of the Land of Canaan by Iesus the son of Nun unto the conquest of JESVS the son of God over Sin death and Satan and all our enemies are twenty eight Iubilees our Lord and Saviour the Lord Iesus Christ who is the second Adam and Sem the Great and Reverend The Jubilee year a wonderful◠〈◊〉 the joyfull sound of the Trumpet in the acceptable year of the Lord sounded all these things The victorious combate with the Serpent and his seed and his triumph over them the fullnesse of times the Sacrifice of eternall Redemption the just for the unjust the open recovery of Paradise the resurrection of the most holy the true Temple destroyed and raised the day of salvation the Jews Prerogative ended the Gentiles called the enmity of Jew and Gentile abolished the shadows flee away Christ shook and ended the things made with hands the Sun is darkned the Vail of the Temple rent because the way into the holy heavens was opend by a better Priest and Sacrifice c. c. c. died in a * Iubilee year The ancient holy Hebrews had an excellent and wonderfull saying among them that The Divine Majesty dwelling in our Tabernacle will be to Israel in a Iubilee remission redemption and finisher of Sabbaths Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the ninth Chapter QVest 2. and Ans upon the 2. verse of Dan. 9. The reading study and meditation of the holy Scriptures a great furtherance to prayer A man cannot pray with sound spirituall comfort that is ignorant in them as is manifest in this verse and the rest of the Chapter Blessed is the man that delighteth in them and in them doth meditate day and night Psal 1. And anathema maranatha be that man of sin and his locusts and Kingdome that with-holdeth and forbiddeth the reading and study of the holy Scriptures to the people Observe well 2 Sam 7.27 Gods revelation the ground of prayer yea boldnesse in it Upon Daniel 9 23. Conceive the word and perceive it c. By this commandement doubled for vehementer charge he condemneth the world that regardeth not to be instructed in this doctrine sent from heaven by an Angel unto Daniel and penned for all Nations use Wherefore we must give better heed unto the speech lest we perversly swarve for if the word spoken by angels fall out sure and every trespasse received just recompence of reward how shall we ever escape neglecting so great a charge of our King to our own salvation where the vision is so clear that no doubt can be moved by any plain heart that will rest in the clearnesse of the most bright message by an angel of glory who coming to teach all the world was to shine in words as Stephâ—n by him did in the face Acts 6 when he spake the angell Gabriels words that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the place City and Temple and change the Laws which Moses gave To this day the blind Jews stand in this that the Laws of Moses shall stand for ever Maymon Tom. 1. delege perek 9. Therefore God fore-seeing their dullnesse of hearing would have an angel of light to teach them by this Prophesie 490 years when from the year of that message unto Daniel the Laws of Moses should have their end and none of the Scribes when Herod was affrighted nor any of the Iews as is seen by their answers in all the Gospel objected disagreement for the time which thing had been done if there had been any colour of disagreement in time but they could not conceive of Christs person and office how that he should be the most holy and King and yet dy for our redemption how he should be Davids Lord and yet his son of these things the main objections arose Now let us look unto the Text sâ—il Mr. Bro. on the text on both his english Daniels Upon Dan. 9.24 c. In this Scripture we come to behold in its flaming brightnesse of the King that is Sacrificer also by whom and for whom death is vanquished sun is cleansed Iustice is brought redemption is wrought a vision is sealed our soul is healed sacrifice abolished and the Temple destroyed for defacing of this doctrine the Iews be reiected for embracing this doctrine the Gentiles be elected to open calling Mr. Bro. in S. sight surely the angel his message concerneth the sum of all the Bible The Jews went weeping to Babel seeing Salomons house and Kingdome ended and the Temple burnt and all Moses ceremonies shaken but they returned rejoycing bringing sheaves of all comfort by Gabriels heavenly message of the seventy sevens concerning MESSIAH the King the Holy of Holy Upon Dan. 9.25 Out going of the word to restore c. mark the word of Proclamation of Cyrus Ezra 1. how it answereth this Prophesie Meditate also how pleasing it is to our God to have a tender affection to his cause Daniel mourned and prayed for the holy City and the holy Mountain and had a gracious answer by the holy angel compare Dan. 9 21.22 Also observe a speech in Zephaniah I will gather them that are sorrowfull for the solemn Assembly who are of thee such are the children of Sion the genuine members of Christs mysticall body to whom the reproach of it was a burden Zeph. 3.18 Psal 137.5 6. So Daniel again was affected when he mourned so bitterly when the building of the temple was hindred by Cambyses in Cyrus his absence Ezra 4 Dan. 10.2 3 4. No losse to the losse of holy things when they are gone God is gone and the enjoying of them no gain so great and no time so acceptable Lam. 2.6 7. Hâ—s 9 12. Ezek. 9 3. 10 4.18 19. and 11.22.23 Micâ—hs idolatrous contestation in a contrary must be the thought of every Holy soul for the esteeming procuring and upholding of Holy Assemblies Jud 18 24. Upon Dan. 9.26 The City and holy place shall be distroy The holy Martyr Stephen was called into question and lost his life for this glorious Doctrine of the holy Angell and yet his countenance before the Councill was like the Angels that brought the message Act 6.13 14 15. and all Chap. 7. How did Despisers wonder and perish when Stephen and Paul taught this Act. 6 7 Act. 13.41 45. 21.28 they wondered and in the end perished As of old they wondered at the Prophets Esai 8 18. Jer. 26 6 7 8. Hab. 1.5 so they did at our Lord and his Apostles Doctrine And verily so it is at this day where ever the Commandements of God and the faith of Jesus is truly and zealously taught Upon the same verse verse twenty five about the attribute Messiah which in this message of the Angell is twice expressed as a proper name of the Son of God who became a Son of man the Son of Adam Dan. 7.13 to fulfill all the Angels message And from this time of Dan 9. this attribute Messiah was very usuall among the faithfull
thy prayer came forth the word which I am come to tell thee because thou art greatly beloved therefore conceive the word and perceive the clear vision Which is seventy Sevens of years are accounted for thy people and for thy holy City to finish trespasse offerings and to end sin ofierings and to make reconciliation for iniquity and to bring righteousnesse everlasting and to seal vision and Prophet and to shew Christ the holy of holy c. Thus we see the ground-work of Mr. Bro. is a Rock as firm and stable as Mount Sion that we might build on Christ the Rock spoken by an Angel So the Angel speaking from heaven makes the begininng of the seventy Sevens to be from Daniels prayer and their ending to be at the glorious manifestation of MESIAS i.e. Christ to be the Holy ef Holy which was seen in his healthy passion and glorious Resurrection 5. Let us further consider the speech of the Angel which I noted before and think it worth the noting again who saith to Dantel Conceive the word and peâ—ceive the clear vision By this commandement doubled for more vehement charge he condemneth the world that regard not to be instructed in this Doctrine sent from heaven by an Augel unto Daniel and penned for all Nations use Wherefore We must give better heed unto that speech lest we wilfulyswerve for if the word spoken by Angels fall our sure and every trespasse received just recompence How shall we escape neglecting so great a charge of our King unto out own salvation where the vision is so clear that no doubt can be moved by any plain heart that will rest in the clearnesse of the most bright message by the Angel of glory who coming to teach all the world was to shine in words as Stephen by him did in the face when he spake the Angels words Acts 6. That Jesus of Nazaret would deftrroy the place city and Temple and change the Lawes which Moses gave To this day the blind Jews stand in this that the Laws of Moses shall continue for ever Maymon Tom. 1. de lege Perek 9. Therefore God seeing their dullnesse would have an Angel of light to teach them by this Prophecy 490 years when from the year of that Message unto Daniel the Laws of Moses should have their end And none of the Scribes when Herod was affrighted objected disagreement for the time which thing had been done if any colour of disagreement could be brought so none in all the new Testament touched disagreement in the time Mr. Bro. upon Daniel 6. Who would think to say the sveenty Sevens are a time not certain when as the holy Angel divides them into three parts seven sevens and sixty two sevens and one seven for the seven sevens he sheweth the troubles the â—â—â—dly returned from captivity should undergo before the Temple should be built and City walled and Christs should be born towards the latter part of the 62 Sevens and the last seven the last half of it our Lord would by his preaching and teaching three years and an half and by his death confirm the Covenant 7. Another weighty reason though noted other where That there was great need that Gods Israel and all the world should have know a definitive sentence from God how long Canaan and Jerusalem and Temple should have their Prerogative and how long sacrificing should be there lawfull and acceptable and when the partition-wall should be broken down and when the Gentiles should be brought into equal Covenant and this definitive and determinate time is most graciously demonstrated to us in the seventy Sevens It is not mans * Vâ— Mr. P. his Epistle prefixed Eulogia nor his Chrestologia nay rather nor his Mateologia that shall dis-anull the holy Chronologia of the holy Bible And therefore most cordially we do protest against the unworthy dealing of Mr. Sarson and Mr. P. in the premises not doubting but one of them will seriously think of his doings and be humbled though he saith he is unmoveable pa. 65 and that hence forward he will adhere and subscribe to the propriety of the word for tropes may not be sought where propriety standeth well enough and cleave to the lively Oracles of Iehovah the God of Israel And what Chronologie can be plainer then those of the holy Scriptures on which we rest and rely First on the accounts of the Fathers to the Floud Secondly the Fathers ages to the death of Terab upon whose death the promise to Abrabam was given Thirdly From that promise to the Law of the Passeover Exod. 12. Fourthly Thence to the building of the Temple 1 King 6. Fisâ—hly Thence to the burning of it which was in the nineteenth of Nebuchadâ—ezay Sixthly Thence to the ending of the Captivity in Babel Seavenshly Thence that sweet Heavenly scripture the I amp of all the Old Testament and the Abridgment of the New the Seavensy Seaveus which began from Daniâ—lls prayer and ended at the death of Christ All these Journeys of the Sun before largely shewed now breifly expressed were created to serve the Son of righteousnesse and are sure clear and certain and in their holy use have the power and strength of the Almighty But as for the Olimpiad accounts in this respect D.R. and Mr. P. c. would have us fall into the plame of 2 Tim. 4.4 we do not reston them but detest to take up their names into our lips it was the offering to a strange God to Divels to new Gods which came newly up which the holy Patriaâ—ks and Prophets and Saints of old feared not nor served What is this must we and our children regard the * fabulous toyes stories and accounts from this man that wan the Stadion this Olympiad or from that man that wan it in another or from that man that acted his part bravely as a gladiator this Olympiad or from him that acted the next Olimpiad or from this foot race and this horcerace that this man atcheived at this Olympiad or the foot race and horse-race that another man archieved at another or from the accounts of the Archontes of Athens or from the accounts of the building of Rome or from the accounts of the lying Caldeans as Daniel ever found them so to be Must I and our children hearken to these abominations and neglect the word spoken by an Angell from Heaven no surely but let all this cobweb-stuff of Doctrines of Divels be left to them to whom it belongs we are sure not to Christians this further warning I give to the people of God our Brethren For it is a shame that our godly learned Mr. Bro. in Advertis pa. 25. or any should contend to teach or to be taught by these Olym piads how to understand an * Angel of light sent by the grace of God to teach all the simple world into whose lips if grace were not poured to be unnerstood as soone as he spake Heaven would say Daniel
Buy the truth buâ— sell it not c. and redeem the time for the dayes are evil I doubt not he that will be constant will say it is as profitable an hour as ever he spent 3 I take it for granted that he that will hearken to this counsell must be godly disposed and full of courage for Christ our Lord doth give to his servants not the spirit of fear and slothfullnesse but of courage of love and of a sound judgement I confesse that Gods people had need be backed with heavenly strength in this degenerating time to meditate in the Law of God day and night But a good heart must mind what Christ said to Joshua chap. 1. and he had as much businesse in his hand as any man that now liveth Oh that I could perswade young men to trace me in all these directions I know the Lord would then blesse them 4 I have heard of a godly man in London that did read over the â—ibâ—e twelve times in one year and that made him so prompt as he was in the holy Scriptures and yet he was diligent in his calling and died wealthy he pleased not himself in much steep and shunned unnecessary pratling discourses and vain frothy company he was of a sober and stayed conversation his name was Mr. Roger Cotton a Woollen Draper in Canning street But alas there are but few at this day that do search into Gods word the wealthy and principal of state remit that work over unto others as a base work for themselves to regard but God doth greatly chastise the world for this neglect and Hosea from God doth thus complain of the people of Israel I have written to him the great things of my Law but they were counted as a strange thing Hosea 8. read chap. 4. 5. I pray the beloved Reader to consider that these dayes are dayes of triall of shaking and winnowing both of the outward and inner man and that Satan is a great Malignant both of godly parents and their children and that he labours to plunder them of an able godly and learned Ministery and of the Sabbath and of the seals of the Covenant yea of the Covenant it self as touching their infants and Satan would not have children catechised by forms which was yet the prctise of the Apostles times Heb. 6.1 2 3. that so they might be a prey to every foul spirit but the Lord our God will rebuke Satan and all his instruments 6. Consider there hath been ever and in these dayes is an aptnesse to depart from the Gospel of Christ but that neither we nor our posterity should apostate publick and private ordinances must with all godly care be attended All cannot be Angels of Churches and the Angels of Churches receive gifts and graces from Christ for the good of the Church It was an holy wish in Moses to say I would all the Lords people were Prophets and that he would put his spirit upon them and who is but would so wish but yet ever since the world began Christ in his administrations never did it nor ever will therefore they that despise ordinances it is of Satan and also for men to think they are above the holy Scriptures and need them not and that therefore they look for new Apostles this is also most certainly of Satan the old liar and deceiver 7. Let all such at neglect the Ordinances of Christ and the blessed Scriptures pretend never so much illuminations and Revelations of the Spirit and new light c. all such vanity is but Ignis faâ—â—â—s thus even thus did the old Serpent deal with our first Parents but Christ that restoreth all things saith to his disciples and children To the Law Isa 8.28 19.20 and to the testimony and if men speak not according to it there is no morning light in them it is also said Psal 138. â— The Lord hath magnified his word above all his name and also hath said in his new Testament Search the Scriptures John 5. c. c. They are not worthy the new name by which God hath called his chosen I mean the Christian name that set light by the word of Christ and a godly learned teaching Ministery 8. They that look for new Apostles and are not content with the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles Christ never prayed for such he prayed for them that believe in him through their word and preaching John 17. that makes the Spirit of Christ he foresaw this evil to admonish us to be mindfull of the words and commandements of the Apostles and he that knoweth God heareth the Apostles and they know not God that do not hear their doctrine and the apostle Paul saith That he with the other were the last Apostles 2 Pet. 3.2.1 John 4.6 1 Cor. 4.9 Judas Thaddeus 17. 9. Their faith is not worth a rush that neglect or reject the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles Ephes 2.20 the holy doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ with which he inspired and sent his apostles to preach to all nations is most pure glorious and full of all consolation and they filled the world with the fruit of their doctrine which hath remained to this day and shall to the end by a faithfull succession of an holy ministery 1 Cor 11 26. Brethren beloved you know who saith What singular thing do ye An unbeliever and a misbeliever will provide meat drink and cloathing and lay uâ— what they can for their children and will give wages to their â—â—â—â—â—â—ts and it is well so to do but what singular thing do yeâ— do that which none of theâ— will do let your children which Christ hath trusted you with and which you have born to him let Satanical spirits blaterate what they will be precious to you 2 Iohn 4. Ezek. 23.37 Deur 6.6 7. train them up in the blessed Scriptures that you and they may be blessed as those two blessed and godly Matrons the mother and grandmother of Timothy and also be carefull of your servants that they may blesse God for you when God shall visit their hearts and know this ye godly Parents and Masters * An acute aphorism of that Râ—man of God Mr. John Trap Ye are really what ye are relatively 10. You see what leaven is laid by the marked of the Beast the Papist and by the Anabaptist and the wretched Gorton c. c. If the honour of the word of God the blessed Scriptures be glorious with you if the glory of the Churches of Christ be of any value with you if the glory and comfort of the Covenant of God in Christ be of account with you teach your children unweariedly the sweet Scriptures that they may be delivered from the vanities and idols of these inchanters 11. But above all Popery is to be taken heed of and indeed the Dialogue was and is chiefly intended against it It is the greatest mysterie of iniquitie in the world and the most
and cast their spirits into eternall prison for their unbeleeving disobedient striving against the b Spirit of Christ in his Prophets preaching the Gospel So dangerous it is when people will not be wise * Consider Psal 2. through the whole volume how Christ breaketh the plots counsells c. of the serpents seed and kisse the Sonne The next generall judgment of the world and of wicked and ungodly men shall be by fire God hates c the wicked unbeleevers and hyppocrites in all ages like Devills according to that most constant doctrinall position 2 Joh. 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the Doctrine of Christ hath not God he that abideth in the Doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son QUest 13. How long was it from the first pronouncing of the curse upon the Earth to the open manifection of it by the Floud of waters Answ It was sixteen hundred fifty and six years Some Annotations upon this second Chapter with References to the number of the Questions and Letters of A B C c. In Answer to the first question in expounding Gen. 3.15 This scripture is the Basis of all the Doctrine of Gods Counsell concerning Redemption by Christ this scripture declares the decree of Gods eternall counsell and covenant as it was concluded and agreed on by the holy Trinity for mans Redemption from Satans head-plot Satans plot and purpose was to spoyl man and so consequently to have spoyled and undone the whole work of God in the Creation But this that sets forth an heavy threatning against Satan and the serpent his instrument that one from the seed of the woman should break his headplot and heal that misery which he brought on man and because that should be done a new heaven and a new earth should be made to the praise of Gods counsells which over raught the plot and project of Satan So this scripture containes in it a threatning to the serpent and his seed and a promise to Eve to all her beleeving seed of Christ Beloved Reader concerning this Text and the threatning in it to the terror of the serpent and his seed be pleased to read Mr. Pynchons booke of the meritorious price of mans redemption printed 1655. there you will have plentifull satisfaction but for this little worke I purpose cheifly to enlarge my selfe not as it is a threatning but as it is a promise concerning Christ The refore I will further observe from Gen. 3.15 I. That in this Text The eternall Gospell hid in God before the foundation of the world was now in Paradise manifested even the hid wisdome II. To this first and precious promise the Apostle hath respect when he saith He was made an Apostle of the faith and truth that is for the hope of eternall life which God that cannot lye promised before the times of the world but made his word of promise manifest in due time by the sending of Iesus Christ Tit. 1.1 2 3.2 Tim. 1.9.2 Pet. 1.4 The times of the world are counted by the birth of the first ten Fathers to the flood Thence by ten holy Fathers to the promise to Abraham Thence to the coming from AEgypt Thence to the building of the Temple Thence to the burning of it by Babels King Thence to the end of the captivity in Babel Thence by seventy sevens of yeares to the death of Christ or to the glorious redemption of man by the death of our Lord Jesus Christ III. This comprehendeth the Faith of Gods elect which was once delivered that is first and once for all delivered to the Saints and never after to be changed All other promises of Christ are but commorations and expositions of this The Doctrine of Faith can be but one because there is but one God and one Mediator Eph. 4. Note this phrase againe once delivered but still expounded This is Genus generalissimum And for this faith the Saints of all ages have contended to keep and uphold it against the serpent and his seed as all the Epistle of Iudas Thaddaeus is upon this argument All sins and punishments come on the world for despising this faith and comforts for imbracing 2 Thes 1.8 IV. From this first preaching of Christ till the mystery of God which he hath spoken by his holy Prophets and Apostles be finished wee must mind this constantly that Gods purpose was not to bring man fallen to life by the remains of any naturall abilities there was a Bar that wee should not think of any hope in that Gen. 3. ult But by a new and living way in the second Adam This is a Covenant of Grace not to him that worketh but to him that beleeveth and receiveth the Son of God as Mediator him hath God exalted in holy doctrine from the begining with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give change of mind and forgivenesse of sins to all the Israel of God Acts 3.21 5. 31. Now this new way is very foolishnesse to us naturally therefore wee dream of great excellencies in our corrupt dead stinking graves But we must hear the voice of the Son of God in his owne ordinances Iohn 5. and he must say to us live afore we can have the first Resurrection as we cannot have the second without his powerfull voice Ioh. 5. Isa 2.1 2 3 4 5 6. V. If the first Adam or any of him could helpe themselves what need the Son of God to be promised from the beginning to be a second Adam and to appear to destroy the works of the Devill 1 Joh. 1. and 3. he only knew how and was only able to mannage the whole officâ— of mediation and to performe all righteousnesse according to covenant in his own person without pressing and by his glorious Ordinances effectually to call and unquestionably to justifie and to prepare for glory all them of his mysticall body which the Father gave him Neither Adam nor any of his posterity had such abilities and for any thing they could do they should have born their own iniquities which was such a yoke that neither Patriarch nor Apostle were able to bear change of mind and forgivenesse of sins was ever preached to be by the second Adam Luke 24.47 Be it knowne therefore to all men saith this first promise that through this blessed seed the son of God made man is preached to us the forgivenesse of sins and by him all that beleeve are justified that is made free from the guilt of sin and punishment from which we could not be justified or made free by the Law of Moses Acts 13. The world was 3960 yeares from the Apostasie of the first Adam to the Redemption by the second Adam and who in all that time saved himselfe from death Death reigned over all old and young it is the second Adam that conquered death the reward of originall sin and hee rose againe for the justification or freedome of all Gods Children from sin
Floud Gen. 26.5 Answ Sem Arphaxad Selah Heber Peleg and the rest of the godly Fathers and their faithfull posterity to the dayes of Terah and Abraham QUest 5. Was there any that contemned and apostated from the God of Shem and his true religion Answ Yea Cham and Chanaan and Nimrod the grandchild of Cham drew away many of the sons of the open or visible Church to despise Christ in Shem sirnamed Melchisedeck who was ordained over them King and Preist who governed in Justice and peace so that there was a great apostacie of Sems own families Japheths and Chams QUest 6. Shew further how this apostacy went on Answ The outward glory of the false church was so great that some of the Fathers of the holy line as Terah and Abraham fell to the idolatry of Nimrods Kingdome Jos 24. But they being called repented Gen. 11. QUest 7. How did Christ break and bruise the seed of the serpent for their enmity and wickednesse that would not bave him to reigne over them Answ I. With his unspeakable severe judgements for even those families for despising the faith were excommunicated and cut off both Father and child from being of the houshold of God by the confusion * So Judah for despising the faith were plagued by a Nation of a strange tongue Deut. 28 49. so the world by the man of sin 1 Cor. 14. mind seriously Jer 44 26. of tongues and so were No-people and foolish Nations by being estranged from the life justice and peace of God in Christ that they did not hear nor see the light of his truth for two thousand years but followed Divells the Prince of the darkness of this world in endlesse and lawlesse Idolatries and of all the miseries that befell them they in speciall lost the Sabbath which would have kept them in the faith of the creation and redemption And let this sinke into the hearts of all men that all men ever were and will be Atheists or Idolaters that Christ speaks not to in their owne language by his holy law and to this answer ever seriously minde 2 Joh v 9. II. From these dayes the wrath of God was revealed from Heaven against them for their ungodlinesse and unrighteousnesse by wars and commotions and suffered them to walke in their own wayes by giving them up to a regardlesse mind and to the power of grosse darknesse and wilfull ignorance and to their hearts lusts and vile affections c. c. QUest 8. What benefit had the godly in Sems Tents and house by cleaving to the faith of Gods Elect Answ Through faith they obtained good report with God and confessed that they were pilgrims and strangers in this cursed world wherefore God was not ashamed of them to be called their God and accounted that the world was not worthy of them And as he promised builded and prepared so they hoped for an heavenly City and Country And Sems Tents had this glory that all the while that those families were cut off the hidden mystery of godlinesse was carefully kept in his Tents and house and the Hebrew Tongue also as all the old Testament doth witnesse QUest 9. Then the Prerogative of Sems Tents did not alwaies continue Answ No When the God of Shem tooke mans nature of the seed of the woman and gave his life a Ransome not for the Hebrewes or Jewes only but for the Heathens also Then that he might raigne and judge the world in righteousnesse he turned the curse of tongues to preach to and perswade all those families to obey the same faith from which their forefathers had apostated even to the Religion of Shems Tents QUest 10. How and to whom was the Revelation of the mystery of Christ continued to be revealed after the blessing to Sem Answ In the promise to Abraham that Christ should come of him according to the flesh QUest 11. How many yeares are from the floud to the promise made to Abraham Answ Foure hundred twenty seven yeares and so from the promise to our first Parents whom the Serpent murdered unto the promise to Abram given presently upon the death of Terah whose faith the Serpent corrupted to flames of Idolatry are years two thousand eighty three QUest 12. How many Chapters of Genesis are contained in those 2083. yeares Answ The eleven first chapters and also part of the first chapter of 1 Chronicles and also Luke part of chap. 3. Note that all the rest of the holy scriptures doth not containe so many yeares for the writing of them A breife summe of the former Questions and Answers JEhovah our God Jehovah is one the Father the Son and the holy spirit be one coeternall and co-essentiall The Son is called the word by the word the Father made the world and by the spirit beautified the heavens And because the word would become flesh the world was made to serve once Adam the first The Angells that grudged at that fell for ever and deceived Adam and made him dead in sin and brought him to be dayly turning to dust untill hee dyed And for him the whole frame of the creation was pronounced corrupt but after divine Revelation he beleeved that Christ made of a woman made under the Law God being in him to reconcile the world unto himself should give him free forgiveness for justification by faith and renew the inner man in knowledge holinesse and righteousnesse and raise up his body and make a new world by his power Whereby he can subdue all things to himselfe All faithfull travailed in soule to have Christ brought forth to the knowledge of their posterity that all might know that all this world was made obedient to a man at the first which man fell from God his first day and then God opened his counsell that the Son eternall would be made man of a woman to destroy the works of the Angells that fell who all are collectively Satan Satan brought Adam to loose the life of his soule and his body to death and dust and all this world to corruption Christ kindled light in Adams soule and after 930 years heavinesse for sin took it to his joy and will raise up his body and make a new world that all men who will receive the abundance of Grace of free forgivenesse for justification may reigne by Christ and all who will not regard this mercy so clear as the sun they all by Adams fall dead in sin shall be damned for ever with the Devills This is the travell of the christian minde speech of this full of joy is in all the books of the old and new Testament Or thus The summ of the Bible is short how of Gods eternall counsell the world was made for man because the son of God by whom he made the world would be a man to give life to them that rested in this wisdome *** All this dialogue will evidence this or doth desire so to do * The faith of Gods elect in
faith instituted it 2 Chr. 30 22. mark and consider the Psalm 22. 40. and 110. what was taught in those three great congregations the assemblies of holy beauty Through faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of bloud lest he that destroyed the first born should touch them The 12. of Exodus will afford many meditations And although three moneths after the Passeover they had the Law in two Tables given full of terror to humble man yet by a still and soft voice a pattern of heavenly things were enjoyned as a Tabernacle made with hands the Priesthood of Levi the Breast-plate with VRIM and THVMMIM The Ark of the Covenant the bloud of peace offerings sin-offerings whole burnt-offerings holy incense washings cleansings redemptions attonements remissions the Manna the brazen Serpent and holy garments of ministration and other holy feasts beside the Passeover distinction of times in new Moones years of Rest Jubilees c. enjoyned All which do teach of Christ the truth Who is Jehovah our righteousness Christ is all and in all QUest 5. But were not the moral and ceremonial Laws given to disannul the promises that we should seek righteousness or justication by doing of outward works through our own will and power Answ In no wise For although the Law of the passeover came 430. years after the promise yet it cannot disannul the faith in Christ taught in the promises The same must be said of all the Ceremonies QUest 6. Wherefore then did God give the Law Answ I. Because in those daies both among the apostate families and in Israel when they lived in Egypt all ungodliness and unrighteousness did exceedingly abound Therefore the Law was added because of transgressions that the offence of sin might abound to our feeling and that we might be loathsome to our selves And it must be noted that the Law was not declared to Israel only though chiefly to them but to the mixt multitude that came with Israel from Egypt II. That it might be a School-master to lead unto Christ to seek the justification that is by the faith of Him For Christ was the end drift and scope of the Law for justification to every one that beleeveth Moses politie ever aimed at him for Moses wrote of Christ And the Prophets and History still expound Moses Psalm 40. Esay 53. Daniel 9.24 And our Lord and his Apostles expound Moses and the Prophets III. Although our Lord Jesus Christ abrogated the Ceremonial Law in respect of the actual performance and took away the a curse of the Law to all that believe They were cursed and plagued if they did not observe the ceremonial as well as the moral for both were contained in the book of the Law Deut. 27. ult Mal. 1.14 yet the moral Law was and is still in force to be the rule of a sober righteous and godly life and so taught in all the New Testament And with all we are to note that the Ceremonial is inscructive and the moral is to humble as well as to direct in the wayes of peace and holiness Quest 7. Produce one text more out of Moses which may further open the mystery of Gods will in Christ Answ Deut. 30.11 12 13 14. This commandement which I command thee this day is not hidden from thee neither is it far off It is not in heaven that thou shouldest say who shall go up for us to heaven and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it Neither is it beyond the Sea that thou shouldst say who shall go over the Sea for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it But the Word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayest do it Quest 8. What hence in brief do you observe Answ 1. The holy Apostle called this text the word of faith and doth expound it of Christ concerning his incarnation and resurrection Rom. 10.6 7 8 9 10 11. 2. Moses bringeth his whole Law to this summe and so the prophets that Christ the son of God was to come down from heaven and to be man and to suffer many and great afflictions from the Serpent and his seed and being the first from the dead is to give life and light unto the world The wicked ever despised this life and light in Christ accounting this wisdom foolishness 1 Cor. 1.23 2.8 3. This Scripture with some verses preceding and subsequent sets forth to the spiritual man the excellency the glory the brightness the facility the preciousness the stedfastness and the efficacy of the Law of God being a revelation from heaven and a most blessed instrument of God to preserve his people if they cleave unto it to live in his covenant to comfort in affliction to restore the Church decayed cumbred and overwhelmed with errours and for conservation of outward and inward consolation c. But apostasie from it brings all Curses and utter ruine And therefore it is a most rich favour to Jesurun to all the Israel of God that they are glorified with such an inheritance of lively oracles 4. When Moses had wrote of the Creation of the apostasie of our first parents of the curse of all things visible of the incarnation and redemption in the Promises Tabernacles and Sacrifices Of Melchizedeks and Levies Priesthood c. Then saith he this doctrine is not an hid doctrine Moses face did not so shine with brightness as the Law did shine in the hearts of the faithful that looked to Christ the holy seed of the woman the end and scope of the Law It was hid to none but the blinded by Satan We should labour to reduce history and prophecy with the New Testament to Moses QUest 9. Who were followers of the doctrine of Justificacation by faith taught by tradition in (a) the doctrine of the seal of circumcision was believed of the faithful 406 years to Israels coming from Egypt the Promises for two thousand five hundred and thirteen years and now written by Moses Answ All the Patriarks as is said the people of Israel that came out of Egypt and that were in the wilderness and the faithful both Rulers and people in the Books of Josuah Judges Ruth Samuel c. and especially our Lords Fathers from Abraham to David the first fourteen are to be remembred Mat. 1.17 QUest 10. Who were the seed of the Serpent hating bruising cursing and persecuting the Religion and People of Christ his Israel Answ The Egyptians Amalek Moab Ammon Midian and the Canaanites c. QUest 11. Did the Church constantly reverence the religion of the Tabernacle Answ The eternal WORD came unto his own in providences and ordinances but his own received him not for six hundred thousand in the Wilderness at once through an evil heart of unbelief murmured tempted and denyed Christ and despised the Land of Promise and would have gone into Egypt again and many followed the religion of Peor And after in
enter into the rest of Christ where Baptism and the Lords Supper are no burden Mr. Bro. on Lam. 1.14 where Christ is not sought and found in his own ordinances all not the moral but also the ceremonial savours death 2 Cor. 3.7 to 16. what are we then to think of mens precepts voluntary religion and self-willed humbleness Take notice what our Lord taught Mat. 15.3 John 6.27 c. and his Apostle Rom. 10.3 Phil. 3.3 c. Colos 2.23 Quest 6. Num. II. Moses politie ever aimed at Him The Law Morall and Ceremonial was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ grace is two fold the one of Justification from the guilt and curse of the Law the other of sanctification the righteousness of the Law being fulfilled in them that are in Christ Iesus who inables them by his spirit most willingly to walk therein delighting in the Law of God concerning the inner man And Christ was the truth and substance of the Ceremonial Law as all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth all was sponsorious of a better hope in him Heb. 7.22 8.6 And this was that the saints so fervently prayed for teaching and understanding the wonderous things of the Law how all was sponsorious of comfort in Christ Psalm 119. And so of this did Ethan sing Psalm 89.1 2 c. Ibid. Quest 6. N. III. The Ceremonial Law That is Gods ceremonial Law no man hath power to institute or sanctifie as of himself any teaching sign or ceremony of person or thing time or place to worship God thereby or to take away that which the Lord hath ordained Moses durst not add or diminish any thing no not any other colour as green which is as pleasant as blew purple and scarlet all colours of blood and susâ—â—ing The pattern was his Direction And therefore was Moses called faithful in Gods house the Church of God the Pillar and ground of truth Will worship is a corruption of all our hearts it likes us better then Gods commandments Amos 4. Mat. 15. Luke 16.15 And we have great confidence in it that it pleaseth God But it brings shame at last to any State and all the Priests of Bethel cannot quench the fire that it will kindle Amos 5. Hos 10.14 15. And let all will-worshippers minde that however they have a shew of wisdom in their will worship yet it makes the people forget their Maker Hos 8.11 12 13 14. 1 Kin. 12.33 Amos 5.21 8.10 And this too evident of later years in the ungodly dealing of the Prelates in their hinderance of sound teaching of the word in most paroches of England Ibid N. III. and the moral is still to humble Doubtless the Moral Law must be taught it is a part of Christs mediatorian kingdom God the Father made Him Lord and Christ to all the Israel of God and obedience is better than sacrifice It is a point of faith to believe that Christ gave the Law Exod. 23.20 21 22. They of old were commanded to hear him and so we under the New Testament must hear the Beloved Son and reverance the Heir Mat. 17.5 Matth. 21.98 It is said Felix called forth Paul to hear him of the faith in Christ and as he was teaching of righteousness temperance and of the judgement to come Felix trembled Acts 24.25 Therefore the Law ought to be taught it belongs to the faith of Christ And godly teachers are to lift up their voice like a Trumpet to make mens hearts shake and tremble for rebellion against the Mediatour and therefore the godly teachers 40.50 and 60. years ago taught the way of the Lord more perfectly then many now do vid. infra the note on Levit. 26.17 chap. 8. Quest 7. Answ Vpon the text of Deut. 30. Moses speaks this of the Law the Apostle of Christ taught in the Law Rom. 10. So Esaias faith In his Law shall the nations hope Esay 42.4 Matthew saith In his Name Mat. 12.21 The Apostle calleth this text the word of faith and the just do live by faith Moses sheweth the Law of Jehovab that is Christ is a law of Love and the Apostle calleth it A law of Faith So then it is a form of Wholesome words of Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus And how precious sweet dear rich pure is the Law of Christ being a Law of Life in him Deut. 32.47 Therefore Stephen saith that Moses received from the Angel of the Covenant lively Oracles Acts 7.38 And so the Apostles received from him words purer than snow whitter than milk sweeter than honey or the honey comb words of spirit and life to preach unto the dead apostate families John 6.63 So the Sacrifices washings tabernacle the land of promise c. profited nothing were a killing letter having the veil on the heart The words and doctrine that Christ spake to Moses they were spirit and they were life And so David knew and all of faith when he cryed to Christ to be his sprinkling and his hyssop Psalm 51. And so Esaias and Stephen taught them and the Apostle Rom. 10.6 Exod. 20.2 And all expositions of the ten words were a killing letter not looking to that which is within the Veile even the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 15.11 The Prophets and Apostles unveil Moses face most brightly they have made it as open even as Moses made it when he took off the veil when he went to speak with Christ Read Quest 8. Ans N. II. To be man and to suffer Mark the cause of the Apostle I am accused for the hope of the promise made of God unto our Fathers Psalm 16.10 22.29 40.6 7 8. Acts 26. this was a constant doctrine from the beginning and to be declared from age to age to the end of the world that the Son of God should come down from heaven to be a second Adam and to give himself a sin-offering to death and be raised from the dead 2 Tim. 2.8 and so in this doctrine Christ is our bread and drink Joh. 6.27 28 29 c. The pattern was not yet to come down from heaven to take our nature to be his Tabernacle and his flesh and bloud by sacrifice to be our bread and drink Iohn 1.14 6.54 And till the Son of God came to be and do thus All that Christ revealed to Moses was sponsorius and an introduction of a better hope that is Christ hoped for by all faithfull of the old Testament by whom they and we come unto God Hebr. 11.1 2 3 4. Iohn 14.6 Heb. 8 Ephes 1.10 11 Esay 15 1 2 3. Acts 13. Ibid. N. II. Accounting this wisedome foolishness And the light shineth in the darknesse and the darkness comprehended it not Joh. 1. 〈◊〉 It was ever a stumbling block and foolishness to the wise and prudent of this world to the natural man Iohn 6.52.60.1.1 Cor. 1. 2. And so is was to many while Moses was yet alive
people 2 Chr. 20. Dan 7.1 Sam. 7. Psalm 84. Hest 4.16 humiliation of his people he alway heard their cry (f) He had ever respect to his glorious and great Name Exod. 34. Num. 14. Deut. 32. Ezek. 20. and this the Saints perpetually remember to God Psalm 74. 79 149. his promise and covenant is ever working and remembred his covenant in Christ breaking the head and head-plot of the seed of the Serpent in his unsearchable judgements (g) Consider Psalm 2. 110. through all stories at the word from Kain to all that follow his waies putting away all the wicked of the earth like dross treading and trampling them in the (h) Let this text of Esay 63. be cited no more impertinently not erronionsly Apoc. 19. teacheth to expound it Wine-press of his anger and fury and overthrowing Kingdome after Kingdome with great desolation as it is said Lo I begin to bring evil on the City whereupon my name is called and should ye be utterly unpunished Read Jer. 23. Esay 30. Very many more are the observations which these Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets will afford to the wild Olive branches but to the godly and deligent student they will be familiar QUest 8. Was not the Kingdome of Salomon restored after the captivity Answ 1. No They were told that they should never have an earthly Kingdome any more for God had sworn that Jechonias of Salomons posterity and of the direct line of the Royal descent should dy childless and that none of his seed nor of Jehojakim his father should bear rule any more in Judah Jer. 22. 36.30 2. Also God had told them in Babel that the 4 Kingdoms signified by the four mettals of the Image by the four beasts Dan. 2. 7. should over-rule their outward estate and that the Crown and Kingdom should be overturned overturned overturned and cast to the ground till he came to whom it belonged that is Christ the King QUest 9. If Salomons race was ended in Jechonias how was Gods promise fulfilled that Christ should come of David according to the flesh Ans David besides Salomon had a son of Bathsheba called Nathan and of him our Lord Jesus Christ linealy descended QUest 10. If Jechonias dyed childeless how is it said that he begate Salathiel 1 Chron. 3.17 and Mat. 1.12 Answ Salathiel was the Son of Jechonias by legal right of succession to the kingdom not son by nature and so Ezra teacheth 1 Chron. 3. That Jechonias being in (a) See how Tremelius translates 1 Chron 3.17 the term Assiâ— is not a proper name strait prison adopted Salathiel his heir And in the same manner the Evangelist Matthew handles our Lords case declaring that he was right heir to the kingdome of Israel QUest 11. Which are the Kingdoms signified by the four mettals and by the four Beasts Dan. 2. 7. Answ By the Head of Gold and the Lion is signified Babel the Brest and armes of silver and the Bear signifie the Medes and Persians the Belly and sides of Brass and the spotted Leopard the kingdom of Graecia the thighs and legs of iron and feet of iron and clay and the Beast with ten horns the kings of Gog in the north and the kings of the South QUest 12. What was the end of those wicked kingdomes that oppressed the Saints the holy Hebrews Answ The whole Image was beaten to dust and made as chaff before the winde the four Beasts were cast into the fire unquenchable before the Son of man came in the clouds QUest 13. What reasons may be rendred why God did abolish some of Moses Ceremonies and Salomons race and everthrew Temple City and kingdome Answ Israel which is after the flesh looked not to the sure mercies of David in the eternal throne and kingdome promised to them in Christ But that which was for their welfare became to them through misbelief an occasion of falling they stumbled at the Stumbling Stone and seeking by the outward work to be justifyed as Esay 1. 58.59 Psa 50. complains and made their Belly their God and minded outward and earthly things therefore God did shake all those poor rudiments by Babel read Jer. 3.16 52.13.17 c. and once more finally said he wouldâ— that they might be better perswaded to embrace the New Covenant that God had promised to make with them to look to Christ the end of the Law and to entertain his easie yoke and to enter into his rest to be more spiritually minded to look to him the true Salomon and to his Priesthood and kingdom QUest 14. How many years was it since the 19. of Nebuchadnezar or the third captivity to the end of the Captivity Answ Full 50 years then the golden head was made dust the Lion thrown in the fire Then Cyrus K. of Persia overthrew Babel The eighth Chapter of Dan. for the fufilling of it belongs to the time of the Seventy Sevens and likewise much of chap 2. and 7. and made a decree for the return of the people and building of the Citie and Temple in the first year of his Reign QUest 15. What Scriptures are contained in those 50. years Ans Part of the last chap of 2 Kings and part of the last chap. of 2 Chr. much of Jeremiah and much of Ezekiel so much as is noted to be after the 11. of Zedekiah or the burning of the Temple the 4 5 7 8. a chapters of Daniel the prophesie of Obadiah The Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the eighth CHAPTER QUest N. 4. Moses saith from Christ People should be taught this constantly that the Son of God to whom the Father hath committed all authority and power so as Mediatour he gave the Law And when we are careless or wilful and break the law and do not obey it then we dishonour the Son for this is the holy revealed will of the Lord that all men should honour the Son as they honour the father Exoa. 23. Mat. 17.5 So it is said of Servants they serve and obey Christ when they perform their duties in conscience to their masters the same is said of wives and children And so we must say of all relations divine and humane in all the Ten Words Mark Jeremy chap. 34. all of it That is a great Word which is spoken Obdience is better than Sacrifice This well understood will make to vaniâ—h the term Legalists and the vain doctrines that have been about keeping and walking in the Law of the Lord as though it were not made for the righteous to be a rule of life but we may not once to think to be justified by the doing of it for the Law is more spiritual then the best Christian in the world But we ought to be very careful that we walk in his holy covenant that our hearts by his spirit may comfort us that we are honest subjects of the Kingdome of so good and gracious a
and Leviticus for we must observe that the Son of God the holy Angle of Gods presonce repeateth diverse Laws that were formerly commanded in Exodus and Leviticus the holy Law with the exposition was first delivered in Exodus and Levitecus See Exod 10 21 22 23. and 24. chapters and that holy covenant was made in the bâ—ood of the covenant Exod. 24. as it is said Assemble my Saints together that have made a covanant with me by Sacrifice to walk in his holy Law and as the breach of it is charged on them Ps 50. So it is the same covenant that is made with the children in Deut. for as it is said Moses repeats the Law to them Deut 5 and makes large Expositions upon it and then renews the covenant even the same Covenant in Deut. 29. Note also that the same promises for obedience to the law of the Gospel and the same curses are spoken to the fathers as are repeated to the children Lev. 26. Deut. 28. Yea which must be well observed Numbers 20. Numb 20. to the end of that book and all Deut. is but the history of one year and Aharon died the fortieth year in in the fifth moneth Num. 33. and forwards may and must be called Deutera-nomie a second Law for all is spoken to the people of the second numbring all the Fathers being dead Consider Num. 28.2 also confer Exod. 19. with Deut. 76. and 14.1 and 26. And the covenant that Iosua made with Israel a little before his death is but the renewing of the former and saith Mr. Ainsworth in Deut. 29.1 Here the covenant is renewed between God and the people and it is the same in effect with the covenant made at Horeb Exod. 19. and 24. save that Christ who is the end of the legal covenant is here more clearly recalled and saith he on Exod. 20.2 here he especially intendeth the covenant of grace made with his people whereby they are blessed that have Jehovah for their God Psal 3â— 12 and Tremellius speaketh to the same effect and divers others might be cited to their sence Men man and will speak their pleasures but let us take heed we do not darken Gods counsels by our own words or by his words mis-interpreted CHAP. XXVII Short Collections out of Genesis Job and some part of Exodus shewing that the Gospell of the Son of God Mark 1.1 2 was manifested and taught among the faithfull before Moses wrote the same SECT 1. CHRIST the eternall word the light and life of men inspired holy Prophets in all ages to teach men his way and charge which consisted in Commandments Statutes and Laws from the apostasie of our first Parents to Israels coming from Egypt that is two thousand five hundred and thirteen years all which Laws were to bring men to feare and love Jehovah and to love the holy Seed their Brethren and to give no just occasion of offence to any no not to the seed of the Serpent Gen. 18.25 26.5 And that this holy faith and religion might abide and the fruit of it remaine Christ gave holy Prophets who were of long life and of great authority which were a great helpe to preserve the faith for those years and propagate the same by tradition to posterity till those commandments statutes and lawes were written And because many things before the Floud and after the Floud doe set forth the Law of faith rather by way of narration then by manifest precept though doubtlesse they were commanded even from the beginning I will breifly set down some particulars in which the Son of God reveiled himselfe even before Moses 1. The Holy faith for Doctrine was taught in that great and precious fundamentall promise coucerniâ—g the Son of God his person and office I will â—uâ— enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her sâ—â—d He shall break by head and thou shalt break his heal Gen. 3.15.2 We are to consider that this holy promise or covenant was opened by diverse providences and ordinances which the Saints most religiously observed that so they and their posterity might abide in the Doctrine of Christ and not transgreâ—se from it For they knew they that did not so had no communion with the holy Trinity but they that did abide in it had communion both with the Father and the Son SECT II. 1. TThey had Sacrifices to make profession of this holy faith of the son of God taking humanity of the Seed of the Woman to be the Mediatour and Procuratour of justification sanctification wisdome and redemption by his death and sacrifice and thus sacrifices ever taught of life coming by death Now we are to consider how this way and charge of Châ—ist was made known to Moses in commandments statutes and laws he wrote the very some that was formerly practised by the Saints Christ indeed commanded more laws to Moses because the church of God became into a great common-weal and kingdom Therefore hence observe that all ancient godly tradition is according to the written word 2. Moses is frequent in this They had Altars on which they sacrificed their offerings which made the sacrifices acceptable because it sanctified the offering signifying the in effable Divinity of the Son of God made man to uphold the humanity in that great work of our Redemption 3. So in Moses most sericusly the Sabbath is enjoyned likewise in the Prophets The holy Trinity Father Son and holy Spirit Jebovah Eloim appointed the Sabbath to be a signe between him and his people that in it they might meditate on the mighty Creation and gracious Redemption And it was to sanctify them unto himselfe and to sâ—perate them from all the prophane and so to be a means of holinesse in their persons soul body and spirit The Sabbath was made for man to meditate how the holy Trinity rested in Christs Redemption And the Subbath was kept before it was commanded in Exo. 20. for Moses speaks of it in Ex. 16. as being observed before and teacheth them there further the holy use of it as it was at the first enjoyned Exâ—d 16 23. but Israel in Egypt apostating from the faith and following the Idols of Egypt neglected the Sabbath very great ly as the word Remember in Exo. 20.8 doth argue and we see that where men care not for or do corrupt the holy Doctrine of faith that they either neglect the Christian Sabbath the Lords day or utterly cast it off Eze. 20. And 100 manifest miserable experience in our days of rejecting the fourth Commandment and its Doctrine as Papiâ—ts doe the second Commandment do witnesse Again further note all the Patrarchs entred into the Sabbaticall Rest from Gen. 1. to Moses times God did not rest but in Christ and the Sabbath taught that and the faithfull kept it but the Families most wickedly followd Nimrod Gen. 26.5 and would not be perswaded to embrace the faith of Seâ—â—s Tents which was the charge of
also made to once ungodly Abraham before his calling where now was free will merits works foreseen c. Read Esa 42.7.16 Esa 43 25. Psal 103. All is of free Grace In Q. 6 N 11. Nay it could not enter This made the Apostle to break forth into joy and praise because God doth to us not to the Angells that fell above all that we can aske or thinke Eph. 3.20.21 Christ saith I was sound of them that sought me not Es 65.1 and of this wonderful mercy did David and Aethan sing Psal 40. Psal 89. Psal 103. This is the great and wonderfull thing of Christs Law that David prayed that he might see with opened eyes Psal 119.18 and Paul for the Ephesians Eph. 1.18 Great and glorious is the mystery of Godlinesse that the Son of God should be manifested in the flesh for the effecting of all this to the elect Gen. 3-15 and Esa 57.15 is very pertinent yea all the blessed Scriptures are the Revelation of these glad tidings of the Gospell from Gen. 3.15 In Q. 6. N. 11. Till the Spirit of Christ The word is of no effect without the spirit neither doth the spirit ordinarily worke without the blessed meane never contrary to his own divine Revelation as God commanded the light to shine out of darknesse so he gives a command to his word to be a light and a Lamp in our dark hearts by the operation of his spirit and by this meanes he makes his exhortations covenants and promises to be effectuall means for the reconciling of our enemy cogitation The learning of Christs Law doth worke in us a new creation Eph. 4.20 21 22 23 24. The Law of Christ the true shepherd is a Doctrine of restoring and converting the soule Ps 19. Ps 23. of his own good will begat he us with the word of truth so sweet and precious is the Law of Christ In Q. 6. N. 3. The workes of the Devill from the First Adam we have his image and likenesse even corruption of corruption corrupt we are in blood in flesh in will this was the worke of the Serpent and that it might be destroyed the eternall word became flesh the second Adam that so from his infinite fullnesse wee might have grace for grace being made Sons in him by faith that speech is heavenly As we have the image of the earthly Adam so we shal bear the image of the heavenly Adam not only in the second but also in the first Resurrection The second Adam in both is a quickning spirit the begotten is like unto him that begetteth else no communion with God and Christ and God is only the God of such 1 Cor. 1.30.1 Cor 15.49.1 John 1.1 Ioh. 5.4 Parents are meanes to beget and with travaile to bring forth children after the image of the first sinfull Adam like the foale of a wilde Asse so they should with all holy care and diligence travell in birth again till the second Adam be formed in them if any man be in Christ the second Adam he is a new creature and partaker of the divine nature 2 Cor 5.17.1 Ioh. 4. 17.1 Pet. 1.22 Col. 3.10 and see how the old and new Adam are compared in Eph. 4.17 c. The scripture saith that the second Adam had not the spirit by measure but that all fullnesse pleased to dwell in him and that he was filled with the spirit of the Lord with the spirit of wisdome counsell strength understanding knowledge and of the feare of Jehovah and that of his fullnesse wee all have in some measure answerable grace Es 11 2. Es 42.6 7. Christ is the head of the body Regegeneration by the matter of holy doctrine and by the spirit was taught to Nicodemus to be from Christ the second Adam Ioh. 3. Hence many cases of conscience may arise in the mind If Christ have destroyed Sathans workes in us how is it that sin is of such force in us All this is answered in Rom. 7. and Rom. 8. and Rom. 12.3 Gal. 5.16 17 18. Es 42.3 Es 57.15 In Q. 6. N. 3. Of the corrupt nature This state is in no wise to be rested in be wee never so formall in Religion outwardly The unregenerate cannot please God his prayer is turned into sin his sacrifice is an abomination his wisdome is enmity against God The good workes of the Heathens yea of the Scribes and Pharisees though materially good were but splendida peccata their hearing of the word and showes of profession comes to no fruit as in the three former sorts of ground Mat. â—3 As in Kain a great heir Achitophel a private counsellor Herod a King Iscariot an Apostle Symon Magus a great Schollar c. c. Their execution of Lawes for civill policy through Christs over-ruling is turned to good for society of humane life and sometime a wall of defence for the Church as the Apostle Paul found Neroes authority long a defence against the Masters of traditions Our Natures are so corrupt that our spirits are most vile for hatred enmity and fretting against God and Christs Kingdome evermore in war as enemies beaâ—ing weapons against him Rom. 6 Beâ—t to anger God for Sathan the Prince of darknesse rules in the Children of disobedience Eph. 2. Col. 1. Rom. 1.1 Cor. 1. Jam. 4. Rom. 8 7. In Q 6. N. 3. In whom we are compleat If a man wade into the depth of all that is in the first old Adam he cannot be compleat whether Philosophy humane Traditions commandements and Doctrines but in Christ the second Adam are all measures of heighth depth length breadth yea and all treasures of Wisdome Knowledge Fortitude Justice Temperance Freindship Love Patience earning of Bowells c. And this we shall finde if we measure it with a golden reed Job 28.1 Cor. 2. and 3.2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. Esa 11. to 9. Eph. 4.21.22 c. 1 Job 3. 8 9 10. He enlightneth changeth and guardeth both heart and mind enlivens the conscience makes the memory retentive of good things sweetly turns draws the will mortifies the inordinacy of the passions rules the min all holy majesty neither to be dull in want nor wanton in fruition casteth down vain imaginations bringeth into captivity every thought commands the senses clears and settles the fantasie teacheth to order speech and silence subdueth the members of the body to be weapons and servants unto righteousnesse and holinesse Breifly he liveth he thinketh he speaketh he worketh all in us Of him and through him and for him are all things that God in him may be glorified This is the influence that cometh from the second Adam in his Ordinances publick and private to all the building of his mysticall body untill we all reach unto the unity of faith and the Knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ without whom we are void and without form darkness dead dry stakes 2 Cor. 4.
and out of whom wee neither have nor can do nothing But following the truth in Love as the truth of this healing Doctrine is to be sought and found only in JESUS we grow up in all points into him which is the head even Christ himselfe by whom all the body conveniently joyned and fastned together by every point of the furuitâ—re according to the operation of the spirit which is in measure of every severall part reneweth increase of the body unto the edifying of it selfe in Love A proud Laodicean Arminian thinkes and speaks contrary which shewes he is not only ignorant of Christ and his learning but of his own naturall Philosophy Nosce teipsum What naturall abilities did and would worke we see Jer 4.22 Job 28. Rom. 1.1 Cor. 1. But no change of heart to fear God in Christ here heathens who could say Video meliora deteriora sequor might see further with the Apostle Rom. 7.23 c. But man sold unto sin can neither hear nor see where God openeth not the eyes and here the spirit teacheth the godly to groan with sighings unspeakable See Mr. Bro. upon Lam. 1.11 When we read in the holy scriptures or elsewhere of errours in judgement and sins in practise in heathens and others then refer all hither to thinke upon the poyson of the serpent breathed into the natures of our first Parents which could never by all humane learning be healed The truth is man is most adverse to be cured till Christ by his word and spirit illuminate and quicken The Pharisees were the most excellent of all naturalists yet they could not attain to the Law of Righteousnesse or freedome from sin and guilt Rom. 7.8 9 10.11 chapters Phil. 3.3 4 5. c. The plaine reason is they despised to know this glorious hidden mystery of Christ the second Adam and missed the meaning of the Law In the 6. Quest N. 3. Doth rule all ages The second Adam and his doctrine is the light the way the truth and the life to all generations The song of all ages is Salvation is of our God and of the Lambe Apoc 5 9. and Chap. 7.10 11 12. This is the true Catholik faith faith in Christ ever one and the same although the outward Administration did differ Psal 100.5 119.89 135.13.1 Pet. 1. JESUS CHRIST yesterday and to day is the same also for ever Christ the Rock of all ages Esa 26 4. Ebr. 13.2 John 1.2 He that cometh to God must beleeve that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently by faith in Christ Jesus seek him This is a ruled case from the beginning No man cometh to the Father but by the Son The cloud of witnesses from Habell to our Lords dayes confirmeth this Ebr. 11. all of it And the clouds shall not catch up any to glory but those of the same holy faith This faith is the charge and commandement of the Lord which the Saints are to keepe inviolable from age to age without spot of heresie or vanity of mans traditions In Q. 6. N. 4. To this faith he calleth his elect The faith of Gods elect is glory and the righteous Nation that keepeth it entire and walketh in it is a most glorious people not the like in the earth if we consider the King of Saints his Lawes his government and the purity of his subjects Of this company of faithfull soules and their King their endearednesse each to other the Canticles singeth yea all the holy stories shew the same from the first to the last Prov. 8.31.2 John 9. Ibid. N. 5. Great disputations contentions c. Here is the faith and patience of the saints here are they that keep the commandements of God and the faith of JESUS Apoc. 13. and 12. and 14. When the Lord God spake that of Gen 3.15 fire was cast into the Earth and a sword was sent ever since there hath been divisions factions and contentions Three against two and two against three Hitherto pertaine all the warrs plottings devises deceits slanderings cavillations mockings â—scoâ—nes scoffings geerings thrasonicall boastings murders massacres treasons c. of them of that wicked one It is not liberties and states that the Seed of he Serpent so much shoots at but blood All that will live goldly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution and yet in all tryalls whatsoever faith is victorious Christ sometimes builds his Jerusalem Temple street and wall in troublous times Note whereas sufferings might be just punishments for sin the Lord God in his unspeakable goodnesse and in honour to the Saints maketh them to be for testimony to his truth And his Angells by Satan Many cases of conscience arise out of this if Christ bruise Satans power how is it that we suffer so many trialls hence many doubtings feares teares distractions unrulinesse of passions Psal 73.1.1 Sam. 27.1 All is answered Rom. 8.17 18. Dan. 11.35 Mat. 10.1 Pet. 1.1 John 15. and 16. and God over-ruleth all for the good of his children Apoc. 1.18 Psal 33.10 and 76.10 and 94.19 and 119.75.2 Cor 1. Phil. 4 5.6.7 Heb. 12. Be humble and live the life of faith with temperate affections and in the sober use of all good means and all wil be well 1 Cor. 7.29 30 31 32. The spirituall armour belongs hither Eph. 6 Afflictions are compared to darknesse to waves of the sea c. God can still them Psal 89. and 93. wee looke not to the decree of God concerning sufferings Gen. 3.15 that it must be so wee propound selfe ends in profession of the Gospell Verily we do not consider why we were borne and for what cause we came into the world if we did all reasonings of our hearts would be silenced then let us meditate that good confession that the Lord Jesus witnessed before Pilate Iohn 18.37 In Q. 6. N. 6. Brotherly love holding one another dear This is and was the message that was taught from the beginning 1 Iohn 3.11 Kains and Habells story is there remembred This 6 point is the summ of the second Table and handled by exposition and example continually See the later part of the Epistles to the Churches to Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesians Colessians Heb 10.24.25 Act. 4.32 Psal 133. Ioh 15. compare 1 Iohn 3.23 and 4. ult 2 Iohn 5.6.2 Tim. 1.13 In Q. 6. N. 6. And to have no fellowship This enmity and warr of Michael and his Angells against the Dragon and his Angells cannot and therefore must not be reconciled it is a cursed worke to endeavour it And indeed either side holds one another Anathema God hath put the enmity betweene the seeds and who shall joyne that which God by principles of unreconcilable distance hath perpetually divorced and separated it was never yet reconciled though Satan and his prophets and the false brethren in their owne ungracious projects have laboured Gen. 6.2.3.4 c. Numb 31.16 Apoc. 2. Iud 2. and 3.1 King 11.1 and in Nehemiahs and Ezras dayes
mystical Egypt and mystical Babylon have cursed and do seek still the destruction of our nation especially of the Gospel yet while we keep our covenant they shall never prevail Balaams counsel was more dangerous than his curse for his counsel being followed brought a plague O ye Princes O ye people do ye not know that the sincere Word and the holy seed is the subsistence of your Kingdomes and common-weals towns and families Esay 6.13 Every childe of God is a publique good Minde one thing more how those thor did seem to be of the truth and were brethren touching the outward circumcision yet cursed the servants of Christ that would not walk in their waies traditions devises and abominations Esay 66.5 and in after times they so used the poor blind man John 9. So have the cruel Prelates used the dear servants of the Lord they did curse yet Christ did bless and hath and will pay his enemies home that abuse his ordinances for if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ anathema maranatha is his heavy Censure 1 Cor. 16.22 Ibidem N. 12. Cast out the servant and her son Without shall be lyars Lyars in judgement as all Papatines be Whosoever transgresseth and abideth nor in the doctrine of Christ hath nor God he that continueth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son 1 John 2.24 2 John 2.9 Be it that they sometimes confesse the doctrine of Christs person yet both in their doctrine and practise they deny it because they deny him in his offices and administrations for which he became such a person and such a Mediator And oh what lying blasphemies do they utter against the holy records that testifie of the eternal Son the Mediator Popery is a mystery of iniquity N. 13. The word of faith in our own languages In the Law it is written with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people and yet for all that they will not hear me saith the Lord Wherefore tongues are for a sign not to them that believe but to them that believe not but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not but for them which believe Esay 28.11 1 Cor. 14.21 This looks back to Nimrods rebellion they despised the faith taught by Noah Sem and the rest of the godly fathers before Abraham in their knowen language therefore Christ cut them off from the faith by strange languages When Israel despised the things of the Law of Christ written for their comfort see how he in this would avenge the quarrel of his covenant Deut. 28.49 and fulfilled it Ier. 5.15 2 Chron. 36. If it be then such a deer blessing to have Moses and the Prophets our Lord and his Apostles speak to us in our own language let the saints worship God with hearty praise and thanksgiving so did David Psalm 103.7 and 147. 19. All are abominable idolatrous and false worshippers and unclean infidels that Christ speaks not to in their own language by his blessed Gospel as all the Babylonian builders and their seed to this day and the mystical Babylonian builders It is much to be considered that when the churches departed from the Apostles doctrine Christ confounded the Europian and Asian languages VVhen it was prophesied of the calling of the Gentiles to the faith of the Gospel it is said I will turn to the people a pure language which was fulfilled when Christ sanctified all tongues as it is said We do here them speak in our own languages the wonderfull works of God Acts 2.11 Zeph. 3.9 VVhereas for two thousand years the Gentiles Noahs families called on idols names We little consider the severity of the wrath of Christ in the confusion of tongues what a plague it is and will be to the end of the world most sad is that scripture Jer. 44.26 3 Quest of his covenant and promise God did not first give a seal and then made a Covenant but first made a Covenant and a promise as to our first parents Gen. 3.15 and then taught them of the seal the Sacrifices so to Noah God made a Covenant and then gave him the seal of the Floud and of the Ark so in Gen. 9. first the Covenant and then the Rainbow so to Abraham so each godly parent must seek to know God in Christ in the Covenant and to be in covenant for them and their children And it is to be marked C ham had an outward blessing in the covenant with his father for he was of Noahs houshold Heb. 11 7. and he and his children had continued in the same if he had not and his son mocked and scorned his father for which both of them were excommunicated and Chams house feared not but waxed worse and worse against Christ and his Kingdome and set up a tyranny in Nimrod to give the affront to Sems blessing Again note when the merciful God made a covenant with all flesh man and beast were not young as old comprised in the covenant a sucking chile and a lamb as the parent Gen. 9.9 10 11. Quest 4. Of justification or remission of sins The apostate and adulterous generation in our Lords daies that did adulterate the faith missed stating Circumcision as a part of the Law or Covenant of Works a school distinction of their own neither of Moses nor of the Prophets whereas it was rightly understood a law and seal of faith in Christ and the seal of justification that is by faith Their fac hoc is credere in our Lords interpretation of the Law to believe in him whom the Father had sealed and sent to be the true manna and sacrifice and their perfect justification and freedome as was told them Acts 13.38 39. And as they missed in stating circumcision a Law of works ex opere operato to justification so they did of all the politic of Moses that it did initiate them unto which yet they could not do being too heavy a yoke Acts 15. Now they despising Christ the end and scope of the law of Moses they made their own justification their idol and vanity and so provoked Christ to their rejection confer Deut. 32.21 with Rom. 10.19 That speech is very strong that the Lord Jesus spake Iohn 7. that circumcision was not so much of Moses but observed of the Fathers before Moses was born They should have considered in what sense Abraham received it and used it Rom. 4. Ibidem God did justifie the circumcision so this is clear God did justifie the infants of Israel for else he would not have commanded circumcision to infants this was to comfort all godly parents that although they knew their children were conceived in sin and born in iniquity yet God knew how for his covenant sake not for our sakes to justify that is to free infants from sins guiltiness filthiness and desert and to comfort godly parents of the Gentiles touching their infants the Apostle saith God is not the god of the Iews
147.2 The Apostle saith the same Grace be to you and peace from God the father and from our Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world according to the Will of God which is our father to whom be glory for ever Amen Gal. 1.3 4.5 Eph. 1. 10. Abraham was gathered from the world and Christ hath and doth still gather and deliver us out of the world to be of his Israel John 11.52 so observe Iohn 17. Quest 7. Answ Abraham Isaac Iacob they to testifie their faith in the Promises of Christ built Altars in divers places and called on the name of the everlasing God And therefore observe the Apostle saith he served God with pure conscience from his forefathers in the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 1.1 2 3. and therefore the promises to the Fathers with the seal of circumcision were not carnal and fleshly as Mateologists wickedly prattle if they were carnal to them so they are to us for the promises and covenant belong to us as hath been laid from Acts 2.39 and chap. 3 25.26 Surely the faith of a good Christian is builded on Christ the Comer stone and on his religion practised of the godly Patriarks and on the blesse holy scriptures and hope in the resurrection all which by the work of the spirit doth make a man watchful to keep a good conscience in Church in Common-Weal by Land or Sea at home abroad in sâ—ops in labours c. see how all is taught in promise and seal He that is such an one shall look death in the face and needs not to be afraid before whom he comes nor needs be ashamed of the groundless criminations of schism heresie and blasphemy c. diligently ponder Acts 24 14 15 16. Quest 9. Ans A great apostasie for Israel in Egypt Read Ezek. 23.8 Israel with his family came as a pure virgin into Egypt and so continued all the dayes of Iacob and Ioseph while he lived held the whole house in life and faith but the Egyptians afterwards infected their poweritie with idolatry even in her youth lay they with this virgin Israel and bruised the breasts of her virginity and powred their whoredomes upon her False worship being a work of the flesh pleaseth and quickly insinuateth into our corrupt nature especially being conversant with idolaters Let all people beware of mystical Egyptians And let Common-weales Churches and families note that false worship and heresie increaseth and somenteth all projects of ungodlynesse and unrighteousness Ezek. 16.6 and 20. must also here be considered to the captivity both of Israel and Judah They were by apostasie rather of the Amoâ—ite and Heâ—hite then of Abraham and Sarah They were in the bloud of their false religion being foully corrupted with the idols of Egypt and so they were dead till Christ by his own law said unto them live So were we being under the bondage of Rome-Egypt until Christ by his everlasting Gospel made us to live Apoc. 14.6 20.4 5. And note as Terah his corrupt worship continued long in Israel so did that of Muzrajim i. e. Egypt Jos 24.14 Ezek. 23 8. Quest 10. Ans God was not ashamed But God will be ashamed of adulterers and adulteresses that follow superstitions lusts of the flesh lusts of the eyes and pride of life for such do and will deny Christ and be ashamed of him and his word and such cannot be pilgrimes and strangers and seek things celestial Iames 4. 1 Ichn 2. Mark 8. Col. 3.1 Ibid. To be called their God Christ saith I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob this is my memorial to all generations that is to all of their faith and heavenly conversation whether Jew or Gentile Exedus 3.6 15 16. Hebrews 11. Ibid. Heavenly City and Countrey The faithful to the fulness of time were in heaven and part of the blessed familie of the heavenly Father Ephe. 1.10 3.15 All the faithful in Israel were the adopted sons of the Eternal their God and if sons then heirs Rom. 8. so they were living and so they were dead Therefore the living might not sorrow as the heathens that had not certain knowledge of the joyful and glorious state of the immortal souls of the faithful nor any hope of the resurrection Luke 13.28 29. They might not cut themselves for the dead nor make any print or mark in the flesh Levit. 19.28 Dent. 14. 1 2 1 Thess 4 The loving kindeness of Iehovah is better than life because though life departs yet we be and live for ever in him Therefore it is said God is the God as of Abraham Isaac and Iacob and so of every true believer even when his body is dead and turned to dust and therefore Abraham must be held in spirit to be and live with God and shall have the resurrection of the body Luke 20.37.38 Matt. 22.24 Mark 12. The faithful enjoy the same inheritance and happiness with Abraham and this is one part of the blessedness in Christ promised to Abraham And Christ saith of Moses being dead Moses my servant is dead he was still the Servant of Christ though he went up to Mount Nebo and dyed and we know he doth live for he appeared when Christ was transfigure and death is one of the works of the divel which Christ was to dissolve Christ was promised from the beginning to destroy the works of Satan now called the old Serpent Acts 26. 6. Josh 1.2 1 John 3.8 Heb. 2.14 15. 2 Tim. 1.10 CHAP. V. With Questions Answers and Annotations on them How Redemption was taught From the Law of the Passeover to the building of the Temple QUest 1. Proceed to declare what Noble Pillar did Wisedome hew out to which the holy and golden Chaine of times is fastned by which life and salvation was taught to the Saints Answ This is the (a) Although they apostated to the idols of Egypt yet by the bloud of the Passeover God chose them again but again rejected them for their idols and vanity when Christ our Passeover is sacrificed for us Passeover Exod. 12. QUest 2. How many yeares were from the Promise to Abraham to the Passeover or to the comming from Egypt or to the giving of the Law Answ Four hundred and thirty years QUest 3. How much of the Scripture is contained in those 430. years Answ From the beginning of the 12. of Genesis to the 12. of Exodus the book of Job and also part of the 1. 2. ch of 1 Chron. QUest 4. How doth the Passeover c. teach of Christ Answ Christ is called the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the World also our Passeover Mark what the Holy Ghost saith Heb. 11.28 (a) The Levites in Hezekiahs dayes taught the good knowledge of Jehovah that is Christ The Levites taught the meaning of the Passeover as Moses by
and all other Prophets and Teachers in all their Synagogues which were very many had Sabbatical convocations and they preached upon Moses And there were divers Universities or Schooles of Prophets at Kiâ—jabjeâ—arim at Bethel at Jericho c. to educate young men for knowledge to teach this most noble and glorious doctrine of faith in the Son of God that should come into the world to make our flesh his Tabernacle Ibid All which do teach of Christ The holy Prophets Psal 50. Esay 53. 55 1 2. c. giving the people true Expositions of the Law shew that Christ is the end of all all priviledges of the Jewes and Gods own ordinances they not discerning or seeking Christ by faith in them were nothing nothing bread but Christ and in outward performances and bodily exercise to be most bountiful most exact accurate and unrebukable is a bestowing cost and pains and not for bread for all is but dung and doggs meat without Christ See how the Apostle urged this to the Jewes from Esay 55.1 2 3. Acts 1â— 38 39. read Mich 6.6 The Law of Moâ—es politie was not given that we should be justified ex opere operato by bodily exercise it was given for signification humiliation and direction that Christ might be our life without him it is a killing letter for so it is weak and â—e are weak But carnall Israel mistook the Law and so believed John 6. Their bodily exercise in eating Manna did not bring them into Canaan for they dyed in the desert And our Lord most heavenly draws all Moses to himself that he was the true Manna and was sent of the Father to be the true bread And there opens all the sacrifices that his flesh and bloud was the true sacrifice of which though now ascended by faith we must feed or dy and never come to the happy resurrection of the heavenly Râ—st And this was and is the heavenly Fathers will in the old and new Testament The spirituality of ordinances was cumbersome to them as to Kain Gen. 4. wherefore Christ in his wrath made them a snare to them and a stumbling block And this was the reason they hated Christ and his Apostles to the death Because Christ doctrine drove man out of himself and so all their labour to be lost for salvation seeking to enter in at the strait Gate and yet were not able Eccles 10.15 yea it is natural alass to us all to rest in outward performances as Kain and not to care for Christ the second Adam and the justification that is by the faith of Him The Ceremonial Law was weak to justifie Rom. 8.3 for it was impossible that the bloud of Oxen Goats washings c. could cleanse the conscience from the guilt and filth The moral could not justifie because we were weak nothing in us was able to do any thing to satisfy the justice of God and because the carnall heart of many being covered with a veil could not discerne Christ the end and intent of the Law yet they knew that they must labour one way or other to have peace with God and their own conscience they would thousands of Rams and thousands of Rivers of oyl and would be exact in outward doings for justification And they durst not touch about the spiritualness of the Law for it is the very pangs of death to understand the Law rightly Râ—m 7. Though sometime it could not be but the conscience was affrighted then they did busie themselves in outward acts of fasting praying almsdeeds washings c. to quier their heart And this was their Divinity and they were cursed by their censors that taught the Law otherwise The Pharisees are the true Fathers of the Popish company and we may very well yield the Papist antiquity because they talk much of antiquity even Esay 1. 58. yea higher Psalm 50. yea Gen. 4. in Kain who was the first that practised this doctrine The Phâ—risees thought Christ came to destroy the Law when he taught his holy doctrine he answered he came not to destroy but to fulfil it by orthodox exposâ—â—ions But they saw how it will go with them if Christs doctrine were received and they would rather kill him so it is now where the word of Christ is truly taught it makes the carnal heart mad and to persecute I did desire to remember these things often because of the cursed corruption of our nature who are so ready yea every mothers child of us to contend our selves without Christ and to rest in bodily exercise The Churcheâ— were warned of this evil springing in the Apostles times 1 Tim. 4â—8 And we have cause to fear that not only Papists but thousands of Protestants are leavened with this leaven of the Pharisees which is but hypocriâ—ie Quest 5. â—uâ— mine not the Moral I use the term Moral as godly Divines do because it is the holy Law of Christ that shall last for ever when the ceremonial was abolished And people must be taught that it is that which is called the form of sound doctrine of faith and love which is in Christ Jesus and we are to understand that the Son of God the Angel of Gods presence who hath the name of God in him who is very often called Ienovah he gave the Law as Mediator between God and man to train up his people in faith and love And all the Law and the Prophets are but expositions of the ten words therefore faith in Christ is taught in the Law as 1 Joh. 3.23 This is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his Son Iesus Christ and love one another as he gave commandement Again it is said when we carry our selves proudly and do not walk charitably one towards another we sin against Christ Rom. 14.1 Cor. 8. All relations in their obedience serve Christ Ephes 5.14 15. 6.5 6. Col. 3.24 1 Tim 6 3. Ibid. seek justification by doing This was the false doctrine of the concision and hath cast them off to this day see how sweetly the Lord Jesus calls them from this error Iohn 6.27 28. c. This is an idolatrous errour of all our hearts to be spiritual to come to God by faith in Christ and in our whole conversation so to be spiritual to come to God by faith in Christ and in our whole conversation so to walk as seeing him that is invisible as Hâ—bel as Mâ—ses and all faithful Oh how hard how impossible such a power of darkness and weakness is upon us O Lord God the way of man is not in himself till thou turn us from darkness to light from the power of Satan to thy self The glorious wisdom of Moses Law which standeth for the Marrâ—w still but not for the outward Sabbath circumcision Tabernacle and other rites of Levi. That Christ from the Law plagued the concision and made the Law held as their Table for the in â—ood 〈◊〉 succour them to be their snare unto death They would not
be more studious and conversant in them than we are Our slightness will hinder much our consolation in sad houres read Ezek. 36 31 c. They must pray and did pray but the blood of the covenant brought them from Babel Zach. 9.11 Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you 13. And ye shall seek me and finde me when ye shall search for me with all your heart 14. And I will be found of you saith Jehovah and I will turn away your captivity I will gather you from all Nations and from all places whither I havedriven you saith Jehovah and I will bring you again unto the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive Pertinently it may be here remembred that the Son of God by his Spirit in the Prophet Esaias foretold above two hundred years how Cyrus King of Persia should conquer Babel send Judah home from captivity and give letters patents for re-edifying Jerusalem and the Temple Esay 44.24 Thus saith Jehovah thy Redeemer and he that formed thee from the womb I am Jehovah that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the earth by my self 25. That frustrated the tokens of the lyars and maketh diviners madd that turneth wisemen backward and maketh their knowledge foolish 26. That confirmeth the word of his servant and performeth the counsel of his Messengers that saith to Jerusalem Thou shalt be inhabited and to the Cities of Judah ye shall be built and I will raise up the decayed places thereof 27. That saith to the deep be dry and I will dry up thy Rivers 28. That saith of Cyrus (b) Read more of Cyrus in Esay 45.1 2 3 4 13. whom God raised up by a strong hand to conguer Babel to return Israel home and to build the City Jerusalem He is my Shepheard and shall perform all my pleasure even saying to Jerusalem thou shalt be built and to the Temple thy foundation shall be laid This is the prophecy now follows the History 2 Chron 36.22 Now in the year of Cyrus (c) We must consider here that Cyrus Darius Dan 9.1 were fellows in goverment who joined their Forces against Babel as it is prophecied Esay 21. Go up against Babel O Elam besiege Babel O Media And marke here by conferring Dan. 9.25 Cyrus his proclamation is that going forth of the word of commandement of returning the people of building the Temple and city as when Daniel was in humble prayer then Cyrus was drawing his Letters Patents even at the same instant of time and the Angel Gabâ—iel is disparched from heaven with a joyful message to tell Daniel so Let us think of it upon humbling our selves surely some message is comming from heaven King of Persia that the word of Jehovah spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accompliâ—â—ed Jehovah stirred up the Spirit of Cyrus King of Persia that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom and put it also in writing saying 23. Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia all the kingdomes of the earth hath Jehovah the God of Heaven given me and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem which is in Judah Who is there among you of all his people Jehovah his God be with him and let him go up QUest 2. What Collections do you take notice of in these Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets Answ For brevities sake I will name but few and those main principles out of the doctrine of Christ that Moses spake in Leviticus 1. Let this be observed of all that have their senses exercised in the word of righteousness to confer History with prophecy whether in promises and threatnings We shall see God to be Iehovah in all to be Being and to give being as to all his works so to his words whether they concern persons families Cities Churches or Kingdomes 2. VVhereas it is said that Iehovah spake to the Patriarks and to Moâ—es in all his five Books in most places we must conceive it spoken of the second person of the holy Trinity the Redeemer the Angel of the covenant to whom the heavenly Father hath committed all authority and power as Mediatour yea also this attribute of Jehovah throughout all the old Testament must be so understood some few places excepted wherein the first person or the third is also to be considered Examine this by Psalm 18.49 117. with Romans 15.9 10 11 Psalm 68.18 with Ephes 4.8 Psalm 97.7 with Heb. 1.6.1 Cor. 10 4.9 with Num. 21.6 Esa 6.9 10. with Iohn 12.41 Our Lords most heavenly speeches in the Apostle Johns Gospel will shew us the reason of all cha 5.17 and so forwards 3. Among all the corruptions from the first Adam that is in us note this that we hold Christ his Kingdom and Ordinances anathema this is expressed by Moses there is in us a contrariness to God (a) confer Lev. 26.15 with Zac. 11.8 These tearms abhorring loathing c. of the old Testament is in effect the same of the new the preaching of the Gospel to them savoured death unto death and so it doth in the daies of the New Testament Gods people must be diligent to mark phrases though different in words yet the same in force and value a despising his judgements abhorring loathing and hating him his word statutes and commandments mandements The New Testament speaks the same as the old when it saith the wisdom of the flesh causeth enmity against the Law of God by nature enemies in our minde by evil workers also haters of God fighters against God and such a stubborness is annexed that we are unreconcileable Much may be said of this in the sad effects thereof that men meeting with cross providences when his folly perverts his way his heart frets against Jehovah that is his breath and being and saying he is a hard master and that his waies are not equal yea alas what do the regenerate finde in themselves of murmuring fretting impatience distrust c. But the second Adam dissolves the works of the devil by his spirit in the administration of the Gospel of his Kingdom heals all in the elect Ezek. 36.25 26 27-37 Mich. 7.19 2 Cor. 5 11-15 chap. 10 4 5 6 c. 4. Whereas in Levit. 26. Moses saith from Christ sicknesses diseases sorrowes on the labours of our hands the teeth of wilde beasts pestilence famine sword captivity c. avenge the quarrel of his Covenant we must advisedly understand This is not meant of a covenant of works but the covenant of his Grace the lawes of which they have despised and abhorred and so in Deut. 5. 29 Jer. 34. all of it and many other places there is mention made of the covenant and it is but the renewing or dilating on that as is noted Exod. 24. which they violated For the whole covenant is Jehovah is our God in Christ and that we
and profane Joh. 1.41 4.23 And the Jewes at that time commonly speaking Syriack spake the terme Messias and speaking Greek they uttered the Greek terme Christ so that as oft as we read the Greek terme we must remember the other Terme of the Hebrew or Syriack And all the Orthodox Churches in Christendome hold Messias here to be the Son of God our Redeemer vi Mr. Bro. on Daniell and in Advertisment pag. 33. Upon the verse 27. and halfe that seaven of this last seaven the first part is passed over in silence for a preparation the latter halfe doth Christ bestow in confirming the covenant for the Many beginning at his Baptisme ending at his death 3. Quest and Answ N. 1. As the motions of the Heavens The creation was made to serve the Son of Enosh Psal 8. so the revolution of the year all are his Servants Psal 119. lamed-part No Army is ordered more comely then the times in Gods word Dan. 10.1 And Gods people must learne to know that the times as well as the ceremonies and tipes teach of so they lead unto Christ for the Golden Chaine of times are fastned to famous Pillars as is prefixed to this Book N. 11. This prophecie was given Read Esai 44. 45. with Ezr. 1.1 2. concerning Cyrus his Letters Patents of building the Temple and City and returning the people But Cyâ—us going to war in Scythia was plagued for not leaving better order at home that his Letters Patents were not throughly executed for the good of Gods people and Cambyses Daâ—ius Hystaspis and Xerxes for questioning and damning the Patent felt Gods wrath and their Kingdomes Ezra 4. and 6.11 12 Est 1. trouble in Dan. Hyst court Ibid Sent the Jews home The blood of Gods Covenant in Christ sent them home as from Egypt so from Babel Zach. 9.11 Col. 1 20. the blood of the Covenant is our comfort in any disconsolate condition Ibid. That year with a most remarkable Proclamation over an hundred and twenty Provinces Then the Nations did hear of their demanding and enquiring of the way to Sion upon the hope of the Son of man his coming to shew the Kingdome of heaven to all Nations and to shake even the heaven of Moses policy Jer. 10.4 5. they presented Sion in the dust before glorious Babel and they then ought so to do but not now Psal 102.13 14. So Moses and all the Nobles of all ages Heb. 11.24 25 26 ye that have escaped the sword go away stand not still remember Jehovah a far off and let Jerusalem come into your mind Jer. 51.50 Psl 137.5 6. So all ye that have escaped mysticall Babylon go away stand not still remember Jehovah and let the glory of the heavenly Jerusalem come into your mind be ye separate be at a distance in all holy zeal still come out from among them touch nothing of theirs neither Laws nor their phrase nor apparrell make a covenant as Neh. 10. 2 Cor. 6.18 what if your name be put out as evil remember Isa 66. â— John 9.34 and 16.2 2 Cor. 6.17 No. 3. And seal that is confirm all the viâ—ons and Prophesies that he was the end all aimed at Among many Prophesies that might be related I will name now that of Jer. 31.22 The Lord hath created a new thing in the earth A woman shall compasse a man that is a woman Virgin The holy Spirit of Christ prosecuteth the foundation of Doctrine which he laid down in Moses of the blessed seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 and of Shiloh Gen. 49. that a tribe should not fail to Judah till Shiloh came Now Judah being in Babel and held captive the Prophet doth from the Lord comfort them that although they were in heavy calamities and much disconsolate Jer. 30 31.32 33. chapters yet Judah should return and have a policy to buy and sell and that Jerusalem and Temple should be built and the Cities of Iudah inhabited and that that New thing should be accomplished a woman Virgin shall compasse a man All promises were made in Christ and should be yea and amen in him to the glory of God And this is promised to be as sure as the heavens order that God would not fail of his promise he made to David and Israel although Salomons house and Kingdome were ended yea to all the elect from the beginning in sending Christ Iesus to be born of a Virgin and that in him the Church should have unspeakable consolation This made the people of God to be so refreshed as a man is by sweet sleep Ier. 31 26 But Ieremiah told them not nor any Prophet as yet How long Psal 64.9 that should be for the performance that was reserved for a more fit season when they were to come from Babel then they had the time told them by an angel from heaven which did much heighten their consolation wherein all comfort was promised by that glorious message of the angel concerning the Messias compassed by the woman-Virgin to perform all the promises visions and Prophesies by finishing and ending all sin-offerings and trespasse offerings and make by himself a reconciliation for iniquity and bring in everlasting righteousnesse by his perfect sacrifice once performed so by this Doctrine the godly were preserved and strengthened greatly in their faith and hope of Christs coming in this determined time And seing it is said Christ shall seal Vision and Prophet is taught that he shall restrain apostasie through preaching his glorious Gospel that they fall not away as the Jews did in that most grievous and almost universall revolt in and from the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes Dan 8 13. and 11 30 31 32. Our Lord Jesus Christ in his coming was the morning star and the SUN of Righteousnesse and his brightnesse did visit us as holy Zâ—chariah saith Luc. 1 7.8 For those times were most deplorable in corrupting all holy Doctrine as it was greatly darkened by these three Shepherds Zac. 11. concerning the holy Trinity the sons incoâ—nation his death and resurrection and concerning justification and all Moses polity as all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth But the Lord Jesus and his Apostles from him made all clear again Also this Prophesie of the angel from heaven was wonderfull to the comfort of the people of God under their pressures by Persia Javan whole and Javan parted This Prophesie is marvellous if we consider the times Oh who is sufficient to expresse the things of Gods blessed word Ibid. N. 3. Everlasting righteousnesse The mentioning of everlasting righteousness justification redemption doth shew the Law made nothing perfect but was sponsorious and an introduction to a better hope in Christ for Christ by his own blood entered once through the vail that is his flesh into the holy place into the very heavens to appear now in the fight of God for us and obtained eternall Redemption Heb. 9. For it is not possible that the bloud of Bulls or Goats should take away sinne
Luke 17.20 and 19.11 and 23.51 Acts 2. John 1. they by Daniel looked the Kingdome of heaven should appear though most of them knew not in what manner through misunderstanding of the Scriptures Acts 13.27 Luke 24.21 Their false Teachers had greatly clouded all holy Doctrine Quest 6. and Answer That did hate and cruelly mock Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth since their peregrination In Egypt Ier 2 1.3 Ezek. 23.3 may Israel now say Ps 129 yea the Church may say this from the first to the last It began in blood and hath grown up by blood and shall end in blood as it was redeemed by blood Let the godly when they come to the Lords Supper think on this and ever prepare for trialls and take up the crosse Qu. 7. and Ans And to speak stout and wearisome words Apostasie from Gabriels holy Doctrine Dan. 8. and 9. and 11.12 chapters consider Judahs manners in profaness adultery perjury violence c. In brief for not remembring the gospel-Gospel-Law that Christ gave in Horeh for all Israel Mal. 4. These things shew that they shall cease to be of the holy City for this diligently read Haggai Zachariah and Malachi Ibid. Great oppugners of all Gabriels heavenly Message They were zealous Ministers of traditions mens precepts and bodily exercise they were serious in trifles and trifled in serious things The frame of spirit of all superstitious hypocrites Col. 2. They made false glosses on the holy Text and great enemies to the Gospel c. They are followed step by step of the Popish faction and their friends But those that love the shining glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ will abhor to be like such hypocrites that do all to be seen of men that care for nothing but pompous out-sides and bodily exercise opus ex ernum operatum yet mannaged with great shews of humility with great shew of wisdome and great shews of zeal and neglecting the body and defended by Pharisaicall and Locust-Scorpion cruelty and by cogging and dice-play Doctrine in all craftinesse Eph. 4. Such did and do hold Christ and his Doctrine Anathema It was ever so with the seed of the serpent ever since God spake Gen. 13.15 and so it will be to the end Mark what the Christ the angel of Gods presence said of old And if ye shall despise my statutes or if your soul abhor my judgements so that ye will not do all my commandements but that ye break my covenant Levit. 26.15 Deut. 7.10 and repayeth them that hate him Observe what Malachi saith that Christ will be refiners fire and Fullers sope to the three Shepherds whose soul abhorred Christ and their Doctrine which he was in Mat 5 6 and 7. chapters and chap. 23. and so he was to the Churches of Asia Apoc. 2 and 3. and in all other by his apostles and so to this day he is to all traditionists c. Quest 8. and Answer And thought upon his name to glorifie them The four beasts successively afflicted the people of God yet observe what is said for their consolation Dan 7.18 That although the beasts shall take away the earthly Kingdome of the Saints of the most high Ones the holy Trinity yet they shall possesse the Kingdome for ever yea for ever and ever The losse of the one is the enjoyment of the other So all that follow their faith are said to be partakers of their inheritance in light Col 1.12 Psal 36.5 with this note consider the former notes of the immortall State of the faithfull them in heaven and the family of heaven Ephes 1.10 and 3.15 Quest 9. and Answer hanged that Courtier and Favourite Haman Let fawning and flattering Courtiers that have a secret sting against the godly and wayes of holinesse remember this man their predecessour and likewise Doeg that mischievous and deceitfull tongue Achitophel that acute oracle of counsell Shebna the Treasurer a fautor of atheisme and all debauched courses Isa 22. and those Princes and Presidents that could find no quarrell against gracious Daniel but for the Law of his God And those Deputies that by plausible pretences lies and slanders did insinuate into the hearts of the Kings of Persia to damn the glorious Letters Patents of Cyrus King of Persia and those counsellours that were pensioners to hinder the Gospel Ezra 4. And those Courtiers that would have the King to put Jeremiah to death for preaching the word truly and at last put him into aâ—miry dungeon c. Now that you may see Christ rules in Princes Courts in the midst of his enemies he rooted out Doeg Psal 52. Achitophel seeing his projects took not hanged himself Shebna was banished and a godly officer substituted in his place And for those Princes and Presidents we see their sudden destruction Dan. 6. consider Ps 9 10. The sword famine and pestilence met with Jeremiahs accusers And as wrath came from the fierie Throne upon the Kings of Persia so it fell we may be sure on their creatures Dan. 7. Ibid. Had no right nor portion c. That speech of the truly Noble Nehemiah that famous godly and honourable Courtier is full of piercing terrour and a brave contestation to affront the stoutest stomacks that hinder the welfare of Sion And these Texts will further explain it Phil. 3.2.3 4 Eph. 2.10 11 12. Jer. 10.16 Apo. 12.14 15 19. if no porttion among that part of Gods family on earth then no portion with the other part of the family in the heavens Ibid. Ierusalems polity Nehemiah genealogized the people that none but of the true faith and posterity of Abraham might dwell in the holy City or have communion with them in holy things Neb. 9.2 so they were genealogized in the Lambs book of Life that are Citizens with the Saints in the Ierusalem that is above Apoc. 3.12 and chap. 7. and 21. Heb. 12.23 Psal 87. But the unclean in faith or life are shut out Neh. 6.63 64 65. Ezek. 13.9 Apoc. 20. and 12. Isa 4 3 Let every man know if he will enter into life he must shew his genealogic Iohn 3. 1. c. 1 Iohn 3. Tiâ— 3. Many Gentlemen glory much if they can derive their genealogie from Ancestors from or beyond the conquest of England by King William which it may be they and their Ancestours had little in them worthy of commendation But never think of any of these things in Gods Book especially of the Genealogle of our Lord Iesus Christ who became man to adopt us the sons of God If Nobility and Gentry could shew that they follow in regeneration the steps of faith and holinesse of the ancient Patriarks Prophets and Apostles then it were glorious whereas all their lineall succession is but vanity being inflamed with idolatrous and superstitious lasciviousnesse and following Cains ways What eared Isaiah Ezekiel Iohn Baptist Our Lord when the Iews boasted of Abraham that they came of him Isa 57.3 Ezek. 16.3 Iohn
but surely the Second Temple had more glory then the first Hag. 2.9 None of all the Prophets told the definitive time of fulfilling the promises to perfect the event of the Predictions of the Prophets and the joyful singing Hosanna to the King of Israel who made the day to break and the shadows to flee away c. c. The Second Temple had this glory and the performance of that which Moses Tabernacle and Salomons Temple with all their appendancies figured Therefore these things being well considered we may well give Sentence that the prophecies of Daniel cha 2.7 8 9 10 11 12. chapters with the Prophecies of Haggai Zachariah and Malachi were a thousand fold more comfort to the Faithful then the loss of those exteriours could be sorrow That worthy noble man Lord Plessi Truenesse of Christian Religion hath written somewhat of these five things chap. 29. pag. 455. Thus Christ was taught yesterday Heb. 13. The SECOND PART OF THE DIALOGUE Drawn from the NEW TESTAMENT CHAP. XIII How the New Covenant or the way of Redemption was taught or opposed under the first preaching of the New Testament QUest 1. Hitherto we have in part seen how God at sundry times and in divers manner spake of Redemption to the Fathers and faithful of the times of the old Testament Now give me some text in the New Testament which may call to minde the Prophecies of the old Testament that our hearts may be comforted being enriched in the full assurance of understand-standing to know the mystery of God even the Father and of Christ Answ Matthew 17.5 This Scripture is very pertinent This is my Beloved Son (a) Psal 2. Es 9.6 Prov. 30.4 2 Sam. 7.14 in whom I am well (b) Esa 42.1 Psal 132.10 pleased (c) Exod. 23.20 21 22 as Moses received the lively oracles from the Angel of the covenant to teach Israel so the Apostles received from him words that have spirit and life to teach the Israel of God John 6. Hear Him This text doth graciously look back to all the Prophesies that have been spoken of that now he was come this is He He that was promised in Paradice to Eva and afterwards to Sem to Abraham Isaac Jacob Judah David c. and figured by the Passeover Tabernacle and Temple Cloudy-fiery-pillar Manna Rock Brazen Serpent The Sacrifices c. By Melchizedecks and Aarons office and promised in Daniel to be the complement of all All the New Testament commenteth on this Oracle that came from the excellent glory QUest 2. and Answ What are the points that you observe out of this Scripture of Mat. 17.5 Answ 1. The Gospel consisteth in the true knowledge and belief of the person and office of Christ John 17.3 1 Cor. 2.2 Col. 2.3 4 5. 2. The doctrine of his person is clear in that the Father calleth this man Christ his son so that he is the son of God and man where this word Son is not to be understood in regard of Creation as were the Angells or of adoption as are the elect but by nature and generation eternal and in-effable John 1.18 Col. 1.15 3. Observe the distinct person of the Father acknowledgeth the distinct person of the Son to which add out of Matthew 3.17 the distinct Person of the Holy Ghost 4. This Son is called Beloved to shew that in that love the Father hath to the Son Pro. 8.31 Ephestans 1.6 John 1.14 15 16. there flow the joyful streams of love to his Elect so that he is the fountain of grace unto us 5. Unto those two points of his Person are joined two of his office answering unto them first In the beloved he is well pleased This sheweth the Mediation of his sacrifice-hood to God for us Secondly Him being Son he would have heard this sheweth the Mediation of his Soveraign Kingdome from the Father over us 6. This Mediation of his Sacrificehood is to be understood in two parts First John 17. What he did for us on earth And secondly What he did and doth for us in heaven On earth he made intercession for us and was delivered to death a sacrifice for our sins and was raised again for our justification from sinne and death to a resurrection Rom. 4.25 1 Pet. 3.18 Rom. 5.1 By his death and Sacrifice he purchased reconciliation justification and adoption also the word of reconciliation and the ministery thereof In heaven he entred with his own bloud into the holy Heavens and purchased eternal Redemption and the possession of the heavenly Mansions John 14.2 17. and in his ascention is our Fore-runner thither to prepare them he sitteth at the right hand of the Father making request for us he presenteth all our supplications 1 John 2.1 There is one God and one Mediatour 1 Tim 2. Ayoc 8.3 Eph. 3.12 2.18 intercessions and giving of thanks for our selves and others The effect of these things are joy peace hope of glory the giving and the in dwelling of the holy Spirit who mortifieth sin sanctifyeth our natures blesseth all holy means quickneth in duties perswadeth and assureth of free accesse to the throne of grace c. more then we can ask or think 7. These words In whom 1 Cor. 3.11 do exclude from this mediation all other Saviours and Mediatours whatsoever and condemneth such doctrine as stubble for the fire 8. In that he decreed to please himself with Christ it sheweth our free election justification adoption and salvation Galat. 1.4 Mat 11.28 Iames 1.18 to exclude all mans merits free will and works fore seen and to establish an unspeakable comfort to the man that findes in himself that God hath given him faith that he may know God hath predestinated him unto Salvation in his Beloved Son 9. The second part of his office is his Soveraignty in this Hear Him which sheweth his Soveraign authority over all Nations which standeth in this that He is the chief Prophet over all Kings Powers and Principalities and in all things Head to his Church 10. Under the word Hear is commanded our obedience that we should hear Him with our ears hearts and deeds that is by learning his word by believing it and practising it by works 11. This word Him is spoken exclusively there is no other Head of the Church but Christ none other to rule and make Lawes and Offices and Officers for the well ordering thereof but Christ none other Priest or Sacrificer to offer sacrifice for reconciliation of iniquity and lastly none other in (*) That doctrine of the Papalines that Christ is not in heaven sole mediator of intercession anathema sit Rome 8.34 Heb. 1. 8. Acts 2.36 5.31 heaven to offer with his own odours the prayers of the Church militant QUest 3. and answ What Seals hath Jehovah our King Judge and Statute-maker the Lord of the House hung and fastened to the writings of his new Covenant Answ Baptism and
Christ contained in Commandments Statutes and Laws which Abraham observed therefore the Families were cut off from the Sabbath and all the Ordinances of it and then followed abominable and law-lesse idolatries The observation of the Sabbath would have kept them in the faith of the Creation of the World and the faith of Redemption Object But it is not said they kept the Sabbath Answ It is comprehended most certainly in the charge of Christ which was contained in Commandments Gen. 26.5 Statutes and Laws which were extant in Sems and Abrahams dayes We may object as well they kept not Sabbaths for the times of three hundred and fifty years all the time of the Judges and but little mention of it for many years together And it is not recorded that they kept the Sabbatical year of Rest butonly once in Zedekians reign and he a wicked King and it is not recorded they kept any Iubilee yeare But we ought not to doubt but they did keep Sabbaths and the years of Rest and the Jubilees 4. In all their Sacrifices they invocated the holy name of Jehovah the everlasting God Psal 116.17 Psal 20.1.2 3 4. yea all of it Gen. 21.23 This is in commendation of Abrahams faith and in opposition of all the idolatries of the Families Here I think it is meet to observe sometimes offrings are mentioned and no Altar and sometime Altars and no Offring and sometime both are mentioned but not calling on the name of Jehovah and sometime an altar was builded and invocaâ—â—n was performed and no sacrifice is mentioned So in Moses and the Prophets holy convocations are called the presence of God False â—eatheys do as their first evil master did Satan promised our first Parents wâ—eâ—y when himselfe was a Servant of corâ—untion Satan used flattring speeches and fair words and great swelling words of vanity Ye shall be as Gods c. Gen. 3.5 semetime calling on the name of Jehovah is mentioned but no Altarnor Offering But we may be assured that all the faithfull did all three built Altars brought Ostrings and made invocation all this before Moses 5. The place of worship where the Saints assembled is called the presence of God Gen. 4. there he did put the remembrance of his name The Lord God thus shewed great merey to enjoyn such assemblies for our good we should else ay forget our MAKER and Redeemer and by this nercy of Sabbaths and alsemblies enjoyned we have communion with God our exceeding joy in the redemption by Christ Observe diligently Although our first Parents were shut out of Eden Garden or Paradise and from that Tree of life yet the Lord God would have an Eden in another way for the comfort of his chosen ones For where He puts the remembrance of His Name that is an Eden a Garden of God as Israel having Gâ—ds Ordinances among them The Ensigne of his presence was there set up for fourteen hundred yeares And it is called Eden the Garden of God Ezek. 28.13 And there Christ the Tree of life was fed upon by holy O. dinances No marvell that Salomon did sing so much of this Garden out of which he had almost excluded himselfe from the Tree of life but the Icdidia was helped to overcome himselfe and all Satans Instruments We should much think on this what a blessing it is beyond comparison that God should make us his Garden and set up his Tabernacle among us the Church is called the Garden of Eden from the first we are excluded by Adams sin but in this we are Inhabitants by faith in Christ and there Christ doth meet with us to blesse us Exo. 20 21. Exo. 29.43 And so Israel was Gods Garden Cant. 4. and so is the Church gathered from the Gentiles Apoc. 2.7.2 Cor. 6 16.17 And marke how Ezek. 28. and Cant. 4. and Apoc. 2. doe allude to the first stories It is said to us to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of life which is in the midst ' of the Paradice of God this looketh to the first stories Ever since Adams fall mans corrupted nature is exceeding apt to forsake the faith and to cleave to the false Doctrine of Devils Our first Parents were pild by Satan of Gods Image and of created comforts and shut out of Paradise c. to be sojourners here they and their children as pilgrooms in hope of a better Countrey by Christ 1. Pet. 1.3 4. We are poore grooms pild and pold by Satan and his Seed and so shall be till we come to our Father which is in Heaven 2. Cor. 5.1 2 3 4. 5 6 7 8 9. Here we are pild-grooms and sojourners in this cursed World but live in hope of the Heavenly Paradise through the blessed tydings of the Gospell of Christ who hath brought life and immortality to light by that promise of Gen. 3.15 Israel being made Gods Eden and Garden they had the Tree of life among them so the Church of the Gentiles while they abide golden Gandlesticks and overcome false Doctrines and worldly lusts they doe and shall cate of the Tree of life and shall be nourished by it continually Apoc. 2 21. 22. The meditation of these things are a refreshing but my intent is not now for manifold explications The godly soul by holy study will help to enlarge an hundred fold 6. They had the Law of distinction of Beasts and Fowls of clean and un cleane and might offer in Sacrifice only of the clean Gen. 7. the like Law of distinction is Moses 7. They must not eat bloud that they might have a reverend apprehension of the bloud of Redemption by Christ Gen. 9. the like is in Moses 8. They had diverse kinds of Sacrifices the Meat-offering of Kain but the offering of Habell was of Beasts also they had Burnt-Offerings as in Noah the effect of Noahs sacrifice is termed as our Lord his passion and Drink Offerings Ephes 5. and Oyl Offerings Gen. 35. 9. They had Sacrifices often Job 1. they knew as they asked for dayly Bread so they needed dayly forgivenesse of sins so in Moses they had a dayly Sacrifice this Antiochus put downe for a while Dan. 12. 10. The cheif Father was Preist and * Jacob wrestled for that honour of the birthright most commonly the eldest as in Exo. 24 son was trained up to that function yet for many hundreds of yeares they had a peculiar Preist Sem the Son of Noah sir-named Mechizedek a figure of the Son of God Sem the great and reverend Deut. 28. the great High Pfeist of our profession who was Sacrificer to Iehovah God most high Possessour of Heaven and Earth And he was a directour and strengthner of the godly in holy wayes for five hundred yeares after the Floud to the fiftieth of Isaac Sem was a great stay to the Church of God to uphold the faith so shaken against the revelt of Nimred and the apostate Families Gen. 11. 11.
They paid Tythes to maintaine holy worships and other charitable uses And so it was in Moses 12. They had Teachers which were Preachers of righteousnesse of the justification that is by faith which of old was called propheseying Noah was a Preacher of this righteousnesse and the godly Peophets did teach others the ways of Christ as it is said Abraham would and so did Iacob c. and so it was under the polity of Moses 13. The Spirit of Christ in the Prophets did strive with the people of their days to turn them from darknesse to light from the power of Satan to God Gen. 6. Neh 9. 14. Although the Prophets were godly yet what ever profection or any earthly or spirituall comfort they had from the Lord all was of grace as it is said Noah sound grace in the eyes of the Lord Gen 6 to be saved by waters and if of grace it is no more of works So Moses saith understand this day it is not for thy righteousnesse that God brought you from Epypt and placed his Tabernacle among you and gave you Chanaan but Gods love and mercy Deut. 9. 15. The corruption of nature taken from Parents is told Gen. 5. that they were but flesh that the thoughts of mans heart were evill from his youth Gen. 6. 8. and so all the apostate Families were un-regenerate Iob is plentifull on this subject Col. 3.5 Rom. 12 1. This sheweth how Abraham taught his Hous hold and Circumcision taught the same and the offering and burning of the rump kidneys and far taught them Mortification 16. In matters of doubt that concerned their particulars they went to holy Prophets to eâ—quire of God as Rebecca did to Eber or her Fatherinlaw Abraham Gen 20. and so it was in Moses if any doubt did arise they asked Moses and he inquired of God for them 17. We are constantly to observe that the same holy Covenant made to our first Parents was continued to some speciall persons for the comfort of the present age and posterity as to Noah Sem Abraham c. 18. As occasion was offered they made vows to God to bind themselves to a watchfull care and to chearfull thankfullnesse and willing obedience and so it was under Moses 19 In all which holy Doctrine and holy profession of it they knew that without faith in the Son of God it was impossible to please God therefore in all their worships they came in faith receiving and resting on Christ in the holy promise and Covenant Gen. 4. Heb. 11. and so Moses taught them in Exed 12. and in Dent. 30. 20. And by this holy faith receiving the Son of God as Mediatour from the Father for their Prophet Sacrificer and King Receiving and accepting the Son of God in all his Offices trusting in him for doctrine government and exâ—iation That speech of John ch 1.12 As many as received him is expounded of them that believe in his name Remember it still for a more clear definition of faith is not revealed and resting on him for Doctrine expiation and government were adopted the sons of God Gen 6. and were made heirs of the Julification that is by faith Heb. 117. and this receiving and believing on the Son of God was accounted of God above any righteousnesse they could do and this is the same holy faith that the Son of God imbreathed in the Prophets and Apostles to teach and write and all Moses taught the same Doctrine Deut. 30. Rom. 10. 21. Want of love to the brethen hypocrisie envy ill Gestures and hanging down conntenance bodily exercise murderous thoughts c. in the woship of God is reproved as in Cain and Christ in all Moses called them to holinesse truth and love c. * See hers how the Prophets expound Moses and teach the people of their generations and the Prophets do so expound him Psalm 50. Esai 1. God seeth not as man seeth the Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord but the prayer of the righteous is his delight again the Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord how much more when he bringeth it with an evil mind Proverbs of experience from the first and last counsels Prov. 15. and 21. David saith I will wash mine binds in innocency and so compasse thine a taâ— Psal 26. So Christ faith to us Let men pray every where â—â—fung up puâ—e hands without wrath and doubting 1 Tim. 2. 22. That the holy faith of the holy Son of God might not be violated or adulterated they were to take heed of unequall yoking by ungodly morriages Gen. 6 1 2 3 Christ in Moses speaks mâ—ch to this purpose 23. Upon any great design they sought God by the intercession of Christs Sacrifice as Jacob Gen. 46.1 2 3. And Abraham still shewed the same in building altars so did the faithfull in after times as Psalm 20.3 24. To all the holy Doctrine revealed they had Seals of the Covenant The Sacrifices were Seals of the justification that is by faith and the flood was a Sacrament of saving by waters as Baptismâ— is to us 1 Pet. 3 21. Christ renewing his Covenant to Abraham instituted Circumcision a seal of faith Rom. 4. and so in Moses was the Passeover and the other Sacrifices 25. It was required of all that did call on the name of the Lord to be upright in heart and to walk as before him and to testifie their faith by good works of obedience as Habel Enoch Noah Abraham Job c. the same is taught us 2 Tim. 3 Tit. 3 and Christ in Moses taught all this 26. They had washing or persons and garments that they should hate the garment sported by the flesh or for any defilement of worship c. c Thus for many things we may see The Modern Doctors af the Jews say that all was Tohu till Abraham that in him their glory might begin Mr Br. 1 in Mele. p. 75 76 all was not a Tohu an emptinesse from the apostasie of our first Parents to the death of Terah that apostated to idols but that the Gospel of Christ was revealed to out first Parents and by them taught as is evident to the Fathers and great severity came on despisers neglecting the word of faith both in the flood and in the confusion of tongues And we may well perceive what was their conversation Jesus Christ yesterday and to day and the same holy Doctrine in him shall be for ever Their conversation was acccording to Christs way and charge in his commandements statutes and laws as in all Genesis and Job it is said they walked with God and before God Hence we may see and discern the close life that is scattered in the short sayings of Moses especially for 2083 years to the death of Terah in Gen. 11. and in all Genesis and to the twentieth of Eaodus CHAP. XXVIII Of Divine Tradition I Think it is to some purpose to write a litle about
Tradition in reference to the last mentioned short Oâ—seâ—vations 1. Although the Church was taught by Tradition for 2513 years From the creation to Israels coming from Egypt is 2513 years yet the written word was no other Doctrine thâ—n was formerly taught by Tradition for all Genesis and much of Exodus was first delivered by Tradition till Moses wrote Genesis 2. The Eplstles to the Romans and Galatians open Gen. 12. 15. So John 1. and 1 John 3.8 open Gen. 3.15 So the Apostles Doctrine and writings are answerable to Gods Doctrine by Tradition for those 2513 years Ezek. 28. 3. That which Moses received by Tradition since Adam or by inspiration or both till he was 80 years old was no other than Christ gave him on Mount Sinâ—i which he wrote when he was shepherd to Israel 40 years So it is said by faith Abel offered by faith Araham when he was tried offered Isaac and by faith Moses kept the Paâ—leover and this holy faith hath commendation for all the godly of the old Testament Heb. 11. And the same faith we of Japhets house are exhorted to follow that Christ may be to our consolation to day as he was to them yesterday 4. And for that 2513 years wherein Religion was taught by Tradition Gods providence so ordered the affairs of his Church that while the families that hoped in Christ were few there were as is noted rate prophets long-lived and of great authority who although the Gospel was not written for ought we know till Moses times were most able to strengthen the faithfull of their times 5. The men that continued the Gospel by infallible Tradition from the creation to the giving of the Law are the first ten Fathers afore the flood Nine of them living together were a noble consistory to uphold the faith so shaken by the Apostasie of their own children and the wicked families of Cain 6. Then after the flood there were nine Fathers also of the holy line that lived together worthy Pillars against Niâ—rods revoâ—t these nine were Noah Sem Arphaxad Selah Eber Peleg Regu Serug Naho and so Sem Arphaxad Selaâ— Eber might and did instruct Abraham Sem Selah Eber and Abraham might and did teach Isaac Abraham Isaac and Eber taught Jacob Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs who left many godly that lived to Moses Moses Parents were godly Heb. 11. There was but 64 years between Josephs death and Moses birth 7. More briefly thus Adam taught the Gospel to Mathuselah and godly Lamech they two to Noah and Sem Sem taught Isaac Abraham and Isaac taught Jacob and Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs and they in Egypt held Religion sound while they lived and Joseph lived after Jacobs death 50 years and Levi 70 years after and there was 42 years between Levies death and Moses birth 8. The wisdome of God is admirable in the long life of the few families of the old holy men to preserve the faith by Tradition that Sem who lived with godly Lamech and Machuselah who saw Adam taught the Gospel to Isaac These four men Adam Lamech Sem Isaac could reckon years above 2000 but when mens ages were divers times shortened and at lâ—st brought to 70 years Psal 90. and when the Church of God consisted of many families and that the purity of Religion was forgotten and neglected after the death of the said Patriarchs of the most in Egypt for Israel in Egypt fell to the idols and Religion of Egypt then God commanded Moses in the wildernesse to write the word of faith and ever after it was the Standard and Cannon of faith and manners as all the Prophets after and our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles kept themselves to the written word and to this all the Israel of God is enjoined To the Law and to the Testimony saith Esaias Starch the Sâ—â—iptuâ—es saith the Lord Jesus Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you in all wisdome saith the Apostle of the Gentiles c. c This word of Christ is the holy Scripture and it teacheth us wisdome to salvation 2 Tim. 3. we are exhorted to give heed to the old Prophesie 2. Pet. 1. and thrice blessed are they that with an honest and good heart so do 9. All the Patriarchs were Bishops for their families 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 using all care to teach theirs from their Fathers speech what Sem i. e. Melchizedeck learned of Mathuselah taught of Adam of the holy Trinity and how our Lord should come of Judah the King of glory the eternall the framer of the world of that poor shepherd to be man to have his Tabernacle in us to look through the windows within our wall and also how Christ by death should vanquish him that had the power of death they did know that he should come down from heaven and did feed upon his flesh and blood comforted in sorrow by this hope they would not misse to catechise their sons in this point as Joseph gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed his brethren Gen. 47 12. so all godly gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed their families souls In one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 never used afore but in Josephs story with the Septuagint Our Lord his gracious tongue calleth us to the Patriarchs story Luke 12.42 compared with Gen. 47.12 to look to the Kingdome of heaven not to the earth which God hath cursed so Mr. Br. in Lords Fam. Luke 12 42. 10. Observe a little more concerning Tradition in those 26. Collections above that we should consider that the Spirit of Christ in the holy Prophets by Tradition and in the Law written by Moses is like it self one and the same Doctrine and all for the glorifying of Christ as it is said The spirit of Prophesie is the Testimonie of Jesus He is the mark of all Apoc. 19. Let us consider briefly for the new Testament therein also God took the same course though not for so long a time by Tradition I conceive it is a good instruction for us to strengthen us against the false Positions of Romane Catholicks concerning their unwritten verities for we shall easily perceive God to be without shadow of change whether by Tradition or writing 1. The Birth Life and Death the Doctrine and Miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ were by Tradition till the four Evangelists had written them but when written then it was the rule of our faith John 20.30 31. 2. The teaching of the Corinâ—hians the Institution of the Supper of the Lord was a Tradition 1 Cor. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the dead to them was by Tradition 1 Cor. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 1 Cor. 15. was the same Doctrine he taught them 4. The Apostles teaching of the Man of sin that Son of Perdition was a Tradition to the Thessalonians 2 Thes 2.5 15. 5. Painfullnesse and diligence in a mans calling was a Tradition 2
Who is able to utter the comfort of these Scriptures 4. God in Christ was the Shepherd of Israel and they are called the sheep of his pasture and in all places where he put his name there he fed his flock first at Shiloh 350 years seven Jubilees and after in 〈◊〉 to the end of the Seventy Sevens in both places three times a year most solemnly they did enter the Courts of Iehovah there they ascended his presence with great joy praise and thanksgiving c. The godly did so (a) 2 Chr. 29. and 30 35. and when they did not serve the Lord with gladnesse of heart see what was threatned and performed Deut. 28 47. c. all were exhorted so to do also they had other smaller Sabbatical Convocations in their Synagogues the Tents of the Shepherds where also Christ fed them and where God manifested himself it was called the presence of God and the gate of heaven where alwayes the ladder stood as the godly Shunamite found and many thousand even among the ten Tribes 2 Kings 4. Thus the Common-weal of Israel was the Kingdome of God above 1400 years 5. I will shew some Scriptures where the Saints felt the comfort of the promises when they did meet with Christ in the greater and lesser Assemblies Psalm 65.4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to come to thee that he may dwell in thy Courts we shall be satisfied with the goodnesse of thy house of thy holy Temple So Psal 36. Let the godly heart meditate on Psal 42 an 63. and 81. and 84. and 100 c. and in Psal 122. In all their holy assemblies they testified â—heir faith in he incarnation and redemption by the Son of God The twelve Tribes came to bear witnesse by their faith to that holy Testimony of the Son of God in expectation of him the Testimony to be manifested in due time 1 Tim. 2.6 and the twelve Tribes instantly serving God day and night did hope of immortality in the Resurrection of the Son of God the second Adam the Lord from heaven Acts 26.6 7. 1 Pet. 1.2 3 4 5. 6. A little more for the smaller Sabbaticall Assemblies Psalm 111. It is is said I will praise the Lord with my whole heart in the Assembly of the upright and in the congregation The Hebrew word as the learned say signifieth lesser Assembles and in Psalm 74. it is spoken in a mournfull manner that heathens making inrodes into the Land of Israel burnt up all the Synagogues of God in the Land which sheweth the great benefit Gods people found in the exercises there performed Now the new Testament is plentifull for these Sabbaticall Convocations how the dispersed of Israel practised in all nations This hath been plentifully shewed of late in a book entituled A Discourse touching the Jews Synagogues that there is no necessity to insist more upon this Argument SECT II. Now I will speak promiscuously upon what hath been observed with reference to the errours of the concision 1. ALthough the Law of the passe over came foure hundred and thirty yeares after the Promise yet that was not another Covenant but a further exposition and confirmation of the former promises The Concision mistooke the meaning of the Law and regarded not the promises teaching of Christ but thought after the Law was given by Moses to be saved by bodily exercise whereas the Law truly understood was but an expansion or dilatation of the promises 2. And they might have learned the same from their fore-Fathers even the pattern of the holy faith and love that is in Christ Jesus For Abraham when he called upon God he called upon him by an Altar and Sacrifice as it is said Abraham built an Altar and called on the name of Jehovah the †The same holy saith was taught to the Gentiles at the commandment of the everlasting God and not Gentiles worship the same everlasting God as Abraham did Rom. 1. 16.20 everlasting God so Jacob although Joseph had sent for him with all necessary accommidations for the journey to Egypt yet he durst not or rather would not proceed till he had sought God by the intercession of Christ Gen. 46.1 2 3. To teach us what we should doe in all our journies and undertakings so it is said when they sacrificed call upon me in the time of trouble and I will hear thee and thou shalt glorifie me Psal 50 See Psal 20.3 And so Samuel by faith in Christs sacrifice had good report and put to flight the armies of the Aliens And thus also did David and Salomon and all the Prophets and all the faithfull 3. And Malachi by Christs command concludes all the old Testament to Israel to regard the holy Law that he gave in Horeb and to look for no more Prophets till John Elias the Baptist but study the statutes and judgements of the Law and cleave to it that Fathers and Children might be blessed Mal. 4. 4. And thus the Concision should have understood all for Moses wrote not a new Covenant for Abraham received circumcision as a seal of the justification that is by faith and so all Israel should have professed the same in faith as our Lord tells them that circumcision was of the Fathers not so much of Moses Joh. 7.22 5. It is true circumcision did further oblige Abraham to keep the way of the Lord and his charge which was comprehended in commandments statutes and laws and those Lawes c. with many others that Christ ordained Moses wrote as hath been at large before noted 6. And what did this way and charge of the Lord tend unto even surely this repentance towards God and faith in the Son of God our Mediatour and love to the holy Seed Which way and charge was taught ever since the promise Gen. 3.15 even the Breast-plate of wholesome words Faith and Love And all Moses and the Prophets and Apostles doe still bring their Doctrine to these two heads Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus 7. This is in Habell how he made the like holy uses of the Sacrifices as 1. Pet. 4.1 2. Tit. 2.14 he did bear on his Breast Faith and Love as he was a beleiver so he ceased from sin being purified to be of Christs peculiar people and was zealous of good works as it is said his works were good Habel by all this we see was gathered into Christ the Head Eph 1.10 8. The promise saith to Abraham that in the holy Seed Christ we are blessed what is this blessing but cheifly in spiriturall things in Christ Jesus Eph. 1. Him to be our Peace-Offering Sin-Offering Trespasse-Offering Whole burnt-Offering to be our Washing cleansing hissop c. And in the yeares of Râ—st and Jubilee to be our freedome or justification from the bondage and servitude of sin as deaths death and Satan and to be our fore-goer into the mansions of the Heavenly Paradise Luk. 23 c. c. Now
the concision mistook all and turned all to be their own idoll and vanity in their bodily exercise to be so justified from sins guildnesse and filthinesse 9 Questionlesse Moses polity was a Covenant of grace in Christ and not a bare covenant of works For all the ceremonies were implicite promises all sponsorious of a better hope in Christ and because they despised to beleive this God was a consuming fire to them though they were never so exact in bodily exercise Ebr. 12. examine well how the Apostle speaks the same speach to the Hebrewes as Moses did to them of his time Deut. 4.24 10. And whereas Saint Paul saith that the Law of the Passeover came four hundred thirty yeares after the promise Gen 12.2 3. He doth not speak it as his judgment that it was a new covenant or all the Laws following it to be a covenant of works but reasoneth against the false Apostles taking up their phrase a Law of Works for he knew and hath witnessed that Christ delivered to Moses the Law of faith Rom. 10. conferred with Deus 30. 11. And whereas the Apostle saith Rom. 10.5 For Moses describeth the justification that is by the Law that the man that doth these things shall live by them This speach he citeth as it may be supposed from the allegations of false teachers * There is a Law for the ransome of the Soul by half a Shekel of Silver and so this was a tradition even in the Apostles dayes The Jews dispersed sent Silver to the Temple for their Redemption but the Apostle calls it a vain tradition of their Abothenu not looking to Christ the end of all read Exod. 30. 12 13.1 Pet. 1. so did Papists in carrying the Hâ—st to sick mens houses c. that so interpreted all Moses to be of the outward letter to build their comfort on themselves by bodily exercise And in this doing they must not misle in any eternall point no or in ceremonials commanded because of the course Deut. 27.26 And suppose they could have fulfilled all externals yet they could not have eternall life as the reward thereof it is not any exteriors only that procures life eternall And in deed to all externalls was too heavy an Yoke as the councill sheweth Act. 15. 12 It is true the holy Apostle useth tho phrase as abovesaid Law of Works in diverse places I have often thought that the Apostle in reasoning and disputing with false Teachers useth their phrase not that Christ in Moses commanded a Law of works to attain eternall life ex opere opeâ—ato the * In those days Apostacy from the saith was great and Christ â—ame to revaine this deâ—ection Dan. 9. Teachers before our Lords incarnation invented this phrase to rupting all holy Doctrine a Law of wâ—rks as a Schooleterme of their own against the true intent of the Spirit of Christ They by their false interpretations and expositions made all Moses a Law of works to themselves Christ in Moses did not make it so for they are reproved for stumbling at Christ the drift aime and scope of the Law though they might be unrebukeable in exteriours 13. But one would think that speech in Leviticus 18.5 truly understood according to Christs intent was part of the Law of faith for that Text is pâ—osecuted in Nâ—h 9 29. but not as a Law of works for we may suppose that the godly did not in the day of their humiliation confesse their sins and the sins of their fathers for not doing the Law of works but for the disobedience * According to Exod. 23.20.21 22. and it is true also they despised Christ in not doing but casting off all the exteriors Christ commanded and when they did so they much lesse cared for internals Exod. 30.12 13. of faith to the Son of God our Mediatour that gave to Moses the lively Oracles of faith and Ezekiel ch 20.11 handles this Text of Leviticus to the like effect and that speech of Levit. 18. is among the Gospel Statutes and judgements 14. In one sense it might be truly called a Law of works as thus if an Israelite had touched any unclean thing he might not come to the Tabernacle in his legal uncleannesse that he died not by some sudden stroak as Nadab and Abâ—hu and so the Priests mast wash also that they died not c. c. These externals they might do though they cared not for heart-worship in the faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus and so have their bodily life continued but life eternal is only promised to them that look to Christ by faith as he was typified by Moses rites and so bodily exercise by doing the outward works of the Law did profit a little for a bodily life and for an outward justification in their persons in respect of liberty to come into the Sanctuary but not for eternal iustification in Gods fight 15. And in such exteriors the Apostle was exact but all his Justification by bodily exercise of the Law which he was mistaken in were most vile to him when he knew Christ as he saith Phil. 3 7 8 9. But the things which were vantage unto me the same I counted losse for Christs sake yea doubtlesse I think all things but losse for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have counted all things losse and do judgâ— alâ— things to be vile that I may win Christ and might be found in him not having mine own justification which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the justification which is of God the Father through saith in Christ So 2 Cor. 5.19.2 16. And therefore if Levi. 18. be understood as some would yet then God was a consuming fire to all though exact in externalls that despised Christ resting in the most exact bodily exercise then what life was that in Levit. 18â— 17. Whereas it is said Heb. 12. Ye are not come to the fiâ—rie mountain but are come to Mount-Sion c. If they of the Concision had seen the Son of God according to the Prophets Mark 1.1 as Mediatour it had been no fiâ—rie mountain to them to destroy them but if they saw him not in his Law he would be a consuming fire and persecuting Saul would have found him to be so for all his Law justifications but he was received to mercy being in his unbelief of the Son of God 18. Mount Sion and Ierusalem in Canaan was a city of bondage an Hagar and a fierie mountain after the ending of the Seventy Sevens Dan. 9. they not giving diligent heed to the holy Angel Gabâ—iels message but perversely swerved from it But Ierusalem was not a city of bondage in Davids and in Salomons times but it was an holy City and a faithfull Town yea it was so for the most part to be accounted till the ending of the Seventy Sevens but not any longer they doing cleaving to and resting in Salems
but in the wildernesse when ye came out of Egypt King Then said King Salomon what my Tirzana doth all your speach tend unto Queen I humbly crave your Graces favour to finish my speach I remember I have heard my Father and Grand-father speake what plenty of peace and prosperity our God Chemosh hath given us nay what victories we have had against our mighty enemies the Giants called Emims and as it was your God that conquered the Chanaanites for you so it was our God Chemosh that conquered the tall great and terrible Giants the Emims for us Yea which I am loath to utter our God Chemosh hath given our Fathers power over Israel for twenty years together Oh should not we then have a most devout opinion of our Religion But why should I your hand-maid thus be bold to speake to your royall and sacred Majesty your great favour and respect unto me hath quickned my spirit and then with an humble deportment of body with her face to the ground she said the intent of all my speach is that it would please my Sovereign Lord the King to grant my small request I humbly beseech that I may have leave to build a Chappell on Mount Oliver to worship our famous and reverend Numen Chemosh the God of my Fathers King What is this I heare from you my Dear Did your speach drive at this Oh I may not doe this Jehovah our most holy Lord God whom we worship in his holy Temple is the true everlasting God and he can command nothing but what is good and perfectly good so that we need not add any thing and he forbids nothing but what is evil which we must not dis-annull and he is the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth and it is most requisite that man should subject himselfe to the most high who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and God above all Gods and therefore all the Children of men must be subject to his Laws and whosoever harden himselfe against him by disobedience shall never prosper and whereas you talk of strictnesse c. you are to know man by nature is borne a wild asse colt and there is no câ—ming of corrupt nature but by a strict course of holy Laws which to a regenerate and godly soul is an easy Yoke and to which he is willingly subject yea man by nature is sometime so refractory that he will not be brought unto God but by affliction yea neither Law nor affliction profits till the Lord himselfe deal with the heart such perversnesse is in man It is most true that man is addicted to his own vain heart Pro. 4. vid. the Margin and accounts the Law of our God most vile and is altogether contrary to God and would run to all licentiousnesse if there were not holy and just Laws and good government Gods ordinance to keep men within bounds 2. And whereas you talke that man is of a noble and free Spirit you are deceived in your apprehensions he is of a most ignoble Spirit ready to fall into all vile opinions and to all sin and wickednesse and to follow all tentations to evill as for his freedome of spirit he is free indeed to all evil as an horse rushing into the battell and not one spark of that celestiall fire is in him to any good till God put it in him and maintain it when he hath so infused it Mans mind will and affections are all corrupt and in himselfe no healing can be found How mercifull then was our God that he from whom we fell would give us a holy Law to be a medicine and healing Doctrine to restore the soul as his mercy and goodnesse is unspeakable in giving us his word for our need which is better known to God then our selves called for such blessed Heavenly Revelation as is declared in our most holy and most righteous Law which Moses received of God for us And we and all men must obey this Law and be reformed by it if we will have any comfort or protection in this world or hope in another 3. Whereas you talke of due liberty my beloved Tirzena I would have thee to consider all the reformation we can possibly attaine unto by the carefull industry of my royall authority and of our Preists and Prophets and Scholes will not come to that purity and exactnesse that the Lord our God requires Many imperfections in omissions and commissions will appeare continually through the lusts of corrupted nature that war in our souls by reason of the darknesse of the understanding and the untractablenesse of the will and the affections And none that have a feeling of the most holy Lord God and of his truth in the heart but find this thus And therefore to give the least liberty to thy opinion is such a designe that will provoke to anger our gracious and mighty Lord God and if I give liberty to thy opinion why not to the abomination of Moloch of the Children of Ammon and to the opinion of Ashtaroth the abomination of the Zidonians And so in the end to root out the holy faith of the Son of God our great high Preist Melchizedek and then that you desire will prove an evill impetuos to the downe fall of truth and godlinesse and hardly ever be reclaimable yea let me inforce this further that there cannot be any liberty granted in any respect to false worships and ungodly opinions such liberty will bring us and our posterity to miserable bondage as our Fathers felt in the Wildernesse and in the times of the Judges And if we that now live and our posterity doe not keep close to that reformation which is now setled in Israels Common-Weal Jehovah our God who is a jealous God will destroy this glorious Temple that we have built to his name and shake this Kingdome by many greivous calamities and at last weed us out of this good Land that he hath given to us and to our Fathers therefore you speak most unworthily to call our Reformation rigid And whereas you talke of pleasures c. you must know the pleasures of sin are but for a time which wast before we can enjoy them And all such lusts and pleasures doe but war against our souls as for the fewnesse of them that follow our God the Lord of Heaven and Earth it should put you to a stand whether the most doe not goe the broad way to destruction 4. I will inform you a little more because you boast of Antiquity in your Opinion and Religion you are deceived for our holy faith is as old as the first man and woman that was created yours is but of late from a God newly come up and indeed no true God Our God created the Heaven and the Earth and from him is our Religion and He destroyed the World by waters for profaning the name of the Lord by false worshipâ— and it was our God that cursed the Nations with strange Languages
for them for their calling to the Gospel All the Hebrew stories of the old Testament go upon the Families of Noahs Sons and Nephewes and on the latter off-springs of Terah It is very necessary for us to mark how the Prophets expresse these families by their wars or by their merchandize or by their calling to the Gospel Esa 11. 66. Ezâ—k 27. 38. c. All these wicked families despising the Tents of Sem a King of Iustice and Peace were cast off by the confusion of Tongues 2000. yea and were Lo-ruchama and Lo ammi not pitied and no people that is nor Gods Church nor people and did no more hear the Gospel till the true King of Iustice and Peace turned that curse of Tongues to a blessing and to gather his Elect from among them Acts 2. Then all those families were blessed in Christ as it was foretold to Abraham Gen. 12.3 Terâ—â— Gen. 11.26 27. Haren Lot Moab-Ruth Of him all the Kings of Judah from Rehoboham Ammon Of him all the Kings of Judah from Rehoboham Milcha Sarai Nahâ—r of Milcha and Reumah Uz Kemuel Hazo Iidlaph Tebah Tahash Buz of him Elibu Chesed Pildath Bethuel Laban Sons Lea Rachal Rebecca Sons Lea Rachal Gaham Maachah Abraham Of Sarah Isaac Esau vide his Geneologie Gen. 36. Jacob of him the twelve Patriarks Of Hagar Ishmael of him twelve Dukedomes in the Land of Chush They drove Chush further into the South Of Keturah Zimran Sheba Dedan Ashurim Letushim Leummim Iokshan Medan Midian Epha Epher Abidah Henoch Eldaah Ishbak Shuach of him Baldad Gen. 12.3 The Apostle opens the blessings in the Epistles to Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi Colosse c. then us Gentiles were Ruchamah pitied and a people Ammi All these Families were scattered East West North and South by the confusion of Tongues for many Generations and followed Divels the Prince of the darknesse of this world but being blessed in Christ by the blessing of Tongues to be of Abrahams faith they came from East West North and South to sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdome of Heaven Matth. 8.11 Luke 14.29 The Posterities of these families shewed the corruption of nature received from parents manifesting it by their Idolatries and hatred against Israel one after another first by Chams house then Sems then Iaphets And unlesse the Lord Jesus Christ had sent to seek them they would never have enquired after him Acts 26.18 Ieremiah and David prayd against these families Psal 79. Ier. 10. Ioktans posterity dwelt in places further remote from Chanaan for seeing they had so many godly Ancestors whom they despised and cared not for the blessing to Sem but followed apostate Nimrod who built Babel which brought a Babylonian confusion over all the world even a scattering from Sems Tents and in this unexpressable Judgment but godly meditated Ioktans Sons were cast furthest off from the means of salvation This should make us have no society in Religion for phrase nor Apparell nor Court with mysticall Babylon the Issue will be scattering The Kings of the Images and Beassts in Dam 2 7 and see Mr. Bro. Preface I. Babel Nebuchadnezar Evil-Morâ—dach Belshazzar When the Golden Head Babel was made dust then the glorious prophesie of the 70 Seavens was brought from Heaven by an Angel Dan 9.24 c. II. Madaâ— and Paâ—as that is the Mâ—des and Persians Darius and Cyrus that sent the Iewes from Captivity Artaaxeâ—xes he hindred the Temple Ezra 4.23 Assuerus Heathen call him Darius Hyâ—taspis the Husband of Esther He hindred the Temple and sought to havâ— slain the Jewes Xerxes the Son of Darius Hystaspis spoken of onely in Dan 11. Darius-Artaxerxes a good King he built the Temple he as the Jewes think was the Son of â—â—ther by Darius Hystaspis he had two names Ezr. 6.14 it should be translated Darius which is artaxerxes so Mr. Bulling in an Epistle to one of his Decads Beroaldus and many good Authors Darius Nâ—thu These three are passed over in Nehemiah Artaxerxes These three are passed over in Nehemiah Ochus These three are passed over in Nehemiah Darius the Peâ—â—an Neb 12. whom Alexander over-came III. The Grecians whole Alexander and his posterity and the whole power of Greâ—ia IV. The Grecians parted the Kings of the North and South South North. Ptol. Lagides Dan 11.5 Seleucus Nicator Amiochus Soter Dan 11.5 Ptol. Philadelphus Dan 11.6 Antiochus Thens Seleuchus Callinicus Dan 11.6 Ptol. Eucrgetes Daâ— 11.7 Antiochus the Great Dan 11.10 Ptol. Philapator Daâ— 11.11 Selencus Philopator Dan 11.20 Ptol. Epiphanes Dan 11.18 Antiochus Epiphanes Dan 11.21 All these Kings were hard iron Legs against the Saints the other Kings after partly Iron and partly Clay the Jewes now had some strength to resist as Zach 9.13 14 15. and 10.6 7. Ptol. Philometor Ptol. Luâ—hurus Ptol. Anlaetes Cleâ—patra Antiochus Eupator Demetrius Soter son to Philip. Demeâ—â—ius Nicator his son Antiochus brother to Nicator Antiochus Gryphus Selencus his son Antiochus Cyzizenus Antiochus his son Antiochus Asiaticus I have not written Antio Sater and Selen Callinicus of the Posterity of them of the North they were not Horns of trouble to the Jewes After all these the Romans ruled CHAP. XXXIX The holy Chronicle sundry wayes expressed and every way agreeing to the same number of years being from the first promise in Gen. 3.15 till our Lords death 3960 years SEe Bro. in Texts of Scripture From the first promise of Christ to restore life upon death brought in by the Serpent to the promise of Christ made to Abraham up on the death of Terah who was the first of our Lords Fathers that the Serpent drew to idolatry are years 2083. The said time of 2083 years is secorded by the particular years of the Fathers in Gen. 5. and Gen. 11. Â From the second promise made to Abraham at the death of Terah Gen. 12. to the Lamb or to the Law of the Passcover Ex. 12 which typifyed Christ the Lamb of God are years 430. From the Lamb to the Temples Foundation 1 Kings 6. A type of the true Temple are years 480. From the foundation of the Temple to the burning of it Ez. 4. or rather to the captivity upon that are years 427. Thence to the end of the Captivity in Babel when Cyruâ— made a Decree of re-edifying the City and Temple 2 Chron. 36. are years full 50. Thence untill the Temple of our Lords body arose the third day are years 490. The whole Summe is 3960. Observe that in this page it is said from the foundation of the Temple to the burning of it is 4227 years but in chap. 44 it is said from the sin of Israel to the burning of the Temple is 390 years which is reckoned from Ezekiel 4. now to this 390. adde the 37 of Salomons Reign and then it is 427. for the foundation of the Temple was laid in the fourth year of Salomon 2. In the said 44. chapter you will find the
number of 518. which is thus cleared It was from the coming out of Egypt to the foundation of the Temple 48â— years which was laid in the fourth year of Salomon to which adde 37 years for the rest of Salomons Reign and the year wherein the Ten Tribes made their Division from Judah and so you have 518 years and this way doth also still maintain the generall summe of 3960 years CHAP. XL. Another expression of the holy Chronicle which the former Dialogue hath followed FRom the first Promise of Christ to destroy Satans works unto the Flood the first generall manifestation of wrath and judgement upon the seed of the Serpent for despising the Promise are years 1656. From the Plood to the promise made to Abraham of restoring blessednesse in Christ to the Apostate families in Gen. 10.11 are years 427. From the Promise to Abraham to the glorious and mighty Redemption of Israel from Egypt and the giving of the Law of the Passeover Gal. 3 are yeas 430. From the coming from Egypt to the Foundation of the Temple a figure that the Son of God would make not the nature of angels but the Seed of Abraham his Temple are years 480. Thence to the burning of the Temple That Israel should not glory too much in outward Ceremonies and therefore God did shake them by Babel are year 427 Thence to the overthrow of Babels Monarcy by Cyrus and Darius and sending the Jews home from Captivity are years full 50. Thence to he death of the MASSIAS and ending of all Moses ceremonies which is that once more that Christ said he would shake them to settle that which should remain untill his second most glorious appearance is 490. The whole summe is 3960. These seven Pillars may well be resembled to those seven that wisdome hewed out Prov. 9.1 which hath the golden chain of times fastened to them upon which hang the glorious Curtains of needle-work the embroidered prophesies and stories of the eternall wisdome In which there is a Table spread and furnished with all varieties of grace to feed the soul in Christ who is the cluster of Redemption and ought to find a lodging betwixt all faithfull breasts CHAP. XLI A third expression of the holy Chronicle IT is glorious to meditate how the Sun in all his journies did constant service to the SON Eternal in a marvellous distinction of times and most harmonious manner in which is seen how his Mediatorian Kingdome was exercised mall ages in mercy to the godly and in severity to the wicked opposers From the miraculous creation to the miraculous over flowing the world by waters are years 1656. From that inundation to the death of Terah who was first of the Fathers of the holy Line that corrupted the true sacrifice to flames of idolatry are years 427. From the death of Terah and the promise to Abraham made presently upon his death to the ending of Israels peregrination in the Land of â—am 430. Thence MOSES was to Israel a Shepherd in the wildernesse years 40. From Mâ—â—es death to the conquest and Partittion of the Land of â—anaan by Jesus a type of JESUS Christ the Son of God that hath procured for the people of God the true Rest Jos 14.20 are years 7. Thence by seven Jubilees the time of the Arks abode in the Tribe of Ephraim at Shiâ—oh at the ending of which Jubilees the Ark was captived but Christ gave them it again then was the Transmigratirn of the Ark to the Tribe of Judah those seven Jubilees are years 350 Thence by Seventy Sevens to the first captivity by Babel Then Christ did to Jerusalem in part as he did to Shi Ioh Jer. 2. 490 By Iudahs captivity and subjection to Babel then the Land of Israel kept Sabbath seventy years as Moses foretold Levit. 26. 70. Lastly by the most comfortable Prophecy and Promise of Reconciliation by the death of CHRIST at the end of Seventy Sevens of years Dan. 9 24. 490. The whole Summe 3960. 7 Iubilees are 350. 70 Sevens are 490. 10 Sevens are 70. 70 Sevens are 490 Â Â 1400. 28 Iubilees or 1400 years from the conquest of the Seed of the Serpent by Ioshua to the victory of our Lord Iesus CHRIST over sinne death and the grave and over him that had the power of death the Devil CHAP. XLII Of the Geometricall Frame of the processe of Times THE Stones in Salomons Temple were not more curiously fitted for the building then the times of the holy Scriptures are from Moses death neither is any army more orderly composed then the times revolution by the infinite providence of CHIST Seaven yeares of conquest and partition of Chanaan Seaven Jubilees the Tabernacle of Moses and the Ark of the Covevenant at Shile for Ephraim glory Seaven Seavensies began with the Transmigration of the Arke of the Covenant for Judahs glory Psal 78. Seaven Tenns for Captivity to feel Ieremies Lamentations And then againe the former measure of Seaven Seavensies to find comfort in servitude which none but the poor in spirit and mourning will ever find Vid Mr. Br. in Advert 72. CHAP. XLIII Further Considerations of these 28 Jubilees that the godly student may delight in the holy Book of God THE plainnesse of Gods dealing still calleth us to mind of a first Sabbath by a like account of Sevens which also is usuall through the Scriptures and especially from Moses times And that cannot be denied Now that the whole record of the Sunnes service for twenty eight Jubilees unto the Sunnes service prophesied Dan. 9.24 c. which was spoken by an Angel to make us shine in Justice and that it may shine in plainnesse diligently ponder and observe 1. Moses in Levitions chap. 25. telleth that the Jubilee shall be an holy year and the old Hebrew Doctors thereupon in the Zohaâ— as learned say write thus In the Iubile year Shecinetha that is the Majesty of God having his Tabernacle with us will be Freedome Redemption and Sabbatisme to Israel by the Angel Gabriels years the last Iubilee that ever the Jews had in their Land shall fall out at our Lords death in which year the Majesty shewed it self upon the Mountain to Peter Iames and Iohn with Moses and Elias and became to us freedome i. e. justification and redemption and finisher of Mosaicall Sebbaths consider the proceeding of times herein 2. Seven years were spent before Israel had conquered and parted the Land Before the Partition the Iubilees could not begin and by Moses words the next year after was to be the first of fifty for the Iubilee Thence unto our Lords death are 28. Iubilees exactly year 1400. 3. In that we have a long time broken the whole frame of both Testaments by suffering heathen Olympick toyes to call us from the wisdome which Gabriels healthy and heavenly message had and offereth to us we must confesse that God hath been angry with us justly in giving over the world unto blindnesse whereas that Prophecy
would have lightned all the Scripture Of Olympick vanity more below The 26. Levit. running still in Phrase upon Sevens in the punishments cometh at last to the captivity for ten Sevens of years and foretelleth such a confession of sins as Daniel maketh and how God will remember his Covenant which Gabriel there mentioneth Moses and the Prophets shall be vilely disjointed through quite if here we hold not the plain propriety of time 5. These former parts of time be no lesse clear in Scripture than the stars in the Skie that in the Seventh year the Land was parted that * That is 42 years six sevens Israel held it in quietnesse that Chusan held it the whole Seventh Seven That in the Iubilee Othoniel turneth them into their possession The golden Candlesticks with seven branches bowls 22. as the Hebrew letters knops half so many flowers thrice three all 42 commended not Bezaleets wisdome more and obedience to the prescript then we are bound to mark how the holy volumes record the Hebrew stories to fall out in times according to their ceremonies Thence the seventh Iubilee reacheth to †A kindler 〈◊〉 the golden candle-sticks land an erector and Rector of the Schools of the Prophets Samuels happy times Thence to the captivity of Babels seventy Sevens Moses did closely allude unto that space Now the Seventy years of captivity Moses and Ezra compareth with the Sabbath Levit. 26. 2 Chron. 36. 6. The Prophecy of Dan. 9.24 surmounteth all easie for memorie and celestiall for Meditation It had not been so harmonious to have chains of the time hitherto most certainly fixed if hence we should un clasp the links of it But we have the chains of times fastening hitherto-more closely than the Finnes of the Leviathan stick one to another Iob 41. All the works of God have perfection and so is the time from the Creation to the Redemption Mr. Bro. ex manus CHAP. XLIV A fourth expression of the holy Chronologie from the Creation to the Redemption THE golden chain of times are evident which draw from the apostasy of our first Parents unto our Lords Resurrection which when they are all known do bring unto Christ and we shall find much comfort and edification if we often think upon them for they are a greater ornament to the Scriptures than any chains of the finest gold or of the most rare or polished Jewels to the neck The first is from the beginning of time since Satans fierie tongue did set the wheel of the whole Creation on flame that nothing but the flood of waters nor that could quench it The second is from the Flood to the death of Terah Arahams father the authour of idolatry in Christ his Line and thereby causing to cease the royall accompting of the Churches annals by the ages of the Fathers Gen. 11. Jos 23. The next beginneth upon his death with a new promise of CHRIST making Abraham heir of the world not through the Justification of the Law of Circumcision but through the justification of faith in the promise of blessednesse in Christ to the Families Gen. 12. This Chain draweth along to the Lamb that is the Law of the Passeover Exod 12. The fourth chain is from the Lamb to the Temple the allurement of the Nations unto the worship of him that made the Temples of the heavens From the lamb to the Temple 480. Salomons 37. and year of division all 518. who in fullnesse of time would come to make humane nature his Temple to dwell with the children of men And further this chain teacheth to Salomons death his idolatry as Terah was worthy to have this chain ended for which his Kingdome was parted and Ieroboam did set up calves for God which doing is called the sinne of Israel These summes with the year of the Division of the ten Tribes from Iudah are years 518. The fifth chain is from that apostasie of Israel to the burning of the Temple that space is 390 years Iudah now is onely Gods Kingdome In that time is contained the books of the Kings Ezek. 4. and 2 Chron and most of the Prophets as the table before will shew Here must be considered Ierusalems ruine by Babel the flames of the Temple and the ending of Salomons race and Kingdome the breaking of the golden candlestick yea the Ark the speciall signe of Christs presence which had the two Tables of the Covenant was no more as Ierem. 3. They lost it at Shiloh but found it again in the woody field of Kiâ—iath Iaharim Psal 132. All Moses curtains Babel carried away for a spoil and all that Hyram the King and Proselyte procured and Hyram the artificer made c. all these goodly things left the Temple and shewed Christ his severity * Christ by Babel shook his own ceremonies by Moses and ended them by Rome that is the meaning of that speech in Aggei Yet once more I will shake never to have any setting yet some in their writings will re-edifie the low Jerusalem c. But as Israel had a first and second Temple so Jerusalem was twice builded by David Salomon and Nehemiah and twice razed now no other Jerusalem ever shall be but that which is from heaven and no materiall Temple ever shall be for the Lord God of Hosts even the Lamb is the Temple in the heavenly Jerusalem Thus in part he did shake these similitudes of heavenly things that they might look to the sure mercies and holy things promised in CHRIST unto David Acts 13.34 The sixth sheweth the earthly glory of this worlds Monarks with their abasement and sudden destruction all this is seen in the golden head Babels Kingdome which Christ made as chaffe before the wind Now the Jews had seen the end of Salomons progeny the fall of his Kingdome their hope the burning of the Temple their glory and the fall of Babel the glory of Nations by Cyrus and Darius Salomon foresaw all this and said all is vanity Eccl. 1 The seventh is from Cyrus Proclamation of bringing back the people of God from Babels yoke to the eternall freedome the Lord Jesus Christ purchased This time is the glorious and shining Prophecy of the Seventy Sevens Dan 9. This chain began with Cyrus of Sem and Darius of Japhet both which Princes proclaimed the God of heaven the God of Israel over an hundred and twenty Nations who gave Israel a liberall subsidie to comfort them in returning to Sion who by that faith in that joyfull Prophecy left great Babel for Jerusalem yet in her dust Psal 102. And this year the faith of Gods elect stopped the mouth of Lions c. And this chain endeth most comfortably by the death of Messias the Holy of Holy which endeth all Sacrrifice and offering in the low Jerusalem and it endeth the peculiar Prerogative of Israel and it bringeth the Gentiles into equall covenant and breaketh down the Partition wall and blotteth out the hand writing of Ordinances
Popes rising to his Antichristian Hierarchy is first described compare with the seven Phials in chapter 16. under which the Antichristian Hierarchy doth fall is consumed by degrees p 261 Vnlearned Schollers that affected Superiority in the severall Centuries after Constantines time turned all to ambition and heresie and polititians to prophanesse p 262 There shall be persecution from the seed of the Serpent in one place or other as long as the Church remaineth in this world notwithstanding all that is alledged for Christs glorious personal reign here on earth p 266 None of the Phials is poured on the Turks Tyranicall Kingdome p 267 Chap. 19. The dead bones in Ezek 47. must not be understood of the Jewes câ—ling after our Times But onely of their return from Babel p 2â—7 The calling of the Jewes yet to come shall be in all places of their dispersion â—269 The Jewes do hope for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and do pray daily for their return to Canaan and many Christians do Judaize with them in teaching their return thither and to be a glorious Church there again p 269 Chap. 20. Of the two sticks in Ezek. 37. in confutation of them that say It is not yet fulfilled that Ephraim was joyâ—ed to Judah in the return from Babylon p 271 178 Also some observations on Zach. 2. Zach 8. Zach 9 10 11. chapters p 271 Chap 21. Of the Jewes calling that Zach 12 13 14. chapters cannot be applied to the Jewes calling yet to come as many Ministers dâ— too unadvisedly teach p 284 Chap 22. Expounding Zach 12.10 11 12 13 14. verses The subservient Typicall Covenants of works after some time was made such an Idol of Justification by the Jewes that it made them despise Messias the King and his justification p 288 Chap 23. Expounding Zach 12.19 11 12 13 14. with Zach 14.10.11 c. p 291 Chap 24. Gog and Magog in Ezek 38. Ezek 29. must be taken properly but God and Magog in Apoc. 20. must be taken in a mysticall sense p 294 179 Corporation-speeches must be marked for the right accommodation of the true sense of the blessed Scriptures p 298 Chap. 25. Some Observations on Jeremiâ—h 30 31 32 33 chapters p 299 Chap. 26. That the Covenant of grace made with Israel in Dan. 29. is the same that God made with Israel in Exod 20 and the one is no more a Covenant of works than the other p 301 Chap. 27. Short Collections out of Genesis Job and some part of Exodus shewing that the Gospel was taught among the faithfull before Moses wrote the same 304 alias misprinted 296 The Sabbath was a sign of Sanctification to them by the death of Christ p 304 alias 297 296 In Moses and the Prophets holy Convocations are called the presence of God p 298 alias 305 p 36 Chap. 28. Of Divine Tradition p 302 From the Creation till Israels coming from Egypt or from the promise of Christ in Gen. 3.15 till the Passeover in Egypt is 2513 years in which space of time the Church had not the written word but was taught by Tradition Chap. 29. Being an answer to them that say that the polity of Christ given to Moses was not a Covenant of grace p 306 Chap. 30. Shewing that Israel under Moses Law were under a covenant of grace p 313 Finis operis intends all that live under the visible Church as once all the world had a being under the Church in Adams dayes and under Sem none are excluded from being under the Covenant of grace to outward apprehension though finis operantis is for the elect as Moses speech shews in Deuth 29.29 p. 314 Divers brief Arguments to prove the Jews under Moses Law were under a covenant of grace p. 315 Chap. 31. A Prosopopeia of Solomons fall by granting liberty of conscience to his idolatrous Wives p. 316 Chap. 32. Brief Considerations about Sheol Gehenna and especially about Hades as it relates to the Article of the Creed he descended into hell p 328 Chap. 33. Of the phrase of Abrahams Bosome p 335 Faithful Factors need not fear to be called home from forreign parts so when the good servants were called to give an account for their trading by the Talents they feared not p 336 Comforts to the godly against the fear of death p 336 337 Chap. 34. Some propositions and expostulations concerning the true nature of Christs sufferings p 338 Job doth tell us that it is not good to defend Gods cause with an Error pretending Religion p 339 The second Adam had power over his affections more then ever the first Adam had in his Innocency for he had power to trouble himself with grief and sorrow which Adam in innocency had not p 340 Christ in his sufferings was not under Gods vindicative wrath for one minute of an hour p 840 341 The assertion That our Lord suffered Hell torments in this life in his soul or in his body appeareth not true by any Scripture p 341 In Heb 9 14 15. Christ offered himself by his eternall Spirit c. That by means of death for Redemption c. This death cannot be expounded of the second death because it is compared with the bodily death of such as do thereby confirm their Testaments p 341 A just reproof of them that affirm That Christ in his sufferings did combate hand to hand with his angry Father p 343 Chap 35. Observations upon that distinction which some make between a locall and a poenall Hell which Poenall Hell some say Christ suffered p. 345 Some say Christ suffered a poenall Hell out of a locall Hell they say Locall Hell is but a circumstance they may as well say That the glorious place of heaven is but a circumstance and so in this sense all created things in respect of God are but circumstances p 345 Our old English Saxon word Hell doth not answer to Hades but to Gehenna Hell which our Ecclesiasticks must cleer p 346 Christ underwent a poenall Hades in this world but not a poenall Gehenna p 346 Chap 36. Observations on the second death which some say Christ suffered p 347 When Christ was in his sad Agony in the Garden there was an Angel from heaven to strengthen him which doth evidence that he was not then under the second death for if he had then it had been impossible for an Angel or for all the Angels in heaven to strengthen him p 348 If Christ had suffered the second death which is indeed the Effect of the Essentiall wrath of God he could not have said My God my my God why dost thou leave me And Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit c. p 348 When did our Lord suffer the second death was it before his bodily death We know by divine Revelation that the second death is after the first or else if we by our wit and learning will affirm the contrary we shall destroy Gods order p 348 The Doctrine