and all from good scripture warrant if those obstacles mentioned in Asserâ— 10. of the Key were not too evident in the world c. but these hints may here suffice in general Now we come to the particular consideration of the parts and parcels with things observable and profitable to be pointed out to those wise specified Dan. 12.10 and to endeavour to remove such hinderances in their way though from many others it seems not to be expected 1. The Irenicon or peaceable consideration of Christs Kingdom was at first the only book intended as by the method thereof set down chap 1. p 2. may appear which being perused by many judicious persons in those studies and especially by that one well known and well approved Mr. Tho Pecke whose Test is set at the end of it after many incitements thereunto was Printed with the Prodromus An. Dom. 1665. which Prodr much consisting of many occasional useful matters after put together and the Printting thereof being much encouraged was as a porch to the house afterwards joyned to the Iren. and usefully there quoted The first mainly remarkable matter therein is the 16. divine Thoses p 9 10 11. introducing that great foundation of distinguishing from scripture warrant the consideration of Christs execution of his 3 great Offices in respect of his Universal Church under the old and new Testament and world to come from the particular in respect of every believing soul the first as the work the Father gave him to do the other as the improvement or application of that work by his holy Spirit upon which great Scripture ground that first Practical Treatise on Gen 3 15. was composed in which much may be observed of very great weight c. though I found nothing written before of that matter c. The next Paper p. 14 15 c. of the New Jerusalem c. being more fully handled in our next practic Tract on Jer. 3.17 therefore I say here no more of it where the distinction of the New Jerus the immediate work of God provided for the Fore-Fathers Heb. 11.10 16. is explained in which the Elect that died before shall have their part as differing from those of the nations that are saved who shall walk in the light thereof Rev 21. so Assertion 14. in the Key of which little before found The 3d is the letter to Mr. Cal. shewing the order and times in a latitude of the Seals Trumpets and Vials in the Rev. as a preparative to the Parallel c. p. 22 23 c. and then there was added unto the former as a supplement to it for both joyntly give much light to the book of Rev. the larg Paper of Dec 7 64. p. 26 27 c. concerning two defects in Mr. Durhams otherwise good book of Scotland wherein many material things are couched c. and p. 44 procedure is made to finish the 16 Theses in the 3d period c. Lastly was added the Paper of Sept. 27. 64. p. 47. of the personal appearance of Christ Of which see much more to prove both that and the personal reign Asser 7 of the Key where much is said thereof in a little room c. In the Iren. forenamed observe in the begining the useful table of Chronology with the Preface and the Advertisment showing the occasion of the answers to the reasons against Christs personal reign in c. 3. p. 35 36 c. but in c. 1. p. 2. is the method of that book and in c. 2. with the 16 forenamed divine Theses are joyned 6 inferences drawn from them from p. 3. to p. 9. unto which were subjoyned in the same chap. many profitable discoveries of Mysteries from Rev 4 5. chap. with 7. inferences from the same from p 9. to p. 35. of c. 3. as we have a little before shewed In c. 4. p. 41 42. are the 6. several senses of Christs comings in Scripture well approved of by the said Mr. Tho. Peck to which 2 other are added in our Key Assert 6. in the fift sence many texts of the Apostles are applyed p. 44 45. to 38. but the 6th is explained in the note page the last of the Word Written also many Testimonies of the last times from the Apostles Peter James John and Paul to all which 4 Christ appeared gloriously as p. 49 50 51 52 c. In c. 5. are Satans three Babels defeated in order by God and all which Christ in his reign will bring to utter confusion not observed else where Threien also is shewed according to that Foundation he spake by all the holy Prophets Act. 3.21 how God spake by Enoch Jude 14. by Jacob Gen 49. by Moses Deut. 32 33. Lev. 26 c. and by Balaam Numb 24. of the latter days The rest of the Prophets Testimonies are contained c. 6. and the larg evidences from the book of Psalms c. 7. according as our Saviour said in Moses the Prophets and Psalms it was written of me c. Unto these are added the concurring testimonies in the Gospel and Acts c. 8. the Apostles witnessings were spoken of before c. 4 p. 44 45. to 48 49 50 51 52. which general Argument being our third in the Word Written I have not found else where explained as for Jonah besides his being a Type of Christ and foretelling the destruction of Niniveh as Christ will destroy the Assyrian i. e. he who shall be in his place at that time as we have here to our purpose most remarkably spoken of 2 King 14. and in p 90 91 c. are the Arguments from the Lords Prayer and Articles of Faith to p. 97. where lastly is adjoyned the Appendix of the first bodily resurrection concerning which I having made enquiry What was written of it before but finding nothing considerable drew up that Appendix to that effect And so we briefly come to the 3d part containing also Principles or Foundations namely the Parallel of the witnessings of the greatly beloved Prophet Daniel and of John the dearly beloved Disciple Evangelist and most Seraphical Dr. of Divinity and also a Prophet largly endued with the spirit of Prophesie in his double book of the Rev. containing the Seal Prophesie of the civil affairs of the Roman Monarchie and 2d the little book Prophesie Rev. 10. of the Ecclesiastick affairs of the Roman Monarchie from both whose double Testimony Gods spirit hath laid down though divinely mistical the most strong and many waies wonderful and excellent evidence and confirmation of these Doctrines of the world to come above all others and left on purpose to be the inquiring Christians Key of Prophesies and for the profitable using of the same Key we have endeavoured in an untraced path to manifest the book of Rev. to be a Divine mystical comment upon the hidden part of Daniel sealed and shut up till the times of the end when in the Rev. Christ so unsealed them and commanded John to leave them unsealed c. 22. 10.
Articles of Faith p. 90 91. of Iren. c. 2. Observe in general that from the varietes of the Discoveries in the said three books were by a special hand of Providence those 8 comprehensive convincing Arguments deduced in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the Word Written which as strangly was published as might be shewed whereunto likewise very many upon like account might be added as being in like manner couched in such mysterious Discoveries and observable passages upon many occasions therein contained and many from the 31. Useful observations to understand mystical Prophesies after the Tract on Rev. 22 20. I might here add others from the nature and end of these Doctrines as that they are Homogeneal Harmonious and uniform with all other Christian Doctrines p. 50. to the end not new but only Scriptural explications of the Old Assert eight of the Key and from the end of them viz. the fulfilling of the promised mercies to the Fore-Fathers p. 5 6 7 8 9 10. I have observed 4 places in Scripture Divinity wherein these Doctrines naturally fall in otherwise there will be a Chasme and void place from Scripture grounds observable First the Consideration of the general Execution of Christs 3 Offices is to precede the particular as being the chief part of that well grounded distinction in the 11 and 12. Divine Thesis in p. 5 6. of the Irenicon 2dly Sacred Scripture teacheth that after Christ hath satisfied for sin risen again ascended and sitten the appointed time at the right hand of God on his Fathers Throne till he make his foes his footstool then he will begin to sit on his own Throne at his coming the 2d time without sin only for Salvation to all his People to perform that Adoption to the raised Sts. even the Redemption of their Bodies Rom. 8.23 by freeing them from the corruption of the grave c. And 2dly all those alive from all their enemies both Men and Devils to serve God without so much as fear of them all the dayes of their lives Luke 1 71. Rev. 20 c. and to redeem even the inferiour creatures from the bondage of corruption from Men or other Creatures into the glorious c. viz. in their capacity in that state of the restitution of all things Rom. 8.22 Acts 3.21 See for this in the Everlasting Gospel on Gen. 3.19 p. 8. the 6. particular there 3dly From the Scripture explication of the Lords Prayer that his Name may be then hallowed in earth as it is now and till then in heaven and so his Kingdom may come and will be done in earth then as in heaven now which will be perfectly done upon the coming of that Kingdom by Angels and raised Sts. in that world and by others then alive in a very great measure See p. 90 91. of the Iren. and New Jer. p. 4 15 the first Vse 4thly It is in part the end of that state both of the faith and hope of many of Gods servants who now groundedly both believe and hope for such their interest in that state of the promised mercies to the Fore-Fathers as we shewed largly in our Key being a part of Csts Purchase and of the Sts. inheritance for so long a time of which much is said in Scripture c. See the Key of the covenanted mercies to the Fore-Fathers and their spiritual seed as we here touch but that which in gnneral we shall only here farther set down as to the former Argum. is this one most comprehensive Foundation of Multitudes of particular Arguments in several kinds from several sorts of Subjects considered in the whol work namly That Doctrine is Divine truth which hath not only clear Scriptures for the nature and substance of it and for all useful and profitable parts and branches of it but also for the distinct and clear handling of both it them from Scripture foundations and this farther which is yet of very great waight where the faith thereof is wrought that these Doctrines are only in substance the promised mercies to the Fore-Fathers Ab. Is and Jacob and all their spiritual seed both circumcised and uncircumcised for that state in special through that one Divine seed Christ Gal. 3. to be fulfilled in that world to come Heb. 2.3 Luke 20.35 36. in the time of the New Heavens and New Earth c. which is the time of Christs great day of Judgment and of his Davidical Kingdom which is another strong foundation of the same promised mercies of all the spiritual Sons and Daughters of David through and with Christ himself then in that world I might add many others c. But now for the first said members viz. the substance and main branches of these Doctrines that have clear Scripture grounds that he that runs may read in the whose work but for the 3d which is the distinct handling of those things some may question therefore amongst the many distinctions in our Key whereof many were not before this work observed that I knew of I shall instance in the two New Jerusalems one the immediate work of God to be made by himself their for the Saints raised after Christs appearance or coming Heb 11.10 16. and described gloriuosly Rev. 21. which is not the future glory of heaven as formerly mistaken for fifteen reasons c. See New Jeru◠p. 9 10 11 12 c. The other made by men for the converted Jews and Gentiles as the Prophet Esay saith expresly by Strangers and their Kings Esa 60.9 See New Jerus 6 7. and for the 4th member that for those promised mercies to the said Fore-Fathers and David will then be accomplished to all the Elect that have lived before or suffered with or for Christ before that his 2d coming in the clouds of Heaven and that they shall have their rest with the Apostles 2 Thes 1.7 and be rewarded then Rev. 11.18 19. and all such have their part in all that promised mercy in that state our grounds of those covenanted mercies after the preparatorie 21 assertions laid down in the Key may sufficiently if well considered I conceive satisfie all serious unprejudiced understanding Christians which I doubt not to such may much more be made evident from divine Authority and these things would be greatly enquired into if Christians but compently knew and believed such their own mercy and interest in that state with Christ in that long continued excellent holy and happy condition which he hath purchased for them and gives them interest in with himself being joynt heirs thereof with himself A large volume might be written and to good effect on these 3 Articles to this end 1. of Christs coming to that first judicial act of Judgm Dan. 7. above 1000. years before the last trump and raising of the wicked suddainly as probable after the faithful that departed in the 1000 years as Esa 65.20 2dly of the communion of Sts. both raised and living 3dly of the resurrection of the just only
27 28. of our Prodrom or Forerunne 8. That these Doctrines are summarily the Scriptural explications of two Articles of Faith vix of Christs coming to judgment Dan. 7. Rev. 20.4 and of his raising of the just at the first blessed and holy Resurrection v 5 6. 9. That the Jews aversness from owning Christs grace to the Gentiles before Peters Vision Acts 11. should caution the Gentile Christians against opposing those Doctrines from Scripture containing the Jews stronger title by far to much more ample mercies See that renownedly learned and religious Gentleman Sir Henry Finch his book of the calling of the Jews and his Epistle to them and that will be when their glorious Messiah shall come to those who are beloved for their Fathers sakes Rom. 11.28 to take away the Vail from their hearts 2 Cor. 3.16 10. The reason Mr. Mede gave of the clouding of these Doctrines when Antichrist was to arise viz. to make way for his coming The like also may be given for the clearing of them in some measure when the Date of that Man of sin is wearing out namly to help to bring him down I say but in some measure because the Scripture gives divers hints that they will not be received by many Rev. 19.9 21. 5. 22.6 Luke 18.8 Dan. 12.10 which now appears by prevailing iniquity by prejudice of some and interests of others ingagements of credit business shakings of the world many distractions tentations contrary seducements and the like See the emergent conjecture of 1666. from Christs Ascention on Rev. 22.20 p. 36 37 c. from four Mistical Numbes 11. That the Dominion of Gods people the Jews will be manifest then to be founded in grace and to be the Generation whom the Lord hath blessed Es 65.23 probably more especially the Tribe of Judah as distinctly so known from other people Es 61.9 when they shall be borne in a day spiritually and nationally for the most part probably at Christs appearance to them when his feet shall stand on mount Olivet from whence he ascended and then will cause the cleaving of the Mountain and great Vally to Azal as the Prophet Zachary c 14. foretels and their iniquity be taken away in one day Zac. 3.9 And as Justice and Judgment are now for ever the stability of Christs Throne so they will be then of all other Kings besides See Foundat 7. 12. That Abraham Isaac Jacob and Sarah expected by Faith their particular Shares or Lots in the Land of Canaan a far of Heb. 11. viz. at the Resurrection of the Just and in assurance thereof they would be buried there as also Joseph would have his bones as it were to keep possession till that time of fulfilling Gods promise thereof to each of them See p. 38 39. of the Prodr therefore they counted themselves Pilgrims 2dly they sought no opportunity to return v. 15. 3dly they looked for that heavenly countrey of Christs Kingdom v. 16. Rom. 4.16 17 18 c. Gal. 3.8 9 c. See our 15 Reasons in New Jeru and Prodromus p. 38. 13. That some of the Subjects of Christs Kingdom will be raised Saints the Children of the Resurrection in that world Luke 20.35 36. others converted Jews and Gentiles in their natural life in their several conditions as follows 14. There will be accordingly two New Jerusalems in the world the one came down from God out of heaven Meto-nymicolly in respect of the Inhabitants for the time to come being when they came down the spirits of just men coming with Christ to receive their bodies called the Bride the Lambs wife Rev. 19. Rev. 21. and so to be the Inhabitants of that glorious City whose maker and builder is God Heb. 11.10 Rev. 20. where the said raised Saints will behold Christs glory which was by Christs last will bequeathed to them Joh. 17.24 The other New Jerusalem will be built by men and partly by strangers and their Kings for the use of such as shall walk in the light of the said New Jerusalem See Tract on Jer. 3.17 page 6 7. 15. The great discoveries to be made to Saints and Angels in the time of Christs said Kingom respecting Scriptures Creatures and Providences c. will probably much more enable both sorts of them more excellently to set forth Gods praise to all eternity G. Tit. page and greater discoveries to be in that Millen than in all the 6000. years before 16. Scripture Theologie of that world to come in the time of the New Heavens and New Earth is of very large consideration in respect of the many particularities thereunto appertaining See first Arg. of the Word Written of things before the 1000. years in them and after them and our 31. Obser after the Tract on Rev. 22.20 with our 12. Foundat 17. The knowledge of Christs execution of his three great Offices as the work his Father gave him to do during the continuance of his Mediatorship in respect of his Mediatorship in the three great Periods of the World viz. as the great Prophet in the Old Testament by his immediate inspired Messengers 2dly As the great High Priest in the Newe First by his own Oblation Secondly by his Intercession during Gods Kingdom of the Stone wherein Christ appears to be the Fathers Commissioner to open the Sealed Book and execute the Coments thereof Rev. 5 c. In the third he begins his own Kingdome of the Mountain Dan. 2.35 which he went to Heaven to receive and then to return Luke 19. Dan. 7.13 14. the knowledge thereof I say is of very great concernment to all true Christians viz. as it is distinct from his particular execution of his said three Offices for particular Christians Souls in all times since mans fall in respect of the particular Application of them all in their virtue and efficacie as the Prophet Priest and King of every beleiving soul by the powerful work of his holy Spirit See 17. Thes p. 9 10 11 12. of the Prod. with the addition p. 44 45 46. and especially more largly handled in our Everlasting Gospel on Gen. 3.15 18. The last Trumpet Rev. 11. and the last sounding Trumpet 1 Thes 1. 1 Cor. 15.52 53. differ not only in above a 1000. years distance of time but also in their natures and uses See the Series of Prophesies in the Scheme of the Revelation and the Abridgment of the Revelation and Daniel which may much help as a standard with the Parallels to take due proportions in such cases c. 19. That there are two Gogs and Magogs to be destroyed the one at the beginning the other after the little space at the end of the 1000. years First the Pope Dan 7.7 8 9 10 c. with the latter part of the chap. the body of which Beast is to be consumed with the burning flame probably at the Armageddon Battle And the Turk of whom in the latter dayes Ezek. 38.8 16. as to his Armie