of that Authority in Civil affairs though debarred the publick exercise of some acts or all acts by the Armies or Strength of Heathen Kings And because the Churches or Saints had not then power or strength to execute some Laws on offenders Note the Apostle prest the Saints to subjection as of duty to those Civil Rulers or Magistrates they had amongst themselves as Gods Ordinance to be obeyed for the Lords sake and Conscience sake as commanded by God Secondly It is evident both from the rise and exercise of power in Heathen Kings that they were not ordained by God Dan. 7 2 3 c. 2 Chr. 36. 17 c. Isa 10 5 6 c. and 42. 24 25. Ezek. 34. 23 24. to rule over his People under him neither had they power and authority to govern from God but only power and strength to burn destroy kill and captive the Lords People rebelling against him and so called Gods Staffe Hammer Saw c. not Fathers Shepherds c. Object But Paul exhorted Timothy That supplications and prayers should be made for all men for Kings and all that are in Authority or eminent place that we may lead a quiet and peaceable 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. Life Answ First If by Kings we understand the then Heathen Kings Paul may be understood to enjoyn the Saints to pray either for the conversion of their souls or restraint of their power that the Saints Peace and Godliness were not hindred viz. That God would not suffer those heathen Kings to put out their power and strength to persecute or hinder the Saints Peace Liberty and Holiness But this text asserts not the Divine Authority of heathen Kings to govern the Lords People or Saints to subject to them Secondly If the Apostle be taken as referring to any time when a Magistrate called King shall be called to rule over the Lords people in Authority or eminent place of Trust as appointed and ordained by God then it will be the duty of Saints to pray for such Magistrates That their Rule and Government may answer the end of their Power and Trust as Ordained by Rom. 13. 3 4 c. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 God viz. Saints Peace and Holiness Object But the Apostle Peter also gave this in charge to Saints Submit your selves to every Ordinance of man for the Lords sake whether it be to the King as Supream or unto Governours as to them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers and for the praise of them that do well 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. Answ First In this the Apostle is clear that he presseth Saints Subjection to Kings or Governours as called or sent of God Note for the punishment of evil doers and for the praise and encouragement of them that do well This is the currant of Scripture Secondly Note The Apostle presseth Saints Subjection to Kings or Governours as the Ordinance of Man or as Mans appointment in the State when they answer the ends of Civil Government as Ordained by God If we should take the Apostle exhorting Saints To subject to every Law and Ordinance of man for the Lords sake then the Laws of Men should be obeyed by Saints how unjust unnatural or contrary soever they were to the Laws of God but this is too gross and contrary to the currant of Scripture not answering the ends of Government as Ordained by God Thirdly If we take the Apostle speaking of Kings or Governours as the Ordinance of Man then the title King or Power of Kings is only humane and God hath left it in the wisdom power and will of a State or Body Politick to call to Office and Power one Person or a set number of Persons joyntly to rule over them as they judge best for the whole Note and also to dignifie and distinguish their Officers of State as they please and Saints are not hereby to be displeased but must submit for the Lords sake I am humbly bold thus to give my sence That both Paul in Rom 13. 1. and in his other Epistles Note as also Peter in this text had no respect to the Heathen Kings of that time but that both these Apostles do assert Magistracy to be the Ordinance of God amongst his People To suppress evil-doers and to encourage them that do well Rom. 13. 3 4. to which Magistrates the Saints owe subjection for the Lords sake Note This Apostle Peter also implieth That the designation of Magisterial Authority upon one person or upon several persons with the Names and Titles by which they are called or dignified are humane and left to men and therefore Saints should not deny subjection upon that account In the first constitution of the Jewish Polittick State God gave them Judges about the space of 450 years after which Deut. 16. 18 Act. 13. 20 21 c. 1 Sam. 8. 1 2 c. v. 19 22. upon the ill government of Samuels Sons Israel resolved to change the Government from Judge to King and God gave way to them But as God fore-saw that Israel would change the Government of State in which his secret counsel was fulfilled to bring in Davids Kingdom and make way for Christs Kingdom God enjoyned and commanded Israel that Deut. 17. 14 Kings should rule by the same Laws which he gave to the Judges The Apostle Peter then seeing or supposing that in after-time some difference might arise amongst Saints about Political Government or Governours viz. Whether the chief should be in one Person or in many and by what names they should be dignified Peter inferrs that this is in man to order ordain and appoint and therefore exhorts Saints not The Body or State Polâ—â—ick are the first Seat of Power â—y Pâ—tâ—r to differ or dissent from what the Body of the People or State ordain and appoint in that matter so as the Governours do answer the ends of Government as ordained by God I must say I know not that this was questioned by Saints in Peters time Note but it may be a question amongst Saints in the Resurrection of the Witnesses and here is the Solution which is not again found in all the Scriptures And let me add these my thoughts That as Gods moral judicial Laws given to Israel are the Laws of Christs Kingdom Christ ratified and confirmed them in his Ministry and the Apostles gave many general directions to Saints about Political Government and Governours as Ordained by God Note but neither exprest or intended the then Heathen Kings in those directions Object But Rulers and Governours were commonly called Gods and it is not likely that they should be so dignified by holy men if they were not ordained by God and bare upon them some Image or Beam of Divine Soveraignty Answ We may grant that this high Title was ascâ—ibed to Rulers and Governours by David by Christ and by Paul referring Exod. 22. 28. Psal 82. 1 6. John 10. 34. Act. 23. 4 5. to Moses
time of their Bondage they looked not upon those Tyrants as Gods Ordinance to rule over them or as Magistrates they were bound to obey Object But Joseph the Husband of Mary obeyed the Edict of Agustus Caesar and went with Mary his Wife from Nazareth to Jerusalem to be taxed Luke 2. 1 2 c. Answ This act of Joseph proves not Caesar a Lawful Power or Magistrate of God to rule over his people For First Every act of a good man is not therefore lawful because a good man doth it In many things we offend all Jam. 3. 2. Secondly Though Joseph obeyed the Edict of the Emperor yet no Text can be shewed that he did it by the Command of God Thirdly Though Caesar exacted a smal Tribute of the Jews to shew that they were Captives Conquered by the Sword yet he left them free in Religion and many outward Priviledges which Antichrist denies to Christians Mat. 27. 1 2. John 18. 31. Fourthly Note The very Elect of God and such as are eternally saved by long bondage and ignorance of their Priviledges as Gods Children may by Tradition give obedience to the Kings or States they lived or were born under both in Civil things and Spiritual Worship and not know that they do evil as Joseph and all Israel in Egypt As Joseph and Mary and other Jews in Canaan And as many Christian Martyrs have done under Antichristian Bondage and Tyranny Gen. 42 15. Exod. 6. 9. Act. 7. 24 25. Object But Christ himself paid Tribute to Caesar Answ Christ did it to avoid offence or scandal yet sinned not in it but he paid it not as to a lawful Magistrate or Minister of Mat. 17. 26 27. God who had power over his Body For First Christ declared himself free Secondly Christ at that time was entred upon his Mediatory Offices and had put out Royal Acts of Authority as King over Jews and Gentiles Mat. 3. 16 17 4. 18 19 c. Thirdly Christ only paid that Tax for Himself and Peter as persons only concerned and not for the rest of his Disciples Fourthly Christ did at that time in that thing give up or let go his own right out of a gracious end and design to propagate the Gospel and that was lawful or no sin in him which yet would be sin in his Servants Note It is lawful and may be good in a Master sometimes to give up or let go something of his right which is not lawful in a Servant to do Fifthly Dark Scriptures are to be expounded from the consent and currant of Scriptures to make a harmony that one text do not contradict another But to bring this text to prove hence that Caesar was a lawful Magistrate and had Authority from God to tax Christ and his disciples contradicts the words of Christ Note And hath given him Authority to execute Judgement also because he is the Son of Man All Power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth John 5. 17. Mat. 28. 18. Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23. with many other texts and currant of Scriptures Old and New Object But we find the Apostle Paul approved and appealed to Caesars Authority which was not only a bare subjection to but an owning of that Power Act. 25. 10 11. Answ Suppose Paul did so yet it is to be questioned Whether Paul did that by a Command from God or Christ It is Divine 1 Cor. 11. 1. 8. 23. Authority which makes the Acts of the Apostles lawful and imitable for Saints Note The failings of the Lords Worthies were not written for imitation but for caution and consolation 1 Cor. 10. 6 11 Gal. 2. 11 12 c. in failings Peter and Paul were chief Apostles of Christ and yet had the infirmities of men And as Paul blamed Peter in some things no doubt but Peter also might have blamed Paul in some things had he lived and travelled with Paul Paul himself is much in confession of his humane frailties and Rom. 7. 14 15 c Act. 22. 24 25 26. 23. 35. 24. 26 27. 25 1 2 3 8 10 11. infirmities through corruption and temptation And it is clear that Pauls appealing to Caesar at Rome was in design to deliver himself and save his Life from the Jews and that Judicature at Jerusalem where he was surprized and kept by violence of arms which hath been the case of many of the Lords people and not that Paul approved or owned Caesar as having Divine Authority or Jurisdiction over his Body Note but by that appeal providentially Paul had his Liberty And we do not read that ever he was brought to further tryal at Rome This Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles did yet Circumcise Timothy Rom. 11. 13. Act. 16 8. Note and also to save himself from the Jews rage fell into Peters transgression which he accused him for who were set against him for preaching down the Ceremonial Law and Circumcision Paul did yet pretend himself as a Jew under the Law and under a Vow and after the manner of the Law purified himself and went into the Temple To signifie the Act. 21. 23 24. c. accomplishment of the dayes of Purification until that an Offering should be made These acts were not lawful in Paul an Apostle nor imitable for the Saints now though done by an Apostle but how far God may wink at these and the like weaknesses in his People I will not judge Note Object But it is said that Paul wrote to the Saints at Rome to subject to the Emperors of Rome though Beasts and Tyrants saying Let every soul be subject to the higher Powers for there is no power but of Rom. 13. 1. God the powers that be are ordained or ordered of God Answ First The Apostle in this place speaks clearly of Saints subjection to Magistracy or to Magistrates as Ordained by God and Ministers of State sent by God for the good of his People and not of the Caesars then Tyrannizing over the Lords heritage at that time I judge that the right of Civil Government 1 Cor. 6. 1 2 â— over the Saints was in themselves though they had not the power of strength to put out all Acts. Thus it was with the Jews in Babylon under the Romans c. The Jews as Gods Covenant-people had right to the exercise of all Civil Jurisdiction Gen. 49. 10. Deut. 1. 9 13. and 16. 18 c. Deut. 28. 25 47 48 c. amongst themselves by Gods appointment But as a Curse and Punishment of their sins the exercise of that Power and Authority was by Gods permission taken from them by the force and power of Enemies especially to some Joh. 18. 31. acts of Jurisdiction Thus it was with the Christians Christ left Authority with his own servants in all things without exception amongst themselves and the Saints were in the Mar. 13. 34. Mat. 25. 14. 1 Cor. 6. 1 c. exercise
was invested by the Father Mat. 28. 18. Eph. 1. 20 21 c. with all Power in Heaven and Earth Then the Heathen Kings from Christs time to the rise of Antichrist were Usurpers and not the Ordinance of God to be obeyed by Saints in Civil things But it is your thoughts as I take it that Antichrist in his Civil State is the Ordinance of God Magisterial and to be obeyed by the Lords People in Civil things as derived from the Heathen Magistratical Power or from the Roman State Your words are these I take the Dragon to be the Old Pagan Empire as it was acted by Satan in advancing Idolatrous Worship And by the Beast I mean the Roman Empire as Antichristian or rather Antichrist agitated by Satan in advancing Idolatry and Superstition under other Names And therefore if it were not a sin in the one to yeeld obedience I do not see how it should be sin in the other since Satan acted both Reply To this I make my humble Reply First I am not yet convinced from Scripture or Argument That any Heathen Emperors or Kings were Ordained by God to Rule and Govern his People from him as his Magistrates or Ministers of State who were acted and influenced by the Devil and answered not the ends of Magistracy as Ordained by God Secondly It is my understanding That upon Christs Baptisme he entered upon his Mediatorship and upon all his Mediatory Mat. 3. 16 17. John 1. 41. Offices actually and visibly in the World and that all Disciples believing and visibly closing with Christ as Mediator Prophet Priest and King Note were actually dismist and dis-ingaged from the Curse and Bondage of that Heathen Yoke which was brought upon Gods Covenant-People for Isa 10. 27. John 1. 41 45. their Rebellions against God his Laws and Government Thirdly I can easily grant Note That the same Satan acted the Pagan Empire and Antichrist and also that the Dragon or Pagan Empire gave to the Beast Antichrist his Power his â—ev 13. 2 Seat and great Authority viz. All that Power and Authority in the Roman or Western Empire which rested in the Dragon or the Devil to give And this Power and Authority is all which the Beast Antichrist ever had Note But it is not proved that God ever gave unto the Devil such Power or invested the Pagan Empire either with the power of Government in that Empire or with Power and Authority to Invest and Instal another State to Rule as Gods Ministers And it is my Judgement that neither the Dragon had Power of Authority from God to constitute a New State or to divolve Civil Power and Authority Magisterial as Gods Ordinance upon the Beast Antichrist or that Christian Believers are bound from God to receive and obey Antichrists Commands in Civil things because the Dragon gave him his Power I humbly judge That your Inference cannot be binding to the Lords People until these two things be proved First That the Heathen Dragonical State was the Ordinance of God intrusted with Supream Authority Royal in all the World as Lord and Law-giver Secondly That the Dragonical State or Power was Invested and Intrusted by God to constitute another Supream Royal State Civil in the World Note Acts of Royalty put out proves not the Authority to be from God but it is ground of strong suspicion if not of demonstration That the Power and Authority which is acted Isa 10. 5 c. 2 King 24. 1 2 c. 2 Thes 2. 10 11. and influenced from the Devil is not of Gods appointing or ordaining but only by Gods permission and suffering in his just Judgements And to this I may add Note That throughout the Books of the Prophets and Apostles Old Babylon and Mystery Babylon are declared the Objects and Subjects of Divine Wrath and Vengeance and therefore not the Ordinance of God as mostly taken to be Divine I can grant that by corruption evil and vile men may get in and be in power of Government Psal 12. 8 Hos 5. 1. and 8. 4. Isa 3. 1 4. which is appointed by God the which God doth not approve but threatens and judgeth where such offences are committed and not reformed Now this is the evil of Persons and not the evil of Government as ordained by God Note And in that case the Lord by his righteous Judgments may and doth punish a Nation both with and for wicked Kings and Rulers God also preceptively and providentially removed evil Kings and Rulers in Israel and Judah yet still continued Magistracy as his Ordinance but both Babylon Litterally Isa 1. 24 25 26. and Babylon Mystically in their Civil and Ecclesistâ—ical States shall be perfectly destroyed which is yet remaining and therefore Jer. 25. 12 13. Rev. 18. 21 c neither the Dragon or Antichrist are Magistrates or Magistracy as Gods Ordinance As for those Inferences or Arguments drawn from Pauls practice and from Peter and Pauls Writings to Saints or Churches I have given my understanding in them and so pass them but to what I have said I humbly crave leave to offer my thoughts in these Particulars following Particu 1 First I see it not clearly proved That the Pagan Roman Caesars are signified by the Dragon Rev. 12. 3 4 c. but that the Dragon may rather represent Antichrist for two Reasons First The Man of Sin Antichrist sits in the Temple of God 1 Thes 2. 4. And this Dragon appeared in Heaven Rev. 12. 3. viz. in the visible Church which the Pagan Caesars did not Secondly This Dragon drave the Woman into the Wilderness 1260 dayes the same time with the Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth Rev 12 6. and 11. 2 3. 13. 5 and one state of time with Antichrists Reign Therefore the Dragon must signifie Antichrist or the Antichristian State and not the Pagan Roman State For if we take the Dragon for the Pagan Empire then the Pagan Persecutions are included in the Antichristian Persecution of 1260 days or else John only hints the Pagan Persecutions and then falls into and states the Antichristian Persecution 1260 dayes Particu 2 Secondly It is not clear That the Beast arising out of the Sea Rev. 13. 1 c. and Daniels fourth Beast are one Beast and Rev. 13. 1. Dan. 7. 7. 2 Thes 2 7. Rev. 17 18. both representing the Roman Empire I humbly judge That upon the fall of Daniels fourth Beast the Beast with ten Horns Crowned then arose over whom the Woman reigns Note and so is the Kingdom of the Beast Antichrist as they are professed Christian 1 Joh. 2. 22. 2 Thes 2 7. States and yet oppose and deny the Fathers and the Sons Soveraignty Paul infers that the Pagan Empire ceased or was taken away when Antichrist arose and every of the ten horns or kingdoms as they put on Crowns they became entire and distinct Monarchies So Daniel makes the little horn Dan. 7. 8. Antichrist to be
a Stranger to the continued ingagements which lye upon you But my great assurance of your Love and Zeal for our Lords Honour and Interest with your approved Wisdom and Meekness to manage this point in Controversie hath made me bold thus to presume upon you But I may say also as I humbly judge that you have some engagement upon you to hear and answer the humble desires of your Brethren for Light in the Mystical Visions of the Revelation and upon that ground also I was the rather emboldened to desire your Return upon the Paper I sent you and you have done like your self to make so sudden and large return to me Yours I have perused and on the behalf of our Lord and of Truth as I conceive I am emboldned to make some Reply in what I cannot receive I do say with great confidence that I believe your heart is one with mine to find out and advance our Lords Interest in truth and clearness but when we consider the Time and State we have been born educated and lived in we have cause to admire the riches of free grace which hath made us to differ from gross Idolaters and hath given us any Light and Faith to be Witnesses for Christ in any of his Mediatory Offices We I say who have had our Birth and Education under so great Antichristian darkness and bondage it is only of Free Grace that we are what we are Though some have a little more light then others in Divine Mysteries yet it may be said to those of highest attainments What have you that you have not received Therefore such as have most Light have not to boast in themselves or carry it proudly to their Brethren of lower Light and Faith in Generation Truths If I mistake not the opening of the seven-seald Book of Divine Mysteries speaks a gradual discovery of Light in Generation Truths and now the Generation Truth is Christ Kingly Authority Civil and Spiritual for the Bodies and Souls of his People or Saints in Covenant-relation unto him The Beast here doth not openly and professedly deny Christs Prophetical Office and the authority of Holy Scriptures nor the Priestly Office of Christ in the sufficiency of this Merit and Righteousness to the Justification and Salvation of Believers But the Kingly Office of Christ is only denyed in his Soveraignty over his People in things Ecclesiastical and Civil And this is the Generation-Truth now witnessed to and suffered for and in which or for which the Witnesses are Rev. 11. 7. slain by the Beast ascending out of the botomless pit in my understanding There are few real Professors at this day but in words they confess Christ's Royal Soveraignty over their Souls in Spirituall or Ecclesiastical things though they live not in practice up to that profession but there are very few who in Light Faith and Profession witness to Christs Royal Authority over the Saints Bodies Estates and Liberties in Civil or Temporal things here on Earth Note This Soveraign Authority I take to be actually seated also in Christ as Mediator by God the Father and is to be witnessed to now as a Generation-Truth Some dear Soules have judged me singular or alone in this opinion but I find it a Truth which is and will be more and more witnessed to as the Day of the Lord draweth on and the Vail of Antichristian darkness is removed and taken away Both this darkness and bondage of Antichrist was a Curse and Judgment 2 Thes 2. 10 11. upon Christian Professors from God for their earthliness and hypocrisie But it is promised That that wicked one shall be revealed discovered or made naked whom the Lord will 2 Thes 2. 8. consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming Although as yet the Beast Antichrist is not fully made manifest to the Lords People as he will be yet we have great cause to bless and praise God for what we see and thankfully accept our measures of present Light as earnests of what is promised and as evidences of our Lords appearing As our Lords right to Soveraign Rule in Civil things is now the great Question and Controversie amongst real believing Christian Professors it is our great duty to search the Scriptures therein and humbly to lye at Gods feet and beg for the teaching of the John 16. 13. Spirit of Truth to lead us into this truth also We are under the promise of the Last Times That many shall run to and fro Dan. 12. 4. and knowledge shall be increased And I hope that this our intercourse to communicate our present Light to each other in this great point in love and in meekness may tend greatly to bring us both to more perfect and distinct knowledge of Gods will in this Truth and the Truth into Victory In your Paper I humbly accept your grave and Christian Answers in case of male administration of a Lawful Power in many particulars but I must confess that I yet see it not proved from the Scriptures of Old or New Testament That the Heathen Roman Caesars were ever Magistrates Ordained by God to Rule and Govern his People before or after Christ was invested with his Mediatory Authority and then much Deut. 1. 9 13 14. 16. 18 19 c. Rom. 13. 1 2 3 c. 1 Pet 2. 13. 14. Josh 7. 9. less that the Civil Power of Antichrist was a Beam of Divine Soveraignty and the Ordinance of God to be submitted and subjected to by the Lords People for the Lords sake Magistracy or Polittical Government and Governors in Civil and Temporal things I own to be the Ordinance and appointment of God to Rule and Order his People according to his Law as Polittical Fathers to whom the Lords People in discharge of that Office and Trust do owe obedience and subjection to for the Lords sake and Conscience sake actively as of duty and passively when they transgress the Laws and Commands of God But that either the Heathen Emperors or Antichristian Kings were called by God to this Office and Authority I yet understand not That which doth constitute specifie and denominate a Exod. 18. 21 22. c. Political Governour or Magistrate to be the Ordinance of God is That he be so Qualified so called to Office and so Deut 1. 9 13 14. 4. 1 2 5. 16. 18. 17. 18 19 20. 2 Sam. 23. 3. Ruling as God hath commanded and ordained or ordered as his Minister in the State 2 Chr. 19. 6 7. Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4 5. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. I humbly judge That due qualifications in a man for a Magistrate makes not a man to be a Magistrate That a Call of a People only makes not a Magistrate That a Person duely Qualified and rightly Called by a People to Rule if he rule not by Gods Laws he is yet no Magistrate or Minister of God as the Ordinance
of God or by Gods appointment to be obeyed by the Lords People for the Lords sake or for Conscience not having the Essentials of a Governour or Magistrate which God Ordained and Commanded The Priesthood under the Law was and the Ministry under the Exod. 28. 1 2 c. and 29. 1 2 c. Eph. 4 11 12. 1 Tim 3. 1 2 3 c. Act. 20. 28. Heb. 5. 4. Gospel is the Ordinance of Gods appointment their Qualifications Investment into Office and Duties of Office were all Ordained and commanded of God but if any Person put himself into the Priests Office or a Pastoral Charge by might or force or pretended right or if a People should Call a Fool or a Person Man or Woman to Office in the Church as a Pastor not duely Qualified as God hath appointed Note or if a Person duely Qualified and rightly Called to Office do yet reject the Laws and Ordinances of God and the Gospel when in Office and offer sacrifices to Idols and obey the Comands of Men contrary to the Institutions of God these under the Law were Sons of 1 Sam. 2 12. 13. 1 King 18. 19 c. 1 Joh. 2. 18 22 1 Thes 5. 12. Heb. 13. 17. Belial and Priests of Baal and in the Gospel-state such are Ministers of Antichrist and not Ministers of God or the Ordinance of God to be obeyed for the Lords sake as commanded by God I might give other Demonstrations in the Ordinances of the Law and Gospel what Essentials were and now are necessary to constitute and denominate an Ordinance of God for matter and form but I consider to whom I write Indeed Antichrist hath assumed the Soveraign Authority of God and of Christ Civil and Ecclesiastical and by Popish darkness and slavery 2 Thes 2. 3 4. 1 John 2. 22. his Subjects have received his Commands as Divine not questioning or denying his usurped Power over Bodies and Souls how contrary soever his Commands and Appointments Rev. 13. 15 16 17. 17. 4. were or are to the Ordinances and Appointments of God they must be recieved as Gods Ordinances Through the Lords rich and free grace the Antichristian Vail is in a good measure taken away from many Professors in Ecclesiastical and Church-concerns But the great Body of Protestants are still stumbled about Antichrists Civil Power and do own Antichrist in his Civil Power for the Ordinance of God though some few cannot But that very way by which God hath led his People to discover the true and pure Ordinances of God in the Church from false Antichristian cheats and delusions in Worship Note the same will also lead Believers to the discovery of Heathenish and Antichristian cheats in the Political State and difference between Magistracy as the Psal 119. 104 105. Isa 8. 20. 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. Ordinance of God and the Tyranny of wicked Men viz. by coming to Gods Law and Testimony and thereby examine Church and State Officers and Ordinances as ordained constituted and appointed of God and by God What Christ required of and answered the Jews Messengers Mat. 22. 15 16 c. when they were sent to entrap him in point of Caesars Power I would query and answer both of the Heathen and Antichristian Exod. 18. 19 20 c. Deut. 1. 9 13 14. 2 Chr. 19. 6 7. Psal 82. 1 6. Rev. 14. 1. and 17. 14. Rom 13. 3 4 5 Rev. 13. 1 2. and 11 c. Rev. 2. 10. and 11. 7. and 12. 9. and 13. 5 6 7. Emperors and Kings viz. Whose is the Image and Superscription upon them If they bear the Image and Superscription of God upon them if they have the Name of God written in their fore-heads and they in the Place Office and Work of God to Rule his People by Divine Authority then they were and are to be subjected to for the Lords sake But if those Emperors and Kings bear the Image and Superscription of the Devil are raised by the Devil and do the Devils work all which is true there is no Scripture-Warrant as I conceive for the Lords People to obey such Emperors or Kings as the Ordinance of God The first rise and original of Polittical Government and Magistracy Exod. 2 10 18 15 16 c. Deut. 1. 9 13 14. Exod. 21 22 23 Chapters c. as Ordained and Appointed by God was amongst the Jews at their coming out of Egypt and in the Wilderness in their way to Canaan God first called Moses immediately and intrusted him Ministerially with Magistratical Power and Authority to Lead and Govern Israel not other Nations his â—ovenant-People In Moses time God gave Israel Laws and Poliâ—tical Government which they were to exercise and put in Deut. 16. 18 c. and 17 14 15 c. execution when they came into Canaan both as a Common-wealth and as a Kingdom At that time when God constituled Israel a Polittical State there were many and great Nations Deu. 4. 5 6 c and 7. 7 8. in the World who made themselves Kings and exercised Polittical Government from the Light and Law of Nature by the Permission of God but not by the Ordination and Appointment of God as Israel had this is recorded by Moses Deut. 4. 5 6 c. and 7. 7 8. And long after Moses David said He shewed his Word to Jacob his Statutes and his Judgements unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as Psa 147. 19 20 for his Judgements they have not known them Note Thus from Nimrod to David the Heathen Emperors and Kings were not the Ordinance of God to rule and govern his People Again in Davids Psal 72 89 20 21 22 c. Mat. 1. 1 anâ— 2. 1. 2. Luke 1. 35 36 and v. 69 70 c. Gen. 49. 10. Ezek. 21. 27 and 34. 24 25. time God by Covenant entailed the Royal Scepter of Judah upon David and his Heirs in the flesh but chiefly upon Jesus Christ as the Son of David according to Jacobs Prophesie The Scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his feet until Shiloh come and unto him shall the gathering of the people be These Scriptures clearly assert Jesus Christ the Son of David and so he had right to the Royal Government of Judah so soon as he was born Note therefore no Heathen King had right to the Crown of Judah by Gods Donation from first to last But Christ as Mediator had also another Royal Soveraignty Psa 2. 7 8 c. Eph. 1. 21 22. Phil. 2. 8 9 10. Mat. 28 18 19 Mar. 16. 15. given him by God the Father over Jews and Gentiles for Souls and Bodies which Authority was published and declared by Christ himself Jesus came and spake unto them the eleven Disciples saying All Power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Go ye therefore c. Note Thus Royal and Magisterial Authority as Gods
Ordinance was clearly in and amongst Gods Covenant-People from Moses to Christ and with none other Object But it is Objected That Daniels expounding Nebuchadnezzars Dream of the great Dan. 2. 37 c. Image said to him Thou O King art a King of Kings for the God of heaven hath given thee a Kingdom Power and Strength and Glory and after thee shall arise another Kingdom c. Therefore these four Kings or Imperial States were the Ordinance of God and lawful Magistrates or Ministers of God to whom the Lords People did and still do owe Obedience to in Civil things Answ To this I humbly give my thoughts First This was a Vision opened of four Imperial States which God would Providentially raise in the World successively one after another and use at his pleasure either to afflict Dan. 4. 17. or help his People and one to destroy the other but neither this Prophesie or any other Word of God speaks their Ordination and Constitution of Governors Magistrates or Misters Rom. 13. 3 4. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. of God sent for the good of his People for the encouragement of godliness and to be a terrour to evil-deers which are the great ends of Magistracy ordained by God and wherein the Lords People are commanded subjection for the Lords sake Secondly These Kings came successively to their Kingdoms and Rule by the power of the Sword and Strength as was prophesied but not by Power and Authority and so accordingly were represented by Monstrous Beasts and no Births of Dan. 7. 4 to 8. and 8. 4 c. Nature All these Monstrous States or Kings came successively to Rule by Gods Providence in their times as they got power or strength to Conquer The King of Babylon Conquered 2 King 24. 1 2 c. vers 10. and 25. 1 2 c. and Captivated the Jews for their sin by Power and Might not by Authority or Right By Gods providence a Thief or Thieves rob or kill the honest Traveller Note but not by Power of Authority as having right to the Travellers mony and life by the Law of God and in this way like Beasts of prey one Kingdom or State subdued another and so it is still Thirdly Though Daniel said to the King of Babylon That God gave him a Kingdom Power and Strength yet this was prophesied after he had taken Jerusalem and captived the Jews Dan. 2. 37. living therefore this Commission was not warrant for the former Cruelty Fourthly Not any of these Kings had the Essentials of Gods Magistrates viz. As fearing God as chosen out of themselves and Exod. 18. 21. Deut. 1. 13. Rom. 13. 3 4. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 invested with authority by them nor ruling by Gods Laws to encourage godliness and be a terror to evil-doers Therefore upon these grounds not any of the Heathen Kings were the Ordinance of God to be obeyed by the Lords People for the Lords sake Object But it is said That God brought upon Israel the King of the Caldees and God gave Jehoiakim King of Judah into the hand of the King of Babylon 2 Chron. 36. 17. Dan. 1. 1 2. Answ Yes God did so providentially as a Curse and Judgement to fulfil the Word of his threatnings upon their disobedience 2 Chr. 36. 14 15 16 17. Isa 10. 5 c. 2 King 24. 1 c. 8. 10 c. stubbornness and incorrigible rebellions against him but not as his Minister for their good as a Magistrate ordained by God to rule and feed them The Kings of Assyria and Babylon c. were such powers of the Earth or earthly powers which God by his Almighty Power providentially used as his Creatures to afflict or relieve to distress or save his Covenant-People when he pleased but not to rule and govern them under God or for God as his Magistrates ordained by him God by his Almighty Soveraign power and pleasure threatned the disobedience of his people with many sore judgments Ezek. 14 12 13 Deut. 28. 15 c. and he used what Creatures he thought good to do it by viz. Either noysom Beasts Famine Pestilence or Sword By Sword was meant the Sword of Kings or States whom he providentially brought upon them which Kings were only led by principles of Nature and opportunities and providences when they knew not God or his designs and so they were Isa 10. 5 6 7. v. 12. to 19. Jer. 51. 52. judged by God and destroyed for the misery desolation and blood of the Lords People Note Therefore these Heathen Kings or Powers were no otherwise the Ordinance of God but as Locusts Famine Pestilence c. or the Devil are the Ordinance of God Object But God gave it in Charge to those Jews who were carried Captives to Babylon to seek the peace of the City and to pray unto the Lord for it for in the peace thereof ye shall have peace Jer. 29. 7. Answ This was the Lords Command to those Captives But First That short time of Israels Captivity was foreshewed and also by whom their Deliverance should come viz. by Cyrus Isa 44. 28. 45. 1 2 c. Jer. 29. 10 11. Secondly Their Captivity was very easie they had the Liberty of Conscience in Religion they had liberty to build Houses to plant Vineyards and to eat the Fruit to marry Wives and to live in safety therefore to seek the Peace of the place but not of the King of Babylon Thirdly This command To seek the Peace of the place implies a Charge laid upon them not to raise trouble by seeking their Deliverance yet not to pray for the prosâ—â—â—ity of the King or the establishment of that Kingdom for God had declared Isa 44. 28. and 45. 1 2 3 c. Dan. 5. 30 31. Rev. 18 6 7. his determination to destroy Babylon and in Babylons destruction their deliverance should come Therefore God used the King of Persia to redeem Israel but this is not the case of Christians under Mystery Babylon But Daniel and other Servants of the Lord served the King of Object Babylon c. Answ They did so as Captives taken by the Sword and Violence not as Magistrates or Ministers of God to rule over them for then they had had no cause to return to their own Country and Government The Captive Jews under the King of Babylon and Captive Christians under the Turk are one in Nature Note but I judge that Christians in Turkish slavery do not see themselves bound by the preceptive will of God to abide in slavery if by Gods providence a way be opened for their escape The Jews under the Government of Judges were Judg. 2. 11 12 v. 14 15 16 c. oft providentially given up by God into the hands of several Heathen Kings or States for their great transgressions against God and when they humbled themselves before the Lord and repented the Lord also providentially delivered them But in the
The People of England are the first Seat of Power with the People and to Rule by Law Therefore by the Civil Constitution of England The People are the first Seat of Power and the Kings of England have been as well bound by Oath to Govern by Law as the People are bound by Oath or Law to subject to Kings as Governours in Chief Partic. 5 Fifthly and lastly The Lords People in England have by the Light of the Gospel and brightness of Christs coming and 2 Thes 3. 3 4 8 with the smart of Heathenish and Antichristian Tyranny made great discoveries of the Man of Sin the Son of Perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God Tyrannizing over their Souls and Bodys and now sighing and saying O Lord our God other Lords besides thee have had Dominion over us but now by thee only will we make mention of thy Name Isa 26. 13. Now for the Lords Remnant under and after all these Bonds and Engagements to God and one to another with experiences of Gods appearing for them for them to turn back to Egypt and Babylon and break Covenant with God and one with another For them again to set up what they had destroyed in Gods Name Spirit and Power and from which they were redeemed by so great Grace through many Prayers with the exhausting of so great Treasure and the price of so much Blood of Saints with others and again for those redeemed Souls to submit their Necks to the same Yoke of Tyranny this must needs be a sin of high nature and dreadfully provoking God SIR YOu were pleased to give your Understanding upon several Passages in that Paper which I willingly pass as loath to take up much of your time to read over my thoughts in every particular but if the Lord shall be pleased to bring to light more of his secret Will and our Duty in our Day this Labour will not be lost or this time meerly spent and it will be found both our honour and our Souls quiet to be witnessing for Christ against Antichrist however it goes with our outward man The 10th Month the 12th Day 1667. SIR SOme dayes after I had written my thoughts in what I judged then meet in return to yours I was under some conviction in my self that I had not fully explained my Understanding upon Rom. 13. 1 c. a Scripture which I had several times cited in a sence which some do not receive I am therefore humbly bold to add these Lines as a Post-script to the former I find it is the opinion of some men godly and learned That the Pagan Roman Caesars were and the Antichristian Kings are though idolatrous beastly bloody Tyrants the Magistrates and Ministers of God Constituted and Ordained and Invested by God with all Supream Authority in Civil affairs to rule over the Lords People and that the Saints are commanded by God to submit and subject to those Powers in their Bodies and Estates for the Lords sake and for Conscience sake This I humbly judge is Written Printed Preached and Professed c. It seems to me That the Old Testament the Law and Prophets which speak most of Political Government are yet silent in this point neither recording the time when the manner how or the words of Gods Commission and their Investment into such absolute Soveraign Authority over his People nor is there as I know or can be produced any one Text from the Old Testament where God by Moses or any of the Prophets commanded his People to submit to Pagan Roman Caesars or Antichristian Idolatrous Beastly bloody Tyrants as Gods Ordinance for the Lords sake or for Conscience sake But the proof of this Doctrine is taken out of the New Testament and two great Apostles of Christ Peter and Paul are made the only Fathers of this Opinion which I desire to examine The Rise and Original of the Pagan Caesars or the 4th Empire was first fore-shewed by the Prophet Daniel in these words After this I saw in the Night-Visions and behold a fourth Beast dreadful and terrible and strong exceedingly and it Dan. 7. 7. expounded v. 23. had great iron teeth it devoured and brake in pieces and stamped the residue with the feet of it And it was divers from all the Beasts that were before it and it had ten horns Here Daniel in his time described the fourth Empire whence it was vers 3. after what it was and how it acted in power and strength by Gods permission but not by Gods Institution and Commission that can be proved The Rise and Original also of Antichrist or the Antichristian State I take to be darkly represented by Daniel in the little â—aâ— 7. 8. vers 24 25 26 27. horn that came up among the ten horns of the Roman Empire or Roman Beast and how that acted also by Gods permission and how that Horn and Beast shall end But this Horn or Beast is shewed to the Apostle John and described fully Rev. 13. 1 2 c. which is generally taken to represent the Antichristian State Civil or Political The Rise of this Beast was out of the Sea and he had ten horns and upon his horns ten Crowns and upon his Heads the names of Blasphemy vers 1. The Dragon or the Devil gave this Beast his Power and his Seat and great Authority vers 2. And there was given him a mouth viz. to the Beast Antichrist speaking great things and Blasphemies vers 5. And he opened his mouth in Blasphemies against God to blaspheme his Name and his Tabernacle and them that dwell in Heaven vers 6. And it was given him to make war with the Saints and to overcome them vers 7. Now when the Original of Antichrist is thus plainly set out Note That his Power Seat and great Authority is from the Devil his work to Blaspheme God and his Worship and to make war with and overcome the Saints how unreasonable and unwarranted seems that Assertion which yet makes the Pagan Roman Caesars and Antichristian Kings to be Constituted Ordained and Invested by God with all Supream Magisterial Authority to rule over his People in Civil Affairs and that the Saints owe submission and subjection unto those Powers in their Bodies and Estates how intollerable bloody and tyrannical soever they be But to me there seems to be an unanswerable Argument couched against this vers 7. in these words And it was given him to make war with the Saints and to overcome them From hence I argue If in the rising State or under the Antichristian Civil State the Saints were in Arms lawfully upon their own defence against Antichrist in his Civil State and Antichrist overcame the Saints in war then the Saints had Civil Priviledges which they lawfully defended against Antichrist But under the Civil State of Antichrist c. Ergo. I will not follow this Argument as I might to prove it from the consent of Scriptures and History but
I shall humbly add my thoughts upon these words which some think there is much in for Antichrist viz. And it was given him Rev. 13. 7. Here we are to enquire First Who is here to be underderstood by this particle him To this the Answer is clear It is the Beast Antichrist v. 1 2. Secondly What Power Antichrist had The Answer is common viz. Civil Power to make war or power and strength to raise Armies and make war with and overcome the Saints Thirdly How Antichrist had or came by this Power To this the Text answers It was given him Fourthly But the great Question is Who gave Antichrist this Power viz. God or some other The Answer is plain The Dragon gave him his Power and Rev. 13. â—â— his Seat and great Authority Now when the holy Ghost is thus plain and punctual in describing Antichrist in the Original of his Power and in the improvement of it against God Holiness and Saints that yet Antichrist should be asserted the Ordinance of God and Minister of God c. I confess I see no ground for it from these Scriptures Object But it is said by Saints to Antichrist as Christ once said to Pilate Thou couldest have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above therefore he that delivered me to thee Joh. 19. 10 11. had the greater sin Answ To this I Reply That in like manner as Pilate was Antichrist was permitted of God in whom it was to have hindred it to arise and get strength and power to make war with the Rev. 2. 5 10. Saints and to overcome them either for trial of their Faith or rebuke of their sin Pilate and the Jews could have put out Act. 2. 22 23. Rom. 9. 17. no act of power against Christ or Antichrist against the Saints but as God permitted and suffered in his own wisdom and counsel to bring to pass his designes of greater Grace Power and Glory So the Devil had no power over Job but as God Job 1. 9 10 suffered and permitted Note And I see not but by the same Argument that the Pagan Caesaâ—â— and Antichristian Kings are asserted to be the Ordinance of God and to be obeyed by the Lords People by the same Argument the Devil must be acknowledged to be the Orninance of God and to be obeyed by the Saints Object Or if it be said That God doth the Saints good by the Afflictions and Persecutions from Tyrants 1 Cor. 3. 22 23 Answ I say That God by his Wisdom Grace and Power so orders all for the good of Saints inward or outward and yet Rom 8. 28. neither the Devil or wicked men are the efficient cause of that good which comes to Saints by sanctified afflictions Note Therefore I yet see not any Scripture-proof that the Pagan Caesars or Antichristian Kings are the Ordinance of God and to be obeyed by the Saints in their Bodies and Estates for the Lords sake and for Conscience sake because God useth these Rods to chastize the Saints with As there hath no Heathen or Antichristian State arisen in the World but by Gods Permission and Providence Dan 4. 1â— so there hath been a concurrance of Natural Causes leading to such Changes of States and Governments God secretly carrying on his designes in them and yet so as the Agents or Instruments therein have not seen God in those things and so they have been cursed in the designes which they have accomplished against the Lords People and Interest Thus the Heathen Isa 10. 5 6 c Mat. 27. 1 2 c. â—ct 2. 22 23. State Judas and the Jews came under the Curse for destroying Jerusalem for betraying Christ and putting him to death although they fulfilled the determinate Counsel of God Therefore what Christ said of Judas may be said of every apostate Professor who for gain or self ends hath either formerly or in later times betrayed the Lords Interest and People into the hands of Antichristian Kings though by Gods secret counsel and permission The distressed Saints may say Note He or they that delivered us into the hands of beastly bloody men Jâ—hn 19. 11 have the greater sin But still some suppose that they have but done their duty and to confirm their opinion and practice in subjecting unto Pagan or Antichristian Kings as having power of Rule over them in Civil Affairs by Gods appointment they urge the Writings of Peter and both Pauls Doctrine and Practice but the two chief Corner Stones on which they found their Opinion is 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. and Rom. 13. 1. Of these Scriptures therefore I will take a further view The words of Peter are these Submit your selves to every Ordinance 1 Peâ— 2. 〈…〉 of Man for the Lords sake whether it be to the King as Supream c. In these words Peter enjoyns Saints universal obedience to every Ordinance of Man or Law of Man as some take it Civil and Ecclesiastical not considering the state condition or quality of the Kings Pagan or Antichristian But as Peter wrote this to Saints under the Pagan Roman Caesars it is taken for granted that Peter in his time commanded those Saints to submit to every Ordinance of those Emperours without exception though idolatâ—ous beastly bloody Tyrants Some men again godly and learned see cause to put a restriction upon Peters universal and say That Peters exhortation to Saints in that day was to submit to every Ordinance of Man in Civil Affairs concerning the Bodies and Estates of Saints Note But the Saints Consciences to God in Spiritual things were and are only under the Government and Ordinances of God and Christ And this their position they prove from other Texts and the currant of Scripture But I have given my sence upon this place in the former Papers and therefore pass it here But the main and chief Text in all the Scriptures urged are the words of Paul written to the Saints at Rome His words are these Let every soul be subject to the higher Powers for there is no Power but of God the Powers that be are ordained or ordered of Rom. 13. 1 God From this Text some argue thus First That Paul commands a universal obedience to the Higher Powers by Saints and Sinners Let every soul Secondly The Powers that be are ordained of God Paul saith not The Powers that have been or the Powers that shall be are Ordained of God But the Powers which be are Ordained of God And the Powers which then were in being were the Pagan Roman Caesars idolatrous beastly bloody Tyrants the which command is still binding to Christians under the like Powers From this Text some give the sole Supream Power to Kings to rule over mens Bodies and Souls as God Some again restrain the Royal Power of Kings only to the Bodies of Saints in Civil Affairs and give the Soveraignty of Souls to Eph 1. 21 22 23. Christ
obey Men in Civil things rather than God and the Command of a King is Authority for Saints to break the Moral Laws of God and Nature and not sin Surely if the Bodies and Estates of men be left by God to the Wills Lusts and Commands of any Emperours Kings or States and Saints bound to obey them in all outward natural things Note then if Emperors Kings or States make Laws to break and void the Laws of God and Nature the Saints must yet obey them in those things But this sense and interpretation of the place is so gross and contrary to the current of Scripture that this cannot be received but some other sense must be sought out and I am perswaded that this sense following is according to Truth viz. That as Paul hath bounded the Authority of Parents over Children and of Eph. 6. 1. v. 4. 5 6. Col. 3. 20 21 c. Masters over Servants to the Law of God and Rules of God and therein commands Children to obey Parents and Servants to obey Masters in all things in the Lord as to God and Christ So the same Apostle enjoyns Saints subjection to Lawful Magistrates in all lawful things Note as to Political Fathers or Governours for the Lords sake and for Conscience sake to God and no further Reason 4 My Fourth Reason follows It is recorded in Scripture as an approved evidence of the Fear of God in many of the Lords Servants to slight and disobey the cruel Laws and Commands of Kings in Moral Civil things and in that disobedience God owned and honoured them Of these the Scriptures give many Examples As The Midwives of Egypt Exod. 1. 17 20 v. 22. Heb. 11. 23 v. 27. 1 King 18. 3 4. The Parents of Moses Moses himself Obediah c. And though those high expressions of the Three Children of Peter and other Apostles spoken boldly before Magistrates in Counsel be ordinarily restrained to spiritual things and worship yet I judge that those Saints did not intentionally so take them but they may also as truly be spoken by Saints in Civil natural Priviledges when demnaded from them or they commanded by man to break any Moral Law of God We are not Dan. 3. 16. Act. 4. 19. and 5. 29. careful to answer thee in this matter We ought to obey God rather than Man Reason 5 My Fifth and Last Reason is God is Supreamly above all Persons and Powers to be feared obeyed and served by Saints and Sinners in all Commands Natural and Spiritual Mat. 10. 26 28. Luke 12. 5. Isa 8. 13 14. Civil or Ecclesiastical as he made and hath power over Bodys and Souls to save or to destroy eternally God is only to be feared and obeyed by his Children and Servants and not Deut. 13. 4. 1 Chr. 16. 25. Gen. 17. 1. Emperours Kings or States whoever they be in any Commands which are contrary to the Laws and Commands of God Almighty Note All that Power and Authority which Magistrates can exercise over their Brethren by Divine Right is by the Law and appointment of God for the good of Mankind No one man as a Child of Adam hath power of Jurisdiction over another but in the way and manner which God hath Ordained and Appointed in his Law Therefore it stands not with the Revealed Will of God in the Scriptures or Natural Reasons that any Persons or Powers on Earth are Invested by God with Supream Power either to command any Person to do what God forbids or to forbid what God commands in matters Civil Spiritual or Ecclesiastical Thus I have given my understanding upon Rom. 13. 4. at which so many have and yet do stumble and fall sorely The 10th Month the 20th Day 1667. FINIS