should we for his second coming and with more joy but alas and the godly families of the house of Levi chiefly them of Shimei and old father Rabbi Simeon greatly waited for the Messiah the consolation of Israel and so did that old Matron the Prophetesse Anna of the Tribe of Aser who spake of MESSIAH in that Synod to all that looked for Redemption in Israel and Jerusalem So she and Simeon Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth and the blessed Virgin with many others blessed and praised God for the performance of his promises all the godly now know that the Kingdome of heaven was come and that was John Baptists theam Mat. 3. 2. As Anna was godly so her father Phanuel and it seems his father was godly tnd believed the Doctrine of the Seventy-Sevens for he spake to his children of seeing God in the flesh Phanuel importeth seeing of God or we shall see God Jacobs story hath Peniel Panuel Zac. 4â— Luke 2. Gen. 32. And gracious Anna cried grace grace to the righteous branch to the Lamb the true Temple The birth of Anna was about the 54th Seven her fathers might be in the 47th seven his fathers might be in Antiochus Epiphanes time about the 40th seven To these we must consider of the house of Zarobabel he had two son Abihud and Rhesa Mat. 1. Luke 3. of Abihud these Sadoc These lived in the time of Ianan whole and Ianan parted Achim Eliud Eleazar Matthan Jacob Joseph the husband of Mary Of Rhesa these Mattathias Maath Nagge Esli Naum Amos Mattathias Joseph Janna Melchi Levi Matthat Ely Mary These might be contemporary in sucession with the former godly under the Kings of the North and South 3. I do desire somewhat to inlarge The godly returned from Babel were a foundation of glorious mercies to the Church they were a godly seed and left a godly seed which held on successively how godly were they in Ezra Nehemiah Esther Haggai Zachariah and Malachi It were too long to gather all that might be said First by the gracious Proclamation of Cyrus the returned as they had Jerusalem ever in their mind so now their faces looked thitherward Jer. 51.50 Psal 102. though it was desolated in the dust yet they preferred it before glorious Babel and other stately Cities and Palaces in Chaldea or Persia 2. Being come the incumbent neighbours of Samaria c. did envy them therefore they builded the altar and offered sacrifice calling on the name of Jehovah the everlasting God as Abraham Isaac and Jacob their godly forefathers had done 3. Set on Temple work and being hindered upon better opportunities set on the work again with great courage as Ezra 4. and 5. 4. In the second return by Ezra ch 7. and 8. what a godly company came with him Many mo returned afterward Zac. 8 what fasting prayer and thanksgiving used they 5. When Ezra being come saw their unequall yoking in marriages with infidels how did they repent of it with godly humilation and amend it by putting away their strange wives and the children by them Doubtlesse a sharp corasive to flesh and blood An holy seed in the Church of God is most precious that is Gods end and should be our intendment 6. In Nehemiah is seen how full of courage labour and diligence they were in building the wall of Jerusalem and how God did comfort them in reproaches of the enemies 7. Upon the complaint of the oppression of one another these evils were repented of and amended 8. Their reverent demeanour in the exercises of publick Ordinances in teaching prayer hearing of the word all done with much love rejoycing and thanksgiving very imitable 9. Kept solemn fasts 10. Made solemn renewings of their Covenant and for the maintenance of the worship of God 11. Consâ—der their loving association to come out of the Cities of Judah one of ten to dwell in Jâ—rusalem 12. Holy care taken for the Sabbath 13. In the book of Esther how many godly were in 127 Provinces What fasting prayer and thanksgiving was among the Jewes who by faith Escaped the Edge of the sword Hebr. 11 34. of that cruel bloudy massacre intended by wicked Haman 14. It is shewed in the Prophet Haggai they obeyed in teaching of the Lords message and were careful to promote the building of the Temple 15. Zachary declareth they humbled themselves in hearing of the word and turned from their sinful courses against Gods holy Worship and love to one another and did love peace and truth 16. The inhabitants of one Citie did exhort the inhabitants of another City to the Worship of God 17. Yea the Jews having Synagogues in all Countreys should make many Proselytes and take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew and be of Israels Common weal to learn the faith of Sems Tents 18. They had great zeal against false Prophets Zachary 13. 19. Malachi sheweth what an holy seed the returned were that although there were many Hypocrites and Atheists Wantons Sacrilegious among them yet there were many godly that feared the Lord and spake often one to another to incourage in godly waies Mal. 4.1 and the Lord God took notice of their Godly communion and they were a blessing to themselves and the State of Israel and the Lord God promised many comforts to them but a day of wrath was comming which should burn the wicked up as an Oven Iosuah was 〈◊〉 a self Seekeâ— to grapplâ— what he lisâ— for his greaâ— service by the Elders granted 〈◊〉 he request Iosuah 19.50 of their godliness meekness courage zeal wisdome c. Looking into the manners of the people to amend what was amiss they were not self-lovers nor self-seekers and would not suffer their servants and attendants to oppresse or grinde the people not like them in Amos 4.1 that is a great matter to be observed in a Common-weal 20. Zorobabel lived long but Nehemiah longer near to the end of the Persians to be a Noble Corrival against Sanballat who also lived long to see Alexander the Great These things I write to shew what a godly seed the returned were and so continued to the end of the Persian Monarchy 21. And the fruit of these comforts went on the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes in many godly called Dan. 7.18 Saints of the most High Antiochus times reach to about two hundred and eighty years of the Seventy Sevens Dan. 12.3 Daniel prophecied that in the dayes of Antiochus there should be wise and faithfull Teachers that did instruct many and turn many to righteousness 22. That although those daies of Antiochus were the saddest times that ever Israel before had yet Christ had noble Worthies that stood to the Truth and did not shrinke for Sword Dan. 11.33 Heb 11.35 Flame and Captivity that they might enjoy the better resurrection to shine like the Stars for ever and ever And this godly seed still successively sprang up to our Lords
of faith in a pure conscience and this wee are to do by restipulation of Covenant X. As Abraham was blessed that is justified in beleeving the Gospel preached unto him so shall those that walke in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham who is the Father of us all that is of all such that so beleeve as he did XI The Doctrine of justification by faith in Christ is very ancient being taught Abraham afore Romes foundation was layd or Rhomulus or Rhemus or a Pharisee or Papist were borne XII God will blesse them that blesse this Doctrine of Christ to Abraham And he will curse them that curse and persecute this †Let the Anabaptist consider whether all godly parents ought not to curse their tenets in denying infants to be in the covenant in denying the seale to them doctrine of Christ and his people for it shall be sayd to all such Cast out the Servant and her Son c. Gal. 4. XIII This also may be observed as the families of the sons of Noah were cursed and out off from the Gospell and peace of God by the confusion of tongues at Babylon Christ would turne this to a blessing in tongues understood at Salem creating the fruit of the lips to be peace to the far off and to the the near Jew and Gentile so the Gospell the word of faith in our own Languages is a most deare blessing Accursed be the contrary endeavours of the mysticall Babylon against the Kingdome of Justice and Peace in the Jerusalem that is from heaven XIV Us Gentiles of the posterity of Japheth Zacharias and the blessed Virgin remember the promise with thanksgiving Luc. 1. have great cause to praise and blesse God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath performed this promise and hath blessed us with all spirituall blessings in heavenly things in Christ Moses and the Prophets call upon us for this duty and so our godly predecessors did Psalm 18.67 Rom. 15. Act. 13. AApoc 7 XV. As God doth curse him that obeyeth not this doctrine of Faith so they that teach a diverse or contrary way of justification then by faith in Christ are to be abhorred and accursed of all the Saints Moses the Psalmes Esayas and all the Prophets open this scripture of the Gospel of Christ to Abraham in many particulars this is a gemm to them all not only of the speciall blessings in us and for us but of the particular †The teâ—mes families nations Gemiles Heathens and in the New Testament Grecians tribes are very often to be taken in one sence nations that revolted from Sems blessed God how they should be called again to Sems God All Nations shall blesse him and be blessed in him Psal 73. Esa 11. and 66. Act. 2. QUest 3. Did God add any Sacraments or Seals to the word of his Covenant and promise Answ Besides the sacrifices the eternall God ordained Circumsion QUest 4 What did circumsion teach them Answ I. Jehovah made it a seal of his promise and covenant of blessednesse in Christ to be a God to Abraham and to his seed Therefore it was a seal of Gods Reconciliation Justification and adoption and God did thus keepe his covenant with them Of Gods reconciliation because God all sufficient doth condescend to enter into covenant with sinfull man Of Justification or remission of sins because it is a seale of the justification that is by faith God did justifie the circumcision by faith and all the policy of Israel did or should have professed the same God gave it for that same end Rom. 4. Of Adoption because God selected Abraham and his seed and preferred them above all Nations to be a chosen generation a royall Preist-hood an holy nation a purchased and peculiar people And therefore also God had sayd to Pharaoh Israel is my first borne Exod. 4. and 19. II. It is signified and sealed to them to fathers and their infant children their reconciliation with God by putting off the sinfull body of the flesh in which they were conceived and by consequent the putting on the new man So mortification and sanctification or regeneration is taught Moses and the Prophets ever drew them to the spirituall meaning and to rest in the outward worke and the faithfull did thus keep their covenant with God The Saints made excellent uses of this seal of faith for instruction and consolation of their owne soules as of their posterity as Moses Manoah Jonathan David Esaias c. Exod. 6.12 Deut. 30.6 Judg. 14.3 1 Sam. 14.6 and 17.36 Esa 6. And observe the Apostle Paul what he saith in Rom. 2.29 Col 2.12 III. It sealed to them both to Fathers and their infant children the blessed Estate of the immortality of the soule and the resurrection IV. It was a seale of entrance into the Church and policy of Israel which is called the kingdome of God to distinguish from the Apostate families For all Israel they and their children were by speciall priviledge federally holy Exod. 19.5.6 Deut. 7.8 1 Cor. 7.13 14 Matth 21. V. It was a seal to the deed of gift of the Land of Chanaan the Land of Rest or promise to Abraham and his naturall seed and proselytes And of all outward necessary comforts for this life both of provision and protection VI. It sealed to Abraham that he should be a Father not of the Jewes only but of many nations that when that deed of gift the Prerogative of it was out the Gentiles should be called to the faith fathers and children to be made disciples and so become Abrahams see and the kingdome of God This is so expounded in the Epistle to the Galatians and in Matth. 21.43 and 28.19 Acts 2. and 3. and 11.17 and 15. VII Thus we may see what a Catechism out of the promise and out of the seal of Circumcision the holy Prophet Abraham might teach his houshold as he did and as God testifies he would Now out of all this let this be noted that the promise concerning Christ to Abraham was not onely of temporal blessings to him and his posterity but also of spirituall and that chiefly And Circumcision sealed the same and no other doctrine but what the promise taught Let Rom. 15.8 be throughly studied of us They are vain talkers and deceivers of mindes that teach otherwise QUest 5. Furthermore To Whom did God instruct his Church in expectation of Christ Answ To Judah the fourth son of Jacob in these words Gen. 49.10 A Tribe shall not (a) Or fail to Iudah Shebet a tribe is in Moses 32 times as the learned observe and never a Scepter in him but a Tribe and so Tremellius depart from Judah nor a Lawgiver from between his feet till his Son shall come and to (b) Iehovah the hope of their Fathers that is Christ the hope of Israel Jer. 50 7. Acts 28.20 observe how Iacob left the faith to his posterity on his
snare to them and Christ was a stumbling Stone to them as he was to Kain That which was ordained for their welfare they made their ruin And so if we do no more but outward exercises in a shew of godliness and deny the power thereof and live wickedly as they did Psalm 50. Esay 1. Ieremy 7. The Angel of Gods presence our glorious Lord Iesus Christ will not spare our misdeeds 1 Thess 4 6. c. These false teachers abuse the holy Scriptures as in that of Heb. 8. It is said better promises c. but they must be asked what better promises than Genesis 3 15. Genesis 12.3 Let such know there are not better promisâ—s in old or new Testament and indeed those two promises contain all the doctrine of the Gospel as in part before is shewed They must excogitate the true interpretation by seeking how our Lord and his Apostles convinced the false glosses the Concâ—sion made of Moses Politie for we all must know theirs and ours is the same Covenant as often said onely new for Administration in fulfilling all promises and prophecies Let us confer Exod. 19. 29.45 Lev. 26.15 with Apoc. 21.3.2 Cor. 6.16 Gen. 3.15 with 1 John 1.2 3. and chap. 3. Jos 1. with Heb. 13.5 Rom. 4. with Gen. 15. 17 c. This must be often spoken and meditated for we are dull of hearing Again better promises hath respect to Deut. 30. Psalm 40 and 95. in Deut. 30. Christ promiseth that he will circumcise their heart and the heart of their seed to love him Jehovah their God and to keep his commandments c. This Christ spake to them that they might not be deceived to think that their salvation stood in outward observances as in circumcision c. but in serving God in their spirits in the Gospel of his Son And so this to be understood in all Moses ceremonies The bloud of Oxen and Goats and Rams did not could not purge their conscience from dead works but their conscience would still be to them for all their bodily exercise an ill accusing and condemning conscience Their salvation was established upon better promises and a better hope That Christ by his own most perfect sacrifice and bloud-shedding should be a sweet smelling savour to God for us and procure eternal redemption And while we as strangers converse in this world he would be mortification and sanctification by his word and spirit Mic. 7. John 3. Yet let the godly take heed they neglect not ordinances and outward observances of Christs institution though they be as the bark and shell yet they are such a bark and shell that a Christian cannot have life kept within him without them as a tree will not live without his bark nor the kernel prosper without his shell Publique administrations and family ordinances and secret duties are of that consequence that he that carelessly neglecteth them is in danger of gangrenating errours both in doctrine and manners N. VI. Not of the Jews only but of many Nations Gen. 17.5 It is promised by the Lord Iehovah the performer of his promises For a Father of many nations have I made thee This speech was spoken at that time when God renewed his promise and covenant in Christ with Abraham and added the seal to that covenant teaching thereby that he would not be the God of Israel only but in due time the God of the Gentiles also therefore the Covenant is to the infants of the Gentiles as of the Iewes and all faithful are Abrahams seed and the Israel of God Gal. 3 6.16 and if the covenant be to the infants then the seal none dare deny it but those that care not for the education of their children in godliness and honesty for the hope of the resurrection unto eternal life Abraham durst not deny the seal but with all joy went about it Again consider Mat. 19.13 Mark 10.13 little children are comprehended in the Covenant For of such is the Kingdome of heaven Yea observe further Of such is the Kingdome of God that is of the Church of God as Matth. 21.43 The Kingdome of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation that shall bring forth the fruits thereof So then Israels infants were of the kingdome of God and so are the Gentiles infants Did the Kingdom of God consist of the parents and infants of Israel in the old Testament surely then godly parents and their infants of the Gentiles are in equal honor He that shall hill an infant shall be put to death as justly as if he had killed a parent So the murderous accursed doctrine of Anabaptists that would murder children is as wicked as to kill a godly parent For the Lord God doth justifie and wash infants from their sins in his Covenant and bring them to glory as well as their godly parents And again seriously minde The covenant of God in Christ by circumcision was in full force to the death of our Lord and Saviour Luke 1.59 and Circumcision was a seal of the covenant of grace to the infants of the faithful and infants were in covenant as is evident and now after our Lords death were they not in covenant Did our Lords death disannul the Covenant of his grace in respect of them absit absit It was about six or seven weeks from our Lords death to Peters sermon Acts 2. And the holy Apostle in the conclusion of his Sermon doth exhort his auditors to receive the ordinance of Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the Remission of sins and to shew he spake by the same Spirit of God that gave the promises doth affirm that the promise and covenant is as firm to infants as ever it was and therefore saith The promise is made unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shal call Acts 2.39 In chap. 3.25 2â— It is said the Jewes were the children of the Prophets and of the Covenant which God made with our Fathers saying to Abraham Even in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed First unto you hath God raised up his son Jesus c. so the Jewes had the first prerogative of the blessing in their kinreds and of the resurrection of Christ and then secondly the Gentiles have the like portion in the blessing and in our Lords resurrection Rom. 2.10 consider for these things Rom. 4.16 17 18 c. to the end of the chapter Quest 5. Answ on Gen. 49.10 And to Him shall the gathering of the people be O give thanks unto Jehovah for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever And say ye Save us O God of our salvation and gather us together and delivâ—r us from the heathen that we may give thanks to thy holy Name and glory in thy praise Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel for ever and ever and all the people said Amen 1 Chron. 16. Psal
of the seventy seavens and Ptolomy Epiphanes all that time of Javan in those Kings of North and South they were a Beast horned to gore the people of God and had Iron legs to trample under foot the pleasant Land that is the Land of Israel Immanuels Land But after Antiochus Epiphanes the Fourth Beast Daniel 7. failed much of the strength of his hornes Before and after Antiochus Epiphanes death Christ strengthened Iudah and Ephraim against Iavan Zac. 9.13 and the legs of the image Dan. 2. were day now as Iron partly strong and partly brittle and so continued till at last Kittim the Romans possessed all as hath been noted The Kings of the North the Seleucidae reigned two hundred seventy years the Kings of the South i. e. Egypt reigned two hundred ninety four years But we must understand the years of these Kings of North and South were contemporary So these stories of the Medes and Persians Javan whole and Javan parted will reach 430 of the Seventy Sevens and the other 60 years to our Lords death for the most part the Romanes ruled If the godly Reader will make use of Mr. Bro. Commentaries on Daniel the preface thereof will shew him the Kings of Persia and the Kings of Javan their number and succession and the number of their years and all these Kings are to be confined within the compasse of the Seventy Sevens all the stories both of the four beasts Dan. 7. and of the four mettalls of the image Dan. 2. Mr. Bro. is so large in his Expositions of Daniel that there is not need of inlargement at this time Also let the Reader mark his Consent of Scripture for the orderly disposing of the times Furthermore they should not have nor needed any moe Prophets for that they should be greatly scattered shortly after Malachies dayes and their State continuallly shaken for hundreds of years before the holy incarnation by the interchangeable warres and victories of the Kings of the North and South Mal. 4. therefore the Law of Moses was so strictly enjoined to them to remember it which would have preserved them from all those errors and apostasie they fell into Again the Hebrew tongue after the return from Babel ceased from common use even the returned spake a mixt language as Nehemiah sheweth so they should have no more Prophets for the Hebrew tongue And we are to mark the lively Providence touching the families of Scripture Babel the eldest wicked monument Mr. Bro. in his notes on Dan. 5. which was built to the great ruine of all the godly families by Nymrod the Nephew of oursed Cham to the great grief of SEM and Japheth whereupon Adams tongue was made 70. of one Which Babel ended the Jews language the first tongue that it was common in no Kingdome after that And the greek tongue shortly after Malachies dayes became to be the most common tongue in the world that the the apostles did use it and write the New Testament in it Furthermore for Jews that look for such Prophets they should consider that Jerusalem and the Temple should have utter The Rulers and people of the Jews did not know the meaning of their own Prophets Act. 13.27 All the Prophets and the Law propheprophesied untill Iohn Mat. 11.13 so our Lord and his apostles shall prophesie in his speeches and their writings untill our Lords second coming and finall desolations in the neaâ— generation after the Seventy Sevens and such Prophets were to be no longer than Israels Prerogative lasted which was at the ending of the Seventy Sevenâ— for it is said God hath in these last dayes spoken to us by his Son who hath told us all thing and sealed vision and Prophet for the old Testament and hath given by himself and by his apostles visions and prophesies for the new Jerusalem to the end of the world in his new Testament Therefore those that now look for new apostles Prophets and miracles do and will run into all vanity and errour as the Jews did that regarded not the cloâ—ing up of the Prophesie of Malachy and for us of Japhets families of the new Testament we are charged to remember the commandements and words of the holy apostles our Lord Jesus Christ which charge not being observed the Church fell into errours fables and Doctrines of Devils Thus I suppose we may see they needed no moe Prophets to foretell the exact time of Christs death John Baptist was a great Prophet but he pointed with the finger that Christ was come and the chief point of his Ministry was to prepare the peoples heart for Christ that in him they might be blessed and saved from the curse that was coming on the disobedient so old Simeon with Zachurias and Anna a Prophetesse did declare Christ was come of whom Daniel and all the Prophets spake and John-Elias the Baptist preached to all Israel saying the Kingdome of heaven is come as Daniel had foretold chap. 2. and 7 and 9. Briefly sum up the premises seeing the holy angel from heaven had told Daniel in the Seventy Sevens of the exact time of the death of the MESSIAH to end Sacrifices and offerings and of the four mettals in the image and of the four beasts and of the wicked Kingdomes that were taught by them and of all them to be destroyed by the birth of the Son of Man the MESSIAS that is Babel Medes and Persians Javan Whole and Javan parted and the afflictions by them on the stars of heaven the Jews and of the full date of Israels peculiar glory by the utter desolation of the City Jerusalem and the Temple and that Ezra Nehemiah Esther did comment on Daniel and that Haggai Zachariah and Malachy had reproved the sinnes of their present age and also had much enlarged and opened Daniel in many things to the dayes of the coming of the Son of Man Now no more Prophets needed Mal. 4. but onely to remember the Law of Moses the servant of the Lord which he commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel with the Statutes and judgements They should study it till the coming of CHRIST and the coming of his fore-runner Mat. 11.13 14. for it should be to them a most sure word Therefore they needed not the URIM and THUMMIM and School-master This conclusion of Malachy with his Speech of John-Elias doth intimate a cessation of such holy prophets for all was spoken that need to be spoken People should diligently be exhorted privately and publickly by them whose place it is in chief so to do to read the holy and blessed Scriptures diligently and for this above handled to read together * These 6 books were in the time of the Seventy Sevens Ezra * Nehemiah * Esther Haggai Zachary * and Malachy with Daniel these six last books do much comment on Daniel And the godly Reader would be exhorted to mark the chronologie of the holy Scriptures and the chief persons in the times Thus
passeover of the Lord your God according to all that is in the book of the Covenant 2 Kings 23. Kings should so speak to their subjects if they have any portion in the Covenant Ibid. With holy judgement and faith We must discern by faith as Habel Heb. 11.4 The Lords body crucified and the bloud of the covenant shed opus operatum is not enough It is the Lords seal of the forgiveness of sins Alaâ—le alass for want of sound reaching in the most of our assemblies Ibid. To stay us in Christ c. Not only for increase of faith concerning our effectual calling justification adoption and redemption and for nourishment and strength to walk in the waies of holyness and righteousness being made comformable to his image renewed in us c. but for supporting us in the daies of trial and affliction which in this seal is represented by the sufferings of our Lord to whom we also must be conformable in sufferings to take up our cross daily As it is the cup of gladness of salvation so it is the cup yea of bloudy sufferings if our heavenly Father will put it into our hands N. 4. which figured his body and bloud The Pope and his corporation corrupted from the plainesse that is in Christ making an Altar Priest and Sacrifice have missed wholly of the truth in Christ By that blasphemous idol of his masse and other inventions they have abolished the remembrance of the death and sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord in the holy seal of the covenant Ibid. Bread and wine by Seal of things without life by Bread broken and bloud of the grape by the term Supper the whole tenor of Christianity is meant Apocal. 19.9 But the acceptation of the Seal is an open action to distinguish us more then baptism doth from others The King of Locusts and his Locusts are fatal enemies to this seal of the Covenant in their idolatrous Nothing of their Sacrament of the Altar setting forth Christ both unbroken and unbloudy which cannot represent nor seal Christ for reconciliation remission of sins or nourishment As the Ordinance of Christ is blessed and shall be â—â—lessed to the day of his comming so this abominable corruption is cursed and shall be accursed of all that love our Lord Jesus Christ to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen As in the Ordinance of the Passeover the Angel of the Covenant did execute judgements on the Gods of old Egypt so where this Ordinance of the Lords Supper is truly administred the idolatry of the breaden gods of Rome-Egypt are demolished Ibid. To be in Covenant speech his body and bloud a seal of most high matters is most highly to be esteemed But none without Athean madnesse will say The Seal is the King the Kings authority it should have to be as himself but none of wit orgrace would make it the King himself All wise know proper speech and civil The Gospel thrice and St. Paul 1 Cor. 11. tell that Iesus gave bread and wine and that the disciples are and drank what he gave that no miracle was here but the native manner of a Covenant Eye-sight is Gods testimony by creation Law and allowed ever even in the seal of the Covenant which may contain no matter litigious And if the Apostles or Greck Fathers had said the bread and wine were altered from their taste and nature for so much the heathen would have sworn the world never bare wickeder Magicians nor worthier of death by Mases Law which Christ gave as eternal God and came as man to be judged of man how he did perform all so that the native power of reason which he planted in all souls for sense of eye sight taste feeling smelling and hearing of words should judg of him that he performed all justice to plain capacity of all nations and required none to believe further then Logick common to every man would require assent or tell of open Rebellion against the truth Transubstantiation a monstrous term for a monstrous matter Mr. Brou in Apocal. At the figure of the Star * according to the words and commandments Though it be but a mans Testament yet if it be confirmed no man disannulleth or addeth thereto Gal. 3.15 Heb. 9.15 16 17. neither altereth the Legacies nor addeth others nor taketh away nor maketh other Executors or Overseers c. Men must not be Rectifters of Christs Testament which is confirmed by the death and bloud as in his type Exod. 24 Of him the Testatour And the seals bind us all to look to the holy evidences Men may as well pull away the seals as falsifie the plain truth in the writings They bind us to observe whatsoever Christ hath commanded as circumcision did Israel Exod 12. Gal 3 5 the angel of the pit and his pit-bred creatures corrupt the evidences and utterly pull off one of the seals they are great impostors Quest 7. and Answ Martyrs and confessours of all Nations Us heathens were from Noahs dayes Loruchamab and Loammiâ— Deut 32.21 and so the ten Tribes Hos 1 but both in Christ Ruchamah and Ammi so that now many come from the East and West Isa 49. to be blessed with faithfull Abraham and to sit down with him and Isaac and Iacob and all the Prophets in the Kingdome of heaven no sitting there unlesse of Abrahams faith without shall be liars mark the terms of the Covenant I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob This is my memoriall to all generations that is to all of their faith whether Jew or Gentile else they are protested against not to be of Abrahams Gal. 3.7 8. John 8.39.40 41. c. and have been and shall be broken off Rom. 11.17 and cast out Gal. 4.30 At the mark of the †Then to him was given Kingdome power and glory See how our Lord commenteth on Daniel chap. 2. and 7. All power saith he is given to me in heaven and in earth therefore go and disciple all Nations c Mat. 28. Quest 8. and Answ 1. But what was taught in Sems Tents The Scriptures of the Prophets the faith of the Nations Rom. 1.2 and 16.26 The same faith and Covenant although the outward administration did differ How glorious is the Scriptures consent The Saints from the beginning to the ending have one and the same God and Saviour one and the same faith the same hope the same Covenant the same premises Behold how all is administred by one Mediatour from one eternall being who is A. and Ω. confer Gen. 3.15 and 6.18 1 Iohn 1.1 2. c. Exod. 19.5 6. Apoc. 21.3 2 Cor. 6.16 Exod. 29.45 Ios 1.3 Heb. 13.5 Ibid. Who went from Jerusalem Sems tents The faith of Gods elect came to us from Ierusalem Sems tents not from Rome Babylon with babbling language as the Locusts prate see Isa 2 1 2 3 4. Micah 4. Luke 24.47 The heavenly Ierusalem began to be built in the earthly Acts 1.2 And
would have lightned all the Scripture Of Olympick vanity more below The 26. Levit. running still in Phrase upon Sevens in the punishments cometh at last to the captivity for ten Sevens of years and foretelleth such a confession of sins as Daniel maketh and how God will remember his Covenant which Gabriel there mentioneth Moses and the Prophets shall be vilely disjointed through quite if here we hold not the plain propriety of time 5. These former parts of time be no lesse clear in Scripture than the stars in the Skie that in the Seventh year the Land was parted that * That is 42 years six sevens Israel held it in quietnesse that Chusan held it the whole Seventh Seven That in the Iubilee Othoniel turneth them into their possession The golden Candlesticks with seven branches bowls 22. as the Hebrew letters knops half so many flowers thrice three all 42 commended not Bezaleets wisdome more and obedience to the prescript then we are bound to mark how the holy volumes record the Hebrew stories to fall out in times according to their ceremonies Thence the seventh Iubilee reacheth to †A kindler 〈◊〉 the golden candle-sticks land an erector and Rector of the Schools of the Prophets Samuels happy times Thence to the captivity of Babels seventy Sevens Moses did closely allude unto that space Now the Seventy years of captivity Moses and Ezra compareth with the Sabbath Levit. 26. 2 Chron. 36. 6. The Prophecy of Dan. 9.24 surmounteth all easie for memorie and celestiall for Meditation It had not been so harmonious to have chains of the time hitherto most certainly fixed if hence we should un clasp the links of it But we have the chains of times fastening hitherto-more closely than the Finnes of the Leviathan stick one to another Iob 41. All the works of God have perfection and so is the time from the Creation to the Redemption Mr. Bro. ex manus CHAP. XLIV A fourth expression of the holy Chronologie from the Creation to the Redemption THE golden chain of times are evident which draw from the apostasy of our first Parents unto our Lords Resurrection which when they are all known do bring unto Christ and we shall find much comfort and edification if we often think upon them for they are a greater ornament to the Scriptures than any chains of the finest gold or of the most rare or polished Jewels to the neck The first is from the beginning of time since Satans fierie tongue did set the wheel of the whole Creation on flame that nothing but the flood of waters nor that could quench it The second is from the Flood to the death of Terah Arahams father the authour of idolatry in Christ his Line and thereby causing to cease the royall accompting of the Churches annals by the ages of the Fathers Gen. 11. Jos 23. The next beginneth upon his death with a new promise of CHRIST making Abraham heir of the world not through the Justification of the Law of Circumcision but through the justification of faith in the promise of blessednesse in Christ to the Families Gen. 12. This Chain draweth along to the Lamb that is the Law of the Passeover Exod 12. The fourth chain is from the Lamb to the Temple the allurement of the Nations unto the worship of him that made the Temples of the heavens From the lamb to the Temple 480. Salomons 37. and year of division all 518. who in fullnesse of time would come to make humane nature his Temple to dwell with the children of men And further this chain teacheth to Salomons death his idolatry as Terah was worthy to have this chain ended for which his Kingdome was parted and Ieroboam did set up calves for God which doing is called the sinne of Israel These summes with the year of the Division of the ten Tribes from Iudah are years 518. The fifth chain is from that apostasie of Israel to the burning of the Temple that space is 390 years Iudah now is onely Gods Kingdome In that time is contained the books of the Kings Ezek. 4. and 2 Chron and most of the Prophets as the table before will shew Here must be considered Ierusalems ruine by Babel the flames of the Temple and the ending of Salomons race and Kingdome the breaking of the golden candlestick yea the Ark the speciall signe of Christs presence which had the two Tables of the Covenant was no more as Ierem. 3. They lost it at Shiloh but found it again in the woody field of Kiâ—iath Iaharim Psal 132. All Moses curtains Babel carried away for a spoil and all that Hyram the King and Proselyte procured and Hyram the artificer made c. all these goodly things left the Temple and shewed Christ his severity * Christ by Babel shook his own ceremonies by Moses and ended them by Rome that is the meaning of that speech in Aggei Yet once more I will shake never to have any setting yet some in their writings will re-edifie the low Jerusalem c. But as Israel had a first and second Temple so Jerusalem was twice builded by David Salomon and Nehemiah and twice razed now no other Jerusalem ever shall be but that which is from heaven and no materiall Temple ever shall be for the Lord God of Hosts even the Lamb is the Temple in the heavenly Jerusalem Thus in part he did shake these similitudes of heavenly things that they might look to the sure mercies and holy things promised in CHRIST unto David Acts 13.34 The sixth sheweth the earthly glory of this worlds Monarks with their abasement and sudden destruction all this is seen in the golden head Babels Kingdome which Christ made as chaffe before the wind Now the Jews had seen the end of Salomons progeny the fall of his Kingdome their hope the burning of the Temple their glory and the fall of Babel the glory of Nations by Cyrus and Darius Salomon foresaw all this and said all is vanity Eccl. 1 The seventh is from Cyrus Proclamation of bringing back the people of God from Babels yoke to the eternall freedome the Lord Jesus Christ purchased This time is the glorious and shining Prophecy of the Seventy Sevens Dan 9. This chain began with Cyrus of Sem and Darius of Japhet both which Princes proclaimed the God of heaven the God of Israel over an hundred and twenty Nations who gave Israel a liberall subsidie to comfort them in returning to Sion who by that faith in that joyfull Prophecy left great Babel for Jerusalem yet in her dust Psal 102. And this year the faith of Gods elect stopped the mouth of Lions c. And this chain endeth most comfortably by the death of Messias the Holy of Holy which endeth all Sacrrifice and offering in the low Jerusalem and it endeth the peculiar Prerogative of Israel and it bringeth the Gentiles into equall covenant and breaketh down the Partition wall and blotteth out the hand writing of Ordinances
stamps of the later Hench prophesied of the destruction of the Apostates of the old world saying Behold the Lord cometh with thousands of his holy ones to give Iudgement upon all men and to rebuke all the ungodly among them of all their wicked deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their cruell speakings which wicked sinners have spoken against him Iudas Thaddaeus v. 14.15 St. Peter shews they were mockers 2 Pet. 3. and Job 21. and 22. sheweth how they despised the Gospell Thaddaeus and Peter by allusion shew the end of all false Teachers and their deceived that follow their pernicious wayes So when the state of Iudah became mockers judgement was at hand 2 Chron. 36. read Matth. 24. Luke 17. for the sins of the old world the fooles make a mock of sin Prov. 14.9 Be not mockers least your bonds encrease Scoffers shall eat the fruit of their owne wayes Esa 3. Prov. 3. Scoffers made a wonder of the Prophets and perished 2 Pet. 3.4 and so in after times Habbak 1.5 Act. 13.41 1 Pet 4.4.4 Esa 8.18 In Q. 11. Excommunicate He that hath the Censures of the church deservedly executed on him is in dreadfull condition little better then a fugitive or a vagabond but it was the great Anathema maranatha that was given Kain and his posterity as Henoch told them He commeth Kain did not love the Lord Jesus Christ and his holy doctrine Kain hated Habel because his own works were evill and his brothers good Such Kains were in after-times Es 38.20 and the Pharisees were such and so now all those are such that follow their doctrines of mens traditions and bodily exerecise c. Woe be to them that follow the wayes of Kain Thad 11. Woe be to the wicked it shall be ill with him c. Esa 3.11 Job 11.20 Pro. 14.32 In Q. 12. The Spirit of Christ Whereas Moses saith The spirit of Iehovah Gen. 6. Peter citing that story saith The spirit of Christ Gen 6. 1 Pet. 3.18.19 so for Jehovah in Exod. Levit. Numb Deut. Saint Paul saith Christ 1 Cor. 10. VVe must marke diligently such expositions of the scripture even from Christ himself Luke 24.45 This made the Apostle to say The holy scriptures will make us wise to salvation through the faith which is in Christ Iesus 2 Tim. 3. CHAP. III. Hath diverse Questions and Answers with Annotations How Redemption was taught from the Flood till the Promise to ABRAHAM And the Seed of SHEM is explained QUest 1. How and to whom was the Councill of God in Christ revealed after the Flood Answ The old Testament writes Shem the new Testament writes Sem Luke 3.36 To Shem the Son of Noah QUest 2 What is the Scripture Answ Gen. 9.26 Blessed be Jehovah the †God was not ashamed to be called the God of Shem for he had prepared him a Son after the flesh who after the spirit of holinesse is the son of God and God blessed for ever Rom. 1. 9. God of Sem and Chanaan shall be his Servant God perswade Japheth to dwell in the Tents of Sem and Chanaan shall be his servant QUest 3 What observe you out of this Text Answ I. He that was called the seed of the woman is now called the God of Sem. Christ Jesus our Lord came of Sem according to the flesh Luc. 3. II. That Jehovah Sems God was the only blessed and true God none like him nor any beside him Therefore the Religion of the God of Sem was A the true religion and for this cause in Israel Sems faithfull posterity it was graciously exclaimed that blessed are the people whose God is Jehovah Psal 33. and Psal 144. III. That unto this blessing in Sems tents Sems own families Japhets and Chams were to have regard IV. It is prophesied that when the Prerogative of Sems tents was out the other families of the sons of Noah should be perswaded to imbrace the faith and so be brought into equall covenant as it is sayd B That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and joynt partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel Eph. 3.6 V It is the mighty work of the spirit to make a man know c to perswade the heart by beleeving to obey the mystery of Christ All the wisdome of the wise and prudent of this world is not sufficient till God draw teach and perswade us to the Kingdome of his son VI. Parents should in all fervency pray unto God for their posterity that they may be wrought upon and perswaded to obey the gospel and such faithfull prayers shall not be lost VII In Noahs story we may see the example of godly children that honour their Parents though they are old Prov. 10.12.23 14.9 11.12 13. 12.16 17.6 18.3 22.10 23.22 with all tendernesse caring for covering and pittying their infirmities and weaknesses Love covers a multitude of sins therefore Sem and Japheth had a most joyfull blessing pronounced on them the fruit of which themselves and their posterity did finde VIII That scorners of Gods truth and his servants though they have infirmities are cursed being the seed of the Serpent and hence also note wicked men procure much evill to their posterity both in their example and for Gods judgements IX As long as Sems godly house * Consider what God did for Salem and Sion while they knew him and advanced his name and religion in his Tabernacle Psal 76.1 2 3 4. held the faith of Christ sincere then Chams and Chanaans posterities were servants but when they walked contrary to Christ he in fury walked contrary to them So if wee hold Sems God to be our God and be constant in the faith of Sems Tents to which we were allured and perswaded by the Apostles and disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ the God and Son of Sem God will assuredly make that servant of servants and all that cursed policy of that mysticall Nimrod to be a †This is a point as evident as the clearest sun at noone that the subduing of ours and gods enemies is a benefit tyed to our constancy in true religion see the thankfull remembrance of D. Carlton p. 236. servant of servants * Marke this question the corruption of mans nature was so great after the apostacy of our first parents that they were under the power of satans darknesse unrecoverable in respect of man But presently the Lord God taught them the way of life to bring them back again to him their soveraigne good Gen. 3.15 and by holy prophets continued the same doctrine both before and after the Floud Gen. 26.5 18.19 the revelation of the second Adam is mans only comfort and all that receive him and beleeve in his name shall live John 1.12 Act. 26.18 QUest 4. Who kept the way and charge of Christ-Jehovah in his Commandements Statutes and Lawes the religion of Sems Tents after the
the incarnation and resurrection how it hath been followed or contemned from the beginning with plaine and civill carriage in Gods wayes and satanean in the contrary and how * the goodnesse and severity of God hath beene answerable This containeth * the summe And the story of four thousand years to Jerusalems fall by Rome hath no more And all should gladly hear of this all their life and see Christs bright face still to this summe The book of God is open and easie to be understood Prov. 8.9 Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of CHAPTER 3. Quest 3. N. 2. The true Religion If any should question what Religion Sem was of the Answer may be that he was Preist to Jehovah the most high God the maker and possessor of Heaven and Earth as also that it was the same to which the Sons of Japhet were perswaded by the blessing of tongues and by the ministry of the Sons of Sem Gen. 14. Act. 2. Apoc. 14.7 1 Thess 1.9 10. And so Sems blessing did containe the same faith that the blessing did which God gave to Abraham Gen. 12. Marke well the Doctrine to the seven Churches of Japhets house in all the Apocalyps and so in all the Epistles of the Apostle of the Gentiles and in the Epistles of the Apostles of the circumcision Again he was of the same Religion and holy faith of his Father Noah who inherited the righteousnesse that is by faith and who pronounced this â—lessing on Sem. Heb. 11. Quest 3. N. 4. That the Gentiles The greatest favour that God bestoweth on men in this world is to make them of his family true members of his Church Ezekiel remembreth this to the Apostate Prince of Tyâ—us chap. 28.13 14. The godly Jewes foreseeing the calling of the Gentiles by the promises and prophesies of Gen. 9. and 12. rejoyced in spirit that Christ should raigne over them Psal 67. and 97. 1 Rom. 15.12 Zach. 8. and 14.9 And the Gentiles seeing the performance were glad Act. 13.46 But for two thousand years Satan the strong man kept a large and great possession by metamorphosed Fables and Idolatries In Quest 3. N. 5. And to perswade Universall and free will to good in the state of unregeneracy is vain and vain glorious Doctrin Noah was not of this faith and the calling of the Families to the faith by the preaching of the Apostles argueth the falshood of such Tenents Observe the speech of Christ to the Apostle concerning his Ambassage Act. 26.18 not only illumination but a turning from the power of Satan in the will and affections is all done by the mighty worke of Christ in his own Ordinances The fashioning of the spirit is his prerogative Esa 11. Eph 1.19 20 21 2.1 2 3. c. and by his strengthning and preventing we stand to our dying day 1 Pet. 1.5 The spirit convinceth false opinions and teacheth the true doctrine Eph. 6.10.11 Rom. 7.8 Ezek 11.19 and 36.26 Phil. â— 13 That all iniquity may stop her mouth Thus it is sayd of all that have the Prerogative of Sons which are born not of blouds nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Joh. 1.12 13. The house of Japheth needed much perswasion and beseeching to imbrace the word of reconciliation They had excellent naturall parts as their writings shew which made them despise the gospell The Grecians sought after wisdome 1 Cor. 1. Therefore God gave them a son of Sem an Apostle of exquisite parts and learning that he demonstrated all their wisdome to be foolishnesse and cast downe their high imaginations by the invincible weapons of the spirituall warfare N. 8. Q. 3. That scorners Let inferiours beware of Satans deceits in causing them to slight yea in heart their superiours though for their sins and infirmities And let Superiours give no occasion but be sober grave temperate sound in the faith in charity in patience c. Tit. 2. But it is not for infirmities that the children of the wicked one hate the godly but for the image of Christ that shines in them for they can bear with the same sins in their own yet the wicked are glad and insult to see the holy image of Christ stained by any blot of the Saints and this by Gods just judgment is a stumbling block to the wicked to harden them in their sinfull courses N. 8. Procure much evill Cham is cursed to his youngest Son Chanaan Gen. 9. Exod. 20 5. Also it is observable how the wrath of Christ hath followed Chams posterity that the Negroes are slaves in diverse countries to this day even servants of servants Quest 5. And Nimrod King Abaddon may fiâ—ly be compared to Nimrod both infamous cut-throat hunters both intruders into other mens possessions both abhorred Christs Kingdome of Justice and Peace Gen. 10.9 11 12. 2 Thes 2. My Son fear the Lord and the King and meddle not with them that are given to change for their destruction shall rise suddenly Prov. 24. This is also notable as in Nimrod so in Korah in Absolom in Sheba Ben-Bichrio in the unlawfull Kingdome of Ephraim and in the whole policy of the man of Sinne See in all the transgression and the punishment and beware what did it prove madnesse of counsell in them to change Melchisedecks Kingdome for Nimrods Kingdome so it is to change the true Melchisedeck for King Abaddon so they abhorred Christ the Lord of glory for the unclean infidells the Caesars John 19.15 N. 8 Over them King One ornament of Kings may here be remembred which Sems story doth show which is the antiquity of a kingdome and the fatherly government thereof that before Tyranny sprang in was Mr. Bro Treatise of Melchiz N. 8. Justice and Peace A worthy example for Princes so to rule by just Lawes uncontrolable then they shall rule men willingly subject for they have from Christ honour and authority above their Brethren so to governe But none can well rule that cannot well obey the sceptor of Christs Kingdom Psal 45. It is hard when he that cannot order his own life shall be made the Judge of anothers for the Kingdome of Christ is in righteousnesse and peace and joy in the holy Ghost The apostate families felt none of this Princes and subjects that seek not so to order and to be ordered in their policies shall finde the power of Christ crossing their purposes and plaguing their dominions N 8. Of Sems owne The Church is not visibly glorious at all times of sixty seven families there was but one family that held the faith and the Hebrew tongue and that was the line of Christ of Sems house so Israel in Egypt revolted often in the book of Iudges and under Jeroboams kingdome after in Iudah and after the returne from captivity and under the Papacy and now after reformation will not Apostacy be againe when that the Son of man shall scant finde faith on the earth at his second coming
mystical Egypt and mystical Babylon have cursed and do seek still the destruction of our nation especially of the Gospel yet while we keep our covenant they shall never prevail Balaams counsel was more dangerous than his curse for his counsel being followed brought a plague O ye Princes O ye people do ye not know that the sincere Word and the holy seed is the subsistence of your Kingdomes and common-weals towns and families Esay 6.13 Every childe of God is a publique good Minde one thing more how those thor did seem to be of the truth and were brethren touching the outward circumcision yet cursed the servants of Christ that would not walk in their waies traditions devises and abominations Esay 66.5 and in after times they so used the poor blind man John 9. So have the cruel Prelates used the dear servants of the Lord they did curse yet Christ did bless and hath and will pay his enemies home that abuse his ordinances for if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ anathema maranatha is his heavy Censure 1 Cor. 16.22 Ibidem N. 12. Cast out the servant and her son Without shall be lyars Lyars in judgement as all Papatines be Whosoever transgresseth and abideth nor in the doctrine of Christ hath nor God he that continueth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son 1 John 2.24 2 John 2.9 Be it that they sometimes confesse the doctrine of Christs person yet both in their doctrine and practise they deny it because they deny him in his offices and administrations for which he became such a person and such a Mediator And oh what lying blasphemies do they utter against the holy records that testifie of the eternal Son the Mediator Popery is a mystery of iniquity N. 13. The word of faith in our own languages In the Law it is written with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people and yet for all that they will not hear me saith the Lord Wherefore tongues are for a sign not to them that believe but to them that believe not but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not but for them which believe Esay 28.11 1 Cor. 14.21 This looks back to Nimrods rebellion they despised the faith taught by Noah Sem and the rest of the godly fathers before Abraham in their knowen language therefore Christ cut them off from the faith by strange languages When Israel despised the things of the Law of Christ written for their comfort see how he in this would avenge the quarrel of his covenant Deut. 28.49 and fulfilled it Ier. 5.15 2 Chron. 36. If it be then such a deer blessing to have Moses and the Prophets our Lord and his Apostles speak to us in our own language let the saints worship God with hearty praise and thanksgiving so did David Psalm 103.7 and 147. 19. All are abominable idolatrous and false worshippers and unclean infidels that Christ speaks not to in their own language by his blessed Gospel as all the Babylonian builders and their seed to this day and the mystical Babylonian builders It is much to be considered that when the churches departed from the Apostles doctrine Christ confounded the Europian and Asian languages VVhen it was prophesied of the calling of the Gentiles to the faith of the Gospel it is said I will turn to the people a pure language which was fulfilled when Christ sanctified all tongues as it is said We do here them speak in our own languages the wonderfull works of God Acts 2.11 Zeph. 3.9 VVhereas for two thousand years the Gentiles Noahs families called on idols names We little consider the severity of the wrath of Christ in the confusion of tongues what a plague it is and will be to the end of the world most sad is that scripture Jer. 44.26 3 Quest of his covenant and promise God did not first give a seal and then made a Covenant but first made a Covenant and a promise as to our first parents Gen. 3.15 and then taught them of the seal the Sacrifices so to Noah God made a Covenant and then gave him the seal of the Floud and of the Ark so in Gen. 9. first the Covenant and then the Rainbow so to Abraham so each godly parent must seek to know God in Christ in the Covenant and to be in covenant for them and their children And it is to be marked C ham had an outward blessing in the covenant with his father for he was of Noahs houshold Heb. 11 7. and he and his children had continued in the same if he had not and his son mocked and scorned his father for which both of them were excommunicated and Chams house feared not but waxed worse and worse against Christ and his Kingdome and set up a tyranny in Nimrod to give the affront to Sems blessing Again note when the merciful God made a covenant with all flesh man and beast were not young as old comprised in the covenant a sucking chile and a lamb as the parent Gen. 9.9 10 11. Quest 4. Of justification or remission of sins The apostate and adulterous generation in our Lords daies that did adulterate the faith missed stating Circumcision as a part of the Law or Covenant of Works a school distinction of their own neither of Moses nor of the Prophets whereas it was rightly understood a law and seal of faith in Christ and the seal of justification that is by faith Their fac hoc is credere in our Lords interpretation of the Law to believe in him whom the Father had sealed and sent to be the true manna and sacrifice and their perfect justification and freedome as was told them Acts 13.38 39. And as they missed in stating circumcision a Law of works ex opere operato to justification so they did of all the politic of Moses that it did initiate them unto which yet they could not do being too heavy a yoke Acts 15. Now they despising Christ the end and scope of the law of Moses they made their own justification their idol and vanity and so provoked Christ to their rejection confer Deut. 32.21 with Rom. 10.19 That speech is very strong that the Lord Jesus spake Iohn 7. that circumcision was not so much of Moses but observed of the Fathers before Moses was born They should have considered in what sense Abraham received it and used it Rom. 4. Ibidem God did justifie the circumcision so this is clear God did justifie the infants of Israel for else he would not have commanded circumcision to infants this was to comfort all godly parents that although they knew their children were conceived in sin and born in iniquity yet God knew how for his covenant sake not for our sakes to justify that is to free infants from sins guiltiness filthiness and desert and to comfort godly parents of the Gentiles touching their infants the Apostle saith God is not the god of the Iews
people 2 Chr. 20. Dan 7.1 Sam. 7. Psalm 84. Hest 4.16 humiliation of his people he alway heard their cry (f) He had ever respect to his glorious and great Name Exod. 34. Num. 14. Deut. 32. Ezek. 20. and this the Saints perpetually remember to God Psalm 74. 79 149. his promise and covenant is ever working and remembred his covenant in Christ breaking the head and head-plot of the seed of the Serpent in his unsearchable judgements (g) Consider Psalm 2. 110. through all stories at the word from Kain to all that follow his waies putting away all the wicked of the earth like dross treading and trampling them in the (h) Let this text of Esay 63. be cited no more impertinently not erronionsly Apoc. 19. teacheth to expound it Wine-press of his anger and fury and overthrowing Kingdome after Kingdome with great desolation as it is said Lo I begin to bring evil on the City whereupon my name is called and should ye be utterly unpunished Read Jer. 23. Esay 30. Very many more are the observations which these Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets will afford to the wild Olive branches but to the godly and deligent student they will be familiar QUest 8. Was not the Kingdome of Salomon restored after the captivity Answ 1. No They were told that they should never have an earthly Kingdome any more for God had sworn that Jechonias of Salomons posterity and of the direct line of the Royal descent should dy childless and that none of his seed nor of Jehojakim his father should bear rule any more in Judah Jer. 22. 36.30 2. Also God had told them in Babel that the 4 Kingdoms signified by the four mettals of the Image by the four beasts Dan. 2. 7. should over-rule their outward estate and that the Crown and Kingdom should be overturned overturned overturned and cast to the ground till he came to whom it belonged that is Christ the King QUest 9. If Salomons race was ended in Jechonias how was Gods promise fulfilled that Christ should come of David according to the flesh Ans David besides Salomon had a son of Bathsheba called Nathan and of him our Lord Jesus Christ linealy descended QUest 10. If Jechonias dyed childeless how is it said that he begate Salathiel 1 Chron. 3.17 and Mat. 1.12 Answ Salathiel was the Son of Jechonias by legal right of succession to the kingdom not son by nature and so Ezra teacheth 1 Chron. 3. That Jechonias being in (a) See how Tremelius translates 1 Chron 3.17 the term Assiâ— is not a proper name strait prison adopted Salathiel his heir And in the same manner the Evangelist Matthew handles our Lords case declaring that he was right heir to the kingdome of Israel QUest 11. Which are the Kingdoms signified by the four mettals and by the four Beasts Dan. 2. 7. Answ By the Head of Gold and the Lion is signified Babel the Brest and armes of silver and the Bear signifie the Medes and Persians the Belly and sides of Brass and the spotted Leopard the kingdom of Graecia the thighs and legs of iron and feet of iron and clay and the Beast with ten horns the kings of Gog in the north and the kings of the South QUest 12. What was the end of those wicked kingdomes that oppressed the Saints the holy Hebrews Answ The whole Image was beaten to dust and made as chaff before the winde the four Beasts were cast into the fire unquenchable before the Son of man came in the clouds QUest 13. What reasons may be rendred why God did abolish some of Moses Ceremonies and Salomons race and everthrew Temple City and kingdome Answ Israel which is after the flesh looked not to the sure mercies of David in the eternal throne and kingdome promised to them in Christ But that which was for their welfare became to them through misbelief an occasion of falling they stumbled at the Stumbling Stone and seeking by the outward work to be justifyed as Esay 1. 58.59 Psa 50. complains and made their Belly their God and minded outward and earthly things therefore God did shake all those poor rudiments by Babel read Jer. 3.16 52.13.17 c. and once more finally said he wouldâ— that they might be better perswaded to embrace the New Covenant that God had promised to make with them to look to Christ the end of the Law and to entertain his easie yoke and to enter into his rest to be more spiritually minded to look to him the true Salomon and to his Priesthood and kingdom QUest 14. How many years was it since the 19. of Nebuchadnezar or the third captivity to the end of the Captivity Answ Full 50 years then the golden head was made dust the Lion thrown in the fire Then Cyrus K. of Persia overthrew Babel The eighth Chapter of Dan. for the fufilling of it belongs to the time of the Seventy Sevens and likewise much of chap 2. and 7. and made a decree for the return of the people and building of the Citie and Temple in the first year of his Reign QUest 15. What Scriptures are contained in those 50. years Ans Part of the last chap of 2 Kings and part of the last chap. of 2 Chr. much of Jeremiah and much of Ezekiel so much as is noted to be after the 11. of Zedekiah or the burning of the Temple the 4 5 7 8. a chapters of Daniel the prophesie of Obadiah The Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the eighth CHAPTER QUest N. 4. Moses saith from Christ People should be taught this constantly that the Son of God to whom the Father hath committed all authority and power so as Mediatour he gave the Law And when we are careless or wilful and break the law and do not obey it then we dishonour the Son for this is the holy revealed will of the Lord that all men should honour the Son as they honour the father Exoa. 23. Mat. 17.5 So it is said of Servants they serve and obey Christ when they perform their duties in conscience to their masters the same is said of wives and children And so we must say of all relations divine and humane in all the Ten Words Mark Jeremy chap. 34. all of it That is a great Word which is spoken Obdience is better than Sacrifice This well understood will make to vaniâ—h the term Legalists and the vain doctrines that have been about keeping and walking in the Law of the Lord as though it were not made for the righteous to be a rule of life but we may not once to think to be justified by the doing of it for the Law is more spiritual then the best Christian in the world But we ought to be very careful that we walk in his holy covenant that our hearts by his spirit may comfort us that we are honest subjects of the Kingdome of so good and gracious a
6. Who were enemies that did hate and cruelly mock and persecute the doctrine of God and his people Answ The wicked Kingdome signfied by the Bear Leopard and beast with ten horns Hamans wickednesse and Sanballats and others under the Government of the Breast and Arms of silver must be remembred QUest 7. Who did neglect and apostate from this prophesie of so great salvation Answ Many in Israel that associated with Sanballat and Malachi sheweth that some began to be Atheists and to speak stout and wearisome words against God and his doctrine The Angel foretold of * Antiochus caused stars to fall Dâ—n 8. 11. so did the tail of the Dragon the new Antiâ—chus Apâ—c 12.2 Thes 2. The fourth beast cast down truth to the ground Dan â— forsakers and wicked dealears against the holy Covenant of Daniels own people under the iron legs and fourth Beast Also Zacharias spake of wicked Shepherds that loathed Christ and his Kingdome And that came to passe in those Hereticks and false Teachers the Sadduces Scribes and Pharisees They were great oppugners of all Gabriels heavenly message as in all the Evangelists the Acts and in the Epistles to Rome and to Galatia to the Hebrews is seen QUest 8. How did Daniels holy people find Gods goodnesse in cleaving to this Doctrine Answer By faith they obtained good report with God and God was not ashamed of them to be called their God By faith the Jews in Esther escaped the edge of the sword Also we are to consider that Zachariah Haggai and Malachi enlarge Gabriels Oration for many things that a fountain for sin and for uncleannesse should be opened by the King and Sacrificer even Iehovah of hosts that should glorifie the second Temple with his presence And that although the low Jerusalem and Temple should be destroyed a larger should be builded and a better raised up And the Covenant shall be confirmed with the many Gentiles from East to West among whom in every place incense of prayer and pure offering of lips praising of God shall be offered unto his holy name That Him the Angel of the Covenant the Sun of righteousnesse shall arise with healing in his beams and that God enrolls in the book of life all that fear him and thought upon his name to glorifie them in that day of the better resurrection to shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and as the stars for ever and ever Quest 9. How was Gods service executed on the Seed of the Serpent the open enemies of his name and people Answ Streams of fire came from the fierie Throne through the Mediation of the high Sacrificer in the heavens which overthrew the thrones of Kingdomes Dan. 7.9 10. Zac. 1.12 13. and destroyed the strength of the Kingdomes of the heathens contained in the image and Beasts Dan. 2. and 7. That same vengeance hanged that Courtier and favourite Haman and his sons and brought to confusion their assassines and others were told that they had no right nor portion nor memorial in Jerusalem Nehem. 2.10 QU. 10. With what reward did Christ recompence the disobedience of scandalized revolters from the Doctrine of salvation Heb. 2.1 An. 1. Malachi denounced that Gods wrath should burn them up as an oven and tormenting sorrows befell them afore and after the bright morning Star of Jacob appeared as Zachariah also had foretold them for as they abhorred and loathed Christ and his Doctrine so Christ abhorred and loathed them leaving the lost sheep to perish that would needs be perishing whom yet he pitied before that wrath came on them to the utmost 2. And Christ the Rock of Israel having confirmed the covenant for the Jews and the many of all Nations the last year of the last Seven did forty years after grind to powder the Jews his own people by the Romane infidels and destroyed City and holy Place with utter and small (a) Then the corner stone fell on the Iews and the vineyard was let out to other husbandmen Mat. 21.41 c. desolations and such miseries and sorrows (b) Read Heb. 25.31 and Iosephus on the wars of the Iews befell the Nâ—tion that they could rather have wished the mountains to fall upon them and the hills to cover them read Luke 23 39 30. QUest 11. But shall not the Land of Canaan City and Temple and Kingdome be restored to the Jews Answer They shall never be restored yet the Jews shall have a generall glorious calling in all places where they are scattered when the fullnesse of the Gentiles is come in and when they are called and the veil (c) Then they shall see the 12 Tribes over our gates and the apostles doctrine to be fastened in Aharons jewels Apo. 21 taken off their heart and know Christ and his spirituall government they will esteem Canaan and Ierusalem no more than any City or countrey in the world they will then look to the heavenly Rest yet here begun and to the holy City from heaven in which the Lord God of hosts even the Lamb is the Temple Apocal. 21.22 QUest 12. What Scriptures are contained in those Seventy Sevens Answ The two last verses of the last of Chronicles Daniel the 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. chapters Ezra Nehemiah Hester Haggai Zachariah Malachy and the 4 Evangelists which finish their storie with the death resurrection and ascension of Iesus Christ our Lord whose death was the very last day of the Seventy Sevens or 490 years at the time of the Evening Sacrifice Note all the rest of this New Testament was written within 70 years after our blessed Saviours ascension QUest 13. What do you observe in the Scriptures of the old Testament as speciall occasions of the Churches apostacies and revoltings Answ 1. Wicked marriages as is manifest from the times of the old world to Malachies dayes 2. The open or visible Church never careth for nor cleaveth to the written word unlesse there be faithfull Governors but ever men are declining to their own vain inventions 3. Wicked sacrificers and false Prophets who came without Gods sending both came with outward shews of truth but were base sycophants and parasites alwaies falsely accusing and persecuting the godly and flattering Princes and people in their exorbitant courses 4. The abuse of sweet peace health and plenty turning these blessings of the Gospel to pride wantonnesse idleness gluttony drunknnesse oppression worldly confidence and carnal and carelesse security for Church and Common-weal c. c QUest 14. How many years hath Palmoni the wonderfull Numberer numbred from the Creation to the Redemption Answer The Sun in his Tabernacle of the heavens had joyfully run his race as a servant to the SON of righteousnesse Three thousand nine hundred and sixty years from the first promise of Christ to Evah till the SUN lost his light the SON brake the Serpents head dying rising and ascending QUest 15. How many Iubilees were there Answ From the Conquest and partition
Answer It shall Christ will raise up holy Teachers who shall by his great power cause the earth to be lightned with glory And the Temple and Testimony which the Beast of the Pit had shut up shall be further opened and the Lord the Almighty One shall reign The same Kingdomes that gave their power to the Beast shall regain and shall revive from their dead apostaticall condition and hate the Whore that loathsome Corporation of the King of Locusts make their Kingdomes our Lords and his Christs for they shall embrace the Gospel which shall shine among them This is called the marriage of the Lamb Apoc. 19. And verily as that whorish Polity hath been desolate and naked in respect of England Scotland and much of Germany c. so shall it be of France and Spain and others when Gods purposes are fulfilled QUest 9. What is the finall judgement given on the second beast with two horns like a Lamb who is the Beast of Empire revived and also with his Locusts is the false Prophet Answer It is said the Beast was caught and with him the false Prophet which worketh miracles before him by which he deceiveth them that receive the mark of the Beast and worship his image both were cast alive as Sodomites into the Lake burning with fire and Brimstone and shall be tormented with the Devils day and night for ever and ever Even so Amen Lord God omnipotent holy just and true are thy wayes and judgements O King of Saints QUest 10. What is the judgement on them that are seduced by the great glorious and Catholick Whore and were drunken with the cup of the Wine of her fornications that had the Mark of the Beast and did worship his image Answ They shall drink of the Cup of the wrath of God the wine mixed in the cup of his anger Psal 11.6 and 75.8 and shall be tormented for ever and ever without rest day or night in fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb Apoc. 14. This should be a most serious admonition for men to come out of mysticall Babylon mysticall Egypt to use no garments no prayers no laws of the Popes making QUe 11. What are we to think of all that go under the name of Papists that are under the Papacy Answ Fearfull judgement is pronounced on all those that worship the image of the Beast or have his Mark or print of his name in hand or forehead but sentence is not so passed on all that are of the Number of his name yet they are in great danger unlesse they obey the voice from heaven Come out of her my people O thrice blessed is that Kingdome O thrice blessed is that family O thrice blessed is that person that not onely hath gotten victory over the Beast and over his image and over his Mark but also and over the number of his name QUest 12. What is the end of all that know not God and which obey not to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ which will not be of the Corporation of the holy City Answ Everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power for so it is said without shall be dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters and the fearfull and unbelievers and the abominable and whosoever loveth and maketh a he Apoc. 21. and 22. QUest 13. What is the end of the godly that would not obey the Papacy and of all that sincerely walk with God Answ The Apostle John heard a voice from heaven saying Write blessed are they that die in the Lord even so saith the Spirit for they rest from their labours and their works follow with them Phil. 3.12 They shall not be unclothed but clothed upon in them mortality be swallowed up of life 2 Cor. 5.4 Luk. 20.35.36 And in the day of the all-joyfull resurrection our weak vile and corrupt bodies shall be raised up incorruptible and be fashioned and made like our Lords glorious body And the Saints that are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall have instead of death a sudden and unspeakable * changing in their bodies and shall together with them of the Resurrection be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the aire and to be ever with the Lord not to die any more but are equall unto the angels and shall shine like the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father Amen Even so come LORD JESUS Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the seventeenth Chapter QVest 1. and Ans Here and there two witnesses See Mr. White Way c. page 384. c. and Mr. Cade Justif l. chap. 4 and lib. 2. chap. 1. and many others Christ still raising up his witnesses was an argument that his cause should live till better times All the power of the Western world that Pope and Emperour and other horns of the Beast could make could not root out the Church nor the faith of the Primitive purity It did and shall increase in spite of fire and fagot prisons Massacres Index Expurgatorius c. the King of Locusts and his Locusts prevailed against the bodies of the Saints but not against their Testimony to the true faith of Christ Ibid. Prophesied misliked and cried out Here is a sore combate of Michaels servants called the patience of the Saints as with the Casars so now with the Tail of the Dragon the King of Locusts All the fight was for the salvation and power and Kingdome of God and his word and the authority of of Christ and his Testimony Apoc. 12.10 and this still is and must be intended for unto banishment spoiling of goods bonds and death Yea it shall be contended for till the seventh Trumpets sounding sheweth Christs reigning over the Kingdoms of the world in the glorious manifestation of his Ordinances Apoc. 11.15.19 Ibid. For divers hundreds of years In those dayes the Temple was shut and Christs Ordinances abandoned by the authority of the Beast with two horns like a Lamb so there is two kinds of authority and for this was the great strife Jehosaphat much reformed the State and took away the high places that had Groves but the other high places stood still for the peoples heart was not able to comply with purer worship 2 Chron. 20.33 So in our dayes our people are full of superstitions and hate faithfull teaching therefore pure Reformation shall not be yet nay now the the things not reformed by Queen Elizabeth and King James are a means of introducing moe things of Popish abominations Ibid. Of his 666. Apostaticall number Observe the Romane Catholick Church of Kings multitudes peoples Nations and kindreds and tongues rejoiced when the Beast of the Pit had killed the two witnesses and Martyrs of Iesus so they are the many that go the broad way and Christs witnesses sew that go the narrow way Papists ask where was your company
corrupted the earth by apostasie and God would corrupt that is destroy it so the Lord will corrupt the policy of the man of Sin Apoc. 11.18 God plagued Sodom Gen. 19. Rome is called Sodom and God will destroy it Apoc. 11.8 We know how God plagued Egypt Rome is called Egypt Apoc. 11.8 and many of the plagues of Egypt are and shall be on Rome-Egypt Apoc. 16. Sichoâ— the King of the Amorites would not suffer Israel to buy and sell bread nor drink so the Popish policy Apoc. 13.16 but God destroyed the one and will the other Edom Isa 63. with Apocal. 19.15 Tyrus Ezek. 27. 30 31 32. with Apoc. 18.15 16 17 18 19. Niniveb 3 4 17. Apoc. 17.4 and for Ninivebs Locusts Apoc. 9. Apostate Jerusalem Jeremiah 25.10 Apoc. 18 22 23. Of the four beasts in Dan. 7. spoken of afore in applying them to the Romane beast All the Apocalyps almost every Sentence is taken from the Prophets expressing old rerms for new States and places and times but that would be too long a work here to describe it is done other where Quest 8. and Answ The same Kingdomes that gave their power A man even bymans wit might marvell why Princes would suffer such a deceiver as Apolluon to stand one year his Doctrine being against all light of the blessed Scriptures each Prince being able to cast him from his Territories Gods wayes are unsearchable God hath chosen a few onely and none can come to Christ unlesse the heavenly Father draw him but the things revealed belong to us and our children Ibid. They shall embrace the Gospel The holy City shall be yet more glorious The streets of the City are pure gold as clear as glasse then shall the Saints walk chearfully when Gods commandements and the faith of Christ are purged from the filthy scum of mans inventions Our Lord Christ the Teacher appointed of the Father and his apostles in their Doctrine were like Refiners fire and fullers sope to the Rabbies of traditlons and bodily exercise Mat. 5. and 6. and 7. and 156 and 23. but they were not able to abide it but as Cain persecuted with intestine hatred so Christ in his martyrs and his angels in the Reformed Churches hath been and will be as refiners fire and fullers sope to the King of Locusts and his Locusts Doctrine he will purge his floor of the fulsome stuffe and the chaffe of the decitfull hypocrites Ibid. And verily as that whorish polity hath been As Israel in Egypt under Pharaoh so the cause of the Gospel seemed unrecoverable under the Egyptiacall Kingdome of the Man of Sin but the sayings of God are true he is Jehovah performer of promise as Israel felt for old Egypt Exod. 6.3 so we have felt for Rome-Egypt and as we have seen the loving kindnesse of God so shall others Rome-Egypt shall be more and more desolate Queâ—â— 9. and answ With his Locusts is the faise Pro phet The Pontificality is a Beast of Empire in its power and it with its Clergy is the false Prophet a Corporoation speech false Prophet that is the body of false Prophets Ibid. Cast alive as sodomites The common-weal of King Abaddon is called Sodome and his Catholick company and Church faith of her self she is a Queen Apoc. 18. yet she is but the Queen of Sodome and Babylon all the Kings and Princes that are of that polity let them fear the punishment of Sodome unlesse they repent and make their common-weals our Lords and his Christs Quest 10. and answ Without rest day and night God gave men over that loved not the truth to believe lies that they might be damned Terrour it is said without Rest and then what lies and witcherafts do they teach and believe of Masses Trentalls Requiems Dirges Libera me 's c. No rest to them that follow the Beast Ibid. To use no garments Their Cannons and prayers and apparrell are all bent to a blind drift and not fittest to have been used in our tongue the whole frame is out of order Mr. Bro. in Apoc. 94. and 156. Quest 11. and answ But sentence is not so passed c. We judge well of many of our forefathers that they are Saints in heaven for they made divers good Laws against Devilish Popery and were still complaining of Popish enormities and many in their last Wills would not bequeath any thing to maintain Popish Masses c. c. and in their judgement and affection were much against Popery and did come very far out of that polity yet through fear went under the name of Papists and the number of his name and durst not through the diligent tyranny of the Scorpion-Locusts openly confesse the truth as there are now such in Spain and Italy c. that hate Popery yet go under the name of the Beast and the God that multiplieth to pardon the God of all mercies no doubt did and doth passe by the weaknesse of his servants in those dayes and places of darknesse but that is no comfort to Papists that are in Reformed Churches for they in obstinacy still worship the Image of the Beast and have his mark both in hand and forehead Ibid. Come out of her my people They must not be of worldly glorious mysticall Babylons part that will condemn her but absolute free from her We must be as in a wildernesse as Israel from Egypt and as on an high mountain in the Spirit as John and Ezekiel afore Christ will shew us the glory of his own ordinances and the great Whore and her abominations and till we be ashamed of all the wickednesse that we have received from the man of sin we cannot so clearly see the form and fashion of heavenly things Ezek 43.10 11. Forty nine thousand were perswaded to leave old Babylon in hope of Christ his first coming so they that hope of comfort at Christ his second coming must come out of all mysticall Babylons polity R. R. B. Jewell and other Worthies of Christ in our State Def. Apol. chap. 22. Divis 1. But in departing from the Papacy Godly Teachers must not think of a new Constitution of Churches but of Reformation part off all additions from the holy Scriptures from offices in the Church and officers seals and censures and the open profane from seals and the Primitiye apostolick purity will appear if we otherwise do we shall not avoid the ungodlinesse of Anabaptistrie and other pratlers that do dischurch Churches and Members Ibid. O thrice blessed The Lord JESUS faith Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophâ—cie of the Apocalyps and keep those things which are written therein Apoc. 1. and 22.7 Again Blessed are they that do his commandements that they may have â—ight to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the City Apoc. 22. 14 Mark the phrase Blessed are they that do his commandements what is this a covenant of works is not this the same
Earth had haile and fire mixed with bloud cast into it which metaphoricaly importeth stormy fiery and bloudy contentions which Church-men were full of from Constantines times about Pâ—â—ority â—nd JESUS Christ his alone mediation waâ— neglected this made the profession of christianity to be full of Hypocrisie and ful of coldnesse in the pure worships among people thereby love to the truth waxing cold the people began to be given over unto fables c. for when B.B. Unlearned Schollars turned all to ambition and heresie to politicians to propsenenesse strove for superiority then Monachi fel to idlenesse and to extol Saints and Angels c and to hate painfull and orthodox Schollers as Athanasius Chrisoslome Basil c. In like sort from the first Phiall most greivous Ulcers and Boyles of State are powred upon the Popish Earth The plague of old Egypt is upon the mindes of Papists his Jannes'es and his Jambres'es namely on their seduced ones that resisteth the truth after the LAMBS appearing on Mount Sion with his 144000 attending on him in the fourteenth Century but more in the fifteenth SECT 2. The second Trumpet and second Phiall UNder the second Trumpet the Mystery of Iniquity still increasing towards the sixth Centry Ecclesiasticks never ceased affecting superiority and the spirituall supremacy one of the greatest Heresies that they became a Mountaine but not as yet come to his full growth of fire cast into the Sea of Nations burning and throwing out sulphurious and bloudy matter of contention by heresies errors Ceremonies c. every where so that true Religion was burned up greatly both in Magistrates and men of place and in ordinary Christians and in Teachers compared to ships This was a further degree of misery to the Church more then the first Trumpet warned to the quickning of the Beast In like sort under the scond Phiall the Sea of Nations namely the most potent Kingdome of King Abaddon hath been and is within it self full of bloody commotions through diverse factions and sharp contentions which came out of the Phiall of Gods anger to consume the bowels of that viperous Hierarchy and holy Martyrs discovered that the whole Sea of Ordinances of their Religion was of no more soul nourishment then the putrified blood of the dead so that all became his marked were like the dead Sea Asphaltes being full of hypocrisie trusting in bodily exercise idolatry sorceries idlenesse murthers pride covetousnesse filthy lusts c. This also was a great plague to the King of Locusts and to his Locusts The conscionable study of the holy Text from the Hebrew and Greek Testaments was much neglected by flothfull contempt and onely translations from translations were used with us bred uncertainty and it bred disdain and it bred blindnesse and it bred contempt of Christ and at last it bred rejection to Machomed and to the man of sin Locusts went from all professions as Franciscans Dominicans Carmelities Priests Levites c. SECT 3. The third Trumpet and third Phial 3. UNder the third Trumpet a great star fell from the heaven of the Church which denoteth an apostasie of many learned men and they became wormwood and each one to strengthen his Faction made bitter by false and bad expositions the sweet fountains and waters of holy Scripture so that a third part of their Church became dead in all abominations and through much addition of heathenish Customes They instead of being comfortable and clear lights were but stinking torch lights and full of contentions which caused much innocent blood to be shed This did further help on to the three Woes of great misery that were yet to come on the world So in like sort the third Phial pours out wrath upon the Papal fountains and and Rivers their canons decretalls cathedrall Expositions Monastick studies all their divine Services as they called them c. Also their feigned reliques Papal dispensations Papal indulgences hallowed amulets holy Shrines c. c. all which were rivers from their Sea to conveigh and transport maintenance and glory to their glorious Monarchy of the King of Locusts King Abaddon All these things by this Phial were made known to be but rotten dotages lying sables This bred effusion of much blood in all countries from their Princes Shipmen and their people which also in all occasions as rivers and fountains did shew their Subsidious relation to the great Pontifician Sea by all endeavours but especially in that their Princes were then Carnifices the executioners of the Papal Breves and determinations c. against the Saints and Prophets Now these from the just judgement of God do drink blood measure for measure by the Princes Teachers and people that fall from the Papacy God is unchangeable in his justice on the Cains of the earth from the blood of Abel the righteous to this day as he was so he is and will be still the same Our native countrey chiefly did pour out this phiall in wickliffes dayes bur more in K. H 8. and K. E. 6. and Q.E. and K.J. And Luther and others did it in Germany SECT 4. The fourth Trumpet and fourth Phial 4. UNder the fourth Trumpet the apostate churches not being warned by the three former Trumpets the fourth sounded a further degree of apostasie that sad and dark evils of most grievous blindenesse and ignorance should be in the Church yet in these times Christ that restrains apostasie had his two Witnesses that a third part of Sun Moon and Stars were smitten with the day and the night Jacob expoundeth Sun Moon and Stars to be his Church Learned men and Scholars greatly fell away that the Mountain of fire came to a further greatnesse and more burned in the world In like sort under the fourth Phial a great part of Apolluons Sunglorious universality and by Synechdoche all his inferiour glories is smitten by the godly Witnesses as Elias smote Achabâ— Kingdom that brought it into a desperate burning feaver and as men so affected speak strange things so the Pseudo-Catholicks be in a great boiling heat torment and vexation because as it is seen in all Countreys more or less cast off Popery So that whereas they should have repented and glorified God for his inestimable mercy of the everlasting Gospel they fret as Moab and Balaam and utter great blasphemies SECT 5. Of the fifth Trumpet and siâ—st Wo and fifth Phial 5. IN the fifth Trumpet is shewed that the Beast Abyssigeâ—a when he with his Locusts crept out of the Pit of deep darknesse they conjured up with them a smoke of all former errours and heresies and heathenish customes that Christ the Son of Justice his Throne and Kingdome and his blessed Law the air by which we see him were darkned And also he with his Locusts set up a pompous throne exercising universal Supremacy in temporal and spiritual things like old Babel And so as old Babel is callâ—d a destroying Mountain so now Abaddon of mystical Babylon became a
Euphrates they were four evil Angels or messengers of Christs wrath before whom Christ roared as a Lion so that nothing could hinder them they are described in terrible manner to plague the idolatries of the apostate Churches whom Christ sent to destroy the third part of men who came westward and wasted the Asiaâ— Churches those wars were most fearfull and bitter and because the seven Churches of Asia and others fell from the faith Christ therefore in his just judgement removed their candle-stick by the Turk who brought lamentable crrours and profanenesse into Asia and at last into Europe But Rome was the cause of the fall and of weakning to all for the Pontificality seeking to advance its Supremacy did by all means weaken Constantines Empire and the Popish Princes did assist the Papacy therein for the Pontificality and its frog locusts excited the Turk to war against the Greek Empire and to overthrow new Rome or Constantina but Princes to their sorrow and detriment saw that it was unrecoverable to this day and so will be till Princes cast off the Man of sin that made them to sin and receive Christ as their King and Law-giver Here was great wo the churches of the East and then it came to the West 2. So in like sort under the sixth Phial the Turk getting the Greek Empire Christ maketh him to plague the Papacy The kings of the East from Euphrates in the sixth Phial are the same people and scourge of Christ in the sixth Trumpet that are mentioned in the sixth Trumpet Apocal. 〈◊〉 And we may well say that the Lord Jesus Christ the onely potentate made the Turk in some sense to be an Armageddon in part to the Papâ—â—y When the Turks plague the Papacy then the frogs croak up and down in Kings Courts and so when the re formed Churches departed from the man of sin as the godly from Ieâ—oboam 2. Chron. 11.13 16. and his policy then frogs bestirred themselves in Kings courts mark now in Apoc 16. and the 13. verse is immediately inferred from the 12. verse and to some Papal Princes that were excited to those wars by the frogs as histories shew But it must chiâ—fly be understood that when the Reformed Churches one after another departed from the Papacy then the frogs that came out of the mouths of thâ— Boast and false Prophet and the Dragon did creep into Kings Courts and stirred them to warre against the two witnesses the two Candle-sticks and two O. live-trees But Christ made all the enemies projects and endevours to be an Armageddon to themselves as among the Waldenses and the Albigenses c. and in Bohemia c. The Beast hath and still rageth and warreth with the Saints in many places as he can muster his forces 3. But under the Phials Satan and the double power of Rome although they stir up all their forces against the Reformed churches by their three froggy spirits Devilish Emissaries yet they do not fight more prosperously than Jabin King of Canaan at Mageddon to be cut in pieces Then the great and onely Potentate Christ Jesus the great angel Apoâ— 10. shewed how he had one foot on the sea and the other on the Land and over-ruled war and guile deceit and violence nor to passe bounds Then the Rainbow in the cloud and the feet as Pillars of fire were remembred and manifested Then the Saints did sing the song of Moses and Deborah to the praise of the angel of the covenant Jehovah of hosts mighty in battel and still we have cause to sing Hallelu-Jab for those and our deliverances and other countries shall have such mercies and sing such praises But the people of God must be carefull to watch and keep their garments that when those frogs have croaked up any expedition against us the Lord Christ may not behold the nakednesse of our unworthy walking ecclesiastically or civilly lest he depart from us when he seeth any filthinesse in our camps 4. Also under the sixth trumpet we must be carefull to observe that although the power of the Beast of the Pit hath been great and spread far and near and it is yet great yet there was the societie of holy people two witnesses that did worship God as in his Temple and still he hath looked to them as to Israel of old from the Temple ever measuâ—ing them and caring for them but yet the King of Locusts and his Locusts the seed of the Serpent shall do a deal of mischief trampling the holy city in all their large Polis where ever they shall find such as are holy worâ— ippers how then can the pratling Locusts say where was your Church before Luther 5. Though the Beast and his marked are strong in worldly power yes the two Witnesses by their praying prophesying and martyrdome were as great a vexation and a torment of wo to the Papacy as ever Elias and other Prophets were to Achabs and Jezabels Kingdome by their prophecying praying and sufferings yea martyrdome in the full intent and indeavour of Achab and Jezabel And the Martyrs are as Moses plaguing mystical Egypt with spiritual plagues as with spiritual darkness c. And the two Witnesses by praying prophecying and suffrings brought great troubles to the Popish kingdom not only by peoples falling from them many seeing the Pontificality an incendiary of all their troubles depart from it and not only that but in taking up armes in their defence as in Bohemia and others to this day yea not only that but by intestine troubles in the Papacy it self the Princes thereof full of tumults among themselves as was in Achabs kingdome this wrought much good to the reformed in two things 1. The enemies were so busied about their own interests that they could not so well minde how the reformed got strength 2. When the Papal Princes were thus weakned then the Protestants could stand upon their defence And this also was a great torment to the Beasts Kingdome that the two Prophets that were slain did stand upon their feet again that is Christ raised up others of their spirit as Elisha was raised up with the spirit of Elia. that is gifts of Elias rooted out of Achabs kingdome So the martyrs caused a great Earthquake of State in Star-Wormwoods kingdome to its fearful terrour amazement and overthrow in many places that a tenth part of that large Polis or Common-Weal fell since the preaching of the everlasting Gospel SECT VIII The seventh Trumpet and third wo and seventh Phial UNder the seventh Trumpet and third Wo is shewed the further Torment and Wo of the ungodly and profane kingdome of the Beast of the Pit after that the Martyrs had by prayer prophecying and martyrdome called for fire to burn it And under this seventh Trumpet it will in further events of things be more fully manifested to the great rage and anger of the King of Locusts and to his Locusts and to all his marked when in Christs appointed season every
in Sheol or in Hades Answer 1. I have foâ—merly shewed that Nephesh which we translate soul in Psal 16. must be understood of his vitall soul and not of his rationall soul But suppose it were meant of his rationall soul yet it is not to be scoffed at that he should blesse God for not leaving his soul in Hades heaven till his body saw corruption Câ—ristopher Carlile in his Descent shews in page 47 48. That souls in joy have an earnest affection to be united to their dead bodies that so they may both together partake of the same glory and Weams in his Portraiture Pag. 33.34 speaks just to the same effect Objection 3. Some object that many Creeds have left out this Article and thence they conclude that it is but a suppositious Article Answ 1. * Is it not strange that any should be so far blinded as to think that the pen man of the Creed should speak of the crucifying death and buriall of the Lords body and yet should omit to record the immortall state of his holy and precious soul when he sent out his Spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father sâ—eing there were so many Sadduces living in those ancient dayes that denied the immortality of the rationall sou 2. Some reasons may also be rendered why some Creeds might after a while leave it our 1. when the immortall state of the soul was generally believed and not doubted of it might be left out 2. When other tongues could not find a fit word that could attain to the large sense and elegancy of the Greek word Hades then the learned seeing it might be mis understood might in wisdome rather choose to leave it out 3. When the mysterie of iniquity did so increase that Christendome was darkned by the smoke of the Pit as hath been touched from Apoc. 9. and that learning was grown so weak that most did not know whether the soul of man did ascend or descend or whither the godly soul went after death I say when the holy doctrine was so exceedingly darkned aâ— it was in the 10 11 12 13 14 and 15 Centuries and that the Article of descending to hell was so corruptly expounded then also some learned of latter times might leave it our as they did in former times for the former Reason These things I thought necessary to advise the Reader of because not many though some have written of this Subject I thought it my duty therefore to adde these Considerations for the benefit of the godly and studious Reader and I hope that my endeavour will not be in vain in the Lord. CHAP. XXXIII Of the Phrase of Abrahams Bosome THis Phrase The Bosome of Abraham did arise and was made familiar as I suppose by the faithfull Hebrew Rabbins before our Lords dayes upon this Consideration 1. The Covenant of God in Christ was made with Abraham and his Seed that in his Seed all nations should be blessed and thereupon such as desired to be partakers of that blessednesse must be of Abrahams faith and must testifie their desire by receiving Circumcision the Seal of that Covenant and then they were also received into his house or into his Church and so they were as it were nourished in Abrahams Bosome where they were nourished by Gods Ordinances and so Abraham was very hospital to all but especially to them that were of the houshold of his faith he received and nourished such not onely with temporall but with spiritual food he taught them the way of God in Christ and instructed them in the true meaning of his Commandements Statutes and Laws all which Abraham observed and kept and he is commended of God therefore in Gen. 26.5 and long before this God said of Abraham I know him that he will command his sons and his house after him that they shall keep the way of the Lord that is the true Religion faith and obedience prescribed for men to walk in as in Gen. 18 19. compared with Acts 18.25 26. Deut. 8.6 and 10 12. and therefore all the faithfull of his house might at their death expect to be made partakers with him of the heavenly City which God had prepared for them and therefore when they died they might still be said to be in Abrahams Bosome for all the faithfull whether they continue alive in this world or depart this life in the faith of Abraham are called Abrahams children and therefore when they die their spirits go to Paradise to Abrahams Bosome In like sort the faithfull being yet abiding here in this valley of tears are said to sit in heavenly places and to eat and drink with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdome of God Mat. 8. and in this respect all the godly whether living or dying are called Abrahams children cherished as it were in his Bosome family and Church both militant and triumphant 2. The holy Patriarch Abraham was so highly honoured of God that he is called the father of the faithfull and the heir of the world Rom. 4 12.13 16. so then his house was the Bosome of the Church into which he received all that professed the true faith for almost 2000 years and in this respect the eternall and blessed estate of the faithfull might well be called the Bosome of Abraham 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades
King And let such take heed that will not thus be Legalists that the Lord Jesus Christ the King do not send forth writs against them as out-laws that will not obey his commandements but be as untamed Heifers for he hath as we see many Marshals such as is sicknesses diseases c. to attend him to serve his processes from which there can be no escaping if once the decree come forth But do I say no escaping yea it may be upon godly humiliation not only escaping if not that yet abatemâ—nt of the chastisement or else all will be sanctified to us that all shall be for our good for he that is our King and Law giver is also our sacrifice of propitiâ—ation and reconciliation to all that judge themselves and confess their sins and forsake their iniquities for he is merciful and just in his promises to pardon them that by the assistance of his Spirit walk in his righteous Law All his providences are to humble and to bring us to the obedience of faith in him our holy Mediator and blessed are they that do his commandements Apoc 22.14 Ibid. N. 5. The Law of the Lord is a cnoverting Law The Law Ceremonial and Moral was a regenerating and converting Law by the spirit of Christ to them of the old Testament Although the Lord Jesus ending all the Ceremonial Law in his offering up of himself as a most perfect sin-offering and his bloud a perfect sprinkling is our compleat cleansing and justification yet still teacheth us the Moral law as his New Testament sheweth to obey God in him whom all the Israel of God must know that God the Father hath made him Lord and Christ as to be our Priest and Teacher so to be our King and Commander yea as to be any one of them so to be all of them to us And all this is to present us to God an holy people 1 Corinth 15. ult Colloss 1.28 John 17. The Law was not given by Christ with that terrour to be to us onely a Law of works as many understand works but it was a Gospel Law teaching of Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus and it was given in terrour to make men fear to despise the Son of God as Mediatour All the preaching of God to the Patriarks and by Moses and the Prophets was to bring man back again to God by preaching Jesus Christ the Mediatour from God and his mediation was ever manifested since the fall of our first parents And our Lords Apostles taught the same holy doctrine among all nations for the obedience of faith read Rom. 1.5 and 16.25.26 Nicodemus a Teacher in Israel should have known all these things Iohn 3. Quest 7. and Answ And should ye be utterly unpunished When the Church is afflicted then let the world look for a scourge for in the prosperity of the Church the world fares the better let the world blesse the Church it shall then have many outward comforts The world should now be wise to consider that to vex the Church of God to curse Abraham is the ready way to bring plagues on it self But it is said the whole world lies in wickednesse and so it will still be and we must expect it Quest 8. and Answ N. II. Overturned c. That speech of Ier. 22.29 O earth earth earth write Iechonias childeless and that speech of Ezek. 21.27 Overturned overturned overturned must be diligently observed together the one for the ending of Salomons house the other for the Kingdom Although God overturned Salomons Kingdome and ended his progenie yet he failed not David of his truth and mercy promised but he raised up One even Christ our of his loines after he was dead and set him upon his throne and his throne shall stand for ever Luke 1.32.33 which opens Psalm 89. And Gods promise to David 2 Sam. 7. And concerning the refusal of Salomons house in Iechonias and the choosing of the house of Nathan mark the words of the blessed and beloved virgin Luke 1.51 He hath shewed strength with his arm and he hath scattered the proud in the imaginations of their heart he hath put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree Quest 10. and answ in a threefold Charge The mighty and great God saith Jer. 22. Words by his servant the prophet ending the succession of Salomon with greater proclamation to all the world than Davids oath at the first had brought it into honour The ending of Salomons house was one of the weightest matters in all the government of the world to shew that Christ his Kingdom is not of this world Mr. Bro. in Manus Quest 11. and answ and the Lion When the State of Iudah by being conversant with Lions became a Lioness and brought forth Lions that roared on the subjects then God brought upon them the Lion-Babel and other hunters who spread their nets from them Ezekiel 19. Ibid Kings of Gog in the North By Gog and Magog is meant the kings of the North the fourth Beast or the iron leg Ezek. 38. 39. Dan. 2. and 7. skilful ought we to be to discern the proper Gog and Magog from that spoken mystically Apoc. 20. Quest 12. and answ The four Beasts To the carnal and worldly minded the wicked Kingdomes of this world seem glorions powers as in the image to Nebuchadnezzar but to the spiritual minded they are as salvage Beasts that go to a fire unquenchable So the state of mystical Babylon is glorious in the world Apoc. 17.4 but their end shall be as Sodoms Apoc. 14.10 19.20 Quest 31. and answ The sure mercies of David That glorious Temple of Stone and all Moses Ceremonies and that golden Throne of Salomon and that store of gold and plenty of silver as stones strong Cities and Chariot Cities stately buildings fourty thousand stalls for Horses plenty of all provision royal furniture and all princely accommodations curious delights of eyes and ears c. were not the sure mercies and holy things of David For all was vanishing into vanity when Rehoboam shewed himself a fool both in matter of State and corrupting the Gospel 1 Kings 10. Eccles 2.19 The sure me cies are shewed to the circumcision and to the uncircumcision Esay 55.1 2 c. 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5. 2 Cor. 4.18 Acts 13.34 35. c. And all the Epistle to the Hebrews Esay 57.15 66.1 2 Mat. 5. 6. 7. Hosea 1.7 Zâ—ch 4.6 And the true gold and clothing is from the true Salomon and the firm building is on Christ the Rock Apoc. 3.18 Mat. 7. That these things might be graffed and as nailes fastened in our hearts look further within the veile of these matters Salomons wives over-wrought him to suffer and by his charges to build idol places whereupon he saw he had occasioned Gods threatning for the renting and overthrow of his Kingdome and foreseeing the destruction of the Temple Citie and Kingdom he writeth his Gospel That all