of State policy tolerate what suits not with Christianity and out of State necessity tolerate â—s David did Ioab against their wils To which I answer First that although with him in the first I confesse that Princes may tolerate that out of State policy which will not stand with Christianity yet in the second he must acknowledge with me that there is a necessity sometime of State Toleration as in the case of Ioab and so his former affirmation generally laid downe viz. that it is evill to tolerate seducing Teachers or scandalous livers was not duly waighed in the Balance of the Sanctuary and is too light Secondly I affirme that that State policy and State necessity which for the peace of the State and preventing of Rivers of civill Blood permits the Consciences of men will bee found to agree most punctually with the Rules of the best Politician that ever the World saw the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in comparison of whom Salomon himselfe had but a drop of wisedome compared to Christs Ocean and was but a Farthing Candle compared with the All and Ever glorious Son of Righteousnesse That absolute Rule of this great Politician for the peace of the Field which is the World and for the good and peace of the Saints who must have a civill being in the World I have discoursed of in his command of permitting the Tares that is Antichristians or false Christians to be in the Field of the World growing up together with the true Wheat true Christians CHAP. LXI Peace HIs third Answer is this For those three Princes named by you who tolerated Religion we can name you more and greater who have not tolerated Heretickes and Schismatickes notwithstanding their pretence of Conscience and their arrogating the Crowne of Martyrdome to their sufferings Constantine the Great at the request of the Generall Councell at Nice banished Arrius with some of his Fellowes Sozom. lib. 1. Eccles hist. cap 19 20. The same Constantine made a severe Law against the Donatists and the like proceedings against them were used by Valentinian Gratian and Theodosius as Augustine reports in Ep. 166. Onely Iulian the Apostate granted liberty to Heretickes as well as to Pagans that he might by tolerating all weeds to grow choake the vitals of Christianity which was also the practice and sinne of Valens the Arrian Queene Elizabeth as famous for her Government as most of the former it is well knowne what Lawes she made and executed against Papists yea and K. Iames one of your owne Witnesses though he was slow in proceeding against Papists as you say for Conscience sake yet you are not ignorant how sharply and severely he punished those whom the malignant World calls Puritans men of more Conscience and better Faith then the Papists whom he tolerated Truth Unto this I answer First that for mine owne part I would not use an argument from the number of Princes witnessing in profession of practice against Persecution for cause of Conscience for the truth and faith of the Lord Iesus must not bee received with respect of faces be they never so high princely and glorious Precious Pearles and Iewels and farre more precious Truth are found in muddy shells and places The rich Mines of golden Truth lye hid under barren hills and in obscure holes and corners The most High and Glorious God hath chosen the poore of the World and the Witnesses of Truth Rev. 11. are cloathed in sackcloth not in Silke or Sattin Cloth of Gold or Tissue and therefore I acknowledge if the number of Princes professing persecution bee considered it is rare to finde a King Prince or Governour like Christ Iesus the King of Kings and Prince of the Princes of the Earth and who tread not in the steps of Herod the Fox or Nero the Lyon openly or secretly persecuting the name of the Lord Iesus such were Saul Ieroboam Ahab though under a maske or pretence of the name of the God of Israel To that purpose was it a noble speech of Buchanan who lying on his death-bed sent this Item to King Iames Remember my humble service to his Majestie and tell him that Buchanan is going to a place where few Kings come CHAP. LXII Truth SEcondly I observe how inconsiderately I hope not willingly he passeth by the Reasons and Grounds urged by those three Princes for their practices for as for the bare examples of Kings or Princes they are but like shining Sands or guilded Rockes giving no solace to such as make wofull shipwrack on them In K. Iames his Speech he passeth by that Golden Maxime in Divinity that God never loves to plant his Church by Blood Secondly that Civill Obedience may be performed from the Papists Thirdly in his observation on Revel 20. that true and certaine note of a false Church to wit persecution The wicked are besiegers the faithfull are besieged In K. Steven of Poland his Speech hee passeth by the true difference betweene a Civill and a Spirituall Government I am said Steven a Civill Magistrate over the bodies of men not a spirituall over their soules Now to confound these is Babel and Jewish it is to seek for Moses and bring him from his grave which no man shall finde for God buried him in setting up a Nationall state or Church in a land of Canaan which the great Messiah abolished at his comming Thirdly he passeth by in the speech of the King of Bohemia that foundation in Grace and Nature to wit that Conscience ought not to be violated or forced and indeed it it is most true that a Soule or spirituall Rape is more abominable in Gods eye then to force and ravish the Bodies of all the Women in the World Secondly that most lamentably true experience of all Ages which that King observeth viz. that persecution for cause of Conscience hath ever proved pernicious being the causes of all those wonderfull innovations of or changes in the Principalitiesâ— and mightiest Kingdomes of Christendome He that reads the Records of Truth and Time with an impartiall eye shall finde this to be the Launcet that hath pierc'd the veines of Kings and Kingdomes of Saints and Sinners and fill'd the streames and Rivers with their blood Lastly that Kings observation of his own time viz. that Persecution for cause of Conscience was practised most in England and such places where Popery raigned implying as I conceive that such practises commonly proceed from that great whore the Church of Rome whose Daughters are like their Mother and all of a bloody nature as most commonly all Whores be CHAP. LXIII NOw thirdly in that the Answerer observeth that amongst the Romane Emperours they that did not persecute were Iulian the Apostate and Valens the Arrian whereas the good Emperours Constantine Gratian Valentinian and Theodosius they did persecute the Arrians Donatists c. Answ. It is no new thing for godly and eminently godly men
THE BLOVDY TENENT of PERSECUTION for cause of CONSCIENCE discussed in A Conference betweene TRVTH and PEACE VVHO In all tender Affection present to the High Court of Parliament as the Result of their Discourse these amongst other Passages of highest consideration Printed in the Year 1644. FIrst That the blood of so many hundred thousand souls of Protestants and Papists spilt in the Warâ— of present and former Ages for their respective Consciences is not required nor accepted by Iesus Christ the Prince of Peace Secondly Pregnant Scriptures and Arguments are throughout the Worke proposed against the Doctrine of Persecution for for cause of Conscience Thirdly Satisfactorie Answers are given to Scriptures and objections produced by Mr. Calvin Beza Mr. Cotton and the Ministers of the New English Churches and others former and later tending to prove the Doctrine of Persecution for cause of Conscience Fourthly The Doctrine of Persecution for cause of Conscience is proved guilty of all the blood of the Soules crying for vengeance under the Altar Fifthly All Civill States with their Officers of justice in their respective constitutions and administrations are proved essentially Civill and therefore not Iudges Governours or Defendours of the Spirituall or Christian state and Worship Sixtly It is the will and command of God that since the comming of his Sonne the Lord Iesus a permission of the most Paganish Iewish Turkish or Antichristian consciences and worships bee granted to all men in all Nations and Countries and they are onely to bee fought against with that Sword which is only in Soule matters able to conquer to wit the Sword of Gods Spirit the Word of God Seventhly The state of the Land of Israel the Kings and people thereof in Peace War is proved figurative and ceremoniall and no patterne nor president for any Kingdom or civill state in the world to follow Eightly God requireth not an uniformity of Religion to be inacted and inforced in any civill state which inforced uniformity sooner or later is the greatest occasion of civill Warre ravishing of conscience persecution of Christ Iesus in his servants and of the hypocrisie and destruction of millions of souls Ninthly In holding an inforced uniformity of Religion in a civill state we must necessarily disclaime our desires and hopes of the Iewes conversion to Christ. Tenthly An inforced uniformity of Religion throughout a Nation or civill state confounds the Civill and Religious denies the principles of Chrâ—stianity and civility and that Iesus Christ is come in the Flesh. Eleventhly The permission of other consciences and worships then a state professeth only can according to God procure a firme and lasting peace good assurance being taken according to the wisdome of the civill state for uniformity of civill obedience from all sorts Twelfthly lastly true civility and Christianity may both flourish in a State or Kingdome notwithstanding the permission of divers and contrary consciences either of Iew or Gentile TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE both Houses of the High Court of PARLIAMENT Right Honourable and Renowned Patriots NExt to the saving of your own soules in the lamentable shipwrack of Mankind your taske as Christians is to save the Soules but as Magistrates the Bodies and Goods of others Many excellent Discourses have been presented to your Fathers hands and Yours in former and present Parliaments I shall be humbly bold to say that in what concernes your duties as Magistrates towards others a more necessary and seasonable debate was never yet presented Two things your Honours here may please to view in this Controversie of Persecution for cause of Conscience beyond what 's extant First the whole Body of this Controversie form'd pitch'd in true Battalia Secondly although in respect of my selfe it be impar congressus yet in the power of that God who is Maximus in Miniâ—is Your Honours shall see the Controversie is discussed with men as able as most eminent for abilitie and pietie Mr. Coâ—ton and the New English Ministers When the Prophets in Scripture have given their Coats of Armes and Escutchâ—ons to Great Men Your Honours know the Babylonian Monarch hath the Lyon the Persian the Beare the Grecian the Leopard the Romane a compound of the former 3. most strange and dreadfull Dan. 7. Their oppressing plundring ravishing murthering not only of the bodies but the soules of Men are large explaining commentaries of such similitudes Your Honours have been famous to the end of the World for your unparallel'd wisdome courage justice mercie in the vindicating your Civill Lawes Liberties c. Yet let it not be grievous to your Honours thoughts to ponder a little why all the Prayers and Teares and Fastings in this Nation have not pierc'd the Heavens and quench'd these Flames which yet who knowes how far they 'll spread and when they 'll out Your Honours have broke the jawes of the Oppressour and taken the prey out of their Teeth Iob. 29. For which Act I believe it hath pleased the most High God to set a Guard not only of Trained men but of mighty Angels to secure your sitting and the Citie I feare we are not pardoned though reprieved O that there may be a lengthning of Londons tranquilitie of the Parliaments safetie by mercy to the poore Dan. 4. Right Honourable Soule yokes Soule oppressions plundrings ravishings c. are of a crimson and deepest dye and I believe the chiefe of Englands sins unstopping the Viols of Englands present sorrowes This glasse presents your Honours with Arguments from Religion Reason Experience all proving that the greatest yoakes yet lying upon English necks the peoples and Your own are of a spirituall and soule nature All former Parliaments have changed these yoakes according to their consciences Popish or Protestant 'T is now your Honours turne at helme and as your task so I hope your resâ—lution not to change for that is but to turne the wheele which another Parliament and the very next may turne againe but to â—ase the Subjects and Your selves from a yoake as was once spoke in a case not unlike Act 15. which neither You nor your Fathers were ever able to beare Most Noble Senatours Your Fathers whose seats You fill are mouldred and mouldring their braines their tonguâ—s c. to ashes in the pit of rottenesse They and You must shortly together with two worlds of men appeare at the great Barre It shall then be no griefe of heart that you have now attended to the cries of Soules thousands oppressed millions ravished by the Acts and Statutes concerning Soules not yet repealed Of Bodies impoverished imprisoned c. for their soules beliefe yea slaughtered on heapes for Religions controversies in the Warres of present and former Ages Notwithstanding the successe of later times wherein sundry opinions have been hatched about the subject of Religion a man may clearly discerne with his eye and as it were touch with his finger that according to the verity of holy Scriptures c. mens consciences ought in no sort
in 4 particulars 188 5 Demonstrative arguments proving the unsoundnesse of the maxime viz. The Church and Commonweale are liâ—e Hypocrates twins 189 Asacrilegious prostitution of the name Christian. 192 David immediately inspired by God in his ordering of Church affairs 193 Solomons deposing of Abâ—aâ—har 1 Kings 2. 26 27. discussed 194 The liberties of Christs Churches in the choice of her officers 195 A civill influence dangerous to the State liberties ibid. Jehosaphats fast examined ibid. God will not wrong Caesar and Caesar should not wrong God 196 The famous acts of Josiah examined ibid. Magistracie in generall from God the particular formes from the people ibid. â— Israel confirmed in a Nationall Covenant by revelations signes and miracles but not so any other Land ibid. Kings and Nations often plant and often plucke up Religions 197 A Nationall Church ever subject to turne and returne ibid. A woman Papissa or head of the Church ibid. The Rapists neerer to the truth concerning the governour of the Church then most Protestants 198 The Kingly power of the Lord Iesus troubles all the Kings and Rulers of the world ibid. A twofold exaltation of Christ. ibid. A monarchicall and Ministeriall power of Christ. 199 3 Great competitours for the Ministeriall power of Christ. ibid. The Pope pretendeth to the Ministeriall power of Christ yet upon the point chalengeth the Monarchicall also ibid. 3 Great factions in England striving for the Arme of Flesh. 200 The Churches of the separation ought in humanity and subjects liberty not to be oppressed but at least permitted 201 7 Reasons proving that the Kings of Israel and Iudah can have no other but a Spirituall Antitype 202 Christianitie â—â—des not to the nature of a Civill Commonweale nor doth want of Christianitie diminish it pag. 203 Most strange yet most true consequences from the Civill Magistrates being the Antitype of the Kings of Israel and Iudah ibid. If no Religion but what the Commonweale approve then no Christ no God but at the pleasure of the World 204 The true Antitype of the Kings of Israel and Iudah ibid. 4. The difference of Israels Statutes and Lawes from all others in 3 particulars ibid. 5. The difference of Israels Punishments Rewards from all others 205 Temporall prosperitie most proper to the Nationall state of the Iewe. ibid. The Excommunication in Israel 206 The corporall stoning in the Law typed out spirituall stoning in the Gospel ibid. The wars of Israel typicall and unparalleld but by the Spirituall wars of Spirituall Israel ibid. The famous typicall captivitie of the Iewes 207 Their wonderfull victories 208 The mysticall Army of white troopers 209 Whether the Civill state of Israel was presidentiall ibid. Great unfaithfulnesse in Magistrates to cast the burthen of judging and establishing Christianitie upon the Commonweale 210 Thousands of lawfull Civill Magistrates who never heare of Iesus Christ. 211 Nero and the persecuting Emperours not so injurious to Christianity as Constantine and others who assumed a power in Spirituall things ibid. They who force the conscience of others cry out of persecution when their owne are forced 212 Constantine and others wanted not so much affection as information of judgement ibid. Civill Authoritie giving and lending their Hornes to Bishops dangerous to Christs truth ibid. The Spirituall power of Christ Iesus compared in Scripture to the incomparable horne of the Rhinocerot 213 The nursing Fathers and Mothers Isa. 49. ibid. The civill Magistrate owes 3 things to the true Church of Christ. 214 The civill Magistrate owes â— things to false Worshippers 214 The rise of High Commissions 215 Pious Magistrates Ministers consciences are perswaded for that which other â—as plous Magistrates Ministers consciences condemn Page 215 An apt similitude discussed concerning the Civill Magistrate 216 A grievous charge against the Christian Church and the King of it 222 A strange Law in New England formerly against excommunicate persons ibid. A dangerous doctrine against all Civill Magistrates 223 Originall sin charged to hurt the Civill state ibid. They who give the Magistrate more then his duo are apt to disreabe him of what is his 224 A strange double picture 226 The great priviledges of the true Church of Christ. 227 2 Similitudes illustrating the true power of the Magistrate ibid. A marvelous chalenge of more power under the Christian then under the Heathen Magistrate 229 Civill Magistrates derivatives from the fountains or bodies of people 230 A beleeving Magistrate no more a Magistrate then an unbeleeving ibid. The excellencie of Christianity in all callings ibid. The Magistrate like a Pilot in the Ship of the Commonweale 231 The tearmes Heathen and Christian Magistrates ibid. The unjust and partiall liberty to some consciences and bondage unto all others 232 The commission Matth. 28. 19 20. not proper to Pastors and teachers least of all to the Civill Magistrate 233 Vnto whom now belongs the care of all the Churches c. ibid. Acts 15. commonly misapplied 234 The promise of Christs presence Mat. 18. distinct from that Mat. 28. 235 Church administrations firstly charged upon the Ministers thereof 236 Queen Elizabeths Bishops truer to their principles then many of a better spirit and profession 237. Mr. Barrowes profession concerning Queen Elizabeth ibid The inventions of men swarving from the true essentialls of civill and Spirituall Commonweales 239 A great question viz. whether only Church members that is godly persons in a particular Church estate be only eligible into the Magistracie ib. The world being divided into 30 parts 25 never heard of Christ. 240 Lawfull civill states where Churches of Christ are not ibid. Few Christians Wise and noble and qualified for affaires of State ibid. SCRIPTURES AND REASONS written long since by a Witnesse of lesus Christ close Prisoner in Newgate against Persecution in cause of Conscience and sent some while since to Mr. Cotton by a Friend who thus wrote In the multitude of Councellours there is safety It is therefore humbly desired to be instructed in this point viz. Whether Persecution for cause of Conscience be not against the Doctrine of Iesus Christ the King of Kings The Scriptures and Reasons are these BEcause Christ commandeth that the Tares and Wheat which some understand are those that walke in the Truth and those that walke in Lies should be let alone in the World and not plucked up untill the Harvest which is the end of the World Matth. 13. 30. 38. c. The same commandeth Matth. 15. 14. that they that are Blinde as some interpret led on in false Religion and are offended with him for teaching true Religion should be let alone referring their punishment unto their falling into the Ditch Againe Luke 9. 54 55. hee reproved his Disciples who would have had Fire come downe from Heaven and devoure those Samaritanes who would not receive Him in these words Ye know not of what Spirit ye are the son of Man is not come to destroy Mens lives but to save them Paul
in His Church His spirituall judicature and executes this sentence in part at present and hereafter to all eternity Such a sentence no Civill Iudge can passe such a Death no Civill sword can inâ—lict I answer secondly Dead men cannot be infected the civill state the world being in a naturall state dead in sin what ever be the State-Religion unto which persons are forced it is impossible it should be infected Indeed the living the beleeving the Church and spirituall state that and that onely is capable of infection for whose helpe we shall presently see what preservatives and remedies the Lord Iesus hath appointed Moreover as we see in a common plague or infection the names are taken how many are to dye and not one more shall be strucke then the destroying Angel hath the names of So here what ever be the soule infection breathed out from they lying lips of a plague-sicke Pharisee yet the names are taken not one elect or chosen of God shall perish Gods sheep are safe in His eternall hand and counsell and he that knowes his materiall knows also his mysticall stars their numbers and calls them every one by name none fall into the Ditch on the blinde Pharises backe but such as were ordained to that condemnation both guid and followers 1 Pet. 2. 8. Iude 4. The vessells of wrath shall breake and split and only they to the praise of Gods eternall justice Rom. 9. CHAP. XXXIV Peace BUt it is said be it granted that in a common plague or infection none are smitten and dye but such as are appointed yet it is not only every mans duty but the common duty of the Magistrate to prevent infection and to preserve the common health of the place likewise though the number of the Elect be sure and God knowes who are His yet hath He appointed meanes for their preservation from perdition and from infection and therefore the Angel is blamed for suffering Balaams doctrine and Iesabel to seduce Christ Jesus His servants Rev. 2. Tit. 3. 10. Rom. 16. 17. Truth I answer Let that Scripture and that of Titus reject an Hereticke and Rom. 16. 17. avoid them that are contentious c. let them and all of like nature be examined and it will appeare that the great and good Physitian Christ Iesus the Head of the Body and King of the Church hath not been unfaithfull in providing spirituall antidotes and preservatives against the spirituall sicknesses sores weaknosses dangers of his Church and people but he never appointed the civill sword for either antidote or remedy as an addition to those spiritualls which he hath left with his wife his Church or People Hence how great is the bondage the captivity of Gods owne People to Babylonish or confused mixtures in Worship and unto worldly and earthly policies to uphold State Religions or Worships since that which is written to the Angel and Church at Pergamus shall be interpreted as sent to the Governour and City of Pergamus and that which is sent to Titus and the Church of Christ at Creet must be delivered to the civill officers and City thereof But as the Civill Magistrate hath his charge of the bodies and goods of the subject So have the spirituall Officers Governours and overseers of Christs City or Kingdome the charge of their souls and soule safety Hence that charge of Paul to Tim. 1 Tim. 5. 20. Them that sinne rebuke before all that others may learne to fear This is in the Church of Christ a spirituall meanes for the healing of a soule that hath sinned or taken infection and for the preventing of the infecting of others that others may learne to feare c. CHAP. XXXV Peace IT is said true that Titus and Timothy and so the Officers of the Church of Christ are bound to prevent soule infection But what hinders that the Magistrate should not be charged also with this duty Truth I answer many things I have answered and more shall at present I shall only say this If it be the Magistrate duty or office then is he both a Temporall and Ecclesiasticall officer contrary to which most men will affirme and yet we know the policie of our owne Land and Country hath established to the Kings and Queens thereof the supreme heads or governours of the Church of England That doctrine and distinction that a Magistrate may punish an Heretick civilly will not here availe for what is Babel if this be not confusedly to punish corporall or civill offences with spirituall or Church censures the offendour not being a member of it or to punish soule or spirituall offences with corporall or temporall weapons proper to Delinquents against the temporall or civill state Lastly woe were it with the civill Magistrate and most intolerable burthens do they lay upon their backs that teach this doctrine if together with the common care and charge of the Commonwealth the peace and safety of the Towne City State or Kingdome the bloud of every soule that perisheth should cry against him unlesse he could say with Paul Acts 20. in spirituall regards I am clear from the blould of all men that is the bloud of soules which was his charge to looke after so far as his preaching went not the bloud of bodies which belongeth to the civill Magistrate I acknowledge he ought to cherish as a foster-father the Lord Iesus in his truth in his Saints to cleave unto them himselfe and to countenance them even to the death yea also to breake the teeth of the Lions who offer Civill violence and injury unto them But to see all his Subjects Christians to keepe such Church or Christians in the purity of worship and see them doe their duty this belongs to the Head of the Body Christ Iesus and such spirituall Officers as he hath to this purpose deputed whose right it is according to the true paterne Abimelech Saul Adonijah Athalia were but usurpers David Salomon Ioash c. they were the true heires and types of Christ Iesus in His true Power and Authority in His Kingdome CHAP. XXXVI Peace THe next Scripture brought against such persecution is Luke 9. 54 55. where the Lord Jesus reproved His Disciples who would have had fire come downe from Heaven and devoure those Samaritanesâ— that would not receive Him in these words You know not of what spirit you are the Son of Man is not come to destroy mens lives but to save them With this Scripture Mr. Cotton joynes the fourth and answers both in one which is this 2 Tim. 2. 24. The servant of the Lord must not strive but must be gentle toward all men suffering the evill men instructing them with meeknesse that are contrary minded and oppose themselves proving if God peradventure will give them repentance that they may acknowledge the truth and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Divell who are taken captive by him at his will
then say the case is not alike for when the Lord appointed the Government of Israel after the rejection of Saul to establish a Covenant of succession in the type unto Christ let it bee minded what patterne and president it pleased the Lord to set for the after Kings of Israel and Iudah in David the man after His owne Heart But now the Lord Iesus being come Himselfe and having fulfilled the former types and dissolved the Nationall State of the Church and established a more Spirituall way of worship all the World over and appointed a Spirituall government and governours it is well knowne what the Roman Caesars were under whom both Christ Iesus Himselfe and his Servants after him lived and suffered so that if the Lord Iesus had appointed any such Deputies as we finde not a tittle to that purpose nor have a shadow of true reason so to thinke he must I say in the very first institution have pitched upon such persons for these Custodes utriâ—â—que Tabulae keâ—pers of both Tables as no man wiâ—e or faithfull or loving would have choâ—en in any of the former Instances or cases of a more inferiour nature Beside to that great pretence of Israel I have largely spoken toâ— Secondly I aske how could the Roman Caesars or any Civill Magistrates be custâ—des keepers of the Church and worship of God when as the Authours of these positions acknowledge that their Civill power extends but to bodies and goods And for Spirituall power they say they have none ad bonum temporale to a temporall good which is their proper end and then having neither Civill nor Spirituall power from the Lord Iesus to this purpose how come they to be such Keepers as is pretended Thirdly If the Roman Emperours were Keepers what Keepers were the Apostles unto whom the Lord Iesus gave the care and charge of the Churches and by whom the Lord Iesus charged Timothy 1 Tim. 6. to keep those commands of the Lord Iesus without spot untill his comming These Keepers were called the foundation of the Church Ephes. 2. 20. and made up the Crowne of 12 Stars about the head of the Woman Rev. 12. whose names were also written in the 12 foundations of New Ierusalem Rev. 21. Yea what Keepers then are the ordinary Officers of the Church appointed to be the Shepherds or Keepers of the Flocke of Christ appointed to be the Porters or Dore-keepers and to watch in the absence of Christ Mark 13. 34. Acts 20. Yea what charge hath the whole Church it selfe which is the pillar and ground of Truth 2 Tim. 2. in the midst of which Christ is present with his Power 1 Cor. 5. to keep out or cast out the impenitent and obstinate even Kings and Emperours themselves from their Spirituall society 1 Cor. 5. Iam. 3. 1. Gal. 3. 28. 4. I aske whether in the time of the Kings of Israel and Iudah whom I confesse in the typicall and Nationall state to be charged with both Tables I aske whether the Kings of the Assyrians the Kings of the Ammonites Moabites Philistims were also constituted and ordained Keepers of the worship of God as the Kings of Iudah were for they were also lawfull Magistrates in their Dominions or whether the Roman Emperours were custodes or keepers more then they or more then the King of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar under whose Civill government Gods people lived and in his owne Land and City â—er 29. CHAP. LXXXIX Peace YOu remember deare Truth that Constantinâ— Theodosâ—us and others were made to beleeve that they were the Antitypes of the Kings of Iudah the Church of God and Henry the 8. was told that that Title Defensor Fidei Defendour of the Faith though sent him by the Pope for writing against Luther was his owne Diadem due unto him from Heaven So likewise since the Kings and Qâ—eens of England have been instructed Truth But it was not so from the beginning as that very difference between that Nationall state of the Church of God then and other Kings and Magistrates of the World not so charged doth clearly evince and leadeth us to the Spirituall King of the Church Christ Iesus the King of Israel and his Spirituall Government and Governours therein Fifthly I aske whether had the Roman Caesars more charge to see all their Subjects observe and submit to the worship of God in their dominion of the World then a master father or husband now under the Gospel in his Familie Families are the foundations of government for what is a Commonweale but a Commonweale of Families agreeing to live together for common good Now in families suppose a beleeving Christian Husband hath an unbeleeving Antichristian wife what other charge in this respect is given to an husband 1 Cor. 7. but to dwell with her as an husband if she be pleased to dwell with him but to bee so farre from forcing her from her conscience unto his as that if for his conscience sake she would depart he was not to force her to tarry with him 1 Cor. 7. Consequently the Father or Husband of the State differing from the Commonweale in Religion ought not to force the Common-weale nor to be forced by it yet is he to continue a civill husbands care if the Commonweale will live with him and abide in civill covenant Now as a husband by his love to the truth and holy conversation in it and seasonable exhortations ought to indeavour to save his wife yet abhorring to use corporall compulsion yea in this case to childe or servant so ought the Father Husband Governor of the Commonweale endeavour to win and save whom possibly he may yet farre from the appearance of civill violence Sixthly if the Romane Emperours were charged by Christ with his Worship in their dominion and their dominion was over the world as was the dominion of the Grecian Persian and Babylonian Monarchy before them who sees not if the whole world bee forced to turne Christian as afterward and since it hath pretended to doe who sees not then that the world for whom Christ Jesus would not pray and the God of it are reconciled to Iesus Christ and the whole field of the world become his inclosed garden Seventhly if the Romane Emperors ought to have been by Christs appointment Keepers of both Tables Antitypes of Israel and Iudahs Kings how many millions of Idolaters and Blasphemers against Christ Iesus and his worship ought they to have put to death according to Israels patterne Lastly I aske if the Lord Iesus had delivered his Sheepe and Children to these Wolves his Wife and Spouse to such Adulterers his precious Iewels to such great Theeves and Robbers of the world as the Romane Emperours were what is the reason that he was never pleased to send any of his servants to their gates to crave their helpe assistance in this his worke to put them in minde of their office to chalenge and claime such a service
Conscience Peace What should be the reason of this their expression Truth Doubtles their Consciences tell them how few of those Churches which they yet acknowledge Churches are able and willing to hold forth Christ Iesus the Sun of Righteousnes healing with his wings the doubting and afflicted conscience Lastly their conscience tells them that a Servant of Christ Iesus may possibly be sent as an Heretick to be healed by a false Church which Church will never be willing to deale with him or never be able to convince him Peace Yea but they say by such a course the Magistrate shall convince such an ones conscience that hee seekes his good c. Truth If a man thus bound be sent to a Church to be healed in his conscience either he is an Heretick or he is not Admit he be yet he disputes in feare as the poor theefe the Mouse disputes with a terrible persecuting Cat who while she seemes to play and gently tosse yet the conclusion is a proud insulting and devouring crueltie If no Heretick but an innocent and faithfull witnes of any Truth of Jesus disputes he not as a Lambe in the Lyons paw being sure in the end to be torne in pieces Peace They adde The censure this way proceeds with more power and blessing Truth All power and blessing is from that blessed Son of God unto whom all power is given from the Father in Heaven and Earth He hath promised his presence with his Messengers preaching and baptizing to the worlds end ratifying in Heaven what they blinde or loose on Earth But let any man shew me such a commission instruction and promise given by the Son of God to Civill powers in these spirituall affaires of his Christian Kingdome and Worship Peace Lastly they conclude This course of first sending the Heretick to be healed by the Church takes away all excuse for none can say that he is persecuted for his Conscience but for sinning against his Conscience Truth Iesabel placing poore Naboth before the Elders as a blasphemer of God and the King and sanctifying the plotted and intended murther with a day of humiliation may seeme to take away all excuse and to conclude the Blasphemer worthy to be stoned But Iehovah the God of Recompences â—er 51. when he makes Inquisition for blood will find both Iesabel and Ahab guilty and make the Dogs a feast with the flesh of Iesabel and leave not to Ahab a man to pisse against the wall for as Paul in his owne plea there was nothing committed worthy of death and against thee O King saith Daniel I have not sinned Dan. 6. in any Civill fact against the State CHAP. C. Peace THeir eighth question is this viz. What power Magistrates have about the gathering of Churches First the Magistrate hath power and it is his duty to incourage and countenance such persons as voluntarily joyn themselves in holy Covenant both by his presence if it may be and promise of protection they accepting the right hand of fellowship from other neighbour Churches Secondly he hath power â—o forbid all Idolatrous and corrupt Assemblies who offer to put themselves under their patronage and shall attempt to joyne themselves into a Church-estate and if they shall not hearken to force them therefrom by the power of the Sword Psal. 101. 8. For our tolerating many Religions in a State in severall Churches beside the provoking of God may in time not only corrupt leaven divide and so destroy the peace of the Churches but also dissolve the continuity of the State especially ours whose wals are made of the stones of the Churches it being also contrary to the end of our planting in this part of the World which was not only to enjoy the pure Ordinances but to enjoy them all in purity Thirdly He hath power to compell all men within his grant to heare the Word for hearing the Word of God is a duty which the light of Nature leadeth even Heathens to The Ninivites heard Ionah though a stranger and unknowne unto them to be an extraordinary Prophet Ionah 3. And Eglon the King of Moab hearing that Ehud had a message from God he rose out of his seat for more reverent attention Iudg. 3. 20. Yet he hath no power to compell all men to become members of Churches because he hath not power to make them fit members for the Church which is not wrought by the power of the Sword but by the power of the Word Nor may he force the Churches to accept of any for members but those whom the Churches themselves can freely approve of Truth To the first branch of this head I answer That the Magistrate should encourage and countenance the Church yea and protect the persons of the Church from violence disturbance c. It being truly noble and glorious by how much the Spouse and Queene of the Lord Iesus transcends the Ladies Queens and Empresses of the World in glory beauty chastity and innocency 'T is true all Magistrates in the world do this viz. Incourage and protect that Church or Assembly of worshippers which they judge to be true and approve of but not permitting other consciences then their owne It hath come to passe in all ages and yet doubtlesse will that the Lord Iesus and His Queene are driven and persecuted out of the World To the second That the Magistrate ought to suppresse all Churches which he judgeth false he quoteth Psal. 101. 8. Betimes I will cut off the wicked of the Land that I may cut off all evill doers from the City of Jehovah unto which he addeth foure Reasons Peace Deare Truth first a word to that Scripture so often quoted and so much boasted of Truth Concerning that holy Land of Canaan concerning the City of Iehovah Ierusalem out of which King David here resolves to cut off all the wicked and evill doers I shall speake more largely on the 11 Head or Question in the differences between that and all other Lands At present I answer There is no holy Land or City of the Lord no King of Sion c. but the Church of Iesus Christ and the King thereof according to 1 Pet. 2. 9. Ye are a holy Nation and Ierusalem is the holy people of God in the true profession of Christianity Heb. 12. Gal. 4. Rev. 21. Out of which the Lord Iesus by his holy Ordinances in such a government and by such governours as he hath appointed he cuts off every wicked person and evill doer If Christ Iesus had intended any difference of plate Cities or Countries doubtlesse Ierusalem and Samaria had been thought of or the Cities of Asia wherein the Christian Religion was so gloriously planted But the Lord Iesus disclaimes Ierusalem and Samaria forth having any respect of holinesse more then other Cities Iohn 4. And the Spirit of God evidently testineth that the Churches were in the Cities and Countries not that the whole Cities or Countries were Gods holy Land
to the woman of Samaria Iohn 4. professing that neither at that Mountaine nor at Ierusalem should men worship the Father While that Nationall State of the Church of the Iewes remained the Tribes were bound to goe up to Ierusalem to worship Psal. 122. But now in every Nation not the whole Land or Country as it was with Canaan he that feareth God and worketh righteousnesse is accepted with him Act. 10. 35. This then appeared in that large Commission of the Lord Jesus to his first Ministers Goe into all Nations and not onely into Canaan to carry tidings of Mercy c. Secondly the former Inhabitants thereof seven great and mightie Nations Deuter. 7. were all devoted to destruction by the Lords owne mouth which was to bee performed by the impartiall hand of the Children of Israel without any sparing or shewing Mercy But so now it hath not pleased the Lord to devote any people to present Destruction commanding his people to kill and slay without Covenant or Compassion Deuteronomy 7. 2. Where have Emperours Kings or Generals an immediate call from God to destroy whole Cities City after City Men women Children Old and Young as Ioshua practised Ioshua 6. and 10. Chapters c. This did Israel to these seven Nations that they themselves might succeed them in their Cities Habitations and Possessions This onely is true in a spirituall Antitype when Gods people by the Sword the two-edged Sword of Gods Spirit slay the ungodly and become Heires yea fellow Heires with Christ Iesus Romanes 8. Gods meeke people inherit the earth Matthew 5. They mystically like Noah Hebrewes 11 condemne the whole unbeleeving World both by present and future sentence 2 Corinth 6. 2. CHAP. CXI THirdly the very materials the Gold and Silver of the Idols of this Land were odioâ—s and abominable and dangerous to the people of Israel that they might not desire it nor take it to themselves Deut. 7. 25. 26. lest themselves also become a curse and like unto those cursed abominable things Whereas we finde not any such accursed nature in the materials of Idols or Images now but that the Idolatrous formes being changed the silver and gold may be cast and coyned and other materialls lawfully employed and used Yet this we finde in the Antitype that gold silver yea house land yea wives children yea life it selfe as they allure and draw us from God in Christ are to be abominated and hated by us without which hatred and indignation against the most plausible and pleasing enticings from CHRIST IESVS it is impossible for any man to bee a true Christian Luke 14. 26. Fourthly this Land this Earth was an Holy land Zâ—ch 2. 12. Ceremonially and typically holy Fields Gardens Orchards Houses c. which Holines the World knowes not now in one Land or Country House Field Garden c. one above another Yet in the Spirituall Land of Canaan the Christian Church all things are made holy and pure in all Lands to the pure Tit. 1. meats and drinkes are sanctified that is dedicated to the holy use of the thankfull Believers 1 Tim. 4. vea and the unbelieving Husband Wife and their Children are sanctified and made holy to Believers insomuch that that golden inscription peculiar to the forehead of the High Priest Holines to Iehovah shall be written upon the very Bridles of the Horses as all are dedicated to the service of Christ Iesus in the Gospels peace and holines Fifthly the Lord expresly calls it his own Land Levit. 25 23. Hos. 9. 3 Iehovah his Land a terme proper unto Spirituall Canaan the Church of God which must needs be in respect of his choice of that Land to be the Seate and Residence of his Church and Ordinances Buâ— now the partition wall is broken down and in respect of the Lords speciall proprieâ—ie to one Country more then another what dâ—fference between Asia and Africa between Europe and America between England and Turkie London and Constantinople This Land among many other glorious Titles given to it was called Emanuels land that is God with us Christ his land or Christian land Isa 8. 8. But now Ierusalem from above is not materiall and Earthly but Spirituall Gal. 4. Heb. 12. Materiall Ierusalem is no more the Lords citie then Iericho Ninivie or Babell in respect of place or Countrey for even at Babell literall was a Church of Iesus Christ 1 Pet. 5. It is true that Antichrist hath christned all those Countries whereon the Whore sitteth Revel 17. with the Title of Christs land or Christian land And Hundius in his Map of the Christian World makes this land to extend to all Asia a great part of Africa all Europe and a vast part of America even so farre as his unchristian Christenings hath gone But as every false Christ hath false Teachers false Christians false Faith Hope Love c. and in the end false Salvation so doth he also counterfeit the false Name of Christ Christians Christian land or Countrey Sixthly this Land was to keepe her Sabbaths unto God Sixe yeares they were to sow their Fields and prune their Vines but in the 7. yeare they were not to sow their Fields nor prune their Vineyards but to eat that which grew of it selfe or own accord But such Observations doth not God now lay upon any Fields Vineyards c. under the Gospell Yet in the Spirituall land of Canaan the true Church there is a Spirituall Soule-rest or Sabbath a quiet depending upon God a living by Faith in him a making him our portion and casting all care upon him who careth for us yea sometimes he feedeth his by immediate gracious workes of Providence when comforts arise out of the Earth without secondary meanes or causes as here or as elsewhere Manna descended from Heaven Seventhly such portions and possessions of Lands Fields Houses Vineyards were sold with caution or proviso of returning againe in the yeare of Iubilee to the right owners Levit. 25. 23. Such cautions such provisos are not now injoyned by God in the sale of lands fields inheritances nor no such Iubilee or Redemption to be expected Yet this also finds a fulfilling in the spirituall Canaan or Church of God unto which the silver Trumpet of Iubilee the Gospel hath â—ounded a spirituall restitution of all their spirituall rights and inheritances which either they have lost in the fall of the first man Adam or in their particular falls when they are captive and sold unto sin Rom. 7. Or lastly in the spirituall captivitie of Babele bondage how sweet then is the name of a Saviour in whom is the joyfull sound of Deliverance and Redemption Eightly this Land or Country was a figure or type of the kingdome of Heaven above begun here below in the Church and Kingdome of God Heb. 4. 8. Heb. 11. 9. 10. Hence was a Birthright so pretious in Canaans Land Hence Naboth so inexorable and resolute in refusing to
and purgings Are not all the Nations of the Earth alike cleane unto God or rather alike uncleane untill it pleaseth the Father of mercies to call some out to the Knowledge and Grace of his Sonne making them to see their filthinesse and strangenesse from the Commonweale of Israel and to wash in the bloud of the Lambe of God This taking away the difference between Nation and Nation Country and Country is most fully and admirably declared in that great vision of all sorts of living creatures presented unto Peter Acts 10. whereby it pleased the Lord to informe Peter of the abolishing of the difference between Iew and Gentile in any holy or unholy cleane or uncleane respect Fifthly not only to speake of all but to select one or two more This people of Israel in that Nationall State were a type of all the Children of God in all ages under the profession of the Gospel who are therefore called the Children of Abraham and the Israel of God Gal. 3. Gal. 6. A Kingly Priesthood and holy Nation 1 Pet. 2. 9 in a cleare and manifest Antitype to the former Israel Exod. 19. 6. Hence Christians now are figuratively in this respect called Iewes Rev. 3. where lies a cleare distinction of the true and false Christian under the consideration of the true and false Iew Behold I will make them of the Synagogue of Sathan that say they are Jewes and are not but doe lie Rev. 3. But such a typicall respect we finde not now upon any People Nation or Country of the whole World But out of all Nations Tongues and Languages is God pleased to call some and redeem them to Himselfe Rev. 5. 9. And hath made no difference betweene the Iewes and Gentiles Greekes and Scithians Gal. 3. who by Regeneration or second birth become the Israel of God Gal. 6. the Temple of God 1 Cor. 3. and the true Ierusalem Heb. 12. Lastly all this whole Nation or people as they were of one typicall seed of Abraham sealed with a shamefull painfull Ordinance of cutting off the fore-skin which differenced them from all the World beside So also were they bound to such and such solemnities of figurative worships Amongst many others I shall end this passage concerning the people with a famous observation out of Numb 9. 1 3. viz. All that whole Nation was bound to celebrate and keepe the Feast of the Passeover in his season or else they were to be Put to death But doth God require a whole Nation Country or Kingdome now thus to celebrate the spirituall Passeover the Supper and Feast of the Lambe Christ Iesus at such a time once a yeare and that whosoever shall not so doe shall bee put to death What horrible prophanations what grosse hypocrisies yea what wonderfull desolations sooner or later must needs follow upon such a course T is true the people of Israel brought into covenant with God in Abraham and so successively borne in Covenant with God might in that state of a Nationall Church solemnly covenant and sweare that whosoever would not seeke Iehovah the God of Israel should be put to death 2 Chron. 15. whether small or great whether man or woman But may whole Nations or Kingdomes now according to any one title exprest by Christ Iesus to that purpose follow that patterne of Israel and put to death all both men and women great and small that according to the rules of the Gospel are not borne againe penitent humble heavenly patient c. What a world of hypocrisie from hence is practised by thousands that for feare will stoope to give that God their bodies in a forme whom yet in truth their hearts affect not Yea also what a world of prophanation of the holy Name and holy Ordinances of the Lord in prostituting the holy things of God like the Vessels of the Sanctuary Dan. 5. to prophane impenitent and unregenerate persons Lastly what slaughters both of men and women must this necessarily bring into the world by the Insurrections and Civill Warres about Religion and Conscience Yea what slaughters of the innocent and faithfull witnesses of Christ Jesus who choose to bee slaine all the day long for Christ his sake and to fight for their Lord and Master Christ onely with spirituall and Christian weapons CHAP. CXIV Peace IT seemes deare Truth a mighty Gulfe betweene that people and Nation and the Nations of the world then extant and ever since Truth As sure as the blessed substance to all those shadowes Christ Iesus is come so unmatchable and never to bee paralleld by any Nationall State was that Israel in the Figure or Shadow And yet the Israel of God now the Regenerate or Newborne the circumcised in Heart by Repentance and Mortification who willingly submit unto the Lord Iesus as their onely King and Head may fitly parallell and answer that Israel in the type without such danger of hypocrisie of such horrible prophanations and of firing the Civill State in such bloody combustions as all Ages have brought forth upon this compelling a whole Nation or Kingdome to be the antitype of Israel Peace Were this Light entertained some hopes would shine forth for my returne and restauration Truth I have yet to adde a third consideration concerning the Kings and Governours of that Land and people They were to be unlesse in their captivities of their Brethren members of the true Church of God as appeares in the History of Moses the Elders of Israel and the Iudges and Kings of Israel afterward But first who can deny but that there may be now many lawfull Governours Magistrates and Kings in the Nations of the World where is no true Church of Iesus Christ Secondly we know the many excellent gifts wherewith it hath pleased God to furnish many inabling them for publike service to their Countries both in Peace and War as all Ages and Experience testifies on whose soules hee hath not yet pleased to shine in the face of Iesus Christ which Gifts and Talents must all lye buried in the Earth unlesse such persons may lawfully be called and chosen to and improved in publike service notwithstanding their different or contrary Conscience and Worship Thirdly if none but true Christians members of Christ Iesus might be Civill Magistrates and publikely intrusted with civill affaires then none but members of Churches Christians should be Husbands of Wives Fathers of Children Masters of Servants But against this doctrine the whole creation the whole World may justly rise up in armes as not onely contrary to true Piety but common Humanity it selfe For if a Commonweale bee lawfull amongst men that have not heard of God nor Christ certainly their Officers Ministers and Governours must be lawfull also Fourthly it is notoriously knowne to be the dangerous doctrine profest by some Papists that Princes degenerating from their Religion and turning Heretickes are to be deposed and their Subjects actually discharged from their
obedience Which doctrine all such must necessarily hold however most loath to owne it that hold the Magistrate Guardian of both Tables and consequently such an one as is inabled to judge yea and to demonstrate to all men the worship of God yea and being thus Governor and Head of the Church he must necessarily be a part of it himselfe which when by Heresie he falls from though it may be by Truth miscalled Heresie he falls from his calling of Magistracy and is utterly disabled from his pretended guardianship and government of the Church Lastly we may remember the practice of the Lord Iesus and his followers commanding and practising obedience to the Higher Powers though we finde not one Civill Magistate a Christian in all the first Churches But contrarily the civill Magistrate at that time was the bloody Beast made up as Daniel seemes to imply concerning the Romane State Dan. 7. 7. of the Lion the Beare and the Leopard Rev. 13. 2. CHAP. CXV Peace BY these waights wee may try the waight of that commonly received and not questioned opinion viz. That the civill state and the spirituall the Church and Commonweale they are like Hippocrates twinnes they are borne together grow up together laugh together weepe together sicken and die together Truth A witty yet a most dangerous Fiction of the Father of â—ies who hardned in Rebellion against God perswades Gods people to drinke downe such deadly poison though he knowes the truth of these five particulars which I shall reminde you of First many flourishing States in the World have beene and are at this day which heare not of Iesus Christ and therefore have not the presence and concurrence of a Church of Christ with them Secondly there have beene many thousands of Gods people who in their personall estate and life of grace were awake to God but in respect of Church estate they knew no other then a Church of dead stones the Parish Church or though some light be of late come in through some cranny yet they seeke not after or least of all are joyned to any true Church of God consisting of living and beleeving stones So that by these New English Ministers principles not onely is the doore of calling to Magistracy shut against naturall and unregenerate men though excellently â—itted for civill offices but also against the best and ablest servants of God except they be entred into Church estate so that thousands of Gods owne people excellently qualified not knowing or not entring into such a Church estate shall not be accounted fit for civill services Thirdly admit that a civill Magistrate be neither a member of a true Church of Christ if any bee in his dominions nor in his person feare God yet may he possibly give free permission without molestation yea and sometimes incouragement and assistance to the service and Church of God Thus wee finde Abraham permitted to build and set up an Altar to his God wheresoever hee came amongst the idolatrous Nations in the Land of Canaan Thus Cyrus proclaims liberty to all the people of God in his Dominions freely to goe up and build the Temple of God at Ierusalem and Artaxerxes after him confirmed it Thus the Romane Emperours and Governours under him permitted the Church of God the Iewes in the Lord Christs time their Temple and Worship although in Civill things they were subject to the Romanes Fourthly the Scriptures of Truth and the Records of Time concurre in this that the first Churches of Christ Iesus the lights patternes and presidents to all succeeding Ages were gathered and governed without the aid assistance or countenance of any Civill Authoritie from which they suffered great persecutions for the name of the Lord Iesus professed amongst them The Nations Rulers and Kings of the Earth tumultuously rage against the Lord and his Anointed Psal. 2. 1. 2. Yet vers 6. it hath pleased the Father to set the Lord Iesus King upon his holy Hill of Zion Christ Iesus would not be pleased to make use of the Civill Magistrate to assist him in his Spirituall Kingdome nor would he yet be daunted or discouraged in his Servants by all their threats and terreurs for Love is strong as death and the coales thereof give a most vehement flame and are not quenched by all the waters and flouds of mightiest opposition Cant. 8. Christ Church is like a chaste and loving wife in whose heart is fixed her Husbands love who hath found the tendernesse of his love towards her and hath been made fruitfull by him and therefore seekes she not the smiles nor feares the frownes of all the Emperours in the World to bring her Christ unto her or keep him from her Lastly we finde in the tyrannicall usurpations of the Romish Antichrist the 10 hornes which some of good note conceive to be the 10 Kingdomes into which the Romane Empire was quartred and divided are expresly said Revel 17. 13. to have one minde to give their power and strength unto the Beast yea ver 17. their Kingdome unto the Beast untill the Words of God shall be fulfilled whence it followes that all those Nations that are guilded over with the name of Christ have under that mask or vizâ—rd as some Executioners and Tormentors in the Inquisition use to torment persecuted the Lord Iesus Christ either with a more open grosse and bloody or with a more subtle secret and gentle violence Let us cast our eyes about turne over the Records and examine the experience of past and present Generations and see if all particular observations amount not to this summe viz. that the great whore hath committed fornication with the Kings of the Earth and made drunke thereof Nations with the cup of the wine of her fornications In which drunkennes and whoredome as whores use to practice she hath robbed the Kings and Nations of their power and strength and Iesabel like having procured the Kings names and seales she drinks drunk Revel 17. with the blood of Naboth who because he dares not part with his rightfull inheritance in the land of Canaan the blessed land of promise and salvation in Christ as a Traitour to the civill State and Blasphemer against God she under the colour of a day of humiliation in Prayer and Fasting stones to death CHAP. CXVI Peace DEare Truth how art thou hidden from the eyes of men in these mysteries how should men weep abundantly with Iohn that the Lambe may please to open these blessed sealeâ— unto them Truth O that Men more prized their makers feare â— then should they be more acquainted with their Makers councells for his Secret is with them that feare him Psal. 25. I passe on to a second Difference The Kings of Israel and Iudah were all solemnly annointed with oyle Psal. 39. 20. I have found David my servant with my holy 〈◊〉 have I annointed him Whence the Kings of Israel and Iudah were
doubtlesse so farre as they have gone they bid the most and make the fairest plea for the puritie and power of Christ Iesus let the rest of the Inhabitants of the World be Judges Let all the former well be viewed in their externall State pomp riches conformitie to the World c. And on the other side let the latter be considered in their more through departure from sinne and sinfull Worship their condescending generally to the lowest and meanest contentments of this life their exposing of themselves for Christ to greater sufferings and their desiring no Civill sword nor Arme of Flesh but the two-edged sword of Gods Spirit to try out the matter by and then let the Inhabitants of the World judge which come neerest to the doctrine holines povertie patience and practice of the Lord Jesus Christ and whether or no these later deserve not so much of Humanitie and the Subjects Libertie as not offending the Civill State in the freedome of their Soules to enjoy the common aire to breath in CHAP. CXX Peace DEare Truth you have shewne me a little draught of Zions sorrowes her children tearing out their mothers bowels O when will Hee that stablisheth comforteth and builds up Zion looke downe from Heaven and have mercy on her c. Truth The Vision yet doth tarry saith Habacuk but will most surely come and therefore the patient and believing must wait for it But to your last Proposition whether the Kings of Israel and Judah were not types of Civill Magistrates now I suppose by what hath been already spoken these things will be evident First that those former types of the Land of the People of their Worships were types and figures of a spirituall Land spirituall People and spirituall Worship under Christ. Therefore consequently their Saviours Redeemers Deliverers Iudges Kings must also have their spirituall Antitypes and so consequently not civill but spirituall Governours and Rulers lest the very essentiall nature of Types Figures and Shadowes be overthrowâ—e Secondly although the Magistrate by a Civill sword might well compell that Nationall Church to the externall exercise of their Naturall Worship yet it is not possible according to the rule of the New Testament to compell whole Nations to true Repentance and Regeneration without which so farre as may be discerned true the Worship and holy Name of God is prophaned and blasphemed An Arme of Flesh and Sword of Steele cannot reach to cut the darknesse of the Mind the hardnesse and unbeleefe of the Heart and kindely operate upon the Soules affections to forsake a long continued Fathers worship and to imbrace a new though the best and truest This worke performes alone that sword out of the mouth of Christ with two edges Rev. 1. 3. Thirdly we have not one tittle in the New Testament of Christ Iesus concerning such a parallel neither from Himselfe nor from his Ministers with whom he conversed fourty dayes after his Resurrection instructing them in the matters of his Kingdome Acts 1. Neither find we any such commission or direction given to the Civill Magistrate to this purpose nor to the Saints for their submission in matters spirituall but the contrary Acts 4. 5. 1 Cor. 7. 23. Coloss. 2. 18. Fourthly we have formerly viewed the very nature and essence of a Civill Magistrate and find it the same in all parts of the World where ever people live upon the face of the Earth agreeing together in Townes Cities Provinces Kingdomes I say the same essentially Civill both from 1. the rise and fountaine whence it springs to wit the pâ—â—ples choice and free consent 2. The Object of it viz. the common-weale or safety of such a people in their bodies and goods as the Authours of this Modell have themselves confessed This civill Nature of the Magistrate we have proved to receive no addition of power from the Magistrates being a Christian no more then it receives diminution from his not being a Christian even as the Common-weale is a true Common-weale although it have not heard of Christianitie and Christianitie professed in it as in Pergamus Ephesus c. makes it ne're no more a Commonweale and Christianitie taken away and the candlestick removed makes it ne're the lesse a Commonweale Fifthly the Spirit of God expresly relates the worke of the civill Magistrate under the Gospel Rom. 13. expresly mentioning as the Magistrates object the duties of the second Table concerning the bodies and goods of the subject 2. The reward or wages which people owe for such a worke to wit not the contribution of the Church for any spirituall work but tribute toll custome which are wages payable by all sorts of men Natives and Forreigners who enjoy the same benefit of publick peace and commerce in the Nation Sixthly Since the civill Magistrate whether Kings or Parliaments States and Governours can receive no more in justice then what the People give and are therefore but the eyes and hands and instruments of the people simply considered without respect to this or that Religion it must inevitably follow as formerly I have touched that if Magistrates have received their power from the people then the greatest number of the people of every Land have received from Christ Iesus a power to establish correct reforme his Saints and servants his wife and spowse the Church And she that by the expresse word of the Lord Psal. 149. binds Kings in chaines and Nobles in links of iron must her selfe be subject to the changeable pleasures of the people of the World which lies in wickednesse 1 Iohn 5. even in matters of Heavenly and spirituall Nature Hence therefore in all controversie concerning the Church Ministrie and worship the last Appeale must come to the Bar of the People or Commonweal where all may personally meet as in some Commonweales of small number or in greater by their Representatives Hence then no person esteemed a beleever and added to the Church No Officer chosen and ordained No person cast forth and excommunicated but as the Common-weale and people please and in conclusion no Church of Christ in this Land or World and consequently no visibly Christ the Head of it Yea yet higher consequently no God in the World worshipped according to the institutions of Christ Jesus except the severall peoples of the Nations of the World shall give allowance Peace Deare Truth Oh whither have our Forefathers and teachers led us higher then to God himselfe by these doctrines driven out of the World you cannot rise and yet so high must the inevitable and undeniable consequences of these their doctrines reach if men walke by their owne common Principles Truth I may therefore here seasonably adde a seventh which is a necessary consequence of all the former Arguments and an Argument it selfe viz. we finde expresly a spirituall power of Christ Iesus in the hands of his Saints Ministers and Churches to bee the true Antitype of those
God the Spirituall Iewes Christs true followers in all parts and quarters of the World Beside all these without Israel is betraied within her owne bowells bloudy Sauls Absaloms Sheâ—aes Adonljahs Ieroboams Athalâ—ahs raising insurrections conspiracies tumults in the Antitype and Parallell the Spirituall state of the Christian Church Secondly consider we the famous and wonderfull battells victories captivities deliverances which it pleased the God of Israel to dispence to that people and Nation and let us search if they can be paralleld by any State or people but mystically and Spiritually the true Christian Israel of God Gal. 6. How famous was the bondage and slavery of that people and Nation 430 yeares in the Land of Aegypt and as famous glorious and miraculous was their returne through the Red Sea a figure of Baptisme 1 Corinth 10. and Aegypt a figure of an Aegypt now Rev. 11. 8 How famous was the 70 yeares captivity of the Iewes in Babel transported from that Land of Canaan and at the full period returned againe to Ierusalem a type of the captivity of Gods people now Spiritually captivated in mysticall Babel Rev. 18. 4 Time would faile me to speake of Ioshua's conquest of literall Canaan the slaughter of 31 Kings of the miraculous taking of Iericho and other Cities Gideon his miraculous battell against the Midianites Ionathan and his Armour bearer against the Philistims David by his 5 smooth stones against Goliah Asa Iehosaphat Hezechia their mighty and miraculous victories against so many hundred thousand Enemies and that sometimes without a blow given What State what Kingdome what warres and combats victories and deliverances can parallel this people but the Spirituall and mysticall Israel of God in every Nation and Country of the World typed out by that small typicall handfull in that little spot of ground the land of Canaan The Israel of God now men and women fight under the Great Lord Generall the Lord Iesus Christ Their Weapons Armour and Artillery is like themselves Spirituall set forth from top to toe Ephes. 6. So mighty and so potent that they breake downe the strongest holds and Castles yea in the very soules of men and carry into captivity the very thoughts of men subjecting them to Christâ— Iesus They are Spirituall conquerours as in all the 7 Churches of Asia He that overcommeth He that overcommeth Rev. 2. 3. Their victories and conquests in this are contrary to those of this World for when they are slaine and slaughtered yet then they conquer So overcame they the Divell in the Roman Emperours Rev. 12. By the bloud of the Lambe 2. By the word of their Testimony 3. The cheerfull spilling of their owne bloud for Christ for they loved not their lives unto the death And in all this they are more then Conquerors through him that loved them Rom. 8. This glorious Armie of white Troopers horses and harnesse Christ Iesus and his true Israel Rev. 19. gloriously conquer and overcome the Beast the false Prophet and the Kings of the Earth up in Armes against them Rev. 19. and lastly raigning with Christ a thousand yeares they conquer the Divell himselfe and the numberlesse Armies like the sand on the Sea shoare of Gog and Magog and yet not a tittle of mention of any sword helmet breastplate shield or horse but what is Spirituall and of a heavenly nature All which Warres of Israel have been may be and shall be fulfilled mystically and Spiritually I could further insist on other particulars of Israels unparalled state and might display those excellent passages which it pleaseth God to mention Nâ—hem 9. CHAP. CXXIII Peace YOu have deare Truth as in a glasse presented the face of Old and New Israel and as in water face answereth to face so doth the face of typicall Israel to the face of the Antitype between whom and not between Canaan and the Civill Nations and Countries of the World now there is an admirable consent and harmony But I have heard some say was not the civill state and Judicialls of that people presidentiall Truth I have in part and might further discover that from the King upon his Throne to the very Beasts yea the excrements of their bodies as we see in their going to War Deut 23. 12â— their civills moralls and naturalls were carried on in types and however I acknowledge that what was simply morall civill and naturall in Israels state in their constitutions Lawes punishments may be imitated and followed by the States Countries Cities and Kingdomes of the World Yet who can question the lawfulnesse of other formes of Government Lawes and punishments which differ since civill constitutions are mens Ordinances or creation 2. Pet. 2. 13. unto which Gods people are commanded even for the Lords sake to submit themselves which if they were unlawfull they ought not to do Peace Having thus far proceeded in examining whether God hath charged the Civill State with the establishing of the Spirituall and Religious what conceive you of that next assertion viz It is well knowne that the remissenes of Princes in Christendome in matters of Religion and Worship divolving the care thereof only to the Clergie and so setting theâ— Hoâ—â—es upon the Churches head hath been the cause of 〈◊〉 invention usurpation and corruption in the Worship and Temple of God Truth It is lamentably come to passe by Gods just permission Sathans policie the peoples sinne and the malice of the wicked against Christ and the corruption of Princes and Magistrates that so many inventions 〈◊〉 and corruptions are 〈◊〉 in the Worship and Temple of God throughout that part of the World which is called Christian and may most properly be called the Popes Christendome in opposition to Christ Iesus his true Christian Common-weale or Church the true Christendome But that this hath arisen from Princes remissenesse in not keeping their watch to establish the Purity of Religion Doctrine and Worship and to punish according to Israels patterne all false Ministers by rooting them and their worships out of the World that I say can never bee evinced and the many thousands of glorious Soules under the Altar whose blood hath beene spilt by this position and the many hundred thousand soules driven out of their bodies by Civill Warres and the many millions of soules forced to hypocrisie and ruine eternall by inforced Vniformities in Worship will to all Eternity proclaime the contrary Indeed it shewes a most injurious idlenes and unfaithfulnes in such as professe to be Messengers of Christ Iesus to cast the heaviest weight of their care upon the Kings and Rulers of the Earth yea upon the very Common-weales Bodies of People that is the World it selfe who have fundamentally in themselves the Root of Power to set up what Government and Governours they shall agree upon Secondly it shewes abundance of carnall diffidence and distrust of the glorious power and gracious presence of the Lord Iesus who hath given his promise and
type out a Civill but a Spirituall Sword of the Christian Church No man should be bound to worship nor maintaine a Worship against his own consent Christs labourers worthy of their hire but from them that hire them What maintenance Christ hath appointed his Ministers in the Gospell Universities of Europe a cause of universall sins plagues yet Schooles honourable for Tongues and Arts. Christs church his Schoole and all Believers Scholars Who knowes but God may againe powre forth the gifts of Tongues Tongues attainable out of Oxford or Cambridge Mr. Ainsworth King Henry the 8. set downâ—â— the Popes chaire in England If the Mgistrate must punish in Spirituall 〈◊〉 he must 〈◊〉 be judge 〈◊〉 Spirituall causes also Apocripha Common-Prayer and Homilies pretious to our forefaâ—hers A case Reformations are fallible Bloudy conclusions 11 Head The argument from the Babylonian and Persian kings re-minded The president of the Kings and Governoâ—â—s of Israel and Iudah examined The state of Israel relating to spirituall matters proved typicall The Persian Kings make evidently against such as produce them for maintenance of the doctrine of persecution The Land of Canaan chosen by God to be the seat of the Church but under the New Testament all Nations alike The inhabitants of Canaans Land every soule to be put to death that the Israelites might enjoy their possessions not so now The very 〈◊〉 silver of Caraâ—aesâ— Images 〈◊〉 to be abhorred The Land of Canaan ceremonially holy Greater holynesse in the Antitype under the Gospel then in the types under the Law The Land of Canaan Jehorahs Land Emanuels Land so no Land or country more then another The Blasphe mâ—us titles of the Christned and Christian World The materiall Land of Caâ—aâ—n was to keep her Sabboths so no materiall land or Country now God feedeth his sometimes immediately The Jâ—bilee of Canaan a type of restitution and redemption in the Gospell Canaans land a type of 〈◊〉 Kingdome of God on Earth and in Heaven Why Naboth refused to part with a Garden plot to his King upon hazard of his life The difference of the people of Israel and all other Peoples The people of Israel the seed of one man Only made good in the Spirituall seed the regeneâ—ate or new-borne The people of Israel separate from all Nations in Spâ—â—â— all and in some Civill things No Nation so sâ—parated to God in the Gospel but only the new borne Israel that feare God in every Nation The whole people of Israel 〈…〉 of Egypt Not so any whole Nation now Popeâ—y not so easily turned from as iâ— conceived Wonderfull turnings in Religion in 12 yeares conpasse in England The Pope not unlike to recover his Monarchie over Europe before his downfall Who are now the true Seed of Abraham The people of Israel all holy in a typicall 〈◊〉 All Nations now alike since the comming of the Lord Jesus The children of Israel a figure of the Israel or people of God only uâ—der the Gospel The people of Israel 〈◊〉 rent from all the world in their figurative and ceremoniall worships Israel Gods only Church might well renew that Nationall Covenant and ceremoniall worship which other Nations cannot imitate The hypocrisies prophanations and slaughters which such imitation now in the Gospell produce The difference of the Kings and Governours of Israel from al Kings Governors of the world First they were all members of the Church Excellent Talents vouchsafed by God to unregenerate persons A doctrine contrary to all true Piety and Humanity it selfe The Papists doctrine of deposing Magistrates confessed in effect to be true by the Pâ—â—cestants No civill Magistrate Christian in Christs time Five demonstrative arguments proving the unsoundnesse of that Maxime The Church and Common-wealth are like Hypocrates twins Many flourishing States without a true Church Many of Gods people 〈…〉 from a true Church state Yet â—it for civill services Gods people permitted and favoured by Idolaters Christs church gathered and governed with out the helpe of an arme of flesh Christs true â—pouse 〈◊〉 and faithfull to Christ Jâ—sus in the 〈…〉 or 〈◊〉 from the World The 10 horns Revel 13. 17. The great mysterie of Persecution unfolded Christian Naboths slaughtered 2. Difference The mysterie of the anointing the Kings of Israel and Judah The Name Christian or Anointed A Sacrilegious Monopolie of the Name Christian. The Crown of Christs Kingly power 3. The Kings of Israel and Judah invested with aâ— Spirituall power David immeately inspired by the Spirit of God in his ordering of Church maâ—ters Salomons deposing Abiathar â— Kings 2. 26. 27â— discussed Salomon his putting Abiathar from the Priesthood examined A case put upon occasion of Abiathars case Another â—ase The liberties of Christs Churches in the choice of their officers A civill influence dangerous to the Saints liberties Jehosaphats â—ast examined If civill powers may injâ—yâ—e the time oâ— the Churches wâ—rship the may also forbid her times God will not wrong Caesar and Caesar should not wrong God The famous acts of 〈◊〉 examined Mâ—gistracy in generall from God the particular formes from the people Israel confirmed in a Nationall Covenant by revelations signes and miracles but so not England Henry 8. the first head and governour of the Church of England The wonderfull formings and reformings of Religion by Englands Kings Kings and States often plant and often pluck up Religions A Nationall Church ever subject to turne and returne c. A woman Papissa or head of the Church The Papists neerer to the Truth concerning the government of the Church then most Protestants The Kingly power of the Lord Jesus troubles all the Kings and Rulers of the Woâ—ld A twofold exaltation of Christ. The world â—â—oâ—meth at both A fourth difference Kings of Israel â—ypes They wore a double Crown The Saviours of the Jewes â—igures of the Saviour of the World The Monarchicall and Ministeriall power of Christ. 3 Great Competitours for the Ministeriall power of Christ. The Popes great pretenders foâ— the Ministeriall power of Christ. They also upon the point chalenge the Monarchicall also The second great pretender the Civill Magistrate 3 Great factions chalenging an Arme of Flesh. 1. The Preâ—aciâ— 2. The Presbyterie The Pope and Presbyteâ—iâ— make use of the Civill Magistrate but as of an Executioâ—er 3. Independents The Independents who come neerest to the Bishops The third competition of those that seperate Their neerer conformitie to Christ. The Churches of the Seperation ought in Humanitie and Subjects Libertie not to be oppressed but at least permitted â— Reasons proving that the Kings of Israel and Judah cannot have any other but a Spirituall Antitype Civill Types and figures must needs be answered by Spirituall Antitypes Civill compulsion was proper in the Nationall Church of the Jewes but most improper in the Christian which is not Nationall Neither Christ Jesus nor his Messengers have made the Civill Magistrate Israels Antitype but the contrary Civill Magistracie essentially civill and the same in
Wrath after he had persecuted David the figure of Christ Iesus who hath given his people the Scepter and Sword of his Word and Spirit and refused a temporall Crowne or Weapons in the dispensation of his Kingdome Where did the Lord Jesus or his Messengers charge the Civill Magistrate or direct Christians to petition him to publish declare or establish by his Arme of Flesh and Earthly weapons the Religion and worship of Christ Jesus I finde the Beast and false Prophet whose rise and doctrine is not from Heaven but from the Sea and Earth dreadfull and terrible by a Civill Sword and dignitie Rev 13. 2. I find the Beast hath gotten the power and might of the Kings of the Earth Revel 17. 13. But the Lambes weapons are Spiritually mighty 2 Cor. 10. c. his Sword is two-edged comming out of his mouth Revel 1. His preparations for War are white Horses and white Harnesse which are contest by all to be of a spirituall nature Revel 19. When that whore Iesabel stabbed Naboth with her Pen in stirring up the people to stone him as a Blasphemer of God and the King what a glorious maske or vaile of Holines put she on Proclaime a Fast set a day apart for humiliation and for confirmation let all be ratified with the Kings Authoritie Name and Seale 1 1 Kings 21. 8. Was not this recorded for all Gods Naboths standing for their Spirituall interests in heavenly things typed out by the typicall earth and ground of Canaans land that they through patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15â— 4. Againe I demand who shall here sit Judge whether the Magistrate command any other Substance or Ceremonie but what is Christs By their former Conclusions every Soule must judge what the Magistrate commandeth and is not bound even in indifferent things to the Magistrates Law further then his own Soule Conscience and judgement ascends to the Reason of it Here the Magistrate must make Lawes for that Substance and Ceremony which Christ appointed But yet he must not doe this with his eyes open but blindfold and hoodwinkt for if he judge that to be the Religion of Christ and such to be the order there in which their Consciences judge otherwise and assent not to they professe they must submit only to Christs lawes and therefore they are not bound to obey him Oâ— what is this but to make use of the Civill Powers and Governours of the World as a Guard about the Spirituall Bed of Soulewhoredomes in which the Kings of the Earth commit Spirituall fornication with the great Whore Rev. 17. 2 as a Guard while the Inhabitants of the Earth are drinking themselves drunke with the wine of her fornication But oh what terrifying what allurings are in Iereinies Curse and Blessing 1 Ier. 17. Cursed is the man that trusteth in man that maketh Flesh his Arme too too common in spirituall matters and whose heart departeth from Jehovah He shall be as an Heath in the Wildernes even in the spirituall and mysticall wildernes and shall not see when comfort comes but shall abide in drouth in the wildernesse in a barrenland c. CHAP. XCVI Peace O What mysteries are these to Flesh and Blood how hard for flesh to forsake the Arme thereof But passe on deare Trutly to their proofe propounded Ezra 7. 23. Wherein Artaxerxes confirmed by Law what ever was commanded by the God of Heaven Truth In this Scripture I mind first the people of God captivated under the dominion and government of the Kings of Babel and Persia. Secondly Artaxerxes his favour to these Captives 1. Of freedome to their Consciences 2. Or bountie towards them 3. Of exempting of some of them from common charges Thirdly Punishments on offenders Fourthly the ground that â—aries him on to all this Fifthly Ezra praising of God for putting this into the heart of the King Concerning the people of God the Iewes they were as Lambes and Sheep in the jawes of the Lyon the dearely beloved of his Soule under the devouring Tyrants of the World both the Babylonian and the Persian farre from their owne Nation and the Government of their own anointed Kings the figures of the true King of the Iewes the Lord Iesus Christ. In this respect it is cleere that the Iewes were no more subject to the Kings of Babylon and Persia in Spirituall things then the Vessels of the Sanctuary were subject to the King of Babels use Dan. 5. Concerning this King I consider first his person a Gentile Idolater an oppressing Tyrant one of those devouring Beasts Daâ— 7. 8. An hand of bloody Conquest set the Crown upon the lead of these Monarchs and although in Civill things they might challenge subjection yet why should they now sit down in the throne of Israel and governe the people and Church of God in Spirituall things Secondly consider his acts of Favour and they will not amount to a positive Command that any of the Iewes should goe up to build the Temple nor that any of them should practice his own worship which he kept and judged the best for his owne Soule and People 'T is true he freely permits them and exerciseth a bounteous assistance to them All which argues no more but that sometimes it pleaseth God to open the hearts of Tyrants greatly to favour and further his people Such favour found Nehemiah and Daniel and others of Gods people have and shall finde so often as it pleaseth Him to honour them that honour Him before the Sonnes of Men. Peace Who sees not how little this Scripture contributes to their Tenent but why say some should this King confirme all with such severe punishments and why for all thisâ— should Ezra give thankes to God if it were not imitable for after-times Truth The Law of God which he confirmed he knew not and therefore neither was nor could he be a Judge in the Case And for his Ground what was it but the common terrours and convictions of an affâ—ighted Conscience In such sits and pangs what have not Pharaohs Sauls Ahabs Herods Agrippa's spoken and what wonderfull decrees have Nabuchadnizzar Cyrus Darius Artaxerxes put forth concerning the God of Israel Dan. 3. 6. Ezra 1 7 c. and yet as farre from being charged with as they were from being affected to the Spirituall Crown of Governing the Worship of God and the Conscience of his people â—Tis true Ezra most piously and justly gave thankes to God for putting such a thing into the heart of the King But what makes this pattern for the Laws of Civil Governours now under the Gospell It suited well with that Nationall state of Gods Church that the Gentile King should release them permit them to returne to their own Land assist them with other favours and enable them to execute punishments upon offenders according to their Nationall State But did God put such a thing as this into
the heart of the King viz. to restraine upon paine of Death all the millions of men under his Dominion from the Idolatties of their severall and respective Countries to constraine them all upon the like penaltie to conforme to the Worship of the God of Israel to build him a Temple erect an Altar ordaine Priests offer sacrifice observe the Fasts and Feasts of Israel yea did God put it into the Kings heart to send Levites into all the parts of his Dominion compelling them to heare which is but a naturall thing as some unsoundly speake unto which all are bound to submit Well however Ezra gives thankes to God for the Kings and so should all that feate God in all Countries if he would please to put it into the hearts of the Kings States and Parliaments to take off the yoakes of Violence and permit at least the Consciences of their Subjects and especially such as in truth make Conscience of their Worships to the God of Israel and yet no cause for Ezra then or Gods Ezra's and Israelites now to acknowledge the care and charge of Gods worship Church and Ordinances to lie upon the shoulders of Artaxerxes or any other Civill Prince or Ruler Lastly for the Confirmation or Ratification which they suppose Magistrates are bound to give to the Lawes of Christ I answer Gods cause Christs Truth and the two-edged sword of his Word never stood in need of a temporall Sword or an humane Witnes to confirme and ratifie them If we receive the witnesse of an honest man the witnesse of the most holy God is greater 1. Iohn 5. The result and summe of the whole matter is this 1. It may please God sometimes to stir up the Rulers of the Earth to permit and tolerate to favour and countenance Gods people in their worships though only out of some strong conviction of conscience or feare of wrath c. and yet themselves neither understand Gods worship nor leave their owne state Idolatry or Country worship For this Gods people ought to give thankes unto God yea and all men from this example may learne not to charge upon the Magistrates conscience besides the care of the Civill peace the bodies and goods of men the Spirituall peace in the worship of God and soules of men but hence are Magistrates instructed favourably to permit their subjects in their worships although themselves bee not perswaded to submit to them as Nebuchadnezzar Cyrus Darius and Artaxerxes did CHAP. XCVII Peace THe sixt question is this How far the Church is subject to their Lawes All those say they who are members of the Commonweale are bound to be subject to all the just and righteous Laws thereof and therefore membership in Churches not cutting men off from the membership in commonweales they are bound to be subject even every soule Rom. 13. 1. as Christ himselfe and the Apostles were in their places wherein they lived and therefore to exempt the Clergy as the Papists do from Civill subjection and to say that generatio Clerici is corruptio subditi is both sinfull and scandalous to the Gospel of God and though all are equally subject yet Church members are more especially bound to yeeld subjection and the most eminent most especially bound not only because conscience doth more strongly binde but also because their ill examples are more infectious to others pernicious to the State and provoke Gods wrath to bring vengeance on the State Hence if the whole Church or officers of the Church shall sin against the State or any person by sedition contempt of Authority heresie blasphemy oppression slander or shall withdraw any of their members from the service of the State without the consent thereof their persons and estates are liable to Civill punishments of Magistrates according to their righteous and wholsome Lawes Exod. 22. 20. Levit. 24. 16. Deut. 13. 5. 18. 10. Truth What concernes this head in civill things I gladly subscribe unto what concernes heresie blasphemy c. I have plentifully before spoken to and shall here only say 2 things First those Scriptures produced concerne only the people of God in a Church estate and must have reference onely to the Church of Christ Jesus which as Mr. Cotton confesseth is not Nationall but Congregationall of so many as may meet in one place 1 Cor. 14 therefore no Civâ—ll State can be the antitype and parallell to which purpose upon the 11 Question I shall at large shew the difference betweene that Nationall Church and State of Israel and all other States and Nations in the World Secondly If the Rulers of the Earth are bound to put to death all that worship other gods then the true God or that blaspheme that is speake evill of in a lesser or higher degree that one true God it must unavoidably follow that the beloved for the Fathers sake the Jewes whose very Religion blasphemeth Christ in the highest degree I say they are actually sonnes of death and all to be immediately executed according to those quoted Scriptures And Secondly the Townes Cities Nations and Kingdomes of the World must generally be put to the sword if they speedily renounce not their Gods and Worships and so cease to blaspheme the true God by their Idolatries This bloody consequence cannot be avoided by any Scripture rule for if that rule be of force Deut. 13. 18. not to spare or shew mercy upon person or City falling to Idolatry that bars out all favour or partiality and then what heapes upon heapes in the slaughter houses and shambles of Civill Warres must the world come to as I have formerly noted and that unnecessarily it being not required by the Lord Jesus for his sake and the Magistrates power and weapons being essentially Civill and so not reaching to the impiety or ungodlinesse but the incivility and unrighteousnesse of tongue or hand CHAP. XCVIII Peace DEare Truth these are the poysoned daggers stabbing at my tender heart Oh when shall the Prince of peace appeare and reconcile the bloudy sons of men but let me now propose their 7 head viz. In what order may the Magistrate execute punishment on a Church or Church-member that offendeth his Lawes First grosse and publicke notorious sinnes which are against the light of conscience as Heresie c. there the Magistrate keeping him under safe ward should send the offendour first to the Church to heale his conscience still provided that the Church be both able and willing thereunto By which meanes the Magistrate shall convince such an ones conscience that he seeketh his healing rather then his hurt The censure also against him shall proceed with more power and blessing and none shall have cause to say that the Magistrate persecutes men for their consciences but that he justly punisheth such an one for sinning rather against his conscience Tit. 3. 0. Secondly in private offences how the Magistrate may proceed see Chap. 12. It is not materiall
part with his Inheritance to King Ahab counting all Ahabs seeming reasonable offers most unreasonable as soliciting him to part with a Garden plot of Canaans land though his refusall cost him his very life What Land what Country now is Israels Parallel and Antitype but that holy mysticall Nation the Church of God peculiar and called out to him out of every Nation and Country 1 Pet. 2. 9. In which every true spirituall Naboth hath his spirituall inheritance which he dares not part with though it be to his King or Soveraigne and though such his refusall cost him this present life CHAP. CXII Peace DOubtlesse that Canaan Land was not a patterne for all Lands It was a none-such unparalleld and unmatchable Truth Many other considerations of the same nature I might annex but I picke here and there a flowre and passe on to a second Head concerning the people themselves wherein the state of the people shall appeare unmatchable but only by the true Church and Israel of God First the people of Israel were all the Seed or Off-spring of one man Abraham Psal. 105. 6. and so downward the Seed of Isaac and Iacob hence called the Israel of God that is wrastlers and prevailers with God distinguished into twelve Tribes all sprung out of Israels loynes But now few Nations of the World but are a mixed Seed the people of England especially the Britaines Picts Romanes Saxons Danes and Normans by a wonderfull providence of God being become one English people Only the Spirituall Israel and Seed of God the New-borne are but one Christ is the Seed Gal. 3. and they only that are Christs are only Abrahams Seed and Heires according to the promise This Spirituall Seed is the only Antitype of the former figurative and typicall A Seed which all Christians ought to propagate yea even the unmarried men and women who are not capable of naturall off spring for thus is this called the Seed of Christ who lived and died unmarried Isa. 59. 21. Secondly this people was selected and separated to the Lord his Covenant and Worship from all the people and Nations of the World beside to be his peculiar and onely people Levit. 20. 26. c. Therefore such as returned from Babylâ—n 〈◊〉 Ierusalem they separated â—hemselves to eat the Passeover 〈◊〉 6 And in that solemne humiliation and confession before the Lord Nehem 9. the children of Israel separated themselves from all strangers This separation of theirs was so famous that it extended not only to Circumcision the Passeover and matters of Gods worship but even to temporall and civill things Thus Ezra 9 they separated or put away their very wives which they had taken of the strange Nations contrary to the Commandement of the Lord. But where hath the God of Heaven in the Gospel separated whole Nations or Kingdomes English Scotch Irish French Dutch c. as a peculiar people and Antitype of the people of Israel Yea where the least footing in all the Scripture for a Nationall Church after Christs comming Can any people in the world patterne this samplar but the New-borne Israel such as feare God in every Nation Acts 10. 35. commanded to come forth and separate from all uncleane things or persons 2 Cor. 6. and though not bound to put away strange wives as Israel did because of that peculiar respect upon them in Civill things yet to be holy or set apart to the Lord in all manner of civill conversation 1 Pet. 1. Only to marry in the Lord yea and to marry as if they married not 1 Cor 7. yea to hate wife and children father mother house and land yea and life it selfe for the Lord Iesus Luc. 14. Thirdly this Seed of Abraham thus separate from all people unto the Lord was wonderfully redeemed and brought from Aegypts bonâ—age through the Red Sea and the Wildernesse unto the Land of Canaan by many strange signes and wonderfull miracles wrought by the ouâ—stretched hand of the Lord famous and dreadfull and to be admired by all succeeding peoples and generations Deut. 4. 32 33 34. Aske now from one side of the Heaven unto the other whether there hath been such a thing as this c And we may aske againe from one side of the Heaven unto the other whether the Lord hath now so miraculously redeemed and brought unto Himselfe any Nation or people as he did this people of Israel Peace The English Scotâ—h Dutch c. are apt to make themselves the parallels as wonderfully come forth of Popeâ—y c. Truth 1. But first whole Nations are no Churches under the Gospel Secondly bring the Nations of Europe professing Protestanisme to the ballance of the Sanctuary and ponder well whether the body bulk the generall or one hundreth part of such peoples be truly turned to God from Popery Who knowes not how easie it is to turne and turne and turn againe whole Nations from one Religion to another Who knowes not that within the compasse of one poore span of 12 yeares revolution all England hath become from halfe Papist halfe Protestant to be absolute Protestants from absolute Protestants to absolute Papists from absolute Papists changing as fashions to absolute Protestants I will not say as some worthy witnesses of Christ have uttered that all England and Europe must againe submit their faire necks to the Popes yoake But this I say many Scriptures concerning the destruction of the Beast and the Whore looke that way And I adde they that feele the pulse of the people seriously must confesse that a victorious Sword and a Spanish Inquisition will soone make millions face about as they were in the Fore-Fathers times CHAP. CXIII Peace O That the Steersmen of the Nations might remember this Bee wise and kisse the Sonne lest he goe on in this His dreadfull anger and dash them in peeces here and eternally Truth I therefore thirdly adde That only such as are Abrahams Seed circumcised in Heart New-borne Israel or wrastlers with God are the Antitype of the former Israel these are only the holy Nation 1 Pet. 2. wonderfully redeemed from the Aegypt of this World Titus 2. 14. brought through the Red Sea of Baptisme 1 Cor. 10. through the wildernesse of afflictions and of the peoples Dent. 8. Ezâ—k 20. into the Kingdome of Heaven begun below even that Christian Land of Promise where flow the everflowing streames and Rivers of Spirituall milke and honey Fourthly All this people universally in typicall and ceremoniall respect were holy and cleane in this their separation and sequestration unto God Exod. 19. 5. Hence even in respect of their naturall birth in that Land they were an holy Seed and Ezrâ— makes it the matter of his great complaint Ezra 9. 12. The holy Seed have mingled themselves But where is now that Nation or Country upon the face of the Earth thus cleane and holy unto God and bound to so many ceremoniall cleansings