language of Levit. 26. and Deut. 28 and 30 vain talkers must vent their Mateologisme Quest 12. and answer That know not God c. Many will not be Papists and yet are ignorant and love to be so superstitious ungodly and unrighteous in all their life they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord and such shall eat the smit of their own wayes Prov. 1. and 5.12 Answer without shall be dogs Without the Lord Jâ—sus Christ in his holy ordinances coth make a marvellous separation of the precious from the vile but at that day shall be the perfection Psam 1. Mat. 25. Also note all these sorts of sinners are not to be understood as commonly men apprehend them but they stand in opposition to the peace quietnesse holinesse zeal purity of worships truth grace and glory of the heavenly Jerusalem Shall be dogs The Concision were dogs and murderers Psalm 22 Phil. 3. and cast our Gal 4. they resisted the building of new Ierusalem maintaining bodily exercise opus operatum their idol and vanity this made their house and habitation desolate to this day And is not this written for our admonition Those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me Luc 19. 2 Thos 1.9 as it was observed at the beginning that CHRIST his Doctrine and servants were held anathema of the godlesse so it will ever be Ibid. And sorcerers Or poisening Sorcerers read Thankfull Remembrance page 193. Aâ—ias translates venefiei Apoc. 22.15 It is thought the Jesuites are such creatures the book of their State mysteries mentioned doth imply such things it must be taken also spiritually bewitching people by feined words c. to make them believe false Doctrine Gâ—l 3.1 All this the Locusts must do for we are sure that the holy Lord God doth not answer them by dreams nor by Vrim nor by Prophets so that the next course is to go to Eudor they know who will there readily attend them 1 Sam. 28.6 Ibid. And the fearfull And I say unto you my friends Be not asraid of them that kill the body and after that have no more that they can do Luk. 12. I I aâ— he that comforteth you Who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die and the Son of man who shall be made as grasse and forgettest Iâ—bovah the eternall being thy maker that hath stretched out the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth in the waters Isa 51. If Gods word bear Supremacy in our hearts and faith evidence to us things not seen we shall as men of another spirit and independent as those three noble martyrs and Confessors Dan. 3. and as Daniel himself chap. 6. as Moses Heb. 11. as Calch and Iosua c. c. Quest 13. and Answ Saying Write Observe still the blessâ— comforts of the written word and mark the command Write Apoc. 14.13 Psal 103.18 Ibid. For they rest from their labours Let him that hath an ear to hear let him hear what the spirit saith to the Churches Those that keep the commandements of God and the faith of Jesus Write it they shall have rest They shall have Rest that follow the true Lambs Religion let liars and cursed dogs bark never so much to the contrary let all that bear the name of Christian hate and accurse the fables of the heathenish Papacy of Purgatoty that men walk when they are dead and their vain Doctrine of prayer for the dead and their anniversaries and other ceremonies and superstitions numberlâ—sse as the Christian Disputations of Mr. Viret shew O ye all that are Gods Iesurum the Israel of God study the blessed Scriptures your inheritance cursed smokie Poperie and all deceitfull vain Doctrines will flee before the glorious light of the word Amen Amen A Postsrcipt BVl ye Beloved Remember the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our LORD IESUS CHRIST 2 Pet. 3.2 and Iudas Thaddaeus verse 17.1 Iohn 4.6 c. c. The holy spirit seeing and foreseeing that false Teachers were and continually would arise after the apostles times with fair speeches flattering and feigned words philosophy a shew of wisdome cogging and vain deceir spurious Epistles feigned revelations of the spiri and hâ—ocriticall lies and slanders and by bringing in fables superstitious voluntary humility will-worship mens Precepts Decrees Doctrines of Devils perverse things damnable heresies and rejection of Magistracy to cause divisions and offences to beguile men and to carry them for a spoil from the plainnesse and simplicity of the Apostles Doctrine and these evils were pursued by all deceit and violene of flesh and blood being driven on by the fury of spirtuall wickednesses principalities and powers the rulers of the darknesse of this world that did war against the Church about super-celestiall things therefore this warning and many others were given to regard the Prophets and Apostles Doctrine Thus the Holy Ghost did as is noted in the conclusion of the old Testament referre them that feared God to the Law of lively oracles given by the inspiration of the SON OF GOD the angel of the Covenant and by the ministery of Moses at Horeb Mal 4. Thus Christ was taught to day and so shall till the time of his coming 2 Cor. 11.26 Heb. 13.8 The Caesars persecuted the faithfull for The word of God and the Testimonie of JESUS Apoc. 6.9 ch 1.9 Keeping of the commandements of God and holding the testimony of JESUS Christ Apoc. 12.17 The Popes persecured the faithfull for Keeping of the Commandements of God and the faith of Iesus Apoc. 14.12 The Testimony of JESUS and for the word â—of God Apoc. chap. 20.4 THE THIRD PART CHAP. XVIII Of the seven Trumpets in Apocalyps 8 9 10 11. chapters In which the Popes Rising to his Antichristian Hierarchy is first described compared with the seaven Phials in chap. 16. under which the Antichristian Hierarchy doth fall and is consumed by degrees THE Seaven seals destroyed the Roman Empire and the seven Trumpets do forbid that Rome being overthrown as Jericho should be built again and as Hiel endeavoured to re-edify Jericho contrary to Gods will for which act God in Justice took away his eldest and youngest son So Princes that joined with the Pope to hate the Greek Empire that they might seâ— up Rome for which act the Lord in justice made it the means of their wo and great misery The comparison of the Phrases for the Trumpets in Apâ— 89 10 11. chapters with chap. 16. for the Phials is diligently to be marked for the understanding of the true scope of the Apocalyps The Phases concerning the Plagues for the ruine of the Papacy in the Phialls are wonderfully fitted to the former Phrases in the Trumpets by which the Popes rising was first described SECT 1. The first Trumpet and first Phiall .. UNder the first Trumpet Satan endeavouring to advance his project The Mystery of Iniquity then the
unstable Soules are ever ready for the wolfs mouth a fit prey for the smooth subtil Serpent and his seed People must be constantly admonished weaken Popery weaken all this the Layalans know well enough Turcisme is no mysterie and all the unclean spirits of errour is no mysterie Therefore in few words O ye godly Families study the holy Scriptures they are the Inheritance of all the Israel of God And verily the most faithfull Witnesse hath said and then he spake of the old Testament Ye erre not knowing the Scriptures nor the Power of God Misbelievers know not God Wherefore if ye cry after knowledge and lift up your voice for understanding Prov. â— if ye seek wisdome as Silver and search for understanding as for hid Treasures then certainly you shall understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God for the Lord giveth wisdome and out of his Mouth in his holy Scriptures cometh knowledge and understanding And this also will follow That no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that riseth in Judgement against you you shall condemn this is the * This is a rich and great heritage Heritage of the servants of Jehovah and their Rghteousnesse is of me saith JEHOVAH Isaiah 54.17 To conclude it is said he that asketh receiveth he that seeketh findeth Mat. 7. and to him that knocketh it shall be opened The secret of Jehovah that is the Misterie of Christ is with them that sear him and his Covenant to make them know it He will cause the meek to go according to right and teach the humble his way Psalm 25. Two or three Directions concerning the reading of the following Dialogue First read the Text of it often to see how things in the course of the Bible follow one another then the margins at your leasure for explication 2. Let none be discouraged at the largenesse of this Dialogue for it is not intended that children or any should learn it without book but the substance of it they will have in their minds before they be aware For 1. Hereby a faithfull mind that hath his wits exercised in the word of righteousnesse will often in a day runne over all the Bible in sundry varieties if he mark the Chronologie and the chief persons in the Genealogie for by marking the times and the persons that lived in those times he will remember their stories as it is common to do in worldly affairs 2. I have not cited every verse to the chapter I mention because I would have the Reader to mark the coherence of things the better and though the verse be not named yet some part of the chapter is expressed and you are to remember that the holy Apostles when they cite a Text they name onely the Prophet or more generally the Scripture not naming the Prophet Rom. 9.13.15 17.25 1 Pet. 2.6 c. c And observe that Speech John 15.25 The Psalms are called their Law that term hath deep Meditation for the term Law comprehends all the Scriptures and the Doctrine of salvation by Christ and that saying of James 4.5 Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy but there is no one particular Text in all the Bible that hath those words and yet the whole Book of God and I think every particular Prophet doth shew this corruption of our nature that the Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy And where the verse is cited you may misse of that edification which you may attain unlesse you mark the scope for the holy Spirit doth in divers verses drive to one chief Conclusion therefore you must consider many verses and it may be the whole chapter before you find the true sense of a verse I will not excuse my want herein in not citing every verse But beloved all my labour is to gain this of you to delight in all the Blessed Book of God And if this effect be attained I shall think my labour well bestowed and out of this desire I hope it may come to passe I may be encouraged to do you further service E.H. CHAP. I. OF the UNITY of the GOD-HEAD AND TRINITY of PERSONS Also of their Properties and Workes QVestion I. What Scriptures do shew the Vnity of the God-head and the Trinity of Persons with their properties and workes Answ very many of which I will propound only some to consideration Deut. 6.4 Heare O Israel the Eternall our God the Eternall is One. Gen. 1.1.2 In the beginning * If the knowledge of God in Trinity had not been the ground of life God would never have declared himselfe to us in the plurall number for his eternall wisdome fore-saw what warrs would come for that betwixt Jewes Turks and Arrians and his true faithfull ones and God the God of peace would never have placed a name pluâ—all in his first Scripture but for peace to life to the fallen Sons of Adam Elohim God 's he created the Heavens and the Earth And the Earth was without forme and void and darknesse was upon the face of the * The Spirit of Elohim is sometimes called the Spirit of God the Father 1. Joh. 4.13 Apoc. 11.11 and sometimes the Spirit of the Son Gal. 4.6 Rom. 8.9.1 Pet. 1.11 because it proceeds as well from the Son as from the Father Joh 14.16.26 compared with Joh. 16.26 deep and the Spirit of Elohim Gods moved upon the face of the waters In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God the same was in the beginning with God All things were made †Aâ—â— things were created by him and for him Col. 1.16 consider that Gen 1. 2. shewes that and all the rest of the Bible shews this by him and without him was made nothing that was made In him was life and the life was the light of men Joh. 1.1.2 And Elohim said Let US make man according to OUR Image Gen. 1.26 And Jehovah said The man is become as one of US Gen. 3.22 And Jehovah came downe to see the City and Tower and Jehovah said let US go downe Gen. 11.7 And it came to passe when they Gods Elohim caused me to wander Gen. 20.13 He built an Altar there and called the place El-Bethel because there they Gods appeared unto him Gen. 35. 7. But none say where is the Puissant my Makers Job 35. see Braughton on Job Let Israel rejoyce in his Makers Psal 149.2 Thy Maker is thy Husbands Esa 54.5 Remember thy Creatours Eccl. 12.1 By the WORD of Jehovah were the Heavens made and all the hosts of them by the SPIRIT of his mouth Psal 33.6 I am with you saith Jehovah of Hosts with the WORD by whom I made a covenant with you when yee departed out of Egypt and my SPIRIT remaining among you that yee should not feare Hag. 2.5 Go and teach all Nations baptizing them in the
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
Tradition in reference to the last mentioned short Oâ—seâ—vations 1. Although the Church was taught by Tradition for 2513 years From the creation to Israels coming from Egypt is 2513 years yet the written word was no other Doctrine thâ—n was formerly taught by Tradition for all Genesis and much of Exodus was first delivered by Tradition till Moses wrote Genesis 2. The Eplstles to the Romans and Galatians open Gen. 12. 15. So John 1. and 1 John 3.8 open Gen. 3.15 So the Apostles Doctrine and writings are answerable to Gods Doctrine by Tradition for those 2513 years Ezek. 28. 3. That which Moses received by Tradition since Adam or by inspiration or both till he was 80 years old was no other than Christ gave him on Mount Sinâ—i which he wrote when he was shepherd to Israel 40 years So it is said by faith Abel offered by faith Araham when he was tried offered Isaac and by faith Moses kept the Paâ—leover and this holy faith hath commendation for all the godly of the old Testament Heb. 11. And the same faith we of Japhets house are exhorted to follow that Christ may be to our consolation to day as he was to them yesterday 4. And for that 2513 years wherein Religion was taught by Tradition Gods providence so ordered the affairs of his Church that while the families that hoped in Christ were few there were as is noted rate prophets long-lived and of great authority who although the Gospel was not written for ought we know till Moses times were most able to strengthen the faithfull of their times 5. The men that continued the Gospel by infallible Tradition from the creation to the giving of the Law are the first ten Fathers afore the flood Nine of them living together were a noble consistory to uphold the faith so shaken by the Apostasie of their own children and the wicked families of Cain 6. Then after the flood there were nine Fathers also of the holy line that lived together worthy Pillars against Niâ—rods revoâ—t these nine were Noah Sem Arphaxad Selah Eber Peleg Regu Serug Naho and so Sem Arphaxad Selaâ— Eber might and did instruct Abraham Sem Selah Eber and Abraham might and did teach Isaac Abraham Isaac and Eber taught Jacob Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs who left many godly that lived to Moses Moses Parents were godly Heb. 11. There was but 64 years between Josephs death and Moses birth 7. More briefly thus Adam taught the Gospel to Mathuselah and godly Lamech they two to Noah and Sem Sem taught Isaac Abraham and Isaac taught Jacob and Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs and they in Egypt held Religion sound while they lived and Joseph lived after Jacobs death 50 years and Levi 70 years after and there was 42 years between Levies death and Moses birth 8. The wisdome of God is admirable in the long life of the few families of the old holy men to preserve the faith by Tradition that Sem who lived with godly Lamech and Machuselah who saw Adam taught the Gospel to Isaac These four men Adam Lamech Sem Isaac could reckon years above 2000 but when mens ages were divers times shortened and at lâ—st brought to 70 years Psal 90. and when the Church of God consisted of many families and that the purity of Religion was forgotten and neglected after the death of the said Patriarchs of the most in Egypt for Israel in Egypt fell to the idols and Religion of Egypt then God commanded Moses in the wildernesse to write the word of faith and ever after it was the Standard and Cannon of faith and manners as all the Prophets after and our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles kept themselves to the written word and to this all the Israel of God is enjoined To the Law and to the Testimony saith Esaias Starch the Sâ—â—iptuâ—es saith the Lord Jesus Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you in all wisdome saith the Apostle of the Gentiles c. c This word of Christ is the holy Scripture and it teacheth us wisdome to salvation 2 Tim. 3. we are exhorted to give heed to the old Prophesie 2. Pet. 1. and thrice blessed are they that with an honest and good heart so do 9. All the Patriarchs were Bishops for their families 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 using all care to teach theirs from their Fathers speech what Sem i. e. Melchizedeck learned of Mathuselah taught of Adam of the holy Trinity and how our Lord should come of Judah the King of glory the eternall the framer of the world of that poor shepherd to be man to have his Tabernacle in us to look through the windows within our wall and also how Christ by death should vanquish him that had the power of death they did know that he should come down from heaven and did feed upon his flesh and blood comforted in sorrow by this hope they would not misse to catechise their sons in this point as Joseph gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed his brethren Gen. 47 12. so all godly gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed their families souls In one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 never used afore but in Josephs story with the Septuagint Our Lord his gracious tongue calleth us to the Patriarchs story Luke 12.42 compared with Gen. 47.12 to look to the Kingdome of heaven not to the earth which God hath cursed so Mr. Br. in Lords Fam. Luke 12 42. 10. Observe a little more concerning Tradition in those 26. Collections above that we should consider that the Spirit of Christ in the holy Prophets by Tradition and in the Law written by Moses is like it self one and the same Doctrine and all for the glorifying of Christ as it is said The spirit of Prophesie is the Testimonie of Jesus He is the mark of all Apoc. 19. Let us consider briefly for the new Testament therein also God took the same course though not for so long a time by Tradition I conceive it is a good instruction for us to strengthen us against the false Positions of Romane Catholicks concerning their unwritten verities for we shall easily perceive God to be without shadow of change whether by Tradition or writing 1. The Birth Life and Death the Doctrine and Miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ were by Tradition till the four Evangelists had written them but when written then it was the rule of our faith John 20.30 31. 2. The teaching of the Corinâ—hians the Institution of the Supper of the Lord was a Tradition 1 Cor. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the dead to them was by Tradition 1 Cor. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 1 Cor. 15. was the same Doctrine he taught them 4. The Apostles teaching of the Man of sin that Son of Perdition was a Tradition to the Thessalonians 2 Thes 2.5 15. 5. Painfullnesse and diligence in a mans calling was a Tradition 2
and feare of death Oh that selfe conceited and proud iniquity would once stop its mouth for every mouth shall be stopped and all the world shall be subject to the judgement of God Acts 13. and 15. Rom. 4 ult What the Law of works could not do the election hath obtained Rom. 11. VI. Mark that from this first and maine free promise God hath conveyed all comforts of wisdome justification or Freedome Sanctification and Redemption on fallen man and no way else can or ought to be sought after It could never have entred into the heart of man to thinke of this way if God of his rich Grace had not first declared this rich mystery of his will in a free promise how could our first fallen Parents have thought of a Redeemer much lesse of the meanes of obtaining such a Redeemer at the hands of God This mystery was ordained in Gods eternal Council and providence before the foundacion of the world was laid to be revealed upon Adams fall his ways are unsearchable his wisdome mercy power and love is past finding out and doubtlesse our first parents and all their faithfull posterity could but with admiration say the Epitaph not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things that God â—ath prepared for them that love him 1 Coâ— 2. Of him and through him and to him are all things To him be glory for ever Amen Esa 43.25 Esa 48.9 10 11. Rom. 11. Jer. 31.33 Jer. 32.39 Ezek. 36.25.26 VII Christ was promised a Redeemer not only from the guilt and punishment of sin but to make us in himselfe Sons of God even new creatures VIII All outward comforts come by promise in Christ severall godly persons of late years have done well in composing Treatises of the promises IX It is to admiration That Jehovah the eternall God should seeke to enter into a covenant of Grace with fallen man with the slaves of the Devill with enemies and with children of wrath that he should enter into a free promise and Covenant with us to be our God and to make us to be his people See his kindnesse to the polluted infant in Ezek. 16. X. All things are made subject to Christ as the heir of all from the first day of Adams fail but Satan doth labour with all sedulity to withdraw mans Blind heart from the understanding of this doctrine and doth labour to suggest fond imaginations of idolatry superstition bodily exercises and Fables c. to corrupt it and by persecution to hinder it yea to abolish it This is a Doctrine of Faith which no naturall man can attain untill his mind and divine illumination be regenerate and made capable to comprehnd this hid mystery of God in Christ All precepts promises and threatnings are ordained to bring fallen man to obey the Son of God as mediator All the victory administrations of Christs Kingdome by the word seals censures c. are for this purpose till the mediatorian Kingdome be redelivered 1 Cor. 15. But all things are cheifly intended for the Elect 1 Cor. 14.32 11. The second not on Gen. 12.13 may be of use here 12. Thus from the first preaching of the Gospell we must observe why Christ is called Alpha and Omega the first and the last not only in causes and effects but also of all divine Revelation in the blessed scriptures all runs on him All the Promises Threatnings Commandements Examples Chastisements c. all drive us to Christ he also is Alpha and Omega in all the praises of the Church he is also the maine matter and marke of the holy Bible All things were created by him and for him and he is before all things and by him all things consist and hee is the head of the body the Church Col 1.18 In 3. Q. The seed of the woman Hence Children should be first taught to read Gen 3. with Luke 3. and Luke 4 together for two principall ends first To know how Jesus our Lord is of the blessed Virgin Mary of Eli and of Adam and Eve naturally and in this respect the Genealogie of men in Luke 3. are the glory of mankind being all Fathers to the Son of God after the flesh 2. The better to compare the sorrowfull combate of Adam being killed on his first day from the life of the soule to death in sin with the glorious combate and victory of our Lord the second Adam driving Satan to flight and the reason why the Son of God should take hold of mans nature is purposely handled by the Apostle in Ebr. 2. Ebr. 3. Ebr. 4. Ebr. 5. Great is the mystery of Godlinesse God manifested in the flesh It is most glorious to consider it and how it hath been diligently taught in every age from Gen. 3.15 and for the better knowing of this mystery the Law of Moses was made the Tabernacle and the frame of the world and well might David and Solomon say with admiration That God would dwell with man on earth also in his apparitions to the Saints before the Flood and to the Patriarchs and Prophets he spake with us marke this corporation speech in Hos 12.4 At Bethel and dwelt among us in his Tabernacle and Ordinances then in the Temple till the captivity then in the second Temple and then at last he became very man making our flesh his Tabernacle and dwelt among us Joh. 1.14 Cor. 6. but his speciall residence in us is in our hearts by Faith These things made singing affections in the Saints of old Ps 40. Ps 100. Ps 135. Ps 147. Ps 149. Ps 149.1 Chr. 16.1 King 8.2 Sam. 7. Joh. 17. Ex. 15. and any that duely consider this cannot but sing praises to the God of our Salvation In Q. 3. Of Adam in the Genealogie When the holy spirit bringeth Genealogies from the first man unto Jesus our Lord it may teach all men that the world was made and had a beginning so Moses Law taught Misgraim that is the Egyptians and others in his time and Ezra the Persians too before Aristotle and such Athean praters 1 Chron. 1.1 see Bro. in Manuscript In Q 4. and Answ He might govern Genesis sheweth how that by the word of Jehovah the Heavens were made all the setled Army of them by the spirit of his mouth and when man fell the word telleth That for the destroying of the workes of the Serpent hee would be made flesh and have a Tabernacle in our nature and so to be a second Adam to govern all things In which point the Patriarks faith is evidenced by the charge of Joseph to carry his bones with theirs unto the Land of Canaan where our Lords Resurrection should be a testimony of a new world see Bro. in Appo 1.108 The government of the world to come for so the Jewish Doctors did stile the dayes of Messiah is that meditorean Kingdome which the holy Prophet so magnifieth to endure through all ages and generations Ps 8. Ps 45. Ps 93. Ps
For as it was in the dayes of Noah so shall it be at the day of the coming of the Son of man Mat. 24. c. Quest 6. And Abraham Abraham once ungodly yea after his calling he much failed rejoyced in him that justifieth the ungodly Jos 24.2 Rom. 4. so after mysticall Nimrod how many good men have been overtaken with their outward glory yea many strong men of great parts have beene wounded by that whorish Church Prov. 7. Apoc. 17. Quest 7. N 1. Those familes The families of Noahs sons despising Sem a King of Justice and Peace were cut off â—or two thousand yeares so the Jewes for despising Sem the great and reverend the true King of Justice and peace were cut off to this day Rom. 11. from Noahs days all heathens were Lo-ammi and Loruchamah no people and unpitied a foolish nation barren and a desolate widow to our Lords dayes Deut. 32. Psal 113. Esa 54.1 2 3. Ephes 2.1 2 3. Psal 119.118 Q. 7. From the life Justice But when light was revealed to the Gentiles and the glory of Jehovah was risen upon us It is said I will make thy government peace and thine exactions righteousness Marke the allusion This was under the King of Salem and Tzedek Justice and Peace kisse each other as it did of old in Sems Tents Psal 85. Then peace on earth and good will towards men Q. 7. Nor see the light Now darknesse covered the earth and gross darknesse the Nations Esa 60. So Pope Nimrod by his mysticall Babylon caused such darknesse by confusion of Language and all holy speech All languages of Europe and much of Asia if not all Asia have been confounded by the means of mysticall Nimrod and his rebellion Apor 9. Q. 7. For two thousand years All the time of this ignorance God hated them like devills till the time hee would judge the world in righteousnesse that is favour the world in mercy Act. 17. Psal 97. from this time to the Apostles the whole world did lye in wickednesse 1 Job 5.19 Q 7. N. 11. In their own wayes God left them to walke in their own waies of endlesse and lawlesse idolatries and superstitions and ill manners judgement and practise wholy corrupted as the holy scriptures and humane stories shew The Philosophers of the heathens spake much of the earth c. and to the height of heaven but unto Paradise above the Heavens no thought of theirs could ever come They had no Lampe of Grace not the best learned of them their sage as Pythagoras in tongue confessed God to be one but they knew not the holy Trinity and that the eternall son would be manifested in the flesh to come a man looking through our walls and to come a Judge of all nor that he framed the world for man because he would dwell in our Tabernacle Mr. Bro. Apoc. pag. 20. That regeneration is by faith from him the second Adam by hearing the doctrine of divine revelation that he should destroy death and him that had the power of death by his own death and resurrection and give us a Resurrection and that be should be a mediator between God and man as Prophet Preist and King Lord of Angells the head of all principality and power that a company of people were in him elected and should be called out of this present world to whom he should be wisdome justification sanctification and redemption c. in these things the outward Jew was dull of hearing Rom. 2. and 3. Phil. 2. Heb. 5.11 much lesse could the wisdome and Philosophy of the heathens once thinke of these things Col. 1.26 yea alas for pity how weakly and poorly are these things either taught or known and experimentally in mind and conscience felt and answerably in life practised in most of our congregations of our blessed England This must be proper to true christians no marvell the holy spirit doth taunt the wisdome of the worlds wise Masters and chargeth the saints to take heed of their Philosophy and vain deceit verily it is not fit for Christians to be trained up in their pedagogie 1 Cor. 1. they were haters of God Rom. 1. Col. 1.21 and haters of his people Psal 83. Hest 9.1 Then all that time they were not in the state of universall grace but in very deed of universall wrath such a wofull famine of hearing the word of the Lord holy justice gave them over unto So when the would did depart from the faith of the true Melchisedeck it was given over to Turk and Pope and all force of error and were far from Justice Peace and Truth the Reverend Doctor Ames in his Medâ—lla pag. 244 editio quarta citeth a fit testimony for this Non pium igitur minus quam prudens suit illud maximi artium magistri P.R. judicium votum Hujus Philosophiae doctrinam si mihi fuerit optandum quod assequi velim malim â—ueâ—as ex Evangelio per cruditum aliquem probatisque moribus Theologum quam ex Aristotele per Philosophum tradi Puer impietates mullas ex Aristotele discet quas verendum ne nimis sero dediscat Beatitudinis finem in homine terminari virtutes omâ—cs hominis facultate penitus contineri Eas ex hominis natura arie industria comparari Deum ad haec opera quamvis magna divina tamen vel adjutorem vel artificem nusquam adhiberi divinam providentiam ex hoc numanae vitae theatro removeri de justitia divina verbum nullum fieri Beatitudinem huminis in hac caduca vita constitui c. Quest 8. To be called their God This is a word of Covenant as God spake to Abraham Gen. 17. and as it was noted above God is called the God of Shem. Andoh most glorious priviledge of the Saints through the mediator in all ages Marke these Texts from the first to the last Gen 6.18 and 17.7.8 Exod 19.5 and 20.2 and 29.45.46 Jer. 31.33 2 Cor. 6.18 Gal. 3.29 Tit. 2.14 2. Pet. 2.9 Apoc. 21.3 Hence it is that the Saints say from Gods interest in them and theirs in him Our God my God my portion my Rock my Shepherd c. and Jesurun is Gods portion Jer. 10. In this they boast praise and sing My welbeloved is mine and I am his Cant. 2.16 Psal 44. and 48.2 Coron 25 6.7 Psal 42. and 43. Deut. 10.21 The observations of the properties and workes of God should here be minded which are in chapter first spoken of Q. 8 Heavenly City The Saints of old knew as well as them of the New Testament That if the earthly house of our Tabernacle were dissolved they should have a building of God an house not made with hands eternall in the heavens They had all the same spirit of faith compare the â— Cor. 4. with chap. 5.1 to 12. and Eccles 12.14 c. upon the dissolution of the one the holy soule possesseth the other here is no interposition of time nor of
c. QUest 3. What do you in general observe out of these portions of Scripture Answ These Scriptures are a confession of faith proceeding from the holy Spirits illumination and experience in the inner man agreeing with the doctrine of the promises wherein the faithful soul applyeth the doctrine of the corruption of nature and of justification and the fruits thereof unto special uses of information confession prayer and praise containing two parts what we are without Christ and what we are by Christ for he is the Mercy-seat Quest 4. What more specially may and is to be minded Answ I. It is necessary that each one Job 11.12 14.4 15.14.16 Gen. 6.5 8.21 Gen. 1.27 compared with 5.3 Psal 51.5 58.3 Esa 48.8 and circumcision enjoined in infancy sheweth the corruption of nature though in a visible Church-estate know and be perswaded of the truth of the doctrine of the uncleanness and filthiness of the corruption of nature taken from parents derived from the first Adam and that all actual sin proceedeth from this birth-sin as from a fountain 2. That the Son of God became a Second Adam to be to all that receive him and believe in him a fountain for sin and for uncleanness and to renew and create in us his glorious Image and to repair the lapses and decayes of the same The graces of which are from his fulness as a well of water springing up unto eternal life 3. The regenerate upon conscience of guiltiness can never be in quiet till with godly sorrow he do freely and ingenuously confess his sin which being done by the convincing power of the Spirit of Christ the soul which groans and sighs from the same Spirit earnestly longeth and prayeth for reconciliation and restoring to former favour peace and joy with God which is more sweet and satisfactory then all contentments in this World and on the contrary the withdrawing or withholding from the conscience his gracious Divine aspect nothing more dejecteth 4. No man can stand before God to be justified if God should judge him according to the Law 5. Here is shewed the blessedness of the saints touching justification and how them of the old Testament understood the doctrine that it consisted in transgression forgiven in sin covered iniquity not imputed speeches importing one and the same thing which grace is only procured by Christs redemption and satisfaction figured in the Gospel-Law And when the Lord God preaching his free promise of grace and peace in Christ Jesus by the words of reconciliation doth by his spirit unite a man to Christ then at that instant he receiveth and believeth in Christ as Mediator of his attonement justification and salvation and by this faith in Christ the saints in all ages had good report Heb. 11. 6. No man can fear God that is to say serve God as his Child unlesse he be set free that is justified from sin by faith and forgiveness Faith resting upon Christ and apprehending at least a possibility of forgiveness worketh love obedience reverence and godly fear Luke 7.47 (a) Ro. 5.1 Esa 26.3 4. Heb. 4 5-56 1.0.16 to 23. Psa 130. 62. S. Rom. 10.14 Also hope joy patience perfect or continual peace quiet waiting upon God and stirreth up to prayer with boldness and confidence 7. In coming unto God we must do it with an humble heart from an inner feeling of our sins and corruptions and a true desire to be eased or justified from thern not only for remission of guilt and punishment but mortification and sanctification For no man that stands upon his own righteousness or alloweth or is indulgent to himself in any sin secret or open of omiâ—sion or commission can be an humble and upright supplicant and petitioner to God nor can look for audience 8. The saints go only to Jehovah in prayer and onely to him for forgiveness and all kindes of mercies who hath set up his throne of grace onely in Christ Our Lord in his doctrine of prayer teaching us to pray confirmeth this Matthew chap. 6. Here is to be noted the glorious use of faith not onely for justification but how necessary it is for us in this our pilgrimage in all estates conditions and varieties of life that it settleth the heart and banisheth from the inner man heart-rending thoughtfulness that the minde will and affections are conserved from heaven in a flourishing green temperature the word of promise and the blessed Spirit that sealeth the promises do so water nourish and restore the soul that it is carryed above all wants and difficulties c. 10. Before we can have any comfort to be delivered from any danger by the seed of the Serpent or from any other affliction or for assistance consolation or direction in any thing for our selves or for the Church we must go to God by faith in Christ for forgiveness of sin 11. The inner feeling and apprehension of Justification Psal 103.1 2 3. Psal 32.1 2 3 c. Mortification and Sanctification doth greatly affect an holy soul with thankfulnesle and prayse and denyal of self-sufficiency c. deeply admiring the blessed Jehovah in those and in all other fruits comforts and effects of his favour c. c. Quest Go on to shew to what other famous Pillar the Spirit of endless wisdom hath fastened the holy and pleasant Chain of times which direct and draw unto Christ Answ To the building of Salomons Temple a figure of Christ the true Temple Quest How many years are from the Lamb of the Passover or since the comming from Egypt to the Temples foundation Answ Four hundred and fourscore years Quest What Scriptures are contained in those four hundred and eighty years Answ Exodus 12. to the end of that book Leviticus Numbers Deuterenomy Josua Judges Ruth two Books of Samuel the first of Kings to the 6. chap. and most of the first of Chronicles and the two first chapters of the second of Chronicles and very much of the book of Psalmes Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the sixth CHAPTER Qvest Answ David the sweet Psalmist David sung most sweetly of Christ and his Kingdome of his Person both of his divine and humane nature and offices and the benefits thereby He spake of Christs humiliation and exaltation This Patriark and prophet in holy Psalmes speaking by the Spirit of God 2 Sam. 23. Mat. 18. calleth Christ his Lord Psalm 110. the Son in whom they that trust are happy Psalm 2. Also after God had promised him Christ he called him David beloved Psalm 130.10 Mat. 3.17 c. Quest 2. and Answ Psalm 51 7. Purgeme with hyssop The High Sacrificer purged the unclean with hyssop he was to do the outward action and could do no more David did not believe the doctrine of bodily exercise So John Baptist saith I baptizâ—lyou with water but the Messias with the Holy Ghost So Daniel goeth to God in Christ who is the true
satanical and Julian fancies that would not have Schools of Prophets Christ will curse such and their posterities Quest 7 and Answ blessed protection Upon their glorious faith was a defence and the last speech of Moses was made good through all their State while they hold their glory Deut. 33 26 c. That Scripture is full of heavenly joy to all Christian States that hold the faith of Christ sincere Esay 4. Where this glory is seated there shall be a defense Blessed hast thou been O England who is like unto thee O people saved by Jehovah from the â—eed of the Serpent sundry times but especially in eighty eight and in the Gan-powder plot and in 164â— c. Ibid. Written word The sweet blessed Scriptures are to make Kings and Common Weals wise and learned that the wrath of Christ burn not up their States and in special the books of Kings and Chronicles with the prophets of their times are for instruction to Christian Kings and polities in many things of State but chiefly to take heed how the true Church doth tamper with the false and apostate in treaties and affinitie Psalm 2. 2 King 22. 2 Chron. 34. 35. c. The holy Scriptures will yield more fundamental conclusions and sure rules for government then all the Machiavels in the world Quest 8. and Answ Aholah for their apostasie Our blessed gracious and merciful Lord God doth never cast off his people till they have first cast off and contemned his word for then idolatry will begin and all ungodliness and unrighteousness like a torrent will follow Then will God hisse for a flie and a Bee What Prince is able to keep a flie or a Bee from comming near his Court yea or into his Chambers and Excheqâ—ers God is as able to bring an enemie even of their lovers to enjoy and possesse them See the stories of Râ—choboam Ioram Ioash Amaziah c. 2 Chr. 12. 21. and 24. 25 And Pharoah with all his wisdome and multitude Ezek. 29. and 30. and 31 c 32 could not prevent Nebuchadnezzar from his spreading his royal Pavilion near his Court Gate Jer. 43.9 10. and who caused that the Babylonian Princes sate in the Gate of Ierusalem but the Lord Iehovah the God of recompenses Jer. 39. Esai 42.24 Esay 5.26 7.18 Pro. 13.13 Jer. 6. 7. 2 Kings 22.13 Ibid. N. 1. and gave them over to the lying Spirits Wo to them saith God when I depart from them then followed a secret dedication of them to devils transferring his right of them to idols Ephraim is joined to idols Let him alone Hos 4.17 Acts 7.47 1 King 22.23 Psal 81. Ezek 14.9 and so 2 Thess 2. Apoc. 16.13 1 Tim. 4. Ibid. N. 1. To walk in their own Counsels Ezek. 20.25 Psal 81. 2 Kings 17.8 Hos 10.6 13.1 Observe Mich. 6. ult Salomon fitted many Proverbs and told them the words of the wise do bear grace and that the words of the fools of the ten tribes and of Judah also would be foolishness and wicked madness to swallow them up Eccles 10. Behold still how Christ the Corners stone was rejected and became a stone of offence to both the houses of Israel as Esaias and David had told them Psalm 69.22 Esay 8.14 and 28.16 and so is ever to all that will not receive him in the way of his own ordinances and mark how these texts are pressed by our Lord and his Apostles in the Acts Evangelists and in the Epistle to Rome and 1 Pet. 2. and this is written for us Rom. 15. confer Esai 6.9 10. with John 12.40 Acts 28.26.27 c c. Ibid. N. 1. Could not live the life of a State c. Observe how the Holy Spirit compares the dead State of the ten tribes being in Apostasie with the apostasie of the families 2 Chron. 15.3 with Ephes 2.1 to 12. Dead from a Church life Hos 13.1 false worship breeds atheism and corruption in manners heresie frets like a gangreane and such Authours and fautours wax worse and worse The ten tribes were without the true God by their apostasie and so the heathens were atheoi atheists without God in the world and note that speech of Asa King of Judah was spoken of Israel before the idol Baâ—l was brought into Israel 2 Chron. 15.3 Ibid. 8. Quest and Answ N. 2. He did pour out his fury God was angry for the provocation of his sons and of his Daughters Deut. 32. Gods four sore judgements followed Aholah and Aholibah for their backslidings Ezek. 14. and the Earthquake in Amos 1. had in Israel its events Jeroboam the second his son was two and twenty years in getting his Fathers Throne such trouble in State all plagues and curses Levit. 26. Deut. 28. came on them not for breaking a Covenant of Works but for accounting Christ and his Kingdome Anathema They did as all apostates do loath his word they abhorred his Statutes they obeyed not the Son of God the Angel of Gods presence as Mediatour and so had not life John 3.35 36. they served not God in their spirits in the Gospel of his Son He that hath not the Son of God hath not the Father 1 John 5.12 2 John 9. and so come all plagues and curses on men Let the wilde Olive branches fear Ibid. Vpon them famine pestilence Famine and Pestilence are chiefly the Plagues of the meaner sort and the sword is the plague of the rich Ezek. 21.14 when the heavens dealt with the subjects Levit. 26. the Governours felt the other The spirit of Christ hath long and wonderful patience afore the sword cometh Lev. 16 23 24 25. then the sword doth avenge the quarrel of Gods covenant not a covenant of works but for despising the covenant in his Son against the godliness of high place who were and are the hinderers of all good and the promoters of all evil as it is said A great man grieveth all and he hireth the fool he hireth also the transgressors Prov. 26.10 Ibid. By secret corroding mischiefs Christ was as a Lion to tear in pieces by their domestick dissentions as in the overthrow of the houses of Jeroboam Baasa Omri Iehu c. and by forrein enemies and also he was as a Moth insensibly eating and consuming their riches honour and people by one ill project or other And for this read Hosea 5.12 Ibid. House of Assur They made Israel Iezâ—eel Loruchamah and Lo-ammi till the latter daies as Hebr. 1.1 But then they were gathered in Christ and pittied and again made Gods people The Apostles of the circumcision preached to them that were dispersed in Asia Galatia Pontus Bythinia Cappadocia and Chaldea c. 1 Per. 1.1 and chap. 2. all tribes then are called Iews Ephraim mixed himself with the heathens Religion therefore God mixed them among the heathen Ibid. Out of their own Land There nettles and thornes grew in their pleasant palaces then the thorne and thistle grew on their
be more studious and conversant in them than we are Our slightness will hinder much our consolation in sad houres read Ezek. 36 31 c. They must pray and did pray but the blood of the covenant brought them from Babel Zach. 9.11 Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you 13. And ye shall seek me and finde me when ye shall search for me with all your heart 14. And I will be found of you saith Jehovah and I will turn away your captivity I will gather you from all Nations and from all places whither I havedriven you saith Jehovah and I will bring you again unto the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive Pertinently it may be here remembred that the Son of God by his Spirit in the Prophet Esaias foretold above two hundred years how Cyrus King of Persia should conquer Babel send Judah home from captivity and give letters patents for re-edifying Jerusalem and the Temple Esay 44.24 Thus saith Jehovah thy Redeemer and he that formed thee from the womb I am Jehovah that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the earth by my self 25. That frustrated the tokens of the lyars and maketh diviners madd that turneth wisemen backward and maketh their knowledge foolish 26. That confirmeth the word of his servant and performeth the counsel of his Messengers that saith to Jerusalem Thou shalt be inhabited and to the Cities of Judah ye shall be built and I will raise up the decayed places thereof 27. That saith to the deep be dry and I will dry up thy Rivers 28. That saith of Cyrus (b) Read more of Cyrus in Esay 45.1 2 3 4 13. whom God raised up by a strong hand to conguer Babel to return Israel home and to build the City Jerusalem He is my Shepheard and shall perform all my pleasure even saying to Jerusalem thou shalt be built and to the Temple thy foundation shall be laid This is the prophecy now follows the History 2 Chron 36.22 Now in the year of Cyrus (c) We must consider here that Cyrus Darius Dan 9.1 were fellows in goverment who joined their Forces against Babel as it is prophecied Esay 21. Go up against Babel O Elam besiege Babel O Media And marke here by conferring Dan. 9.25 Cyrus his proclamation is that going forth of the word of commandement of returning the people of building the Temple and city as when Daniel was in humble prayer then Cyrus was drawing his Letters Patents even at the same instant of time and the Angel Gabâ—iel is disparched from heaven with a joyful message to tell Daniel so Let us think of it upon humbling our selves surely some message is comming from heaven King of Persia that the word of Jehovah spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accompliâ—â—ed Jehovah stirred up the Spirit of Cyrus King of Persia that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom and put it also in writing saying 23. Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia all the kingdomes of the earth hath Jehovah the God of Heaven given me and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem which is in Judah Who is there among you of all his people Jehovah his God be with him and let him go up QUest 2. What Collections do you take notice of in these Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets Answ For brevities sake I will name but few and those main principles out of the doctrine of Christ that Moses spake in Leviticus 1. Let this be observed of all that have their senses exercised in the word of righteousness to confer History with prophecy whether in promises and threatnings We shall see God to be Iehovah in all to be Being and to give being as to all his works so to his words whether they concern persons families Cities Churches or Kingdomes 2. VVhereas it is said that Iehovah spake to the Patriarks and to Moâ—es in all his five Books in most places we must conceive it spoken of the second person of the holy Trinity the Redeemer the Angel of the covenant to whom the heavenly Father hath committed all authority and power as Mediatour yea also this attribute of Jehovah throughout all the old Testament must be so understood some few places excepted wherein the first person or the third is also to be considered Examine this by Psalm 18.49 117. with Romans 15.9 10 11 Psalm 68.18 with Ephes 4.8 Psalm 97.7 with Heb. 1.6.1 Cor. 10 4.9 with Num. 21.6 Esa 6.9 10. with Iohn 12.41 Our Lords most heavenly speeches in the Apostle Johns Gospel will shew us the reason of all cha 5.17 and so forwards 3. Among all the corruptions from the first Adam that is in us note this that we hold Christ his Kingdom and Ordinances anathema this is expressed by Moses there is in us a contrariness to God (a) confer Lev. 26.15 with Zac. 11.8 These tearms abhorring loathing c. of the old Testament is in effect the same of the new the preaching of the Gospel to them savoured death unto death and so it doth in the daies of the New Testament Gods people must be diligent to mark phrases though different in words yet the same in force and value a despising his judgements abhorring loathing and hating him his word statutes and commandments mandements The New Testament speaks the same as the old when it saith the wisdom of the flesh causeth enmity against the Law of God by nature enemies in our minde by evil workers also haters of God fighters against God and such a stubborness is annexed that we are unreconcileable Much may be said of this in the sad effects thereof that men meeting with cross providences when his folly perverts his way his heart frets against Jehovah that is his breath and being and saying he is a hard master and that his waies are not equal yea alas what do the regenerate finde in themselves of murmuring fretting impatience distrust c. But the second Adam dissolves the works of the devil by his spirit in the administration of the Gospel of his Kingdom heals all in the elect Ezek. 36.25 26 27-37 Mich. 7.19 2 Cor. 5 11-15 chap. 10 4 5 6 c. 4. Whereas in Levit. 26. Moses saith from Christ sicknesses diseases sorrowes on the labours of our hands the teeth of wilde beasts pestilence famine sword captivity c. avenge the quarrel of his Covenant we must advisedly understand This is not meant of a covenant of works but the covenant of his Grace the lawes of which they have despised and abhorred and so in Deut. 5. 29 Jer. 34. all of it and many other places there is mention made of the covenant and it is but the renewing or dilating on that as is noted Exod. 24. which they violated For the whole covenant is Jehovah is our God in Christ and that we
arose that spake and wrote perverse things wherefore the reformed are too blame in two respects 1. In yielding too much to the Papalines to prove points from the Ancients for that doth not saâ—issâ—â— them and there is no end with them 2. To urge against their Brethren that desire sincerity the opinions and practise of the Fathers in doctrine church-politie or ceremony The Apostles being Prophets and foreseeing evils gave this precept To remember their words 2 Pet. 3.2 And it is safest so to do This must be often pressed thought upon by all that love our Lord Iesus Christ with incorruption of spirit It was said plainly Beware lest any man carry you for a spoil through the traditions of men according to the rudiments of the world Augustine was of mind that Councils and Bishops ought not to be objected for trial of controversies but the holy Scriptures August Cont. Max. Wherefore give the controversie about altars no quiet no not for an hour for the truth of the Gospel else will not continne with crifice to officiate upon his altar Mordecai was sure to overthrow Haman God had sworn and said that be would have war with Amalek til he was rooted out O yee servants of the Lord contend by meek writings by fervent prayer and bold confession for the maintenance of the faith once given to the saints for Christ hath sworn and said Romes apostate politic should be perishing to the end Exod. 17. Num. 24.2 Thess 2. Apoc. 10. 17. â—lâ—ars are a main prop for Abaddons Kingdome and it is a complying with it and therefore some learned men have done amiss in pleading for that innovation Ibid. and fiâ—st wo Whereas Christ pronounceth Wo Wo Wo to the apostate churches it sheweth the ignorance and vanity of a childish belly-god spirit of many that say it was a good world in the daies of Popery of such good neighbourhood plenty and prosperity and cheapnesse of things Thus of old apostates pleaded against Christ and his Prophet Ieremiah ch 44. But his answer will stop all mouthes but the obstinate in superstition profanesse and mans inventions lyea such are ignorant of our own chronicles that so speak Quest 8. and answ N. 2. which troubled lesser Asia The seven churches of Asia and others falling from the faith Christ removed their Candlesticks by the Turk which shall be further touched in the comparison of the seven Trumpets and seven Vials Ibid. and by their resurrection The two Prophets that were killed by the beast stand upon their feet that is other godly of their spirit Christ raised for the good of the Church as the Spirit of Alias rested on Elisha N 4. Thus God hath once revealed The eleven former chapters of the Apocalyps revealeth the State of the church to the end of the world and the rest of the Apocalyps goeth over the same things with sweet variety Ibid. Eath blessing is here begâ—n and shall be perfected all the saints that are in this vale of tears do sit in the heavenly places and have chambers in the Jerusalem that is from heaven And here God wipeth all tears from our eyes And when they change this life they fully possesse that of which they had an earnest as the godly of gold were in the heavenly Tabernacle Psalm 15.1 The heavenly Father hath but one family yet two Tabernacles or two dwelling places the one in heaven the other on the earth When any of his Servants hath done so much service or factorage Polytâ—uman Phil. 3.20 as he thinks fit then he calls for him home from that part of the family on earth to the other in the heavens to possesse the joy of his Lord. Here an entrance is given us into the everlasting kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1. here we pass from death to life John 5. It is said we are in the second Adam renewed after the image of God that created us and as here we bear his image so shall we bear it in the heavens and there be fully satisfyed with it Psalm 17.1 Cor. 15.49 and further the Scripture saith he that hath prepared us for immortall glory after our earthly house of tabernacle is taken down is God who hath also given unto us the earnest of the Spirit Another Scripture saith He hath made us meet to be partakers of the inhertiance of the Saints in light 2 Cor. 5.1 2. Col. 1. We are made meet in this life for that blessed possession Christians trained up in the word of Christ must hold anathema the Ovidian and Vâ—rgilian doctrine of the Popish purgatory c. Beware left there be any man catry you for a spoil through Phylosophy and vain deceit Col. 2. CHAP. XV. Questions Answers and Annotations Proving that Rome in Gods just Judgement is the place that he hath given unto the power of Satan for the setting up the mystery of iniquity QUest 1. and Answ What place by Gods unsearchable judgement was permitted to Satan for the setting up of the Mystery of Iniquity Answ Rome in Italy for after those ruins it was brought unto it began in process of time to be in credit again Then Satan used all signes and lying wonders to advance there the Throne of the Beast the man of sin or the Pontificalitie (a) As most churches so Rome in special was broken off by mis belief and for not continuing in Gods goodness as they were forewarned Rom. 11. And when the Pontificalitie was set up by the decree of God then nations from East to West obeyed and Worship the Pope and the image of the Imperial State as of old time they did the profane Emperours Whereas if it had not been for the Pontificality Rome and its Empire should never have been revived but left a most filthy lodging of Oxen and Hogs (b) Stâ—uchus against Vallo Lib. 1. in the beginning Even this do the Roman Catholicks themselves confesse And so there the wounded Head was revived by the Pontificality QUest 2. But Rome totidem literis is not named in the holy Scriptures to be the Mother of Whoredomes and abominations How do you know that all these evils were thence to arise Answ By divers notes and marks 1. It is evident that the fixt Head of the Roman State and Power the Politie of Roman Caesars crucified our Lord. 2. By the Locusts and their King the Angel of the bottomless-pit which can agree to no politick corporation in the world but to the Pope and his spiritualty QUest 3. and Answ How is the King of Locusts described Answ 1. It is shewed that the King of Locusts was a star in the heaven of the Church but did opostate and became not a Messenger of the Church of Christ but the Angel of the Pit 2. The keyes which formerly he had being an Angel and a Star were for the honour of CHRISTS Kingdome but apostating his keyes are the keys of the bottomless pit 3. When he used the
keys of Christs authority well then light of truth he taught to the opening of the kingdome of heaven and to glorifie Christ but apostating with the keys of the Dragon and his own authoritie he let out of the pit a smoak of heresies to corrupt the earth and to darken Sun and air Christ the Sun of Justice and his Mediation and the Scriptures by which light cometh to our eyes So in all this he is not a Star of Heaven nor a Messenger of the Congregation of God but Apolluon a King of Pit-darknesse 4. In that the Holy Spirit gives the King of Locusts the appellation of Apolluon it was to teach the sealed of God that all his Politie his Lawes crossing common reason his mass his idolitry his (c) Especially on Gen. 3.15 translating she for he false translating of Scripture his false litigious rules of faith his false miracles lying signes and wonders (d) Mr. Calvin and others write of their Reliques forged reliques his reviving of Aarons office and ceremonies (e) As eloquent and learned Viretus in his Christian disputations hath shewed so also a book of the three conformities and heathenish customes and fables c. c. that all tendeth to eternal destruction so he is another Apollo a Devil of Delphos destroying all such as spake at his mouth QUest 4. How are his Locusts described Answ 1. Out of the smoke of the Pit the Popes Clergy ariseth They be Locusts for their Great swarms and idle bellies bred from the pit fruges consumere nati to consume the fruits of other mens labours Millions of Monks and Friars c. void of all actions for Political use are fitly compared to Locusts 2. They be as Scorpions having stings in their Tayls shewing they be false Prophets by close-poisoning and terrifying doctrine to sting and vex inthral and torment the hearts and minds of men 3. They are for the Wars which they are their king cause and make and for strengthning and defending their own authority and doctrine as horses (f) This is too manifest ever since the Bishop of Rome got the Supremacy by the Murderer Phocas ready for battel with wings of Chariots with Breast-plates of iron Also they have teeth of Lions to devour all and to hold fast that which by fraud our violence they have once gotten 4. They would seem to have no secular power yet their dealings shew they wear Crowns like Gold as hating Gods ordinance of Magistracy How have they and Abaddon their king contested against Princes how have they given the affront to the greatest Potentates c. c. 5. For private State in pretence they are said to have faces of men for cloyster keeping and womanly-life and for many of women-sex in their orders they are said to have hair like women This denoteth also their counterfeit modesty and simplicity and alluring inticements by good words and fair speeches deceiving as Balaamites the hearts of the simple to spiritual fornication 6. They are three unclean spirits like frogs spirits of Devils that come out of the mouth of the Dracon and out of the mouth of the Beast and out of the mouth of the false Prophet from whom they have commission to creep into kings Courts to teach and persâ—ade by false miracles and froggy slimy unclean doctrines of devils to ignoble and dangerous attempts cruel and tyranical projects c. But their croaking hath not that event for their purpose under the Phials as under the Trumpets These notes all agree most fitly to the Roman Catholicks QUest 5. How furthermore hath the holy Spirit described Rome in its abominations Answ By the arms that God hath set out the Empire and Pontificality first by the great red Dracon and his tail by the body of the Dracon is meant the Empire under the Caesars by the tail is meant the false Prophet that deceived the world with false doctrine QUest 6. How secondly Answ The Empire is described by one Beast coming out of the Sea who hath seven heads and ten horns yea also in this Beast is comprized the Pontificality being the Reviver of the wounded Head This beast hath his arms from che four Beasts in Daniel chap. 7. For Rome having subdued all those Countries that those Beasts ruled and being like them for idolatry and cruelty in afflicting the holy City descending from heaven is a monster compounded of all four Being a Beast of seven heads and ten horns mouthed like a Lion footed like a Bear and spotted like a Leopard QUest 7. How thirdly Answ By the Beast that arose out of the Earth having two horns like a Lamb which meaneth the false Prophet the Angel of the Pit the usurping Vicar of Christ which is the Pontificality or the Corporation of Popes QUest 8. What is meant by the seaven Heads of the spotted Beast Answ Two things First the seven Hills on which the City of Rome was builded Secondly the seven Kings or Polities or kindes of government that were and should be of that City QUest 9. How many governments had been when the Apostle wrote Answ Five had been one then was and another should come after QUest 10. What Head was it that then was Answ The Caesars ruling the Empire This description of a City that then reigned when the Apostle wrote over the Kings of the Earth by seven Hills and seven changes of Government agreeth with no City in the World but Rome QUest 11. How long did that Head live which was alive when the Apostle wrote Answ About three hundred years and then godly Constantinus made it dead as is said removing the Constantinople QUest 12. What Government did come after the Caesars the fixt Head was wounded to death Answ The Pontificality that is the Government of the Roman State by Popes This is meant by the Beast with two Hornes like a Lamb who revived the wounded Head of the Empire and made it to live So the double power of the Pontificalitie is a Seavensh and after a sort an eighth Head or Politie QUest 13. What is meant by the ten horns of the Spotted Beast Answ The Kingdomes that committed fornication with the great Whore and that gave their power to uphold the kingdom of the Beast that revived the Empire QUest 14. How further is Romes Policy under the Empire and the Corporation of the Papacy described Answ By mystical allusions to Countries and Cities to Sodome for filthiness of life pride excesse idleness and oppression to Babylon and Egypt for false Religion bondage and cruelty And observe it is said plainly That our Lord was crucified in the great City or large Common-weal which Spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt And Apolluon the King of the Pit the King of Locusts and his Locusts did cruelly murder the faithful Witnesses of Christ that they found in that their policy QUest 15. How doth the Apostle to the Thessalonians set forth unto us the Beast with two Hornes like a Lamb
Answer It shall Christ will raise up holy Teachers who shall by his great power cause the earth to be lightned with glory And the Temple and Testimony which the Beast of the Pit had shut up shall be further opened and the Lord the Almighty One shall reign The same Kingdomes that gave their power to the Beast shall regain and shall revive from their dead apostaticall condition and hate the Whore that loathsome Corporation of the King of Locusts make their Kingdomes our Lords and his Christs for they shall embrace the Gospel which shall shine among them This is called the marriage of the Lamb Apoc. 19. And verily as that whorish Polity hath been desolate and naked in respect of England Scotland and much of Germany c. so shall it be of France and Spain and others when Gods purposes are fulfilled QUest 9. What is the finall judgement given on the second beast with two horns like a Lamb who is the Beast of Empire revived and also with his Locusts is the false Prophet Answer It is said the Beast was caught and with him the false Prophet which worketh miracles before him by which he deceiveth them that receive the mark of the Beast and worship his image both were cast alive as Sodomites into the Lake burning with fire and Brimstone and shall be tormented with the Devils day and night for ever and ever Even so Amen Lord God omnipotent holy just and true are thy wayes and judgements O King of Saints QUest 10. What is the judgement on them that are seduced by the great glorious and Catholick Whore and were drunken with the cup of the Wine of her fornications that had the Mark of the Beast and did worship his image Answ They shall drink of the Cup of the wrath of God the wine mixed in the cup of his anger Psal 11.6 and 75.8 and shall be tormented for ever and ever without rest day or night in fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb Apoc. 14. This should be a most serious admonition for men to come out of mysticall Babylon mysticall Egypt to use no garments no prayers no laws of the Popes making QUe 11. What are we to think of all that go under the name of Papists that are under the Papacy Answ Fearfull judgement is pronounced on all those that worship the image of the Beast or have his Mark or print of his name in hand or forehead but sentence is not so passed on all that are of the Number of his name yet they are in great danger unlesse they obey the voice from heaven Come out of her my people O thrice blessed is that Kingdome O thrice blessed is that family O thrice blessed is that person that not onely hath gotten victory over the Beast and over his image and over his Mark but also and over the number of his name QUest 12. What is the end of all that know not God and which obey not to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ which will not be of the Corporation of the holy City Answ Everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power for so it is said without shall be dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters and the fearfull and unbelievers and the abominable and whosoever loveth and maketh a he Apoc. 21. and 22. QUest 13. What is the end of the godly that would not obey the Papacy and of all that sincerely walk with God Answ The Apostle John heard a voice from heaven saying Write blessed are they that die in the Lord even so saith the Spirit for they rest from their labours and their works follow with them Phil. 3.12 They shall not be unclothed but clothed upon in them mortality be swallowed up of life 2 Cor. 5.4 Luk. 20.35.36 And in the day of the all-joyfull resurrection our weak vile and corrupt bodies shall be raised up incorruptible and be fashioned and made like our Lords glorious body And the Saints that are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall have instead of death a sudden and unspeakable * changing in their bodies and shall together with them of the Resurrection be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the aire and to be ever with the Lord not to die any more but are equall unto the angels and shall shine like the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father Amen Even so come LORD JESUS Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the seventeenth Chapter QVest 1. and Ans Here and there two witnesses See Mr. White Way c. page 384. c. and Mr. Cade Justif l. chap. 4 and lib. 2. chap. 1. and many others Christ still raising up his witnesses was an argument that his cause should live till better times All the power of the Western world that Pope and Emperour and other horns of the Beast could make could not root out the Church nor the faith of the Primitive purity It did and shall increase in spite of fire and fagot prisons Massacres Index Expurgatorius c. the King of Locusts and his Locusts prevailed against the bodies of the Saints but not against their Testimony to the true faith of Christ Ibid. Prophesied misliked and cried out Here is a sore combate of Michaels servants called the patience of the Saints as with the Casars so now with the Tail of the Dragon the King of Locusts All the fight was for the salvation and power and Kingdome of God and his word and the authority of of Christ and his Testimony Apoc. 12.10 and this still is and must be intended for unto banishment spoiling of goods bonds and death Yea it shall be contended for till the seventh Trumpets sounding sheweth Christs reigning over the Kingdoms of the world in the glorious manifestation of his Ordinances Apoc. 11.15.19 Ibid. For divers hundreds of years In those dayes the Temple was shut and Christs Ordinances abandoned by the authority of the Beast with two horns like a Lamb so there is two kinds of authority and for this was the great strife Jehosaphat much reformed the State and took away the high places that had Groves but the other high places stood still for the peoples heart was not able to comply with purer worship 2 Chron. 20.33 So in our dayes our people are full of superstitions and hate faithfull teaching therefore pure Reformation shall not be yet nay now the the things not reformed by Queen Elizabeth and King James are a means of introducing moe things of Popish abominations Ibid. Of his 666. Apostaticall number Observe the Romane Catholick Church of Kings multitudes peoples Nations and kindreds and tongues rejoiced when the Beast of the Pit had killed the two witnesses and Martyrs of Iesus so they are the many that go the broad way and Christs witnesses sew that go the narrow way Papists ask where was your company
Tribes of Israel The Providences of Christ in a constant progresse of the holy story made this promise good to the ending of the Seventy Sevens Then was the Period of Israels peculiar glory CHAP. XXII Expounding Zac. 12.10 11 12 13 14. Verses 1. ZAchâ—riah sheweth how the faithfull should mourne for the sins of the times every godly Family cheifly them of Davids progenie of the Family of Nathan Solomons Brother by Bathâ—hebah of whom our Lord lineally ascended As also of the godly of the Tribe of Levi and all the godly Families that did remaine for then to them was the blessed Fountaine for sin and uncleanesse opened And our godly translators doe confer Act. 2. in the 3000. converted by Peters Sermon to be an History to this Prophesie And Act. 1.14 is fitly to be conferred for their godly private exercises 2. Also we must diligently observe how John Elias the fore-runner to Christ by his powerfull Ministry did turne the heart of the Fathers to the children and the children to hearken to the wisdome of their godly Teachers that the evill Spirits of the three Shepheards and their Doctrine was much quailed and were made ashamed of their evil wayes And our Lord Jesus Christ the great Apostle from Heaven coming after Iohn Baptist he brought his Fanne of holy Doctrine in his hand and by his holy Spirit separating the chaffe of persons and Doctrine in wonderfull manner as in Mat. 5 6 7. chapters and at other times which Sermons of Christ made them rage against him and were never quiet laying snares still for him till they had his life And when they had smitten this blessed Shepheard and destroyed the Temple of his precious Man-hood he raised it againe and gloriously ascended Then afterward the Lord Christ gave a mouth and wisdome to his holy Disciples and Apostles that all false Doctrine and all Worldly wisdome of Satans Kingdome fell like Dagon before them All their idols of the Doctrines of justification ex opere operato bodily exercise and their Traditions of their Abotheru and the Sadducisme of the Sadducies and other errors among them All these idols of theirs and the Heathens were famished and so perished Zeph. 2.11 3. That Doctrine of Justification of bodily exercise was the great controversie of those dayes and it was their idoll and vanity as Deut. 32. compared with Rom. 10. that idoll cleaving to the letter made them despise MESSIAS their King whose most precious obedience through his manifold sufferings made his death a most acceptable Sacrifice and so it was the end of the Law for justification to every one that beleiveth and by him all that beleive are justified from their sins guilt and punishment Moses Doctrine given by Christ taught the sure mercies Act. 13. Deut. 30. Such an idol it was and is that it hath cast off the Jewes to this day For by it they despised the Son of God and his justification which the bodily exercise of all the Law of Moses could not doe And that they might not think of justification by bodily exercise from the Temples worships Christ destroyed City and holy Place to this day who brought to us by his once offering up of himselfe to an everlasting Righteousnesse or Iustification 4. After the Jewes had rejected the corner-Stone their King for Caesar many heavy and unexpressable sorrows came upon the Jewes and Jerusalem continually untill by the Roman power Titus Vespasian who came against Jerusalem took the City rifled the Houses and the uncleane infidell Souldiers ravished the women slaughtered multitudes and carryed may thousands of Iewes Captives and sold many numbers of them for Slaves All this came to passe about forty years after our Lords ascention Our Lord sitting on Mount Olivet and beholding the City told these things of Zachariah Ch. 14.1 3 4 to his Disciples Mat. 14. Luc. 19. 21. 5. And the Apostle as a Prophet Act. 13.40 41 1. Thes 2.16 Ebr 6 8. 10.26 27 28 29 30. Act. 13. threatned by allusion Hâ—bb thicks prophesy against them noted before that as the Chaldean had done the Romans should execute further and greater wrath upon them even wrath to the utmost And so the Apostle had told the revolting Hebrewes that they and their Nation would be Bryars and Thornes and must look for violent fire to consume them Moses and David fore-saw all these evils Deut. 32.22 2 Sam. 23. Then the corner Stone which the Builders refused fell on them and bruised them to powder 6. The Prophet Zachariah having spoken of the dâ—struction of the Low Jerusalem makes this transition to speak by way of b Jer. 31.38 39. Is literally propheticall and performed in Nehem 3. but this of Zac. 14.6 is allegoricall see Tremel on Zach. 14.10 c. allegory of the building and setting up of the High Jerusalem As by the returned from Babel Jerusalem was builded from Benjamins Gate c. so sure shall the Heavenly Jerusalem be builded notwithstanding all oppositions of Enemies And whereas it is said Zac. 14. Jerusalem shall be inhabited in her own place it is to be understood that the Heavenly Jerusalem should begin to be builded in the Earthly as it was fittest Thence the Law went forth of Sion and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem then the Mountaine of the Lords House was lifted above all Mountaines and all Nations ftowed unto it to build on that Mountaine and this promised blessing was performed before Salem was abolished and the word of the Lord did not faile that Iapheth must have religion from Some Tents 7. There were skilfull Master-Builders at Salem the Fishers of Galilet and the other Apostles with others to the number of six score and five thousand after which with the Physitian of Antiâ—ch and the Tent-Maker of Tâ—rsus that might carry the healing and wholsome b Our Lord in his Apoc. 21. expounds Zach. 14. Ezek. 47. For these waters that run thorough the streets of the Heavenly Jerusalem and no better waters shall â—ver come among us then what the holy Prophets and Apostles have let us in their most sweet and blessed writings Let us beware of deceitfull opinions of new Apostles and new Revelations waters of holy Doctrine to the uttermost parts of the Earth Oh how wonderfull and un-utterable was the glory of Christ in and by them that he was King over all the Earth that as the Apostle saith God was not the God of the Iewes only but of the Gentiles also Rom. 3. 8. Zac. 14.12 sheweth that all montanous opposions could not hinder the building of this Heavenly Ierusalem this City was lifted in glory and did and doth abide notwitstanding all the wrestlings of the misbeleiving and unbeleiving Iewes and the Roman Empire against it And all that fought against his Holy City both the Caesars the old Pontificality the sixth head of the Roman Beast afflicting the Church and the new Pontificality the Papacy the seventh Head and Turke
souls go to the dark places of torment in Hades in the unseen world of souls and in this sense also Hades is also used in heathen authors and in some Greek Fathers being rightly alledged as it hath been well observed by Dr. Lighâ—foot in Acts 2. and by M. Bro who hath also observed that in no Greek author nor in aâ—l the new Testament Hades doth onely and properly signifie the place of torment So in Philemons Jambâ—iâ—ks two paths are in Hades one of the righteous the other of the wicked 4. The Reader may please to take notice that in these interpritations explications I have not run without good company but learned men and Churches that have suffered much for the truth of the Gospel have thus thought taught and written P. Martin and M. Buceâ— that held the stern of Religion in the dayes of King E. ward the sixth The first at Oxford and the other at Cambridge These two godly men were as good Divines as the world saw for a 1000 years as it is testified by Mr. Bro in a Treatise of the Article printed 1599 they brought into our native Countrey the Zurick Confession which was allowed by King Edward the sixth and by Queen Elizabeth The Confession is in these words Per inferos intelligimuâ— non locum supplicis designatum impiis sed defunctâ—s sideles quemadmodum per superas â—dbuc supâ—r stâ—es in vita proiâ—de anima Christi descondiâ— ad inferos id est delatâ— est in sinum Abrakâ— in qua collects fuâ—runt omnes d functi fideles ergo cum latâ—oni secum crucifixo dixit Hodie erâ—s mecum in Paradiso promisit ei consortium vita beatorum spiritum Licet enim Dominus descendâ—sâ—e dicâ—tur fit tamen ex more â—â—quendi Confitemur in hus articulâ— animas esse immortales â—asque pâ—otinus a morte â—oâ—porealy ansiâ—e ad vitam And the right Reverend Mr. Hen. Bullenger the godly Tiguâ—ine Professor doth record this very Confession on the Article of Christs descent as it is to be seen in his seventh Sermon in his first Decade towards the latter end of that Sermon I acknowledge that I never saw the Zurick Confession but as I find it recorded in other mens writings but that of Reverend Bullengeâ— is translated into English and printed many years ago His words translated run thus By Hades Hell we understand not the place of punishment appointted for the wicked but the place of the faithfull that are departed even as also by the higher parts we understand them that are yet remaining alive wherefore the soul of Christ descended inro hell that is to say it was carried into Abrahams bosome wherein all the faithfull already departed were gathered together therefore when he said to the thief that was crucified with him this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise he promised him the fellowship of life and of the blessed souls c. And prefently after Bullenger calls this article The article of the souls immortality in this article saith he we confesse that the souls are immortall and that immediately after death they do passe to life and this he speaks of all the Saints that have died in the faith of Christ from the beginning of the world 5. I find that many learned men of our native Countrey have and do wave as evil the translation He descended into hell and do hold the two former interpretations to be impertinent to the true scope of it and I believe that more and more will do so daily unlesse such as be too carelesse in taking the pains of the mind to search into the true knowledge of the things of God for indeed many Students care for no more but what they have received by Tradition 6. There is a Dictionary that is called Portus Dictionary and another little book a kind of Dictionary called â—lementa Graeca which shew that Hades among other acceptations doth signifie heaven as well as hell and some learned do record that in the Macedonian Greek dialect children are taught to pray Our Father which art in Hades Also there is another little book of 22 pages put forth lately in English by a godly learned man eâ—tituled Of the Article of our Creed Christ descended to Hades or ad inferos This little Treatise will much help to guide common Readers on this Subject 7. It is very usefull for the godly Reader to be well acquainted with the severall phrases of the holy Scripture and in speciall of the term soul the Reader may see the various acceptations of it in Ainsworths Tables after his translation of the five books of Mâ—ses He sheweth that the term soul is taken 1. For our naturall estate Gen. 2.7 2. For person Gen. 12 5. 3. For life Gen. 19.17 4. For mind of will Oen. 23.8 5. For Ege t is ille I thou he Gen. 17.4 6. For ones self Deut. 4.9 7. For a dead body Levit. 19.28 8. The word translated descended in the Creed is of great use to be rightly understood for in that place it doth not mean a going down but it means onely a passage from one place to another as they may easily observe that have but a little skill in the Greek Concordance to the new Testament Also it is to be noted that the Pronoun ille he spoken of the person must yet be understood of the Soul in this Article He i. e. his soul passed from his body to Hades to Paradise to heaven to God Again it is spoken of the person he rose from the dead the third day this must be understood of the body Some Objections answered Objection 1. He was crucified dead and buried and went to Hades to the unseen world The third day he arose from the dead and he ascended into heaven Whence some object that then Christ ascended twice which is not likely say they that there should be such a Tautâ—lâ—gie in so short an Abridgement of the faith Answer Is it not great pity that we should be educated in the Articles of our faith as to make such an ignorant Objection as this I grant that Christ ascended twice but yet it was in two differing sorts as it is expressed in two severall Articles of our faith 1. In his holy rationall soul onely when he died on the Crosse and that passed from his body immediately to Hades or to the unseen world of souls and in those dayes it was heedfull to professe this Article of the souls immortality as an Article of the faith because of the Sadducean Tenent 2. Forty dayes after his Resurrection he ascended into heaven both in soul and body together as the first fruits of them that sleep 1 Cor. 15. 30. And thus you see a necessity that the Articles of our faith should professe his ascending twice in these two differing sorts Objection 2. Some do scoffingly object because we make Christ to blesse God in Psal 16.10 and in Acts 2.27 because he would not leave his soul
from heaven to comfort him and it is most evident that Christ was not forsaken for the holy Angel did not come from heaven to the Lord Jesus without a commission from the heavenly Father to whom the humanity prayed and therefore in the closure of his meritorious sufferings his heart rejoyced and his tongue was glad and being full of faith and comfort he said Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and then he sent out his Spirit from his Body 10. Again if some shall say the wrath of God as some understand wrath killed Christ We should be well advised what passeth the doore of our lips for Christ our holy Mediatour said I have power to lay down my life Jâ—â— 10.17.18 and have power to take it again This commission or commandement have I received from my Father also he said As the Father knoweth me so know I the Father and lay down my life for the sheep therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I may take it again Joh 15. As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you continue ye in my love If ye keep my commandements ye shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commandements and abide in his love John 16. Ye shall be scattered every man to his own and shall leave me alone and yet I am not alone because the Father is with me These Scriptures and others are prevalent to make one think and believe that he was not under the wrath and curse of God in any respect or consideration as some understand wrath not for one minute of an hour for surely the Son of God our Lord Jesus Christ was a most willing Mediatour and Redeemer for us to God our Father he gave himself a voluntary and free will offering to our heavenly Father for us and therefore no force did separate his soul from his body but he did that act by his own power as the formality of his Sacrifice 11. Many Ministers have some expressions about our Lords Sufferings which many godly and learned Divines have testified are not warrantable for what are we dust and ashes to speak of God and our Redeemer and Mediatour words not comely but we all should consider that aâ— Moses spake nothing of his own mind nor Christ in the flesh nor his Apostles from him but what he taught to Moses and the Prophets So we should all speak from his holy Scriptures sound Doctrines wholesome Doctrines plain and pregnant speech sound and uncondemnable 12. The assertion that our Lord suffered hell-torments in this life in his soul or body appeareth not true by any Scripture True modesty would look to Scripture phrases in handling our Redemption The ill translation of the Article and the bad interpretation of it but especially the mistaking of the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath filled the Church of Christ with much trouble and the smoke of the Pit which hath troubled many mens eyes hath also been a great occasion thereof but now the smoke is much vanished blessed be God 13. Beloved Reader we desire to reverence his word by whom the world was made his word is of sufficient authority with us and to that we through the strength of Christ will cleave as to our life therein is these words And the Bread that I will give is my flâ—sh namely that I will give in sacrifice for the life of the world Joh 6. And this is at large expounded Heb. 9 But Christ being come an high Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands I mean not of this building neither by the blood of goats nor calves but by his own blood he entered once into the holy place having obtained eternall redemption for us And it is also sald that without shedding blood is no remission and this is further amplified How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God And for this cause he is the Mediatour of the new Testament that by the means of death this is not the second death for the Redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which were called might receive the promise of the eternall inheritance Chap. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering the body of IESUS Christ once for al He. 10. And so he doth most sweetly and confortably speak in verse 19. 20 21. and in deed all that Epistle doth open Ioh. 6. most heavenly 14 Againe if Orthodox Churches yea the most Orthodox are so infallible that our faith must be resolved in part into their commentaries expositions c. how cometh it to passe that some do differ in Church discipline from so many reformed Churches both from Geneva Zurick Scotland Low Countries c. that they neither scotize it with the Scot nor Genevate it with the zealous Towne of Geneva they fall it may be under reproof in not agreeing with but discording the judgement and practise of the best and reformed and Othodox Churches in discipline And they had need to shew very good reasons of their so dissenting or they are to blame or else some may say came the word of God out from them or came it unto them only yea and may not others say so too of the best Orthodox Churches came the word of God out from or came it unto them only that men must be judged by them But the Holy Ghost hath charged us in his cause be not the Servants of men 1. Cor. 7. 15. The Pontificians said that our fore Fathers had the word of God from them and therefore they did by Egyptian Bondage tye our Ancestors to their Doctrines and Councils and at last to the Pontifician chaire and caused all Christs Witnesses to mourne in Sack-cloah that would not obey their constitutions But the Lord our God hath delivered us from that house of cruell bondage of mysticall Egypt And Christ saith his Magistrates must not bring his people back againe to Egypt Deut. 17. 16. We are of Japhets posterity And it is said God perswade Japheth to dwell in the Tents of Sem. So that we must know Japheth our Father and his faithfull posterity had their faith from Sems Tents and not from the Tent of the seaven Mountaine City of King Abaddons Kingdome And this holy faith was taught to Japheths posterity by the Sons of Sem the Prophets and Apostles The Apostles and Disciples taught this faith from the Scriptures of the Prophets at the commandment of the everlasting God to the Romans Corinthians and Galatheans Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians and the other Churches of Asia round about from Ierusalem to Illiricum and also to Dalmatia Croatia and doubtlesse to Spaine Rom. 15. And also to great Brittany as ancient Histories and as Master Speeds chronicle declareth Therefore it
second death after the first 5. When and where did the Lord of glory suffer the second death if you prophesy to the going down of the Sun there will be no answer many Ministers will have the Lord to suffer the second death before the first or in and with the first They must exercise their wit but there is no Divine Revelation what to affirme least their imaginary Doctrine be lost 6. We must know and that by Divine Revelation that as there is a first death so there is a second death and that the second death must be after the first or else if we by our wit and learning will affirme the contrary we shall destroy Gods order but no accutenesse of wit or learning shall ever be able to doe that what shall mans subtill wit nullifie the order of nature of first and second and the order of Divine Revelation which sheweth that the first death is in this world and the second death in the world to come The Spirit of Christ said by Iohn He that overcometh namely that overcometh the will of Tyrants by suffering the first death for the truth shall nor be hurt of the second death Apoc. 2.11 Lo the second death is after the first and in another world and this doth more fully appear by Apoc. 20.14 and by Apoc. 6.7.8 which placles doe shew first the place of punishment secondly the punishment it feâ—se thirdly the time when fourthly the company that shall he there heaped together first the place expressed is the lake secondly the punishment everlasting paine in fire and brimstone thirdly the time is at the last and great day of account when the Books shall be opened fourthly the company is the Devill the Beast the false Prophet the fearfull the un-beleiving the abominable and murtherers and whore-mungers and sorcerers and idolaters and all lyars c. of which second death the Lord Jesus the holy one of God under-went to part Therefore that Doctrine that saith so must be reprobated with the Reprobates 7. The primitive Churches were admonished to take heed of running after Fables and reformed Churches have as much need to look about themâ—men yea Schollers yea Ecclesiasticks are as subject now to fables and heresies as ever it hath been observed that Ecclesiasticks have ever been the Founders of fables errors and heresies The Apostle gave warning of this to the Bishops of the Churches and tells them that of themselves men should arise speaking perverse things to draw Disciples after them Act. 20. 8. Some have not traversed these pathes as they should because they have been so long instituted and catechised in the Doctrine of Hell-Torments and that Christ the holy one of God was a sinner yea the vilest of sinners and when they are by modest arguing put out of their beaten track they run wild and utter sesquipedalia verba on their breathren that have and do desire that they and their Children should walke with God in soundnesse of judgement and in a godly and sober conversation 9. Let it be further considered that the first death hath foure parts first the death of the soul in sin secondly the death of the body by sicknesse thirdly the seperation of the soul from the body fourthly the putrifaction of the body First the death of the soul is thus expressed dead in Trespasses and Sins Eph. 2.1.5 and so the Gospell is said to be preached to the dead in Sin 1. Pet. 4.6 Secondly the death of the body is effected by fire water sicknesse c. Thirdly the body being dead then the soul departs to the world of souls untill the day of the Resurrection Fourthly the putrification of the body is evident by constant experience The first part of this death namely the death of the soul in Sin could not betide the Lord Jesus because of his ineffable conception in the sanctified womb The second part the Lord Jesus under-went when he gave himselfe a Ransome for the many when he was put to death as a Malefactor on the Tree Thirdly his seperated soul went from his dead body to the world of souls to the happy part of Hades to Paradise to Heaven The fourth part of this first death the Lord did not undergoe his body saw no corruption Act 2. 10. Now as no man may say that Christ was spiritually dead in Trespasses and Sins so neither must they say that he under went the second death none ever under-went the latter that had not first undergone the former 11. I will cite two or three godly Authors that expound the second death First Mr. Ainsworth speaketh thus on the signification of the word death in Gen. â— 17 Finally death is the everlasting perdition of soul and body in Gehenna from the presence of the Lord and called the second death in Apoc. 2. 20. 21. Mat. 10.28 Mat. 9. he saith Hel but Gehenna is in the Text he citeth therefore I dare be bold to put Gehenna for it see his Notes on Ps 16. and see his communion of Saints last page Secondly Trelcatius saith that by second death is meant Eternall death Thirdly Master Perkins in Gal. 3. speaking of the parts of the second death saith the second degree is an absolute seperation from God but saith he into this second degree of this death Christ entred not because the Lord saith in the midst of his passion my God my God and saith he this absolute seperation could not be without the dissolution of his personall union Master Perkins was cautelous of going too far in the point of Carists sufferings and yet it seems he would have the Lord to suffer a part of the second death and he makes that part to be in this World and the other part in the World to come and that he suffered the first and second death together or rather some part of the second death be fore the first is this good Divinity is this Doctrine Orthodox 12. Master Perkins also saith in Gal. 3. That whole Christ Man-God God-man was accursed is not this another fearfull speach though with limitation and some retractation as it were in the same breath and yet all that he saith doth not nor cannot expiate the horror of the position 13. Master Perkins also saith further on Gal. 3. The second death is a seperation from Gods favor and speciall love whereby God ceaseth to be their God This is the second death indeed But now let any godly man whether learned or un-learned bethink himselfe whether ever this did befall the humanity of the holy one of God This speach conferred with some other mens doth infer that Christ was not Christ for a time 14. It is affirmed by some that Christ bore our deserved curse for our Redemption But bring this generall position to particulars and then they make a stand as first of the spirituall death in sin secondly touching the corruption of the body after death and some are affraid to say that he suffered any part
Pelâ—g Regu Serug Nahor Gen. 9.10 and 11 chapters Terah he died 427 years after the flood the world then 2083 years old For he in no sort took on him the angels nature but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 7. Abraham Isaac Jacob Judah Phares Hezron Aram Amminadab The rest of Gen. Exod. to the 12 ch of Job Naasson a Prince of Judah in the wilderness 430 years from the promise Gen. 12.2 3. to the coming from Egypt the world then 2513 years old It is evident our Lord sprang out of Judak Heb. 7.14 Naasson begat Salmon Boaz Obeb Jessai David Salomon Exod. Levit Numbers Deut. Ioshua Iudges Ruth 1. and 2 Samel and Psalms and 1 Kings to the 〈◊〉 chap and 1 Chron. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel 2 Tim. 2. The incarnation and the Resurrection are the Basis of all and should be better remembred and more taught The Cronology of the Judges and their oppressors The Judges and oppressors mentioned in the book of Judges all which were contemporary with Salomon Boaz Obed Iâ—ssâ—i Iudges Othoniel 40. Ehud 80. Shamgar 40. Deborah 40. Barak 40. Jael 40. Gideon 40. Abimelech 3. Tholah 23. Iaâ—r 22. Iephthâ—h 6. Ibsan 7. Elon 10. Abdon 8. Sampson 20. Eli 40  399 Oppressors Chusan 8. Eglon 18. Iabin 20. Midian 7. Ammon 18. Philâ—st 40.  111.  339  450 And after that he gaâ—â—â— unto them â—udges after a sort 450 years uâ—til Samuel the Prophet Act 13.20 Kings of Israel King of Iudah Ieroboam Nadab Baasa Elab Zâ—mâ—i Tibni Omâ—i Achab Achaziah brethren Ioram brethren Iâ—hu Ioâ—châ—z loash Ieâ—obâ—am Zachaâ—iah Shalâ—um Menachem Pâ—chaiah Peâ—ab Hosea David Salomon Râ—boâ—m Abiam Asa Iosaphat Ioram Aâ—haziah Athalâ—ah loash Amaziah Vzziah Joâ—ham Aâ—hâ—z Hezekiah Manasses Amon Jâ—sâ—â—s Jâ—hâ—jakim Iechâ—nias Zedekiah in his 11 yea the city Ierusalem was taken by Nâ—buchadnezzar it and the Temple burnt and that was 427 years from the foundation of it Babâ—l tyrannized full 50 years moe then the world as 3470 years old Saint Matthew follows Salâ—mons line to shew Christs Right to the Kingdome of Israel for Salâ—mons line failing in Jâ—chonias who made Sâ—lathiel his â—â—ir as next of riâ—hâ— 1 Kings And some of 2 Chr. ' ro Ecâ—l Canticles Kin. and the rest of Chr for the kings ' Judah and Israel Ionah Hosea Ioel â—mâ—s Esaias Micah Nahum Habbakuk â—zâ—phanâ—ah Jerem. Lam. Daniel Ezekiel Ohadiah Nathan Mattatha Mainan Mâ—lea Eliaâ—im Ionan Ioieph Iudah Symeon Levi Matthat Iâ—rim Eliezer Iose Eâ— Elmodam Cosam Adâ—i Melchi Neâ—i Salathiel Pedâ—jah Of these Fathers concerning the flesh Christ came who is God over all blessâ—d for ever Amen Zâ—robabel he was made Prince of Iâ—dah by Cyâ—uâ— Cyâ—us in the first yeare of his Reign over Judah made a Proclamation for the Jewes return from Captivity with Zorobabel from which Proclamation to the doath of our Lord and blessed Savior Jesus Christ are 70 Sevens or 409 years then the world was 3960. years old The Kingdome of Israel continued 327 years under 19. or 20 Kings most of them were stained with the sin of Ieroboam that caused Israel to sin their Royall descenâ—â— changed nine times The Kingdome of Ashur ended their apostâ—ticall Kingdome and carried the ten Tribes beyond Babel and so made them Lo-ammi noâ— people that is not Gods people but they were made Gods people by the preaching of the apostles of the Circumcision Rom. 9.1 Pet. 2.10 Then they looked on him whom they piâ—rced the last King of Israel was in the dayes of Hezekiah King of Iudah Pro. 28.2 Tibni stood in competition with Omri for the Kingdome of Israel but he was not sole King so he is not reckoned but if he be then there is 20. Kings ZOROBABEL Abihud Eliakâ—m Azor Sadoc Acbim Eliud Eleazaâ— Matthan Iacob Ioseph the husband of the blessed Virgin Mary St. Matthew followes these of Zorobabel to shew Christs right to the Kingdome of Israel Ezra Nehemiah Esther Haggai Zachar. Malachi Daniels Prophesies and the stories of the Bear Leopard and the fourth Beast their rising fall and afflictions of the Saints of them the high Trinity c. all are in the time of the Seventy-sevens at the ending of which the World was three thousand nine hundred and sixty yeares old Rhesa Joanna Juâ—ah Joseph Semâ—i Mattathias Maach Nagge Esly Nahum Amos Mattathias Joseph Janna Melchi Levi Matthat Eli Mary Jesus Christ the second Adam Oâ— these from Zâ—râ—baâ—el did the Lord Jesus Christ take humanity Luke 3. A little paines in observing the Geneology of Genesis and this of our Lord will be of great use you shall find them the Pillars of story both to Geography Chronology and to all Narrations through the whole Bible Labour to wade into the depth of our Lords Geneology there is not more use of the Stars of Heaven then there is of our Lords Ancestors who all shine like Stars in the holy Story Let no man think that his Geneology is condemned as Endlesse which the Spirit of endlesse Wisdome hath indited in his holy Volume But let all that hope for life know the Family of whom the Lord of life descended No Family in the World nor altogether match it therefore give glory to it The first fourteen Fathers of our Lord in Mat. 1. do abridge all the holy History from Gin 1â— to 1 King 1. The next fourteen do abridge all the Kings and Chronicles and all the Prophets except Aggi Zâ—chary Malachi Ezra Nehemah Esther and most of Daniel whose Chronology doth stop the mouth of the lying Heathen Chronologie The third fourteen doth abridge the last named Prophets with much of Daniel they make a Commentary for the honour of Zorobabels house for whom our Lord face on a fiery Throne to cast the Chaldeans Medo persians Macedonians and Sâ—leâ—co Lagidâ— into eternall flames that so Matthews last fourteen might have an heavenly glory to begin the new Testament for though their persons were base in the fight of the base World yet in the holy Angels account they were Kings of Heaven Dan 7.18 Japhets seven Sons and seven Nephews Gomer Magog Madai Javan Tubal Mesec Thiras Ashcanaz Riphath Togarmah Elishah Thaâ—shish Kittim Dodanim Chams Sons and Nephews Chush Sheba Havilah Sabbatha Regma Sabtecha Sheba Dedan Nimrod Milzraivn still translated Egypt Ludim Anamim Lehabiim Naphtuchim Pathrusim Castuchim Captorim Philistin Put. Chanaan Sidon Heth Iebusi Aemori Gargasi Hivi Arki Sini A vadi Zemari Hamatbi Sems Sons and Nephewes Elam Ashur Arphaxad Sela Heber Lud Vz Gether Aram Chul Mash Heber Peleg Regu Serug Nahor Terah Ioktan thirteen Sons Ioktans thirteen Sons Elmodad Shalaph Hazahmaneth Ierah Hadoram Vzal Diklah Obal Ahimael Sheba Ophir Hanilah Iohab It is thought the East and West Indians come of these of Ioktan because both of them as Learned say speak some Hebrew And the high God is doubtlesse laying a foundation of comfort
c. The times following were also times of violence and fraud in Pope and Turk Popish superstition still increasing exceedingly till by the two Witnesses it was resisted by Waldenses Wickliff Hus Jerom of Prague and Luther c. and Mahometisme greatly prevailed to the removing of the Candlesticks of the Churches of Asia as it was threatned against them Apoc. 2. 3. and evills in the Churches of the East prevailed by the strength deceit and falschood of the Papacy till that the Turk possessed Constantines Empire and City The Kingdome of Christ our Lord and Saviour under the new Testament was first impugned in the time of the Caesars and in the growing on of the mystery of iniquity Then this Propheticall Office and at last his Priestly Office was striven against which was almost desperately corrupted in the height of the mystery of iniquity in the tenth Century This last was first contested against by Waldenses Wickliffe and Luther c. Then his Propheticall Office was upheld by the faithfull in cleaving to the Divine Oracles of the holy Scriptures and at this day this is the greatest contestation And his Kingly Office hath been but in few places executed for Christian States do not consider as they should the benefits thereof that will redound unto them by true Ecclesiasticall Discipline and much opposition there hath been and is about it But as Christian Governours and Teachers have embraced the two former they will also the other rejoycing to defend onâ—ly Christs Ordinances and hate to maintain any thing of the Beasts marks that they may make good that Scripture of the Apostle of us Gentiles 1 Tim 6.13 I give thee charge in the sight of God who quickneth all things and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good profession 14. That thou keep this Commandement without spot unrebukable untill the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ 15. which in his times he shall shew who is the blessed and only POTENTATE the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 16. Who onely hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto whom no man hath seen nor can see to whom be honor and power everlasting Amen CHAP. LII Of the Attributes or Titles of God Essentially considered AELohim Almighties or Almighty Powers but in Greek the Apostles do alwaies render it singularly Theos God Aelohah Omnipotent or Almighty Job 12.4 Ael Puissant or mighty Gen. 14 18. Jehovah Being of himself and giving being to all things Elion The most High Elionin A Plurall Shaddai Almighty or All-sufficient Gen. 17.1 Adonai My Staies my Pillars Gen. 15.2 Job 28.28 Ehieth I am or I will be Ex. 3.14 Jah In notation much like Jehovah Yzur The Rock the seventy translate it Theos and sometimes Ctistes Goel Redeemer Ghosai Plurall sig my Makers Job 35.10 Abba Father The Power Matth. 26.64 The Feare Gen. 31.57 Psal 76.12 Name Theos God Curios Lord. Creator Master Mal. 1.6 Eph. 6. Eternall God Gen. 21.33 Sabbaoth When he warreth against the wicked he is called Jehovah Sabbaoth the Lord of Hosts or when he performeth great intendments for his Church From these Attributes sundry Vses may be gathered 1. From the Attribute or Title Aeloim 1. Aelohim is a form plurall to teach the mystery of the Trinity which is most necessary to be well marked or else that form were dangerous I say it were dangerous if necessity did not require us to be thereby taught the knowledge of the Divine persons 2. But sometimes it is joyned with a word singular as in Gen. 1.1 Aelohim He created because there is but one Godhead but the plurall form of speaking when it is joyned with a word singular doth necessarily call upon us to know the mystery of the Trinity in the unity of the Godhead 3. This plurall Attribute Aelohim though it be commonly joyned with a word singular for the reason aforesaid yet it is sometimes also joyned with a word plurall as Aelohim He went 1 Chron. 17.21 and so Aelohim They went 2 Sam. 7.23 and so in Jos 24.23 He is holy Gods and in Jer. 10 10. He is living Gods but in Gen. 20.13 it is also joyned with a word plurall They Gods caused me to wonder and in Gen. 35.7 They Gods were revealed to him The Wisdome of God thought these Expressions to be necessary for our instruction in the mystery of the Trinity and in the Unity of the Godhead or else it had been dangerous for Idolatry so to declare himselfe to us 2. Hence we may learn that though sometimes words of the plurall Number be joyned with the plurall Attribute Aelohim yet God did no way intend thereby to teach to worship a plurality of Gods as the ignorant and negligent in the Scriptures are ready to understand it because he hath taken good order to cleer it from that errtour by other Scriptures especially to such as are diligent in the study of the blessed Scriptures he hath cleered his Attribute Aelohim from being taken for many Gods because he hath often put this Attribute into the form singular as by Eloah in Job 12.4 and sometimes by a shorter form El The Mighty in Gen. 14.18 And secondly by joyning it often to a word singular and thirdly by limiting this plurall Attribute Aelohim onely to three persons or Existences in the unity of the Godhead as in Psal 33. 6. By the word of Jehovah the Heavens were made and all the Hosts of them by the spirit of his mouth And saith Ains in Gen. 1.1 The ancient Hebrew Doctors have left Records of this mystery Though at this day that Nation doth not understand it Come and see saith Rab. Ben Iochai The mystery of the word Aelohim There are three degrees and every degree by it selfe alone that is distinct And yet notwithstanding saith he They are all One and are not divided one from another And saith Ains in Numb 15.25 Rabbi Menâ—â—hem on these two Phrases Vnto the Lord and Before the Lord saith from their former ancient Rabbins This it meant of him and his Judgment Hale and no Judgment Hale had lesse then three by which it appeareth that the mystery of the Trinity in the Godhead was formerly believed by the Jewes though now they do oppose the same And the Lord Duplessie in his Truenesse of Religion page 74.75.76.78 doth prove that the ancient Hebrew Doctors held the Trinity But blessed be God our New Testament doth tell us most cleerly 1. That the Father is the Creator Eph. 3.9 2. That the Son is the Creator Eph. 1.8.10 Col. 1 16. 3. That the holy Spirit is the Creator Gen. 1.2 Psal 33.6 Psal 104. 30. And hence it is that Salomon would have young men to make it their care to Remember their Creator in the daies of their health Eccles 12.1 4. Hence we may learn that God is Almighty for the protection of those that feare him and that trust in his gracious promises and he is Almighty to ruinate his Churches
Popes rising to his Antichristian Hierarchy is first described compare with the seven Phials in chapter 16. under which the Antichristian Hierarchy doth fall is consumed by degrees p 261 Vnlearned Schollers that affected Superiority in the severall Centuries after Constantines time turned all to ambition and heresie and polititians to prophanesse p 262 There shall be persecution from the seed of the Serpent in one place or other as long as the Church remaineth in this world notwithstanding all that is alledged for Christs glorious personal reign here on earth p 266 None of the Phials is poured on the Turks Tyranicall Kingdome p 267 Chap. 19. The dead bones in Ezek 47. must not be understood of the Jewes câ—ling after our Times But onely of their return from Babel p 2â—7 The calling of the Jewes yet to come shall be in all places of their dispersion â—269 The Jewes do hope for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and do pray daily for their return to Canaan and many Christians do Judaize with them in teaching their return thither and to be a glorious Church there again p 269 Chap. 20. Of the two sticks in Ezek. 37. in confutation of them that say It is not yet fulfilled that Ephraim was joyâ—ed to Judah in the return from Babylon p 271 178 Also some observations on Zach. 2. Zach 8. Zach 9 10 11. chapters p 271 Chap 21. Of the Jewes calling that Zach 12 13 14. chapters cannot be applied to the Jewes calling yet to come as many Ministers dâ— too unadvisedly teach p 284 Chap 22. Expounding Zach 12.10 11 12 13 14. verses The subservient Typicall Covenants of works after some time was made such an Idol of Justification by the Jewes that it made them despise Messias the King and his justification p 288 Chap 23. Expounding Zach 12.19 11 12 13 14. with Zach 14.10.11 c. p 291 Chap 24. Gog and Magog in Ezek 38. Ezek 29. must be taken properly but God and Magog in Apoc. 20. must be taken in a mysticall sense p 294 179 Corporation-speeches must be marked for the right accommodation of the true sense of the blessed Scriptures p 298 Chap. 25. Some Observations on Jeremiâ—h 30 31 32 33 chapters p 299 Chap. 26. That the Covenant of grace made with Israel in Dan. 29. is the same that God made with Israel in Exod 20 and the one is no more a Covenant of works than the other p 301 Chap. 27. Short Collections out of Genesis Job and some part of Exodus shewing that the Gospel was taught among the faithfull before Moses wrote the same 304 alias misprinted 296 The Sabbath was a sign of Sanctification to them by the death of Christ p 304 alias 297 296 In Moses and the Prophets holy Convocations are called the presence of God p 298 alias 305 p 36 Chap. 28. Of Divine Tradition p 302 From the Creation till Israels coming from Egypt or from the promise of Christ in Gen. 3.15 till the Passeover in Egypt is 2513 years in which space of time the Church had not the written word but was taught by Tradition Chap. 29. Being an answer to them that say that the polity of Christ given to Moses was not a Covenant of grace p 306 Chap. 30. Shewing that Israel under Moses Law were under a covenant of grace p 313 Finis operis intends all that live under the visible Church as once all the world had a being under the Church in Adams dayes and under Sem none are excluded from being under the Covenant of grace to outward apprehension though finis operantis is for the elect as Moses speech shews in Deuth 29.29 p. 314 Divers brief Arguments to prove the Jews under Moses Law were under a covenant of grace p. 315 Chap. 31. A Prosopopeia of Solomons fall by granting liberty of conscience to his idolatrous Wives p. 316 Chap. 32. Brief Considerations about Sheol Gehenna and especially about Hades as it relates to the Article of the Creed he descended into hell p 328 Chap. 33. Of the phrase of Abrahams Bosome p 335 Faithful Factors need not fear to be called home from forreign parts so when the good servants were called to give an account for their trading by the Talents they feared not p 336 Comforts to the godly against the fear of death p 336 337 Chap. 34. Some propositions and expostulations concerning the true nature of Christs sufferings p 338 Job doth tell us that it is not good to defend Gods cause with an Error pretending Religion p 339 The second Adam had power over his affections more then ever the first Adam had in his Innocency for he had power to trouble himself with grief and sorrow which Adam in innocency had not p 340 Christ in his sufferings was not under Gods vindicative wrath for one minute of an hour p 840 341 The assertion That our Lord suffered Hell torments in this life in his soul or in his body appeareth not true by any Scripture p 341 In Heb 9 14 15. Christ offered himself by his eternall Spirit c. That by means of death for Redemption c. This death cannot be expounded of the second death because it is compared with the bodily death of such as do thereby confirm their Testaments p 341 A just reproof of them that affirm That Christ in his sufferings did combate hand to hand with his angry Father p 343 Chap 35. Observations upon that distinction which some make between a locall and a poenall Hell which Poenall Hell some say Christ suffered p. 345 Some say Christ suffered a poenall Hell out of a locall Hell they say Locall Hell is but a circumstance they may as well say That the glorious place of heaven is but a circumstance and so in this sense all created things in respect of God are but circumstances p 345 Our old English Saxon word Hell doth not answer to Hades but to Gehenna Hell which our Ecclesiasticks must cleer p 346 Christ underwent a poenall Hades in this world but not a poenall Gehenna p 346 Chap 36. Observations on the second death which some say Christ suffered p 347 When Christ was in his sad Agony in the Garden there was an Angel from heaven to strengthen him which doth evidence that he was not then under the second death for if he had then it had been impossible for an Angel or for all the Angels in heaven to strengthen him p 348 If Christ had suffered the second death which is indeed the Effect of the Essentiall wrath of God he could not have said My God my my God why dost thou leave me And Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit c. p 348 When did our Lord suffer the second death was it before his bodily death We know by divine Revelation that the second death is after the first or else if we by our wit and learning will affirm the contrary we shall destroy Gods order p 348 The Doctrine