brightness of his coming but that it is the same coming Rev. 19. The Apostle here plainly shews concerning Antichrists destruction called the battel of Armageddon Rev. 16. The not well observing of this hath occasioned some otherwise learned men to conclude Antichrist should continue to the end of the world and Pareus often mentions the place in that sense which occasioned him to set down the thousand years Rev. 20. from the destruction of Hierusalem to Pope Gregory the seventh As Mr. Brightman from Constantine to Auno 1373. Though he speaks of a glorious Church of the Jews wherein the other doth not agree with him it is like upon the former account that the world should end with Antichrist from 2 Thes 2.8 which coming of Christs seems to be that that Saint John speaks of Rev. 1.7 where he saith he comes with Clouds which coming with Clouds seems necessary then to vail his glory too great for mortal eyes other wise to behold as St. Paul saith otherwise no man hath seen him nor can see him 1 Tim. 6.16 therefore Psa 18.9 11 12. speaks much of clouds to that purpose and every eye shall see him they ye also which peirced him which seems to be in reference to the promise Zac. 12.10 when his people shall mourn with penitent contrition though many others then mourn with bitter lamentation for the heavy judgements then upon the world and great distrinction of evil men c. of which again St. Paul speaketh very Emphatically 2 Tim. 4.1 Who shall judge hoth the quick and the dead at his appearing and at his Kingdom the wicked quick with temporal destruction the faithful dead with recompence as Rev. 11.18 for which he is there praised in a special manner by the twenty four Elders at the sounding of the seventh Trumpet Vers 15 16 17. Sixthly and Lastly his coming is taken for the last great day of Judgement decyphered by St. John Rev. 20.11 12. when sitting upon a great white Throne from whose face the Earth and the Heavens fled away and there was found no place for them when all the dead small and grout shall stand before him Now the fifth sense of Christ coming since his ascention into Heaven is that we are to consider which seems to be set forth in Scripture by many expressions which coming of Christ was described to the Apostle John in that Vision Rev. 19.11 to the end where Christ as a most mighty and powerful King going to overthrow and utterly ruine his enemies that is Antichrist and his Complices at the sounding of the seventh Trumpet in the Armageddon battel which coming is sometimes expressed by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the appearance from hence saith St. Paul 2 Tim. 4.8 There is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day and not to me onely but to all them that love his appearing So the former place 2 Thes 2.8 but again very remarkeably 1 Tim. 6.14 15 16. applying the title then given to Christ Rev. 19.11 12 13. Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ which in his time he shall shew who is the blessed and onely Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords who onely hath immortally c. so again Tit. 2.13 waiting for the blessed hope 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and appearing of the glory of the great God and of our Saviour Jesus Christ Sometimes it is set forth by his presence or coming 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 15.23 afterwards they that are Christs at his coming the same word before 2 Thes 2.8 At the appearing of his coming Sometimes it is expressed by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Revelation 1 Cor. 1.7 Waiting for the coming the word signifies the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the like purpose 1 Pet. 1.7 That the tryal of faith might be found to praise and honour and glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at the appearing i.e. the Revelation of Jesus Christ which till it shall be revealed we shall not happily know many things concerning such his revealing and therefore we may not be peremptory de modo this way or that way though that such a reign and coming of Christ shall be is very evident as we hope to make appear from the Revelations where it is so frequently spoken of and so strongly asserted and confirmed and likewise from multitude of places in Old and New Testament therefore de modo I onely offer my reasons and say what may seem on the other part and what instances might be added in Scripture for such a mystical coming or raign may be easily conceived from many appearances of Christ to the Fathers Abraham Isaac Jacob to Gideon and Sampsons Parents to some of the Prophets and others in the Old Testament but in the New more to our purpose we have a glimps of Christs Kingly glory at his transfiguration when Moses and Elias talked with Christ and what a strang Revelation was that of Christ to Paul before a Jewish Persecutor at his Conversion by a light at Noon-day above the brightness of the Sun to strike him down and make him blind till miraculously healed by Ananias and by an audible voyce saying Saul Saul Why persecutest thou me What a wonderful Revelation was that of Christ to Stephen at his death for to strengthen his sight to see the Heavens open and Christ sitting at the right hand of God God our Saviour who is Lord and Christ can fulfil his pleasure any way he will and he will infallibly do it in that way his spirit hath foretold it though the weak understandings of men may not in some things or the inlarged capacity of Angels may not reach in every respect how God will fulfill his predictions as it was at the Birth of Christ in many particulars And that I may deal truly and ingeniously herein I was the more engaged in such a tenderness and moderation in this though greatly useful yet hitherto somewhat mysterious point of Doctrine in that when I had drawn up the substance of my Reasons against the personal reign in a foul copy by I know not what hand of Providence I suddenly and unwittingly fixed mine eye upon these words Rev. 10. where is said When the seventh Angel begins to sound the mystery of God should be finished which finishing I ever before that time conceived should not be till the last Judgement and then comparing that with what is said at the sounding of the seventh Trumpet chap. 11.18 where to the like effect it is said The Temple of God was opened in Heaven Now the Temple of old signified Christs body wherein the Godhead dwelled bodily and he Temple in heaven might signifie some appearance of Christs humane nature then which in the next words seem more evident And there was seen in the Temple the Ark of his Testament which phrase imports some evident demonstration of Gods grace in Christ de modo I determine nothing peremptorily And
expresly Act. 10.41 But not so glorious as will be after in the highest heavens which the Saints on earth could not abide as being too great for mortal eys c. And in that state our Saviour is recorded to have spoken to them in the 40. days after he arose from the dead concerning this Kingdom of God we speak of as is likely Acts 1.3 which might occasion the Disciples asking Vers 6. whether at this time he would restore the Kingdom to Israel And he also might then promise to them the New Heavens and the New Earth as 2 Pet. 3.13 And whereas some make great stir against the manifest drift and scope of Rev. 20.4 because the souls are said to live besides that in Scripture Idem souls are taken for persons frequently Gen. 40.20 Psal 16.10 Luk. 12.19 c. How fitly may that be resolved by considering them vissionally in the state they were represented to Saint John then and were to be in when they were to have their bodies quickned which is plainly the drift of that Revelation in that textâ— for it had been no Revelation to have said their souls only lived nor that their souls thence should raign unless in a state sutable to Christ with bodies and to be with them on earth And the like Decypherings of the deceased Saints were then also Rev. 7.13 14. where they are said to be arrayed in white robes c. Namely as they shall be when they shall be raised and raign with Christ on earth and so Chap. 6.11 White râ—bes were given to every one of them which is spoken of the same souls but then represented unto him in vision in what manner those souls will appear when their bodies shall be raised at Christs Kingdom And this is further evident from the Antichesis of them that lived not again then namely in respect of their bodies so that these must then live again in respect of their bodies Thirdly They must live again in that respect they were before dead that is of their bodies for their souls always lived only their bodies were dead therefore those and only those then lived again Fourthly They must then so live as will be most suitable to Christs state of reigning on earth as being their head who is therefore the first fruits of the resurrection he eminently shewed his power and pleasure in this at his very death as a preludium what he would do when he came to raign more generally for the Saints Mat. 27. when many dead Saints arose and went into the holy City when Christ for a time after his resurrection was in such a middle condition in regard of his body and who would have thought of such a thing to be done then if the Scripture had not so clearly recorded it So that as Paul said before King Agrippa Act. 26.8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead So why that then he will so raise them when his word fully testifies it sormerly more and more clearly and at last most clearly therefore saith he when the Son of Man shall come namely at that coming we speak of shall he find faith on the earth This was prophesied by Zach. chap. 14.5 typified in the Israelites as buried in the Red-sea Exod. 15. alluded to in this particular case Rev. 15.3 besides the places spoken of above Again on the other side that those souls living or as is said of the other sort v. 6. living again is not to be understood Spiritually lay together all the ensuing considerations First It is not agreeable to the Prophesie for they always so lived since the departing out of this life Secondly To understand it spiritually was no new Revelation for that was a plain known truth ever believed and acknowledged in the Church of God Thirdly The living there is not of the souls spiritually because this is of a living peculiar to that time not to be before nor after but at the last more general resurrection Fourthly Because they can only in a particular manner to that time only live in such sence as they could before be said to be dead not spiritually but only bodily Fifthly They cannot spiritually be said to raign with Christ that thousand years in such a spiritual manner as the Text imports because spiritually they did so before Sixthly They are not suitable to the outward glory of Christs Kingdom in the world then if they have not their bodies Seventhly Many peculiar promises to the Fathers and Prophets c. imply it must be bodily and not â—piritual only Eightly as we before hinted the spiritual raign without the bodily will not be suitable to the state nature and end of Christs Kingdom for then according to his prayer Job 17.24 Father I will that they be with me where I am that they may behold my glory not only spiritually but bodily wherein that vision will much consist Again adde as he is the first fruits of the resurrection in regard of body not soul so they in respect of their bodies will be a great part of the harvest hallowed by that first fruits Again consider the Doctrine of the resurrection as we hinted before hath been set forth by degrees it was but rarely and darkly taught in the Old Testament hence our Saviour to confute the Sadduces out of Moses who would be his Disciples in presence by an inference repells their errour not by plain words God is the God of the living not of the dead but he is the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob therefore they live and little we find but Jobs profession of his own faith and the promise to Daniel and Esays mystical prophesie Chap. 26. and some few miraculously raised by the Divine power of Christ as types of that to come which the most of them if not all seem to have reference unto this very time of Christs beginning to raign as we shall endeavour by and by to make evident and for Saint Paul in the New Testament he sets forth many things concerning the resurrection after he had 1 Cor. 15. in the beginning of the Chapter strongly proved it against that Sadducaical opinion especially by the resemblances betwixt the first Adane and the second and by the dying and quickening of grain which was our Saviours own resemblance for his own death Except a Corn of Wheat he cast into the earth c. So when the Apostle in the said Chapter goes on to speak of the Doctrine thereof he sets forth many particulars of it the ground or cause Christ the first fruits the order first Vers 23 24 25 26. those that are Christs at his coming namely this coming when only the Saints will be raised then shews what will be before the end namely all rule all authority of the evil world must be subdued by Christ and even the last enemy to be subdued will be death and then shews a mystery afterward about that point yea many mysteries
likewise his Deputy King in Jesurun and so all along in the Wilderness Moses was King and Prophet and Aaron and his Sons Priests So after that when they were to pass over Jordan to enter into the promised Land Joshua is then made Captain to fight Christs Battels under that great King that appeared to him Joshua 5. the Priests carrying the Ark dry-shod through the then overflowing waters of Jordan and Joshua again as a Prophet reveals the pleasure of God unto them not onely in civil affairs as to dividing the iâ—â—eritances but also in spiritual admonitions and instructions upon many occasions c. Again many times in the Judges days when Moses and Joshua's counsels were forgot and their predictions concerning that peoples revoltings were fulfilled yet even then Christ who was from the beginning the powerful great King of his Church ruled many times amongst them and their enemies too apparently as the Scriptures witness even then likewise he raised up his Deputies called Judges as Gedeon Jeptha Deborah Barack Sampson and others again to restore his instituted worship and Priesthood and be deliverers to his revolted and oppressed people as occasion did require instructing them by his prophetical spirit therein But from the beginning of Davids time as we noted these three great Offices were more remarkably and eminently set forth especially while things continued in any tolerable order in the good Kings raigns that followed wherein the glory of Christ the Mediator in his three said Offices as Prophet Priest and King was still set forth in their following times to shew that therein consisted the glory of Christs Mediatorship as much more might be observed in this kind Rev. Chap. 5. The further illustration of the former Doctrine from Rev. 5. chapter where after the summary consideration of that Chapter is briefly hinted the Doctrine of the New Testament therein comprized which first was set down largely before the giving of the Revelation in the writings of the Evangelists and Apostles But secondly there more especially is Christs the Lambs Revelation and execution of the affairs of that book but so as to erect his Kingdom in the issue for which they so exuit vers 10. and we shall reign upon earth wherein the representative Church doth so eminently rejoyce v. 11. and the four living Wights add their fiduciall Amen after the praise of all creatures and the twenty four Elders fall down and worship v. 14. PRoceed we now to the fifth Chapter the Scene and the Chorus being so excellently set in the former Chapter as respecting God the Creatour worshipped on the seventh day Sabbath especially to glorifie him for his great and good work of Creation who as three in persons one in essence Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty so worshipped in the Old Testament untill the coming of Christ the Redeemer who having finished the work of Redemption as the Lord of the Sabbath changed it from the seventh to the first day of the week who in this fifth chapter is said to be a Lamb that was as it were slain who is therefore praised by men Angels and all creatures with him on the Throne for that most glorious work of Redemption and acknowledged in the great benefits that redounded to his Church thereby Where again consider First The Vision with the effect of it Secondly The Doctrine and Use of both 1. By Men. 2. By Angels 3. By all creatures The Vision for the greatest part is the same in substance the decyphering of the Father the Holy Spirit and the Church the same but God the Son who is represented as a Lamb that had been as it were slain whose glorious work of Redemption and Grace towards his true Church is the substance and drift of the Vision wherefore he is accordingly praised First Consider the Vision v. 1. to 8. and the effect on the four beasts v. 8. In Verse 1. A book was in the hand of him on the Throne In Ver. 2 3. A proclamation by a strong Angel for one to open the book Verse 3. None was found worthy in heaven or earth Verse 4. Is the great discouragement of St. John thereupon he wept much as without hope c. In Verse 5. One of the Elders comforts St. John that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah the root of David had prevailed to do it In Verse 9. The former description of the true Church but with the Lamb in the midst of it Who is set forth first by his suffering he was slain Secondly By his victory 〈…〉 killed death and was thence but as it were slain and consequently by his dominion over all things in heaven and earth therefore set forth by seven horns denoting his perfect power Secondly by seven eyes denoting his perfect wisdom and providence in all the earth where by his holy Spirit he worketh as he pleaseth In Verse 7. The Lamb as was told St. John vers 5. takes the book out of the hand of him that sate upon the Throne whereupon follow the effects of the Vision in the Church First Worship by the Beast and Elders v. 8. Secondly Praise by a song Where I. The nature of it A new song for new Testament mercies II. The matter of it Thou art worthy v. 9 10. In the matter of the new song consider 1. An acknowledgement that the Lamb and onely he was worthy to take the book and open the seals thereof 2. The reason of the acknowledgement First from the greatness and extremity of his suffering thou wast slain Secondly By the efficacy and prevalency of his suffering Thou hast redeemed us unto God Where 1. The price by thy blood 2. The extent Out of every Nation Kindred and Language And thirdly the benefit redounding to the Church by such redemption vers 10. Thou hast made us to our God c. and we shall reign Where 1. Here is what all the faithful in the true Church spiritually here obtain They are made Kings and Priests unto God now in this life 2. For advantage and advancement which they shall have in that place where they have served Christ or suffered for his name there they shall reign with him We shall reign upon earth In Verse 11. A Vision of innumerable company of Angels about the Throne the Church In Verse 12. Their song of praise where first the Object i.e. the Lamb whose worthiness they likewise acknowledge for being slain Secondly The right and due belonging to him thereupon viz. That he receive power and riches and wisdom and strength In Verse 13. is the general concurrence of all creatures 1. In Heaven 2. In earth 3. Under the earth In the like acknowledgement and praise to be 1. To him that sits upon the Throne 2. To the Lamb for ever and ever In Verse 14. First The fiducial Amen of the four living Wights Secondly The assent and consent of the twenty four elders manifested 1. By their falling down 2. By worshipping him that lives for ever
Testament and other pertinent Texts in the New it may by Gods goodness be easily finished Four main Pillars thereof there have been set up First by a frame of Doctrine tending this way whence sundry arguments according to Scripture might be drawn Secondly By a Visional representation of new and old Testament Doctrine sutable thereunto Rev. 4 5. chap. Thirdly By the passages and expressions of Scripture in the Apostles writings holding out such a Kingdom of Christ in one sence or other Fourthly By the frame of the main historical and prophetical Chronocles of the three eminent Chronologers of all times viz. of Moses Daniel and the Apostle John And now having through Gods special grace proceeded hitherto we shall endeavour a little to represent somewhat of that we hinted before concerning the three Babels in those three eminent Chronicles and according to their several distinctions in the several times made relation of 1. Of the Tower of Babel in Moses story 2. Of the Monarâ—â—y of Babel in Daniels time 3. Of the mystical Babel revealled to St. John being the feet and toes of the great Image Dan. 2. all which with the evil of them by Satans designs Christs Kingdom destroys to all their utter confusions according as St. Johns resolve 1 Joh. 3.8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifest to destroy the works of the devil In all which three we may observe First Satans design in each of his Babels of confusion for wickedness shall not be established upon earth Secondly The way of Gods crossing and confounding his designs in them Thirdly Christs remedy against them all God promised Christ the Mediator to overthrow Satans first and great attempt against all mankind in our first parents Secondly Ever since Christ as Mediator hath been fitted to help his Church against all Satans attempts ever since that in his justice such emnity was put between the seed of the Serpent and the seed of the woman First The building the first Babel another instigation to pride lifting up man against God as at the fall because the people were before of one language and one speech and being then so long liv'd for many hundreds of years could largely relate at all times in all places and to all sorts of persons upon any occasion the works and wonders of God and what they had received concerning the Creation and fall of man and the promises of grace and what worship God had instituted among them from time to time Satan knew this was a great advantage to the first Fathers to fit them to serve God and glorifie his name which was the end of all his mercies and wonderful works therefore his design then seemed to be by tempting them by such pride and seeking their own glory by building a Tower to get them a name and as if they did emulate God himself to reach up to heaven and so to prevent their dispersion on the earth or drowning by another deludge that so by their abusing their oneness of language to provoke God they might by that means be deprived of that great benefit for Satan too well knows if men will be seduced to abuse the greatest mercies it s the ready way for them to lose them thereupon God confounds their pride in building their Babel and so deprives them of their former advantage of knowledge and happiness in their former oneness of language and by that confusion of tongues inflicted the saddest judgement upon mankind that ever befel them since the first fall taking from them thereby the advantage of Piety of commendable Policy and even in a great degree the exercise of Humanity and Civility and Satan hath improved the mischeif of this judgement manifold ways ever since through all ages which the stories of all times may set down large and sad Comments of by divisions quarrels wars and all manner of injuries and violence of parties against parties of several tongues and languages and consequently hindering Religion thereby as also by the hardness to get knowledge even with great study and labour and the danger when gotten to be abused to maintain Errors and Heresies and to eclipse the truth more often then to clear it as experience hath manifested whence endless mischeifs have proceeded through all times which we can now onely hint at But Christs help against this for the Church hath been by sending more largely the holy Spirit of Wisdom and Truth in his Church to reveal unto his servants and by them unto his people in all successions of ages such things as in the counsel of the Father he had to reveal And when he had finished the work of Redemption and once made his perfect oblation for the sins of his people he gave testimony of his helping as by a preludium the confussion of tongues at the first Babel by the gift of tongues to the Apostles Acts 2. when cloven tongues like fire sate upon each of them and by other gifts of the holy Ghost conferred on others in those primitive times as in a glimpse as it were to foreshew what he would do in his Kingdom for that people of the Jews who had but then their first fruits at that time come in to Christ and as it were to declare what he will more plentifully do when all Israel shall be saved and when they shall be a people of a pure language as the Prophet speaketh Zeph. 1.9 and when they shall be of one language and one speech and the Lord One and his Name One Zac. 14.9 as if then when Satan is cast into his prison his design in the confusion of Languages should end and utterly fail and thither seem those spiritual promises mainly to have their drift That they should not need to be taught any more to know the Lord Jer. 31.34 and that they should all be taught of God Isa 54.13 which is now onely in a lesser degree and but comparatively hitherto for the most part fulfilled unless in the Apostles times and such as were extraordinarily inspired but I shall onely here hint at these things 2. Satans design in the second Babel seems to be upon the advantage he had by the first to wit the division of tongues and confounding language for though God discovered and preserved all needful truth for his Church among such as were faithful and holy persons and all such needful knowledge by reason of those long liv'd first Fathers by a very few hands from Adam to Abraham might be conveyed as from Adam to Jared Enoch Noah and Melchisedech in Abrahams time which Melchisedech some conceive to be Shem the Son of Noah or by a few others yet after this when the Israelites became slaves under Egyptian bondage unworthily from men though happily they might have provoked God they might loose much of their traditional knowledge Yet withal it is remarkable that the Egyptians were famous for Hierogliphick learning happily by Josephs means who interpreted many Dreams and Visions which might occasion such
powerful wonderful gracious and glorious to his Church upon earth as her great Prophet Priest and King Eleventhly Christs execution of the said three great Offices is two ways to be considered 1. More generaly for his universal Church in respect of the several seasons wherein in order he was to execute them severally most eminently until his work of Mediatorship should perfectly be accomplished and full reconciliation made between God and all his elect people his mystical body the true Church being compleat in all the members of it and perfect union and communion attained with himself as their mystical head together with the Father and the Holy Spirit as also with the glorious Angels and one with another in most happy enjoyment of all good to all eternity 2. It is again considerable particularly and specially in respect of every truely beleiving soul in the particular application of the efficacy of those three great Offices to them by his holy Spirit making good means and ordinances effiâ—acious to every faithful soul so exhibiting himself to them 1. As their great Prophet inwardly powerfully and savingly teaching them all necessary truth and doctrine 2. As their great High-Priest in the like way evidencing their peace and reconciliation with God through that expiation he should or hath made for their sins 3. In the like-way also to evidence to them at one time or other that he is their powerful King and Protector that hath and doth and will subdue all his and their enemies and keep them in a loyal and good condition by Faith and Grace unto salvation Twelfthly Consider that the general more eminent and glorious execution of those three great offices for his universal Church more remarkeable in the world is in those three great periods of his manifesting himself in the world according to all that his father had given him to do 1. As the great Prophet of his Church by his spirit of wisdom and revelation in all his immediate Messengers till his coming in the flesh and so Christ is said to preach in the time of Noah to the Spirits in prison as St. Peter speaketh 1 Pet. 3.19 20. 2. As the great High-Priest in the second Period after his coming in the flesh where putting an end to all the types and shadows of his Priesthood he actually undertook in his person and executed the work and office of Priesthood as the great High-Priest having made a full and perfect attonement and satisfaction for the sins of all his people he ascended into the holy of holies the highest Heavens there sitting at the right hand of God the Father powerfully and gloriously there to execute and improve that office by making intercession for his people till his coming again 3. In the third great period of the world under or after the seventh Trumpet Christ will appear most eminently in executing the great office of a King in this general confideration in respect of his universal Church subduing wonderfully and manifestly in the world his own and his Churches enemies powerfully and graciously enabling his Saints to walk in the obedience of his laws taking away in a great degree the evil of sin and suffering with the causes of both by binding Satan and destroying the wicked powers of the world c. I say in a great degree though not then totally nor finally Lastly Consider how Christ hath and doth and will work in these three great Periods of the world In the first he wrought by his Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation making known the Will of the Father in all things for substance respecting Faith and Obedience In the second by his Spirit of grace and truth powerfully sanctifying his people more eminently and largely then in the former In the last when he will take to himself his Kingly power Rev. 11.15 and 19. He will work by his Spirit of Power and Domination Now from the former Theses duly weighed and considered these particulars ensuing or the like may be inferred viz. That 1. If the design of the Trin-Une Diety was to be eminently glorified in Christ the Mediator his three great Offices of being the great Prophet Priest and King of his universal true Church then that greatest glory must needs shine forth in the most eminent way of executing of them But the general performance thereof in the said three great periods is the most eminent way of executing them Therefore That design hath and will be therein most accomplished 2. If the drift and end of the great works of Creation Support and Providence in all things ever since time was and until time shall cease to be was in reference unto Gods glorifying of himself in such general management of these Offices of Christ for his universal true Church then in that respect he is most glorified But their drift and end is so in reference thereunto Therefore God is most glorified in such management of them 3. If such general execution of them in reference to the universal true Church be the foundation and securing thereof to particular beleiving souls or secondly in respect of any more special times or special conditions of the Church as will hereafter appear then all the good of the other is procured and secured by that general execution of them But such Christs general execution of these Offices it he soundation and securing of both the other Therefore The good of both the other is secured and procured thereby 4. If the great works of Creation Support and Providence have been all along ordered in reference to Chrifts carrying on of his great work of Mediatorship cheifly in those three great periods forenamed then such consideration of them is of great concernment to the true universal Church But all those said great works have been ordered all along in reserence to Christs carrying on his great work of Mediatorship therein Therefore Such consideration of these three great periods fore-named for the general managing of all the Mediators Offices is of great concernment to the true Universal Church 5. If such Christs general prophetical Office in the first great period hath revealed the substance of the whole counsel of God in respect of all to be done successively in such Priestly and Kingly Offices so generally considered in the other two succeeding great periods it shall so be done But it hath so revealed and in a great part hath been so fulfilled accordingly by suitable dispensations at all times hitherto Therefore What is so revealed for the future shall accordingly be fulfilled also 6. If according to Scripture experience hath manifested the glory of the Mediators office most eminently for what is past in such general consideration and doth witness the like for the time to come then in due time will be like execution for the general in regard of what remains to be done But according to Scripture it hath been so accomplished in experience in what is past Therefore According to Scripture it shall be so in the time to
thence declares how that the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation both which will be evident at such coming or appearing of Christ To this purpose Peter likewise Act. 3.19.21 First speaks of times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord which vers 21. he calls the times of restitution of all thing where the particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Beza notes is not to be referred to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which saith he namely times God hath spoken of by the mouth of all his Prophets since the world began and therefore there is great reason and good warrant to inquire into all the Prophets since the world began concerning those things that concerne such Christs appearing and Kingdom the third of those three in the Mount is the Apostle James whose eminent Testimony we have Act. 15. when Peter had declared the conversion of the Gentiles James takes occasion to speak of raising up the Church of the Jews and with them as is probable the remnant of the Gentiles that that fulness might then come in and to this end quotes Amos 9.11 for saith he vers 15 16. to this agree the words of the Prophet After this I will raise up the Tabernacle of David which was fallen that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the Heathen namely when the Jews shall be again converted that the residue of the men saith St. James might seek after the Lord and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called and then adds this excellent foundation v. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world And so for the Testimony of St. Paul to whom after his ascention Christ wonderfully and graciously revealed himself First In that eminent place of the destruction of Antichrist 2 Thes 2.8 Whom he shall destroy with the breath of his mouth and with the appearance of his coming So 2 Tim. 4.1 who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing and Kingdom the quick destroying the enemies then living the dead by rewarding his servants when he takes his Kingdom as Rev. 11.18 1 Tim. 6.15 Keep saith St. Paul the commandment without spot unrebukeable untill the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ which in his time he shall shew who is the blessed and onely potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords as likewise he is deciphered Rev. 19.16 at the very same time of Antichrists destruction and in divers other places of his writings Now if we understand all such places of a wonderful glorious appearing or coming at that time of the setting up of his Kingdom upon earth as before we said if he will in any such way glorifie himself he can then appear as glorious to his people upon Mount Sion so as he did appear to Moses and Israel to be their Law-giver upon Mount Sinai and what neer and happy communion may be in these blessed times between Heaven and earth when the Tabernacle of God shall be with men under the New Testament as when the Ark was in the Temple in Solomons times when Christ was so glorious under the Old Testament may not be hard to conceive but probably much more excellent in regard of the clearness of divine grace and prevalency thereof If Stephen was so strengthened in faith or sight at his death to see the Heavens opened and Christ in glory sitting at the right hand of God Christ the great God can make all good and bad to behold his Majesty in what ever way he will then manifest himself he can make the beams of his glory besides the divine light of his grace and Spirit stream down and rest as he pleaseth to inlighten his New Jerusalem come down from Heaven as to St. Paul at his conversion to inlighten it I say far above the Sun at Noon-day though his Humane Nature should remain in the highest Heavens he can make his Angels his Heraulds to execute his judgements upon his enemies making those Ministers a flaming fire to them and as Reapers to gather out of his Kingdome all things that offend as those Tares the Children of the wicked one Matth. 13. for what execution of judgement is done by the Kings appointment and authority though he is not pleased to be present in his person is as well his execution as if he were so present or did it with his own hand as Samuel did to King Agag what acts of Soveraignty power or grace are performed according to his pleasure and order though in his personal absence are nevertheless to be acknowledged to be derived from him and as the star at Christs birth though not a star in the ordinary course yet served to lead the Sages to the place where Christ was It was thought by the writer hereof to be the safest way not to determine de modo of the manner of Christs appearing whether personally or mystically yet in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Forerunner which like a porch framed to the house since the building of the house upon more mature consideration determines for the personal appearance especially in the paper Sept. 27. 1664. in the clouds and at least some personal glorious manifestation of himself to the blessed and holy raised Saints in the New Jerusalem on earth in the thousand years he being the visible light thereof In the light of which the Nations that are saved shall then walk Rev. 21.22 and Isa 60.3 11. So Christ can shew any glorious appearance to set forth his kingly Majesty and excellency suitable to his own sacred pleasure and purpose however in what way Gods Spirit hath foretold that his appearing or coming it shall be so accomplished in its time though we cannot fully resolve of the manner but as the two Sackcloth Prophesiers cannot be freed from their mournful condition until the date of the Beast be fully expired so neither can the prosperity of Gods people be hindered one moment when once the time of Christs Kingdom on earth shall take place Object But why should we medle with such mysteries or trouble our own or others heads with things we cannot resolve or what good comes there by so doing Answ To be curious or peremptory in what is not clear to us in the Word of God is indeed hurtful and dangerous but in such things as God hath set down largely and fully in his Word and likewise strongly confirmed as may abundantly be shewed concerning Christs reign on the earth the thousand years to come both in Old and New Testament ought not to be over-looked or neglected by us but concerning the glorious estate of Gods Church upon earth under or after the seventh Trumpet in the said reign of Christ upon earth in what manner soever he will execute it the Scripture is plentiful in asserting the same as in part we have shewed already Doth God by his Spirit of his own goodness reveal so much for his Churches benefit
a known tradition recorded by Jude in his Epistle concerning the said times of Christs Kingdom namely that of celestial Enoch both living and dying if at all he may be said to dye set forth by the said Apostle Jude 14. Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his Saints So Moses in his time gives Testimony to all Christs offices in their seasons 1. Of his being a Prophet saith he Deut. 18.18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like unto thee and will put my word in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I command them which testimony delivered to Moses by the Spirit of Christ was applyed to Christ John 1.45 Act. 3.22 and 7.37 2. He foreshews Christs Priestly office in Melchisedecks and in Abrahams sacrificing of his Son besides all typical and ceremonial worship which was to cease when Christ the substance thereof was come and the records of his Kingly Office he first sets down in Jacobs prophesie Gen. 49. concerning the Tribe of Judah whence he was to spring according to the flesh and at what time though darkly yet really sulfilled in the season thereof and so of his Kingly Office in giving them laws and defending his people vers 10. whereby the great gatherings of people Israelites and Gentiles should be and that in the times of great prosperity in the promised Land abundance of Wine and Milk vers 11 12. which are the Viands which Christ affords his people Isa 55 1. And after expresseth his waiting for such salvation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—eptuag 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which his speaking of the last times vers 1. seems cheifly to have reference unto and as for the gatherings of the Jews and Gentiles together in the Apostles times seems but to be but the first fruits and preludium of what the Scriptures speak of neither was that in such a prosperous condition as it is there expressed and a like Prophesie Moses himself left concerning Judah Deut. 33.7 which seems to respect Christs Kingdom whom he prays the Lord to bring unto his people and that his hands may be sufficient for him and that he would be an help for him from his enemies which will be fully answered when Christ hath made his foes his foot-stool And the like he utters â—n Josephs blessing vers 16 17. for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush foretelling his glory and the bornes of his strength to push the enemies to the end of the earth which the greatness of Ephraim and Manasse were but shadows of and was to be really in Christ So diverse of his prophetical threatnings and tenders of mercy appear to have the force of prophesies as in other things so in things respecting the grace of God to the Jews in Christs Kingdom on earth As first Lev. 26. of the captivity of Babylon and their return from vers 30. to 43. but then with an emphasis he seems to speak of another captivity out of which he will deliver them out of free grace as being beloved for their fathers sake as Rom. 11. in the former he told them they should call and he would answer they should cry and he would hear Jer. 39. but this should be in regard of the covenant with their fathers as is remarkeably set down vers 33 34 35. and is applied by the Apostle to the general calling of all Israel Rom. 11. in an other such manner the Prophet Moses brings in a like promise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Deut. 4.30 31. making likewise the Covenant with the Fathers to be the reason of such their reducement and saith expresly it should be in the latter days But a very large prediction of this nature is set down Deut. 30. from vers 1 to 11. where he speaks of the manner of their turning unto God with all their heart and all their souls vers 2. and how he would gather them from all the Nations of the earth vers 3. even from the uttermost parts of Heaven vers 4. and how they should have good and be multiplied above their Fathers which yet we read not to have been done as vers 5. and the ground of all Gods powerful grace upon their souls circumciting both their hearts and the hearts of their seeds seed vers 6. and then sets down their freedom from curses and the abundance of prosperity vers 7 8 9 10. c. And so likewise in that excellent prophetical Song which Moses was inspired to write and to command to be taught in Israel and left for posterity wherein are included sundry prophesies of Israels sins and sufferings and bondage and deliverances But the 39. vers seems to be a description of the last destruction of the Jews joyned with a prophetical prediction of their restoring where God saith he kills and makes alive as likewise he decyphers the destruction of all sorts of enemies in the latter days till Jews Jsraelites and Gentiles should rejoyce together for vers 40. alludes to Christs swearing Rev. 10. I lift up my hand to Heaven and say I live for ever and vers 41 42. follows the most terrible destruction of the enemies and vers 43. ends the Song with the joyful union of Israelites Jews and Gentiles Now as Gods appointing rules and laws for a King for his people as Deut. 17. though he never directed them to ask one but declared his displeasure telling Samuel they had not cast off Samuel but himself 1 Sam. 8. yet the giving those laws were vertually a prophesie of a King so the former propounding of threatnings and promises were vertually prophesies and so they have proved and will do and there are therefore of Christs Kingdom because they concern those most beloved Subjects the Israelites in such multitudes with the Gentiles their fellow subjects in Christs most prosperous reign on earth Secondly but Daniel the second eminent Chronologer of the holy Spirit speaks much more clearly who lived under the dominion of Satans second Babel 1. He expounds the Image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream to be four great worldly Monarchies which should successively pass away in the world before Christs glorious Kingdom should appear in the world the first was set forth therein by the head of Gold the then present Babylonian Monarchy The 2d By the Breasts and Armes of silver the Medes and Persians The 3 d. By the Belly and Thighs of Brass the Grecian The 4 th By the Legs of Iron and the Feet and toes of Iron and Clay the Roman Monarchy Mr. Mede first Heathen secondly Christian thirdly Antichristian as Dan. 2. from vers 30 to 44. where is explained Christs Monarchy which though it hath wrought long secretly from the eye of the world as it hath been regnum lapidis yet at last shall prevail over all and break the most terrible and long continued Roman power now under her last head and even ready to expire and as that had broken the
vespertina as he sometimes speaks in breif of things far distant as Vers 4. and Vers 7. one of the Primitive times the other of the end of Antichrists time or else of the resurrection after Christs reign on earth only at the last judgment which will then be general both of quick and dead good and bad But thirdly I conceive the best answer is according to the fittest analogie of the two Prophets Ezekiels and Daniels Prophesies and reality of the matter of which they both speak that it is to be understood of both the civil and spiritual resurrection of the twelve tribes that in appearance had long lain like dead bones Eze. 37. but according to both Prophesies should then be as raised from the dead of which at first there will be some of two sorts as we formerly noted some continuing to shine gloriously by their perseverance others falling to shame and contempt by therievoltings about that time of the matutina resurrectio Now for improvement only these two hints First How should the consideration of this Doctrine comfort Christs faithful Saints and Servants against all worldly discouragements which they may for his cause hereafter meet with in any kind for even in respect of this recompence here set before them which they shall enjoy in this world the said thousand years all their sufferings will not be to be compared to that glory which will then be revealed and enjoyed over and above that which will after be added and perpetuated unto them to all eternity Secondly How should it quicken and incite them diligently to endeavour to live to him here with whom they have so abundant evidence that they shall live and reign hereafter Yea and not only to incite them to dye with him too but likewise for him if he require it as is storied of Christians in the Primitive times who from their strength of faith as respecting this Doctrine were desirous of Martyrdom that as the Apostle Paul speaks Phil. 2.10 they might obtain a better resurrection even to have their part in this resurrection of the just whereby will be further most certainly secured to them That on them the seâ—ond death shall have no power Rev. 20.6 but being perfectly holy they thenceforth perfectly happy will doubtless certainly know that upon their rapture to meet Christ they shall be perfected in glory for evermore in heaven THE Penmans Humble Cordial and thankful acknowledgement unto God the fountain of goodness MOst holy and heavenly Father most glorious and merciful Saviour grace-working and truth-teaching sanctifier three in persons one in essence I bless and magnifie that great and glorious name that thou hast been graciously pleased by any of thy wise and holy dispensations of providence by any help of other means so far by degrees to work any apprehensions of these things concerning the glorious Kingdom of my Saviour with his Saints to come on earth as thou hast been pleased through many ages of the world to publish and record therein thy word by thy holy Prophets faithful Servant and Apostles and to affect the soul of thy poor servant therewith who of himself otherwise was every way unfit and unable for such a work being abundantly sensible of his own manifold infirmities both of body and mind above many hundreds or thousands of his brethren in the office of the Ministery But it is thy way whereby as thou art wont by Babes and Sucklings so by other weak instruments to set forth thy praise The glory thereof belongs to thy Divine Majesty who hast therein strengthned me with strength in my soul unto whom I desiâ—e ever to ascribe it for the many strange workings and â—ppâ—ehensions of these things upon my spirit in the silence of the night suitable to what thy word held out and for strengthening thy servant in the often recalling and inlargeing in the day-times the things impressed before upon his mind with frequent burnings of his heart within him as sometime upon thy Disciples of old upon the discoverie of the evidence of these things and of thy grace towards him therein who may not conceal thy goodness nor much less take the praise thereof unto himself which is thy due as thou hast been graciously pleased to strengthen and comfort his soul with this good Gospel news above what earthly prosperity could have have done So bless thy own work by such a weak and unworthy instrument to thy own good ends in respect of all sorts of thy faithful people That we may together learn by faith with faithful Abrabam aforehand to rejoyce in the goodness of thy chosen and glory with thine inheritance and by thy divine and gratious assistance accordingly walk in new obedience that so abundant entrance may be administred unto us not onely into the New Jerusalem in Christs Kingdom upon earth but with him and all the members of his mystical body together in its time may sing our perpetual Halelujahs with all the blessed and glorious Angels to thee the most blessed and glorious Jehovah to all eternity Amen To ' Glory 's God all Glory 's due for aye To him alone this due let all his pay 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The End 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 THe Doctrine of the Kingdom and Reign of Christ under the seventh Trumpet is in this tract by the Reverend Author learnedly discussed and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of it clearly and convincingly proved by demonstrative arguments from the holy Scriptures both in the Old and New Testaments especially of the Revelation of St. John into which mystical book much light is given in this Treatise and I judge it worthy of publique view T.P.