sayd a litle before that the church of Rome is fallen into most sinfull and deep defection and apostasie and so is a notorious harlot and idolatrâ—ss Wherefore his distinction here between the apostasie the church of Rome making the one Antichrist the other Gods temple under his covenant of grace neyther accordeth with the scriptures nor with his own assertion Next this where he sayth that by the Temple of God in Israel was figured the church of God among Christians it is graunted But withall let it be noted that himself can not deney but the Temple and tabernacle in Israel was not the church and congregation of Gods people properly but a sacramental signe of Gods dwelling with them which I before confirmed by these scriptures Exod 25. 8. 2. Chron. 6. 2. Ezek. 37. 26. 27. Rev. 21. 3. Secondly he himself affirmeth that the temple at Ierusalem did primarily figure out Christ and secondarily the church both the catholik or universal and particular churches likeweise particular Christians and in several respects both their bodies and their soules and consciences Vpon which graunts of his it foloweth that there is no necessarie consequence of this his proposition Jf the Pope of Rome with his hierarchie be the man of syn spoken of in 2. Thes. 2. then is the church of Rome the Temple of God there spoken of for he understanding by the church the people as in 1. Cor. 3. 16. 17. 2. Cor. 6. 16. Eph. 2 21. and yet granting that the Temple in Israel was not the people all may see the weaknes and insufficiencie of this inference that because the Pope of Rome sitteth as God in the Temple of God therfore the people of the church of Rome are that Temple of God there spoken of consequently Gods true church For why now may we not as well if not much better say that by the Temple of God is understood the doctrine and profession of Christ the true Temple or as in my former †book I shewed thus As the Temple was an outward signe of Gods presence with his people and of his inward dwelling in their harts * by saith and by his spirit unto their salvation so Antichrists temple is an outward shew of his presence with that seduced people in whose harts †he dwelleth by Popish faith and by his spirit of errour carying them to damnation But as Antichrist shal not professedly deny the true God or Christ though in deed he falsly * sheweth himself that he is God so shal hâ— not professedly deny the Temple or church of God but falsly vaunt his adulterous synagogue to be the same Vnto this exposition mine opposite hath given no answer and it being according to the scriptures trueth of the thing in controversie I leave it to the prudent reader whether the outward shew and profession of Christ and Christian religion be not the first thing here intended of th'Apostle by the Temple of God And this is further confirmed by Rev. 11. 1. Where the Temple Altar and Worshipers are three distinct things and the people are the worshipers there spoken of neyther the Temple nor the Altar of which place we shal treat anone Then wheras he granteth that the Temple in Ierusalem did primarily figure out Christ how is it that he wholly neglecteth the primarie thing figured and insisteth upon the secondary the church or people of Rome Seing it is knowen how the Pope pretendeth him self to be Christs vicar and deputie on earth and to be the servant and worshiper of Christ in heaven and may we think that th'Apostle in warning them of the mysterie of iniquitie would not imply the chief point of the mysterie that Antichrist should in pretence sit for Christ and in his sted as his vicar generall on earth Thus to sit in the Temple or for the Temple of God may well be understood that Antichrist should sit for Christ a pretended friend but in deed an adverse foe Now for that which the Temple secondarily figured namely the church catholik and also particular and so mens consciences he wavereth in his application He sayth this terme the church of Rome is taken eyther particularly which he applieth to the Laterane church in Rome the Popes parish church or more generally for all other such Christian churches as are come under the Popes jurisdiction c. This later I hold to be most proper here for what needed there such warning to the Thessalonians other christian churches through the world if a Bishop of the Lateran parish a corner in Rome had exalted himself above God therin onely and had not usurped also a pretended Christian power over all And the complement of the prophesie is an evident exposition of it for who knoweth not that the Pope scorneth to be Bishop of the Lateran parish onely it is a jurisdiction over the catholik church throughout the earth which he chalengeth And now what proof bringeth mine opposite that the church of Rome as God constituted it is taken generally for other Christian churches under the Popes jurisdiction None at all neyther can he bring any jote of Gods word for the same Againe what proof maketh he that the catholik Romane church wherin the Pope sitteth is the true church of God None but this J suppose these men themselves being better advised wil not deny them to be the churches and Temple of God But he should have shewed if it had been possible for him that the Romane church is by divine institution the catholik or universal church which because I assure my self it can never be doen I conclude that this Romane catholik church is a fiction of the Popes braine and a meere idol like himself and is no otherweise the Temple of God then the Pope is Christs universal vicar namely in lying words and vaine ostentation And so the maine ground for the Temple of God wherin Antichrist sitteth to be the true church of Christ is overthrowne As for the Popes Laterane parish I both deny it to be Christs true church and that it onely is the Temple of God wherin Antichrist should sit His proof of the former is this Jf we understand it of a particular church as the Apostle wrote his epistle to the church of the Romans how shall we soundly deny it eyther to be the Temple of God or Antichrist to be set therin Thus have we suppositions and questions in sted of proofes To his demand I answer it is the Temple of God in pretence not in trueth even as the Pope is a bishop of Christ in pretence but in deed is Antichrist the man of syn as mine opposite granteth The church that was in Rome in Pauls time wil no more justifie the Popes synagogue there now then the Christian ministers which were then in that church Rom. 12. wil justifie the Antichristian prelates that there reigne at this day Secondly the Laterane parish at Rome is of the
thereupon It was not Gods people in Babylon that killed those witnesses Rev. 11. but it was Babylon that killed those witnesses Gods people therin Because Gods people killed not those witnesses but the Beast in his catholik citie or church therfore thinks he that citie of the beast is not his church a fayre conclusion Obj. Note here that by the great citie is meant not onely the citie it self but the whole jurisdiction authority and dominion therof how farr soever extended Answ. It is a good note and worth the marking for the great citie being the church of Rome as before is proved it followeth that the extents of that church reach further then the materiall walls of Rome even to all nations that are of the Popes religion and therfore to bound it within the Lateran parish of Rome is to restreyn that which God sheweth to be more large It were a happy day if the Popes unruly power were limited within the Lateran parish and his jurisdiction reached no further But he must have a larger scope to range in yet a while and weak warriers are they against him that plead for his whorish church of Rome that it is the true church of Christ and under his covenant of grace It is the thing that the Pope would most gladly have proved and I am well assured Babylon wil not fall til it be otherweise battered Obj. Where yet observe further that the church of Rome being fallen into deep apostasie and having the man of syn sitting ther in as God who hath that citie for his throne the things that are spoken of this citie are also applied to the apostate estate of that church of Rome and the other churches that are under the jurisdiction of the prelacie of that Sea whersoever and of whatsoever people kinred tongue or nation they be c. But shall wee therfore conclude that by the Temple of God 2 Thes. 2. 4. may not be understood the church of God Answ. How glorious is the trueth that forceth those to yeild that fight against it His former reasons that by the Citie in Rev. â—1 8. the church was not meant he now frustrateth himself But still he cleaveth to his first plea The temple of God 1 Thes. 2. is the church of God I may answer hereto as God by Ieremy did to the Iewes Trust not in lying words saying The temple of the Lord the temple of the Lord the temple of the Lord are these Ier. 7. 4. Our dispute is in what sense Paul calleth it the Temple of God whether as the true temple builded by Solomon or as the false temple builded in Samaria by the Apostate Israelites which the Prophet calleth the house of their God Amos 2. 8. as the Apostle calleth this the Temple of God Now faine he would have this Romish temple of apostate Papists to be the true temple of God and that they notwithstanding their deep apostasie are Gods true church under his covenant which I deny and have before disproved and Paul in the very same place counteth them among those that perish for beleeving lyes which shal be damned for not beleeving the trueth 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. 12. and Christ teacheth that being worshipers of the beast their names are not written in the book of lâ—fe Rev. 13. 8. 17. 8. but they shal be tormented in fyre and brimstone for ever Revel 14. 9. 10. 11. and that the whorish church Babylon the great the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth which is drunken with the blood of the Saincts and of the martyrs of Jesus shal be destroyed for ever Rev. 17. 5. 6. 18. 21. And who now that have not their right eye blinded wil not rather say it is the Samaritans Temple then Solomons though in pretence and colour the Temple of God And seing every true church now is a particular congregation in one place but the church of Rome is a new found catholik church spred over many nations under one head Bishop the Pope it can not possibly be Christs true church having neyther the constitution faith worship ministerie order or ordinances of Christ but of his enemie Antichrist Wheras I formerly wrote Neyther is that if they meane a particular church answerable to the Temple in Israel which was not for one synagogue but for the whole nation of the Iewes and for the Gentiles that came to the faith through the world To this he sayth How greatly forgets he himself and how presently seing but a line before he sayd the Temple figured not onely the catholik or universal church Ephe 2. 21. but also every particular church by proportion 1 Corint 3. 16. 17. And may we not then apply it to that wherof it was a figure c. Answ. No for mine opposite granteth that the Temple was primarily a figure Christ but so to apply it in this place 2 Thes. 2. himself thinketh not fit I deny not but some where it may and ought to be so applyed but considering that the Temple of God wherin Antichrist now sitteth is a catholik church spred over many nations as was prophesied Rev. 11. 8. 9. I think the applying of Pauls words in 2 Thes. 2. to a particular church is neyther fitting to the type nor to the prophesie nor to the accomplishment of it which we see at this day The priests in Israel figured Christ chiefly secondarily Christians Rev. 1. 6. But to apply those things which Paul speaketh of the Priests in Heb. 10. 11. 12. to us Christians were not onely unfitting but heretical Obj. The Candlesticks and Lamps were set in the Temple of God and the church of Rome was a golden Candlestick as well as the rest of the primitive churches and this man himself sayth definitely the true churches were many of them apostate when John wrote whom yet notwithstanding Christ acknowledgeth to be golden candlesticks In any of which of Antichrist had sit as in the church of Rome I suppose this man would not deny but his sitting then should have been in the Temple of God whether it were considered as a particular candlestick it self or a branch of the great general candlestick c. Answ. 1. If the Candlesticks were churches in the Temple the church then the Temple in such respect is the catholick church for one particular church is not in an other 2. I grant that the church of Rome was a golden candlestick in th'Apostles time and I think mine opposite would not deny but then also the Bishop of Rome was a starr in Christs right hand But now the Bishop is a starr fallen from heaven and acknowledged to be Antichrist why then may not the church be fallen with him as Paul forewarned Rom. 11. 22. and the candlestick removed from it as wel as from Ephesus Rev. 2. 5. except Rome have a privilege above all other cities because it crucified Christ. 3. I grant also that
the true churches apostate in Rev. 2. 3. were still golden candlesticks though some of them rustie but I would have it likewise graunted me that there were other churches but copper candlesticks though they pretended to be golden namely such Antichristian haeretical synagogues as of whom it might be sayd They went out from us but they were not of us 1. Joh. 2. 18. 19. And if those petty Antichrists were no golden candlesticks much less can the great Antichrist with his synagogue be a golden candlestick for he farr exceedeth them in idolatrie heresie and impietie That Antichrist could sit in any true church then as he sitteth now in the church of Rome namely as God and so to be beleeved with his lyes worshiped and obeyed I utterly deny for that church that so doeth departeth from Christ the foundation and denyeth both the Father and the Son 1 Ioh. 2. 22. 23. and whether it be a particular church or a more general it skilleth not universalitie in worshiping the Beast causeth but universalitie of damnation Rev. 13. 16. 17. 14 9. 10. 11. Obj. Wheras he would be taught how that whorish company that worship the Beast and Dragon can be the true catholik church and spouse of Christ though that which J noted before be sufficient for the point in hand yet let him first remember how but a litle before he told us the catholik church of the now Romish religion as themselves describe it hath one part therof on earth an other under the earth a third part in heaven and now here he speaketh onely of such as are on earth and those also such as worship the Dragon and beast Rev. 13. 4. wheras the catholik church in deed conteyneth all churches people of God from the beginning of the world c. Answ. By this then it appeareth that the church of Rome lyeth apparantly when she calleth her self the catholik church and therfore is not the true church or Temple of God But I would be taught in deed how that whorish company here on earth which worship the Beast can be the true church eyther universall or particular Here first he asketh whither I think there was no other churches of Christians catholik or particular wherin Antichrist sate since th'apostasie of the man of syn but such as worshiped the Dragon and the beast And who then were the Tabernacle and those that dwelt in heaven whom the beast blasphemed and the saintes with whom he made warr 42. monethes Rev. 13. 5. 6. 7. and of what church they were c. Answ. He seemeth to use the word sit in two senses 1. for oppressing blaspheming killing the Saincts that resisted Antichrist and 2. for quiet governing and having in subjection the wicked that beleeve and obey him with such aequivocations his writings are too full Such churches or persons as resisted the beast and whom he blasphemed and killed they were of God and of them there is no question But the other sort given over of God to beleeve lyes and to worship the man of syn as God like as he sheweth him self that he is God they are not the true church of God catholik or particular and of such is the present church of Rome now iâ— question As for the Saincts that dwell in heaven whom Antichrist blasphemeth they are where he is noâ— in the true church out of which he is gone both he and his and therfore doth he persecute them The scripture by him citeâ— Rev. 13. 6. yieldeth a strong argument against his purpose thus The true Tabernacle church and heavenly people are blasphemed and warred against by Antichrist The church of Rome now is not blasphemed and warred against by Antichrist but blessed commended mainteyned Therfore the church of Rome now is not the true tabernacle church or heavenly people Obj. Jerusalem came to be a hâ—â—lâ—t old in adulteries and the Jewes to be a synfull nation laden with iniquitie c. sonns of the sorceress the seed of â—he adulterer and the whâ—re a rebellious people c transgressing after all the abominations of the heathens and polluting the house of the Lord c. yet they were stil notwithstanding the citie people and temple of the Lord. Esai 1. 3. 3. 12. with Ier. 50. 28. 51. 11 35. 36. 45. 50. 51. Answ. One findeth a dead and stinking carkess of a man and to prove it a living man he sayth Such an one was so and so diseased he had the burnâ—ng ague the palsie dropsie the gangrene the plague yet was he a living man therfore this is likewise Such is the mould of mine opposites argument For the Papists the worshipers of the Beast are sayd of God to be dead men Rev. 20. 4. â— not partakers of the first resurrection that is dead in syn not revived by Christ now to prove them alive examples of other persons and peoples of Israel are alleaged who because they were great synners but not dead in syn therfore these dead men under Antichrist must be living also He hath been answered that the Iewes whiles they continued Gods Church though greatly corrupted are not fit resemblances of Antichrists church which the holy Ghost calleth no where Iudea but Babylon Rev. 17. Wheras I sayd The very word Temple speaking of that wherin Antichrist sitteth as God leadeth us to understand Antichrists church to be but a counterfeit shewing this reason that the Temple in Israel was not the church or people properly but a sacramentall signe of Gods dwelling with his people 2 Chron. 6. 2. and of his inward dwelling in their harts by faith Eph. 3. 17. 2. 22. so Antichrists temple is an outward shew of his presence with that seduced people in whose harts he dwelleth by popish faith and by his spirit of error carying them to damnation c. Rev. 13. 4. 14. 16. 14. 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. He answereth Then when th'Apostle sayth to the church of Corinth ye are the Temple of God 1 Cor. 3 16. his meaning should be according to this glose ye are a counterfeit church And when Christ sayd Destroy this Temple Joh. â— 19. speaking of his bodie the word Temple should lead us to understand Christs body to be but a counterfeyt Would any man of good understanding and affection have made such inferences upon my words Doth not the very word God when it is spoken of Baal and of images made with mens hands lead us to understand them to be but counterfeyt gods or would any adversary if I had so spoken of Baal and the word God which is applied unto him by the Prophet 1 King 18. 27. have wrested my reason against the true God But sundry such abuses I beare and forbeare to reply unto because my opposite cannot now heare his reproof and to other men it would be fruitless Hetherto of th'Apostles phrase the Temple of God Now touching the Man of
faithfull Christians and more inward church of God invisible to men but seen and preserved of God c. And by the Altar and worshipers be figuratively noted the spirituall worship and mediation of Christ with faithfull Christians and worshipers made Priests unto God who wholly and onely rely vpon Christ c. Answ. Seing here are three distinct things the Temple the Altar and the worshipers it seemeth unfit to confound the first with the last the worshipers here are the faithful Christians which serve God in his Temple as Rev 7. 15. and upon his Altar To make the Temple to signify faithful Christians here when the worshipers are the faithful Christians here themselves it â—itteth not the vision Rather as the Temple figured Christ in his humanitie Joh. 2. 19. 21. God manifested in the flesh in whom God dwelt in whom all doe serve the Lord and as the golden altar of incense figured his mediation the brazen altar for sacrifice figured his oblation of himself for his Church so here the measuring of the Temple Altar and worshipers signifieth the restauration of Christian religion from the Apostasie of Antichrist the Temple of God signifieth Christ truely professed for his person or doctrine of true Christianitie constitution of the Church therein the Altar is the true doctrine of his oblation and mediation for us and the worshipers are the faithfull Christians that worship God in the true profession of Christ and of his mediation and sacrifice as in the true Temple and altar of God contrary to the heresies and abominations of Antichrist His third and fourth considerations are by the Court without the Temple to be noted in figure the visible church Christians By the holy citie Jerusalem to be noted in figure oyther the visible church and outward state of Christians more generally or such as are truly godly and Gods holy church more particularly By the Gentiles to understand hethens and rebellious Jewes that is profane and wicked Christians the Antichristian hierarchiâ— and Locusts Rev 9. c. Answ. This is faultie three wayes first in confounding persons and other things as one secondly in shuffling true Christians and Antichristians as one bodie thirdly in restreyning the gentiles or heathens spoken of in Revel 11. 2. to the Pope and his hierarchie onely 1. The thing here shewed in vision was after the manner of Ierusalem and the Temple of old there the Temple was not the people neyther were the courts the people neyther the citie when it was distinct from the citizens but they were holy places and signes appointed of God for the people to worship him in by them 2. True visible Christians which he sayth are the court and citie and Antichristians or as he would have it the Pope and his hierarchie whom the Lord calleth Gentiles or heathen he would have mixed togither as one body and church the Antichristian heathens to be the Bishops and pastors and the visible Christians to be the flock and this for the space of 1260. yeres as himself numbreth the 42. moneths a day for a yere Which is contrary to the whole scope of this book of the Revelation which sheweth the true Christians to be such as are marked and sealed of God Revel 7. 3. c. having his name in their foreheads virgines and folowers of the Lamb Rev. 14. 1. 4. such as worship not the Beast or his image neyther receive his mark on forehead or hand Rev. 20 4. whereas by his exposition the true visible Christians are those that worship the beast as the church of Rome doeth and have doen these many yeres 3. That the gentiles should be onely the Pope and hierarchie agreeth neyther with trueth nor type for whether he respect the rebellious Iewes or faithless Gentiles it can never be shewed at any time that they were onely Priests and Levices or Kings captaines and officers that trode down Ierusalem or dwelt in the court without the Temple but people with priests and soldjers with captaines that strange it is from whence he should gather this interpretation And though many of all sorts have expounded this book yet never read I of any one neyther doeth he cite any one man that ever was of his minde so to interpret these things but it was his owne singular conceyt As for the key which should open the dore to the understanding of this vision namely the commandement to measure the Temple c. with the reed vers 1. this he omitteth But with that wil I begin After that God for the idolatries and other synns of the Iewes had delivered the holy citie Ierusalem and the Temple therin into the hands of the Gentiles the Babylonians who first robbed the temple and caried away all the chief men into captivitie from Jerusalem to Babylon and afterward for further synns broke up the Citie burnt the Lords house and the Kings house and all the houses of Jerusalem and brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about and caried away the rest of the people that were left in the citie the Lord pitâ—ying the desolation of his church began to restore and reedisie the same calling his people to repentance and unto Zacharie his Prophet by visions signified that he would returne to Jerusalem with mercies and his house should be built in it and shewed him a man with a measuring line in his hand to measure the breadth and length of Ierusalem signifying the reedifying of the same and therupon called his people out of Babylon He foretold him also of the Branch Christ that should build the Temple of the Lord. And unto Ezekiel then in captivity he likeweise shewed in a vision a man like brass with a line and a measuring reed wherwith he measured the breadth and heighth of the building which Christ should erect and this in all the parts therof as gates chambers windowes posts courts tables and also the temple posts dores walles likewise the utter court with all things concerning the same The end of which vision was to signifie that in that place he would dwell in the midst of the sonns of Israel as before he had by the signe of Solomons Temple and he willed the Prophet that if the house of Israel were ashamed of all the evils that they had doen he should shew them the forme of the house and the fashion therof c. and all the ordinances therof and all the formes therof and all the lawes therof and let them measure the patterne Accordingly when God had set his Temple or Tabernacle among Christians as is described in Rev. 4. by the similitude of Moses Tabernacle and for the synns of the people who began to revolt from the faith and to imbrace Antichrist even whiles the Apostles lived and after their decease fell more and more from Christ as by the opening of the seales Rev 6. and by the sounding of the Trompets Rev
to refresh the wearie soules Her doctrines sweet and amiable lyes spoken in hypocrisie Prov. 5. 3. 1 Tim. 4. 2. but yet confirmed with signes and miracles as if they came from heaven 2 Thes. 2. 9. Rev. 13. 13. 14. her power efficacie great prevailing over the many and the mightie the Kings and Princes of the world deceiving all nations with her inchantments Prov. 7. 21. 26. Rev. 17. 2 18. 23. and if it were possible Gods very elect Math. 24. 24. Her continuance and outward prosperitie is long Rev. 13. 5. 18. 7. 20. 2. 4. her end miserable Rev. 18. 19. 21. 19. 20. 21. consumed with the spirit of the Lords mouth and abolished with the brightnes of his coming 2 Thes. 2. 8. And for her destruction the heavens shall rejoyce and sing praises to God Rev. 18. 20. 19. 1. 2. The accomplishment of these prophesies I there shewed to be in the Church of Rome at this day confirmed by her own canons and doctors that set forth her profession and practise These grounds remayne yet unanswered by mine opposite being such as I assure my self neither could he neither can any soundly refute Now let us see how farr he yeildeth and how he opposeth First he prayeth all to take knowledge that his minde and desire in himselfe is to plead against the present estate of that church and not for it acknowledging it to be fallen into most synful and deep defection and apostasie and so to be a notorious harlot and idolatress which all the people of God ought to forsake and to witnes the trueth there against even vnto death How well this his acknowledgement agreeth with his plea in the residue of his book shall appeare in the discussing of the reasons after folowing But what sayth he to the description of Antichrists church which I before shewed from the scriptures He sayth I speak of the church and Synagogue of Antichrist of the Beast of the great Citie of the man of Syn of the great whore of Abaddon or Apollyon the son of perdition c. wheras I should treat of the Temple of God wherof Paul speaketh 2 Thes. 2. Hereupon he chargeth me to keep what I could from the point of the question in hand and therefore also to confound things that differ I answer that the the question was by this mine opposites former graunt about the church of Rome whether it were the church of God or no. Now when at first I shew from the scriptures what maner of Church that Romane church is in Gods account how could he charge me to keep from the point of the question 2ly the place of th'Apostle being alleaged by mine opposite for a proof that the church wherein Antichrist sitteth is the Church of God I come immediately after to scan that scripture and yet he challengeth me for keeping from the point wheras all men of judgement may see it was needful to know what God foretold of that church throughout the scriptures that so we might understand in what sense Antichrist is sayd to sit in the Temple of God 2 Thes. 2. For seing the Temple of God is a figurative phrase taken from the shadowes of the Law it is not wisedome in us to expound a parabolical speech contrary to the plaine scriptures grounds of Christian religion but we must understand it according to them Wherefore there being no other answer made to the description aforesayd it standeth in force to prove that the church of Rome is not the true Church of Christ. So for the accomplishment of the prophesies wheras I shewed from the Papists own writings of their church how fitly it agreeth with Antichrists synagogue foretold of by God mine opposite answereth I tell them of a Church such as Bellarmine and others describe one part wherof lives on earth an other under the earth and a third part in heaven c. Wheras our question is of the Temple of God wherof Paul speaketh 2. Thes. 2. 4. and of the court and holy citie wherof Iohn speaketh Rev. 11. 2. Thus neyther the Prophesies of God nor the complement of them shewed by the men themselves whom the prophesies concerne may be brought to clear the controversie but mine opposite will insist upon dark and figurative speeches that men may be the more easily deluded For how shall we prove against Papists that the Pope is Antichrist if we may not alleage the Popes owne doctrines and practises which are contrary to Christ Yea how shall we judge of any church but by their owne Confessions published and comparing them with the scripures Wherefore the profession of Papists concerning their church is a strong argument wherby they may be discovered to be none of Christs even the Cretian lyars testimonie against themselves is true as the Apostle noteth Tit. 1. 12. 13. An Answer to the arguments brought for the church of Rome MIne opposite pleadeth thus 1. First J take an argument from the baptisme had in the churches aforesayd the Apostate churches of Christians thus The Baptisme had in the church of Rome is the Lords baptisme the signe and seale of his covenant the ordinance of God had in that church from the Apostles times before Antichrist there arose Rom. 6. 2. 3. and so is true baptisme which is from heaven and not of men that one baptisme which perteyneth to the bodie of Christ Eph. 4. 4. 5. which the Lord hath given to his church and not man c. Therfore the church of Rome is the church of God and under his covenant c. Answ. Here let it first be observed whether mine opposite pleadeth against the present estate of that church as before he pretended For if they be under Gods covenant have it sealed unto them from heaven by that one true baptisme then are they in the state of grace and of salvation which is the very thing that all Papists at this day doe plead for Concerning his Argument I deny that the baptisme had in all Apostate churches of Christians and particularly in the church of Rome is the Lords true baptisme or the signe and seale of his covenant of grace unto them Here mine opposite referreth me to an other place of his book for proof of the trueth of their Baptisme wherto I will make answer anone in their place And now that my denyal may not be so bare as is his assertion here I will insist upon the two scriptures which he citeth and disprove their baptisme In Rom. 6. 2. 3. 4. the Apostle sayth How shall we that are dead to syn live any longer therin Know ye not that so many of us as are baptised into Christ Iesus were baptised into his death Therfore we are buried with him by baptisme into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glorie of the Father even so we also should walk â—n nâ—wnes of life Here first the
Catholik or universall church in the first proposition and the particular church of Rome in the second and so deny the argument why would he then himself obtrude upon us such a deceitfull reason The latter part of his speech I grant but it helpeth him nothing For the synagogue of Antichrist is none of Gods constitutions though every true Christian church is neyther hath he annexed promise of grace to his ordinances abused by the man of syn and his subjects in that malignant church but hath threatned the destruction of the deceivers and deceived 2 Thes. 2. 8. 10. 11. 12. 3. The third reason for the church of Rome consisteth of a division of the world into Christians Iewes Turks and Pagans and of a question if it be asked which of these is the Church of God at this day should we not answer the Christians and among the Christians comprise the churches aforesayd for the reasons before specified Answ. The first part of his answer I yeild unto that Christians now are Gods church The second I deny namely that Antichristians such as the Papists be other heretical and apostate churches are to be comprised in the number save in name onely for in deed and trueth they are not His reasons before specified I have particularly refuted so might here end But further to explaine the trueth I answer that after this general division we must make an other subdivision or els we may be deceived The subdivision is of Christians againe into true and false or into Christians and Antichristians which professe Christ in name deny him in deed And this I learne of the holy Ghost who in the Apostles times divided the Iewes into outward and inward Rom. 2. 28. 29. and counted these latter onely Iewes and such as sayd they were Iewes and were not but did lye he calleth them the Synagogue of Satan Revel 3. 9. Even so he prophesied of a Beast or kingdom which should have two hornes like the Lamb Christ and so be called Christians but should speak as the Dragon work wonders deceive men that dwell on the earth c Revel 13. 11. 13. 14. He also foretold of false teachers among Christians who privily should bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them c. 2 Pet. 2. 1. If thus we distinguish not between the true Christ and false Christs between true prophets and false prophets and so between true churches and false we may reteyn the name of Christ and Christian churches and be in deed nothing less And according to mine opposites manner of plea an other might reason thus Of synners in the world some are Angels and some are men If then the question be asked seing Christ came to save synners 1 Tim. 1. 15. which of these are redemed and saved by Christ are the church of God should we not answer men and among men also comprise all peoples upon earth Iewes Turks Pagans c. This is the mould of mine Opposers argument and as colourably as he pleadeth for Antichrists synagogue to be Christs Church so others doe plead for universal redemption of all peoples persons borne into the world from Ioh. 1. 9. Rom. 5. 18. and other like scriptures 4 The fourth reason is from baptisme a visible signe of Gods visible Church among Christians as circumcision was among the Iewes c. I answer the baptisme among Antichristians is in deed like their church Christs in name but not in deed and trueth As for that which he annexeth of our defending and reteyning that visible baptisme received in the church of Rome it foloweth after to be discussed when we come to treat of their baptisme In the mean while let it be observed that as Circumcision was a signe of the Church of old so was sacrificing both then and before Circumcision was instituted and all nations reteyning sacrifice then as well as Antichrist reteyneth baptisme the Lords supper now it wil also folow by like reason that all nations were then Gods churches which argumēt shal be prosecuted hereafter Againe as the foolish woman calleth passengers to her sweet stollen waters and pleasant bread of secresies Prov. 9. 13. 17. so this foolish woman the church of Antichrist by like stales allureth the simple unto her which are no sounder proof that she is Christs true spouse then the true mans purse in the theefs hand wil prove the theef to be a true and honest man 5 The 5 reason is from the defection of Iudah and Israel remayning stil Gods people notwithstanding therfore also the church of Rome in like manner Answ. Of the first part of this reason touching the state of the Israelites we are after to speak in particular but were it granted I deny the consequence it foloweth not the Antichristian synagogue is so also Inst. The consequence sayth he is prooved because these were types of the like state of the Christian churches recorded for our instruction 1 Cor. 10. 6. 11. with Rom. 154. 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. 2 Pet. 2. 1. Jude v. 5. 11. Rev. 2. 14. 20. 11. 2. c. Answ. I grant that he sayth for the Christian churches but for the Antichristian it is true in part onely The synns of Iudah and Israel are found in Rome so are the synns of Sodome Aegypt Babylon and heathen Rome which by warrant from God were types also of this Antichristian Babylon Rev. 11. 8. and 17. 5. From which I may as truly conclude Sodome Aegypt and Babylon of old were so farr fallen frō God as they were not his churches or peoples and they were types of this church of Antichrist and the things written of them are for our instruction Rom. 15. 4. Iude v. 7. 2. Pet. 2. 5. 6. Therfore this Antichristian synagogue is not Christs true church Further I answer that the types which were in Israel prove not that the things typed are in the same degree of good or evil neyther more nor less as mine opposite would inferr that Antichristians are not now more deep in apostasie then were the Israelites For types and figures agree in some things but not in all Moses Aaron David and all other types of Christ were synners but it were wicked therupon to conclude that Christ himself was a synner Moreover Christs Preisthood was figured in Aaron his sōns yet did not that Levitical Preisthood fully type out his office but in part a more complete figure of him was in Melchisedek as th'Apostle sheweth in Heb. 5. and 7. chapters Accordingly it wil follow that Antichrist is answerable to Israels apostasie in part and yet a more complete figure of him is to be found in the Gentiles And as Christ excelleth in holynes all that were types of him so Antichrist exceedeth in wickednes all the types of him therfore hath many sorts of wicked men to resemble his impietie Rev. 11. 8. And that his consequence followeth not
from the type to the thing typed that they are both in an equal estate appeareth further by his own grant in pag. 126. where he maketh Antiochus and his captaines c. a type of the Papacie Now it is confessed of all that Antiochus and his companie were Pagans in religion so by the like reason the Pope with his captaines and souldjers must be Pagans also 6. The 6 reason alleaged for them is that it should be syn for Papists and Apostate Christians to marie with Pagans to neglect baptisme not to sanctifie the Lords day as it was in Iudah and Israel to marie with the heathen to neglect circumcision to profane the Lords day c. Dan. 11. 32. with 1. Maccab. 1. 16. 45. 51. 55. and with Mal. 2. 11. Ezr. 9. 1. 2. 10. 10. Neh. 13. 3. 23. 27. Hos. 5. 7. 7. 8. 8. 12. Amos 8. 5. with 2 Cor. 6 14. c. which should not so be if they were not the church and people of God under his covenant and bound to the observation of his ordinances For Pagans and such as perteyn not to the Lords covenant being not his church and people are not in their estate bound to these and the like ordinances of the Lord which he hath given to his church and people Psal. 147. 19. 20. with Deut. 7. 1. 11. Answ. This reason is sundry wayes faultie 1. Of Pagans he sayth they are not in their estate bound c but Papists and apostate Israelites he would have them bound yet mentioneth not their estate wheras if he speak not of them also in their estate his argument is false and fraudulent 2. The scriptures alleaged Psal. 147. Deut. 7. are by him abused whiles he restreyneth them to these and the like ordinances namely mariage circumcision baptisme and the Sabbath understanding by the like ordinances as I suppose the Passover and other sacrifices the Lords supper c whereas the Psalmist speaketh generally of Gods Words Statutes or Ordinances and Judgments Psal. 147. 19. 20. which three doe comprehend the moral Law called the Ten Words the Ordinances of worship and service and the Iudicials for punishment of malefactors all these the Prophet sayth were shewed unto Jsrael and God dealt not so with any nation Now to conclude from these words therfore the nations were not bound to observe the ordinances because God had not shewed them unto them as he had doen unto Israel namely by his written Law given at Mount Sinai hath no more weight then this Therfore the nations were not bound to the moral Law or to the Iudicials and so synned not in committing idolatrie murder whordome or the like But this is impious to say and a false conclusion therfore his conclusion also touching the ordinances is false and can not rightly be gathered from this text The evil of it further appeareth in one of his instances the Sabbath day which is one of the ten coÌ„mandements and instituted from the beginning of the world Gen. 2. If then the nations were free from syn when they kept not the Sabbath because they had it not written in the book of the Law or Tables of stone as had Israel were they not also by the same reason free from syn in not keeping the other commanments So for the Lords day now he maketh the church of Christ onely and so the Papists and other like whom he accounteth true churches synners if they keep it not all others he freeth from syn as not bound to keep it Wherupon this paradox followeth that the further men fall away from Christ the more free they are from syn For the church of Rome being fallen to Antichrist the Pope they are synners in his account if they keep not the Lords day but the churches of Corinth Ephesus and other like which are fallen to Mahomet they are no synners in his account though they observe not the Lords day and why Onely because they are fallen so farr as they are no church of God nor in his covenant of grace Thus the further from Christ the freer from syn if this doctrine be true But I suppose the contrary to be true and that all peoples how farr soever fallen from Christ are now bound to keep the Lords day and other ordinances of Christ and it is their great syn that they doe not For Christ sent his Apostles to teach all nations to baptise them and to teach them to observe all things whatsoever he commanded his Apostles even to the worlds end Mat. 28. 19 20. And they went into all the world preaching and admonishing all men every where to repent and beleeve the Gospel to be baptised and observe all the ordinances of Christ and all that obeyed not or that have since fallen from their obedience are guiltie before God and shal be condemned because they beleeve not in Christ and keep not his commandements Mark 16. 15. 16. If it be sayd that a Turk or Pagan in that their estate of unbeleef may not lawfully be baptised or admitted to the Lords supper til they repent this is true yet can we not therfore say they are not bound to be baptised or are free from synin neglecting baptisme for they are bound to all the doctrines and ordinances of the gospel in order first to repent and beleeve then to be baptised then to receive the Lords supper and so all the rest If further it be sayd that the Papists in their estate of misbeleef and idolatrie may without repentance and without returning to the true faith be partakers of baptisme and the Lords supper c it is denyed For if the Iewes which were the true church though corrupted might not be received to baptisme without repentance as the scriptures shew Mat. 3. 6. 7. 10. Luk 7. 29. 30. Act. 2. 38. then the Antichristians the members of that church which by Mr. â—ohnsons owne acknowledgment is fallen into most synfull and deep defection and apostasie and is a notorious harlot and idolatresse may much less be baptised or admitted to the Lords supper unless they repent And wheras mine opposite pleadeth for their right in the sacraments other ordinances which they should syn to neglect it would be knowen where they are bound to receive them whether in their own church or in some Christian reformed church If in their owne then they are bound to heare Mass and syn if they be not partakers of it for that is their idolatrous supper then doe not the Magistrates well to forbidd them their Masses and other ecclesiastical exercises which they are bound by God to frequent and should syn if they used them not If they have right unto them in other reformed churches then is there to be a communion between true Christians and those Antichristians in one body at one Table for as the Apostle sayth wee being many are one bread and one bodie for we are all partakers of that one bread 1 Cor. 10. 17.
But this were to build a new Babylon and to make a confused mixture of the members of Christ and of Antichrist contrary to all the scriptures 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16. 17 Rev. 21. 27. The other scripture which he citeth Deut 7. 1 11. helpeth him no more then the former for there in the 11. verse the Commandements Statutes and Judgments which imply all Moses law are expressed if other nations were freed from all these then were they freed from all law and so from all syn for where there is no Law there is no transgression seing Syn is the transgression of the Law 1. Ioh. 3. 4. And where he instanceth mariage with Pagans which is there forbidden Deut. 7. 3. and applieth it to Papists now that they should syn to mary with such I grant it But his inference therupon that therfore they are the true church and in the covenant of grace I deny For the Iewes at this day which professe after their false manner the God of Israel and all things written in the Law and Prophets should syn if now they maried with such doing contrary to their express Law Mal. 2. 11 Yet are not the Iewes now in the covenant of grace or the church of God Againe in Deut. 7. 5. there is commandment to destroy images and like monuments of idolatrie if this was peculiar to Israel then other nations synned not in suffering idols among them undestroyed wheras the Apostle plainly sheweth their greivous syn in making and using such idols Rom. 1. 23. and consequently it must needs also be their syn that they did not forsake destroy and abolish them If any now aske whether the other nations were then bound to all the ordinances of Israel I answer no for some things were never before commanded nor unto other then the church of Israel as the strangers might eat some meates which the Israelites might not Deut. 14. 21. Such things having never been forbidden them of God they might eat without syn as we may at this day But this I say of the nations that all the Lawes Statutes and judgments which were once commanded them of God they were bound for ever to keep til God againe repealed them As for example all the ten commandements and such Statutes or cerimonies as were taught them of God as sacrificing Gen 4. 3. 4. 8. 20. not to eat flesh with the blood Gen. 9. 4. and all other the like And for judgments to kill murderers Gen. 9. 6. and so to punish other malefactors And no Apostasie could ever free them from syn in neglecting any of Gods lawes once given them So no Apostasie could free the Israelites from any law of Moses or the world now from the Law of Christ. The Iewes that under Antiochus turned to Paganisme 1 Maccab. 1. 43. were guiltie they and their seed for neglecting circumcision the Passover and all other ordinances of Moses and their apostasie wherby they went out from the covenant of God and his church freed them not from syn at all So the Christians in like manner that have Apostate to Mahometisme are nevertheless in their synns for neglect of Christs trueth ordinances though they be no Christian church as all of us graunt Onely there is this difference to be put that such as know the will of God as did the Iewes and many Papists now may by the scriptures and doe it not shal be beaten with many stripes wheras the ignorant peoples and Popish multitude shal be beaten with few Luke 12. 47. 48. But to excuse them from syn wholly is to plead for iniquitie And for this cause both David in Ps. 147. and Moses in Deut. 7. urgeth Israel to thankfullnes and obedience above other peoples in that the Lord had now written his lawes and ordinances unto them and made them an holy people when he left other peoples onely to that doctrine which by word of mouth was delivered them from Noe and his sonns which if they did forsake as they had in a great mesure they should perish for ever 7. His seventh last reason for the church of Rome is taken from 2. Thes. 2. 3. 4. Where it is prophesied that Antichrist should sit in the Temple of God This argument he handleth at large But first let it be observed how all his reasons hetherto are shewed to be insufficient and built upon weak grounds the first being taken from their baptisme which is adulterate as the church it self The second frō an inconvenience falsly presupposed that none in that church can else be saved The third from a question whether Christians Iewes Turks or Pagans be the church The 4. is againe from their baptisme The 5. is from the types of Iudah and Israel in apostasie The 6. is from a supposed freedome that such as are apostate from the covenant of God should have from syn if they neglect the ordinances of the gospel None of these arguments are taken from the essential things wherof the true church consisteth none from the matter to prove them saincts or forme to prove them united unto Christ and one to an other according to the order of his testament none from the faith to shew it to be true or from the worship and service of God or from the ministerie to manifest eyther of these to be according to Christ. And now the last of his reasons is from a figurative phrase the Temple of God which may be diversly understood and applied as himself cannot deny Let the prudent reader judge whether these his seven arguments be any thing like those seven pillars which Wisdome hewed out when she builded her house Prov. 9. 1. Now let us weigh his seventh reason The Apostle sayth he speaking of Antichrist in 2 Thes 2. 3. 4. describeth him thus There shall come an Apostasie defection or falling away and the man of syn shal be revealed the son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped so that he as God suteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God c. Here the Apostle describing Antichrist speaketh of the Temple of God where he suteth c. Now that by the Temple of God in Jsrael was figured the church of God among Christians appeareth by these scriptures 1 Cor. 3. 16. 17. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Ephe. ◠21. Rev. 11. 1. 2. 19. 14. 15. 17. 15. 5. 6. 8. 16. 1. 17. compared with Zach. 6. 12. 13 and is acknowledged by the best writers of all ages c. So then from this scripture J reason as followeth Jf the Pope of Rome with his hierarchie be the man of syn here spoken of and the son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped then is the church of Rome the Temple of God here spoken of wherein he suteth as God shewing himselfe that hee is God But the Pope of Rome with his hierarchie
true change as in Phil. 3. 21. he sayth Christ shal transfigure our vile body that it may be conformed to his glorious body yet in the former place he useth the word but for a counterfeyt change And that the people which worship Antichrist as God are called the Temple of God for name shew and pretence I have before manifested Obj. He doth abuse the scripture c. as if Pauls words were not plaine to such as will understand that Antichrist exalteth himself above all that is called god so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God and therfore is not the true God but the man of syn c. Answ. Some may think by Pauls words that Antichrist should openly profess himself to be God and above all Gods yet the Pope who is the head of Antichrist professeth himself to be the servant of the servants of God to be but the minister of Christ and Paul teacheth the same when he calleth his working the mystery or hidden secret of iniquity 2 Thes. 2. 7. Even so some may think by the Temple of God is meant the true church of God the people that in Christ are builded-togither for an habitation of God through the Spirit and that Christ dwelleth in their harts by â—aith Eph. 2. 21. 22. 3. 17 yet the Papists who are Antichristians doe beleeve that man of syn that exalteth himself above all that is called God to be a most holy man and Christian bishop they are of his saith worship and religion trusting in his pardons for remission of their synns c and therfore are no better Christians then he but children of perdition with him and are by Paul in the very same place counted among them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved therfore God hath sent them strong delusion that they should beleeve a lye that they all might be damned who beleeve not the trueth but have pleasure in unrighteousnes 2 Thes 2. 10. 11. 12. Who now except they be blinded with affection can think that Paul calleth such people the Temple of God otherweise then in respect of their profession of Christianitie and boasting that they are the onely good Christians when they are in deed the sworne servants of Antichrist and synagogue of Satan as Rev. 3. 9. Object Difference is to be put between the man of syn that sitteth between the temple wherin he sitteth he sitteth as God yet the temple wherin he sitteth is the Temple of God Answ. There is in deed such a difference as is between the pastor and the flock understanding by the Temple of God the church of Rome at this day such a difference as is between the seducer and the seduced both adjudged to destruction 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. 12. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. Other differences if men feigne that the pastors or hierarchie are the man of syn sonns of perdition and the idolatrous people which be of one faith and religion with them are men of God and in his covenant of grace it is farr from the trueth Object See the like in the cases that fell out at Jerusalem and the Temple there when Baals idol of indignation was set at the entrie of the house of God Ezek. 8. 3. 5. and when Antiochus Epiphanes and his officers profaned the sanctuarie and citie of Jerusalem and set the image of Iupiter Olympius in the Temple and seat of God Dan. 11. 31. 36. who would not now put difference between the idols and persons aforesayd on the one hand and between the Temple and citie of God wherin they were set and which they polluted on the other Answ. The examples are farr unlike first Rome is not Ierusalem but Babylon Rev. 17. Secondly the Temple and holy things in Ierusalem being made of senseless stones and matter they could not be polluted with syn in themselves as the living stones of Christs house the people now may soon be and turned into a synagogue of Satan as the christian churches in the Apostles dayes are now long since turned to be Turks and Papists Doth not the Law plainly teach us this for in the yerely cleansing of the Sanctuarie it was because of the uncleannesses of the sonns of Jsrael and because of their trespasses in all their synns Levit. 16. 16. and for no uncleannes or syn in it self Thirdly the example of Antiochus is fit but wrong applied for he speaketh onely of Antiochus and his officers wheras both he his officers and his people the common souldjers were they that defiled the sanctuarie of God as it is sayd in the storie Antiochus went up against Jsrael Jerusalem with a great multitude and entred proudly into the Sanctuary c. 1 Maccab. 1. 20. 21. So in applying this he would have the Pope and his officers the hierarchie to be the man of syn as Antiochus and his officers the multitude of papists at Rome he wil not have to be as in deed they should be counted answerable to Antiochus soldjers but they must be the Temple of God answerable to the Temple of Ierusalem a most unjust resemblance For the Temple then was a mere patient and suffred that abuse at Antiochus hands so the thing answerable hereto should be if he would have made a fit comparison the Christians Gods true Temple which suffer for the truthes sake at the Antichristians hands such as are opposed to the worshipers of the beast and those that receive his mark of whom it is written Here is the patience of the saincts here are they that keep the coÌ„mandements of God and the faith of Jesus Revel 14. 9. 12. and againe I saw the soules of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshiped the beast nor his image c Rev. 20. 4. And such I never doubted but they were the true Temple of God but I deny that the church of Rome at this day is such a people or such a Temple they are the marked soldjers of Antiochus the Pope and honour him as God in the temple of God their pretended christian church with high impietie Or at least they are like the Apostate Iewes which turned to Antiochus religion and became heathens with worse impietie 1 Maccab. 1. 13. 14. 15. 43. 52. Of this sort is his next allegation where to make his reader merry he likeneth me to the old man of Athens which would compell the Iewes to call their Temple by the name of Iupiter Olympius because Iupiters image was set up in it 2 Mac. 6. 1. 2 so I would have the church of Rome called Antichrists church c. I answer if the church the people of Rome were now mere patients amongst whom Antichrist cometh in by violence they not consenting unto him any more then Gods temple did to Iupiters image it should be foolishnes in me to call it Antichrists church Or to put the
their God and the Chaldee paraphrast as ancient as the Apostles age expoundeth the house of their idols they contradict not one another seing the same thing may be Gods in shew and the divils in deed and trueth for even Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of light 2 Cor. 11. 14. Obj. When the Apostle describeth the mysterie of Antichrists iniquitie would he teach the church that the place of his sitting is the Temple of God if he meant that it were in deed the synagogue of Satan and the temple of Antichrist For that Antichrist should sit in the temple of Antichrist and synagogue of Satan what mysterie is there in it All the world would easily perceive that these agreed very well and most fitly togither But for Antichrist to sit in Gods temple and Christs church this is in deed a mysterie Answ. The mysterie of iniquitie began in the true church but continued not therein alwayes for when it was discerned the church eyther cast it out or soon degenerated into a synagogue of Satan if it accepted Antichrist for God as the Church of Rome doth at this day Which I further manifest thus 1. The Apostle sayth As ye have heard that Antichrist shal come even now are there many Antichrists c. They went out from us but they were not of us for if they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us but they went out that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us Who is a lyer but he that denyeth that Jesus is the Christ he is Antichrist that denyeth the Father and the Son Whosoever denyeth the Son the same hath not the Father 1. Joh. 2. 18. 19. 22. 23. This scripture teacheth us first that all hereticks departing from the faith of Christ are generally Antichrists though they reteyn the name of Christians still as did the hereticks in th'Apostles time 2. That such are gone out from the church and are in deed none of it though they pretend to be the true church as all hereticks have doen. 3. That both teachers and people departed from the faith and church of Christ are comprehended under the name of Antichrists and not the Bishops onely 4. That whosoever is Antichrist especially the great Antichrist he denyeth the Son Christ and consequently God the Father Now let us apply these things to the Bishop and hierarchie of Rome whome mine opposite granteth to be the great Antichrist If the Pope and his hierarchie be Antichrist then are they none of the Apostolik church but gone out of the same but they are Antichrist by my opposites owne confession Therfore they are none of th'Apostolik church The Pope and his hierarchie are both in and of the church of Rome the heads teachers and principall members of it of the same faith religion and worship but they are not in or of the Apostolik christian church as before is proved therfore the church of Rome is not an apostolik Christian church If the church of Rome denyeth both the Father and the Son then is it Antichrist as the Apostle sayth and so no true Christian church But the church of Rome denyeth both the Father and the Son therfore it is no true Christian church If the Pope his hierarchie deny both the Father and the Son then the church of Rome also denyeth them for they beleeve as the Pope and hierarchie beleeveth have one and the same religion with their preists But the Pope and his hierarchie deny both the Father and the Son otherweise they are not the Antichrist as mine opposite sayth they are therefore the Church of Rome also denyeth both the Father and the Son Now seing it is thus how is it possible that it should cōtinue the true Church of Christ otherweise then by lying pretext and ostentation And this is the mysterie of inquitie if men could comprehend it that the Bishops and people of Rome being at first Christs true church departed by degrees from the faith worship of God til they came joyntly to beleeve lyes and to worship creatures idols and divils Rev. ◠30. and became a Beast or Antichristian kingdome yet with two hornes like the Lamb Christ Rev. 13. blaspheming Gods Tabernacle them that dwel in heaven that is the true church they pretend themselves to be the onely true church of Christ and that all other are hereticks they pretend succession even from th Apostles dayes without change of religion and so they sit in the temple of God or for the Temple as if they none but they were the Temple and church of God the Pope being the head of this sinfull corporation of this Beast or kingdome and exalting himself above God Christ whiles yet he calleth himself Christs vicar and the Servant of the servants of God and by strong delusion keepeth his people in beleef of lyes that togither with him they all might be damned who beleeve not the trueth but have pleasure in unrighteousnes as the Apostle sayth 2. Thes. 2. 12. Now where he objecteth what mysterie is there in it that Antichrist should sit in the temple of Antichrist I answer it is a great mysterie in that it is doen by him and his under the name and shew of Christianitie and as the Apostle sayth after the working of Satan with all power and signes and lying wonders and with all deceivablenes of unrighteousnes 2. Thes. 9. 10. And where he further sayth but for Antichrist to sit in Christs church this is in deed a mysterie I answer it is in deed a contrarietie and impossibilitie not a mysterie for no man can serve two masters Mat. 6. 24. of whom a man is overcome of the same is he brought in bondage 2. Pet. 2. 19. to whom men yeild themselves servants to obey his servants they are to whom they obey Rom. 6. 16. Now the church of Rome yeilding unto and obeying Antichrist cannot be the servants of Christ if th' Apostles doctrine be true And after mine opposites manner of reasoning an other man might say seing Christianitie is the mystirie of godlines 1. Tim. 3. 16. as Antichristianitie is the mysterie of iniquitie 2. Thes. 2. 7. Christ must sit in the Temple of Satan as Antichrist sitteth in the temple of God for for Christ to sit in the Temple church of Christ what mysterie is there in it but for Christ to sit in Satans temple and Antichrists church this is in deed a mysterie Were not this think we good reasoning to put darknes for light and light for darknes Christ into Antichrists place and Antichrist into Christs for to finde out a mysterie But they that have their eyes opened to read the mysterie that is not onely in the Pope but on the forehead of the whore of Babylon his church will soon espie this fraud though others are bewitched with her painted face For as Satan can transforme himself into an Angel of light and his ministers
17. 14. an other Prophet relateth it thine house and thy kingdome speaking to David the governour 2 Sam. 7. 16. Or to shew a fitter similitude as the holy Ghost calleth the Moabites the people of Chemosh Numb â—1 29. because they worshiped Chemosh for their God so the church of Rome which worshipeth Antichrist is fitly called Antichrists church Object How will he prove that the Beasts citie Rev 11. 8. is the temple of God 2 Thes. 24. Ans. It is himself that expoundeth the Templ to be the church and in special the Lateran church in Rome where the Pope is parish priest I shew by Rev. 11. 8. that the Popes parish is a larger citie or church then eyther that Lateran parish or Rome it self even over many nations and so can not be a particular church such as Christ instituted but a new catholik church which the Pope hath devised and would have it accounted the Temple and church of God Here mine opposite laboureth to finde a difference between the Beasts citie and his church but all in vaine For thus he reasoneth 1. This citie in Rev. 11. 8. is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt where also our Lord was crucified But the church is here called the Temple of God or the Court without the Temple or the holy Citie Answ. First then he granteth that the same church may be called both a temple a citie so the diverse name helpeth him nothing Secondly it is true that Antichrists church is called Sodom and Egypt which was an whole countrie let men now judge how fitly mine opposite hath confined Antichrists church within the Laterane parish a corner in Rome Shall we rather beleeve him or the Holy Ghost Thirdly that is called the Holy citie Rev. 11. 2. which the Gentiles the church of Antichrist tread under foot as destroyed and wast wheras the church of Antichrist is a great citie called Babylon sumptuously builded garnished and by him mainteyned Rev. 17. and that is the church of Rome at this day as all know and of the present church of Rome is now our controversie Obj. 2. This great citie is that where our Lord was crucified Rev. 11. 8. Now all know that he was crucified in and vnder the jurisdiction of the citie not of the church of Rome For he was condemned by Pontius Pilate c. Answ. The thing he aimeth at is that the citie mentioned in Rev 11. 8. is a civil politie as when Rome killed Christ and not an ecclesiastical politie or church But he laboureth in the winde for the citie is such as is the Beast or kingdome the Beast is a spiritual politie most synful for it commeth out of the bottomles pit Rev. 11. 7. that is from the Divil wheras all Civil polities are from God though they be heathens Rom. 13. 1. 2. Secondly he should have knowen that the same Citie which was a civil politie in Christs time killed him is now subordinate to an ecclesiastical politie church or Papacie and stil crucifieth Christ in his members Obj. 3. This citie is that which was the Dragons throne and by him given to the Beast Revel 13. 2. But this was the citie not the church of Rome Neyther J think wil these men themselves say that the church was the Dragons throne or was by the Dragon given to the beast Answ. The citie or politie which the Dragon gave to the Beast was civil but is now subjected to or become ecclesiastical for the citie of Rome is now by profession Christen which of old was heathen and by professed Christians namely the Pope his church are those witnesses of God killed Rev. 11. 7. 8. so their corpses lye unburied in the streets of the beasts citie that is of Antichrists church or politie which reacheth over many nations Obj. 4. This citie also is the throne of the Beast and Babylon the great citie spoken of Rev. 16. 10. 19. 17. 18. chapt which is to be understood of the citie of Rome and dominion therof Answ. It is granted that this citie is Babylon and Rome and the dominion therof but it is a spiritual politie or church for who hath dominion now of Rome but the Pope or Bishop there the pretended vicar of Christ and who but he hath killed those Martyrs within his Diocese or Bishoprick which reacheth over many kingdoms Obj. 5. This citie is the woman that sitteth on seven-mountains Reve. 17. 9. 18. And the citie not the church of Rome is built on 7. mountaines Answ. Yes the same heathen citie which was first set on seven hills is now a pretended Christian citie sitting still on her 7 hills and being a Christian in name hath killed Christ in his members by her Popes power ecclesiastical who hath his seat in her but his Dragons pawes reach into farr countries This citie the woman on 7. hills is shee that hath made the inhabiters of the earth drunk with the wine of her â—ornication Rev. 17. 1. 2. c. and who but the church of Rome hath doen this Obj. 6. This citie hath 7. kings or kindes of government c. by Kings Consuls Dictators Decemvirs Tribunes ceased before Johns time Emperours when Iohn lived and Popes not then come But how should this be found in the church of Rome which was not before Johns tyme and therfore could not have 5. Kings or kindes of government then fallen Answ. Ill doe they thrive that kick against the pricks Here himself confesseth the Popes goverment to be one of the seven now the Popes goverment or papacie is an ecclesiastical monarchie by it were the witnesses of Christ slayn as before I shewed As for seven goverments to be found in the church of Rome that is in the papacie is absurd for it is to seek 7. kindes of goverment in one But six are gone and the seventh remayneth by the Pope That citie or politie which once was heathen now Christian in name Antichristian in deed which the Pope menageth is the malignant church that killeth Gods witnesses amongst peoples kinreds tongues and nations Rev. 11. 8. 9. Therfore it can not be restreyned to one particular congregation Obj. 7. This citie is that which reigned over the kings of the earth in Johns time Rev. 17. 8. And that not the church but the citie of Rome so reigned when John wrote all doe acknowledge Answ. But that the citie the church of Rome now reigneth by the Pope the head of that church all doe acknowledge And the killing of those witnesses Rev. 11. was not in Iohns time but after when the citie or politie of Rome was become Christian in name and title To say it was not so in Iohns time therfore it is not so now is dallying rather then sound reasoning Obj. 8. Finally the Lord himself putteth difference between this citie Babylon and his people therin Rev. 18. 4. as of old in Babylon of Chaldeâ— Ier. 50. c. Answ. This is true but what can he inferr
syn there also spoken of mine opposer in the second proposition of his argument fore-set downe sayth But the Pope of Rome with his hierarchie is by their own graunt the man of syn of whom the Apostle here speaketh Other proof of this position he giveth none but sayth I grant it which in his understanding I have not granted For he so divideth the Pope and hierarchie which are Bishops Priests and Deacons from the church of Rome as he maketh the one Antichrist and Man of syn the other Christians and men of grace which how it can be when both parties are of one and the same faith worship religion it passeth my slender capacitie For if the Bishops priests and deacons have one faith religion with the people as it is knowen they have and the people have the true Christian faith and religion though corrupted yet so as they are still under the covenant of grace and sealed of God therin by baptisme how should not the same faith give life to the priests or hierarchie as it doeth to the people And then though the hierarchie be Antichrist the Man of syn the son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped 2 Thes. 2. 3. yet they shall also be true Christians men of God and children of salvation Now to prove it to be my graunt he sendeth his reader to 30. pages of my book at once that if he myss it in one he may suppose it is in an other for not one man of many wil read over so many leaves for such a purpose onely Well howsoever I wil not make nice to call the Pope and his hierarchie the Man of syn yea or the Pope alone the man of syn because he is the head of that sinfull corporation and the highest exalted for almightynes holynes yet doe I not exclude the people from this body and give it to the Pope and hierarchie onely as mine opposite would intimate Nay the reader shall finde there the contrary most expressly for in pag. 76. I wrote thus The Antichristian synagogue is by the holy Ghost called a Beast Rev. 13. 11. which signifieth a kingdome Dan. 7. 23. it is named also a great citie Rev. 11. 8. which noteth the largenes of that politie and kingdom Jt cometh up out of the earth Rev. 13. 11. as being of this world which Christs kingdom that cometh down from heaven Rev. 21. 2. is not and therfore it is called a Man of syn 2 Thes. 2. 3. and a great whore Rev. 17. 1. whose head is Abaddon or a Apollyon Rev. 9. 11. the destroyer of others and himself the son of perdition 2 Thes. 2. 3. and they that folow him are the children of damnation 2 Thes. 2. 12. Againe in pag. 83. I doe not onely shew mine but mine opposers owne judgment heretofore saying She speaking of the church of Rome being in this forlorne estate she is but a lump of syn a man of syn 2 Thes 2. 3. a child of perdition The Beast is not one person but a kingdom Rev. 13. 11. Dan. 7. 23. and Mr. Iohnson himself hath acknowledged more then once that the man of syn is the false church and religion of Antichrist compared to the body of a man and consisting of all the partes togither Treat of the Minist against Mr. Hilders p. 7. Apolog. p. 109. How faithfully now myne opposite hath dealt with me to make it seem my graunt that the Pope and hierarchie apart from the church of Rome is the Man of syn all may see As for his own former confession he passeth it over without approving or disproving what himself hath written This point is of weight to give light to our controversie for if the whole church Pope priests and people be altogither a man of syn son of perdition then can not any of sound judgment think they are a true Christian church or under the covenant of Gods grace To shew this therfore first the scriptures sundry times speaketh of a whole state or company both governours and people as of one person man woman or child as in Hos 1. 4. 6. 9. the three children Iezreel Lo-ruhamah and Lo-ammi signified the three estates of the congregation of Israel then shortly to follow So in Rev. 12. 1. a woman signifieth the church of Christ in Rev. 17. an other woman signifieth the church of Antichrist even as in Prov. 9. 1. 13. the same churches are set forth like two women Wisdom and the Foolish woman In Rev. 12. 5. the Man child which the woman brought forth meaneth a company of valiant Christians as further appeareth by comparing Esai 66. 7. 8. where the Woman that travelleth is called Sion and the man child in vers 7. are called Sions children in vers 8. Secondly as Christ and Antichrist have their several churches so these ech of them are called a man as in Ephes. 2. 15. Christ is there sayd to make in himself of twaine that is of two peoples Iewes and Gentiles one new man where the whole church togither with Christ their head is called a new man Accordingly Antichrist the Pope togither with his whole church is called the man of syn And as in the new man the true Christian church Christ the head hath in all things the preheminence so in the man of syn the Antichristian church the Pope Christs pretended vicar hath in all things the preeminence exalted for power pretended holynes As the new man the Christian church is to be esteemed in the state of salvation though some secret hypocrites and reprobates closely creep in among them here on earth so the man of syn the Antichristian church is to be estemed in the state of damnation though some of Gods elect and hidden ones are in the same Rev. 18. 4. And this man of syn the Pope and his church sitteth in the Temple of God the profession of Christ whom the Temple chiefly figured and of Christian religion and worship even as this beast or kingdome hath two hornes like the Lamb Christ Rev. 13. 11. that so under the shew of Christianitie after the effectual working of Satan with all power and signes and lying wonders 2 Thes. 2. 9. Rev. 13. 13. 14. he may deceive them that dwell on the earth and draw them into the lake of fyre Thus much of the Man of syn sitting in the Temple of God 2 Thes. 2. Other scriptures he alleageth to confirme his cause as Manasses defiling Gods house 2 King 21. the Chaldeans defiling the Temple Psalm 79. the king of Babylons sitting on the mount of the congregation Esai 14. The prophets visions of the Temple polluted Ezek 8. And the prophesie of Antiochus Dan. 11. In all which places I acknowledge the true Temple of God to be understood But his error in applying this to his purpose I have before manifested For that Temple was not the people but an outward ordinance of God
set among his people wheras in his understanding the Temple of God wherin Antichrist sitteth is the people 2. That Temple was not infected with syn but the syn rested in the persons that worshiped in it or came into it as I shewed before from Levit. 16. 16. Wheras the church of Rome is so infected with Antichrists syn as mine opposite confesseth it to be in most synfull and deep apostasie and so to be a notorious harlot and idolatress which all the people of God ought to forsake 3. That temple merely suffred that misusage at the hands of synners Iewes and Gentiles even as Christ the true Temple in his humanitie true Christians his members have suffred at the hands of the Romans of old heathens and now Antichristians But to make that temple a type of this malignant church which togither with her head the Pope persecuteth Christ and his saincts and worshipeth creatures idols and Divils is altogither amyss For so we might conclude thus As the Temple of God though it were defiled with the apostasie idolatrie of the Iewes and of the Gentiles with how great abomination soever yet continued Gods holy Temple still and could not by any impietie become the Temple of Antichrist or of Satan so the church of Rome though it should be defiled with apostasie idolatrie prophanenesse atheisme eyther of Antichrist or of Iewes Turks or Pagans if it should beleeve and receive the religion of Maomet or of Iulian the Apostata yet should it continue the true church and people of God and under his covenant of grace Behold what favour the church of Rome hath found above all churches under heaven that if she receive Iudaisme or Paganisme if she worship the Beast the Dragon or Divil himself by open profession yet the abideth the church of God for if Antiochus who set up Iupiter Olympius image in the Temple had set up also the professed worship of the Divil yet the Temple should have been Gods holy temple notwithstanding and so by proportion the church of Rome must be if this comparison of mine opposites be true By such doctrine the whole gospel of Christ is overthrowne For faith and sanctimonie of life are the summe of all the gospell and both of them are destroyed For though Rome be apostate and departed from the faith as Paul foretold 1 Tim. 4. 1. though she beleeve in a wafer cake and worship it for her God and maker though she beleeve to have forgivenes of synns by the abominable massing sacrifice of her priests by the pardons and indulgences of her popes and to merit salvation in heaven by wicked works which she doeth being taught by the Man of syn though she have many thousands of new Gods and new Christs even so many as there be Angels and saincts in heaven and moe too though she be as filthy in life as Sodom as idolatrous malignant against Gods people as were Egypt and Babylon unto which the holy Ghost hath compared her Rev 11. 8. 14. 8. yet so long as she wil say to Christ but as the Divil sayd Thou art Christ the son of God Luke 4. 41. that is so long as she reteyneth the profession of Christianitie she is the Temple of God the church of Christ and under the covenant of salvation But he that justifieth the wicked is an abomination to the Lord Prov. 16. 15. and woe unto them that say concerning evil it is good Esa. 5. 20. Can not men put difference between Gods ordinances given unto a people the people themselves that injoy use or abuse those ordinances The Temple was an ordinance given unto Israel as were the altars and sacrifices therin so God gave unto all the world by Noe commandements for altars and sacrifices Gen. 8. 20. unto Abraham he commanded circumcision unto Christians baptisme the Supper of Christ c. All Gods ordinances continue in themselves holy till God doe abrogate them though men that abuse them fall to be most unholy and without God in the world So the sacrifices of sheep and Oxen were in themselves Gods holy ordinances howsoever abused by the Iewes in Ierusalem by the Israelites in Samaria and by the heathens in their severall lands so circumcision though profaned by the Sichemites Gen. 34. so baptisme and the Lords supper though turned by Antichrist into abominable idols remayned and doe remaine in themselves Gods holy ordinances though men have abused them to their damnation so the Sun moon and starrs continued Gods good creatures though men made idols of them to themselves To reason therfore from the creatures and ordinances unto men which abuse them and to gather because the creature or ordinance abideth good in it self therfore the person that abuseth it abideth good also or to wrest a type as mine opposite doeth from a creature or ordinance of old to a most synfull people now and make them alike holy is an high abuse of Gods ordinances and a taking of his name in vaine Of the Temple in Rev. 11. MIne opposite proceedeth to speak of the Temple and court in Rev. 11. 1. 2. and to apply it to his present cause That which he first speaketh of the word Temple diversly used and meaning not onely the house but the Court yard or Courts I graunt unto him How to apply it he sheweth himself uncertaine whether more generally to the Christian church or more specially to the church of Rome Yet every way sayth he it wil folow that the state of the sayd church of Rome and Christians is to be esteemed according to the estate of the Temple at Ierusalem and particularly with reference to the court and holy citie given to the gentiles and therfore is to be accounted the church and citie of God as the other were his court and citie though polluted c. This I deny the church or people of Rome at this day is not answerable to the Temple or court or city of Ierusalem in holynes but to the gentiles in profanenes And I have before manifested his great abuse of that proportion from the Temple polluted yet continuing the Lords and holy in it self to the people apostate and fallen from the Lord from his faith and worship to the faith and worship of Antichrist In sted of proofs he offreth things to be considered The first wherof I leave as not perteyning to our controversie though it may seem not agreable that the most holy place should be omitted as figuring heaven seeing in the 19. verse when the Temple was opened the Ark of Gods testament was seen in it and the Ark was set in the most holy place 2 Chron. 5. 7. It is true that that place figured heaven Heb. 9. 24. but it might also figure other things on earth as the Temple it self figured both Christ and the Church as we have formerly heard His second consideration is whether by the temple of God here may not be understood the holy place and figuratively
8. is clearly signified so that the Sun wherwith the church had been clothed was become black the Moon bloody the starrs the ministers fallen from heaven to earth and the heaven it self departed as a scroll tolled togither and God for the synns of Christians as of the Iewes of old had delivered this rebellious people into the hands of the spiritual Babylon â—â—e synagogue of Antichrist a Beast or kingdom blasphemous idolatrous filthy in life and hating the Saincts as Sodom Egypt and Rome when it was heathenish then God in wrath remembring mercie to a remnant the election of his grace began againe to reedify his church And to signify this Iohn had in vision a measuring reed given him to measure the Temple Altar and worshipers but not the Court or Citie as yet because he would renew his church by degrees Afterward he saw the Citie gates wall therof measured also when the church should fully be restored This reed which was of gold signifieth the word of God or scriptures wherby all doctrines ordinances churches and peoples are to be measured tried and discerned whether they be the building of God or no. For God by his word directed Moses to make the Tabernacle and all the appurtenances according to the patterne shewed him in the mount Exod. 25. 40. Heb. 8. 5. and so they were made Exod 39. 42. 43. Solomon likeweise had the patterne of the Temple and of the Courts chambers treasures c the weight of gold for the Candlesticks tables bowles cups c as the Lord had made David understand in writing by his hand upon him even all the works of that patterne 1 Chron. 28. 11. 19. So then the commandment to measure with the reed the Temple Altar and worshipers Rev. 11. 1. signified such a renewing of Christianitie and professors of it as should be according to Gods word when they are measured and tried therby of such as have the Apostle Iohns spirit But the Court Citie and Gentiles treading down the same were to be cast out and not measured to signify that the holy doctrines and ordinances of the gospel abused and troden down by the Antichristian gentiles can endure no measure or trial of Gods word but are to be rejected as profane in their synfull abuse of them Because as the Gentiles of old changed the trueth of God into a lye Rev. 1. 〈◊〉 and when they knew God they glorified him not as God but became vaine in their imaginations and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into images Rom. 1. 21. 23. therfore though they reteyned after their profane manner many of Gods divine ordinances taught them from Noe yet no Prophet or man of God ever measured their Temples altars sacrifices Preists or people but cast them out as wicked so the Gentiles the Antichristians now having likeweise changed the trueth of God into a lye and whiles they profess Christ in word doe in deed deny him albeit they tread down and sacrilegiously profane the holy things of God his doctrines and ordinances of faith worship church c yet are they to be cast out and left unmeasured being such as will indure no trial by the word of God How then doeth mine opposite seek in vaine to measure the church of Rome and to prove her Gods true church though corrupted and to be under his covenant of grace when God here expressly biddeth them to be left unmeasured How is it that he pleadeth for a reformation onely and will have no new building or plantation when Sodom and Babylon must be reformed with fyre that is utterly destroyed as in the types of old so in the thing typed at this day as it is written she shal be utterly burnt with syre for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her Rev. 18. 8. We finde in the type how after the Babylonians had burned the Temple when the Iewes returned out of captivitie they layd againe the foundation of the Temple of the Lord and then builded it Ezr. 3. 6. 10. 11. We find also in the Gospel that Antichrist should destroy the Temple even to the foundation which is Christ 1 Ioh. 2. 22. 1 Cor. 3. 11. And in Rev. 11. there is measuring as for a new building yet now we shall have by these pleaders Babylon reformed and no new Temple built or Ierusalem reedified If any like to apply this foresayd measuring of the Temple Revel 11. to the defection of the church rather then to the reedifying of it I wil not strive here about neyther wil it if so it be understood any thing help the present state of the church of Rome about which our controversie here is By this which hath been sayd I leave it to the judgment of men of understanding whether it be more fit to apply these Gentiles to the wicked Iewes which whiles the true Temple courts and citie stood did in hypocrisie abuse Gods holy ordinances Esa. 1. as mine opposite doth apply them or to the Gentiles of whom the Psalmist complaineth that they had come into Gods inheritance defiled the Temple layd Ierusalem on heapes that is ruinous as Mica 3. 12. killed Gods servants and left them unburied as here in Rev. 11. 8. 9. the dead bodies of Gods witnesses are not suffred to be put in graves that had devoured Iakob and layd wast his dwelling place for the former iniquities of Israel Seing that in Esaias dayes there was no measuring for the new building of the Temple as was after the captivitie of Babylon then and in this place nor casting out of the court and giving of the citie to be troden down of the Gentiles for many yeres as Iudah was given into the hand of the King of Babylon when God forsook his house and left his heritage to be destroyed and troden under foot seventie yeres But as of the destruction of the earthly Ierusalem by the heathen Romans Christ sayd Ierusalem shal be troden down of the Gentiles that is ruined not suffred to be built againe until the times of the Gentiles be fulfylled Luke 21. 24. so of the ruine wast of this spirituall Ierusalem by the Antichristian Romans he sayth it is given to the Gentiles and the holy Citie shall they tread down 42. monethes after which time Iohn seeth the heavenly Ierusalem measured that is builded againe Rev. 21. 15. 17. But whether we understand it to have reference to former wicked Iewes called hethens for their hethenish manners or to the Babylonian Gentiles yet hath mine opposite no reason or colour of reason to restreyn it to the governours onely as he doth to the Pope and his hierarchie For they that trode in the Lords courts Esai 1. were the people as well as the Preists and princes the people of Gomorrha as well as the princes of Sodom Esai 1. 10. and they that ruined Ierusalem were the Babylonian soldjers as wel as the
King and captaines 2. King 25. And he should so have applyed these Gentiles that tread down Gods holy ordinances touching his church and worship to the papists the Popes marked soldjers that have the number of his name and not to the Bishops and Preists onely For in the beasts armie there are not onely Kings and captaines which fight against Christ and Christians but all sorts of men both free and bond both smal and great which shal be slayn with the sword of Christ which proceedeth out of his mouth and all the fowles shal be fylled with their fleshes Rev. 19. 17. 18. 21. So not the popish hierarchie alone but all other of their idolatrous religion are the Gentiles in Rev. 11. whom the holy Ghost measureth not amongst his people but casteth out as profane treaders down of his holy things though mine opposite measureth them as Gods true church and in his covenant yet counteth their pastors which are as faithfull and holy as they to be wicked Gentiles So the Beast which killeth Gods witnesses Rev. 11. 7. he expoundeth the Antichristian hierarchie Locusts which are but the heads hornes and cheif members of the Beast For as in Dan. 7. the Lion is the kingdom of Babel both princes and subjects and the Beare the kingdom of the Persians and so all the rest as is there expounded in v. 23. the fourth Beast shal be the fourth kingdom upon earth and the ten hornes out of that Beast or kingdom are sayd to be ten kings v. 24. so the Beast in Rev. 13. is meant of a whole kingdom and not of governours onely And the scripture plainly ynough clâ—areth this saying And they of the people and kinreds and tongues nations shal see their dead bodies c and shal not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves and they that dwel upon the earth shal rejoyce over them and make merry c. Rev. 11. 9. 10. So not the hierarchie onely but popish multitudes also doe belong to this beast and kingdome that murdereth the witnesses of Christ. And here note how mine Opposite himself is driven to confesse that the Church of God and the Beast doe in deed differ much the one from the other but the Church of Rome both hierarchie and people are the Beast as before is prooved therfore the Church of God and the church of Rome doe in deed differ much the one from other and mine adversarie granteth that which overthroweth his own plea. This wil yet further appeare by this that foloweth Whiles the holy citie lieth ruinous troden under foot by the Antichristian Gentiles which keep it from being reedified and measured so long a time 1260. yeres there is an other great citie which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt where also our Lord was crucified Rev. 11. 8. even Babylon the great the mother of fornications and abominations of the earth Rev. 17. 5. which lyeth not ruinous but is stately built dekt and garnished glorifying her self and living diliciously which saith in her hâ—rt I sit 〈◊〉 Queene and aâ—no widow and shal see no sorow and this is the great Citie Rome which in th'Apostle Iohns time reigned over the kings of the earth Rev. 17. 18. but after that became a Christian citie or politie but soon forsook Christ and were Christians in name being in deed Gentiles and a Catholik church sitting and reigning over peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues Rev. 17. 1â— Which albeit myne opposite before laboured to make it differ from the Church of Rome yet I also before took away his reasons And here himself yeildeth so much as wil overthrow him For Note here sayth he that by the great Citie is meant not onely the citie it self c. for as one wel writeth the citie is not onely the Town or peece of ground conteyned within the compâ—sse of the walls therof togither with the Citizens and inhabitants having order and goverment c. but also the whole jurisdiction and goverment of the cite in all places perteyning therto So the streets of this citie reach farr even to all places under the jurisdiction therof and comprehend sundry peoples and kinreds and tongues and nations as here is sayd Wherupon it is fitly compared to the great citie Babylon c. Where yet observe further that the church of Rome being fallen into deep Apostasie and having the man of syn sitting therin as God who hath the citie for his throne the things that are spoken of this citie are also applied to the apostatle estate of that church of Rome and the other churches that are under the jurisdiction of the prelacie of that Sea whersoever and of whatsoever people kinred tongue on nation they be Which application therof J doe also acknowledge as it is observed by and according to the word of God Rev. 11. 8. with Esai 1. 10. Ier. 23. 14. Ezek. 16. 2 -46 Rev. 14. 8. and 17. and 18. c. with Esai 21. 9. and 48. 20. Jer. 50. and 51. 1 -45 Ezek. 16. 2 -35 and c. 23. Ziaoh 2. 6. 7. Thus farr he yeildeth Wherupon it is evident to all that will see how this great citie the glorious church of Rome that killeth Gods witnesses in it is a farr different thing from the holy Citie which that church treadeth down and keepeth from being reedified as the Babylonians having ruinated Ierusalem kept it from being built againe during their reigne So then his comparing of Rev. 11. 8. with Esai 1. 10. and Ier. 23. 14. seemeth to be an unequal match by which he would make the church of Rome as truly Gods as Ierusalem and the Temple were Gods in Esaias time and Ieremies when wicked Iewes likened to Sodomites and Gomorrheans worshiped in them For 1. Ierusalem then was standing here it is tuined and lyeth unbuilt unmeasured cast out from all measuring by the reed of Gods word 2. Sodom and Babylon are never in scripture called the holy citie as Ierusalem is yet here he would have that which God nameth Sodom Egypt Babylon to be in deed Ierusalem 3. Neither Esaie nor Ieremy doe call the holy Citie Sodom or Gomorrha but the wicked people in that holy citie Which may fall out in the truest church on earth that there may as slagitious persons be in it as any in Sodom So in the church of Christ and his Apostles there was Iudas a Divil But Antichrists citie hath no other name then Sodom Egypt Babylon and Rome by whose power and politie Christ was crucified and this name is given it spiritually that is in spirit and trueth as being no way inferiour but beyond them rather in all impietie cloked with hypocrisie In deed Bellarmine pleading for the Pope contendeth against Hierom that Jerusalem might be called Sodom and citeth this very text Esai 1. 10. ye Princes of Sodom but Mr Iunius on whom mine opposite so much relyeth as wee shall see anone answereth
church estate was dissolved their Temple and holy citie burned when Babylon and Bels temple in it flourished and was garnished with the holy vessels stollen out of Gods temple The Lord had swallowed up all the habitations of Jakob swallowed up Jsrael and all her pallaces destroyed his places of assemblie caused the solemne feasts and Sabbathes to be forgotten in Sion cast off his Altar abhorred his sanctuarie Mount Sion was desolate and the foxes walked upon it But was Babylon which thus abused Gods people and burned his Temple Gods church If not how should the Church of Rome which now is Babylon the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth which is drunken with the blood of the Saincts how should she be Gods church people or Temple 3. Had not that people also polluted the Temple of the Lord and fallen into notorious idolatrie c. for which they were given by the Lord into the hands of the Babylonians and were they not stil the Lords church and people c. Answ. They were some of them as before is shewed And so Christians having polluted Gods temple of Christianitie and fallen into idolatries and heresies were given over of the Lord some into the hands of the Turk as Israel into the hands of Assur some into the hands of the Pope as Iudah into Babel And such Israelites as embraced the religiō of the Assyrians Babylonians ceased to be Gods people actually til they repented others that resisted evil and kept the trueth as Daniel and his brethren were Gods holy people So all in Rome and Turkie that abide in the truth refusing their abominations are Gods holy people the rest that have received Maometisme and Antichristianisme are not Gods people actually albeit many of them are Gods elect and shal so be manifested when they come out from them But mine opposite changeth the state of the question turning it from Babylon it self to Israel Gods people in Babylon and so from the Church of Rome now Babylon to the faithful witnesses of Christ therin of whom none make doubt 4. Js there not difference to be put between the people of God in Babylon and Babylon it self c. Answ. Yes which whiles it is not held unto we are dallied with The controversie is about the church of Rome it self which is Babylon the reasons given are for Gods people open or secret in that Babylon Who seeth not the deceyt For God hath had his people in Rome not onely when it was Antichristian but when it was heathen and multitudes have been killed for Christ therin in both estates This justifieth not but condemneth Rome the murderer of the Saincts Obj. To make this matter yet more plaine observe Zach. 2. 6. 7. Ho ho come forth c. Deliver thyself ô Sion that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon This plainly sheweth that Sion is in Babylon not mount Sion it self c. but the people of God that perteyned to Sion among whom when God set his Temple he sayd withall I wil dwell in the midst of you shewing that the Temple was a token of his presence among them a band of the holy and mutual conjunction that was between God and them whether they were bound to come for to worship God and to bring their sacrifices Answ. In deed this maketh the matter more plaine For 1. here he grāteth the Temple to have been a token of Gods presence among his people but when so I applied it in expounding 2. Thes. 2. he resisted me and would have it there to be the people the church 2. This temple the token of Gods presence and band of his communion with his people God had forsaken For his people synning in it by their idols Ezek. 8. God in wrath sent destroyers upon them Ezek. 9 But before destruction he marked his people on the forehead that cried out for all the abominations Which being doen he slayed to destruction all others not marked both old and yong and began at his sanctuarie Then scattred he coales of fyre over the citie removed his glorie the signe of his presence out of his Temple and from the middest of the citie to signifie his departure from amongst them Then came the king of Babylon Gods servant to execute his wrath and performed the vision in burning both Temple and citie and carying the people thence into Babylon So Moses prophesie was fulfylled Levit. 26. 31. 36. Then both such godly ones as had not been polluted with the abominations in Ierusalem and had been marked of God for his such synners also as by their afflictions were brought to repentance and confessed their iniquitie and the iniquitie of their fathers and had their uncircumcised harts humbled and turned unto him with all their hart and with all their soule he mercifully respected them remembred his covenant towards them The rest perished in their synns being given over in just judgment whiles they were in that dispersion to serve other goods wood and stone though yet by his prophets God warned them not to doe it Ier. 10. So the Lord set the signe of his gracious presence in the Christian church Rev. 4. but they soon defiled it by their idolatries heresies for which they were chastised Rev. 6. Wherfore God in justice ready to bring further plagues marketh and sealeth on the foreheads such as were his Rev. 7. then his judgments came forth in greater measure Rev. 8. by a beast or kingdom whose chief seat should be in Babylon that is Rome he suffered the Saincts to be overcome and gave him power over all kinreds and tongues and nations that such as had not their names written in the book of life should worship him and be damned for ever In which Babylon or Popish church the Lord hath notwithstanding his open witnesses that withstand their abominations unto the death and many moe of his elect whom he calleth out in his time from that whorish church and these are the people of God that perteyn to mount Sion and wil no more justifie the state of the church of Rome at this day then Gods lost sheep of Israel justified Babylon of old Obj. Note here 1. That the people of God pollute his temple become apostates and idolaters and are captived in Babylon Answ. But note withall that they have their temple of God and holy citie consumed with fyre and are caried out of their holy land into an other synfull nation as before is shewed 2. That thus now Sion is in Babylon and consequently the Temple of God so to speak the people of G. the church of G. is in Babylon Ans. So to speak But the speech is unproper and God no where speaketh so The visible Temple was burnt and they had none with them in Babylon but Bels temple none of the Lords The lost sheep the people of God perteyning to mount
c at Ierusalem Thus this new church and ministerie arising from Ieroboams syn was not of God and therfore could not possibly be a true church which alwayes is a divine ordinance in Christ the head of the same Touching their second estate after that God had called them back unto him by all his Prophets but they would not heare and chastised them seven times and seven that is many times for their sinns hee brought the land into desolation and scattred them among the heathen so the land did spue them out as it spued out the heathens that were before them the Lord did put her away and gave her a bill of divorce Jer 3. 8. and they were Lo-ammi not Gods people neither was he their God Hos. 1. 9. they were not his wife neither was he their husband Hos. 2. 2. In which estate they abiding without King Prince sacrifice image ephod or Teraphim were as scattred sheepe devoured by the King of Assyria and therefore no Church nor Common wealth but so broken that they were not a people Esai 7. 8. The next errour he chargeth me with is that I say If they cannot prove Babylon in Chaldea to be Gods Church when the Iewes were there captived they shall never prove the Temple of God spoken of in 2. Thes. 2. 4. to be Gods true Church c. Answ. He hath falsified my words and not answered my reason Thus I wrote Their applying of these things to our times is not in all poynts aright For though in this Antichrists synagogue and Israels doe agree that neither be Gods true Church yet the perfect type of Rome as God describeth it is Babylon Rev 17. 18. and we should not be wiser then God And if they cannot prove Babylon then to be Gods true Church which was not more deep in sin then now Antichrist is and which citie had promise and performance of mercie in Christ at the end they shal never prove this synagogue of Satan to be Gods true Church which hath no promise of recovery or mercie but prophesies and threatnings of assured destruction Numb 24. 24. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 18. 8 21. 19 20. 21. 2. Thess. 2. 8. 12. Thus men may see what manner of replies he hath made unto me and when he hath no other thing to say he flyeth to his wonted refuge The Temple of God and sayth our question and reasoning was about it as if it were not about the Church of Rome but about a phrase that we contended But hereof I have spoken at large For the word Church taken sometime largely sometime strictly he taxeth me for omitting this Answ. Why should I not omit that whereabout is no controversie That which Keckerman whom he citeth sayth of the Church largely taken to comprehend both the elect and hypocrites and strictly taken to comprehend the elect onely I acknowledge for truth But it is nothing to our controversie For his double regard of apostate Churches and so of Israel I yeilded to him that which was truth and shewed wherein he missed wherto as he replieth not but referreth it to the readers judgment so do I. I shewed how the Iewes at this day professing the God of Israel and praying to him and reading his Law in their synagogues may be called Gods people in comparison of Pagans that know not God or his scriptures at all but worship the Sun and Moon and some the Divil by open profession yet the Iewes now are not actually in the covenant of grace And the the Turks that professe one immutable living true most wise and high God and Christ to be sent of God with his Gospel and that he is the Breath or Spirit of God may in comparison of Julian the Apostata and Atheists be called the people of God and Christians though indeed they be farr from being either So the church of Rome in comparison with Turkes and Paynims may be called Christians but are indeed false Christians c. To that of the Jewes he answereth nothing For the Turks he maketh it nothing to the purpose seeing they professe not Christ to be the Son of God made Man that died for our synns as the Church of Rome professeth c. Answ. It is to the purpose that in divers respects and in comparison with Atheists and people that professe not God or Christ at all they that are not indeed Gods people or true Christians may be called Gods people and Christians so his double respectâ— help him nothing And for the Church of Rome I shewed them to be in comparison with Turks neerer Christ and so the doctrine there neerer to salvation then the Mahometans and I doubt not but God by it saveth some chosen therein which yet justifieth not their estate to be a true Christian Church as the reprobates in the true Church condemne not the estate thereof I shewed by many instances the Church of Rome to be in some things more grosse idolaters then either Iewes or Turkes or heathens This he being not able to deny opposeth how Jerusalem justified Samaria and Sodom Ezek. 16. Jer. 3. That Tyre Sidon and Sodom shal have easier judgement then Chorazin Bethsaida and Capernaum Mat. 11. yet these cities were the Churches and people of God Answ. For Ierusalem the Prophets speak of it sometime as generally wicked when yet there were many godly that partaked not with her synns Ezek. 9. 4. Such as were more openly wicked then Samaria and Sodom I deny them to be actually then in the covenant of grace to mans judgement for the Lord appointed them to destruction Ezek. 9. The cities of Israel in Christs time were a part of the true Church of the Iewes yet for refusing Christ they should have heavier judgement then the heathens so shall hypocrites in every true Church have greater punishment then many heathens But comparison should be made of Church with Church not of some in the true Church with the estate of a false church And that the generall state of the Church of Rome is Antichristian and so denieth indeed both the Father and the Son is before proved And they generally these many years haue been more grosse idolaters then either Iewes or Turks therefore their profession of Christ in name will not prove them to be in the covenant of grace God testifieth to the Churches of Galatia Christ is become of no effect unto you whosoever of you are justified by the Law ye are fallen from grace Gal. 5. 4. If they that would be justified by the Law of God and works of the same fell from grace much more they that will be justified by the law of Antichrist and wicked workes are fallen from grace and have no benefit by Christ. But such is the generall faith of the Church of Rome beleeving to be justified by the idolatrous workes which they walk in as they are taught by the Man of Syn that
of 40. yeeres in the wildernes were uncircumcised till Iosuahs reigne Jos. 5. 2. 6. yet with them in that estate Moses renewed the covenant to bee the Lords people and that hee would bee their God as he had sworn to their fathers Deut. 29. 10. 13. And whereas mine opposite boldly affirmeth that all the writers in the world prove no such matter viz. touching Gods ordinances given to the heathens the sonns of Noe for signes of salvation it will appeare otherweise even by the greatest enemies of the heatheÌ„s the Iewes themselves Who though they gloried in circumcision and the Lawes given by Moses yet thus they write Jt is lawful for an heathen to offer burnt offrings unto God in every place and he himselfe may offer in an high place which he hath builded But it is not lawful for an Jsraelite to help him c. for behold we are forbidden to offer without the Sanctuarie Levit. 17. And it is lawful to teach them and to learn them how they should offer to the name of the blessed God Maimony in Misn. treat of Offring sacrifices chap. 19. s. 16. Thus by the Hebrewes testimony the Gentiles might lawfully use sacrificing in their own lands on their altars c. and the Iewes might instruct them to doe it aright though they themselves might not doe it with them being restreyned of God And as for the state of grace and salvation with God they also say Whosoever receiveth the seven commandements given to the sonns of Noe of which I have spoken elsewhere and whereof circumcision was none and doth them he is of the saincts of the nations of the world and he hath a portion in the world to come that is in eternall life if he receive them and doe them because the holy blessed God hath commanded them c. Maimony in Misn. treat of Kings chapt 8. s. 11. Thus mine opposite needed not to have made it so strange what I wrote of the state of the Gentiles nor have called it an idle flourish had he duly weighed their estate as Gods word and humane writers bear witnes of it But this indeed is admirable sayth he that he should account the heathens superstitions to bee Gods ordinances and yet esteem the circumcision and other ordinances of God had in Israel to be lying and deceitful signes c. Besides in all his bead-roule of Writers there is no mention at all of circumcision whereabout our question is c. Answ. 1. I called both the one and the other the ordinances of God in respect of their divine institution The other nations that fell from God and the Israelites that fell from God I count them all abusers of Gods ordinances which were not in their use of them true signes and seales of eternall life unto them but false and deceitfull Thus I match them alike without respect of persons as I am taught by the Apostle Rom. 2. 9. 10. 11. 12. The heathens superstitions if he mean things of their own devising I never esteemed Gods ordinances at all no nor Romes superstitions at this day 2 That circumcision is not in the bead-roule as he calleth it hee need not marvell seeing it was not commanded the heathens as before I have shewed It seemeth hee had a speciall fansie to circumcision above all other Gods ordinances otherwise why might not he think that it might be prophaned as much as any other There was no more holines in it then in the sacrifices And the Apostle sayth Jf thou be a breaker of the Law thy circumcision is made uncircumcision Rom. 2. 25. what then will it availe that Israel had circumcision when they broke the Law yea were without the true God and without Law 2. Chron. 15. 3. and sacrificed to Divils Deut. 32. 17. 2. Chron. 11. 15. Finally here he seeketh for circumcision where it was not to be found but within three leâ—es after in my book I instanced some among the nations circumcised even by his owne confession and there he hath passed it over without answer as if he had not seen it Such intreatie and worse I bear at his hand with patience Let me here adde the testimony of a learned man Mr. Calvin in his Sermon against idolatrie upon Psal. 16. 4. hath these words There are diverse which at this day use another starting hole for confessing that it is a detestable thing to mingle themselves with the idolatries of the Paynims they wil not that this extend it self to the superstitions of the papacie as though all the impieties of the Paynims had not been the corruptions of the true service of God From whence I pray you drew the Paynims all their ceremonies but from the holy Fathers The mischief was that they corrupted that which was wel instituted of God And yet al the abominations that were in the world had this goodly cloke of the name of God and of Religion but this made them not therefore justifiable neither might the faithful communicate with them Of Mr. Iunius iudgement for the church of Rome IN my brief answer to the things which mine opposite alleged from Mr. Iunius whose treatise they have printed the second time he taxeth me for omitting many clauses in that work But I then and still doe hold it ynough to take away the mayn grounds which being doen the other of lesser moment will be also found insufficient I shewed by the scriptures the Church of Rome now to bee an other and not that church which was in Pauls time therefore no just proportion to be between them In sted of disproving that which I shewed he after his manner asketh a question Whether J think these the Man of syn with his worshipers come in the place of the ancient true Church be the Temple of God the people of God under the covenant of God having the baptisme of God c. or whether there be no such there at all though corrupted and abused Answ. I have often told him and proved by Gods word that this present church of Rome is not Gods true Temple or people under his covenant having his baptisme but a false church arisen since vainly pretending the church covenant and baptisme of Christ. Seeing Gods word moveth them not let it be lawfull for me to oppose mans authority to mans D. Whitakers answering Bellarmine sayth This church succeedeth the Apostles indeed but as a den of theeves doth the house of God and as an harlot doth the faithful citie Jt reteineth the chests and coffers wherein of old the tresure was as Chrysostom elsewhere writeth but hath lost the treasure it selfe Jt is no more Bethel the house of God but Bethaven that is the house of vanitie or lies Yea Mr. Iunius himself hath thus well written of it The Church of Christ is sayd to fight against the pseudo-Pseudo-christian or falsely called christian church over the which Antichrist ruleth Also when Bellarmine citeth Tertullian marveilously praising Rome Iunius
God and in time were rejected of God some given over to Mohometisme some to poperie Yet God hath preserved his litle Church fled into the wildernesse Rev. 12. and saved his elect also in false Churches I compare these not with the Gentiles at this day but with the Gentiles before Christs comming whiles sacrificing was lawfull as I am taught of God Rev. 11. and 17. and 18. with the old Babylonians Aegyptians In those times Tyrus was an harlot Esa. 23. 16. Niniveh was an harlot Nahum 3. 4. and so other nations then by like equitie were harlots and Rome likewise at this day Who knoweth not that a woman which is divorced from her husband as Israel was from God for whordome and followeth that trade still may still be called a harlot I deny not but in a large kind of speech Rome at this day may be sayd to have been once maried to Christ in respect of the Christian church that once was there but so all the Gentiles were in respect of the covenant with Noe. Neither doubt I to say that the Iewes even now do goe a whoring from their God for Moses and the prophets so speake of them yet actually there is now no covenant between God and them The out-cries which he maketh unto the Anabaptists to hearken and to the Reformed Churches to hang downe their heads c. I omit as the gall of bitternes which ran too fast out of his pen. To prove them the same Church which was in Pauls time hee citeth Moses prophesies of Israel Deut. 32. which were the same people their seed wheras he should rather have looked on 2. King 17. 24. 34. and compared these with the men of Babylon Cuthah c. that came and possessed the Lords land and received some part of Israels religion with their owne old idolatrie for so I shewed the present estate of this Popish church And the example of other churches that were in Corinth Ephesus looked upon at this day will confirme it About my answer for the godly fathers of the Iewes and wicked fathers of these Antichristians which the holy Ghost maketh to be Gentiles Sodomites Egyptians c. Rev. 11. 2. 8. 18. he sayth If J mean this of the citie of Rome J speak not to the point if of the church of Rome then he objecteth Ezek. 16. 3. thy father was an Amorite c. Answ. His distinction between the citie and church of Rome serveth him in no sted It was true in Pauls time when the citie was heathen and a Christian church in it But now the city is Christian Rome the Empire is an ecclesiastical empire as I shewed before from Mr. Iunius own grant The Amorites were not those fathers for whose sake the Iewes are loved but Abraham Isaak and lakob out of whose loynes the Iewes naturally came But this church of Rome now is not the child of that primitive church eyther in nature or in grace In place she succedeth them and so the Mahometists in place succeed other Christian churches planted by th Apostles And in pretence she is the same Christian church but as Satan in pretence is an Angel of light But the strangers sayth he that came to Jsrael in times of sinceritie or of apostasie were of the church of Jsrael as well as the Iewes though not of the same natural posteritie 2 Chron. 15. 9. 30. 25. 5. 6. 7. Lev. 16. 29. Num. 9. 14. Answ. But the strangers that wasted Israel and dwelt by force in their land though they were taught how they should fear the Lord by a Priest yet were not that church of whom Moses wrote 2 King 17. 24. 27. 28. So the Gothes Vandals Saracens c which overcame Italie Spaine c and dwelt there though the priest of Rome taught them his religion are not the ancient church of whom Paul wrote Besides he hath streyned things too farr for diverse Christians are at this day apostate and become Iewes can we say of them as Paul doth of the natural Iewes As touching the election they are beloved for the Fathers Rom. 11. 28. I understand that speech of the Iewish nation in generall not of particulars which perish through unbeleef as also of the natural Iewes who refused the gospel for the time and stil doe and not to concerne their proselytes which they beget to their apostasie For there is a special regard to the Iewes because they were natural branches though now broken off as th'Apostle sheweth Rom. 11. 21 24. Obj. The many changes of the Romane state and troubles by the Gothes Uandals c these specially concerne the Romane state touching the citie Empire c wheras our question is onely of the church of Rome Answ. As the state of the Empire is changed yet in some respect is the same for the Beast was and is not and yet is Rev. 17. 18. so is the church and ministerie therof it was and is not and yet is A man may speak to the Bishop of Rome now as Ezekiel did to the heathen king of Tyre Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God c. Ezek. 28. 13. to weet in his predecessor Huram which had been a proselyte in the church of Israel 2 Chron. 2. as the Hebrewes R. D. Kimchi Sol. Iarchi upon Ezek. 28. and some Christian writers doe expound it So I may say to the Pope Thou hast been a Christian Bishop a starr in Christs right hand because such was the Bishop of Rome in Paules time But mine opposite himself holdeth the Pope and his hierarchie now to be the Man of syn the son of perdition and thought it most strange in me that I should ask when ever Christ was maried to that Beast Now it is as strange that hee pleadeth for the whore of Babylon the Antichristian church He would exclude the hierarchie or ministerie because of their apostasie I also for the same doe exclude the church for the preists and people of Rome are of one faith and religion if the one be cut off from Christ so is the other It can not be denyed but they all have the mark of the Beast upon them for to take Mr. Iunius own exposition The marke of the beast sayth he is their Chrisme by which in their sacrament of Confirmation they â—oke servile unto themselves the persons and doings of men c. and as for the signe left by Christ of which Chap. 7. 3. and the holy sacrament of Baptisme they make void c. Obj. He cannot shew that ever the church of Rome ceased to be since it was first planted but it hath continued stil eyther in sinceritie or apostasie even to this day Nor can he shew that the Lord hath yet put them out of his covenant or given thm a bill of divorse or that they have lest off to baptise in his name Answ. Neyther can he shew that the Ministerie ever ceased in that church but hath
stil continued eyther in synceritie or apostasie or that the Lord put the ministers out of his covenant or that they have left off to baptise in Christs name Yet he now excludeth the ministers from being Christs he makes them Antichrist the Beast the Man of sin the son of perdition c. and is offended that I should speak of their mariage with Christ. And Mr. Iunius maketh them accidents ulcers and no members of the body as we have seen 2. Neither can he shew that the churches of the Gentiles ceased to be after their first planting Gen. 9. but continued still either in sincerity or apostasie even till the Apostles time and sacrificed still unto God and in his name Let him shew when old Babylon was divorced from God and it wil as soon appeare that this new Babylon is divorced also Object The Papists plead that Rome standeth not where it did on the seven hills and the Pope sits on the other side the river on the hil Uaticâ—ne c. Jn like sort is the answer for the church of Rome and the changes in religion and state c. Answ. Is this a fit comparison the change of place and the change of religion If it be then as a man going from England to India is the same man still so if hee goe from the religion in England to the religion of the Indians which is Paganisme he is of the same religion that he was still Or to keep neerer the poynt in hand the Bishop of Rome at this day notwithstanding al changes of his faith and state since the Apostles time is a true Christian Bishop still then he is not Antichrist the Man of syn spoken of in 2. Thess. 2. as mine opposite sayth he is Object Many of those people that made the invasions became Christians themselves and so the Church was increased Not to speak how the very catalogue of the Bishops of the Church of Rome giveth evidence against him Or wil he say that though there were Bishops of that Church yet there was not a church whereof they were Bishops Answ. So many of the Babylonians Cuthims c. that invaded Israel were taught the manner of the God of Israel and feared the Lord and had Priests of Israel which sacrificed for them 2 King 17. â—4 25. 27. 32. 33. But what sayth the Scripture Every one that is joyned to Babylon shal fall by the sword their children also shal be dashed to peeces c. Esa. 13. 15. 16. And God will cut off from Babylon name and remnant son and nephew Esa. 14. 22. The catalogue of Bishops if it will doe him any pleasure serveth for the Pope the Man of syn the great Antichrist to prove him a true Christian Bishop successor of Peter whom they falsely put the first in their catalogue Now he will not have the Hierarchy to be the church noâ— of the Church but accidents ulcers gangrenes and I know not how vile but the people the church that turned from paganisme to the Pope or fell with him from Christianity to popery they are the Temple of God the Church of Christ in the covenant of grace How great partialitie is this in men to magnifie the people for their faith and religion and to despise the Bishops and ministers that are the chiefe teachers and maintainers of the same faith religion making them accidents hang-bies scabs ulcers gangrenes and all that bad is So his questions of the time when the Church ceased are answered with the like when the ministery ceased Let the yeare be named when the true Christian ministery was abolished out of the church of Rome and Antichrist the Man of syn come in the place I will answer in the same year the people that were fallen with him to the same idolatries heresies and to worship him as God in the Temple of God ceased to bee the true Christian Church and became a synagogue of Antichrist Object His esteeming of the state of the church of Rome in apostasie to be but as the state of the Isâ—â—â—elites Edomites and as Adonisedek with his Amorites and Jebusites in Jerusalem is disproved and contradicted by himselfe when he maketh them like Jsrael and Iudah in their apostasie Animadv p. 84. Answ. It is not contradicted by my selfe neither can it be disproved by any For my selfe my words in the place which hee quoteth are these She the Church of Rome fell into apostasie soon after Pauls time for then the mystery of iniquity did work many Antichrists were gone out whiles the Apostles lived For which their apostasie like Jsraels when they would not repent as Christ threatned some that were new fallen into such sins the candlestick the Church was removed the Church of Rome as Paul forewarned for unbelief was cut off among others and for a punishment of their apostasie God delivered the East Churches into the hands of Mahomet and the West Churches into the hands of that false horned Beast Antichrist even as Israel and Judah of old for their like syns were delivered into the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians By which I shew that as the Christians that fell to Mahometisme ceased to be Gods true Churches so they likewise that fell to Antichristianisme He could not deny the first nor disprove the latter for Paul sayth of the Antichristians God shal send them strong delusion that they should beleeve a lie that they all might be damned c. â— Thess. 2. 11. 12. For the Ismaelites and Edomites they were Abrahams naturall seed so can no man prove the Church of Rome at this day or any one in it to be the naturall seed of the Christians of Rome in Pauls time The Ismaelites and Edomites were fallen from Abrahams faith the Church of Rome at this day is much more fallen from the Apostles faith taught to the church of Rome by him Whosoever will bring them both to the triall it will soon appeare but this triall mine opposite every where shunneth Melchisedek was king of Ierusalem in Abrahams time Gen. 14. and then none doubteth but there was a true church Adonisedek was king of Ierusalem in Iosuahs time Ios. 10. both kings both of the same citie by name the one King of justice the other Lord of justice as pretending to be the successor of Melchisedek and not more departed from his faith then the Pope is from Pauls Obj. Mr. Junius knew that there dwel Jewes in Rome who are not of the Church and that the natural posterity of the Saints may become Jewes Turkes Pagans and sayth the church may at length cease to be a church when God ceaseth to call it back and takes away the evidence of their holy mariage that is the holy Scripture out of the hand of the adulteresse Answ. So Mr. Iunius knew that there dwelt Gentiles in Israel who were not of the Church Deut. 14. 2â— But it is well that neither dwelling in the place nor being of
the naturall posterity is any sure proofe that a people continueth a church We must then have some other proof namely continuance in the faith of Christ which the church of Rome doth not but is revolted to Antichrist and his infidelity Where he maketh Gods ceasing to cal it back a signe of the churches ceasing first it is barely sayd without proofe Secondly it is obscure what calling back he meaneth For take the thousand yeare after Christ and see what calling back had Rome Was it by her owne ministery or hierarchy They were the Man of syn the ulcers of the church they called her further from God but not back from syn Extraordinary prophets at that time I think there wil scarce be found any but grant that there were doth not God so call back the Iewes and Turks at this day Doe not some turn to Christianity and perswade others to turne Doe not some suffer death among the Turkes for the truth Doe not some write bookes now to the Iewes in their own tongue to call them back unto God yet are not the Iewes therefore the church God called back the Gentiles from their apostasie by the Apostles preaching Mark 16. 15. and before he sent Ionah to the Ninivites yea Iudah and Israel he scattered among the heathens who called them back from idolatry as Daniel did Nebuchadnezar and Belshazzar And the Gentiles seated neere Canaan had alwayes as much meanes to be called to the Lords mountaine by the Israelites trading with them as the church of Rome hath at this day Besides the prophets that God raised up among the very Gentiles to call them from Idols unto God as Sibylla whose prophesies were famous among the heathen Greeks and Romans But for taking the Scriptures out of the adulteresses hand if ever church had it Rome hath had it For the Scriptures were in a manner buried kept in the closets of the hierarchy the people might not have them in their mother tongue nor read them on pain of death Were the Scriptures ever so taken out of the Iewes hand Nay they all have them read and study them more then many Christians And now that Bibles are printed and so common how is it possible the Scriptures should bee taken out of any heretikes hands otherwise then they have been from Rome When God gave Israel the bill of divorce did he take the Scriptures out of her hand If not as in deed hee did not then is not this a true rule that an adulterous church is never divorced nor ceaseth to be Christs church till the Scriptures be taken out of her hands Mr. Iunius elsewhere hath written better when speaking of some apostate churches of Christians as Marcionists Ualentinians and others of whom Hierom sayth They were not the Church of Christ but the Synagogue of Antichrist he readily granteth it because they denied the fundamental Articles of the doctrine of faith The like he granteth to Irenaeus assertion because sayth he he spake of heretikes and schismatikes which reteyned not the truth in the foundation thereof Now let us compare this with the former Did God cease to call back those heretikes and schismatikes Were there not many learned Doctors that disputed and wrote against them by whose meanes God still called them to repentance Or did God take the Scriptures out of those heretikes hands when they from them and by them pleaded for their heresies Thus the rule which Mr. Iunius hath given us for the church of Rome agreeth not with himself And if those heretical churches were not Christian but Antichristian synagogues then is the church of Rome much more which worshipeth the greatest Antichrist the man of syn and denyeth the foundation of Christian religion beleeving as the Pope beleeveth who either denyeth the Father and the Son or els he is not the Antichrist 1. Ioh. 2. 22. And that the Apostle meaneth not onely of open and direct denyall but of indirect and denying in deed when by word he professeth Christ Mr. Iunius himselfe D. Whitakers Mr. Brightman and others that have answered Bellarmines 14. chap. de Rom. Pontif. l. 3. doe soundly prove Now as the Pope denyeth Christ so doth the Whore of Babylon the Romish church holding the same heresies and idolatries that if the Pope bee Antichrist then is the church of Rome an Antichristian synagogue and not the true church of Christ. By this also mine opposites insultation against me as if I wrote errors and contradictions unreconcileable touching apostate churches is taken away For as I never denyed but some apostate churches continued true churches till the candlestick was removed for their impenitencie so neither could he nor can any truely deny but some apostate churches are mere synagogues of Satan as those Antichrists mentioned 1. Ioh. 2. 19. those heretical churches whoÌ„ Mr. Iunius himself denieth to be true Christian churches because they reteyned not the foundation And such by necessarie consequence is the church of Rome at this day But it it is a needlesse and wearisome labour to follow mine opposite in his tautologies and repetitions of the same things againe and againe to inlarge his work besides his manifold reproches I sayd of this Romane church It is not the woman fled into the wilderness Rev. 12. 14. but another woman or citie reigning over the King 's of the earth Rev. 17. 1. 18. c. What then sayth he difference is to be put between the inward parts of the Temple and the outward the parts measured and the parts unmeasured between Gods Temple Altar and worshipers therein Rev. 11. 1. and the court of the Temple given to the Gentiles and the holy citie trode downe by them 42. moneths v. 2. If it be not one of these shall it therefore be none of them Jf it be not the inward part of the Temple wil it fâ—llow it is not the outward c. Answ. He should have sayd though she be not the company of worshipers of God whom he measureth yet may she be the company of Gentiles that tread downe Gods courts and city whom he casteth out as unmeasured But he leaveth the comparison of persons and runneth to things Gods ordinances which she abuseth Of that Scripture Rev. 11. we have spoken before Of these two women in Rev. 12. and 17. the Scriptures are so plaine that none of good understanding can mistake the one for the other or as this man doth make the one a part of the other as if both put together should make one Temple one woman one Church When the one persecuted flieth from the Serpent or dragon the other in the Dragons throne persecuteth reigneth triumpheth abusing and treading under foot Gods ordinances which belong to the persecuted woman as the Babylonians abused the vessels of Gods sanctuary burned and trode down the holy citie the place of the womans assembly His question When was the time that the woman fled into the wilderness is
nothing to the purpose For whensoever she fled seeing this other woman is not she but the foolish waman which opposeth her selfe and her doctrines unto Wisedom as in Prov 9. 13. 14. 15. 1. 2. c. men should know that the dead are with her and her guests are in the depths of hell He againe injurieth me when he sayth I here make the church of Rome she that now is to be also the court of Gods Temple and holy citie I make her to be the company of Gentiles like the Babylonians of old that tread down the holy citie and it is hee that speaketh M. Sm. language whiles he maketh the Jewes not the Babylonians to be the types of these Antichristians as we have formerly heard And it is his continuall fallacie in reasoning when speech is of the persons to flie to the things and ordinances typed by those holy places as if Ierusalem because it was alwayes the holy citie even when it was ruined could give holines to the prophane Gentiles that burned and trode it down I savd The heathens in their Altars Temples Sacrifices had the divine things of God among them as wel if not better then hath the Man of Syn and his worshipers in their sacrifice of the Mass and other manifold idâ—luries He replieth Why sayth he not then hath the church of Rome in her baptisme and other divine things of God among them though corrupted Answ. Behold here againe a plaine tergiversation I compare the sacrifices of the Gentiles with the sacrifice of the Antichristians he shunneth this and would have me speak of their baptisme As if the Lords Supper were not as holy as Baptisme But he is a frayd once to meddle with the Lords supper in Rome as we have seen before and wil have me write what he thinks good when the reason which I bring is too hard for him And yet he knoweth that elswhere I speak as much of their baptisme But thus he would here evade So I speaking of the Man of syn which in his own understanding is the hierarchie and of his worshipers the popish multitude he tells me Mr. Junius speaketh of the church of Rome and distinguisheth between it and the Man of syn with his hierarchie As if I also did not speak of that church when I mention the worshipers of the man of syn which whiles he by Mr. Iunius help would prove to be Christs true church in his covenant of grace contrary to th'Apostle who sheweth them to be in the state of damnation 2 Thes. 2. he is forced to give ground answereth not my reason touching the Gentiles but presently flieth to his wonted shelter of Judah and Jsrael Not regarding the instruction of the holy Ghost who throughout the book of Revelation mentioneth not the Israelites but as the sealed of God and kept from Antichrists abominations Rev. 7. and for the Popish multitude they are called Gentiles Sodom Egypt Babylon Rev. 11. 17. with which when mine opposite is pressed he flieth to Iudah and Israel for an answer as we every where have seen For the Church of Rome to be the Mother of Christians feighned to be like the true Mother sick swollen with the dropsie c. wherin he chargeth me not to answer or confute Mr. Iunius I have doen both shewing by evidence of the scripture Rev. 17. with Rev. 12. that she is not the true mother Ierusalem but the whore of Babylon not sick onely but dead in her synns Rev. 20. 5. with Ephes 2. 1. And Mr. Iunius himself calleth her the Pseudo christian or falsly-named Christian church Mine opposite after that he hath againe according to his wont fled to Iudah and Israel replieth to Rev. 20. And first He referreth us to his answer unto the like spoken before of Israel Answ. There he laboured to prove it not death in syn but death civilly by overthrow of their estate But that say I though it were true of Israel cannot be the meaning here for this speaketh of their estate whiles Antichrist the Beast and his kingdom liveth reigneth and triumpheth killing the saincts Rev. 20. 4. 5. so that he and his church is not dead civilly that is his kingdom 〈◊〉 not overthrowen all this while Secondly God speaketh here of such a death as is opposed to the first resurrection vers 5. but the first resurrection is from syn Coloss. 2. 13. 3. 1. and it is here sayd to be such as they that have part therin the second death hath no power on such Rev. 20 6. but if it be but a rising from civil death or destruction of an outward state they should not by it be freed from the second death which is due to such onely as rise not from death of syn So this his answer is impertinent Besides even Mr. Iunius himself expoundeth it of them that lye dead in syn 2. Jf this death sayth he be as some think the apostasie spoken of 2. Thes. 2. 3. we must then remember withall that this apostasie is in the Temple of God vers 4. like as there was apostasie in Iudah and Jsrael heretofore and that difference is to be put between Gods Temple and the apostasie it self c. Answ. I have shewed that this death Mr. Iunius also assenting must needs here be understood of death in syn or in Apostasie if so he wil have it named Wheras after his manner he compareth it with th'Apostasie of Iudah and Israel the holy Ghost as we have heard compareth it with Babylon Rev. 17. But if he grant the apostasie in Israel was death in syn it wil help him nothing for what people soever is dead in syn they are not actually Gods visible church til they be raysed in Christ. I grant him a difference between Gods Temple and the Apostasie for if by the Temple he mean the people of God free from apostasie such in deed are not dead but the people of Rome now are in apostasie and have been long and by the sentence of God are dead in syn and apostasie therfore they are not those living stones built up to a spiritual house on Christ the living stone an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifice and for an habitation of God through the spirit but they are dead stones built upon Antichrist 3. Moreover sayth he the dead here spoken of live againe and reigâ—â— with Christ after the finishing of 1000. yeares Rev. 20. 5. whereas he speaketh of the Church of Rome as being long since damned and dead for ever so this Scripture will be found to be against himselfe Answ. The words of the Scripture are these But the rest of the dead lived not againe until the thousand yeares were finished this is the first resurrection Rev. 20. 5. How maketh this against me Doth it not shew they were dead the 1000. yeares of the Beasts reigne yet he would have them not dead but sick and diseased And how notoriously doth
is Christs true Church because it is the Temple of God 2. Thess. 2. D. Whitakers giveth sundry answers the two first are these 1. Jt may be called the church wherein Antichrist sitteth because it was the true church of Christ before not because now it is c. So Esaias sayth the faithful citie was become an harlot Esa. 1. 21. where he calleth Jerusalem the faithful citie because it had been faithful before so we say the Temple of God is the seat of Antichrist that is that which of old was the Temple of God 2. The Church of Rome taketh to it selfe the name title of the true Church and in the opinion of our adversartes it is the true Church 〈◊〉 was a monstrous thing of old 〈◊〉 deny this neither was it denyed but of a very few who straight way when they were knowen were killed notwithstanding it was not the true Church but the whore of Babylon c. These answeres when I gave mine opposite could by no meanes endure at my hand The same author sayth a litle before Now let us see whether the Bishop of Rome hath departed from Christ and from the faith so that the church of Rome now reteyneth not the form of the Apostles doctrine Surely that is evident by all the heads of doctrine which are in controversie between us and them That Church succeedeth the Apostles in deed but so as a den of theeves doe the house of God and as an harlot doth the faithful citie c. And after But the Pope sayth Billarmine honoreth one true God the Father Son and holy Ghost J answer hee honoureth him not but blasphemeth him He doth I confess as Atheists are wont to do which wil not openly deny God but in hart and workes they deny him so the Pope figneth and preclaimeth that he honoureth the trinity but in deed he carâ—h not for him For he that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father of the holy Ghost but the Pope honoureth not the Son for he corrupteth his doctrine c. Againe touching that particular before handled whether by Babylon in Rev. 17. be meant the Citie or the Church of Rome Mr. Whitakers sayth Whereas the adversary affirmeth that it is not the Church of Rome whloâ—â— is called Babylon but the citie such as it was under the Emperours it is false For it is certain that Rome is by Iohn in the Revelation called Babylon because of that Church which should be at Rome For mention is made there of the false Prophet as also of the Whore which by her allurements should bewitch the whole world These things cannot be understood but of the Church and are necessarily to be referred unto Antichrist Mr. Brightman in his book of the Revelation expoundeth the Gentiles in Rev. 11. 2. to be the christiaÌ„s that are so in name only On Rev. 13. 8. he saith The holy Ghost doth cry openly that all they do wholly â—eopard and cast away their salvation that are subject to the Pope of Rome if so bee that they depart out of this life without repentance And again This Beast is worshipped of all Reprobates with whom while thou conspirest in thy worship who shal separate thee froÌ„ the state of reprobates He doth not therfore break off unity who departeth from the synagogue of Rome but he purchaseth unavoydable destruction to himselfe who cleaveth unto it without repentance These and the like things sayth Mr. Brightman one whose name mine opposite useth to grace his erroneous cause by Mr. Brovghtons testimony we have heard before Mr. Dudly Fenner in his Theologie writeth thus Antichrist is the head of the universal apostasie that should come 1. Ioh. 2. 18. Ioh. 4. 2. 2. Thess. 2. 4. 5. 6. Wherupon his church is by a Synechdoche called Antichrist 1. Ioh. 4. 3. 2. 18. as the true Church is called Christ 1. Cor. 12. 12. The Antichristian church compared to a Beast is the apostatical church but counterfeyting the vizar of the true which representeth the lively image of the Roman monarchie formerly doen away and of the goverment power amplitude seat therof amongst all peoples 2 Thes. 2. 4. 5. 6. 8. Revel 11. 7. 8. 13. 3. 11. 12. 18. Antichrist or the False prophet is the head of the Antichristian church the mediatour between it and the Dragon Rev. 16. 13. 13. 4. 11. 12. This Antichrist is an Opposer for to defend the foresayd departing away froÌ„ the truth of Christ 2 Thes. 2. 4. compared as touching the phrase with Dan. 8. 11. and an Exalter of himself first that he may lift up himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped that is against all powers and majesties both earthly heavenly 2. Thes. 2. 9. Dan. 8. 11. 36. Secondly that placing his seat in the church in name called Gods he may shew himself as God that is arrogate to himself the divine power and absolute dominion of Christ Esai 31. 1. 2. 2 Thes. 2. 4. Dan. 8. 25. Napier the Noble of Scotland expounding the Revelation sayth But as for the outward and visible face of the pretended church it must be rejected from God and no care measure nor account had by him therof because it must be given over to Antichristian and idolatrous people who shal subdue his holy church and spiritual Jerusalem and tread it under foot 1260. yeres Gods true church and spouse was chased away and remayned invisible and soliturie among certaine private persons predestinate elect of God But the rest of the people that lay dead in Antichristian errors arose not therfrom to imbrace the word of life ill c. But the rest J mean the whole outward visible church lay wholly as dead and corrupt with papistocal errours Of the Baptisme in the Church of Rome ALthough the former things against the Church of Rome be ynough to disprove her baptisme which is ordained of God onely for his Church and those in his covenant out of which Rome is gone yet because mine opposite urgeth some speciall reasons against mee for the same I will also briefly answer them About this poynt he hath nine reasons in his Christian plea pag. 27 ... 30. 1. The first which is against the repeating of Baptisme againe I grant him neither doe I hold it needfull or lawfull to repeate again the baptisme received in false churches 2. The second being for the same purpose I likewise grant As also that there is one baptisme as there was one circumcision which plea of his I would have noted because of his contrary reasoning afterward Likewise his example from Israel whose circumcision was not repeated I hold very fit But let the Reader observe how the Scriptures by him brought to prove it are 2. Chron. 30. chap. Ezr. 6. 19. 20. 21. of which the first was before the captivity the other after 3. The third that the covenant of grace is everlasting