are wicked from among them 4. Vnto this covenant ar al that make profession of faith and obedience to be admitted without respect of persons for in Christ Iesus ther is no difference of Iew or Gentile of rich or poor of bond or free of male or female for all are one and alike redemed by his blood wherby he hath confirmed the covenant for the many and he hath powred out his spirit vpon al flesh vpon sons daughters vpon old and yong vpon servants and mayds And togither with themselves their infants also ar recived by virtue of Gods promise vnto Abraham which promise by Christ is confirmed vnto vs with al the benefits privileges of the same Which infants though they want discretion to perceiv the favour of God for the present yet want they not sanctification but ar holy if but one parent beleev in Christ this through the mighty work of Gods spirit who sanctifieth his from the womb and by this grace doth comfort the parents in that he is both God of them and of their seed and after the children also hav their faith confirmed by knowing that they wer cast vpon him from the womb and he was their God from their mothers belly 5. And as the number of beleevers groweth so ought they to gather togither and we accept into our fellowship al that gladly receiv the word even such as be weak in faith must we receiv bearing their infirmities after Christs example who would not break the bruised reed nor quēch the smoking weke but nourish it rather by the oil and breath of his spirit that it might burn bright And if notorious infamous synners repent and beleev the Gospel they may not be repelled for Christ came to cal and save such neither are they to be refused as impure whō he hath washed and clensed by his blood and received to the glory of his father Which grace of his David did fore shadow vnto whom there gathered al men that were in trouble all men that were in debt and all those that were vexed in minde he was their Prince Also when God converteth the child and not the father the servant and not the maister the wife and not the husband the subiect not the magistrate such as he caleth must come to his church we also must admit knowing that Christ hath sayd he cameto set variance betwixt parents and children so that a mans enemies should be they of his own howshold Yet is not their entrance into the faith and church of God any discharge of them from their duty and obedience towards their former governours but let every man as sayth the Apostle abide in the same vocation wherein hee was caled The beleeving wife may not forsake her vnbeleeving husband nor the servant his maister and every sowl must be subject to the higher powers even to every humane creature for the Lords sake As Christs kingdome is not of this world so neyther doth it destroy or abolish the policies of the same but mainteyn them rather whiles it teacheth all men to do their duty and subject themselves even for conscience sake 6. Again as no earthly power can compel a man vnto this estate of grace for no man cometh vnto Christ except the Father drawe him faith is the gift of God not of men he addeth to his church such as he wil save so neither can any creature hinder this good work but when Christ draweth vs we wil run after him when he effectually caleth vs we will leav father and friends and all to follow him And as our gathering togither is in his name so must we defend it by his authoritie answering as did the Apostles to thē that blame vs we ought rather to obey God then men 7. But forasmuch as the Saincts are dispersed over al the face of the earth in several cities countries God requireth not that they should al go to one place for that could not stand with civil policie neither were possible for them to perform Therefore albeit whiles the seat of his church was in the litle land of Iewrie he cōmanded al the men to appear togither before him at Ierusalem thrise every year yet when al nations were admitted into his covenant adopted to be Abrahams seed the Israel of God he gathered them togither by his Apostles in severall cities where they dwelt and so established many congregations in one countrie as the seven churches in the lesser Asia the churches of Galatia of Syria Cilicia and sundry other mētioned in scripture do witnesse even in Iudea were moe churches planted as the Apostle Paul noteth 8. And God which caled the people vnto his faith furnished them also with divers gifts of his spirit wisdome and knowledge prophesie tongues and many other graces wherewith he adorned the spowse bride of his beloved son that by them they might serve him and help comfort and edify one an other in their most holy faith He appointed also that some which for their gifts and conversation were found fit should have the care and oversight of that congregation where they were set to watch for their sowles and to feed and rule them with the word of God These for their gravitie ar caled Elders for the charge cōmitted to them Bishops or Overseers for the message whereon they are sent the Angels of the churches and for the effect of their administration they are named Saviours by the doctrine of the Gospel saving those that hear them Yet are not these Lords over Gods heritage but the administers of his graces and blessings among them and ensamples to the flock not having dominion over their faith but helpers of their joy 9 By the seed of the Word in the mouthes of these ministers and the other mēbers of of the church ar children begotten multiplied dayly that Ierusalē enlargeth the place of her tents and they spread out the curtaines of her habitatiōs For she increaseth on the right hād on the left vntil this host of our David become great like the host of God his seed as the army of heaven that cannot be numbred By the same word as by milk and wine ar the people nourished vp vnto life eternal their covenant with God one with another ar the two staves Be wtie Bands which Christ the good sheepheard hath taken to feed and rule his flock His covenant with them is Beautie or Pleasance for by it he giveth thē knowledge which is pleasant to their sowl as is also himself and his waies By this covenāt he cōfirmeth his spirit vpō thē his words in the mouth of thē their seed which
in Gods worship or th'affayres of man the verie form of the law given to them al jonâ—y severally sheweth for God speaketh to every sowl apart Thou shalt have no other Gods before my face and â—o in al the other precepts And least by the error of many any should be withdrawen from this obedience he gav another expresse law Then shalt not follow a multitude to doe evil After that when corruption spred among the people he sayd though thou Israel play the harlot yet let not Iudah syn And so farr ought al to be from synning for company as they should say with â—aakâ—b into their secret let not my sowl â—â—me my glory be not thou ioyned with their assemblie and with David should hate the assemblie of the evil and not sâ—t with the wicked but wash their hands in innocencie compasse the Lords altar for howsoever men joyn togither in syn yet â—â—and in band the wicked shal not be unpunished the sowl that synneth it shal die whither it be 〈…〉 or womaÌ„ or family or tribe whi 〈…〉 shal turn their hart away from th 〈…〉 Lord and so persist blessing th 〈…〉 selves in their evil he will not be mercifull to such a person but p 〈…〉 out his name froÌ„ vnder heaveÌ„ A 〈…〉 the Lord when he taketh his 〈…〉 the hand teacheth them 〈…〉 walk in the way of such people b 〈…〉 to sanctify and fear him This then is the duty of every sowl that they keep themselves pure and refrayn from al wickednes that so thâ— prayse of Iudah may come vpon them which yet â—â—led with God â— was faithful with the Saincts when Ephraim compassed the Lord with lies â— the howse of Israel with deceyt So also shall their reward be with those few names in Sardi which church had a name that it lived but was dead which had not defiled their garments and should walk with Christ in whites for they wer worthy 5. Moreover the Saincts must hav a care of their communion in the church that by reason of their brotherhood corporation they partake not with other mens syns True it is that some hypocrites wil cary them selves so cunningly that they can hardly be discovered or avoyded howsoeuer in godly gealousie they may be suspected such must be born with patience til their synnes be ripe And it appeareth that the Apostles themselves were much troubled with such whom they theifore caled deceiptful workers for that they could like Satan transforme theÌ„selves into the Apostles of Christ and ministers of righteousnes and these sought occasion against the faithful servaÌ„ts of God would impurely even of envy and strife preach Christ supposing to add more afflictioÌ„ to their bandâ— neyther hath the church in any age bene without such tares whose judgement is with the Lord not farr off and their damnation sleepeth not But if their wickednes be apparant they must eyther be reclaymed froÌ„ their syn or rejected otherwise the whol church may be levened and in fault also as before is proved And when eyther in Gods worship corruptions ar admitted or the open wicked suffred vnamended al the godly ought not onely to reprove and witnesse against these evils but refrayn froÌ„ partaking with the church in them So did the prophets and holy men of old themselves so they taught others WheÌ„ false worship was set vp in the churches they warned the people not to come there when false prophets taught not to hear them yea though they were their own children to thrust them through when they prophesied And generally for al iniquity against God men they taught every one to refrayn as they loved their lives and salvation to turne themselves and cause others to turn from al their transgressions because they should be judged every one according to his wayes Herevpon the godly when they could not reclaim their brethren both mourned and cryed for al the abominations done amoÌ„g them and also refreyned from evil wherby they made theÌ„selves a prey to the wicked who hated them cast them out for Gods name sake yet they again were taught to iudg them after the manner of harlots to plead with their mother the Church that she was not the wife of the Lord nor he her husbaÌ„d but for her adulteries she should be slain her children vnpittied if she took not away her fornications out of her sight And in Ieremies dayes the Lord asketh what his beloved should tary in his howse seeing it had coÌ„mitted abomination with many and the holy flesh that is the flesh of the sacrifices was gone away from them being defiled by ther impure actioÌ„s therfore rather to be burnt with fyre then eaten of any man for when they did evil they reioyced so that it wer better for every Godly one to separate then communicate with that worship where as another Prophet sayth the sacrificing of bulloks sheep was as if they had slayn a man or cut off a doggs neck or offred swines blood and the memorie of incense as if they blessed an Idol they having chosen their own wayes and their sowl delighting in their abominations In like manner did Christ informe his Apostles and they the churches that they should not admitt of any erroneous doctrines or partake in any evill act with the Scribes and Pharisees but let them alone like blind guides and save themselves from that froward generation to have no fellowship with the vnfruitful works of darknes to separate and turn away froÌ„ false teachers evil doers to trie the spirits having tried al things to keep only that which was good to refuse all fellowship with false teachers not to receiv them to howse nor bid them God speed to hold such accursed as should preach otherwise then they had received of the Apostles And generally not to partake in the synns of others that they receyved not of their plagues 6. By which and many other like scriptures we ar taught not to keep coÌ„munion with people or church in any open or knowen wickednes against eyther table of Gods law for that were to honour man morethen God Our fellowship is in the light not in darknes neyther is it good walking to speak against faults in others and our selves doe the same with theÌ„ how should our reproofs or admonitions be regarded of men when the beam is in our own eye and our works doe more justifie then our words can condemne them The prophets of old our saviour and his Apostles ar never found eyther to doe or ioyn in the doing of any vnlawful thing for which they blamed their peoples in like weise must we walk els shal we be inexcusable before God and men for as itis written he that iudgeth another and doth the same things condemneth
the breath of his lips woūding kings treading down peoples in the day of his wrath Therefore the poor shall committ themselves vnto him and triumph in his salvation saying The Lord is king for ever and ever the hethen are destroyed forth of his land the kingdomes of this world are our Lords and his Christs and he shal reign for evermore 24. Secondly he cōmunicateth with his Saincts this grace to be Kings also with him and to reign on earth that as himself sitteth ruleth vpon his throne is a Priest vpon his throne and the counsell of peace is between them both so they whom he hath made kings Priests vnto God his Father being a kingly priesthood even a kingdom of Priests and an holy nation having part in the first resurrection the second death may hav no power over them but being the Priests of God and of Christ and reigning with him the terme of yeres limited at last whē they have overcome may sit with Christ in his throne even as he overcame sitteth with his Father in his throne 25. This spirituall kingdome wherby the Saincts reign on earth is first over their own syns and corruptions for they are careful to be vpright with God and to keep themselves from their wickednes and the Lord subdueth their iniquities that syn shal not have dominiō over them because they are freed from it and made servants vnto God having their fruit in holynes and the end everlasting life And this victorie whereby they overcome themselves is greater thē al earthly conquests according to the true proverb He that is slow to anger is better then the Mighty man he that ruleth his own spirit is better then he that winneth a citie Secondly it is over the world which also they set themselves against as knowing that it lieth in wickednes the wisdom thereof is foolishnes cometh to naught the pleasures of it are vanitie and vexatiō of spirit the sorowes of it work death and the amitie thereof is the enmitie of God therefore flee they the corruption that is in the world through lust walking before God as strangers pilgroms on earth not loving the world nor the thinges that are in the world which have neyther satisfying nor fruit in thē but being crucified vnto it it vnto them they keep thēselves vnspotted of it free frō the bondage servitude of the same they vse it as though they vsed it not they bear with patience al the reproches injuries that it offreth yea though they be made the gazing stock as the filth of the same yet are they more then conquerours through him that loved thē and do fulfil that which is written All that is born of God overcometh the world this is the victorie that overcometh the world evē our faith Thirdly the conquest of the Saincts is over Satan himself the prince of this world and worker of all mischief Him also they resist stedfast in the faith and doe overcome him by the blood of the Lamb by the word of their testimonie and love not their lives vnto the death so that wicked one fleeth from them and toucheth them not for they keep themselves because they are begotten of God who wil tread that adversary vnder their feet shortly with him shal be destroyed the last enemy Death And as now the Saincts doe reigne with Christ on earth by faith and patience so then having judged the world and even the Angels they shal reign with him in glory in heaven for evermore 26. To teach vs this Communion with Christ we have in the scripture many doctrines similitudes as that he will make his church a roller a new threshing instrumēt having teeth for to thresh the mountayns and bring them to powder make the hils as chaff that he giveth strength and power to his people making their horn yron their hoofs brasse themselves as his bewtiful horse in the battel that they shal be as the mighty men which tread down their enimies in the myre of the streets in the battel for the Lord of hosts shal defend them they shal devowr and subdue their foes That Christ shal make his children Princes throughout all the earth as himself hath many Crowns vpon his head so will he cōmunicate them with his Saincts as the crownes of his figure Iesus son of Iehozadak the high Priest were to Helem Tobijah and others for a memorial in the tēple of the Lord. That as Christ is the head corner stone vpon which whosoever fal shal be broken on whomsoever it fal it shal grinde them to powder so Ierusalem his church shall bee made a heavie stone for al people al that lift it vp shal be torne though al the people of the earth be gathered togither against it That as Christ shal crush the nations with a scepter of yron and break them in peeces like a potters vessel so he that overcometh and keepeth his works vnto the end to him will he give power over nations he shal rule them with a rod of yron that as potters vessels they shal be broken even as he received of his Father so will he give to that man the morning starre 27. To illustrate this Cōmunion between our Saviour and vs we have the similitude of an humane bodie the mēbers wherof by their due joynts and synewes ar joyned to the head receiv from it life and motion and government in al the actions and affayrs so Christ is the head of the body of his church communicateth with al the Saincts his members life and grace and al good things for their conservation Also of a vine or Olive tree whose branches ar made partakers of the juice sap and fatnes that is in the root stock so we abiding in Christ the true vine doe by the juice moysture of his grace live and bear fruits to the prayse of God Agayn as the husband and wife ar not two but one flesh the first woman builded of the rib of man was flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone and so did love live togither partaking ech with others wel fare in like manner are we joyned to the Lord made one spirit he that made vs is our husband and we are maried to him in faith wherevpon he nourisheth cherisheth vs for we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones and this is a great Secret as the Apostle sayth which they that would behold had need be caried in Spirit as was Iohn to a great an high Mountain there to be shewed this Spowse adorned with the
one shepheard that hath made one sheepfold and are therfore exhorted to be al of one mind and to lov as brethren For so was it prophefied of the latter dayes that peoples should ioyntly seek for knowledge of Gods wayes in the mountayn of his howse and nation not lift vp a sword against natioÌ„ nor learn to fight any more 4. From hence ariseth the coÌ„munion of love al Gods graces and blessings among the churches wherin our elder sister the Congregation of Israel hath walked before vs for an example For she had mind and care of vs when we were smal and without breasts not able to bear or nourse vp children to the Lord she prayed for vs vnto God made mention of vs to her acquaintance taught her children by many prophesies to exspect our birth caling and coÌ„joyning in one spiritual body faith worship and religion And now that we through Christ hav obteyned this riches mercie though it be by her fal and diminishing we ought both to nourish vnity peace among our selves and to remember her again who notwithstanding her present miserie is beloved for her fathers sakes shal againe obteyn mercy which what wil it be vnto vs but life from the dead 5. Examples also we have of yâ— churches in the Apostles dayes who coÌ„municated ech with other in blessings spiritual and temporal as amongst others cheifly appeareth in those two loving sisters the Churches at Ierusalem and Antiochia the one of which wer Iewes the other Gentiles For they in Ierusalem hearing that many in Antioch wer turned vnto Christ sent for their further edification Bainabas vnto them a good man and ful of the holy Ghost and of faith by whose meanes much people joyned themselves vnto the Lord. The Antiochians knowing as the Apostle sayth that if they were made partakers of their spiritual things their dutie was to minister vnto them in carnal things wheÌ„ they heard of a famine foretold to come over al the world sent succour to their brethren in Iudea by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Again when ther grew a dissention by meanes of false doctrine sown amoÌ„g theÌ„ they sent the sayd Paul and Barnabas for advise and help vnto Ierusalem which church after great disputation even by the Apostles themselves sent back choise and chief men of their own company to Antiochia with Paul and Barnabas and wrote letters also of the same matter so botâ— by word writing the multitude of beleevers there were confirmed in the trueth and rejoyced for the consolation 6. Thus have we a pattern and president of Christian duties between Churches in that Church which first was crowned with the name of Christians have besides this many other instructions and exaÌ„ples proposed in the scriptures as of the Churches in Macedonia so ready and instant to bestow grace and fellowship of ministring to other Saincts of Corinth also in the like case whose readines of mind Paul boasted of to other congregations and their zele provoked many And wel was it with the churches theÌ„ which strove not for primacie nor knew no preeminence one over an other but walked al as brethren vnder one Archpastour Christ who stil walked among theÌ„ visiting the wayes and works of those golden candlesticks whose lights shined not onely in them selves but vnto others so as they wer followers of the Apostles of yâ— Lord ensamples to their sister churches in doctrine faith vertue folowers of theÌ„ in patience for which the Apostles rejoyced in the churches of God Herevpon followed prayers one for another thanks salutations with al other means to nourish lov and continew peace Then was fulfilled the prophesie of Isaiah which foretold of a path from Aegypt to Asshur that is from one church and nation of the Gentils to another wherby they should come and coÌ„municate togither in the worship of God Israel also being a third with them even a blessing in the midds of the land as we hav seen before in the church at Ierusalem and the blessing of the Lord vpon it in this holy coÌ„munion saying Blessed be my people Aegypt and Asshur the work of my hands and Israel myne inheritance 7 From these few examples coÌ„pared with the former general duties of al Christians may appear how churches owe help comfort and refreshing one to another as they hav need ability and should not one envie or vex an other but as Ephraim and Iudah flee togither vpon the shoulders of the common enimie yet avoiding both ambition confusioÌ„ For although we may advise exhort warn reprove c so far as Christian love and power extendeth yet find we no authority committed to one congregation over an other for excoÌ„municating the same as every church hath over her own members Christ reserveth this power in his own hand to remove the Candlestiks out of their places if they syn and repent not And he in his Epistles to the seven churches dealeth with every of them severally for their own estate and faults not imputing the syns of one vnto an other though the admonitions given to every one were to be a warning to al churches eveÌ„ whosoever had an ear to hear Neyther may members disorderly runn from church to church which may work trouble and confusion for avoiding wherof in the Apostles dayes letters of coÌ„mendation wer written for such as by occasion traveiled to other places that they might be esteemed and received as brethren as on the contrary false teachers hereticks excommunicats and such like be shunned avoided 8. As for communicating with an other church when it lieth in syn Christians ar to consider the rules meÌ„tioned in the former chapter For when they may not partake with their own congregation vnto which they ar joyned neyther may they partake with an other being in the same estate and transgression A Multitude cannot make an evil thing good neyther can many or al churches togither justify or make tollerable that which Gods law condemneth for al men though they be layd togither in the ballance ar lighter then vanity as the prophet sayth It is iustice according to the true proverbe which exalteth a nation but syn is the shame of peoples As therfore when Israel was in trespasse Iudah was forbidden to syn and every godly Iew to go to their assemblies so the Christians in Sardi which wer commended of Christ for not dofiling their garments in the syns of that church could not hav been blamelesse if they had joyned with their sister church of Thyatira wher Iesabel sate as Doctresse to teach to deceiv Gods servants 9. When â—holah the church of Samaria had defiled her self with the idols of Asshur and was therfore chastised of God it should hav been a warning to Aholihah the
to coÌ„tinew taking heed that they wer not vnequally yoked with infidels of the world nor commingled with open sinners in the church but to cast out the wicked from among them that they might be joyntly a sweet new lump as they were severally vnlevened loaves and so to serve the Lord as they might please him with reverence and feare keeping themselves from idols and vnspotted of the world 22. Thus hath God taught vs that all idolatrie whither of Paynims Iewes or Christians is the worship of Divils from it hath in all ages since the world began caled his elect that they shuÌ„ning the societie of the Serpent his seed might repair to the Lamb that standeth on mount Sion having his Fathers name written on their foreheads and follow him whither soever he goeth might walk in the light of the heavenly Ierusalem and there hav fellowship with the Lord and one with an other to their preservatioÌ„ from death the glory of God in their eternal life salvation CHAPTER IX How far we must avoyd coÌ„munion with Divils how farr with the wicked men FOrasmuch as Satan is an open professed adversarie of God men alwayes and al his endevours tend to the Lords dishonour and our destruction neither is there any bond of nature or otherwise between him vs that we should have entercourse with him or seek his good or peace for ever therfore are we absolutely forbidden all manner coÌ„munion with him in things spirituall or humane al which we may reduce vnto four heads 2. The first concerneth our faith that we give no credit to his word as did our first parents nor admit into our harts any of his doctrines or daÌ„nable heresies which ar called by the Apostle doctrines of Divils but that we hold fast the word of life taught vs of God in his scriptures onely avoyding al errors and lies in religion whither hethenish Iewish or antichristian for who soever be the instruments Satan is the Father of them and by them doth draw men vnto destruction 3. The second concerneth our outward cariage that we do not present our bodies or by any thing that we have give maintenance to his worship and service where or howsoever but as our bodyes and spirits ar the Lords so with them both to glorify and serv him onely and honor him with our substance fleeing al idolatrie which is Satans worship and outward communion therwith not vpon any pretense eyther of our own knowledge and inward dislike of the idol or the pleasing of others or winning them by this means to the fayth or avoyding of our trouble or presuming of the mercy of God or the like to participate in the service sacrifice of Divils God in his law gav this general precept for his people They shal no more offer their offrings to divils and in the Gospel we hav this instruction ye can not be partakers of the Lords table and of the table of Divils 4. The third concerneth al divilish arts wherby many meÌ„ hav fellowship with the damned spirits as Conjuring inchantment Witchcraft â—orcerie divniation charming necromantie and al other of the like nature Touching which Gods law forbiddeth two things 1. that no man should himself vse any such cursed craft many of which ar particularly named Deut. 18. 10. 11. but man or woman that had such spirits should die the death 2. also that none should seek vnto such for instruction or counsel in any matter for so they should forsake the living God turne to the dead Wherefore this transgression is noted for one of the two causes of King Sauls death that he sought and asked counsel of a familiar spirit by a witch at Endor and asked not of the Lord. And as Christ would not have the Divils to beare witnes of him so neyther would the Apostles suffer a mayd which had a spirit of Divination to acknowledge them to be the servaÌ„ts of the most high God and preachers of the way of salvation Finally not onely these evil arts and practisers of them but all books or writings or other meanes which may nourish the same are to be shunned abolished as the practise of the ChristiaÌ„s that burned their books of curious crafts doth teach vs. 5. The fourth head concerneth Satans tentations suggestions provocations vnto evil whereby he dayly solliciteth every maÌ„ vnto syn al which we ar taught of God carefully to resist giving no place to the Divil but by faith to quench al his fyery darts and being armed with the whole armour of God to stand fast in the evil day and in our prayers to desyre that we may be delivered from that Wicked one Herein al the Saincts while they live on earth come short of their duty and too often do admit of fellowship with the Divil by reason of the corruption of nature and infirmity of the flesh but by faith in Christ we overcome and triumph and shal in the end have full redemption from all these evils 6. Thus are we taught of God to resist Satan and avoyd al manner fellowship with him to the vtmost of our power because all his endevours are against vs for evil neyther can we work in him any good by any meanes at any time But the estate of wicked men is otherwise to be considered because they and we are all one flesh and blood are al placed of God to live together in this world and enioy mutually his coÌ„mon blessings as the light of the sun the rayn fiuits of the earth and other creatures besides our civil societie in common weales so that we cannot avoyd all medling with them except we should go out of the world as the Apostle teacheth Also of many of them there is hope that they may be coÌ„verted froÌ„ their evil wayes which by all good gentle meanes we should procure Howbeit of siÌ„ners ther is difference to be made for some are yet vncaled to the knowledg and faith of Christ others are caled and do professe one commoÌ„ faith in Christs Church with vs but walk vnworthie of the same and some have departed from the faith and obedience wherevnto they were come and are cast out of the church delivered vnto Satan Of our special dutie to such as being in the church do transgresse it resteth to be spoken hereafter here I wil treat of wicked men in general 7 Concerning whom wee are taught of God not to communicate with them in any evil action as not to run with the thief nor partake with the adulterer not to walk in the way with those that lay wayt for blood nor keep company with drunkards or gluttons nor have fellowship with any other their vnfruitful works of darknes but reprove them rather and avoyd them especially their spiritual religious actions as
have fellowship with the Lord in spirit who having thus decked vs with the garments of bewtie and glorie with mercy and salvation through faith in his name doth then seal vs with that holy spirit of Promise which is the earnest of our inheritance vntil the redemption of the possession purchased the ful redemption of al Saincts vnto the prayse of his glory For as he hath chosen vs in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love so having effectually caled justified and sanctified vs of his vnspeakable grace he giveth vs also certainty and assurance of our election that we shal never fal from nor be forsaken of him For the seed wherwith we are born anew is an immortal seed which can never die this seed remayneth in vs to keep vs from syn and if we syn we have an advocate with the Father even Iesus Christ the just who maketh intercession and prayeth for vs that our faith fail not he also giveth vs repentance vnto Life and worketh in vs godly sorow for our misdeeds so we ar renewed by repentance dayly and revived by faith knowing that God hath stablished to himself his people Israel to be his people for ever he is their God his gifts and caling are without repentance he that hath begun his good work in vs wil perform it vnto the day of Iesus Christ for he hath made an everlasting covenant with vs that he wil never turn away from vs to doe vs good and hath put his fear in our harts that we shal never depart from him and hath sayd concerning vs by his prophet My people shal never be ashamed Thus the hope of salvation is for an helmet vpon our heads for that God hath not appointed vs vnto wrath but to obteyn salvation by our Lord Iesus Christ and we rejoyce with joy vnspeakable glorious being perswaded that neyther death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things presēt nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shal be able to separate vs fiō the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 23. Our God it is which thus stablisheth vs in Christ hath anoynted vs and also sealed vs and given vs the earnest of his spirit in our hartes even the spirit of adoption whereby we crie vnto him Abba Father and of vs he sayth This people have I formed for my self they shal shew forth my prayse And being thus furnished with his graces we find feel the sweetnes of that fellowship and communion that we hav with him in Christ Iesus and by his Spirit 24. This communion the scripture setteth down by similitude of walking and dwelling together For God hath promised I will walk among you and I wil be your God ye shal be my people and for his habitation although he filleth heavens and earth the heavens of heavens ar not able to cōteyn him being cōsidered in his infinite majestye yet abaseth he himself to converse with vs that dwel in houses of clay as he sayth by the Prophet I dwel in the high holy place with him also that is of a contrite humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to give life to them that are of a contrite hart Which grace that all the Saincts might take knowledge of the voice is written which was heard out of heaven to say Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwel with them and they shal be his people and God himself will bee their God with them This Tabernacle is the bodies and sowles of the Saincts as the Apostle sayth Ye are the Temple of the Living God even as God hath sayd I will dwell in thē walk with them your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost On the other side wee are sayd to walk with God as did Enoch Noah and as the Lord requireth of every man that he humble himself to walk with his God we dwel in his tabernacle for ever our trust is vnder the covering of his wings as the Apostle Iohn sayth He that keepeth his commandements dwelleth in him and he in him 25. This grace is so heavenly and supernatural as it cannot be comprehended by the carnal man nor embraced walked in with comfort by synners hypocrites The naturall man thinketh the dwelling of God is not with flesh the vnbeleeving among the Saincts in day of their distresse do say Is the Lord among vs or no The synners and hypocrites 〈…〉 Sion are afrayd saying who among vs shal dwel with the devouring syre who amōg us shal dwel with the everlasting burnings And indeed the throne of iniquitie hath no fellowship with him but the pure of hart edure as seing him who is invisible they sing The Lord of hosts is with vs the God of Iaakob is our refuge they serve him and see his face his name is on their foreheads they say It is good for vs to draw neer vnto God Lord lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon vs. 26 This conversing of the Saints with God is spiritual and mystical we walk by faith and not by sight faith which is the evidence of things not seen He that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit sayth the Apostle Again Gods walking with vs is strange and vncouth to the world for he bringeth vs into many tribulations his way is in the sea his paths in the great waters and his footsteps ar not knowen he leadeth vs through the wildernes through a desert and wast land and by the shadow of death where fyry serpents are and scorpions and drought without water to humble vs and to prove vs to know what is in our hart that he may doe vs good in the latter end he bringeth vs through the fyre and fineth vs as the silver is fined and trieth vs as gold is tried yet he sayth It is my people we do say The Lord is our God 27. And hence ariseth the comfort of our harts that alwayes we behold God with vs yea feel him within vs and answer Amen by faith to al his promises He sayth Fear not for I am with thee be not afrayd for I am thy God we say again Though I should walk through the vally of the shadow of death I will fear no evill because thou art with me He sayth of every of his Saincts I wil be with him in trouble I wil deliver him and glorify him they testify say I beheld the Lord alwayes before me for he is at my right hand that I should not be shaken gather together on heaps ô ye people and ye
that we feel in this world when for his sake we are killed al the day long are counted as sheep for the slaughter doe bear about in our body the dying of the Lord Iesus and are alwayes delivered vnto death for Iesus sake that the life also of our Lord Iesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh these serve for furtherances of our sanctification by being partakers of his holines and make vs as sacrifices and a prey for the ravenous fowles whiles we liv strangers here on earth the land that is not ours as did Ahrahams seed Thus ar we named the Priests of the Lord and hav authority in every place to offer incense vnto his name and a pure offring both we and our works our spiritual sacrifices being acceptable vnto God in Christ Iesus 17. To illustrate and seal vp more assuredly our communion with Christs Priesthood We ar washed with water for a signe assurance of the forgivnes washing away of our syns and to be as the laver of our regeneration new birth wherby we ar also baptised into his death and buried with him by baptisme that like as Christ was raysed vp from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walk in newnes of life our old man being crucified with him that the body of syn might be destroyed and our selves be dead to syn but alive to God in Iesus Christ our Lord whom by this symbol we have put on and doe bear his name vpon vs with the name of the Father and of the holy Spirit And after this Christ often feedeth our sowles with his own body blood which was broken powred out for our sakes figured out vnto vs by bread wine hereby cōfirming the former grace of remission of syns and a further growth in Christ continually into whom we ar incorporate have so neer a communion with him vnder these visible earthly elements which we looking past by the eye of faith seeing and feeding vpon Christ have our life by him doe dwel in him he in vs and shal by him be raysed vp at the last day vnto life eternal 18. Having seen how Christ being our Prophet informeth vs in al the wisdome of God and by the Law sheweth vs our syn wretchednes by the Gospel our justice happines and being our Priest Sacrifice hath by himself purged vs frō al syn given vs the gift of justice and sanctitie to present vs pure blamelesse before God his Father it remayneth that we also consider how he conserveth and mainteyneth this our blessed state against al enimies by his mighty power and soveraignty which as Lord and King he hath over al. 19. This soveraigntie is set forth by divers titles of honour and dignitie given him in the scriptures as when he is named Messiah the Governour Captaine or Fore leader the Ruler that is having dominion right and authoritie to govern and guide his people Michael the great Prince the Captaine of the Lords host a mayster or Commander to the peoples a Potentate or Mighty one the king of kings Lord of Lords and Prince of the kings of the earth the Lord of all vnto whom is given al power in heaven in earth an everlasting dominion honour and kingdome that al peoples nations and languages shal serv him And he the true Melchisedek king of Salem shal reign as king in justice and sit as Prince of Peace vpon the throne of David vpon his kingdome to order it to stablish it with judgement with justice frō henceforth even for ever 20. This kingdome of Christ is no earthly Monarchie nor of this world but spiritual and heavenly and therfore is more mighty then the kingdoms of the earth able to beat down break in peeces grind to pouder al adverse power and domination whither of this world or the spiritual wickednesses which are in the high places 21. Therfore also is the manner of administring this kingdom no◠worldly nor pompous but a◠Christ the king himself came vnto vs poor and riding vpon an asse◠and he the Lion of the tribe o◠Iudah the root of David was fo◠to see to like a killed Lamb s◠menageth hee his kingdome stil◠neyther by an army nor a Power but by his Spirit that it cometh not with observation for men to say Loe here or loe there but is with in vs wielded by the spiritual scepter of his word the Gospel of the kingdom and by the almighty working of the Spirit and therefore conteyneth in it mysteries or secrets that can not be vnderstood but by the gift of God 22. Our Lord himself hath subdued and dayly subdueth al his foes the world he hath overcome syn he hath condemned and put-away Death he hath abolished the Divil that had the power there of he hath destroyed neyther shal these or any of these ever have dominion over him but he shall reign til he hath put all his enemies vnder his feet and death and hel be cast into the lake of fyre 23. This his power regiment he cōmunicateth with his Saincts two manner of wayes First by applying vnto them for their benefit and salvation al that himself hath done and doeth as the Lord sayth by his prophet I wil camp about mine howse against the army against him that passeth by and against him that returneth no oppressor shal come vpon them any more And as for their sakes Christ sanctified himself so for their comfort he overcame the world to take away their syns did he appear when in himself ther was no syn for the children of the people Israel standeth this Michael the great prince fighteth against the Dragon and casteth him out of heaven wher now is salvatin and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ the accuser of the Saincts being cast down Wherfore the Lord being king the earth may rejoyce and the multitude of the yles be glad because he preserveth the soules of his Sainctes he wil deliver them from the hand of the wicked hee will judge the people of God in justice and his poor with equitie that the mountaynes the hils shal bring peace to the people by justice and in his dayes the righteous shall flourish and abundance of peace shal be so long as the moon endureth For the charets being cut off from Ephraim and the horse from Ierusalem the bow of the battel shal be broken and he shal speak peace vnto the natiōs but in y◠mornings he wil destroy al the wicked of the land smiting the earth with the rod of his mouth and slaying the wicked with
his heavie indignation when he for bad his prophets to pray for the people 4. Concerning the word of God and our fellowship in the same we hav before seeÌ„ how God bestowed it specially vpon his own people as a testimonie of his grace towards them though also in a general favour he communicateth it with the whol world Now the saincts whose peculiar right inheritaÌ„ce it is must be careful to vse it as a coÌ„mune blessing every one in himself and al of them with and for one an other both privatly and publickly Privatly to read speak of the same vnto their families neighbours coÌ„tinually-rehersing or wheâ—ting the words of God vpoÌ„ vnto their children talking of them when they are in the howse and as they walk by the way when they lie down and when they rise vp that so meÌ„ may learn know the scriptures from their childhood by them be made wise vnto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Iesus And that al Christians may by this means be able to exhort edify one an other in the knowledge faith of God may hav their speech gracious alwayes powdred with salâ— may discern truth froÌ„ error whiles by serching the scripture as did the men of Berea they see whither the things taught them be so And this was foretold to be a special part of Gods covenaÌ„t with his people that his words which he hath put in their mouth shal noâ— depart out of their mouth nor on of the mouth of their seed nor out of the mouth of their seeds seed froÌ„ henceforth even for ever 5. But in the Assemblies of the Saincts the light of this grace shineth more clearly for in theÌ„ hav the scriptures beeÌ„ read and preached of old every sabbath day there all men hav not onely libertie but ar exhorted to desire that they may prophesie that is speak vnto the church to edifying to exhortation and to comfort which is therfore to be coveted rather then other spiritual gifts because it teÌ„deth both to the building vp of the brethren and conversion of the vnbeleevers and glorie of God therby Al therfore that hav received this gift may in seemlines and order vse and manifest it for the profit of the whol every member being careful that it be done according to the proportion of faith when any speak that it be as the words of God And although a woman in regard of her sex may not speak or teach in the church yet with other wemen and in her private familie she openeth her mouth in wisdome the doctrine of grace is in her tongue So Marie the prophetesse was guid to the women of Israel in their songs of thaÌ„ksgiving so Priscilla at home helped to expound the way of God more perfectly to learned Apollos and was togither with other women acknowledged of the Apostle Paul to be one of his fellowhelpers in Christ Iesus And the Lord both in those dayes and before had furnished sundry holy women with the gift of prophesie as he promised also by his servant Ioel to teach that his graces are given vnto all as he seeth good to bestow them though there is a difference between the extraordinary gift of prophesie giveÌ„ but vnto few the ordinarie prophesie or exposisioÌ„ of scripture which is coÌ„mune w th many 6. Above al other the Officers given of Christ for the work of the ministerie the Overseers of the churches are to studie and labour in the word and doctrine to feed the flocks that depend vpon them to shew them the good and right way to build vp the bodie of Christ to divide the word aright to speak it faithfully to keep nothing back eyther through negligence fear or flatterie but to shew them the whol counsel of God teach theÌ„ al the statutes which the Lord hath commanded not keeping back a word These watch for their peoples sowles as they that shal giv accounts and necessity is layd vpoÌ„ them therfore woe vnto theÌ„ if they preach not the Gospel These must hav care both of strong and weak of sheep and lambs to feed with strong meat or with milk as their flock hath need is capable VpoÌ„ these the charge lieth to dresse the lamps of Gods law from evening to morning that they may alway burne in the Tabernacle of the congregation to giv to the how shold their portion of meat in season and to communicate this heavenly Manna with al the Israel of God that ther may be an equalitie as it is written he that gathered much had nothing over he that gathered litle had no lack 7. And togither with the words of Gods eternal covenant these also dispense the sâ—als of the same by which the communion of the Saincts is more illustrated confirmed For by baptisme which is one we al are made one in Christ Iesus And as our fathers were 〈◊〉 baptised vnto Moses in the clowd in the sea so now vnder Christ by one Spirit we al are baptised into one body whither we be Iewes or Greeks bond or free Neyther can any man forbid water from those which hav received the holy Ghost and faith it is the coÌ„mune symbol and pledge of our salvatioÌ„ like circumcision the seal of our righteousnes by fayth even the seal of Gods covenant to vs to our seed The Supper also of our Lord is to be distributed to all the Saincts that can examine themselves discern his body therein by faith and is an other seal as of our vnion with Christ whose flesh we eat and drink his blood so of our vniting togither in his faith For we sayth the Apostle that are many are one bread one bodie because we al are partakers of one bread Therefore must we come togither for this coÌ„munion and tary one for another that as brethren we may eat and drink and rejoyce togither before the Lord which he that refuseth or neglecteth is worthy to be rooted out from amongst his people 8. As the Saincts have al a right interest in the covenant of God seales of the same wherein they have and hold coÌ„munion togither so have and doe they also in al other Christian spiritual duties publick or private For all the actions of the Church being but a practise and performance of Gods Law as the members have their portion in the general so have they also in the particulars ech one according to his place caling and measure of grace given him from Christ the head In the primitive church established by Moses when publick actions were to be performed the whol congregation was assembled as about the making of the Tabernacle
kings of the earth and wonder of the world as having the Sun for her clothing the moon for her footstool and the twelve starres for a crown vpon her head whiles by faith and holines she hath put on Christ the Sun of righteousnes that is risen vnto her as she hath learned him of his Apostles and is herby advanced to heavenly dignity that even her conversation is in heaven so as she loveth no more this world of which she her self is not and the fashion wherof passeth away yet forasmuch as she hath both in her own body paines of childbirth whiles she is in travail to bring forth Christ which by the preaching of the Gospel is formed in her and without her self Satan for his fiercenes a dragon persecuting her in wrath warring with the remnant of her seed gathering his soldjers which are as the sand of the sea to compasse about the tents of the Saincts the beloved citie it shal be therfore good that we take a view of these troubles and assaults learn of God the end and vse of them and how we may either escape or overcome them least we be offended our faith fayl 2. That old crooked serpēt the enemy of mans salvatiō perceiving the vniting communion of the Saincts to be a great help furtherāce of their happines a prayse to their God a daunting to the world a comfort to themselves doth therfore bend his vtmost might and malice against this brotherhood that he may dissolve the same He stirreth vp the wicked multitudes like the raging waves of the sea that some out myre durt to bely and blaspheme the truth and witnesses of Christ accusing them of noveltie heresie sedition treason and rebellion He further kindleth this fyre by his false Prophets that cease not to inveigh against and calumniate this little flock and by their abused wit and learning to prove perswade that they are as bad or worse then they be reported of both for their faith towards God and loyaltie to the princes of the earth which princes also for like malice in themselves or for that they fear the losse or impeachment of their honour and dignities or because they loath the bonds and yoke of the gospel or for to gratifie their people and subjects are readie to turn the dint of their sword wherwith they should conserv the truth and peace of Christian religion against the Saincts and especially their cōmuniō assemblies which seem most dangerous and are indeed terrible to the world as an armie with banners 3. Herevpō they think to work wisely if any way they can hinder the propagation and increase of the church whither by privy oppressiō or open persecution though the wisdom of God hath sayd Sure◠it is not good to condemne the iust 〈◊〉 that princes should smite for equitie Especially the men-children the teachers guides and principal of Christs flock are most maligned exposed to their tyrannie though sōtime neyther women nor infants can be exempted from their rage and crueltie For which these civil polities with the heads and governours of thē vnto whom erewhile it was sayd ye ar Gods ye al are children of the most high ar now become more base then any men and are caled in holy scripture Liōs Wolves bears Libbards wild-bores and foxes even pourtrahed out by mōstrous savage and deformed bestes for such their barbarous havock and misusage of the Saincts 4. For loe in their malignant harts they fret against the people of God and against the holy covenant with their mouthes they speak evil even marveilous and presumptuous things blaspheming Gods name and tabernacle them that dwel in heaven with their hands and hornes they smite and push the poor flock of Christ spoyling them of their goods banishing them out of their dominions casting them into prisons and dungeons feeding thē with bread of adversitie and water of afflictiō devising all cruel and exquisite torments to make their death miserable racking stoning hāging hewing in peeces burning in fyre casting to wild beasts and many moe horrible tortures as the lambs of Christ have felt in all ages whiles children have been brought from the womb to their martirdom women with child ript vp in their vnnatural crueltie 5. By this meanes the cōmunion of the Saincts is oft times dissolved and scattred their shepheards and watchmen apprehended and killed the whol flock pursued as sheep appointed to the slaughter Some for fear deny and forsake the faith and are compelled to blaspheme Some by flatterie are caused to syn and wickedly break the holy covenant and to be the betrayers of their brethren Such as escape these evils somtime wander vp and down in sheeps skins and goat-skins destitute afflicted and tormented in desarts and mountaines in dennes and caves of the earth Thus waters of a full cup ar wrung out vnto them and now the wayes of Sion lament because no man cometh to the solemn fests for the dayly sacrifice whereby they were wont publickly to worship God is taken away and abominable desolation put in the place The sanctuarie synagogues of God are burned Ierusalem broken vp made a ruinous heap the stones therof layd in dust and the dead bodies of the Saincts cast to the fowles bestes of the earth Then the faithful mourn because God hath destroyed his congregation caused the sabbaths to be forgottē forsaken his sanctuarie and given into the enemies hand the walls of her palaces their eyes fayl with teares their bowels swel their liver is powred vpon the earth they cry out with the Prophet O Lord God spare we beseech thee who shal raise vp Iaakob for he is smal 6. Thus God who hath his fyre in Siō fornace in Ierusalē melteth his metall trieth fineth his people as silver purifieth thē as gold by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning draweth them to repentance by chastening them for their syns and making judgement to begin at his own howse cōsuming the drosse making known them that ar approved that the trial of their faith being much more precious thē gold that perisheth though it be tried with fyre may be found vnto prayse honour glorie at the appearing of Iesus Christ. For not withstanding al the rage of the persecutors God wil preserv to himself a litle flock vnto whom he wil be a litle Sanctuarie in al places wher they ar dispersed who in this their desolation yet pray with their faces towards Ierusalem doe convene and meet togither secretly for fear of their foes and cease not to performe al holy duties vnto God and one to an other to the vtmost of their power and in al their