place the ground of this name is the annointing which he received above his fellows Heb. 1.9 Acts 10.38 so it is said God did annoynt Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with powers which Unction notes his setting apart and enabling for the worke of severall Offices towards the Kingdomes of his possession These were 1. Priestly Psalm 110.4 which was especially to reconcile soules to God and so these Kingdomes were taken under a reconciling head which were before commanded to enmity against God 2. Propheticall Deut. 18.15 wherein he was to reveale Gods will fully and savingly and so these Kingdomes were to come under a saving Teacher who before were seduced by the false Prophet to destruction 3. Regall Psalm 2.6 whereby he was to give laws to these regained Polities and set his order among them which before were ruled by the beast to miserable confusion All these make up that Christ whose Kingdomes these are made at this time and the exercise of their offices must be during the Churches imperfection in this life 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 2.26 Luke 9.20 The relative term specifying this Christ is His that is Jehovahs the Lords Christ the Christ of God It is his Christ not ours eminently declaring the Authour of this Unction this note may perswade not to read Lord and Christ by apposition as if it were the Lord Christ but as distinct things united and terms differently signifying in this place Never thelesse this relative addition gives honour unto Christ 1. Nothing his Authority or Sovelaignty Now that is Gods Jehovah owns this Christy that none despise him 2. Teaching his truth and infallibility in all his administrations so that none may mistrust him 3. Shewing his irresistability in regard of all the Potentates in the world that none might contend with him This relation onely gives warrant unto poore soules to rest wholly upon this Annointed because he is Gods unlesse he be Gods Christ he must not be imbraced by creatures and being his must not be resisted Q. Are there then two heads consorted in the translation of these Kingdomes because God and his Christ are coupled A. Not so but one head onely specified in this conjunction the Lord and his Christ here is as much as the Lord in his Christ or by his Christ taking to him this power over States to make them Christian God in the Mediator makes not two Lords corrivals but one graciously disposed to rule Kingdomes unto life John 5 22. John 12.49 50 therefore the Judgement Law and Rule of the Father and Sonne is punctually said to be one We have seen the terms of this change To the second 2. the nature of this change I have termed it a Reformation-change and I conceive properly in that these Kingdomes are said to become our Lords 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Now this same word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be made notes some change de nove new that was not before for if they were the Lords before in the sence here meant they could not reasonably be said now to be made or become his Q. But were not all these Kingdomes the Lords that made them and set the bounds of them from the first of their being How then can they be said to be made his now A. Surely this question can be satisfied onely by the right stating of the present change carried in that terme made the Lords Now this in its use hath a double acception 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gen. 1.3 Sometimes it notes esse simplex the simple making or being of a thing which before was not as in the creation God said Let their be light and it was make In this sence it cannot here be meant for these Kingdomes were made before of God and so were his works 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 7.4 Sometimes it notes esse relativum a relative being as the wife is said to be made her husbands she was before in the being of a woman but not of a wife so these Kingdomes were made before the beast and false Prophet did usurpe them but then onely were they made Antichristian Facta sunt i. venerum in Christi porestarem myrannidi diaboli ministrorum ejus erepta Bâ—z now this making in the Text is the change of that relation of these Kingdomes from that Antichristian usurpation and tyranny unto the government of the Lord and his Christ so that now they are made the Lords by Reformation which were his creation before And this new worke is done by God in Christ these waies 1. Quoad resuseeptimem Patentie by resuming the power into his hand which he seemed to have layd aside 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Revel 11.17 when he suffered Satan in Antichrist to domineer over these Kingdomes and rule them unto perdition so it is said in the Churches song Thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast raigned that is now he did manifest himselfe that in what those Lords had dealt proudly he was above them and his permission was no approbation of them in their tyranicall usurpations 2. Quoad vindicias juris by vindicating his right to these Kingdomes which the Devill in Antichrist had denied according to his old vaunt All these are mine and to whom I will I give them Luke 4.6 That horrible practice of the Pope in usurping Crowns and taking upon him to dispose them at his pleasure is a full proof of this Now God at this time breaks out the Lyons teeth makes the nations angry and taketh these Kingdomes as a spoyle for Christ Psalm 2.8 to whom at first God had given them A double right is that which God now vindicates whereby these Kingdoms are called his 1. Ius paternitatis a right of paternity concerning all them that he had given unto Christ which were his seed indeed and whom as he had redeemed Isay 55 5. so now he calleth to the participation of life in Christ This right is peculiar to some onely in these Kingdomes 2. Jus Dominii a right of Lordship which is his due as well over slaves as children So though he convert not savingly all these states yet he makes them take his Laws serve his turne set up his Ordinances and worke his will though in sincerity perhaps they mean not so Now this is reformation in its measure though it reach not to the truth of conversion So God moved Cyrus Nebuchadnezzar Darius c. Psal 72.10 11. Psal 2.9 of whom yet it cannot be said they were converted And such a right is promised to Christ also in the Gospel times by which he shall use his Iron Rod as well as his Golden Scepter No hope that all in all Kingdomes should be truely converted but that all shall be subdued Rev. 19.16 c. made slaves if not friends not able to resist the power of the Lords is that which Scriptures speak
no more selfe-power nor ordinance-power than the Prince God makes the Word effectuall and so he hath done the Sword upon a Manasseh-spirit 3. The Rod for the fooles back is Gods ordinance Prov. 19.29 as well as the Word to the obedient eare who so denyeth either sinneth against that light of nature Rom. 2.12 whereby the Gentiles were condemned But Christ did not make use of them Obj. nor his Apostles at the laying of the foundation of the Gospell the Kingdomes of the world were then against him how should they be helpefull now I returne thus 1. Sol. Our Lord made use of them before that time and owned these Kings and Kingdomes by whom his name was exalted Psal 18.1 c. and no where hath be since rejected his owne ordinance 2. At that time of Christs comming in the flesh God by his Prophets had fore-told the state of enmitie which the great Roman Monarchy and all the Kingdomes of the earth with him should expresse against his Some therefore no marvell he made no use of them at that time for it was one time given to the Devill to rule in them Act. 41 27 22. and to provoke them to crucifie the Lord of glory which Gods counsell determined to be done but with more righteous and gracious thoughts than they intended 3. That was not the time wherein God had appointed to take to himselfe his great power and to raigne but now the time is come that he hath taken Kingdomes to rule in and by them and make his lawes their lawes 4. In that very time of Christ and his Apostles would I but require this ought not the Casers and Nero himselfe to have advanced the Lord and his Christ and have used their power to bring their subjects in obedience to him and to have ruled by his truth Shall not God laugh them to scome and they perish in his wrath because they did not I believe they will have no advocate for them If so then let Christians argue de jure what Rulers ought to have done then not de facte what they did and if it were the Magistrates dutie then to rule men to God in Christ it is no lesse now And sinfull practice is no good president against Divine right 3. If this Trumpet sound the greatest Woe upon all Kingdomes under the Devill and Antichrist and the greatest Joy to the Kingdomes under God and Christ this is rightly inferred Corol. 3. The best Crisis or judgement of Kingdome Weale or Woe it by the Lord that swayeth over them If Satan if Antichrist if wicked Lords cursed is that State If God if Christ if holy Princes and Governours blessed is that Kingdome O the wickednesse of Machiavillian O the folly of humane policy Germany hath its interest and Spaine and France and England theirs one in alies another in treasures another in hearts of Subjects c. And suppose all these kept at any time or possible to be kept have they secured any Kingdome or can they that it shall not perish at the breath of Gods mouth How hath God befoâ—led the counsells of the wisest Politicians in all ages and yet are we seeking for Kingdomes safetie and glory within the creatures Spheare To have one Lord in Christ our King were a prospering and securing wisedome beyond all under the Saline Did ever a Kingdome keeping its Imerost in God perish Obedience to the Lord and his Christ in all his discoveries is the laving-interest of any Common-Wealth Psal 144.15 Sapores King of Persia to constintius the Emperor Isay 14.12 Obad. v. 4. O blessed are the people whose God is the Lord What though Monarchs of the Earth write themselves Brothers of the Sunue and of the Moone fellow of the Starres yet heare what the most high saith O Lucifer sonne of the morning how art thou cut downe And though thou set thy nest among the Starres thence will I bring thee down What can a mount to the Starres helpe poore creatures when the breath of the Lord bloweth them downe againe One true interest in out Lord and his Christ would prosper and perpetuate a Kingdome and honour Princes above the Satrres of such would the most high say Yee are Gods and Sounes of the must high Psal 82.6 of such Kingdomes no end should be but of perfection Let us then judge of our Wealth by how much we are the Lords and of our Woe by so much as we are not his or refuse him These are the Corolaties 2. Use 2. If this Trumpet sound forth joy onely to the holy people and the Kingdomes that are our Lords and so farre indeed as they are the Lords the wofull sound of it must concerne the Kingdomes which are not his and all Polities so far as they are not Christs so that well may a lamentation be taken up by them and for them Is there not cause when Christ owne's not State nor States him It 's true that in the execution of all the dreadfull Woes upon the Romish Babel when the Kings and Merchants of the earth are bemoaning her desolations Saints are called to rejoyce over her Revel 18.20 Rejoyce over her thou Heaven and ye Holy Apostles and Prophets for God hath avenged you on her But when Immanuels Land shall in any part break Christs yoke resist their Lord provoke him to displeasure and themselves to wasting who can refraine from teares It calls a dead Grand-mother out of her grave to weepe Jer. 31.15 Rachel was heard weeping in Jeremiahs time and would not be comforted Why For her children once owned by God had sinned and were not Jadah was Immanuels Land and upon like grounds England may if this State will not suffer the Lord to King it over them Isay 8.18 as they once refosed an Assyrian Lord a dreadfull Oppressor the Rod of Gods anger may have commission to passe thorow and goe over and stretch his wings to the breadth of our Land This will be grievous when the iron Scepter of wicked Tyrants shall teach us how sweet the Government of Christ was which wee have despised Symptoms of this wofull sound are the graduall declinations of a people or State from the Lords Rule That the people have gone a Whoring from God by spirituall and corporall uncleannesse and the little cause of Englands rejoycing in it By M. T. Case on Hos 9.1 ye have heard sufficiently declared in the morning for our humiliation I confesse I hould have wondred at such severe prophesying against this kind of filthinesse what the reason of it might be but that I see so many characters of uncleane hearts visible on their bodies and have beene certainly informed of most abominable Incests in severall parts of the Kingdome and especially in the Countie of Kent not farre remote Sir A. â— complained of it where the sonne hath married his Fathers wife and as is beleeved she was with child by him while his
or Church wilfully to tolerate And then beware the third and worst of woes which this Trumpet sounds 3. Lastly The sound of this Trumpet Use 3. and the voyces thence arising as they speake exaltation unto our Lord and his Christ so no lesse dutie and counsell to the States and Powers of the world 1. To such as are in vassalry to the Devill and Antichrist that are still raging and in conspiracy against the Lord and his Christ The Psalmists counsell is seasonable for them Psal 2.10 11 12. Be wise O ye Kings be instructed ye Judges of the Earth Serve the Lord with feare and rejoyce with trembling Kisse the Sone To love and honour and worship the Lord in his Christ is better than to be raging and combining against his Annointed 1. God will laugh at their plots and have them in derision 2. Our Lord in his Sonne will reign doe what they can against it 3. The desolating woes shall fall upon all Kingdomes that doe oppose He will breake them in pieces with a Rod of Iron and dash them in pieces like a Potters Vessell It is firmely written in the Records of God Isai 60.12 The Nation and Kingdome that will not serve him shall perish ye those Nations shall be utterly wasted O that this Trumpet might sound in the eares of those Kings and Kingdomes that yet give their power to the Romish Beast 2. To those States whom our Lord and his Christ hath rescued out of that slavery and made them his owne Dominions among whom our own may be numbred Thus the voyces say 1. Blesse the Lord in the beauties of holinesse rejoyce in the great worke that he hath done that he hath taken to him his great power and hath reigned States Ministers People give thankes to the Lord God Almightie which was and is and is to come that he hath taken poore England and the Kingdomes United in any measure from the hand of Antichrist and put his Name on them O bow downe and worship so the 24 Elders the Church representative do at the Trumpets sound for the exaltation of Christ But why are not the foure Beasts Quest being the Ministeriall Emblems joyned here in these gratulations as in other places It a silence observed by some and wondred at Revel 5.8 Revel 19.4 seeing before and afterward they are expressely named as leaders in the Churches triumphant Songs It is conceived by some Ans that at this time of Christs first taking Kingdomes from the Beast the Ministry for the generall should be so bad and earthy luke-warme and worldy as that they had no heart to blesse the Lord for such Reformation And sure it may note such a time and experience in the Reformation thus farre manifests that many to one have bin repining at it Yet let nott his be cast as a reproach to those few that are found faithfull as too much it is and under the name of an unfaithfull Ministry the faithfullest are despised for the true labouring Ministry of Christ are found leading the Church againe in their last Triumphant Songs over Antichrists ruines Revel 19.4 Let us be humbled for former failings and renew the first love and labour mightily for our Lord and his Christ let him alone then to plead the cause of his faithfull servants he will make their name shine forth as the Sunne in brightnesse out of the darkest cloud 2. Give up your selves kingdom Honord Senators more and more to the name Law and Government of our Lord and his Christ As the Lord takes not all Kingdoms up at once So neither any Kingdom to the Highest of Reformation at one time because he hath set them here in a growing State there were no roome for growth in perfection Experience hath taught us this will of God O let us work with God more to be his by giving up our names to him by owning his Law and honouring his Government by obedience Psal 2 12. This is to kisse the Sonne eminently and abundantly and we shall not be despised for it 3. Yee VVorthies of this State in whom Christ reigns act from him and to him feed his people in the Land in his Pastures hold out unto them his Lawes judge equally and impartially in his matters justifie the righteous condemne the wicked maintain saving Truths and damne those lyes that lead unto destruction Shew your selves to bee deputed Gods indeed Be as hee is simple impassible independent upon creatures and act as he acts freely powerfully wisely impartially and constantly in the way of righteousnesse so shall ye be truely the Sonnes of the most High and the Lord shall be seen gloriously to reigne in you The righteous and holy people will be obedient to you and blesse God for you and the mouth of wickednesse shall bee stopt for ever These incouragements may quicken and strengthen your hands And then an end 1. The Lord is gone out before you and hath begun to owne England matching it out of the Dragons Paw and Antichrists power and for 89 yeares hath been our Law-giver Observe his presence and workings and be strengthned 2. The time is now for bringing in more Kingdomes from Satan to God from Antichrist to Christ what else make all the shakings in all the Kingdomes of the world at this time Study this time of God and worke with Providence now you have a season to helpe up Gods holy mountaine where no hurting nor destruction shall be 3. This worke of the Lord and his Christ shall not go backward any more in the whole The great Apostasie is past and now Kingdomes must be given to God and Reformation by degrees shall be finished oppositions of wicked shall bee but strong gales of winde to drive it home the sooner Gods Word is sure Babel shall fall and never rise and Zion shall be raised and never fall 4. The Lord Christ shall reigne for eve and ever He hath overcome and sat down in his Fathers Throne He shall now trample upon his enemies and make them his Foot-stoole but he shall put the Crowne upon the heads of his Saints Let you hearts then be comforted and your hands strengthned ye men of God to the Reformation-work at this day Make England more the Lords then ever by the power he hath given you so ye and the people of this Land by experience will make the Churches confession good Isai 26. 13. O Lord our God other Lords besides thee have had dominion over us but by thee onely will we make mention of they Name Your cry will bee Lord reigne thou over us no King but Christ for us no People but the Saints Now the Lord of all Lords the King eternall through his Christ give you the spirit of Wisdome Truth Unity and Zeale to work mightily for our God and finish his Will in these Kingdomes that unto him in all the Churches of the Saints may be given praise and glory everlasting AMEN FINIS
VAE-EUGE-TUBA OR The Wo-Ioy-Trumpet Sounding the third and greatest woe to the Antichristian world but the first and last joy to the Church of the Saints upon Christs exaltation over the Kingdomes of the World UNFOLDED IN A SERMON before the Honourable Houses of COMMONS assembled in Parliament at their late solemne Fast May 26. 1647. By G. HUGHES Minister of the Gospell in Plymouth Published by Order of the House PROV 8.15 By me Kings reigne and Princes decree justice OBAD. V. 21. The Kingdome shall be the Lords LONDON Printed by E. G. for Iohn Rothwell at the Sunne and Fountaine in Pauls Church-yard 1647 Die Mercurii Maii 26. 1647. ORdered that Sir John Bampfyld doe from this House give thanks to Master Hughes for the great paines he tooke in the Sermon he preached this day at the intreaty of this House at St. Margarets Westminster it being the day of publique Humiliation and to desire him to print his Sermon and he is to have the like priviledge in printing of it as others in the like kind usually have had H Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. I doe appoint John Rothwell to print my Sermon George Hughes TO THE HONOURABLE THE House of COMMONS now Assembled in PARLIAMENT Honourable and Renowned Patriots IT was a pretty Rhetoricall straine of words though scarce reasonable unlesse as a Paradox may be made with Moralists or Divines 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Longin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To fall in great matters is a Generous and Noble sinne It is but a conceit that the height of materials whereabout the slip was should innoble sinne False coinage upon Lead will be as high Treason as that upon better mettall and Treason upon Gold as base as that upon Brasse In the Oracles of God where we have words not inferiour to mens but wisdome and truth farre above them We are thus taught Slips in highest things are the greatest faults and a fall in Heaven fouler wickednesse than a stumbling on earth Sinnes draw the highest aggravations from the Greatnesse of God against whom and the height of place wherein they are committed The Angels which left their first station and man that sinned in Paradise have felt the truth of this Zeale for God and you and his Church most Noble Worthies wil make his your friends reckon little of their lives to keep you that are in Highest places from such high transgression By the grace given to me when I was called by you to speak from God to you for you to God in the day of your soules affliction I had this in my greatest desires to keepe you that are in highest places and mannaging the highest matters of God from sinne against him I therefore as became a Minister of Christ desired to use all plainnesse in setting out the Kingdome of our Lord unto which all States must how that would be prosperous and in pointing at such sinfull irregularities which render God an enemy irreconcileable and such States thereby eternally miserable In all which the Judge of spirits knows I intended not either by matter or form of speech to be spatter such an Honourable Judicatory with false charges or make a Parliament vile among the people I have learned better of Christ by Gods grace my aime was onely to be a faithfull Remembrancer of you from God of the fatall diseases whereunto such Politique Bodies may be subject in their members that a timely care may be had of purging your selves least death ensue I hope your hearts are as willing to beare such plainnesse as God would have them in commanding it Never was there a more fatall character upon the State of Israel then that bitter speech of Idolatrous Amaziah to Ieroboam against honest Amos The Land is not able to bear his words Amos 7.10 When States cannot beare sound words from God spoken in his Name or not so beare them as obediently to answer Gods mind in them the doom of Elies sonnes will cleave to them 1 Sam. 2.25 The God of all grace keepe off such a curse of an Impatient hardned spirit from you and give you the blessing of a boared eare and a softyeelding-obedient heart so shall ye prosper Vpon your Order of acceptance of these poore labours and for publishing the same I have been obedient to your desire and now in all humble duty and thankefulnesse doe present that to your eyes of which your eares have tasted I have made a few additions for clearing some passages which straits of time then shut out I hope none will be loosers by them The height of my ambition is 2 Cor 3.3 that by this Inke-worke the Spirit of the living God would write the Name of the Lord and his Christ upon this Parliament and upon the people of the Land that ye may be the Lords State ruling for Christ and he in you as one Party and they the Lords people the lot of his Inheritance And now having done my worke with you I shall by the good will of our God returne to my place and there labour for you to helpe on the work of Righteousnesse Truth and Peace in your hands My suit to the Thron of grace is and shall be the Aversion of all those Woes sounded by this Trumpet upon the wicked and the Accomplishment of all those Woes sounded to the Church that Christ may be fully exalted in these united Kingdoms and reign that the Churches of the Saints also may sing and alwaies rejoyce in their Lord whose these Kingdomes are and all in your daies and by your power mannaged graciously in the band of our Lord. By whose command I must signe my selfe Your Honours most humble and faithfull servant in the Kingdom of Christ GEORGE HUGHES THE WOE-JOY TRUMPET Revel c. 11. v. 15. And the seventh Angel sounded the Trumpet and there were great voices in Heaven saying The Kingdomes of this world are become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reigne for ever and ever THe Text is the Gospell of reinthroning God in Christ over the Kingdomes of this world after the great apostacy finished Tidings fit to be published to all States 2 Thes 2.3 that they may heare and feare and honour the Lord and his Christ and not perish in the day of his exaltation All fastings will be as Ahabs humblings untill this be done The title of this Trumpet seems crosse to the nature of the event here mentioned It is stiled the third wo-Trumpet Revel 11.14 V. 15 16 17. The event is Christs taking the Kingdoms of this world and the triumphant song of the Saints celebrating this conquest of their Lord with prayses How can these suit Very well if we distinguish the subjects severally concerned in it which eminently are two 1. Antichrist with all his creatures and confederates and all the wicked enemies of the most holy God and his Saints unto these onely it is a Wo-trumpet and the event is the
last and worst of wofull destructions unto them Two considerations may clearly evince this 1. It is altogether unheard of in divine revelations that God should sound woe to his Saints Indeed tribulations are their way to Heaven and bitterest afflictions they may suffer in the flesh Phil. 1.19 Heb. 12.6 10. but this is a speciall dignation of God to honour them or love to chastise them unto greater holinesse no wo properly so called which being the effect of Gods greatest indignation Matth. 23.13 14 c. terrifies and grindeth poore soules to powder 2. The three last VVo-trumpets are directed onely to the inhabiters of the earth Rev. 8 13. men so called in opposition to the Saints who are Heavens people for by these names of Earth and Heaven are the Antichristian world and the Church of Christ distinguished by the Spirit Rev. 18.9 11 20. Therefore on these onely is allotted that wofull sound of this and the former Trumpets 2. Christ and his Saints are concerned in the best event of this Trumpet for in all this time of sounding woes upon these earthly creatures Christ is possessing the Thrones of the world Saints are worshipping and praising God It is therefore a joy Trumpet unto these So hath God set the times and states of creatures adverse each to other The worlds light is the Churches darknesse and the Saints joy the worlds greatest woe The title and event then of this Trumpet are thus reconciled To make a clearer passage to the text three precognitions will be usefull 1. Of the time 2. Of the subject 3. Of the matter of this Trumpets sound which I shall touch here but shortly for a generall light 1. What time the sound of this Trumpet doth concerne is not agreed on by interpreters some make it contemporary with the last day and so call it the last Trump 1 Thes 4.16 The chiefe grounds of this I shall take off in another place onely for present these reasons evince it cannot relate to that time 1. This Trumpet sounds onely a change of the Kingdomes of this world from Lord to Lord not the period of them which the last Trump of God will surely sound at the great day of judgement they shall all expire and be no more 2. Rev. 11.18 Under this Trumpet sinne shall abound upon the earth the Nations shall be angry at the exaltation of Christ and his Saints when power shall be taken out of their hands but such reliques shall not be when the end of all things is come 3. This Trumpet doubtlesse foundeth woe upon the earth and that of no small continuance which after the last judgement cannot be These and other considerations may demonstrate that this cannot be the last Trumpet yet by the events expressed in the successive degrees of them it may be rightly conjectured that the sound of this seventh Trumpet teacheth something neere to that of the last judgement 2. Others conceive more rightly that the sound of this Trumpet concerns Heaven upon Earth that is the state of the Church below onely the difference is about the point of time for the beginning of these events spoken of one pitcheth it upon the utter fall of the Westerne mysticall Babell and the comming of the Kings of the East which though it must be under this seventh Trumpet yet is it not so probable to be the first effect of it It is a faire glosse that from the taking of the first Kingdom of this world out of the hand of Antichrist the sound of this Trumpet should be heard for if this be a Wo-trumpet upon the Romish Babel it must needs suppose that state to be standing at least in the first sounding of it And the driving of Antichrist out of the Territories and Thrones of the world hath been and must be contemporaneous with Christs re-entrance upon the ruling of them So that all the Vials powred out upon the Antichristian state in any of the Kingdomes of this world seems to contemporize with this Trumpet although indeed severall Scenes be acted and the finishing the mysterie of God be not untill the last daies of the seventh Trumpet This state of time then seemeth most sutable whereof some portions are past and some and those most glorious are yet to come 2. The subject whom this Trumpet concerns seemeth to be the Universe sublunary even all the Kingdomes or States in the world which have been captivated by that Romish Antichrist therefore not England nor the united Kingdomes of Ireland and Scotland excluded 3. The matter of this sound and great voyces is a Reformation-change of worldly Kingdomes from the power and rule of Antichrist unto the actuall administration of the Lord and his Christ In the whole paragraph about this Trumpet we have observable 1. A proposition of the Ministry of this providence wherein 1. The Minister is described The seventh Angell 2. The ministration He sounded the Trumpet 2. A proposition of the effect which is exprest 1. Generally There were great voyces in Heaven saying 2. Specially wherein three effects are discovered 1. Christs inauguration or the Lords reassuming Kingdomes for his Christ v. 15. 2. The Saints triumphant song v. 16 17. 3. The Nations anger at all this with the powring out of the wrath of God to repay them v. 18 19. The first effect is the summe of the Text to the discovery of which and the certainty thereof in the Trumpets sound I shall bend the following discourse The ground worke of all shall be layd in two propositions touching this effect 1 A Reformation-change of worldly Kingdomes to our Lord and his Christ is a sure revelation from God 2. The Lord and his Christ shall King it or reigne over these reformed Kingdomes for ever and ever The full prophesie here given is compleated in these two propositions and both these will be understood in the opening of three main things carried in them 1. The true state of the subject of this change 2. The right meaning of this Reformation-change 3. The due account of the certainty of this Revelation To the first The subject of this change here spoken of are the Kingdomes of the world wherein two notions are considerable one noting the nature the other giving the specification of this subject 1. Kingdoms note the subject of this Reformation-change 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the generall nature of it and so must import 1. The bounds of Territories which are given by God as the continent of all men that live under government in them 2. The people contained or inhabiting within the compasse of such Dominions must needs be entitled here for not lands but soules must be thus reformed 3. The chiefe of those people Princes States and Powers among those persons seem especially to be carried in this notion of Kingdoms Isai 52.15 Isai 55.5 and they not so much considered in themselves as in respect to government which they are called of God to exercise
towards others so that go verning and governed as they concurre to make up Kingdomes are here the subject of this reforming change 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The specification of these Kingdomes sets them out more fully they are the Kingdomes of the world so that what the world signifieth must give us the speciall nature of the Kingdomes mentioned and that is used in a three fold acception 1. As opposed to Heaven the superiour Globe Matth. 4.8 and so it must note Earthy Kingdomes States and Polities 2. As opposed to God to Christ to Grace as the whole world lieth in wickednesse so it holds out wicked Kingdomes and States formerly ruled by the wicked one 1 Iohn 5.19 3. As opposed to particular regions or climates and so it must signifie the universe even all the Kingdomes of the earth there are none excepted in the text All these acceptions must be admitted here and being so taken the present subject cannot be doubted The sound of this seventh Trumpet then must needs utter things touching the Church in this life and the Lords resuming power over his enemies here beneath before the last judgement To the second The right stating of this change is not of small moment for which purpose these particulars must be declared 1. The terms of it 2. The nature of it 3. The time of it 4. The exercise of it 5. The stability of it when once the Lord hath made it 1. Every change or motion supposeth necessarily two termes one from whence the change beginneth the other whereunto it is made In the Text but one of these is named and that the last the Lord and his Christ yet the other must needs be implied out of whose hands and power these must must be taken First then the Lords that did King it over these Kingdomes of the world were the Devil in chiefe Rev. 1◠1 7 12. Revel 17.1 and his vicegerents the two beasts the Romish Antichrist in speciall whose state is shadowed by the whore who sate upon many waters that is ruled over many people These onely gave laws to the States and Nations of the world revel 13.15 and required tribute from bodies and soules of men and would set their marks upon every creature or kill those that did refuse it Of whose reign it may be noted 1. Revel 12.9 The Devill was the father or authour of it in full 2. Revel 18 13. Tyranny over bodies and soules the onely rule of it 3. Revel 13.8 Idolatry most odious was the onely tribute to their King 4. Revel 19.20 The end of all this government is Hell and perdition into the lake of fire they and all their vassals are thrown from these cruell Lords are the Kingdomes taken 2. The terme unto which this change is made is named in the Text our Lord and his Christ Two words are here absolute Lord and Christ and two relatives Ours and His all would be understood in their propriety 1. Lord here is equivalent to Jehovah and notes God in his primitive acception of Lordship not derived For indeed there is a Lord borne and derived a mediating Lord which is the Lord Jesus stiled afterward the Lords Christ Psal 110.1 but here it must note that Lord which said to Davids Lord sit thou on my right hand c. God the Father more punctually who is absolutely Lord of Lords 1 Cor. 13.24 and King of Kings to whom also the mediating Lord must give up his Kingdome when his worke is done Revel 14 6 7. that God whom the everlasting Gospell holds out to be feared to be glorifined to be worshipped 2. The relative denoting him is Our If it be inquired who were these correlates to God the King the answer must be supplied from those great voyces before which speak these words The voyces say Our Lord and the same afterward utter his prayse and sing his triumph for taking to him his great power to reigue now these were the 24 Elders the usuall representative body of the true Church so that the true Church of Christ on earth is the correlate unto the Lord the King who are bold to stile him our Lord And it not a vaine addition in this place where it is prophesied that the Kingdomes of the world are taken into his power and become his How the Church is his by election by creation by purchase by calling by covenant and by profession is not now my purpose to relate they are known things in the Gospell but the ground of the Emphaticall use of it here is the thing needfull to declare Now indeed that appeares to be that God not simply or abstractively considered in himselfe but concretely and relatively known with his peculiar ones reassumes these Kingdomes and now sheweth himselfe thus to reigne that is God so known so believed so worshipped as among his chosen and true seed the Kingdomes are become the Lords as he is our God dwelling with us and worshipped by us not as misconceived by the world For it might be said he ruled in the times of Antichrists reigne and that the worshippers of Antichrist did and doe acknowledge God and Christ as some lukewarme advocates will plead for them but is it God so known so believed on so worshipped as by the true Church who cals him ours The Sunne sheweth the contrary It is a falsified corrupted misbelieved God that Papists boast of In this concrete sence Moses writes of God triumphing over the Churches enemies Deut. 32.31 Their rocke is not as our rocke the enemies themselves being Judges Did not many of Israels enemies know and confesse the same Rock or God for essence as Israel did Yea doubtlesse but they turned the glory of the incorruptible God into Images and base resemblances and so made him a Rock distinct from Israels by false worship In which respect Moses sings God with us and worshipped by us is farre above yours he that hath ruled and destroyed your Gods and you as your selves can witnesse O how sweet a thought is this the Lord no way but as the Churches Lord known and served by them takes possession of the Kingdomes of the world The Saints cannot be low if as theirs onely God be thus exalted 3. The next term absolute which denotes the Soveraigne power to which these Kingdomes are delivered is Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in which notion the person and the unction must be carried 1. The person here intended is the Sonne of God manifested in the flesh Psalm 45.6 Heb. 1.8 of whom it is said Thy Throne O God is for ever and ever so that it is one God in both expressions that takes unto him this power yet so interpreted God in the Mediator God truely God sweetly God sutably held out for ruling these Kingdomes even God and man 2. The Vnction of this person is that which the name peculiarly holds forth and with an emphasis in this
and we may expect 3. Quoad ezercitium Dominii by exercising this power and right over these Kingdomes that are become his and this Lordship he doth exercise severall waies 1. By a powerfull turning of the hearts of Princes from darknesse to light Mojestatem red dit visibilem in ipsis regibus corda fernando c. Brightman in text causing them to consider the things of God which they had not heard and so to shut their mouthes from gainsaying Christ and thrice exalt him in their hearts of such a reformation-change the Lord seems to speake in that Gospell promise I will make thy Officers peace and thy Exactors righteousnesse Isay 52 13 14 15. when peace shall rule and righteousnesse exact then the Kingdom is the Lords 2 By a powerfull restraint upon others not truly called chained up by the devill Revel 20. 2. Psalm 149.8 and binding Kings Princes and Nobles as with fetters that they shall not any longer hinder the Lord from taking Thrones and ruling Thus the Kingdomes of the world universally become the Lords The King that is not converted shall be restrained Thus farre appeares the nature of this Reformation-change To the third 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is the time of this change the voyces speak as of the time past saying they are or were become the Lords the time is expressed in this verb also But now where to state this time is the diffioulty mens thoughts running divers waies It hath been determined to be while time the measure of the creatures in their changes lasteth but the speciall point of that time is now desired when those Kingdoms begin to be the Lords For the discovery whereof I shall propose some help from these considerations 1. This seventh Angell is said to sound the third Wo-trumpet which certainly did call for execution of vengeance upon the Kingdome of Antichrist whose Scepter made all the Kingdoms of the earth stoop unto him who had subscribed to his name and worshipped him This was done by breaking the yoke of that Romish Tyran the Pope off from the neck of those States in which very moment the Lord tooke possession of those Kingdomes from which by his great power he drove out that strong one the devil in that man of sin So that this Trumpet seems to contemporize with all the Vials poured out upon States formerly under Antichrist dashing in pieces the great Abettors and turning others to be serviceable unto Christ For however at all times God kept his secret ones within the Territories of Babel who ceased not in all ages to witnesse to his truth yet all this while the States and Kingdomes worshipped the beast So then the time of change of Kingdoms must be eminent and from that instant that any State returned to subjection unto Christs Scepter in the Gospell after the great apostacy seems to begin the sound of the seventh Trumpet for then was it woe to that Antichrist and his vassals but joy to Christ and his Saints Now no hard thing is it to looke back so farre as to finde out that point of time wherein Thrones began to be possessed by Christ and to entertain the Gospell The Histories of Germany Saeveland Denmark England Scotland c. may help us to know this time when our Lord took these States from the Prince of darknesse ruling in that sonne of perdition 2. This Reformation-change is graduall and is carried on in severall portions of time from the turning of the first Kingdom to the finishing of the mystery of God That the meaning of this Trumpet-sound should be a graduall susception of Gods power to reign I am perswaded to believe from the course of the events we see some Kingdoms delivered but not all yet which are expected to be resumed by Christ from that Roman Apostate Now as God performs his prophecies so are we to understand his meaning in them and it is the best help we have rightly to conceive the Prophets speaking of Christ to come by seeing him come and fulfilling what was written of him I take it the same help is to made use of concerning the prophesies of these times and those to come of which the book of the revelations is full So that if we see the Lord hath taken Kingdomes of the world from Antichrist we have the truth of this Trumpet-sound and if yet more Kingdoms are still under vassallage to him this sound declares woe unto them abiding in that slavery but good tidings to Gods hidden ones there that the Lord will in his time take the prey out of the Dragons mouth and rule himselfe And if so then it must be a graduall change from the taking of the first Kingdome to the resuming of the last which we see is partly done in many States and in greater part yet to be accomplished One word yet seems to crosse this interpretation of the time Dub. Reuel 10.7 it is said In the daies of the voice of the seventh Angel when he shall begin to sound the Trumpet even the mystery of God shall be finished c. And if in the beginning of his sound all Kingdoms are changed together and Gods mysterie finished then it cannot be the time mentioned but it must be wholy to come To satisfie this scruple Sel. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Tim. 3 16. two expressions here must be opened 1. The mysterie of God which notion is of various use sometimes it notes the secret way of God by manifestation of his Sonne in the flesh c. to make himselfe communicable to his creatures so to effect godlinesse in them and save them Col. 2.3 This is the generall use of it so is it called the mysterie of God of the Father and of Christ Sometimes it is of speciall signification and that two waies Eph. 3.6 1. It notes this secret good will of God toward all the Gentiles to bring them into fellowship with himselfe from the first preaching of the Gospell to them by the Apostles Rom. 11.25 16. to the last by any Ministry 2. It dictates this secret grace of God unto Abrahams seed the Jewes for the bringing them in after their long abdication to an ingrafting into Christ In this last sence it is surely taken and yet I think not excluding the other speciall signification nor the generall in both for as much as that is finished in these 2. When he shall begin to sound 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the passage that begets the doubt therefore the right reading of it must be inquired and surely it is not necessary so to read it when he shall begin to sound but vety properly when he shall sound 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as in such lie instances 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Apoc. 1.19 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I will spue thee out not onely begin to do it 2 Kings 4.1 and so is it read by good Interpreters as one word in the future tence
thence to say hee reignes by his spirit in the Kingdomes of the world I leave unto Christian reason to judge 4. It seemes to reason a very great derogation from the glory of our Lord in his Christ to suppose him to leave the right hand of the Majesty on high to come here and sway an earthly Scepter whether in one or all Kingdomes of the world for heaven now is his Throne and the earth his Foot-stoole and if he should turne his Foot-stoole to a Throne it were very strange However that from Heaven hee shall visibly appeare to judge the quick and dead Acts i. 11. Acts 3.21 Acts 17.31 though not to dwell here in an earthly state with the Saints the Scriptures doe affirme And this account may suffice concerning the manner of his Reigne in the Kingdoms of this world To the fifth and and last thing 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 33.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 17.2.5 Eph. 3.21 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and last thing about this Reformation-change which is the stability of it we are now come For ever and ever shall this King reigne The phrase here seemeth synonomous with that Hebrew expression to generation and generation and throughout all generations Sometimes the word is used simply for ever without repetition and then frequently notes absolute eternity but in this kind of doubling many times lesse onely duration of some ages or an aeviternity as it is called The Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth an Age or Generation among other things and so here doubled in the plurall to ages of ages is the continuance of the ages or generations of this world so that such is the stable duration of this reigne of Christ over these Kingdomes even so long as the ages of these doe continue Three things are carried in this expression 1. Progresse in his reigne from age to age He shall goe forward prosper and grow in his Government 2. Immutability of State so shall he King it that these Kingdomes shall not change their Lord nor any more retreat to Antichrist as in the great Apostacie when once the Lord hath resumed these Kingdomes 3. Eternity of duration so long as these Kingdomes last even for that ever and ever our Lord and his Christ shall reigne making friends or keeping under slaves Then the end of the Mediators Kingdome shall come and God that was from everlasting shall rule to everlasting in whom the hope of all Saints shall be perfected So farte to the state of this Reformation-change The third and last generall to be held out is the certainty of all this Revelation what that is that we may have a sure ground for faith to worke upon concerning these matters which I shall labour by some speciall considerations about the context to make cleare 1. From the Author of this Revelation it is our Lord himselfe in his Christ so it is said in the entrance of this Book The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his servants Revel 1.1 Now God cannot deceive nor be deceived if he be the Author Infallibility is upon the word There is one name mention'd in the doxologie of the Church upon this Revelation peculiar unto God which must satisfie reasonable creatures concerning the truth of this event if spoken by God Rev. 1.4 Rev. 11.17 It is He that is and Hee that was and He that is to come It is He that can alwayes say I am If hee had not been from eternity if he bee not now or if he should not be to eternity just cause there might bee of mistrusting his Revelation but if hee was to make all things that have been and if he bee to make things that are and if hee shall bee to make all things to come in his owne time there can bee no ground of suspecting him Thus the Church looketh on him and is comforted Indeed were hee of yesterday and must hee cease againe his Revelation could not over-value the Delphick Oracle but this is his strong reason to be believed as God He was and is and is to come 2. The meanes of revealing this is not despicable it was by an Angel Heb. 1.14 whether so in Nature as a ministring Spirit sent out for comforting Gods chosen in this matter as I rather conceive Rev. 3.1 c. or so onely in Office and then a Man a speciall Messenger or Minister expressed in this vision as it may be Yet it is Gods owne meanes of his owne sending to declare and therefore none of a doubtfull call that hee should bee suspected by John it is com to us and he had it from Christ this whole vision 3. The clearnesse of the Revelation adds more strength to its certainty Isa 8.19 It comes not like a whispering or muttering of seducing spirits out of the earth but sounded with a Trumpet from heaven 1 Cor. 14.8 and Gods Trumpet giveth surely a distinct sound that wee may understand his minde in it and sute our selves to his will So it did in declaring wrath and warre against sinners Amos a. 6. Hos 8.1 Zech. 9.14 that they might beleeve and tremble and returne So also in revealing his grace in Christ towards his people the Trumpet sounds it that poore soules might heare and beleeve and be comforted A trumpet-Revelation then from God needs not to be suspected A loud eminent distinct discovery doth God make of these visions that as they are sure in themselves so they might bee surely knowne and received by his Church 4. The sweet gratulations and doxology of the Church recorded in the context Rev. 11 16 17 must conclude the certainty of the event It is incredible that God would give a vision of praise to mock himselfe withall and that hee should receive blessing for that which is not nor was sure ever to be The certainty of praise argueth undenyably the certainty of this gracious event 5. The experience of so many Kingdoms and States already delivered from the yoke of Antichrist and returned from that great Apostasie to entertain the true Gospell of Gods Son may perswade that the residue of the promise to be performed is as sure as that part already accomplished in these 100 yeares past which wee see with our eyes Experience therefore should strengthen faith and breed an assured hope in Gods people of the Lords more glorious appearing to take more Kingdoms of the world into his power that they may mightily strive to it and patiently wait for it This hope shall not make us ashamed Thus the doctrine is opened and confirmed The Use followes 1. To inform us in some truths depending Use 1. their Corolaries doe issue from the sound of this Trumpet opened unto us 1. If Kingdoms of the world shall have such a Reformation-change as to be taken from Antichrist subdued to our Lord and his Christ then it must follow Corol. 1◠Kingdoms may be
and are the Subjects of Reformation though not the adequat subjects of true Conversion The understanding of the true state of Reformation as well as the visible state of Kingdomes which already are become the Lords will sufficiently cleare this inference 1. Reformation is a terme not freequently used by our Translators I remember it but twice 1. Reformation and in two different acceptions 1. As respecting the matter or object about which Reformation is And in this sense mainely is the word translated from the Apostles expression to be understood as the consideration of the context will make cleare Heb. 9.1 10. The spirit there labours to convince the Hebrews that by the Messiah Gods mind was the whole Jewish Tabernacle must be throwne downe that is their Church frame in all externall Ordinances He describes the Tabernacle with the adjoyned ordiances and services which saith he were imposed untill the time of Reformation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Of what Surely not of hearts but of that Church frame and ordinances which were but figures for that time present putting those which were true spiritual heavenly in their places The word here rendred reformation signifieth A thorough-righting of all things in the Church in order to eternall life This Christ did by removing things shaken of God that is all shadow-workes formerly in the Church in Priest-hood heb 10.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sacrifice and other services all ineffectuall to life and by establishing things unshaken the true image-works of heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lively drawne Priest-hood Sacrifice services c. by which men might certainly be brought to God and live This perrectification of Christs then is of meanes tending to heaven that men might see the right line directing unto God in the right use of which they may be saved It is a Reformation for hearts indeed but not of hearts for this reformation may truely be in a Kingdome and is where the true Priest-hood of Christ Sacrifice and spirituall services are set up and maintained though hearts for the most part may not be savingly converted to God by them The point of time in the Text evidences this to be an ordinance-reformation not an heart one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a singular for it was a single speciall time even the space of laying this Church-frame by Christ in his Apostles and no longer the whole worke of this reformation was dispatched then but the time of heart-reformation is in all ages therefore those times are not that nor this worke that Kingdomes then are reformed after Christ when his true ordinances are established and submitted unto and false Antichristian constitutions are driven out though few hearts in truth may be changed to God by them 2. Reformation in our use respects the person or subject in whom the power of God may be manifest for changing the man according to his mind revealed in former ordinances thus we read it used by our Translators If ye will not be reformed by these things c. In the letter it is read Levit. 26.23 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 If ye will not be chastised to me by these things c. That is if by these meanes your hearts be not turned to me So that here the reformation of the man must be intended And that wee know may be two wayes 1. In truth when Christ is formed truely on the Soule 2. In shew when the outward man conformes to these constitutions of God Kingdomes may be so reformed as to yeeld outward obedience to the Scepter of Christ though few hearts have the true Image of God imprinted on them And thus indeed doe Kingdomes become the Lords when they abhorre the lyes of Antichrist and cleave to the truth of Christ though but in outward deportment 2. Kingdomes of the world are said to bee the Lords but indeed they neither have beene nor are 2. Kingdomes nor shall be all by true conversion yet they must be by Reformation No Kingdome that ever was called the Lords on earth had all Saints in it nor ever shall if Christ have prophesied truely That the last day shall find men as the Flood found the world in Noahs daies Marth 24.36 37 c. yet surely shall Kingdomes be the Lords and that must be by Reformation as declared not by true saving conversion And to say that such a Kingdome of Christ England is I suppose is consonant to the voyce of this Trumpet 2. If Kingdomes must be our Lords that is Chiefe States Kingly and Ruling Powers this teacheth us States and worldly Powers Christ will make use of to set up his glory Corol. 2. they are not utterly inconsistent with his spirituall designes Antichrist indeed had them and made use of them for his owne purpose but therefore Christ will not utterly refuse them Psal 82.6 God himselfe was the Author of these orders of men thereby purposing to make one helpfull to another for reaching his owne glory And Satan in this as other things was Gods Ape to make use of them but his enemy to corrupt Princes and great men of the earth to increase his owne Kingdome therefore perswaded he them to give their power to the Antichristian Beast Revel 17.13 and to make poore subjects by their Tyrannicall persecutions to doe so too that they might be damned together But now in the restitution of all things the Lord Christ re-possesseth these Principalities againe as a needfull order of men instituted by God though corrupted by Satan and makes use of them for his high and spirituall ends to finish his worke upon the earth 1. By putting into their hearts to ruine that great Enemy of grace the mysticall Babilon the Mother of Harlots and of all abominations as well as all spirituall and carnall wickednesse Revel 17.16.17 So it is written The Kings shall hate the whore and make her desolate and naked and eate her flesh and burne her with fire For God hath put it into their hearts to fulfill his will c. 2. By making them shields of the earth a defence unto his ordinances and people Psal 47.9 Isay 49.23 1 Tim. 2.2 and nursing Fathers and Mothers to his Saints that under them and by them godlinesse may be perfected in his Churches If these Scepters be our Lords doubtlesse they are so not as Lords but as Servants ministring for him which he would not owne were they not appointed of God and so needfull to helpe on his worke among men But Christs worke is heart-worke Obj. what can Princes doe to ward that For answer Sol. let it be considered 1. All Christs work is not heart-worke much of it is upon the outward man by restraint and otherwise in this the power of the word may be instrumentall being made the Lords 2. Gods outward ordinances were intended to make way to mens spirits his Rod as well as his Word Mic. 6.9 the Preacher hath
it is thus with you I know great affaires and difficult have been and are upon your hands that may hinder quick dispatches and great Bodies can move but slowly and it may answer much for you But yee Rulers of God bee active seek no delayes Judge while it is morning If yee doe not so farre yee deny the government of the Lord and this will be lad 5. It 's lamentable for a Kingdome to have perfidious and Covenant-breaking guides Our Lord is not so nor inveed may his deputies bee so Hee is a God keeping-Covenant faithfull and true Neh. 9.32 Deut. 4.23 and hee leaves the charge upon all his to doe so Yet it is Printed to the world That yee are all perjur'd persons and Covenant-breakers I like not reproaching of Rulers Paul acknowledged it Gods Words Thou shalt not speak evill of the Ruler of thy people Acts 23.5 He that doth shall suffer from the Lord yet yee Christian Senators it concernes you nearely to be humbled for all slips of infirmity about the Covenant of your God from which what flesh can keep free and vindicate your selves from grosser evills by a true justification or else in all the Countries it may get a common faith Weare the girdle which Christ weares Isai 11.5 Righteousnesse is the girdle of his loynes and faithfulnesse the girdle of his reines Let it be yours too and yee shall prosper but unfaithfull and treacherous Rulers woe to them and their Kingdome God will ease himselfe of such adverlaries and avenge him of such enemies This is wofull 6. It 's lamentable with a State to be remisse and carelesse of Gods affaires in reforming his House and setling his Ordinances and giving up the Kingdome to our Lord and his will revealed yet to be active and mindfull about their owne matters The Lord made the returning State of the Jewes smart for this and he points at the matter Hag. 1.4 5 c. It is time for your to dwell in your sieled Houses and thu house lye waste Consider this is the reason yee sow much and bring in little c. A woe was upon them for they did not minde to exalt the Lord above themselves And the advise to remove it is to fall about the worke Hag. 1.8 Gods Reformation worke was the end of his calling you together that your affairs might thrive in the prosperity of his for sute Gods matters going well make the Kingdome glorious this doth not make that Let not God lost the glory of the small beginnings visible toward that work But is this laid to heart and is it contended for as your glory It is said by some that yee will never reforme up to Gods Word though yee bee ingaged by Covenant to doe so I dare not believe this I pray for the strengthning of your hands to this work and wait working in my place if I might there give helpe and at last receive more from you for the purging of Congregation and keeping the holy things of God from being defiled Yet great Remoraes keek back the Fabrick Carnall and Spirituall wickednesses though not tolerated by a Law yet connived at or not reproved as God would have them Doctrines against the eternall Son-ship of the Mediator published and assertions against the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the selfe-credibility of Scripture maintained the very prime errour that brought in the great Apostacy Our Lord and his Christ hate such things as these no Lawes of his Kingdome tolerate contradictions to his owne being his prime Ministers would not vouchsafe a God-speed to such as those Yet the world knowes a Joh. v. 10 11. with what ardency the toleration of those and other Heresies as bad are striven for A timely Item may be given An admission of Doctrine devilish and destroying the saving revelation of God in his Sonne is an emission of Christ and so the losse of him I would not be severer then God would have me against any that pretend Conscience in matters circumstantiall and that divide not from the head therefore can I not cry That nothing must be tolerated in lesser differences but this Christ saith That the woman Jezabel must not bee suffered Rev. 2.22 who could not vent worse lies under lesse paine then the losse of God and his Christ and the ruine of Churches And I must say that the Toleration of all things must be a destructive principle to the State or Church where-ever it be allowed Experience hath shewed us no lesse in Kingdomes and Churches called by Gods Name These are only suggested which need a larger Treatise to State fully ye Servants of Christ take heed of yeelding to these pretences of Conscience the Devill and not Christ hath his throne there And no stronger hold for him than Conscience if he once take it Christ will not suffer him to shelter here therefore ye may not so much as in you lyeth if ye doe the Lords Trumpet sounds Woe upon you Doe not other States Dub. as some of the united Provinces tolerate all these heresies and protect them and yet they prosper Who more I desire not to deale with other Srates Sol. unlesse I might doe them good I am now onely called to our owne yet others being made exemplary a word in sobernesse and truth may not offend I suggest onely these thoughts 1. Can any man say that prosperitie is a sign peculiar unto Truth Then let Rome come in and speake more than any for outward prosperitie Ecles 9.1 No man can know the love or hatred of God by all that is before him 2. Are not spirituall wickednesses as odious to God as carnall Gal. 5.20.21 And are not these Heresies such which God condemnes as workes of the flesh inconsistent with the Kingdome of his Christ 3. Hath God made an end yet of visiting Nations for the sinnes of them When God hath done judging were a better time to urge this example than now I pray God the evill day may not overtake those States The good Lord cause the Cup of trembling to passe by them and purge their iniquities peaceably But I am pressed in spirit to say 1 King 12.26 c. 1. King 13.24 Qui non vetat peccare cum patest jubet Sen. God hath not spared such State-Polities which have sought their own rise by the ruine of God and his Truth Witnesse Jeroboam the sonne of Nebat who made Israel to sinne And he bids sinne that doth not hinder it when he can I feare their sorrowes may begin in the day of their confederacy with Spaine But Gods Truth my beloved and not mans example must be the rule strive up to the perfection of God If none of these lyes must be in Heaven it is mans dutie not to allow them on earth If Heresies yet must be let us mourne for what we cannot helpe It is a miserable necessitie when not allowed it will be rejoycing in iniquitie either for Stute