16 Apot. 21.3 Ephes 2. and 3.1 Pet. 2. conferred with Exod. 29.45 Leviâ— 25 23. and 26.12 Dâ—ut 7.6 7 8. now as Israel was Gods peculiar treasure so the Gentiles called to the faith are T it 2.14 this well considered will make the Doctrine of Anabaptistrie to be abhorred of us touching our infants 6. If reformed churches can make it good that they are under a corenant of grace and we may truly say it blessed be the name of the Lord then they were and we could not be so but because their priviledges are transacted to the wild olives and we are graffed into their olive tree we received from them all our glory all our spirituall things for Christ our salvation and all his holy Doctrine is of and from them I will collect some brief heads of Doctrine which were taught believed and professed in the common Weal of Israel 1. They had the Doctrine of the Trinity and Unity Deut. 6.4 2. They had the Doctrine of election and rejection Psalm 65. Exod. 9.16 and 33.19 3. They had the Doctrine of the great mysterie of godlinesse God manifested in the flesh to be a second Adam and to be a sin-offering and to rise from death the third day Gen. 3.15 and 12 3. Gen. 49. and they went three times a year according to the Testimony to Israel to testifie their faith in this this was the main 4. They were taught that the Father the Word and the Spirit one infinite nature created the world Psalm 33.6 Provâ—â— 5. They were taught that the Father had committed all power to the Son for governing the church and the world Psal 2. and 8. and 110. Gen. 19.24 Exod 23.20 21 22. all expound Gen 3.15 6. They were taught justification by faith in Christ Gen 4 and 15 Heb. 11. 7. They were taught Sanctification Be ye holy for I am holy Levit. 19 2. 8. Under Moses Polity they had hope and rest in Christ Psal 130. Ephes 2. Jer. 6.16 and 50.7 Mat. 11.29 Christ complained they had forgotten him their resting place he was the rest of the Saints evermore Jer. 50 6 7. the Apostle saith the Gentiles were without hope but Israel had hope in Christ both for remission of sinnes and eternall glory Eph. 2.12 Ezra 10.2 9. The spirituall graces of Circumcision and the Passeover were required and so practised Deut. 10.16 and 30.6 Exod. 12. Heb. 11.28 1 Sam. 1.7.36 10. The heavenly inheritance was taught them Levit 25.23 11. They were taught to account themselves strangers and sojourners in this cursed world Levit. 25 23. and so David taught his generation 1 Chron. 29 and so believed himself Psal 39. 12. They had hope in the Resurrection Job 19. Psal 49. Exod. 3.6 Mat. 22 32. 13. They had the holy Spirit to lead them in all holy wayes 2 Cor 4. to write the Law in their hearts to seal to them all holy Doctrine of the word whether promises threatnings commandements all good examples c. One may make a large volume of this Subject I think this question may be asked what one new doctrine is taught in the new Testament that the Saints of the old Testament knew not when grievous crimination of heresie by the Councel were laid to the Apostles charge he protesteth he taught no new principles Acts 14.15 16 17. and 26.7 now if the common-Wealth of Israel had all this holy doctrine they must needs be under a covenant of grace CHAP. XXXI A Prosopopeia on Solomomons fall by the Temptations of his idolatrous wives to the ruine of his Kingdome and posterity in granting them the liberty of conscience for the practice of their idolatrous Rites framed by way of Dialogue between King Solomon and Tirzana the Queen TIâ—zana being a Princesse of the house of Moab and being called for did enter into the presence of King Solomon and after some dalliance with her and after she had fitted his humour by giving him all the best content she could she took the opportunity and said my Lord King Solomon I have an humble Request to make unto your gracious Majesty I pray you say me not nay K. What is that my sweet Tiâ—zana Q. My most gracious Lord and Soveraign I have been some years with you though you have often spoken to me to be a Proselite to the Religion of Israels common-weal yet I cannot bring my heart unto it you well know that my education was not in the way manner of Israel and my affection is not toward it it is not so pleasing to me for I cannot forget my fathers house nor forsake his Religion In this case I shall blemish my father and my mother brethren and sisters and people in case I should apostatise from our ancient Religion and in my opinion far the better we have more zeal in ours and many moe pleasures to give man and woman content than is in your profession your Religion is very crosse to mans nature and is urged with great terrour and strictnesse your Religion reproves thoughts words and most mens actions no Religion under heaven doth so as yours and that makes so few to embrace it Yea many of Israel have formerly been more addicted unto ours and the worships of neighbours Nations than to this of Israel and they will not follow it but by compulsion of Governors whereas religious worships should be freely exercised according to every mans conscience when if your subjects should be left unto you well know which way the ride will run it is a pitifull thing that man of a noble and free spirit should be so tyred with hard injunctions and heavy burdens as with bands cords and fetters and it may be that reformation that your noble Father indeavoured and your selfe have prosecuted would not and will not be so convenient as due liberty which would be a more noble design than rigid reformation And if Antiquity make things reverend then our Religion is more ancient or if not more yet as equall for Antiquity for ought I can learne I am but a poor Historian being a woman but I am able to prove the Religion of our God Chemosh to be above four hundred and fifty years old This I can attest and prove by your own Records and you had yours
wonder at the great respect and love that my Sovereign Lord doth manifest to me hi hand-maid that he should afford such his amiable society I doe perceiv your most ardent and indeared love to me above any of your honorable weomen your kind and fervent desire towards me though most unworthy hath fired my heart towards your sacred Majesty I am your Servant and at your Graces command and so ever will be to perform all loyall and dutifull observance I would I were able to expresse the fervency of my heart unto my Sovereign Lord and seeing it hath pleased the King so royally to manifest himselfe I hope I may present and importune my foâ—mer humble request unto my Lord my gracious Sovereign for the building of a Chappell for my maids and my Houshold Servants and Attendants it shall not be so much for my selfe as for them whom I humbly confesse are not worthy to come into the confines of Jerusalem your holy City 1 Chr. 8.11 much lesse into the Palaces of Zion the City of David your Father your love is so great unto me which if I should distrust I should most highly offend For I know you hate Atheisme and as it is an abomination unto you it greives my heart that I have no place of devotion to resort unto when all the Ladies of Israel may resort unto your Temple and I and my maids sit moping at home all amort as they worship their God so would I serve my God the God of my Father And shee gave the King a gentle stroke on the breast and said my noble consort my Sovereign my â—oyall Lord I know I have your heart I know you love me and what shall or can be wanting from a loving heart c. c. And the King being ravished with her love and with such words sweeter then honey softer then oyl and all subtle flatteries and after some discourse the King was captivated with her dalliance and snared with her devilish devices and her hands were as bands she perswaded him shee enticed him and forced him to yeild that shee had his license to build a Temple on Mount Olivet to Chemosh the Devil the idol the abomination of Moab Now the Queen and her Attendants followed their businesses with diligence they slacked no time Masons and Carpenters are sent for to hew Stone and to square and saw Timber and so an high place was builded on the Mount of coâ—ruption which did give a most vile affront to CHRISTS holy Templâ— for they could over-look all Jerusalem from Mount Olivet When King Salomon was thus caught by this Lady of Moab then all the other strange wives might thus prattle and they plyed their businesses diligently and used all their agents men and woemen as there ever are in Kings Courts too many time servers and hypocrites for such projects and negotiations And things went so ill in the State that not one of his thousand Wives and Concubines would disswade the King if halfe the World were a Church a Troop or squadron of a thousand of such creatures if suffered would overturn all these were so pampered with pride ease wantonnesse and fulnesse of bread that no holy Doctrine could take with them but rather the Jedidiah the precious servant of the Lord was taken and snared and corrupted by their pleasing and insinuating incantations Those thousand wretches could not spend so little each of them with their Maids and Attendants as seven hundred or eight hundred pounds per annum and some of them would consume more like the Locusts Apoc. 9. fruges consumere nati And the charges in Building thir Temples was great All these expenses might amount unto eight hundred thousand pounds per annum if not to a million an excessive charge which very likely the subjects stumbled at and after Salomons death craved ease of taxations of Rechoboam They would not take it ill to build stronge Cities and Chariot-Cities and Store-Cities c. that charge was for the profit of the Common-Weal But to be at such rates excises and taxations for the maintenance of such a number of base creatures the subject was not able to bear and craved release of such oppressions Common-Weals should have a diligent inspection that rates and taxations collected for the common profit be not imployed by men to private interests to make great purchases to maintain themselves wives and children and flattring Attendants in pride idlenesse and luxury Such coveteousnesse selfe-love and loving of pleasures more then lovâ—rs of God will breed perilous times and undoe all The Son of God to whom the Father hath committed all authority and power who is King in Sion and the onely Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords he knows how as we have seen to put fire into Subjects hearts to destroy oppressours Anâ— let Rulers and Governours consider all the Chariot-cities â—enced Cities and Store cities which Salomon had repaired fortified and furnished with all provisions and ammunitions in the ten Tribes and in part of Benjamin all this fell to Jeroboom in one day 1 King 9. Thiâ— was a punishment to the Kingdome for Salomons transgression in toleration of false Religions and bad opinions And observe also the story of Gideon He was a man of no great estimation and authority in the Tribe of Manasseh or among the thousands of Israel his was the meanest yet when the Son of God would advance him to do his work he made him Generall of Israels Common Weal and he by the Sword of Christ and his own Sword avenged the quarrell of Gods Covenant against the seed of the Serpent in many exploits upon which the people were so affected that they would have conferred on him and his posterity the Government of the State which he modestly and religiously denyed but his wicked opinion of will worship in making an Ephod to worship God by was the ruine of his house the cause of much trouble to the whole Common-Weal Jud. 6.15 8.27 ch 9. Wherefore let all States be admonished concerning toleration of wicked opinions in pretence of conscience especially of the papisticall opinions which draweth to the second death we must remember the whoredoms of the seven-Mountain City is a mistery and Christ hath said Mysticall Babylon shall fall and be cast as a mil-stone into the Sea and what State soever seeks by toleration to uphold it must sink with it undoubredly We have the providence of Christ fresh before our eyes how he hath resisted all cunning plots and wit of man to bring in Popery the toleration of Popery is a countermanding of Christs project for it is said the Kingdomes of the world shall be our Lord Gods and his Christs and he shall reign for ever Toleration of Popery doth uphold the King of Locusts Kingdome and the Lord JESUS saith he that gathereth not with me scattereth CHRIST saith come out of her my people and toleration hinders their coming The reverend Master Perkins
people 2 Chr. 20. Dan 7.1 Sam. 7. Psalm 84. Hest 4.16 humiliation of his people he alway heard their cry (f) He had ever respect to his glorious and great Name Exod. 34. Num. 14. Deut. 32. Ezek. 20. and this the Saints perpetually remember to God Psalm 74. 79 149. his promise and covenant is ever working and remembred his covenant in Christ breaking the head and head-plot of the seed of the Serpent in his unsearchable judgements (g) Consider Psalm 2. 110. through all stories at the word from Kain to all that follow his waies putting away all the wicked of the earth like dross treading and trampling them in the (h) Let this text of Esay 63. be cited no more impertinently not erronionsly Apoc. 19. teacheth to expound it Wine-press of his anger and fury and overthrowing Kingdome after Kingdome with great desolation as it is said Lo I begin to bring evil on the City whereupon my name is called and should ye be utterly unpunished Read Jer. 23. Esay 30. Very many more are the observations which these Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets will afford to the wild Olive branches but to the godly and deligent student they will be familiar QUest 8. Was not the Kingdome of Salomon restored after the captivity Answ 1. No They were told that they should never have an earthly Kingdome any more for God had sworn that Jechonias of Salomons posterity and of the direct line of the Royal descent should dy childless and that none of his seed nor of Jehojakim his father should bear rule any more in Judah Jer. 22. 36.30 2. Also God had told them in Babel that the 4 Kingdoms signified by the four mettals of the Image by the four beasts Dan. 2. 7. should over-rule their outward estate and that the Crown and Kingdom should be overturned overturned overturned and cast to the ground till he came to whom it belonged that is Christ the King QUest 9. If Salomons race was ended in Jechonias how was Gods promise fulfilled that Christ should come of David according to the flesh Ans David besides Salomon had a son of Bathsheba called Nathan and of him our Lord Jesus Christ linealy descended QUest 10. If Jechonias dyed childeless how is it said that he begate Salathiel 1 Chron. 3.17 and Mat. 1.12 Answ Salathiel was the Son of Jechonias by legal right of succession to the kingdom not son by nature and so Ezra teacheth 1 Chron. 3. That Jechonias being in (a) See how Tremelius translates 1 Chron 3.17 the term Assiâ— is not a proper name strait prison adopted Salathiel his heir And in the same manner the Evangelist Matthew handles our Lords case declaring that he was right heir to the kingdome of Israel QUest 11. Which are the Kingdoms signified by the four mettals and by the four Beasts Dan. 2. 7. Answ By the Head of Gold and the Lion is signified Babel the Brest and armes of silver and the Bear signifie the Medes and Persians the Belly and sides of Brass and the spotted Leopard the kingdom of Graecia the thighs and legs of iron and feet of iron and clay and the Beast with ten horns the kings of Gog in the north and the kings of the South QUest 12. What was the end of those wicked kingdomes that oppressed the Saints the holy Hebrews Answ The whole Image was beaten to dust and made as chaff before the winde the four Beasts were cast into the fire unquenchable before the Son of man came in the clouds QUest 13. What reasons may be rendred why God did abolish some of Moses Ceremonies and Salomons race and everthrew Temple City and kingdome Answ Israel which is after the flesh looked not to the sure mercies of David in the eternal throne and kingdome promised to them in Christ But that which was for their welfare became to them through misbelief an occasion of falling they stumbled at the Stumbling Stone and seeking by the outward work to be justifyed as Esay 1. 58.59 Psa 50. complains and made their Belly their God and minded outward and earthly things therefore God did shake all those poor rudiments by Babel read Jer. 3.16 52.13.17 c. and once more finally said he wouldâ— that they might be better perswaded to embrace the New Covenant that God had promised to make with them to look to Christ the end of the Law and to entertain his easie yoke and to enter into his rest to be more spiritually minded to look to him the true Salomon and to his Priesthood and kingdom QUest 14. How many years was it since the 19. of Nebuchadnezar or the third captivity to the end of the Captivity Answ Full 50 years then the golden head was made dust the Lion thrown in the fire Then Cyrus K. of Persia overthrew Babel The eighth Chapter of Dan. for the fufilling of it belongs to the time of the Seventy Sevens and likewise much of chap 2. and 7. and made a decree for the return of the people and building of the Citie and Temple in the first year of his Reign QUest 15. What Scriptures are contained in those 50. years Ans Part of the last chap of 2 Kings and part of the last chap. of 2 Chr. much of Jeremiah and much of Ezekiel so much as is noted to be after the 11. of Zedekiah or the burning of the Temple the 4 5 7 8. a chapters of Daniel the prophesie of Obadiah The Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the eighth CHAPTER QUest N. 4. Moses saith from Christ People should be taught this constantly that the Son of God to whom the Father hath committed all authority and power so as Mediatour he gave the Law And when we are careless or wilful and break the law and do not obey it then we dishonour the Son for this is the holy revealed will of the Lord that all men should honour the Son as they honour the father Exoa. 23. Mat. 17.5 So it is said of Servants they serve and obey Christ when they perform their duties in conscience to their masters the same is said of wives and children And so we must say of all relations divine and humane in all the Ten Words Mark Jeremy chap. 34. all of it That is a great Word which is spoken Obdience is better than Sacrifice This well understood will make to vaniâ—h the term Legalists and the vain doctrines that have been about keeping and walking in the Law of the Lord as though it were not made for the righteous to be a rule of life but we may not once to think to be justified by the doing of it for the Law is more spiritual then the best Christian in the world But we ought to be very careful that we walk in his holy covenant that our hearts by his spirit may comfort us that we are honest subjects of the Kingdome of so good and gracious a
King And let such take heed that will not thus be Legalists that the Lord Jesus Christ the King do not send forth writs against them as out-laws that will not obey his commandements but be as untamed Heifers for he hath as we see many Marshals such as is sicknesses diseases c. to attend him to serve his processes from which there can be no escaping if once the decree come forth But do I say no escaping yea it may be upon godly humiliation not only escaping if not that yet abatemâ—nt of the chastisement or else all will be sanctified to us that all shall be for our good for he that is our King and Law giver is also our sacrifice of propitiâ—ation and reconciliation to all that judge themselves and confess their sins and forsake their iniquities for he is merciful and just in his promises to pardon them that by the assistance of his Spirit walk in his righteous Law All his providences are to humble and to bring us to the obedience of faith in him our holy Mediator and blessed are they that do his commandements Apoc 22.14 Ibid. N. 5. The Law of the Lord is a cnoverting Law The Law Ceremonial and Moral was a regenerating and converting Law by the spirit of Christ to them of the old Testament Although the Lord Jesus ending all the Ceremonial Law in his offering up of himself as a most perfect sin-offering and his bloud a perfect sprinkling is our compleat cleansing and justification yet still teacheth us the Moral law as his New Testament sheweth to obey God in him whom all the Israel of God must know that God the Father hath made him Lord and Christ as to be our Priest and Teacher so to be our King and Commander yea as to be any one of them so to be all of them to us And all this is to present us to God an holy people 1 Corinth 15. ult Colloss 1.28 John 17. The Law was not given by Christ with that terrour to be to us onely a Law of works as many understand works but it was a Gospel Law teaching of Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus and it was given in terrour to make men fear to despise the Son of God as Mediatour All the preaching of God to the Patriarks and by Moses and the Prophets was to bring man back again to God by preaching Jesus Christ the Mediatour from God and his mediation was ever manifested since the fall of our first parents And our Lords Apostles taught the same holy doctrine among all nations for the obedience of faith read Rom. 1.5 and 16.25.26 Nicodemus a Teacher in Israel should have known all these things Iohn 3. Quest 7. and Answ And should ye be utterly unpunished When the Church is afflicted then let the world look for a scourge for in the prosperity of the Church the world fares the better let the world blesse the Church it shall then have many outward comforts The world should now be wise to consider that to vex the Church of God to curse Abraham is the ready way to bring plagues on it self But it is said the whole world lies in wickednesse and so it will still be and we must expect it Quest 8. and Answ N. II. Overturned c. That speech of Ier. 22.29 O earth earth earth write Iechonias childeless and that speech of Ezek. 21.27 Overturned overturned overturned must be diligently observed together the one for the ending of Salomons house the other for the Kingdom Although God overturned Salomons Kingdome and ended his progenie yet he failed not David of his truth and mercy promised but he raised up One even Christ our of his loines after he was dead and set him upon his throne and his throne shall stand for ever Luke 1.32.33 which opens Psalm 89. And Gods promise to David 2 Sam. 7. And concerning the refusal of Salomons house in Iechonias and the choosing of the house of Nathan mark the words of the blessed and beloved virgin Luke 1.51 He hath shewed strength with his arm and he hath scattered the proud in the imaginations of their heart he hath put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree Quest 10. and answ in a threefold Charge The mighty and great God saith Jer. 22. Words by his servant the prophet ending the succession of Salomon with greater proclamation to all the world than Davids oath at the first had brought it into honour The ending of Salomons house was one of the weightest matters in all the government of the world to shew that Christ his Kingdom is not of this world Mr. Bro. in Manus Quest 11. and answ and the Lion When the State of Iudah by being conversant with Lions became a Lioness and brought forth Lions that roared on the subjects then God brought upon them the Lion-Babel and other hunters who spread their nets from them Ezekiel 19. Ibid Kings of Gog in the North By Gog and Magog is meant the kings of the North the fourth Beast or the iron leg Ezek. 38. 39. Dan. 2. and 7. skilful ought we to be to discern the proper Gog and Magog from that spoken mystically Apoc. 20. Quest 12. and answ The four Beasts To the carnal and worldly minded the wicked Kingdomes of this world seem glorions powers as in the image to Nebuchadnezzar but to the spiritual minded they are as salvage Beasts that go to a fire unquenchable So the state of mystical Babylon is glorious in the world Apoc. 17.4 but their end shall be as Sodoms Apoc. 14.10 19.20 Quest 31. and answ The sure mercies of David That glorious Temple of Stone and all Moses Ceremonies and that golden Throne of Salomon and that store of gold and plenty of silver as stones strong Cities and Chariot Cities stately buildings fourty thousand stalls for Horses plenty of all provision royal furniture and all princely accommodations curious delights of eyes and ears c. were not the sure mercies and holy things of David For all was vanishing into vanity when Rehoboam shewed himself a fool both in matter of State and corrupting the Gospel 1 Kings 10. Eccles 2.19 The sure me cies are shewed to the circumcision and to the uncircumcision Esay 55.1 2 c. 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5. 2 Cor. 4.18 Acts 13.34 35. c. And all the Epistle to the Hebrews Esay 57.15 66.1 2 Mat. 5. 6. 7. Hosea 1.7 Zâ—ch 4.6 And the true gold and clothing is from the true Salomon and the firm building is on Christ the Rock Apoc. 3.18 Mat. 7. That these things might be graffed and as nailes fastened in our hearts look further within the veile of these matters Salomons wives over-wrought him to suffer and by his charges to build idol places whereupon he saw he had occasioned Gods threatning for the renting and overthrow of his Kingdome and foreseeing the destruction of the Temple Citie and Kingdom he writeth his Gospel That all