thing indifferent with us because the excellency of this knowledge tendeth to the enjoyment of life everlasting 2 Tim. 3.15 16. CHAP. II. Hath divers Questions and Answers with Annotations from Gen. 3.15 to the Flood of Noah In which space of time the Doctrine of Redemption by the promised seed of the woman is Explained QVest 1. What is the first promise concerning the sending of JESVS CHRIST for our Redemption Answ Gen 3.15 I will put Enmity between AA thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed HEE shall breake thy head and thou shalt break his heel QVest 2. What do you observe out of this Text Ans That the Son of God who was before the begining and with the Father in the beginning is here first promised to be manifested a second Adam to dissolve the works of the Devill for mans Redemption QVest 3. Open the Text more largely Ans In this Text the Person office of Christ is taught his person that he is as all other men sin only excepted the seed of the a woman That is the Son of God is made man and as it is here prophesied so it is also historyed from what persons concerning the Flesh he came and how the Son of God took mans nature in Luke 3.23 he was as men supposed the son of Joseph but properly the son of the blessed and beloved * Mary the blessed Virgin the Mother of our Lord is in namelest out of Luc. 3. but in matter certained for the term son through all these hath relation to our Lord Jesus The spirits intent is to shew not Josephs but Christs naturall line Virgin Mary of †Eli is not Josephs Father for Matthew saith Iacob begat Joseph but thus it is a married man hath two Fathers his own proper Father and the Father of his wife as David had Jesse and Saul Eli of Matthae of Levi of Melchi of Janna of Joseph of Mattathas of Amos of Naum of Esli of Nagge of Maath of Mattathias of Simei of Joseph of Judah of Joanna of Rhesa of Zorobabel Of Salathiel of Neri of Melchi of Addi of Cosom of Elmodam of Er of Jose of Eliezer of Jorim of Matthat of Levi of Symeon of Judah of Joseph of Jonan of Eliakim of Melea of Mainan of Mattatha of Nathan of DAVID Of Jessai of Obed of Boaz of Salomon of Naasson of Amminadab of Aram of Esrâ—m of Pharez of Judah of Jacob of Isaac of Abraham Of Thara of Nahor of Saruch of Regu of Phaleg of Eber of Salah of Cainan of Arphaxad of SHEM Of Noah of Lamech of Methuselah of Enoch of Jared of Malaleel of Cainan of Enos of Seth of Adam d of GOD. QVest What understand you by his Office Ans The first Adam not keeping for one day the government committed to him the Son eternall would take mans nature that he might e governe he was made f Heir of all far above all principality and power might and Dominion and every name that is named not in this world only but also in that to come And all things in Heaven and Earth and Seas were subjected to him the second Adam as indeed all things were created by HIM and FOR HIM And he is before all things and by him all things consist And in him all the elect both them which are in Heaven and them which are in Earth are reconciled and gathered as under one head He was consecrated by God the Father from the day of g mans fall to be Mediator and head over all things to the Church which office he did execute as he is a Prophet Preist and King in the time of the Old Testament in his Types both * Kings Preists Prophets fiâ—st borne c. persons and things And when the fullnesse of time was come for the making of the New Testament be himselfe tooke unto him our Nature to do the Will of the Father Quest 5. What are the benefits that come to us from the person and â—ffie of Christ Answ They are unsearchable but I will name some principall 1. Satan h brought man to offence and so out of the favour of God and to shame of face and to the fear of Bondage i Christ the second Adam procured Reconciliation Justification and k Adoption 2. Satan brought mans soule to darknesse sinfullnesse or to death in sin l Christ the second Adam gives it knowledge righteousnesse and m the life of holinesse 3. Satan brought mans body to miseries death and corruption n Christ the second Adam sustaineth it in this its pilgrimage and perfectly restoreth it to life and incorruption in the Resurrection 4. Satan caused the first Adam to be expelled from the Tree of life and the Paradise terrestiall and brought all this world o under curse and so subject to vanity and p corruption Christ the second Adam restoreth to the faithfull a comfortable and sanctified use and service of the r creatures and will make a new world for his and their glory to dwell still with God and to feed upon the Tree of life in the Paradise celestiall and command Satan with his seed into eternall flames Add also unto this that Christ the second Adam the head of all principality and power restoreth to them that are in him adopted the attendance of the †Read Psal 34. and 91 Ebr 1. Col. 1.16.2 Rom. 6.17 Esa 37.36 Abrams Lots and Jacobs stories and Daniells booke Ebr. 13.2 holy Angells Quest What other observations out of this Textâ— Answ 1. God hath decreed what shall be the estate of the corrupted masse * Hath not the Potter power over the clay to make of the same lump one Vâ—ssell to honor and another to dishonor who art thou O man that disputest Rom. 9. For the manifsstation of Justice and mercy there are elect and reject in all ages of man-kinde that some shall be the seed of Satan t and the children of perdition and that some shall be elected predestinated and adopted Sons of God by Faith in Christ u and heirs of salvation II. God out of his free love and mercy made this promise to our first Parents of giving his only begotten Son when they neither desired it much lesse deserved it nay this mistery of his will and this way of salvation could not y enter into their heart till God in whole eternall councill and decree it was hid did reveale it And this is the State of all mankind from the first Adam till the Spirit of Christ by cherishing the waters of the LAW beget in us to a new light and life even a new creation 2 Cor. 4.6 III. The Son of God being promised that he should destroy in mans nature as a second Adam the a works of the Divill the holy Spirit taught the Saints in all ages that they should not allow or practise the dead works of darknesse or of the corrupt b nature of the old Adam but labour for a new life by faith and regeneration
and cast their spirits into eternall prison for their unbeleeving disobedient striving against the b Spirit of Christ in his Prophets preaching the Gospel So dangerous it is when people will not be wise * Consider Psal 2. through the whole volume how Christ breaketh the plots counsells c. of the serpents seed and kisse the Sonne The next generall judgment of the world and of wicked and ungodly men shall be by fire God hates c the wicked unbeleevers and hyppocrites in all ages like Devills according to that most constant doctrinall position 2 Joh. 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the Doctrine of Christ hath not God he that abideth in the Doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son QUest 13. How long was it from the first pronouncing of the curse upon the Earth to the open manifection of it by the Floud of waters Answ It was sixteen hundred fifty and six years Some Annotations upon this second Chapter with References to the number of the Questions and Letters of A B C c. In Answer to the first question in expounding Gen. 3.15 This scripture is the Basis of all the Doctrine of Gods Counsell concerning Redemption by Christ this scripture declares the decree of Gods eternall counsell and covenant as it was concluded and agreed on by the holy Trinity for mans Redemption from Satans head-plot Satans plot and purpose was to spoyl man and so consequently to have spoyled and undone the whole work of God in the Creation But this that sets forth an heavy threatning against Satan and the serpent his instrument that one from the seed of the woman should break his headplot and heal that misery which he brought on man and because that should be done a new heaven and a new earth should be made to the praise of Gods counsells which over raught the plot and project of Satan So this scripture containes in it a threatning to the serpent and his seed and a promise to Eve to all her beleeving seed of Christ Beloved Reader concerning this Text and the threatning in it to the terror of the serpent and his seed be pleased to read Mr. Pynchons booke of the meritorious price of mans redemption printed 1655. there you will have plentifull satisfaction but for this little worke I purpose cheifly to enlarge my selfe not as it is a threatning but as it is a promise concerning Christ The refore I will further observe from Gen. 3.15 I. That in this Text The eternall Gospell hid in God before the foundation of the world was now in Paradise manifested even the hid wisdome II. To this first and precious promise the Apostle hath respect when he saith He was made an Apostle of the faith and truth that is for the hope of eternall life which God that cannot lye promised before the times of the world but made his word of promise manifest in due time by the sending of Iesus Christ Tit. 1.1 2 3.2 Tim. 1.9.2 Pet. 1.4 The times of the world are counted by the birth of the first ten Fathers to the flood Thence by ten holy Fathers to the promise to Abraham Thence to the coming from AEgypt Thence to the building of the Temple Thence to the burning of it by Babels King Thence to the end of the captivity in Babel Thence by seventy sevens of yeares to the death of Christ or to the glorious redemption of man by the death of our Lord Jesus Christ III. This comprehendeth the Faith of Gods elect which was once delivered that is first and once for all delivered to the Saints and never after to be changed All other promises of Christ are but commorations and expositions of this The Doctrine of Faith can be but one because there is but one God and one Mediator Eph. 4. Note this phrase againe once delivered but still expounded This is Genus generalissimum And for this faith the Saints of all ages have contended to keep and uphold it against the serpent and his seed as all the Epistle of Iudas Thaddaeus is upon this argument All sins and punishments come on the world for despising this faith and comforts for imbracing 2 Thes 1.8 IV. From this first preaching of Christ till the mystery of God which he hath spoken by his holy Prophets and Apostles be finished wee must mind this constantly that Gods purpose was not to bring man fallen to life by the remains of any naturall abilities there was a Bar that wee should not think of any hope in that Gen. 3. ult But by a new and living way in the second Adam This is a Covenant of Grace not to him that worketh but to him that beleeveth and receiveth the Son of God as Mediator him hath God exalted in holy doctrine from the begining with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give change of mind and forgivenesse of sins to all the Israel of God Acts 3.21 5. 31. Now this new way is very foolishnesse to us naturally therefore wee dream of great excellencies in our corrupt dead stinking graves But we must hear the voice of the Son of God in his owne ordinances Iohn 5. and he must say to us live afore we can have the first Resurrection as we cannot have the second without his powerfull voice Ioh. 5. Isa 2.1 2 3 4 5 6. V. If the first Adam or any of him could helpe themselves what need the Son of God to be promised from the beginning to be a second Adam and to appear to destroy the works of the Devill 1 Joh. 1. and 3. he only knew how and was only able to mannage the whole officâ— of mediation and to performe all righteousnesse according to covenant in his own person without pressing and by his glorious Ordinances effectually to call and unquestionably to justifie and to prepare for glory all them of his mysticall body which the Father gave him Neither Adam nor any of his posterity had such abilities and for any thing they could do they should have born their own iniquities which was such a yoke that neither Patriarch nor Apostle were able to bear change of mind and forgivenesse of sins was ever preached to be by the second Adam Luke 24.47 Be it knowne therefore to all men saith this first promise that through this blessed seed the son of God made man is preached to us the forgivenesse of sins and by him all that beleeve are justified that is made free from the guilt of sin and punishment from which we could not be justified or made free by the Law of Moses Acts 13. The world was 3960 yeares from the Apostasie of the first Adam to the Redemption by the second Adam and who in all that time saved himselfe from death Death reigned over all old and young it is the second Adam that conquered death the reward of originall sin and hee rose againe for the justification or freedome of all Gods Children from sin
to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 4. Let me yet give the godly Reader one lift more to the placing of their souls in Abrahams Bosome when they come to die Remember that the Lord God our heavenly Father The Lord God our heavenly Father hath but one Familie part of it is in the heavens and part of it in the earth and when any one of his servants have finished their factorage Phil. 3.20 their Politeuma among that part of the Familie on earth then he sends for them home to the other part of the Familie that is in heaven all the faithfull for the dayes of the old Testament are so called And so the Apostle Paul finishing his course he went to receive his Crown in the Kingdome of the Father So Peter the Apostle 1 Pet. 1 2.3 4. 2 Pet. 1. therefore let us strive for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus that when we think or speak of death or are near to the approaching to it we may be without much disturbance in mind or heart as Abraham Isaac Jacob David c. Delight in the stories of the faithfull that ye may be more transformed This made the Saints to say Why should I fear in the evil day when our iniquities shall compasse us about and trip up our heels unto death for God will redeem us from the power of the grave for he shall receive us to himself to Abrahams Bosome Psal 49. Christ the second Adam the Lord from heaven hath destroyed death and him that had the power of death he hath opened the gates of death and himself hath passed through them to deliver the children of God from the guilt and bondage of sinne and from the fear of death unto which we are subject Christ our life is our justification for he hath freed us from the sting of sinne by his precious death and Sacrifice The Law the strength of sin Gen. 2.17 and 3.19 and although the curse of the Law is the strength of sinne yet he hath fulfilled the Law for us and so became a most perfect Mediatour for us For such an high Sacrificer and Mediatour it became us to have who was holy harmlesse undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens Again death is but an harbenger to bring us to Christ it is said that death is ours it s our servant for our good Again it is said that Christ is our life and therefore death must needs be our advantage 2 Cor. 3.12 Phil. 1.21 and therefore we should not be troubled at that which is so advantagious to us we cannot live holily righteously and comfortably unlesse we live above the fear of death 1 Cor. 15 34.58 2 Cor. 5 15. to be well instructed in this point is a point of great wisdome Moses prized it at a high rate when he prayed Teach us to number our dayes that we may apply our heartes to wisdome namely to be prepared for death and Salomon doth exhort us saying Remember thy Creatour in the dayes of thy youth before the evil dayes come upon thee Ezech. 12. This wisdome is to be valued above gold and silver and the most precious Jewels of the earth but it is wonderfull how averse our hearts are by nature from the practise of this heavenly wisdome we commonly put off the thought of our death untill the Lord bring upon us bruising miseries and then we begin to think of God and Christ and of death as it is said Destruction and Death say we have heard of the fame of this wisdome with our ears and when men come to the doores of death then is this wisdome of some fame with men then they send for a godly Minister or for a godly neighbour whose person it may be they hated in the time of their health and abhorred his teaching with their godly counsels Death was a terror indeed to Aristotâ—e though a wise and great Philosopher and to all such Job doth call it the King of terrours that speech of Bildad in Job 18. doth import that God is a just God to whom all souls must ascend to have their judgement and so in 2 Cor. 5. knowing the terror of the Lord c This made that most miserable Cardinal to say that he had rather lose his part in Paradise then his part in Paris But let all the godly be still mindful that though they depart from their Families hereon earth yet they shall still continue to be of Gods family they go from brethren and sisters here to brethren and sisters there and above all remember the dying or rather the living words of the Lord Jesus the night before his death Job 13.14 15 16 and 17 chapters Oh the ineffable love and care of our blessed Mediatour for his apostles and for all his faithfull servants to the end of the world CHAP. XXXIV Some Propositions and Expostulations concerning the true nature of Christs Sufferings 1. BEloved Reader we are yet further pressed and orthodox Churches are called up as Troopers against us about the true nature of Christs sufferings we acknowledge that the very remembrance of them is reverend and doth joy us not annoy us I know we shall not fight but treat for they may perceive that we have otthodox Churches with us and as learned Leaders though perhaps not so many That is not much materiall for the book of God must lie between them and us and they and we must search the holy pages that so by them we both may be composed 2. It is to be lamented
in the second Adam in whom we are c compleat And hitherto pertaine many of the Lords †Read Ezek 16. 36 Jer. 31. 32. 33. Esai 42.1 to 17. c. gracious promises and all the commandements exhortations motives examples prayers vowes covenant to be heavenly †Read Deut. 30.6 Jer. 32.38.39 to love the Lord and the word of his truth to walk before him in godly feare in all well pleasing and so all the Saints ever did as Adam Habel Henoch Noe c. also hitherto pertaine the * Reduce al dehortations as love not the World nor the things of the world 1. Joh. 2. set not your affections on the Earth Col. 3. and on the contrary â—educe the exhortations as seek the things above Eccl. 11. 12. dehortations threatnings curses and examples of sin and punishment in walking contrary IV. From this first preaching of the Gospell we must attentively minde this that Jehovah who was who is who will be still the same d doth rule all ages to one sum of salvation in Christ And to this faith he ever calleth his elect e by his word and Spirit from the communion of Devills and the wicked world to have communion with him and his Son Jesus Christ our Lord by way of Ordinances The reason that God hateth the wicked is God teaching this continually from the beginning yet the wicked rebell and joyne with Saâ—an 2 Cor. 4.4 V. * In all ages for teaching â—ead Psal 44. 79.1 Thes 3.2 Col. 1.24 c. for his S. observation beleiving and professing this glorious Doctrine of Christ f great disputations contentions sorrows tentations persecutions in body goods name and life come unto Michael Christ Jesus and his g Angells by Satan and his Angells yet Christ went through all conquering and so faith in him and in his word doth make us conquerors Many sweet promises belong to this head VI. The duty of all Christian beleivers is to be unfained in brotherly love h holding one another with a dear pure heart fervently and to resist the Divill and his members i and to have no fellowship with the workers nor with the works of wickednesse Behold severity through all generations when the Church walked contrary VII Because this Text of Gen. 3.15 is a promise of Christ that he should take humanity destroy Satans works therefore in it implicitely are the petitions of the Saints for all good concerning soule and body Intercessions as respecting the communion of Saints deprecations to be delivered and protected from all evill and holy imprecations against the seed of the Serpent Also hence issue the k praises and thanksgivings for receiving good for our selves or others both in respect of spirituall blessings and in that all l creatures of each days creation whether visible or invisible in Christ are servants and freinds to the elect Hence also proceede praises and thanksgivings for m deliverance and protection from Satan his seed and works QUest 7. Did God ordaine any publick worship to his name presently after the fall of our first Parents and after the promise Answ As God n taught our first Parents the Doctrine of faith so he taught them prayer and sacrificing and blessed the seventh day and sanctified it for a day of rest for study how God rested from Creation in the Redemption by Christ he being promised to be Heire of all o Sacrifice was used from the day of Adams Apostasie teaching of life coming by death Adam taught his Sons and his Sons Sons to the eighth successive Childe and those that offered in faith discerning the bloud of the covenant did please God had peace and reconciliation with God and were made heires of the righteousnesse that is by faith the Church in Adams family with Gods †The Ordinances were the preaching of the word of faith 2 Prayer 3. the Seale of the promise Ordinances is called p the presence of God The * Mr. Ainsworth on Gen. 4.14.16 Presence of God in holy Ordinances is most glorious and comfortable to which the faithfull in all ages of the Church resorted with holy feare exceeding joy praise and thanksgiving Psal 42. 43. 84. 100. c. QUest 8. Who beleived this report concerning the second Adam and to whom was the arme of the Lord revealed Answ Adam and his Sons * Habel Seth Enos and the rest of the godly Fathers and their godly posterity to the Flood QUest 9. Who hated this Doctrine and persecuted this way of life in Christ Answ Kain was the first that began the †War of the Serpent against the q holy seed And this persecution by men that followed Kains wayes goes on to the end of the World QUest 10. Was there any apostasie from this faith and way of salvation afore the Flood Answ Christ the Light and Life shined in darknesse but he was not comprehended of the Sons of darknesse for beside the Doctrine and practise of bodily exercise in Kain there was r a great apostasie and that quickly of the Sons of the open Church who having a forme of godlinesse but denying the power thereof despised the Doctrine of regeneration greived the holy Spirit and corrupted the calling on the name of the Eternall And the cheife occasion of all this was by s ungodly marriages with Kains t worldly glorious house from all which issued u a confluence of all iniquity setting Light by Gods long suffering while the Ark was making committing all ungodly deeds and uttering hard and bitter speaches against the Heavens And so it is in all apostasies †Remember still that in all apostasies of the Church the faithfull cannot be visibly glorious QUest 11. What came to the faithfull that did first cleave to the faith which was once delivered to the Saints and that walked with God Answ Through x faith they obtained good †report with God God was not ashamed to be called their God and their Father they his Sons he accounted that the world was not worthy of them and therefore he prepared for them an Heavenly y City and Countrey for they had gracious promises of Gods favour through his covenant in Christ the true Noah who doth comfort us concerning our workes and concerning the sorrowes of our hands and concerning the earth which God hath cursed †wherefore they had preservation and deliverance from the severe destruction of the World by Waters Thus God was a rewarder of them that by faith did diligently seek him This doth teach us how precious faith is in the Son of God that should come into the World QUest 12. What came on the z co Ì„upters of the Faith the despisers and wantons and feasters and mockers and murderers the seed of the serpent that walked after their owne lusts Answ Kaine was cursed a and excommunicate and Christ did execute Judgement and bruised his posterity and the Apostates in his fearfull severity in the Flood washing their bodyes away
and feare of death Oh that selfe conceited and proud iniquity would once stop its mouth for every mouth shall be stopped and all the world shall be subject to the judgement of God Acts 13. and 15. Rom. 4 ult What the Law of works could not do the election hath obtained Rom. 11. VI. Mark that from this first and maine free promise God hath conveyed all comforts of wisdome justification or Freedome Sanctification and Redemption on fallen man and no way else can or ought to be sought after It could never have entred into the heart of man to thinke of this way if God of his rich Grace had not first declared this rich mystery of his will in a free promise how could our first fallen Parents have thought of a Redeemer much lesse of the meanes of obtaining such a Redeemer at the hands of God This mystery was ordained in Gods eternal Council and providence before the foundacion of the world was laid to be revealed upon Adams fall his ways are unsearchable his wisdome mercy power and love is past finding out and doubtlesse our first parents and all their faithfull posterity could but with admiration say the Epitaph not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things that God â—ath prepared for them that love him 1 Coâ— 2. Of him and through him and to him are all things To him be glory for ever Amen Esa 43.25 Esa 48.9 10 11. Rom. 11. Jer. 31.33 Jer. 32.39 Ezek. 36.25.26 VII Christ was promised a Redeemer not only from the guilt and punishment of sin but to make us in himselfe Sons of God even new creatures VIII All outward comforts come by promise in Christ severall godly persons of late years have done well in composing Treatises of the promises IX It is to admiration That Jehovah the eternall God should seeke to enter into a covenant of Grace with fallen man with the slaves of the Devill with enemies and with children of wrath that he should enter into a free promise and Covenant with us to be our God and to make us to be his people See his kindnesse to the polluted infant in Ezek. 16. X. All things are made subject to Christ as the heir of all from the first day of Adams fail but Satan doth labour with all sedulity to withdraw mans Blind heart from the understanding of this doctrine and doth labour to suggest fond imaginations of idolatry superstition bodily exercises and Fables c. to corrupt it and by persecution to hinder it yea to abolish it This is a Doctrine of Faith which no naturall man can attain untill his mind and divine illumination be regenerate and made capable to comprehnd this hid mystery of God in Christ All precepts promises and threatnings are ordained to bring fallen man to obey the Son of God as mediator All the victory administrations of Christs Kingdome by the word seals censures c. are for this purpose till the mediatorian Kingdome be redelivered 1 Cor. 15. But all things are cheifly intended for the Elect 1 Cor. 14.32 11. The second not on Gen. 12.13 may be of use here 12. Thus from the first preaching of the Gospell we must observe why Christ is called Alpha and Omega the first and the last not only in causes and effects but also of all divine Revelation in the blessed scriptures all runs on him All the Promises Threatnings Commandements Examples Chastisements c. all drive us to Christ he also is Alpha and Omega in all the praises of the Church he is also the maine matter and marke of the holy Bible All things were created by him and for him and he is before all things and by him all things consist and hee is the head of the body the Church Col 1.18 In 3. Q. The seed of the woman Hence Children should be first taught to read Gen 3. with Luke 3. and Luke 4 together for two principall ends first To know how Jesus our Lord is of the blessed Virgin Mary of Eli and of Adam and Eve naturally and in this respect the Genealogie of men in Luke 3. are the glory of mankind being all Fathers to the Son of God after the flesh 2. The better to compare the sorrowfull combate of Adam being killed on his first day from the life of the soule to death in sin with the glorious combate and victory of our Lord the second Adam driving Satan to flight and the reason why the Son of God should take hold of mans nature is purposely handled by the Apostle in Ebr. 2. Ebr. 3. Ebr. 4. Ebr. 5. Great is the mystery of Godlinesse God manifested in the flesh It is most glorious to consider it and how it hath been diligently taught in every age from Gen. 3.15 and for the better knowing of this mystery the Law of Moses was made the Tabernacle and the frame of the world and well might David and Solomon say with admiration That God would dwell with man on earth also in his apparitions to the Saints before the Flood and to the Patriarchs and Prophets he spake with us marke this corporation speech in Hos 12.4 At Bethel and dwelt among us in his Tabernacle and Ordinances then in the Temple till the captivity then in the second Temple and then at last he became very man making our flesh his Tabernacle and dwelt among us Joh. 1.14 Cor. 6. but his speciall residence in us is in our hearts by Faith These things made singing affections in the Saints of old Ps 40. Ps 100. Ps 135. Ps 147. Ps 149. Ps 149.1 Chr. 16.1 King 8.2 Sam. 7. Joh. 17. Ex. 15. and any that duely consider this cannot but sing praises to the God of our Salvation In Q. 3. Of Adam in the Genealogie When the holy spirit bringeth Genealogies from the first man unto Jesus our Lord it may teach all men that the world was made and had a beginning so Moses Law taught Misgraim that is the Egyptians and others in his time and Ezra the Persians too before Aristotle and such Athean praters 1 Chron. 1.1 see Bro. in Manuscript In Q 4. and Answ He might govern Genesis sheweth how that by the word of Jehovah the Heavens were made all the setled Army of them by the spirit of his mouth and when man fell the word telleth That for the destroying of the workes of the Serpent hee would be made flesh and have a Tabernacle in our nature and so to be a second Adam to govern all things In which point the Patriarks faith is evidenced by the charge of Joseph to carry his bones with theirs unto the Land of Canaan where our Lords Resurrection should be a testimony of a new world see Bro. in Appo 1.108 The government of the world to come for so the Jewish Doctors did stile the dayes of Messiah is that meditorean Kingdome which the holy Prophet so magnifieth to endure through all ages and generations Ps 8. Ps 45. Ps 93. Ps
145. c. And this Kingdome of Christ the second Adam is handled in 1 Cor. 15. Ebr. 2. Eph. 1.22 from Ps 8. Namely That the Son eternall should rule as the mediator of his Church till all things be restored but then his Kingdome shall be delivered up when the last enemies death Sathan are perfectly subdued and destroyed Then all the elect which have been called justified and adopted in Christ by the word of his kingdome by the work of his spirit shall be presented unto the father and all prophesying and all other new victory sweet helps of our edification in the body of Christ shall cease for then shall be the fullnesse Eph. 4.11.12.13 In Q 4. Heire of all David with great admiration doth handle this in Ps 8. He the second Adam upholds all by the word of his power and this he shewed in Noah when all beasts and Elements obeyed him at the flood and so at the destruction of Sodom Jehovah from Jehovah rained fire and brimstone Gen. 16. and so in the days of Joshuah 10.11 In like sort those noble and excellent descriptions of Christ his person and Office in the three fold Offices of Prophet Preist and King are wonderfull for all sorts of heavenly and terrible Doctrine in Psal 2. Psal 45. Psal 110. Esa 9. Dan. 7. Dan 9. Dan. 10. Daq 12. and that in Apot. 1. may well comprehend the summe of them all but all of them should first be minded as expounding Gen. 3.15 Eph. 1.22.23 Col. 1.14.15 the Epistle to the Ebr. all of it He is the blessed only potentate to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim 6. Apoc 19. Joh 3.35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hands wee must reverence the Heir and beleevingly obey him for Christ is appointed a Prince and a Saviour to give change of minde and forgivenesse of sins This was taught from the beginning that hee should be this horne of Salvation and of this Doctrine there have been prophets to declare it ever since the world began Luke 1.70 Act. 3.21 In Q. 4. From the day of mans fall All the time from the time of mans fall to the restoring of all things by the Messiah is called The World to come and it is subjected to the Messiah Ebr. 2.5 but the restitution of all things is first prophesied in Act. 3.21 In Q. and Answ 5. Satan brought man n. 1. Man was ever the object of Satans harred and as Christ was man of the seed of the deceived woman and appointed to combate with Sathan for mans Redemption so Christ was the object of Sathans most deadly hatred but such was the perfection of his obedience under his greatest enmity that hee spoiled principalities and powers even in his death on the crosse Col 2.15 and this comfort also belongs to all the persecuted Saints that this great Red Dragon is chained Apoc. 20. and shall shortly be utterly troden under our feet Rom. 16. In Q. 5. Christ the second Adam Christ destroyeth Sathans workes not only in us but from without us and this is â—n unchangeable truth in all those that are called according to Gods purpose Joh. 13.1 Christ is the restorer of all things in him wee have all things that appertaine to life and godlinesse he is the Corner stone that couples all the building and there is no other name under Heaven whereby we can be saved Act. 4 None but Christ as blessed Lambard said Him hath God the Father sealed Joh. 6.27 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to all the Israel of God and forgivenesse of sins And this is a sure rule from the beginning He that beleeveth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that beleeveth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Joh. 3â—36 so then cursed was he that said Si illa illa colantur neque esse noxium si inter Gentilium aras Dei Ecclesiam quis transiens utraque vâ—nercâ—ur and little better are the Atheisticall moderators of our dayes 1631.1632.1633 1634.1635.1636.1637 In Q. 5. And Adoption And now little Children abide in him the second Adam that when he shall appear we may have boldnesse and not be ashamed before him at his coming 1 Joh. 2. By him wee have adoption Joh. 1.12 and his spirit doth enable us to cry Abba Father mark these scriptures Ebr. 4.14.15 16. Rom. 8.15 Eph. 2.18 Rom. 5.1 2. In Q 5. N. 11. Christ the second Adam Now Sathan the old Serpent spirituall weaknesses and the God of this world doth by Gods just judgement make war against us about super-celestiall things and wrastleth cunningly to hold us still in our most miserable estare of blindnesse imprisonment and bondage but by the power of the second Adam and by the word of his Grace we are set free and such as are blinde do receive their sight and by his grace we are made able to stand resist and overcome his Grace is in us and over us and the Apostle of the Gentiles salutes them all thus The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen Esa 42.6.7 Esa 49.9 Ephes 6.1 Ioh. 2 Rom 7. Esa 45. 24. In Q. 5. The life of holinesse In him was life and the life was the light of men Ioh 1. Ioh 8.12 The second Adam saith I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walke in darkenesse but shall have the light of life his Law restoreth the soule Psal 19 Ps 23. Ephes 2.1 Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10.1 Coâ— 15.49 Esa 11 9.1 Ioh. 1. Ioh. 2 4. He is the true Shepherd and Bishop of our Soules In Q 5. N. 3. Christ the second Adam The appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ as it was promised hath brought life and immortality through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. Marthas and our Lords conference was heavenly the shewes that she expected life and immortality through him Ioh. 11.21 and 1 Cor. 15.1 Thess 4. And Iohs faith for this point is worthy of all consideration Ioh 19. Ps 46.15 Ps 17.15 Sin reigns to death through the first Adam but grace reigns through Righteousnesse or freedome to eternall life through Christ the second Adam Râ—m 5. The comparisons of the first and second Adam are most sweet in Rom. 5. and 1 Cor. 15. Secondly Consider further how our Lord doth sustaine us in this our pilgrimage he is said to hold our soules in life in him wee live he is our life and the lenghth of our dayes he provides and gives meanes of life meat to eat and cloathes to put on he is our preserver in all places and at all times he speaks to diseases to come and to go and when hee pleaseth to withold his preservation wee languish and dye the Godly have the feeling and knowledge of all this they finde they have their life from Jesus as from
a common stock even for the body he is a second Adam to us that his life might be made manifest in our mortall flesh Ioh 7.20 Ps 30.2 Cor. 4.8 Jehovah i.e. Christ is thy life through Israel Deut. 30.20 not Moah nor Ammon nor Edom. In Q 5. N. 4 under curse All afflictions are comprehended in this and the like sayings First cursed is the earth for thy sake for in sorrow thou shalt eat of it Gen. 3 17. Secondly I will greatly multiply thy sorrow Gen. 3.16 Thirdly I will put enmity between the Serpent and the woman and thou Sathan shâ—lt bruise his foot-stoole Gen. 3.15 For the two former see how Christ doth for his chosens sake destroy Sathans workes in Ps 8. Ps 107. Ps 128. Ioh 5.23 Hos 2.18 1 Tim. 4. Tit. 1.15 1 Tim 2.14.15 The creatures are joyfull to be imployed for the churches uses Ps 65. Ps 67. Es 44.23 Hos 2.21.22 They are purified from the usurpation of the curse made usefull serviceable and sanctified by the Covenant and by the word of promise and by holy and humble prayer Ezâ—k 36.37 But many cases of conscience do often arise for these things in our hearts If Christ destroy Sathans workes how is it that there be so many afflictions restraints crosses c. in our persons labours and estates whereas in the meane time the wicked do commonly prosper All is answered in Iohs booke and in Ps 73. Ps 30 Ps 37. All the affliction of the godly is either for the tryall of Graces or for the purging of vices by Christ the curse is removed and afflictions are sanctified and by his discipline made wholesome medicines the counsells of God are unsearchable but what he doth is in wisdome love and righteousnesse and in that respect hee makes all to worke together for good to them that love God why then should wee dispute murmur distrust or judge hardly of our selves or of others that fear God or have an ill opinion of the Lord God every event is an Oracle Be dumbe therefore before the shearer the more we strugle the lesse we prevaile no wise Father doth greive his child willingly so God doth not afflict willingly Lam 3.31 but when need is 1 Pet. 1. Lay therefore thy face to the ground in a holy submission that so there may be hope Lam. 3.27 Esa 28 23. And as for that third saying That Sathan shall be at enmity with the woman and shall bruise consider Psal 129. Rom. 8.28.2 Thes 1. c. all these sums of afflictions must call to remembrance the sin of our first Parents in whom all have sinned Rom 5.12 In Q. 5. N. 4 Vanity and corruption All Ecclesiasts must here be considered which sheweth from a plentifull induction the variety of Gods Providences to finde the instability and passing away of all under the Sun that so we might be diligent all our life long to see how the soul may stand in judgement for the hope of eternall comfort Gods aim is to bring us to this saying nothing but Christ Ps 73. and to this not to love the world nor the things that are in the world 1 Ioh. 2.15 1 Cor. 7. 31. In Q. 5. N. 4 Service of the creatures The very creatures do joy both in the temporall and spirituall good of the Church as hath been touched above Luke 15.10 Ps 65. Ps 67. Es 43.23 Apoc. 5.11.12.13 Ps 24 Ps 91. The Angells the Stars the Heavens the Rivers the Seas the Earth with windes stormes tempests haile c. Ps 18. Iud. 5. Ps 11 All these are ordered for the good of Christ and his Church Ps 96. Psal 98. And Christs intercession doth mitigate the curse Gen. 8.21 Psal 128. I will once more breifly summe up these four heads The first old Adam was a figure but in a contrary way of the second Adam that was to come The first Adam by his sin was the corrupter of all things the second Adam the restorer of all things by his obedience procuring our Regeneration Justification the godly are a new creation old things are passed away all things through Christ are become new to them and hence that speech is glorious All things are yours wheâ—her the world life or death whether things present or things to come all condiâ—â—ons all events are yours all the Ordinances all the Officers both of Church and Common-weale are yours all the Angells are yours all the promises and precepts are yours Christ is yours God is yours yee are Christs and Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3. In Q. 6. N 1 The seed of Sathan This is the malignant Church But observe through all the holy story how the Son of God the second Adam hath whet his sword bent his bow and prepared his arrowes against them he hath both promised and sworne to the Church that hee will have war with him from generation to generation even untill Sathans head-plot is wholy broken Ps 7. both by giving them over to spirituall judgements and to outward plagues Thou hast troden all them that erre from thy statutes for their deceit is falshood thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like drosse Therefore I love thy testimonies Ps 119.116 Jer. 6.30 And in the promise to Abraham God doth curse them Gen. 12. and Lev. 26. The holy spirit doth also in detestation describe them by many infamous titles and comparisons Seed of the Serpent Gen. 3.15 Mal. 3. Angels of the Devill Sons of Belial c. these are the multitude that go the broad way to destruction as may be seene in the Apostacy of the old world and in the Apostacy of Nimrod and in the Apostacy of the ten Tribes by the perswasion of Jeroboam and of the two Tribes not long after so liwkeise it fell out in the Kingdome of the King of Locusts In Q. 6. Adopted Sons of God These are the Church militant yet great is their glory in the Covenant and in the promises that are made to them in Christ they have glorious Titles They are called the Sons of God the Angells of Christ the truest of the living God his spouse his portion which God hath created for his promise Es 43. This is that Kingdome of Christ that endureth to the end and that consumeth all other kingdoms that oppose the little flock that go the narrow way that leadeth unto life In Q. 6. N. 11. God made this promise God was the first teacher of the glad tidings of the Doctrine of faith to open the blind eyes and to turne men from darknesse to light and from the power of Sathan to God When Adam was become poor blind miserable and naked God was pleased to give his collyrion eye salve from the promise of Christ for that declaration of Redemption by the seed of the woman was denounced as a threatning to the Serpent but as it was spoken in the hearing of Adam and Eve it implyed a promise of Redemption to them from Sathans head-plot so the promise was
God hath forbidden it and plagued the transgression in the old and new Testament 2 Cor. 6 and 7.1 Apoc 3.14 See Ezraes sadnesse chap. 9.14 the affinity of Loegria with Gallia hath brought heavy wrath In Q 6. N. 7. Praises and thanksgivings He is thy Praise and he is thy God that hath done for thee thâ—se great and terrible things which thine eyes have seen Deut. 10 For the duty of praise Psal 95. and 96. and 100. and 103 and 108 and for all kinds of blessings spirituall and corporeall and the assured hope of eternall let us delight in this duty of praise and thanksgiving In Q. 6. N. 7. Of each dayes creation All the Hosts of the Heavens and Earth worship him if he give but a watch-word to any of his creatures to any of his hosts they rebell not against his word his word runs very swiftly in them Ps 136. and 91. c see this in all the stories of the word and especially when the saints offer up strong cryes to Jehovah of Hosts a terrour to the seed of the serpent who engage all the armies of Heaven and Earth and seas against them 1 Sam. 7. See much of Ps 18.6 7 8 c. In Q. 6. N. 7. For deliverance Psal 136.23.24 Apoc. 15. and 19. All the plagues of Pharoah shew this His plagues were from Iehovah Eâ—â—him from each dayes creation in Geâ— 1. The thankfull remembrance of Gods mercy to our blessed England is worthy of happy memory Eph. 3.20.21 In 7. Quest and Answ Christ who is Alpha and Omega the first and the last is the first and the last teacher of his own religion and worship Man not precisely cleaving to divine revelation is an idolatrous superstitious and selfe-willed foole although hee will make great shew of wisdome and humility In Q 7. I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified This holy Doctrine is breathed constantly in all the holy scriptures from the beginning Sacrifice was a seal of justification or freedome from guilt of sin and punishment that is by faith Sacrifice was still taught with the Doctrine God made a covenant with man fallen by sacrifice and when they sacrificed they prayed Gen. 12.8 1 Sam. 7.9 Yea Habel Gen. 4. Eb 11. consider Ps 20. all of it and Gen. 15. God promised Abraham beleeved and to strenghen his faith sacrifice was added and it is say God made a covenant with Abraham the same day From the time of mans fall beasts were killed for sacrifice and it kindled first with fire from Heaven The tame quiet and mild kinde as Ox Sheep and Goat and birds not devouring as Turtle and Pigeon and other little birds no beasts of prey nor birds of prey but such as feed upon seed are fit for sacrifice These shewed that the second Adam by his combating with Satan through his constant patience and holy obedience unto death should procure our justification or freedome from Satans power Also such manner of sacrifices taught us mortification following Christ and profession of a quiet and harmlesse life For no Tyrants can sacrifice to God but just quiet and patient folke 1 Tim. 2.8 And the keeping of the fire once kindled taught them not to quench the spirit That speech of Apoc. 13. must here be minded Christ was the Lambe slaine from the foundacion of the world slaine in the decree of the blessed Trinity and in the Church by types of the Lords owne appointment In Q 7. The presence of God Holy convocations together with Gods Ordinances was so called in after times called also the Courts of God there is Gods residence there he keeps Court and glorious is it to consider Exod. 20 24. and chap. 29.43.44.2 Cor. 6. For it is sayd There will I meet with thee There we sit at his fâ—et as his disciples to heare his words at the posts of wisdome wee must attend Prov. 9. There is the beauty of holinesse his own commanded worships There is the provision of the heavenly housholder there the blessed shepheard feeds the flock of his fold Oh see the comforts that an holy soule doth there finde Psal 23. and 36. and 40. and 42. and 65. and 84. and 95. and 100. and 132. c. The Saints as Habell have blessed communion with God their exceeding joy there the Saints the Israel of God rejoyce in his Makers the children of Sion rejoyce in their King Jehovah their God is with them the joyful shout of a King is among them There the holy voluntaries the army of Heaven assemble and compass their commander and blessed and holy is the communion that the Saints have there one with another and especially it shineth when there is none unclean and profane of their company Infinite are the uses of application how that we in all things must remember That holinesse becomes his house and presence for ever What preparations longings and attention to meet such a King such a Father such a Bridegroome c. insuch holy Ordinances and before men to shew forth the virtues of him that hath called them that as their King is holy so they to be holy in all manner of conversation Solemn assemblies without mixture of mens in ventions is a deare blessing it is an Eden the very Garden of God Ezek 28. Cant. 4 3. In 8. Quest and Answ Habel Now faith is the expectation of that which is hoped and the tryer our of things which are not seen for by it the Elders were well reported of By faith Habel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice then Kaine by which he obtained witnesse that he was righteous i. e. jâ—stified that is freed from sins guilt and desert God testifying of his offerings and by it he being dead yet speaketh Ebâ— 11.4 So Habels faith did speak to the revolting Hebrewes how and from whom they must expect justification and salvation In 9. Quest and Answ Began the war Where as it is sayd the seed of the serpent shall bruise it sheweth they should be of great power outward glory and temporall felicity as from Kaine through all the holy stories Psal 44. and 73. and 79. Job 12 and 22. Apoc. 13. c. c. In Q 9. The holy seed Habel for love to Christ was the first that was accounted as a sheep for the slaughter that was killed for the word of God and faith testimony of Jesus Christ Hence the Proverb begins to take place The just is an abomination to the wicked Observe hence that the wicked are one corporation from Kain to the end of the world and all the godly from Habel to the end of the of the world are another corporation in Christ And therfore what persecution Kain did to Habel wicked men are now guilty of Psal 66.6 Hos 12.4 Mat. 23.35 for they would have done the same to our Lord to the Prophets as Kain did to Habel if they had then lived And ungodly men have do and will
Floud Gen. 26.5 Answ Sem Arphaxad Selah Heber Peleg and the rest of the godly Fathers and their faithfull posterity to the dayes of Terah and Abraham QUest 5. Was there any that contemned and apostated from the God of Shem and his true religion Answ Yea Cham and Chanaan and Nimrod the grandchild of Cham drew away many of the sons of the open or visible Church to despise Christ in Shem sirnamed Melchisedeck who was ordained over them King and Preist who governed in Justice and peace so that there was a great apostacie of Sems own families Japheths and Chams QUest 6. Shew further how this apostacy went on Answ The outward glory of the false church was so great that some of the Fathers of the holy line as Terah and Abraham fell to the idolatry of Nimrods Kingdome Jos 24. But they being called repented Gen. 11. QUest 7. How did Christ break and bruise the seed of the serpent for their enmity and wickednesse that would not bave him to reigne over them Answ I. With his unspeakable severe judgements for even those families for despising the faith were excommunicated and cut off both Father and child from being of the houshold of God by the confusion * So Judah for despising the faith were plagued by a Nation of a strange tongue Deut. 28 49. so the world by the man of sin 1 Cor. 14. mind seriously Jer 44 26. of tongues and so were No-people and foolish Nations by being estranged from the life justice and peace of God in Christ that they did not hear nor see the light of his truth for two thousand years but followed Divells the Prince of the darkness of this world in endlesse and lawlesse Idolatries and of all the miseries that befell them they in speciall lost the Sabbath which would have kept them in the faith of the creation and redemption And let this sinke into the hearts of all men that all men ever were and will be Atheists or Idolaters that Christ speaks not to in their owne language by his holy law and to this answer ever seriously minde 2 Joh v 9. II. From these dayes the wrath of God was revealed from Heaven against them for their ungodlinesse and unrighteousnesse by wars and commotions and suffered them to walke in their own wayes by giving them up to a regardlesse mind and to the power of grosse darknesse and wilfull ignorance and to their hearts lusts and vile affections c. c. QUest 8. What benefit had the godly in Sems Tents and house by cleaving to the faith of Gods Elect Answ Through faith they obtained good report with God and confessed that they were pilgrims and strangers in this cursed world wherefore God was not ashamed of them to be called their God and accounted that the world was not worthy of them And as he promised builded and prepared so they hoped for an heavenly City and Country And Sems Tents had this glory that all the while that those families were cut off the hidden mystery of godlinesse was carefully kept in his Tents and house and the Hebrew Tongue also as all the old Testament doth witnesse QUest 9. Then the Prerogative of Sems Tents did not alwaies continue Answ No When the God of Shem tooke mans nature of the seed of the woman and gave his life a Ransome not for the Hebrewes or Jewes only but for the Heathens also Then that he might raigne and judge the world in righteousnesse he turned the curse of tongues to preach to and perswade all those families to obey the same faith from which their forefathers had apostated even to the Religion of Shems Tents QUest 10. How and to whom was the Revelation of the mystery of Christ continued to be revealed after the blessing to Sem Answ In the promise to Abraham that Christ should come of him according to the flesh QUest 11. How many yeares are from the floud to the promise made to Abraham Answ Foure hundred twenty seven yeares and so from the promise to our first Parents whom the Serpent murdered unto the promise to Abram given presently upon the death of Terah whose faith the Serpent corrupted to flames of Idolatry are years two thousand eighty three QUest 12. How many Chapters of Genesis are contained in those 2083. yeares Answ The eleven first chapters and also part of the first chapter of 1 Chronicles and also Luke part of chap. 3. Note that all the rest of the holy scriptures doth not containe so many yeares for the writing of them A breife summe of the former Questions and Answers JEhovah our God Jehovah is one the Father the Son and the holy spirit be one coeternall and co-essentiall The Son is called the word by the word the Father made the world and by the spirit beautified the heavens And because the word would become flesh the world was made to serve once Adam the first The Angells that grudged at that fell for ever and deceived Adam and made him dead in sin and brought him to be dayly turning to dust untill hee dyed And for him the whole frame of the creation was pronounced corrupt but after divine Revelation he beleeved that Christ made of a woman made under the Law God being in him to reconcile the world unto himself should give him free forgiveness for justification by faith and renew the inner man in knowledge holinesse and righteousnesse and raise up his body and make a new world by his power Whereby he can subdue all things to himselfe All faithfull travailed in soule to have Christ brought forth to the knowledge of their posterity that all might know that all this world was made obedient to a man at the first which man fell from God his first day and then God opened his counsell that the Son eternall would be made man of a woman to destroy the works of the Angells that fell who all are collectively Satan Satan brought Adam to loose the life of his soule and his body to death and dust and all this world to corruption Christ kindled light in Adams soule and after 930 years heavinesse for sin took it to his joy and will raise up his body and make a new world that all men who will receive the abundance of Grace of free forgivenesse for justification may reigne by Christ and all who will not regard this mercy so clear as the sun they all by Adams fall dead in sin shall be damned for ever with the Devills This is the travell of the christian minde speech of this full of joy is in all the books of the old and new Testament Or thus The summ of the Bible is short how of Gods eternall counsell the world was made for man because the son of God by whom he made the world would be a man to give life to them that rested in this wisdome *** All this dialogue will evidence this or doth desire so to do * The faith of Gods elect in
For as it was in the dayes of Noah so shall it be at the day of the coming of the Son of man Mat. 24. c. Quest 6. And Abraham Abraham once ungodly yea after his calling he much failed rejoyced in him that justifieth the ungodly Jos 24.2 Rom. 4. so after mysticall Nimrod how many good men have been overtaken with their outward glory yea many strong men of great parts have beene wounded by that whorish Church Prov. 7. Apoc. 17. Quest 7. N 1. Those familes The families of Noahs sons despising Sem a King of Justice and Peace were cut off â—or two thousand yeares so the Jewes for despising Sem the great and reverend the true King of Justice and peace were cut off to this day Rom. 11. from Noahs days all heathens were Lo-ammi and Loruchamah no people and unpitied a foolish nation barren and a desolate widow to our Lords dayes Deut. 32. Psal 113. Esa 54.1 2 3. Ephes 2.1 2 3. Psal 119.118 Q. 7. From the life Justice But when light was revealed to the Gentiles and the glory of Jehovah was risen upon us It is said I will make thy government peace and thine exactions righteousness Marke the allusion This was under the King of Salem and Tzedek Justice and Peace kisse each other as it did of old in Sems Tents Psal 85. Then peace on earth and good will towards men Q. 7. Nor see the light Now darknesse covered the earth and gross darknesse the Nations Esa 60. So Pope Nimrod by his mysticall Babylon caused such darknesse by confusion of Language and all holy speech All languages of Europe and much of Asia if not all Asia have been confounded by the means of mysticall Nimrod and his rebellion Apor 9. Q. 7. For two thousand years All the time of this ignorance God hated them like devills till the time hee would judge the world in righteousnesse that is favour the world in mercy Act. 17. Psal 97. from this time to the Apostles the whole world did lye in wickednesse 1 Job 5.19 Q 7. N. 11. In their own wayes God left them to walke in their own waies of endlesse and lawlesse idolatries and superstitions and ill manners judgement and practise wholy corrupted as the holy scriptures and humane stories shew The Philosophers of the heathens spake much of the earth c. and to the height of heaven but unto Paradise above the Heavens no thought of theirs could ever come They had no Lampe of Grace not the best learned of them their sage as Pythagoras in tongue confessed God to be one but they knew not the holy Trinity and that the eternall son would be manifested in the flesh to come a man looking through our walls and to come a Judge of all nor that he framed the world for man because he would dwell in our Tabernacle Mr. Bro. Apoc. pag. 20. That regeneration is by faith from him the second Adam by hearing the doctrine of divine revelation that he should destroy death and him that had the power of death by his own death and resurrection and give us a Resurrection and that be should be a mediator between God and man as Prophet Preist and King Lord of Angells the head of all principality and power that a company of people were in him elected and should be called out of this present world to whom he should be wisdome justification sanctification and redemption c. in these things the outward Jew was dull of hearing Rom. 2. and 3. Phil. 2. Heb. 5.11 much lesse could the wisdome and Philosophy of the heathens once thinke of these things Col. 1.26 yea alas for pity how weakly and poorly are these things either taught or known and experimentally in mind and conscience felt and answerably in life practised in most of our congregations of our blessed England This must be proper to true christians no marvell the holy spirit doth taunt the wisdome of the worlds wise Masters and chargeth the saints to take heed of their Philosophy and vain deceit verily it is not fit for Christians to be trained up in their pedagogie 1 Cor. 1. they were haters of God Rom. 1. Col. 1.21 and haters of his people Psal 83. Hest 9.1 Then all that time they were not in the state of universall grace but in very deed of universall wrath such a wofull famine of hearing the word of the Lord holy justice gave them over unto So when the would did depart from the faith of the true Melchisedeck it was given over to Turk and Pope and all force of error and were far from Justice Peace and Truth the Reverend Doctor Ames in his Medâ—lla pag. 244 editio quarta citeth a fit testimony for this Non pium igitur minus quam prudens suit illud maximi artium magistri P.R. judicium votum Hujus Philosophiae doctrinam si mihi fuerit optandum quod assequi velim malim â—ueâ—as ex Evangelio per cruditum aliquem probatisque moribus Theologum quam ex Aristotele per Philosophum tradi Puer impietates mullas ex Aristotele discet quas verendum ne nimis sero dediscat Beatitudinis finem in homine terminari virtutes omâ—cs hominis facultate penitus contineri Eas ex hominis natura arie industria comparari Deum ad haec opera quamvis magna divina tamen vel adjutorem vel artificem nusquam adhiberi divinam providentiam ex hoc numanae vitae theatro removeri de justitia divina verbum nullum fieri Beatitudinem huminis in hac caduca vita constitui c. Quest 8. To be called their God This is a word of Covenant as God spake to Abraham Gen. 17. and as it was noted above God is called the God of Shem. Andoh most glorious priviledge of the Saints through the mediator in all ages Marke these Texts from the first to the last Gen 6.18 and 17.7.8 Exod 19.5 and 20.2 and 29.45.46 Jer. 31.33 2 Cor. 6.18 Gal. 3.29 Tit. 2.14 2. Pet. 2.9 Apoc. 21.3 Hence it is that the Saints say from Gods interest in them and theirs in him Our God my God my portion my Rock my Shepherd c. and Jesurun is Gods portion Jer. 10. In this they boast praise and sing My welbeloved is mine and I am his Cant. 2.16 Psal 44. and 48.2 Coron 25 6.7 Psal 42. and 43. Deut. 10.21 The observations of the properties and workes of God should here be minded which are in chapter first spoken of Q. 8 Heavenly City The Saints of old knew as well as them of the New Testament That if the earthly house of our Tabernacle were dissolved they should have a building of God an house not made with hands eternall in the heavens They had all the same spirit of faith compare the â— Cor. 4. with chap. 5.1 to 12. and Eccles 12.14 c. upon the dissolution of the one the holy soule possesseth the other here is no interposition of time nor of
enter into the rest of Christ where Baptism and the Lords Supper are no burden Mr. Bro. on Lam. 1.14 where Christ is not sought and found in his own ordinances all not the moral but also the ceremonial savours death 2 Cor. 3.7 to 16. what are we then to think of mens precepts voluntary religion and self-willed humbleness Take notice what our Lord taught Mat. 15.3 John 6.27 c. and his Apostle Rom. 10.3 Phil. 3.3 c. Colos 2.23 Quest 6. Num. II. Moses politie ever aimed at Him The Law Morall and Ceremonial was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ grace is two fold the one of Justification from the guilt and curse of the Law the other of sanctification the righteousness of the Law being fulfilled in them that are in Christ Iesus who inables them by his spirit most willingly to walk therein delighting in the Law of God concerning the inner man And Christ was the truth and substance of the Ceremonial Law as all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth all was sponsorious of a better hope in him Heb. 7.22 8.6 And this was that the saints so fervently prayed for teaching and understanding the wonderous things of the Law how all was sponsorious of comfort in Christ Psalm 119. And so of this did Ethan sing Psalm 89.1 2 c. Ibid. Quest 6. N. III. The Ceremonial Law That is Gods ceremonial Law no man hath power to institute or sanctifie as of himself any teaching sign or ceremony of person or thing time or place to worship God thereby or to take away that which the Lord hath ordained Moses durst not add or diminish any thing no not any other colour as green which is as pleasant as blew purple and scarlet all colours of blood and susâ—â—ing The pattern was his Direction And therefore was Moses called faithful in Gods house the Church of God the Pillar and ground of truth Will worship is a corruption of all our hearts it likes us better then Gods commandments Amos 4. Mat. 15. Luke 16.15 And we have great confidence in it that it pleaseth God But it brings shame at last to any State and all the Priests of Bethel cannot quench the fire that it will kindle Amos 5. Hos 10.14 15. And let all will-worshippers minde that however they have a shew of wisdom in their will worship yet it makes the people forget their Maker Hos 8.11 12 13 14. 1 Kin. 12.33 Amos 5.21 8.10 And this too evident of later years in the ungodly dealing of the Prelates in their hinderance of sound teaching of the word in most paroches of England Ibid N. III. and the moral is still to humble Doubtless the Moral Law must be taught it is a part of Christs mediatorian kingdom God the Father made Him Lord and Christ to all the Israel of God and obedience is better than sacrifice It is a point of faith to believe that Christ gave the Law Exod. 23.20 21 22. They of old were commanded to hear him and so we under the New Testament must hear the Beloved Son and reverance the Heir Mat. 17.5 Matth. 21.98 It is said Felix called forth Paul to hear him of the faith in Christ and as he was teaching of righteousness temperance and of the judgement to come Felix trembled Acts 24.25 Therefore the Law ought to be taught it belongs to the faith of Christ And godly teachers are to lift up their voice like a Trumpet to make mens hearts shake and tremble for rebellion against the Mediatour and therefore the godly teachers 40.50 and 60. years ago taught the way of the Lord more perfectly then many now do vid. infra the note on Levit. 26.17 chap. 8. Quest 7. Answ Vpon the text of Deut. 30. Moses speaks this of the Law the Apostle of Christ taught in the Law Rom. 10. So Esaias faith In his Law shall the nations hope Esay 42.4 Matthew saith In his Name Mat. 12.21 The Apostle calleth this text the word of faith and the just do live by faith Moses sheweth the Law of Jehovab that is Christ is a law of Love and the Apostle calleth it A law of Faith So then it is a form of Wholesome words of Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus And how precious sweet dear rich pure is the Law of Christ being a Law of Life in him Deut. 32.47 Therefore Stephen saith that Moses received from the Angel of the Covenant lively Oracles Acts 7.38 And so the Apostles received from him words purer than snow whitter than milk sweeter than honey or the honey comb words of spirit and life to preach unto the dead apostate families John 6.63 So the Sacrifices washings tabernacle the land of promise c. profited nothing were a killing letter having the veil on the heart The words and doctrine that Christ spake to Moses they were spirit and they were life And so David knew and all of faith when he cryed to Christ to be his sprinkling and his hyssop Psalm 51. And so Esaias and Stephen taught them and the Apostle Rom. 10.6 Exod. 20.2 And all expositions of the ten words were a killing letter not looking to that which is within the Veile even the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 15.11 The Prophets and Apostles unveil Moses face most brightly they have made it as open even as Moses made it when he took off the veil when he went to speak with Christ Read Quest 8. Ans N. II. To be man and to suffer Mark the cause of the Apostle I am accused for the hope of the promise made of God unto our Fathers Psalm 16.10 22.29 40.6 7 8. Acts 26. this was a constant doctrine from the beginning and to be declared from age to age to the end of the world that the Son of God should come down from heaven to be a second Adam and to give himself a sin-offering to death and be raised from the dead 2 Tim. 2.8 and so in this doctrine Christ is our bread and drink Joh. 6.27 28 29 c. The pattern was not yet to come down from heaven to take our nature to be his Tabernacle and his flesh and bloud by sacrifice to be our bread and drink Iohn 1.14 6.54 And till the Son of God came to be and do thus All that Christ revealed to Moses was sponsorius and an introduction of a better hope that is Christ hoped for by all faithfull of the old Testament by whom they and we come unto God Hebr. 11.1 2 3 4. Iohn 14.6 Heb. 8 Ephes 1.10 11 Esay 15 1 2 3. Acts 13. Ibid. N. II. Accounting this wisedome foolishness And the light shineth in the darknesse and the darkness comprehended it not Joh. 1. 〈◊〉 It was ever a stumbling block and foolishness to the wise and prudent of this world to the natural man Iohn 6.52.60.1.1 Cor. 1. 2. And so is was to many while Moses was yet alive
Tradition in reference to the last mentioned short Oâ—seâ—vations 1. Although the Church was taught by Tradition for 2513 years From the creation to Israels coming from Egypt is 2513 years yet the written word was no other Doctrine thâ—n was formerly taught by Tradition for all Genesis and much of Exodus was first delivered by Tradition till Moses wrote Genesis 2. The Eplstles to the Romans and Galatians open Gen. 12. 15. So John 1. and 1 John 3.8 open Gen. 3.15 So the Apostles Doctrine and writings are answerable to Gods Doctrine by Tradition for those 2513 years Ezek. 28. 3. That which Moses received by Tradition since Adam or by inspiration or both till he was 80 years old was no other than Christ gave him on Mount Sinâ—i which he wrote when he was shepherd to Israel 40 years So it is said by faith Abel offered by faith Araham when he was tried offered Isaac and by faith Moses kept the Paâ—leover and this holy faith hath commendation for all the godly of the old Testament Heb. 11. And the same faith we of Japhets house are exhorted to follow that Christ may be to our consolation to day as he was to them yesterday 4. And for that 2513 years wherein Religion was taught by Tradition Gods providence so ordered the affairs of his Church that while the families that hoped in Christ were few there were as is noted rate prophets long-lived and of great authority who although the Gospel was not written for ought we know till Moses times were most able to strengthen the faithfull of their times 5. The men that continued the Gospel by infallible Tradition from the creation to the giving of the Law are the first ten Fathers afore the flood Nine of them living together were a noble consistory to uphold the faith so shaken by the Apostasie of their own children and the wicked families of Cain 6. Then after the flood there were nine Fathers also of the holy line that lived together worthy Pillars against Niâ—rods revoâ—t these nine were Noah Sem Arphaxad Selah Eber Peleg Regu Serug Naho and so Sem Arphaxad Selaâ— Eber might and did instruct Abraham Sem Selah Eber and Abraham might and did teach Isaac Abraham Isaac and Eber taught Jacob Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs who left many godly that lived to Moses Moses Parents were godly Heb. 11. There was but 64 years between Josephs death and Moses birth 7. More briefly thus Adam taught the Gospel to Mathuselah and godly Lamech they two to Noah and Sem Sem taught Isaac Abraham and Isaac taught Jacob and Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs and they in Egypt held Religion sound while they lived and Joseph lived after Jacobs death 50 years and Levi 70 years after and there was 42 years between Levies death and Moses birth 8. The wisdome of God is admirable in the long life of the few families of the old holy men to preserve the faith by Tradition that Sem who lived with godly Lamech and Machuselah who saw Adam taught the Gospel to Isaac These four men Adam Lamech Sem Isaac could reckon years above 2000 but when mens ages were divers times shortened and at lâ—st brought to 70 years Psal 90. and when the Church of God consisted of many families and that the purity of Religion was forgotten and neglected after the death of the said Patriarchs of the most in Egypt for Israel in Egypt fell to the idols and Religion of Egypt then God commanded Moses in the wildernesse to write the word of faith and ever after it was the Standard and Cannon of faith and manners as all the Prophets after and our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles kept themselves to the written word and to this all the Israel of God is enjoined To the Law and to the Testimony saith Esaias Starch the Sâ—â—iptuâ—es saith the Lord Jesus Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you in all wisdome saith the Apostle of the Gentiles c. c This word of Christ is the holy Scripture and it teacheth us wisdome to salvation 2 Tim. 3. we are exhorted to give heed to the old Prophesie 2. Pet. 1. and thrice blessed are they that with an honest and good heart so do 9. All the Patriarchs were Bishops for their families 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 using all care to teach theirs from their Fathers speech what Sem i. e. Melchizedeck learned of Mathuselah taught of Adam of the holy Trinity and how our Lord should come of Judah the King of glory the eternall the framer of the world of that poor shepherd to be man to have his Tabernacle in us to look through the windows within our wall and also how Christ by death should vanquish him that had the power of death they did know that he should come down from heaven and did feed upon his flesh and blood comforted in sorrow by this hope they would not misse to catechise their sons in this point as Joseph gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed his brethren Gen. 47 12. so all godly gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed their families souls In one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 never used afore but in Josephs story with the Septuagint Our Lord his gracious tongue calleth us to the Patriarchs story Luke 12.42 compared with Gen. 47.12 to look to the Kingdome of heaven not to the earth which God hath cursed so Mr. Br. in Lords Fam. Luke 12 42. 10. Observe a little more concerning Tradition in those 26. Collections above that we should consider that the Spirit of Christ in the holy Prophets by Tradition and in the Law written by Moses is like it self one and the same Doctrine and all for the glorifying of Christ as it is said The spirit of Prophesie is the Testimonie of Jesus He is the mark of all Apoc. 19. Let us consider briefly for the new Testament therein also God took the same course though not for so long a time by Tradition I conceive it is a good instruction for us to strengthen us against the false Positions of Romane Catholicks concerning their unwritten verities for we shall easily perceive God to be without shadow of change whether by Tradition or writing 1. The Birth Life and Death the Doctrine and Miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ were by Tradition till the four Evangelists had written them but when written then it was the rule of our faith John 20.30 31. 2. The teaching of the Corinâ—hians the Institution of the Supper of the Lord was a Tradition 1 Cor. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the dead to them was by Tradition 1 Cor. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 1 Cor. 15. was the same Doctrine he taught them 4. The Apostles teaching of the Man of sin that Son of Perdition was a Tradition to the Thessalonians 2 Thes 2.5 15. 5. Painfullnesse and diligence in a mans calling was a Tradition 2
calling c. Ephes 1. 3. this is a mercy past evpression that God should make a covenant with such as we are this is the radix of all and therefore it is said 1. That they were his peculiar treasure 2. A Kingdome of Priests 3. And holy Nation 4. God placed his Tabernacle among them and 5. called them the Kingdome of God and the joyfull shout of so just good and mercifull a King was among them Who can but shout with all exultation if we did but understand our own comfort These things and other Scriptures shew they were under a covenant of grace if we be they were for their spirituall priviledges and promises are now conferred on us 2 Cor. 6.16 Apot. 21.3 Ephes 2. and 3.1 Pet. 2. conferred with Exod. 29.45 Leviâ— 25 23. and 26.12 Dâ—ut 7.6 7 8. now as Israel was Gods peculiar treasure so the Gentiles called to the faith are T it 2.14 this well considered will make the Doctrine of Anabaptistrie to be abhorred of us touching our infants 6. If reformed churches can make it good that they are under a corenant of grace and we may truly say it blessed be the name of the Lord then they were and we could not be so but because their priviledges are transacted to the wild olives and we are graffed into their olive tree we received from them all our glory all our spirituall things for Christ our salvation and all his holy Doctrine is of and from them I will collect some brief heads of Doctrine which were taught believed and professed in the common Weal of Israel 1. They had the Doctrine of the Trinity and Unity Deut. 6.4 2. They had the Doctrine of election and rejection Psalm 65. Exod. 9.16 and 33.19 3. They had the Doctrine of the great mysterie of godlinesse God manifested in the flesh to be a second Adam and to be a sin-offering and to rise from death the third day Gen. 3.15 and 12 3. Gen. 49. and they went three times a year according to the Testimony to Israel to testifie their faith in this this was the main 4. They were taught that the Father the Word and the Spirit one infinite nature created the world Psalm 33.6 Provâ—â— 5. They were taught that the Father had committed all power to the Son for governing the church and the world Psal 2. and 8. and 110. Gen. 19.24 Exod 23.20 21 22. all expound Gen 3.15 6. They were taught justification by faith in Christ Gen 4 and 15 Heb. 11. 7. They were taught Sanctification Be ye holy for I am holy Levit. 19 2. 8. Under Moses Polity they had hope and rest in Christ Psal 130. Ephes 2. Jer. 6.16 and 50.7 Mat. 11.29 Christ complained they had forgotten him their resting place he was the rest of the Saints evermore Jer. 50 6 7. the Apostle saith the Gentiles were without hope but Israel had hope in Christ both for remission of sinnes and eternall glory Eph. 2.12 Ezra 10.2 9. The spirituall graces of Circumcision and the Passeover were required and so practised Deut. 10.16 and 30.6 Exod. 12. Heb. 11.28 1 Sam. 1.7.36 10. The heavenly inheritance was taught them Levit 25.23 11. They were taught to account themselves strangers and sojourners in this cursed world Levit. 25 23. and so David taught his generation 1 Chron. 29 and so believed himself Psal 39. 12. They had hope in the Resurrection Job 19. Psal 49. Exod. 3.6 Mat. 22 32. 13. They had the holy Spirit to lead them in all holy wayes 2 Cor 4. to write the Law in their hearts to seal to them all holy Doctrine of the word whether promises threatnings commandements all good examples c. One may make a large volume of this Subject I think this question may be asked what one new doctrine is taught in the new Testament that the Saints of the old Testament knew not when grievous crimination of heresie by the Councel were laid to the Apostles charge he protesteth he taught no new principles Acts 14.15 16 17. and 26.7 now if the common-Wealth of Israel had all this holy doctrine they must needs be under a covenant of grace CHAP. XXXI A Prosopopeia on Solomomons fall by the Temptations of his idolatrous wives to the ruine of his Kingdome and posterity in granting them the liberty of conscience for the practice of their idolatrous Rites framed by way of Dialogue between King Solomon and Tirzana the Queen TIâ—zana being a Princesse of the house of Moab and being called for did enter into the presence of King Solomon and after some dalliance with her and after she had fitted his humour by giving him all the best content she could she took the opportunity and said my Lord King Solomon I have an humble Request to make unto your gracious Majesty I pray you say me not nay K. What is that my sweet Tiâ—zana Q. My most gracious Lord and Soveraign I have been some years with you though you have often spoken to me to be a Proselite to the Religion of Israels common-weal yet I cannot bring my heart unto it you well know that my education was not in the way manner of Israel and my affection is not toward it it is not so pleasing to me for I cannot forget my fathers house nor forsake his Religion In this case I shall blemish my father and my mother brethren and sisters and people in case I should apostatise from our ancient Religion and in my opinion far the better we have more zeal in ours and many moe pleasures to give man and woman content than is in your profession your Religion is very crosse to mans nature and is urged with great terrour and strictnesse your Religion reproves thoughts words and most mens actions no Religion under heaven doth so as yours and that makes so few to embrace it Yea many of Israel have formerly been more addicted unto ours and the worships of neighbours Nations than to this of Israel and they will not follow it but by compulsion of Governors whereas religious worships should be freely exercised according to every mans conscience when if your subjects should be left unto you well know which way the ride will run it is a pitifull thing that man of a noble and free spirit should be so tyred with hard injunctions and heavy burdens as with bands cords and fetters and it may be that reformation that your noble Father indeavoured and your selfe have prosecuted would not and will not be so convenient as due liberty which would be a more noble design than rigid reformation And if Antiquity make things reverend then our Religion is more ancient or if not more yet as equall for Antiquity for ought I can learne I am but a poor Historian being a woman but I am able to prove the Religion of our God Chemosh to be above four hundred and fifty years old This I can attest and prove by your own Records and you had yours
from heaven to comfort him and it is most evident that Christ was not forsaken for the holy Angel did not come from heaven to the Lord Jesus without a commission from the heavenly Father to whom the humanity prayed and therefore in the closure of his meritorious sufferings his heart rejoyced and his tongue was glad and being full of faith and comfort he said Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and then he sent out his Spirit from his Body 10. Again if some shall say the wrath of God as some understand wrath killed Christ We should be well advised what passeth the doore of our lips for Christ our holy Mediatour said I have power to lay down my life Jâ—â— 10.17.18 and have power to take it again This commission or commandement have I received from my Father also he said As the Father knoweth me so know I the Father and lay down my life for the sheep therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I may take it again Joh 15. As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you continue ye in my love If ye keep my commandements ye shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commandements and abide in his love John 16. Ye shall be scattered every man to his own and shall leave me alone and yet I am not alone because the Father is with me These Scriptures and others are prevalent to make one think and believe that he was not under the wrath and curse of God in any respect or consideration as some understand wrath not for one minute of an hour for surely the Son of God our Lord Jesus Christ was a most willing Mediatour and Redeemer for us to God our Father he gave himself a voluntary and free will offering to our heavenly Father for us and therefore no force did separate his soul from his body but he did that act by his own power as the formality of his Sacrifice 11. Many Ministers have some expressions about our Lords Sufferings which many godly and learned Divines have testified are not warrantable for what are we dust and ashes to speak of God and our Redeemer and Mediatour words not comely but we all should consider that aâ— Moses spake nothing of his own mind nor Christ in the flesh nor his Apostles from him but what he taught to Moses and the Prophets So we should all speak from his holy Scriptures sound Doctrines wholesome Doctrines plain and pregnant speech sound and uncondemnable 12. The assertion that our Lord suffered hell-torments in this life in his soul or body appeareth not true by any Scripture True modesty would look to Scripture phrases in handling our Redemption The ill translation of the Article and the bad interpretation of it but especially the mistaking of the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath filled the Church of Christ with much trouble and the smoke of the Pit which hath troubled many mens eyes hath also been a great occasion thereof but now the smoke is much vanished blessed be God 13. Beloved Reader we desire to reverence his word by whom the world was made his word is of sufficient authority with us and to that we through the strength of Christ will cleave as to our life therein is these words And the Bread that I will give is my flâ—sh namely that I will give in sacrifice for the life of the world Joh 6. And this is at large expounded Heb. 9 But Christ being come an high Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands I mean not of this building neither by the blood of goats nor calves but by his own blood he entered once into the holy place having obtained eternall redemption for us And it is also sald that without shedding blood is no remission and this is further amplified How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God And for this cause he is the Mediatour of the new Testament that by the means of death this is not the second death for the Redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which were called might receive the promise of the eternall inheritance Chap. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering the body of IESUS Christ once for al He. 10. And so he doth most sweetly and confortably speak in verse 19. 20 21. and in deed all that Epistle doth open Ioh. 6. most heavenly 14 Againe if Orthodox Churches yea the most Orthodox are so infallible that our faith must be resolved in part into their commentaries expositions c. how cometh it to passe that some do differ in Church discipline from so many reformed Churches both from Geneva Zurick Scotland Low Countries c. that they neither scotize it with the Scot nor Genevate it with the zealous Towne of Geneva they fall it may be under reproof in not agreeing with but discording the judgement and practise of the best and reformed and Othodox Churches in discipline And they had need to shew very good reasons of their so dissenting or they are to blame or else some may say came the word of God out from them or came it unto them only yea and may not others say so too of the best Orthodox Churches came the word of God out from or came it unto them only that men must be judged by them But the Holy Ghost hath charged us in his cause be not the Servants of men 1. Cor. 7. 15. The Pontificians said that our fore Fathers had the word of God from them and therefore they did by Egyptian Bondage tye our Ancestors to their Doctrines and Councils and at last to the Pontifician chaire and caused all Christs Witnesses to mourne in Sack-cloah that would not obey their constitutions But the Lord our God hath delivered us from that house of cruell bondage of mysticall Egypt And Christ saith his Magistrates must not bring his people back againe to Egypt Deut. 17. 16. We are of Japhets posterity And it is said God perswade Japheth to dwell in the Tents of Sem. So that we must know Japheth our Father and his faithfull posterity had their faith from Sems Tents and not from the Tent of the seaven Mountaine City of King Abaddons Kingdome And this holy faith was taught to Japheths posterity by the Sons of Sem the Prophets and Apostles The Apostles and Disciples taught this faith from the Scriptures of the Prophets at the commandment of the everlasting God to the Romans Corinthians and Galatheans Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians and the other Churches of Asia round about from Ierusalem to Illiricum and also to Dalmatia Croatia and doubtlesse to Spaine Rom. 15. And also to great Brittany as ancient Histories and as Master Speeds chronicle declareth Therefore it
for they were bound to observe the whole Law that is all that the Priesthood of Levi taught them and so Christ is of no effect for if they thought by the Law ceremoniall or morall ex opere operato to be justified Christ would be of no comfort to them by this Tenent they denied the grace of free justification by Christ mind also Gal. 4 9 10. 5. Let it be considered from this time forward concerning this point of justification whether it be not better to use the terms and phrases setteth free freeth and freedome for seeing our godly learned do so translate in some places we may have Christian liberty so to render and interpret the Noun and the Verb of the Greek in other places if it may be done with rationall understanding according to the analogie of faith 6. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself not imputing their trespasses unto them The Apostle saith to Philemon If Onesimus oweth thee ought compute count or reckon it to mine account The word I suppose is the same a meraphor from debts in books therefore may it not better be said for clearing doctrine not counting not computing not reckoning their trespasses unto them in the words impute compute count or reckon is not much difference so the point be cleared to our understanding 7. Our sins are called debts which we cannot justifie or free our selves from nor pay or satisfie for by all the means that we can use as from our selves and we are naturally so vile that we care not to be reconciled and therefore naturally we care not for the word of reconciliation but are enemies to God and have a very ill opinion of God because of love to our sinfull appetites and because of the soulnesse of offenses which the conscience doth accuse us of 8. But our mercifull God heavenly Father determined a way from all eternity to reconcile us to himself by sending his dear son a second Adam to take humanity and in humanity to give himself to death for us a sacrifice offering of a sweet smelling savour and for this sacrifice of his beloved son he doth not count he doth not reckon our debts and trespasses to us but doth pardon them doth forgive them doth justifie us that is doth free us from the guilt and * In all these speeches it is not to be understood temporally although by the blood of the Covenant we are comforted in all conditions Zach 9.11 but chiefly stil to be under stood of eternal freedome redemption and salvation Dan. 9.24 Adoption is the fruit of redemption Gal. 4. punishment of them and this he doth to all that by the word of reconciliation are by the mighty work of the Spirit perlwaded to embrace by faith Christ Jesus the Mediatour sent down from heaven from the Father to be our Prophet Priest and King and they that so receive Christ and believe in him shall have this dignity to be called Gods adopted children in Christ and by this most glorious Grace of adoption in the Sonne of God beleevers are stated into a most joyfull capacity of being heirs to the inheritance of the Saints in light for that the spirit of God doth by the same word of reconciliation regenerate them or cause them to be borne again not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God to serve God in their spirits in the Gospel of his Son and so to be meet persons for that inheritance This was the sum of the Apostles message in his ambassage to the Gentiles 9. God the Father doth justifie for Christs sake as the first person for he is the first cause in order of the persons the father is the first efficient 2. The Lord Jesus Christ doth justifie us as the meritorious cause and so he is the second efficient this maketh the Apostle often to say Grace be with you and peace from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ the son of the Father 2 John 3. and the Holy Ghost proceeding from the Father and the son doth regenerate us and qualifie us with the grace of faith as the condition of applying the said justification and doth seal to our hearts God the Fathers justification from the sons redemption 10. Dicaiosune is the effect of dicaiontai Acts 13.39 justification or setteth free and freedome differ as the form and applying of the form to the subject Dicaioumenoi c. is the act of God the Father upon or to a believing soul freeing him from the guilt and punishment of sin for the merit of Christs sacrifice also dicaiosune is that freedome that God the Father bestowed upon the repenting and believing Apostle Paul Phil. 3. So dicaiosune is the effect of dicaioumenoi and diacontai the freedome that a godly soul finds in himself from God that justifieth or setteth free and the holy Ghost by the word of * The holy spirit dothregenerate by the word John 3. Ephes 5. Tit. 3. and by this new birth saith and all other graces are manifested reconciliation doth work faith which doth ovidence that soul to be the subject of that freedome as Gal. 2. and although every godly man hath not as himself apprehends that Plerosoria yet he knows his heart is reconciled to God to love the Lord and his wayes and doth rest on the Promises of God in Christ for salvation and onely by him 11. This I suppose may be thus illustrated a Kings son that is obedient to all his fathers commands hath a promise that for such and such performances he shall obtain his favour for any Traytor that he shall please to intercede for thereupon he doth by the vertue of his Fathers promise and his performance intercede the Kings dicaiosis justification of the said Traitor and the King doth justifie that is doth pardon setteth him free from the guilt of his sin and punishment provided he will repent and accept the said pardon and therefore that he may be the subject of the said pardon he doth repent believe it and accept it and so comes out of prison and when he hath this pardon and freedome under seal granted him he may truly say here is my dicaiosune Justification freedome and pardon from my guiltinesses and punishment due for them he will not say nor cannot say the personall righteousnesse honesty and obedience of the Kings sonne is reckoned to him for his righteousnesse but this is all his righteousnesse and it is enough even pardon and freedome from his offence and the desert of it and received into favour this it a compleat attonement and reconciliation through the Kings sons intercession the offender is not onely pardoned but also is restored to his former yea to a greater honour and favour with the King and what can he desire more for the comfort of a subject From all which the Delinquent if he have any ingenuity will shew much love both to the King and his son
and maketh the shadows flee away and with commandement of shewing the Kingdome of heaven to all Nations c. c. Thus the SUNS labours have glorious stories through all ages till Christ shewed a new world and a new Ierusalem from heaven by the preaching of the holy disciples who went forth by the Lords Comandement and turned the familes of Noe from darknesse to light from the power of Satan to God that they might receive forgivenesse of sins and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by the faith which is in Christ Jesus From these various expressions of the holy Chronologic we may see the marks which the holy Spirit aims at in the ages and generations of the Bible These are the joints to which the holy Chronicle is fastened fit for Christians to know concerning the Son of God that was to come into the world to be a Second Adam That by these as a part of the holy revelation of the Spirit of God we might be made wise unto salvation through the faith which in is Christ Iesus For the Testimony of IESUS is the Spirit of Prophecy It would be wished that people were somewhat educated in that course of study of a book called the Consent of Scripture That study I suppose would more stablish us in sound principles of Christian Doctrine against light and vain errours and bad opinions then many books of saâ— greater volumes much more might be said the Lord blesse endeavours and make our hearts upright with him THE books of Chronicles reach from Adams to Babels captivity and to Cyrus first thence Daniel reacheth to our Lords death and the fall of Ierusalem thence the Apocalyps holdeth on to the fall of the world the confusion of this narration is a cursed piece of work Seven times Daniel speaketh of the Chaldeans seven times of the Medo-Persians seven times of Javan whole seven times of Iavan parted Daniel comforteth the holy Iews and no other Nation afflicted for Religion by the Kings of the East and before the incarnation shewing that as every one of his predictions shall fall out in their times and they of Antiochus in exact foretold number of dayes so the exact number of dayes should be most surely kept for our Redemption and the three years and half for our Lords preaching when he must begin even when he began to be thirty and at the first of those 30. open records of Kittim Italies power Numb 24. should shew that the image Dan. 2. was broken in pieces Now the Holy Ghost in the New Testament keepeth Daniel clear that the captivity to Babel began with his captivity that Saint Matthew sheweth that Iechonias was begotten a little before the captivity to Babel at the second captivity he was 18. years old So where the image is made chaffe and the tree cut but not at the root and the Beasts cast into the fire Iohn Baptist from matters past doth teach the Iews how they rejecting MESSIAS Christ shall be used the ax shall be put to the root of the tree and the chaffe shall be burnt in fire unquenched Upon stories past this standeth plain if Daniels stories had been yet to come the grace of the speech had been lost but Iohn speaking of punishments foretold and felt pierceth more the wise hearer that the Iews shall feel what he foretold So where after the four Beasts are consumed One like unto the SON of Man cometh into the world and again ascendeth our great God and Saviour naming himself the SON of Man and Rock Deut. 32. upon which the Iews stood in the boisterous sea whence the four beasts came forth teacheth us that those four Beasts were consumed speaking to the whole consent of the Jews So Saint Stephens pleading upon the Angel Gabriels words and having the Angels face sheweth that the whole Nation agreed in time from the return from captivity or beginning of the Seventy Sevens as they could not choose And whereas the acts of Antiochus the vile are much in Daniel chap. 7. and 8. and 12. and concluded in chap. 11. with mention of resurrection to glory for his afflicted the Macchabees company and of resurrection to shame for Gods enemies as the Iews in the third of Macchabees and in Josephus note well and as Chrysostome noted from them so Saint Paul before all noted the same speaking of tormented in Antiochus manner that they would not be delivered because they looked for the better resurrection Heb. 11. Moreover while the affliction of the Iews were in visions that described not their Nation plainly that they were the tendered of God and so they were without danger they were penned in Chaldee spread over the East out when the speeches plainly name the afflicters and the Iews the afflicted then they are written in Adams tongue lost but in Schools and not spoken in the world And this sheweth that the Iews are the onely afflicted in Daniel and that he hath not one syllable of the Romanes afflicting the Iews before the Birth of our Lord nor one word to bring them within his pictures But the Apocalyps plainly distinguisheth them from Daniels Kingdomes a Woman that is a State settled and a Beast coming out of the Sea made of all the four that are in Daniel Thus Daniel is a Bridge from the Chronicles to the Apocalyps and the breaker of this bridge cuteth off all passage from the old Testament to the new and worketh a Babylonian confusion missing in the Nations Countries or Times Daniel pictureth East Kingdomes onely he maketh stories agree to the proportion of a mans image head arms and breast belly and sides and two legs our notes would make but one leg and six times longer than the proportion of a mans body would suffer Daniel bringeth an Angel to comment upon his Visions applying them to stories which Greeks explain But none can apply our notes to fit stories CHAP. XLV An Advertisement to the Reader to take heed of embracing the evil tenents of two men especially that have lately put forth irreligious opinions about the Chronology of the Book of God namely Mr. Sarson and Mr. Parker they deny the certainty of Chronologie from the first promise to the death of Christ 1. AS for Mr. Sarson let him take heed he be not degenerated into a Sarrason by bringing upon the holy Bible a Leprosie of Chronologic that it should be of no greater authority than Machomer's Alcoran 2. Mr. Parker saith there is not truth nor certainty in the holy Angel Gabriels Seventy Sevens when they should begin or end his words in his book of the Visions and Prophesies of Daniel page 51 are these Mr. Broughton and his followers denying the truth of heathen Chronologie constitute the years without ground D.R. on the other side and that worthily allowing and maintaing the heathen Chronologie and finding no way how to accommodate those years untoiâ— affirmeth that no certain time is meant but an uncertain and undetermined duration in
the Iewes repairing of Jerusalem in Chanaan and of the great businesses that will follow thereupon Some Teachers have silled the Churches full of mateologie and fond expectations CHAP. XLVII That Daniell is alleadged in the New Testament to prove the Messiah to be already come MR. P. saith in pa. 52. That in no place in the New Testament this prophecy of Dan. 9.24 25 26 27. is used against the Jewes to prove the Messiah already come Of this assertion I suppose I may and ought to say if I say no more that it is un beseening a man of God and a Minister of Messiahs Gospell so to say For 1. Stephens speaches to those that disputed with him and to the Councâ—ll sheweth that he spake the words and Doctrine of the holy Angel Act. 6. 7. and as he had the Angels words so he had his countenance This I have noted and it seems there is necessity to note it often and to say as the thing is Stephens contestation is the sum of the Angels message if Mâ—ssias shall destroy the holy Place and change the Mosaicall customs then no longer an holy Mountain then no holy City then no peculiar people then no holy Land all these depend each upon other but the Lord God doth give us further illustration For 2. Where â—ver we read the attribute Christ in the new Testament we must remember it to be the attribute of Messias from Dan. 9. there given as a proper name of the Son of God so used of his Nation in expectation of him and no place in the old Testament but Daniel useth it as a proper name the Hebrew word is in Greek letters and that in the mouth of the simplest as Andrew the fisher man and the Samaritan womans shewing that the Samaâ—itâ—ns as well as Jews knew when Christ should come into the world Job 1.4 3. Our Lord teaching to forgive as God in Christ forgave us alludeth to this Oration of the holy angel teaching Peter to forgive seventy times sevâ—n times Mat. 18. 4. The Angel Gabriel saith that Christ shal make reconciliation for un-righteousnesse The Epistle to the Hebrews goeth upon this point that the Son of God the Mâ—ssiaâ— the holy of holy by himself should purge our sinâ— should procure remission of sins and should be the reconciliation for our sins Rom. 3.1 John 1. and 2. 5. The angel saith Christ shall bring everlasting justification the Apostle saith to the Hebrews Christ by his own blood entered once into the holy place the very heavens and found eternal redemption for us 6. The angel saith Messias shall seal vision and prophecy The visions and propheciess and ceremonies all tended to our redemption by the Son of God When that was manifested young men and maids might be said to see the visions and dreams because they saw the performance of the best part of them They saw Acts 2 what the first Adam looked for Gen. 3.15 How Christ the second Adam by death overcame him that had the power of death to work freedome for them which all their life time with fear were guilty of or subject to bondage Heb. 2. â—5 They saw how the great God of Sem after the flesh perswaded the sons of Iapheth in their own language as Noes allusion Iaph and Iapheth told they saw in whom from Abraham all the families apostared Gen. 10. 11. were to look for the blessing Gen. 12. They saw the last Iubilee gave us an open recovery of our possession of the heavenly Paradise Luke 23.43 Rom. 15 8. They saw how the Lamb of God had taken away the sins of the world having a better Tabernacle than Moses made a sacrifice-hood better than Aharons a sacrifice better than oxen goats sheep and birds a covenant of greaterforce larger extent not onely to the Jew but also to the Gentile They knew what Nathan told David of the eternall Throne and what Daniel dreamed of it chap. 7. and what Gabriel told Mary Luke 1.32 This they knew clearly how all the promises of God in Christ were sealed with yea and Amen Yea the Lord Iesus Christ hath sealed and confirmed the holy doctrine of the old Testament in the holy Evangelists and his holy Apostles in their Epistles and in a wonderfull manner in his Apocalyps shewing how new enemies under old terms did strive against the doctrine of his heavenly Ierusalem and the phrases of holy speech are so couched in the Apocalyps from Moses and the prophets that no one article of new doctrine of faith is taught to the churches 7. The angel saith Messias shall suffer but not for himself so it is said he once suffered for sins the just for the unjust 1 Pet. 3â—18 8. The angel foretold that Messias should confirm the Testament for many the latter half of the last seven and the Lord Christ beareth witnesse to his message by the angel that he was now ready to do that which was foretold and he took the cup and gave thanksâ— and gave it to them saying Drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the new Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Mat. 26.28 9. When Christ the King had suffered confirmed the covenant the angel foretelleth that afterward in the next generation so Mat. 24 34. by loth-some Infidels he would destroy the city and holy place and his own people with most bitter wars to a final judgement of utter desolations and Messias foretelling the same again as he had done by his angel that when they see Ierusalem besieged by an host and the abominable infidels standing in the holy place Let him that readeth Daniel consider the whole doctrine of the seventy Sevens Mat. 24 Mark 13. Luke 19. and 21. CHAP. XLVIII Shewing how the holy Evangelists expresse the Attributes MESSIAS or CHRIST 1. JAcob begat Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born JESVS which is called CHRIST Mat. 1. â—6 Chap. 2. When JESVS was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the dayes of Herod the King Behold there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem saying 2. Where is HE that is born King of the Jews for we have seen His Star in the East and are come to worship him 3. When Herod the usurping King had heard these things he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him 4. And when he had gathered all the chief Priests and Scribes of the people together he demanded of them where Messias Christ should he born The Magi from Persiâ— we may suppose They asked Where is the King of the Jews But Herod the usurper he demanded of the learned of the Nation where Messias i.e. Christ should be born so this plainly looketh to Dan. 9. where the Lord Iesus is called Nagid Basâ—â—â—us Messias the King Mat. 2.1 2 3 4. 3. In the godly and ravishing society of Messias Andrew Simon Philip and Nathanael What joyful heavenly conference have they about Dan 7. and 9. and Gen.