manifest unto them when God shall reveale them unto his Saints by making such a cleare evidence of his grace to appeare so that they may discerne the same worke of grace in others that is in themselves For it is impossible that true grace should alwayes lye hid but it will be manifested at one time or other to the comfort and rejoycing of the rest of the Saints Quest But by the parable of the Draw-net in the thirteenth of Mathew it doth appeare that there may be wicked men in the Church undiscovered and not knowne to be hypocrites untill the great day of the Lord Answ It is true there may bee such for I doe not say that all hypocrites may be discerned and knowne but that it is possible for the Saints to know one another even in this life Quest If all the Saints may be discerned and knowne then those that are not discerned to bee Saints are to be judged hipocrites Answ We cannot so conclude of them for though they bee nor as yet discerned and knowne yet afterwards they may be or they may be Saints and depart this life undiscerned through want of the fellowship of the Saints who onely are able to discern the truth of grace in the Saints Quest But how may we discern and know others to be Saints Answ It is very hard to set down any particular notes whereby they may be knowne because the graces that do demonstrate them to be Saints are inward and therefore are better conceived then can be expressed in word by us neverthelesse if we can upon good ground assure our selves that we are Saints let us see and observe wherein we go beyond an hypocrite in the injoying of any speciall and peculiar grace and then let us expect and look for the same grace in others and wheresoever we find that blessed worke of grace and fruit of the good tree ingrafted into Christ by a lively faith we may certainly conclude he is a good tree because he bringeth forth good fruit Quest But the most holy and righteous do daily sinne and do that which is evill and hypocrites may also do many good things even works which are very good in outward appearance Answ It is true indeed but yet notwithstanding the evill which the Saints do is none of their fruit nor the good that hypocrites do is none of their fruit It cannot properly be called their fruit for the fruit is that which doth discover the tree either to be good or evill Matth. 7.16.20 Rom. 7.19 Quest What is then the fruit of the good tree that doth discover it self and prove him to be a good tree Answ The fruit of the good tree ingrafted into Christ is manifold but principally it is love which hath its first beginning from the apprehension of Gods love to them and is first returned to God again and to the Lord Jesus Christ next to their brethren the begotten of God to all men even to their very enemies doing good even to them that hate them Mat. 5.44 1 Joh. 4.19 Chap. 5.1 Quest What is the fruit of the evil tree Answ It is also manifold but principally it consists in the contrary to this fruit of the good tree as contempt of God and despising and hating of his truth and children Quest But hipocrites may dissemble a love unto God and to his truth and children Answ It is true but yet they cannot so dissemble to make the children of God believe and account them for Saints yet they will hope the best of them untill their dissimulation be made manifest and they discovered to be evill trees Quest But is it possible to know them to be Saints of a sudden assoon as they come to converse with them Answ No certainly especially in these times wherein we live for no doubt corruption doth beare great sway in many that no doubt are Saints and the power of Grace doth not manifest it self in many by reason of many discouragements that they meet with and for want of examples to go before them to incourage them and therefore it is very hard to discern them hence it comes to passe that it is held an impossible thing to know them in this life Quest How are the company of Saints called in the Scriptures Answ They are called by many honourable names and titles as the Church of Christ his body his spouse his habitation his Temple Sion Jerusalem the pillar and ground of truth and many such like Ephes 5.30 1 Cor. 12.27 Cant. 4.8.9.10 2 Cor. 6.16 Gal. 4.26 Quest When is this Church and company of Saints to be found Answ This Church is dispersed over the whole world even amongst the very heathen Quest How can it be that there should be any Saints in such places seeing they are ignorant of Christ and there is no name under Heaven whereby we may be saved but onely by the name of Iesus Christ Acts 4.12 Answ It is true neither are they saved by any other name under heaven but by Christ alone Quest How can they be saved by him who never came to know him either to come or come in the flesh Answ It may well be notwithstanding for there is left in man even since his fall a certaine knowledge of God and that he is to be feared and served and there is also a law written in their hearts condemning of them for disobeying the law of God whereby they come to see themselves miserable and to be lyable to the wrath of this just God though they know not how they came to be so at the first and also they see the goodnesse of God extended towards them manifested in his creatures God also working in them by his spirit perswading them that if they will seek mercy at his hands he will be mercifull to their souls as well as to their bodies and this mercy of God is extended unto them for Christ his sake though they know not by whose meanes and for whose sake they receive it Rom. 2.14 15.26 Acts 14.17 Rom. 1.19 20. Qu. Is there not a communion and fellowship amongst the Saints although they be thus dispersed Answ Yes verily they have a spirituall communion and fellowship all partaking of the same grace all being begotten by one father all born of water and spirit all partakers of one precious faith all ruled and governed by one and the same holy spirit who worketh in them a love to one another though they never beheld the faces one of another and do joy and rejoyce in the happinesse and prosperity one of another and for that end are dayly sutors to God in prayer one for another Ephes 2.14 Chap. 4.4.5.6 Quest What is the duty of the Saints being made known one to another Answ Their duty is to assemble themselves together in the name of Christ to worship God to pray unto him and to praise him to exhort comfort and build up one another and to rejoyce in the fellowship one of another
and to pray with and for one another and to minister comfort one unto each other both in spirituall and temporall things as they are able and the necessity of their brethren require Heb. 10.25 Mat. 18. Iude 19.20 Heb. 13.16 Quest What speciall promise is made unto them being thus assembled in the name of Christ Answ A most excellent and comfortable promise of Christ his gracious presence to be in the middest of them to direct them that whatsoever they agree on on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask him shall be done for them of his Father which is in heaven Mat. 18.19 Quest Is not this promise belonging to generall assemblies that meet in publick congregations and may not they expect this promise to be performed unto them Answ If that the Saints in the publick congregations do meet together after this manner that we have declared then they may expect the fulfilling of this promise of Christ but none but onely the Saints have this promise made unto them Quest But we hope that there are Saints in every publick assembly doth not this promise of Christ therefore belong unto them Answ It cannot be denyed but must be acknowledged that Christ will be with his people in the publick assemblies where his true worship is performed and his word truly preached yea at all times but this promise of Christ his presence is a peculiar promise made to the Saints when they assemble together and agree upon any thing to ask that may be for the glory of God and the good of their brethren Math. 18. Quest Why will Christ be with this Church and with no other Answ Because there is a neare union and conjunction between Christ and his members even as between the head and the members of our bodies He having redeemed them with his bloud and hath taken upon him to provide for and to furnish this Church with all necessary graces being unto them a Priest a Prophet and a King Heb. 4.14 Acts 3.22 Esay 9.6 Quest How is Christ a Priest unto them Answ By offering up himselfe once for them unto God a living sacrifice for to make reconciliation between God and them and also by presenting of himselfe before God for them and by offering up and presenting their prayers and causing them to have acceptation at the hands of God through his presentation Heb. 2.17 Rom. 8.34 Heb. 9.14 Revel 8.3 4. Quest How is he a Prophet unto them Answ By making knowne unto them his Fathers will revealing unto them the way of life and peace making knowne unto them heavenly misteries teaching and instructing them by his Word and Spirit and also by sending his Ministers and enabling them for that great worke by all which they are built up and grow in grace and knowledge and all wisdome and heavenly understanding in the will and wayes of God Quest What are the continuall ministers that Christ hath left in his Church to teach and instruct it untill his second comming Answ He did at first give unto them Apostles Prophets and Evangelists whom hee vouchsafed to make the Pen-men of the Scriptures who were to be guides unto all the rest that were to succeed them he also hath ordained other Ministers in his Church as Pastors and Teachers to bee Expositors of the Scriptures and for the applying them to the consciences of the people For the gathering together of his Church and the edifying of the body of Christ which are knowne and distinguished from the rest of the Church not so much by any outward calling by man but by the excellency of gifts and graces bestowed on them and their faithfull employing their gifts and discharge of that office that they are called unto by Christ Ephes 4.11 Ephes 4.12 Quest How doth Christ manifest himselfe to be a King unto his Church Answ By giving unto them holy and just lawes precepts and ordinances to be observed of them and also by ruling and governing them by the Scepter of his Word and Spirit subjecting their hearts wills and affections unto him and to his truth to love desire and embrace the same and to yeeld all subjection unto him Qu. Wherein are the Saints chiefly to be exercised whilest they remaine here for their mutuall comfort and increase of grace in them Answ In the holy use of the word of God Prayer and the Sacraments Quest Wherein is that word of God contained Answ In those bookes of Scripture which we commonly call the old and new Testament in which are contained many holy directions and gracious promises and consolations able to sustaine them in the greatest miseries that can befall them Quest To whom is the word of God committed Answ To all the whole Church of God for their instruction and comfort Quest Who may dispence the word of God unto others Answ All they whom God hath given wisedome and understanding therein and hath showed the misteries thereof they are to minister unto the rest of the body according to their measure of grace received Quest What is prayer Answ It is a calling upon God with the heart in the name of Christ Iesus for all lawfull things that we stand in need of Psal 142.2 Iohn 16.23.24 Quest What things are necessarily required in our prayer unto God Answ There are these three things required in prayer First confession which is the acknowledgement of our sinne and miserie and unworthinesse to receive Psal 32.5 Secondly Petition which is the asking of things needfull Mat. 7.7 Thirdly thanksgiving which is the acknowledging of his power goodnesse and mercy and the returning him praise and thanks for his former mercies bestowed on us Quest Have we any example or patterne according to which we are to frame all our prayers Ans Yea a most absolute and perfect form given unto us by Christ Jesus himself in the 6. of Matthew commonly called the Lords prayer Quest Are we not bound therefore unto that prayer to use it and none but it Ans For the matter contained in it we are but not the form of words and although we may use the same words yet also we may by the example of the Apostles use another form of words and yet offend not against that most absolute rule so long as we desire nothing but what is therein contained Quest May we joyne in prayers with those that reade their prayers in a book Answ Yes doubtlesse if their prayers be good for the matter and performed with reverence and affection even as well as we may with those that use an ordinary form although they do not read it in a book or with those that conceive prayer for therein are we stinted as well as in joyning with them that pray out of a book and we may inlarge our desires in joyning with one and with the other Quest When are we to use prayer Ans At all times upon all occasions we are to lift up our hearts to God by holy requests even in every thing we
quite and all things be made new for nothing that came in with the curse can abide there where Christ hath his Kingdome and throne of glory Quest But the Apostle Peter saith 2 Pet. 3.10 that the Earth and the works there shall be burnt up and all things here below shall be dissolved Answ True it is that whatsoever came in with the Curse shall bee dissolved and burnt up and all taken away and nothing thereof shall remain but onely what was created before the curse and all things shall be made new as in the first crearion of them and far more excellent and durable as the same Apostle saith we look for net heavers and a new earth according to his promise wherein dwelleth righteousnes Quest Where is this promise made that the Apostle speaks of Answ In the 65. Chapter of Isaiah where the promise is made and set downe in plaine words Quest But shall not the happinesse of the Saints be for ever in heaven for the Apostle Peter saith that the inheritance of the Saints is reserved in heaven and Paul saith we have an house not made with hands but eternall in the heavens 1 Pet. 14. 2 Cor. 5.1 Answ True it is that the inheritance of the Saints is reserved in heaven and it is eternall but this that is reserved in heaven shall come down from heaven Christ himselfe will bring with him that new Ierusalem and cloath his saints with that house which is from heaven which was so desired by the Apostle Paul 2 Cor. 5.2 the beauty and glory of that estate is set forth in the 21 chapter of the Revelation which shall be so great that the heart of man can desire no more for there shall be a fulnesse of all things Quest But what places of Scripture do prove that the Saints shall have their glory and happinesse upon this earth Answ There are many places of Scripture to this purpose and I will instance some of them and first I will begin with the promise of God made unto Abraham concerning the land of Canaan it was promised to him and to his seed for ever Gen. 13.15 Chap. 15.17 But Abraham never yet enjoyed the fulfilling of that promise therefore at that great day of the Lord it shall be made good unto him and his seed for ever for it was given unto him for an everlasting possession Gen. 7.18 Quest But Abraham seed after four hundred yeares did possesse that land was not then the promise fulfilled to Abraham Answ No assuredly there was a further extent in that promise then was performed unto his naturall seed and that was but a type of the great possession that should be given to him and his spirituall seed for ever Gen. 17.8 Quest What is the next Scripture that proves the Saints eternall happines to be on this earth An. The next is Matth. 5.5 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth and Psal 37.11 But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace Which promises must needs be understood of the life to come and not of this life for they are promises for the time to come and not of the time present for we know by experience that the meek do not now in this life inherit the earth but this promise shall be performed unto them at that great day of the restauration of all things Quest What is the next Scripture to prove this Answ The next is Revelation the 5. and the 10. ver the sweet song of thanksgiving of the 24 Elders the latter part whereof is their acknowledgement in these words and hast made unto us our God Kings and priests and we shall raign on the earth which is spoken of the time to come and not of the time present for now is not their time of reigning but of suffering Quest What other Scripture is there to prove this point Answ Out of the 11 chap. of the Revelation ver the 15. where after the sounding of the seventh trumpet there were great voyces heard in heaven saying The Kingdomes of this world are become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reigne for ever and ever as also Dan. 7.14.27 So that then Christ shall reigne as King upon this earth and all powers shall serve and obey him for evermore Quest But if the Saints glory and happines shall be upon this earth it will be conceived that it cannot be so great glorious and excellent as is expected to be and as the Scripture sets it forth to be and for the most part of our preachers they do tell us that it shall be in the highest heavens Answ For the happinesse and felicity of the Saints which they enjoy it shall be so great so glorious so excellent although upon this earth as possible may be no heart can desire more nor no tongue can expresse it for that place must be very full of joy comfort blessednesse and happinesse where Christ dwells and is their King what can be wanting unto them there is fulnesse of joy at his right hand and pleasures for evermore O what sweetnesse of comfort shall they find in his presence yea unspeakable the Scriptures are plentifull in expressing these things for the comfort of the faithfull even whilest they live here in this naturall life who do live by faith expecting those good things to come and whatsoever our Preachers do tell us of the happines of the saints to be for ever in the highest heavens if they did well consider the Scriptures they would speake according therereunto Quest But what is the reason they conceive so that the glory and happinesse of the Saints shall be in the highest heavens Answ I know no Scripture that tends there unto besides those I have already answered or some such it may be like them but their error and misunderstanding of the Scripture lies in this that they take and expound those places of Scripture that intend and set forth the happinesse of the Saints for ever to be intended and meant of a great conversion of the naturall Jewes to be brought into the land of Canaan againe before the coming of Christ to Judgement which opinion turnes them from the truth and hereby the Saints are deprived of many sweet promises that are made unto them for their comfort here in this life in the expectation of that glory and happinesse therein set forth and promised unto them then which a greater wrong cannot be done to the people of God Quest You said the Scriptures are plentifull in expressing the happines of the Saints for ever upon this earth I pray you give me those places of Scriptures and set down the severall texts that we may examine them and rejoyce in the expectation of them and so I shall conclude for this time and cease from demanding any more questions of you Answ I shall willingly do it according to my abi ity but yet it is not possible for
PLAIN TRVTHS OF DIVIVINITY Collected out of the sacred Scriptures set forth by way of question and answer the best way conceived for the information of the judgement of the Christian Reader Wherein is set forth many excellent things which are not commonly publshed Especially the destruction of Antichrist and the yeare when it shall be The coming of the Lord Christ to judgement and his reigning with his Saints for ever upon this earth at the restitution of all things Collossians 3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdome teaching and admonishing one another c. 2 Timothy 2.27 Consider what I say and the Lord give thee understanding in all things LONDON Printed for J. K. And are to be sold at the signe of the white horse in Pauls Church-yard 1647. To the Right Honourable and Religious Lady Margaret Countesse of Carlile the Authour presenteth the ensuing book wishing grace and peace to be multiplyed Right Honourable I Have presumed upon your favour to present this my poore labour to your Honour not doubting of your favourable acceptance from him who desireth your further increase in the knowledge of the truth of God you have given many testimonies of your love to Religion by your carefull walking in piety to the good example of others which hath rejoyced my heart to heare from time to time I desire nothing more then that you might go on till you receive the crown of glory It is not in vain to know God and the Lord Iesus Christ but life eternall I have endeavoured in this ensuing booke to set forth some grounds and principles of the knowledge of God and of Christ by way of Question and answer the easiest way I conceive to get knowledge and it may be your Honour may find it more plain and easie to be understood then other Catechismes I have laboured herein to set forth how and after what manner a poor sinner comes to be justified and how he walks being justified both towards God and man as also something concerning the destruction of antichrist and the felicity of the Church for ever with other things necessary to be known of us in these times It may be you may find in the reading of it some things you never heard of before both profitable and comfortable if your Honour shall be pleased to accept of this my poore labour J shall take it as a great favour and shall be obliged to remain Your humble Servant John Alcock To the truly Religious Christian that desires to know and yeild obedience to the will of God revealed in his word Grace and peace be multiplyed CHristian Reader I heare present thee with a few points of Divinity by way of Question and Answer The way which I have conceived to be best for the Information of Iudgement The substance of it I writ about twenty sixe yeares past The reasons that moved me thereunto were First to keepe in my owne memory the truths God had taught me Secondly that having gathered these heads of divinity into order I might the better teach my family to whom I could explaine any thing therein contained knowing my owne sence and meaning which I could not so well doe out of other mens workes I have since the first writing of it perused it and somewhat inlarged it and would have done more if weaknesse of body had not seized upon me After which some iudicious friends of mine having read and considered it thought it worth their labour to write it out as also worthy the publishing in Print and advised me thereunto perceiving some things in it necessary to be made publique which are not in other mens workes nor commonly taught I have therefore yeilded to their desires herein And also it was my own desire to do good to the Church and people of God whose servant I am and the least of them who am not worthy to be accounted one of them yet doe I make bold to present this small talent of mine unto thee intreating the to read and consider it if it be the truth as I know it is receive it with meeknes of heart It may be thou mayest find some truths in it which thou hast not formerly taken notice of which may be profitable unto thee And some Scriptures cleared from the false expositions of some men which it may be they have led the into some error hindred from some comfort that otherwise thou mightest have had in the knowledge of the truth I hope thou wilt not repent thy cost nor thy labour in reading it I wish unto thee Christian Reader all happinesse and thy profit by this poore worke of mine If thou findest good by it Blesse God and remember me in thy prayers who will remember thee dayly and desires thine and his owne furtherance in the truth and remaines Thine in the Lord Jesus Christ I.A. A Catechisme or certain Principles of Christian Religion Question SEeing that Knowledge is so much desired and sought after of most men what knowledge is most necessary and chiefly to be desired of all men Answer The true knowledge of the true God Jeremy 9.24 Quest Wherefore is the knowledge of God most necessary and chiefly to be desired Answ Because it is eternall life to know God aright Jo. 17.3 Qu. But God is invisible how can wee therefore come to know him Ans Although he be invisible yet he hath revealed and manifested himselfe and therefore it is possible to come to the true knowledge of him Qu. Where hath he revealed and manifested himselfe Answ In his workes and in his word Psalm 19. Qu. Is it possible to know God by his Workes Ans Yes it is possible his eternall power and God-head are seene from the Creation of the world and his goodness and mercy in the wise governing and upholding all things in the same Rom. 1.20 Quest Which is that Word of God wherein he hath manifested himselfe Answ The old and New Testament Quest Hath he therein more clearely manifested himselfe then in his workes Answ Yea for besides the workes of Creation which we spake of before there are also many great workes of God recorded in his Word and many names hee hath taken unto himself And many Attributes which shew and declare unto us what he is as also the Testimonies of the Saints and holy men of God which have had experience of his Attributes and have given unto him many excellent Titles declaring what he is and Christ Jesus himselfe hath evidently declared him unto us all which is to be seene and learned in the Scriptures Gen. 17.1 Exod. 12.41 42. Chap. 13.21 22 23. Exod. 34.6.7 Quest But God is infinite and we are but finite creatures how can we therefore come to know him who is of such an excellent glory dwelling in that light unapprochable Ans We may notwithstanding attaine to so much knowledge of him even in this life as will make us happy and wee must content our selves to know
take in hand and also in the publick meetings of the Saints but there are other special times wherein every Christian hath liberty to make choice of the fittest time in his own wisdome and discretion as he hath need Quest What is a Sacrament Ans A Sacrament is an outward visible signe appointed by God to teach unto his people spirituall and heavenly misteries Quest Do the Sacraments teach any other thing then that which the word of God doth Ans Not any other thing is taught thereby but the very same thing is visibly preached and presented to our eyes by visible signes which we heare with our eares preached out of the word of God Quest How many Sacraments are there now apointed by God continually to teach and instruct his Church Answ Onely two Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord. Mat. 28.19 Chap. 26..27 c. Quest What is Baptisme Answ It is a teaching signe whereby is visibly preached unto us by the water and the outward washing Regeneration the new birth of water and the Spirit that is Repentance and faith required of all that will enter into the Kingdome of Heaven Io. 3. Quest Is Baptisme necessary to salvation Answ The things signified by the outward signes of water and washing which indeed is Baptisme is of necessity to salvation as our Lord testifieth Io. 3.5 Quest Are not the outward signes of necessity to salvation Answ No they are not of that necessity for many no doubt may be partakers of that new birth signified by the outward washing which never heard of the outward Baptisme Quest But what if any shall contemne and despise the outward Baptisme Answ It is not possible for any that know it to be an ordinance of God and despise it and will not be baptised it is impossible for such to be saved Quest Are all the elect regenerate when they are outwardly baptised An. No certainly for many of them live many yeares before that work be wrought in them but God doth work in them that great work of Regeneration at what time it pleaseth him Quest But doth the Lord require of us to submit to his own ordinance and will he not work that which is signified thereby Answ The Lord will have us obedient to his ordinance and it is his goodnesse to afford unto us such an excellent help to teach and instruct us to confirm unto us the truth of his promise by such an outward visible signe or seal but he hath not any where promised that he will work that work of grace in them at that instant in their outward Baptisme or by it Quest But there are promises made unto Baptisme of eternall life and such promises belong to none but the regenerate therefore they are also regenerate in Baptisme Answ It is true that in Scripture there are made promises of eternall life unto Baptisme but there are two Baptismes spoken of in Scripture the one men may be partakers of perish which is the outward washing and the other which is the inward washing whosoever are partakers of shall assuredly have eternall life which is indeed the Baptisme of the spirit which whosoever are partakers of have put on Christ and are buried with Christ and are baptised into his death and so shall also live with Christ in eternall glory Quest May Infants be baptised seeing they cannot understand what is done or meant by Baptisme Answ Yes doubtlesse they may as well as children might bee circumcised both Sacrament signifying one and the same thing and therefore they being as capable of the thing signified now as they were then may be baptised for the Lord would thereby shew unto us that we are all born polluted and defiled our nature being corrupted and that children have need of that inward washing of the spirit signified by outward Baptisme and al so to teach us that Infants may be saved as well as others seeing he would admit them to be partakers of that his ordinance Quest Whhat is the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Answ It is also an outward signe whereby is represented unto us by the breaking of the Bread and the pouring out of the Wine the Lords death the breaking of his body and the pouring out of his blood and by the receiving of those signes of Bread and Wine is set forth unto us the participation and communion of the faithfull in his death and in whatsoever he hath done for them and it is their thankfull remembrance thereof till he come 1 Cor. 11. Quest Who are to partake of this Sacrament Answ It was instituted onely for the Saints who are ingrafted into Jesus Christ by a true and lively faith and for their comfort a one Quest May not others bee admitted to this Sacrament Answ They ought not to be admitted if they be knowne to bee wicked and contemners of good things and indeed they ought not to presume to eat thereof considering the danger and damage that comes by unworthy eating and drinking thereof 1 Cor. 11.28.29 Quest What is the danger in unworthy eating and drinking thereof Answ They provoke the Lord to lay judgements upon them for abusing his ordinance which was ordained onely for the helpe and comfort of the faithfull and so eat and drinke damnation to themselves 1 Cor. 11. Quest What great things hath the Scriptures foretold us that are yet unfulfilled the performance whereof wee are to expect in these latter dayes Answ The destruction of Antichrist that man of Sinne The restoration of the truth from those errors abroad in the world the comming downe of the Turkes upon the Christians and the comming of the Lord unto Judgement 2 Thes 2.8 Revel 21.11 chap. 1.17.16 chap. 18. Rev. 20.8 9. Ezek. 38.2 and chapt 39.1 Quest Is the time of the destruction of Antichrist layd downe in the Scriptures Answ Yes certainly Quest But is it possible to find out the time of his destruction Answ Yes assuredly for the Lord hath caused it to bee written for that end that the Church of God might know it and might reape the greater comfort thereby in not onely knowing that he shall be destroyed but also in knowing the yeare of his destruction they may have their mindes setled and patiently wait and not doubt the fulfilling of that promise concerning his destruction Quest But is not times and seasons onely knowne unto the Lord Answ Times and seasons are known also to the Church when it pleaseth God to reveale them for the comfort of his people as we may see that the time of deliverance of Israel out of the captivity in Babilon was revealed and made known unto Daniel which he found out by books that were written Quest In what place of Scripture is the time of Antichrists destruction layd downe Answ In the booke of the Revelation and the eleventh chapter where hee is limited to raigne forty two moneths which is moneths of yeares which amounteth to 1260 yeares The end of which time shall bee in the
me to find out all those sweet promises contained in the Scriptures yet as many as I can call to mind for the present I will set down that hereafter we may read them and take comfort in them and live by faith in the hope and expectation of them and the Lord inlighten our understandings in the knowledge of his truth and give us hearts to obey the truth made knowne unto us that God may be glorified by us through Jesus Christ by the assistance of the Holy Ghost to whom be all praise glory and honour for ever Amen The places of Scripture are these following But for your better understanding of them I pray you consider the words of the Holy Ghost by Saint Peter in the 3 of the Acts verse 21. in these words speaking there of Jesus Christ whom the heaven must receive untill the times of restitution of alll things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began so that you may observe hence that this restitution or restauration must not be til the second coming of Christ and then it shall be and it is that which all the Prophets have spoken of and if these places of Scripture here following do not intend this great restitution then let them who are contrary minded show us where it is spoken of in the Scriptures if they will needs have us to understand these Scriptures to intend the great conversion of the naturall Jewes now in the latter end of the world and before the coming of Christ to Judgement a doctrine never intended or meant by the Holy Ghost for this restitution is not to be till the second coming of Christ Act 3 19.20 21. And so I may now leave you to the reading of the Scriptures here following the Lord give us wisdome to understand them aright and to find and feele the comfort of them for they belong to all Abrahams spirituall seed as well Gentiles as Jewes and not to the naturall Jew except he be also a Jew inward Rom. 2.28.29 Gen. 13 Chapter 14 15 16. verses and Chapter 15.8 and Chap. 17.8 and Chap. 26.3.4 and Chap. 28.4.13.14 2 Chron. 16.30.31 32 33. and Chapter 17.9.11 12 13 14.27 Psalm 8. compared with Heb. 2. Psalm 14.7 and Psalm 15.1 and Psal 37.9.10 11.29 Psal 45.6.16 Psalm 48. Psalm 87.3 and Psal 89.3.4.15 16.17 c. Psal 96.9 10 11 12.13 Psal 98. Psal 132.11 12. c. Esay 11. compared with Romanes the 8.19.20 Esay 25.6 7 8 9. Esay 27.13 and Esay 55.12.13 and Chapter 60.14.15 c. Esay 61.4 5 6 7. and Esay 62.1.2 3 4.5 7 8. and chap. 65.9.10.14 15. c. Esa 66.5.7 8. and so to the end of the Chapter Ieremy 3.16 17 18. and Chapter 23.5 6.7 8. and Ieremy 30.9 10. and Chap. 31.35.36 and Chap. 33.15 16 17 to the end of the chapter Ieremy 46.27 28. Ezekiel 28.24.25.26 Ezek. 34.11 12.13 14 15 16.23 24. to the ' end of the Chapter Chapter Ezek. 36. read the whole chapter and also the 37 chapter Ezek 9.25 to the end of the chapter Daniel 2.44 45. and chapter 7.14.27 and chapter 12.1 2 3.13 Hosea 2.14 to the end of the chapter Joel 3.1 3.12.16 17 18.20.21 Amos 9.11 to the end of the chapter Haggai 2.6 7 8 9. Zechariah 6.12 13. and chapter 12.8 and chapter 14.4 read to the end of the chapter Matthew 5.5 Acts 2.19 20 21. Rom. 8 9.20 and 1 Cor. 2.9 and 2 Thes 1.7.8 and 2 Pet. 3.13 Hebrewes 4.9 reade the whole Chapter Revelation 3.12.21 and Chapter 5.10 and chapter 7.15 16 17. and chap. 11.15 16 17 18. and chapter 21. but read the whole chapter and also the 22. chapter The Prophet Esay is wonderfull excellent in expressing the happinesse of the Saints for ever and therefore to these former places set down I also adde these places following Esay 32.15 16 17 18 19. and chapter 33.15 16 17.20 21.22.24 and chapter 35. read the whole chapter and Esay the 45.17 18 19. Esay 49.9 10.11 12 13. CChristian Reader it may be thought that I have not beene so large in this last matter concerning the happinesse of the Saints in glory for ever with Christ their Lord and King upon this earth as the matter required and therefore for thy more full satisfaction in the same J referre thee to a book called the land of promise and the covenant thereof printed 1641 for John Wright the younger in the old Baily wherein this thing is fully manifested it being the subject matter of the whole book and proved by many places of Scripture for indeed the Scriptures are very plentifull in this thing it being that which God chiefly intended from all eternity it being the rest of God wherein he alwayes took delight and pleasure the setting up of the Kingdome of his Sonne Christ and his dwelling with the Sons of men his Saints for evermore even the full perfection of all his works which he entended from everlasting Revel 11.15 And the seventh Angel sounded and there were great voices in heaven saying the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reigne for ever and ever Revel 21.3 Behold the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them and be their God Revellation 22.3 4 5. verses And there shall be no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lambe shall be in it and his servants shall serve him and they shall see his face and his name shall be in their forheads And there shall be no night there and they need no candle neither light of the Sunne for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reign for ever and ever Christian reader for thy further information in this point J referre thee also to two other bookes th one called the holy rest of God printed for John Wright the younger in the old Bailie 1641. the other called the two olive trees or the Lords two annointed ones c. being an exposition of the 11 Chapter of the Revellation printed by Matthew Simmons 1645. in these two books this point is largely set forth against the millenaries of these times thus desiring thy furtherance in the truth I commend thee to the grace of God J A. FINIS