other by a Free-woman which things saith Paul are an allegory for they are the two Covenants the one from Mount Sinai which is Hagar who you may remember did abide with her son Ishmael for a time in Abrahams family but when Isaac was borne and Ishmael found mocking at him he no longer must abide there Gen. 21.9 10. but Sarah a Free-woman and her son Isaac a child of Promise who indeed had more right to dwell in Abrahams family then she that was a meer Bond-woman and her son born after the flesh Now being told by Paul that these are the two Covenants it followes plainly that as there was a time for Hagar and Ishmael to abide in Abrahams family but must be cast out when found mocking at the true promised seed according to the flesh so there was a time when the first Covenant and her children after the flesh held forth by Hagar and Ishmael had a being in Abrahams family but at length being found mocking at the new Covenant and her children after the promise must be cast out so the new Covenant remains and her children held forth by Sarah and Isaac with whom the Bond-woman and her son shall not be heir But that you may the more cleerly understand the casting out of the first Covenant and her Children First mind what the first Covenant is and that is in a strict sence the ten Precepts written upon the Tables of Stone Exod. 34.28 29. Deut. 9.9 Heb. 9.1 2 3 4. And in the largest sence the whole law of Moses given to Israel when they came out of Egypt Heb. 10.1 Deut. 31.24 Heb. 9.19 20 22. And those who were accounted children of this first Covenant or Testament were the Children of Abraham after the flesh descending from Isaac Gen. 17.9 10 11 12. Jerem. 31.32 Exod. 19.3 5. Deut. 4.8 Psal 147.19 20. Amos 3.1 2. For they all were borne Heirs of the Land of Canaan and so were commanded to be circumcised that the Token of the Covenant might be in the flesh the truth of which is undeniably held forth by that touching Hagar and Ishmael as hath been said whom the Apostle saith signifieth the first Covenant and her children Gal. 4.23 24 25. Whereupon if Ishmael the son of a Bond-woman born after the flesh hold forth the Children of the first Covenant which gendered to bondage it must needs follow that Abrahams seed after the flesh were the children thereof therefore saith the Scripture cast out the Bond-woman and her Son which saith Paul allegorically is the first Covenant and her children who shall not be Heir with the son of the Free-woman that is to say the children of the new Covenant now most sure I am that if they were not fleshly but Spiritual they should not be cast out though by this I do not deny but that many of Abrahams seed after the flesh did become through beleiving everlastingly happy but not by the law or first Covenant the tenor of which is Do and thou shalt live Rom. 10.5 but by the law of faith Rom. 3.27 which excludeth boasting in birth previledges So then the first Covenant was made with the fleshly seed of Abraham the Priest-hood given to a fleshly line the seed of Aaron Exod. 40.14 15. Ezra 2.62 the Sacrifices and Ordinances carnal that is fleshly seeming for the purifying of the flesh Heb. 9.10 13. that they might stand before God and not die and enjoy the good land of Canaan which God Covenanted to give to them as they were the fleshly seed of Abraham Now the nature or tenor of the first or old Covenant as in the hand of Moses was this to wit He that Doth these things shall live by them that is should be blessed with long life deliverance from all their enemies with all other temporal blessings in the promised Land Deut. 28. the nature of which law Paul setteth in direct opposition to the law of faith which saith he speaketh on this wise That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt Believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved Rom. 10.5 6 9. And hence it is that Israel seeking after righteousness as it were by the works of the law stumbled and fell shewing plainly that the righteousness which takes hold of eternal life was not attainable by the law Rom. 9.31 32. for the law is not of faith and so 't is evident that no flesh shall be justified by it in the sight of God Gal. 3.11 12. Thus you see the tenor of the Law as in the hand of Moses was Do and thou shalt live and so the Law or first Covenant in that sence leading to bondage answering the Bond-woman is cast out with her fleshly children answering Ishmael Abrahams seed after the flesh and So it comes to pass that Paul in plain words declareth that the Law written and engraven in stones is done away and abolished 2 Cor. 3.7 11 13. Also saith the Apostle he taketh away the first that he may establish the the second Heb. 10 9. But mistake not for by this I do not import as if Christ came to destroy the Law but rather to fulfill and establish it yea and now also the Law so far as 't is ministred in by Jesus is to be observed by Saints as a righteous rule in the doing of which God may have honour but mind I pray you the vast difference betwixt doing the law as ministred by Moses from doing the Law as ministred by Jesus as thus Do saith Moses and thou shalt live but Believe saith Christ and thou shalt live and so when the creature comes to believe and in believing hath life he then having life is to do whatsoever Christ teacheth him of the Law as also all other things which he shall require him to do for the honour of his and the Fathers name 1 Cor. 10 31. in the doing of which Christ saith he shall abide in his love John 15.10 But if he waxe wanton and come to dishonour the father and the Son who hath given him life in believing in his trespasse which he hath trespassed and in his sin which he hath sinned in them shall he dye All this being considered serves by the way first to remove the conscientious scruple risen in some touching the now remaining of the seventh day sabbath for while they are wondering how it can be that one of the ten Precepts should be taken away and the other nine remain the truth offers it self in shewing that they all are done away as ministred in the old Covenant by Moses 2 Cor. 3.7 11 13. though remaining so far and upon the account as Christ teacheth them who is the great and alone Prophet that is to be heard in all things whatsoever He shall say to us Secondly it serves for sharpe reproose to those who would be looked upon zealous for God in that they contend for the sprinkling of infants for if the fleshly
perfection And the Epistles and commandements in the Scriptures were for that age and for the people that lived in the Apostles dayes for the Epistles were written to several Churches we being not those Churches they do not concern us Ans The Author to the Hebrewes exhorts them to their duty and so all believers to go on to perfection in the way of Christ taking up the similitude of a building to make it out and as in the building of an house there are Foundation or Principle peices laid down and according to the rule of these Foundations or principle Peices the builders of a Temporall house go up as farre as the Principles guid them and then the house is come to perfection or finished so even so in this spirituall house when we at the first have laid down these Principles we are to go up to perfection according to the rule of the Foundation Peices in the Doctrine of Christ Jesus Christ being the cheife Corner Stone on which the building fitly framed together groweth up unto an holy Temple in the Lord Eph. 2.21 And when we are come as high as these Principles lead us we are come to perfection for when we injoy the Resurrection and the eternal Judgement we are then come to perfection and as in a temporal house none can finish it so as to make it perfect if they do not build according to the rule of the Principles or Foundation Peices laid down so also in the spiritual house if we go not up according to the rule of the Foundations how can we go up to perfection And also in a temporal house if they leave out any of the Foundation Peices they cannot build up to perfection then how can any in the spiritual building go up to perfection if they leave out any of the Principles for if they do the house will be in danger to fall Again in a temporal building when they have laid down the foundation of the house if they build not upon them but lye still there can be no perfection and so it is in the spiritual house also and that was that which the Author to the Hebrewes blames them for their neglect in not going forward in the building of the spiritual house Heb. 5.12 neither would he have them to lay the Foundations again but to go forward to perfection as they teach them for to do for no other foundation can no man lay then that which is laid which is Jesus Christ and whosoever heares his word and doth the same builds upon on him the rock of ages Mat. 7.24 Chap. 16.18 Psal 62.2 1 Cor. 10.4 And also the Scriptures were written for this end to teach all men their duties in all ages till Christ come and yet many times the words thereof spoken to the People in present being yet concerns all as that which the Lord saies to Eve that she should bring forth in sorrow Gen. 3.16 the word is spoken to her only yet all women bring forth in sorrow Secondly Christ speakes to his disciples which were then present with him at that time that when the signes did appeare which he had declared concerning his coming they should lift up their heads for their redemption draweth neer Luke 21.28 Now these words though spoken to the present Disciples are for the comfort of them especially that live a little before the coming of Christ therefore the Scriptures are for to teach us upon whom the ends of the world are come yea even them that live when the last signes of Christs coming appear 1 Cor. 10.11 Thirdly Because the Lord Jesus exhorts the saints of Thyatira to hold fast that burden that he laid upon them untill he come Rev. 2.24 25. And so Peter wrote his second Epistle for to warn the saints to give diligent heed to the words of the Prophets and the commandements of the Lord Jesus delivered by the Apostle for saith be in the last dayes there shall come scoffers walking after their own lusts saying where is the promise of his coming and he wrote this when his departing was at hand 2 Pet. 3.2 3. Chap. 1.14 And Jude bids the saints contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints Jude 3. and John saith that he that remaineth in him ought even so to walk as he hath walked 1 John 2.6 So it is evident that whosoever is in Chirst ought to walk after him according to his word in all ages and that he wrote no new Commandement and that the old Commandement is the word which they have heard from the beginning vers 7. So that it is evident that in the Scriptures are all the commandements of God for all the children of men to walk up in till Christ come in person who is the bright morning star Rev. 22.16 for there is no other Gospel then that which hath been preached Gal. 1.8 9. So Jesus Christ yesterday to day and the same for ever therefore be not carryed about with divers and strange Doctrines for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace Heb. 13.8 9. so I say with Paul who wrote to Timothy a little before his death that the Sciptures are able to make a man wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus for all Scripture is given by inspiration spiration of God and is prositable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect thorowly furnished unto all good workes 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. Object But there is no walking up in these Ordinances because we cannot see any so sent of God to preach work miracles as the Apostles did so there is no Adminstrator of Ordinances for we do no see the signs following spoken of Mark 16. Answ That the Lord Jesus doth give all power to those that do believe that he is the Christ the Son of the living God and have through grace willing hearts to obey him to preach and to administer all Ordinances Mat. 16. John 20.21 22. Yea they are the Church that do believe he is the King to rule them and the Priest to make intercession by his bloud speaking better things then that of Abell and the alone Prophet to teach them they hearing him in all things Mat. 17.5 so as to have fellowship in breaking of bread and prayer Acts 3.22 23. I say and witness with the Scriptures that they which believe with all their hearts that Jesus is the Christ and have willing hearts to obey as aforesaid may preach and administer all Ordinances orderly and so become a Church although they do not work Miracles Secondly The Testament is bound up and the law sealed among Disciples Isa 8.16 therefore the Ordinances also they that continue in the word of Christ are his Disciples indeed and they are the friends of Christ that do whatsoever he commands them John 1.14 31. Chap. 15.14 Now if they have not power to do his commands they
THE WHOLE FAITH OF MAN Being the Gospel declared in plainness as it is in JESUS and the way thereof of old confirmed by divers Signs Wonders Miracles and Gifts of the holy Ghost In thirty six Heads setting out Mans way work from the day of his Conversion to the day of his Dissolution and what therein is both to be believed and practised The Second Edition much Enlarged By WILL. JEFFERY who hath for years been a poor Labourer in Christs Vineyard So likewise ye when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17.10 London Printed by G. Dawson for Francis Smith in Flying-Horse Court in Fleet-street near Chancery lane end and Stephen Dagnal of Alisbury 1659. TO The Christian READER Loving Reader THis work presented to thy view read I pray with diligence and care imploying thy whole understanding to observe what 〈◊〉 written herein whether it be according to the Scriptures of truth and finding it so lay it up in thy heart and bring it forth in Conversation and in Worship and that thou mayest so do mark well the Scriptures that are brought for the proof of that which is said and for the right understanding of the Scriptures note these five things First who it is that speaketh Secondly the ground or cause of the Word spoken Thirdly what is spoken Fourthly the time when Fifthly to whom it speaketh And labour to understand Prophecies whether they be fulfilled or no and mistake not so as to think that Parables or Comparisons in Scripture prove nothing for they do excellently prove things if rightly understood for the Parable of the unjust Iudge and the Widdow Luk. 18. v. 1. proveth that men ought alwayes to pray and not to faint and that in Rev. 16.15 which saith that Christ will come as a thiefe proveth that Christ will come suddenly and that day of the Lord shall come upon ungodly men unawares yea as a snare shall it take them 2 Thes 5.23 but it doth not prove that Christ will come unrighteously as a thief for that connot be So Parables and Comparisons in the Scriptures prove excellently the things for which they are brought but beware of using them beyond their line and also note that a Commandment or Precept only gives ground to duty for where no Law is there is no transgression mistake not for the manner of the performance of the duty is not alwayes in all things laid down in the Commandment so the primitive examples of the People of God for the manner of the performance of duty is very safe and where there is no example of the People of God in the Scriptures for the manner as aforesaid take heed that the duty be done decently and in order 1 Cor. 14.40 James 5.14 But stand in awe in the fear of God and beware that you add not to the Commandment nor diminish therefrom in the performance of duty for he that shall presume to speak a word in the name of the Lord which he hath not commanded him shall die Deut. 18.20 Pro. 30.6 Revel 22.18 19. Mind also that according to the Law and the Prophets and New Testament are to hear Christ in all things yea to give more heed to Christ then Israel was to Moses Heb. 2.1 2. Chap. 12.25 and to labour to understand what the first Testament is and who were the children hereof and what is the new Testament and who are the children thereof and let no man that believeth and is added to the Church according to the Scripture content himself in a child like state but labour with all diligence to come to mans stature being strong in Christ 1 Epistle of John 2.13 14. For in these last dayes will come in all deceiveableness of unrighteousness and so many will fall away the age groweth ripe many run to and fro and knowledge is increased therefore labour to understand the Mysteries of the Scripture walk up purely in all that thou knowest for they shall be revealed and fulfilled in these latter dayes yea whosoever thou art observe more what is declared it being truth then the manner of the declaring it be not offended at the plainness or poverty of the man that speaketh he speaking as the Oracles of God For God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise I have studied brevity for many reasons therefore heed well what is spoken and so have thy heart open for truth but closed up against all errour and try all spirits by the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament For if they speak not According to the Law and Testamony it is because there is no light in them Isai 8.20 And so read this Book with a single eye for it very highly concerns thy eternal life for for this end was it written that men might know the good old way of the Gospel and walk therein and so find rest for their souls and that God might have all the Glory and this is the sincere desire of him that is ready to serve thee with all his might in he strength of the Lord in the work of his Generation William Ieffery A TABLE OF The principal Matters spoken to or handled in this Book 1. THe Gospel what it is Page 1 2. That the Gospel is to be preached to all Men. Page 2 3. That Christ dyed for all Men. Page 4 4. That God through Christs death in the ministration of the Gospel sets all men in a way to come to the knowledge of the truth and be eternally saved Page 6 5. How Men in all ages were set in that way Page 9 6. What Adams sin brought upon all the sans of Men. Page 13 7. How Christ redeemed all Men from the first death and all the guilt or punishment of Adams sin Page 18 8. That all Infants dying in Infancie shall be saved Page 17 9. The great cause of condemnation and what it is Page 21 10. How Men are given up to blinded eyes and hardned hearts and wherefore Page 30 11. How Gods Decree takes hold of Men to condemnation Page 27 12. Gods Decree concerning Election to salvation Page 32 13. Why none but Beleevers are chosen to salvation and yet foreseen faith not the cause Page 33 14. The first Testament what it is in the strictest sence and what it is in the largest and who were the children thereof and how is it cast out and its children and the difference between the Law of Faith and the Law of Works and a word of the abolishing of the seventh day Sabbath Page 35 15. What the second Testament in the strictest fence and what in the largest and who are the children thereof and who the Ministers thereof and the vast disproportion between the first Testament and the Second Page 42 16. What Repentance is and what Faith is and the nature thereof Page 52 17. That Bilievers onely are the
all men and women in the way so as by his death they might have eternal life I say it will follow clearly that Christ dyed for all men for else the Gospel will be the tender of a lie which is blasphemy to affirme It will I say be the tender of a lie because in the Gospel there is offered to all as hath been shewed remission of sins and everlasting life through a crucified Christ but if Christ died but for some men and this glad-tyding of peace in the Gospel be held forth for all men as it is then to some of these all it will be the tender of a lie but that cannot be therefore I conclude that Christ died for all men This further will appear if you observe well how that all men every where are commanded to repent and beleive the Gospel Mark 1.15 Act. 17.30 and that is witnessed in the Gospel to all men both beleevers and Unbeleevers that there is eternal life in Christ and that they who receive it not make God a lier 1 Joh. 5.10 11 12. Again consider that God doth bid all earnestly and doth not mock any untill first they reject him Prov. 1.25 27. nor doth he deal as hypocrites to bid men to his supper having before decreed in himself that they shall never taste thereof but I say unfaignedly and altogether truly doth the Lord bid and invite all persons to come to the marriage supper and saith he for All Things are ready now if Christ died not for all how could he invite all even them that never came saying all things are ready when as to them that came not which are the greatest part of men to them I say the only thing was not ready that is to say a Christ crucified for their sins and so whereas Christ saith that all things are ready this opinion which I contend against declares that there is nothing ready for I am sure that without a crucified Christ there is no salvation for the sons of men and moveover to conceive that Christ died but for some men notwithstanding his so often calls and loving invitations to all men whatsoever to come unto him that they might be saved Joh. 1.7 whether in the city or in the lanes or about the hedges to conceive this I say is to liken the Lord Jesus unto the vilest of men who as David saith Psal 55.21 have in their mouths words smoother then butter but war in the heart words softer then oyle yet were as drawn swords Moreover the Scriptures holds forth plainly that unbelief in the son of God is a great sin yea the cause of eternal condemnation John 3.18 Joh. 8.24 Now if the son of God died not for the unbeliever who is saith Christ condemned already because he believeth not on him then the unbeliever is condemned for not believing a lie but this cannot possibly be the judgment of the righteous God who condemns men for not receiving and beleeving the truth that they might be saved 2. Thes 2.10 11 12. Therefore again I conclude that Christ died for all men Moreover we find Paul that eminent light of the world in great heaviness and continual sorrow of heart yea and wishing himself accursed from Christ for his brethren the Jewes that were shut up in unbelief Rom. 9.2.3.32 33. Rom. 11.7 8 9 10. To whom also he acknowledgeth did belong the adoption and the glory and the Covenants and the giving of the law and the service of God and the promises now 't is most plain that the Apostle doth by acknowledging these so many and excellent priviledges pertaining to the Jewes declare and clearly preach up that there was a time when they might have been happy had they with others sought after the righteousness of God by faith but alas alas they obtained it not wherefore because Christ died not for them saith many but saith the holy Apostle because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the works of the law ver 31.32 And this is charged upon them as their great folly which indeed had been none at all had they not as well as others been put into a capacity through the grace of a crurified Christ to have beleeved and so eternally saved which thing most asuredly Paul understood touching them and therfore he abode in great heaviness for them yea and wished himself accursed from Christ for them knowing and beleeving that God had sent his son Jesus to bless them yea so far mark I pray as to turn every one of them from their iniquites Act. 3.26 and indeed to conceive the Apostle to be of a contrary belief that is to say that Christ died not for his Brethren that were shut up in unblief such a conception I say doth render the wise and eminent Apostle Paul to be simple and foolish both by his great heaviness and continual sorrow of heart for that which could not possibly be obtained to wit the salvation of his Brethren the Jewes and also by his wishing himself accursed from Christ for them that could not possibly ever be blest but God forbid that any sober minded man should hold any opinion that should thus render the wisdome of the wise of no effect but however if men will thus foolishly presume wisdome is justified of her children who clearly understands that Christ died for all men whereupon when they come to understand that men will not come unto him that hath died for them that they might have life Joh. 5.40 they understandingly with holy Paul greive and are of a mournful heart for them like the Lord himself Luke 19.41 42. Moreover Peter the Apostle of the Lord full of the Spirit declareth That the Lord bought such as bring in damnable Heresies and so bring upon themselves swift destruction even damnation that slumbereth not 2 Pet. 2.1 2 3. So then by this also it clearly appears that Christ died for or bought all men since no man questions his dying for such as shall be saved Furthermore there is before you a cloud of witnesses eminently advancing the truth of this Particular speaking after this manner Oh Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them which were sent unto thee How often would I have gathered thy Children together as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings and ye would not Mat. 23.37 And when he beheld their City so great was his love towards them that he wept over it Saying if thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes Luke 19.41 42. Oh that my people had hearkned unto me and Israel had walked in my wayes so should their time have endured for ever Psal 81.13.15 Oh that their were such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep all my Commandements alwayes that it might be well with them and their Children for ever Deut. 5129. Oh Jerusalem wilt thou not be
for a time return to the dust and afterwards be raised up again from the dust and so cast into Hell torments which is the second death which imagination is very strange and besides it presupposeth a Resurrection without Christ or else you must imagine that God intended in his saying to Adam Thou shalt die that his soul should go into hell torment the second death and his body to the dust the first death which Dagon-like Image shamefully falls before the Ark of truth First because it renders the coming of Christ the greatest of Gods gifts to man-kind who come not to condemne the world but that the world through him might be saved Iohn 3.17 I say it renders the coming of Christ to be the only cause of a horrible Judgement without the least mixture of mercy upon the bodies of those men whose souls were cast into hell for Adams sin that is to say Christ by his coming raises their bodies from the grave where they were without the fence of any misery and casts them without any cause into everlasting torments Secondly the imagination falls upon the account of Pauls words Rom. 5.12 shewing that that death which came by that one man Adams sin passed upon all wherefore it cannot be meant an eternal death upon the souls of men for that passed not upon the souls of the holy Fathers as aforesaid And thus you may see that neither of these imaginations can stand either according to Scripture or Reason and therefore the truth only remains before you as clearly proved by these considerations namely That Adams sin brought but the first death as hath been shewed and that mens loving darkness rather then the light is the cause of a second death and this may not be rejected because Christ himself saith This is the condemnation Iohn 3.19 Fourthly that Adams sin brought but the first death as aforesaid also appeareth from the Apostles words 1 Cor. 15.21 22. wherein is plainly held forth that Christ will bring all men to a resurrection from that death which comes upon all men by the first Adams sin wherefore it cannot possibly be the second death which he speaks of as brought by Adam for then it supposes all men brought to a resurrection from the second death or Hell torment and so preaches general salvation which is folly to conceive so then with the Prophet I conclude that the Son shall not die eternally for the iniquity of the Father But the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him that is to say upon him alone and not his child so as to bring it to eternal life And the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him that is upon him alone and not his child so as to bring it to eternall death Ezek. 18.20 Well then by this time 't is necessary to mind again our Question namely That if Christ died for all men How is it that all are not saved First by what hath been said you may see in what state man was in by his first Transgression even out of Gods favour and in a state of misery condemned to the first death But God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to taste death for every man Heb. 2.9 Rom. 5.18 and so destroyes him that hath the power of death that is the devil And thus there is purchased by Christ a resurrection for all men from the first death with the gift of God which is eternal life and hence it is that children dying in Infancy cannot be condemned at the last day for of such is the kingdome of God Mat. 19.14 But now men having a being here through Christ come to rebell against God and going out of the way so as there is none righteous no not one Rom. 3.12 they become the children of wrath but such is the love of God that he followes the creature with mercy commanding the Gospel to be preached to every creature which Gospel men not believing the wrath of God abideth on them John 3.36 the light of eternal life and remission of sins in Jesus is held forth but men loves darkness rather then light the prize of glory is put into their hands but they like fooles have no heart to it and so whereas the Objector asketh how it is that all are not saved if Christ dyed for all the answer is in Christs words This is thecondemnation John 3.19 that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather then light because their deeds are evill Thus I judge that the seeming show of the objection vanisheth and that the truth remaineth in its power and plainness namely That Christ died for all men and so setteth all men in a way in which they may come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved The truth of which will appear if you shall take a view of the Scriptures speaking of the Generations from the beginning as first in the very day that Adam fell Christ was promised by God saying The seed of the woman shall break the Serpents head and it is said of Abell That by faith he offered a more excellent sacrifice then Cain Heb. 11.4 Shewing plainly that Abell was enlightened touching the promised seed to wit Christ the true Sacrifice in whom he believing his sacrifice became more acceptable then that of Cain also it is said of Enoch that by faith he was translated that he should not see death and before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God and not only so but himself being enlightned touching Christ we find that he Prophesieth also of the coming of Christ with his faints to Judgement Jude 14. And so he was a preacher of the Gospel to others in his and following Generations In like manner we find Noah declared to be a preacher of Righteousness and by Faith preparedan Ark whereby he Condemned the World and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith 1 Pet. 3.18 19 20. 2 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 11.7 All which shewes that Noah was such an eminent light in his Generation that the whole world then in being was so taught and instructed by him he being a Preacher of Righteousness as that they being disobedient thereunto are said thereby to be condemned Also we find very cleerly that the Gospel was Preached to Abraham saying In thee shall all Nations be blessed Gal. 3.8 And afterwards unto his seed the children of Israel in the wilderness as appeareth Heb. 4.2 Among which people God shewed such mighty and wonderful power in saving and delivering them and destroying their enemies as that thereby he declared to all the World that he was Israels God and approved of their Faith and Worship as to instance some of many The Angel smote of the Campe of the Assyrians an hundred four score and five thousand 2 King 19.35 Also God delivering Shadrach Meshach and Abednigo from the fiery Furnace as also Daniel being delivered from the Lions den decrees were made that Every
Nor if all the humane arts in the world did not teach the knowledge of God it followeth that all humane Arts cannot inable a man to preach or declare the Gospel the unsearchable riches that is in Christ and so Paul though learned ignorantly persecutes the Church of Christ but by grace given him he was made able to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ Eph. 3.7 8. Again Jesus rejoyced in Spirit and gives thanks to his Father that he had hid the things of the Gospel or new Covenant from the wise and prudent or learned and revealed them to Babes Luke 10.21 And Paul saith The things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 And the Prophet Isaiah saith That the vision of all is become as a book that is sealed So that the learned and unlearned cannot read it Isa 29.11 12. From all which it plaineth appeareth that all Ministers of the new Covenant are made able for the work of the Ministery through the spirit grace and gift of God for the spiritual man judgeth all things even the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.10 15. And so God hath not chosen the mighty men or things of the world which are highly esteemed among men but chuseth the poor foolish weak base despised things things that are not to bring to nought things that are That no flesh should glory in his presence 1 Cor. 1.27 28. Luk. 16.15 So then mark well and see the vast disproportion between the Old Covenant and the New the Old was of works do and live long so they doing it Justification would have been of dept Rom. 4.4 but the New is Believe and live eternally So Justification is by faith that it might be by grace Rom. 4.16 The Old Covenant is litteral and killeth because all have broken it but the new Covenant is spiritual and giveth life in Christ through beleeving 2 Cor. 3.6 the Old was written in Tables of Stone the New writeth the law of God in the heart the sons and daughters of the Old Covenant were Abrahams seed after the flesh the sons and daughters of the new Covenant are the seed of Abraham after the spirit new borne new creatures God according to the Old Covenant did know and chuse the family of Abraham after the flesh above all the families of the earth Amos 3.1 2. Psal 147.19 20. but now according to the new Covenant he knoweth no man after the flesh 2 Cor. 5 16. but every man of any Nation that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted with him Act. 10.35 whether he be Jew or Gentile The children of the old Covenant being after the flesh by generation there was need to teach them to know the Lord but the Children of the new Covenant need not to be taught to know the Lord for they all know the Lord from the least to the greatest of them as it hath been shewed The old Covenant or law though just holy and good yet weak through the flesh having no strength to Justifie the Children thereof God finding fault with them because they had broken the Covenant there was a place found for the new Covenant established upon better promises so through Jesus the High Priest and Mediatour of it the Children thereof are Justified see Rom. 8.2 3 4. Heb. 8.6 7 8. The Sacrifices of the old covenant were carnal fleshly the bloud of Buls and Goats and so could not make the comers thereunto perfect so there was a Remembrance of sin every year but the sacrifice of the new Covenant is the Lord from Heaven the man Christ his Blood being the blood of the new Covenant being shed for remission of sins Math. 26.28 and so perfects for ever them that are sanctified which are the children of the new Covenant so that their sin is remembred no more as it hath been shewed before Heb. 10.12 14. the High Priest of the old Covenant was after the order of Aaron by generation after a fleshly line and so many were made Priests because they were not suffered to continue by the reason of death but Jesus the High Priest of the new Covenant is after the order of Melchizedec comes not to it by a fleshly line after the order of Aaron as the Preists of the Law did as touching his Office of the Preist-hood he is without father or mother without kindred and hath neither beginning of dayes nor end of life but remaineth a Prieft for ever after the order of Melchizedec So he is able also perfectly to save them that come to God by him as the children of the new Covenant do seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb. 7.3 6 11 13 14 16 21 24 25. The Children of the old Covenant had blessings and promises after this manner That the Lord would set them on high above all the Nations of the earth blessed in the city and in the field blessed in the fruit of the body flocks of sheep and heards of cattel and deliverance from their enemies and long life in the land of Canaan withall the riches thereof Deut. 28. The blessings of the new Covenant are after this manner deliverence from the evil of temptation 1 Cor. 10.13 Led into all truth so as they experience that comfort peace and joy that their names are written in the book of life witnessed by the holy spirit all things working together for good no condemnation for they walk not after the flesh but after the spirit the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come even eternal life so as to reign in glory So then all may see that they that go about to be justified by the Law Written upon tables of stone or the Law of sacrifices are fallen from grace for if righteousness be by the Law then Christ died in vain Gal. 2.21 and 5.4 But Christ died not in vain but God is just and the Justifier of him only that beleeveth in Jesus having that faith that worketh by love Rom. 3.26 for such only are the sons and daughters of the New Covenant Also hence it clearly appeareth how the Church of Rome is Mystery Babylon the great the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth she became so by bringing in a generational fleshly seed where Abrahams seed after the flesh is cast out so she goes a whoring in bringing in a false carnal seed instead of a true spiritual seed she bringeth in children into her Church by baptizing them as she calleth it and so the matter of her Church is meerly carnal and her ministry by humane learning and not by gifts given from Christ and yet talks of spiritual matter confounding the Old Covenant with the New and making the commandments of God of none effect by her many inventions and so national Churches that sprinkle their infants bring in a false fleshly seed and are her daughters and so she is truly said to be Mystery Babylon or Confusion the mother
as the Lord commanded them in order so were accounted righteous and in order according to the Law Exod. 12.48 Lev. 16. Deut. 6.25 1 Chron. 15.12 13. So even so all they that and will prove themselves visible Christians in order since the Resurrection of Christ must walk up in the Doctrine or beginning word of Christ and in all his Ordinances which declare Christ come in the flesh John 1.31 Rom. 6.3 4. 1 Cor. 11.2 Act. 2.41 42. Chap. 3.23 2 Thes 2.15 Thirdly We are to give more heed to the word of Christ so as to keep his Statutes walking in order according to them Heb. 2.1 2 3. 1 Tim. 1.3 Chap. 6.3 4. then the children of Israel were to the Law yet Moses was like to be slaine because he had not circumcised his son Exod. 4.24 25. and Vzza was slaine for touching the Arke 1 Chr. 13.9 10. because they carried it not in due order Ch. 15.12 13. and the Lord sharply reproveth the Jewes for receiving into his house uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh Ezek. 44.7 9. So then it is plain that no uncircumcised person was to be received into communion under the Law nor none of the house of Israel could stand before God with acceptance but they that walked up according to the Law and we are to give more diligent heed to Christ then they unto Moses therefore the Church of Christ ought to receive none into communion but such as beleeve and practise all the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ professing from the heart obedience to that forme of Doctrine Rom. 6.17 and they only are to abide in communion that walk up in all the Commandements of the Lord orderly Fourthly the Church of the Tessalonians is commanded in the name of the Lord Jesus to withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly and not after the instructions received of the Apostles 2 Thes 3.6 Now if they were to be cast out of the Church that walk not after the instructions of the Apostles it followeth that they are not to be received into the Church that never came up to the beginning of a Christian man so as to own all the Principles of the Doctrine or beginning word of Christ for that were to build again the things we have destroyed and so to make our selves transgressors Gal. 2.18 Object But there are some in the Nations which holds Infants Baptisme and submit not to the order of the Doctrine of Christ yet are precious in the sight of God and have communion with him therefore may have communion with the Church Answ I grant that some in of the Nation may fear God and have acceptance with him yet it doth not follow that they may be in communion with the Church for the Woman of Samaria had acceptance with God yet had not communion with the Jewes neither did Christ account her to be a child of the old Covenant Mat. 15.26 27 28. and Cornelius prayers heard and yet not received into communion with the Jewes nor with the Church of Christ untill he was Baptised Act. 10.6 47. and under the old Testament it was not enough to profess the circumcision of the heart but they must be circumcised in the flesh also or no communion as it is shewed before and you may see Exod. 4.24 25 26. Ezek. 44.7 Gen 17.14 So even so none but such as profess faith in Christ and are baptised into Christ and so put on Christ so made Disciples according to the Doctrine of Christ John 4 1 2. 1 Cor. 12.13 Gal. 3.27 are to be received into the Church of Christ Further for the proof of this note what the Apostle saith Rom. 16.17 Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the Doctrine that ye have learned and avoid them And the Apostles serperated the Disciples from all others Act. 19.9 Note also 1 Tim. 6.1 3. Chap. 3.4 5. And we are commanded to seperate and to touch no unclean thing 2 Cor. 6.7 now to bring into the Church believers seed in infancy by baptising them is to know them after the flesh and so to touch an unclean thing and so they that do it are transgressours yea very much crosse the plain way of the new Covenant in changing the Ordinance of Christ to a false Subject 2 Cor. 5.16 17. John 6.45 Isa 24.5 So then it is plain from the old and new Testament that to professe holiness in conversation is not enough so as to admit men into the Church of Christ but there must be also obedience in order to the form of the Doctrine or beginning word of Christ so worshiping God in spirit and in truth according to the new Covenant Rom. 6.17 John 4.24 so they are to be received into the Church of Christ and no otherwise therefore let every man mark well and behold with his eyes and hear with his ears what is said unto him concerning all the Ordinances of the house of the Lord and all the lawes thereof and mark well the entering in of the house with every going forth of the sanctuary Ezek. 44.5 Furthermore mind also that though the Apostles did bear with the Churches in severall things of the Law of Moses because they were once commanded of God and they being conscientious to them not being truly enlightened yet they did not receive into the Church nor bear with them that did not obey Christ in his Ordinances so as to walk up after the new Covenant as it hath been shewed and this further appeareth in many places of Scripture take some for many Phil. 3.17 2 Thes 2.15 Gal. 1.8 9 1 John 2.4 5 6. 2 Pet. 3.2 Object But some men may say I contend more for Baptisme then for other Commandements of Christ Ans To which I say the Lord knowes I do not but I do with a good conscience contend for those Ordinances that men have made void by their tradition of which Baptisme is one for there is one Baptisme Eph. 4.5 which is Believers only for sprinkling of Infants or Baptizing them is not the Ordinance of Christ nor is no more accepted with God then offering a lamb or any thing under the Law that had a blemish Exod. 12.5 Lev. 22.20 25. But for Believers Baptisme it was as much honoured as any Ordinance for Jesus himself being about thirty years of age was Baptized the spirit of God descending like a dove lighting upon him There came a voice from heaven saying this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Mat. 3.16 17. Luke 3.23 Father Son and Spirit in a singular sence met at Baptisme and so Christ was in a most excellent way vissibly declared to be the Son of God and so every Believer in a singular sence at his Baptism is visibly declared to be the Child of God Object But some men have said that we are not to practice this Doctrine because the Author to the Hebrewes sayes not laying again these principles but be led forward to
love given by the God of love so all the way of Christ is a way of love his word is the Doctrine of love So let all the Saints conclude with the Spouse his mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely Cant. 5.16 And so this way of love which is the good old way of the Gospel was of old at first confirmed by signs and wonders and with divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost according to his own will Heb. 2.4 Therefore let every man in the fear of God walk therein and they shall find rest for their Souls Jer. 6.16 Yea let every member of the Church of Christ put on the whole Armour of God having their loynes girt about with truth and their feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace and praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance Eph. 5.13 14.15 16 17 18. O that every one would lay it to heart and with fear and trembling work out their Salvation for in these last dayes will be perrilous times 2 Tim. 3.1 and many that have tasted of the good word of God and been enlightned so as to beleeve the truth will fall away from grace yea from the true faith so as that eternal death will be their portion yea some have fallen from the faith therefore it is no new thing First the warnings in Scripture proves this exhorting men to take heed that they do not fall away from the grace of God Heb. 12.15 and these warnings and exhortations are given to such as have received the truth so as to believe as it appeareth Heb. 2.1 1 Cor 10. from 6. to 12. Heb. 3.12 reads it thus Take heed Brethren least at any time there be in any of you an evil heart and unfaithful to depart away from the living God Heb. 4.1 2 Pet. 1.5 Chap. 3.1 2 3. Jude 3. Rev. 3.2 3. All these are warnings given in Scripture and very many more might be brought which exhort men to take heed that they do not depart from the truth which would be in vain 2 Cor. 6.1 if men could not fall away therefore they may 1 Thes 3.5 Secondly Threatnings if any do fall away prove this Rev. 2.21 22 23. Hebr. 10.26 reads it thus If we sin willingly after that we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more Sacrifice for sin and chap. 6.4 5 6. is very full to this purpose 2 Pet. 2.20 21. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ they are again intangled therein and overcome the latter end is worse with them then the beginning for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness then after they have known it to turn fom the holy commandment delivered unto them Rev. 3.3 Ezek. 18.26 you may read also which plainly proves this point Thirdly This appears by examples in Scriptrue of some that did fall away from the truth yea from the true faith as Judas Matth. 26.25 Acts 1.17 18. and Demas 2 Tim. 4.10 and Balaam who spake excellent things by the help of the Spirit of God as the other Prophets of the Lord Numb 24. Jude 11 12. and some making shipwrack of faith and a good conscience 1 Tim. 1.19 and Hymeneus and Phyletus who concerning the truth have erred saying the resurrection is past already and overthrow the faith of some 2 Tim. 2.17 18. Fourthly The Scripture speaking prophetically faith expresly That in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith 1 Tim. 4.1 and 2 Tim 4.3 4. and 2 Thes 2.10 2 Pet. 2.1 Jud. 14 15 16. All these Scriptures do foretell of some yea many in the latter times shall fall away so as to depart from the faith and give heed to Doctrines of Devils and shall privily bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and many more places might be brought for this purpose Fifthly The Metaphors and Proverbs in Scripture proves this also as Prov. 26.11 Mat. 5.13 Mark 9.49 50. and Mat. 12.43 44. and 2 Pet. 2.20 21. that in Peter sheweth that they which have been freed of their vomit and have been washed yet turned as a Dog to it again as a Dog to the vomit again and the Sow to the wallowing in the mire Sixthly if this were not so no man could sin against the Spirit nor none could be Reprobates for the sin against the Spirit is a sin of knowledge and against the conscience they do that which they are convinced they ought not to do as it appeareth Mark 3.22 to 31. compared with John 7.20 28. And also no man can be a Reprobate except he have known the truth or sinned willingly against that he knoweth as it appears Rom. 1.28 2 Cor. 13.5 2 Tim. 3.8 Object But it is but a seeming faith they fall from as the Scripture saith Luk. 8.18 That shall be taken from him which he seemeth to have Answ That if it be but a seeming faith then they do well in falling from it but Paul saith to Timothy 1 Tim. 1.19 That some did make Shipwrack of Faith and a good conscience and he exhorteth Timothy to abide in that faith which others have made Shipwrack of And for that in Luke 8. the sence of it is that they that do enjoy the light or talent that is given them so as to hear the truth and seem to make a good use of it but do it not I say God will take away that Talent or light because he seemes to improve it but doth it not that this is so it will appear if you compare Luk. 8.16 17 18. with Mat. 13.12 and Chap. 25. from vers 24. to 30. Object But Paul saith that he is perswaded That neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor things present nor things to come nor any things could separate him from the love of God also he demands Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect for God Justifieth Rom. 8. Answ Paul as he is a believer is parswaded that nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ and so are all true believers perswaded but if they depart from the faith nay if they do not go on adding to their faith vertue and knowledge c. as it is 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. they lose that perswasion as Paul acknowledgeth that he himself might become a cast-away if he kept not his body under subjection 1 Cor. 9.29 It is true none can lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect for God doth and will justifie but there is no man or woman Elected but in and through beleeving 2 Thes 2.13 as it hath been shewed and will appear if you mind the Scriptures for the Apostle tells the Ephesians that they were Elected yet the Lord Jesus saith to them Rev. 25. that if they do not
Rev. 17.16 But the Antichrist is taken alive when the Lord cometh and punished with everlasting deflruction from the presence of the Lord in a lake of fire 2. Thes 1.9 and Rev. 19.20 And so to draw to a conclusion I do desire all men to take heed to the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles for they are able to make men wise unto Salvation and if men speak not according to the Law and Testament it is because they have no light in them Isa 8.20 O give heed to the most sure word of the Prophets as unto a light shining in a dark place until the day of Christ dawn and the day Star arise in your hearts noting diligently all things that are spoken of that must come to pass for when the signs concerning Christs coming are come to pass the day of Christs personal appearing will dawn Secondly is there such a spirit of delusion among men wherein is a mystery of iniquity Then let all take heed that they seek the Lord while he may be found and to kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish in the way O do not neglect to read and search the Scriptures and walk up in that you do know be not deceived God will not be mocked what a man soweth that he shall reap for he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting Gal. 6.7 8. Thirdly is it so that God doth and will give up men to a Spirit of delusion that they should believe a lye that they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness Then he exhorted from hence to forsake all unrighteous wayes in conversation and all whorish inventions of men in point of Worship for if Moses Law be abolished which was given to him by the Lord let no man think that he shall be excused if he worship according to mens inventions Fourthly let all the Saints consider and lay to heart what hath been spoken and search the Scriptures that they may be informed what is to come to pass and so according to Christs exhortation in Luke 21.36 Watch ye therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the son of man Moreover when the Lord thus overthrows Antichrist and his Armies and the Kings of the earth as it hath been shewed before and more plentiously appeareth in Scripture When the whirle wind of the Lord goeth forth with fury a cutting whirle-wind it shall remain with pain upon the head of the wicked the fearce anger of the Lord shall not return until he have performed the intents of his heart At the same time saith the Lord will I be the God of all the families of Israel and they shall be my people For God hath loved them with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness he will draw them Jer. 30.23 24. Chap. 31.1 2 3. And it shall come to pass in that day that the great Trumpet shall be blown and they shall come that are ready to perish in the land of Assyria and the out-casts in the land of Egypt and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jernsalem Is 27.13 So when the Enemies shall come in like a flood great enemies being gathered by the beast the Antichrist according to Rev. 16.13 14. being mâ—â— according to Joel 3.9 10 11 12 13 14. the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him then even then the redeemer shall come to Sion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob saith the Lord Isa 59.19 20. compared with Rom. 11 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32. Then at that day the Lord himself which was dead and arose again and is alive for evermore Rev. 1.18 shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voyce of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thes 4.14 15 16. compared with Isa 27.13 and so as Zach. saith The Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with thee and his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives which is before Jerusalem Chap. 14.4 5. then the Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of Hosts and Lord of Lords and King of Kings shall raign personally upon the earth in mount Sion and in Jerusalem and before his antients the house of Israel gloriously Isa 24.23 Rev. 17.14 Chap. 19.13 14 15 16. And for the further proof and clearing up of this truth That the Lord Christ shall raign personally on the earth more then a thousand years and all the Saints with him from Adam to his coming which dyed in the faith and are found in the faith at his coming are to raign with him upon earth First consider and mark well what the Scripture saith in the letter of it for the proof of the same the Prophet Jer. saith Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will raise unto David a righteous branch and a King shall raign and prosper and execute Judgment and justice in the earth In his dayes Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is his name the Lord our Righteousness Chap. 23.5 6. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Psal 2.8 In his dayes shall the righteous flowrish and abundance of peace shall be so long as the Moon endureth He shall have dominion also from Sea to Sea and from the river unto the end of the earth Yea all Kings shall fall down before him all nations shall serve him Pfal 72.7 8 9 10 11. verse 17. His name shall endure for ever his name shall be continued as long as the Sun and men shall be blessed in him All nations shall call him blessed and the Lord shall be King over all the earth in that day shall there be one Lord and his name one Zach. 14.9 Dan. 7.27 And the Kingdome and dominion and the greatness of the Kingdome under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdome is an everlasting Kingdome and all nations or dominions shall serve and obey him and Rev. 5.9 10. saith Thou hast made us unto our God Kings Priests we shall raign on the earth Chap. 11.15 And the seventh Angel sounded and there were great voyces in heaven saying the Kingdomes of this world are become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall raign for ever and ever Rev. 20. sheweth at large That the Saints shall raign with Christ a thousand years which cannot be understood but to be on the earth So then the letter of the Scripture speaks much that the Lord Christ shall descend from heaven 1 Thes 4.16 Acts. 1.11 and his feet shall stand upon mount