Revelation then made by him with respect to Institutions Worship is in every day to be attended to by the Saints A Church-state is then bottomed upon the Prophetick-office of Christ and to continue from the time of its erection by him to the consummation of all things II. As 't is bottomed upon the Prophetick-Office of Christ so 't is upon his Sacerdotal or Priestly The Apostle argues from the change of the Levitical priest-hood to the change of the whole of that Church-polity its Laws and Institutions Heb. 7.12 For the Priest-hood being changed there is made of necessity a change also of the Law If this be a cogent Argument it follows strongly on the contrary If there be no change of the priest-hood as the Melchizedekian Priest-hood or the priest-hood of Christ after the order of Melchizedeck abides for ever as the same Apostle tells us then there is no change of the Law or institutions appertaining thereunto That the whole of Gospel-institutions have a dependance upon the Priestly-Office of Christ is manifest 1. That the legal Ministration or Worship was affixt to had a dependance upon the Aaronick Priest-hood the Apostle plainly enough declares in the forecited place Heb. 7.12 Now if the Worship of that day had such dependance upon that Priesthood that it liv'd and dyed stood and fell with it the Gospel-ministration and Worship must have the same dependance upon the real Eternal Priesthood of CHRIST for that was Typick of this throughout 2. Christ by his Death or the Oblation of himself which was a principal part of his Priestly-Office vertually put a period to the Law of Commandments contain'd in Mosaick-Ordinances Eph. 2.15 And so by the removing of them made way for the erection of the Gospel-church-state with the Institutions appertaining thereunto This the Apostle fully declares v. 18 19 20 21 22. For through him as our High-Priest for as such he 's discoursing of him as is Evident from v. 13 14 15 16 we both viz. Jewes and Gentiles have an access in Gospel-institutions by one Spirit unto the Father Now therefore ye are no more Strangers and Forreinners but Fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God And are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone In whom all the building fitly joyn'd together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord. In whom you are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit Nothing could be more Evident if written with the beams of the Sun than this that Gospel-churches call'd the Houshold the Building of GOD with all the Institutions of CHRIST through which they have access to God are bottom'd upon the Priestly-Office of Christ 'T is through him as our Priest that we have access in Worship to the Father and equally in and through him as such that we are of the houshold of God his Habitation Temple 3. All the fittings preparings of Souls as fit materials for this Spiritual-Temple Building and the management of the Ordinances thereof are bottom'd upon the Priestly-Office of Christ That men in their natural state are altogether unfit for such a building or work will be granted otherwise Arguments enough lie near at hand for it's confirmation Our Lord hath solemnly determin'd this Controversy if with any it be a Controversy Joh. 3.3 5. That persons fitness lies in the communication of the Spirit a divine principle of Life the participation of the grace of the Covenant that therein also lies their meetness ability for the work and service of this Temple will not be denied Now whence flowes all this but from the Oblation Intercession of Christ the two signal parts of his Priestly-Office Nay 4. The Saints comming to God with their Temple-Worship all of it hath its Foundation here were it not for the Priest-hood of Christ they must stand off at an eternal distance Jehovah would be a terror consuming fire to them This all know who have a sight of themselves in their lapsed corrupt depraved state and of the infinite purity and righteousness of God This the Apostle treats of Heb. 4.14 15 16. and 7.19 Yea 5. All the acceptance of their Persons and all their Temple-worship with the Father of Spirits is bottomed here Were not Christ our High-priest had he not as such made an Attonement Reconciliation for us did he not make Intercession as such for us both we and our most solemn performances would be loathed rejected by the Lord. 6. Their encouragement to come to God with boldness the great motive to abide in their Temple-Worship and not to forsake the Assembling themselves together to be diligent in the discharge of the duties they are obliged to perform to one another in their Church-relation is fixed here Heb. 10.20 21 22 23 24 25. Their rejection of Gospel-communion is accounted an undervaluing of the Priestly-Office of Christ v. 28 29. To which add 7. That the preservation of Gospel-churches Ordinances is a fruit of the Priestly-Office of Christ bottomed upon his Oblation Intercession Why are they not dispersed scattered Why have not their Adversaries ruin'd destroyed them Whence is it that they have liberty to tread the Lords Court and Worship before the footstool of his Throne in Peace yea whence is it That the Devil with all his power policy hath not been able to ruin destroy the Churches of Christ It 's Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who ever lives to make Intercession Rom. 8.34 so that in this matter hear's full measure of Demonstration pressed down running over that Gospel-Churches Institutions appertaining to them are bottomed upon the Priestly-Office of Christ If he continue our High-priest if there be any vertue in his death energie power in his Intercession they must continue also And when these fail we are content to sink perish Maluimus cum Christo perire quam cum Caesare regnare III. Gospel-churches Institutions are also bottomed upon the Kingly-Office of Christ whence their perennity perpetuity is Evident That Christ is a King hath his Subjects Laws by which he governs them cannot be denied That he hath yet doth exercised his Kingly-soveraignty over them will be granted if he do not do so he is not King his despotick authority is at an end Who are his Subjects Those that dwell in Sion his Church his Body his House his Kingdom which hath been demonstrated to be Saints embodied and worshipping him in a Gospel-church-state to these he is a Head Lord King What are the Laws he Rules them by gives forth for the tryal of their Faith Love Obedience They are Gospel-Ordinances of his own institution and appointment And as of old the people of the Jewes that Church of God when they rejected his Ordinances are said to reject him cast off his Soveraignty Ruledom So because of their pertinacious adherence to the Laws of Moses when Christ had perioded that Ministration had left the World and was gone to his
demonstrating the continuation of them 7. The Temple Tabernacle House Building of the Lord. Vpon what accounts they are so call'd An Objection Answer'd HAving already demonstrated what a particular Church of Christ is and that as such 't is one of the Gospel-institutions Commanded Erected by him i. e. 'T is the Will of Christ that all believers ordinarily should adjoyn themselves to some one or other such Church That which is Incumbent on us further to Evince is that such Churches or the Gospel-Church-State with the Institutions Ordinances Worship thereunto Affixed shall continue unto his next glorious Coming and Kingdom which we now Address our selves to the dispatch of Demonstration I. The Appellations given in Scripture to such a Church or Churches of Christ do evidently evince the Truth hereof First 'T is call'd the Kingdom of God Mar. 1.15 The Kingdom of God is at hand And Chap. 9.1 Till they have seen the Kingdom of God come with Power He seems to have respect to the day of Pentecost when the Spirit was poured down from on high on the Apostles who were then endued with Power from above according to the promise of Christ to them by which they went forth to preach the Gospel plant Churches c. Mar. 15.43 Who also waited for the Kingdom of God i. e. the Gospel-ministration Luke 7.28 He that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he See Chap. 10.9 and 23.51 Joh. 3 3 5 Act. 1.3 And speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God i. e. the Laws Institutions Rules Orders relating to the Churches See Ch. 8.12 and 19.8 9. disputing and perswading the things concerning The Kingdom of God But when divers spake evil of that way What way The way of Gospel-Ministrations or the worship of God in a Gospel-day which they spake evil of as Heretical After the way which they call Heresie so worship I the God of my Fathers Act. 24.14 Chap. 20 25 with 28. and 28.33 34. Upon what Accounts the Gospel-Church-State is call'd The Kingdom of God must a little be enquired into 'T is so call'd upon the Account 1. Of its Glory and Excellency Persons and things said to be of God are therefore so said to be As men of God Jud. 13.6 8. 1 Sam. 2.27 and 9.6 1 Chron. 23.14 Hill of God 1 Sam. 10.5 10. Psal 24.3 and 42.6 and 68.15 This ministration excels all that went before it for excellency and glory 2 Cor. 3.7 9 10. of which more anon 2. Of its Extract and Original There 's nothing of man in it 't is all of God given by the Father to Jesus Christ who came into the World to reveal and discover his Will touching that matter Joh. 1.14 3. Of Believers open visible subjection to owning acknowledging of God in their Obedience thereunto 4. Of Gods care of it protection over it engagement to continue support maintain uphold it to the end Whence it evidently follows 1. That there must be a continuance of this ministration of the Gospel the Gospel-Church-State with all the Laws Institutions Ordinances Orders thereto appertaining till it be suspended abrogated by Jehovah Who hath Power Authority over his Kingdom or can presume to disannul suspend any thing he hath therein Instituted but by such an Act he advanceth himself above God and so proclaims himself to be the Antichrist that was to come Denyes the Father and that supreme Authority from whence the original of the Gospel-ministration doth flow 2. The veracity faithfulness wisdom power of God are all engaged for the support and upholdment of this Ministration 'T is of him from him He 's oblig'd upon that foot of account to exert and put forth the perfections of his Nature for the upholdment of it What Devils beasts of Prey yea what inward lusts or corruptions in the Saints themselves shall be able to evert bring to nought that Kingdom he 's obliged to support and continue 3. That there must be a law produced from this High and Soveraign Lawgiver for the suspension perioding of this Ministration or it abides in force and will do so whether we be subject to it or not Our wills fancies humors imaginations any pretended Revelation will not justify any persons Non-conformity thereunto Let any Statute-law from Jehovah be produced for it's suspension dissolution and the Controversie is at an end Where hath God said My Kingdom shall continue only for a hundred two three or a thousand years and then period after which I 'll leave my Children to act as they please with respect to any Laws or Institutions relating to it If there be altum silentium a deep silence with respect to any such Laws it becomes and greatly concerns persons to take heed that they withdraw not themselves from oppose not his Soveraignty herein lest they be found fighters against God Besides 't is not inconsiderable that there are but two Kingdoms in the World 1. The Kingdom of God which as hath been shew'd as to visibility most eminently consists in Gospel-ministrations 2. The Kingdom of the Devil and Antichrist who receives his Seat Power and great Authority from the Dragon or Devil Rev. 13.2 and to one of these we must needs be visibly subject Two ways Satan takes for the support of the Antichristian Kingdom 1. The one is by establishing Laws forreign yea contrary to the Laws of Jehovah and compelling all to subject to them The other is 2. By casting a slight contempt upon the Laws of Divine appointment and whether the one way or the other he prevail upon poor souls he hath his end for Jehovah's Soveraign Authority is thereby trampled upon Objection If it be Objected that the legal Ministration is call'd The Kingdom of God and Christ tells the Jews nevertheless that it shall be taken from them and we know that an actual Period is put thereunto Mat. 21.43 so that the Church-state being call'd The Kingdom of God is no Argument to prove its continuance Answer The Answer is easie 1. It 's granted that the Mosaic Ministration is so call'd and that because it had it's Original from God who descending upon Mount Sinai by the Ministry of Angels gave forth the Law with the Statutes Judgments and Ordinances 2. It 's also granted that the Whole of that Ministration hath expired for above this One Thousand Six Hundred Years But 3. There were frequent intimations in the Scripture that it should so expire Deut. 18.15 18. Psal 40.6 Isa 65.17 Hag. 2.6 21. These present Heavens or Judaic Church-state with all the Institutions Ordinances thereto appertaining will I shake so as to remove totally abolish Mat. 24.2 The Temple to which the Judaic Solemn-Worship was affix'd shall be utterly destroyed so the whole of that service thereto appertaining cease Let but one the like instance of the purpose of God for the determination of the New-Testament-Ministration before the next glorious personal Appearance of Christ be produced and there 's an end of this Controversy 4.
are also intended by these Gates The armoury of the City was over the gates of it But in this forcible attaque of the Church he hath also fail'd He did his uttermost by bloody cruelty during the first Persecutions But what was the issue The executioners of his wrath the Roman-Pagan-Emperors had Torments within them perpetually gnawing them whilst the Holy Ones that kept the Commandements of Jesus were fill'd with Peace and Joy and triumph'd over them in the Spirit and Power of Jesus both living and dying The vengeance of God eminently wrought on their notorious Persecutors whil'st the blessing and good will of him that dwelt in the Bush was with these and the more they were Persecuted the more they grew So that it became a Maxim Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae The Blood of the Martyrs the seed of the Church And Satan not being able to hold it in the Roman-Pagan-State enters into the Papal-Antichristian-Monarchy and hath therein hector'd and ranted breathing forth nothing but threatnings and slaughters against the Saints of the Most-High who have the Commandments of God and Testimony of Jesus Millions of the Lords poor People have been destroyed by this Roman-AntiChristian-Beast in days past of late not a few In the Massacres of Paris Ireland and the Vallies of Piedmont c. Not to mention the Bonfires they made of the bodies of our Brethren in the bloody Mary's days Which notwithstanding their haughty confidence they 'l shortly pay dearly for The judgements of the Lord God Almighty will speedily come upon the great Whore for these cruelties his Wrath will consume Her utterly But what 's the Issue The number of the Lambs-followers are multiplied their faith confidence and courage heightned And let the Pope and that bloody Crew know that they are ready to withstand him in his next attaque and advance against them being encourag'd thereunto by that great Cloud of worthy Witnesses they are encompas'd about with and that plerophory of assurance that in this last Attempt he with his whole Party will stumble fall go into Perdition never to appear more The sum is 1. The Church is built upon a Rock who then is able to evert overturn it What winds blasts storms what ragings of Waves Seas can over-whelm destroy it Satan hath fail'd in all his Attempts hitherto against it and prov'd in-successful 2. Christ hath engaged that it shall continue un-shaken immovable notwithstanding all attaques by fraud or force Is he not faithful Will he not make good his Word Can he depart from it Wants he Will or Power to accomplish what he hath promised What more derogatory to Christ impious wicked can be Asserted Object But Churches may Apostatize and so dis-Church themselves They may provoke the Lord by his judgments to do so The first is notoriously Evident in the Church of Rome The latter manifestly true with respect to other Churches Answ Both the first and second is granted But 1. The promise of Christ cannot fail Therefore 2. The defection of this or that particular Church the removing the Candlestick from it the taking away its Church-state was never denyed by us Such a dispensation is not in the least contrary to the promises of Christ Mat. 16. But 3. A total Apostasy of all the Churches of Christ in the World with the suspension cessation of the Ordinances of the Gospel-thereupon is what is impleded by us as diametrically opposite to this promise of our Lord. Two things are also heedfully to be attended to 1. That we un-Church not a Church when that is not to be found upon it for which the Lord hath declared they are un-Churched nor before he doth un-Church them Some Errors in doctrine formallity luke-warmness departure from first-love doth not un-Church a Church rightly Constituted These things were found in the Churches of Corinth Ephesus Laodicea c. yet at the same time true Churches of Christ The latter are own'd writ to by Christ as such as the former was by the Apostle of the Gentiles when yet these evils were found amongst them 1 Cor. 1. 2 Cor. 2. Rev. ch 23. 2. That 't is the Duty of particular Believers upon the un-Churching a Church to joyn themselves to some other Church or if a number sufficient of themselves so to do to form themselves into a body or Church of Christ for otherwise they disobey and offer an open affront to the authority of Christ in that great Gospel-appointment of his and so indeed lift up themselves against his Kingly Soveraignty over them Thirdly This Church-state is represented under the Notion of the Kingdom of Heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Kingdom of Heavens Mat. 13.24 31 33 44 45 47. 25.1 The Kingdom of Heaven shall be likned unto ten Virgins c. And it wants not its weight that this Kingdom of Heaven or Gospel-Church-State notwithstanding the declension drowsiness sleepiness of the subjects of it or Virgin-professors visibly Espoused to Christ in respect of their subjection to his Institutions 2 Cor. 11.2 is expresly affirm'd to continue unto the coming of our Lord v. 6 7 10. And at midnight there was a Cry made Behold the Bridegroom Christ cometh go ye out to meet Him Then all those Virgins arose and trimmed their Lamps c. And while they went to buy the Bridegroom came and they that were ready went in with him to the Marriage and the door was shut I. Why the Gospel-Church-State is represented under the Notion of the Kingdom of Heaven must a little be enquir'd into 'T is so upon the account 1. Of its Original from thence 'T is not of man but from Heaven as was John's Doctrin Baptism Ministry 2. Of its supereminent Glory whatever persons account of it 't is of Heaven heavenly beautiful glorious 3. Of the design of God in the Institution Erection of it viz. to lead Persons to Heaven Eternal Life 4. Of its Stability Duration Heavenly things are stable abiding The Kingdoms of this world are changing mutable the Kingdom of Heaven fixed permanent II. That none but He who dwells in Heaven is higher than the Highest who is the alone Supreme Soveraign of this Kingdom hath Power to alter the Frame of it put a Period to it The Devil hath no Power or Authority in it He 's indeed styl'd the Prince of this World Joh. 14.30 the Prince of the Power of the Air Eph. 2.2 The whole World is said to be in subto him 1 Joh. 5.19 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He hath a Presidency Authority in the Anti-christian Kingdom is the Head of it is Worshipt in it The Devil gave him the Beast the Pope his Power Rev. 13.2 4. And the Anti-Christians are expresly said to Worship Devils Rev. 9.20 because they Worship Idols of Gold Silver c. A Worship Instituted introduced at first by them But with respect to the Kingdom of Heaven he hath nothing to do nor can he by any of his Wiles Strength cause it to
as the Tents of Kedar Poor Mean Contemptible so are all the Ordinances Institutions appertaining to them The materials of which they are constituted for the most part are visibly base and contemptible the poor of the World But Christ is the builder of them a greater than Solomon and he builds them for himself an Ivory Palace for the great King and therefore they must needs be amiable lovely glorious comely as the curtaines of Solomon 2. That none can approach advance themselves against them without pouring out contempt upon advancing themselves against Jesus Christ 3. That he is obliged to protect defend them against all oppositions whatsoever He hath done will do so 4. That none hath power to pluck them down nor can they be dissolv'd but by his Authority For any to go about to do so is to assume a Power to themselves co-equal nay superior to Christ who built them II. As Christ is call'd the Builder of these Churches so he is said to be the Foundation of them They are built upon him as their noble glorious Foundation 1 Cor. 3.9 10 12. Ye are Gods Building according to the Grace of God which is given to me as a wise Master-Builder I have laid the Foundation other Foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ Ephes 2.19 20 22. 1 Pet. 2.4 5. Three things necessarily flow from hence 1. That Gospel-Churches are not built upon the Old Covenant as some talk except we will suppose Christ to be a part of that Covenant wherein yet there 's not the least notice of him to be found 2. That they are a firm unshaken building Christ himself being their Foundation they must be so 3. That none can dissolve them put a period to them but he who is their Substratum Foundation who as such supports upholds them and is obliged so to do III. He is also styled their Head Lord Ephes 4.15 May grow up into him in all things who is the Head even Christ from whom the whole body fitly joyn'd together Col. 1.18 He is the Head of the Body the Church 2.19 And not holding the Head from which all the Body Two things must be considered 1. Upon what accounts Christ is said to be the Head of the Church 2. What influence this Headship of Christ hath into the confirmation of the truth pleaded for As touching the first 't is confes'd that he is not a natural head of the body the Church The Expression is Metaphorical Seven things are pointed forth by it 1. His Preference Dignity Excellency above them all 2. His Comliness Beauty The truth is all the comliness of the Body the Church is Christ 'T is eminently superlatively in Him it flows from him 3. He is the seat of all that Life Spirits the Church is made partakers of All 's in him in fulness 4. His Sympathy with them in all their sorrows distresses sufferings 5. Their guidance direction from Him He is their dux viae glorious conduct leader in the way they should go 6. His Dominion Ruledom Authority over them 7. Their Protection Safety in and under Him As touching the second particular Secondly The continuance abiding of Gospel-Churches is a necessary consequence from hence For Christ being their Head 1. Want's not love affection to them to support uphold them Nor 2. Doth he want power so to do All power is given to him in Heaven and in Earth He is for that end constituted Head over all things to the Church Eph. 1.21 22. that he might be able to defend preserve it 3. He is an everlasting Head therefore as such must have a body to rule govern by those Laws Institutions he hath given forth for their Ruledom wherein they are to testify their subjection to him Not to do so is to cast off his Regiment deny his Soveraignty Authority Nay 4. As such being put into Office deputed appointed by the Father as Head Lord King over them Psal 2.6 he is obliged to protect defend preserve them For him not to do so were a breach of that trust charge reposed in him given to him by the Father IV. Christ is the Husband Bridegroom of these Churches 2 Cor. 11.2 For I have espoused you the Church of God which is at Corinth chap. 1.1 to one Husband viz. the Lord Jesus that I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ Mat. 25.1 5 6. Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven or Gospel-Church-state be likened unto ten Virgins which went forth to meet the Bridegroom While the Bridegroom tarried Behold the Bridegroom cometh And these Churches are call'd the Bride the Lambs Wife Rev. 19.7.21.9.22.17 Upon what account the Lord Jesus is said to be the Husband of the Church and She his Bride Wife must be considered He is so call'd upon the account 1. Of his entire cordial love and affection to her He dearly above all loves his Churches Psal 87.2 The Lord loveth the Gates of Sion Saints gathered together in Gospel-Fellowship solemnly worshipping him in a community more than all the Dwellings of Jacob. He therefore calls them his Love his Dove his Vndefiled Cant. 5.2 expressions demonstrative of his kindness to them They also are full of love endearment to him Cant. 1.7 1 Pet. 1.8 The truth whereof they evidence by keeping his Commandments John 14.21 23 24. viz. those Commandments he by the Spirit gave forth to them relating to the institutions worship of the Gospel Acts 1.2 2. His giving himself to them taking them for his own above all the People in the World God is said upon this foot of account to be the God of Israel Exod. 5.1 32.27 Num. 16.9 Jos 8.30 13.33 c. They his portion peculiar treasure Deut. 32.9 Exod. 19.5 Psal 135.4 To be married to them Jer. 3.14 Christ is said to have them Joh. 3.29 He that hath the Bride is the Bridegroom They give themselves to him solemnly own avouch him to be their Husband in their visible subjection to his appointments Nor do or can any be said so to own him but with respect to such a subjection 2 Cor. 8.5 They first gave their own selves to the Lord and unto us by the will of God They are Christ's 1 Cor. 3.23 All are yours and ye are Christs Departure from forsaking his institutions is therefore called adultery fornication whoredom Jer. 3.8 Ezek. 23.37 Rev. 2.22 Ezek. 16.26 29. Rev. 9.21 17.2 4. 18.3 9. 19.2 Ezek. 16.17 Hos 1.2 Jer. 3.2 And the false Church is call'd the Whore Rev. 17.1 15 16. 19.2 because hereby they are unfaithful to Christ in this marriage-relation whereinto he hath taken them 3. His care watchfull eye over them He watcheth over them for good keeps them day and night with much more that might be added touching this matter Now can it be imagined that the Lord Jesus who hath taken a people unto himself in such a relation loves them with such a dear intense love gives himself
praesidet orbi The Seven-hill'd City that governs the World saith Propertius But take the Letter or that which Letteth in either of the forementioned sences and he hath been actually taken away for above this thousand Years Immediately upon which Antichrist was revealed whose time and the Beast's are the same for they themselves are the same Therefore the fourty-two Months cannot possibly denote fourty-two Ordinary Months or One thousand two hundred and sixty natural dayes viz. Three Years and a half but a much longer tract of time By what hath hitherto in this matter been offered the Judicious Reader will find a plain probation of the main Thesis we are now in the confirmation of viz. that the two Witnesses come before the last of the last dayes For 2. The two Witnesses are expresly said to prophesie One thousand two hundred and sixty Dayes i. e. Years according to the Prophetick reckoning as we have proved 3. The Witnesses Prophesying and the rampancy of the Wild-Beast Rev. 13.2 3. take up the same time of fourty two Months or One thousand two hundred and sixty Dayes but it hath been demonstrated that the term of the Wild Beast is not so short as three Years and an half therefore the Witnesses Prophesying cannot be thrust into so narrow a compass 4. The time of the Witnesses Prophesying and Antichrists day after his Revelation are the same For Antichrist and the Wild Beast Rev. 13. are the same And the Witnesses Prophesying and the rampancy of the Wild Beast take up the same time as hath been proved That Antichrist hath been reveal'd in the World for hundreds of Years past hath also been demonstrated Therefore the Witnesses Prophesying hath been also thus long so must have their existence as Prophesying Witnesses before the last of the last Dayes Quod erat demonstrandum As touching the third supposition upon which the Objection is built viz. III. That the time of the Witnesses Prophesie is but for One thousand two hundred and sixty natural dayes the contrary hath been from what hath been said touching the second particular abundantly evinc'd to which add The Witnesses are to Prophesie all the time of Antichrist as hath been proved The truth is they are raised up Spirited by the Lord as witnesses to prophesie against him and his incroachments upon the Soveraign Authority of Christ T is true the Papists that they may clear the Pope of the charge hath been by the Protestants laid against him as the Antichrist assert That Antichrist is not yet come that he is not to come till towards the period of time to continue when he comes but three years and an half Thus Bellarmin l. 3 De Pontif. Antichristus debet regnare non nisi tres annos cum medio praecise Antichristi adventus erit paulo ante finem mundi continuo post mortem ejus mundus finetur i. e. Antichrist ought to raign but three years and an half precisely The coming of Antichrist shall be a little before the end of the World By and by after his death the World shall terminate Two things in this matter are easily demonstrated 1. That Antichrist is long since come I. That the Papal Kingdom is the Antichrist spoken of which if plainly from Scripture demonstrated it undeniably follows that the time of the witnesses prophesie cannot be shut up within the limits of one Thousand two Hundred and Sixty natural days 1. That Antichrist is long since come is evident for 1. He is Prophesied of as to come when the Apostacy should break forth 2. Thes 2.3 Except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed So that evidently upon the coming in of the Apostacy the man of sin or Antichrist is to be revealed But the Apostack hath been already for several hundreds of years witness the corruption in doctrine viz. Justification by Works Transubstantiation c. in Worship viz. the veneration of Reliques the invocation of Saints the Worship of the breaden God Images c. 2. The Mystery of Iniquity wrought viz. in Order to the bringing forth of the man of Sin in the Apostles Dayes 2 Thes 2.7 It cannot then be imagin'd but his birth was near What in the Womb then and not to be brought forth for hundreds of years after credat Appella 'T is a figment that the repetition of is refutation sufficient 3. The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or that which letted his Revelation 2 Thes 2.6 was long since removed out of the way as hath been demonstrated Immediately upon which he was to be revealed ver 8. The truth of this will more evidently appear in our discussions of the second particular viz. 2. That the Papal Kingdom is THE ANTICHRIST spoken of in the Scripture Which we shall in a distinct Treatise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fully demonstrate The third Period of time mentioned in the Revelation is III. The time of the last Dragon-War When we have an account also of a Gospel-Church-state Churches Worshipping God according to the appointment of Christ Of this War we have an account Rev. 12.17 And the Dragon was Wroth with the Woman and went about to make War with the remnant of her Seed V.L. And the Dragon was Wroth against the Woman and went to make War with the rest of her seed Ar. Therefore that Serpent was wroth against the Woman and went to wage War with the Seed of the Woman that was left Syr. And that Dragon was wroth against the Woman and went to make War with them who are the residue of her Seed Aeth And this Beast was wroth against this Woman and went that he might oppugn the rest of her Sons Much to the same purpose A few things must be considered 1. Who is meant by the Dragon 2. Who by the Woman 3. Who are the Remnant of her Seed 4. What this War is 5. To what Period of time it hath Relation 6. That in the time of this War there is a Gospel-Church-state of the appointment of Christ to which Saints are found in Conformity I. As touching the first by the Dragon we are to understand the Devil So the Spirit interprets ver 9. And the great Dragon was cast out that Old Serpent call'd the Devil and Satan So also Rev. 20.2 So call'd upon the account of his 1. Sublety 2. Malice Enmity against mankind especially the Saints 3. Cruelty in devouring swallowing them up 4. Strength Power to put in Execution by Divine sufferance his enmity against them But yet the Devil as acting not in the Roman-Pagan-state but in the Antichristian wherein he most evidently displayes his enmity bloody cruelty subtilty and Power Now this seems to be very evident For this Dragon is said to have Seven Heads and Ten Horns and Ten Crowns upon his Heads The Seven Heads are interpreted Rev. 17.9 10. not only to be Seven Mountains but also Seven Kings or seven sorts of Government whereof five were fallen when John writ viz. Kings Consuls Tribunes
rather with respect to that in as great safety as the Woman that before was fled into the Wilderness In answer to which the slaughter of the Witnesses is not cannot be a corporeal slaughter as amongst others is most evident from this single consideration viz. Such as their slaughter is such will their Resurrection be if their slaughter be corporeal their Resurrection must be so But their Resurrection is not cannot be a corporeal Resurrection because it crosses the Scripture 1 Cor. 15.23 Every one in his own order Christ the first-fruits afterwards those that are Christ's at his coming clearly asserting that the Saints rise not till the personal coming of Christ But now the Witnesses rise before as is granted by all 2. After this advance of the Dragon you hear no more of this remnant of the Womans seed till the great Randezvouz upon Mount Sion Rev. 14.1 Where they are the risen Witnesses represented under the notion of One Hundred forty and four Thousand with their fathers name upon their foreheads going forth under the conduct of the Lamb to execute the Judgements written against Antichrist ver 7.8 9 10 11 12. to the end And no wonder for all this while viz. from the time of their slaughter to the time of their rise they lie Dead as to any publick visible witness for Christ which formerly they bear till the Spirit of Life from God re-enters into them and they stand upon their feet 3. This War against the remnant of the Womans seed is much about the same time with her second flight into the Wilderness ver 14. That that flight of the Woman into the Wilderness is a second flight is evident For 1. She is represented ver 10 12. as coming out of it with Tryumph Shouting having greatned confidence that she should never return thither again for she sings ver 10. Now is come Salvation and Strength and the Kingdom of our God and the Power of his Christ 2. The Wilderness whether she flies is call'd HER PLACE ver 14. viz. with respect to what 's said ver 6. with relation to her first flying thither And the Woman fled into the Wilderness where she hath a place prepared of God Into this place which is now call'd her place because before prepar'd for her of God doth she now fly Now that second flight of the Woman into the Wilderness is exactly the same with the time of the Witnesses lying dead She is nourish't for a time times and half a time from the face of the Serpent So the Witnesses lye dead a time one Year times two Years and half a time half a Year viz. Three Years and a half which is congruous to the Scripture-Notion of time or times Dan. 4.23 25. VI. That in the time of this War there is a Gospel-Church-state is evident For 1. There 's the Woman i. e. the Saints in Church-Communion Worshipping God in the wayes of Christs Institution for upon this account she 's call'd the Woman Bride of Christ as hath been proved fled into the Wilderness just as 't were upon its commencement 2. The Remnant of the Womans seed which keep the Commandments of God ver 17. If by the Commandments of God we understand the Commandments of God the Father or of Jesus Christ it comes all to one For one great Commandment of the Father to the Sons of Men is to hear Christ Deut. 18.18 19. And on the Holy Mount a voice is heard to the same purpose Mat. 17.5 And Christ tells us that those that have heard and learnt of the Father come to him viz. to be instucted by him John 6.45 And he that hears him i. e. obey's subjects to him his in-doctrinations teachings hears the Father 3. They are also said to have the Testimony of Jesus i. e. 1. Negatively they hold not to the Decrees Canons Laws Institutions of Pope Councils Fathers c. They abhor to comply with any Antichristian Superstitions Worship Orders Ordinances would they have done so the Devil had never gon about to make War against them The Spirit testifyes of them that they were not defiled with Woman Rev. 14.4 i. e. with none of the Idolatries Superstitions Fornications of the great Whore or any of her Daughters 2. Positively they do visibly own Jesus Christ in all his Offices Laws Institutions nor will they be perswaded to leave them or cease to conform to them whatever it cost them The Lord testifies of them in their risen-state that they are Virgins Rev. 14.4 i. e. chast to Christ faithful to his Institutions And thus much touching the Third Period of time in which it's evident there are Churches of the institution of Christ That there are so 4. At the Witnesses rise and all along the pouring out of the Vials is very evident by the same Book of the Revelation By the way I would modestly give my Judgment touching Two things I. That the risen-Witnesses and the Vial-Angels contemporize This seems evident For 1. The time of the Witnesses Prophesying is a time of Mourning to them being in their Sack-cloth-state and for the most part the time of Antichrist rampancy but at the time of their rise the scene begins to alter and the Vengance of God falls so fearfully upon the Antichristians that the tenth part of the City falls or one of the Ten Kingdoms totally draws off from Antichrist and is brought into subjection to Christ The time of the beginning of the pouring out of the Vials is a time of Mourning to the Antichristians for the Vials are Vials of the Pure Wrath of God Almighty pour'd forth in his Authority and by his Appointment upon them 2. From the Witnesses rise the destruction of the Kingdom of the Beast or of Antichrist goe's on till he be wholly destroyed and the Kingdoms become the Lords Rev. 11.14 15 16 17 18. The same fate befals the Antichristians under the pouring forth of the Vials their Kingdom is gradually wasted consumed till it cease to be Rev. 16 from first to last But this is not a place fully to prosecute this matter II. That there are none of the Vials yet poured forth These few things amongst others which must not now be mentioned lead me captive to the belief of this Assertion 1. The Witnesses I humbly conceive are not yet risen 't is to be feared not yet slain Now the risen-witnesses and Vial-Angels synchronizing they not being risen these have not pour'd forth one Vial. 2. We have not yet seen the preparatory work to the powring forth of the Vials mentioned Rev. 15. 3. The subject of the Vials are the persons or things of Antichrist The Vials being Vials of pure Wrath on whatever persons or things they fall they totally consume them so as that they shall never stand up or exist more What of the Persons things of Antichrist have been thus removed destroyed Are they not all in their splendour height glory at this day 4. The Vial-Angels and the Stone-smiting Dan. 2.
synchronize the effects of the one and the other are the same viz. the total destruction of Antichrist and introduction exaltment of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus But the Stone hath yet not begun to smite for when it begins so to do it shall never cease till the Image be wholly destroyed and it the Stone become a great Mountain filling the whole Earth Dan. 2.34 35. Therefore none of the Vials are yet poured out But of this matter we must not now speak at large That there are particular Churches upon the rise of the Witnesses and the pouring out of the Vials will receive a speedy dispatch 1. Now the Witnesses which we have proved to be particular Churches stand upon their feet Begin openly with their wonted and perhaps greater courage and boldness to assert and give Witness to the Wayes and Institutions of Christ which all the time of their Prophesying they were publickly and in the time of their slaughter they were privately found in the practice of Rev. 11.11 2. Now the Woman that had fled into the Wilderness and was nourisht there all the time of the Witnesses slaughter comes out from thence and shews her self as the true Loyal Spouse of Christ in her visible subjection to him in all his glorious Institutions and Appointments To which time that prophesie seems to have respect Cant. 8.5 3. Now the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven is open'd Rev. 15.5 A few things must be enquired into 1. What we are to understand by the Temple 2. Why 't is call'd The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony 3. In what sense it 's said to be opened 1. By the Temple we are to understand the Gospel-Church-state the Churches Ordinances Institutions of CHRIST which hath been before proved are represented under that notion with the Reasons thereof 2. 'T is call'd The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony because the presence of God his Laws Statutes Ordinances were with them amongst them in a special peculiar manner The Tabernacle of Old was a Type of his special presence with his people then Exod. 25.8 and 29.45 46. Levit. 26.11 12. Therefore God is said to dwell in the Tabernacle it s call'd his Habitation 2 Sam. 15.25 There he promised to meet with and speak to his People Exod. 29.42 43. This Tabernacle is call'd the Tabernacle of Testimony Exod. 38.21 Acts 7.44 because in it was the Ark wherein was the Law or Testimony 'T was at last brought into the Temple at Jerusalem 1 Chron. 8.4 2 Chron. 5.5 This here is said to be in Heaven or appertaining to the Gospel-Ministration perhaps on purpose to obviate any mistake the Jews might have of the restitution of their Temple-Worship q. d. Though I speak of the Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony don't think that I intend that which was built by Moses Solomon and that your Old-Worship thereto affixed shall be restored no I am treating of another kind of Temple under another Ministration viz. an Heavenly which he that speaks from Heaven hath introduced To which appertains the Testimony Laws Institutions he hath given forth wherein he hath promised to meet his People bless them fill them with his Company Presence Glory 3. By the Opening of the Temple of the Tabernacle in Heaven we are not to understand the introduction of a New-Gospel-Ministration The vanity emptiness ridicule of such an interpretation is from hence manifest that John saith not that there shall be a New-Temple built but only that the Temple shall be opened i. e. the Old Temple of the Tabernacle that was standing all the times of the Pagan-Antichristian persecutions And this very Scripture is of it self evidence sufficient that at least all the times of Antichrist there was an abiding Temple or Gospel-Church-state Worship Worshippers therein For at the rise of Antichrist we find a Temple Rev. 11.1 and now at the going forth of the Vial-Angels this very Temple is open'd not the least tittle syllable of the constituting a new one but the opening the old The word is not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to build no nor so much 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to restore or repair but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to open that which was already built and sufficiently beautified by the Lord. The words are perhaps an allusion to 2 Chron. 28.24 29.3 The first Scripture tells us that Ahaz had shut up the doors of the House of the Lord the latter that good Hezekiah open'd them 'T was the same House the same doors not others that was shut up and opened The meaning is Gospel-Churches that a little before were Worshipping more retiredly privately are now again brought to publick view returned from their Wilderness retired-state to an open profession owning of the Laws Wayes of JESVS 4. The Vial-Angels come out of this Temple thus opened Rev. 15.6 For they are some of the most Spiritual principal of the Temple-Worshippers or members of these Churches as is evident from their Priestly-array they are clothed in pure and White-linnen having their breasts girded with Golden-Girdles The attire of the Priests Exod. 28.6 8. Temple-Worshippers are a Royal Priesthood 1 Pet. 2.9 5. During the whole time of the pouring out of the Vials at the close of which as is generally granted Christ comes we find the continuance of this Temple ver 8. And the Temple was filled with Smoak from the Glory of God and from his Power i. e. there was a more than ordinary presence of God with these Temple-Worshippers and no man was able to enter into the Temple viz. to interrupt disturb the Worshippers there as formerly they had done till the seven Plagues of the seven-Angels were fulfilled i. e. till they were all pour'd out Antichrist by them perfectly destroyed the Glorious Kingdom of our LORD and SAVIOVR introduced CHAP. V. Gospel-Churches part of that Ministration set on foot by Christ The whole of that Ministration permanent to continue to the end of the World Mat. 28.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.26 Explained An Objection Answered 1 Tim. 6.13 14. Explained Heb. 1.1 2. Considered opened The Excellency of the discovery God the Father made of his Will by his Son above all other discoveries he had before made nothing new to be added to it Dan. 9.24 Explained The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who Vision and Prophesie what it is The sealing it up what it imports There 's no ground left for any New-Ministration or any alteration in that set on foot by Christ The reasons of the alteration of the Old Testament-Ministration with the Institutions thereto belonging The Gospel-Ministration Ordinances must continue except a greater than Christ come Demonstration V. THe Gospel-Church-state with the Churches Institutions Ordinances thereunto belonging is part of that Ministration that was set on foot by the Lord Jesus when he Tabernacled amongst men as hath already been demonstrated Now the whole of that Ministration that was then set on foot by him is permanent and
of Christ Mal. 4.4 with Deut. 34.10 and that upon this foot of account because till Christ none rose up greater than he Therefore Paul going about to demonstrate to the Jews the abolition of the Mosaick Ministration layes the Foundation of his discourse in the super-eminent Authority of the Lord Jesus 'T is true the Law was most solemnly given forth by the Ministration of Angels in the hands of Moses but Christ is above Angels Heb. 1.4 and 2.2 above Moses chap. 3.3 Is there any greater superiour to Christ If not as most certain it is there is not to assert it is the height of Antichristianism 't is blasphemy against the Son then the Ministration instituted by him must of necessity continue till he come to put a period to it For it must be a greater and superior that can abolish or alter what is establisht CHAP. VI. The end for which Christ Instituted the Gospel-Church-state Churches Ordinances the same and will continue so to the time of the consummation of all things The particular ends instanc'd in Sanctifying the Name of the Lord in Worship what it is A solemn publick avowed owning subjection to Christ setting forth the Lords honour publishing his praises Eph. 3.21 Explained Saints mutual edification growth The confirmation of their mutual Love to each other Are some of the ends for which Christ instituted Gospel-Churches Ordinances demonstrated Demonstration VI. THE end for which the Lord Jesus establisht the Gospel-Church-state Gospel-Churches Institutions Ordinances is the same that ever 't was and will continue so to be till the time of the consummation of all things Whence its continuation necessarily follows Let 's a little consider what were the ends for which God from the beginning instituted a Church-state in the World Amongst others that perhaps might be mentioned these are the chief I. The Sanctification of his name therein Lev. 10.3 This is that which the Lord hath said I will be Sanctified in all those that draw nigh to me 'T is of the solemn Worship of God in that Church-state he is there speaking In particular touching that Institution of sacrificeing to the Lord. The sanctification of his name therein is asserted to be one great end of the Lord in that institution a failure wherein cost Nadab and Abihu dear they thereby provoked the Lord and he brake forth in his fury against them and slew them before the People This also is asserted to be the end of the Gospel-Church-state Gospel-Institutions Heb. 12.28 29. Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with REVERENCE and GODLY FEAR for our God is a consuming Fire By the Kingdom which cannot be shaken we have already demonstrated is meant the Gospel-Church-state therein they were to serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear i. e. they were to sanctifie his name in their attendment on him in the Institutions appertaining thereunto which if they neglect to do they may expect to find the Lord as Nadab and Abihu did a consuming fire to them Before we come to a full Conclusion of this matter 't will not be altogether impertinent or unprofitable to remark what it is to sanctifie the Name of the Lord in Solemn-Gospel-Worship In order whereunto there must be 1. A single respect to a Holy reverence of God's Soveraign Authority in its appointment The Laws Edicts of men have no place here Should we be found in the practice of what God commands and therein have no regard to his Commandment Authority but the Commandments Injunctions of men we sanctifie not his name therein The Authority of God instituting it is laid as the Foundation of and motive to all our Worship Deut. 6.4 5 6 7. and 28.58 Mat. 28.18 19 20. Heb. 3.4 5 6. What 's bottom'd meerly upon the wills laws of men is not the Worship of God 't is Superstitious Idolatrous Vain Empty good for nothing that which the Soul of the Lord loaths abhors it provokes him to Jealousie whatever outward splendour beauty shew of Devotion it may seem to have in it How great a part of the Worship of the Papacy is hereby discarded is known It being solely built upon the Authority of Popes Councils Fathers Traditions Laws Edicts of Men totally forraign contrary to Jehovah's Law 2. There must be also Faith in the Promises of God annexed to the observance of these Institutions That there are special promises of Favour Grace Kindness to such as Conscientiously attend upon him herein shall afterwards be demonstrated Faith is required with respect to these Promises He that comes unto God draws nigh to him in Gospel-Institutions must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 3. There must be a Holy Awfull regard unto his special Presence in them He walks in the midst of his Golden Candlesticks Rev. 1.13 dwells in his Churches 2 Cor. 6.16 'T is true he fills Heaven and Earth with his presence is indistant to no creature the vilest of Men or Devils but he hath promised a more special Presence with his Children as they are attending him in his own appointments for their further enlightning quickning comfort strengthning growth increasment in the Grace of God Mat. 18.20 If persons attend on Divine Institutions and realize not the special presence of the Lord there no wonder if they are carnal formal dead lifeless in them meet with no feeling of his Power sights of his Glory 4. There must be an attendment to the due order in which the Lord will have all managed A failure herein caused the Lord of old to make a breach upon Vzzah he smote him slew him when they were about to bring the Ark from Kirjath-jearim 1 Chron. 13.11 1 Chron. 15.13 The Lord our God made a breach upon us for that we sought him not after the due Order All must be managed in the Spirit Power of Jehovah he 's put into office by the Father and the Son to enable in the managery of Divine Service Rom. 8.26 Alas sorry weak man is altogether unable for the dispatch of such sublime Heavenly Work Let men at their utmost peril contemn deride the assistance of the Spirit herein they never worship God aright who are strangers to it nor without it will ever be able to please him in what they do 5. There must be also a holy delight in God the lively stirring up exertings puttings forth of the grace of God in us 'T is not so easie a matter for persons to sanctifie the Name of God in Worship as many suppose it to be We cannot of our selves in our own creaturely power serve him who is a jealous God 6. There must be a perseverance continuance unto the end in obedience to him in a due observation of and subjection to him in Gospel-Institutions otherwise we deny his name prophane it as much as in us lyes make Religion Christianity a ridicule contempt in