went or ascended up into heaven If you compare Luke 2â— v. 39 40 41 42 43. with the 50. and 5â— verses of the same Chap. you may cleerly find it so to be And therefore if he come againe in like manner he must come againe with the same body wherewith he was crucified Object But you will say The Scripture saith he that descended is the same that ascended which to me say you implies none but the spirits ascending Answ. For answer We doe not say as I said before that it is another that ascended but the very same That is the very same Christ that was with the father from everlasting did come down from heaven That same Christ also that came down from heaven did ascend up thither again only he descended without a body from heaven and took flesh and blood upon him from the Virgin And though he descended without a body yet he the very same Christ that descended without a body the same did ascend again with a body even that very body that he took of the virgin Mary See Luke 24. from 39 to the 51. verses Now let me give you a Similitude for it is warrantable for both Christ and his Apostles did sometimes use them to the end soules might be the beâ—ter infâ—rmed The similitude is this Suppose there come into thine house a man that is naked and without clothing though he go out of thy house againe well clothed yet the same man that came in without clothing is the same man also that goâ—s out of thy house though very well clothed Even so it is in this case The Lord Jesus came into the wombe of the virgin â— Spirit Mat. 1â— 18. but he came out of the womb clothed with a body and went up into heaven again clothed with a body Compare Luke 24. 39. with Act. 1. 11. and Act. 2. 30 31. Now also I shal lay down some few things to be considered for the better clearing of it 1. Consider that he did say to his Disciples that he would go away from them Joh. 14. 3. Joh. 16. 7. yea saith he I go and prepare a place for you and then I will after a long time come again and take you to my selfe that where I am that is whither I am going there ye may be also Now I say If Christ had not gone from his Disciples for that was his meaning touching his bodily presence I say if he had not gone away from them in respect of his bodily presence he had said more then he had performed which is horrible blasphemie once to assert Which going of his is his going into heaven See 1 Pet. 3. 22. Secondly consider that there it was that he was to receive the promise of the father Luke 24. 49. 50 51. which promise was the shedding forth in an abundant manner the blessed Holy Ghost And for this see Act. 2. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God which is in heaven exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost he hath shâ—d fâ—rth this which ye now see and hearâ— For David is not ascended into the heavens but he saith himselfe The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand till I make thine enemies thy footstoole Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly for t is very tâ—ue that God hath made that same Jesus whom you have crucified both Lord and Christ. Thirdly Consider that if he were on earth he could not be a Priest Heb. 8. 4. Now the man Christ Jesus is a glorious Priest Heb. 7. 24. in the heavens Heb. 9. 24. And therefore he is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them That man v. 25. Fourthly If he be not gone into heaven both his own and his Apostles doctrine is false yea the witnesse of the Angels also 1 Pet. 3. 22. Act. 1. 9 10 11. which to think were damnable infidelitie in any man Fifthly Know that he is gone in oâ— heaven because the Scriptures say he is which is the very truth of God spoken by his holy Apostles and Prophets yea holy men of God spake them as they were moved by the holy Ghost Sixthly Consider If thou sayest that that man is not gone into heaven then thou must also conclude that he is still in the grave and if so then thou sayest that the Prophets Apostles Angels Christ God and all are lyars who have testified these things in the Scriptures for glorious truths Isa. 26. 19. Acts 10. v. 40 41 42. and 13. v. 30 34 36 37 38. Acâ—sâ— 9 10 11. And as the Apostle saith of himselfe and the rest of the Apostles and ministers of Jesus Christ And we are found false witnesses of God because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ whom he raised not up if so â—e the dead rise not But now is Christ risen and become the first fruits of them that sleep For as by man came death by Man came also the resurrection from the dead 1 Cor. 15. 15 20 21. Secondly now I am to prove that he is above the clouds and the heavens my meaning is he is above the lowest heavens for there are 3 as appears in 2 Cor. 12. 1 2 3 4. I knew a man in Christ saith Paul there caught up into the third heaven now Heaven in Scripture is taken sometimes metaphorically and sometimes properly First metaphorically it is taken for the Church and people of God as in Rev. 12. 12. Secondly properly it is taken for the material heaven where the Sun Moon and Stars are placed as in Genesis 1. v 8 14 15 16 compared together above which heaven Jesus the Son of Mary is ascended Therefore I pray you consider with me a little and first that when he went into this heaven into which he is gone he went AWAY from his Disciples as it is written If I go not away the comforter will not come so that he did not go into a heaven within them in his person and humane nature If so he must needs go into that heaven without above the clouds and the Stars Gen. 1. 8 5 16. 2. Consider he was caught away in a cloud yea and was caught upwards from them as it is Acts 1. 9 10 11. and carried away into heaven yea and his disciples stood gazing or looking up after him into heaven which heaven must needs be that above the clouds 1. If you consider the posture of the Disciples they looked upwards after the cloud that did take him away 2. Consider the manner of his going it was in a cloud 3. He was received out of their sight 4. And so received up into heaven which heaven must needs be above the clouds where God is in his special presence But further 3. Consider that those believers that are alive at this day in
the body are absent from the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 6. but now if the man Christ were ascended into that heaven within them he would neither be absent from them nor they from him but in that he is absent from them touching his bodily presence and they from him touching the same it is evident that that heaven into which he is ascended must needs be without above the clouds 4 Consider that that heaven into which the man Christ is ascended must contain him till the time of restitution of All things as in Acts 3. 21. into which heaven he hath been ascended above sixteen hundred years by computation And I am sure there is not a Saint that doth live in this world half so long before he fall asleep and be gathered to his fathers so that that heaven into which he is scended is not within but must needs be that above the clouds But 5. Consider that he that ascended from his Disciples was a man with flesh and bones not a spirit only for handle me and sâ—e saith he for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have Luke 24. 39 50 51. verses Now let the Adversaries shew by the Scriptures that there is any place in them called heaven that is able to contain a man of some four or five foot long the space of fifteen or sixteen hundred years besides that therefore it must needs be that heaven without which is above the clouds and Stars 6. Consider That heaven into which the Lord Jesus that man is ascended must not contain him alwaâ—es for saith the Apostle 1 Thes. 4. 16. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of an Archangel So that there is another descending from that heaven into which he is ascended and his descending from that heaven is to this end namely to take his people to himself as it is v. 17. so that it is clear that it is not any heaven within thee into which the Man Christ that was born of the Virgin Mary is ascended but it must needs be that heaven without which is above the clouds 1. If thou consider that the place into which he is ascended even the heaven into which he is entred is the same place where all the the deceased Saints are in their Spirits Therefore saith Paul I desire to depart and to be with Christ which is better Now Paul did not in this place Pâ—il 1. 23. mean the enjoying of Christ only in the spirit for that he enjoyed in a great measure when he spake these words but he speaks of a dying and a being with Christ after this life is ended as is clear if you compare the 20 21 22 23 24. 25 and 26 verse together being absent from him while he was here in the bâ—dy 2 Cor. 5. 6. for whilst at homâ— in the body we are absent from the Lord. So that that heaven into which the Man Christ is ascended is not into his Church on earth but into heaven without above the clouds and the Stars And this David doth propheâ—ie of Psal. 47. 5. where he saith God is gone up with a shout the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet Now Christ as God meerly could not go up being no lesse in one place then in another but as God man or in his humane nature he went up as will clearly appear Epes 4 8 9 10. where he speaketh of his triumâ—h over all the enemies of his people at his resurrection and ascension into heaven above the clouds 8. When Christ doth descend from that heaven into which he is now ascended his Saints and he will meet one another just in the air according to the Scripture 1 Thes. 4. 16 17. for saith he the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first that is they shall come out of their graves and then we which shall be saved alive at that day and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Pray mark here a little and see what heaven the man Christ is ascended into and see if it be not the heaven without above the Sun Moon and Stars When Christ and his Saints do meet the second time together the one ascends and the other descends the one is caught up in the clouds towards heaven the other descends from heaven towards the earth and they must needs meet one another just in the air that is between the heaven and the earth So then the one coming from heaven and the other from the earth and their meeting being in the air which is between heaven and earth is an undeniable demonstration that that heaven into which the man Christ is ascended must needs be that heaven without above the Sun Moon and Stars And thus much touching the Son of Mary his ascending up into the heaven without above the clouds Acts 1. 9 10 11. Acts 3. 21 1 Pet. 3 22 In the next place Now I shall prove the intercession of the man Christ Jesus to be in the heaven that I have been speaking of though some have mocked at it and others have called it jugling whose names here I shall not mâ—ntion only I shall admonish them that they doe not blaspheme the truth and Sonne of God in his intercession I shall quote some of the Scriptures that hold out this truth and so passe on And first of all see Psal. 16. 4. where David prophesying of the intercession of Christ saith their sorrowes shall be multiplyed that husten after another God speaking of the wicked their drink offerings of blood will I not offer nor take up their names into my lips Now compare this with Heb. 8. 4. where he saith If he were on earth he should not be a Priest And Heb. 9. 24. For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands meaning the temple which Solomon built which are figures of the true but into heaven it selfe now to appear in the presence of God for us Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by him seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them Heb. 7. 25 But you will say is there a man made mention of here Yes for the Scripture saith Ther is one God and one Mediatour between God and men the Man Christ Jesus And in that 8. to the Heb. made mention of before where the Apostle is speaking of Christs priestly office as he is in the heavens compared with other Priests that are on earth he saith v. 3. for every high Priest is ordained to offer gifts and Sacrifices wherefore speaking of Christ it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer For if he were on earth he should not be a Priest seeing there
are Priests that offer according to the Law which law was the law of Moses Chap. 9. from 19. to 23. where also he is speaking of the Priesthood of the Priests under the law and their offering of the blood of Bulls and â—oats verse 12. compared with verse 19 20 21. And of the Lord Jesus the high Priest of Saints and of his blood verse 14. compared with verse 24. Now as men under the Law did offer up the blood of Bâ—lls and Goats so the man Christ Jesus did offer up his own blood to his father and this you may clearly see if you compare Heb. 9. 14. where he saith How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himselfe without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God with Heb 10. 12. where he sâ—iâ—h But 〈◊〉 man meaning the sâ—n of the Virgin Chaâ— 2. 14. compared with Mat. 1. 21. aâ—ter he had offered one sacrifice fâ—r sâ—ns for ever sate down at the right hard of God Again Heb. 7 the 〈◊〉 I mentioned before you shall find his intercession plainly held forth if you read verse 22. and so on where the Scripture saith By so much was Jesus made the surety of a better testament And truly they were many Priests meaning the Priests under the Law because they were not 〈◊〉 to continue by reasâ—n of death That is the high Priests under the Law could not live ever in this world because it was appointed to all men once to die But when he speaks of Christ Jesus he saith on this wise But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood wherefore he this man is able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by him seeing he this man ever liveth to make intercession for them And thus in brief have I proved through the assistance of the Lord the intercession of the son of Mary which is also the son of God And this concerning Christs Priestly office might serve also for a proof of his being in the heaven without above the Stars But all men may see unlesse they be blind that these are the truths of our Lord Jesus Christ and of God his father and that those men that oppose them as the Quakers do are very violently possessed of the Divel and beside themselves and have neither the truth of God non his spirit in them 2 Joh. vers 9 10 Joh. 5. 38. 42. And now through the assistance of the Lord I shall come to the last that I promised and that is to prove That this very man Christ will come to judge the quick and the dead And first I shall prove the truth it self viz. that that man shall come again to judge the world quick and dead Secondly I shal shew you that his coming will be very shortly Thirdly What shall be done aâ— his coming Fourthly Who shall stand when he shall come and who not For the first That that man that was â—orn of the Virgin Mary shall come again to judge the quick and the dead read 2 Tim. 4. 1. l saith Paul charge thee therefore before God speaking to him even to Timothy and so to all believers and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and Kingdom Now if you would know who this Lord Jesus is look into Acts 10. 38. and you shall see it was Jesus of Nazareth would you know who that was read Mat. 2 toward the end and you shall see it was the son of Mary the Virgin who was espoused to Joseph the Carpenter But read Acts 10. v. 38 39 40. 41 42. you shall find these words God annointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Divel for God was with him And we are witnesses of all things that he did both in Jerusalem and in the land of the Jews whom they slâ—w and hanged on a tree even Jesus of Nazareth him God raised up the third day and shewed him openly not to all the people but unto witnesses chosen before of God even to us who did 〈◊〉 and drink with him after he rose from the dead And he commanded us to preach unto the people that is God commanded us and to testifie that is to be bold in our preaching that it is he namely Jesus of Nazareth whom the Jews did thus crucifie which was ordained of God to be judge of quick and dead This is he also that is spoken of in Acts 17. 30 31. The times of this ignorance God winked at meaning mens being without the Gospel but now commandeth all men every where to repent because he hath appointed a day which day is the day of judgement Mat. 12. 36. in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man namely Jesus of Nazareth whom he hath ordained compare this with that in Acts 10. 38 39 40 41 42. whereof he hath given assurance to all men that is hath given a sure sign unto all men in that he hath raised him that is in that he hath raised Jesus of Nazareth from the dead This also is Christs own meaning Mat. 24. where speaking of his second coming he styleth himself the son of man saying And then shall appear the sign of the son of man and so shall the coming of the son of man be v. 27. So shall also the coming of the son of man be v. 37. So shall also the coming of the son of man be v. 39. Where by the way it is observable to see how the Lord of life and glory doth in this Chapter where he speaketh of his second coming for the most part style himself the son of man Surely he doth it to this end because he would not have his humanity and the doctrine thereof to be rased out from under heaven For he knew that in the last daies there would come mockers walking after their own lusts and saying where is the promise of his coming 2 Pet. 3. 3. I could multiply Scriptures to prove this doctrine of his second coming as Heb. 9. v. last 2 Pet. 3. 2 Thes. 1. 6 7 8. Luke 21. Mat. 24. Mat. 25. Rev. 22. 7 12. and the last 2 Cor. 5. 10. Rom. 14. 10. Acts 24. 25. But Secondly I will shew you that his coming will be shortly It is true no man can tel neither the day nor the hour yet so far as the Scriptures will give us light into the neernest of his coming so far we may go And therefore I shall shew that his coming draws nigh by those signs that he himself said should be forerunners of his coming And if you read Mat. 24. you shall see many signs of his coming spoken of First there is a falling away from the faith spoken of And that hath been fulfilled and is fulfilling every day 2. Wars and rumors of wars â—s another
sign that his coming doth draw nigh even at the doors 3 The love of many waxing cold is another signe that it is nigh even the comming of Christ And how cold is the love of many at this day They that were hot two or three year agoe are now grown lukewarm and cold They are cold in love to the Lords appearing they are cold in the profession of the Gospel They are cold in love to the Saints they are cold in the worship of God Yea very cold which is a notable Demonstration that the comming of the Lord draweth nigh 4. The Stars falling from heaven That is profe â—ors falling from the faith which once they professed is another signe that the comming of the Lord is at hand And how many professors doe you see now a dayes fall from the doctrine of God and his Son Jesus Christ as though there were no such thing as a world to come and no such thing as a Lord Jesus Christ and his second coming 5. Many poore souls will go on in their profession with lampes without oyle just before his second comming And the Lord knowes that most of the professors of this generation are such kind of professors yea very foolish professors which is another sure signe that the comming of the Lord drawes nigh 6. When the time of Christs second comming is at hand there will be but a very little faith in the world And the Lord knowes that there be many who are now as high as Lucifer that at that day for want to faith will be thrown down to the sides of the pit even into the very belly of Hell 7. Another signe of Christs second comming is the carnall mindednesse of the most of the world and the very carriages of almost all men now living do discover this truth to be at this day fulfilled and know that when they shall say peace and safety then sudden destruction comes and they shall not escape 1 Thes. 5. 1 2 3 4. 8. Before Christs second comming there shal come many fals Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signes and wonders to seduce if it were possible the Elect. And is not this more cleerly fulfilled in our daies then ever it was especially among those men called Quakers who being as persons whose consciences are seared with an hot iron and they being sealed up unto destruction do some of them call themselves Christ and shew great signes as their Quaking and such a legall holiness as makes the simple admire them and wonder after them which shewes the comming of Christ to be very nigh 9. Before Christs second comming there shall come scoffers into the world walking after their own lusts and if ever this Scripture was fulfilled it is fulfilled on these men called Quakers For they are the men that at this day make a mocke at Christs second comming which shall be from heaven without and therefore saith the holy Ghost these Mockers shall be such as shall say where is the promise of his comming for since the fathers fell a sleep all things continue as they were See 2 Pet. 3. 3 4 5 6 7. and there you shall see their mocking and the reason of it Read and the Lord give thee understanding But because I would not have thee think that I speake at randome in this thing Know for certain that I my self have heard them blaspheme yea with a grinning countenance at the doctrine of that mans second comming from heaven above the stars who was borne of the Virgin Mary Yea they have told me to my face that I have used conjuration and witchcraft because what I preached was according to the Scriptures I was also told to my face that I preached up an Idoll because I said that the Son of Mary was in heaven with the same body that was crucified on the Cross And many other things have they blasphemously vented against the Lord of life and glory and his precious Gospel The Lord reward them according as their work shall be I could have hinted in many other things which Christ and his Apostles have shewed to be signes of his comming But I shall commend the holy Scriptures unto thee which are able to make the man of God perfect in all things through faith in the Lord Jesus Now you have also the manner of his comming how iâ— shall be most notably laid down in the Scriptures I shall 〈◊〉 in a few things touching it as first He will come when there is but very few looking for his comming When they shall sâ—y peace and safety then sudden destruction commeth 1 Thes. 5. 1. 2 3 which sudden destruction will be at his second comminâ— for that is it which the Apostle spake of in those three verses Then will all the world be caught at such an unexpected time that it will come upon them even as a snare commeth upon those creatures that are caught in it As it is written Luke 21. 35. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earâ—h Which is all on a sudden before they are aware 2. He commeth with all his saints and Angels Then will the Lord descend from that heaven into which he now ascended as it is written in 1 Thes. 4. 16. Then will be come and all his Saints with him as Jude saith in his Epistle v. 5. Then shall Abell and Enoch Noah and Abraham David and Job Peter and Paul together with all the Saints which have been now are or hereafter shall be and they shall sit on the throne with the Lord Jesus Christ as in Mat. 19. 28. Before whom shall all the Nations of the world be gathered as it is written Joel 3. 12. Let the heathen be wakeneâ— or raised out of their graves Dan. 12. 2 and come down to the valley of Jehoshaphat for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about Which never was yet accomplished though it shall certainly be in in Gods time to the astonishment everlasting damnation of all those that shall continue mocking or sinning against God and his Christ. 3. He shall come in flaming fire when he doth come again he will come in such a manner as will make all that shall be found in their sins rather seeke to creepe under a mountaine then to meet the Lord of Glory Rev. 6. 15 As Esay saith For behold the Lord will come with fire and with his Charets like a whirlwind to render his anger with fury and his rebukes with flames of fire Esay 66. 15. To execute judgement upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Jude 15. as I shall shew farther by and by And therâ—fore in the next place I shall shew you what shall be done when he is come First When Christ
then thou art one of those that will fall in the judgement except thou art born again and made a new creature 2 Cor. 5. 17. But secondly thou thinkest that thou hast been born again 't is well if thou hast but least thou shouldst deceive thy poor soul I pray thee consider when did the spirit of the Lord Jesus shew thee that thou hadst no faith in thee by nature and when did the spirit of Christ convince thee of sin because thou didst not believe in him It may be thou hast been convinced of sins against the Law by the Law and thy own conscience as the Pharisees were Joh. 8. 9. and Rom. 3. 20. I but when didst thou see thy self a lost creature for want of faith in the son of Mary if not thou hast not yet been savingly convinced by the spirit of Christ for that when it convinceth effectually of sin it convinceth of unbeliefe though thou hast been never so much convinced of sins against the Law if thou hast not seen thy self under the power and dominion guilt and punishment of â—in because thou didst not believe in Christ thou hast not yet been savingly convinced for that 's one work of the spirit to convince of sin because they believe not on me saith Jesus the Son of Mary who was espoused to Joseph the Carpenter But on the contrary dost thou not say in thy heart thou never hadst thy faith to seek but hast alway believed with as good a faith as any one alive If so then know for certain that thou hast no faith of the operation of God in thee according to Gods ordinary working and if so then know that if the Son of man should come to judge the world at this moment of time that thou with all thy faith thou thinkest thou hast wouldst fall in the judgement 2 Thes. 2. 12. 3. Art thou born again then thou seest that thy great sin was want of faith in the Son of Mary Then thou seest that it is he that was sent of God to die for the sins of the world Jâ—h â— 19 Jo. 3. 16 17 18 19. Act 13 38 39. and that thou art compleat in him without any works of the Law Rom. 4. 4. theâ— thou rejoycest in Christ Jesus and puttest no confidence in the flesh Phil. 3. 3. yet thou rejoycest in the flesh and blood of the son of Mary knowing that his flesh is meat indeed and his blood is drink indeed Joh. 6. 55. out of which thou wouldst very willingly make thy life all thy daies out of his birth obedience death resurrection ascension and glorious intercession now at the right hand of his father Heb. 7. 24 25. but if thou art wavering in these things know that thou art but a babe at the best and for ought thou knowest God maycut thee off in thy unbelief and cast thee into utter darkness where there shall be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth 4. Art thou born again then thou seest all true peace and joy comes through the blood of the son of Mary and his righteousnesse as in Rom. 7. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 57. there are many poor souls that are taken with raptures of joy and false conceited consolation Joh. 16 20. which doth come from the Divel and their own deceitful hearts but their joy shall be turned into mourning and sorrow of heart Luke 6. 24 25. but thou that art a Christian indeed and not in word onely rejoycest in Christ Jesus the son of Maâ—y yea though now you see him not yet believing you rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. And these two things are the fruits of thy faith and of thy joy 1. The Lord Jesus Christ is very precious unto thee 1 Pet. 2. ver 7. 2. Thou dost purifie thine heart by this faith and the power of the spirit of Christ which thou hast received into thy soul Rom. 8. 13. Acts 15. 9. and 1 Joh. 3. 3. but if thy guilt of sin goes off and convictions go off any other way then by the blood and righteousness of the man Christ Jesus thy guilt goes off not right but wrong and thy latter end will be a very bitter end without faith and repentance for it is his blood through which all true peace comes Col. 1. 20. and there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we should be saved but by the Lord Jesus of Nazareth Acts 4. ver 10 11 12. compared together 5. Art thou borne againe Then thou canst not be quiet till thou doest see God lift up the light of his Countenance upon thee yea thou hast such a desire after the light of Gods countenance that all the glory riches honour pleasure profits c. of this world will not satisfie till thou doest see God to be a reconciled father to thee in the Lord Jesus Christ as it is Psal. 4. 6. Joh. 14. 8. Ps. 35. 3. then thou wilt not be quiet till thou doest hear from the son of Mary which is the Lord of glory 1 Cor 2. 8. such a voice as this Son be of good cheer thy sins are forgiven thee and My grace is sufficient for thee But if thou canst content thy selfe with any thing below this thou wilt when all comes to all be found but a rotten-hearted professor who wilt have thy portion among the slothfull ones who will fall in the judgement of the son of Man when he comes in flaming fire with his mighty Angels 2 Thes. 1. 8. 6. Art thou borne againe Then thou knowest that God hath given thee thy faith that thou hast in his son then thou art able to say through grace there was a time in which I had no faith there was a time in which I could not believe in the son of God for eternal life But Gâ—d who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved me even when I was dead in sins and unbelief which is the greatest hath quickned me together with Christ by grace I am saved Eph. 2. 4 5. through faith v. 8. 7. Art thou borne againe Then thou knowest that the doctrine of the Son of God the son of Mary is a right doctrine which is this First that the Son of God which was with his Father before the world was Joh. 1. 1. John 17. 5. came into the world in the fulnesse of time and was made in the likenesse of Men Phil. 2. 7. being made of a woman or virgin made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law Gal. 4. 4. And that was done in this wise What the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh that is through our flesh God sending his own Son in the likenesse of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh that is condemned him in the flesh for the sins of poor sinners For this compare Rom. 8. 3. and 2 Cor. 5. 21. with Gal. 3. 13. and it will appeare
blood there was no remission Secondly seeing Jesus Christ â—he son of the virgin Mary was and is the Christ of God and that Salvation came in alone by him for there is salvation in no other Acts 4. 12. then how are they deceived that think to obtain salvation by following the Convictions of the Law which they call Christ though falsely when alas let them follow those convictions that do come from the law and conscience set on worke by it I say let them follow all the Convictions that may be hinted in upou their Spirits from thaâ— law they shall never be able to obtaine salvation by their obedience to it for by the law is the kuowledge of sin Rom. 3. 20. And It is not of workes least any man should boast as those fond Hypocrites called Quakers would do And again If righteousness comes by the law then Christ iâ— dead in vaine Gal. 2. 21. Buâ— that no man is justified by the workes of the law it is evident for the just shall live by faith Gal. 3. 10. Which living by faith is to apply the Lord Jesus Christ his benefits as birth righteousnesse death blood resurrection ascension and intercession with the glorious benefits of his second comming to me as mine being given to me and for me and thus much doth the Apostle signiâ—ie saying The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God whe loved me and gave himself for me Gal. 2. 20. Againe Seeing Gods Christ which was with him before the world was John 17. ver 5. took upon him flesh and blood from the Virgin Mary who was espoused to Joseph the Carpenâ—er and in that humane nature yielded himself an offering for sin for it was the body of his flesh by which sin was purged Col. 1. 22. I say seeing the son of God as he was in a body of flesh did bring in salvation for sinners and by this meanes as I said before we are saved even by faith in his blood righteousness resurrection c. How are they then deceived who own Christ no otherwise then as he was before the world began who was then without flesh and blood for he took that in time of the virgin Gal. 4. 4. Heb. 2. 14. I say they are wickedly deluded who own him no otherwise but as he was before the world was For in their owning of him thus and no otherwise they do directly deny him to be come in the flesh and are of that Antichristian party which John speaks of Joh. 4. 3. v. Every Spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the 〈◊〉 is not of God and this is that sprit of Antichrist whereof you have heard that it should come and even now already it is in the world Now because the enemy doth most notably wrest this Scripture as they do others to their own damnation I shall speak something to it and therefore when he saith every Spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God his meaning is Every spirit that doth not confesse that that Christ that was with the father before the world was did in the appointed time of the father come into the World took on him a body from the virgin and was very man as well as very God and in that body of flesh did do and suffer whatsoever belonged to the sons of men for the breach of the holy law of God and impute his glorious righteousnesse which he fulfilled in that body of his flesh to the soules that shall believe 〈◊〉 what he hath done and is a doing in the same body And that this is the mind of the Spirit of God consider First he himself saith handle me and see for a Spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have when his disciples had thought he had been but a spirit Luke 24 39 40. Now that in this flesh he died for sins consider secondly that Scripture which saith Who his own selâ— that is the Christ that was born of the Virgin did bear our sins in his own body on the tree See Col. 1. 22. in the body of his flesh saith he to present you holy and unblameable unreproveable in his sight Now that he arose again from the dead with the body of flesh wherewith he was crucified consider that forenamed Scripture Luke 24. 39 40. spoken after his resurrection Now that he went away with the same body from them into heaven consider that it is said And he led them out as farre as Bethany and he lift up his hands blessed them it came to pass while he blessed them he was carried from them carried into heaven Lu. 24. 50 51. This is the meaning of those words therefore Jesus Christ is come into the flesh that is Jesus Christ hath come in the flesh that he took of the Virgin hath brought us who were enthralled to the law the divel and sin to liberty and that by his obedience and death For asmuch then aâ—â—h children were 〈◊〉 of flesh and blood saith the Scripture he Christ also himself took part of 〈◊〉 same Wherefore that though death 〈…〉 desirâ—y him 〈◊〉 had the power of 〈◊〉 that is the devill and deliver them who through feare of death were all their time subject to 〈◊〉 Heb. 3. 14 15. For he was delivered for our offerâ—es and was raised again for our justification Rom 4. 25. For he even that man through the power of the eternal Spirit did offer up himself without spot to God and thereby oâ— by that offering obtained eternall redemption for us Heb. 9 12 14. And therefore I say again and again look to your selves that you receive no Christ except Gods Christ for he is like to be deceived that will believe every thing that calls it selfe a Christ. For mâ—â—y saith he shal â—ome in my name and shall deceiue many Matth. 24. 5. Now having spoken thus much touching the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ I shal according to the assiistance of the Lord Jesus proceed and shall speak somthing of his Godhead Birth Death Resurrection Ascension and Intercession together with his most glorious and personal appearing the second time which will be to raise the dead and bring every work to judgment Eccles. 12. 14. ANd first I shall shew you that he is very God Co-eternal and also Co-equal with his Father 2. That by this Son of Mary which is equal with his Father the world was made 3. That he in the fulnesse of time was made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them them that were or are under the Law that is was borne of a woman And in our nature for he made himselfe of no reputation and took on him the forme of a servant and was made in the likenesse of men and in our stead he did fulfill the Law in point of Justification Rom. 10. 4. and was crucified for our
bones as ye see me have And when he had spoken these things he shewed them his handâ— and his feet As if he had said Come my Disciples take special notice of me do not be daunted nor affrighted but consider that it is I my selfe Well they could nâ—t beliâ—ve as yet but wondered that such a thing as this should be And while they were thus wondering he did give them another infallible proof And he said unto them have you here any meat v 41. As if the Lord had said Come my Disciples I see that you are very full of unbelief if you have here any meat you shall see me eat before you all And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish and of an honey combe and he did eat before them Againe v. 42. the Lord strives with another infallible proofe against their doubting saying My Disciples doe you not remember what discourse you and I had before I was crucified how that I told you that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets concerning me Another infallible proof was that appearance of his at the Sea of Tiberias where he came to them on the shore and called them and provided for them a dinner and wrought a notable miracle while he was there with them at that time Namely the catching of 153. great fishes and yet their net brake not Which as it was a great miracle so it did also shew his power and authority over his creatures Besides his eating and drinking with his Disciples after his resurrection And also his preaching to them Acts 1. 3. This is not the lead viz. that he was with his Disciples on earth 40 daies which was almost six weeks speaking to them the things concerning his kingdome which was a mighty confirmation of their faith in his resurrection I shall now briefly touch two or three Scriptures which hold forth the Disciples testimony of his resurrection And the first is in Acts 10. 40 41. In which place the Apostle speaking of the Lord Jesus saith â—im 〈◊〉 raised â—y the third day and shewed him openly yet not to all the people but to witnesses chosen before of God even to us saith the Apostle who did eat and drink wâ—â—h him after he was risen from the dead Again Acts 4. 10. And Acts 13. 29. 30 31. The words run thus the Apostle speaking of Jesus saith And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him they took him 〈…〉 the tree and laid him in a Sepulchre But God raised him from the dead and he was seen many dâ—yes of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem who are his witnesses unto the people And thus far toâ—ching his resurrection from the dead In the next place I am to prove that this very man Christ Jesus the Son of the Virgin in his very body the same body that was crucified is above the clouds and the heavens And though this is made light of by those men called Quakers and other inâ—idels of this generation Yet I am sure that it will prove true to their cost who reâ—ect it as erroneous and vain But to prove it First I shall prove that he is ascended Secondly that he is ascended above the cloâ—ds and the heaven For the first that he is asâ—eâ—dâ—d see Ephes. 4. 8. 9 10. Whereore saith the Apostle when he ascended up on high he led captivitie captive and gaue gâ—fts unto men Now that he ascended what is it but that he descended first into the lower parts of the earth he that descended is the same that also ascended againe up far above all heavens Againe read Joh. 20. 17. where Christ after his resurrection from the dead saith to Mary Magdalene Touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father That is I have not yet ascended with this my body wherewith I was crucified on the cross But go to my brethren and â—ell them meaning his Disciples that I doe ascâ—nd to my father and your father to my God and your God Object But in that place may some say Ephes. 4. 10. he that descended is said to be the same that ascended Now there was no humane nature with God in heaven before the world was Therefore if he be but the same that was with the father from all eternity then the humanity of the Son of Mary is not ascended into heaven Answ. First for answer It is cleer from Joh. 1. 1. that the word or Son of God as he was a Spirit was with the Father before the world was But now in the fulness of time that is when that time that the Father and he had concluded on was come God sent forth his sonne which was with him before the world was Joh. 7. 5. made of a woman that is born of a woman And he took on him the form of a servant and was made in the likenesse of men Phil. 2. 6 7 Now as he was borne of a woman as he was in the likeness of men â—o he ascended to the right hand of his Father in our nature And for this I pray turne to Act. 1. and there you shall find that he is the same that was born of the Virgin that very man that was crucified if you compare v. 3 with v. 9 10 11. you will find it so to be Now in the v. 9. after he had spoken many things while they beheld that is while his disciples looked on him he was taken up that is he was taken up from them into heaven as in v. 11. and a cloud received him out of their sight And while they looked up stedfastly towards heaven as he went up which heaven was not within them if it had they needed not to have looked toward the clouds and the heaven without them behold two men stood by them not in them in white apparrel which also said that is the two men or Angels which stood by them said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into heaven Here again they did not look within them but stood gazing or looking after the Lord Jesus the son of Mary who was carried away from them in a cloud v. 9. But why say the Angels do you stand gazing so much into heaven your Master will come againe after a certain time For This same Jesus Namely which was crucified which rose again and haâ—h been with you these 40 dayes which also you see go into heaven shall so come namely in a cloud as ye have seen him go into heaven But shall be not lose his body before he come again No say the Angels hâ— shall so come that is as ye have seen him go in like manner that is with the same body Or else I am sure he cannot come in the same manner if he lose his body before he comes again for he went thither with that body But thâ—t same Jesus that was crucified is he that
clearly to be the truth of God Also that this Son of God which is the true God as well as the Son of Mary did bear our sins in his own body on the tree 1 Pet. 2. 24. and did spill his own blood which is also the blood of God Acts 20. 28. that he died and was laid in Josephs Sepulchre Joh. 19. 38 39 40 41. and rose again the third day Acts 10. 40. that very man Luk. 24. v. 39 40 41 42 43 44. and ascended up into heaven in a cloud Acts 1. 9 10. and 11. and there ever lives to make intercession for us that very man Heb. 7. 24 25. Heb. 8. 3 Heb. 10. 12. And in the last place If thou art a Christian then thou lookest for that very Jesus againe whom the Jewes did crucifie John 19. whom God raised again as it is 1 Thes. 1. 10. I say thou lookest thou waitest thou hastenest after the comming of this Lord Jesus which doth deliver thee from the wrath to come 2 Pet. 3. 10 11 12. Heb. 9. 26 â—7 28. 1 Thes. 1. 10. Yea thou knowest that this very man shall so come in like manner as his disciples did see him go into heaven which was a verâ— man Luke 24. 30. compared with ver 50. 51. of the same chapter Yea in a cloud he went away from his disciples and in the clouds he shall come again Rev. 1. 7. to judge all that are in their graves Joh. 5. 28 29. Dan. 12. 2. and shall receive all that looke for and love his second comming to himself Heb. 9. 27. 28. And they shall be for ever with him 1 Thes. 4. 16. 17. But the wicked shall be cast into eternal damnation Mat. 25. 46. These things I say if thou be a Christian indeed thou believest and ownest and the faith of them doth purifie thy heart 1 Joh. 3. 3. and wean thee from this world and the things thereof and if it is not from this principle that is if thy obedience do not flow from this faith which is the faith of Gods elect as I have proved at large thy obedience thy zeal thy self-denial thy holiness righteousness yea all that thou canst doe is but sin in the sight of the great God of heaven and earth For all true sanctification comes through the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ by the operation of the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 6. 11. But ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of our Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God And in Cant. 1. 3. Thy Name is as an oâ—niment poured forth therefore doe the virgins love thee Well then seeing this is a truth of so great concernment I beseech you seeke to be throughly rooted into it by faith And that thou maiest so be examine thy heart yea beg of God to help thee to examine it and to throw out all that fancy that thou takest in stead of faith Also throw away all thy own wisedome yea thy own righteousnesse also and conie to God in the Name of the Son of Mary which is the Son of God and beg faith of him true faith the faith of the operation of God such a faith as he gives to his own elect which will shew thee cleerly of these things so that thoâ—r shalt not deceive thy selfe with a fancy of them and the advantages will be many 1. It will comfort thy heart against persecutions temptations and cross providences as also James saith to his persecuted brethren Be patient my brethren saith be stablish your hearts for the comming of the Lord drawes nigh James 5. 8. 2 It will through grace wean thy heart and affections abundantly from this world and the things therein Who is he that overcomes the world saith John but â—e that believes that Jesus is the Son of God 1 Joh. 5. 5. who is he also that purifies his heart but he that looketh for the second comeing of Christ from heaven as in 1 John 3. 3. compared with 2 Pet. 3. 10 11. to judge the world 3. Hereby thou wilt be able to Judge of all doctrines whatsoever though they come never so nigh the truth yet if they be not indeed the very truth thou wilt find them and their doctrine lyars Rev. 2. 2. and 1 Cor. 2. 15. 4. If thou beest throughly set down in this doctrine even in the faith of this doctrine which I have held forth unto thee thou wilt not be taken with any other doctrine whatsoever What is the reason I pray you that there are so many giddy-headed professors in these daies that do stagger to and fro like a company of drunkards but this They were never se led in the doctrine of the Father and the Son They were never enabled to believe that that child that was born of the virgin Mary was the mighty God Is. 9 6. No saith Christ he that is built upon this rock meaning the faith of himselfe which is to believe that the Son of Mary is the Christ of God Mat. 16. 16. the gates of hell shall not prevaile against him v. 18. 5. The faith of this doctrine will make thee labour in the work of God in the world Oh how it will liven thy heart in the work of the Lord especially if thou livest in the faith of thy interest in Christ it will make thee labour to be found watching when thy Lord shall returne from the wedding that when he doth come thou maiest open to him immediately Luke 12. 35. 36. Now seeing the comming of the Lord Jesus Christ is so nigh even at the doors what doth this speak to all sorts of people under heaven but this first to see whither they have oyl in their lamps or not that is to search and see whither the spirit of the man Christ Jesus be in them or no for he that hath not the spirit of Christ in him is none of Châ—ists Rom 89 Thou that hast not the spirit of Christ in thee why at that day let thy profession be what it will he wiâ—l say to thee depart I know you not Mat. 25. and if so then thy latter end will be worse then thy beginning as in 2 Pet. 2. 20. 2. Then what will become of all the prophane ignorant scoffers self-righteous proud bastard-professors in the world If the children of God shall scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear 1 Pet. 4 18. 3. Then what will become of all those that creep into the society of God people without a wedding garment on why it will be said unto them Friends how came you hither take them and bind them hand and foot and cast them into utter darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of tâ—eth Mat. 22 11 12 13. 4. Then what will become of all those that mock at the second coming of the Man Christ as do the Ranters Quakere Drunkards and the like why read their doom in Mat. 24. 50 51.